BETA

2586 Amendments of Miriam LEXMANN

Amendment 96 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 1 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
4. Matters shall be considered to be transnational where they can reasonably be expected to concern the Community- scale undertaking or Community-scale group of undertakings as a whole, or at least two undertakings or establishments of the undertaking or group situated in two different Member States.
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 103 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 1 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2 – point a
(a) the measures considered by management of the Community-scale undertaking or Community-scale group of undertakings can reasonably be expected to affect workers in undertakings or establishments in more than one Member State;deleted
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 112 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 1 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2 – point b
(b) the measures considered by management of the Community-scale undertaking or Community-scale group of undertakings can reasonably be expected to affect workers in an undertaking or establishment in one Member State, and workers in an undertaking or establishment in another Member State can reasonably be expected to be affected by the consequences of those measures.”;deleted
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 125 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 1 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. In order to determine the transnational character of a matter, the scope of its possible effects on the workforce and the level of management and representation involved shall be taken into account. This includes matters which are of concern to workers in terms of the scope of their potential impact in two or more Member States, as well as matters which involve the transfer of activities between two or more Member States.
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 149 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point –a (new)
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. For this purpose, a special negotiating body shall be established(-a) the introductory wording of paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: 2. For this purpose, a special negotiating body shall be established within 12 months of the date of a request pursuant to paragraph 1, with a possible 6-month extension, in accordance with the following guidelines:
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 164 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b – indent 1
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 5 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
“These expenses shall include reasonable costs ofor one experts, including for legal assistance, insofar as necessaryseen as explicitly necessary by both sides for that purpose, as well as necessary and reasonable costs of legal representation and participation in administrative or judicial proceedings. Expenses shall be notified to and approved by central management before they are incurred.”;
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 171 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b – indent 2
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 5 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2
– in the second subparagraph, the second sentence is deleted;
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 175 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – indent 1
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) the matter of the Community-scale undertaking or Community-scale group of undertakings that shall be considered as transnational as referred to in Article 4 of this Directive;
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 176 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – indent 1
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) the format (which shall be mainly in a virtual environment, using online meeting and voting tools), language (which shall be the official language of the Member State in which the company has its headquarter and English), venue, frequency and duration of meetings of the European Works Council;”;
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 186 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – indent 2
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f – indent 1
– the possibljustified necessity of the use of an experts, including a legal experts, to assist the European Works Council in the discharge of its functions;
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 194 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – indent 2
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f - indent 2
justified necessity of the use of legal representation and participation of the European Works Council, or of its members on its behalf, in administrative or judicial proceedings;
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 198 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – indent 2
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f - indent 3
– the provision of relevant, reasoned and necessary training to the members of the European Works Council, without prejudice to the minimum requirement in Article 10(4), first subparagraph;”;
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 202 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – indent 2
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
The requirement to determine the elements listed in the first subparagraph, as amended by [OP: insert reference to this amending Directive*], shall apply also with respect to European Works Council agreements concluded before [OP: insert date laid down in the second subparagraph of Article 2 of this amending Directive.]. _______________________ * [OP: insert OJ reference to this amending Directive.]”;deleted
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 220 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – indent 3
— where, after three year24 months from the date of thissuch a request, they are unable to conclude an agreement as laid down in Article 6 and the special negotiating body has not taken the decision provided for in Article 5(5).
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 221 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – indent 3 a (new)
in Article 7(1), the following indent is added: — where an agreement as laid down in Article 6 has been terminated and no new agreement has been concluded within 12 months after the last day of validity of that agreement.
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 239 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 8 a – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
A Member State may make such dispensation subject to prior administrative or judicial authorisation.deleted
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 248 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 8 a – paragraph 2
2. When central management does not transmit information on the grounds referred to in paragraph 1, it shall inform the members of the special negotiating bodies or the European Works Councils, or the employees’ representatives in the framework of an information and consultation procedure of the reasons justifying the non-transmission of information.”;
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 252 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. Consultation shall take place at such time, in such fashion and with such content as it enables employees’ representatives to express an opinion prior to the adoption of the decision and based on the information provided in accordance with paragraph 2, without prejudice to the responsibilities of the management, and within a reasonable time taking into account the urgency of the matter. The employees’ representatives shall be entitled to a reasoned written response from the central management or any more appropriate level of management prior to the adoption of the decision on the measures in question, provided the employee representatives expressed their opinion within a reasonable time in accordance with the first sentence. As a general rule, digital means of communication and coordination shall be used for any information and consultation procedure.
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 278 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point a
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) adequate procedures are available to enable the rights and obligations deriving from this Directive to be enforced in a timely and effective manner, and shall not encompass preliminary injunctions aimed at the temporary suspension of decisions made by the central management;
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 291 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point a
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
In the event of failure to comply with the national provisions transposing the obligations under Article 9(2) and (3), Member States shall provide for pecuniary sanctions, to be determined considering the criteria listed in the third subparagraph of this paragraph, without prejudice to the possibility to provide for other types of sanctions in addition.
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 297 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point a
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
For the purposes of point (b), of the first subparagraph, Member States shall take into consideration, when determining penalties, the gravity, duration, consequences, and the intentional or negligent nature of the offence, and in respect of pecuniary sanctions, also the size and financial situation of the sanctioned undertaking or group, and any other relevant criteria.”;
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 303 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point c
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 11 – paragraph 4
(c) the following paragraph 4 is added: “4. Where Member States make access to legal proceedings conditional upon the prior implementation of an alternative dispute resolution, that procedure shall neither result in a decision which is binding on the parties concerned, nor otherwise prejudice their right to bring legal proceedings.”;deleted
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 310 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 14
Article 14 is deleted;
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 313 #

2024/0006(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Directive 2009/38/EC
Article 14 a
(12) the following Article is inserted: “Article 14 a Transitional provisions 1. Where, following the transposition of [OP: insert reference to this amending Directive], a European Works Council agreement or agreement on an information and consultation procedure concluded before [OP: insert date from which the transposing provisions are to apply, set out in the Article 2(1), 2nd subpar. of this amending Directive] in accordance with Articles 5 and 6 of Directive 94/45/EC or Articles 5 and 6 of this Directive is not in conformity with any of the requirements applicable to that agreement as a consequence of the amendments provided for in [OP: insert reference to this amending Directive], central management shall initiate negotiations to adapt that agreement at the written request of at least 100 employees or their representatives in at least two undertakings or establishments in at least two different Member States. Central management may also initiate such negotiations on its own initiative. 2. Where the European Works Council agreement or agreement on an information and consultation procedure contains procedural arrangements for its adaptation or renegotiation, the adaptation may be negotiated pursuant to those arrangements. Otherwise, the adaptation shall follow the procedure set out in Article 5 in conjunction with Article 13, second and third paragraphs. 3. Where an adaptation procedure does not lead to an agreement within two years from the date of the respective request by employees or their representatives, the subsidiary requirements set out in Annex I shall apply.”;deleted
2024/02/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 13 #

2023/2866(RSP)


Recital C
C. whereas labour mobility creates economic growth and benefits for the whole EU and offers opportunities for workers and undertakings in the single market; whereas ensuring fair mobility and fair competition remains a challenge as a result of the 27 different labour market regimes with national regulations and practices as well as the lack of revision of social security coordination; whereas EU legislation must be duly implemented and enforced in all Member States;
2023/10/27
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 16 #

2023/2866(RSP)


Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the full functionality of the single market without obstacles to free movement is the prerequisite for the effective labour mobility. Whereas Covid- 19 pandemics exposed vulnerabilities of the single market in case of unforeseeable events. Whereas except for the safeguards for the free movement like Single market emergency instrument it is necessary to safeguards also rights of the mobile workers including workers who are able to work remotely but have to do so from a particular Member State due to legal obstacles;
2023/10/27
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 18 #

2023/2866(RSP)


Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas ELA should also encourage the use of innovative approaches to efficient cross-border cooperation, collection, analysis and exchange of information as well as jobs matching and should promote the use of digital tools including tools based on artificial intelligence to achieve its objectives and facilite exchange among national authorities;
2023/10/27
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 19 #

2023/2866(RSP)


Recital C c (new)
C c. whereas ELA has potential to gather information and analyse new challenges on the labour market connected to the fast technological development as well as opportunities brought by the use of digital tools including tools based on AI; whereas ELA could be a key actor behind analysing and identifying the potential of these tools for cross-border work including remote work conducted from a Member State other than the Member State of the employer;
2023/10/27
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 25 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Recital A
A. whereas access to basic services to help children and their families, including early childhood education and care (ECEC) and healthcare, as well as to education, housing and nutrition plays an important role in breaking the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage and lifting children and their families out of poverty and social exclusion, as it can help to tackle the complex and multifaceted nature of poverty and vulnerability;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 27 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the current geopolitical situation, notably Russian aggression against Ukraine and its economic repercussions, rising energy and food prices has been worsening the situation of many children and their families and requires an urgent response;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 28 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas addressing the root causes of child poverty and social exclusion risks, by empowering families and supporting parents in their responsibility of primary educators and caregivers, is a key priority;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 37 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Recital C
C. whereas child poverty remains a key challenge across the EU, given that an average of 1 in 4 children are still at risk of poverty, with the share varying widely between countries – ranging from over 40 % in some countries to 11 % in others (2021 Eurostat data) or even regions within the Member States – and trends are worsening in many countries because of the multiple crises across the EU and globally;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 43 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Recital D
D. whereas many more children are bound to be vulnerable, not only those living in poverty and social exclusion, but also children living with disabilities, children with a minority racial or ethnic background, children residing in institutions, children in single-parent families, migrant and refugee children, and so on; whereas improving their lives in the short term and establishing successful life paths for them in the long term requires structural changes and innovative solutions and an inter-sectoral approach at EU, national and local levels;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 50 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Recital E
E. whereas the European Child Guarantee is a high-quality and innovative policy instrument with the potential to deliver significant improvements to the everyday reality of millions of children in the EU in a multidimensional way; whereas more needs to be done to achieve a more comprehensive, inter-sectoral approach to tackling children’s risk of vulnerability and to ensure genuine and efficient implementation by monitoring and assessing the NAPs and removing the policy, political, administrative and financial barriers;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 54 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Recital F
F. whereas 20 months on from the original deadline of March 2022, 24 Member States have adopted their Child Guarantee NAPs, with a focus on the major areas identified in the associated Council Recommendation; whereas, in general, NAPs lack attention and focus on particular vulnerable families, such as single-parent families, low-income families and large families, which face additional difficulties;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 57 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Recital G
G. whereas in some countries, NAPs have been accompanied by the revision of existing laws in several areas, such as deinstitutionalisation or access to ECEC services; whereas not all NAPs include new measures to address child poverty and social exclusion or have a clear measurable objectives, budget, timeline or monitoring mechanism;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 60 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Recital I
I. whereas child poverty has a strong territorial dimension and cooperation with the local authorities as well as with charitable and church-based organisations helping children and families is proving conducive to more effective and sustainable results for children and their families;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 64 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Recital K
K. whereas consistent institutional commitment, sufficient human resources and the engagement of different ministries and agencies and of sub-national authorities present challenges in a number of countries; whereas national coordinators are responsible for the implementation process and for coordinating the work of the various ministries in charge of implementation but often lack sufficient human resources;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 71 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Recital L
L. whereas some countries have struggled to develop and implement a monitoring framework for their NAPs and do not collect enough quality and disaggregated data on child poverty; whereas the lack of standardised guidelines for data collection hinders the monitoring of the implementation of the European Child Guarantee;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 82 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Member States to ensure the full implementation of their NAPs and, when reviewing them, to set even more ambitiouscontinuously review them taking account the current development and specific situation on national and local level and based on this review, to adapt or strengthen their objectives to tackle child poverty;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 89 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Member States to design a national framework for data collection, monitoring and evaluation for their NAPs, involving participatory research methods and establishing a methodology to uncover the overall root causes of family and child poverty, with particular attention to left-behind children; invites the Member States to create child poverty observatories to gather high-quality, disaggregated and internationally comparable data at national level;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 94 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Paragraph 4
4. Highlights the need for comprehensive and disaggregated data on child poverty from the Member States, and underlines that the indicators for monitoring child poverty selected by the Indicators subgroup of the Commission’s Social Protection Committee must make it possible to establish a closer link between the European Child Guarantee and the Social Scoreboard;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 171 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Paragraph 18
18. Reiterates its call for an urgent increase inreview of the funding for the European Child Guarantee, with a dedicated budget of at least EUR 20 billion for 2021-2027, and insists that this dedicated budget must be made part of the revised multiannual financial framework and reinforced ESF+; invit and based on this review, for the consideration of an increase to this budget; encourages all Member States, not only those with a poverty rate below 5 %, to increase their financial efforts and show greater ambition to invest more in children, given that this is a valuable social investment;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 181 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Member States to ensure that best use is made of available EU funds and invites themfor example by following the successful examples from several Member States and providing them directly to regional and local authorities; invites the Member States to explore innovative funding schemes, including public-private partnerships; encourages the Member States to work with the European Investment Bank and invest in social infrastructure dedicated to children; and families;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 197 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Paragraph 23
23. Calls on the Member States to involve all relevant stakeholders at all levels in the revision and implementation of their NAPs in order to build solid partnerships that can strengthen and expand ownership and commitment; highlights the importance of involving civil society and children and their families in developing and implementing the monitoring and evaluation framework;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 201 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Paragraph 24
24. Calls for the Member States to support local partnerships for children, between municipality-led services and other service providers, local communities, parents and children, schools, charitieable and church-based organisations, NGOs and private-sector actors, in order to maximise resources and their efficient use for the implementation of the European Child Guarantee; notes that local partnerships should ensure a participatory approach to developing, implementing and monitoring the local Child Guarantee and guarantee that responsibility for this is shared;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 208 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Paragraph 26
26. Highlights that national coordinators need to receive adequate leverage and financial and human resources as well as a structured network of all national coordinators allowing them to communicate and exchange views and best practices in order to effectively coordinate the implementation of the NAPs;
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 215 #

2023/2811(RSP)


Paragraph 27 – introductory part
27. Asks the Commission to set-up a European children’s authority with a mandate to establish a permanent system ofplatform for monitoring, support and cooperation between the Commission, the Member States, national coordinators and relevant stakeholders including children´s ombudsmen or other national authorities dedicated to children´s rights and NGOs in order to:
2023/09/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 242 #

2023/2129(DEC)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 127
127. Notes that, followingReaffirms its condemnation, in the strongest possible terms, of the despicable terrorist attacks carried out byommitted by the terrorist group Hamas against Israel on 7 October 2023, the Commission announced on 9 October 2023 its decision to review the Union’s assistance for Palestine; welcomes that the; underlines that the Hamas terrorists who perpetrated the attack on Israel are graduates of the Palestinian education system, which is largely financed by the EU; points out, again, the incitement to violence, glorification of terrorism, and antisemitism taught in Palestinian schools via Palestinian Authority textbooks and additional material developed by the UNRWA, which are taught in both UNRWA schools and Hamas-run schools; expresses extreme worry about the credible reports regarding UNRWA staffers praising, facilitating or even assisting Hamas on 7 October; calls on the Commission to immediately stop EU funding to UNRWA, and demands that the humanitarian aid to Palestine is redirected to other organisations, as EU aid should under no circumstances - directly or indirectly - be financing terrorism; stresses that the EU should help the Palestinian civilian population and should foster peace in the region, hence it should not support any organisation or entity connected to Hamas or any other terror organisation; is ashamed of the Commissions own internal review, finalised on 21 November 2023, which has shown that the Commission has ex- ante and ex-post controls, and a system of safeguards in place that work well and that no evidence has been found to date that money has been diverted for unintended purposes; highlights, furthermore, that according to the Commission’s reply, the current rules in tender procedures and calls for proposals “make the participation of entities, individuals or groups affiliated with terrorist organisations categorically incompatible with any Union funding”;
2024/02/13
Committee: CONT
Amendment 113 #

2023/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) effectively enshrine human rights and democratic values at the heart of the EU’s engagement with India with the aim of a constructive and results-based dialogue, including on the range of shortcomings in these areas; jointly develop a strategy and plan of action to protect human rights, and agree on consequences and revisions if such a strategy is not adequate to tackle human rights challenge;
2023/10/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 118 #

2023/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) continue to express public concern about India’s Citizenship Amendment Act; encourage India tolaws, laws that discriminate on grounds of religion, laws that prohibit the free choice of religion under the guise of preventing involuntary conversions, and cow protection laws that seek to systematically delegitimize the cultural and political existence of minorities in India; insist that India guarantees the right to freely practice the religion of one’s choice enshrined in Article 25 of its constitution; counter and condemn hate speech;
2023/10/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 123 #

2023/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
(na) express public concern and condemnation of hate speech that incites discrimination and violence against religious minorities; jointly commit to ensuring that those who indulge in hate speech are held accountable, and counter the impunity of lawmakers and state officials who engage in hate speech or incitement to violence.
2023/10/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 16 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to its resolutions on breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, adopted in accordance with Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure,
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 18 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to its resolutions of 19 July 2020, 19 January 2022, and 13 June 2023 on fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong,
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 19 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 5 May 2022 on the reports of continued organ harvesting in China (2022/2657(RSP)),
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 24 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 15 June 2023 on the deterioration of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, notably the case of Jimmy Lai,
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 26 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 c (new)
– having regard to the ‘Strategic Compass for Security and Defence – For a European Union that protects its citizens, values and interests and contributes to international peace and security’, approved by the Council on 21 March 2022 and endorsed by the European Council on 25 March 2022,
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 28 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 d (new)
– having regard to Directive (EU) 2022/2557 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on the resilience of critical entities and repealing Council Directive 2008/114/EC,
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 29 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 e (new)
– having regard to 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,
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 30 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 f (new)
– having regard to the Council Recommendation of 8 December 2022 on a Union-wide coordinated approach to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure,
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 31 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 g (new)
– having regard to the 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 (EU) 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/102,
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 32 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 h (new)
– having regard to the EU toolbox for 5G security of 29 January 2020,
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 33 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 i (new)
– having regard to the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 1 December 2021 entitled ‘The Global Gateway’ (JOIN/2021/0030),
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 34 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 j (new)
– having regard to the Versailles Declaration, adopted at the informal meeting of the Heads of State or Government on 11 March 2022,
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 35 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 k (new)
– having regard to the Vilnius Summit Communiqué, issued by the NATO heads of state and government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Vilnius on 11 July 2023,
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 36 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 l (new)
– having in regard to the Regulation (EU) 2022/2560 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market,
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 37 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 m (new)
– proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of the Union and its Member States from economic coercion by third countries COM/2021/775 final,
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 38 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 n (new)
– having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market COM(2022) 453 final 2022/0269(COD),
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 39 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 o (new)
– proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence and amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937COM/2022/71 final,
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 48 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas China is simultaneously a partner and also increasingly a competitor and systemic rival to the EUa competitor and a systemic rival to the EU, increasingly undermining the EU's interests and posing a growing security threat;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 61 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas both the European Union and China have a shared interest inChina is not pursuing constructive and stable relations, which must be based on respect for the rules-based international order, international law, balanced engagement and reciprocity;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 72 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the Chinese Communist Party does not share the same values as European democracies, has become increasingly authoritarianis a totalitarian party-state and promotes governance models internationally that contradict and undermine the EU’s values;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 83 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas China is changing and moving into a new era of security and control characterised by an increasingly assertive economic and, foreign and military policy, attempts to change the international rules- based order and increasingly oppressive domestic policies;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 97 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas the EU can only credibly defend its interests and values against an increasingly assertive China if it acts with a single, united approach and political will;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 102 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas in order to defend its core values and be treated as an equal partnerinterests, Europe needs a new approach towards China based on European strategic autonomyde- risking, reciprocity, cooperation with like- minded partners, and opposition tobacked by the necessary legislative and non-legislative instruments to defend itself against coercion;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 115 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G
G. whereas the EU must not accept critical, in coordination with like-minded partners, must clearly communicate to the PRC the consequences of its political or military support by China for Russia’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine or for any circumvention of EU sanctions imposed followingrelated to Russia’s illegal invasion;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 120 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas China’s grey-zone activities, such as warplane incursions, missile drills, economic coercion, and cyberattacks, aim to pressure Taiwan into submission; whereas China’s expansionist policies and harassment behaviour in the South China Sea demonstrate a flagrant disregard for the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the freedom of navigation;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 121 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas China’s grey-zone activities, such as warplane incursions, missile drills, economic coercion, and cyberattacks, aim to pressure Taiwan into submission; whereas China’s expansionist policies and harassment behaviour in the South China Sea demonstrate a flagrant disregard for the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the freedom of navigation;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 131 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H
H. whereas the EU must not accept any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, particularly by force, nor ongowork with its like-minded partners to hold the PRC accountable for the deteriorating human rights violsituations within China, in particular in Xinjiang, Tibet, Inner Mongolia and Hong Ko across mainland China and Hong Kong, and perpetrated crimes against humanity in Xinjiang;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 135 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H
H. whereas the EU must not accept anywork with its partners in strengthening deterrence capacities against any attempts by the PRC to unilaterally change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, particularly by force, nor ongoing human rights violations within China, in particular in Xinjiang, Tibet, Inner Mongolia and Hong Kong;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 138 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas the UN Committee Against Torture and the UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment have expressed concern over the allegations of forced organ harvesting from prisoners, and have called on the Government of the People’s Republic of China to increase the accountability and transparency of the organ transplant system and punish those responsible for abuses; whereas the China Tribunal issued its final judgment in March 2020, concluding that forced organ harvesting had been committed for years throughout China on a significant scale and that Falun Gong practitioners had been one – and probably the main – source of organ supply; whereas the Chinese Government refused to testify before the Tribunal;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 141 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas since the PRC imposed the National Security Law (NSL) on 30 June 2020, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and the judiciary’s independence in Hong Kong have deteriorated alarmingly; whereas the PRC has fully breached the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, the Sino-British and Sino-Portuguese Joint Declarations and the ICCPR;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 146 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Hb. whereas freedom of religion and belief continues to deteriorate across mainland China, with the CCP carrying out an intense campaign of ‘sinicisation’ of religion, requiring all religions to adhere to the party's ideology, doctrine, and teachings;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 153 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1 Stresses the utmost importance of having a united and single EU policy strategy towards China, which would eliminate divisive initiatives such as 17+1; believes that visits to China of the leaders of the EU Member States and their main messages to China’s leadership should be coordinated at the EU level;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 156 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a Calls for a development of a comprehensive transatlantic strategy towards China;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 157 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 b (new)
-1b Calls for further development and strengthening of the EU Indo-Pacific strategy in order to counterbalance China in the region;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 158 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 1
Engaging China to tackle global challengesDeterrence, De-Risking and Selective Engagement
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 161 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) continue engagingengage selectively with China to tackle global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity, health and pandemic preparedness, debt relief and humanitarian assistance, and increase dialogue with China on security issues in view of China’s increasingly critical role in global securityin those areas where China is willing to engage constructively. Notes with concern, however, that even in areas such as global security, climate change and biodiversity, health and pandemic preparedness, debt relief and humanitarian assistance, China does not play a constructive global role;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 166 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) continue engaging with China to tackle global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity, health and pandemic preparedness, debt relief and humanitarian assistance, and increase dialogue with Chinalike-minded partners on security issues in view of China’s increasingly critical role in global security;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 174 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) call on China to uphold the rules- based international order, especially the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for the territorial integrity or political independence of all states, and strengthen multilateral institutions in face of Chinese regime's malign influence and attempts to change international norms;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 177 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) call on China to uphold the rules- based international order, especially the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for the territorial integrity or political independence of all states; condemn China’s increasing military provocation around the Taiwan Strait;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 184 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) prevent China from abusing the One China Policy to threaten Taiwan and attempts to isolate and exclude Taipei from multilateral fora;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 187 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) maintain diplomatic stability while increasing the EU’s assertiveness towards China in order to assume its responsibility as a member of the UN Security Council to pressure Russia into stopping its illegal war ofsupport the EU's diplomatic efforts through deterrence and by increasing the EU’s assertiveness towards China in order to hold it accountable for its terror and oppression across mainland China and Hong Kong, its military threats against Taiwan, assertiveness against neighbours, subversive activities against EU Member States, and its support for Russia's aggression against Ukraine;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 204 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) ensure that China plays a constructive role in multilateral organisations such as the World Trade Organization, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations and support steps towards allowing Taiwan’s participation in the meetings, mechanism and activities of relevant international institutions such as the WHO, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change; strongly oppose China’s constant misinterpretation and distortion of the UN Resolution 2758(XXVI) which contains no mention of People’s Republic of China’s claim of sovereignty over Taiwan, nor does it authorize the PRC to represent Taiwan in the UN system; express grave concerns that Taiwanese passport holders, including journalists, NGO workers and political activists, continued to be barred from accessing tours and events in the UN;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 207 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) ensure that China plays a constructive role in multilateral organisations such as the World Trade Organization, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations and support steps towards allowing Taiwan’s participation in the meetings, mechanism and activities of relevant international institutions such as the WHO, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 215 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) oppose China’s constant misinterpretation and distortion of the UN Resolution 2758(XXVI) which contains no mention of People’s Republic of China’s claim of sovereignty over Taiwan, nor does it authorise the PRC to represent Taiwan in the UN system; address grave concerns that Taiwanese passport holders, including journalists, NGO workers and political activists, continued to be barred from accessing tours and events in the UN;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 221 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) note that the Chinese government is strengthening its role and influence in international institutions, including in the United Nations and its Human Rights Council; respond adequately to China’s efforts to build alternative international organisations, including through the BRICS group of countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), by ensuring better coordination among the EU Member States and intensifying partnerships with like-minded partners around the world;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 230 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(fa) conduct a comprehensive economic analysis of impact of the potential slowdown or even a deep crisis of the Chinese economy on the EU economies;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 233 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f b (new)
(fb) further develop and strengthen EU’s relations with India, which is overtaking China in its demographic growth and has a strong potential to catch up with China in its economic growth;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 234 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 2
Opposing China’sHolding the party-state accountable for human rights violations
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 239 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) insist that China fulfils its responsibilities as a global power by upholding human rights and the rule of lawhold China accountable for its violations of human rights and the rule of law, including through multilateral fora such as the UN Human Rights Council;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 244 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) communicate their concern to the Chinese authorities about their repression of religious minorities, including Tibetan Monks, Protestant House Churches, independent Catholic leaders and Uyghur muslims; insist that China respects and guarantees the right to freedom of religion or belief and refrains from monitoring, controlling, harassing, detaining or otherwise intimidating leaders and members of religious minorities, both online and offline;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 248 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) oppose China's membership of UN Human Rights Council and work with like-minded partners to support the reform of the UNHRC;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 249 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
(gb) demand from the Chinese authorities to promptly respond to the serious allegations of forced organ harvesting and to allow independent monitoring by international human rights mechanisms, including the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; furthermore to take the necessary actions in order to prevent transplant tourism to China by European citizens and to raise awareness of this issue among European citizens travelling to China;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 252 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) ensure a unified European approach when China uses its economic leverage to silence opposition against its human rights abuses; intensify and include Members of the European Parliament in the Human Rights Dialogue with China and work towards a united approach on cultural and academic cooperation with China while preventing undue influence from Chinese sources of finance; ensure that the Human Rights Dialogues aren’t misused for propaganda purposes by China but, instead, that the Union’s representatives fully utilise the dialogue by raising concrete cases;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 253 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) ensure a unified European approach when China uses its economic leverage to silence opposition against its human rights abuses; intensify and include Members of the European Parliament in the Human Rights Dialogue with China and work towards a united approach on cultural and academic cooperation with China while preventing undue influence from Chinese sources of finance; continuously evaluate the cultural and academic cooperation with China to make sure that these cooperation are not used as foreign interference mechanisms from the PRC;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 269 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) support an independent and impartial UN investigation into human rights violations in China, in particular in Xinjiang and, Tibet and Hong Kong, and urge the Chinese authorities to grant meaningful access to the regions concerned and immediately and unconditionally release the Uyghur scholar and 2019 Sakharov Prize Laureate Ilham Tohti; call for the immediate release of Chinese human rights defenders and lawyers, including Li Qiaochu, Xu Yan, Xie Yang, Li Yuhan, Yang Bin, Lin Shenliang, Sophia Huang Xueqin, Wang Jianbing, He Fangmei and Wu Yi;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 270 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) support an independent and impartial UN investigation into human rights violations in China, in particular in Xinjiang and Tibet, and urge the Chinese authorities to grant meaningful access to the regions concerned and immediately and unconditionally release the Uyghur scholar and 2019 Sakharov Prize Laureate Ilham Tohti; support the 2022 UN Human Right report on Xinjiang and call on China to cease its crimes against humanity in the region, which include arbitrary and discriminatory detention of members of Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim groups;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 274 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) support an independent and impartial UN investigation into human rights violations in China, in particular in Xinjiang and, Tibet, and Hong Kong, and urge the Chinese authorities to grant meaningful access to the regions concerned and immediately and unconditionally release the Uyghur scholar and 2019 Sakharov Prize Laureate Ilham Tohti;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 277 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
(ia) condemn the PRC’s assimilationist policies in Tibet that violate the educational, religious, cultural and linguistic rights of the Tibetan people and threaten to ultimately eradicate Tibetan culture and identity, including the compulsory boarding school and pre- school system; stresses that such policies separates over 1 million Tibetan children from their families and enforces Chinese- language education;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 279 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
(ia) underline religious freedom and human rights have continued to deteriorate in China; condemn Chinese government measures aimed at suppressing believers who resist being controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and which force bishops to join the CCP-controlled Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association; highlight the need to protect religious freedom from authoritarianism like China;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 280 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
(ia) review and support China to follow up on the recommendations of the UN Human Rights Committee, UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and UN Committee on Women’s Rights regarding violations of rights and freedoms and breaches of international legal obligations in China, in particular Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 281 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
(ia) insist on China to follow up on the recommendations of the UN Human Rights Committee, UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and UN Committee on Women’s Rights regarding violations of rights and freedoms and breaches of international legal obligations in China, in particular Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 285 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i b (new)
(ib) condemn Chinese authorities assimilationist policies in Tibet that violate the educational, religious, cultural and linguistic rights of the Tibetan people and threaten to ultimately eradicate Tibetan culture and identity, in particular, the compulsory boarding school and pre- school system which separates over 1 million Tibetan children from their families and enforces Chinese-language education; urge China to immediately abolish the boarding school and pre- school system imposed on Tibetan children, allow private Tibetan schools to be established and ensure that Mandarin is not the only language allowed as the language of instruction in Tibet; consider adopting sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for designing and implementing the boarding school and preschool system in Tibet;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 288 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i b (new)
(ib) urge China to immediately allow private Tibetan schools to be established and ensure that Mandarin is not the only language allowed as the language of instruction in Tibet; consider adopting sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for designing and implementing the boarding school and preschool system in Tibet;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 289 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i c (new)
(ic) reaffirm that the credible evidence about birth prevention measures and the separation of Uyghur children from their families amount to crimes against humanity and represent a serious risk of genocide; call on the Chinese authorities to cease all government-sponsored programmes of forced labour and mass forced sterilisation and to put an immediate end to any measures aimed at preventing births in the Uyghur population;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 290 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i c (new)
(ic) condemn the promulgation of the “Administrative Measures for Religious Activity Venues” - also known as "Order number 19” - that came into force on 1 September 2023 and will intensify the ongoing repression in Tibet and elsewhere across mainland China;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 291 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i d (new)
(id) reiterate its call on the Council to adopt additional sanctions targeting high- ranking PRC officials, such as Chen Quanguo, Zhao Kezhi, Guo Shengkun and Hu Lianhe, as well as others identified in the Xinjiang police files, and other individuals and entities, who are involved in the systematic human rights violations and crimes against humanity in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 292 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i d (new)
(id) adopt additional sanctions targeting high-ranking PRC officials, such as Chen Quanguo, Zhao Kezhi, Guo Shengkun and Hu Lianhe, as well as others identified in the Xinjiang police files, and other individuals and entities, who are involved in the systematic human rights violations and crimes against humanity in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 293 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i e (new)
(ie) address the systematic use of forced labour by China in Xinjiang and Tibet by working with the private sector to diversify supply chains and through implementation of the regulation prohibiting products made with forced labour;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 294 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i f (new)
(if) address the deteriorating situation of religious freedom in China; condemn the Chinese government measures aimed at suppressing believers who resist being controlled by the CCP, and which force bishops to join the CCP-controlled Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 297 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j
(j) address individual cases of European citizens, including dual nationals, being held in ‘administrative detention’ in China, such as the Swedish bookseller Gui Minhai, and use all diplomatic channels to pressure for their release;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 299 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
(ja) ensure adequate resources for the European Union Office to Hong Kong (EU Office) so that it can continue conducting prison visits and human rights monitoring, by releasing public statements, appointing a human rights focal point among its staff for human rights defenders and raising their cases with the authorities at all levels; calls on the EEAS and the EU Office to report regularly on the most prominent trials, as well as on the evolution of the human rights situation in Hong Kong more generally;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 305 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) show solidarity with civil society inacross mainland China and Hong Kong and speed up the implementation of the European human rights framework with Magnitsky-style sanctions in close collaboration with international partners, including the freezing of foreign assets and visa restrictions against those involved in human rights abuses, including and crimes against humanity, including John Lee and other Hong Kong and PRC political decision makers in Hong Kong;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 310 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
(ka) closely monitor the trials of political prisoners in Hong Kong and call for the release of such political prisoners, including the founder of Apple Daily Jimmy Lai, who is a British citizen and the focus of the European Parliament resolution of 14 June 2023, and the 47 pro-democracy activists, including former elected legislators, arrested and imprisoned for holding a primary election campaign in 2020;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 313 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) identify and close down any avenues that currently facilitate transnational repression efforts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including illegal Chinese 'police stations' in the European Union and in particular those targeting diaspora communities, in cooperation and coordination with like- minded partners; work with third countries to protect the targets of the PRC's transnational repression, such as Chinese and Hong Kong human rights lawyers and activists;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 324 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
(ma) review the agreement between the EU and Hong Kong/China on cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in customs matters, the status of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, and Hong Kong’s seat in the World Trade Organization;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 327 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) condemn attempts by the Chinese authorities to target Hong Kong diaspora communities within the EU and call on Member States to suspend extradition treaties with the PRC, Macau, and Hong Kong; reiterate the call for EU Member states to consider lifeboat and other visa schemes for the Hong Kong diaspora;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 328 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) condemn attempts by the Chinese authorities to target Chinese and Hong Kong diaspora communities within the EU and call on those Member States who have not yet done so to suspend extradition treaties with the PRC and Hong Kong;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 330 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) condemn attempts by the Chinese authorities to target Chinese and Hong Kong diaspora communities within the EU and call on Member States to suspend extradition treaties with the PRC and Hong Kong;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 331 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) condemn attempts by the Chinese authorities to target Hong Kong diaspora communities within the EU and call on Member States to suspend extradition treaties with the PRC and, Hong Kong and Macau;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 338 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
(na) organise annual 4 June Tiananmen Square vigils in commemoration of the victim of communist totalitarianism;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 340 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n b (new)
(nb) closely monitor the trials of political prisoners in Hong Kong and call for the release of such political prisoners, including the founder of Apple Daily Jimmy Lai and the 47 pro-democracy activists, including former elected legislators, arrested and imprisoned for holding a primary election campaign in 2020;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 344 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n c (new)
(nc) fully implement the Council conclusions on Hong Kong of 24 July 2020;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 351 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 3
EnsurReducing Europe’s strategic autonomy in dealing withdependency on China by de-risking
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 358 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) work closely towards fostering unity and political will among the Member States’ approach towards China and strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy to ensure that Europe is able to defend its values and economic interests vis-a-vis China, as well as the global rules-based order;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 364 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p
(p) work towards a renewed, assertive and coherent EU approach towards China that shapes relations with the PRC in the interest of the EU as a whole and takes full account of the challenges stemming from the PRC’s rise as a disruptive global actor and, its increasingly oppressive domestic policies and assertive foreign policythe multi-dimensional security threat it poses to the EU and to democracies around the world;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 375 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) strengthen the EU’s economic autonomy, and develop effective approaches to counter China’s targeted economic coercion towards Member States, such as Lithuania; ensure mutually beneficial economic relations and prevent sensitive technologies from being used for military purposes by de-risking trade flows and reducing critical dependencies on the PRC without aiming to decouple or turning inwards;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 376 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) strengthen the EU’s economic autonomy, ensure mutually beneficialresilience and economic competitiveness, ensure more balanced economic relations and prevent sensitive technologies from being used for military purposes by de- risking trade flows and reducing critical dependencies on the PRC without aiming to decouple or turning inwards, and defend free market principles against Chinese market-distorting practices and economic coercion;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 387 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r
(r) swiftly implement, in this context, the European Economic Security Strategy and, make better use of our existing trade instruments to minimise the detrimental effects of de-risking on , work closely withe European economympanies and to ensure close alignment with like-minded partners around the world, such as our transatlantic partners and partners in Southeast Asia to boost supply chain resilience and economic competitiveness;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 390 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
(ra) highlight that Taiwan’s semiconductor industry is vital for global economy and more than 50 percent of the world’s shipping containers pass through Taiwan Straits; urge the EU and its Member States to take a firm stand against China’s intimidation and coercion towards Taiwan; welcome Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturing diversification in Europe and reiterate its longstanding support to a EU-Taiwan Bilateral Investment Agreement and any arrangements mutually beneficial to bilateral trade and investment;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 392 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
(ra) urgently conclude interinstitutional negotiations on the Critical Raw Materials Act and ensure the speedy implementation of its goals in order strengthen the Union’s supply chain resilience;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 394 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r b (new)
(rb) conduct an audit of public funds invested in China through sovereign wealth funds, local government funds and public pension funds; establish common guidelines to minimise and phase out public funds invested in China, particularly those invested in state corporations or the military industrial complex;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 395 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r c (new)
(rc) strengthen economic cooperation with Taiwan, including the semiconductor industry which is vital for global economy and continue supporting Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturing diversification in Europe;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 396 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) work towards a more coordinated approach towards the protection of critical infrastructure at EU level and strengthen cooperation with NATO and other like- minded partners; present an EU strategic policy framework to reduce and limit influence and operational control by China and other regimes that a security threat to the Union in the EU’s critical infrastructure;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 405 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
(sa) call on the Commission and the Member States to urgently address the need to reduce the risks of espionage and sabotage in critical infrastructure, in particular those with a military function, such as ports that are used by NATO;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 413 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
(t) ensure greater coordination and cooperation with like-minded partners to address the multi-dimensional threat posed by China, on issues of common concern, especially but not exclusively on issues such as strategic dependencies, economic coercion, political interference and disinformation, and to promote rules- based multilateralism and strategic solidarity between democracies;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 419 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u
(u) highlight that the EU’s ‘One China policy’ remains the foundation of our engagement with both the PRC and Taiwan but also; maintain that whilst the EU’s relationship with Taiwan remains unofficial, it recognises Taiwan as a reliable and valued like-minded partner in Asia; underline the positive effects and strategic importance of deepening ties between the EU and Taiwan;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 423 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u
(u) highlight that the EU’s ‘One China policy’ remains the foundation of our engagement with both the PRC and Taiwan but also underl, and that the Union will not tolerate its abuse by Beijing; continue strengthenineg the positive effectdynamic of deepening ties between the EU and Taiwan;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 428 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v
(v) revisit the EU’s engagement policy with Taiwan and continue supporting democracy there together with like-minded partners; encourage further exchanges between Parliament and its Taiwanese counterparts in this context as well as people-to-people contact; strengthen cooperation with Taiwanese institutions in addressing China's hybrid threats;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 435 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v a (new)
(va) intensify cooperation and pursue a comprehensive enhanced partnership with Taiwan, notably essential cooperation on critical supply chain resilience, and countering disinformation and foreign interference; stresses the need to urgently begin an impact assessment, public consultation and scoping exercise on a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) with the Taiwanese authorities in preparation for negotiations to deepen bilateral economic ties;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 437 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v a (new)
(va) conduct as soon as possible an impact assessment for an EU-Taiwan Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA);
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 441 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point w
(w) ensure that the status quo in the Taiwan Strait is not changed by means of force or coercion by supporting initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue, cooperation and confidence-building between the two sides; take concrete steps, including increasing Coordinated Maritime Presences (CMP) in the Taiwan Strait, facilitating Taiwan’s military capability- building, and considering economic sanction packages in the event of a Chinese invasion, to discourage China from escalating tensions in the region; prepare a scenario-based strategy for tackling potential security challenges in the Taiwan Strait;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 447 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point w
(w) contribute to allies' deterrence measures to ensure that the status quo in the Taiwan Strait is not changed by means of force or coercion, and by supporting initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue, cooperation and confidence-building between the two sides; prepare a scenario- based strategy for tackling potential security challenges in the Taiwan Strait;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 455 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x
(x) establish a ‘Far-East StratCom Task Force’ as part of the European External Action Service, to be tasked with identifying, monitoring and countering disinformation efforts and nation-specific actions by China; strengthen efforts to fight Chinese malign influence, including information operations, in third countries, including Latin America and Africa;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 459 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x a (new)
(xa) strengthen cooperation between national intelligence agencies in identifying and addressing Chinese espionage and other subversive activities seeking to influence or undermine our democratic societies and institutions;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 460 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x b (new)
(xb) fully implement the EU's “5G security toolbox” guidelines to mitigate security risks in networks, including by removing all equipment and services from Huawei, ZTE and other Chinese vendors in core network functions;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 461 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x c (new)
(xc) implement the suspension of the TikTok application on corporate devices, as well as personal devices enrolled in institutional mobile device services across all EU and Member State institutions;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 466 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point y
(y) fully leverage the Global Gateway strategy as a tool to intensify the EU’s engagement and business relations with partners from developing countries and provide an alternative to Chinese-driven foreign investment strategies; intensify cooperation with international financial institutions and the private sector to mobilise the necessary funding;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 471 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point y a (new)
(ya) The European Parliament: commends achievements of the Taiwanese democracy and its capabilities of defending democracy against China’s hybrid attacks; stresses that these achievements should be promoted internationally as it brings understanding that all nations, including Chinese, are able to create a flourishing democracy;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 472 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point y a (new)
(ya) make clear to China the consequences of supporting Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and sanctions circumvention, including through the territory of Hong Kong;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 474 #

2023/2127(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point y b (new)
(yb) commits to establishing in the European Parliament a formal parliamentary delegation for bilateral cooperation with the Parliament of Taiwan;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 4 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
– having regard to the Joint Communication to the European Parliament, the European Council and the Council of 20 June 2023 entitled ‘On “European Economic Security Strategy”’ (JOIN(2023)0020),
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 6 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 b (new)
– Having regard to the Final Assessment Report of the NATO-EU Task Force on the Resilience of Critical Infrastructure of 29 June 2023
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 7 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission proposal of 14 June 2023 for a Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations of an agreement with the United States of America on strengthening international supply chains of critical minerals COM(2023) 327 final
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 8 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 b (new)
– Having regard to the 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 (EU) 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/102
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 23 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas a strong and dynamic transatlantic cooperation based on the principles of a partnership of joint, leadership and responsibility is necessary to weather the storm of multiple crises on both sides of the Atlantic;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 34 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas the transatlantic partnership in foreign and security affairs is instrumental in assertdefending and enhancing the principles of international law and multilateral cooperation in the face of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the growing multi-dimensional threat posed by China;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 42 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the United States, with its bipartisan support for Ukraine, has shown true solidarity with the EU as we jointly work to protect peace and security on the European continent, as well as the principles of international law and the UN CharterUkraine, and continues to work closely with the EU as we jointly work to defend the principles of international law and the UN Charter and restore peace and security on the European continent;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 51 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas standing together against the brutality of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the multi-dimensional threat posed by totalitarian China will be even more crucial in the months to come;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 62 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas EU-US transatlantic dialogue and parliamentary diplomacy must continue tois indispensible in addressing global threats and challenges;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 66 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas the multiple issueswide range of issues of common interest we cooperate on would benefit immensely from an even stronger parliamentary dimension between the US Congress and, the European Parliament and national parliaments, which would enhance public awareness, democratic legitimacy, oversight and the ability to deliver on our joint endeavours;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 80 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) work towards fostering an even stronger, mutually beneficial partnership between the EU and the US in order to face the new and dangerous realities shapfacing our societies and, communities and institutions;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 93 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) foster the EU’s opengreater transatlantic strategic autonomythinking as a means to also pursue the EU’s own legitimate interests while strengthening the transatlantic bond and increasing the joint leverage of the EU and the US on the world scene;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 101 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) reassert the continued relevance of the strategic transatlantic relationship for the rebuilding and reinvigoration of the multilateral rules-based international order, with the UN system and international law at its centre; work together to protect multilateral institutions from the malign influence of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, and support the reform of the UN Human Rights Council
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 114 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) strengthen the transatlantic partnership in the fight for freedom and democracy, the rules-based international order and multilateralism;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 119 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) reinforce the accountability and resilience of our democratic systems in the run-up to the elections next year on both sides, as well as enhance transatlantic dialogue and cooperation on policies supporting democracy, human rights and the rule of law and combating disinformation and foreign interference from authoritarian regimes; encourage further cooperation and exchanges between like-minded partners, in particular those who stand on the frontline defending democracy and freedom against authoritarian expansion.
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 153 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) strengthen bilateral cooperation between the EU and US in the context of international forums such as the G7 and G20, as well as at UN General Assembly level, in order to isolate Russia, address the malign influence of China, and foster cooperation with countries genuinely interested in promoting multilateralism and defending the rules-based international order;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 169 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j
(j) assess the importance of the strong convergence of transatlantic positions towards China, building more and more on the ‘de-risking’ strategy whileand building resilient supply chains while, where feasible, looking for ways to cooperatengage in dialogue with China on somthose global challenges where the totalitarian regime will show willigness to engage constructively;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 192 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) reach outcooperate jointly to countries of the Global South and reinforce our capacity to work in partnership and our commitment to democratic values, a rules-based international order and to working with the Global South on an attractive alternative path to digital development;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 193 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
(ka) strengthen cooperation and coordination with the US, G7 and other like-minded democratic allies to provide an alternative to the Belt and Road Initiative and to ensure access to critical raw materials
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 201 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) explore ways to create synergies and possibilities of EU-US engagement with China in multilateral frameworks on common and global challenges, such as climate change, health-related risks, respect for human rights, cyberspace including religious freedom, foreign information manipulation and interference, cyberspace, freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait, arms control, non- proliferation and emerging disruptive technologies;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 202 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) explore ways to create synergies and possibilities ofenergise EU-US engagement withon China, including in in multilateral frameworks, on common and global challenges, such as climate change, health-related risks, respect for human rights, cyberspace, arms control, non-proliferation and emerging disruptive technologies posed by the totalitarian regime;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 208 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) work with the US and partners around the world to minimise risks arising from the proliferation of sensitive technologies, while preserving maximum levels of openness towards international cooperation; strengthen coordination in controlling the exports of critical technologies to China, Russia, Iran and other regimes posing a security threat to the transatlantic alliance
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 212 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) deepen cooperation in forging democratic standards for the use of technology, especially Artificial Intelligence, by aligning their digital diplomacy strategies in order to defend our values, enhance our security and foster democracy-serving digital standards at home and worldwide;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 217 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) deepen joint transatlantic efforts to secure key transatlantic infrastructure, especially ports and transport hubs used by NATO, and to advance secure and resilient connectivity infrastructure for information and communication technologies around the world with partners;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 226 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) foster closer partnership with the US and other like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific region; , including Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan, in order to counter challenges that affect our shared values, interests, security and prosperity, in particular, any unilateral attempt to alter the status quo; note that China’s continued military provocations pose a threat not just to Taiwan, but to the wider Indo-Pacific, and ultimately, the established global order.
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 229 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) foster closer partnership with the US and other like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific region, including strengthening cooperation with Taiwan and providing assistance to Taipei in the face of growing Chinese threats;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 236 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q a (new)
(qa) work together with the US to support steps towards allowing Taiwan’s participation in the meetings, mechanism and activities of relevant international institutions such as the WHO, the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 251 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) underline the need to continue the good bilateral engagements on our respective policies towards the Middle East Peace Process, as well as to continue to coordinate our efforts to encourage positive developments in the wider region, in particular, the implementation of the Abraham Accords;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 282 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point w a (new)
(wa) ensure fast implementation of the EU-US Critical Minerals Agreement
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 339 #

2023/2126(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ad
(ad) jointly address the spread of Russian and Chinese influence, including information manipulation and interference, particularly in the context of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine and its impact on the Western Balkans, Africa and Latin America;
2023/10/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 28 #

2023/2125(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas the inconsistency of the EU strategy to support and defend democracy in Russia has contributed towards Russia has emboldened the Kremlin regime’s suppression of all rights and freedoms of the Russian people over the last few decades, ultimately leading to the destruction of Russia’s constitutional statehood and to, the establishment of dictatorship in Russia and aggressive expansionism abroad;
2023/12/04
Committee: AFET
Amendment 42 #

2023/2125(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas the dictatorship in Russia and Russia's inability to come to terms with its past has been one of the main causes of the Kremlin’s war of aggression against its neighbours, including Georgia and Ukraine, which began with the occupation of Crimea in 2014 and continued with Russia’s large scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022;
2023/12/04
Committee: AFET
Amendment 80 #

2023/2125(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas since 24 February 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU has been providing substantial military and budgetary support to make Ukraine capable of defeating Russia and its proxiesrestoring its territorial integrity; whereas the EU has adopted 11 packages of sanctions against Russia to strategically weaken its military capacity; whereas the EU supports the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russia’s leaders and their allies for the crime of aggression against Ukraine; whereas the EU’s financial institutions, together with those of G-7 countries, have frozen the assets and reserves of the Central Bank of Russia in response to Russia’s aggression and these assets should be used to support Ukraine’s reconstruction;
2023/12/04
Committee: AFET
Amendment 133 #

2023/2125(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H
H. whereas the EU has tomust be ready for and help the transformation of Russia into a democracy when such an opportunity arises in the near to medium-term variety of scenarios concerning the future direction and development of Russia;
2023/12/04
Committee: AFET
Amendment 141 #

2023/2125(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I
I. whereas a democracy intic Russia is the only way to ensure a sustainable peace in Europe once Russiarespecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours, and reconciled with its defeated in its war against Ukrainpast, is the only way to ensure a sustainable peace in Europe;
2023/12/04
Committee: AFET
Amendment 166 #

2023/2125(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital M
M. whereas the EU should take a holistic view of the transformation of Russia into a democracy,, based on a variety of scenarios and rigorous risk analysis, and in coordination with its allies and NATO, and which should also include a broad array of democracy support measures before and after thpossible change of power in Russia, including the ones necessary to sustain democratic change in Russia over the long term;
2023/12/04
Committee: AFET
Amendment 227 #

2023/2125(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the preparation for the transformation of Russia into a democracy has to be inclusive anddifferent developments within Russia has to be shaped in a regular and structured EU political dialogue with the EU's key allies, in particular, within NATO, but also with Russian civil society and democratic forces;
2023/12/04
Committee: AFET
Amendment 244 #

2023/2125(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Invites the EU institutions to establish a ‘democracy passport’ and special visa arrangements allowing democratic opposition and civil society activists to continue their work in the EU member states while in exile;deleted
2023/12/04
Committee: AFET
Amendment 275 #

2023/2125(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point a
(a) withdrawal of Russian troops from all the occupied territories of Ukraine and other Eastern Partnership countries, and respect of those countries' sovereignty;
2023/12/04
Committee: AFET
Amendment 361 #

2023/2125(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 – point f
(f) good neighbourly relations, including respect for neighbours' sovereignty and territorial integrity;
2023/12/04
Committee: AFET
Amendment 13 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to 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,
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 15 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
– having regard to the 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 (EU) 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/102,
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 59 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas Ukraine needs to be provided with the necessary military capabilities for as long as it takes to end Russia’s illegal war of aggression and, to restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and deter any future aggression;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 62 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the People’s Republic of China has for many years promoted an alternative narrative, challenging democratic values, open markets, and the rules-based international order; whereas China’s increasing influence in international organisations has impeded positive progress and further excluded Taiwan from meaningful participation;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 227 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Welcomes the Commission's proposal for a regulation establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials, which is crucial in fulfilling the principles of the Versailles Declaration, and strengthening the resilience of supply chains for the European defence industries;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 252 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its full support for the rapid deployment capacity (RDC) with at least 5 000 troops with relevant capabilities available for rescue and evacuation tasks, initial entry and stabilisation operations or temporary reinforcement of missions; calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) to set out the practical modalities for implementing Article 44 TEU, in order to allow a group of willing and able Member States to plan and conduct a mission or operation within the EU framework and, thereby, ensure the swift activation of the RDC;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 307 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the increased budgets and investment in defence by EU Member States and institutions, and calls for their impact to be maximised in order to deliver the needed capabilities to Europe’s armed forces through increased joint procurement and joint investment in defence research and development; stresses, however, that increased investments must be sustainable and must address emerging threats;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 310 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls that the EU and Member States now have a comprehensive set of tools to enhance a strategic approach to capability development, namely under the guidance of the Joint Defence Procurement Task Force and using the EDA’s Coordinated Annual Review on Defence, the Capability Development Plan and the defence investment gap analysis; Calls on the Commission and the VP/HR to present an update of the defence investment gap analysis, and to identify the capabilities and programmes that will be developed with EU support by the end of the decade; recalls the need for the development of a European capabilities and armaments policy to that end in line with NATO objectives and commitments;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 337 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on Member States to increase theirand ensure sustainable levels of defence spending to adjust to the current geopolitical situation, and address the significant threats towards the Union’s security; calls on the EU NATO Member States to increase their military budgets to at least 2 % of GDP considering the impact of historic under-investment and spiralling inflation on defence budgets;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 345 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Highlights that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is part of a wider strategy, China's threats against Taiwan and growing assertiveness are part of a wider strategy of authoritarian regimes to undermine the rules-based international order; calls for the EU to enhance its capacities for responding to hybrid warfare, including the detection and response to Russia, China and other state and non-state actors carrying out foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) campaigns which challenge our interests and values, including by spreading false-narratives about the EU or by targeting CSDP missions and operations in strategic areas;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 358 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
20. Highlights that China has established a ‘no-limits friendship’ with Russia, that includes significant transfer of technology and military capabilities, and poses an increasing number of security challenges to the EU, especially in the fields of cyber and FIMI; stresses the need for the EU to strengthen the security and integrity of its critical infrastructures, supply chains and technology base, including through close monitoring of their ownership and control by actors linked to the Chinese government; calls on the Commission to investigate the various credible reports about the use of Hong Kong to circumvent the EU's sanctions against Russian entitites in connection to its war of aggression against Ukraine;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 363 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Calls for heightened attention to China’s escalating hybrid warfare tactics in the Indo-Pacific, particularly pertaining to Taiwan, which faces five million cyberattacks every day, primarily from China. Acknowledges that the potential repercussions of destabilisation in the region would resonate far beyond the Taiwan Strait and impact the security of the EU; stresses the importance of developing regular dialogue, cooperation, and capacity building with Taiwan, which possesses substantive expertise and employs scientific methods to counter Chinese cyberattacks and FIMI based on its extensive experience, technological advantages, and linguistic proximity to China;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 366 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Welcomes the EU's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) regulation; calls on the Member States to undertake an immediate assessment and review of existing Chinese investments in critical infrastructure, including power grids, the transport network and information and communication systems, to determine any possible vulneabilities that could impact the security and defence of the Union;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 374 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
21. Calls for supplementary progress on further improving the EU Hybrid Toolbox, specifically addressing activities involving cyber-attacks and FIMI, and the revision of the implementing guidelines of the EU’s cyber diplomacy toolbox; welcomes the commitment set out in the new Civilian Compact to provide the necessary capabilities to enable civilian CSDP missions to respond to hybrid attacks, including FIMI and cyber, by 2024; reiterates the need for ensuring the existence of the expertise and capacity for secure information and communications technologies for all CSDP missions and operations to communicate securely in theatre and with all EU institutions; welcomes the decision of EU institutions to suspend the TikTok application on corporate devices, as well as personal devices enrolled in the institutions’ mobile device services; calls for a thorough risk assessment of other such vendors with connections to authoritarian and totalitarian regimes;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 388 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Strongly condemns Azerbaijan’s policies of aggression, including the recent military attacks and the blockade of the Lachin corridor; is concerned that the continuation of these policies are leading to ethnic cleansing of the Armenian population of Nagorno- Karabakh; demands immediate and unhindered access of humanitarian assisstance to Nagorno Karabakh; notes that the relaunch of Russian gas supplies to Azerbaijan raises serious questions about the viability of the Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy signed between the EU and Azerbaijan; calls for immediate testing of gas reaching the European Union through the Southern Gas Corridor to determine whether Azerbaijan is re-exporting Russian gas to the EU; calls on the EU to suspend the Memorandum of Understanding on Energy, to immediately impose targeted sanctions on Azerbaijani leadership responsibile for military aggression against Nagorno Karabakh, and to suspend the participation of Azerbaijan in the Eastern Partnership;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 392 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Strongly condemns the recent escalation of the conflict over Nagorno- Karabach by Azerbaijan; deplores the fact that the attacks by Azerbaijan and the subsequent ceasefire have led to many Armenians fleeing the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, which amounts to ethnic cleansing; calls in the light of the ongoing tensions for greater international monitoring efforts in the area and for the EU monitoring mission to Armenia (EUMA) to be expanded;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 397 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Calls on the EU and the member states to take measures to deter Azerbaijan from any further escalation and human rights violations of the inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia, including by cooperating in an international monitoring mission, the imposition of targeted sanctions and the suspension of the Memorandum of Understanding on Energy between the EU and Azerbaijan;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 398 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Commends the work of the EU Mission in Armenia and calls for the extension of the mandate of the EUMA for 5 more years; calls on Azerbaijan to allow the EU Monitoring Mission to operate on their side of the border as well;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 401 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes the joint communication on the EU cyber defence policy and calls on Member States to implement the ambitious but realistic set of actions proposed by the Commission, including the proposal for a Cyber Solidarity Act to enhance their ability to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents in the EU; notes that the use of Huawei technology in the development of 5G seriously undermines the Union's cyber resilience;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 437 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
25. Emphasises that the EU must further develop its own capabilities in afull dcomainsplementarity with NATO to protect the sovereignty of all Member States while enhancing its security cooperation with partners across the globe;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 452 #

2023/2119(INI)

26. Underlines the importance of the partnership dimension of the Strategic Compass in reinforcing cooperation between the EU and its allies and partners around the world in order to counter foreign strategies aimed at undermining the EU and the transatlantic alliance and destabilising the rules-based international order; welcomes the long- awaited third Joint Declaration on EU- NATO Cooperation which confirmed that the EU and NATO are essential partners who share common values and strategic interests, and who work in complementarity to ensure Euro-Atlantic and global security and stability; calls in particular for synergies and coherence between NATO’s Strategic Concept and the EU’s Strategic Compass, particularly in the areas of countering Russian aggressnd Chinese operations, hybrid and cyber warfare, and providing support to partners;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 457 #

2023/2119(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Expresses deep concern about China’s increasingly aggressive behaviour in the Taiwan Strait, including its 1,727 fighter jet incursions into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone in 2022, which is undermining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. Encourages Member States to increase the frequency of freedom of navigation operations in the Taiwan Strait and deepen security dialogues with Taiwan to deter Chinese aggression against the democratic island. Condemns China’s disruptive activities in the South China Sea, including island- building, harassment, and dangerous manoeuvres conducted by its navy, coast guard, and maritime militia. These actions have raised tensions with neighbouring countries and threatened maritime security in one of the most important global trade routes. Calls for greater Coordinated Maritime Presences (CMP) and capacity building with the EU’s partners in the region. Stresses the need to cooperate with a broader set of actors in the Indo-Pacific, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, and Taiwan, in terms of information exchange, burden-sharing, and strategic alignment, in order to optimise the use of the EU’s limited resources;
2023/10/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 21 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas, according to the Commission’s 2023 autumn economic forecast, the EU labour market continued to perform strongly in the first half of 2023, despite the slowdown in economic growth; whereas employment growth in the EU is projected at 1.0 % this year, with a projected easing to 0.4 % in both 2024 and 2025; whereas the unemployment rate in the EU is expected to remain broadly stable at 6.0 % in 2023 and 2024 and to edge down to 5.9 % in 2025, which is the lowest rate ever recorded for the EU, and 2024 and to edge down to 5.9 % in 2025; whereas the EU debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to 83 %, which is in contradiction with the criteria of the Stability and Growth Pact;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 25 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas the Annual Sustainable Growth Survey for 2024 highlights that despite marked wage increases in the EU in 2022 and the beginning of 2023, these remained below the high inflation rates and resulted in reduced purchasing power, affecting lower incomes the most; whereas real wages in the EU decreased by 3.7 % in 2022, increasing the risk of in-work poverty; whereas real wages are expected to increase as of next year as a result of continued nominal wage growth and declining inflationthe risk of in-work poverty is increased by other factors such as family composition with single parents or large families being especially affected; whereas real wages are expected to increase as of next year as a result of continued nominal wage growth and declining inflation; whereas the worsening the socio-economic situation was further exacerbated by Russia´s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 31 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas, energy prices in the EU remain high on average compared to pre- crisis levels and the rest of the world, which jeopardizes the social-economic stability within the EU;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 33 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the Commission’s 2023 autumn economic forecast stressed that uncertainty and downside risks to the economic outlook have increased in recent months because of Russia's protracted war of aggression against Ukraine and the wider regional consequences of the Hamas' brutal terrorist attacks against Israel and that the transmission of monetary tightening may weigh on economic activity for longer and to a larger degree than projected in this forecast, as adjusting the finances of firms, households and governments to the high interest rate environment could prove more challenging;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 41 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas the digital and green transitions could have a significant impact on the environment and the people affected, but also on the economy, including the labour markepeople, enterprises, the environment, but also on the economy, including the labour market; whereas the implementation of the Green Deal requires an important amount of investments that result in the general increase of prices all over the EU and therefore reduces the purchasing power of the EU citizens, affecting lower incomes the most;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 50 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas with regard to the general escape clause under the Stability and Growth Pact, which expires at the end of 2023, fiscal policy of the Member states needs to support monetary policy in reducing inflation and public debt, and needs to safeguard fiscal sustainability, while providing sufficient space for additional investments, including investments in social protection, quality social infrastructure and social services and support for long-term growtheconomic growth and strengthening competitiveness and resilience;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 53 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas the joint employment report for 2024 provides a first assessment of Member States' state of play on the three headline targets for 2030 and shows: good progress towards the employment target with an employment level of 74.6 %, but with significant differences according to gender and agebetween Member States and between men and women as well as among different age groups; progress by the majority of Member States towards their national poverty reduction targets, but changes in the opposite direction by others; a need for significant progress to reach the EU headline target of 60 % of adults in learning every year in the EU by 2030, from a low level of 37.4 % in 2016;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 62 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G
G. whereas the inclusion of a social convergence framework in the European Semester should foster upward social convergence and should improve the assessment and monitoring of employment and social developments in the Member States and the EU by identifying risks to upward convergence for Member States in the joint employment report based on the Social Scoreboard headline indicators and through the Commission’s publication of social convergence reports for those Member States identified as facing risks to upward social convergence;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 66 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H
H. whereas skilled workers that can respond to the demands of the labour market and education, training and lifelong learning are of key importance to ensure sustainable growth, increased innovation and competitiveness and the sustainable and just transition of the EU economy; whereas while the EU unemployment rate remains stable at 6% in 2023, EU companies keep struggling to find employees with required skills; whereas the availability of skilled employees is one of the biggest problem for EU’s small and medium-sized enterprises, representing 99% of all EU businesses;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 72 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas productivity is the main driver of competitiveness, average productivity growth in the EU has stagnated over the last decade; whereas the stagnation of production represents an obstacle to greater competitiveness in the EU;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 76 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
H b. whereas EU businesses are burdened by administrative obstacles that hinder their ability to invest; whereas joint efforts are required to enforce existing rules, remove barriers, and explore areas for further integration;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 80 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I
I. whereas, as a result of demographic ageing, the number of people over 65 is rising rapidly and, at the same time, a growing number of critical jobs cannot find suitabkilled candidates to fill open positions, leading to a decrease in the number of employees financ; whereas workforce shortages vary across the EU but are reported by all Member States, whereas these shortages in combination with ageing population and projected increase of number of persons with disabilities might underminge the social welfare model in the EUustainability of crucial sectors such as care sector;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 83 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas negative demographic trends might magnify regional disparities in the EU, especially in the rural and outermost regions; whereas brain drain within the EU as well as outwards worsens the overall negative impact of these trends;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 99 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that some of the aims of sustainable economic growth must be to ensure wellbeing through an inclusive socio- ecological and digital transformation of our economies to prevent social, economic, digital and environmental imbalances by fighting poverty, reducing inequalities and creating decent jobs with adequate wages and working conditions, while ensuring alignment withtaking into account the Sustainable Development Goals and the EPSR, as well as to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 109 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the importance of up-to- date monitoring of the labour market and of supply and demand for skills at the occupational, sectoral and regional level to assist in the identification and forecasting of relevant occupational and transversal skills needs; stresses that anticipating and better matching the skills of the workforce to the labour market needs leads to more resilient economies in view of the future economy shocks which require active labour market policies;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 113 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the need to invest significantly in peopleEuropean employees and to offer quality, inclusive and subsidis and future-oriented education and training in areas linked tobased on the individual aspirations as well as skills and competences that are in long-term demand in labour markets andor future-oriented sectors according to local and regional needs; further stresses the need to address skills mismatches and labour market shortages and provide assistance to SMEs for the recruitment of new skilled and qualified employees; underlines the need to ensure that workers are ready for the green and digital transitions, that they can benefit from opportunities for new employment or career progression and that training and education programmes are aligned withvailable for all workers and aligned with their individual aspirations, the needs of the planet, the economy and society of the future;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 126 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights the need to consider the distribution of quality employment in society due to the prevalence of poverty and social exclusion among certain groups, such as Romany people, in order to better design tailored activation and inclusion policies; stresses the importance of devoting particular attention to thecalls on Commission to learn from the many initiatives across the EU in tackling long-term unemployment such as through a job guarantee; stresses the importance of devoting particular attention to facilitating youth employment and pre- retirement transition; stresses that younger generation, which is still facesing difficulties entering the labour market, and to children whoyoung adults are at a higher risk of falling into poverty and social exclusion; insists, in that respect, on the need to better assess the impact of current policies, with the aim of enhancing Member States’ capacity to foster on job creations, competitiveness, economic growth, and upward social convergence;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 130 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls on Member States to ensure that all skills trainings are adapted to the capacities and desires of individuals and tailor-made for groups in vulnerable situations, such as NEETs (not in education, employment or training) and older workers;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 139 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that the creation of good- quality jobs and the implementation of retention strategies are the best ways to attract a skilled workforce and calls on employers to invest, therefore, suggest that employers create such conditions inf their workers;y encounter recruitment difficulties, highlights that recruitment difficulties and labour shortages are particularly prevalent in sectors with challenging working conditions and poor job quality; highlights that creating high-quality, well-paid jobs that improve quality of life is therefore crucial could be resolved by offering decent jobs with adequate wages and working conditions;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 142 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls on the Commission to propose new initiatives on mental health, to prevent and manage the psychosocial risks at work and ensure the well-being of workers;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 152 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Supports the increase of EU funds dedicated to social objectives and the promotion of future-oriented investments focused on the just green and digital transitions, with a strong social dimension, including gender equality and equal access to essential services, such as education, health and digital infrastructure; stresses that financial instruments at all levels must become less fragmented and bureaucratic and more blended and bundled;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 156 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Highlights the need to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens for companies, especially for SMEs and start- ups, while maintaining the highest standards of consumer protection;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 157 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Calls on the Member States to swiftly implement their National Action Plan on the EU Child Guarantee, and to ensure the availability of affordable, accessible and quality social services, such as early childhood education and care, out-of-school care, education, training, housing, health and long-term care, as a necessary condition for ensuring equality;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 165 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that EU fiscal rules should allow for the necessary public investment and financing of the just transition to a zero-carbon economy, as well as for the proper implementation ofwhile taking into account the principles of the EPSR and of social investments; stresses that, although there is ae need to reduce public debt within a reasonable time frame, smaller or more indebted Member States need more flexible individual adjustment paths that allow them enough fiscal space to undertake the investments and reforms needed for socially fair green and digital transitions in a way that leaves no one behind as required by Stability and Growth Pact, allowing a flexibility in a specific and exceptional cases;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 171 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Reminds the Member States of their commitment to undertake reforms and make investments that have a social impact and contribute to the EU’s economic, social and territorial cohesion and sustainable and inclusive growth, as well as contribute to the implementation of the EPSR through their national recovery and resilience plans; calls, in this sense, for a mainstreaming of the EPSR in all EU funds through the introduction of social conditionality in their allocation rules, as part of the Financial Regulation1 covering the EU general budget;; _________________ 1 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) No 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1).
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 180 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Takes note of the Commission’s proposals for new regulations within the revision of the economic governance framework of April 2023 to strengthen debt sustainability and its reduction and enhance sustainable and inclusive economic growth through investment and reforms, including fiscal adjustment paths that allow for social investment; calls on the Commission to assess which expenditures, reforms and investments are necessary to achieve the long-term socioeconomic objectives required to comply with milestones in the national recovery and resilience plans; calls on the Commission to propose a new system for excessive deficit calculations based on this assessment in order to increase fairness during the green and digital transitions, social resilience and the implementation of the EPSR, while ensuring the sustainability of public finances in the Member States and with compliance of the Stability and Growth Pact;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 193 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the fact that, in order to promote upward social convergence, the multilateral surveillance procedure set out in Article 148(4) TFEU has been, for the first time, complemented by an early warning system within the European Semester through a social convergence framework that could encourage the correction of risks to social convergence identified through the Social Scoreboard headline indicators and through social convergence reports published by the Commission; hHighlights the importance of including social divergence risks in the country-specific recommendations, especially those risks that concern people’s early development and that can have long- lasting consequences for individuals, such as equal access to quality education and healthcare, and highlights the importance of taking them into account when defining fiscal adjustment paths;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 204 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Calls for a more democratic European Semester process, with Parliament closely involved in setting macroeconomic and social policy priorities, in particular; considers that a revised European Semester process should follow the ordinary legislative procedure and so be agreed on between the Counon the Commission to consider how to strengthen democratic decision-making in the context of the European Semester process and in setting macroeconomic and social and Parliamentpolicy priorities;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 214 #

2023/2116(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. ReconfirmNotes the role of social partners in strengthening social dialogue and considers that the revision of the European Semester process should promote further dialogue with the relevant stakeholders, in particular relevant social partners and civil society organisations, on the main policy issues where appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of the TFEU and national legal and political arrangements;
2024/01/16
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 2 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1
– having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), particularly Article 5(3)
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 86 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine hasand other ongoing geopolitical challenges have given new geostrategic meaning to the enlargement of the European Union; whereas enlargement is a strategic geopolitical investment in the future, which can be mutually beneficial for both existing and future Member States if the proper conditions are met;
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 120 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas the parallel processes of widening and deepenEU must demonstrate a clear political will to support the candidate countries ing the Union must go hand in handir goal of EU accession;
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 127 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas candidate countries must also demonstrate their adherence to the fundamental values of the EU by aligning with the EU's policies and positions, including, in common foreign and security policy;
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 140 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas the EU should step up considerably its conditional technical and financial support for fundamental reforms, the resolution of bilateral disputes and regional economic integration in accession countries, as well as in deepening integration into the EU's Single Market as the most effective tool to support economic development in the candidate countries in order to mitigate the gap in socio-economic development;
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 151 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G
G. whereas the role of the European Parliament should be strengthen throughout the entirhas its own tools and instruments, including democracy support programmes, which can be used to support the enlargement process;
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 166 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H
H. whereas under the current institutional framework, the EU already faces considerable challenges in crisis management and strategic decision- making; whereas it is clear that the EU institutions and decision-making mechanisms were not designed for a Union that could be composed of up to 37 Member States; whereas before the next enlargement takes place, significant pre- enlargement reforms are needed to guarantee that the EU is able to absorb new members and to promote their successful integration; whereas this implies significant changes in the EU’s institutional framework, including to decision-making procedures, and the possible introduction of differentiated integration solutions; whereas in order to achieve this, the EU should take full advantage of the flexibility afforded by the Treaty of Lisbon and consider the possibility of treaty change, including via adaptations introduced by the accession treaties;
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 174 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas in the current geopolitical context, the EU cannot consume its strength on inward-looking discussions about institutional changes, but must be outward and forward looking by supporting the candidate countries and developing global partnerships with like- minded partners
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 181 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I
I. whereas the Union’s credibility and ability to act in a timely and effective manner depends on political will and efficient decision- making, and even more so in an enlarged EU of 30 or more Member States; whereas political will strengthens efficient decision-making leading to timely and coordinated internal and external action is vital for safeguarding the EU’s interests and its global geopolitical leadership; whereas reform of the EU’s governance structures, with simplified decision-making procedures, must be discussed and adopted in parallel with the ongoing accession negotiations;
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 197 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital J
J. whereas the mechanism to ensure compliance with the EU’s fundamental principles and values and the acquis communautaire, including the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, must also be strengthened in parallel with the next enlargement;
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 255 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that enlargement is of the utmost strategic importance for the EU, and all the more so in the face of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and other geopolitical challenges we are jointly facing; stresses that an enhanced enlargement policy has become the strongest geopolitical tool at the EU’s disposal; points out that enlargement is a strategic investment in peace, security and prosperity, as well as a driver for democracy and European values on the continent;
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 313 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for a robust benchmarks and monitoring mechanism for the reforms and progress made by the candidate countries; urges, in particular, the setting up of a specific and effective monitoring mechanism for protecting fundamental values and the financial interests of the Union in the context of accession procedures; reiterates in this regard its calls to include candidate countries in the EU rule of law mechanism and its annual reporting exercise, automatically activating pre-accession cooperation and verification mechanisms;
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 334 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that there is a need for stronger parliamentary oversight of the EU’s enlargement policy and providing democracy support through its existing instruments; insists on strengthening the role of Parliament throughout the entire accession process, including allowing it to scrutinise fully the progress made by the candidate countries across policy fields; underlines thate need to strengthen regular dialogue and cooperation between the European Parliament and the national parliaments of candidate countries should be encouraged;
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 339 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls on the EU institutions to establish more venues for enhanced and structured political dialogue with candidate countries in order to advance further economic integration and legislative harmonisation, for example, by including the candidate countries as observers in the proceedings of the committees established pursuant to Article 291 TFEU and Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, as a means to show the EU's commitment to further integration and strengthen the countries' reform orientation and administrative know-how;
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 346 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Believes that the challenge of a bigger Union requires an enhanced enlargement policy putting in place a clear incremental pathway towards EU membership, including gradual integration into common policies and providing candidate countries with observer status in certain meetings of EU institutions as in the case of previous enlargements; notes that this pathway should be accompanied by increased technical and conditional financial assistance with a special focus on the implementation and enforcement of laws under negotiating chapters 23, 24, 30 and 31; invites the Commission to present detailed proposals on the incremental accession methodology; underlines that the phasing-in of candidate countries into selected policy areas or by providing an observer status is by no means an alternative to fully-fledged membership;
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 374 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Points out that European institutional reforms must include simplified decision-making procedures, moving away from unanimity and replacing it with qualified majority voting provisionss and the Member States need to show greater political will in areas such as the protection of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, sanctions and relevant foreign policy decisions;
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 386 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for the mechanism to protect the rule of law and the EU’s fundamental principles and values, and the monitoring capacity to ensure compliance, to be strengthened ahead of the next enlargement, in particular, more efficient monitoring of the implementation of the subsidiarity and proportionality principles by the EU institutions;
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 454 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that enlargement is a major financial challenge for the EU, in particular regarding cohesion and agriculture policies; point out that this challenge cannot be met without a larger EU budget and sufficient own resourcesmore efficient EU budget; notes that this adds to growing demands on EU funding in the fields of financial stability, health, energy, decarbonisation, digital, research and defence and security; underlines that such financial reforms must be discussed in parallel with the ongoing accession negotiations and adopted before enlargement takes place; defends its position that the current and future multiannual financial frameworks should be strengthened considerably to enable EU enlargement, and that this financial groundwork must be in place before enlargement takes place;
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 473 #

2023/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Points out that the reconstruction and post-war recovery of Ukraine is an additional financial challenge to be addressed in the wider context of an international effort in coordination with like-minded partners;
2023/11/20
Committee: AFETAFCO
Amendment 65 #

2023/2107(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that the EU-Japan relationship is of exceptionally like-minded partners, built on a solid basis of shared values, democracy, free trade, common goals and mutually compatible interests, making Japan one of the EU’s most important and trusted partners globally; strongly emphasises the EU’s interest in deepening and broadening this partnership bilaterally and also in plurilateral and multilateral contexts; advocates for a Team Europe approach to the relationship;
2023/10/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 79 #

2023/2107(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Observes with interest Japan’s efforts to promote a stable architecture in the Indo-Pacific, for instance through its participation in the Quad, its engagement with Pacific island states or the recent Camp David Agreement with Korea and the US; continues to note Japan’s concerns about North Korea; intends to continuously cooperate with Japan in order to oppose China’s aggressive policies towards its neighbours; shares Japan’s position that Taiwan is an important partner and a precious friend; reaffirms that the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is an indispensable element of security and prosperity in the international community; shares, further, Japan’s high regard for the Association of Southeas Asian Nations (ASEAN); welcomes the fact that some new vice- ministerial formats also include the EU (in groupings such as Japan/Australia/Korea/EU and Japan/Korea/US/EU);
2023/10/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 84 #

2023/2107(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Observes with interest Japan’s efforts to promote a stable security architecture in the Indo-Pacific, for instance through its participation in the Quad, its engagement with Pacific island states or the recent Camp David Agreement with Korea and the US; continues to note Japan’s concerns about North Korea; intends to continuously cooperate with Japan in order to oppose China’s aggressive policies towards its neighbours; shares Japan’s position that Taiwan is an important partner and a precious friend; shares, further, Japan’s high regard for the Association of Southeas Asian Nations (ASEAN); welcomes the fact that some new vice-ministerial formats also include the EU (in groupings such as Japan/Australia/Korea/EU and Japan/Korea/US/EU);
2023/10/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 92 #

2023/2107(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Is grateful for the USD 7.6 billion of robust and unwavering support Japan is providing to Ukraine for its self-defence inagainst Russia’s war of aggression; agrees with Japan that it is crucially important to promote the alignment of all international actors that support the UN principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity against imperialist revisionism or hegemonic coercion; expresses the EU’s clear commitment to supporting efforts to uphold peace and stability in the Indo- Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea, the East China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, and to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific;
2023/10/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 102 #

2023/2107(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Wants toUrges strengthened collaborateion with Japan in developing more balanced relations with countries from the Global South; emphasises the importance of implementing necessary climate change policy financing, sustainable and free trade and a fair international energy transition; emphasises the importance of the Global Gateway Initiative and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment; welcomes the first five EU-Japan connectivity projects and the Far North Fiber Project;
2023/10/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 18 #

2023/2105(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas parliamentary diplomacy can contribute to the achievement of EU objectives and to the promotion of EU values, interests and policies, thereby bringing added value by promoting more coherent and cohesive EU external action;
2023/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 34 #

2023/2105(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas Parliament engages with elected officials and diplomats, political parties as well as civil society representatives and other stakeholders from non-EU countries and multilateral institutions on a continuous basis, in particular through the work of its delegations and committees, including through holding hearings and country visits, and election observation;
2023/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 102 #

2023/2105(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Believes that the political dialogue carried out by Parliament with governmental, parliamentary and civil society actors across the world must contributes to promoting EU views and values on global standards in areas such as democratic governance, climate and energy diplomacy, connectivity, artificial intelligence and digital and technological policies;
2023/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 105 #

2023/2105(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Believes that the political dialogue carried out by Parliament with governmental, parliamentary and civil society actors across the world contributes to promoting EU views and values on global standards in areas such as climate and energy diplomacy, connectivity, artificial intelligence and digital and technological policies, and working with legislators from across the democratic world to address the threats posed by authoritarian and totalitarian regime to our institutions and societies;
2023/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 145 #

2023/2105(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for a further strengthening of Parliament’s relations with the Member States’ national parliaments, which are well-placed bodies to act as a relay towards Member States’ executive branches and to strengthen the application of the subsidiarity principle;
2023/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 160 #

2023/2105(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
20. Takes the view that, in the context of backsliding in terms of respect for human rights and democracy worldwide, Parliament has a specific role to play in helping democratically elected parliaments globally, particularly those seeking EU membership, to consolidate their institutional role and internal working methods;
2023/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 191 #

2023/2105(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
24. Considers that while Parliament should maintain its full autonomymust respect its own competencies in carrying out its external policy agenda, joint ad hoc visits and statements by Parliament alongside Commission and Council representatives in relation to key developments in non-EU countries offer a promising area for enacting the Team Europe approach;
2023/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 5 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
– having regard to the 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,
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 6 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 b (new)
– having regard to the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of the Union and its Member States from economic coercion by third countries COM/2021/775 final,
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 7 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 c (new)
– having regard to the Regulation (EU) 2022/2560 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market,
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 11 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
– having regard to the Final Assessment Report of the NATO-EU Task Force on the Resilience of Critical Infrastructure of 29 June 2023,
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 12 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 b (new)
– having regard to the 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 (EU) 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/102,
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 13 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
– having regard to the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 10 March 2023 on the update of the EU Maritime Security Strategy and its Action Plan entitled ‘An enhanced EU Maritime Security Strategy for evolving maritime threats’ (JOIN(2023)0008),
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 14 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
– having regard to the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 1 December 2021 entitled ‘The Global Gateway’ (JOIN/2021/0030),
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 17 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas the recent joint communication on a European economic security strategy focuses on minimising the risks arising from certain economic flows and the Union's dependency on authoritarian and totalitarian regimes such as the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the context of increased geopolitical tensions and accelerated technological shifts, while protecting free market principles from distortion by such regimes and, thereby, preserving maximum economic openness and dynamism;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 19 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas disruptions to critical infrastructure can have significant negative consequences for vital government functions, essential services to the population, economic activity as well as security and defence of the Union;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 26 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas the coercive policies and the growing assertiveness of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including its increasingly aggressive stance towards Taiwan, as well as the social and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine have exposed the EU’s vulnerabilities and reaffirmed the need to ‘de-risk’ its relations vis-à-vis the PRC and other non- democratic third countries;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 29 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas China’s acquisition of critical infrastructure, especially within the EU and in its neighbourhood, including the Western Balkans, poses an increasing multi-dimensional risk to the trade-Union's security nexus;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 40 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas the Sino-Russian strategic partnership continues to grow, including in the areas of technology and military capability transfers, posing an increasing threat to European security;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 42 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the spread of China’s digital authoritarianism and mass surveillance continues to intensify both within China and beyond, targeting democratic institutions and societies;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 43 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Fb. whereas totalitarian China’s rapidly rising technological, economic and military power risks establishing a new international order that would endanger freedom and democracy around the world;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 44 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F c (new)
Fc. whereas Chinese ambitions are growing in strategic areas such as AI, cloud computing, semiconductors, or hardware; whereas these instruments, particularly AI, could be developed for military purposes, driving the next revolution in military affairs;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 45 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that China’s military- civil fusion (MCF) strategy is a state-led, state-directed programme and plan to instrumentalise all levers of state and commercial power to strengthen and support the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the armed wing of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), particularly by acquiring and diverting the world’s cutting-edge technologies, with the objective of strengthening the totalitarian regime and achieving military dominance;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 52 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Believes that MCF must be understood in a larger political and strategic context, taking into account its interconnections with other initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (including the Digital Silk Road), subversion activities and China's increasing assertiveness and aggressive posturing abroad; believes that the ultimate aim of MCF is to advance China’the party-state's long- term strategic goal to increase asymmetrical interdependence of third countries vis-a-vis China and become the world’s leading power under the rule of the CCP;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 62 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Warns of the risk of Chinese companies having any involvement with EU strategic assets, especially those companies that have direct or indirect links to China’s political-military system; underlines, in this regard, its concern that technology and technological expertise willused in civilian activities, particularly in the economic sphere, continues to be transferred to China’s military, increasing the PLA’s ability to develop the next generation of military technology, which may be used to coerce partners in Asia and around the world;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 66 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses the repeated warnings by intelligence agencies against the risks of economic dependence, espionage and sabotage caused by the economic presence of entities from non-EU countries, in particular China, in critical infrastructure and strategic sectors across the EU;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 68 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises that China produces 70 % of the world’s batteries (hosting three of the top five battery manufacturing giants), accounts for 60 % of global aluminium production and 75 % of silicon production, is the leading refiner of 60 % of lithium and 70 % of copper processing and produces 84 % of the world’s nickel and 85 % of its cobalt; underlines that Chinese mining companies are active in the Democratic Republic of Congo (cobalt), Indonesia (nickel) and Chile and Australia (lithium) and that its quasi-monopoly on the production and processing of these critical commodities presents not only an acute geopolitical challenge for the EU, but also a huge risk for Europe’s defence and other industrial sectors; welcomes, in this regard the Commission proposal for the Critical Raw Materials Act and calls for the speedy implementation of its goals in order strengthen the Union’s supply chain resilience;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 77 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls that both diplomatic and military communication travels through privately owned undersea cables provided by Chinese companies, such as HMN Technologies, a PLA cyber intelligence– affiliated entity; expresses its grave concern over the undersea data cable systems operated by Chinese company HMN Technologies, which connect EU Member States’ territories and the Indo- Pacific region, including Member State and NATO military bases in the region, creating security vulnerabilities as regards underwater surveillance and the collection ofdata for intelligence purposes;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 82 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Warns that the deterioration in the security environment in Europe and around the globe requires urgent reflection on how to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy and reduce its dependencies on countries that pose a security threat to the Union like the PRC thatand are systemic rivals, not strategic partners; stresses the need to prevent sensitive emerging technologies and key dual-use items from being leaked to destinations of concern that pursue or collaborate in MCF strategies; calls on the EU institutions and the Member States to strengthen cooperation with the transatlantic and other like-minded partners in the protection of critical infrastructure, and to defend democracy and preserve our shared values, security and prosperity;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 91 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Welcomes the publication of the Final Assessment Report of the EU- NATO Task Force and calls for the full implementation of its recommendations;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 92 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Warns that large investments in seaports, railways and airports give Beijing the opportunity to monitor and control activities in key logistical nodes with a fundamental strategic dimension;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 93 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Remains concerned that European critical infrastructure is becoming increasingly vulnerable to external influence; commends, in this respect, recent legislative steps to enhance the resilience of critical entities in the EU; notes with concern, however, that such initiatives are largely limited to screening procedures for foreign direct investment, leaving other channels open for the CCP to gain access and influence over critical assets; is further concerned by the political pressure asserted in the approval of specific Chinese investments into critical infrastructure, as in the case of the German government's decision to agree to the acquisition of a stake at the port of Hamburg by COSCO, contrary to the assessment of the intelligence services;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 94 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Remains concerned that European critical infrastructure, from telecommunications networks to port facilities, is becoming increasingly vulnerable to external influence; commends, in this respect, recent legislative steps to enhance the resilience of critical entities in the EU; notes with concern, however, that such initiatives are largely limited to screening procedures for foreign direct investment, leaving other channels open for the CCP to gain access and influence over critical assets; notes that a framework introducing rules for cooperation and sharing of information on FDI between EU member states and the European Commission is a good first step, more must be done in this direction to ensure the protection of critical European infrastructure from Chinese interferences;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 96 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. welcomes the decision of EU institutions and those of several EU Member States to suspend the TikTok application on corporate devices, as well as personal devices enrolled in the institutions’ mobile device services; calls for implemention of the suspension across all EU and Member State institutions, as well as a thorough risk assessment of other such vendors with connections to authoritarian and totalitarian regimes;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 98 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Notes with concern that Huawei today controls just under 50% of the EU's 4G network and, in the case of 5G, 100% of the 5G RAN in Cyprus is composed of Chinese equipment, and 59% in the case of Germany; stresses that this runs counter to the EU's “5G security toolbox” guidelines to mitigate security risks in networks and calls on the Member States to remove equipment and services from Huawei, ZTE and other vendors in core network functions;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 104 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that the screening of stakeholders with access to critical infrastructure cannot be limited to direct investment; calls for the current instruments that address foreign direct investment and foreign subsidies to be expanded to include generalised screening procedures for all stakeholders involved in EU critical infrastructure projects; calls on the Commission, with the support of the Member States, to map, track and assess China’s access to critical infrastructure in the EU; stresses that the Member States are ultimately responsible for infrastructure protection, but have not; urgently calls on the Member States to consistently implemented current guidelineslegislation related to the resilience of critical entities and on foreign direct investment or, and to set up national-level investment-screening mechanisms;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 108 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Welcomes the decision of the Romanian government to terminate negotiations with China General Nuclear Power Corporation, GCNPC, on the construction of nuclear reactors 3 and 4 at Cernavoda and further welcomes the ratification of the 2020 intergovernmental agreement with the United States on cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, including construction of reactors 3 and 4 at Cernavoda;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 110 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the potential of the Commission’s proposal for a European economic security strategy to expand the EU toolkit to exports or outward investments in a narrow set of key enabling technologies with military applications, inter alia, in the areas of quantum computing, advanced semiconductors and artificial intelligence; calls for the swift adoption of the Commission’s proposals and for the Member States to fully implement the EU’s expanded regulatory framework to exclude entities that could contribute to MCF; through the development of a comprehensive approach on commonly identifying, assessing and managing risks to European economic security; commends the multilateral involvement of Commission and member states in cooperation with the High Representative, where appropriate, and the input from private sector as envisioned by the Strategy;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 121 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the adoption of the European Chips Act, which will increase the EU’s ability to produce semiconductors and create a strategic map of, inter alia, capability gaps in the semiconductor value chain in the EU, thereby limiting the EU’s dependence on third countries such as China; calls for further proposals to secure the production and supply chains of critical infrastructure and material within the EU; in this regard, further calls for closer economic and scientific ties with like- minded partners, in particular with Taiwan, which plays a significant role in the global supply chains, while in the meantime standing on the frontline defending against the expansion and assertivity of the PRC and its threats to the international rules-based order;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 125 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Notes that ports are gateways to the world and as such play a crucial role in the EU's economy; nots with concerning, however, that Chinese-owned or controlled entities have strategically increased their stakes in European ports and port infrastructure, including the Germany's Hamburg and Duisburg, Greek ports of Pireus and Thessaloniki, Belgium's Zeebrugge and Antwerp, the Neterlands' Rotterdam, Spain's Valencia, Bilbao and Barcelona, France's Montoir, Dunkirk, Le Havre and Fos, Sweden's Stockholm, Poland's Gdynia, Italy's Vado Ligure and Malta's Marsaloxlokk;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 127 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to urgently address the need to reduce the risks of espionage and sabotage in critical infrastructure, in particular those with a military function, such as ports that are used by NATO;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 128 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 c (new)
12c. Calls on the Commission to present an EU strategic policy framework to reduce and limit influence and operational control by China and other regimes that a security threat to the Union in the EU’s ports and in their processes and hinterland operations;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 129 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 d (new)
12d. Highlight that Taiwan’s semiconductor industry is vital for the global economy; welcomes Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturing diversification in Europe and reiterate its longstanding support for the EU-Taiwan Bilateral Investment Agreement and any arrangements mutually beneficial to bilateral trade and investment;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 143 #

2023/2072(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Notes that one third of all African infrastructure built since 2010 has been financed and constructed by Chinese state- owned enterprises; underlines that, over the past 20 years, China has increased its trade, investment and loan commitments with few or opaque contractual obligations; expresses concern that this Chinese model is clearly attractive to many countries that cannot satisfy EU requirements for accessing equivalent levels of finance, thereby expanding Chinese influence to the detriment of EU partnerships; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to ensure that the EU’s high standards for investment with partners do not compromise it security relationships and engagement as a reliable and strategic partner; calls on the Commission to effectively use the Global Gateway as an instrument to increase the EU’s presence and visibility worldwide by means of infrastructure investment that creates national value in partner countries, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals; calls on the Commission to strengthen its cooperation with international financial institutions and the private sector to mobilise the necessary funding;
2023/10/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 58 #

2023/2066(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas child poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon stemming from household poverty, meaning that low- income families, families of children with disabilities, single-parent families – mostly made up of women and their children – and large families are at greater risk of poverty as well as generational poverty; whereas this phenomenon requires a multidimensional response, which necessarily includes improving employment and job security including decent wages, guaranteeing and enforcing rights, increasing incomesupporting families and ensuring universal access to quality public services with the special focus on affordable and accessible care infrastructure;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 118 #

2023/2066(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas childcare and pre-school education mayquality, affordable and accessible childcare infrastructure and pre-school education may, in addition to the family supporting measures, play a significant role in compensating for the socio-economic status of children at risk of poverty and foster the integration of parents, especially mothers, into the labour market;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 196 #

2023/2066(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Member States to increase public investment in universal policies that have a direct and indirect impact on children’s lives, by guaranteeing high- quality public services (especially care, education, health, housing, cultural and leisure activities), to promote the creation of work with rights based on robust collective bargaining and recruitment with decent and fair wagedecent and fair wages, to ensure quality jobs, to facilitate a family- work-life balance by, inter alia, reducingflexible working houarrangements for parents and carers and providing for maternity and paternity leave, and to bolster mechanisms for ensuring the participation of children and their families, as well as civil family organisations, in the development, implementation and monitoring of these policies;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 212 #

2023/2066(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Deplores the fact that the governments of the Member States are moving away from universal policies and increasingly promoting policies based on the liberalisation of services and instruments whose availability depends on the resources of the beneficiaries; stresses that universal and long-term policiesStresses that systemic and long- term family policies, fostering an environment favourable to families with children, offer better protection against the multiple causes of poverty and social exclusion, by providing structural responses that can, if necessary, be supplemented by immediate, one-off support measures;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 237 #

2023/2066(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to make the efficient and widest possible use of the Child Guarantee as a social response facilitating the social integration and inclusion of children and families suffering from poverty and exclusion;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 260 #

2023/2066(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Member States to implement legislation that protects or enhances maternity, paternity and parental rights, allowing for a more effective work- life balance that makes it possible for women to return to work after pregnancy and maternity leave, and for breastfeeding; deplores various forms of discrimination targeting women wishing to have children, pregnant women and mothers;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 360 #

2023/2066(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Condemns all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect with regard to children, including directed at mothers and pregnant women; highlights the impact of the well-being of mothers and pregnant women on the mental health of their children; calls on the Member States to develop and implement integrated prevention and protection systems for children with a view to eradicating violence;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 31 #

2023/2052(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas since 2011 half a million Syrians have died and 14 million have been displaced due to violent attacks by armed and terrorist groups, but mainly as a result of the fierce repression by the Syrian regime, with the help of its allies, of its own people; whereas this repression has included the repeated use of chemical weapons, incendiary bombs, barrel bombs, missiles and conventional aerial bombardments on civilians; whereas at least 150 000 Syrians are missing in the regime’s concentration-camp system and families have still not been informed of the fate of their loved ones; whereas over 1 500 civilians were killed by the Syrian regime during the sarin attack in Ghouta in 2013;
2023/12/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 47 #

2023/2052(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas authoritarian foreign actors, including Russia, the Wagner militia, Hezbollah and Iran, have played a destructive role for the country since 2011, and whereas the Syrian regime does not control the whole of national territory and can remain in power only with the support of these foreign actors and their proxy forces;
2023/12/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 71 #

2023/2052(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas ISISDaesh committed crimes against humanity, including genocide, in the territories temporarily under its control prior to the intervention of the international coalition;
2023/12/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 88 #

2023/2052(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital J
J. whereas the Syrian state is not sufficiently addressinggnores the basic needs of the Syrian people, especially in parts of the Syrian territory that are not fully controlled by the Syrian regime, the country’s economic situation is extremely precarious and Syria has turned into a narco-state;
2023/12/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 102 #

2023/2052(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) reaffirm the EU’s strong support for Syria’s continued democratic aspirations, despite the regime’s total repression since the peaceful protests in 2011, which has been bolstered by decisive military and financial assistance from Iran and Russia to enable Assad and his cronies to retain power;
2023/12/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 106 #

2023/2052(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) stress the regime’s personal responsibility for the death of more than half a million civilians, the destruction of the country, the displacement of the majority of the population (the internally displaced alone are estimated at six and a half million people), the torture and disappearance of 150 000 people at the hands of the concentration-camp system, the use of chemical weapons against civilians and the systematic destruction of any democratic and peaceful opposition;
2023/12/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 111 #

2023/2052(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) oppose any normalisation of relations with the Assad regime without any profound and objectively verifiable developments in the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015), including the release of political prisoners, informing the families of the victims about the fate of the missing and the cessation of any attacks and obstacles to humanitarian aid;
2023/12/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 132 #

2023/2052(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) deplore the continued presence on Syrian territory of hundreds of Iranian and Russian bases and militias; express deep concern about the economic exploitation of the country by predatory foreign powers;
2023/12/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 137 #

2023/2052(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) condemn the attacks by Turkish forces and their occupation of Syrian territories in the north; express their deep concern about the persistence of radical Islamist opposition in Idlib province; support the continuation of the international coalition against the Islamic State, which remains active in Syria despite significant defeats; call for a determined international effort to continue its fight against the Islamic State in Syria until its complete elimination;
2023/12/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 156 #

2023/2052(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) step up efforts to counter Russian disinformation about the Syrian civil war and other conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, including disinformation in the Arabic language;
2023/12/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 208 #

2023/2052(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
(t) strongly condemn Russia’s countless vetos against delivering aid to the people in the north; denounce once again Russia’s attempts to tarnish the image of wWhite helmetHelmets; stress that the White Helmets play a significant role in the rescue of Syrian civilians, often at the cost of their own lives;
2023/12/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 68 #

2023/2051(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas, regardless of their role or their status as a worker or self-employed person, the living and working conditions of CCS professionals can be characterised by precariousness and instability, which was further accentuated during the Covid- 19 pandemic, with unpredictable incomes, short-term contracts, weak or no social security, and a lack of access to unemployment support; whereas the extent of social security coverage of CCS professionals varies between countries, sectors and types of work within the sectors and may lead to differences in living and working conditions;
2023/07/05
Committee: EMPLCULT
Amendment 198 #

2023/2051(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that, in view of atypical work patterns in cultural and creative careers and the ensuing challenges, common throughout the Union, in accessing social protection for CCS professionals and in view of the high cross- border mobility of CCS professionals, a targeted legal actand effective measures at Union level isare needed to promote access to comprehensive and adequate social protection systems for all CCS professionals;
2023/07/05
Committee: EMPLCULT
Amendment 251 #

2023/2051(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls the importance of copyright and related rights in the cultural and creative sectors and of properly implementing them, ensuring that every type of rightholder is fairly remunerated; stresses above all that copyright-based remuneration is the main source of income for authors and composers and therefore an essential element of their working conditions;
2023/07/05
Committee: EMPLCULT
Amendment 256 #

2023/2051(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. considers fair remuneration for authors and songwriters to be an essential part of their working conditions and condemns the coercive contractual practices of copyright buyouts and work with transfer of copyright introduced by video-on-demand services outside the EU, which deprive authors and songwriters of fair and equitable remuneration for the use of their works;
2023/07/05
Committee: EMPLCULT
Amendment 267 #

2023/2051(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Is concerned by abusiveunfair and coercive practices that may result inlead to unfair contractual relationships for CCS professionals in the cultural and creative sectors; draws attention to issues relating more specifically to ‘buy-out’ contracts; requests the Commission and work with transfer of copyright imposed by video-on-demand platforms based outside the EU, which apply third country rules in order to circumvent EU legislation on the protection of authors, their rights and remuneration; calls on the Commission in this context to assess and, closely monitor and address the situation in that regardorder to prevent the circumvention of EU rules and principles and to ensure fair remuneration and working conditions for authors and composers;
2023/07/05
Committee: EMPLCULT
Amendment 462 #

2023/2051(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 1 – paragraph 1
The objective of the proposals is to establish a Union frameworkrecommendations on the social and professional situation of artists and other professionals in the cultural and creative sectors (‘CCS professionals’) (the ‘Framework’). The Framework should comprise one or more decisionsrecommendations should help in the setting up of a mechanism for structured cooperation and the exchange of best practices between Member States with a view to formulating quality standards and reviewing relevant developments in areas relevant to the living and working conditions of CCS professionals.
2023/07/05
Committee: EMPLCULT
Amendment 26 #

2023/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas almost three years after the so-called elections on 9 August 2020, the Belarusian authorities areillegitimate regime of Aliaksandr Lukashenka is continuing theirits repression against the Belarusian people; whereas more than 50 000 Belarusians have been illegally arrested and tortured, more than 1 500 persons remain imprisoned on political grounds and around 300 000 have left the country for fear of a similar fate;
2023/06/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 54 #

2023/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas the Belarusian authoritieillegitimate Lukashenka regime is actively supporting and have become accomplices in Russia’s unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine;
2023/06/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 75 #

2023/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas the Belarusian democratic forces led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya have a well-established and internationally recognised structure, including the Coordination Council, which the European Parliament recognises as an interim representation of the people demanding democratic change in Belarus that is open to all political and civil society stakeholders, as well as the recent formation of the United Transitional Cabinet and the opening of the Mission of Democratic Belarus in Brussels;
2023/06/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 89 #

2023/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the Lukashenka regimes continues to suppress all fundamental human rights, including freedom of religion and belief; whereas according to the Coordination Council, in 2022 alone 8 Roman Catholic, 3 Greek Catholic, 6 Orthodox priests and 7 Protestant pastors faced various forms of pressure from the illegitimate regime, from fines to the long terms of imprisonment, including Siarhei Rezanovich who was sentenced to 16 years of imprisonment in a colony under a strict regime; where the political prisoners are systematically denied access to the religious literature or visits of priests;
2023/06/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 93 #

2023/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Gb. whereas the Lukashenka regime continues to severely restrict the freedom of association; whereas, in December 2022 it submitted a bill to the National Assembly to amend the Law on Political Parties, which may ultimately lead to the de facto banning of any political party in opposition to the regime;
2023/06/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 113 #

2023/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Urges the BelarusianLukashenka regime to end this spiral of violence, torture and repression against dissenting voices and perceived critics, to release immediately and unconditionally all political prisoners and all persons arbitrarily detained, and to engage in a genuine dialogue with representatives of the democratic forces, including opposition political parties and civil society, in order to find a way out of the current political crisis through the organisation of free and fair elections to be organised under international observation led by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe;
2023/06/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 117 #

2023/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the regime to provide necessary medical treatment to the prisoners with serious diseases and health issues, including Maria Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka, Ryhor Kastusiou, Iryna Melcher, Halina Dzierbysz, Henadz Fedynich, Marfa Rabkova, Vasil Berasneu, Viachaslau Areshka, Uladzimir Hundar, Uladzimir Matskevich, Mikalai Statkevich, Alena Hnauk, Andrei Voinich, Aliaksandr Fiaduta, Mikita Zalatarou, Dzmitry Zalomski, Aliaksei Hubich, Vadzim Hurman, Antanina Kanavalava, Andrei Skurko, Darya Afanasieva, Arseni Maiseichyk, Ihar Mints, Pavel Hancharyk, Siarhei Batura, Viachaslau Dashkevich, Daniil Kastsiukevich, Mikhail Khamitsevich, Maryna Markevich, Yauhen Liulkovich, Volha Tsybulskaya, Volha Zalatar, Artsiom Bayarski, Ksenia Lutskina, Pavel Kuchynski, Uladzimir Malakhouski, Ruslan Slutski, Alena Maushuk, Larysa Kuzmenka, Kiryl Palcheuski, Yury Prakharenka, Siarhei Verashchahin, Viachaslau Rahashchuk, Aliaksandr Kapshul, Raman Karanevich, Vital Melnik, Aksana Zaretskaya and Viktoryia Kulsha. Reiterates its demand on the Lukashenka regime to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners;
2023/06/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 123 #

2023/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Strongly condemns the persecution of religious communities in Belarus, as well as the persecution of clerics and laity, who in their religious activities refuse to support the position of the Lukashenka regime and express disagreement with its policies, including the sentencing of Orthodox priest Sergei Rezanovich, his wife and son to 16 years in prison, the pressure on the late Orthodox Archbishop Artemy (Kishchanka), the former Grodno and Vaukavysk, as well as regular arrests of clergy including the arrests in May 2023 of the Catholic priests - Viachaslau Adamovich, Andrei Kulik, Aliaksandr Shautsou, and catechism teacher Uladzislau Beladzied, taking away of churches from Catholics in Minsk, as well as the prohibition of the ministry of Protestant communities;
2023/06/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 148 #

2023/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Condemns the continued incarceration of political prisoners, including democratic opposition leaders Pavel Sevyarynets and Mikhalai Statkevich who have been jailed for over 3 years, and calls for their immediate and unconditional release;
2023/06/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 153 #

2023/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Condemns the regime's planned deregistration of democratic political parties in Belarus on the basis on the new Law on Political Parties, which may ultimately lead to the de facto banning of any political party in opposition to the regime;
2023/06/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 175 #

2023/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the BelarusianLukashenka regime’s involvement in Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, including the massive provision of ammunition and military hardware to the Russian aggressors and the use of Belarusian territory as a staging ground to launch the invasion as well as continued missile attacks on military and civilian targets in Ukraine; notes that the vast majority of Belarusians disapprove of this multifaceted involvement in Russia’s war of aggression; expresses its support for the Belarusian volunteers, in particular the ‘Kalinouski’ and ‘Pahonia’ regiments, who are bravely fighting alongside the Ukrainian army to repel the aggressors;
2023/06/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 187 #

2023/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on European political parties and foundations to provide all necessary assistance to their Belarusian sister parties and affiliated organisations;
2023/06/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 244 #

2023/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Calls for the EU, its institutions and its Member States to develop a more ambitious and comprehensive strategy in order to support democratic forces, civil society activists, independent trade unions and free media both in and outside Belarus; calls for improved EU communication with the people in Belarus in order to provide them with information and counter disinformation and propaganda by the state-controlled media; urges the EU Member States to coordinate their actions in order to alleviate the difficulties faced by democratic forces, including opposition political parties and civil society activists in exile, for example in the process of obtaining residence permits or opening bank accounts;
2023/06/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 245 #

2023/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Calls for the EU, its institutions and its Member States to develop a more ambitious and comprehensive strategy in order to support democratic forces, including opposition political parties, civil society activists, independent trade unions and free media both in and outside Belarus; calls for improved EU communication with the people in Belarus in order to provide them with information and counter disinformation and propaganda by the state-controlled media; urges the EU Member States to coordinate their actions in order to alleviate the difficulties faced by democratic forces and civil society activists in exile, for example in the process of obtaining residence permits or opening bank accounts;
2023/06/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 250 #

2023/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on the European Commission and the Member States to organise systematic and comprehensive support for the Belarusian political prisoners and members of their families who are in a vulnerable financial situation, as well as to support for political prisoners who have served their sentences, including financial support, assistance in medical and psychological rehabilitation;
2023/06/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 26 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas due to limited resources, the external financing instruments have often been stretched to their limits; whereas, since the adoption of the Regulation establishing the Instrument, events such as the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine (which triggered a food, energy and cost of living crisis) and, growing malign influence of the People's Republic of China especially in developing countries, regional instability around the world, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and other challenges have exacerbated the situation to such a degree that an early mid-term evaluation (MTE) of the Instrument and a mid-term revision (MTR) of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) are necessary;
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 32 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas project implementation under the Instrument cannot yet be evaluated fully, as it is still in itsdue to being in early stages;
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 45 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines the need to review the EU’s external and development policies in the light of geopolitical changes; recognises the enhanced importance of strategic partnerships with partner countries and the specific role of EU investments, which have to reflect both the interests of the EU and the interests of our partners, as well as the EU's founding values;
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 49 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine; stresses, however, that this support should not come at the expense of other partners and third countries, whose EU funding should not be cut; calls, therefore, for a thorough evaluation of the Instrument’s resources, which should also assess whether they are sufficient to meet the Instrument’s objectives, and also to ensure that they continue to be relevant in the context of on-going geopolitical challenges;
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 60 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the consolidation of most of the EU’s external action in a single Instrument, gradually streamlining and harmonising the numerous previous instruments; is of the opinion, however, that although this simplification has enhanced flexibility and efficiency, it has not been accompanied by sufficient levels of effective accountability;
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 67 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for the MTE to evaluate in depth the Instrument’s capacity to achieve the EU’s overall external policy goals, and particularly the objective of contributing to the promotion of multilateralism, sustainable development and of protecting, promoting and advancing democracy, the rule of law and human rights and fundamental freedoms;
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 78 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Requests that the MTE provide legal and political clarity with regard to the listing of Ukraine, and Moldova and Georgia as beneficiaries under the neighbourhood chapter of the Instrument; notes that these countries have become candidates for accession to the EU and, together with Georgia's pendingcandidacy subject to the decision of the Council on its candidacy, should therefore be listed as beneficiaries with the adequate budgetary transfer of bilateral financial envelopes to the Instrument for Pre- accession Assistance (IPA III) Regulation10 ; welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a Ukraine facility to meet immediate needs, but stresses the importance of using a long- term instrument; _________________ 10 Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 September 2021 establishing the Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance (IPA III) (OJ L 330, 20.9.2021, p. 1).
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 87 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for the MTE to assess, in particular, the extent to which funding has delivered tangible results in Africa and whether a review of priorities and objectives is necessary;
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 105 #

2023/2029(INI)

10. Reaffirms the commitment set out in the Instrument to eradicating poverty, fighting inequalities and discrimination and promoting sustainable human development;
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 121 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Reaffirms the commitment outlined in the Instrument to addressing the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement; is of the opinion that, without prejudice to unforeseen circumstances, the commitment within the Instrument to dedicate an indicative 10 % of the Instrument’s financial envelope to actions supportaddressing the management and governanceroot causes of migration and forced displacement within the objectives of the Instrument should be respected and that this clause should not be reopened;
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 138 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Recognises the specific role of EU investments, which must reflect the strategic interests of both the EU and our partner countries, as well as the EU's founding values and principles, and underlines the important part played by the budgetary guarantees in delivering them under the ‘policy first’ principle; highlights the importance of ensuring that the guarantees counterbalance the risk involved in the highest-risk countries for investment so that relevant investment is also directed to them where possible;
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 148 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Notes the specific role played by the EIB in the European financial architecture for development, as set out in Article 209 of the TFEU and in Article 36 of the Regulation establishing the Instrument, and acknowledges the EIB’s potential to mobilise additional funding that contributes to the Instrument’s objectives; welcomes the creation of EIB Global, which has been operational since 1 January 2022 and sets out to increase the bank’s presence and expertise in developing countries; and calls for a more active EIB role in mobilising funding for sustainable investment;
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 182 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the Global Gateway strategy as a concerted EU response to global challenges; regrets, however, the lack of transparency and of a regulatory framework for the strategy’s governance and implementation within the Instrument’s objectives and priorities; calls for a faster pace of implementation of the strategy in light of existing and emerging global challenges
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 195 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses the importance of the programming process, underlining the crucial role of the EEAS and EU delegations in this regard, as well as in ensuring the proper inclusion of partner countries throughout the process, including by fostering close consultation of and association with local authorities, in order to identify common priorities and enhance partner countries’ sense of ownership; stresses, furthermore, the important role of civil society organisations and, where relevant, private sector in the programming process;
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 197 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
21. Regrets the rushed programming process that took place in the second half of 2021, preventing adequate scrutiny by Parliament; calls on the Commission to ensure a more predictable and transparent programming exercise, to develop a standardised, comparable and transparent methodology for allocating funds to neighbourhood countries, to ensure rigorous application for non- neighbourhood countries and to clarify the methodology for assessing the impact of EU’s support and ensure its relevance in a developing geopolitical context;
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 213 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
25. Requests that the MTE be used to the fullest extent possible in order to update either the Instrument or its delegated acts on priority areas and to reassess the validity of the geographic and thematic MIPs, including more prominent conditions relating to compliance with international law, alignment with the EU’s foreign policy and the application of the associated suspension mechanism, as a last resort, where the foreign policy of an Instrument beneficiary country diverges completely from EU foreign policy objectives;
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 216 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
26. Stresses that the MTE should be accompanied by the necessary legislative changes to the Instrument and the IPA III so that the relevant regulations reflect Ukraine and Moldova’s new status as EU candidate countries (and that of Georgia pending future decision of the Council), and by a new delegated act setting out the specific objectives and priority areas of cooperation for each region;
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 221 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
27. Considers that the geopolitical challenges that emerged with the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the growing malign influence and assertiveness of the People's Republic of China require the Instrument’s budget to be increased considerably; highlights that the challenges are spread all over the world, meaning the EU must increase its geopolitical influence; stresses that it will only be possible to respond to these challenges in a balanced way if the proportion of allocations for each area of the Instrument is kept the same;
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 231 #

2023/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
28. Insists that Parliament is part of Team Europe and should be treated as such, and therefore expects more frequent, detailed and meaningful information about the implementation of the Instrument and its impact;
2023/09/15
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 81 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
(6) The purpose of the UNCRPD is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect of their inherent dignity, thus ensuring their full and effective participation and inclusion in society on an equal basis with otherand all aspects of life on an equal basis with persons without disabilities. The UNCRPD also recognises the importance of the need to take appropriate measures to ensure accessibility to persons with disabilities.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 87 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
(8) Directive (EU) 2019/882 of the European Parliament and the Council41 (the ‘European Accessibility Act’) aims to overcome obstacles for persons with disabilities and persons with physical impairments and to improve access to products and services by eliminating and preventing barriers arising from divergent accessibility requirements in the Member States, thus contributing to increasing the availability of accessible products and services in the internal market, including access to websites and mobile device based service of certain public services42 , and improve the accessibility of relevant information. In addition, Union law also guarantees the right to non-discrimination in access to transport and other rights such as the right to receive assistance free of charge for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility travelling by air43 , rail44 , waterborne means of transport45 , or bus and coach46 . Union law also enables the Member States to provide for reduced fees or user charges for toll roads/bridges/tunnels as well as exemptions from the obligation to pay such fees or user charges for or any vehicle used or owned by persons with disabilities as concerns the roads subject to road charging47 . _________________ 41 Directive (EU) 2019/882 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the accessibility requirements for products and services, (OJ L 150, 7.6.2019, p. 70). 42 In addition, Directive (EU) 2016/2102 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies, aims to improve the accessibility of public sector bodies websites and their mobile apps. 43 Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air, OJ L 204, 26.7.2006, p. 1. 44 Regulation (EU) 2021/782 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 on rail passengers’ rights and obligations OJ L 172, 17.5.2021, p. 1. 45 Regulation (EU) No 1177/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 concerning the rights of passengers when travelling by sea and inland waterway and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004, OJ L 334, 17.12.2010, p. 1. 46 Regulation (EU) No 181/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 concerning the rights of passengers in bus and coach transport and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 1). 47 European Parliament and Council, Directive (EU 1999/62/EC and European Parliament and Council Directive (EU) 2022/362 amending Directives 1999/62/EC, 1999/37/EC and (EU) 2019/520, as regards the charging of vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 94 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
(10) Due to the lack of mutual recognition of disability status between Member States, persons with disabilities may face specificfrequently face difficulties when exercising their fundamental rights of free movement.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 99 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
(12) However, persons with recognised disability status travelling to or visiting for a short period of time a Member States other than the Member State in which they reside, mayoften encounter significant difficulties, if their disability status is not recognised in the Member State they travel to or visit and if they do not hold a certificate, disability card or any other formal document recognising their disability status in the host Member State, in order to benefit from special conditions and/or preferential treatment offered there. Persons with non-visible disabilities often face specific difficulties when being asked to prove their disability while travelling.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 114 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
(15) Alongside physical and other barriers in accessing both public and private spaces as well as services and activities, high expenses are a key factor discouraging many persons with disabilities from travel48 , because they have specific needs and may also require person(s) accompanying or assisting them including those recognised as personal assistant(s) in accordance with national legislation or practices, making their travel costs higher than for persons without disabilities49 . The lack of automatic recognition of disability status in other Member States mightoften limits their access to special conditions, such as free access or reduced tariffs, or preferential treatment and has an impact on their travel costs, lives and choices. _________________ 48 Findings from Final Report based on Survey targeted at EU-level CSOs; Shaw and Coles, ‘Disability, holiday making and the tourism industry in the UK: a preliminary survey’, 25(3) Tourism Management (2004) 397-403; Eugénia Lima Devile and Andreia Antunes Moura (2021), Travel by People With Physical Disabilities: Constraints and Influences in the Decision-Making Process. 49 McKercher and Darcy (2018), Re- conceptualizing barriers to travel by people with disabilities, Tourism Management Perspectives, 59-66. [More for Explanatory Memorandum?]
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 128 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 22
(22) Mutual recognition of the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities should facilitate and guarantee persons with recognised disability status in a Member State, access to special conditions or preferential treatment offered by private operators or public authorities in a variety of services, activities and facilities, including when not provided for remuneration, as well as access to parking conditions and facilities reserved for persons with disabilities or, where applicable, person(s) accompanying or assisting them including personal assistant(s), on equal terms and conditions as those provided for on the basis of national certificates, disability cards or other formal documents recognising disability status and parking cards for persons with disabilities issued by the competent authorities in the host country.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 140 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 25
(25) The issuance, renewal and withdrawal of the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities in a Member State is to be determined by this Directive together with that Member State’s applicable rules, procedures and competences for the assessment and recognition of disability status and parking rights for persons with disabilities.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 143 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 26
(26) In addition to the physical format, Member States should provide for a digital card when format and specifications have been set via delegated and implementing acts, after proposal by the Commission. Such proposal should build on the experience of The Pilot Project on the EU Disability card as well as of past and ongoing work at European level on digitalisation of certificates and documents, such as the EU Digital COVID Certificate set up under Regulation (EU) 2021/953 and enable the use of the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card via EU Digital Identity Wallets52 . Persons with disabilities should be duly informed about these possibilities and be given the option to use either the digital or physical one, or both. _________________ 52 COM(2021) 281final
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 151 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 29
(29) In order to guarantee that workers and participants of EU mobility programmes with disabilities can effectively exercise their rights to free movement fully and also enjoy services, activities and facilities offered by Member States, including when provided not for remuneration, to the holders of national certificates, disability cards or other formal documents recognising disability status, the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities should also be available to workers and participants of EU mobility programmes who travel to or visit another Member State for work-related or educational purposes.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 163 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 31
(31) In order to raise awareness and facilitate access to special conditions or preferential treatment, while travelling to or visiting another Member State, all relevant information with respect to the conditions, rules, practices, and procedures applicable to obtain the European Disability Card and/or the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities and its subsequent use should be made publicly available including via dedicated EU-level website in all EU languages in a clear, comprehensive, user-friendly manner and accessible formats for persons with disabilities respecting the relevant accessibility requirements for services established in Annex I to Directive (EU) 2019/882. Private operators or public authorities granting special conditions or preferential treatment to persons with disabilities should make such information publicly available in a clear, comprehensive, user-friendly manner and accessible formats, for persons with disabilities respecting the relevant accessibility requirements for services established in Annex I to Directive (EU) 2019/882.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 166 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 31 a (new)
(31 a) In order to strengthen the proposal on the European Parking Card and to make tangible improvements for persons with disabilities and person(s) accompanying or assisting them including personal assistant(s), a new database shall be set up to inform persons with disabilities or person(s) accompanying or assisting them including personal assistant(s) of the different parking rights and rules concerning disabled parking spaces in the different Member States and its regions, cities, and municipalities.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 169 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 32
(32) Member States should take all the necessary steps to avoid any risk of forgery or fraud when issuing the European Disability Card or the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities and should actively combat fraudulent use and forgery of these cards and exchange information on such cases.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 185 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the rules governing the issuance of the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities as proof respectively of a disability status or of a right to parking conditions and facilities reserved for persons with disabilities or, where applicable, person(s) accompanying or assisting them including their personal assistant(s), in view of facilitating visits and short stays of persons with disabilities in a Member State other than that of which they are a residents, by granting them access to any special conditions or preferential treatment with respect to services, activities or facilities, including when provided not for remuneration, or parking conditions and facilities offered to or reserved for persons with disabilities or, where applicable, person(s) accompanying or assisting them including their personal assistant(s);
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 206 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Without prejudice to the Article 2.2, temporary recognition of disability status shall be exceptionally allowed for the transitional period of time while: a) the person with disabilities is in the process of recognition of disability status after moving to the Member State different from the Member State of his/her residence for work-related or educational purposes; b) the person with disabilities participates at the EU mobility programme in a Member State different from the Member State of his/her residence.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 231 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) “parking conditions and facilities” means any parking space reserved for persons with disabilities or, where applicable, person(s) accompanying or assisting them including their personal assistant(s) in general as well as associated parking benefits for, or preferential conditions afforded to, persons with disabilities, such as free parking, reduced tariffs, reduced fees or user charges for toll roads/bridges/tunnels or extended parking spaces irrespective of whether provided on a voluntary basis or imposed by legal obligations.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 240 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) Union citizens and family members of Union citizens as well as, where applicable according to national rules, third country nationals that have permanent residence status in a Member State of the European Union whose disability status is recognised by the competent authorities in the Member State of their residence by means of a certificate, a card or any other formal document issued in accordance with national competences, practices, and procedures, as well as, when applicable, to person(s) accompanying or assisting them including personal assistant(s),
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 249 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) Union citizens and family members of Union citizens as well as, where applicable according to national rules, third country nationals that have permanent residence status in a Member State of the European Union whose rights to parking conditions and facilities reserved for persons with disabilities are recognised in their Member State of residence by way of a parking card or another document issued in accordance with national competences, practices, and procedures as well as, when applicable, to person(s) accompanying or assisting them including personal assistant(s).
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 259 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that holders of a European Disability Card, while travelling to or visiting a Member State other than that of which they are a resident, shall be granted access on equal terms and conditions as those provided to persons with disabilities who are holders of a disability certificate, disability card or any other formal document recognising their disability status in that Member State, to any special conditions or preferential treatment offered with respect to the services, activities and facilities referred to in Article 2(1) and 2(2a).
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 283 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. European Disability Cards issued by one Member States shall be mutually recognised in all Member States.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 288 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 4
4. The European Disability Card shall be issued or renewed by the Member State of residence directly or upon application by the person with disabilities. It shall be issued and renewein compliance with the applicable national legislation and procedures either directly or upon application by the person with disabilities. Persons with disabilities should be duly informed about the possibility to apply for this card if it is not issued directly. It shall be issued and renewed free of charge for the beneficiary and within the same period set in the applicable national legislation for issuing disability certificates, disability cards or any other formal document recognising the disability status of a person with disabilities.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 302 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 5
5. The European Disability Card shall be issued as a physical card and shall be complemented by a digital format upon adoption of the delegated acts referred to in paragraph 7. Persons with disabilities shall be given the option to use, on equal footing, either the digital or physical card, or both.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 321 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2
2. European Parking Cards for persons with disabilities issued by one Member States shall be mutually recognised in all Member States.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 337 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 6
6. The European Parking Card for persons with disabilities shall be issued or renewed as a physical card and shall be complemented by a digital format upon adoption of the delegated acts referred to in paragraph 7. Persons with disabilities shall be given the option to use, on equal footing, either the digital or physical card, or both.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 343 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. The Commission shall set up a publicly available database that contains relevant information related to the applicable parking rules, conditions, and spaces as defined on local, regional, or national level. The database shall be available in all EU languages. Member States shall make sure that public authorities upload and regularly update relevant information in the database.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 351 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall make the conditions and rules, practices, and procedures to issue, renew or withdraw a European Disability Card and a European Parking Card for persons with disabilities publicly available in accessible formats, including in digital formats, and uponcluding on an EU- level website in all EU languages. The information shall be available in accessible formats, including in digital formats, as well as in national sign languages and easy-to-read format, and upon individual request in other assistive formats requested by persons with disabilities.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 362 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 2
2. Member States and the Commission shall take appropriate measures, including via dedicated campaigns on national and EU level, to raise awareness among the public and inform persons with disabilities, including in accessible ways, about the existence and conditions to obtain, use, or renew the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities.
2023/11/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 376 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 5
5. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that in case they encounter cases of abuse or misuse of the cards issued by another Member State on their territory, the competent authorities in the Member State who issued the European Disability Card or European Parking Card for persons with disabilities are informed. The Member State of issuance shall ensure appropriate follow-up in accordance with national law or practice. Member States shall exchange information on the cases of abuse or misuse of the cards.
2023/11/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 379 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 7
7. The information referred to in paragraph 1 and 2 of this Article shall be made available free of charge in a clear, comprehensive, user-friendly and easily accessible way, including through private operators’ or public authorities’ official website where available, an EU-level website in all EU languages, or by other suitable means, in accordance with the relevant accessibility requirements for services set in Annex I of Directive (EU) 2019/882. These information shall not exceed the level of complexity B1 (intermediate) of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
2023/11/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 385 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. The Commission shall ensure that appropriate funding is made available to the Member States to cover the cost of the administrative procedures, the physical issuing of the Cards, the information provision, and the awareness raising campaigns as well as other necessary related costs.
2023/11/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 390 #

2023/0311(COD)

7 b. The Commission shall establish a dedicated EU-level website containing relevant and regularly updated information on the special conditions or preferential treatment offered by Member States to holders of the European Disability Card. The website shall be available in all EU languages and in accessible formats.
2023/11/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 401 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 4
4. Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making as well as persons with disabilities and their representative organisations.
2023/11/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 407 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee and shall meaningfully involve representative organisations of persons with disabilities. That committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.
2023/11/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 429 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. The information referred to in paragraph 1 of this article shall be made available free of charge in a clear, comprehensive, user-friendly and easily accessible way, including through the private operators or public authorities’ official website where available, or by other suitable means, in accordance with the relevant accessibility requirements for services set in Annex I of Directive (EU) 2019/882 without exceeding a level of complexity of level B1 (intermediate) of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
2023/11/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 473 #

2023/0311(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Annex II – point 3 – point b – indent 1
– in capital letters, the words ‘European Parking Card for persons with disabilities’ in the language(s) of the Member State issuing the card; after a suitable space, it shall appear in small type in the other languages of the European Union; The words “European Parking Card” shall be displayed in braille using the Marburg code dimensions.
2023/11/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 12 #

2023/0264(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Insists that the Commission must guarantee that EU funds are not allocated or linked to any form of terrorism and/or religious and political radicalization while ensuring notably that individuals or groups affiliated, linked to, or supporting terrorist organisations are excluded from Union funding; reiterates its position that salaries of education civil servants responsible for drafting and teaching school textbooks paid by Union funds, must be made conditional on full compliance with UNESCO standards of peace and tolerance; is concerned about antisemitism, hate speech and incitement to violence taught in Palestinian school textbooks, funded by the EU; stresses that conditionality of EU financial assistance in the educational sector needs to be duly considered; underlines the importance of proper training of Palestinian teachers, in line with UNESCO education standards.
2023/07/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 77 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
(3) The European Council of 23 June 2022 decided10 to grant the status of candidate country to Ukraine, which expressed a strong will to launch the EU accession process for Ukraine and to link reconstruction with reforms on its European path. Ongoing strong support to Ukraine is a key priority for the Union and an appropriate response to the Union’s strong political commitment to support Ukraine for as long as necessary. _________________ 10 European Council Conclusions, 23-24 June 2022; EUCO 24/22.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 78 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
(5) The Union is also providing significant financial support through an additional package combining funds under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI) established under Regulation (EU) 2021/947 of the European Parliament and of the Council12 and, as well as assistance under the Instrument for Pre- Accession (IPA), which among many things includes the thematic and cross- border cooperation priorities and key performance indicators to assess the readiness of the acceding countries and effectiveness of the assistance, as well as loans by the European Investment Bank. _________________ 12 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, amending and repealing Decision No 466/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU) 2017/1601 and Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 480/2009 (OJ L 209, 14.6.2021, p. 1).
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 84 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
(11) Given the damage from Russia’s war of aggression to the Ukrainian economy, society and infrastructure, the support to the country to maintain its functions, as well as short relief, fast recovery, reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine will require comprehensive support and an institutional finance management and reform capacity provided by the Union for Ukraine, which is adequate to the needs of recovery, reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine to rebuild the economy, to create the foundations of a free and prosperous country, anchored in European values, well integrated into the European and global economy, and progressing well on its path of accession to the European Union.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 88 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
(12) In this context, it is necessary to set up a medium-term single instrument that brings together the bilateral support provided by the Union to Ukraine, ensuring coordination and efficiency. To that end, it is necessary to establish a Ukraine Facility (‘the Facility’), giving a necessary public and private finance management and reform implementation capacity and providing a balance between flexibility and programmability of the Union’s response to address Ukraine’s financing gap, recovery, reconstruction and modernisation needs, while at the same time supporting Ukraine’s reforms effort as part its accession path to the Union.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 91 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
(13) The Ukraine Facility should be underpinned by a coherent and prioritised plan for reconstruction and accession (the ‘Ukraine Plan’), prepared bytogether by the EU and the Government of Ukraine, providing a structured and predictable framework for the recovery, reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine, with EU's budgetary, reform and investment support and clearly articulated with Union accession requirements.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 96 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
(15) In this regard, Union support under the Facility should replacebe complimentary with the bilateral support provided under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), as well as under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI) established under Regulation (EU) 2021/947 of the European Parliament and of the Council. It is nevertheless important to ensure that Ukraine can continue to benefit from regional, thematic, rapid response, and other forms of support under NDICI, including cross-border cooperation programmes, and more generally continue to advance regional, macro-regional and cross-border cooperation and territorial development, including through the implementation of Union macro-regional strategies.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 106 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
(21) The recovery, reconstruction and modernisation effort should build on Ukraine’s ownership,a shared Union's and Ukraine’s ownership, joint public and private finance management enterprise, as well as a close cooperation and coordination with supporting countries and organisations, and Ukraine’s path towards accession to the Union. Regional and local administrations are also expected to play an important role. PA joint management of programmes, acts, action plans or measures and peer-to-peer cooperation and programmes embedded in partnerships between cities and regions in the Union and those in Ukraine should enrich and accelerate the recovery, reconstruction and modernisation process.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 113 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
(24) Support under the Facility should also build on and maximise synergies with G7 Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine, key organisations supporting Ukraine’s reforms and reconstruction, such as the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the International Monetary Fund.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 117 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
(26) The enlargement policy framework, including the assistance under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) which constitutes the overall policy framework to prepare beneficiaries for future membership of the Union and to support their accession process, defined by the European Council and the Council, the association agreement, partnership and cooperation agreement, multilateral agreements to which the Union is a party and other agreements that establish a legally-binding relationship with Ukraine, as well as resolutions of the European Parliament, communications of the Commission and joint communications of the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy should constitute the overall policy framework for the implementation of this Regulation. The Commission should ensure coherence between the assistance under the Facility and the enlargement policy framework.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 121 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
(29) It is in the common interest of the Union and Ukraine to advance the efforts of Ukraine to reform its political, legal and economic systems with a view to Union membership. Considering Ukraine as a future member of the Union and a candidate to accession is a strategic investment of the Union in peace, security, stability and prosperity in Europe and allows the Union to be better positioned to address global challenges. It also provides increased economic and trade opportunities to the mutual benefit of the Union and Ukraine as an aspiring Member State, while supportensuring a gradual transformation of theUkraine as a beneficiary country. The prospect of Union membership has a powerful transformative effect, embedding positive democratic, political, economic and societal change.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 128 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
(31) Reconstruction from the damage caused by the war of Russian aggression cannot be limited to rebuilding what was destroyed as it was before the war. The reconstruction offers an opportunity to support Ukraine in its process of fostering economic integration with the Union and promoting socioeconomic development, assistance for cross-border cooperation, integration into the Single Market and in accelerating its sustainable green and digital transitions, in line with Union policies. The Facility should promote reconstruction in a way that modernises and improves Ukraine’s economy and society, building on Union rules and standards, by investing in the transition of Ukraine towards a green, digital and inclusive economy and in the recovery, reconstruction and modernisation of its critical infrastructure, productive capacity and human capital in a resilient way.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 167 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 45
(45) Union support should be organised around three pillars, namely (i) financial support to the Ukrainian State for the implementation of reforms and investments, as well as to address the financing gap and maintain macro- financial stability of the country, as set out in the Ukraine Plan as part of Ukraine's EU accession; (ii) a Ukraine Investment Framework to mobilise investments and enhance access to finance; (iii) accession assistance to mobilise technical expertise and capacity building.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 177 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 47
(47) The overall maximum amount for the Union support to the Facility should be EUR 50 billion in current prices for the period from 2024 to 2027, for all types of support. In light of the evolving circumstances and of the objectives of the Facility itself, the Union support needs to provide a balance between flexibility and programmability. This amount is only an indicative one and will be revised upwards in the course of events, as it reflects the needs assessments made before March 2023 by the intenational institutions for the reconstruction of Ukraine to overcome the damages of Russia's war of aggression, to address immediate humanitarian needs of Ukraine and to restore Ukraine's access to financial markets as well as a sustainable level of its public revenues.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 190 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 62
(62) The Union should establish the Ukraine Facility programming framework 2024-2027 for the duration of the Union's current multiannual financial framework. A Framework agreement should be concluded with Ukraine to set up a joint programming and implementation mechanism, the principles of the financial cooperation between the Union and Ukraine, including necessary mechanisms to control and audit expenditures. Financing and loan agreements should also be concluded with Ukraine, where appropriate depending on each pillar, to define conditions for releasing funds.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 195 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 66
(66) Ukraine together with the Union should prepare the Plan as a coherent, comprehensive and adequately balanced response to rebuilding and modernising Ukraine, supporting its economic, social and environmental recovery and its progress towards accession to the Union. As such, the Ukraine Plan would also provide a basis for other donors to identify the priority funding areas for the reconstruction of Ukraine and foster ownership, coherence and additional contributions to that end. For that purpose, Ukraine should ensure that the Plan as prepared covers its recovery, reconstruction and modernisation needs in an integrated manner, identifying to what extent the measures of the Plan are expected to be financed by the Union through the Facility. In preparing the Plan, Ukraine should take into account support provided under other Union programmes. Ukraine should develop its Plan ensuring that other donors are able to contribute to supporting the measures of the Plan, including by increasing the funding available under the Facility.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 216 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 82
(82) Under pillar II of the Facility, an investment framework should be set up by the Union, aiming to support recovery and reconstruction investments undertaken by private sector companies, municipalities, state-owned enterprises or other actors. The Ukraine Investment Framework should address priorities identified in the Ukraine Plan, and support its objectives and its implementation. The Ukraine Investment Framework should involve Ukrainian authorities in its governance.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 238 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 91
(91) The Commission should ensure that the financial interests of the Union are effectively protected under the Facility. To this end, an independent Audit Board should be set up to provide the Commission with information on possible mismanagement of funds. Such information should be made available to OLAF and where appropriate to the relevant Ukrainian authorities. The Commission, with the assistance of the Union delegation, should be entitled to perform checks on how Ukraine implements funds under a joint mechanism along the whole project life cycle. The Audit Board should ensure regular dialogue and cooperation with the European Court of Auditors.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 250 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) Pillar I: financial support to be provided to Ukraine for the recovery, reconstruction and modernisation of the country as a future member of the EU and for the delivery of reforms and investments to implement the Ukraine Plan as well as to support Ukraine's budget and maintain macro- financial stability of the country, as set out in Chapter III;
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 258 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) address the social, economic and environmental consequences of the war, thereby contributing to the recovery, reconstruction and modernisation of the country under a joint mechanism and by shared ownership;
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 265 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) provide an additional support for Ukraine in adopting and implementing the political, institutional, legal, administrative, social and economic reforms required to comply with Union values and to progressively align withto Union rules, standards, policies and practices (‘acquis’) with a view to future Union membership, thereby contributing to mutual stability, security, peace, and prosperity and sustainability.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 302 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. Cooperation under the Facility shall be based on and shall promote the development effectiveness principles, where applicable, across all modalities, namely shared ownership of development priorities by Ukraine and the Union, a focus on results, inclusive development partnerships, transparency and mutual accountability. The cooperation shall be based on effective and efficient resources allocation and use.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 304 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Support from the Facility shall be additional to the support provided under other Union programmes and instruments, including under the Instrument for Pre- accession (IPA). Activities eligible for funding under this Regulation may receive support from other Union programmes and instruments provided that such support does not cover the same cost.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 320 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. A precondition for the support to Ukraine under the Facility shall be that Ukraine continues to uphold and respect effective democratic mechanisms, including a multi-party parliamentary system,stitutions and the rule of law, and to guarantee respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities; it would also include a strengthened focus on economic development and improved competitiveness, which are the crucial areas of Ukraine's EU accession process.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 346 #

2023/0200(COD)

Ukraine Facility programming framework and Framework agreement
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 347 #

2023/0200(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. Assistance under this Regulation shall be based on a Ukraine Facility programming framework for the delivery of the specific objectives referred to in Article 3. The Commission shall establish the Ukraine Facility programming framework for the duration of the current multiannual financial framework 2021- 2027. The Ukraine Facility programming framework shall be developed in accordance with the policy framework and general principles set out in Article 4. The Ukraine Facility programming framework shall include indicators for assessing progress towards the achievement of the specific objectives referred to in Article 3. The Ukraine Facility will havea a shared ownership between the Union and Ukraine and will establish an institutional public and private finance management and reform capacity under a joint programming and implementation mechanism for rebuilding of Ukraine, which is adequate to the needs of its recovery, reconstruction and modernisation. The Commission shall conclude a framework agreement with Ukraine for the implementation of the Facility setting out specific arrangements for the management, control, supervision, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and audit of funds under the Facility, as well as to prevent, investigate and correct irregularities, fraud, corruption and conflicts of interest. The framework agreement shall be complemented by financing agreements in accordance with Article 10 and loan agreements in accordance with Article 21, setting out specific provisions for the management and implementation of funding under the Facility.
2023/09/07
Committee: AFETBUDG
Amendment 5 #

2023/0199(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
(3) The uptake and scaling up in the Union of deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies will be essential to seize the opportunities and meet the objectives of the green and digital transitions, thus promoting the competitiveness of the European industry and its sustainability. Therefore, immediate action is required to support the development or manufacturing in the Union of such technologies, safeguarding and strengthening their value chains thereby reducing the Union’s strategic dependencies mainly on undemocratic regimes, and addressing existing labour and skills shortages in those sectors through the cooperation with educational institutions, trainings and apprenticeships and the creation of attractive, quality jobs accessible to all.
2023/09/06
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 14 #

2023/0199(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to close the gap between workers´ skills and labour market needs as well as to boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the creation of jobs and apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons including young persons with disabilities, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 __________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.
2023/09/06
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 18 #

2023/0199(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
(6) The scale of investments needed for the transition require a full mobilisation and effective use of funding available under existing EU programmes and funds, inclusive those granting a budgetary guarantee for financing and investment operations and implementation of financial instruments and blending operations. Such funding should be deployed without unnecessary administrative burden and in a more flexible manner, to provide timely and targeted support for critical technologies in strategic sectors. Therefore, a Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) should give a structural answer to the Union investment needs by helping to better channel the existing EU funds towards critical investments aimed at supporting the development or manufacturing of critical technologies, while preserving a level playing field in the Single Market, thereby preserving cohesion and aiming at a geographically balanced distribution of projects financed under the STEP in accordance with the respective programme mandates.
2023/09/06
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 25 #

2023/0199(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
(15) The ESF+,58 being the main EU Fund for investment in people, provides a key contribution to promote the development of skills. In order to facilitate the use of that Fund for the STEP objectives, it should be possible to use the ESF+ to cover investments aimed at achieving a skilled and resilient workforce ready for the future world of work while supporting individual growth and choices of workers. __________________ 58 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231 30.6.2021, p.21).
2023/09/06
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 31 #

2023/0199(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. To strengthen European sovereignty and security, accelerate the Union’s green and digital transitions and enhance its competitiveness, reduce its strategic dependencies mainly on undemocratic regimes, favour a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, and promote inclusive access to attractive, quality jobs, the Platform shall pursue the following objectives:
2023/09/06
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 56 #

2023/0199(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Commission shall establish a dedicated publicly available website (the ‘Sovereignty portal’) accessible to all users including users with disabilities, providing investors with information about funding opportunities for projects linked to the Platform objectives and grant visibility to those projects, in particular by displaying the following information:
2023/09/06
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 77 #

2023/0138(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
(3) The fiscal governance framework, which is the subject matter of this Regulation, is a part of the European Semester, which also comprises the coordination and surveillance of broader economic andpolicies and the coordination and examination of employment policies of the Member States, in accordance with Articles 121 and 148 TFEU.
2023/09/29
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 89 #

2023/0138(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
(21) In order to ensure the implementation of the medium-term fiscal- structural plans, the Commission and the Council should monitor the reform and investment commitments made in these plans under the European Semester, based on the annual progress reports submitted by the Member States, and in accordance with the provisions of Articles 121 and 148 TFEU. To that effect, they should engage in a European Semester dialogue with the European Parliament.
2023/09/29
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 101 #

2023/0138(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. In order to ensure closer coordination of economic policies and sustained convergence of the economic and social performance of the Member States, the Council and the Commission shall conduct multilateral surveillance withinas an integral part of the European Semester for economic policy coordination in accordance with the objectives and requirements set out in the TFEU. Multilateral surveillance shall rely on high quality and independent statistics, produced in accordance with the principles laid down in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Councilreaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
2023/09/29
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 104 #

2023/0138(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The European Semester shall include:
2023/09/29
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 106 #

2023/0138(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the formulation, and the surveillance of the implementation, of the broad guidelines ofor the economic policies of the Member States and of the Union (broad economic policy guidelines) in accordance with Article 121(2) TFEU, of country-specific recommendations and of the recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area;
2023/09/29
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 109 #

2023/0138(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the formulation, and the surveillanceexamination of the implementation, of the employment guidelines that are tomust be taken into account by Member States in accordance with Article 148(2) TFEU, including the European Pillar of Social Rights, and of the related country-specific recommendations (employment guidelines);
2023/09/29
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 128 #

2023/0138(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) explain how it will ensure the delivery of investment and reforms responding to the main challenges identified within the European Semester, in the country-specific recommendations, correct the identified macroeconomic imbalances under the Macroeconomic Imbalances Procedure if applicable, and address the common priorities of the Union referred to in Annex VI of this Regulation, including the European Green Deal, European Pillar of Social Rights and the Digital Decade while being consistent with the updated National Energy and Climate Plans and the National Digital Decade Roadmaps;
2023/09/29
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 156 #

2023/0138(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex VI
Common priorities of the Union The common priorities of the Union referred to in Article 12, point (b) are: (a) including the transition to climate neutrality by 205035 andeleted tThe translation at national level through the National Energy and Climate Plans; (b) Rights36 including the related targets on employment, skills and poverty reduction by 2030; (c) Programme 203037 , and reflected at national level through the National Digital Decade Strategic Roadmaps; (d) and Defence - For a European Union that protects its citizens, values and interests and contributes to international peace and security.38 __________________ 34 Communication COM(2019) 640 final of 11 December 2019 from the Commission ‘The European Green Deal’ and Decision (EU) 2022/591 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 April 2022 on a General Union Environment Action Programme to 2030 (OJ L 114, 12.4.2022, p.22). 35 Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 June 2021 establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulations (EC) No 401/2009 and (EU) 2018/1999 (‘European Climate Law’). 36 (2017/C 428/09) Interinstitutional Proclamation on the European Pillar of Social Rights (OJ C 428, 13.12.2017, p. 10). 37 Decision (EU) 2022/2481 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 establishing the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 (OJ L 323, 19.12.2022, p. 4). 38 Council of the European Union, COPS 130.European Green Deal34 , The European Pillar of Social The Digital Decade Policy A Strategic Compass for Security
2023/09/29
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 158 #

2023/0138(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex VI – paragraph 1
The common priorities of the Union referred to in Article 12, point (b) are: (a) The European Green Deal34 , including the transition to climate neutrality by 205035 and the translation at national level through the National Energy and Climate Plans; (b) The European Pillar of Social 36 Rights including the related targets on employment, skills and poverty reduction by 2030; (c) Programme 203037 , and reflected at national level through the National Digital Decade Strategic Roadmaps; (d) and Defence - For a European Union that protects its citizens, values and interests and contributes to international peace and security.38 __________________ 34 Communication COM(2019) 640 final of 11 December 2019 from the Commission ‘The European Green Deal’ and Decision (EU) 2022/591 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 April 2022 on a General Union Environment Action Programme to 2030 (OJ L 114, 12.4.2022, p.22). 35 Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 June 2021 establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulations (EC) No 401/2009 and (EU) 2018/1999 (‘European Climate Law’). 36 (2017/C 428/09) Interinstitutional Proclamation on the European Pillar of Social Rights (OJ C 428, 13.12.2017, p. 10). 37 Decision (EU) 2022/2481 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 establishing the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 (OJ L 323, 19.12.2022, p. 4). 38 Council of the European Union, COPS 130.deleted The Digital Decade Policy A Strategic Compass for Security
2023/09/29
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 159 #

2023/0138(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex VI – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) The European Green Deal34 , including the transition to climate neutrality by 205035 and the translation at national level through the National Energy and Climate Plans; __________________ 34 Communication COM(2019) 640 final of 11 December 2019 from the Commission ‘The European Green Deal’ and Decision (EU) 2022/591 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 April 2022 on a General Union Environment Action Programme to 2030 (OJ L 114, 12.4.2022, p.22). 35 Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 June 2021 establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulations (EC) No 401/2009 and (EU) 2018/1999 (‘European Climate Law’).deleted
2023/09/29
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 160 #

2023/0138(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex VI – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) The European Pillar of Social Rights36 including the related targets on employment, skills and poverty reduction by 2030; __________________ 36 (2017/C 428/09) Interinstitutional Proclamation on the European Pillar of Social Rights (OJ C 428, 13.12.2017, p. 10).deleted
2023/09/29
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 161 #

2023/0138(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex VI – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) The Digital Decade Policy Programme 203037 , and reflected at national level through the National Digital Decade Strategic Roadmaps; __________________ 37 Decision (EU) 2022/2481 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 establishing the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 (OJ L 323, 19.12.2022, p. 4).deleted
2023/09/29
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 162 #

2023/0138(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex VI – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) A Strategic Compass for Security and Defence - For a European Union that protects its citizens, values and interests and contributes to international peace and security.38 __________________ 38 Council of the European Union, COPS 130.deleted
2023/09/29
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 60 #

2023/0079(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
(4) In order to ensure that the measures set out in the Regulation focus on the most relevant materials, a list of strategic raw materials and a list of critical raw materials should be established. Those lists should also serve to guide and coordinate Member States’ efforts to contribute to the realisation of the aims of this Regulation. The list of strategic raw materials should contain raw materials that are of high strategic importance, taking into account their use in strategic technologies underpinning the green and digital transitions or for defence or space applications, that are characterised by a potentially significant gap between global supply and projected demand, and for which an increase in production is relatively difficult, for instance due to long lead-times for new projects increasing supply capacity. To take account of possible technological and economic changes, the list of strategic materials should be periodically reviewed and, if necessary, updated. The assessment should take into account not only the latest available data but the forecasted evolution of demand-supply over an appropriate reference period, to address possible future scarcity or supply disruption. In order to ensure that efforts to increase the Union capacities along the value chain, reinforce the Union’s capacity to monitor and mitigate supply risks and increase diversification of supply are focused on the materials for which they are most needed, the relevant measures should only apply to the list of strategic raw materials.
2023/06/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 119 #

2023/0079(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) improve the Union's ability to monitor and mitigate the supply risk related to critical raw materials, taking into account global competitiveness and avoiding any undue costs;
2023/06/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 120 #

2023/0079(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) ensure the free movement of critical raw materials and products containing critical raw materials placed on the Union market while ensuring a high level of environmental protection and sustainability, by improving their circularity and sustainability.
2023/06/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 127 #

2023/0079(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
(3a) ‘secondary raw material’ means a substance or material recovered from processes residuals or from end of life products, that can be used in manufacturing processes instead of or in combination with virgin raw material;
2023/06/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 132 #

2023/0079(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 62 a (new)
(62a) ‘reference year/period’ means a specific calendar year/period used as a point of comparison or benchmark for analysing data, trends, or events. It serves as a standard against which other data or changes are assessed or evaluated.
2023/06/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 133 #

2023/0079(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall review and, if necessary, update the list of strategic raw materials by [OP please insert: fourtwo years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation], and every 42 four years thereafter.
2023/06/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 134 #

2023/0079(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. By derogation from Paragraph 3 of this Article, the Commission shall add additional raw materials on the list upon request of the Board if the Board or the Commission detects while exercising the monitoring, stress testing and information obligations under Articles 19.1, 19.2 and 20 of this regulation changes in supply and access to specific raw materials that risk endangering supply and the targets set out in Article 1.2.
2023/06/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 135 #

2023/0079(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. By derogation from Paragraph 3 of this Article, the Commission shall update the list upon request of the Board if the Board or the Commission detects while exercising the monitoring, stress testing and information obligations under Articles 19.1, 19.2 and 20 of this regulation changes in supply and access to specific raw materials that risk endangering supply and the targets set out in Article 1.
2023/06/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 167 #

2023/0079(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) additional private sources of financing, in particular, generated through the Global Gateway initiative;
2023/06/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 186 #

2023/0079(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) increase the use of secondary critical raw materials in processing and manufacturing, including, where appropriate, by taking recycled content and recyclability in all according processes appropriately into account, including in award criteria related to public procurement;
2023/06/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 191 #

2023/0079(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall periodically verify that recognised schemes continue to fulfil the criteria laid down in Annex IV and complement the Corporate Due Diligence Directive and Corporate Sustainable Reporting Directive to ensure Strategic Projects fulfull the highest environmental and human rights standards.
2023/06/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 211 #

2023/0079(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
(iii) improving cooperation along the critical raw materials value chain between the Union and partner countries, including through the Minerals Security Partnership and the Conference on Critical Materials and Minerals;
2023/06/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 271 #

2023/0079(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – paragraph 1 – introductory part
A recognised certification scheme that is a member of the ISEAL Alliance and shall meet the following criteria:
2023/06/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 272 #

2023/0079(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) it is open under transparent, fair and non-discriminatory terms to all economic operators willing and able to comply with the scheme’s requirements; and ensures highest possible human rights and environmental standards, including through multi-stakeholder governance;
2023/06/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 278 #

2023/0079(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) verification and monitoring of compliance is objective, based on international, Union or national standards, requirements and procedures and carried out independently from the relevant economic operator through the use of third-party audits. Such audits shall be made publically availablable following their completion;
2023/06/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 1 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
– having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD),
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 21 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas matching workers’ skills to the evolving EU labour market needs is one of the main goals of the EU Year of Skills; calls on the Commission to frame the European Year of Skills 2023 in a holistic and integral manner, avoiding the portrayal of education, training and reskilling or upskilling as a means to increase competitiveness and employability alone;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 26 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas equal access to skills, as well as upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all, reskilling and lifelong learning opportunities for all including persons with disabilities or persons from disadvantaged background, are crucial;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 41 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G
G. whereas the objective set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) Action Plan is to achieve a share of 60 % in adult learning by 2030; whereas quality vocational training and lifelong learning can contribute to principles 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 17 and 18 of the European Pillar of Social Rights and are therefore fundamental;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 48 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I
I. whereas inequalities in access to adult learning persist; whereas the most frequent barriers in access to adult learning are costs, inaccessibility, lack of childcare, low literacy or low self-esteem;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 67 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital L
L. whereas cross-cutting skills such as customer service, teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, management, including time management, critical thinking and, digital/IT skills, media skills or language skills are also considered important transferable skills; whereas transferable skills are increasingly valued by employers as crucial for employment;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 73 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital M
M. whereas the following competences are key for the concept of lifelong learning: understanding and information creation, multilingualism, competences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, digital competences, personal, social and learning competences, civic competence, cultural awareness and expression, intercultural and interreligious skills and entrepreneurship;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 84 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital Q
Q. whereas aligning curricula with the competences and skills expected by the market is the main challenge facing education systems; whereas more than half of children entering primary school will be employed in jobs that do not currently exist;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 91 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital R
R. whereas, over the years, the nature, quality, perception and societal evaluation of vocational training have evolved thanks, among other things, to digital solutions in education, better career prospects as well as mobility opportunities; whereas, despite improvements in the status of vocational training, it is still often not a first choice and is seen as a second, less attractive, option after general education;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 94 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital S
S. whereas demographic changes are ongoingcompanies need to adapt their workplace strategies to ageing workforce; whereas companieemployers may experience problems related to the loss of knowledge of older workers once they retire; whereas it is crucial to strengthen intergenerational relations in companies and secure transfer of knowledge through tutoring, coaching and mentoring programs;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 98 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital S a (new)
Sa. whereas demographic changes are ongoing; whereas it is estimated that Europe's working age population (aged between 20 and 64 years) will be declining by 0.4% every year between now and 2040; whereas the demographic decline also causes changes in the structure of the labour market and growing demand for workforce in some sectors such as healthcare or care sector;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 104 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital V
V. whereas, as part of the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, the Commission has committed to providingenable persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life; whereas it is crucial to provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in training and acquire new skills, which is a prerequisite for employment and independence;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 107 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Points to the need for the smooth functioning of continuing vocational training for adults while paying attention to the specific needs of the most vulnerable or disadvantaged groups like persons with disabilities, persons coming from rural or remote regions, older people or people with young children;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 121 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. FeelHighlights that all adults need opportunities to develop, update and upgrade their skills in order to keep up with the rapidly changing realities of work and succeed in their personal and professional livessuceed in their personal and professional life and to keep up with the rapidly changing realities of work; stresses that this requires a systemic approach to lifelong skills development, supported by well- functioning and modern continuing vocational education and training (CVET) systems;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 126 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Regrets that the threefour main factors hampering vocational training for adults in companies are: employers’ belief that the available skills are sufficient and appropriate to the needs of businesses, the practice of recruiting new staff instead of retraining the current ones, underinvestment in training and obstacles to the provision of training including its affordability and accesibility (both in terms of location and timing);
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 135 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that CVET policy remains fragmented in many EU Member States; points out that the development of well- functioning CVET systems requires the development of systematic strategies to empower people, help them to make the most of their potential and to ensure sustainable economic competitiveness;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 142 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Points out the importance of vocational education for individuals and groups in situations of vulnerability or with special needs; stresses the need to develop a strategy and to provide vocational education and training opportunities for people in remote and rural areas in order to ensure the effectiveness of matching mechanisms in the EU labour market; calls on Member States to prioritise reskilling and upskilling of people in situations of vulnerability (such as NEETs and early school leavers, older workers, persons with disabilities, adults with low levels of skills, those living in remote or rural areas or people from marginalised communities) in order to improve their active participation in the labour market, by for instance, adapting upskilling and reskilling training to their capacities and desires and ensuring tailor-made support.
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 153 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Points out that workplaces, and SMEs in particular, social economy organisations, charitable and church- based organisations must be extensively involved, encouraged and supported to provide learning and training opportunities not only for those in employment, but also for the unemployed and, those outside the labour market; notes the key role of the social partners in this area as well as those trying to reintegrate to the labour market after long absence caused by chronic or severe health problems; notes the key role of the social partners in this area; calls on the Member States to guarantee an accessible and inclusive reskilling and upskilling process for all, leaving no one behind, assuring more support to civil society organisations including charitable and church-based organisations that play a key role in reaching people from vulnerable and difficult socio-economic backgrounds, who are currently at risk of increased social inequalities and discrimination;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 161 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses the need to improve the formal recognition of skills and competences, in particular those acquired through non- formal and informal education or volunteering, including skills and competences acquired in third countries, while developing a common framework in the Member States, in particular for the common recognition of soft transferable skills; or formal recognition of skills acquired through life experience such as providing long-term care to a family member;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 173 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on companieall employers to pay more attention to the role of lifelong learning and education in the workplace; stresses that companieemployers need to dedicate a substantial part of their resources to ensuring that their employees artheir resources, as far as possible, to ensuring that their employees have the necessary skills and competences to be able to work with the latest technologies and in new organisational environments, as well as to prevent digital exclusion, with the special focus on vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 185 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that employers need to foster intergenerational links within the companyworkplace and intergenerational learning between the young and old, and vice versa; calls on the Commission and Member States to reinforce the Youth Guarantee through coherent actions and intergenerational solidarity. Member States should better target their policy interventions by taking into account the different characteristics and needs of the various subgroups within the NEET population, prioritising those disengaged and experiencing long-term unemployment.
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 193 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Draws attention to the opportunities and challenges, especially considering the increasing ageing population and labour market shortages, and the challenges (hiring people below their skill levels, difficulties recognising degrees previously attained abroad, etc.) in part arising from the increasing number of third-country nationals in the EU, as a result, among other things, of the war inRussian war of aggression against Ukraine;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 198 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses the need to increase the importance of vocational education and the acquisition of new skills and competences, especially those offered by the green and digital transitions and relative to the long- term care sector needs;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 207 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses the need to promote vocational education, highlighting the attractiveness of and opportunities for development within the sector; calls on the Commission and the Member States to carry out educational campaigns and activities to promote vocational education, including through events such as EuroSkills; calls on the Commission and Member States to increase accessibility and social inclusion in the Erasmus+ framework in order to facilitate the participation of vulnerable and marginalised young people in the programme. The Erasmus+ financial support for mobility should be tailored according to the social economic background of families, considering also the cost of living of destination countries. Support schools and civil society organisations should implement an effective information strategy to raise awareness of Erasmus+ opportunities and funds for young people in need.
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 211 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Member States to simplify administrative procedures and to provide SMEs and social economy organisations with assistance, such as consultancy services, to identify training needs and to apply for financial support from the training fund for companie; calls on the Commission and Member States to increase investment through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) to support measures aimed at integrating disadvantaged youth and those not in education, employment, or training (NEETs) into the labour market as well as reducing school dropouts, particularly prominent among the marginalised groups;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 219 #

2022/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Encourages the Member States to set up a mechanism for certifying companiworkplaces that offer vocational training for workers, so that those offering high- quality apprenticeships, traineeships and training can be identified and supported;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 80 #

2022/2204(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets Serbia’s continued low level of alignment with the CFSP, in particular in the context of the Russian war on Ukraine; underlines the fact that, as a candidate country, Serbia must adhere to the EU’s principles and policies, and alignment with a warmongering autocratic regime is unacceptable; welcomes, in this regard, the President Vucic's recent statements concerning Serbia's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity;
2023/02/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 99 #

2022/2204(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Notes Serbia’s alignment with the EU in voting in favour of relevant UN General Assembly resolutions and Russia’s suspension from the Human Rights Council; regrets, however, the fact that Serbia has consistently failed to align with the EU’s restrictive measures against Russia and Belarus; deplores Serbia’s close relationship with Russia;
2023/02/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 122 #

2022/2204(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Expresses concern about the decreasing public support for EU membership in Serbia and calls on the EEAS and, in particular, the EU's Delegation to Serbia, to strengthen its public outreach beyond Belgrade;
2023/02/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 199 #

2022/2204(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Notes some progress in the fight against corruption; stresses the fact that more demonstrable effort and political will are needed to achieve tangible results, in particular with regard to serious and organised crime;
2023/02/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 261 #

2022/2204(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Expresses grave concern about Serbian nationals training with the Wagner Group merceneries; calls on Serbian authorities to monitor and prevent Serbian nationals from joining the Wagner Group and participating Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine
2023/02/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 435 #

2022/2204(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
30. Is deeply concerned about the investments in Serbia by Russia and China and their influence on the political and economic, economic and environmental processes in the region;
2023/02/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 456 #

2022/2204(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
32. Welcomes the Commission’s energy support package to help the Western Balkans overcome the energy crisis; calls on the Serbian authorities to prepare a credible plan for reducing the country’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels and Chinese investments in the energy sector, and building environmentally friendly energy systems;
2023/02/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 471 #

2022/2204(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
33. Expresses concern about air pollution in Serbia and across the region; reiterates its calls on the Serbian authorities to urgently accelerate the implementation of air quality plans;
2023/02/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 474 #

2022/2204(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
34. Expresses concern about the impact on environmental impact, labour market and labour rights, as well as good business practices of new infrastructure constructions in Serbia by Chinese companies; calls on the Serbian authorities to address the legitimate concerns expressed in the environmental protest, including the Kostolac coal- fired power station, copper and gold mine in Bor, steelworks in Smeredovo and the Linglong plant in Zrenjanin; calls on the Serbian authorities to address the legitimate concerns expressed in the environmental protests and to ensure full implementation of all relevant national legislation, including environmental and labour standards, as well as EU rules in this regard as pertains to the accession process;
2023/02/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 482 #

2022/2204(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Calls on the EU and the Serbian authorities to fully utilise the Union's Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans to provide a sustainable alternative to Chinese investments;
2023/02/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 74 #

2022/2201(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Urges the Member States that have not yeReminds that five EU Member States do not recognised Kosovo as a sovereign state to do so;
2023/02/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 3 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
— having regard to the final report of 26 July 2021 by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Co- operation in Europe (OSCE) Election Observation Mission on the Republic of Albania’s parliamentary elections of 25 April 2021,
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 4 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication of 14 April 2021 on the EU strategy to tackle organised crime 2021-2025 (COM(2021)0170),
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 5 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 b (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication of 24 July 2020 entitled ‘2020-2025 EU action plan on firearms trafficking’ (COM(2020)0608),
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 28 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the EU remains fully committed to support Albania’s strategic choice for EU integration; whereas European integration represents the aspirations of Albanian citizens towards democracy and prosperity;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 31 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the prospect of Albania’s merit-based membership is in the Union’s own political, security and economic interests; whereas Albania’s EU accession depends on lasting, in-depth and irreversible reforms across fundamental areas, starting with the rule of law and the functioning of democratic institutions; whereas the quality of a country’s necessary reforms determine the timetable for accession;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 35 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas democratic transformation, the rule of law and reconciliation play a central rois indispensable in the EU accession process;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 37 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas protection of minorities is crucial for aspiring EU member states; whereas the implementing legislation on free self-identification of national minorities and the use of minority languages remains to be adopted in Albania;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 41 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas electoral shortcomings persist in Albania; whereas the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations to further improve the conduct of elections in Albania and bring them fully in line with the OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards have not yet been fully addressed;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 51 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas the EU remains the main political and economic partner of the Western Balkan countries; whereas the EU continues to be by far Albania’s biggest trade and investment partner and its largest provider of financial assistance;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 53 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas Albanian citizens have enjoyed visa-free travel to the Schengen area since December 2010 and have been able to participate in student, academic and youth exchanges under the Erasmus+ programme since 2015;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 64 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the pace of EU accession is determined by the progress on the due functioning of all institutions and is grounded in the rule of law, good governance and fundamental rights; Encourages its policymakers to accelerate the reforms that enabled the first long overdue intergovernmental conference and a successful start to the screening process, and to demonstrate steady progress in guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights; urges decision- makers to work jointly towards meeting the membership criteria by 2030as soon as possible; recalls that candidate countries undergo in-depth transformations to fulfil membership criteria during accession negotiations, which last as long as needed to implement the necessary reforms; stresses the need to strengthen the transparency, accountability and inclusiveness of the accession process, including its parliamentary dimension;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 73 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Welcomes that the government maintained a focus on reforms related to the country’s EU path and reinforced its coordination structure for EU integration; stresses that the government, in cooperation with the opposition and all segments of society, needs to further advance the EU reform agenda;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 89 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Deplores political confrontation and disruptive actions and underlines a joint political and social responsibility for reforms; invites political actors to step up their commitment to dialogue and to strengthen democratic institutions and procedures through constructive engagement, the active participation of civil society, inclusive consultations and transparent decision-making; recalls the need to strengthen parliamentary oversight and underlines that the political opposition needs to be able to monitor and scrutinize the government;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 93 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Deplores that the impending electoral reform was not concluded before the local elections in 2023; Calls on the Albanian authorities to fully address the outstandingOSCE/ODIHR electoral and party financing recommendations well ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections; stresses the need to prevent misuse of public administration/resources and vote- buying;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 104 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Notes the ongoing progress and looks forward to systematic improvements in the prevention, proactive investigation and prosecution of and non-selective final convictions for cases involving corruption and organised crime; calls for further progress in establishing a comprehensive, efficient, soundly coordinated and accountable public administrationstresses that increasing the number of final convictions of high-level officials remains an important priority to tackle the existing culture of impunity; notes that there were no convictions of officials on high-level corruption charges;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 110 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Welcomes the ongoing efforts that should lead to systemic improvements in tackling organised crime, including human trafficking and the trade of drugs and firearms, as well as combatting cybercrime, extremism and terrorist threats; commends the fruitful bilateral, regional and international cooperation on dismantling transnational crime networks, including with the EU Justice and Home Affairs agencies, such as Europol, Eurojust and Frontex, covering the intensified action against the production and organised trafficking of drugs, illegal weapons and people;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 111 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Notes that Albania remains both a destination and a transit country for light firearms; expresses concern over the wide prevalence of firearms in Albania; stresses the need to counter the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 112 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Underlines that the contribution of Albania to the protection of the European Union’s external border is of crucial importance; stresses that border protection and the prevention of cross- border crime, notably human trafficking, must continue to be a priority;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 113 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. calls for further progress in establishing a comprehensive, efficient, soundly coordinated and accountable public administration; points out that greater political will and more structured and consistent efforts, including adequate resources, tools and skills, remain necessary in the fight against corruption;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 131 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Recalls that infrastructure projects, including in and around the port of Durrës, must comply with EU standards on public procurement contained in the Stabilisation and Association Agreement;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 133 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Condemns malign foreign interference and hybrid attacks, including disinformation, espionage, incitement to all forms of radicalisation and cyberattacks against Albanian citizens and critical infrastructure; invites the authorities to prevent data leaks by considerably strengthening cybersecurity; encourages the EU European External Action Service and Commission to further help boost Albania’s resilience against hybrid threats, in the area of cyber security, information manipulation and protection of critical infrastructures; stresses the need to improve coordination and address disinformation and hybrid threats that seek to undermine the EU perspective by more strategically underscoring the EU’s relevance to people in the Western Balkans;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 155 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls on Albania to swiftly adopt the remaining pending legislation ensuring the full protection of national minorities, particularly the implementing legislation on free self-identification of national minorities and the use of minority languages;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 160 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Welcomes that Albania submitted its first report on the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence; reiterates the conclusions of the Committee of the Parties to the Istanbul Convention, stating the urgency of increasing resources to put legal provisions into practice; stresses that efforts are needed to increase women’s awareness of their rights and available services relating to domestic violence and protection;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 165 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13c. Underlines that child sexual abuse online remains a serious concern; notes that the efforts to detecting and retorting child sexual abuse material online needs to increase, and that existing laws prohibiting child pornography and the online sexual exploitation of children need to be properly enforced;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 166 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 d (new)
13d. Deplores that no progress was made on the rights of persons with disabilities and that Albania’s legislation on the rights of persons with disabilities remains only partially in compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; calls on Albania to address the UNCRPD gaps and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; notes that the 2021-2025 national action plan for people with disabilities did not have enough funding, hence it could not be fully implemented; calls for more robust efforts to address discrimination and violence against persons with disabilities, to improve overall accessibility and to promote employment; expresses deep concern over the reports of limited access to voting for persons with disabilities;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 167 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Regrets that no progress was made regarding freedom of expression, and the increase in disinformation including smear campaigns, intimidation and threats, especially in online media and against journalists reporting on rule of law, corruption and justice issues;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 169 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Expresses its concern with the lack of progress on achieving institutional transparency, freedom of expression and media freedom and stresses the role of political leaders in creating an enabling environment for the pursuit of these freedoms; condemns attempts to discredit reporters and arbitrarily withhold public information, as well as the failure to ensure the safety of journalists; urges the authorities to take immediate action against political and economic interference in the media and intimidation against reporters; welcomes the withdrawal of the draft anti- defamation legisexpresses concern over enduring inflammatory rhetoric, including by high-level politicians, public officials and other public figures, which fuels the culture of intimidation, smear campaigns, violence and rioting, and calls for the final convictions of those who attack journalists to be ensured; urges the authorities to take immediate action against political and economic interference in the media and intimidation against reporters; welcomes the withdrawal of the draft anti- defamation legislation; stresses that that any revision of media laws should be in line with the Venice Commission recommendations and should take place in a transparent and inclusive manner, in consultation with media organisations, with the aim of improving media freedom and self-regulation; urges the government to ensure the independence of the public broadcaster and media regulator and the transparency of media ownership, financing and public advertising;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 174 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Underlines the importance of journalists’ equal, direct and transparent access to information from government sources; in this regard, expresses concern over the need for all government public relations to be handled by the newly created Media and Information Agency; encourages the government to improve access to the reporting and scrutinising of its work via official and formal channels, such as press conferences and interviews;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 211 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes steps in accelerating the energy transition and energy diversification towards wind and solar power; applauds, in this regard, the EU energy support package for the Western Balkans and calls on the authorities to make the best use of this assistance in order to build a resilient and environmentally friendly energy market; notes that no new energy efficiency funding mechanisms have been put in place;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 229 #

2022/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Commends the removal of roaming charges between the Western Balkan states; welcomes the Roaming Declaration enabling the reduction of the roaming charges between the EU and the Western Balkans as of 1 October 2023;
2023/04/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 77 #

2022/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
29. Regrets that the TCA does not include provisions on cooperation in foreign policy and defence; 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, , OSCE, Council of Europe, the European Political Community (EPC) and other international forums; underlines the importance of coordinating sanctions regimes, supporting Ukraine in the context of Russian aggression, as well as future reconstruction of Ukraine;
2023/09/08
Committee: AFETINTA
Amendment 85 #

2022/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
30. Welcomes the first two meetings of the EPC in October 2022 and in June 2023 as a platform for discussion, dialogue and cooperation with closebetween European partners on the foreign policy and security challenges we are facing, with the aim of strengthening the security of the European continent and pursuing political and security cooperation based on shared interests; welcomes the fact that 44 countries took part in the first meeting in Prague and 45 countries in the second meeting in Chișinău, including closekey partners such as the UK;
2023/09/08
Committee: AFETINTA
Amendment 87 #

2022/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
31. Calls for the stronger involvement of the UK in EuropeanU 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 given the UK's strong role in European security and defence;
2023/09/08
Committee: AFETINTA
Amendment 91 #

2022/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
32. Urges the UK to seriously engage with the EUand the EU to meaningfully engage on pressing strategic challenges by ensuring the complementarity and synergies of actions; points out that the parallel projects for developing future combat air systems can be an inefficient use of resources and that the 2022 Common Security and Defence Policy annual report recommends that the projects should be merged;
2023/09/08
Committee: AFETINTA
Amendment 93 #

2022/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
33. Calls on the Commission to closely monitor whether the TCA is applied correctly, to take corrective actions when necessary and to explore possible avenues for further cooperation as highlighted abovein light of existing and future challenges ;
2023/09/08
Committee: AFETINTA
Amendment 23 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
– having regard to the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Social Climate Fund,
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 24 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 b (new)
– having regard to the European Year of Skills 2023,
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 25 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 c (new)
– having regard to the Commission communication entitled “Long-term competitiveness of the EU: looking beyond 2030”,
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 42 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas a just transition should involveenable and seizinge the opportunity to create quality jobs with decent working conditions, tackle discrimination at work and raise labourcompetitive labour market standards;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 57 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas some sectors where job opportunities are expected to emerge in the transition to low carbon neutral economies remain highly male-dominated;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 64 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 will require the anticipation of change and suitable framework conditions to support job-to-joblabour market transitions, including the necessary skilling, reskilling and upskilling of the current workforce;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 65 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the prosperity of workers and societies must be ensured in the transition to a low-carbon economy; wheares in this shift, some jobs are expected to be made redundant, which will impact on communities; whereas workers will need training, new employment opportunities and may have to relocate; whereas entire regions and industries dependent on fossil fuels will have to be redesigned by 2050;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 69 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas there is a lack of comprehensive scientific evaluation1a of the social consequences of climate change and the social impacts of adaptation measures; whereas the importance of addressing the social impacts is acknowledged, the awareness of the potential impacts has not yet been translated into specific policy measures; _________________ 1a Monitoring and evaluation of national adaptation policies throughout the policy cycle — European Environment Agency (europa.eu)
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 71 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas apart from ensuring that sufficient labour market entrants acquire the skills needed for the economy of the future, another challenge lies in the need to up and reskill workers, in particular to meet current and evolving labour market needs; whereas this can be difficult for older workers and especially for low- skilled workers, as it may be challenging for them to ‘skill up’ and compete for new jobs; whereas as there is also a spatial challenge in that jobs in the low-carbon economy may be created in locations very different from those suffering job losses. Education and training efforts therefore need to be linked with a just transition policy. Disadvantaged workers and communities will need targeted assistance to ensure they are not left behind.
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 73 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D d (new)
Dd. whereas more investment is needed in professional education and up and reskilling; whereas employers know best the workforce, skills and competences they need; whereas the importance to match these needs with people's aspirations and to strengthen Europe's growth;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 74 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D e (new)
De. whereas having a skilled workforce that are aligned with the demands of the labour market contributes to sustainable growth, leads to more innovation and improves companies' competitiveness;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 75 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D f (new)
Df. whereas the green transition requires significant investments in reskilling and upskilling to equip the workers with the technical (specific to each occupation) and core (soft) skills required; whereas skills gaps and labour market shortages are almost inevitable whenever any new product or service appears, and the green and digital economy is no exception;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 76 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D g (new)
Dg. whereas learning or improving certain core skills is likely to be of greater relevance for a person’s employability than skills and competences that are highly specific to certain occupations or technologies; whereas competencies in literacy and numeracy, as well as in decision-making, teamwork and communication, are critical in that they affect people’s ability to function well in teams, thus enhancing their adaptability and their occupational mobility;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 77 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D h (new)
Dh. whereas the green and digital transitions, technological change, supply- chain transformations and changing consumer expectations are all generating demand for new jobs and skills across industries and regions and they are opening new opportunities for workers, employers and the EU economy; whereas these positive drivers are offset by growing geo-economics tensions and high inflation leading to a cost-of-living crisis;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 78 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D i (new)
Di. whereas targeted training by well- equipped teachers and trainers is essential;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 88 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas the participation of workers and workers representatives, including trade unions in the governance of the transition and the anticipation and social management of change is a prerequisite for a fair, inclusive and successful transition;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 91 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the administrative and technical capacity of different stakeholders needs to be built; whereas the Member States still face many challenges in effectively managing and implementing the EU funds at local level, or in assessing the various impacts of climate policies;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 92 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas demographic changes, such as ageing population will require adoption of targeted strategies in order to adapt to these changes, such as via flexible working conditions or adaptations of workplaces;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 97 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1
Green and digital economy opportunities for tha competitive labour market
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 108 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that a transition towards renewable and circular societeconomies and economsocieties generates the potential both to create new jobs and to transform existing employment into green, competitive and sustainable jobs in virtually allmost sectors;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 117 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the job potential of the green transition is also connected to sustainable and growth enhancing economic activities such as energy renovation, repair and organic farming being moresome of which may be more labour- intensive than the activities they replace whereas others may be less labour- intensive than the activities they replace;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 128 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the green and digital transition has significant potential to create local jobs which cannotEuropean, national, regional and local quality jobs with decent working conditions which are difficult to be offshored, which wouldand that will contribute to strengthening European sovereignty and, resilience, and competitiveness;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 142 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to work on conceptual guidelineWelcomes the ongoing work on international level by the OECD and the ILO on greening jobs and skills; Calls on the European and national social partners to discuss working conditions oin what constitutes a green job, based on its potential fthe economic sectors involved in the green transition, considering the sectors potential to enable a more greening the and digital economy, itsand contribution to people’s health and wellbeing and decent working conditions;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 147 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to work on conceptual guidelines on what constitutes a green job, based on its potential for greening the economy, its contribution to people’s health and, wellbeing and family-work life balance as well as decent work;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 149 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses the need to help companies, in particular SMEs (small and medium enterprises), to address skills shortages in the EU and to promote a mindset of reskilling and upskilling, helping people to get the right skills for quality jobs;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 151 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Highlights the regulatory burden on EU employers and its possible negative impact on competitiveness, growth and quality job creation in the context of the green and digital transitions; continues to support the ‘one in, one out’ principle and calls on the Commission to develop a more ambitious Better Regulation agenda, which should lead to a reduced regulatory burden for EU employers;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 152 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Welcomes the Commission communication entitled ‘Long-term competitiveness of the EU: looking beyond 2030’ aiming to rationalise and simplify reporting requirements by 25 % for each of the green, digital and economic thematic areas, and the Commission’s presentation of a proposal for achieving this by autumn 2023; calls on the Commission to demonstrate this commitment swiftly, thereby improving the competitiveness of all undertakings in the EU, including small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs), and enhancing the basic conditions for social justice and prosperity; recalls that SMEs are the backbone of our social cohesion;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 159 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises that the green transition of the joband digital transitions and impact on labour markets should go hand in hand with upwardincreased economic growth and upward social convergence towards better working conditions and attractive and competitive career paths;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 163 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Reiterates its call that EU funding, including State aid, should be conditional on public policy objectives, in particular social requirements; underlines that public authorities should lead by example and set social criteria in public procurement; calls to revise the Public Procurement Directive to ensure that benefiting companies supprecipients of EU funding should respect applicable obligations in the fields of environmental, social and labour law established by Union law, national law ort collective bargaining, high-quality jobs, high- quality apprenticeships, decent and equal pay and trainingagreements;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 171 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Commission to enforce the social clause in the existing EU Public Procurement Directive and recalls that according to this directive, it is necessary for economic operators involved in public contracts to comply with all applicable obligations in the fields of environmental, social and labour law established by Union law, national law or collective agreements, or by applicable international environmental, social or labour law provisions, including respect for freedom of association, the right to organise and collective bargaining; recalls, in addition, that according to this directive, it is possible for Member States to exclude from participation in a procurement procedure economic operators that have been sentenced for not respecting existing legislation and collective agreements or for being in breach of their obligations relating to the payment of taxes or social security contributions; notes the relevance of reinforcing the selection of sustainability criteria to promote the best use of public spending, quality employment and social inclusion; calls on the Member States to make sure their judicial systems have sufficient capacity to exercise their authority and address primary contractors and subcontractors of joint liability who have repeatedly engaged in unfair competition, tax fraud or tax evasion; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure compliance with and monitoring and enforcement of the Public Procurement Directive;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 177 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the EU health and safety strategy should takestrategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027 highlights the need to modernise and simplify EU occupational safety and health rules in the context of the green and digital transitions, taking into account specific risks in new sectors and incorporate risks deriving from climate change and environmental degradation;such as increased ambient temperature, air pollution and extreme weather.
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 195 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises that gender equality should become an integral part of green economy strategies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take all measures to ensure that pre-existing gender inequalities are not transferred to the emerging green economy; urges therefore to raise awareness on various discriminatory practices against women in the labour market, with a special focus on discrimination against mothers and pregnant women, such as refusal to recruit, pay gap, detrimental changes in terms of employment contracts upon return from maternity leave, harassment or even refusal to extend fixed-term employment contracts and dismissal;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 201 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises that gender equality should become an integral part of green economy strategies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take all measures to ensure that pre-existing gender inequalities are not transferred to the emerging green economy; highlights the importance of the equal treatment and economic opportunities for women in context of climate change;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 208 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Skills and competences for a just transition set for the future
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 212 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the need to offer education and training in areas linked to skills and competences needs that are identified in labour markets and future-oriented sectors to address skills mismatches and labour- market shortages, and make sure that the labour market is ready for the green transition and that training and education programs are aligned with the needs of the economy and the society of the future;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 225 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Warmly welcomes the European Year of Skills and the opportunities it provides to promote reskilling and upskilling, in particular the context of seizing the opportunities of the green and digital transition;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 228 #

2022/2170(INI)

10b. Welcomes the Commission proposal for a Net Zero Industry Act aiming to enhance skills for quality job creation, including the creation of European Net Zero Industry Academies and recognition of professional qualification;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 229 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10c. Emphasises that effective training depends on the availability of teachers and trainers with current knowledge on sustainable and green economy, energy efficiency and green and digital technologies; highlights that their role is critical in promoting the right skills and competences for both the younger and older generations of workers and appropriate reskilling and upskilling training for the persons affected by the green transition; stresses that the education and training of such teachers and trainers should therefore be a top priority in any skills response strategy at European, national, regional and local levels;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 237 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that every worker mustshould have an individual right to professional education, employee training and lifelong learning, which should be reflected in allrelevant EU and national environmental policies, as well in company mitigation and adaptation strategies where appropriate; highlights the fact that the right tosuch training should include paid educational leavetake place during working hours;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 240 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Stresses that education and training institutions need to enhance the relevance of their training in line with the competitive labour market needs and prepare learners, trainers and teachers with the relevant knowledge and skills to be active agents of change in a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and a society for all;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 244 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses the crucial role of social dialogue, collective bargaining and social partners in designing national, sectoral and company- specific skills and competences for quality job strategies and training;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 246 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Highlights the importance of core and cognitive skills and the preparation of the necessary instruments to encourage citizens to consider also their personal development and growth with these skills, such as creative thinking, resilience, flexibility and agility; motivation and self- awareness; curiosity and lifelong learning – in recognition of the importance of workers ability to adapt to disrupted workplaces, self-efficacy, and working with others in teams;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 254 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Member States to integrate sustainable development, digital and environmental competences and skills into training and education systems;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 260 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that training should be of a good enough quality and lead to a qualification that is validated through transparent and clear recognition and certification systems which allow for comparability; stresses moreover the need to improve the validation and the formal recognition of skills and competences, in particular those acquired via non-formal and informal education and experience, such as long-term care or volunteering;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 262 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that training should be of a good enough qualityhigh quality, aligned with the needs of the labour market, and lead to a qualification that is validated through transparent and clear recognition and certification systems which allow for comparabilitymutual recognition between Member States;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 268 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4
Public policy coherence to fully develop the job potential of the green and digital transition
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 279 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission to include for all environmentalHighlights the importance of science-based policy making and calls on the Commission to ensure diligent and comprehensive impact assessments for all proposed legislation, assessing the socio- economic impact assessment taking intond with due consideration to jobs, skills, competences and working conditions;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 284 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for a revision of the Energy Union Governance Regulation in order to update the national energy and climate plans with just transition objectives;deleted
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 296 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Calls for an update to Directive 2002/14/EC on informing and consulting employees in the EU in order to include on the Commission to consult social partners and evaluate the possible need for an update of the Directive 2002/14/EC on informationing and consultation rights in transition plans implemented by companies across their operations and value chaining employees in the EU;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 304 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
20. Calls for mandatorythe adoption of just transition plans to be adopted by all companies affected by the green and digital transition, negotiated with trade unions and worker representatives;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 318 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Calls for a major shift in the EU from taxing wages to taxing wealth in order to incentivise job creation and reduce inequalities;deleted
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 330 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
23. Highlights the importance of strong safety nets to complement job creation measures and ensure that no one is left behindand resilient national social security schemes, including adequate minimum income support, adequate unemployment benefits and minimum wages protection, combined with job creation measures, active labour markets integration measures, re- and upskilling efforts, in order to ensure that no one is left behind;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 339 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
24. Recognises the importance of impact investing in providing finance tofacilitating access to funding for public and private companies, and organisations addressing social and, environmental needs with the explicit expectation of a measurable social and environmental return, including on employment and job quality; and digital skills and education needs in order to address skills mismatches and labour market shortages with the explicit expectation of quality job creation and sustainable economic growth;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 342 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls on the Member States to make full use of the opportunities provided by Union funds such as the Just Transition Fund, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, and the European Social Fund Plus, to support Member States and regions to promote up and reskilling in order to ensure a skilled, resilient and competitive workforce, in particular in the context of the green and digital transitions;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 347 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Calls for an increased investment in building administrative and technical capacity at local level, through training and the use of technical assistance available under different EU funds;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 348 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
24c. Recalls that the JTF provides support for territories and people facing socio-economic and employment challenges deriving from the transition process towards a low-carbon economy of the Union by 2050; takes note of the Commission appropriations for 2024 of EUR 1,486 billion; highlights its importance for addressing the social aspects of the transition, in particular support to jobseekers and workers affected by the green transition;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 353 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses the crucial role of the private and financial sector in channelling funding into sustainable investments and enabling the transition to a resilient, competitive and climate-neutral economy;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 366 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
26. Calls for the swift creation of a European sovereignty fund with newly allocated EU money to mobilise large- scale investments in green technologyUnderlines the need to mobilise available money from EU funds and programmes as a first step to strengthen the EU technology base, skills sets and other initiatives to enhance competitiveness;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 372 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
27. Calls for an expansion in size and thematic scope of the Just Transition Fund;deleted
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 382 #

2022/2170(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
28. Calls on the Commission to continue monitoring and fostering investment and spending onaccess to funding to stimulate quality job creation within NextGenerationEU, - the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the European Social Fund Plus and to ensure that the European Parliament remains closely involved;
2023/07/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 31 #

2022/2151(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas rapid increases in energy prices andand food prices as well as inflation across the EU are placing a burden on households;
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 52 #

2022/2151(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Endorses the Commission’s ambition of further strengthening coordinated EU policy responses to mitigate in the short term the burden that high energy and food prices, inflation, supply-chain disruptions including shortage of medicines, rising debt levels and the increased cost of borrowing are placing on European households and businesses; highlights the fact that social investments isn social and family policies are essential to allow for sustainable growth in the medium and long term and that national welfare systems have an essential stabilisation function;
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 80 #

2022/2151(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Supports a shift towards a sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth model, strengthening the sustainable development and resilience of the EU’s economy and the full implementation of the EPSR, including its relevant headline targets for 2030, a social progress protocol and promoting future-oriented investments focused on the just green and digital transitions, with a strong social dimension, including gender equality and demographic challenges as well as support to the charitable and church- based organisations that are focusing on targeted help to families in risk of poverty and social exclusion;
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 99 #

2022/2151(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Is concerned that the constraints imposed by the stability and convergence programmes might hinder the proper implementation of several principles of the EPSR;deleted
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 109 #

2022/2151(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission to present a regulation on a social convergence framework, establishing a new mechanism to monitor social convergence risks, prevent other policy actions or economic shocks from having negative social spillover effects on upward social convergence, detect potential setbacks for the proper implementation of the EPSR and establish mandatory social targets to be achieved; believes that social divergence risks should be included in the country-specific recommendations and taken into account when defining fiscal adjustment paths;deleted
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 146 #

2022/2151(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Is concerned about the current economic landscape, forecasts for the near future and the impact that wage increases below inflation could have on living standards in the EU; calls on the Member States to rapidly implement the provisions established in the Minimum Wages Directive1 , so that minimum wages are increased to at least 60 % of a country’s gross median salary or 50 % of the gross average; calls on the Commission to monitor the state of play in relation to minimum wages and ensure that low-end salaries, and particularly minimum wages, reflect the soaring cost of living; _________________ 1 Directive (EU) 2022/2041 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on adequate minimum wages in the European Union, OJ L 275, 25.10.2022, p. 33.Commission to monitor the state of play in relation to minimum wages and ensure that low-end salaries, and particularly minimum wages, reflect the soaring cost of living;
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 156 #

2022/2151(INI)

14. Welcomes the agreement on the adoption of the Social Climate Fund; warns that both the aims and the funding of this instrument make it clearly insufficient to address the unequal impact of climate change and environmental degradation on different income groups; highlights the urgency of adopting instruments that enable all parts of society to enjoy the benefits of a climate-neutral economy, and that protect households from the impact of both climate change and pollution and prevent them from suffering any negative social consequences that might arise from the implementation of European Green Deal policies; insists that social and environmental policies and objectives must be integrated on an equal footing with economic ones;
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 182 #

2022/2151(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission to propose a new direcinitiatives on mental health, to prevent and manage the psychosocial risks at work and ensure the well-being of workers;
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 188 #

2022/2151(INI)

17. Highlights that, with the working- age population shrinking, policies that bring more people into the labour market, while respecting the family-work life balance of workers; are essential;
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 26 #

2022/2145(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas the European Union has extensive experience in deploying multinational missions abroad in order to promote peace, security and progressstability in Europe and in the world; whereas these common security and defence policy (CSDP) missions regularly operate alongside and complement missions of the Member States, United Nations, international organisations and third countries;
2022/12/01
Committee: AFET
Amendment 34 #

2022/2145(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas CSDP missions regularly depend on the effective performance of third-party missions, reliable cooperation, timely information sharing and sincere host nation institutional and societal support; whereas the lack of any of these can jeopardise the implementation of a CSDP mission’s mandate and could ultimately lead to the withdrawal of EU-led forces;
2022/12/01
Committee: AFET
Amendment 45 #

2022/2145(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas the European Union and its Member States should strive for autonomycoordination with like-minded partners when preparing, conducting and sustaining their CSDP missions; whereas the Union should be capable of rapidly deploying multidimensional forces, swiftly reinforcing them where needed and sustaining them as long as required andin coordination with like-minded partners but without depending on third-party support;
2022/12/01
Committee: AFET
Amendment 100 #

2022/2145(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital K
K. whereas the integrated approach is also meant to prioritise prevention and promote the human security of local populations over narrow self-interests;
2022/12/01
Committee: AFET
Amendment 111 #

2022/2145(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital L a (new)
La. whereas NATO remains the key institutional framework for its member states for maintaining peace and security, and deterring adversaries;
2022/12/01
Committee: AFET
Amendment 167 #

2022/2145(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Strongly encourages the VP/HR to propose a Council Decision on establishing an EU RDC to protect the Union’s values and serve itsthe interests of the Union as a whole along the following lines:
2022/12/01
Committee: AFET
Amendment 5 #

2022/2142(INI)

A. whereas the potential for fast, efficient and effective foreign policy, security and defence action, as set out in the Lisbon Treaty, has only been used in a very limited way over the past decade due to a lack of common threat perception, strategic culture and political will from the Member States;
2023/02/16
Committee: AFET
Amendment 16 #

2022/2142(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital B
B. whereas the use of passerelle clauses would immediatelmay boost the efficiency of decision-making in the field of the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and would be highlymay be appropriate given the dramatic change to the European security environment as a result of the Russian war against Ukraine;
2023/02/16
Committee: AFET
Amendment 32 #

2022/2142(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
1. RegretNotes that passerelle clauses have never been used in the field of the CFSP, even though the Russian war against Ukraine has clearly called for more efficient and swift decision-making;
2023/02/16
Committee: AFET
Amendment 39 #

2022/2142(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
2. Urges the Council Presidency to follow up on the Czech initiative in an effective way by putting the feasibility of the use of the passerelle clauses in the fieldspecific areas of the CFSP on the agenda;
2023/02/16
Committee: AFET
Amendment 46 #

2022/2142(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. Urges the Member States to switch to QMV for decisions in all areas of the CFSP, starting within a year with priority areas such as the EU global human rights sanctions regime, restrictive measures and other instruments lincontinue working on building common threat perception and strategic culture which, alongside political will, are the kedy to the Russian war against Ukraine and interim steps in the enlargement processmore efficient and swift decision- making; stresses that unanimity decisions should remain required for the creation and deployment of military missions or operations under the common security and defence policy (CSDP);
2023/02/16
Committee: AFET
Amendment 8 #

2022/2078(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the EU Space Programme and the Union Secure Connectivity Programme (IRIS2) play an important role in the context of European security and defence and in demonstrating the EU as a credible actor on the international stage;
2023/07/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 9 #

2022/2078(INI)

Ab. whereas the EU space actions demonstrate tangibly an important contribution to the security of EU citizens and beyond, which no individual Member State could do alone;
2023/07/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 10 #

2022/2078(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas currently there are neither standards nor specific regulations for the use of Galileo and its dual-use services, secure satellite communications and/or Copernicus services by Civil Protection practitioners in a Disaster situation;
2023/07/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 69 #

2022/2078(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the need of raising awareness at EU scale of the importance of using the Galileo Public Regulated Service (PRS) and new Galileo differentiators such as High Accuracy, Authentication Service, Galileo Emergency warning service – and their use by civil and governmental users in a synergetic way with Earth Observation and Secure communications in order to strengthen the operational capacity of the European Union to act in all phases of disaster risk management (natural and man-made disasters);
2023/07/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 132 #

2022/2078(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls on EUSPA to identify and stimulate the combined use of the EU Space Programme components and future Secure Connectivity IRIS2 that are beneficial for the robustness and resilience of Members States’ critical infrastructure;
2023/07/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 133 #

2022/2078(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Reiterates the need for more uptake of space services by stimulating the adoption of space solutions across a wide range of EU policies, in particular concerning governmental use in the domain of security and defence, and to increase the competitiveness of the EU downstream space industry;
2023/07/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 157 #

2022/2078(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Welcomes the Union Secure Connectivity Programme (IRIS2) as part of the EU’s space programmes and stresses the importance of strengthening transparency in the governance of all the space programmes through greater empowerment and accountability for all necessary public sector actors; considers this will ensure best use of budget and avoid that EU is dependent on non-EU bodies for the implementation and operation of its space programme and future programmes such as secure connectivity;
2023/07/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 158 #

2022/2078(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Welcomes the governance approach of Galileo and EGNOS, which is crucial for the good functioning of the EU Space Programme architecture and for the robustness of the system; recalls the importance of extending this unique chain of command and clear division of task to all EU space components;
2023/07/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 159 #

2022/2078(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18c. Welcomes the development of IRIS2, the EU space-based global ultra- secure communications system, as an important instrument for the security of sensitive digital communications; recalls that continuous efforts should be done to secure the European space activities, in cooperation with the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and the European Space Agency (ESA);
2023/07/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 192 #

2022/2078(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Points out that the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) in charge with the provision of commercial and governmental services and the operational security of the satellites systems should continue to reinforce its role in providing strategic autonomy to the EU for the security of the space systems in operations;
2023/07/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 40 #

2022/2064(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas enlargement is the most effective EU foreign policy instrument and one of the Union’s most successful policies, and it remains a strategic investment in security, stability and prosperity on the European continent;
2022/07/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 57 #

2022/2064(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas a new impetus and strong political will is needed to reenergise the enlargement process, ensuring its continuity, consistency, credibility and impact;
2022/07/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 115 #

2022/2064(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) recognise that the EU’s prosperity and security rests on its ability to defend democracy, human rights and the rules- based multilateral order, and ensure sustainable development across the European continent;
2022/07/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 197 #

2022/2064(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) strengthen strategic communication on the benefits of enlargement both in the accession countries and in the Member States, especially beyond the major cities;
2022/07/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 222 #

2022/2064(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) accelerate, in a structured manner, the integration of countries that demonstrate strategic orientation and unwavering commitment to EU-related reforms, democratic consolidation and foreign policy alignment;
2022/07/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 243 #

2022/2064(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) reward sustainable progress with a wider phasing-in of candidate countries into respective EU policies and, initiatives and decision-making processes, while sanctioning any backtracking;
2022/07/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 256 #

2022/2064(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
(m a) calls on the Commission and the Council to establish enhanced and structured political dialogue with associated, candidate and potential candidate countries in order to advance further economic integration and legislative harmonisation; this dialogue should include meetings on the margins of the European Council with leaders of the countries, and regular participation of their representatives in the meetings of the European Council working groups and committees on structured basis, and to include the countries as observers in the proceedings of the committees established pursuant to Article 291 TFEU and Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, to strengthen the countries' reform orientation and administrative know-how;
2022/07/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 285 #

2022/2064(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) recognise the threat created by Russia’s war of aggression by immediatelywelcomes the granting of EU candidate status to Ukraine and continuingMoldova, and calls on the Commission and the Council to continue to provide political and technical support to Moldova and Georgia with a view to enabling them country to reach this important milestone as soonce it fulfils the necessary conditions as possiblend addresses ongoing backsliding, as a clear political signal of support to theits people of these countries, and a means to accelerate internal reform processes;
2022/07/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 343 #

2022/2064(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u
(u) propose ‘special partnerships’ for countries that do not intend to join the EU or do not fulfil membership criteria and that are close partners of the EU, and share our common European values;
2022/07/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 402 #

2022/2064(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ac a (new)
(ac a) support the work of European political foundations in fostering a new generation of political leaders in the associated and candidate countries
2022/07/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 45 #

2022/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas Europe is facing the most complex combination of both military and non-military threats since the end of the Cold War accentuated by Russia’s unjustified and illegal war against Ukraine, as well as the security threats posed by the People's Republic of China, Iran and other malign actors; whereas this requires the EU to enhance the effectiveness of its security and defence policy to defend its interests and values; whereas the Strategic Compass aims to equip the EU with the necessary toolsstrategic guidance to make it an effective security provider and an assertive global actor; whereas there is a new urgency to boosting EU security and defence capabilities, including building on the unprecedented support for Ukraine and including the use of the EPF and ensuring complementarity with NATO;
2022/10/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 66 #

2022/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas industrial fragmentation and inefficiency in developing European military capability costs between EUR 25 and EUR 100 billion each year; whereas Member States only procured some 11 % of their total equipment collaboratively in 2020; whereas the Member States have agreed on more and better defence spending and in line with their NATO defence spending commitments;
2022/10/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 69 #

2022/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas Russia's aggression against Ukraine has once again underlined chronic lack of under- investment in security and defence in numerous EU and NATO Member States, seriously undermining preparedness to face key threats;
2022/10/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 114 #

2022/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights the dramatic deterioration in European security accelerated by Russia’s unjustified and illegal war against Ukraine; stresses that this situation demands that the EU and broader threats to security and stability globally; stresses that this situation demands that the EU, in coordination and cooperation with NATO and democratic allies, step up its defence capacities and show greater willingness to act in order to deliver the security expected by the EU’s citizens; underlines the unprecedented and united EU response to Russia’s war against Ukraine, including the provision of military equipment through the EPF; remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s defence of its territorial integrity and sovereignty; calls on the EU to sustain its efforts and provide Ukraine with all necessary financial, humanitarian and military aid;
2022/10/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 158 #

2022/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the new ambition in the Strategic Compass to enhance the CSDP to build resilience and make it more capable and responsive, so it can act rapidly to defend our interests and values and protect the EU and its citizens; considers the Strategic Compass a major step towards a genuine European Defence Unioncommon threat perception and enabling the EU to act as a credible partner; calls for the timely and sound implementation of the approximately 80 concrete actions and for them to be updated regularly along with the EU Threat Analysis; calls for the sustained political will of all Member States and EU institutions in this process in order to ensure that the Union is prepared to face the broad range of military and non- military threats posed by the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China, Iran and other state and non-state actors;
2022/10/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 177 #

2022/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Stresses that dependencies on totalitarian and authoritarian regimes in critical sectors, including energy, represent grave security risks for the Union; calls on the Commission and the Council to prioritise the reduction of the Union's and the individual Member States' dependencies on such regimes, including the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China, and to work with our democratic allies in ensuring secure and resilience supply chains;
2022/10/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 186 #

2022/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on Member States to assess the reform of the decision-making process with a view to realising untapped potential within the Treaties, in particular by activating Article 31 TEU extending qualified majority voting (QMV) to areas relating to the CSDP and pursuing full use of the ‘passerelle clauses’ and scope of articles that enhance EU solidarity and mutual assistance in the event of crises; proposes changes to the Treaties in the CSDP, to be discussed and decided upon within a convention following up on the Conference on the Future of Europe, primarily focusing on switching from unanimity to QMV for Council decisions with military implications and on defence matters for situations where passerelle clauses do not apply;deleted
2022/10/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 242 #

2022/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Considers it importanta matter of priority to fill the identified defence investment gaps such as replenishing stockpiles, replacing Soviet- era systems, reinforcing air and missile defence systems, expanding existing main battle tank capabilities and armoured vehicles, strengthening naval forces and improving satellite-based secure connectivity; strongly calls on Member States to commit to a significant increase in funding for EU procurement mechanisms and to take swift and thorough action in this crucial field in coordination with NATO;
2022/10/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 255 #

2022/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Underlines the need for much more support for EU research and development to ensure that the defence industrial and technological base is able to meet increasing demands and ambitions, and adapt to emerging threats, technologies and battlefield situations;
2022/10/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 13 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
— having regard to the UN Human Rights High Commissioner's Assessment of human rights concerns in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China of 31 August 2022,
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 14 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 b (new)
— having regard to the report of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine to the Human Rights Council of 23 September 2022,
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 17 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
— having regard to the European Council conclusions on Ukraine of 30 and 31 May 2022,
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 18 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 a (new)
— having regard to Opinion 1/19 of the Court of Justice of the European Union stating that the EU accession to the Istanbul Convention will take place in a limited manner, respecting the national competence and the principle of subsidiarity,
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 22 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 31 a (new)
— having regard to the EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief of 24 June 2013,
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 29 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 47 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 3 May 2022 on the persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion9a, _________________ 9a Texts adopted, P9_TA(2022)0137
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 30 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 48 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 9 June 2022 on the human rights situation in Xinjiang, including the Xinjiang police files
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 32 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 50 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 19 May 2022 on the fight against impunity for war crimes in Ukraine,
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 39 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, as set out in Article 2 TEU; whereas article 21 TEU stipulates that the Union's actions on the international scene shall be guided by the principles which have inspired its own creation, development and enlargement;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 41 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas an effective protection and defence of human rights means putting themust be at the core of all of the EU’s external policies including development, trade, security and defence, migration and enlargement;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 46 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas the Union strongly believes in and fully supports multilateralism, a rules-based global order and the set of universal values, principles and norms that guide the UN member states and their relations;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 68 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas the Xinjiang police files document in detail – and, for the first time, with numerous photographs – the dimensions of the systematic, brutal and arbitrary repression in the Uyghur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang; whereas this material demonstrates the informed role, active support and direct involvement of the Central Government in Beijing, including Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang, and of leading Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region officials in directing the mass internment policy in Xinjiang; whereas the documents also point to President Xi Jinping’s informed and active support for Xinjiang’s ‘re- education’ campaigns, as well as for continued spending on additional detention facilities and staff to manage the influx of detainees;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 69 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
F b. whereas the Iranian authorities is committing human rights violations and crackdown on protests throughout the country following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was killed after being arrested for allegedly wearing an improper hijab;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 74 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Reaffirms the universality and indivisibility of human rights and the inherent dignity of every human being; stresses, in this regard, its strong commitment to addressing first and foremost the challenges to human rights worldwide and reiterates the duty of the EU and its Member States to act as a global leader in the promotion and protection of human rights, freedom and democracy in line with the founding values of the Union;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 95 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine; expresses, in this regard, its deep grief at the human suffering and serious human rights violations caused by the Russian armed forces at the EU’s borders; welcomes the joint efforts of the EU and its Member States in response to the war; welcomes, moreover, the solidarity shown by a great number of countries towards Ukraine, as highlighted by their stance during the sessions and votes of the UN General Assembly on the crisis in Ukraine; calls for the EU and its Member States to give the Ukrainian people the support they need to defend democracy, human rights and international law; welcomes the unprecedented ambition of the sanctions imposed in the context of the war and calls for the EU and its Member States to continue to use all of the instruments at their disposal to support the Ukrainian people in their fight to free Ukraine from its occupiers and to hold the invading forces responsible for devastation and war crimes committed;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 116 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for the EU to reflect on how to promote a human rights-based approach in all EU instruments and strategies in order to strengthen the EU’s human rights foreign policy and shape the evolving geopolitical situation; underlines that the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI – Global Europe), including its thematic programme on human rights and democracy, is one of the main tools at the EU’s disposal to improve the human rights situation around the world and help foster resilient, inclusive and democratic societies while pushing back against the influence of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes; stresses that the engagement of local civil society actors is vital to protect human rights and democracy in their countries and reiterates its call to fully engage them in all of the EU’s relevant external activities; highlights the importance that NDICI – Global Europe attaches to the promotion of human rights and democracy with strategic international and local partners; underlines Parliament’s role in the instrument’s programming process and calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to share all the relevant information in a timely manner in order to enable Parliament to play its role accordingly, in particular during high-level geopolitical dialogues with the Commission;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 133 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Notes with deep regret that the post of the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU has remained vacant for more than a year; reiterates its and calls for the Council and the Commission to carry out a transparent and comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness and added value of the position of the Special Envoy as part of renewing and reinforcing its mandate,appointment of the new Envoy without further delay; reiterates its call for the Council and the Commission to provide the Special Envoy with adequate resources, and to adequately support the Special Envoy’s institutional mandate, capacity and duties; recalls that the Special Envoy’s duties should focus on promoting freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, and the rights to non-belief, apostasy and the espousal of atheistic views;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 134 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Notes withStrongly regrets that the post of the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU has remained vacant for more than a year; reiterates its call for the Council and the Commission to carry out a transparent and comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness and added value of the position of the Special Envoy as part of renewing and reinforcing its mandatappoint a new Special Envoy as soon as possible, to provide the Special Envoy with adequate resources, and to adequately support the Special Envoy’s institutional mandate, capacity and duties; recalls that the Special Envoy’s duties should focus on promoting freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, and the rights to non-belief, apostasy and the espousal of atheistic views; calls for the Special Envoy to work together with national Special Envoys in the Member States in order to coordinate actions and to have regular consultations with the relevant committees of the European Parliament;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 146 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that human rights dialogues with third countries represent a unique opportunity to focus on human rights challenges and calls for them to be harnessed to their full potential; reiterates its call for the human rights dialogues to be based from the outset on a clear set of benchmarks enabling their effectiveness to be monitored; calls for the EEAS to systematically carry out evaluations of the outcomes of the dialogues and to follow up on them accordingly; stresses that in order to be effective, the dialogues must not be used as a standalone tool, but should instead be integrated within the EU’s comprehensive set of activities with the third countries concerned, which would streamline the human rights dimension and reinforce the messages conveyed in the dialogues; draws attention to the importance of raising individual cases, in particular those highlighted by Parliament in its resolutions, in the context of human rights dialogues and of ensuring adequate follow-up to and transparency of these cases; is of the opinion that, in the case of Human Rights Dialogues with regimes such as the People's Republic of China (PRC), failure to achieve concrete results should have consequences for the wider conduct of bilateral relations, including the freezing of negotiations on any future investment or trade agreements;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 166 #

2022/2049(INI)

12. Welcomes the fact that the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (the EU's Magnitsky Act) has been increasingly used as an essential tool that strengthens the EU’s role as a global human rights actor through the use of targeted sanctions by the Council; calls for the restrictive measures that have already been adopted to be implemented effectively and in full, and for the adoption of additional measures if necessary; reiterates its request for a legislative proposal to extend the scope of the GHRSR to include acts of corruption or, alternatively, for a proposal for a new thematic sanctions regime against serious acts of corruption in order to effectively target the economic and financial enablers of human rights abusers; reiterates its call for the introduction of qualified majority voting for the Council’s decisions and implementation of sanctions under the GHRSR; reiterates its call on the Commission andwelcomes the Commission President's support to expand the scope of the GHRSR to include acts of corruption and calls on the Council to strive to incorporate Parliament’s recommendations for future targeted sanctions, as stipulated in its resolutions and elsewhere;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 177 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Reiterates its call for the Council to introduce targeted sanctions under the GRHSR against the Chief Executive John Lee and all other Hong Kong and PRC officials responsible for the ongoing human rights crackdown in the city;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 178 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Stresses that more states should be sanctioned under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, for instance Iran and China, due to the respective authorities’ continuous human rights violations;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 179 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. Reiterates its call on the Council to adopt additional sanctions targeting high- ranking PRC officials, such as Chen Quanguo, Zhao Kezhi, Guo Shengkun and Hu Lianhe, as well as others identified in the Xinjiang police files, and other individuals and entities, who are involved in the systematic human rights violations in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 182 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses that corruption seriously weakens democratic governance and hinders the enjoyment of human rights worldwide; calls for the fight against corruption to be a part of all of the EU’s efforts and policies to promote human rights and democracy, by formulating a dedicated global anti-corruption strategy, including programmes under the EU’s external financial instruments and enhancing Parliament’s role of scrutiny; underlines the utmost importance for the EU and its Member States to lead by example by applying the highest transparency standards to their external funding and by stepping up their support for civil society organisations, activists and investigative journalists engaged in the fight against corruption;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 190 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates its call to include robust clauses on human rights in agreements between the EU and third countries, supported by a clear set of benchmarks and procedures to be followed in the event of violations; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to actively reflect on how to ensure that the human rights clauses in existing international agreements are effectively enforced; stresses that the EU should react swiftly and decisively to persistent breaches of human rights clauses by third countries, including by suspending the relevant agreements if other options prove ineffective; highlights that the ongoing revision of the Regulation on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and the revaluation of beneficiary countries offers a great opportunity to strengthen the commitment to enforcing the respect for human rights in agreements between the EU and third countries;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 206 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Reaffirms that the effective protection of human rights around the world requires strong international cooperation at a multilateral level; underlines the particularly important role of the UN and its bodies as the main forum which must be able to effectively advance the efforts for peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue supporting the work of the UN, both politically and financially; underlines the need for the EU and its Member States to strive to speak with one voice both at the UN and in other multilateral forums; recalls the obligations of all UN member states to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, as enshrined in the Founding Charter of the United Nations and UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251; stresses the responsibility of the UN Human Rights Council to address all the grave violations of human rights around the world; encourages the continuing efforts of the UN General Assembly to abolish the death penalty including abolishing capital sentences for non-violent crimes;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 209 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Stresses that the UNHRC should address situations of violations of human rights in a balanced manner, and cease attempts to disproportionately target the State of Israel; calls in this regard for a fundamental reform of the Human Rights Council including the setting of clear criteria for members of the Council;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 217 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Deplores the abuses of multilateral institutions by the PRC, Russia and other authoritarian regimes, seeking to neutralise human rights mechanisms' their ability to hold states accountable for human rights violations, as well as to undermine and/or rewrite international norms to suit their authoritarian agenda; calls on the Council and the Member States to work with like-minded democratic allies to support a reform of multilateral institutions so that they become more resilient in the face of malign influence of authoritarian regimes;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 218 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17 b. Deplores the abuse of the UN Human Rights Council by authoritarian and totalitarian regimes which continue to abuse it for their own ends, in particular, to undermine its functioning, and erode the human rights norms regime; calls for the EU and its Member States to support a comprehensive reform of the HRC;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 245 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Stresses the vital role of ICC in carrying out investigations into war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by non-state, regional or ethnic-based armed forces against ethnic, religious or belief minorities; calls on the EU and its Member States to continue cooperation with ICC in combatting and preventing such crimes; reiterates the importance of scaling up efforts to support ICC in initiating and conducting formal investigations in a timely manner and in full conformity with the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 246 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Stresses the vital role of the ICC in carrying out investigations into war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by non-state, regional or ethnic-based armed forces against ethnic, religious or belief minorities; calls on the EU and its Member States to continue cooperation with the ICC in combatting and preventing such crimes; reiterates the importance of scaling up efforts to support ICC in initiating and conducting formal investigations in a timely manner and in full conformity with the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 247 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Reaffirms that the credible evidence about birth prevention measures and the separation of Uyghur children from their families amount to crimes against humanity and represent a serious risk of genocide; calls on the Chinese authorities to cease all government- sponsored programmes of forced labour and mass forced sterilisation and to put an immediate end to any measures aimed at preventing births in the Uyghur population;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 257 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty, which is a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; especially condemns retention of the death penalty for non- violent crimes such as blasphemy and apostasy and recalls that the mere existence of the death penalty already has a chilling effect on the freedom of conscience, expression, religion or belief; stresses that the EU must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium, starting with abolishing capital sentences for non- violent crimes, such as blasphemy and apostasy, as a first step towards its abolition; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 258 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty, which is a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; stresses that the EU must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium as a first step towards its abolition; condemns in strong terms, enforcement of blasphemy laws across the globe that carry the possibility of death penalty to the convicted; reiterates that the freedom to choose one’s religion, to believe or not to believe at all remains a fundamental human right that cannot be punished by death or any degrading treatment; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 280 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
25. Calls for the EU and its international partners to strengthen their efforts to ensure full enjoyment of human rights by women and their equal treatment with men, including, the right to education, movement and freedom of expression, thought and religion; underlines that women continue to be the main victims in violent crises and that sexual and gender-based violence has continued in many places around the world, notably being used in armed conflicts as a weapon of war; calls for more concerted efforts to eliminate the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and fight impunity of the perpetrators of such violence; stresses the need to pursue efforts to fully eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation; stresses that women human rights defenders, activists, journalists and lawyers have been particularly targeted, with online harassment and intimidation increasing rapidly; highlights with deep concern the increase in domestic violence and setbacks to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in both developing and developed countries and calls for the EU and its Member States to fully support the right of women to bodily integrity, dignity and autonomous decision-making;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 295 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Reiterates that it condemns the practice of surrogacy, which undermines the human dignity of the woman since her body and its reproductive functions are used as a commodity; considers that the practice of gestational surrogacy which involves reproductive exploitation and use of the human body for financial or other gain, in particular in the case of vulnerable women in developing countries, shall be prohibited and treated as a matter of urgency in human rights instruments;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 296 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25 b. Condemns sex-selective abortion, as well as the discrimination resulting from this practice, in particular where women and girls are targeted;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 297 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)
25 c. Calls on the Commission and the EU Special Representative for Human Rights to address the issue of forced marriage, including the phenomenon of underaged girls being forced to marry older men from outside their religion or belief, as a means of (re-)conversion from one religion or belief to another; condemns in strong terms any such use of forced marriage, house arrest, rape and other degrading treatment against women;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 314 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Condemns legislation, policies and practices, enabling child selection on the grounds of sex, race, disability or any other ground;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 329 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to increase their efforts in promoting equal rights for persons with disabilities through external action; emphasises the need to increase pressure on candidate countries to implement reforms to improve the situation of persons with disabilities and to increase their efforts in terms of deinstitutionalisation; calls on the Commission to assist candidate countries to develop a structured process for consulting persons with disabilities and their representative organisations;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 333 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
30. Underlines its opposition to and condemnation of intolerance, xenophobia and discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, social class, disability, caste, religion, belief, age, sexual orientation or gender identitysex, which in many of the world’s regions leads to killings and persecution; stresses that racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance continue to be a major problem worldwide and have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic; calls for the EU and its Member States to lead the global fight against antisemitism and welcomes the adoption of the EU strategy to this end;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 339 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
30. Underlines its opposition to and condemnation of intolerance, xenophobia and discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, social class, disability, caste, religion, belief, age, sexual orientation or gender identity, which in many of the world’s regions leads to killings and persecution; stresses that racism, antisemitism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance continue to be a major problem worldwide and have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic; calls for the EU and its Member States to lead the global fight against antisemitism and welcomes the adoption of the EU strategy to this end;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 341 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. Is concerned about the hate speech and violence still taught in Palestinian school materials and used in schools by UNRWA; reiterates its position that all schoolbooks and school materials supported by Union funds must be in line with UNESCO standards of peace, tolerance, coexistence, and non-violence; demands that all school material, which is not in compliance with these standards will be removed immediately;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 375 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34 a. Is deeply concerned about the growing restrictions of fundamental freedoms in Algeria and reiterates its call to the Algerian authorities to take immediate measures to guarantee the rights of its population to freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly, as already expressed in its resolution of 26 November 2020 on the deteriorating situation of human rights in Algeria;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 376 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34 a. Strongly condemns the Iranian authorities’ brutal crackdown on protests throughout the country following the death of Mahsa Amini, who was killed after being arrested for allegedly wearing an improper hijab; urges the EU and Member States to call on the Iranian authorities and President Raisi to immediately stop using violence against the protesters and cease shutting off access to the internet inside the country;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 379 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
35. Notes that 2021 marked the 40th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief; notes with grave concern that the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, to hold a belief, or not to believe is still violated in many countries around the worldand the right to manifest and to change or leave one’s religion or belief without fear of violence, persecution or discrimination is increasingly being violated in many countries around the world; is of the opinion that this right serves as a litmus test for many other fundamental rights and must therefore be fully supported through all EU external policies, including trade policies; stresses the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as some governments still use it as a pretext for further discriminatory practices including violence against and scapegoating religious minorities; calls for the EU and its Member States to step up their efforts to protect the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, to raise these issues at UN human rights forums and to work with the relevant UN mechanisms and committees; underlines the importance of a quick reappointment of the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU in this regard; calls on the European External Action Service and the EU delegations to also include religious organisations in their dialogues with civil society in order to tailor human rights policies to country-specific religious and cultural contexts; calls for an evaluation of the 2013 EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief, as foreseen in Article 70 of these guidelines, and to share the results with the Parliament;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 387 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35 a. Is deeply concerned about the violence against people belonging to minorities on the grounds of their belief or religion as a global phenomenon; deplores that it affects many religious communities, namely Christians (including Copts, Syriacs, Assyrians), Jews, Muslims (including Uyghurs, Ahmadis and Alevis), Buddhists, Hindus and smaller religious groups, such as Baha’is, Sikhs and Zoroastrians, as well as groups of people who are atheists, humanists, agnostics or do not identify with any religion;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 388 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35 a. Expresses its concern about the increasing persecution by the Algerian regime of the Christian community, through the closure or threats of closure of a dozen churches across the country;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 395 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 b (new)
35 b. Fully supports the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion without fear of violence, persecution or discrimination; stresses the importance of addressing persecution on the grounds of religion or belief and condemns the persecution suffered by minorities on these grounds in many places around the world; calls on the Member States and the EEAS to take note of these cases and to respond to them accordingly;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 397 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 c (new)
35 c. Calls on the Commission and the Council to implement ambitious programmes to defend freedom of religion or belief worldwide, including encouraging and supporting international efforts to collect evidence of crimes of atrocity, bringing the perpetrators to court, rendering criminal sentences effective, and compensating the victims; calls on the Council, the Commission, the EEAS and the Member States to work with third countries to adopt measures to prevent and fight hate crime;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 409 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36 a. Is concerned by the growing body of evidence on transnational repression emanating from the People's Republic of China, aimed at silencing dissent across the globe and forcing the return of overseas nationals through extra-legal means, including the existence of physical ‘overseas police service stations’ in countries around the world, including Europe, by the PRC Public Security forces in cooperation with Chinese Overseas associations linked to United Front Work; stresses that such extraterritorial practices by a totalitarian regime are not only illegal, but represent a grave human rights risk; calls on the Council and the Member States to urgently investigate and close these stations and other mechanisms of transnational repression, and to provide for adequate monitoring, reporting and protection mechanisms for the communities at risk; further reiterates its urgent call for the remaining Member States which have not done so to suspend all active extradition treaties with the PRC and Hong Kong as the human rights situation in these territories is incompatible with Member States' international obligation of non- refoulement, and their maintenance is an essential part of the PRC's transnational repressive framework, and gravely infringes on the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms within the EU and around the world;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 429 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
37. Reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants, refugees and forcibly displaced persons, which must be reflected in the EU’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the EU should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, particularly focusing on displaced women, children, ethnic, religious and belief minorities and persons with disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable, building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees, as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses, in this regard, that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for EU- funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the EU and welcomes, in this regard, the Commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the EU13 , including the development of Talent Partnerships with partner countries; _________________ 13 Commission communication of 27 April 2022 on attracting skills and talent to the EU (COM(2022)0657).
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 476 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41 a. Condemns human rights violations in the Tindouf camps, in particular the military recruitment of children by the Polisario, sponsored by Algeria;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 480 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 a (new)
42 a. Highlights with concern the fact that religious, belief or ethnic background can be used as a discriminating factor in the distribution of food and humanitarian aid in the context of food insecurity and humanitarian crises; encourages the EU, its Member States and the Commission to bring this issue to the attention of the foreign governments concerned;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 499 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
45. Underlines that trade agreements often offer the possibility for the EU to work with third countries to address their domestic situation by providing some conditions that would serve to enhance living standards, as well as allow for some conditionality to improve the human rights situation in those countries; notes, however, that in some cases there has been little to no improvement in the countries concerned; notes that excessive and exploitative business activities often have detrimental effects on human rights in third countries;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 502 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
46. Calls for the EU to make more and coherent use of clauses in trade agreements that protect human rights, including closer monitoring and adequate enforcement of human rights commitments, and to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls, in particular, for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated Regulation on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting GSP+ status, including following up on any possible violations; calls on the Commission to keep the European Parliament adequately informed in this regard; calls for a standing invitation for the EU to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries GSP+ status; reiterates its calls for the Commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly respond to any violations, including the revocation of GSP+ status if warranted;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 517 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
47. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence as a step towards fostering responsible corporate behaviour with regard to human, labour and environmental rights; emphasises that the directive’s requirements as regards reporting on the sustainability and due diligence strategies should apply to all publicly listed undertakings andlarge companies, as well as to small and medium-sized undertakings operating in high-risk world regions and economic sectors; calls on the Commission to draw up a strong and coherent strategy on forced labour as an accompaniment to its proposal, notably with a view to implementing a complete ban on EU imports of goods produced through forced labour;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 525 #

2022/2049(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
48. Stresses that human rights must fully encompass the digital sphere and must be protected from the improperunethical use of technology; underlines the risks posed by digital technologies to personal liberty and democracy at large and condemns the role of digital technologies in human rights violationrecognises that digital technologies can pose a risk to human rights and dignity when used unethically, and condemns the role of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, in human rights violations, though surveillance, monitoring, harassment and limitations to freedom of expression for religious minorities; calls for more intensive efforts to establish a comprehensive legal framework on digital technologies and human-centric artificial intelligence, which should balance the need to protect human rights with taking advantage of the possible gains such technologies can offer for human well- being; calls on the swift adoption of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act as an effective tool to safeguard that AI is used to this aim, with special focus on high risk AI; calls on the attention economy used by, among others, social media platforms to be included within the scope of high risk AI in order to protect vulnerable groups from being targeted by disinformation and manipulation of the public opinion;
2022/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 23 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine has brought war back to the European continent, has caused serious destruction, suffering and war crimes perpetrated by Russia against Ukraine, has seriously undermined European and global security, has created economic uncertainty, has led to a spike in energy prices, has considerable potential to further destabilise many non-EU countries and has therefore significantly changed the geopolitical context of the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP);
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 36 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine was a wake-up call for the European Union, presenting a real threat to European security and creating momentum to achieve a geopolitical redefinition of the CFSP; whereas it is also an opportunity for the Member States to show the political will to transform the CFSP into a fully fledged European policythe war has highlighted the naivety and failed policies which made the Union dependent on Russia, the People's Republic of China and other totalitarian and non-democratic regimes in key strategic sectors and emboldened Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and other autocrats; whereas it is imperative that the Union learns from these failures, addresses the key vulnerabilities and strengthen its resilience in the face of threats emanating from totalitarian and non-democratic regimes;
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 65 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Points out that the EU’s responseability to learn and address previous geostrategic mistakes, and respond to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine is a test of the effectiveness of the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy and of its role as a credible foreign policy player, a reliable international partner and a credible security and defence actor;
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 68 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Underscores that the tectonic shift in the geopolitical landscape caused by the war in Ukraine, the continued assertiveness of the totalitarian Chinese Communist Party, and other international challenges calls for a swifter and more resolute implementaction ofby the concept of strategic sovereignty and for a geopoliUnion in cooperation with its democratic al awakening of the EUlies;
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 84 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that the Strategic Compass, adopted by the Council in March 2022, gives the EU the tools to be both an effective security providerstrategic guidance to operate in a hostile environment and to become a more assertive global actor for peace and human security, and therefore calls for its swift implementation;
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 92 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 1
- strengthening the EU’s institutional and decision-making arrangements ipolitical will and unity in the common foreign and security policy,
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 95 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 2
- putting the concept of strategic sovereignty into practiaddressing institutional, societal, economic and supply chain vulnerabilities to strengthen the Union's resilience,
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 105 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 3
- buildstrengthening partnerships for a better worldwith democratic allies,
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 118 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – introductory part
6. Underscores the importance of preserving this unity and continuing to strengthen the EU’s strategic sovereignty and resilience through more efficient decision-makingresilience through more unity and consistency with the Union's founding principles in the field of CFSP, which could be achieved by:
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 123 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point a
(a) switching progressively to qualified majority voting for decisions in areas of the CFSP that do not have military or defence implicaensuring that the Union's actions, as well as for other EU external policy tools such as the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, by using the passerelle clauses provided for in the Treatiesre guided and consistent with the values and principles on which the Union was founded in line with Article 21 TEU;
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 175 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the grave and massive destruction, war crimes, violation of human rights and the fundamental norms of international law have highlighted the need for stronger, more ambitious, credible, strategic and unified EU action on the world stage, and accentuated the necessity for the EU to autonomously set its own strategic objectives and develop the capabilities to pursue them; while working closely with its democratic allies;
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 189 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the shift in the Member States’ approaches, moving towards creating more EU strategic sovereignty by adopting the Versailles Declaration of 11 March 2022 and the Strategic Compass on 21 March 2022, which highlight the need to strengthen EU defence capabilities and to contribute positively to global and transatlantic security, in close collaboration and coordination with NATO;
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 268 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Reminds that NATO remains the fundamental cornerstone of European and transatlantic security
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 304 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Takes note of the outcome of the EU-China Summit; reiterates its requests for a renewed EU-China strategy to reflect the growing threat posed by the PRC; underscores the necessity of ensuring that any support to Russia’s war in Ukraine and any circumvention of the effects of the sanctions against Russia by China must have consequences for its relations with the EU;
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 308 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. expresses grave concern at Chinese government’s position indicated at the CCP’s 20th Party Congress that China will never renounce the right to use force over Taiwan; reiterates that the status quo of the Taiwan Strait should not be unilaterally altered against the will of the Taiwanese people; is of the view that the dispute between Taiwan and China should be solved through peaceful dialogues without any preconditions;
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 320 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission and the VP/HR to establish strategic cooperation with Taiwan, in particular, by pursuing a Bilateral Investment Treaty and working together to diversify supply chains in order to address the EU's vulnerabilities vis-a-vis the PRC;
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 324 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Underlines that Taiwan is a key EU partner and democratic ally in the Indo-Pacific region, one that contributes to maintaining a rules-based international order and upholds fundamental values; strongly urges the EU and its Member States to intensify cooperation and pursue a comprehensive enhanced partnership with Taiwan, notably essential cooperation on critical supply chain resilience, and countering disinformation and foreign interference.
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 326 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Strongly advocate Taiwan’s meaningful participation as an observer in the meetings, mechanism and activities of the World Health Organization, UNFCCC, International Civil Aviation Organization and Interpol;
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 359 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Acknowledges that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine is having a negative impact on the Eastern Partnership countries first and foremost; calls for the EU institutions and the Member States to engage in a thorough reflection on a reform of the Eastern Partnership policy; stresses the importance of a free, democratic and sovereign Belarus in strengthening the security of Ukraine; reiterates its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Eastern Partnership countries in the face of Russian aggression, annexations, occupations, and hybrid threats
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 385 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
23. Underlines that the war in Ukraine has prompted the EU to prioritise its enlargement policy; welcomes the granting of candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova, and calls for it to be granted to Georgia, provided that the priorities specified in the Commission’s opinion have been addressed; underscores thate importance of enlargement has proven to be an effective foreign policy tool;
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 441 #

2022/2048(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
26. Calls for a swift restoration and full implementation by all parties of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which is a cornerstone of non- proliferation and the stabilisation of the Middle East and the Gulf region;Expresses its full solidarity with the people of Iran, and calls for sanctions against the regime and its officials for violence against peaceful protestors and for denying the Iranian people their freedom
2022/10/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 2 #

2022/2047(INI)

Draft opinion
Citation 1 a (new)
— having regard to Article 8(2) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court,
2022/09/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 7 #

2022/2047(INI)

Draft opinion
Citation 5 a (new)
— having regard to the Council conclusions of 22January 2018 on the integrated approach to external conflicts and crises,
2022/09/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 19 #

2022/2047(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A
A. whereas culture has major potential to promote the EU’s values, solidify its identity and contribute to the fulfilment of its objectives worldwide, as well as addressing global challenges, including fostering human development and peace;
2022/09/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 22 #

2022/2047(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas culture and religion are deeply rooted in local realities and key determinants of societal and personal bonds in many of the EU’s partner countries and regions, including in Africa, Latin America, Asia and EU’s Eastern and Southern Neighbourhood; whereas developing a profound understanding of these realities and taking them fully into account could contribute to enhancing the comprehensiveness and fairness of EU’s partnerships, and to increasing the overall effectiveness of EU’s External Action;
2022/09/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 25 #

2022/2047(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas EU efforts towards forward-looking international cultural relations and cultural diplomacy should strive to promote values such as solidarity and fraternity, involving actors at all levels of public institutions, civil society, as well as Churches, religious associations or communities;
2022/09/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 26 #

2022/2047(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas cultural and religious heritage is one of the most valuable drivers of social cohesion, intercultural encounter as well as economic and human development, and peace;
2022/09/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 48 #

2022/2047(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas as part of its war on Ukraine, the Russian Federation is seriously damaging and destroying Ukraine’s cultural and religious heritage; whereas deliberate attacks on cultural and religious heritage in armed conflict are considered war crimes under international law;
2022/09/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 93 #

2022/2047(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for the allocation of the necessary budgetary and personnel resources to the EU’s international cultural relations and cultural diplomacy in order to facilitate cultural cooperation with local actors, including public institutions, civil society, as well Churches, religious associations or communities and academia in third countries;
2022/09/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 114 #

2022/2047(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls for increased protection of cultural and religious heritage in the context of armed conflict, including Russia’s war against Ukraine; calls for proper international investigation of the attacks of the Russian Federation on Ukraine’s cultural and religious heritage; calls for establishing a special fund to support the reconstruction of Ukraine’s destroyed and seriously damaged cultural and religious heritage;
2022/09/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 122 #

2022/2047(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls for a more systematic involvement of religious and cultural actors in the joint conflict analyses for countries that are at risk of or facing conflict or instability, as stipulated in the Council conclusions on the integrated approach to external conflicts and crises of 22 January 2018;
2022/09/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 129 #

2022/2047(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Calls for better integrating cultural and religious aspects and intensifying cooperation with relevant actors in the framework of EU’s bilateral and regional partnerships and related policies, notably with respect to Africa, Latin America, Asia, as well as the Western Balkans and EU’s Eastern and Southern Neighbourhood;
2022/09/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 133 #

2022/2047(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Stresses that improving international cultural relations should always be supported by efforts to strengthen teaching and learning about culture within the EU and its Member States, fostering intercultural and interreligious competences within the geopolitical dimension of the European Education Area and the European Research Area;
2022/09/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 138 #

2022/2047(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5e. Calls for the creation of specific ad-hoc instruments favouring the continuation of cultural exchange programmes between the EU and third countries in conflict situations, in order to preserve people-to-people contacts and enable cultural cooperation in arts, academia, research and other relevant areas;
2022/09/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 49 #

2022/2026(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas persons with disabilities face challenges posed by the discrimination including multiple discrimination in many areas of life; whereas these challenges vary across Member States; whereas persons with disabilities face major difficulties in achieving their equal access and equal conditions in the labour market;
2022/06/28
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 50 #

2022/2026(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the UNCRPD recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others, choose freely, be accepted and work in open, inclusive and accessible work environment;
2022/06/28
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 51 #

2022/2026(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas an equal access of persons with disabilities to the employment is often hindered both by barriers to the workplace and the barriers to the built environment which impedes the possibilities of persons with disabilities to find the employment outside sheltered workshops;
2022/06/28
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 52 #

2022/2026(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital B
B. whereas approximately 1 in 6 people in the EU live with some kind of disability; whereas rheumatic and musculoskeletal are associated with high levels of disability, comprise the biggest cause of physical disability in the EU, and account for over 50% percent of Years Lived with Disabilities (YLDs) in Europe;1a; whereas 50.6 % of persons with disabilities are employed and 28.4 % are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, compared to 74.8 %7 and 18.4 % respectively of persons without disabilities8 ; _________________ 7 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/et udes/BRIE/2020/651932/EPRS_BRI(2020) 651932_EN.pdf 8 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics- explained/index.php?title=Disability_statist ics_-_poverty_and_income_inequalities
2022/06/28
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 66 #

2022/2026(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Ba. Whereas the negative impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases on disability in Europe is set to increase as Europe’s population ages;
2022/06/28
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 74 #

2022/2026(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Bb. A b. whereas persons with disabilities or chronic diseases, request individualised support and adaptation of the workplace;
2022/06/28
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 127 #

2022/2026(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls for the European Union and Member States to improve their efforts in order to achieve a barrier-free environment including the built environment for persons with disabilities or functional limitations including people with rheumatic/chronic inflammatory and musculoskeletal disease-driven disability.
2022/06/28
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 154 #

2022/2026(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the European Commission and Member States to review and revise current models and tools used to assess disability to take proper account of all disabling diseases, including rheumatic/chronic inflammatory and musculoskeletal diseases.
2022/06/28
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 177 #

2022/2026(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls for rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases to be recognised as a major cause of disability across all relevant EU and member state policy, legislation, and programmes.
2022/06/28
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 180 #

2022/2026(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls for Europe-wide monitoring and reporting of disability to be based on quality data and updated disability indicators that recognise the characteristics and symptoms of rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease- driven disability.
2022/06/28
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 181 #

2022/2026(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Welcomes the European Commission objective to set targets on increasing the employment rate for persons with disabilities, including people with rheumatic/chronic inflammatory and musculoskeletal diseases, as well as the participation of adults with disabilities in learning, up-skilling, re-skilling and mobility programmes;
2022/06/28
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 182 #

2022/2026(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Highlights the need to address new challenges related to the higher prevalence of disabilities linked to the ageing of the workforce and higher prevalence of employees with chronic diseases; stresses the importance of developing policies including flexible work schedules to help employees with disabilities to better integrate in the labour market;
2022/06/28
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 184 #

2022/2026(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages public employment services to roll out personalised measures to improve the employability and retention of persons with disabilities in the labour market using the full potential of digital tools including ethical and human-centric artificial intelligence while exchanging best practices in order to identify successful initiatives on better employability and assistance to persons with disabilities; calls on Member States to provide guidance, training and financial aid to support entrepreneurship and self- employment for persons with disabilities as well as their employability in social economy.
2022/06/28
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 195 #

2022/2026(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to support research programmes focused on development of assistive technologies including robotics, digital technologies and ethical artificial intelligence enabling full integration of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life including labour market;
2022/06/28
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 121 #

2022/2007(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) Implement under the NDICI, as a matter of priority, strategies and dedicated programming for broader youth access to education, vocational training, higher education together with adequate funding for access to education and ensuring that school textbooks and educational material in partner countries adhere to the UNESCO standards of peace, tolerance and non-violence in education, and as an integral part of the Union’s strategy for combatting Antisemitism; commends the ongoing curriculum reforms commenced by Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia and Morocco in this regard; reiterates its concern about anti-Semitic content and incitement to violence present in Palestinian educational materials, as demonstrated by the findings of the recent EU funded study by the Georg Eckert Institute; recalls that youth migration, whether regular or irregular, and professional brain drain are a matter of serious concern to our partners in the region, as well as a serious threat to the longer-term capacity for economic growth and economic viability of Southern Neighbourhood countries; stresses the importance of expanding access to the Erasmus and Erasmus+ programmes for participants from Southern Neighbourhood countries; recalls the importance of circular mobility, including South-to-South exchanges, so that professionals from Southern Neighbourhood countries can have concrete opportunities to further their professional training in the EU and return to their country of origin to share and build knowledge; insist that financial support to education initiatives must be conditionally linked to an adherence to Union values and UNESCO standards; recalls the importance of mainstreaming the socioeconomic integration of women in the region and of gender equality in all EU policies areas whenever possible; stresses the importance of targeted EU support for women with the objective of improving their access to education, training and employment and, more generally, promoting equal professional and socioeconomic opportunities;
2022/05/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 165 #

2022/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take action against the alarming increase in antisemitism in the Union; is of the opinion that the will to accommodate other religious minorities in some cases has created an unjustifiable acceptance of antisemitism;
2022/06/03
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 168 #

2022/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Calls on the Commission to implement zero tolerance for EU support for projects that directly or indirectly express antisemitism; emphasizes in this context that it is an important issue of credibility for the EU that the external action of the union in this respect is linked to other EU policies; calls therefore on the Commission to change its policy regarding UNRWA so that there is a clear conditionality in the fight against antisemitism in order to gain access to EU funds;
2022/06/03
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 124 #

2022/0426(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) In order to clarify a legal uncertainty in the definition of trafficking in human beings, this Directive adopts a broader concept of what it should be considered than under Directive 2011/36/EU and Framework Decision 2002/629/JHA, and therefore includes additional forms of exploitation. The contract, usually called surrogacy, through which a natural or legal person agrees with a woman that she will carry a child for the purpose of handing it upon birth, regardless of the name and terms and conditions of such contract, is considered human trafficking, both of the woman who carries or is to carry the child and of the child.
2023/07/07
Committee: LIBEFEMM
Amendment 127 #

2022/0426(COD)

(16a) In accordance with the European Parliament resolution of the 21st of January 2021 on the EU Strategy for Gender Equality (2019/2169(INI)), in its paragraph 32, which “acknowledges that sexual exploitation for surrogacy and reproductive purposes or purposes such as forced marriages, prostitution and pornography is unacceptable and a violation of human dignity and human rights”. In accordance with the European Parliament resolution of the 10th of February 2021 on the implementation of Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims (2020/2029(INI)), in its paragraph 28, that classifies surrogacy as a Traffic in Human Beings. In accordance with the European Parliament resolution of 5th of May 2022 on the impact of the war against Ukraine on women (2022/2633(RSP)), that “underlines the serious impact of surrogacy on women, their rights and their health, the negative consequences for gender equality and the challenges stemming from the cross- border implications of this practice, as has been the case for the women and children affected by the war against Ukraine; asks the EU and its Member States to investigate the dimensions of this industry, the socio-economic context and the situation of pregnant women, as well as the consequences for their physical and mental health and for the well-being of babies; calls for the introduction of binding measures to address surrogacy, protecting women’s and newborns’ rights”.
2023/07/07
Committee: LIBEFEMM
Amendment 131 #

2022/0426(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2011/36/EU
Article 2 – paragraph 3
(1) in Article 2, paragraph 3, “or forced marriage, or illegal adoption”, "or the exploitation of a woman for reproductive purposes through surrogacy" is added at the end of the paragraph.
2023/07/07
Committee: LIBEFEMM
Amendment 62 #

2022/0402(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
(2) This Regulation concerns the recognition in a Member State of the parenthood of a child as established in another Member State. It aims to protect the fundamental rights and other rights of children in matters concerning their parenthood in cross-border situations, including their right to an identity31 , to non-discrimination32 and to a private and family life33 , taking the best interests of the child as a primary consideration34 . This Regulation also aims to provide legal certainty and predictability and to reduce litigation costs and burden for families, national courts and other competent authorities in connection with proceedings for the recognition of parenthood in another Member State. To attain these aims, this Regulation should require Member States to recognise for all purposes the parenthood of a child as established in another Member State. _________________ 31 Article 8 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. 32 Article 2 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. 33 Article 9 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Articles 7 and 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. 34 Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
2023/07/20
Committee: JURI
Amendment 64 #

2022/0402(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
(5) Under the Treaties, the competence to adopt substantive rules on family law, such as rules on the definition of family and rules on the establishment of the parenthood of a child, lies with the Member States. However, pursuant to Article 81(3) TFEU, the Union can adopt measures concerning family law with cross-border implications, in particular rules on international jurisdiction, on applicable law and on the recognition of parenthood. In accordance with Article 67(1) TFEU the relevant legislation shall respect fundamental rights and the different legal systems of the Member States.
2023/07/20
Committee: JURI
Amendment 88 #

2022/0402(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
(18) Article 8 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of 4 November 1950 (‘European Convention of Human Rights’) lays down the right to respect for private and family life, while Article 1 of Protocol No. 12 to the said Convention provides that the enjoyment of any right set forth by law must be secured without discrimination on any ground, including birth. The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights has interpreted Article 8 of the Convention as requiring all States within its jurisdiction to recognise the legalrecognised, in the only case on which it had to rule, Paradiso and Campanelli v Italy (ECHR, 24 January 2017, n° 25358/12), the right of a Member State to not recognise a parenthood established abroad to the orderer of a surrogacy contract. Member States are not required to register the details of the birth certificate of a child born via surrogacy abroad in order to establish the parent- child legal relationship established abroad between a child borwith the orderer mother. The jurisprudence of the European Court of surrogacy and the biological intended parent, and to provide for a mechanism for the recognition in law of the parent- child relationship with the non-biological intended parent (for example through the adoption of the child)54 . _________________ 54 For example, Mennesson v. France (Application no 65192/11, Council of Europe: European Court of Human Rights, 26 June 2014) and Advisory Opinion P16-2018-001 (Request no. P16- 2018-001, Council of Europe: European Court of Human Rights, 10 April 2019)Human Rights, without prejudice to the need for States to identify ways to ensure the protection of the child interest in the legal recognition of the link with those who de facto exercise parental responsibility, has recognised to the States a margin of discretion in identifying the ways in which to formalise the relationship with the orderer of a surrogacy contract. This orientation does not prevent the solution of the non-registration of the foreign document that recognises the parenthood to both the members of the couple that resorted to surrogacy abroad. With regard to the solution of adoption, the European Court of Human Rights has underlined that it can be considered sufficient to guarantee the protection of the rights of minors to the extent that it is capable of constituting a link of real "filiation" between adopter and adopted, and on condition that the modalities provided for by domestic law guarantee the effectiveness and speediness of its implementation, in accordance with the best interest of the child.
2023/07/20
Committee: JURI
Amendment 98 #

2022/0402(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
(21) In conformity with the provisions of international conventions and Union law, this Regulation should ensure that children enjoy their rights and maintain their legal status in cross-border situations without discrimination. To that effect, and in the light of the case law of the Court of Justice, including on mutual trust between Member States, and of the European Court on Human Rights, this Regulation should cover the recognition in a Member State of the parenthood established in another Member State irrespective of how the child was conceived or born and irrespective of the child’s type of family, and, including domestic adoption. Therefore, subject to the application of the rules on applicable law of this Regulation, this Regulation should cover the recognition in a Member State of the parenthood established in another Member State of a child with same-sex parents. This Regulation should also cover the recognition in a Member State of the parenthood of a child adopted domestically in another Member State under the rules governing domestic adoption in that Member State.
2023/07/20
Committee: JURI
Amendment 110 #

2022/0402(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
(24) For the purposes of this Regulation, parenthood, also referred to as filiation, may be biologic, genetic, by adoption or by operation of law. Also for the purposes of this Regulation, parenthood should mean the parent-child relationship established in law, and should cover the legal status of being the child of a particular parent or parents. This Regulation should cover the parenthood established in a Member State of both minors and adults, including a deceased child and a child not yet born, whether to a single parent, a de facto couple, a married couple or a couple in a relationship which, under the law applicable to such relationship, has comparable effects, such as a registered partnership. This Regulation should apply regardless of the nationality of the child whose parenthood is to be established, and regardless of the nationality of the parents of the child. The term ‘parent’ in this Regulation should be understood, as applicable, as referring to the legal parent, the intended parent, the person who claims to be a parent or the person in respect of whom the child claims parenthoodwhich means the person to which a child has a legally established link of filiation, may it be biologic, genetic, by adoption or by operation of law.
2023/07/20
Committee: JURI
Amendment 127 #

2022/0402(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
(31) The requirements for the recording of parenthood in a register should be excluded from the scope of this Regulation. It should therefore be the law of the Member State in which the register is kept that should determine under what legal conditions and how the recording must be carried out, and which authorities are in charge of checking that all requirements are met and that the documentation presented or established is sufficient or contains the necessary information. In order to avoid duplication of documents, the national registration authorities should accept the documents drawn up in another Member State by the competent authorities whose circulation is provided for by this Regulation. In particular, the European Certificate of Parenthood issued under this Regulation should constitute a valid document for the recording of parenthood in a register of a Member State. As the procedure for the issuance of the European Certificate of Parenthood and its contents and effects should be uniform in all Member States as set out in this Regulation, and the European Certificate of Parenthood should be issued in conformity with the rules on jurisdiction and applicable law laid down in this Regulation, the authorities involved in the registration should not require that the European Certificate of Parenthood be first transposed into a national document on parenthood. This should not preclude the authorities involved in the registration from confirming the conditions necessary to establish the authenticity of the European Certificate of Parenthood or from asking the person applying for registration to provide such additional information as required under the law of the Member State in which the register is kept, provided that information is not already included in the European Certificate of Parenthood. The competent authority may indicate to the person applying for registration how the missing information can be provided. The effects of recording the parenthood in a register (for example, depending on the national law, whether registration establishes parenthood or only provides evidence of the parenthood already established) should also be excluded from the scope of this Regulation and be determined by the law of the Member State in which the register is kept.
2023/07/20
Committee: JURI
Amendment 180 #

2022/0402(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 56
(56) Considerations of public interest should allow courts and other competent authorities establishing parenthood in the Member States to disregard, in exceptional circumstances, certain provisions of a foreign law where, in a given case, applying such provisions would be manifestly incompatible with the public policy (ordre public) of the Member State concerned. However, the courts or other competent authorities should not be able to apply the public policy exception in order to set aside the law of another State when doing so would be contrary to the Charter and, in particular, Article 21 thereof, which prohibits discrimination, while complying with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.
2023/07/20
Committee: JURI
Amendment 221 #

2022/0402(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 75
(75) Considerations of public interest should allow Member State courts or other competent authorities to refuse, in exceptional circumstances, to recognise or, as the case may be, accept a court decision or authentic instrument on the parenthood established in another Member State where, in a given case, such recognition or acceptance would be manifestly incompatible with the public policy (ordre public) of the Member State concerned. However, the courts or other competent authorities should not be able to refuse to recognise or, as the case may be, accept a court decision or an authentic instrument issued in another Member State when doing so would be contrary to the Charter and, in particular, Article 21 thereof, which prohibits discrimination, while complying with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.
2023/07/20
Committee: JURI
Amendment 259 #

2022/0402(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 90
(90) This Regulation respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in the Charter. In particular, this Regulation seeks to promote the application of Article 7 on everyone’s right to respect for their private and family life, Article 9 on the right to marry and right to found a family, Article 21 prohibiting discrimination, and Article 24 on the protection of the rights of the child.
2023/07/20
Committee: JURI
Amendment 275 #

2022/0402(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation shall not affect the rights that a child derives from Union law, in particular the rights that a child enjoys under Union law on free movement, including Directive 2004/38/EC. In particular, tThis Regulation shall not affect the limitations relating to the use ofpreclude the Member States from using public policy as a justification to refuse the recognition of parenthood where, under Union law on free movement, Member States are obliged to recognise a document establishing a parent-child relationship issued by the authorities of another Member State for the purposes of rights derived from Union law.
2023/07/20
Committee: JURI
Amendment 276 #

2022/0402(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Nothing in this Regulation can be interpreted as obliging a Member State to accept the practice of surrogacy, or any of its legal consequences.
2023/07/20
Committee: JURI
Amendment 285 #

2022/0402(CNS)

2a. (j) the recognition of parenthood of orderers in a surrogacy contract, of children born of surrogacy.
2023/07/20
Committee: JURI
Amendment 330 #

2022/0402(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2
2. Notwithstanding paragraph 1, where the applicable law pursuant to paragraph 1 results in the establishment of parenthood as regards only one parent, the law of the State of nationality of that parent or of the second parent, or the law of the State of birth of the child, may apply to the establishment of parenthood as regards the second parent.deleted
2023/07/20
Committee: JURI
Amendment 383 #

2022/0402(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. (f) if the recognition of parenthood induces the tolerance or acceptance of a contract, usually called surrogacy, through which a natural or legal person agrees with a woman that she will carry a child for the purpose of handing it upon birth, or any consequences of such a contract.
2023/07/20
Committee: JURI
Amendment 427 #

2022/0402(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 39 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. (f) if the recognition of parenthood induces the tolerance or acceptance of a contract, usually called surrogacy, through which a natural or legal person agrees with a woman that she will carry a child for the purpose of handing it upon birth, or any consequences of such a contract.
2023/07/20
Committee: JURI
Amendment 31 #

2022/0326(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 1
(1) A skilled workforce is crucial to ensuring socially fair and just green and digital transitions, and to strengthening the Union’s sustainable competitiveness and resilience in the face of adverse external shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the fallout of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. More and better skills open up new opportunities and empower individuals to fully use their personal and professional potential, participate in the labour market, society and democracy, to harness and benefit from the opportunities of the green and digital transitions and to exercise their rights.
2022/12/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 41 #

2022/0326(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 2
(2) Across the Union, companies report difficulties to find workers with the necessary skills. In 2021, 28 occupations were classified as having shortages, including the healthcare, hospitality, construction and service sectors, in addition to shortages of IT and security specialists, in particular cybersecurity experts, and workers with science, technology, engineering and mathematics background.22 The COVID-19 pandemic aggravated labour shortages mainly in health and care sector even further; Increasingly, the biggest constraint to a successful digital and green transition is the lack of workers with the right skills. In many Member States, demographic ageing is expected to accelerate over the coming decade as “baby boom” cohorts retire,. reinforcing the need to make use of the full potential of all working-age adults through continuous investments in their skills as well as activitating more people, in particular women and young people especially; Highlights therefore the need to develop strategies in order to accommodate needs of all groups workers including investments in their skills, individualised support and adaptation of the workplace to persons with disabilities, chronic diseases or people returning to work after long absence. Reiterates those not in education, employment or training (NEETs). eed to accept wishes of workers, for example older workers not to participate at labour market; _________________ 22 European Labour Authority, Report on labour shortages and surpluses 2021 and ENISA, Cybersecurity skills development in the EU, March 2020. The ENISA studies identify that there is a gap of 291,000 professionals in cybersecurity.
2022/12/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 56 #

2022/0326(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4
(4) Low or mismatching skills of working-age adults remain a significant challenge for the Union, pointing to considerable untapped potential of predicting necessary skills, upskilling and reskilling to help mitigate increasing labour shortages in sectors such as manufacturing and services, and in particular in economic activities related to hospitality and manufacturing of computer and electronic equipment, and the care sector.25 However, participation in adult learning in the Union has stagnated over the last decade and 21 Member States fell short of the 2020 EU- level target. For many adults, such as those in atypical forms of work, employees of small and medium-sized enterprises, the unemployed, the inactive and the low- qualified, skills development opportunities are too often out of reach. Increasing the attractivity of adult learning, upskilling and reskilling opportunities for these groups, and all working-age adults, also contributes to reaching the EU employment target of 78%, with employment rate in the EU in 2021 being at 73.1%.26 _________________ 25 European Commission, 2021 Labour Market and Wage Developments in Europe, p. 26 26 Eurostat, Employment (as % of the population aged 20 to 64), (LFSI_EMP_A)
2022/12/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 133 #

2022/0326(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 17
(17) Attracting skilled third-country nationals can be one of the ways to contribute to tackling the Union’s skills and labour shortages. In October 2021, the revised EU Blue Card Directive45 entered into force, a key achievement for attracting highly skilled talent into the labour market. The New Pact on Migration and Asylum46 also places a strong emphasis on labour migration and on integration of third country nationals. Against this background, the Commission adopted a Skills and Talent Package47 in April 2022 to reinforce the legal framework and Union action in this area. Proposals to recast the Long-Term Residents Directive and the Single Permit Directive will allow to simplify the procedures for the admission of workers of all skill levels to the Union. The Commission will also continue to roll out an EU Talent Pool to facilitate labour matching with non-EU nationals. The Commission is also working towards the launch of tailor-made Talent Partnerships with specific key partner countries to boost international labour mobility and development of talent in a mutually beneficial and circular way. In addition, the Union continues to be the leading contributor to global funding for education focusing especially on teacher training and mobility, girls education and vocational education and training. This work, under the umbrella of the Global Gateway strategy48 , is complementary to the objectives of this proposal. _________________ 45 Directive (EU) 2021/1883 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2021 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purpose of highly qualified employment, and repealing Council Directive 2009/50/EC (OJ L 382, 28.10.2021, p. 1) 46 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a New Pact on Migration and Asylum (COM/2020/609 final) 47 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions Attracting skills and talent to the EU (COM/2022/657 final) 48 Joint Communication to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank The Global Gateway (JOIN/2021/30 final)
2022/12/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 138 #

2022/0326(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 18
(18) Trust in and transparency of qualifications, whether acquired in Europe or beyond, is key in facilitating their recognition. EU transparency tools (European Qualifications Framework, Europass, ESCO, EU Skills Profile Tool for third country nationals, European Digital Credentials for Learning) are a starting point to help increase the transparency and comparability of qualifications. For well functioning labour markets, skills must be understood and, valued and recognized, whether acquired in formal, non- formal or informal settings including volunteering or providing informal care. Skills identification and documentation, as well as guidance to make skills visible, are crucial steps in this context.
2022/12/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 157 #

2022/0326(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 25
(25) The European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021- 203056 aims to ensure their full participation in society, on an equal basis with others in the Union and beyond. Within the Strategy, the European Commission commits to make sure that persons with disabilities can take part in trainings and learn new skills, as a fundamental requisite for employment and independence. Reiterates that in order to achieve improvements in employment and independence of persons with disabilities, it is necessary to step up efforts in order to achieve a barrier-free environment including the built environment for persons with disabilities or functional limitations. _________________ 56 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the regions Union of Equality: Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 (COM/2021/101 final)
2022/12/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 164 #

2022/0326(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
In line with principles 1, 4 and 5 of the European Pillar of Social Rights, contributing to the objectives set out in the 2020 European Skills Agenda and the EU headline targets set by the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan, the overall objective of the European Year shall be to further promote a mindset of achieving full personal and professional potential of individuals, reskilling and upskilling thereby boosting competitiveness of European companies, in particular small and medium-sized entreprises, realising the full potential of the digital and green transitions in a socially fair, inclusive and just manner. while paying special attention to the most vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities. More specifically, the activities of the Year will promote skills policies and investments to ensure that nobody is left behind in the twin transition and the economic recovery, and to notably address labour shortages for a better skilled workforce in the Union that is able to seize the opportunities of this process, by:
2022/12/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 179 #

2022/0326(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
1. Promoting increased, more effective and inclusive investment into training and upskilling to harness the full potential of the European current and future workforce and to support people in managing job-to-job transitions, active ageing, work-life balance and benefiting from the new opportunities brought by the ongoing economic transformation.
2022/12/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 188 #

2022/0326(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3
3. Matching people’s aspirations and skills-set with labour market opportunities especially those offered by the green and digital transitions and the core sectors in need of recovery from the pandemic. A special focus will be given to activate more people for the labour market, in particular women and young people especially those not in education, employment or training (NEETs). In addition to the matching hard skills, it is also important to focus on mastering language skills as well as cross- cutting skills such as critical thinking, entrepreneurship, creativity, intercultural and interreligious competences, team work or media literacy that are important for sustainable growth, productivity, adaptation to the transformations of the labour market, investment and innovation, and are therefore key factors for the competitiveness of businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
2022/12/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 206 #

2022/0326(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The measures to be taken to achieve the objectives set out in Article 2 shall include the following activities at European, national, regional or local level, in line with the principle of subsidiarity and, where relevant, in cooperation with third countries, linked to the objectives of the European Year:
2022/12/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 229 #

2022/0326(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) promoting tools and instruments for increased transparency of qualifications, including qualifications awarded outside the Union; promoting tools for a formal recognition of informally gained skills;
2022/12/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 238 #

2022/0326(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(ha) developing toolbox in order to support the most vulnerable groups, e.g. persons with disabilities, persons with special needs, persons coming from remote or disadvantaged backgrounds;
2022/12/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 47 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Title 1
Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL establishing a Single Mn internal market emergency instrumenand resilience act and repealing Council Regulation No (EC) 2679/98 (Text with EEA relevance)
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 51 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
(1) Past crises, especially the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, have shown that the internal market (also referred to as the Single Market and its supply chains can be severely affected by such crises, and unilateral uncoordinated response decisions of individual Member States, while appropriate crisis management tools and coordination mechanisms are either lacking, do not cover all aspects of the Single market or do not allow for a timely and effective response to such impacts.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 52 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
(1 a) During the COVID-19 pandemic, cross-border workers were particularly affected by uncoordinated measures restricting free movement of persons. These workers did not receive an adequate support at the beginning of the crisis, faced vast administrative burden and lack of information on the measures or their duration;
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 53 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 b (new)
(1 b) Restrictions to the free movement of persons imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated legal obstacles faced by workers working in another Member State than the Member State of their nationality or their or their family´s residence who can conduct their tasks remotely. These workers were forced to spend months in the Member State of their employer without the possibility to go to their country of nationality or residence due to the travel restrictions and legal obstacles preventing them to work remotely from their country of nationality or residence.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 54 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
(2) The Union was not sufficiently prepared to ensure efficient manufacturing, procurement and distribution of crisis- relevant non-medical goods such as personal protective equipment, especially in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ad-hoc measures taken by the Commission in order to re-establish the functioning of the Single Market and to ensure the availability of crisis-relevant non-medical goods during the COVID-19 pandemic were necessarily reactive. The pandemic also revealed insufficient overview of manufacturing capacities across the Union as well as vulnerabilities related to the global supply chains including lack of resilience and dependency on authoritarian regimes.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 57 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
(3) Actions by the Commission were delayed by several weeks due to the lack of any Union wide contingency planning measures and of clarity as to which part of the national administration to contact to find rapid solutions to the impact on the Single Market being cause by the crisis. In addition it became clear that uncoordinated restrictive actions taken by the Member States would further aggravate the impacts of the crisis on the Single market. It emerged that there is a need for arrangementclear, transparent and predictable rules between the Member States and Union authorities as regards contingency planning, technical level coordination and cooperation and information exchange.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 64 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
(5) These recent events have also highlighted the need for the Union to be better prepared for possible future crises, especially as we consider the continuing effects of climate change and resulting natural disasters as well as global economic and geopolitical instabilities. Given the fact that it is not knownunpredictable which kind of criseis could come up next and produce severely impacts on the Single Mternal market and its supply chains in the future, it is necessary to provide for an crisis instrument that would apply with regards to impacts on the Single Market of a wide range of crisesstrengthen resilience, improve transparency, and provide clear rules for the crisis governance.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 76 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 – indent 2
— a forum for adequate coordination, cooperation and exchange of information while using the full potential of digital tools in order to speed up necessary administrative procedures, such as declarations, registrations or authorisations; and
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 78 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 – indent 3
— the means for the timely accessibility and availability of the information which is needed for a targeted response and adequate market behaviour by businesses, workers and citizens during a crisis.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 88 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
(19) Article 45 TFEU lays down the right to free movement of workers, subject to the limitations and conditions laid down in the Treaties and the measures adopted to give them effect. This Regulation contains provisions which complement the existing measures in order to maintain or reinforce free movement of persons, increase transparency and provide adequate and timely information as well as administrative assistance during Single Market emergencies. Such measures include setting up and making available of the single points of contact to workers and their representatives in the Member States and at Union level during the Single Market vigilance and emergency modes under this regulation.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 89 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19 a (new)
(19 a) In order to facilitate cross-border measures to maintain or reinforce the free movement of workers, the Commission should make full use of digital tools to facilitate cross-border management and coordination of social security rights and obligations. Special attention should be paid to the most affected workers including cross-border workers, frontier workers, seasonal workers and remote workers including those working remotely from the Member State other than the Member State of their employer;
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 93 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
(20) If Member States adopt measures affecting free movement of goods or persons, goods or the freedom to provide services in preparation for and during Single Market emergencies, they should limit such measures to what is necessary and remove them as soon as the situation allows it. Such measures should respect the principles of proportionality and non- discrimination and should take into consideration the particular situation of border regions. Special attention should be paid to cross-border workers, seasonal workers, workers of crisis-relevant sectors and remote workers.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 98 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
(21) The activation of the Single Market emergency mode should trigger an obligation for the Member States to notify crisis-relevant free movement restrictions. Social partners should be informed on emergency measures having an impact on the labour market.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 108 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
(25) Information requests to economic operators should be used by the Commission with due regard to business confidentiality only where the information which is necessary for responding adequately to the Single Market emergency, such as information necessary for procurement by the Commission on behalf of the Member States or estimating the production capacities of manufacturers of crisis-relevant goods the supply chains of which have been disrupted, cannot be obtained from publicly available sources or as a result of information provided voluntarily.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 109 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
(28) In cases where there are substantial risks to the functioning of the Single Market or in cases of severe shortages or an exceptionally high demand of goods of strategiccritical importance, measures at Union level aimed to ensure the availability of crisis-relevant products, such as priority rated orders, may prove to be indispensable for the return to the normal functioning of the Single Market.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 111 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
(30) Where there is a severe shortage of crisis-relevant products or services on the Single market during a Single Market emergency, and it is clear that the economic operators that operate on the Single market do not produce any such goods, but would in principle be able to repurpose their production lines or would have insufficient capacity to provide the goods or services needed, the Commission should be able to recommend to the Member States as a last resort and strictly limited to what is necessary and only for a limited period of time to take measures to facilitate or request the ramping up or repurposing of production capacity of manufacturers or the capacity of the service providers to provide crisis- relevant services. In doing so the Commission would inform the Member States as to the severity of the shortage and the type of the crisis-relevant goods or services that are needed and would provide support and advice in relation to the flexibilities in the EU acquis for such purposes.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 118 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
(36) This Regulation respects fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (the ‘Charter’). In particular, it respects the right to privacy of the economic operators enshrined in Article 7 of the Charter, right to data protection set out in Article 8 of the Charter, the freedom to conduct business and, to choose an occupation and right to engage in work, the freedom of contract, which are protected by Article 15 and 16 of the Charter, the right to property, protected by Article 17 of the Charter, the right to collective bargaining and action, collective action including the right to strike protected by Article 28 and Article 26 of the Charter ands well as the right to an effective judicial remedy and to a fair trial as provided for in Article 47 of the Charter. Since the objective of this Regulation cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can rather, by reason of the scale or effects of the action, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective. The Regulation should not affect the autonomy of the social partners as recognised by the TFEU.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 122 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. The aim of this Regulation establishes a framework of measures to anticipate, prepare for and respond to impacts of crises on the Single Market, with the purpose of safeguarding the free movement of goods, services and persons and of ensuring the availability of goods and services of strategic importance and crisis-relevantis to strengthen the resilience of internal market and to ensure its proper functioning by setting out a harmonised framework for an effective response to crises as well as to facilitate the free movement of goods and, services in the Single Marketand persons.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 127 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall regularly exchange information on all matters falling within the scope of this Regulation among themselves and with the Commission. The European Parliament shall have access to all information and documents and obtain them at the same time as the Council.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 136 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) ‘crisis’ means an exceptional unexpected and sudden, natural or man- made event of extraordinary nature and scale that takes place inside or outside of the Union which has a detrimental impact on the proper functioning of the internal market including free movement of goods, services or persons;
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 140 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) ‘Single Market vigilance mode’ means a framework for addressing a threat of significant disruption of the supply of goods and services of strategiccritical importance and which has the potential to escalate into a Single Market emergency within the next six months;
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 143 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4
(4) ‘strategcritically important areas’ means those areas with critical importance to the Union and its Member States, in that they are of systemic and vital importance for public security, public safety, public order or public health, and the disruption, failure, loss or destruction of which would have a significant impact on the functioning of the Single Market;
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 147 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5
(5) ‘goods and services of strategiccritical importance’ means goods and services that are indispensable for ensuring the functioning of the Single Market in strategcritically important areas and which cannot be substituted or diversified;
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 161 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 5 – point c a (new)
(c a) consulting the workers representatives in order to collect information and analyse possible effects on the labour market;
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 177 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(b a) informing the workers representatives on the potential impact on the labour market;
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 183 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2
2. The implementing act referred to in paragraph 1 shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 41(2) and announced to the European Parliament and the Council.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 185 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission, if it considers that the reasons for activating the vigilance mode pursuant to Article 9(1) remain valid, and taking into consideration the opinion provided by the advisory group, may extend the vigilance mode for a maximum duration of six months by means of an implementing act announced to the European Parliament and the Council.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 195 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) the actual or potential future impact on the free movement of goods, services and persons, including an estimation of the number of economic operations or users relying on the disrupted sector or sectors of the Single Market for the provision of the goods or services concerned;
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 200 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) the geographic area, including border regions, that is and could be affected, including any cross- border impacts on the functioning of supply chains that are indispensable in the maintenance of vital societal or economic activities in the Single Market;
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 203 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
(i a) the introduction of travel restrictions or border controls;
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 204 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point i b (new)
(i b) the absence of arrangements enabling workers to cross the borders in order to fulfil their tasks with the special focus on workers in border regions;
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 211 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. When adopting and applying national measures in response to a Single Market emergency and the underlying crisis, Member States shall ensure that their actions are justified, proportionate and in fully complyiance with the Treaty and Union law and, in particular, with the requirements laid down in this Article.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 216 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2
2. Any restriction shall be limited in time, regularly reviewed and removed as soon as the situation allows it. Additionally, any restriction should take into account the situation of border regionspecial attention should be paid to the situation of border regions and the situation of cross-border workers.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 219 #

2022/0278(COD)

3. Any requirement imposed on citizens and businesse, workers and economic operators shall not create an undue or unnecessary administrative burden.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 241 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point b
(b) denying, to beneficiaries of the right of free movement under Union law, of the right to enter the territory of their Member State of nationality or residence, the right to exit the territory of Member States to travel to the Member State of nationality or residence, or the right to transit through a Member State in order to reach the Member State of nationality or residence; to this end, Member States shall remove obstacles including legal obstacles preventing workers to stay in the Member State of their nationality or residence irrespective of the Member State of the employer provided that they are able to carry out their tasks remotely during the emergency mode;
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 247 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point e
(e) imposing restrictions on workers and service providers and their representatives with the special attention to cross-border, frontier and seasonal workers, unless to do so in inherent to the nature of the crisis/Single Market emergency and it does not manifestly go beyond what is necessary for that purpose.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 259 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2
2. During the Single Market emergency mode, where the Commission establishes that Member States have put in place templates for attesting that the individual or economic operator is a service provider that provides crisis- relevant services, a business representative or worker that is involved in production of crisis-relevant goods or provision of crisis- relevant services or a civil protection worker and it considers that the use of different templates by each Member States is an obstacle to the free movement at the time of a Single Market emergency, the Commission may issue, if it considers it necessary for supporting the free movement of such categories of persons and their equipment during the ongoing Single Market emergency, templates for attesting that they fulfil the relevant criteria for the application Article 17(6) in all Member States by means of implementing acts. Commission may make use of digital tools in order to facilitate the use of these templates.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 261 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
During the Single Market emergency, Member States shall notify to the Commission any crisis-relevant draft measuresdraft measures linked to the crisis and restricting the free movement of goods and the freedom to provide services as well as crisis-relevant restrictions of free movement of persons, including workers together with the reasons for those measures and special arrangements facilitating the free movement of workers of crisis-relevant sectors and cross-border workers.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 268 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 6
6. The Commission shall ensure that citizens and, business operators, workers and their representatives are informed of the notified measures, unless Member States request that the measures remain confidential, or the Commission deems disclosure of those measures would affect the security and public order of the European Union or its Member States, as well as of the decisions and Member States’ comments adopted in accordance with this Article.
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 282 #

2022/0278(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The information requests referred to in paragraph 1 may concern the following: , while fully respecting trade and business secrets in line with Directive 2016/943, and protecting intellectual property:
2023/04/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 26 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
(1) As recognised in the Preamble to the 2014 Protocol to Convention No. 29 on forced labour (‘ILO Convention No. 29’) of the International Labour Organization (‘ILO’), forced labour constitutes a serious violation of human dignity and fundamental human rights. The ILO declared the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour as a principle concerning the fundamental rights. The ILO classifies ILO Convention No. 29, the 2014 Protocol to Convention No. 29 and the ILO Convention No.105 on the abolition of forced labour (‘ILO Convention No.105’) as fundamental ILO Conventions16. Forced labour covers a wide variety of coercive labour practices where work or service is exacted from persons that have not offered it themselves voluntarily.17 This definition generally applies to work or service exacted by governments and public authorities as well as private bodies and individuals. The ILO has developed several elements, which individually or in conjunction, can indicate a forced labour situation: threats or actual physical harm, restriction of movement or confinement to the workplace or a limited area, debt bondage, withholding wages or excessive wage reduction that violates previously made agreements, or retention of passports and identity documents or threat of denunciation to the authorities, when the worker has an irregular immigration status. Labour market measures, such as a gradual decline of unemployment benefit or the loss of unemployment benefit or assistance when an unemployed person rejects a job offer, adopted by OECD countries should not in principle be deemed in breach of the ILO Convention No. 29 and the ILO Convention No. 105. _________________ 16 https://www.ilo.org/global/standards/introd uction-to-international-labour- standards/conventions-and- recommendations/lang--en/index.htm. 17 The ILO definition of forced labour according to the ILO Forced Labour Convention, 1920 (No. 29), What is forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking (Forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking) (ilo.org).
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 34 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
(2) The use of forced labour is widespread in the world. It is estimated that about 27.6 million people were in forced labour in 2021.18Vulnerable and marginalised groups in a society are particularly susceptible to be pressured into performing forced labour. Even when it is not state imposed, forced labour is often a consequence of absence or a lack of good governance of certain economic operators. Forced labour can also take place as a result of authorities' tacit consent. _________________ 18 The 2021 Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public /---ed_norm/--- ipec/documents/publication/wcms_854733. pdf.
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 35 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) concluded that the People's Republic of China has committed 'serious human rights violations' against the Uyghur and 'other predominantly Muslim communities' in what the PRC refers to as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). This includes 'torture, sexual violence, ill-treatment, forced medical treatment, as well as forced labour and reports of deaths in custody' committed in camps and other detention facilities.
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 39 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
(3) The eradication of forced labour is a priority for the Union that stems inter alia from its principles and international human rights commitments. Respect for human dignity and the universality and indivisibility of human rights are also firmly enshrined in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union. Article 5(2) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights provide that no one is to be required to perform forced or compulsory labour. The European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly interpreted Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights as requiring Member States to penalise and effectively prosecute any act maintaining a person in the situations described set out in Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights.19The European Parliament in its resolutions strongly condemned forced labour and called for a ban on products made with forced labour especially regarding the practices of People´s Republic of China (PRC).19aIt is therefore not only a matter of market distortion but also a matter of public moral concern that products made with forced labour could be available on the Union market or exported to third countries without an effective mechanism to ban or withdraw such products. _________________ 19 For instance paras. 89 and 102 in Siliadin v. France or para. 105 in Chowdury and Others v. Greece. 19a See Resolutions: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on a new trade instrument to ban products made by forced labour (europa.eu), Texts adopted - Forced labour and the situation of the Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region - Thursday, 17 December 2020 (europa.eu),
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 41 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
(1) As recognised in the Preamble to the 2014 Protocol to Convention No. 29 on forced labour (‘ILO Convention No. 29’) of the International Labour Organization (‘ILO’), forced labour constitutes a serious violation of human dignity and fundamental human rights. The ILO declared the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour as a principle concerning the fundamental rights. The ILO classifies ILO Convention No. 29, the 2014 Protocol to Convention No. 29 and the ILO Convention No.105 on the abolition of forced labour (‘ILO Convention No.105’) as fundamental ILO Conventions16 . Forced labour covers a wide variety of coercive labour practices where work or service is exacted from persons that have not offered it themselves voluntarily.17 This definition generally applies to work or service exacted by governments and public authorities as well as private bodies and individuals. The ILO has developed several elements which, individually or in conjunction, can indicate a forced labour situation: threats or actual physical harm, restriction of movement or confinement to the workplace or a limited area, debt bondage, withholding wages or excessive wage reduction that violates previously made agreements, retention of passports and identity documents or threat of denunciation to the authorities, when the worker has an irregular immigration status. Labour market measures, such as a gradual decline of unemployment benefit or the loss of unemployment benefit or assistance when an unemployed person rejects a job offer, adopted by OECD countries, should not in principle be deemed in breach of the ILO Convention No. 29 and the ILO Convention No. 105. __________________ 16 https://www.ilo.org/global/standards/introd uction-to-international-labour- standards/conventions-and- recommendations/lang--en/index.htm. 17 The ILO definition of forced labour according to the ILO Forced Labour Convention, 1920 (No. 29), What is forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking (Forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking) (ilo.org).
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 44 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
(2) The use of forced labour is widespread in the world. It is estimated that about 27.6 million people were in forced labour in 2021.18 Vulnerable and marginalised groups in a society are particularly susceptible to be pressured into performing forced labour. Even when it is not state imposed, forced labour is often a consequence of absence or lack of good governance of certain economic operators. Forced labour can also take place as a result of authorities' tacit consent. __________________ 18 The 2021 Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public /---ed_norm/--- ipec/documents/publication/wcms_854733. pdf.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 46 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) concluded that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has committed ‘serious human rights violations’ against the Uyghur and ‘other predominantly Muslim communities’ in what the PRC refers to as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). This includes ‘torture, sexual violence, ill- treatment, forced medical treatment, as well as forced labour and reports of deaths in custody’ committed in camps and other detention facilities.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 48 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
(5) Through its policies and legislative initiatives the Union seeksmust intensify its effort to eradicate the use of forced labour. The Union promotes due diligence in accordance with international guidelines and principles established by international organisations, including the ILO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (hereinafter “OECD”) and the United Nations (hereinafter “UN”), to ensure that forced labour does not find a place in the valuesupply chains of undertakings established in the Union. Prevention and elimination of forced labour including child labour should also be a prerequisite of Union´s external commercial and economic relations.
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 49 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
(3) The eradication of forced labour is a priority for the Union that stems inter alia from its principles and international commitments. Respect for human dignity and the universality and indivisibility of human rights are also firmly enshrined in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union. Article 5(2) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights provide that no one is to be required to perform forced or compulsory labour. The European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly interpreted Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights as requiring Member States to penalise and effectively prosecute any act maintaining a person in the situations described set out in Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights.19 __________________ 19 For instance paras. 89 and 102 in Siliadin v. France or para. 105 in Chowdury and Others v. Greece.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 50 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) This Regulation creates an additional economic instrument to prevent and eliminate forced labour worldwide by prohibiting products made with forced labour. In addition to these economic instruments, the Union has existing complementary frameworks to fulfil its obligations to uphold human dignity of every human being and address the root causes of forced labour, including child labour.
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 52 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
(17) The prohibition should contribute to the international efforts to abolish forced labour. To this end, any person, whether it is a natural or legal person, or any association not having legal personality, should be allowed to submit information to the competent authorities when it considers that products made with forced labour are placed and made available on the Union market and, where relevant, to be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their submission. In order to facilitate exchange of information between relevant authorities as well as submission of information, the Commission shall ensure the creation of a dedicated online platform with a singular format in all working languages of the Union. The definition of ‘forced labour’ should therefore be aligned with the definition laid down in ILO Convention No. 29. The definition of ‘forced labour applied by state authorities’ should be aligned with ILO Convention No. 105, which prohibits specifically the use of forced labour as punishment for the expression of political views, for the purposes of economic development, as a means of labour discipline, as a punishment for participation in strikes, or as a means of racial, religious or other discrimination.31 _________________ 31 What is forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking (Forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking) (ilo.org) and the ILO Conventions No. 29 and No. 105 referred therein.
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 56 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
(5) Through its policies and legislative initiatives the Union seeks to eradicate the use of forced labour. The Union promotes due diligence in accordance with international guidelines and principles established by international organisations, including the ILO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (hereinafter “OECD”) and the United Nations (hereinafter “UN”), to ensure that forced labour does not find a place in the valuesupply chains of undertakings established in the Union. Prevention and elimination of forced labour, including child labour, should be a prerequisite of Union's external commercial and economic relations.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 56 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
(22) Before initiating an investigation, competent authorities, having granted reasonable time to economic operators while taking into account their size and economic resources, should request from the economic operators under assessment information on actions taken to mitigate, prevent or bring to an end risks of forced labour in their operations and valuesupply chains with respect to the products under assessment. Carrying out such due diligence in relation to forced labour should help the economic operator to be at a lower risk of having forced labour in its operations and valuesupply chains. Appropriate due diligence means that forced labour issues in the valuesupply chain have been identified and, addressed and, if applicable, removed in accordance with relevant Union legislation and international standards. That implies that where the competent authority considers that there is no substantiated concern of a violation of the prohibition, for instance due to, but not limited to the applicable legislation, guidelines, recommendations or any other due diligence in relation to forced labour being applied in a way that mitigates, prevents and brings to an end the risk of forced labour, no investigation should be initiated.
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 57 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) This Regulation creates an additional economic instrument to prevent and eliminate forced labour worldwide, by prohibiting products made with forced labour. In addition to these economic instruments, the Union has existing complementary frameworks to fulfil its obligations to uphold human dignity of every human being and address the root causes of forced labour, including child labour.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 57 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
(24) During the preliminary phase of investigation, competent authorities should focus on the economic operators involved in the steps of the valuesupply chain where there is a higher risk of forced labour with respect to the products under investigation, taking into account the geographical area from which the product or any of its part at any stage of its extraction, harvest, production or manufacture including working or processing related to it originates from, also taking into account their size and economic resources, the quantity of products concerned and the scale of the suspected forced labour.
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 58 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
(6) UnionThrough its trade policy supports the, the Union must intensify its fight against forced labour in both unilateral and bilateral trade relationships. The trade and sustainable development chapters of Union trade agreements contain a commitment to ratify and effectively implement the fundamental ILO Conventions, which include ILO Convention No. 29 and ILO Convention No. 105. Moreover, unilateral trade preferences under the Union’s General Scheme of Preferences cshould be withdrawn for serious and systematic violations, or lack of implementation, of ILO Convention No. 29 and ILO Convention No. 105.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 58 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
(25) Competent authorities, when requesting information during the investigation, should prioritise to the extent possible and consistent with the effective conduct of the investigation the economic operators under investigation that are involved in the steps of the valuesupply chain as close as possible to where the likely risk of forced labour occurs and take into account the geographical area from which the product or any of its part at any stage of its extraction, harvest, production or manufacture including working or processing related to it originates from as well as the size and economic resources of the economic operators, the quantity of products concerned, as well as the scale of suspected forced labour.
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 62 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
(13) The European Parliament in its resolutions strongly condemned forced labour and called for a ban on products made with forced labour.30 It is therefore, especially regarding the practices of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).30 It is therefore not only a matter of market distortion but also a matter of public moral concern that products made with forced labour could be available on the Union market or exported to third countries without an effective mechanism to ban or withdraw such products. __________________ 30 See Resolutions: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on a new trade instrument to ban products made by forced labour (europa.eu), Texts adopted - Forced labour and the situation of the Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region - Thursday, 17 December 2020 (europa.eu), Texts adopted - Forced labour in the Linglong factory and environmental protests in Serbia - Thursday, 16 December 2021 (europa.eu).
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 62 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) ‘due diligence in relation to forced labour’ means the efforts by economic operator to implement throughout its supply chain mandatory requirements, voluntary guidelines, recommendations or practices to identify, prevent, mitigate or bring to an end the use of forced labour with respect to products that are to be made available on the Union market or to be exported; To avoid double investigation of products, the Commission is empowered to supplement this Regulation by delegated acts adopted in accordance with Article 27 by determining the conditions under which the fulfilment of obligations under other Union law also fulfils certain obligations under this Regulation, where otherwise the same aspect of due diligence in relation to forced labour would be assessed in parallel under this Regulation and other Union law.
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 69 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
(20) In order to increase the effectiveness of the prohibition, competent authorities should, while taking into account the size and economic resources, grant reasonable time to economic operators to identify, mitigate, prevent and bring to an end the risk of forced labour, .
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 71 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. In their assessment of the likelihood that economic operators violated Article 3, competent authorities shall focus on the economic operators involved in the steps of the valuesupply chain as close as possible to where the risk of forced labour is likely to occur and take into account the geographical area from which the product or any of its part at any stage of its extraction, harvest, production or manufacture including working or processing related to it originates from as well as the size and economic resources of the economic operators, the quantity of products concerned, as well asnd the scale of suspected forced labour.
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 72 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
(22) Before initiating an investigation, competent authorities should request from the economic operators under assessment information on actions taken to mitigate, prevent or bring to an end risks of forced labour in their operations and valuesupply chains with respect to the products under assessment. Carrying out such due diligence in relation to forced labour should help the economic operator to be at a lower risk of having forced labour in its operations and valuesupply chains. Appropriate due diligence means that forced labour issues in the valuesupply chain have been identified and address, addressed and, if applicable, removed in accordance with relevant Union legislation and international standards. That implies that where the competent authority considers that there is no substantiated concern of a violation of the prohibition, for instance due to, but not limited to the applicable legislation, guidelines, recommendations or any other due diligence in relation to forced labour being applied in a way that mitigates, prevents and brings to an end the risk of forced labour, no investigation should be initiated.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 73 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) due diligence guidelines or recommendations of the UN, ILO, OECD or other relevant international organisations with respect to actions taken in order to identify, prevent, mitigate or bring to an end risks of forced labour in their supply chains taking into account the geographical area from which the product or any of its part at any stage of its extraction, harvest, production or manufacture including working or processing related to it originates from;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 74 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
(24) During the preliminary phase of investigation, competent authorities should focus on the economic operators involved in the steps of the valuesupply chain where there is a higher risk of forced labour with respect to the products under investigation, the geographical area from which the product or any of its parts at any stage of its extraction, harvest, production or manufacture including working or processing related to it originates from, also taking into account their size and economic resources, the quantity of products concerned and the scale of the suspected forced labour.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 75 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
(25) Competent authorities, when requesting information during the investigation, should prioritise to the extent possible and consistent with the effective conduct of the investigation the economic operators under investigation that are involved in the steps of the valuesupply chain as close as possible to where the likely risk of forced labour occurs and take into account the geographical area from which the product or any of its parts at any stage of its extraction, harvest, production or manufacture including working or processing related to it originates from, as well as the size and economic resources of the economic operators, the quantity of products concerned, as well as the scale of suspected forced labour.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 82 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
(32) Any person, whether it is a natural or legal person, or any association not having legal personality, should be allowed to submit information to the competent authorities when it considers that products made with forced labour are placed and made available on the Union market and, where relevant, to be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their submission.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 82 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) take into account the size and economic resources of the economic operators, the quantity of products concerned, as well as the scale of suspected forced labour as well as the geographical area from which the product or any of its part at any stage of its extraction, harvest, production or manufacture including working or processing related to it originates from.
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 83 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32 a (new)
(32a) In order to facilitate the exchange of information between relevant authorities as well as submission of information, the Commission should ensure the creation of a dedicated online platform with a single format in all working languages of the Union.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 86 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33
(33) The Commission should without delay issue guidelines in order to facilitate the implementation of the prohibition by economic operators and competent authorities. Such guidelines should include guidance on due diligence in relation to forced labour and complementary information for the competent authorities to implement the prohibition. The guidance on due diligence in relation to forced labour should build on the Guidance on due diligence for Union businesses to address the risk of forced labour in their operations and supply chains published by the Commission and the European External Action Service in July 2021. The guidelines should be consistent with other Commission guidelines in this regard and relevant international organisations’ guidelines. The reports from international organisations, in particular the ILO, as well as other independent and verifiable sources of information should be considered for the identification of risk indicators.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 89 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 45
(45) Since forced labour is a global problem and given the interlinkages of the global valuesupply chains, it is necessary to promote international cooperation against forced labour, which would also improve the efficiency of applying and enforcing the prohibition. The Commission should as appropriately cooperate with and exchange information with authorities of third countries, especially States of the European Free Trade Association, countries participating in the internal market or candidate countries, and international organisations to enhance the effective implementation of the prohibition. International cooperation with authorities of non-EU countries should take place in a structured way as part of the existing dialogue structures, for example through concrete benchmarks in the Human Rights Dialogues with third countries, or, if necessary, specific ones that will be created on an ad hoc basis.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 94 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall call upon external expertise to provide an indicative, non-exhaustive, verifiable and regularly updated database, accessible to persons with disabilities, of forced labour risks in specific geographic areas from which the product or any of its part at any stage of its extraction, harvest, production or manufacture including working or processing related to it originates from or with respect to specific products including with regard to forced labour imposed by state authorities. The database shall be based on the guidelines referred to in Article 23, points (a), (b) and (c), and relevant external sources of information from, amongst others, international organisations and third country authorities. which should be comprehensive and issued without delay, at the latest 6 months after the entry into force of this regulation, and relevant external sources of information from, amongst others, international organisations and third country authorities, especially states of the European Free Trade Association, countries participating in the internal market or candidate countries. The Commission shall ensure the necessary technical support to economic operators to facilitate the use of the database and take measures to avoid any unnecessary administrative burden in the operation of the database;
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 98 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) ‘due diligence in relation to forced labour’ means the efforts by economic operator to implement throughout its supply chain mandatory requirements, voluntary guidelines, recommendations or practices to identify, prevent, mitigate or bring to an end the use of forced labour with respect to products that are to be made available on the Union market or to be exported;
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 104 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1
1. A Union Network Against Forced Labour Products (‘the Network’) is established. The Network shall serve as a platform for structured coordination and cooperation between the competent authorities of the Member States and the Commission, and to streamline the practices of enforcement of this Regulation within the Union, thereby making enforcement more effective and coherent. as well as with other relevant obligations on due diligence and product requirements within the Union, thereby making enforcement more effective and coherent. Representatives of states of the European Free Trade Association, countries participating in the internal market or candidate countries may be, where relevant, invited to participate as observers. The Union shall in addition strengthen its coordination and cooperation with like-minded democratic partners to prevent and eliminate practices of forced labour including child labour worldwide as part of its global efforts to protect and uphold human rights.
2023/05/05
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 115 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. In their assessment of the likelihood that economic operators violated Article 3, competent authorities shall focus on the economic operators involved in the steps of the valuesupply chain as close as possible to where the risk of forced labour is likely to occur and take into account the size and economic resources of the economic operators, the geographical area from which the product or any of its parts at any stage of its extraction, harvest, production or manufacture including working or processing related to it originates from, the quantity of products concerned, as well as the scale of suspected forced labour.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 116 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Before initiating an investigation in accordance with Article 5(1), the competent authority shall request from the economic operators under assessment information on actions taken to identify, prevent, mitigate or bring to an end risks of forced labour in their operations and valuesupply chains with respect to the products under assessment, the geographical area from which the product or any of its parts at any stage of its extraction, harvest, production or manufacture including working or processing related to it originates from, including on the basis of any of the following:
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 123 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) prioritise the economic operators under investigation involved in the steps of the valuesupply chain as close as possible to where the likely risk of forced labour occurs and
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 125 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) take into account the size and economic resources of the economic operators, the quantity of products concerned, as well as the scale of suspected forced labour, as well as the geographical area from which the product or any of its parts at any stage of its extraction, harvest, production or manufacture including working or processing related to it originates from.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 152 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. The competent authority shall, as soon as possiblewhere relevant, inform the person or association referred to in paragraph 1 of the outcome of the assessment of their submission.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 164 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall ensure that the database is made publicly available, including in a format accessible to persons with disabilities, by the external expertise at the latest 124 months after the entry into force of this Regulation.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 167 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall ensure efficient cooperation among the competent authorities of the Member States, as well as States of the European Free Trade Association, countries participating in the internal market or candidate countries, through facilitating and coordinating the exchange and collection of information and best practices with regard to the application of this Regulation.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 174 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The Commission shall issue guidelines no later than 186 months after the entry into force of this Regulation, which shall include the following:
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 190 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1
1. A Union Network Against Forced Labour Products (‘the Network’) is established. The Network shall serve as a platform for structured coordination and cooperation between the competent authorities of the Member States and the Commission, and to streamline the practices of enforcement of this Regulation within the Union as well as other relevant due diligence legislation within the Union, thereby making enforcement more effective and coherent.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 191 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 2
2. The Network shall be composed of representatives from each Member States’ competent authority, representatives from the Commission and, where appropriate, experts from the customs authorities. Representatives of States of the European Free Trade Association, countries participating in the internal market or candidate countries may be, where relevant, invited to participate as observers.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 205 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
1. In order to facilitate effective implementation and enforcement of this Regulation, the Commission may as appropriate cooperate, engage and exchange information with, amongst others, authorities of third countries, international organisations, civil society representatives and business organisations. International cooperation with authorities of third countries, especially States of the European Free Trade Association, countries participating in the internal market or candidate countries, shall take place in a structured way as part of the existing dialogue structures with third countries or, if necessary, specific ones that will be created on an ad hoc basis.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 206 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The Union shall strengthen its coordination and cooperation with like- minded democratic partners to prevent and eliminate practices of forced labour worldwide, including child labour, as part of its global efforts to protect and uphold human rights.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 216 #

2022/0269(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 a (new)
Article 27a Relationship with other Union Law To avoid double investigation of products, the Commission is empowered to supplement this Regulation by delegated acts adopted in accordance with Article 27 by determining the conditions under which the fulfilment of obligations under other Union law also fulfils certain obligations under this Regulation, where otherwise the same aspect of due diligence in relation to forced labour would be assessed in parallel under this Regulation and other Union law.
2023/05/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 29 #

2022/0212(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Insists that the Commission must guarantee that EU funds are not allocated or linked to any form of terrorism and/or religious and political radicalisation; reiterates its position that all schoolbooks and school materials supported by Union funds must be in line with UNESCO standards of peace, tolerance, coexistence, and non-violence; is concerned about the antisemitism, hate speech and incitement to jihad and violence taught in Palestinian school textbooks, indirectly funded by the EU; stresses that conditionality of EU financial assistance in the educational sector needs to be duly considered;
2022/07/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 45 #

2022/0212(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that the EU and its Member States’ capacities to counter disinformation, hybrid warfare, propaganda and espionage must be strengthened due to, among other reasons, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; calls for further funding for strategic communication to counter malicious interference, and reiterates the need of dedicated StratCom Task Forces, including one focused on interference emanating from the Middle East, in particular from Iran;
2022/07/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 56 #

2022/0212(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Welcomes the intention of the Commission to soon appoint a new Special Envoy for the promotion of the freedom of religion or belief outside the EU; regrets, however, that the post has been vacant for over two years, in part due to the unforeseen resignation of the previous Special Envoy, and that the procedure of appointing a new Special Envoy has taken disproportionately long given the continuing decline of religious freedom around the world; calls on the Commission to formalise the appointment as soon as possible and to provide the Special Envoy with adequate resources, both in terms of staff and funding, to effectively carry out the mandate;
2022/07/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 589 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point p
(p) ‘online child sexual abuse’ means the online dissemination of child sexual abuse material and the solicitation of children, including the exposure of children to pornographic content online;
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 592 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point q
(q) ‘child sexual abuse offences’ means offences as defined in Articles 3 to 7 of Directive 2011/93/EU, and, for the scope of this regulation, extends the offense referred to in Article 3, paragraph 2 of the same directive, to the witnessing of sexual activities online, even without having to participate;
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 602 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point w a (new)
(wa) ‘hotline’ means an organisation providing a mechanism, other than the reporting channels provided by law enforcement agencies, for receiving anonymous complaints from the public about alleged child sexual abuse material and online child sexual exploitation, which meets the following criteria: (a) is officially recognised by its home Member State as expressed in the Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council; (b) has the mission of combatting child sexual abuse material in its articles of association; and (c) is part of a recognised and well-established international network;
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 640 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b – indent 3
– functionalities enabling age verification and subsequent blocking of age-restricted websites and content;
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 691 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e – point iii a (new)
(iiia) the extent to which children have access to age-restricted content.
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 806 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. Providers of interpersonal communications services that have identified, pursuant to the risk assessment conducted or updated in accordance with Article 3, a risk of use of their services for the purpose of the solicitation of children, shall take the necessary age verification and age assessment measures to reliably identify child users on their services, enabling them to take the mitigation measures and to put in place effective measures to block the access of children to websites that fall under an age- restriction applicable under national law.
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 1156 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – point d a (new)
(da) effective in setting up a reliable age-based filter that verifies the age of users and effectively prevents the access of child users to websites subject to online child sexual abuse, and child sexual abuse offenses.
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 1326 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – title
Liability of providers and hotlines
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 1328 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Providers of relevant information society services and hotlines shall not be liable for child sexual abuse offences solely because they carry out, in good faith, the necessary activities to comply with the requirements of this Regulation, in particular activities aimed at detecting, identifying, removing, disabling of access to, blocking or reporting online child sexual abuse in accordance with those requirements.
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 1393 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 a (new)
Article24a Anonymous public reporting of online child sexual abuse 1. Member States shall ensure that the public has the possibility to anonymously report child sexual abuse material and child sexual exploitation activities to recognised non-governmental organisations specialised in combatting online child sexual abuse material. 2. Member States shall ensure that hotlines operating in their territory are authorised to view, assess and process anonymous reports of child sexual abuse material. 3. Member States shall grant hotlines the authority to issue content removal notices for confirmed instances of child sexual abuse material. 4. Member States shall authorise hotlines to voluntarily conduct pro-active searching for child sexual abuse material online.
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 1422 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) are free from any undue external influence, whether direct or indirect, it being understood that (a) the receipt of any type of financial aid by the Coordinating Authority and (b) the membership of the Coordinating Authority in a recognised international network shall not prejudice its independent character;
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 1425 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) are not charged with tasks relating tohave demonstrated competence, skills and experience in the pareventiona orf combatting ofnline child sexual abuse, other than their tasks under this Regulation.
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 1469 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Users shall have the possibility to lodge a complaint alleging an infringement of this Regulation against providers of information society services with recognised non-governmental organisations specialised in combatting online child sexual abuse material, including the hotlines.
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 1521 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 39 – paragraph 2
2. The EU Centre shall establish and maintain one or more reliable and secure information sharing systems supporting communications between Coordinating Authorities, the Commission, the EU Centre, hotlines, other relevant Union agencies and providers of relevant information society services.
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 1523 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 39 – paragraph 3
3. The Coordinating Authorities, the Commission, the EU Centre, hotlines, other relevant Union agencies and providers of relevant information society services shall use the information-sharing systems referred to in paragraph 2 for all relevant communications pursuant to this Regulation.
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 1681 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 48 – paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Where the EU Centre receives a report from a hotline, or where a provider that submitted the report to the EU Centre has indicated that the report is based on the information received from a hotline, the EU Centre shall: (a) refrain from forwarding the report to the competent law enforcement authority or authorities to avoid duplicated reporting on the same material that has already been reported to the national law enforcement by the hotlines; (b) monitor the removal of the child sexual abuse material or cooperate with the relevant hotline to track the status.
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 1756 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 1
1. Where necessary for the performance of its tasks under this Regulation, the EU Centre mayshall cooperate with organisations and networks with information and expertise on matters related to the prevention and combating of online child sexual abuse, including civil society organisations and semi-public organisations and the INHOPE network.
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 1760 #

2022/0155(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 2
2. The EU Centre mayshall conclude memoranda of understandingstrategic and/or operational cooperation agreements with organisations referred to in paragraph 1, laying down the terms of cooperation.
2023/07/28
Committee: LIBE
Amendment 47 #

2022/0134(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
(20) Professional qualifications acquired by a third-country national in another Member State should be recognised in the same way as those of Union citizens. QProfessional qualifications acquired in a third country should be taken into account in accordance with Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council35 . This Directive should be without prejudice to the conditions set out under national law for the exercise of regulated professions. __________________ 35 Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications (OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 22).
2022/11/14
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 52 #

2022/0134(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 26
(26) In order to promote better integration of EU long-term residents, rules on favourable conditions for family reunification and access to work for spouses should be introduced. Thus specific derogations from Council Directive 2003/86/EC should be provided for. Family reunification should not be subject to conditions relating to integration, as EU long-term residents and their families are deemed to be integrated in the host society.
2022/11/14
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 60 #

2022/0134(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 29
(29) Member States should ensure a level playing field between EU long-term residence permits and national residence permits of permanent or unlimited validity, in terms of procedural and equal treatment rights, procedures and access to information. In particular, Member States should ensure that the level of procedural safeguards and rights granted to EU long- term residents and their family memberspouses and direct descendants is not lower than the level of procedural safeguards and rights enjoyed by holders of national residence permits of permanent or unlimited validity. Member States should also ensure that applicants for an EU long- term residence permit are not required to pay higher fees for the processing of their application than applicants for national residence permits. Finally, Member States should engage in the same level of information, promotion and advertisement activities with respect to the EU long-term residence permit as they do for national residence permits of permanent or unlimited validity, for example with regard to information on national websites on legal migration and information campaigns, and training programmes provided to the competent migration authorities.
2022/11/14
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 64 #

2022/0134(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 30
(30) Residence of EU long-term residents in other Member States should be facilitated. Establishing the conditions subject to which the right to reside in another Member State may be acquired by third-country nationals who are EU long- term residents should contribute to the effective attainment of an internal market as an area in which the free movement of persons is ensured. The occupational and geographical mobility of third-country nationals who are already EU long-term residents in one Member State shouldmay be recognised as an important contributor to improving labour market efficiency across the Union, to addressing skills shortages and to offsetting intra and inter-regional imbalances.
2022/11/14
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 68 #

2022/0134(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 34
(34) In ordert is important to facilitate the intra-EU mobility of EU long-term residents for the exercise of an economic activity in an employed or self-employed capacity, no. A check of the labour market situation should be carried out, when examining applications for residence in a second Member Statestate, should be carried out only in some specific cases when the second Member State finds it relevant.
2022/11/14
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 77 #

2022/0134(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 40
(40) In order to ensure that the criteria for residence in the second Member State continue to be fulfilled, the second Member State should be allowed to require that EU long-term residents and their family members should be obliged to communicate to the competent authorities any change of employer or economic activity. The communication procedure should not suspend the right of the persons concerned to pursue the economic activity in an employed or self-employed capacity, and no. A check of the labour market situation should be carried out only in some specific cases when the second Member State finds it relevant.
2022/11/14
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 135 #

2022/0134(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 5
5. EU long-term residents moving to a third country, or their survivors who reside in a third country and who derive rights from an EU long-term resident, shall receive, in relation to old age, invalidity and death, statutory pensions based on the EU long-term resident's previous employment that were acquired in accordance with the legislation referred to in Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004, under the samesimilar conditions and at the same rates as nationals of the Member States concerned where such nationals move to a third country.
2022/11/14
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 142 #

2022/0134(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 4
4. By way of derogation fromIn compliance with Article 14(2) of Directive 2003/86/EC, Member States shall notmay examine the situation of their labour market when they find it relevant.
2022/11/14
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 170 #

2022/0134(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 24 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Member States may provide that tThe EU long-term residents and their family members who exercise an economic activity in an employed or self-employed capacity should be obliged to communicate to the competent authorities any change of employer or economic activity. Such requirement shall not affect the right of the persons concerned to take up and carry out the new activity.
2022/11/14
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 38 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
(5) The measures under this Directive have been designed to address the specific needs of women and girls, given that they are disproportionately affected by the forms of violence covered under this Directive, namely violence against women and domestic violence. This Directive, however, acknowledges that other persons may also fall victim to these forms of violence and should benefit from the measures provided for therein. Therefore, the term ‘victim’ should refer to all persons, regardless of their sex or gender.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 40 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
(7) Violence against women is a persisting manifestation of structural discrimination against women, resulting from historically unequal power relations between women and men. It is a form of gender-based violence, which is inflicted primarily on women and girls, by men. It is rooted in the socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for women and men, generally referred to under the term ‘gender’.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 44 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
(9) In light of the specificities related to these types of crime it is necessary to lay down a comprehensive set of rules, which addresses the persisting problem of violence against women and domestic violence in a targeted manner and caters to the specific needs of victims of such violence. The existing provisions at Union and national levels have proven to be insufficient to effectively combat and prevent violence against women and domestic violence. In particular, Directives 2011/36/EU and 2011/93/EU concentrate on specific forms of such violence, while Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council38 lays down the general framework for victims of crime. While providing some safeguards for victims of violence against women and domestic violence, it is not set out to address their specific needs. _________________ 38 Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA (OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 57).
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 49 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
(10) This Directive supports the international commitments the Member States have undertaken to combat and prevent violence against women and domestic violence, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)39 and, where relevant, the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (‘Istanbul Convention’)40 and the International Labour Organization’s Convention concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work, signed on 21 June 2019 in Geneva. _________________ 39 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), UNGA, 1979. 40 Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention),Council of Europe, 2011.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 65 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 17 a (new)
(17 a) It is necessary to address the practice of surrogacy, a global phenomenon that exposes women worldwide to exploitation while targeting financially and socially vulnerable women in particular. The practice of surrogacy has a severe impact on women, women’s and children´s rights, women’s health and equality as well as serious cross-border implications.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 66 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 19
(19) Especially due to its tendency for easy, swift and broad distribution and perpetration, as well as its intimate nature, the non-consensual making accessible of intimate images or videos and material that depict sexual activities, to a multitude of end-users, by means of information and communication technologies, can be very harmful for the victims. The offence provided for in this Directive should cover all types of such material, such as images, photographs and videos, including sexualized images, audio clips and video clips. It should relate to situations where the making accessible of the material to a multitude of end-users, through information and communication technologies, occurs without the victim’s consent, irrespective of whether the victim consented to the generation of such material or may have transmitted it to a particular person. The offence should also include the non-consensual production or manipulation, for instance by image editing, including by using Artificial intelligence, of material that makes it appear as though another person is engaged in sexual activities, insofar as the material is subsequently made accessible to a multitude of end-users, through information and communication technologies, without the consent of that person. Such production or manipulation should include the fabrication of ‘deepfakes’, where the material appreciably resembles an existing person, objects, places or other entities or events, depicting sexual activities of another person, and would falsely appear to others to be authentic or truthful. In the interest of effectively protecting victims of such conduct, threatening to engage in such conduct should be covered as well.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 71 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 22
(22) The increase in internet and social media usage has led to a sharp rise in public incitement to violence and hatred, including based on sex or gender, over the past years. The easy, fast and broad sharing of hate speech through the digital word is reinforced by the online disinhibition effect, as the presumed anonymity on the internet and sense of impunity reduce people’s inhibition to engage in such speech. Women are often the target of sexist and misogynous hate online, which can escalate into hate crime offline. This needs to be intercepted at an early stage. The language used in this type of incitement does not always directly refer to the sex or gender of the targeted person(s), but the biased motivation can be inferred from the overall content or context of the incitement.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 72 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 24
(24) Victims should be able to report crimes of violence against women or domestic violence easily without being subject to secondary or repeat victimisation. To this end, Member States should provide the possibility to submit complaints online or through other information and communication technologies for the reporting of such crimes. Victims of cyber violence should be able to upload materials relating to their report, such as screenshots of the alleged violent behaviour. Complaint mechanisms should be accessible also for victims without digital skills, victims living in remote or rural areas with a difficult access to digital tools and internet as well as for persons with disabilities.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 75 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 26
(26) In order to tackle underreporting in the cases when the victim is a child, safe and child-friendly reporting procedures should be established. This can include questioning by competent authorities in simple and accessible language. Member States should ensure sufficient training of professionals coming in contact with child victims or potential child victims.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 82 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 33
(33) Member States should take the necessary measures to ensure the availability of emergency barring, restraining and protection orders to ensure effective protection of victims and their dependants. Member States should ensure that the length of the protection orders is sufficient taking into account time required to access administrative or judicial procedures victim can take in order to report a criminal offence or seek a long-term protection.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 86 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 39
(39) Certain offences covered by this Directive involve the increased risk of repeated, prolonged or even continuous victimisation. That risk occurs especially in relation to offences involving the making accessible to a multitude of end-users, through information and communication technologies, of material, resulting from certain offences of cyber violence, considering the ease and speed with which such material can be distributed on a large scale and the difficulties that often exist when it comes to removing such material. That risk typically remains even after a conviction. Therefore, in order to effectively safeguard the rights of the victims of those offences, Member States should be required to take suitable measures aimed at the prompt removal of the material in question. Considering that removal at the source may not always be feasible, for instance because of legal or practical difficulties relating to the execution or enforcement of an order to remove, Member States should also be allowed to provide for measures to disable access to such material.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 92 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 46
(46) Specialised support services should provide support to victims of all forms of violence against women and domestic violence, including sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, forced abortion and sterilisation, surrogacy, sexual harassment and of various forms of cyber violence.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 94 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 47
(47) Specialist support should offer victims support tailored to their specific needs, and irrespective of any official complaint. Such services could be provided in addition to, or as an integrated part of, general victim support services, which may call on existing entities providing specialist support. Specialist support may be provided by national authorities, victims’ support organisations, or other non- governmental or charitable and church- based organisations. They should be granted sufficient human and financial resources and, where the services are provided by non-governmental or charitable and church-based organisations, Member States should ensure that they receive appropriate funds.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 130 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 58
(58) Member States should ensure that preventive measures, such as awareness- raising campaigns, are taken to counter violence against women and domestic violence. Prevention should also take place in formal education, in particular, through strengthening sexualityage-appropriate relationship education and socio-emotional competencies, empathy and developing healthy and respectful relationships.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 132 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 59
(59) Member States should take measures to prevent the cultivation of harmful gender stereotypes to eradicate the idea of the inferiority of women or stereotyped roles of women and men. This could also include measures aimed at ensuring that culture, custom, religion, tradition or honour is not perceived as a justification for, or a more lenient treatment of, offences of violence against women or domestic violence. Considering that from a very young age onwards, children are exposed to gender roles that shape their self-perception and influence their academic and professional choices as well as expectations of their roles as women and men throughout their life, iIt is crucial to address genderthese stereotypes as of early-childhood education and care.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 160 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) “violence against women” means gender-based violence, that is directed against a woman or a girl because she is a woman or a girl or that affects women or girls disproportionately, including all acts of such violence that result in, or are likely to result in, physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm or suffering, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life;
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 164 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) “victim” means any person, regardless of sex or gender, unless specified otherwise, who has suffered harm, which was directly caused by acts of violence covered under this Directive, including child or other vulnerable witnesses of such violence;
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 178 #

2022/0066(COD)

Article 6 a Surrogacy Member States shall ensure that the third party reproductive practice in which intending parent(s) or any intermediary contract a surrogate mother to give birth to a child while using her particular circumstances, such as financial difficulties, socially vulnerable position, migratory status or other vulnerabilities is considered a human-rights violation and thus punishable as a criminal offence.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 192 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) the offence was committed against a person made vulnerable by particular circumstances, such as a situation of dependence including financial dependence or a state of physical, mental, intellectual or sensory disability, or living in institutions;
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 196 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) the offence was committed in the presence of a child or other vulnerable person;
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 200 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. In addition to the rights of victims when making a complaint under Article 5 of Directive 2012/29/EU, Member States shall ensure that victims can report criminal offences of violence against women or domestic violence to the competent authorities in an easy and accessible manner. This shall include the possibility of reporting criminal offences online or through other information and communication technologies, including the possibility to submit evidence, in particular concerning reporting of criminal offences of cyber violence. Complaint mechanisms should be accessible also for victims without digital skills, victims living in remote or rural areas with a difficult access to digital tools and internet as well as for persons with disabilities.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 223 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) how to avoid gender stereotypes;
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 224 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) how to refer victims to appropriate, timely and accessible support services, to ensure the appropriate treatment of victims and handling of cases of violence against women or domestic violence.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 227 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) exchange available information with corresponding European bodies such as the European Institute for Gender Equality.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 240 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 27 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure sufficient human and financial resources to provide the services referred to in paragraph 1, especially those referred to in point (c) of that paragraph, including where such services are provided by non- governmental or charitable and church- based organisations.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 329 #

2022/0066(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 41 – paragraph 1
Member States shall cooperate with and consult civil society organisations, including non-governmental and charitable and church-based organisations working with victims of violence against women or domestic violence, in particular in providing support to victims, concerning policymaking initiatives, information and awareness-raising campaigns, research and education programmes and in training, as well as in monitoring and evaluating the impact of measures to support and protect victims.
2023/02/01
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 27 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 decent living and fair working conditions with the special focus on the most vulnerable groups. It forms part of the EU policies and strategies relating to the promotion of decent work worldwide, including in global supply and where relevant value chains, as referred to in the Commission Communication on fair and 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.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 31 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 supply and value chains. It is alsoAlthough combatting human rights violations worldwide ins the interest of companiesprime responsibility of states and governments, companies should follow the principles and standards as set out by international law 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
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 40 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 upstream supply chain as well as relevant value chains.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 45 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 48 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
(20) In order to allow companies to properly identify the adverse impacts in their supply and where relevant value chain and to make it possible for them to exercise appropriate leverage, the due diligence obligations should be limited in this Directive to established business relationships. For the purpose of this Directive, established business relationships should mean such direct and indirect business relationships which are, or which are expected to be lasting, in view of their intensity and duration and which do not represent a negligible or ancillary part of the valuesupply chain. The nature of business relationships as “established” should be reassessed periodically, and at least every 12 months. If the direct business relationship of a company is established, then all linked indirect business relationships should also be considered as established regarding that company.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 51 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
(21) Under this Directive, EU companies with more than 500 employees on average and a worldwide net turnover exceeding EUR 150 million 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 turnover in the financial year preceding the last financial year and which operate in one or more high-impact sectors or one or more high-risk geographical areas, 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 or high-risk geographical areas 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).
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 55 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 22 a (new)
(22 a) In order to reflect the priority areas of international action aimed at tackling human rights, the selection of high-risk geographical areas for the purposes of this Directive should be based on the European External Action Service (EEAS) EU Annual Reports on Human Rights and Democracy and annually reassessed.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 59 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 26 a (new)
(26 a) In order to achieve an efficient implementation of this Directive, the Commission should introduce a toolbox to provide practical help to companies to comply with due diligence requirements, i.e. through contact points, sharing of best practices or standardized set of principles as a basis for a Code of Conduct.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 69 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 upstream supply and where relevant value chain business partner instead of termination of business relations (disengagement) and possibly exacerbating adverse impacts, this Directive should ensure that disengagement is a proportionate 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.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 78 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 42
(42) Companies should provide the possibility for relevant persons and organisations to submit complaintaffected by the companies´ actions to submit notifications directly to them in case of legitimate concerns regarding actual or potential human rights and environmental adverse impacts. Organisations who could submit such complaintnotifications should include trade unions and other workers’ representatives representing individuals working in the valueupstream supply chain concerned and civil society organisations activewith a legitimate interest 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 complaintnotifications and inform workers, trade unions and other workers’ representatives, where relevant, about such processes. Recourse to the complaintnotifications and remediation mechanism should not prevent the complaininformant from having recourse to judicial remedies. In accordance with international standards, complaiinformants should be entitled to request from the company appropriate follow-up on the complaint andnotification and where relevant, 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 complaintnotification. This access should not lead to unreasonable and repeated solicitations of companies.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 85 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 relevant 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, specific high-risk geographical areas or specific adverse impacts.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 92 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 50
(50) In order to ensure that this Directive effectively contributes to combating climate change, companies should adopt a plan to ensure that the business model and strategy of the company are compatible with the transition to a sustainable economy and with the limiting of global warming to 1.5 °C in line with the Paris Agreement. In case climate is or should have been identified as a principal risk for or a principal impact of the company’s operations, the company should include emissions reduction objectives in its plan.deleted
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 94 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 51
(51) With a view to ensure that such emission reduction plan is properly implemented and embedded in the financial incentives of directors, the plan should be duly taken into account when setting directors’ variable remuneration, if variable remuneration is linked to the contribution of a director to the company’s business strategy and long- term interests and sustainability.deleted
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 95 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 53
(53) In order to ensure the monitoring of the correct implementation of companies’ due diligence obligations and ensure the proper enforcement of this Directive, Member States should designate one or more national supervisory authorities. These supervisory authorities should be of a public nature, independent from the companies falling within the scope of this Directive or other market interests, and free of conflicts of interest. In accordance with national law, Member States should ensure appropriate financing of the competent authority. They should be entitled to carry out investigations, on their own initiative or based on complaintnotifications or substantiated concerns raised under this Directive and limited to the obligations under this Directive. Where competent authorities under sectoral legislation exist, Member States could identify those as responsible for the application of this Directive in their areas of competence. They could designate authorities for the supervision of regulated financial undertaking also as supervisory authorities for the purposes of this Directive.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 101 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 diligencfulfil concrete obligations under this Directive 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.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 112 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) on obligations for companies regarding actual and potential human rights adverse impacts and environmental adverse impacts, with respect to their own operations, the operations of their subsidiaries, and the valuesupply chain operations carried out by entities with whom the company has an established business relationship and
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 143 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
(iii) the extraction of mineral resources regardless from where they are extracted (including crude petroleum, natural gas, coal, lignite, metals and metal ores, as well as all other, non-metallic minerals and quarry products), rare earth elements, 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).
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 145 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) the company did not reach the thresholds under point (a), but had more than 250 employees on average and had a net worldwide turnover of more than EUR 40 million in the last financial year for which annual financial statements have been prepared, provided that at least 50% of this net turnover was generated in one or more of the high-risk geographical areas based on the European External Action Service (EEAS) EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 167 #

2022/0051(COD)

(b) ‘adverse environmental impact’ means an adverse impact on the environment resulting from the violation of one of the prohibitions and obligations pursuant tothe principles set out in the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises as well as the principles set out in the international environmental conventions listed in the Annex, Part II;
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 169 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) ‘adverse human rights impact’ means an adverse impact on protected persons resulting from the violation of the principles set out in the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises as well as one of the rights or prohibitions listed in the Annex, Part I Section 1, as enshrined in the international conventions listed in the Annex, Part I Section 2;
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 175 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) ‘established business relationship’ means a direct business relationship, whether direct or indirect, which is, or which is expected to be lasting, in view of its intensity or duration and which does not represent a negligible or merely ancillary part of the valuesupply chain;
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 177 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) ‘valuesupply chain’ means activities related to the production of goods or the 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 upstream and downstream established business relationships of the company. As regards companies within the meaning of point (a)(iv), ‘valuesupply chain’ with respect to the provision of these specific services shall only include the activities of the clients receiving such loan, credit, and other financial services and of other companies belonging to the same group whose activities are linked to the contract in question. The valuesupply chain of such regulated financial undertakings does not cover SMEs receiving loan, credit, financing, insurance or reinsurance of such entities;
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 185 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point n
(n) ‘stakeholders’ means the company’s employees, the employees of its subsidiaries, and other individuals, groups, communities or entities whoseindividuals, groups, communities or entities who have specific attributes peculiar to them or are by reason of circumstances that differentiate them from all other persons and who have specific and actual rights or interests that are or could be affected by the products, services and operations of that company, its subsidiaries and its direct business relationships;
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 193 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) establishing and maintaining a complaintsnotification procedure in accordance with Article 9;
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 203 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) a code of conduct based on a standardized European set of principles describing rules and principles to be followed by the company’s employees and subsidiaries;
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 212 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 215 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. By way of derogation from paragraph 1, companies referred to in Article 2(1), point (b), and Article 2(2), point (b), shall only be required to identify actual and potential severe adverse impacts relevant to the respective sector mentioned in Article 2(1), point (b) or the respective high-risk geographical area as defined in Article 2 (1), point (ba).
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 218 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall ensure that, for the purposes of identifying the adverse impacts referred to in paragraph 1 based on, where appropriate, quantitative and qualitative information, companies are entitled to make use of appropriate resources, including independent reports and information gathered through the complaintsnotification procedure provided for in Article 9. Companies shall, where relevant, also carry out consultations with potentially affected groups including workers and their representatives as well as other relevant stakeholders to gather information on actual or potential adverse impacts. In order to effectively conduct stakeholders consultations, companies should be entitled to prioritize the stakeholder categories to engage with according to the level of relevance of different groups of stakeholders for a particular type of a business or the level these groups will be affected by potential adverse impacts in question with a special focus on high-risk sectors or high-risk geographical areas.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 225 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Companies shall be required to take the following actions, where relevant with respect to the size, resources and capacity of the company in question:
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 233 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) where necessary due to the nature or complexity of the measures required for prevention, develop and implement a prevention action plan, with reasonable and clearly defined timelines for action and qualitative and quantitative indicators for measuring improvement. The prevention action plan shall be developed in consultation with affectedrelevant stakeholders;
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 236 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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;
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 241 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. As regards potential adverse impacts that could not be prevented or adequately mitigated by the measures in paragraph 2, the company may seek to conclude a contract with a partner with whom it has an indirect relationship, with a view to achieving compliance with the company’s code of conduct or a prevention action plan. When such a contract is concluded, paragraph 4article 8 shall apply.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 242 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 4
4. The contractual assurances or the contract shall be accompanied by the appropriate measures to verify compliance. For the purposes of verifying compliance, the company may refer to suitable industry initiatives or independent third-party verification. When contractual assurances are obtained from, or a contract is entered into, with an SME, the terms used shall be fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory. Where measures to verify compliance are carried out in relation to SMEs, the company shall bear the cost of the independent third-party verification.deleted
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 245 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 5
5. 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 value chain of which the impact has arisen and shall, where the law governing their relations so entitles them to, take the following actions: (a) temporarily suspend commercial relations with the partner in question, while pursuing prevention and minimisation efforts, if there is reasonable expectation that these efforts will succeed in the short-term; (b) terminate the business relationship with respect to the activities concerned if the potential adverse impact is severe. Member States shall provide for the availability of an option to terminate the business relationship in contracts governed by their laws.deleted
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 248 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 6
6. By way of derogation from paragraph 5, point (b), when companies referred to in Article 3, point (a)(iv), provide credit, loan or other financial services, they shall not be required to terminate the credit, loan or other financial service contract when this can be reasonably expected to cause substantial prejudice to the entity to whom that service is being provided.deleted
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 250 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that companies take appropriate measures with respect to the size, resources and capacity of the company in question in order to bring actual adverse impacts that have been, or should have been, identified pursuant to Article 6 to an end, in accordance with paragraphs 2 to 6 of this Article.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 251 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Companies shall be required to take the following actions, where relevant and with respect to the size, resources and capacity of the company in question:
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 263 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) where necessary due to the fact that the adverse impact cannot be immediately brought to an end, develop and implement a corrective action plan with reasonable and clearly defined timelines for action and qualitative and quantitative indicators for measuring improvement. Where relevant, the corrective action plan shall be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders;
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 268 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 269 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 respect and 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. Further, binding due diligence legislation has been implemented in several Member States such as France and Germany, which gives rise to the need for a level playing field for companies in order to avoid fragmentation and to provide legal certainty for businesses operating in the single market. _________________ 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
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 273 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
(5) EWell-established existing international standards on responsible business conduct such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises clarified in the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct specify that companies should respect and 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. These international standards should be the basis for this Directive. _________________ 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.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 275 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) terminate the business relationship with respect to the activities concerned, if the adverse impact is considered severe while paying a special attention to the possible aggravation of the human rights or humanitarian impact caused by this termination.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 277 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – title
ComplaintsNotification procedure
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 278 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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, which should form the basis for this Directive. _________________ 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.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 281 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that companies provide the possibility for persons and organisations listed in paragraph 2 to submit complaintnotifications to them where they have legitimate concerns regarding actual or potential adverse human rights impacts and adverse environmental impacts with respect to their own operations, the operations of their subsidiaries and their valuesupply chains.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 285 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
(8) International agreements under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to which the Union and the Member States are parties, such as the Paris Agreement84 and the recent Glasgow Climate Pact85 , set out precise avenues to address climate change and keep global warming within 1.5 C degrees for states as signatory parties. Besides specific actions being expected from all signatory Parties, the role of the private sector, in particular its investment strategies, is also considered central to achieve these objectives. _________________ 84 https://unfccc.int/files/essential_backgroun d/convention/application/pdf/english_paris _agreement.pdf. 85 Glasgow Climate Pact, adopted on 13 November 2021 at COP26 in Glasgow, https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resourc e/cma2021_L16_adv.pdf.https://unfccc.int/ sites/default/files/resource/cma2021_L16_ adv.pdf.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 289 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Member States shall ensure that the complaintnotifications may be submitted by:
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 293 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) persons who are directly affected or have reasonable grounds to believe that they might be directly affected by an adverse impact,
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 293 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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. […].
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 295 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
(11) The Action Plan on a Circular Economy91 , the Biodiversity strategy92 , the Farm to Fork strategy93 and the Chemicals strategy94 and Updating the 2020 New Industrial Strategy: Building a stronger Single Market for Europe’s recovery95 , Industry 5.096 and the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan97 and the 2021 Trade Policy Review98 list an initiative on sustainable corporate governance among their elements. _________________ 91 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on A new Circular Economy Action Plan For a cleaner and more competitive Europe (COM/2020/98 final). 92 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 Bringing nature back into our lives (COM/2020/380 final). 93 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on A Farm to Fork Strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system (COM/2020/381 final). 94 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability Towards a Toxic-Free Environment (COM/2020/667 final). 95 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Updating the 2020 New Industrial Strategy: Building a stronger Single Market for Europe’s recovery (COM/2021/350 final). 96 Industry 5.0; https://ec.europa.eu/info/research-and- innovation/research-area/industrial- research-and-innovation/industry-50_en 97 https://op.europa.eu/webpub/empl/europe an-pillar-of-social-rights/en/ 98 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, Trade Policy Review – An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy (COM/2021/66/final).deleted
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 298 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) trade unions and other workers' representatives, including trade unions, representing individuals working in the valuesupply chain concerned,
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 299 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
(13) The European Parliament, in its resolution of 10 March 2021 calls upon the Commission to propose Union rules for a comprehensive corporate due diligence obligation100 . The Council Conclusions on Human Rights and Decent Work in Global Supply Chains of 1 December 2020 called upon the Commission to table a proposal for a Union legal framework on sustainable corporate governance, including cross- sector corporate due diligence obligations along global supply chains.101 The European Parliament also calls for clarifying directors` duties in its own initiative report adopted on 2 December 2020 on sustainable corporate governance. In their Joint Declaration on EU Legislative Priorities for 2022102 , the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the Commission have committed, to deliver on an economy that works for people, and to improve the regulatory framework on sustainable corporate governance. _________________ 100 European Parliament resolution of 10 March 2021 with recommendations to the Commission on corporate due diligence and corporate accountability (2020/2129(INL)), P9_TA(2021)0073, available at https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/p opups/ficheprocedure.do?lang=en&referen ce=2020/2129(INL). 101 Council Conclusions on Human Rights and Decent Work in Global Supply Chains, 1 December 2020 (13512/20). 102 Joint declaration of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on EU Legislative Priorities for 2022, available at https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files /joint_declaration_2022.pdf.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 303 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) civil society organisationstakeholders active in the areas related to the valuesupply chain concerned.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 304 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 value chainssupply chains. This Directive is without prejudice to the responsibility of Member States to respect and protect human rights and the environment under international law.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 306 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that the companies establish a procedure for dealing with complaintnotifications referred to in paragraph 1, including a procedure when the company considers the complaintnotification to be unfounded, and inform the relevant workers and trade unions of those procedures. Member States shall ensure that where the complaintnotification is well-founded, the adverse impact that is the subject matter of the complaintnotification is deemed to be identified within the meaning of Article 6.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 307 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) In line with relevant EU and national law, all companies in the EU need to adhere to the protection of human rights and environmental standards. If that is not the case, Member States and their relevant authorities are required to enforce the legislation. Thus, there is no need for companies within the EU to control each other’s conduct. The goal of due diligence is to tackle risks in cases where human rights and environmental standards are not or cannot be enforced. Thus, tracing activities in the supply chain shall be focused on upstream level business relationships outside the EU.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 309 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 14 b (new)
(14b) This Directive is without prejudice to obligations in the areas of human rights, protection of the environment and climate change under other Union legislative acts. If the provisions of this Directive conflict with a provision of another Union legislative act pursuing the same objectives and providing for more extensive or more specific obligations, the provisions of the other Union legislative act should prevail to the extent of the conflict and should apply to those specific obligations. Examples of these obligations in Union legislative acts include obligations in the Conflict Minerals Regulation, the proposal for a Batteries Regulation or the proposal for a Regulation on deforestation-free supply chains.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 310 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. Member States shall ensure that complaininformants are entitled
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 310 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
(15) Companies should take appropriate steps within their means to set up and carry out risk-based due diligence measures, with respect to their own operations, their subsidiaries, as well as their established direct anddirect business relationships outside the EU and in case of substantiated knowledge of risks, indirect business relationships throughoutoutside the EU in 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 measureMoreover, administering information on a large number of business relationships is difficult. Therefore, the main obligations in this Directive should be ‘obligations of means’. In addition, while companies can be asked to prevent or mitigate adverse impacts that they caused or contributed to, it is still the responsibility of states to combat human rights violations worldwide. Companies should take the appropriate proportionate and commensurate measures within their means 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 respective company’s valuesupply chain, sector or geographical area in which its value chain partners operate, the company’s power to influence its direct and indirect business relationships,ize, risk factors including the sector and geographical area of activity, the likelihood and severity of the company's potential or actual adverse impacts and its specific circumstances, the company’s power, resources and leverage to influence its business relationships, whether they caused or contributed to the adverse impact or are directly linked to it and whether the company could increase its power of influencleverage.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 317 #

2022/0051(COD)

(16) The risk-based due diligence process set out in this Directive should cover the six steps defined by the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, which include due diligence measures for companies to identify and address adverse human rights and environmental impacts. This encompasses the following steps: (1) integrating due diligence into policies and management systems, (2) identifying and, assessing and prioritising adverse human rights and environmental impacts, (3) preventing, ceasing or minimising actual and potential adverse human rights, and environmental impacts, (4) assessing the effectiveness of measures, (5) communicating, (6) providing remediation.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 318 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 4 – point b
(b) to meet with thea company’s representatives at an where appropriate level to discuss potential or actual severe adverse impacts that are the subject matter of the complaint.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 321 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 17
(17) Adverse human rights and environmental impact occur in companies’ own operations, subsidiaries, products, and in their value chains, in particulaaspects particularly occur at the level of raw material sourcing, and manufacturing, or at the level of product or waste disposal in the upstream supply chain operating outside the EU. 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 servicthe level of companies’ own operations, operations of their subsidiaries, atnd the level of own operations, subsidiaries and in valueir business relationships outside the EU in their upstream supply chains.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 323 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 17 a (new)
(17a) Secondary raw materials can only be traced until the point where the recycled material is returned to the immediate supplier of the recycler and where the information is obtained and retained to demonstrate that the material is recycled. Therefore, due diligence obligations should not go beyond that point.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 330 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 anddirect and, in cases of substantiated knowledge of adverse impacts, indirect business relationships, both outside the EU 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.directly necessary to carry out the company’s activities;
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 336 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1
In order to provide support to companies or to Member State authorities on how companies should fulfil their due diligence obligations, the Commission, in consultation with Member States and relevant stakeholders, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, the European Environment Agency, European External Action Service and where appropriate with international bodies having expertise in due diligence, mayshould issue guidelines, including for specific sectors, specific high-risk geographical areas or specific adverse impacts.
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 336 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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. Clients that are households and natural persons not acting in a professional or business capacity, as well as small and medium sized undertakings, should not be considered to be part of the value chain. The activities of the companies or other legal entities that are included in the value chain of that client should not be covered.deleted
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 341 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 15
1. Member States shall ensure that companies referred to in Article 2(1), point (a), and Article 2(2), point (a), shall adopt a plan to ensure that the business model and strategy of the company are compatible with the transition to a sustainable economy and with the limiting of global warming to 1.5 °C in line with the Paris Agreement. This plan shall, in particular, identify, on the basis of information reasonably available to the company, the extent to which climate change is a risk for, or an impact of, the company’s operations. 2. Member States shall ensure that, in case climate change is or should have been identified as a principal risk for, or a principal impact of, the company’s operations, the company includes emission reduction objectives in its plan. 3. Member States shall ensure that companies duly take into account the fulfilment of the obligations referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 when setting variable remuneration, if variable remuneration is linked to the contribution of a director to the company’s business strategy and long- term interests and sustainability.Article 15 deleted Combating climate change
2022/11/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 341 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
(20) In order to allow companies to properly identify the adverse impacts in their value chainsupply chain that it caused or contributed to and to make it possible for them to exercise appropriate leverage, the due diligence obligations should be limited in this Directive to establisheddirect business relationships. For the purpose of this Directive, established business relationships should mean such direct and indirect business relationships which are, or which are expected to be lasting, in view of their intensity and duration and which do not represent a negligible or ancillary part of the value chain. The nature of business relationships as “established” should be reassessed periodically, and at least every 12 months. If the direct business relationship of a company is established, then all linked indirect business relationships should also be considered as established regarding that company outside the EU. In cases when there is substantiated knowledge of adverse impacts and the company has the means and leverage to influence those, meaning being directly linked to the adverse impact, companies should include indirect business relationships outside the EU.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 347 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 20 a (new)
(20a) The concept of a company’s involvement in an adverse impact should clarify that the actions to be taken to address potential or actual adverse impacts depend on the level of involvement of a company in an adverse impact. The company’s involvement in an adverse impact should be in the form of the company causing the adverse impact, contributing to the adverse impact, or the company being directly linked to the adverse impact, meaning it was caused by its direct or indirect business relationship in the company’s supply chain without the company causing or contributing to it. Although the concepts of the company’s involvement in an adverse impact of ‘contributing to’ and ‘being directly linked to’ also exist in international standards, they should receive an autonomous definition in the Directive. With a view to ensure an effective protection of human rights and the environment, ‘causing’ should be understood as the companies own sole activities, and ‘contributing to’ should be understood as a company’s own activities in combination with or intervention of the activities of business relationships or facilitating or incentivising a business relationship to cause an adverse impact.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 353 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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, even if 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 liability.deleted
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 361 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 24
(24) For defining the scope of application in relation to non-EUthird-country companies the describcompany in question needs turnover criterion should be choseno have a branch or subsidiary in the EU as it creates a territorial connection between the third- country companies and the Union territory. TIn addition, turnover is a proxy for the effects that the activities of those companies could have on the internal market. In accordance with international law, such effects justify the application of Union law to third-country companies. To ensure identification of the relevant turnover of companies concerned, the methods for calculating net turnover for non-EUthird-country companies as laid down in Directive (EU) 2013/34 as amended by Directive (EU) 2021/2101 should be used. To ensure effective enforcement of this Directive, an employee threshold should, in turn, not be applied also be applied as a benchmark to determine which third-country companies fall under this Directive, as to create a level- playing field, while taking into account that the notion of “employees” retained for the purposes of this Directive is based on Union law and could not be easily transposed outside of the Union. In the absence of a clear and consistent methodology, including in accounting frameworks, to determine the employThat is why the nexus to the EU needs of third-country companies, such employee threshold would therefore create legal uncertainty and would be difficult to apply for supervisory authoritiesto be ensured through having a branch or subsidiary in the EU. The definition of turnover should be based on Directive 2013/34/EU which has already established the methods for calculating net turnover for non-Union companies, as turnover and revenue definitions are similar in international accounting frameworks too. With a view to ensuring that the supervisory authority knows which third country companies generate the required turnover in the Union to fall under the scope of this Directive, this Directive should require that a supervisory authority in the Member State where the third country company’s authorised representative is domiciled or established and, where it is different, a supervisory authority in the Member State in which the company generated most of its net turnover in the Union in the financial year preceding the last financial year are informed that the company is a company falling under the scope of this Directive.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 365 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 26
(26) Companies should have guidance at their disposal that illustrates how their activities may impact human rights and which corporate behaviour is prohibited in accordance with internationally recognised human rights. Such guidance is included for instance in The United Nations Guiding Principles Reporting Framework104 and the United Nations Guiding Principles Interpretative Guide105 . Using relevant international guidelines and standards as a and should be made easily accessible to companies. Therefeorence, the Commission should be able to issue additionalissue guidance that will serve as a practical tool for companies. _________________ 104 https://www.ungpreporting.org/wp- content/uploads/UNGPReportingFramewor k_withguidance2017.pdf. 105 https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/ Business/RtRInterpretativeGuide.pdf.https: //www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Busine ss/RtRInterpretativeGuide.pdf.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 367 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 that they cause or contribute to, establish and maintain a complaintsnotification 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 line with competition law. 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.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 372 #

2022/0051(COD)

(28) In order to ensure that due diligence forms part of companies’ corporate policies, and in line with the relevant international framework, companies should integrate due diligence into all their relevant corporate policies and have in place a risk- based due diligence policy. The due diligence policy should contain a description of the company’s approach, including in the long term, to due diligence, a code of conduct describing the rules and principles to be followed by the company’s employees and subsidiaries; a description of the processes put in place to implement due diligence, including the measures taken to verify compliance with the code of conduct and to extend its application to establishedits direct business relationships outside the EU. The code of conduct should apply in all relevant corporate functions and operations, including procurement and purchasing decisions. Companies should also update their due diligence policy annuallwhen relevant, meaning after a significant change occurs, such as operating in or sourcing from a new country.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 377 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 29
(29) To comply with due diligence obligations, companies need to take appropriate measures with respect to identification, prevention and bringing to an end adverse impacts that it caused or contributed to. An ‘appropriate measure’ should mean a measure that is capable of achieving the objectives of due diligence, commensurate with the degree of severity and the likelihood of the adverse impact, and reasonably available to the company, taking into account the circumstances of the specific case, including characteristics of the economic sector and of the specific business relationship and the company’s influence thereof, and the need to ensure prioritisation of action. In this context, in line with international frameworks, the company’s influencleverage over a business relationship should include, on the one hand its ability to persuade the business relationship to take action to bring to an end or prevent adverse impacts (for example through ownership or factual control, market power, pre-qualification requirements, linking business incentives to human rights and environmental performance, etc.) and, on the other hand, the degree of influence or leverage that the company could reasonably exercise, for example through cooperation with the business partner in question or engagement with another company which is the direct business partner of the business relationship associated with adverse impact.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 379 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 meaningful stakeholder engagement and 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 respoWhen identifying adverse impacts that they caused or contributed to, the company should be able to first map areas of their operations, the operations of their subsidiaries and, where related to their supply chainse, to or anticipation of changesheir direct business relationships outside the EU inf they operating environment; and periodically, at least every 12 me in risk areas, and based on ths, 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 ae results, carry out an in-depth risk assessment prioritising the areas where the adverse impacts are most likely to be present or most significant. Indirect business relationships business model and strategies, including trading, procurement and pricing pshall be taken into account then there is substantiated knowledge of risks in those operactices. Whereons that 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 circumstancesis directly linked to, e.g. based on information gathered in the notification procedure. Identification of adverse impacts should include assessing the human rights, and environmental context in a dynamic way after a significant change occurs, throughout the life of an activity or relationship.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 384 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 30 a (new)
(30a) Where the company cannot prevent, mitigate, bring to an end or minimise all the identified actual and potential adverse impacts at the same time to the full extent, it should be allowed to prioritise them based on the severity and likelihood of the adverse impact. In line with the relevant international framework, the severity of an adverse impact should be assessed based on its gravity (scale of the adverse impact), the number of persons or the extent of the environment affected (scope of the adverse impact), its irreversibility, and difficulty to restore the situation prevailing prior to the impact (irremediable character of the adverse impact).
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 385 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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.deleted
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 388 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 32
(32) Where the company cannot prevent, mitigate, bring to an end or minimise all the identified actual and potential adverse impacts at the same time to the full extent, it should be allowed to prioritise them based on the severity and likelihood of the adverse impact. In line with the relevant international framework, the severity of an adverse impact should be assessed based on its gravity (scale of the adverse impact), the number of persons or the extent of the environment affected (scope of the adverse impact), its irreversibility, and difficulty to restore the situation prevailing prior to the impact (irremediable character of the adverse impact). 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, used only in cases of severe or repeated misconduct, after repeated attempts of bringing an actual adverse impact to an end have failed and only if it is in the best interest of those impacted (responsible disengagement), also 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. Moreover, responsible disengagement should also take into account possible impacts for those depending on the product or affected by disruptions of supply chains.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 392 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 33
(33) Under the due diligence obligations set out by this Directive, if a company identifies potential adverse human rights or environmental impacts, it should take appropriate measureproportionate and commensurate measures within their means to prevent andor adequately mitigate them. To provide companies with legal clarity and certainty, this Directive should set out the actions companies should becan be reasonably expected to take for prevention and mitigation of potential adverse impacts where relevant depending on the circumstances. and leverage. Companies should be obliged to take measures within their means to prevent or mitigate the adverse impacts that they cause or to which they contribute. When companies are not causing nor contributing to the adverse impacts occurring in their supply chain (so called ‘being directly linked to’ the adverse impact), they should use their influence to prevent or mitigate the adverse impact caused by their subsidiaries or business partners or to increase their influence to do so.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 397 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 depending on the circumstances and their leverage. Where necessary due to the complexity of prevention measures, companies should develop and implement a prevention action plan. Companies shouldmay seek to obtain contractual or other assurances from a direct partner with whom they have an established direct business relationship outside the EU 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’ value chain. The contractual assurances should besupply chain where possible. The assurances may be, where appropriate, 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, and, where appropriate, collaborate with other companies to that extent. Companies should also provide targeted and proportionate support for an SME with which they have an established direct business relationship outside the EU 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.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 402 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 35
(35) In order to reflect the full range of options for the company in cases where potential impacts could not be addressed by the described prevention or minimisation measuresthere is substantiated knowledge of severe adverse impacts in indirect business relationships outside the EU, this Directive should also refer to the possibility for the company to seek to conclude a contract with the indirect business partnerrelationship, with a view to achieving compliance with the company’s code of conduct or a prevention action plan, and conduct appropriate measures to verify compliance of the indirect business relationship with the contract. This possibility should be taken into account on an ad-hoc basis and following the engagement with stakeholders.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 405 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 value 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. 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.deleted
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 409 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 37
(37) As regards direct andor where applicable indirect business relationships, industry cooperation, industry schemes and multi- stakeholder initiatives can help create additional leverage to identify, mitigate, and prevent adverse impacts. Therefore, it should be possible for companies to rely on such initiatives to support the implementation of their due diligence obligations laid down in this Directive to the extent that such schemes and initiatives are appropriate to support the fulfilment of those obligations. CompaniMember States cshould assess, at their own initiative, the alignment of these schemes and initiatives with the obligations under this Directive and assess their feasibility. However, membership of such schemes should complement, not replace company due diligence efforts. In order to ensure full information on such initiatives, the Directive should also refer to the possibilityquire for the Commission and the Member States to facilitate the dissemination of information on such schemes or initiatives and their outcomes. The Commission, in collaboration with Member States, may should issue guidance for assessing the fitness of industry schemes and multi-stakeholder initiatives.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 413 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 38
(38) Under the due diligence obligations set out by this Directive, if a company identifies actual human rights or environmental adverse impacts that it caused or contributed to, it should take appropriate measures to bring those to an end. It can be expected that a company is able to bring to an end actual adverse impacts in theirits own operations and inthose of its subsidiaries. However, it should be clarified that, as regards established business relationships, where adverse impacts cannot be brought to an end, companies should minimise the extent of such impacts. Minimisation of the extent of adverse impacts should require an outcome that is the closest possible to bringing the adverse impact to an end. To provide companies with legal clarity and certainty, this Directive should define which actions companies shcould be reasonably required to take within their means for bringing actual human rights and environmental adverse impacts to an end and minimisation of their extent, where relevant depending on the circumstances. When companies are neither causing nor contributing to the adverse impacts, meaning they are directly linked to the adverse impact, they should be obliged to use their influence to bring to an end or minimise the extent of the adverse impact caused by their subsidiaries or business relationships or to increase their influence to do so.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 418 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 within their means, where relevant depending on the circumstances. 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 measuonitoring improvement. Companies should alsomay also, where possible and where deemed necessary following engagement with stakeholders, seek to obtain contractual or other 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 beassurances may be, where appropriate, 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 direct business relationship and collaborate with other entities, including through industry initiatives, where relevant, to increase the company’s ability to bring the adverse impact to an end.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 423 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 40
(40) In order to reflect the full range of options for the company in cases where actual impacts could not be addressed by the described measures, this Directive should also refer to the possibility for the company to seek to conclude a contract with the indirect business partner, where appropriate, with a view to achieving compliance with the company’s code of conduct or a corrective action plan, and conduct appropriate measures to verify compliance of the indirect business relationship with the contract.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 425 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 ato 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 commercialbusiness 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 and only if this is in the best interest of those impacted (responsible disengagement). 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.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 426 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 42
(42) Companies should provide the possibility for persons and organisations to submit complaintsinformation directly to them in case of legitimate concerns regarding actual or potential human rights and environmental adverse impacts. Organisations who could submit such complaintsinformation 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 substantiated and documented knowledge about a potential or actual adverse impact. Companies should establish a procedure for dealing with those complaintnotifications and inform workers, trade unions and other workers’ representatives, where relevant, about such processes. Recourse to the complaints and remedinotification mechanism should not prevent the complaininformant from having recourse to judicial remedies. In accordance with international standards, complaiinformants should be entitled to request from the company appropriate follow-up on the complaint andnotification. This can include 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 complaintnotification. This access should not lead to unreasonable solicitations of companies nor to sanctions. Companies may deal with notifications as a group, for example within an industry initiative.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 431 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 43
(43) Companies should monitor the implementation and effectiveness of their due diligence measures. They should carry out periodiccontinuous 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 outside the EU, 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 if 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- betweenwhen deemed necessary after a significant change occurs, such as operating in or sourcing from a new country or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that significant new risks of adverse impact could have arisen.
2022/12/06
Committee: JURI
Amendment 439 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 44
(44) Like in the existing international standards set by the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD framework, it forms part of the due diligence requirement to communicate externally relevant information on due diligence policies, processes and activities conducted to identify and address actual or potential adverse impacts, including the findings and outcomes of those activities. The proposal to amend Directive 2013/34/EU as amended regardsing corporate sustainability reporting sets out relevant reporting obligations for the companies covered by this directive. In order to avoid duplicating reporting obligations, this Directive should therefore not introduce any new reporting obligations in addition to those under Directive 2013/34/EU for the companies covered by that Directive as well as the reporting standards that should be developed under it. As regards companies that are within the scope of this Directive, but do not fall under Directive 2013/34/EU, in order to comply with their obligation of communicating as part of the due diligence under this Directive, they should publish on their website an annual statement in a language customary in the sphere of international businessone of the official languages of the Union.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 448 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 47
(47) Although SMEs are not included in the scope of this Directive, they could be heavily impacted by its provisions as contractors or subcontractors to the companies which are in the scope. The aim is nevertheless to mitigate the immense 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 companies in the implementation, including SMEs, Member States should set up and operate, either individually or jointly, dedicated websites, portals or platforms, to provide information and support to companies, and Member States cshould also financially support SMEs specifically 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 tshould also 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.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 450 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 48
(48) In order to complement Member State support to companies in their implementation, including SMEs, the Commission mayshould build on existing EU tools, projects and other actions helping with the due diligence implementation in the EU and in third countries. It may 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 and assessment of joint stakeholder initiatives.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 452 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 49
(49) The Commission and Member States should continue to work in partnership with third countries to support upstream economic operators build the capacity to effectively prevent and mitigate adverse human rights and environmental impacts of their operations and business relationships, paying specific attention to the challenges faced by smallholders. They should use their neighbourhood, development and international cooperation instruments, including Free Trade Agreements, to support third country governments and upstream economic operators in third countries addressing adverse human rights and environmental impacts of their operations and upstream business relationships. This could include working with partner country governments, the local private sector and stakeholders on addressing the root causes of adverse human rights and environmental impacts.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 455 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 50
(50) In order to ensure that this Directive effectively contributes to combating climate change, companies should adopt a plan to ensure that the business model and strategy of the company are compatible with the transition to a sustainable economy and with the limiting of global warming to 1.5 °C in line with the Paris Agreement. In case climate is or should have beenin case climate is identified as a principal risk for or a principal impact of the company’s operations, the company should include emissions reduction objectives in its planclimate objectives in its due diligence policy regarding environmental adverse impacts.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 457 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 51
(51) With a view to ensure that such emission reduction plan is properly implemented and embedded in the financial incentives of directors, the plan should be duly taken into account when setting directors’ variable remuneration, if variable remuneration is linked to the contribution of a director to the company’s business strategy and long- term interests and sustainability.deleted
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 460 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 53
(53) In order to ensure the monitoring of the correct implementation of companies’ due diligence obligations and ensure the proper enforcement of this Directive, Member States should designate one or more national supervisory authorities. These supervisory authorities should be of a public nature, independent from the companies falling within the scope of this Directive or other market interests, and free of conflicts of interest. In accordance with national law, Member States should ensure appropriate financing of the competent authority. They should be entitled to carry out investigations, on their own initiative or based on complaints or substantiated concerns raised under this Directive. Where competent authorities under sectoral legislation exist, Member States could identify those as responsible for the application of this Directive in their areas of competence. They could designate authorities for the supervision of regulated financial undertaking also as supervisory authorities for the purposes of this Directive.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 462 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 54
(54) In order to ensure effective enforcement of national measures implementing this Directive, Member States should provide for dissuasive, proportionate and effective administrative sanctions for infringements of those measures. In order for such sanction regime to be effective, administrative sanctions to be imposed by the national supervisory authorities should include pecuniary sanctions. Where the legal system of a Member State does not provide for administrative sanctions as foreseen in this Directive, the rules on administrative sanctions should be applied in such a way that the sanction is initiated by the competent supervisory authority and imposed by the judicial authority. Therefore, it is necessary that those Member States ensure that the application of the rules and sanctions has an equivalent effect to the administrative sanctions imposed by the competent supervisory authorities.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 464 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 55
(55) In order to ensure consistent application and enforcement of national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive, national supervisory authorities should actively cooperate and coordinate their action. For that purpose a European Network of Supervisory Authorities should be set up by the Commission and the supervisory authorities should assist each other in performing their tasks and provide mutual assistance.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 470 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 intentional or gross negligent failure to comply with the due diligence process. The company should be liable for damages if thethat they directly caused if they intentionally or gross negligently 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 it directly caused and that should have been identified, prevented, mitigated, brought to an end or its extent minimised through the appropriate measures occurred and led to damage.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 474 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 value chains.deleted
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 479 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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 diligencethat it directly caused should be without prejudice to civil liability of its subsidiaries or the respective civil liability of direct and indirect business partnerbusiness 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.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 483 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 61
(61) In order to ensure that victims of human rights and environmental harms can bring an action for damages and claim compensation for damages arising due to a company’s failure to comply with the due diligence obligations stemming from this Directive, even where the law applicable to such claims is not the law of a Member State, as could be for instance be the case in accordance with international private law rules when the damage occurs in a third country, this Directive should require Member States to ensure that the liability provided for in provisions of national law transposing this Article is of overriding mandatory application in cases where the law applicable to claims to that effect is not the law of a Member State.deleted
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 484 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 62
(62) The civil liability regime under this Directive should be without prejudice to the Environmental Liability Directive 2004/35/EC. This Directive should not prevent Member States from imposing further, more stringent obligations on companies or from otherwise taking further measures having the same objectives as that Directive.deleted
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 485 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 63
(63) In all Member States’ national laws, directors owe a duty of care to the company. In order to ensure that this general duty is understood and applied in a manner which is coherent and consistent with the due diligence obligations introduced by this Directive and that directors systematically take into account sustainability matters in their decisions, this Directive should clarify, in a harmonised manner, the general duty of care of directors to act in the best interest of the company, by laying down that directors take into account the sustainability matters as referred to in Directive 2013/34/EU, including, where applicable, human rights, climate change and environmental consequences, including in the short, medium and long term horizons. Such clarification does not require changing existing national corporate structures.deleted
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 486 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 64
(64) Responsibility for due diligence should be assigned to the company’s directors, in line with the international due diligence frameworks. Directors should therefore be responsible for putting in place and overseeing the due diligence actions as laid down in this Directive and for adopting the company’s due diligence policy, taking into account the input of stakeholders and civil society organisations and integrating due diligence into corporate management systems. Directors should also adapt the corporate strategy to actual and potential impacts identified and any due diligence measures taken.deleted
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 493 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 70
(70) The Commission should assess and report whether new sectors should be added to the list of high-impact sectors covered by this Directive, in order to align it to guidance from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development or in light of clear evidence on labour exploitation, human rights violations or newly emerging environmental threats, whether the list of relevant international conventions referred to in this Directive should be amended, in particular in the light of international developments, or whether the provisions on due diligence under this Directive should be extended to adverse climate impacts.deleted
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 495 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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’ value 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 value chains expand to other Member States and to third countries. Moreover, individuala growing number of individual and different Member States’ measures risk being ineffective, unworkable for companies to comply with, 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.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 506 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) on obligations for companies regarding actual and potential human rights adverse impacts and environmental adverse impacts that they caused, contributed to or are directly linked to, with respect to their own operations, the operations of their subsidiaries, and the valuesupply chain operations carried out by entities with whom the company has an establishedtheir business relationships outside the EU and
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 512 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) on liability for violations of the obligations mentioned abovedamages that occurred in the operations described above which a company directly intentionally or gross negligently caused.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 519 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The nature of business relationships as ‘established’ shall be reassessed periodically, and at least every 12 months.deleted
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 528 #

2022/0051(COD)

2a. Member States shall not introduce, in their national law, more stringent provisions than those laid down in this Directive, unless otherwise provided for in this Directive.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 635 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. In case of a group of companies: (a) the parent company, whether or not it meets the thresholds mentioned in paragraphs 1 or 2, may perform the Due Diligence obligations laid down in this Directive on behalf of any or all its subsidiaries which meet the thresholds in paragraph 1 or 2; (b) any subsidiary shall be deemed in compliance with the obligations laid down in this Directive where their parent company includes those subsidiaries in its due diligence corporate policy.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 682 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) ‘adverse impact’ means an adverse environmental impact and adverse human rights impact;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 684 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
(cb) ‘to cause an adverse impact’ means a company’s own actions that directly led to the adverse impact.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 685 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c c (new)
(cc) ‘to contribute to an adverse impact’ means a company’s own actions in combination with the activities of other entities cause an adverse impact, or if the activities of a company cause, facilitate or incentivise another entity to cause an adverse impact. Contribution must be substantial, meaning that it does not include minor or trivial contributions. The substantial nature of the contribution and understanding when the actions of the enterprise may have caused, facilitated or incentivised another entity to cause an adverse impact may involve the consideration of multiple factors. The following factors can be taken into account: – the extent to which an enterprise may encourage or motivate an adverse impact by another entity, i.e. the degree to which the activity increased the risk of the impact occurring. – the extent to which an enterprise could or should have known about the adverse impact or potential for adverse impact, i.e. the degree of foreseeability. – the degree to which any of enterprise’s activities actually mitigated the adverse impact or decreased the risk of the impact occurring. The mere existence of a business relationship or activities which create the general conditions in which it is possible for adverse impacts to occur does not necessarily represent a relationship of contribution. The activity in question should substantially increase the risk of adverse impact.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 687 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c d (new)
(cd) being ‘directly linked to an adverse impact’ means that there is a relationship between the adverse impact and the company’s products, services or operations through another business relationship. Directly linked is not defined by direct contractual relationships. Also, a direct linkage does not imply that the responsibility shifts from the entity causing an adverse impact to the enterprise with which it has a linkage.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 690 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e – introductory part
(e) ‘direct business relationship’ means a business relationship with a direct contractor, subcontractor or any other legal entities (‘partner’)ual relation for the supply of goods or the provision of services whose supplies are necessary for the production of the enterprise’s product or the provision and use of the relevant service, which is relevant based on the severity and likelihood of adverse impacts and is outside the European Union.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 697 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e – point i
(i) with whom the company has a commercial agreement or to whom the company provides financing, insurance or reinsurance, ordeleted
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 700 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e – point ii
(ii) that performs business operations related to the products or services of the company for or on behalf of the company;deleted
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 718 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(fa) ‘substantiated knowledge’ means factual and verifiable information about potential or actual adverse human rights or environmental impacts, which can be based on stakeholder information received through the notification procedure or the supervisory authority, when there is knowledge of particular risk factors including sectoral or geographical or when there have been adverse impacts in the past;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 727 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) ‘valuesupply chain’ means activities related to the production and supply of goods or the 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 upstream and downstream established business relationships of the company. As regards companies within the meaning of point (a)(iv), ‘value chain’ with respect to the provision of these specific services shall only include the activities of the clients receiving such loan, c as far as these activities are dit, and other financial services and of other companies belonging to the same group whose activities are linked to the contract in question. The value chain of such regulated financial undertakings does not cover SMEs receiving loan, credit, financing, insurance or reinsurance of such entities;rectly necessary for the production of the goods or the provision of the services.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 734 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) ‘leverage’ means the ability of a company, depending on size and importance to supplier’s revenue or the functioning of its business operations, to affect change in the wrongful practices of the entity that causes or contributes to the adverse impact in the supply chain;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 746 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(ha) For the purposes of point (h), the Commission shall adopt a delegated act in accordance with Article 28 to specify the minimum standards for the independent third-party verification;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 753 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
(ja) For the purposes of point (j), the Commission shall adopt a delegated act in accordance with Article 14b and 28 to specify the minimum standards for the industry initiative to be recognised by one Member States as feasible;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 765 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point n
(n) ‘stakeholders’ means the company’s employees, the employees of its subsidiaries, employees within its supply chain and other relevant individuals, groups, communities or entities whose rights or vested interests are or could be directly affected by the potential and actual adverse environmental and human rights impacts connected to the products, services and operations of that company, its subsidiaries and its business relationships;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 776 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point o
(o) ‘director’ means: (i) any member of the administrative, management or supervisory bodies of a company; (ii) where they are not members of the administrative, management or supervisory bodies of a company, the chief executive officer and, if such function exists in a company, the deputy chief executive officer; (iii) other persons who perform functions similar to those performed under point (i) or (ii);deleted
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 781 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point p
(p) ‘board of directors’ means the administrative or supervisory body responsible for supervising the executive management of the company, or, if no such body exists, the person or persons performing equivalent functions;deleted
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 785 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point q
(q) ‘appropriate measure’ means a measure that is capable of achieving the objectives of due diligence, commensurate with the degree of severity and the likelihood of the adverse impact, and proportionate to the size, reasonably available tources and capacities of the company, taking into account the circumstances of the specific case, including characteristics of the economic sector and of the specific business relationship and the company’s influence thereof, and the need to ensure prioritisation of actionleverage in that relationship, and the principle of risk-based prioritisation of action. Companies are not required to guarantee, in all circumstances, that adverse impacts will never occur or that they will be stopped. The main obligations in this Directive are obligations of means;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 795 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point q c (new)
(qc) ‘risk factors’ means enterprise- level risk factors, geographic risk factors, and sectoral risk factors. The Commission shall prepare a list of risk factors with accompanying guidance as described in Article 13;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 796 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point q d (new)
(qd) ‘Group’ means a parent company and all its subsidiary undertakings as defined by Article 2 of the Directive 2013/34/EU of 26 June 2013 on the annual financial statements, consolidated financial statements and related reports of certain types of undertakings, amending Directive 2006/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directives 78/660/EEC and83/349/EE;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 802 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall ensure that companies conduct risk-based human rights and environmental due diligence as laid down in Articles 5 to 11 (‘due diligence’) by carrying out the following actions:
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 804 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) identifying and prioritising actual or potential adverse impacts that they caused or contributed to or are directly linked to in accordance with Article 6;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 808 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) preventing andor mitigating potential adverse impacts that they caused or contributed to, and bringing actual adverse impacts to an end andhat they caused or contributed to an end or minimising their extent in accordance with Articles 7 and 8;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 812 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) establishing and maintaining a complaintsnotification procedure in accordance with Article 9;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 835 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall ensure that companies integrate due diligence into all their relevant corporate policies and have in place a due diligence policy. The due diligence policy shall contain all of the following:
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 848 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) a description of the processes put in place to implement due diligence, including, where relevant, the measures taken to verify compliance with the code of conduct and to extend its application to established business relationships;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 860 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall ensure that the companies continuously update their due diligence policy annuallywhen significant changes occur.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 865 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Companies shall carry out a due diligence policy which is proportionate and commensurate to the likelihood and severity of their potential or actual adverse impacts and their specific circumstances and risk factors, particularly their sector and location of activity, the size and length of their supply chain, the size of the company, its capacity, resources and leverage.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 872 #
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 876 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that companies take appropriate measures to identifywithin their means to identify whether they cause or contribute to or are directly linked to actual and potential adverse human rights impacts and adverse environmental impacts arising from their own operations or those of their subsidiaries and, w in their business relationships. Where related to their valuesupply chains, from their established business relationships, in accordance with paragraph 2, 3 and 4companies shall assess adverse impacts arising from their direct business relationships located outside the EU that they cause or contribute to. In case of substantiated knowledge, companies shall assess adverse impacts arising from their indirect business relationships outside the EU that they are directly linked to, in accordance with paragraph 2, 3 and 4. In cases where an enterprise has structured a direct business relationship in an improper manner or has engaged in a transaction in order to circumvent the due diligence obligations with regard to the direct supplier, an indirect business relationship is deemed to be a direct business relationship.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 884 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Companies shall identify whether they cause, contribute to or are directly linked to actual and potential adverse human rights impacts and adverse environmental impacts based on a risk assessment and risk-based monitoring methodology, taking into account the likelihood, severity and urgency of adverse impacts, the nature and context of their operations, including sector and geographic location based on the Commission guidelines set out in Article 13. Companies only need to assess business relationships outside the EU and only where risk factors are likely.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 888 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Where a company is not in a position to identify all potential or actual adverse impacts that it caused, contributed to or is directly linked to at the same time, it shall prioritise risk factors based on their severity. Risk assessments under this article shall take into account the perspective of stakeholders where relevant.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 891 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. If a company concludes that it does not cause, contribute to, or that it is not directly linked to any potential or actual adverse impact, it shall publish a statement to that effect on its website (in accordance with Art. 11) and shall thus be considered in compliance with the Directive. In particular, that company may conclude that it has encountered no adverse impacts on human rights or the environment if its impacts identification determines that its direct suppliers perform due diligence in line with this directive. That statement shall be reviewed in the event that new risks emerge or in the event of that company entering into new business relationships that can pose risks.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 892 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Companies are encouraged to take these measures in cooperation with industry initiatives.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 895 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. By way of derogation from paragraph 1, companies referred to in Article 2(1), point (b), and Article 2(2), point (b), shall only be required to identify actual and potential severe adverse impacts relevant to the respective sector mentioned in Article 2(1), point (b).deleted
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 902 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 3
3. When companies referred to in Article 3, point (a)(iv), provide credit, loan or other financial services, identification of actual and potential adverse human rights impacts and adverse environmental impacts shall be carried out only before providing that service..deleted
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 909 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall ensure that, for the purposes of identifying and prioritising the adverse impacts referred to in paragraph 1 based on, where appropriate, quantitative and qualitative information, companies are entitled to make use of appropriate resources, including independent reports and information gathered through the complaintsnotification procedure provided for in Article 9. Companies shall, where relevant, also carry out consultations engage with potentially affected groups including workers and other relevant stakeholders to gather information on actual or potential adverse impacts.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 916 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. In the event that not all the necessary information regarding its supply chain is available, the parent company shall explain the efforts made to obtain the necessary information about its supply chain, the reasons why not all of the necessary information could be obtained, and its plans to obtain the necessary information in the future.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 925 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that companies take appropriate proportionate and commensurate measures to prevent, or where prevention is not possible or not immediately possible, adequately mitigate potential adverse human rights impacts and adverse environmental impacts that have been, or shouldthey cause or contribute to and that have been, identified pursuant to Article 6, in accordance with paragraphs 2, 3, 4 and 5 of this Article. Companies that are directly linked to potential adverse impacts without causing or contributing to them are required to make use of their leverage to the extent possible to mitigate adverse impacts.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 933 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) where necessary due to the nature or complexity of the measures required for prevention, develop and implement a prevention action plan, with reasonable and clearly defined timelines for action and qualitative and quantitative indicators for measuonitoring improvement. The prevention action plan shall be developed in consultationmeaningful engagement with affected stakeholders where relevant; companies are encouraged to develop their action plans in cooperation with industry initiatives;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 937 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) set up a prioritisation strategy on the basis of Principle 17 of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights based on risk factors. Companies shall consider the level of severity, likelihood and urgency of the different potential adverse impacts on human rights or the environment, the nature and context of their operations, including geographic, the scope of the risks, their scale and how irremediable they might be, and use the prioritisation policy in dealing with them. When prioritising their response to risks to human rights, companies shall treat the severity of an adverse impact, such as where a delayed response would make the impact irremediable, as the predominant factor.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 940 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a b (new)
(ab) Companies shall apply best efforts to develop and use purchase policies that do not encourage potential adverse impacts on human rights the environment.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 945 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) seekmay seek, where appropriate, contractual or other assurances, from a business partner with whom it has a direct business relationship located outside the EU 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 value chain ( and by requesting information on their suppliers if possible; Member States shall ensure that the general due diligence duty prevails over contractual cascading).surances; When such contractual assurances are obtained, paragraph 4 shall apply;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 956 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) provide targeted and proportionate supportfinancial and administrative support, especially for an SME with which the company has an established business relationship, where compliance with the code of conduct or the prevention action plan would jeopardise the viability of the SME outside the EU;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 962 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) in compliance with Union law including competition law, collaborate with other entities, sectoral approaches or industry initiatives, including, where relevant, to increase the company’s ability to bring the adverse impact to an end, in particular where no other action is suitable or effective;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 972 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. As regards potential adverse impacts that could not be prevented or adequately mitigated by the measures in paragraph 2, the company that is directly linked to the adverse impact may seek to conclude a contract with a partner with whom it has an indirect relationship outside the EU that was identified in accordance with Article 6 due to substantiated knowledge of potential adverse impacts, with a view to achieving compliance with the company’s code of conduct or a prevention action plan. When such a contract is concluded, paragraph 4 shall apply.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 979 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
TheAssurances, contractual assurances or the contract shall beor non- contractual, may be, where appropriate, accompanied by the appropriate measures to verify compliance. For the purposes of verifying compliance, the company may refer to suitable industry initiatives or independent third-party verification.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 984 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
When contractual assurancesassurances, including contractual, are obtained from, or a contract is entered into, with an SME outside the EU, the terms used shall be fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory. Where measures are carried out to verify compliance are carried out in relation to SMEs, the company shall bearof assurances obtained from SMEs outside the EU, the cost of the independent third- party verification should be provided by public funds.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 990 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 5
5. 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 value chain of which the impact has arisen and shall, where the law governing their relations so entitles them to, take the following actions: (a) temporarily suspend commercial relations with the partner in question, while pursuing prevention and minimisation efforts, if there is reasonable expectation that these efforts will succeed in the short-term; (b) terminate the business relationship with respect to the activities concerned if the potential adverse impact is severe. Member States shall provide for the availability of an option to terminate the business relationship in contracts governed by their laws.deleted
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1015 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 6
6. By way of derogation from paragraph 5, point (b), when companies referred to in Article 3, point (a)(iv), provide credit, loan or other financial services, they shall not be required to terminate the credit, loan or other financial service contract when this can be reasonably expected to cause substantial prejudice to the entity to whom that service is being provided.deleted
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1019 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that companies take appropriate measures to bring actual adverse impacts that have been, or shouldproportionate and commensurate measures within their means to bring actual adverse impacts that they have caused or contributed to and that have been, identified pursuant to Article 6 to an end, in accordance with paragraphs 2 to 6 of this Article. Companies that are directly linked to the actual adverse impact without causing or contributing to it are required to make use of their leverage to the extent possible to bring actual adverse impacts to an end.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1027 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. Where the adverse impact cannot be brought to an end, Member States shall ensure that companies take measures within their means to minimise the extent of such an impact.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1037 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) neutralise the adverse impact or minimise its extent, including by the payment of damages to the affected persons and of financial compensation to the affected communities. The action shall be proportionate and commensurate to the significance and scale of the adverse impact and to the contribution of the company’s conduct to the adverse impact, as well as to its resources and leverage;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1045 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) where necessary due to the fact that the adverse impact cannot be immediately brought to an end, develop and implement a corrective action plan with reasonable and clearly defined timelines for action and qualitative and quantitative indicators for measuonitoring improvement. Where relevant, tThe corrective action plan shall be developed in consultationthrough meaningful engagement with stakeholders;
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1047 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
(ba) set up a prioritisation strategy on the basis of Principle 17 of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights based on risk factors. Companies shall consider the level of severity, likelihood and urgency of the different actual adverse impacts on human rights or the environment, the nature and context of their operations, including geographic, the scope of the risks, their scale and how irremediable they might be, and use the prioritisation policy in dealing with them. When prioritising their response to risks to human rights, companies shall treat the severity of an adverse impact, such as where a delayed response would make the impact irremediable, as the predominant factor.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1052 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) seekmay seek, where appropriate, contractual or other assurances from a direct partner with whom it has an established direct business relationship outside the EU 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 value chain ( and by requesting information on their suppliers if possible. Member States shall ensure that the general due diligence duty prevails over contractual cascading)surances. When such contractual assurances are obtained, paragraph 5 shall apply.
2022/12/07
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1057 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point d
(d) make necessary, where appropriate, investments, such as into management or production processes and infrastructures to comply with paragraphs 1, 2 and 3;
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1063 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point e
(e) provide targeted and proportionate supportfinancial and administrative support, especially for an SME with which the company has an established direct business relationship, where compliance with the code of conduct or the corrective action plan would jeopardise the viability of the SME outside the EU;
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1069 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point f
(f) in compliance with Union law including competition law, collaborate with other entities, sectoral approaches or industry initiatives, including, where relevant, to increase the company’s ability to bring the adverse impact to an end, in particular where no other action is suitable or effective.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1076 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 4
4. As regards actual adverse impacts that could not be brought to an end or adequately mitigated by the measures in paragraph 3, the company that is directly linked to the impact may seek to conclude a contract, where appropriate, with a partner with whom it has an indirect relationship outside the EU that was identified in accordance with Article 6 due to substantiated knowledge of actual adverse impacts, with a view to achieving compliance with the company’s code of conduct or a corrective action plan. When such a contract is concluded, paragraph 5 shall apply.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1080 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
TheAssurances, contractual assurances or the contract shall beor non- contractual, or the contract may be, where appropriate, accompanied by the appropriate measures to verify compliance. For the purposes of verifying compliance, the company may refer to suitable industry initiatives or independent third-party verification.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1084 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
When contractual assurancesassurances, including contractual, are obtained from, or a contract is entered into, with an SMEother company, the terms used shall be fair, reasonable and non- discriminatory. Where measures to verify compliance are carried out in relation to SMEs, the company shall bear the cost of the independent third- party verification should be provided by public funds.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1091 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
As regards actual adverse impacts within the meaning of paragraph 1 that the company caused or contributed to and that could not be brought to an end or the extent of which could not be minimised by the measures provided for in paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 and despite repeated efforts, the company shall refrain from entering into new or extending existing relations with the partner in connection to or in the valuesupply chain of which the impact has arisen and shall, as a measure of last resort, where the law governing their relations so entitles them to, take one of the following actions and where the impact is considered extremely severe or irreversible, take the following actions, in line with responsible disengagement, taking into account the best interest of those impacted:
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1098 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) if suspension does not lead to a sufficient result, terminate the business relationship with respect to the activities concerned, if the adverse impact is consid. Member States shall provide for the availability of an option to terminate the business relationship in contracts governed severeby their laws.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1118 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 7
7. By way of derogation from paragraph 6, point (b), when companies referred to in Article 3, point (a)(iv), provide credit, loan or other financial services, they shall not be required to terminate the credit, loan or other financial service contract, when this can be reasonably expected to cause substantial prejudice to the entity to whom that service is being provided.deleted
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1134 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that companies provide the possibility for persons and organisations listed in paragraph 2 to submit complaints tonotify them where they have legitimate concernsinformation regarding actual or potential adverse human rights impacts and adverseand environmental impacts with respect to their own operations, the operations of their subsidiaries and their valuesupply chains. This can be done in cooperation with industry initiatives.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1142 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Member States shall ensure that notification procedures are legitimate, accessible, predictable, equitable, transparent, rights compatible and a source of continuous learning based on engagement and dialogue.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1154 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Member States shall ensure that the complaintnotifications may be submitted by:
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1164 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) trade unions and other workers’ representatives representing individuals working in the valuesupply chain concerned,
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1171 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) civil society organisations active in the areas related to the valuesupply chain concerned.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1177 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that the companies establish a procedure for dealing with complaintnotifications referred to in paragraph 1, including a procedure when the company considers the complaintinformation to be unfounded, and inform the relevant workers and trade unions of those procedures. Member States shall ensure that where the complaintinformation is well- founded, the adverse impact that is the subject matter of the complaintnotification is deemed to be identified within the meaning of Article 6. This can be done in cooperation with industry initiatives.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1183 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. Member States shall ensure that complainants are entitledIn case the notification proves to be well founded, Member States shall ensure that informants are entitled to request appropriate follow-up on the notification from the company with which they have filed a notification pursuant to paragraph 1.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1192 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) to request appropriate follow-up on the complaint from the company with which they have filed a complaint pursuant to paragraph 1, andeleted
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1195 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 4 – point b
(b) 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.deleted
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1214 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Member States shall ensure that companies carry out periodiccontinuous 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 monthscontinuously 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.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1223 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Member States shall ensure that companies that are not subject to reporting requirements under Articles 19a and 29a of Directive 2013/34/EU report on the matters covered by this Directive by publishing on their website an annual statement in a language customary in tone of the official languages of the Union. When sphere of international business. The statement shall be published by 30 April each year, covering the previous calendar yearignificant changes occur, the statement shall be updated.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1230 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The companies referred to in paragraph 1 may rely on the consolidated reporting of the group to which they belong in order to fulfil their reporting requirements under this Article.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1238 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 2
The Commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 14b and 28 concerning the content and criteria for such reporting under paragraph 1, specifying information on the description of due diligence, potential and actual adverse impacts and actions taken on those.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1262 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1
In order to provide support to companies or 1. to Member State authorities on how companies should fulfil their due diligence obligations, the Commission, in consultation with Member States and relevant stakeholders, including from third countries, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, the European Environment Agency, the External Action Service, the European Innovation Council and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Executive Agency (EISMEA) and where appropriate with the OECD and other international bodies having expertise in due diligence, may issue guidelines, including for specific sectors or specific adverse impacts. shall issue clear and easily understandable guidelines in the form of targeted guidance where applicable to facilitate compliance in a practical manner: (a) in digital, free of charge and easily accessible format; (b) including on existing digital solutions to be used for the due diligence process and on the development of digital solutions; (c) including on the implementation of the human rights and environmental standards applicable to businesses based on the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises as clarified in the Due Diligence Guidance as well as the UNGPs; (d) including lists of risk factors and accompanying guidance, including enterprise-level risk factors, geographic risk factors and sectoral risk factors; (e) including an overview on applicable industry initiatives; (f) including practical guidance on how proportionality and prioritisation, in terms of impacts, sectors and geographical areas, may be applied to due diligence obligations depending on the size and sector of the company; (g) including taking into account SMEs needs. 2. The guidelines shall be made available no later than ... [18 months after the date of entry into force of this Directive]. The Commission shall periodically review the relevance of its guidelines and adapt them to new best practices. 3. Country fact-sheets shall be updated regularly by the Commission and made publicly available in order to provide up-to-date information on the international Conventions and Treaties ratified by each of the Union’s trading partners. The Commission shall collect and publish trade and customs data on origins of raw materials, and intermediate and finished products, and publish information on human rights, environmental and governance potential or actual adverse impacts risks associated with certain countries or regions, sectors and sub-sectors, and products.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1278 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission in cooperation with 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 valuesupply chains of companies.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1282 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The Commission in cooperation with Member States shall undertake efforts in order to provide information and support to stakeholders and their representatives to exercise their involvement in due diligence. This shall include setting up and operating individually or jointly dedicated websites, platforms or portals.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1288 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission mayshall complement Member States’ support measures building on existing Union action to support due diligence in the Union and in third countries and may devise new measures, including facilitation of joint stakeholder initiatives to help companies fulfil their obligations.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1290 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The Commission may rely on its cooperation and trade instruments to support the development of the enabling environment in third countries, through capacity building and expertise that will reinforce their economic sector to comply with due diligence obligations as set out in this Directive.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1299 #

2022/0051(COD)

4. Companies may rely on industry schemes and multi-stakeholder initiatives to support the implementation of their obligations referred to in Articles 5 to 11 of this Directive to the extent that such schemes and initiatives are appropriate to support the fulfilment of those obligations. The Commission and the Member States mayshall facilitate the dissemination of information on such schemes or initiatives and their outcome. The Commission, in collaboration with Member States, may and the OECD as well as relevant stakeholders, shall issue guidance for assessing the fitness of industry schemes and multi-stakeholder initiativesinitiatives in line with Article 14c.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1307 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 14 a (new)
Article 14a Single Point of Contact 1. Each Member State shall designate a national single point of contact on corporate sustainability due diligence. Member States may assign this role to an existing authority. Where a Member State designates only one competent authority, that competent authority may also be the single point of contact. 2. Companies may seek additional guidance and obtain further support and information about how best to fulfil their due diligence obligations through this point of contact. 3. The single point of contact may also exercise a liaison function to ensure cross-border cooperation of Member State authorities and with the relevant authorities in other Member States via cooperation with the European Supervisory Network established in Article 21.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1309 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 14 c (new)
Article 14c Recognition of Industry Initiatives 1. The Member States shall ensure that industry initiatives, which offer systems for compliance with the due diligence obligation, can apply to the respective Member State for the recognition by that Member State of the systems that they have developed for compliance with the due diligence obligation in supply chain. Suitable evidence and information shall be enclosed with the application. 2. Supplementing this Directive, the Commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 28 where the methods and criteria are set out according to which the Member States can assess whether systems for compliance with the due diligence obligation in the supply chain facilitate compliance with the requirements of this Directive and its implementation by the Member States for the companies and enable Member States to recognise such systems. 3. Where a Member State determines, on the basis of the evidence and information provided according to paragraph 1 and according to the methods and criteria for recognition laid down in paragraph 2, that a system for compliance with the due diligence obligation in the supply chain enables a company, which effectively applies this system, to implement the requirements of this Directive and its implementation in the Member State, the Member State shall certify granted recognition of equivalence with the requirements of this Directive and its implementation. When taking a decision regarding the recognition of a system for compliance with the due diligence obligation, the Member State shall take into account the various sector- specific processes covered by the system as well as the risk-based approach and the risk-based method which are applied within the system to identify risks. A recognised system shall be mutually recognised in one Member State and Member States should not stipulate further obligations. 4. The Member State shall also verify periodically, as appropriate, that the recognised due diligence systems continue to meet the criteria that formed the basis for a decision on recognition of equivalence which was taken based on paragraph 3. 5. The Commission shall establish and update a register of recognised systems for compliance with the due diligence obligation in the supply chain. The register shall be made publicly available on the internet.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1313 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 15
1. companies referred to in Article 2(1), point (a), and Article 2(2), point (a), shall adopt a plan to ensure that the business model and strategy of the company are compatible with the transition to a sustainable economy and with the limiting of global warming to 1.5 °C in line with the Paris Agreement. This plan shall, in particular, identify, on the basis of information reasonably available to the company, the extent to which climate change is a risk for, or an impact of, the company’s operations. 2. in case climate change is or should have been identified as a principal risk for, or a principal impact of, the company’s operations, the company includes emission reduction objectives in its plan. 3. companies duly take into account the fulfilment of the obligations referArticle 15 deleted Combating climate change Member States shall ensure that Member States shall ensured to in paragraphs 1 and 2 when setting variable remuneration, if variable remuneration is linked to the contribution of a director to the company’s business strategy and long- term interests and sustainability.hat, Member States shall ensure that
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1344 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
As regards companies referred to in Article 2(2), the competent supervisory authority shall be that of the Member State in which the company has a branch. If the company does not have a branch in any Member State, or has branches located in different Member States, the competent supervisory authority shall be the supervisory authority of the Member State in which the company generated most of its net turnover in the Union in the financial year preceding the last financial year before the date indicated in Article 30 or the date on which the company first fulfils the criteria laid down in Article 2(2), whichever comes last or subsidiary.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1400 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that natural and legal personsstakeholders as referred to in Article 9 para.2 are entitled to submit substantiated concerns to any supervisory authority when they have reasons to believe, on the basis of objective circumstances, that a company is failing to comply with the national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive (‘substantiated concerns’)Articles 6 to 11 and Article 15(1) and (2) of this Directive (‘substantiated concerns’), if the notification procedure referred to in Article 9 did not have a satisfactory outcome.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1419 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall lay down the rules on administrative sanctions applicable to infringements of national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive, and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The sanctions provided for shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive. At least the following administrative measures and sanctions shall be provided for: (a) a public statement indicating company responsible and the nature of the infringement; (b) an order requiring the company responsible to cease the conduct constituting the infringement and to desist from any repetition of that conduct; (c) administrative pecuniary sanctions.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1430 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 2
2. In deciding whether to impose sanctions and, if so, in determining their nature and appropriate level, due account shall be taken of the legal framework applicable in the country where the adverse impact may occur or has occurred, the gravity and duration of the infringement, the importance of profits gained or losses avoided by the company, in so far as they can be determined 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, any previous infringements, cumulative effects of the different measures and sanctions already imposed on the company as well as the collaboration with other entities to address adverse impacts in its valuesupply chains, as the case may be.; any other aggravating or mitigating factors applicable to the circumstances of the case;
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1462 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 21 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Supervisory authorities shall share relevant information with the single point of contact as a means of ensuring that the single point of contact has the necessary information to perform its tasks.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1463 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 21 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. The ENSA shall also support the Commission in developing the Single- Reporting-Instrument.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1476 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) they intentionally or gross negligently failed to comply with the obligations laid down in Articles 7 and 8 and;
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1483 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) as a result of this failure an actual adverse impact that they caused and that should have been identified, prevented, mitigated, brought to an end or its extent minimised through the appropriate measures laid down in Articles 7 and 8 occurred and led to damage.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1495 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Notwithstanding paragraph 1, Member States shall ensure that where a company has taken the actions referred to in Article 7(2), point (b) and Article 7(4), or Article 8(3), point (c), and Article 8(5), it shall not be liable for damages caused by an adverse impact arising as a result of the activities of an indirect partner with whom it has an established business relationship, unless it was unreasonable, in the circumstances of the case, 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 extent of the adverse impact.deleted
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1509 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
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.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1528 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 4
4. The civil liability rules under this Directive shall 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.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1535 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 5
5. Member States shall ensure that the liability provided for in provisions of national law transposing this Article is of overriding mandatory application in cases whmitation period for bringing civil liability claims concerning harm arising out of adverse the law applicable to claims to that effect is not the law of a Member Stateimpacts on human rights and the environment is five years.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1551 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 24
Member States shall ensure that companies applying for public support certify that no sanctions have been imposed on them for a failure to comply with the obligations of this Directive.Article 24 deleted Public support
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1559 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 25
1. Member States shall ensure that, when fulfilling their duty to act in the best interest of the company, directors of companies referred to in Article 2(1) take into account the consequences of their decisions for sustainability matters, including, where applicable, human rights, climate change and environmental consequences, including in the short, medium and long term. 2. Member States shall ensure that their laws, regulations and administrative provisions providing for a breach of directors’ duties apply also to the provisions of this Article.Article 25 deleted Directors’ duty of care
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1571 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 26
Setting up and overseeing due diligence 1. Member States shall ensure that directors of companies referred to in Article 2(1) are responsible for putting in place and overseeing the due diligence actions referred to in Article 4 and in particular the due diligence policy referred to in Article 5, with due consideration for relevant input from stakeholders and civil society organisations. The directors shall report to the board of directors in that respect. 2. Member States shall ensure that directors take steps to adapt the corporate strategy to take into account the actual and potential adverse impacts identified pursuant to Article 6 and any measures taken pursuant to Articles 7 to 9.Article 26 deleted
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1596 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
No later than … [OP please insert the date = 78 years after the date of entry into force of this Directive], the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council on the implementation of this Directive. The report shall evaluate the effectiveness of this Directive in reaching its objectives and assess the following issues:
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1598 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) whether the thresholds regarding the number of employees and net turnover laid down in Article 2(1) need to be loweredimpact of the Directive was justified and reached the targeted goals, including the associated indirect costs and the economic, social and environmental benefits thereof, including on SMEs;
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1600 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) whether the thresholds regarding the number of employees and net turnover laid down in Article 2(1) need to be modified;
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1620 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 30 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Member States shall adopt and publish, by … [OJ to insert: 25 years from the entry into force of this Directive] at the latest, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive. They shall forthwith communicate to the Commission the text of those provisions.
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1622 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 30 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – introductory part
They shall apply those provisions as follows:from four years after national transposition as regards companies referred to in Article 2(1), point (a), and Article 2(2), point (a);
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1626 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 30 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point a
(a) from… [OJ to insert: 2 years from the entry into force of this Directive] as regards companies referred to in Article 2(1), point (a), and Article 2(2), point (a);deleted
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 1632 #

2022/0051(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 30 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point b
(b) from … [OJ to insert: 4 years from the entry into force of this Directive] as regards companies referred to in Article 2(1), point (b), and Article 2(2), point (b).deleted
2022/12/08
Committee: JURI
Amendment 5 #

2022/0000(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Citation 9 a (new)
– having regard to the NATO 2030: United for a New Era Analysis and Recommendations of the Reflection Group Appointed by the NATO Secretary General and the upcoming NATO 2022 Strategic Concept,
2022/05/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 17 #

2022/0000(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Citation 10 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 7 April 2022 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,
2022/05/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 18 #

2022/0000(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Citation 10 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 24 March 2022 on the need for an urgent EU action plan to ensure food security inside and outside the EU in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine,
2022/05/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 30 #

2022/0000(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Recital D
D. whereas the Russian armed forces are deliberately and indiscriminately shelling civilian infrastructure, including homes and shelters, and there are documented cases of executions, rape, torture, forced deportations, looting and other despicable acts;
2022/05/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 34 #

2022/0000(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Recital E
E. whereas according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, these attacks are causing immeasurable human suffering and may amount to war crimes;
2022/05/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 42 #

2022/0000(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Recital F
F. whereas the Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought war back to Europe and we Europeans in the European Union together with our allies now need to use all our determination and resolve to protect and defend this Union, the wider transatlantic space and the values and principles it stands for;
2022/05/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 58 #

2022/0000(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has secondary consequences impacting the macro-level of international relations, global alliances, industrial production, supply chains, including food security, but also people’s livelihoods;
2022/05/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 62 #

2022/0000(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Recital K
K. whereas there is an urgent need to end the humanitarian and security crises Europe is encountering and better prepare for the full spectrum of crises and broader consequences to come; whereas the Union needs to utilise all the instruments at its disposal, with an emphasis on timely engagement, to protect the Union and its residents and its values and interests, and to contribute towork with its allies to uphold international peace and security;
2022/05/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 64 #

2022/0000(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas the People’s Republic of China, through its statements and acts, is enabling Russia’s aggression against Ukraine;
2022/05/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 85 #

2022/0000(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Recital X
X. whereas the Union, together with its allies, must aims, in particular, to strive to establish new EUuropean and broader transatlantic peace and security architecture providing the continent and its residents with the peace and security they deserve;
2022/05/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 168 #

2022/0000(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) work with allies to address secondary consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, including, food security in third countries, in particular, in the EU’s neighbourhood;
2022/05/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 190 #

2022/0000(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) improve intelligence sharing among the Member States and our transatlantic allies and engage in a systematic, regular and frequent updates of the threat analysis included in the Strategic Compass;
2022/05/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 244 #

2022/0000(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) work with NATO allies to enhance air and missile defence capacities, especially for vulnerable regions inflanks of the European Union and NATO;
2022/05/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 268 #

2022/0000(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point r
(r) engage within the EU, then with NATO, transatlantic allies and relevant third countries on a reflection on the nature of possible security guarantees that can be provided to Ukraine;
2022/05/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 276 #

2022/0000(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) increase defence spending in order to meet the minimum target of 2 % of GDP;
2022/05/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 309 #

2022/0000(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point aa a (new)
(aaa) strengthen coordination with allies on adoption of sanctions as well as their implementation, and work with third countries, in particular EU candidate and associated countries, towards alignment with EU sanctions; strengthen mechanisms for ensuring sanctions compliance and implement measures against those third countries, entities and individuals circumventing EU sanctions;
2022/05/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 5 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
— having regard to the revised European Social Charter, in particular its articles 15 on the right of persons with disabilities to independence, social integration and participation and 23 on the right of older persons to social protection,
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 6 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 6
— having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, as referred to in Article 6 TEUin particular its articles 25 on the right of older persons to lead a life of independence and dignity and 26 on the integration of persons with disabilities,
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 9 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
— having regard to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, as referred to in Article 6 TEU,
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 14 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 7
— having regard to the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR), in particular its principles 17 on inclusion of persons with disabilities and 18 on the right to long-term care,
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 17 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the UN Decade on Healthy Ageing 2021-2030 and the WHO Framework for countries to achieve an integrated continuum of long-term care1a, _________________ 1a https://www.who.int/news/item/14-03- 2022-who-launches-new-framework-to- support-countries-achieve-integrated- continuum-of-long-term-care
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 31 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 11
— having regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) and the EU’s ratification of this Convention,
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 44 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 22
— having regard to the Commission proposal of 4 March 2021 for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council to strengthen the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms (COM(2021)0093),deleted
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 77 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas the EPSR Action Plan sets out concrete initiatives for the implementation of principles that are essential for building a stronger social Europe for just transitions and recovery, whereas principles 17 and 18 jointly promote an individual right to long-term care and define the aim of care and inclusion services to support full participation in society;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 94 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas persons in need for care and support are persons who are challenged in their daily activities by disability or chronic health condition; whereas care encompasses all services to addresssupport autonomy and independence of persons in need for care through supporting their physical, psychological and social needs of dependents, as well as support to, as well guaranteeing the equal exercise of rights, dignity, autonomall their rights, promoting dignity, inclusion and well-being for all members of society;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 136 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the stigma surrounding dependenceisability, disease and frailty and the need for care and support intersects with othervarious grounds of discrimination;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 138 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are among the world’s most prevalent, disabling and burdensome non- communicable diseases, affecting over 100 million Europeans, and account for over 50 percent of Years Lived with Disabilities (YLDs) in Europe; whereas due to their prevalence, disabling consequences, and links to high incidence of co-morbidities, people with RMDs are a significant source of demand for long- term formal and informal care in Europe;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 156 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas there is a lack of quality, accessible and affordable care in nearly all Member States; whereas this shortage is more severe in remote and rural areas; whereas the monitoring of care is hampered by the lack of disaggregated data and the lack of quality indicators;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 181 #

2021/2253(INI)

E. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the existing challenges in terms of access to formal care services, showcasing many structural problems entrenched in Europe’s social care system, i.e. in terms of the ability to access and afford formal care services, the overreliance on informal care or undeclared work, lack of relief services, psychological or social support to informal carers etc.;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 190 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas sidelining of long-term care settings in the response to COVID- 19, by not providing an adequate access to protective equipment, testing and medical treatment, emphasises the undervaluation and underfinancing of long-term care in our societies; whereas more than half of COVID-19 related fatalities in the EU were recorded in long-term care settings; whereas blanket social isolation measures have increased the risk of abuse and neglect, as well as deterioration of mental and physical health of persons in need for care and support;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 214 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas the provision of quality care depends on the existence of a sufficiently large and well-trained workforce, the creation ofattractive and decent working conditions and, decent pay, integrated services, and adequate funding for supporting services for persons in need for care and support;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 244 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G
G. whereas the structures of care need to be changed from centralised institutions to person-centred and community-based care; whereas that shift has been too slow; and in some cases, non-existent;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 254 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas patient-centred, community-based services and home care can better support the autonomy of persons in need for care and support; whereas residential care often does not meet the standards of supporting independence of persons using these services;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 269 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H
H. whereas the undervaluation and invisibility of care work are closely linked with the fact that women are predominante in the care sector;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 275 #

2021/2253(INI)

Ha. whereas provision of informal care shall be a matter of choice instead of a result of necessity and lack of available care services;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 310 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital K
K. whereas 80 % of all long-term care in Europe is provided by informal carers, which makes care an extremely gendered issueoverwhelmingly women who are mostly relatives of the persons in need for care and support; whereas overrepresentation of women in care sector has a clear negative impact on women’s employment opportunities, work-life balance and contributes to the pay gap and pension gap between men and women as well as increases the risk of poverty, social exclusion, mental health problems, social isolation and loneliness;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 331 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital L
L. whereas the high numbers ofinformal care recipipresents who are dependent on informal care are directly linked tothe default choice in many Member States because of the inaccessibility and unaffordability of quality professional services; whereas in the EU, 44 million people are providing informal long-term care at least once a week; whereas 12% of women and 7% of men providing informal long-term care do so for more than 40 hours per week;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 352 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital M
M. whereas women in the EU carry out 13 hours more of unpaid care and housework per week than men; whereas 7.7 million women in the EU remain out of the labour market owing to their informal care responsibilities;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 371 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital N
N. whereas several Member States and regions in the EU are still failing to meet the goal of providing childcare for 90 % of children between the age of three andemands for childcare; whereas childcare provided by parents is not adequately valued mandatory school age and for 33 % of children aged three and under translated in the pension schemes of Member States;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 381 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital P
P. whereas access to quality care services, especially long-term care, is increasingly preconditioned on individual and family income, geographical availability as well as free capacities of the providers; whereas two in three persons in need for care are estimated to not have access to care services, mainly due to their unavailability and unaffordability; whereas persons with lower incomes are also a group in which care needs are more prevalent;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 436 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. NotStresses that it is vital to ensure quality care across the life course; independence, autonomy and dignity across the life course and that quality care is a major tool to support this goal; underlines the importance of the accessibility, availability and, affordability of care, and that all users and their carers should have a genuine choice when it comes to care servicesand adequacy/quality of care;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 451 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the importance of an integrated approach to common European action on care that pays equal attention to people’s physical, psychological and social needs of both persons in need for care and support and carers;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 472 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights the dire need to increase funding for both formal and informal care across the EU to guarantee equal access for dependantspersons in need for care and support to affordable quality care services, as well as an active professional lifeto ensure fulfilling and sustainable professional life and relief services for carers, and; calls therefore calls on the Member States to make the best use of the European structural and investment funds, including the ESF+, as well as the Recovery and Resilience Facility, for investing in care;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 511 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Member States to exchange information and best practices with a view to developing a common European quality framework for care, encompassing all care settings, encouraging upward social convergence and guaranteeing equal rights for all citizensbased on the rights to independence and autonomy and inspired by the WHO Framework to support countries achieving an integrated continuum of long-term care;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 518 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to set ambitious targets for the access and quality of care services in consultation with the Member States as well as other relevant stakeholders including the organisations representing informal carers and persons in need for care and support with the particular focus on persons with disabilities;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 539 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to present an ambitious European care strategy that builds on everyone’s right to affordable, accessible and high-quality care, as well as on other principles set out in the EPSR and EU strategic documents, and the individual rights and needs of both care recipients and carers, and that encompasses the entire life course, is based on reliable and comparable data, and includes concrete and progressive goals with a timetable and indicators to evaluate progress;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 545 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses that the European care strategy should be based on reliable and comparable data, and should include concrete and progressive goals with a timetable and quality indicators to evaluate progress and measure social impact; emphasises that the strategy should promote social innovation through partnerships between public authorities, social care providers, and service users in an integrated way, invest in digital as well as other technologies including AI, modernise social infrastructure, strengthen the social economy sector, improve working conditions, pay, and social protection for care workers, ensure the choice of providers by enabling plurality and fair competition, and enhance volunteerism in social care;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 567 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the Commission’s plans for the revision of the Barcelona objectives as part of the European care strategy package; calls for upward convergence to be encouraged and for further investment in high-quality care for every child in the EU;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 582 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls that social protection and support to families with the special focus on big families, single parent families or families with a child with disabilities is essential and calls on the competent national authorities to ensure adequate and accessible social protection systemsfor all and integrated child protection systems;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 591 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Member States to provide continuous holistic support to parents, including parental entitlements and adequate translation of the value created during the periods of maternity and parental leave into the retirement pension schemes; Calls on the Member States to adopt measures that encourage a more substantial role for men in the sharing of care responsibilities, including for very young children;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 617 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Member States to reform and integrate their social services and protection systems in such a way as to provide effective and equal access to care services throughout the life course, taking a patient-centred personalised approach, in order to enhance thedignity, continuity of care, preventive healthcare, rehabilitation and, whenever possible, independent living;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 626 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that accessibility derives from a combination of availability of a diversified spectrum of care services, affordable costs and flexibility; believes that in this respect different forms of care service provision should be available, such as in in-home and community-based settingin particular that provision of in-home and community-based care services should be upscaled alongside residential care; emphasises that the increase of care needs induced by demographic change, occupational and stress related diseases, requires significant investments from the EU and Member States to fill the gap of care services;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 647 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop the tools required for the regular assessment of the accessibility of care services and a comprehensive benchmark for monitoring the quality of both formal and informal care services, availability and affordability of care services as well as for monitoring the quality of care services; calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote accessible, available, affordable and quality care by ensuring a work-life balance, promoting healthy lifestyles, prioritising not-for-profit provision of care, setting quality standards of care services and organising quality control, ensuring the availability of care services in rural areas, and ensuring affordability through a collective insurance and service users’ contribution related to income;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 665 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses that the free movement of persons and workers is one of the key pillars of the EU, but that challenges to cross-border care remain; calls for the protection of the social security rights of all migrant and mobile care workers and care receivers, as this contributes to both dignified working conditions and reduction of the propensity toward undeclared work;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 670 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Repeats its call for a common definition of disability, as well asthorough assessment of different definitions of disability across the Member States and based on this assessment, to consider developing a common definition of disability that would take proper account of the most prevalent causes of disabilities including rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), heart diseases or stress- related diseases; Calls furthermore on the mutual recognition of disability status inacross the Member States;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 685 #

2021/2253(INI)

17. Calls for the prioritisation of mental health within public health policy at EU level and to ensure, particularly in the context of long-term care, that mental health and access to mental health care are effectively available, affordable and of good quality and as such, able to contribute to the improvement of quality of life;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 694 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to improve the provision and access to palliative care for all persons diagnosed with a long-term condition or disability; emphasises that palliative care comprises a spectrum of services improving quality of life with a health condition or disability beyond medication, such as emotional, psychological and spiritual and religious care and support;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 703 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Commission to establish a comprehensive set of indicators for long-term care, and corresponding targets and tools for disaggregating and monitoring the accessibility, availability, affordability and quality of care, similar to the Barcelona objectives for childcare; notes that targets and indicators are needed on decent work, involving care service users, care workers and informal carers; calls on the Commission and Member States to elaborate a ratio of care workers per population size, which could be used as an indicator for investment, funding and training; Stresses that targets and indicators focusing on quality of care should be based on the rights of the persons in need for care, the maintenance of their independence and autonomy as well as social inclusion, and focussing on the expected outcomes of long-term care, such as the improvement of well-being of persons in need for long-term care and support as well as the evolution of healthy life years;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 779 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
21. Urges the Commission to propose a common coherent package of actions at EU level on informal care, to identify and recognise the different types of informal care provided in Europe, and to guarantee carers financial support and other additional support services, including time off for carers, and a work-life balance and rehabilitation services for carers and and identify different needs of different groups of carers including young carers or mobile carers and to guarantee carers financial support and social protection such as care credits, pension credits, as well as other support services, including counselling and peer exchange services, clearly stipulated time off, a healthy work-life balance, holidays, respite services, job- reintegration services, psychological and rehabilitation services for carers; notes that rehabilitation services should be applicable to care recipients as well;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 792 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on the Commission to recognize challenges limiting access to appropriate care for persons with specific diseases that require increased level of care like rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs); Highlights that for persons with RMDs, the biggest obstacle in accessing appropriate care is the lack of rheumatologists and medical training in rheumatology in the Member States; Calls therefore on the Member States to make Rheumatology a standard element of the medical training curriculum and to increase the number of practicing rheumatologists;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 805 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6
Decent working conditions and training opportunities for all workers in the care sector
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 810 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Urges the Member States to place adequate staffing levels and investment in care staff at the centre of their care policies, and to support the creation of quality jobrecognise value and importance of care professions mainly connected to promotion of fundamental rights and well-being of persons in need for care and support and to place adequate staffing levels and investment in care staff at the centre of their care policies, Calls furthermore on the Commission and the Member States to support the creation of quality jobs with decent remuneration and further training and development opportunities in the sector;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 823 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls on the Member States to ensure enforcement of labour standards for all workers in the sector, regardless of migration or residence status, work arrangements (live-in, live-out, single or multiple employers), employment relationship (placement agencies, provider organisations, contract with end- users or domestic workers operating as self-employed). This must include, in particular, providing information and effective complaints mechanisms that enable workers to know their rights, file a complaint, and access remedies without any immigration enforcement consequences;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 832 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Urges the Member States to tackle the exploitative conditions applied by private recruitment agencies, often engaged in organising the rotation of care workers in and out of exploitative conditions;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 835 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
23. Calls on the Member States to ensure decent working conditions for all workers in the care sector, both formal anfor all forms of care, formal and paid informal as well as unpaid informal care, and to adopt high standards of occupational health and safety, in line with and beyond the ambition of the recently adopted EU strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027 and in particular the aim of reducing rheumatic and musculo- skeletal diseases and improving mental health, tackling in particular stress and burn-outs in the whole spectrum of care professions; Recalls that this is especially important considering that live-in carers are particularly at risk of extreme working and on-call hours without adequate privacy, rest periods and holidays, as well as isolation, often being expected to take on tasks beyond their job and training, such as carrying out domestic work for other relatives and certain health care treatments;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 878 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
24. Calls on the Member States to strengthen social dialogue and promote collective bargaining and collective agreements in the care sector, bothpublic, profit and non-profit, as crucial mechanisms for the improvement of employment and working conditions and for tackling the gender pay gap, and as the most effective tools for securing an increase in the minimum wage and in wages in general;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 880 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Expresses its concern about the phenomenon of elderly abuse, including non-assistance, neglect and the undue use of physical or chemical restraints, particularly in the field of long-term care and support; calls for the development of trainings for informal and formal carers to avoid elderly abuse as well as for establishment of independent and effective mechanisms to report and redress situations of elderly abuse; calls on the Commission and the Member States to explicitly include the fight against elderly abuse in all its forms in the European Care Strategy;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 895 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
25. Recalls that intra-EU mobile and non-EU migrant workers, including undocumented workers, play a significant role in the provision of both residential care and home care in the EU; insists that decent work should be integral to definitions and priorities around sustainable and quality care systems;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 916 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
26. Calls on the Member States to swiftly and fully transpose and implement the Work-Life Balance Directive; stresses that only an equal share of care responsibilities between men and women by means of non-transferable and adequately paid leave periods would enable women to increasingly engage in full-time employment and achieve a work- life balanc and consider to be more ambitious and go beyond its minimum requirements with regard to carer´s leave;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 933 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Calls on the Member States to draw on the EU Skills Agenda to ensure further skilling and upskilling of care workers, and provide publicly-subsidised opportunities for all carers – including migrant informal carers and care workers - to participate in vocational education and training and gain qualifications;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 940 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Recalls that informal carers gain valuable skills while providing care to persons in need for care and support; Highlights that these skills can be used to increase the labour market opportunities of informal carers after their care duties end only if they are formally recognized; Calls therefore on the Commission and the Member States to adopt a legal framework on formal recognition of skills gained by providing informal care;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 989 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
30. Calls on the Member States to adopt approaches to measuring and valuing the contribution and outputs of care, in particular informal/unpaid care and housework, and to address the prevalence of undeclared or under-declared care work, often in exploitative conditions, impacting on the rights and well-being of workers, their families, as well of care recipients;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 1012 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Calls on the Commission to undertake research to better understand the economic and societal impact of the inadequate provision of care to persons in need for care and support with the special focus on the most prevalent diseases and diseases causing disability including rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs);
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 1015 #

2021/2253(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
32. Calls on the Commission to ensure that the EIGE, Eurofound and other relevant agencies have adequate resources to monitor disaggregated data and analyse if and how policies are making the intended improvements in the care sector, including in terms of gender equality between men and women, infrastructure and work- life balance;
2022/04/08
Committee: EMPLFEMM
Amendment 6 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A
A. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic is placing a heavy burden on people in the EU, particularly those from more vulnerable groups, such as women, single parents, people with disabilities, children, young people and the elderly,, the elderly and big families as well as it is placing a heavy burden on the frontline workers and their families in their everyday lives, working lives and livelihoods2 3 ; _________________ 2 Bundesinstitut für Bevölkerungsforschung, Belastungen von Kindern, Jugendlichen und Eltern in der Corona-Pandemie, 2021. 3 European Commission, Joint Employment Report 2021.
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 16 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital B
B. whereas the RRF created an unprecedented structure adapted to addressing the complex effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on economy, society and institutions and is positively contributing to the EU’s recovery and resilience, including economic growth, cohesion, jobs, productivity, competitiveness, research, development and innovation, and a well-functioning internal market with robust small and medium enterprises SMEs;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 29 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital C
C. whereas social and territorial cohesion is one of the six pillars of the RRF; whereas creating and fostering high- quality employment creation is onand inclusive growth are some of the objectives included in the RRF Regulation;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 31 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas implementing lessons learnt from the pandemic, including in the labour market and labour force, can contribute to strengthening recovery and resilience; whereas the shift to teleworking should be used also to the benefit of those workers whose Member State of the employer is different from the Member State of their family residence and current social security rules do not allow them to telework from the different Member States than the Member State of the employer; whereas revision of these rules would attract more workers to the labour market as it would provide desired flexibility and thus create new work opportunities and increase employment;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 35 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas a large number of reforms and investments aim to improve territorial infrastructure and services provided at local level; whereas these measures can also boost the local economy, national competitiveness and institutional resilience;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 41 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas the importance of local and regional involvement in implementing the national recovery and resilience plans (NRRPs); whereas local and regional authorities are responsible for one third of all public expenditure and more than half of public investment in the EU1a, a large portion of which is in policy areas that are key for the RRF; _________________ 1a OECD, Key data on Local and Regional Governments in the European Union (brochure), 2018. Available at: https://www.oecd.org/regional/EU-Local- government-key-data.pdf
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 46 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that the COVID-19 crisis has already left many people jobless or in precarious employment and interrupted vocational education, traineeships or apprenticeships of many young people; calls on the Commission and Member States to fight against youth unemployment and to ensure that young people, especially those not in employment, education or training (NEETs), receive adequate, paid and quality first working experience; Calls furthermore on the Commission and Member States to promote up-skilling and re-skilling of workers who lost their jobs during the pandemic so they are able to adapt to the changes in the labour market particularly its digitalisation;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 49 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that the COVID-19 crisis has already left many people jobless or in precarious employmentunemployed and young people are particularly affected by the COVID-19 crisis in terms of employment, education, training and mental well-being; calls on the Commission and Member States to fight against youth unemployment and to ensure that young people, especially those not in employment, education or training (NEETs), receive adequate, pairemunerated and quality first working experience;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 53 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic shifted most of the everyday and work activities to online environment; Calls therefore on the support to the activities promoting acquisition of digitals skills and digital tools for all with the special focus on vulnerable and socially disadvantaged groups;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 55 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Welcomes the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) as an ambitious and timely tool to enable the EU to emerge stronger from the COVID-19 crisis. Supports the European Commission's view that most Member States have satisfactory drawing up the (NRRPs) in a short space of time;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 58 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Reiterates that the COVID-19 pandemic proved that many activities and jobs are possible to conduct distantly with the use of digital tools which could help people from distant or rural areas to find better opportunities in the labour market and thus prevent brain drain from these areas to bigger cities or abroad; Calls therefore on the Commission and the Member States to support quality digital infrastructure in distant and rural regions in order to attract young people and combat brain drain;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 59 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Emphasizes that in several Member States the NRRPs are only part of broader national recovery plans, and points to the need for more exchange of best practices between Member States and a comprehensive approach at European level, in order to overcome the crisis and make the EU economy more robust, resilient and competitive for the future;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 63 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that Member States must adopt reforms and include investments in the next generation, children and youth with the special focus on children and young people from vulnerable and disadvantaged environment in line with the objectives of the Child Guarantee and reinforced Youth Guarantee; recalls that there is RRF funding expressly available for the development of education, training and skills, particularly digital skills and recalls that it shall also support development of cross-cutting skills such as critical thinking, entrepreneurship, creativity, team work or media literacy; stresses, further, the importance of the mutual recognition of skills, qualifications and competencess well as formal recognition of skills and competences gained during informal care, informal learning or volunteering in fostering labour mobility;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 75 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Stresses Member States should focus on reforms and investments to support job creation, and the transition to new sectors and occupations, to boost competitiveness and improve the performance, functioning and resilience of the labour markets. Special attention should be given to horizontal upskilling programmes in digital skills, green skills and especially financial literacy;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 80 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Highlights that access to quality and inclusive education, training and life- long learning for all, is essential for ensuring that the workforce has the skills required to deliver on the green transition. Fair transition aspects should thus be integrated in the development and implementation of national skills strategies, in line with the European Skills Agenda and the EU’s new updated Industrial Strategy1b. Skills partnerships under the Pact for Skills will also be an important lever. Up-to-date labour market and skills intelligence and foresight, including at regional and local, sectoral and occupational levels allows for the identification and forecasting of relevant occupation-specific and transversal skills needs, also as a basis for adapting curricula to meet the skills needs for the green transition; VET should equip young people and adults, with the skills needed to master the green transition1c. _________________ 1b Communication from the Commission ‘Updating the 2020 New Industrial Strategy: Building a stronger Single Market for Europe’s recovery’, COM(2021) 350 final. 1c Council Recommendation of 24 November 2020 on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience (OJ C 417, 2.12.2020, p. 1).
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 86 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2 c. Welcomes that over a third of measures and around two thirds of the expenditure linked to the effectiveness of public administration and to business and public service continuity relate to the digital transformation1d; Highlights that the measures to enhance civil service diminish regulatory and administrative burdens, improve public procurement procedures and contribute to the effectiveness of the public administration; _________________ 1d Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 90 #

2021/2251(INI)

2 d. Emphasizes that 10 NRRPs contain measures to improve the training development and work conditions of civil servants by facilitating flexible working arrangements, implementing a better pay system in the public service and the modernisation of recruitment processes and notably the effectiveness of the judicial systems are found in 13 NRRPs;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 91 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 e (new)
2 e. Calls for clear coordination between the NRRPs and the ESIF programmes, as this is mandatory in accordance with Article 17 of the RRF Regulation; therefore calls on the Commission to draw attention to this in the agreements concluded with the Member States on the NRRPs. The synergies between the NRRPs and the ESIF programmes should also be part of the Commission's annual reports on the implementation of the RRF and of the scrutiny by the European Parliament;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 93 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 f (new)
2 f. Calls for coordination with the other programmes funded by NextGenEU (e.g. REACT-EU) and for the alignment between the seven existing and new programmes funded by NextGenEU concerning ambitions for a green and digital transition and effective implementation by local and regional authorities of the recovery programmes;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 95 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 g (new)
2 g. Invites the European Commission to actively support local and regional authorities that have experienced problems while absorbing EU funds in the past, in addressing these problems, so that the NRRP scan be successfully implemented across the European Union;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 96 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 h (new)
2 h. Calls on the Member States to focus on a more decentralized approach in order to tackle possible territorial differences, both in terms of challenges and opportunities. Believes that, in this way, NRRPs could be more efficient; Points out that regions that were already lagging behind in their development before the outbreak of the pandemic are at risk of an even greater development gap, in employment, educational attainment, business support, digitalisation, mobility or other key policy areas;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 98 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 i (new)
2 i. Emphasizes that apprenticeships and remunerated traineeships, including strong training components, in particular for young people, contribute to labour market transitions, notably towards activities contributing to climate and environmental objectives, and sectors facing particular skills shortages. Increasing adult participation in lifelong learning should be promoted to meet upskilling and reskilling needs, inter alia by empowering individuals to seek training that is tailored to their needs and via short, quality-assured courses on skills for the green transition;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 99 #

2021/2251(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to support legislative and policy initiatives aimed at reducing inequalities and, promoting decent working conditions and supporting work-life balance for all, with a particular focus on telework, the right to disconnect, mental well-being at work, occupational health and safety with the special attention to mental health diseases connected to the use of digital tools, inclusion, ensuring quality jobs for essential workers, and strengthening the role of the social partners and collective bargaining; calls in this regard for the swift adopnd balanced negotiations ofn the directives on improving working conditions in platform work and on adequate minimum wages in the European Unionensuring that the voices of those working through platforms are heard; Insists that the provisions of this directive shall improve working conditions through better access to social protection, and also increase the legal clarity and certainty for workers, authorities, and platforms through clear and unambiguous criteria that ensure proper classification of workers while not limiting the opportunities for genuine self- employment and its flexibility;
2022/03/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 18 #

2021/2249(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas each enlargement country is judged on its own merits and whereas it is the fulfilment of the enlargement criteria, implementation of the necessary reforms and legislative alignment that determines the timetable and progress of accession;
2022/04/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 27 #

2021/2249(INI)

B. whereas democracy and the rule of law are the fundamental values on which the EU is founded; whereas sustainable reforms are needed to tackle the challenges that remain in these areas;
2022/04/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 61 #

2021/2249(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Expresses support for Serbia’s future membership of the EU and recalls that a credible enlargement perspective requires political will, sustainable efforts and irreversible and sustainable reforms in all areas;
2022/04/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 99 #

2021/2249(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Regrets the fact that Serbia has not aligned with EU sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; calls on the newly elected authorities to show real commitment to EU values and to align with the EU’s decisions and positions in foreign and security policy, including sanctions against Russian and Belarusian individuals, groups and entities;
2022/04/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 131 #

2021/2249(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Reiterates its support for the work of European political foundations in strengthening Serbia's democratic processes and fostering a new generation of political leaders;
2022/04/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 138 #

2021/2249(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Reiterates its call on Serbia and EU Member States to pursue more active and effective communication about the benefits of EU enlargement; notes that there is an urgent need to engage with Serbian citizens beyond the major cities especially with regards to importance of the reform process and of the tangible benefits of EU accession;
2022/04/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 290 #

2021/2249(INI)

21. Is deeply concerned about the spread of disinformation about Russian aggression against Ukraine; calls on the Serbian authorities and the Commission to bolster infrastructure to fight disinformation and other hybrid threats; stresses that all political leaders have the responsibility to stop the spread of malicious disinformation about Russian aggression against Ukraine;
2022/04/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 387 #

2021/2249(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
34. Reiterates its concern about Serbia’s growing dependence on Chinese investments and urges the Serbian authorities to improve the transparency andloans, and the lack of transparency and the impact on the rule of law; calls on Serbia to strengthen its legal compliance with environmental impact assessment ofrequirements for Chinese investments in high polluting industries;
2022/04/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 395 #

2021/2249(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Stresses that the countries of the Western Balkans must be put at the heart of the EU's Global Gateway initiative and provide a transparent and sustainable investment alternative to the corrosive investments and loans from China and other authoritarian regimes;
2022/04/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 426 #

2021/2249(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. is deeply concerned by Chinese- financed coal power generation projects and its impact on the environment, air quality, and the communities affected by them in Serbia as well as neighbouring countries;
2022/04/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 11 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas enlargement is one of the EU’s most effective foreign policy instruments, as it contributes to extending the reach of the Union’s fundamental values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, the rule of law, peace building and respect for human rights;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 17 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas the EU must provides a clear pathway for countries seeking to join the EU; whereas the Council has set conditions for Albania to fulfil prior to the first intergovernmental conference; whereas the quality of the necessary reforms determines the timetable for accession;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 23 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas Albania shouldmust continue to press forward with the consolidation of democracy, the rule of law and human rights, including the protection of persons belonging to minorities;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 28 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the EU is Albania’s biggest trading partner and largest donor and whereas the country has benefited from EUR 1,24 billion in EU pre- accession funding under IPA I and IPA II since 2007;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 31 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the EU remains fully committed to support Albania’s strategic choice for EU integration; whereas Albania remains an important geopolitical ally and a trustworthy foreign policy partner, thanks to its efforts to advance regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 40 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas Albania has fulfilled almade sustained efforts to fulfil the conditions for the scheduling of the first Intergovernmental Conference and is advancing in its accession process;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 41 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas Albanian citizens have enjoyed visa-free travel to the Schengen area since December 2010;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 42 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Fb. whereas Albanian citizens have been able to participate in student, academic and youth exchanges under the Erasmus+ programme since 2015;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 53 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of European integration by promptly opening accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia, following the complete fulfilment of the conditions set by the European Council, as continuously recommended by the Commission, given that both countries have fulfilled the conditions and deliver sustained results across fundamental areas;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 62 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. URecalls that Albania’s EU accession depends on lasting, in-depth and irreversible reforms across fundamental areas, starting with the rule of law and the functioning of democratic institutions; underscores that the pace of EU accession is determined by the progress on the due functioning of all institutions and is grounded in the rule of law, good governance and fundamental rights; urges Albania to sustain and intensify efforts to reinforce the functioning of the judiciary, strengthen the rule of law and the economy, counter corruption and organised crime, and ensure media freedom;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 67 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Reaffirms the joint responsibility of Albania’s political forces to strengthen constructive political dialogue and cooperation, enabling an effective functioning of the country’s democratic institutions by continuing to improve governance, transparency and pluralism and by enabling the active participation of civil society; expresses its serious concern about the polarised political climate and lack of sustainable cross-party cooperation that continue to hamper the democratic process; encourages the use of the Jean Monnet Dialogue (JMD) to build the consensus necessary for generating a democratic parliamentary culture and trust and to develop true inter-party dialogue;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 77 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls the need to keep addressing the remaining electoral shortcomings by further improving the accessibility and integrity of elections preventing misuse of public administration/resources and vote- buying, including through digitalisation, data protection, equitable access to media and revised rules on political party financing;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 83 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Proposes an EU Election Observation Mission to Albania ahead of the next parliamentary election; calls on the Albanian government to ensure the full implementation of the ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations regarding the electoral shortcomings in due time before the upcoming general elections;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 84 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Expresses concern about the pervasive allegations of vote buying, and recalls that initiation of proceedings against those accused of vote buying is among the conditions set by the Council; notes with regret that convictions in cases involving high-level officials remain limited and investigations have so far not resulted in a substantial number of final convictions of high-ranking officials;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 105 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Notes the need for further progress on freedom of expression, media independence and pluralism; requests authorities to take decisive action against the marginalisation of and intimidation against independent media outlets and reportersat Albania has fallen nine places in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index since 2018; notes the need for progress on freedom of expression, media independence and pluralism; calls on Albania to ensure a policy of zero tolerance for intimidation and attacks against journalists, and the media; requests authorities to take decisive action against the violence, intimidation, smear campaigns and indirect political and financial pressure directed at independent media outlets and reporters, which seriously stifle media freedom, induce self-censorship and gravely undermine efforts to uncover crime and corruption; repeats its calls to improve the working conditions of journalists and to adopt regulations enhancing transparency around media ownership, funding and public advertising;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 115 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that any revision of media laws should be in line with the Venice Commission recommendations and should take place in a transparent and inclusive manner; in this regard, reiterates its grave concerns about the previously proposed so-called ‘anti-defamation package’, a legal act suffering from vagueness, that would likely have had a “chilling effect” suppressing free discussion and political speech in Albania, according to the Venice Commission6a; welcomes that the Parliament has initiated a process to review the current laws regarding the anti-defamation framework; _________________ 6a https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/docu ments/?pdf=CDL-AD(2020)013-e
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 125 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls on the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Commission to improve coordination and to address disinformation and hybrid threats that seek to undermine the EU perspective by more strategically underscoring the EU’s relevance to citizens in the Western Balkans;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 128 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines that the newly established Media and Information Agency should increase transparency and decentralisation and must in no way inhibit journalists’ equal access to information from government sources;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 142 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls for further efforts to ensure and protect the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities; notes that persons with disabilities were among the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; deplores that during the April 2021 elections, persons with disabilities encountered barriers and difficulties to vote; calls for further efforts to address violence against persons with disabilities, improve overall accessibility (including services and information), and to promote employment; points out that the quality of education for disabled children, especially deaf children, remains a cause for concern;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 156 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Calls on Albania to swiftly adopt the remaining pending secondary legislation ensuring the full protection of national minorities;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 161 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Acknowledges the progress achieved in implementing the Istanbul Convention and calls on authorities to step up the prevention and responses to gender- based violence and femicide, to enhance support to survivors and to advance the prosecution of cases of harassment, and domestic violence andincluding violence against children; deplores that in Albania, 60% of all sexual abuse cases are committed against children - refugee and migrant children, and children with disabilities are extremely vulnerable to violence, exploitation, stigmatization and abuse;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 163 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Stresses that the authorities still need to strengthen the system for monitoring and combating child labour and other forms of exploitation;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 180 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Notes that Albania has fallen 27 places on the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index for 2021, since 2016, scoring only 35 points out of a possible 100; worries that the pandemic was used as an excuse to reduce oversight and accountability for public procurement and foreign aid spending, allowing corruption to spread widely;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 191 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
23. Commends the steady progress in implementing a comprehensive justice reform, underpinned by the unprecedented vetting process, followed by a restorn improved functionality of relevant courts;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 192 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Welcomes the Constitutional Court’s full functionality, following the appointment of members equal to the necessary quorum; expresses concern regarding the Constitutional Court’s quorum ahead, as the High Court lacks the necessary quorum to elect judges to the Constitutional Court and the mandates of members of the CC are expiring;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 195 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
25. Welcomes the work of the Specialised Structure for Anti-Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK) and the SPAK Courts in tackling corruption and organised crime; underlines the importance of delivering tangible results in the form of successful prosecution of high-profile crimes, including corruption; deplores that convictions in cases involving high-level officials still remain limited, fostering a culture of impunity within the higher levels of the State; stresses the need to further increase seizure and confiscation of criminal assets stemming from corruption-related offences;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 205 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
27. Welcomes the adoption of 10 laws aiming to further strengthen the efficiency of the judicial system and underlines the importance of additional measures such as the implementation of the judicial map, a new integrated case management system and a strengthened legal education system; urges the government to take in consideration the opinion of all stakeholders for the new judiciary map, including the social-economic conditions of vulnerable groups;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 207 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
28. Underlines the importance of taking decisive action against money laundering and terrorist financing by ensuring a consistent track record of proactive investigation, prosecution and final convictions for high-level corruption and confiscation of criminal assets; stresses the need of further alignment of its legislation with the EU acquis is this regard:
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 209 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Notes with concern the large share of grey economy and massive illicit cash payments in the country; underlines that while cash transactions are not synonymous with illegal behaviour, their traceless nature offers an ideal vehicle for money laundering; calls on the government to implement measures to reduce informality, where possible;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 213 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the ongoing efforts that should lead to systemic improvements in tackling organised crime, including the trafficking of humans, drugs, firearms and goods, along with cybercrime, violent crime, extremism and terrorist threats; commends the ongoing regional, bilateral and international cooperation on dismantling transnational crime networks, including with the EU Justice and Home Affairs Agencies, such as Europol and Eurojust; highlights that Albania is the only country from the region that has signed cooperation agreements with all justice and home affairs agencies of the EU and that the first fully fledged joint operation with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) outside the European Union was deployed at the Greek-Albanian border in May 2019; commends that Albania has allowed air monitoring by EU Member State law enforcement services to detect production of narcotics;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 219 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Recommends Albania to update the legislation regarding drug precursors;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 220 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 b (new)
29b. Expresses concern over the large numbers of firearms available in Albania; stresses the need to improve standard procedures and mechanisms to counter the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons, and to step up the investigation and prosecution of firearms trafficking;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 221 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 c (new)
29c. Underlines that the contribution of Albania to the protection of the European Union’s external border is of crucial importance; Stresses that border protection and the prevention of cross- border crime must continue to be a priority, and must be conducted in full respect for the fundamental rights enshrined in applicable international and regional laws and principles;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 222 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 d (new)
29d. Notes that the Western Balkan countries serve as a transit corridor for migrants and refugees and that the large population movements in recent years have posed an enormous challenge to the region and EU Member States; notes that Albania continued to experience a growing influx of irregular migrants, mostly leaving Albania after a few days, on the way to other EU countries; notes that the number of irregular migrants apprehended in Albania in 2020 increased by 13% compared with 2019; stresses that the issue of Albanian nationals making unfounded asylum applications to EU Member States still requires substantial efforts from the Albanian authorities; calls for enhanced efforts in addressing the smuggling of migrants, in particular unaccompanied minors;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 223 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 e (new)
29e. Stresses the need to ensure adequate financial, technical and human resources, as well as the financial and operational independence of judicial and law enforcement institutions;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 227 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
30. Highlights EU funding of sustainable post-earthquake and post- pandemic recovery and supports the ongoing efforts towards Albania’s democratic, green and digital transformation; underlines the need to step up EU assistance and funding for the rule of law, improvements, and encouraging sustainable green growth, biodiversity, innovation, competitiveness, property rights and reversal of the demographic decline;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 244 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Stresses the need to improve the visibility of and communication concerning EU aid and Union financing in Albania; recalls, in this regard, the performance reward under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance to North Macedonia and Albania and notably the substantial support the EU has provided to the Western Balkans to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and to limit the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 271 #

2021/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37a. Recalls that malicious foreign actors tend to exploit ethnic tensions in the Western Balkans, including in Albania, sometimes trying to use these countries as an information manipulation and hybrid warfare laboratory, aimed at undermining the EU; recommends that EU and Albania further exchange best practices and coordinate actions regarding foreign interference and disinformation; underlines the need for the EU and the United States to strengthen their partnership and coordination in the Western Balkans;
2022/03/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 2 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
— having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia, in particular, that of 8 June 2022 on violations of media freedom and the safety of journalists and that of 16 September 2020 on the implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Georgia,
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 7 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the Joint Staff Working Document on Economic and Investment Plan for Eastern Partnership,
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 8 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
— having regard to Reporters' Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index 2022,
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 12 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas Georgia submitted its application for EU membership on 3 March 2022 in the context of continued strong public support for Georgia's European aspirations as well as Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 28 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas freedom of expression, freedom of media and the safety of journalists are a cornerstone of a functioning democracy;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 31 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the 19 April 2021 Agreement, mediated by the President of the European Council, underlined the need to address politicised justice through judicial reform in order to increase the independence, transparency and accountability of the judicial system;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 34 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas the media environment of Georgia continues to deteriorate and, in the recent years, an unprecedented high number of violent physical attacks against journalists have occurred in Georgia; whereas in 2022 Georgia fell in the World Press Freedom Index from 60th to 89th place out of 180;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 37 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D d (new)
Dd. whereas selective investigations and prosecutions targeting those critical of the current government undermine public trust not only in judicial institutions, but also in the Georgian authorities;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 40 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D e (new)
De. whereas former President Mikheil Saakashvili, whose health has been constantly deteriorating, continues to be incarcerated;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 41 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D f (new)
Df. whereas Nika Gvaramia, the director of the TV channel Mtavari, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison on dubious charges of money laundering, bribery and document forgery;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 42 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D g (new)
Dg. whereas 20% of Georgian territory continues to be occupied by the Russian Federation;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 43 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D h (new)
Dh. whereas Russia continues to employ disinformation, cyber attacks and other hybrid methods to undermine Georgia's societal and institutional resilience;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 44 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D i (new)
Di. whereas the Russian Federation has intensified the annexation of Georgia’s occupied territories, including through the intentions of holding the so- called 'referendum' in the Tskhinvali/South Ossetia region on the matter of 'joining' the Russian Federation, transfer of the “Bichvinta” property complex and the surrounding area to the Russian Federation, as well as the incorporation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia in military, economic, justice, social and other spheres of the Russian Federation;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 45 #

2021/2236(INI)

Dj. whereas ethnic cleansing, discrimination and other severe forms of human rights violations of Georgians in the Russian occupied territories of Georgia, erection of barbed wire fences and other artificial barriers and lengthy closure of so-called crossing points along the 'Administrative Border Line' continue to destabilise Georgia;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 46 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D k (new)
Dk. whereas the Russian Federation and its occupation regimes are deliberately hampering the safe and dignified return of IDPs and refugees, forcibly expelled as a result of ethnic cleansing from the Russian-occupied Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 54 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Georgian authorities to uphold and ensure the highest standards of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms and to determinedresolutely pursue the priorities for reform set out in the Commission’s opinion in order to unambiguously demonstrate their political determination to implement the nation’s ambitious European aspirations, as expressed by the application for EU membership that Georgia submitted on 3 March 2022; calls on the Georgian authorities to initiate and lead the work on addressing these priorities in an inclusive manner before the Commission reports on their implementation by the end of 2022; calls on all Georgian political forces and civil society to constructively participate in and contribute to these efforts; stresses that Georgia’s bid for accession to the EU will continue to be assessed based on its own merits and its success in meeting the Copenhagen criteria for EU membership;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 66 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine calls for unity and solidarity on the part of the international community; welcomes the strong response of Georgian society in support of Ukraine; regrets the fact that Georgia has not aligned with EU sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; calls for political alignment by the Georgian authorities and all political stakeholders with EU positions on this important matter, in line with the country’s European ambitions;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 73 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates its steadfast support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders; calls for the continuation of efforts to achieve a negotiated peaceful conflict resolution of the conflict, including through the Geneva International Discussionsand end to Russian occupation of Georgian territory, including through the effective and result-orientated functioning of Geneva International Discussions and Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRMs) in Gali and Ergneti, the ongoing activities of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia and the efforts of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia, as well as the policy of non- recognition and engagement; notes with concern the continuation of illegal ‘borderisation’ activities, in the occupied regionsllegal detentions and kidnappings and restriction on freedom of movement along the Administrative Border Line; calls on the Council to extend the mandate of EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia beyond 14 December 2022 and to provide it with a budget that is commensurate with its tasks to stabilise and normalise the situation and build confidence between the parties in the conflict in an increasingly tense security environment; calls on the EU to further enhance its engagement for the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict, by effectively using all the instruments, including the Special Representative(EUSR) for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, the Geneva International Discussions (GID), the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRMs), the EUMM in Georgia, as well as the policy of non- recognition and engagement;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 78 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates its steadfast support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders; calls for the continuation of efforts to achieve a negotiated peaceful resolution of the conflict, including through the Geneva International Discussions, the ongoing activities of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia and the efforts of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia; notes with concerncondemns the continuation of illegal ‘borderisation’ activities in the occupied regions; calls on the Council to extend the mandate of EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia beyond 14 December 2022 and to provide it with a budget that is commensurate with its tasks to stabilise and normalise the situation and build confidence between the parties in the conflict in an increasingly tense security environment;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 81 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Condemns the illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia by the Russian Federation, expresses concern over the dire security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Georgia’s occupied territories, and strongly denounces the violation of right of IDPs and refugees forcibly expelled from Georgia’s occupied territories as result of ethnic cleansing to return to their homes in safety and dignity;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 86 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on the Russian Federation to fulfil its international obligations under the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, notably to withdraw all its military and security from Georgia’s occupied territories and allow establishment of international security mechanisms therein, to allow the EUMM unhindered access to the whole territory of Georgia pursuant to its mandate;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 93 #

2021/2236(INI)

6. Regrets that deep polarisation continues to be the defining feature of Georgia’s political environment; calls on all political stakeholders to unite their forces around the key goal of Georgia’s EU membership through the implementation of ambitious democratic, judicial and anti- corruption reforms, and which continues to fuel societal divisions; calls on all political stakeholders to refrain from divisive and inflammatory rhetoric, and unite their forces around the key goal of Georgia’s EU membership through the implementation of ambitious democratic, judicial and anti-corruption reforms; stresses with concern that deep polarisation continues to undermine Georgia's resilience, in particular, in the face of continued geopolitical challenges and Russian disinformation which seeks to further divide Georgian society; reiterates that the core provisions of the EU-brokered agreement of 19 April 2021 continue to present athe best pathway towards strengthening democracy and the rule of law in Georgia; calls on all political forces to return to and abide by the April 19 Agreement; notes that provisions of the 19 April Agreement have been incorporated in the EU-Georgia Association Agenda 2021-2027; calls on the Government of Georgia to ensure their strict implementation;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 110 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the need to eliminate the excessive influence of vested interests, including oligarchs of the sole oligarch, Bidzina Ivanishvili, in economic, political and public life as one of the priorities identified by the Commission to be addressed before Georgia is granted candidate status;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 112 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Reiterates its concern over the destructive role played by the sole oligarch, Bidzina Ivanishvili, in Georgia's politics and economy, and the level of control he exerts over the government and its decisions, including those on the politically motivated persecution of journalists and political opponents; is deeply worried by Ivanishvili's exposed personal and business links to the Kremlin, which determine the position of the current Government of Georgia towards sanctions on Russia; calls on the Council and democratic partners to consider imposing personal sanctions on Ivanishvili for his role in the deterioration of the political process;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 123 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that hasty and non- transparent actions in making key appointments or institutional changes only reinforce the perception of politicised justice; in this respect notes, in particular, regrets that the Supreme Court judges were appointed before the shortcomings in the nomination process identified by ODIHR and the Venice Commission were addressed; reiterates that the lack of progress on judicial reform meant that the conditions for receiving the EUR 75 million tranche of EU macro-financial assistance by September 2021 were not fulfilled;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 137 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Notes that, despite Georgia's legal framework for guaranteeing freedom of expression and freedom of media, there is continued deterioration of the media environment and the safety of journalists;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 142 #

2021/2236(INI)

11b. Condemns the increasing number of cases of intimidation, threats and violence against the persecution of journalists, including an increasing number of criminal investigations into media workers and owners;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 145 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11c. Notes continued Russian disinformation campaigns targeting the Georgian society, including in the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine; calls on the EU institutions and Member States to continue strengthening cooperation with relevant Georgian institutions to address Russian disinformation and its consequences;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 156 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Condemns the sentencing of Nika Gvaramia, the director of the independent TV channel Mtavari, on 16 May 2022; notes that the postponement of Nika Gvaramia's appeal process is unacceptable and reiterates its call for a review of Gvaramia's conviction;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 165 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Reiterates the importance of independent oversight of Georgia’s state institutions; regrets, in this respect, the dismantling of State Inspector’s Service against ODIHR recommendations; highlights the positive role of the public defender of Georgia in protecting human rights, promoting good governance and strengthening the rule of law; calls for an inclusive process of selecting the new Public Defender;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 172 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls on the Georgian authorities to release former president Mikheil Saakashvili from prison on humanitarian grounds in order to allow him to undergo proper medical treatment abroad;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 173 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Deplores the erection of new Stalin statues in Georgia, including in the city of Zestofani in 2020; stresses that the glorification of Stalin and other totalitarian communist leaders not only distorts the bloody and cruel legacy of communism, but is first and foremost an affront to its millions of victims;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 180 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Notes that, according to expert evaluations, the DCFTA has had a positive impact on legislative approximation and institutional development, but it only had a modest impact on trade between the EU and Georgia; calls on the Commission to review the DCFTA's potential to increase trade volumes between the EU and Georgia;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 187 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Calls on the Commission to support the full implementation of the DCFTA through coordinated assistance, with a focus on support for SMEs and structural reforms, including development of quality infrastructure to facilitate efficient implementation of the approximated legislation;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 188 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Regrets the continued delays in the development of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port following the Georgian Government's cancellation of the project contract with the Anaklia Development Consortium (ADC) in 2020; is deeply concerned by the Panama Papers revelations concerning Bidzina Ivanishvili's investment in the rival Poti port project and the impact of vested interests on key projects as well as overall investors' confidence in Georgia;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 193 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on the Commission and the Council to establish enhanced and structured political dialogue with Georgia and other candidate and potential candidate countries in order to advance further economic integration and legislative harmonisation; this dialogue should include meetings on the margins of the European Council with leaders of the countries, and regular participation of their representatives in the meetings of the European Council working groups and committees on structured basis, and to include the countries as observers in the proceedings of the committees established pursuant to Article 291 TFEU and Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, to strengthen the countries' reform orientation and administrative know-how;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 196 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Calls on the Commission to extend “Roam-like-at-home” Regulation to Georgia, which has the potential to bring significant benefits for EU and Georgian businesses and citizens;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 197 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15c. Calls on the Commission to support creation of a common roaming space between Georgia and the EU through coordinated assistance with a focus on gradual reduction of international roaming tariffs between Georgia and the EU in line with the EU regulations thus protecting consumers’ rights, as well as assisting gradual approximation of Georgia to the EU acquis and contributing to Georgia’s European integration process;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 199 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15c. Underlines Georgia's role as a significant contributor to the EU crisis management (CSDP) operations;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 200 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 d (new)
15d. Calls for an increased assistance and enhanced partnership in the area of security and defence with Georgia as declared in the EU Strategic Compass, including through the European Peace Facility; welcomes EU’s commitment and determination to support Georgia in countering hybrid threats;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 202 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 e (new)
15e. Calls on the Council and the EEAS to further engage with Georgia on the CSDP, particularly in view of Georgia’s interest in discussing the possibility of participating in PESCO projects and in developing cooperation with the relevant EU agencies, with a view to enhancing Georgia’s resilience;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 203 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 e (new)
15e. Reiterates support to the human capital development, strengthening private sector role in Vocational education system management and addressing skills mismatch for better employment possibilities;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 204 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 f (new)
15f. Welcomes Georgia’s strong commitment to starting the process of becoming the Third Country Associated to Erasmus+ Programme and encourages Georgia’s participation in the new Horizon Europe Program in order to make use of the opportunities for the Georgian scientific and innovation community;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 205 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 g (new)
15g. Calls the European Commission and Georgia to consider increasing the number of Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) projects in Georgia in order to increase EU-Georgia connectivity;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 206 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 h (new)
15h. Encourages European Commission, ENTSO-E and Georgia to start working on synchronization of Georgian electricity grid with the European Continental Grid and on the inclusion of Georgia in Continental Europe Synchronous Area (CESA);
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 218 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Welcomes the signing of the Jean Monnet Dialogue between the European Parliament and the Georgian Parliament; regrets the delays in implementing the JMD; reiterates the European Parliament's commitment and calls on the Georgian Parliament to start the process as soon as possible;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 219 #

2021/2236(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Deplores and condemns the personal attacks against Members of the European Parliament by representatives of the Georgian Dream party; considers these attacks unacceptable and damaging to the mutual relationship between Georgia and the European Union;
2022/09/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 43 #

2021/2233(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic is placing a heavy burden on families in terms of their everyday lives, working lives and general livelihoods2 ; whereas many families of seasonal and cross-border workers were split during the initially uncoordinated lockdown measures; whereas parents often have to play the role of teachers, cooks and carers and besides care for their children they often have to care for their elderly relatives or relatives with disabilities; whereas the lack of work-life balance often leads to stress and mental health problems; __________________ 22021 report of the Bundesinstitut für Bevölkerungsforschung entitled ‘Belastungen von Kindern, Jugendlichen und Eltern in der Corona-Pandemie’.
2022/01/20
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 61 #

2021/2233(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas the EU’s climate targets represent a challenge to the economy and society; whereas they also present opportunities for businesses and opportunities to redeploy workers, which will mean that socially vulnerable people, families and micro-enterprises will come under pressure; whereas policies to reach the EU climate targets influence different regions differently with the biggest impact on those highly dependent on fossil fuels;
2022/01/20
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 71 #

2021/2233(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas the increased need for funding in order to cope with the public health threat as as well its consequences, including the need to strengthen the economy, is placosing budgetary constrainthallenges on the Member States;
2022/01/20
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 76 #

2021/2233(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G
G. whereas growth rate of the EU population is falling and the population is expected to decrease significantly in the longer term; whereas this negative demographic change differs in the Member States and regions, whereas the demographic change affects social systems and markets3 ; __________________ 3 Commission report of 17 June 2020 on the impact of demographic change (COM(2020)0241).
2022/01/20
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 85 #

2021/2233(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H
H. whereas on account of artificial intelligence, the economy is on the verge of a transformation, with the opportunity to become more robust and more resilientunprecedented digital evolution and growing application of artificial intelligence in every aspect of human lives is bringing the opportunity for the EU to become the leader in the area of ethical, human-centric artificial intelligence and to create more robust and more resilient economy based on the digital progress;
2022/01/20
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 90 #

2021/2233(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I
I. whereas skilled workers, education, training and further train predicting and reflecting the labour market needs, training, up-skilling and re- skilling are of key importance for markets4 ; __________________ 4 Report by SME United, Business Europe and SGI Europe of 13 October 2021 entitled ‘Annual sustainable growth strategy 2022: Social partners’ consultations – Employers’ views.
2022/01/20
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 96 #

2021/2233(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital J
J. whereas work-related illnesses and injuries cost the European Union 3.3 % of its GDP5 ; whereas insufficient preventive strategies and strategies to integrate older workers, workers with disabilities as well as workers willing to reintegrate to the labour market after long diseases entail missed opportunities and even further increase of the health related costs; __________________ 5Commission communication of 28 June 2021 entitled ‘EU strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027: Occupational safety and health in a changing world of work’ (COM(2021)0323).
2022/01/20
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 139 #

2021/2233(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Is convinced that bureaucratic obstacles hinder economic growth; calls on the Commission to recommend reforms to all Member States for immediate implementation to cut red tape and simplify access to funding opportunitien order to speed up the post-Covid recovery calls on the Commission to support the Member States in simplifying the access to the EU funding opportunities to as wide range of recipients including the SMEs, NGOs, charitable organisations and municipalities as possible and to overcome other administrative burdens posed on the applications;
2022/01/20
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 157 #

2021/2233(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises the central role in the EU strategic framework of health and safety at work; notes that prevention so as to ensure safe and healthy working conditions contributes to the health of workers in order to maintain productivity and competitiveness; highlights the need to focus the strategies on tackling the challenges coming from the increasing proportion of older workers, workers with disabilities or chronic diseases; reiterates that stress, anxiety or depression belong to the second largest group of self-reported work-related health problems that can significantly increase the risk of other health problems including autoimmune diseases or musculoskeletal disorders and rheumatic/chronic inflammatory diseases;
2022/01/20
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 178 #

2021/2233(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that 22.4 % of the EU population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, of which 24.9 % are children6 ; stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic makworsened the situation of many people and families, particularly families withe child guarantee even more importantren, as many employees lost their jobs or had to stay at home due to their care duties; calls on the Commission to be more active and support the Member States in combating poverty, especially child poverty or homelessness as an extreme form of poverty and social exclusion; __________________ 6European Commission web page entitled ‘Poverty and social exclusion’, accessed on 10 January 2022.
2022/01/20
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 198 #

2021/2233(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that families are the main victims of the COVID-19 pandemic; calls on the Commission to introduce a 25/25 child cost allowance; stresses that the amount will be split between a national allowance under the responsibility of the Member States and a direct EU benefit; stresses that famsupport the Member States in providing targeted help to families with the special focus on big families or families with children with disabilities need this money, and that they would spend it and in turn contribute to the economyand to consider, in line with the subsidiarity principe, bringing new initiatives to support families and their financial situation;
2022/01/20
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 203 #

2021/2233(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that a 25/25 child allowance is an economic stimulus package that is geared towards people, combats poverty, generates purchasing power and provides incentives that favour demographic change;deleted
2022/01/20
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 225 #

2021/2233(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to identify shortages at production sites – e.g. of semiconductors – in order to re- Europeanise them and proviand put forward strategies to reinforce the self-sufficiency of the EU in the critical industries as well as on diversifying the sources in order them with financial supporto decrease dependency of the EU on non- democratic third countries, primarily China;
2022/01/20
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 234 #

2021/2233(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to ensure the economy is crisis-resistant, toresilient economy prepared for future crises, to create business-friendly environment that will help attracting investment and entrepreneurship and to ensure a fair and social EU with well-paid jobs; jobs allowing dignified life, leaving nobody behind; calls on the Member States to lower administrative burdens for businesses with the special focus on SMEs who are the backbone of European economy;
2022/01/20
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 247 #

2021/2233(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses the need to address skills shortages; notes that these shortages are holding back productivity and economic growth; expresses concern that digital skills in that are one of the factors hindering economic growth; highlights the EU need to play catch up and that this is reflected in the shortage of IT professionals; emphasises the importance of focusing vocational training on the digital and green transitions; demands that EU training content become more uniform and qualifications more widely recognisedcreate an interconnected environment of educational and academic institutions, vocational centres and employers that will cooperate in order to predict and fulfil future needs of the labour market;
2022/01/20
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 16 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 a (new)
— having regard to the Open Doors World Watch List 2023,
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 24 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas the two-state solution, with the state of Israel andEU remains united it its commitment to achieving a two-state solution, based on the parameters in the Council conclusions of July 2014 that allow the sState of PalestineIsrael to livinge side by side, together in peace, security and mutual recognition under the 1967 borders with mutually agreed upon land swaps and Jerusalem as the capital of both states, is the only viable solution to the conflictwith an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable State of Palestine;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 42 #

2021/2207(INI)

B a. whereas Arab states such as Egypt or Jordan, which have maintained diplomatic relations with Israel for years, have played a meaningful role in promoting dialogue on the Middle East Peace Process, including on security and stability; underlines the continuing relevance of investing in meaningful negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority; whereas one of the premises for the Abraham Accords was the halting of annexation plans in the West Bank; whereas on all parties should respect this;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 72 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas European development partners (the EU, its Member States, Norway and Switzerland) are by far the largest donors and disburse EUR 1.2 billion annually in official development assistance to Palestinethe PA;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 80 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas EU assistance provides vital budget support to the PA through the PEGASE programme; whereas since the beginning of the current multiannual financial framework, EU assistance to Palestinethe PA has been ad hoc; whereas the 2021- 2024 joint strategy provides a basis on which annual action programmes can be adopted, but a multiannual prospect for concrete funding is still lacking;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 106 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G
G. whereas in 2011, the UN Ad Hoc Liaison Committee concluded that Palestinian institutions are ready for statehood; whereas however, since then, the democratic status of Palestinethe PA has deteriorated owing to the ongoing occupation and internal problems, as well as worsening rule of law and corruption;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 111 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H
H. whereas the PA faces a crisis of legitimacy; whereas the last Palestinian parliamentary elections were held in 2006; whereas the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, as set out in Article 2 TEU; whereas the Union's action on the international scene should be guided by these principles;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 119 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas Palestinian Hamas is designated as a terrorist organisation by the EU;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 123 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
H b. whereas the terrorist organisation Hamas aims to annihilate the State of Israel;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 130 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I
I. whereas socioeconomic and employment conditions in the Palestineian Territories have severely deteriorated; whereas the BDS movement has led to many Palestinians losing their jobs; whereas the Israeli occupation involves significant restrictions on the Palestinian economy, which undermines the effectiveness of EU aid and further increases Palestinian dependence on foreign aid;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 140 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas according to the Open Doors World Watch List 2023, Christians in the Palestinian Territories face discrimination and persecution;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 146 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
I b. whereas women in the Palestinian Territories face discrimination and still have fewer rights than men, for instance in relation to divorce, custody of children and inheritance;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 151 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I d (new)
I d. whereas hate speech and the incitement to violence are still taught in Palestinian school materials; whereas the EU-commissioned study by the Georg- Eckert Institute published last June confirmed previous reports of antisemitism, glorification of terror and the erasure of Israel on maps in Palestinian schoolbooks; whereas the EU demands that all schoolbooks and school materials supported by Union funds must be in line with UNESCO standards of peace, tolerance, coexistence, and non- violence;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 179 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) stress the importance of direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestineian Authority and remind both sides of the importance of the participation of women in all levels of the negotiation, ethnic and religious minorities;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 185 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) recognise that the Abraham Accords are a factor in the reorganisation of inter-state relations in the region and must be taken into account in a European strategy aimed at helping the region to achieve stability;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 190 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
(c b) support the need to, with the respective Arab countries that have signed the Abraham Accords, explore how their normalisation agreements with Israel can be conducive to the two-state solution;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 195 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) support Palestinian calls for renewed and inclusive political representation; strongly urge the PA and President Abbas to hold free and fair national elections in order to strengthen the legitimacy of the Palestinian political leadership; stress that it is unacceptable that the PA has held no elections in more than 16 years; call on Israel to respect its obligations to allow these elections to take place in East Jerusalem; promote the participation of youth and women;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 223 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) urge the PA to eliminate repressive restrictions on the funding and registration of non-governmental organisations and to respect the freedom of assembly and expression and freedom of religion;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 240 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) call on the PA to amend national legislation to align with international legal standards on anti-discrimination to ensure that hate crimes are prohibited under the law, and to diligently investigate any anti- Semitic or other discriminatory motives;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 247 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) call on the Member States to recognise Palestinian statehood as a way of supporting the objective of achieving a two-state solution;deleted
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 260 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) comply with the commitment to fully and effectively implement existing EU legislation and the bilateral arrangements applicable to settlement products; demand the adoption of EU legislation banning trade with settlements in the oPt, in compliance with international humanitarian law;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 265 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) engage with the PA to jointly establish a more regular political dialogue at the ministerial level and to launch, as soon as possible and with strict conditionality, negotiations on a full association agreement between the EU and Palestinethe PA; convene an association council when an agreement has been reached;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 271 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
(m a) address the widespread antisemitism among the Palestinians in private and public; reiterate the EU:s commitment to combat all forms of antisemitism and stress that such a commitment will affect all of its relations with the Palestinian Authority.
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 276 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) work towards an immediate end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip while making sure that both parties respect each other’s right to exist; strongly and publicly condemn the rhetoric from Hamas wanting the annihilation of the State of Israel;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 280 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
(n a) strongly condemn Palestinian terrorist groups firing indiscriminate rockets into Israel;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 284 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) actively offer to deploy an election observation mission to the oPtWest Bank upon the announcement of general elections;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 287 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p
(p) enhance funding, including humanitarian aid and development assistance, for the green transition, good governance and anti-corruption efforts, including public financial management reform; expand aid to Palestinian civil society, including to human rights defenders under attack; create a scrutiny mechanism to make sure that the funding is going to the right place and assess if progress is being made and make sure that that EU funds do not directly or indirectly finance terrorism any longer, including the six Palestinian organisations who has close links with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), an EU terror designated group;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 290 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p
(p) enhance funding, including humanitarian aid and development assistance, for the green transition, good governance and anti-corruption efforts, including public financial management reform; expand aid to Palestinian civil society, including to human rights defenders under attack; call on the PA to stop rewarding terrorists via the provision of payments to their families from the "Palestinian Authority Martyrs' Fund", which acts as a means to incite and glorify terrorism;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 299 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p a (new)
(p a) call on the PA to eradicate all anti- Semitic content and incitement to violence from its school textbooks; call on the EU and its Member States to reiterate in their exchanges with representatives of the PA that this is a longstanding issue that must be resolved immediately;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 313 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r
(r) express concern about how EU policy and effectiveness of financial assistance in the Palestineian Territories are undermined by illegal settlements, the Israeli occupation and related restrictions on the Palestinian economy; demand compensation for the demolition of all EU- funded infrastructure in the oPt;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 339 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u
(u) ensure continued and additional financial support to Palestinian refugees through UNRWA to meet the increasing needs on the ground while making sure that the financial support is being used to activities reflecting the EU values;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 344 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u a (new)
(u a) make sure that all education curricula funded by the EU are in line with UNESCO standards of peace, tolerance, co-existence and non-violence and strongly condemns the hate speech, violence and antisemitism that continue to be found in Palestinian Authority education curricula;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 345 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u a (new)
(u a) express concern for the mounting violence that has characterised the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since 2022 and the potential for this to further escalate; note in this context that Israel suffered in January 2023, its most deadly Palestinian terrorist attack since 2008;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 348 #

2021/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u b (new)
(u b) work to fully designate Hezbollah and the IRGC as terrorist organizations, which would strengthen the EU’s calls on the PA to end its links with those entities;
2023/02/07
Committee: AFET
Amendment 2 #

2021/2204(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
— Having regard to the EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief of 24 June 2013, in those aspects where the Guidelines address support for and engagement with human rights defenders on behalf of religious groups, philosophical, non-confessional or other civil society organisations,
2022/11/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 6 #

2021/2204(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas restrictive government policies, negative discourse and intimidation or violence are common manifestations of threats to HRDs; whereas these factors are often interlinked;
2022/11/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 100 #

2021/2204(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 – indent 9 a (new)
- The promotion of training for HRDs on such matters as reporting on human rights abuses and attacks on HRDs, local and international legal mechanisms of protection against human rights violations, and procedural rights in such cases where HRDs face criminal charges for their legitimate activities;
2022/11/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 133 #

2021/2204(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
26. Believes that, in the light of the large and growing number of threats and attacks faced by HRDs who raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations, the EU should coherently integrate the promotion and protection of the rights of HRDs, particularly trade union representatives and defenders of land, indigenous peoples’ rights and the environment, into its trade agreements and instruments, such as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences; calls for the EU to make more and coherent use of clauses in trade agreements that protect human rights, including closer monitoring and adequate enforcement of human rights commitments, and to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries;
2022/11/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 162 #

2021/2204(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to encourage and facilitate active engagement and consultation with HRDs already relocated to Europe on designing and implementing HRDs relocation programs, aid and regional initiatives according to the specific realities and needs faced by HRDs in third countries;
2022/11/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 1 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
— having regard to the Preamble of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU), in particular, paragraphs 3, 4 and 6,
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 5 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 a (new)
— having regard to the Council conclusions of 22 January 2018 on the Integrated Approach to External Conflicts and Crises,
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 30 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas the EaP is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to regional cooperation and security, specifically designed to bolster relationships with the six EaP countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, to help promote peace and, stability and prosperity on the EU’s eastern flank, strengthen economic cooperation, support cross-sectoral reform and contribute to the countries' overall resilience;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 41 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas between 2021-2027, the EU aims also to further invest in a range of security stabilisation initiatives such as enhancing the ability of EaP countries to meet hybrid and cyber threats;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 44 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the essential aims of the EaP are beneficial to the international community, including Russia, in that they help to forge a more stable region through measures that enhance good governance, the rule of law and good neighbourliness by promoting peace, stability and prosperity, and prospects for the peoples of all EaP countries;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 50 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas regional peace and security are crucial for the future development of EaP countries and for the stability on the European continent;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 51 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas a clear commitment from the EU to the European perspective of the Eastern Partnership countries, in particular the associated countries, is crucial for pro-democratic reforms and societies' security, stability, and prosperity;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 53 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas the EaP Summit on 15 December 2021 must resulted in increased efforts to bolster resilience, security dialogue and cooperation in the areas of the CSDP;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 58 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas President Putin’s Russia hasRussia continues to engaged in continuousarmed aggression and hybrid warfare against EaP countries, backed by the ever- present threat of force across the region, to keep states politically weak and off-balance and tied to Moscow’s self- declared sphere of influence, effectively removing the right of EaP countries to choose their own alliancesand disregarding the EaP countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity; whereas the destabilising activities also aim to weaken and degrade the EU's role in the region;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 66 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas in September 2021, Russia’s joint ZAPAD military exercise with Belarus and several other countries in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) served to demonstrated that Russia’s gap in military capabilities is rapidly closing while its aim of deepening its political and military relations with CSTO countries is risinginfluence over the CSTO countries is rising; whereas the Russian- led CSTO deployment to Kazakhstan in January 2022 demonstrated Russia's willingness to use the organisation in support of its interests;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 77 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G
G. whereas the 2014 invasion and illegal annexation of Crimea demonstrated that Russia rejects EU or NATO aspirations in former Soviet territories and is determined to contend and contest any attempts to aid democratic development in a region which it considers its ‘near abroad’; whereas the 'near abroad' continues to be perceived by the Kremlin as Russia's sphere of influence;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 85 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H
H. whereas the Normandy Format and Minsk I & II Agreements have failed to end hostilities between Ukraine and Russian-backed separatistforces in Donetsk and Luhansk; whereas the conflict in the Donbas region has killed more than 14 000 people; whereas Russia continues to illegally occupy the Crimean peninsula;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 115 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital J
J. whereas following the electoral unrest, Belarus has largely abandoned its aim of fostering better relations with the EU, having reversed trends towards democratisation and taken to weaponising refugees in an attempt to uproot domestic aspirations towards liberalisation and destabilise EU Member Statethe illegitimate regime of Aliaksandr Lukashenka is using migrants as a hybrid weapon to destabilise, weaken and divide EU Member States in order to achieve the removal of EU targeted sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for brutal oppression in Belarus;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 132 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital K
K. whereas the outbreak of hostilities between Azerbaijan and Armenia fundamentally altered the political, strategic and operational status quo of the South Caucasus and resulted in Russia’s deployment of approximately 2 000 peacekeeping troops to the area in and around Nagorno-Karabakh as part of a ceasefire agreement; whereas the consequences of these hostilities and the presence of Russian peacekeepers is also impacting the political developments in Armenia and the future of the country's reform agenda; whereas the EU's lack of strategic foresight and diplomatic initiative allowed Russia, Turkey, Iran and other actors to strengthen their influence in the South Caucasus;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 137 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital L
L. whereas the Russian Federation is continuing to further reinforce its illegal military presence in Georgia’s occupied territories and to intensify its military build-up and military exercises, and is engaging in borderisation and passportisation, seriously destabilising the security situation on the ground;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 141 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital M
M. whereas the success of any CSDP mission depends on the level of political will and cohesion, as well as of the EU Member States as well as the partner countries, and the willingness of Member States to invest their expertise and resources;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 143 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
M a. whereas China continues to play an increasingly active role in the EaP countries, including through the Belt and Road Initiative;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 145 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital N
N. whereas the threats posed to the EU’s east not only concern friction withastern neighbourhood not only concern the behaviour and actions of Russia, but also a wide range of threats, including, influence of other authoritarian regimes, terrorism, organised crime, human trafficking, corruption, mass irregular migration, disinformation, and a host of other threats to the cohesion of societies both within and outside the EUin the neighbourhood;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 163 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital Q
Q. whereas the upcoming Strategic Compass must provide the CSDP with the political and strategic ambition, capabilities and resources needed to generate positive change, particularly across its strategic neighbourhood; whereas political will among the EU Member States is crucial in implementing the priorities of the Strategic Compass;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 169 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital R
R. whereas the CSDP will also requiremust be based on close coordination with NATO’s defence and deterrence posture and the Open Door Policy;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 172 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital S
S. whereas the EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform in Ukraine (EUAM) has identified five priority areas, including, national and state security, organised and cross-border crime, criminal justice, community safety and police management and digital transformation and innovation, in supporting the reform of the civilian security sector in Ukraine with an annual budget of EUR 29.5 million and an authorised staff of 371 including Ukrainian nationals and personnel from other non-EU countries, with a mandate up for renewal in 2024;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 231 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital AI
AI. whereas since 2014, the United States has provided over USD 2.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, with an annual allocation of USD 393 million as of 2021, making Ukraine the largest single recipient of foreign military aid in Europe while the US trains four brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces each year; whereas in January 2022 the US has provided the first transfer of lethal equipment to Ukraine in the form of Javelin anti-tank guided missiles;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 234 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital AJ
AJ. whereas the United Kingdom provides capacity building and non-lethal training to over 20 000 Ukrainian armed forces personnel; whereas in January 2022 the UK has provided the first transfer of lethal equipment to Ukraine in the form of next generation light anti- tank weapons (NLAWs);
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 270 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Stresses the need for boosting cooperation with EaP countries on peace and security by devoting particular attention to de-escalation of on-going tensions and a peaceful and sustainable resolution of frozen and protracted conflicts in the region; encourages to this end the application of an integrated approach by realising the full potential of the CSDP in connection with relevant policy tools, in view of promoting the strategic objectives of human security and sustainable peace across the EaP region and beyond;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 291 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Welcomes the decision of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia to supply Ukraine with defensive lethal equipment in order to boost Ukraine's capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 302 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Encourages Member States each to deploy personnel to CSDP missions in EaP countries to ensure all Member States are represented in missions throughout the region and to encourage greater participation by non-EU countries in these missions, particularly former communist countries that have hosted successfully completed CSDP missions and have a better grasp of the local context;;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 326 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Calls on the Commission, the EEAS, the CPCC and the MPCC to enhance synergies with other policy fields and relevant stakeholders in view of stepping up efforts in pre-emptive peace- building, preventive diplomacy, early warning, confidence-building and the citizens' resilience against disinformation;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 337 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Considers the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) as a best practice for using investment that promotes mutual security and stability in critical infrastructure and believes that ita complementary initiative should be opened to include EaP and Western Balkan countries;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 348 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Invites Member States to reinforce cooperation with NATO, also through the upcoming EU-NATO joint declaration, in supporting the defence and security capacity of our neighbours to the east; notes, however, that no cooperation in the realm of security and defence should include the illegitimate regime of Aliaksandr Lukashenka, as any potential activities might be used against EU Member States or to oppress the Belarusian people;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 354 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) to ensure that the upcoming Strategic Compass dedicates ample focus to EaP countries and that it is closely coordinated with NATO’s upcoming Strategic Concept 2022, especially in areas of cyber defence and countering hybrid warfare; notes that the EU's approach must be holistic, including, supporting democratic and economic reforms, strengthening institutional and societal resilience, and enhancing security and defence capacities;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 364 #

2021/2199(INI)

13. Calls on the EEAS to coordinate assessment reports and political messaging with Member States' embassies and NATO Liaison Offices in EaP countries;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 369 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Encourages Member States that share both EU and NATO membership and that lead different NATO capacity building initiatives with EaP countries to ensure that training efforts and the transfer of best practices are coordinated with the EU MPCC and CPCC; encouragescalls on the Member States to ensure that CSDP missions in EaP countries embrace close coordination with NATO’s defence and deterrence posture and Open Door Policy;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 380 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Encourages the VP/HR to devote particular attention to the security of the EaP area in the upcoming EU-US security and defence dialogue, the EU-US dialogue on China, and the EU-US dialogue on Russia;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 381 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Calls for stronger focus on reconciliation and re-building of community ties in the light of the divisions present in the EaP region; encourages in this regard active engagement with civil society actors as well as with Churches and religious communities in areas such as local conflict analysis, mediation, reconciliation and strengthening of social cohesion;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 434 #

2021/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Calls on the EEAS to monitor China's growing presence in the EaP countries, including, the consequences (and potential consequences) for the internal security of the EaP countries as well as the wider geopolitical situation;
2022/02/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 9 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the North Atlantic Treaty,
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 53 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that the EU is facing new threats, including hybrid threats, increased militarisation around the worlda combination of old and new threats emanating from both state and non-state actors, including hybrid threats, increased militarisation around the world, the growing assertiveness of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes and a still unstable neighbourhood, both in the East and in the South;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 71 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that 2020 was dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed ourworrying dependencies vis-à-vis the rest of the world, in particular, on authoritarian and totalitarian regimes; stresses that the EU must learn lessons from this with a view, in particular, to increasing its resilience and strategic autonomy in key economic sectors, and strengthening cooperation with its allies, especially within NATO;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 97 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the launch of the work on the Strategic Compass, which should be completed in March 2022; stresses that it is a beginning, not an end, and that it constitutes a major step towards a European Defence Uniondeveloping greater cohesion in the sphere of security and defence;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 105 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises the importance of supporting it with a 360-degree threat analysis; stresses that the Strategic Compass must complement NATO's Strategic Concept and be the EU’s ambitious response to this analysis, which must be subject to regular review and dialogue with NATO allies, but also implemented with sufficient political will and backed by adequate tools and capabilities;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 114 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Regrets that in 2020 only 7 EU Member States have spent on defence above 2% of their GDP in line with NATO guidelines; deplores the fact that those EU Member States which are also Members of NATO now contribute only 20% to the overall defence spending of the Alliance, thus hampering the capacity of European allies to contribute meaningfully to transatlantic security;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 128 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that the Strategic Compass must make it possible to strengthen the Union’s capacity to act as an increasingly credible strategic partnerEuropean pillar of NATO; stresses that this exercise must be regularly updated, must set out an ambitious and operational course – with a timetable for the implementation of decisions and monitoring mechanisms – and must enable the Union to have a coherent defence policy, a common strategic culture, a capacity to anticipate threats and provide a rapid and coordinated reaction and a capacity for autonomous resilience, to be able to mobilise resources on the basis of solidarity when a Member State is threatened and requests them, and ultimately to play a part in the protection of European citizens; reiterates, however that the EU must avoid duplication, and act only where it complements NATO;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 135 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Believes that discussions about EU strategic autonomy in the sphere of security and defence must first and foremost be focused on boosting the capacity of the European pillar within NATO;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 159 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Deplores the actions of the coup leaders in Mali; is deeply concerned at the lack of essential state services in Mali and in the Sahel in general; expresses its deep concern at the deteriorating security in the region; notes the announcement of the reorganisation of French military action in the Sahel, in conjunction with our international and African partners; welcomes the increasing involvement of Europeans in the Takuba Task Force; welcomes the adaptation of the new extended mandate of the European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) to the regionalisation process; calls on the Member States to make a significant contribution to EUTM Mali’s advisory activities; believes that any presence of the Kremlin proxy, the Wagner Group, is counter to the security interests of both the countries of the Sahel region as well as the EU;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 177 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Notes with concern the deteriorating security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR); denounces the growing threats and hostile incidents targeting MINUSCA by certain local and foreign armed forces, including foreign security companiesproxies like the Wagner Group, and disinformation campaigns targeting Union action; welcomes and fully supports the establishment of the EU Advisory Mission in the CAR (EUAM RCA);
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 205 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Notes with satisfaction the results of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM Georgia); approves its extension for a period of two years; stresses the need for further reflection on CSDP commitments in the area; is concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the region and the destabilising activities of the Russian Federation;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 226 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the launch of the CSDP operation in the Mediterranean, EUNAVFOR MED IRINI; stresses its key role in the implementation of the arms embargo; deplores the fact that, in 2020, it encountered many refusals to allow inspections; calls for a transparent communication from the European External Action Service (EEAS) on this issue; laments the flact that NATO, which is active in the area through Operation Sea Guardian, is unwilling to cooperatek of cooperation between EUNAVFOR MED IRINI and NATO's Operation Sea Guardian;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 243 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses the importance of providing military missions with more flexible and more, clear robust mandates; calls for closer linkages between existing European ad hoc operations and CSDP military missions or operations;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 284 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes the cooperation capacity of European armiMember States' Armed Forces in helping citizens in the fight against the pandemic in 2020; calls on the EU and the Member States to set out detailed arrangements for the implementation of Article 44 TEU so as to enable the Union to respond rapidly and effectively to crises; welcomes the positive pooling and coordinating role played by air forces during the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular as regards transfers for medical treatment and deliveries of equipment between Member States;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 306 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
21. SupportNotes the ambition of creating a ‘rapid entry force’; recalls, however, the existence of EU battlegroups and the need to make them credible by conducting regular field exercises; deplores the Member States’ lack of commitment to the battlegroups; criticises the fact that only one, led by Italy, is operational in 2021; laments the weakness of the planning for 2022 and 2023;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 310 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Notes that the withdrawal from Afghanistan has highlighted the need for the EU to increase its share of responsibility in global security, and contribute meaningfully to strengthening the capabilities and capacities of the European pillar of NATO;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 340 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
23. Points out that, given the geopolitical maritime tensions, the Union must work together with the United States, the United Kingdom and other allies to protect its interests by guaranteeing freedom of navigation, the safety of maritime lines of communication and offshore infrastructure;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 363 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6
Countering chyberattackrid threats
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 379 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Welcomes the imposition of sanctions against Russian, Chinese and North Korean perpetrators of cyber- attacks, including WannaCry, NotPetya and Operation Cloud Hopper; stresses that such sanctions must be part of a wider toolkit to deter such attacks in the future;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 382 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26b. Reiterates its solidarity with Latvia, Lithuania and Poland in the face of the Lukashenka regime and the Kremlin's weaponisation of migration to destabilise the EU;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 431 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
32. Notes that the current global security environment as well as the pandemic hasve exposed our vulnerabilities and calls, therefore, for a reduction in Europe’s strategic dependencies;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 555 #

2021/2183(INI)

41. Stresses that the Union should adopt a strategic approach to its partnerships based, in particular, on the defence of its interests and strategic autonomcontribution to the wider transatlantic security;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 574 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
42. Welcomes the establishment of an EU-US strategic dialogue on security and defence; stresses the operational dimension of the partnership and the importance of ensuring that the Union maintains its strategic autonomy, in particular as regards the United States’ International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)in addressing key security challenges facing the transatlantic community; welcomes, in this regard, the involvement of third countries in the EDA on the basis of administrative agreements, provided that it is accompanied by legally binding counterparts and safeguards to protect the defence and security interests of the Union and its Member States;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 580 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 a (new)
42a. Welcomes the trilateral AUKUS security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States as an important step in contributing to the security of the Indo-Pacific region and is firmly in the Union's overall interest;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 591 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
43. Calls for a stronger NATO supported by a stronger European Union, and wishes to see very tangible development in the EU-NATO partnership; calls, in this context, for NATO’s new strategic concept to be coherent with the EU’s Strategic Compassoutline those areas in which the EU can complement the primary role of NATO in guaranteeing European and wider transatlantic security;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 619 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 a (new)
45a. Notes with serious concern the recent display of force and escalating tensions in the regional hotspots such as South and East China Sea and Taiwan Strait; underlines that the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific regions is of great importance for the EU and its Member States; expresses grave concern over China’s continued military manoeuvers in the Taiwan Strait, including those aimed at Taiwan or taking place in Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone; calls on the PRC to stop such military sabre-rattling that pose serious threats to the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo- Pacific region; reiterates that the relationship between China and Taiwan should be developed constructively through dialogues, without coercion or destabilizing tactics by either side; stresses the opposition to any unilateral action that may undermine the status quo of the Taiwan Strait and that any change to cross-strait relations must not be made against the will of Taiwan’s citizens;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 625 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 b (new)
45b. Recalls that China, together with other non-democratic countries, also remains a major threat to democracies in Europe through disinformation campaigns, in which they exploit the openness and freedom of expression to propose an authoritarian alternative to the democratic system; note that cooperation in the fight against disinformation is therefore in the interest of both the EU and Taiwan;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 627 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 c (new)
45c. Encourages the EU and the Member States to deepen cooperation with Taiwan in confronting disinformation from malign third countries, including the sharing of best practices, joint approaches to fostering media freedom and journalism, deepening cooperation on cybersecurity and cyber-threats, raising citizens’ awareness and improving overall digital literacy among the population in order to strengthen the resilience of our democratic systems; support intensified cooperation between relevant European and Taiwanese government agencies, NGOs and think tanks in this field;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 638 #

2021/2183(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
46. LStresses the importance of the United Kingdom's contribution to European security, but laments the absence of a security and defence cooperation partnership between the UK and the EU on account of the British Government’s lack of interest, despite the assurances given in the political declaration; calls for a stronger partnership to be built with relevant African organisations, such as the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and G5 Sahel;
2021/10/29
Committee: AFET
Amendment 1 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
— having regard to its previous resolutions on the situation in Hong Kong, including the case of Apply Daily (2021/2786(RSP)) of 7 July 2021 and on the PRC national security law for Hong Kong and the need for the EU to defend Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy (2020/2665(RSP)) of 16 June 2020,
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 7 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas Parliament has a duty and responsibility to exercise its democratic oversight and scrutiny over the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and the common security and defence policy and should have the necessary and effective means to fulfil this role;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 13 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas recent international developments and challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, the increasing assertiveness of the Chinese Communist Party and other authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of Afghanistan, have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the EU’s CFSP;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 36 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the EU needs to act on the global stage with a common strategic culture to develop its strategic leadership role and to actively push for the revitalisation and the reform of multilateralism guided by its democratic values, social fairness and its vision for a sustainable futuresupport for freedom globally;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 42 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas a broad majority of EU citizens support a stronger role for the EUcommon European approach in matters of foreign and security policy and wish to see a more coherent and effective EU foreign and security policy;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 50 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 1
- taking the lead in strengthening multilateral partnerships on global priorities, and reforming multilateral institutions to make them more effective and resilient in the face of malign authoritarian influence;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 60 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 2
- fostering unity among the Member States on key challenges facing the Union, improving EU decision-making and making fullmore effective use of the EU’s hard and soft powers,
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 66 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 3
- achieving European sovereigntygreater cohesion by interlinking the EU’s external actionsvarious dimensions of the EU’s external actions, including trade and security,
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 73 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 4
- further developing regional strategies, including on security cooperation and supporting freedom and democracy,
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 78 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 5
- strengthening democratic oversight, scrutiny and the parliamentary dimension of the EU’s CFSP;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 93 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the EU’s growing ambition and initiatives to take the lead in promoting global partnerships on key priorities and in strengthening the multilateral order through a reform and strengthening the resilience of key institutions and organisations;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 103 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the EU to promote alliances of democracies worldwide; insists on the need to pool resources and exchange best practices between democracies, including as regards countering malign interference and disinformation by authoritarian states and organisations; believes that, for this to be successful, the EU should promote on the global stage a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to counter hybrid threats combined with an ambitious democracy support agenda;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 122 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages the EU to develop its leadership role in the defence and promotion of freedom, democracy and human rights in multilateral forums, and in particular the UN; believes that the EU should ensure an effective use of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EU Magnitsky Act), including the development of a complementary EU anti-corruption sanctions regime, and betterby urgently expanding the GHRSR to include acts of corruption, and enforce the human rights provisions of the international agreements it has concluded and will conclude in the future;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 142 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls for a more ambitious EU agenda, and in cooperation with key partners such as the United States, in supporting freedom of religion or belief outside the Union; notes that supporting freedom of religion or belief contributes to fostering durable peace and thus it is important in addressing many of the challenges faced by the Union, including the migration crisis;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 148 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the EU’s efforts as a global frontrunner in the fight againstto address climate change and urges the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to propose new initiatives such as the internationalisation of the European Green Dealaddress the impact of climate change on the local level, especially in communities most affected; believes that the implementation of the European Green Deal willmay also have significant geopolitical consequences and will influence the EU’s relations with some of its partners, such as addressing the EU's reliance on Russian fossil fuel supplies; in this regard, believes that the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline not only contravenes the aims and objectives of the Green Deal, but also our common security aims;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 158 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for the EU to develop a robust global health strategy, including global and EU efforts to ensure preparedness and an effective response to upcoming crises and to secure fair and equitable access to vaccines around the world, as well as diversifying our supply chains to stop reliance on authoritarian and totalitarian regimes;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 174 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Reiterates that the EU should develop and implement a global connectivity strategy as an extension of the current EU-Asia Connectivity Strategy and as a strategic response to overcome its diminishing influence in many regions of the world; stresses that the Commission should make connectivity projects with third countries conditional upon commitments to freedom and democratic standards, human rights and the ethical use of technology both domestically and abroad; welcomes the Commission President’s announcement of plans to present a new connectivity strategy called the ‘Global Gateway’;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 180 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the G7 global initiative ‘Build Back Better World’ and urges the EU to play an active role in developing it further, in particular by strengthening the resilience of international organisations and third countries against the influence of malign authoritarian actors;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 187 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates that the EU needs first and foremost unity and a stronger and genuine political will of its Member States to jointly agree on and promote EUcommon foreign policy goals and EU security and defence cooperation;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 199 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the need for the EU to strengthen its ability to act efficiently, pro- actively and to shape the EU’s response to ongoing and upcoming challenges; therefore welcomes the ongoing Strategic Compass process as the starting point for the development of a common strategic culture and expects that it will help shape a shared vision for EU security and defence; stresses that the outcome should be reflected in a revised version of the 2016 EU Global Strategy that takes into account key threats, challenges and opportunities, and offers pathways for the EU to play a more pro-active global role;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 229 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates its call for the establishment of new formats of cooperation such as the European Security Council; recalls that the ongoing Conference on the Future of Europe provides a relevant framework to shape innovative proposals in this respect; notes, however, that new institutional frameworks alone will not solve the structural and political challenges faced by the CSDP;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 238 #

2021/2182(INI)

15. Stresses that a holistic approach to the CFSP requires the synergy of all available EU assets in the field of external action; in this respect, highlights the key role of the European Parliament in the EU’s diplomacy; calls on the Commission, the EEAS and the Member States to recognise Parliament as an integral part of ‘Team Europe’ and to reflect this in the operational structures; highlights the importance of the Parliament's democracy support programmes which have a strong potential to strengthen the EU's role around the world by engaging key political stakeholders and facilitating sustainable democratic governance in third countries;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 243 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the Commission’s efforts to boost EU foresight capacities, including as regards the CFSP; proposes that interinstitutional foresight activities be undertaken at political level in order to embed foresight in policy-making and to improve the EU’s preparedness for upcoming challenges and strengthen its ability to shape regional and global developments;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 252 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Achieving European sovereigntycohesion by interlinking the EU’s external actions
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 256 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for the EU to ensure its strategic sovereignMember States to foster greater unity in specific areas that are fundamental to the Union’s existence on the global scene, such as economics, security and technology,addressing the assertiveness of authoritarian and to establish a European Defence Uniontarian regimes;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 280 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses that EU sovereigntycooperation in the field of security and defence means the development, coordination and deployment of strategic capabilities, an efficient division of labour between the Member States and the EU’s ability to decide and act autonomously, in line with its own interests, principles and values, and in full complementarity with NATO; stresses that this approach reinforces cooperation with partners, in particular within the framework of NATO; welcomes in this regard the Commission President’s announcement that the EU and NATO will present a joint declaration on cooperation by the end of 2021; welcomes the discussion on an ‘initial entry force’ as presented by the VP/HR; stresses, however, that NATO remains the principle framework for collective defence of the European and wider transatlantic community;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 303 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
20. Underlines the need for the Union to develop its technological sovereignty and develop more ambitious cooperation with democratic allies through the enhancement of industrial defence capabilities, in particular in emerging disruptive technologies (EDTs), and the protection and resilience of critical infrastructures;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 313 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses that the European space sector is an enabler for achieving EU sovereignty; uUnderlines that space is rapidly becoming a political arena that might reflect geopolitical competition on Earth; supports initiatives aimed at boosting EU space policy, including the ambitious new EU space programme;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 330 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its call for accelerating the enlargement process and providing a clear pathway for countries seeking to join the EU, with a focus on strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, as well as fostering reconciliation in the Western Balkans, as prerequisites for durable peace, stability and prosperity;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 339 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
23. Underlines that the newly adopted Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance 2021-2027 (IPA III) should support a long- term investment in the European future of the region and that the improved conditionality of the instrument should be used effectively to deliver the expecconcreted results;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 346 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
24. Reaffirms its unwavering support to the Eastern Partnership countries, and in particular as regards their independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within their internationally recognised borders; condemns Russia’s direct and indirect involvement in armed conflicts, occupations and military build-ups inside the region or on its borders with the region; urges the Eastern Partnership countries, and in particular those that have chosen to pursue the path of democracy and European integration, to ensure that fundamental freedoms are upheld and to continue implementing the necessary social, economic and political reforms; reiterates that the EU’s support for further integration is conditional upon concrete progress on those reforms;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 356 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Calls on the Commission and the Council to use the upcoming Eastern Partnership summit to develop an ambitious agenda for advancing reforms and democratic governance in the Eastern Partnership and thus support the CFSP goals;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 363 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24 b. Reiterates its position of non- recognition of the illegitimate Lukashenka regime in Belarus; stands in solidarity with the EU Member States who are facing hybrid threats from the Lukashenka regime and the Kremlin; stresses its unwavering support for democratic Belarus, and calls on the Lukashenka regime to immediately cease all repressions and release all political prisoners; expresses its support for additional targeted sanctions against individuals and entities responsible or enabling the repression of the Belarusian people;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 373 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
25. Welcomes the joint communication of the Commission and the VP/HR on the renewed partnership with the southern neighbourhood2 and support peace, stability and prosperity and democratic principles in the region; reiterates, however, its call for a bold review of the entire European neighbourhood policy (ENP) to ensure that neighbourhood partners advance with the reforms and commit to close dialogue and cooperation with the EU, while ensuring tailor- made policies vis-à-vis the respective neighbourhoods and individual countries; _________________ 2 JOIN(2021)0002.
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 376 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Calls on the Commission and the Council to support the implementation and extension of the Abraham Accords as an important framework for achieving durable peace in the Middle East;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 400 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
27. Underlines the importance of the full implementation of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as the Trade and Cooperation Agreement; welcomes steps towards the establishment of a Parliamentary Partnership Assembly for Members of the European Parliament and Members of the UK Parliament, as provided for by the agreement; stresses the hopes that foreign policy and security, security and defence cooperation will be further developed and strengthened in areas of common concern;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 415 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
28. Underlines the need to strengthen EU-US transatlantic cooperation on the basis of an equal partnership; welcomes in this context the statement ‘Towards a renewed Transatlantic partnership’ from the EU-US summit 2021, which provides a good basis for an ambitious transatlantic agenda; fully supports and commits to pursuing synergies and shared foreign and security objectives by further deepening cooperation in the framework of the EU- US transatlantic dialogue; highlights that the EU should be prepared to reflect on how to adapt to the changing role of the US on the global stage and to foster greater cooperation with the US to address many of the key challenges facing the democratic world, in particular, the threat posed by authoritarian and totalitarian regimes such as the Chinese Communist Party;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 439 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
30. Is gravely concerned by the developments in Russia and reiterates the EU’s interest in maintaining freedom, stability and peace on the European continent and beyond; believes that the EU should cooperate and coordinate closely with NATO and other partners to deter Russia from carrying out destabilising and subversive actions in Europe and from repressing its own citizens; underlines that closer coordination, cooperation and unity among the EU Member States are necessary in order to maintain a constructive dialogue with the Russian authorities based on the five guiding principles, which is only possible if both parties are genuinely interested in it, including the enforcement of sanctions, are necessary in order to maintain a firm but principled stance towards the Kremlin; urges the EU to engage more closely with the people of Russia, including by developing a clearly defined ‘engagement’ objective, which should focus not only on traditional selective engagement with the Kremlin, but also on ‘strategic’ and more dynamic engagement with Russian civil society;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 457 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
32. Reiterates, as underlined in its resolution of 16 September 2021 on a new EU-China strategy4 , its call for the EU to develop a more assertive, comprehensive, and consistent EU-China strategy that unites all Member States and shapes relations with China in the interest of the EU as a whole; emphasises that this strategy should promote a rules-based multilateral order, have the defence of EUdemocratic values at its core and should be based on the three principles of cooperating where possible, competing where needed, and confronting where necesscalls for greater cooperation between democratic countries to address the growing assertiveness and repressiveness of the Chinese Communist Party; strongly advocates for Taiwan’strengthening bilateral relations with Taiwan and supporting its full participation as an observer in meetings, mechanisms and activities of international organisations; _________________ 4 Texts adopted, P9_TA(2021)0382.
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 468 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32 a. Notes with serious concern the recent display of force and escalating tensions in the regional hotspots such as South and East China Sea and Taiwan Strait; underlines that the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific regions is of great importance for the EU and its Member States; expresses grave concern over China’s continued military manoeuvers in the Taiwan Strait, including those aimed at Taiwan or taking place in Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone; calls on the PRC to stop such military sabre-rattling that pose serious threats to the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo- Pacific region; reiterates that the relationship between China and Taiwan should be developed constructively through dialogues, without coercion or destabilizing tactics by either side; stresses the opposition to any unilateral action that may undermine the status quo of the Taiwan Strait and that any change to cross-strait relations must not be made against the will of Taiwan’s citizens;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 470 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32 a. Denounces the Chinese Communist Party's coercion against Lithuania and other EU Member States and partners, and calls for greater solidarity with countries coerced by the CCP, including by collaborating with our democratic allies in opening our markets to economies suffering under the CCP's economic coercion;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 471 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 b (new)
32 b. Expresses its grave concern about worsening oppression and deteriorating human rights situation in Hong Kong; reiterates that the imposition of the so- called National Security Law (NSL) is in breach of the PRC's commitments and obligations under international law and represents a comprehensive assault on the city's fundamental freedoms, high degree of autonomy and rule of law; calls on the Member States to implement the Council Conclusions of July 2020, and to terminate all existing extradition treaties with the PRC and Hong Kong; further urges the Council to finally adopt targeted sanctions, including the implementation of travel bans and asset freezes, against individuals and entities in Hong Kong and the PRC for the serious violations of human rights and international law in Hong Kong;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 481 #

2021/2182(INI)

33. Welcomes the Commission President’s announcement of plans to present a new joint communication on a partnership with the Gulf region; calls for the EU to present a coherent strategy for balanced EU engagement in the region, with the promotion of regional security and cooperation as a key strategic objective; reiterates that the EU’s priority is to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as a matter of security for Europe and the region and the only way to stop Iran’s worrying nuclear activities; notes, however, the need to address and counter Iran's wider malign and destabilising activities across the Middle East and beyond, including on the territory of EU Member States;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 491 #

2021/2182(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
34. Underlines that the situation in Afghanistan is a wakeup call for the EU to deploy itsincrease its share of responsibility in global security and invest in own capabilities to ensure sufficient external actions and means; is concerned by the dramatic humanitarian and security situation in Afghanistan; stresses the need for those in power across Afghanistan to bear responsibility and accountability for the protection of human life and property and for the restoration of security and civil order; reiterates that Afghan women and girls, like all Afghan people, deserve to live in safety, security and dignity and welcomes the broad international support for their rights and freedoms; calls for the EU to preserve the achievements of the last 20 years and to ensure that Afghanistan does not descend into a safe haven for terrorist groups; emphasises the importance of cooperating with neighbouring and regional countries to ensure global security and regional stability;
2021/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 4 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 12
— having regard to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (hereinafter ‘the Istanbul Convention’) of 11 May 2011, which not all Member States have ratified,deleted
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 9 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 14
— having regard to the EU Action Plan on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in External Action 2021– 2025’ (GAP III),deleted
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 14 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 17
— having regard to the Commission communication of 12 November 2020 entitled ‘Union of Equality: LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025’ (COM(2020)0698),deleted
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 29 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2019 on EU Guidelines and the mandate of the EU Special Envoy on the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU (2018/2155(INI))
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 53 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Is extremely concerned by the challenges to human rights and democracy, resulting in the weakening of the protection of democratic institutionsgovernance and of universal human rights, as well as the shrinking space for civil society, observed around the world; calls for the EU and its Member States to make stronger efforts to address the challenges to human rights, both individually and in cooperation with like- minded international partners;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 60 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines the importance of both the new Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) – Global Europe and the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020–2024 for this goal; recalls that the use of the rule of qualified majority voting within the Council on human rights issues wouldmay result in a more effective and proactive EU foreign and security policy, and would strengthen cooperation on matters of key strategic interest for the EU, while reflecting its fundamental values; stresses, however, that unity among the Member States is paramount to ensuring that EU external action is both effective and proactive;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 65 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Is deeply concerned by increasing number of illiberal democracies and autocraticthe growing assertiveness of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, which are in the majority for the first time in 20 years; calls for the EU and the Member States too seek to suppress their own people and to weaken freedom, democratic governance and international norms globally; calls for the EU and the Member States to develop a more ambitious democracy support programme, together with our democratic allies, that makes full use of the tools at their disposal to support freedom, good governance, democratic institutions and space for civil society worldwide;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 75 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls for greater coordination with the United States and other like-minded democratic partners to support freedom and democracy worldwide, and push back against authoritarian and totalitarian regimes and their malign influence;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 79 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the importance of the EU’s support to mediation and electoral processes through its assistance to domestic observers and through the election observations missions, in which Parliament plays an active role; highlights the need for effective follow-up to the missions’ reports and recommendations, in order to strengthen democratic standards and facilitate future peaceful democratic transitions and development in the countries concerned; recalls Parliament’s political mediation tools, which could be developed further to help in this overall approach;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 87 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law is a cross-cutting objective in the whole NDICI – Global Europe Instrument as stipulated in Article 3 (objectives) of the Regulation; underlines the importance of the Human Rights and Democracy thematic programme adopted under the NDICI – Global Europe Instrument for the promotection of human rights and promotion of freedom and democracy around the world;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 89 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the strategic dialogue between the Commission and Parliament on all the components of the NDICI, and calls on the Commission to fully take into account Parliament’s input concerning the human rights priorities, both in the thematic programme and in all the geographical programmes; stresses that the full impact of the instrument can only be achieved if the human rights agenda is streamlined into alldefending and advancing freedom and democracy plays a central role in the EU’s external policies and programmes, if it is coherent with its internal policies, and if the EU is perceived as a credible international actor committed to defending and advancprotecting human rights and advancing freedom;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 90 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Commends the work of the European Endowment for Democracy in supporting civil society and free media across the EU's southern and eastern neighbourhood, as well as the Western Balkans; calls on the Commission to increase re-granting mechanisms within the EU's democracy support programmes, thus strengthening bottom-up approaches to democracy support and ensuring that smaller initiatives on regional or local level can also benefit from EU support;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 91 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Reiterates its support for the work of European political foundations in supporting and empowering the next generation of political leaders in the EU's neighbourhood and beyond;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 99 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the visibility of the EUSR’s role should be enhanced in order to have a meaningful impact on human rights; underlines that, although, the EUSR has a flexible mandate which could be adapted to evolving circumstances, the EUSR should prioritise the fate of people living under oppressive authoritarian and totalitarian regimes; is of the opinion that the EUSR’s position could be made more effective by enhancing communication activities and developing a more public profile through, inter alia, the publication of public statements in support of human rights activists at risk, includingpeople persecuted on grounds of their religion, belief or conscience, all those oppressed by authoritarian and totalitarian regimes around the world, Sakharov Prize laureates and finalists, and of human rights defenders imprisoned for long periods, thereby helping to protect their physical integrity and their essential work;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 105 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Acknowledges that the EU human rights dialogues have the potential to promote human rights and democracy in bilateral relations with third countries, but underlines that in order to be effective, they need to be pursued in a results- oriented manner and based on clear benchmarks to evaluate their outcomes; regrets the fact that the Revised EU Guidelines on Human Rights Dialogues with Partner/Third Countries, while establishing specific objectives, fail to identify indicators which would allow a proper evaluation to be conducted; calls for the European External Action Service (EEAS) to carry out such evaluations for each dialogue, in line with the EU guidelines and including follow-up on individual cases raised both in the context of human rights dialogues and by Parliament; is of the opinion that, in the case of Human Rights Dialogues with regimes such as the People's Republic of China (PRC), failure to achieve concrete results should have consequences for the wider conduct of bilateral relations, including the freezing of negotiations on any future investment or trade agreements;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 112 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that all civil society actors, in particular independent civil society organisation, religious groups and church-based communities, have a vital role to play in the dialogues, in terms of providing input both to the dialogues and to evaluation of their outcomes; underlines that such organisationscivil society should therefore be consulted within the framework of official and informal dialogues, as well as exploratory talks; calls on the EEAS and the Commission to improve communication and transparency with regard to civil society organisations; to this end, calls on the EEAS and the Commission to appoint human rights focal points at the geographical divisions of their headquartersstrengthen support to civil society, including through technical support, particularly in third countries where oppressive regimes seek to destroy or prevent the growth of organic civil society;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 115 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Given the fact that human rights dialogues are intended to be a central part of the EU’s foreign policy toolbox, highlightstresses that they cannot be an end in themselves; therefore calls on the EEAS and the Council to strike a better balance between diplomacy, interests and values, more in line with the human rights objectives guiding the EU’s external action with a greater focus on a long-term perspectivereiterates that, as per Article 21 TEU, the values on which the Union has been founded must guide all aspects of our external policies, including the common foreign and security policy and international trade policy;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 122 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, an essential universal forum for international consensus-building on peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to maintain their vital support to the UN and to continue their efforts to speak with one voice in the UN and other multilateral forums, while respecting their sovereignty; stresses that the challenges to the universal enjoyment of human rights call for even strongerhighlights the need for more effective multilateralism and international cooperation; highlights the vital role of UN bodies as the forum for advancing peace, conflict resolution and the protection of human rights, and welcomes the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Human Rights;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 126 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Condemns the increase in attempts by authoritarian regimes to undermine the functioning of the UN’s bodies, in particularabuse the Human Rights Council for their own ends, and to obstruct the rules-based international order; calls on the EU Member States and the EU’s democratic partners to decisively counter these attempts and to strengthen their response to serious violations of international human rights; stresses that state sovereignty cannot be used as a pretext to avoid human rights monitoring by the international community since, according to the Founding Charter of the United Nations and UN General Assembly resolution 60/251, all states, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, have the duty and the responsibility to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, and the UN Human Rights Council should address situations of violations of human rights; in a balanced manner, and cease attempts to disproportionately target the State of Israel; calls in this regard for a fundamental reform of the Human Rights Council including the setting of clear criteria for members of the Council;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 133 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Deplores China, Russia and other authoritarian regimes for their abuse of multilateral institutions, seeking to neutralise human rights mechanisms' their ability to hold states accountable for human rights violations, as well as to undermine and/or rewrite international norms to suit their authoritarian agenda; calls on the Council and the Member States to work with like-minded democratic allies to support a reform of multilateral institutions so that they become more resilient in the face of malign influence of authoritarian regimes;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 146 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Stresses that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), through the suppression of whistleblowers, withholding of vital information and spreading of disinformation, holds moral responsibility for the spread of COVID- 19, and the consequent human, economic and political costs. Notes that any continued attempts by the Beijing authorities to withhold vital information from international investigators about the origins and spread of COVID-19 should have clear consequences in the form of targeted sanctions against responsible CCP officials;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 150 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Highlights the highly negative impact of COVID-19, which has disproportionately affected women, LGBTIQ persons and vulnerable groups, including the poor, children, persons with disabilities, migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, religious and other minorities, informal workers and persons in prison or detention, among others; stresses that vulnerable groups are also more affected by the negative economic and social consequences of the pandemic, as well as the restrictions in access to healthcare and education; notes with concern the increase in hate speech against certain vulnerable groups, in particular minority groups, as well as restrictions on the freedom of religion or belief;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 156 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses that the EU should increase its support to tackle the negative consequences of COVID-19, particularly for vulnerable groups; to this end, calls for the EU to urgently strengthen its efforts to bring to an end the alarming imbalance in the global distribution of vaccines, thereby fulfilling its previous commitment to embracesupport the COVID-19 vaccine as a global public good through, among other things, technological transfer andhrough the ramping up of local production; stresses the importance of supporting the strengthening of education and healthcare systems to make them resilient to future threats; calls for greater support for innovative technologies to that end and welcomes Team Europe’s response in this regard; acknowledges the right to physical and mental health, which in many countries is still subject to stigma and discrimination, and underlines how the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed enormous neglect in the provision of mental health care;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 190 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Highlights the interdependence between human rights, a healthy environment and combating climate change, and welcomes the UN’s call for global recognition of the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment; underlines the vital role played by environmental human rights defenders and local and indigenous populations in preserving such anthe environment, despite the threats of violence that they often face from those responsible for, and profiting from, environmentally harmful practices; encourages the EU and the Member States to promote the recognition of ecocide as an international crime under the Rome Statute of the ICC, and requests that the Commission study the relevance of ecocide to EU law and EU diplomacy;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 204 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
23. Underlines the crucial importance of advancing women’s rights and welcomes the EU Action Plan on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in External Action 2021–2025 (GAP III) as a sign of the EU’s commitment in this field; commends the important role played by female political leaders and civic activists in political, social and environmental movements, and deplores the fact that women often become targets of violence as a result of both their gender and their activities, even paying for them with their lives;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 210 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
24. Deplores the fact that women continue to make up the majority of victims of gender-based violence, such as domestic violence and sexual violence and abuse, including female genital mutilation, and that they face discrimination in political and professional life, as well as in access to education and healthcare; stresses that the provision of care, protection and access to justice for victims of gender- based violence and trafficking has significantly decreased as a result of the pandemic, and calls for the EU to promote the development of emergency assistance plans and protocols both at UN level and in partner countries, with the aim of adapting assistance programmes to the circumstances of the pandemic, its aftermath and future crises; denounces the exploitation of women through the practice of surrogacy;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 216 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
25. Reiterates its call for the EU and its Member States to support high level of healthcare for pregnant women, safe births and maternal care in third countries; regrets the fact that the overall progress in women’s rights is far below the UN countries’ commitments included in the Beijing Convention in 1995 and is concerned at the trend of backsliding in progress achieved; in this regard, is extremely concerned about the deterioration of the right of every individual to have full control over matters related to their sexuality, as well as sexual and reproductive health and rights, without coercion and discrimination, in particular with regard to safe and free access to abortion; calls for the EU and its Member States to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights as part of their international commitments and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)the unborn child;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 228 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
26. Notes that in 2020, the situation of the victims of trafficking, the majority of whom are women, has worsened considerably, since the COVID-19 pandemic has left the victims of trafficking in an even more vulnerable position; welcomes the launch of the EU’s Strategy on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (2021–2025); underlines that the identification of the victims of trafficking has become even more complicated during the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore calls for the EU and its Member States to intensify their efforts in international judicial and law enforcement cooperation to prevent trafficking and identify victims, avoiding their criminalisation, and provide them with the necessary health and psychological support in close cooperation with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, NGOs and civil society organisations dedicated to the protection of victims;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 233 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
27. Reiterates its call for the EU and its Member States to step up their efforts to eliminate all forms of abuse against children; welcomes the new EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child adopted by the Commission, but stresses that children continue to be victims of violence, early and forced marriage, sexual abuse, including genital mutilation, trafficking, prostitution, pornography, child labour and recruitment as child soldiers, and that they suffer from a lack of access to education and healthcare, and from malnutrition and poverty, in particular in humanitarian crises and armed conflicts; stresses that 2021 is the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour; calls for the streamlining of the rights of the child and parental rights and the children and armed conflicts (CAAC) agenda in all the EU’s external policies; calls on the Member States to uphold their responsibilities with regard to the protection of foreign fighters’ children who are EU citizens;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 242 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
28. Reiterates its strong condemnation of discrimination, xenophobia, intolerance, persecution and killings linked to race, ethnicity, nationality, social class, disability, caste, religion, belief, age, sexual orientation and gender identity that continue to be a major problem in many countries; welcomes the launch of the EU’s anti-racism action plan 2020–2025, which recognises not only the individual and social dimensions, but also the structural nature of this phenomenon; stresses that in spite of 20 years of work since the signing of Durban Declaration and Programme of Action in 2001,notes that racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance continue to be a scourge around the world and calls for a zero- tolerance approach to them;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 265 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
30. Fully supports the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, to hold a belief, or not to believe, and the right to manifest one's religion publicly and to change or leave one’s religion or belief without fear of violence, persecution, or discrimination; deplores the persecution suffered by minorities on the grounds of belief or religion in many places in the world, especially in China, Pakistan, and the countries of sub-Saharan Africa; condemns the activities of jihadist groups operating across Africa, the Middle East, Afghanistan and beyond to establish new forms of the Caliphate; condemns the abuse of blasphemy laws to perpetuate discrimination and deplores the use of religion and religious institutions to the detriment of human rights through the persecution, including by legal means, of belief or religious minorities, women and LGBTIQ persand those in vulnerable positions;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 270 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Calls on the Commission and the Council to develop a more ambitious programmes for defending freedom of religion or belief worldwide; notes that freedom of religion or belief is an important indicator about the state of other human rights;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 272 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30b. Calls on the Commission to appoint as soon as possible a new EU Special Envoy for freedom of religion or belief, and ensure sufficient funding and staffing to supporting the Special Envoy's work; recommends that Special Envoys for Freedom of Religion or Belief throughout the EU Member States, together with the EU Special Envoy, share their best practices and work closely together;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 274 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 c (new)
30c. Reiterates that addressing persecution on the ground of religion or belief is crucial in addressing many of the challenges faced by the EU, including migration;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 310 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Commends the Council for adopting targeted sanctions against Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses in the Xinjiang province, and calls on the Council to adopt additional measures should the dire situation persist;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 354 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
38. Stresses the multi-faceted threat to the enjoyment of human rights brought about by modern armedwars and military conflicts, which, in addition to states, often involve non- state agents and terrorist organisations; reiterates its call for the EU to strengthen its response to conflicts in collaboration with partner countries and regional organisations, including a strong focus on conflict prevention, mediation and good offices efforts, addressing the root causes of the conflicts, humanitarian aid, providing the necessary support to the international peacebuilding and peacekeeping missions, as well as EU missions in the framework of the common security and defence policy, and post- conflict reconstruction operations supporting and applying strong integration and scrutiny of human rights and a robust gender perspective;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 365 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 20
Due diligence and corporate responsibility
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 371 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 a (new)
40a. Calls on the Commission and the Council to ban all imports of cotton picked and made from forced labour, including from the PRC province of Xinjiang;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 372 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 b (new)
40b. Calls on European companies operating in the PRC and, in particular, in the province of Xinjiang to apply their corporate responsibility by undertaking a thorough review of their supply chains to ensure that products manufactured or traded by European companies do not involve forced labour;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 376 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 21
Importance of strong human rights clauses and clear benchmarks in international agreements
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 383 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 a (new)
42a. Regrets the failure of the Commission to include concrete benchmarks on the implementation of ILO Conventions by the PRC in the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI); notes that the European Parliament will take the human rights situation across mainland China and Hong Kong into consideration if and when asked to endorse CAI;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 394 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Reiterates its calls to combat and eradicate forced labour and other forms of human rights abuses in supply chains, and calls on the EU institutions to lead by example, and conduct thorough due diligence assessment of vendors (including sub-contractors) from outside the European Union;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 403 #

2021/2181(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 a (new)
46a. Calls on the Commission and the Council to strengthen the EU's response to disinformation, cyber attacks and other hybrid threats emanating from malign foreign actors seeking to undermine societal resilience and democratic processes across the EU, in our neighbourhood, and beyond;
2021/10/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 10 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 a (new)
— having regards to its resolution of 17 February 2022 with recommendations to the Commission on a statute for European cross-border associations and non-profit organisations,
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 15 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas the social economy encompasses diverse types of private entities, independent of public authorities, as cooperatives, mutual benefit societies, associations (including church-based charities), foundations, social enterprises, and other legal forms reflecting also other sustainable and inclusive business models, all characterised by different operating and organisational principles andbut sharing core features such as the primacy of people as well as social and environmental purpose over profit, the reinvestment of most profits/surpluses, and democratic or participatory governance;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 38 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas the social economy has played an important role in mitigating and addressing the short- and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the EU’s social market, society and economy providing health and social services to the most vulnerable groups and has driven and contributed to social and economic resilience thanks to the long- term orientation of the European Pillar business model and the nature of social rights and the targets and activities of the social economy12 ; _________________ 12 OECD (2020), Social economy and the COVID-19 crisis: current and future roles.
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 46 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas social economy has the potential to reshape the economy post- COVID through inclusive and sustainable economic models leading to a fairer ecological, economic and social transformation;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 50 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on social economy organisations and new reinforced funding and investments are needed;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 64 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas social economy enterprises generally have more difficulties in accessing financing than mainstream businesses which was proven also throughout the COVID-19 pandemic; whereas the rules in relation to aid for social economy enterprises´ access to finance should be thus eased;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 70 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the social services sector, part of the social economy, is coping with challenges such as low wages and precarious working conditions which need to be effectively tackled;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 90 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes that in order to harness the full potential of the social economy, it is crucial to provide targeted support for all actors at all levels and focus not only on new social economy organisations and start-ups but also on well-established actors;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 101 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Reiterates that the public authorities should take into account the specific nature and needs of social economy organisations and their users when developing and implementing the appropriate frameworks and measures, which should also consider the diversity of legal forms covered by the social economy;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 107 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Urges the Commission and the Member States, as well as regional and local authorities, to mainstream the social economy dimension in relevant policies, programmes and practices on the EU level as well as globally via the EU external actions;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 128 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that cooperation at national level between local and regional authorities and social economy organisations is further strengthened, as well as to promote and support cross- border and transnational cooperation;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 140 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Reminds the Member States that the Public Procurement Directive (Directive 2014/24/EU) allows contracting authorities to use public procurement to pursue environmental and social objectives, and, in particular, allows for reserved tender procedures for organisations whose main aim is the integration of persons with disabilities or other disadvantaged groups into the workforce; invites public authorities to consider socially and environmentally responsible public procurement as an investment in the socio-economic fabric with a great potential to combine social and competitive objectives; additionally calls on the Member States to recognise and promote also alternative models (e.g. the well-established triangle of social services), based on partnerships, in the funding of quality social services;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 154 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Encourages the Member States to systematically adopt strategies aimed at developing socially responsible public procurement, thus establishing a link across policy areas between the delivery of services and products and the contribution to social objectives; considers that the transposition of the Public Procurement Directive must be coupled with initiatives to increase knowledge about the relationship between public spending and its contribution to achieving the SDGs, and to build capacity among public procurement officers and social economy organisations; encourages public procurement officers to carry out pre- market consultations before drawing up tender documents, with a view to better understanding the existing needs and how social economy organisations could meet them, as well as the diversity, specific nature of various kinds of social economy organisations and their needs;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 218 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Considers it regrettable that social economy organisations do not feature to the same extent as more conventional businesses in the curricula of mainstream school education and higher education enterprise and business education14 ; in lightcalls therefore ofn this, invie Member States, sector- representative bodies and relevant public authorities, in partnership with the relevant stakeholders, to review and evaluate the curricula and put forward policy recommendations for academic institutions in order to stimulate social economy and social entrepreneurship also while using the European instruments; _________________ 14 Eurofound (2019), Labour market change. Cooperatives and social enterprises: work and employment in selected countries.
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 221 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on the Member States, sector-representative bodies and relevant public authorities to make full use of the relevant EU instruments in order to make social entrepreneurship accessible to everyone who wishes to pursue it as a career, with a special focus on underrepresented groups such as persons with disabilities, women, elderly, youth or socially vulnerable groups; welcomes in this regard the Commission’s initiative to launch a Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy in 2022 under the ESF+ to foster youth entrepreneurship, including a specific focus on female and social entrepreneurs; notes however that further, more targeted initiatives to help other underrepresented entrepreneurs should follow;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 246 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Invites the Commission, on the occasion of the next revision of the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), to adequately take into account the specific needs of social economy organisations in terms of access to finance and market development, to strengthen the role of State aid in promoting the recruitment of disadvantaged workers, especially in the context of the post-COVID-19 recovery, and to explore different evidence-based options, after consulting relevant stakeholders, to support the development of social economy organisations; in addition invites the Commission to consider also the revision of the existing De minimis Regulation and the services of general economic interest (SGEI) De minimis Regulation with the special focus on the possibility to increase the existing threshold amounts and the cumulation of De minimis aid;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 254 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Highlights the need to promote possibilities of direct public funding in the form of grants, e.g. via EU funds, as well as private investments in the social economy sector, especially with the increased demands for services provided by social economy organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the post- pandemic recovery;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 255 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to create appropriate refinancing opportunities enabling social economy organisations to manage the transformation towards climate neutrality and climate-neutral business (e.g. through the financing of ecological investments or the provision of environmental protection officers);
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 260 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls on the Commission and the Member states to provide targeted funding opportunities for the projects aimed at fulfilling the upskilling and reskilling needs of social economy employees; Supports furthermore the plan of a new skills partnership with dedicated hubs for networking, knowledge and guidance for the Pact for Skills signatories;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 285 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Reiterates that in order to achieve the full potential of the Action plan, the Commission and the Member States shall guarantee that the implementation of the Action Plan does not leave anyone behind but ensures full partnership with all social economy stakeholders, including not-for- profit social service providers and civil society at all levels including church- based charities, ensuring clarity and coordination between the actors;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 305 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the announced launch of a new study to collect qualitative and quantitative information on the social economy across all Member States; notes that detailed, standardised, comparable and reliable data on the scale and impact of the social economy need to be generated with a view to facilitating evidence-based policy decisions, future-proofing the development of the social economy and contributing to EU economic and social goals; notes that this study should be regularly updated to enable up-to-date and comparable data in order to improve communication, monitoring and evaluation;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 309 #

2021/2179(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls on the Commission to set up a permanent and structured dialogue between themselves and all social economy actors to regularly assess the barriers to the development of social economy organisations;
2022/03/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 34 #

2021/2170(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas women are over- represented among informal carers who gave up on their employment and provide care to elderly or relatives with disabilities; whereas in many Member States they do not get an adequate support from the authorities and social security systems and thus are at greater risk of poverty and social exclusion;
2021/12/08
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 37 #

2021/2170(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas women often face multiple discrimination mainly on the basis of their socio-economic background, disabilities, health state, age or ethnicity; whereas multiple discrimination has a serious impact on the risk of poverty or social exclusion;
2021/12/08
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 74 #

2021/2170(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to reduce the burden of women by ensuring affordable and quality care and services for peoplechildren, persons with disabilities, the elderly and other dependants as well as support for informal carers including psychosocial support or relief services; calls on the Commission and the Member States to adequately fund public services and social infrastructure, as this would allow more women to participate in the labour market andlive a dignified life and have a possibility, if they so decide, to take an active part in the labour market and reach work-life balance; it would also contribute to reducing the risk of women falling into poverty;
2021/12/08
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 91 #

2021/2170(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that universal access to public, solidarity-based and adequate retirement and old age pensions must be granted to all; underlines the importance of public and occupational pension systems that provide an adequate retirement income above the poverty threshold andthat allows pensioners to maintain their standard of living and live a dignified life; asks the Member States to consider factoring child-raising responsibilities into pension schemes when women are not able to work and make suitable contributions duringtake into account the periods of child-raising responsibilities during the maternity or parental leave and include them adequately into their pension such periodemes;
2021/12/08
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 94 #

2021/2170(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the recovery efforts should boost jobs and growth, and the resilience and fairness of our societies, and should be complemented by a strong social dimension, paying attention to women who have a disability or who stay at home to care for a family member, as they are particularly at risk of falling into poverty; Calls on the Commission and the Member States to put forward a system of formal recognition of the skills gained informally during the periods of providing care to elderly or relatives with disabilities as such system would improve the employability of women after their care duties end;
2021/12/08
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 114 #

2021/2170(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
5. Recognises the crucial role of all European funds and programmes in the social area, particularly the European Social Fund Plus and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers; calls on the Member States to make full use of these funds, to minimise bureaucracy and administrative burden and to make sure to support the use of these funds closest to the people, thus to entrust the regional and local authorities with the decision-making process as well as the application of the funds;
2021/12/08
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 123 #

2021/2170(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to submit initiatives to promote women’s empowerment through education, vocational training and lifelong learning, as well as access to finance, female entrepreneurship and women’s representation in future-oriented sectors with a view to ensuring access to high- quality employment; calls for greater promotion of STEM subjects, digital education, artificial intelligence and financial literacy as well as other cross- cutting skills in order to ensure that more women enter these sectors and contribute to their developmentprofessional and personal development as well as the one of the entire society.
2021/12/08
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 9 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
— having regard to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) report of 22 October 2021 entitled ´Telework and health risks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from the field and policy implications´,
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 13 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 20 October 2021 with recommendations to the Commission on protecting workers from asbestos3a; __________________ 3a Text adopted P9_TA(2021)0427
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 30 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the proportion of older workers is increasing, whereas this ageing workforce presents new challenges and demands with regard to the organisation of work and the workplace; whereas ageing is accompanied by a higher risk of developing chronic mental and physical health problems, including disabilities and illnesses;
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 31 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas persons with disabilities, chronic diseases or those recovering from injury or illness request individualised support and adaptation of the workplace when they wish to participate at the labour market;
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 38 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas exposure to asbestos claims around 88 000 lives in Europe annually, accountingwhereas although asbestos has been banned in the EU since 2005, it is still present in many administrative buildings, schools, housing, infrastructure, public-transport facilities and water supply networks; whereas 80 % of occupational cancers recognised in the Member States are asbestos related; whereas exposure to asbestos accounts for 55-75 % of lung cancers developed at work, and whereas asbestos is the main cause of lung cancer, responsible for 45 % of cases6 ; whereas it is estimated that mortality rates from this exposure will continue to increase into the late 2020s and the 2030s7 ; __________________ 6Takala, J., Working paper – ‘Eliminating occupational cancer in Europe and globally’, 2015, p. 6. 7‘Global Asbestos Disaster’, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2018).
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 55 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas over a quarter of workers in Europe experience excessive work- related stress; whereas stress, anxiety or depression belong to the second largest group of self-reported work-related health problems7a, whereas 51 % of EU workers say stress is common in their workplace and nearly 80 % of managers are concerned about work-related stress8 ; whereas there are significant variations between the Member States’ legislation on psychosocial risks; __________________whereas work-related stress can significantly increase the risk of triggering and exacerbating various health problems and diseases including psychological problems, heart diseases, autoimmune diseases or musculoskeletal disorders and rheumatic /chronic inflammatory diseases; __________________ 7aEurostat: Self-reported work-related health problems and risk factors - key statistics, 2020 8‘Psychosocial risks in Europe: Prevalence and strategies for prevention’, Eurofound and EU-OSHA, 2014, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 66 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a rapid increase in teleworking combined with the increased care responsibilities at home during lockdowns; whereas remote working is proven to have a strong impact on the organisation of working time by increasing flexibility and workers’ constant availability9 ; whereas it is expected that the uptake of remote working and teleworking will remain higher than before the COVID-19 crisis or that it will even increase further10 ; whereas psychosocial risks are the most prevalent health risks associated with teleworking10a; __________________ 9 ‘Working anytime, anywhere: The effects on the world of work’, Eurofound and the International Labour Office, 2017, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, and the International Labour Office, Geneva. 10‘Teleworking in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic: enabling conditions for a successful transition’, European Trade Union Institute, 2021, Brussels. 10aEU-OSHA Report: Telework and health risks in the context of the COVID- 19 pandemic: evidence from the field and policy implications.
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 72 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas people who regularly work from home are more than twice as likely to work in excess of the requisite maximum 48 hours per week and are at risk of resting for less than the requisite 11 hours between working days; whereas almost 30 % of teleworkers report working in their free time every day or several times a week11 ; whereas except of these risks, high prevalence of teleworking also resulted in higher prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and rheumatic/inflammatory diseases in connection to sedentarism, poor ergonomic conditions, working long hours and work-related stress; __________________ 11‘Telework and ICT-based mobile work: Flexible working in the digital age’, New forms of employment series, Eurofound, 2020, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 85 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H
H. whereas disturbing reports regarding breaches of cross-border and seasonal workers’ rights in terms of working and living conditions have surfaced during the pandemic; whereas many of these workers were deprived of meeting with their families due to the inflexible social security rules in the EU that prevent workers to work from home in the Member State other than the Member State of the employer;
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 87 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas prevention, awareness raising, well-being activities and promotion of health and safety culture at work can provide positive outcomes at improving the health of employees as well as provide new employment or volunteering opportunities;
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 104 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s strategic framework and, in particular, the introduction of the Vision Zero approach to work-related accidents and diseases; calls on the Commission to expand the Vision Zero approach to other injuries and accidents, as well as physical and mental attrition; calls on the Commission to significantly increase the focus on prevention strategies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide support to employers that voluntarily conduct prevention activities at the workplace; calls for the ambitious implementation of the 7-year plan, also in the light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and believes that strong legislative action is needed on several aspects of EU policy on occupational health and safety in order to complement the variety of soft measures envisaged in order to make Vision Zero a reality; calls for a clear focus on workers’ participation in the Vision Zero approach;
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 111 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights the need to address new challenges related to the ageing of the workforce, higher prevalence of employees with chronic diseases and the need to adapt the workplace to the employees with disabilities; stresses the importance of developing policies including flexible work schedules to help employees who wish to return to work after a long disease to reintegrate at the labour market, especially in the context of cancer survivors or people with chronic diseases including MSDs and rheumatic /chronic inflammatory diseases;
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 148 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that Council Directive 89/391/EEC on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work has not proven effective enough for the assessment and management of psychosocial risks; recalls its request that the Commission include in the Strategic Framework for Occupational Safety and Health the right to disconnect and, explicitly, that it develop new psychosocial measures as part of the framework; calls on the Commission, in this regard, to step up the ambition of the Strategic Framework for Occupational Safety and Health; calls on the Commission to propose a directive onnew measures to address psychosocial risks and promote well-being at work aimed atwith the aim of the efficient prevention in the workplace of, inter alia, anxiety, depression, burnout and stress; calls on the Commission to recognize the link between psychosocial risks and stress at work and the flare-ups of rheumatic / chronic inflammatory diseases and develop targeted policies and preventive measures; calls on the Commission to aim for the recognition of anxiety, depression and burnout as occupational diseases, to establish mechanisms for their prevention and the reintegration into the workplace of affected employees, and to shift from individual- level actions to a work organisation approach;
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 170 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the Commission’s intention to present by the end of 2021 a legislative initiative ton initiative to clarify the status of platform workers and improve their working conditions of platform workersand social protection; calls on the Commission to ensure that the proposal guarantees rights for all platform workers for a healthy and safe working environment for all platform workers; highlights the need to include all platform workers including those working cross- borders; reiterates the importance of flexible and future-proof proposals that can easily react to the changes in the labour market and digital progress including the strong emphasis on the ethical dimension of the digital tools and algorithms used in the work management of the platform work;
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 190 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to include health and safety in all EU strategies and policies on the green and digital transitions, including on human-centric artificial intelligence (AI);
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 221 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve research and data collection and to conduct a detailed assessment of problems with health and safety associated with teleworking including research and quality data collection on the causes and impacts of musculoskeletal disorders and chronic inflammatory diseases;
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 226 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the European Commission to conduct an additional research on the economic costs of health and workplace exclusion;
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 229 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to propose a legislative framework with a view to establishing minimum requirements for remote work across the Union; stresses that such a framework should clarify working conditions, including the provision, use and liability of equipment, including as regards existing and new digital tools, and that it should ensure that such work is carried out on a voluntary basis and that the rights, workload and performance standards of teleworkers are equivalent to those of comparable workers; reiterates the need to include the measures on the privacy protection of the workers with regards to the use of digital tools and AI as well as the use of AI in line with the human- centric ethical approach;
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 244 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to propose a directivensure that workers are oin mlinimum standards and conditions to ensure that workers are able to exercise effectively their right to disconnect and to regulate the use of existing and new digital tools for work purposese with the European Social Partners Framework Agreements on Telework (2002) and Digitalisation (2020) able to exercise effectively their right to disconnect;
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 254 #

2021/2165(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to revise Directive 90/270/EEC laying down minimum safety and health requirements for work with display screen equipment; calls on the Commission to be more ambitious in this regard and to propose a directive onbroader and more comprehensive directive on the prevention and management of work- related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs); and rheumatic / chronic inflammatory diseases;
2021/11/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 224 #

2021/2106(DEC)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 103 a (new)
103 a. Notes that the Commission stated1a that it would step up its engagement with the Palestinian Authority, with the aim of ensuring that further curriculum reform addresses problematic textbook content in the shortest possible time frame; insists that all EU funded educational material must reflect UNESCO standards of peace, tolerance, coexistence, and non-violence; regrets that the Commission has failed to respond appropriately regarding the educational material used by the PA; notes that a report by IMPACT-se2a found that textbooks published in September for 2021-22 remains identical or even worse in terms of problematic content, compared to previous versions; condemns that the Palestinian Education Ministry keeps introducing new teaching materials containing antisemitism, hate speech and incitement to violence; _________________ 1a https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/ I-207593 2a https://www.impact-se.org/wp- content/uploads/PA-MoE-Study-Cards- 2021%E2%80%9322-Grades- 1%E2%80%9311.pdf
2022/03/04
Committee: CONT
Amendment 240 #

2021/2106(DEC)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 108 – point h a (new)
h a. step up its engagement with the PA, with the aim of ensuring additional curriculum reform to address the highly problematic issues identified in school material in the shortest possible time frame; insists that all EU funding must be made conditional on educational materialand course content complies with UNESCO standards of peace, tolerance, coexistence, and non-violence; suggest the Commission to partly withhold funding to the UNRWA and the PA, the reserve should only be released if substantive positive changes are made in the PA curriculum- should there be no change, appropriations in the reserve shall be used for funding Palestinian NGOs with a proven track record of promoting educational initiatives fostering tolerance and coexistence;
2022/03/04
Committee: CONT
Amendment 17 #

2021/2098(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 a (new)
— having regard to report of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) of 22 October2021 entitled ”Telework and health risks in the context of the COVID-19pandemic: evidence from the field and policy implications” ;
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 25 #

2021/2098(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas the pandemic has changed working conditions for many workers in Europe, highlighting new and current issues related to well-being in the workplace; whereas many workers had to cope with increased stress due to the increased care responsibilities connected to home-schooling and childcare during lockdowns or providing informal care to dependent relatives;
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 42 #

2021/2098(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected the mental well-being of those facing financial uncertainty, as well as of vulnerable populationgroups, including ethnic minorities, the LGBTI+ communitybig families, single parents, informal carers, the elderly, persons with disabilities andor young people;
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 57 #

2021/2098(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D d (new)
Dd. whereas prevention, awareness raising, well-being activities and promotion of mental health and healthy culture at work can provide positive outcomes at improving the health of employees as well as provide new employment or volunteering opportunities;
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 62 #

2021/2098(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas workplace issues that affect mental health include job burnout, harassment, violence, stigma and discrimination; whereas one in four European workers feel work has a negative impact on their health12 ; whereas negative working environment may lead to physical and mental health problems, harmful use of substances or alcohol, absenteeism and lost productivity; __________________ 12 Eurofound, 6th European Working Condition Survey, 2017.
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 66 #

2021/2098(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas stress, anxiety or depression belong to the second largest group of self-reported work-related health problems;13 whereas work-related stress can significantly increase the risk of triggering and exacerbating various health problems and diseases including psychological problems, heart diseases, autoimmune diseases or musculoskeletal disorders and rheumatic/chronic inflammatory diseases; ____________________ 13 Eurostat: Self-reported work-related health problems and risk factors - key statistics,2020
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 72 #

2021/2098(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas the costs of mental ill health are estimated at more than 4 % of GDP across all EU Member States; whereas depression is one of the leading causes of disability and the cost of work- related depression has been estimated at EUR 620 billion a year, resulting in EUR 240 billion lost economic output13 ; __________________ 13 Opinion of the Expert Panel on Effective Ways of Investing in Health (EXPH): ‘Supporting mental health of health workforce and other essential workers‘, 2021.
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 101 #

2021/2098(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the EU institutions and Member States to recognise the high levels of mental health issues across the EU and commit to actions regulating and implementing a world of work which strongly commits to the prevention and protectsion of workers’ mental health, work-life balance and social protection rights;
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 115 #

2021/2098(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets the fact that the TEU allows for more EU action on health than has actually been taken; considers mental health to be the next health crisis and that the Commission must examine all relevant possibilities to tackle this, including the urgent creation of an EU Mental Health Strategy with adequate funding and relevant legislative proposals; stresses the essential role of stakeholders’ participation, such as civil society and social partners, in the definition and implementation of such initiative;
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 134 #

2021/2098(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Recognises that employment can provide individuals with purpose and a sense of identity; emphasises the positive relationship between good mental health and work productivity;14 reiterates however that a negative working environment can lead to physical and mental health problems and subsequent absenteeism; prevention is therefore a key; __________________ 14 OSHWiki, Mental Health at Work
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 141 #

2021/2098(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls that proactive approaches to digitalisation, such as strengthening the digital skills of workers, allowing flexible work hours and establishing employee assistance programmes, can help to mitigate work- related stress; notes that ethical and human-centric artificial intelligence systems that are focused on protecting and promoting human dignity may provide further options for this;
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 153 #

2021/2098(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes Directive (EU) 2019/1158 on work-life balance for parents and carers as it provides flexibility and alleviates work-related issues; stresses however, that women continue to be disproportionately affected; calls on the Member States to go beyond the requirements of the Directive and provide more favourable conditions for the workers who provide informal care to their dependent relatives; calls on the Member States to strongly commit to the protection of workers´ family time and work-life balance;
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 160 #

2021/2098(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the shift to teleworking during the pandemic and the flexibility it provided to employees could improve work-life balance; encourages companies to provide clear and transparent rules on teleworking arrangements; reiterates, however, that the shift to teleworking is not possible for workers whose Member State of the employer is different from the Member State of their family residence; these workers were due to the inflexible EU social security rules forced to spend months without their families during the COVID-19 pandemic; calls therefore on the Commission to consider the revision of EU social security rules in order to enable teleworking from the different Member States than the Member State of the employer;
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 175 #

2021/2098(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Considers the right to disconnect essential to ensuring the mental well-being of employees; reiterates its calls on the Commission to propose legislation requiring line managers to set minimum requirements for remote working whilst taking into consideration the European Social Partners Framework Agreement on Digitalisation, which includes arrangements for connecting and disconnecting;
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 193 #

2021/2098(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Is concerned about the disconnect between current policy on mental health and attitudes in the workplace creating stigma; emphasises that due to stigma and discrimination, employees often feel unable to discuss mental health issues; recognises that employees who return after mental health leave are often poorly accommodated; calls for workplaces to provide clear information about their in- house mental health support services15, adopt clear and effective prevention strategies as well as support strategies for the workers who return to work after longer absence;15 __________________ 15 WTW, 2021 Employee Experience Survey
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 253 #

2021/2098(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
20. Is concerned that entrepreneurs and SMEs in particular are in need of support to promote mental health awareness in the workplace and calls for EU-level efforts to assist them in risk assessment and, prevention and awareness raising campaigns as well as the implementation of good practices;
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 1 #

2021/2065(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
— Having regarding to Article 21(1) of the Treaty on the European Union which stipulates that the Union's action on the international scene shall be guided by the principles which have inspired its own creation, development and enlargement, and which it seeks to advance in the wider world,
2022/12/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 19 #

2021/2065(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas in order to achieve the strategic objective of developing its global leadership role, the EU must continue to take the lead in strengthening multilateral partnerships on global priorities, in particular its partnership with the UN, and its comprehensive and open cooperation with NATO and other like-minded countries, and in protecting and promoting freedom, democracy and human rights globally;
2022/12/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 26 #

2021/2065(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the time is ripe to reform EU decision-making,ensure that the EU makinges full and more effective use of the EU’s hard and soft power instruments, including by introducing qualified majority voting for decision-making in certainuse of the Treaty provisions to ensure a consistent and dynamic EU foreign policy, including in areas such as human rights and the protection of international law, while also ensuring that the EU’s external and internal actions are coherently interlinked;
2022/12/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 36 #

2021/2065(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas the role of the EEAS is at the heart of implementing the necessary reforms of the EU’s foreign, security and defence policies;
2022/12/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 49 #

2021/2065(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas Parliament’s determination and resolve to protect and defend the Union and the values and principles for which it stands, including the principle of territorial integrity, national sovereignty and the rules-based international order, must be matched by adequate decision- making and, institutional structures for external actions, and political will;
2022/12/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 57 #

2021/2065(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas the understanding of how societies are shaped and influenced by religions and other forms of belief is instrumental to effectively addressing religious freedom in the EU’s external policies; whereas the EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief are an important tool for the EEAS in this regard; whereas the knowledge and use of the Guidelines by EU Delegations could be improved, especially taking into account country- specific circumstances; whereas a formal evaluation of the Guidelines by the Council Working Party on Human Rights (COHOM) is long overdue;
2022/12/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 65 #

2021/2065(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) ensure that development cooperation, trade policy and security and defence policy are coherent and consistent with the overall goals of the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP), as well as the values and principles on which the Union was founded;
2022/12/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 79 #

2021/2065(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) increase leverage by introducing qualified majority voting for certaensuring the full use of the Treaty provisions in foreign policy areas, such as human rights and the protection of international law, and for imposing sanctions, in order to increase the effectiveness of the EU’s foreign policy;
2022/12/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 123 #

2021/2065(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) ensure that the financial resources availablstaff expertise match the level of ambition and support the operative flexibilities needed in order to react in real time to emerging geopolitical challenges;
2022/12/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 143 #

2021/2065(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) convert the EU delegations into genuine EU embassies, with one clear chain of command led by the EU ambassador to each given country;deleted
2022/12/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 158 #

2021/2065(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) establish rengthen consular function in EU embassiecooperation and coordination between EU Member States' embassies and EU Delegations in third countries in order to be able to more effectively help EU citizens in times of crisis;
2022/12/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 177 #

2021/2065(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) better match the relevant Council working parties and preparatory and political bodies, including the EU Special Representatives on Human Rights and the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom or religion or belief, to the structure of the EEAS;
2022/12/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 178 #

2021/2065(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
(o a) consider repositioning the role of the soon to be appointed EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief under the authority of the EEAS, or, if this is not feasible, provide for an exceptionally close working relationship between the Special Envoy and the EEAS;
2022/12/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 211 #

2021/2065(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) promote common training and other concrete measures for the consolidation of an esprit de corps and higher level of expertise among EEAS staff who have differing diplomatic, cultural and institutional backgrounds, and to provide joint training initiatives for EEAS staff and national diplomats as part of their continuous professional development;
2022/12/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 213 #

2021/2065(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
(s a) improve the training for staff of the EU Delegations on the EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief, especially with regard to increasing the focus on understanding particular religious aspects of the country concerned, also in relation to structural elements such as governance structures, the justice and legal system and the nexus between state and religion or belief;
2022/12/09
Committee: AFET
Amendment 15 #

2021/2062(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas the COVID-19 crisis has had and will most likely continue to have a significant but uneven impact on socialdifferent groups, sectors and regions; whereas the most vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities, people from disadvantaged background, older people, single parents or big families have been hit hardest;
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 26 #

2021/2062(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas unequal societies create a climate of competition, stress and disillusionment thathe COVID-19 pandemic revealed and deepened some inequalities in the society and it is crucial to recognize the lessons learnt and promote and adopt lmeadsures to all members of society, not just the deprived, suffering from reduced levels of wellbeingbuild more resilient society prepared for potential future crises;
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 31 #

2021/2062(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas young people have experienced the sharpest decline in employment15 ; whereas workers with precarious employment conditions have been particularly exposed to job losses because of the pandemic; whereas parents had to support their children’s education in addition to their own work which created additional difficulties for their equal participation to the labour market; whereas many people had to provide care to their older relatives or relatives with disabilities which posed a significant pressure on their career prospects and work-life balance; _________________ 15 https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/nb/publi cations/report/2021/covid-19-implications- for-employment-and-working-life
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 40 #

2021/2062(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas possible establishment of the permanent short-time working systems that can be activated in a crisis and that allow for the structural adjustment of economies and human resources will be criticalneed to be thoroughly assessed prior to any proposal or decision;
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 49 #

2021/2062(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas, regarding the social dimension of the RRF, the Regulation establishes the general objective of promoting the Union´s economic, social and territorial cohesion by mitigating the social and economic impact of the crisis, in particular on women due to the inc by contributing to the implementation of the EPSR and to more reasing care burden unevenly shared by gender and segregated and precarious labour market participation, by contributing to the implementation of the EPSR and to upward social convergence, and by fostering high quality employment creatlient society by preparedness to the future crises including by ensuring crisis management and resilience jobs and overall strengthening the critical industries in the European Union;
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 62 #

2021/2062(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that according to the treaties the Union shall work for the sustainable development of Europe based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive social market economy aiming at full employment and social progress, a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment, the promotion of scientific and technological progress, combating social exclusion and discrimination, and promoting social justice and protection, equality between women and men, solidarity between generations and protection of the rights of the child and persons with disabilities; insists that these goals must be the overarching priorities for the EU’s long- term sustainable growth strategy in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the EPSR, the Green Deal, and underpin Member States’ recovery and resilience plans;
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 81 #

2021/2062(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes EU leaders’ commitment to the implementation of the EPSR and to the three new EU headline targets to be achieved by 2030; warns, however, that the ambition remains insufficient;
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 93 #

2021/2062(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to draw lessons from thisCOVID-19 crisis and work towards the implementation of a different sustainable governance architecture in the EU; warns against taking the decision toidentify and implement measures to build sustainable and resilient EU; notes the considerations about the deactivateion of the general escape clause based only onand points out that an overall assessment of the state of the economy based on quantand differing situative criteria, with the level of economic activity in the EU compared to pre-crisis lons across the Member States should be taken into account in these considerations; believels asthat the key quantitative criterion; is concerned that this criterion will not properly reflect underlying inequalitiesreview of the EU economic governance framework should preferably take place prior to the deactivation of the general escape clause;
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 96 #

2021/2062(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that excessive and inflexible fiscal discipline led to health and social systems in many Member States being ill-were unprepared to face the pandemic; stresses that it is essentialimportant to take into account also other criteria, especially those that take into consideration the need for sustained public, social and environmental investment, or public sector economic activity, and preventing jeopardising social progress towards the implementation of the EPSR in the Member States; believes that merely reaching pre-crisis economic activity levels might not be sufficient to consolidate a sustainable recovery; believes that the Stability and Growth Pact and Euro Plus Pact should be revised before any deactivation of the general escape clause; stresses that temporary exemptions or different treatment regarding country-specific situations will not be enough to overcome risks of economic stagnation, increasing inequalities and social and territorial divergence in achieving a sustainable recovery;
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 113 #

2021/2062(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls that the President of the Commission has committed to placing sustainability, social inclusion and citizens’ well-being at the heart of the EU economic strategy; deploregrets the fact that this is not reflected in the Commission’s analysis; calls on the Commission to integrate social and environmental imbalanceaspects into its analysis in the framework of the Semester;
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 116 #

2021/2062(INI)

7. Regrets that the Commission is still proposing measures that might put at risk the adequacy and sustainability of social protection systems in Member States by continuing to promote reforms aiming to shift taxation from labour to the environment, especially in a context of serious macroeconomic imbalances; warns about the risks of replacing stable taxes with others from more volatile sources; stresses that the EU should first consolidate the minimum corporate tax of 15 % to avoid tax dumping and ensure fairness for the middle class and working people in the EU;deleted
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 125 #

2021/2062(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Highlights that well-designed labour taxation systems, sustainable jobs and dignified salaries are essential to ensuring high standards of worker protection against risks and illness, and theincluding in-work provisionerty ofr old -age pensionsoverty; believes that tax systems should focus on taxbeing high-income, and especially high-wealth, property, capital income and gains, and wealth at the same level as labour income in order to make the systems fairer, tofair and on reduceing inequalities and to significantly increase the revenue; stresses that this revenue could be used to fund key priorities and help address Member States’ fiscal challenges, and contribute to the long-term sustainability; recalls that the tax policy belongs in line with the principle of psublic finances, including by strengtheningsidiarity to the coverage, adequacy of health and social protection systems for all, and ensuring their long-term fundingmpetences of the Member States;
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 147 #

2021/2062(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Is concerned about over- indebtedness arising from the pandemic and its economic and social consequences, and stresses that people and SMEs have to be protected from being trapped into over- indebtedness; believes, that regarding non-performing loans, it is not credit purchasers and credit servicers who should be supported, but rather it is European SMEs, workers and civil societycomplex reasons including the lack of financial literacy that increased economic and social hardship during the pandemic, and stresses that people and SMEs have to be protected from being trapped into over- indebtedness inter alia by getting adequate support, debt advisory services and raising financial awareness;
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 159 #

2021/2062(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Believes that this pact could define the sustainable well-being related policy objectives in an improved fiscal policy framework ensuring that the EU economic and fiscal governance would work towards the achievement of these objectives; points out that this pact would contain legally binding provisions under a comprehensive surveillance procedureprovisions within a new sustainable well-being governance system; considers that the pact’s fiscal components should comprise a set of provisions which clearly take account of qualitative aspects of fiscal policies, reward sustainable well-being-oriented investments and reforms, and thus contain incentives for related action at the national level; points out that the sustainable well-being pact should consider the use of fiscal standards instead of fiscal rules, committing government spending to the pursuit of sustainability and well-being-related policy objectives, and set out an effective methodology to assess and ensure the sustainability of public finances over time;
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 177 #

2021/2062(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. WelcomNotes the European social partners’ joint proposal for an alternative set of indicators to measure economic, social and environmental progress, supplementing GDP as welfare measurement for inclusive and sustainable growth;
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 197 #

2021/2062(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to agree on a quality job creation target with a tracker system on public investments at all levels, including a dedicated section on green jobs, digital jobs and the gender perspective, and on a system of quality and green job creation conditionalities for companies accessing public funds;deleted
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 215 #

2021/2062(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses that if the EU wants to lead global sustainable recovery, millions of well-paying jobs must be created, including for medium- and low-skilled workers, so that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the common European projectjobs, support to the SMEs, education, care infrastructure and support to families need to be ensured; insists that more investment is needed in research, innovation, and zero carbon technologies;
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 241 #

2021/2062(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Points out that according to the RRF Regulation, gender equality has to be mainstreamed in the preparation and implementation of NRRPs, and that gender reporting and mainstreaming cannot be mixed with social tracking and social investments; believes that gender equality deserves its own mainstreaming methodology in RRFs, and recalls that the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) has developed a suitable methodologypromoted;
2021/07/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 10 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 29 a (new)
— having regard to its resolutions of 18 April 2019, 19 December 2019 and 17 December 2020 on the situation of religious and ethnic minorities in China,
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 14 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 30 a (new)
— having regard to its resolutions of 28 November 2019 and 26 November 2020 on the deteriorating situation of human rights in Algeria,
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 16 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 31 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2020 on Nigeria, notably the recent terrorist attacks,
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 18 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 32
— having regard to its resolution of 29 April 2021 on blasphemy laws in Pakistan, in particular the case of Shagufta Kausar and Shafqat Emmanuel9 , its resolution of 14 April 2016 on Pakistan, in particular the attack in Lahore, and its resolution of 13 December 2018 on Iran, notably the case of Nasrin Sotoudeh, __________________ 9 Texts adopted, P9_TA(2021)0157.
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 19 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 32
— having regard to its resolution of 29 April 2021 on blasphemy laws in Pakistan, in particular the case of Shagufta Kausar and Shafqat Emmanuel9 , and Asia Bibi, __________________ 9 Texts adopted, P9_TA(2021)0157.
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 20 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 32 a (new)
— having regard to the case of Maira Shahbaz, a Pakistani girl who was kidnapped, forcefully converted and married in April 2020,
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 23 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 32 a (new)
— having regard to its report of 16 April 2021 on EU-India relations,
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 24 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 32 a (new)
— having regard to its recommendation of 9 June 2021 to the Council on the 75th and 76th sessions of the United Nations General Assembly,
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 41 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas discrimination and persecution of religious is carried out by different actors – whether governments or other groups in society – and can take different forms, such as killings, torture, physical attacks, arbitrary arrests, coercion, forced conversion, kidnapping and forced marriage, forced birth control, forced displacement, various forms of human trafficking (slavery, sexual or labour exploitation), threats, exclusion, discriminatory and unfair treatment, harassment, expropriation of private properties, limitation of access to elective offices, employment, education, health and administration services, destruction of places of worship, cemeteries and cultural heritage, and online hate speech;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 45 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas discrimination and persecution of religious is carried out by different actors – whether governments or other groups in society – and can take different forms, such as killings, physical attacks, arbitrary arrests, coercion, forced conversion, kidnapping and forced marriage, forced birth control of young girls, forced abortion, threats, exclusion, discriminatory and unfair treatment, harassment, limitation of access to elective offices, employment, education, health and administration services, destruction of places of worship, cemeteries and cultural heritage, and online hate speech;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 47 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas not only believers, but also those who support or defend them, such as lawyers, can become targets following social uprising; whereas even the outcome of judicial procedures is no guarantee for safety for believers and those who support or defend them;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 75 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the Commission appointed on 4 May 2021, Mr Christos Stylianides as Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) outside the EU;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 82 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Takes the view that, regardless of their religion and belief, it is essential to promote and ensure the inclusionfreedom and dignity of all citizens in their societies and in political and cultural life;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 83 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Takes the view that, regardless of their religion and belief, it is essential to promote and ensure the inclusion of all equal and inclusive citizenship for all in their societizens in their societieses, where the members of religious minorities live, and in political and cultural life;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 103 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Is deeply concerned about the rise over the last decade of violence against people belonging to minorities on the grounds of their belief or religion as a global phenomenon, which is intensifying and affecting more and more countries; notes that it affects many religious communities, namely Christians (including Copts, Assyrians and Syrians), Jews, Muslims (including Uyghurs, Ahmadis and Alevis), Buddhists, Hindus and smaller religious groups, such as Baha’is, Sikhs and Zoroastrians, as well as groups of people who are atheists, humanists, agnostics or do not identify with any religion;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 107 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Underlines that although it is usually religious minorities that are the target of persecution or intolerance, there are cases in which persecution is also suffered by religious communities that are not sociologically minorities and have a large presence in a territory or state, but find themselves in a situation of vulnerability that makes them easy targets of intolerance and violence by terrorist groups that seek to subjugate, expel and, in some cases, exterminate them;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 113 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that among believers’ groups, Christians are estimated to constitute the majority of people facing persecution for their faith; underlines that globally around 340 million Christians experience high levels of persecution and discrimination, with over 4 500 Christians killed for their faith, 4 500 churches and other Christian buildings attacked, and over 4 200 believers detained without trial, arrested, sentenced or imprisoned in 2020 alone; is alarmed about the increase in the overall level of discrimination,stresses that these are minimum figures since many incidents go unreported; is alarmed about the increase in the overall level of persecution and discrimination, which increased by 19% between 2019 and 2020; and especially about the sharp 60% increase in the number of faith-related killings compared to 2019;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 116 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Recalls that indigenous religious communities, among others Christians in the Middle East countries, contribute profoundly to the social stability, conflict prevention and peace of their countries;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 134 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Applauds churches’ and faith based organisations’ irreplaceable humanitarian activities in conflict-hit zones, assisting people in dire need regardless of denominational background;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 144 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Notes with particular concern that persecution of Christians is widespread in the Middle East, at times amounting to genocide, and has prompted an exodus of Christians from the region over the past two decades, resulting in approximately 15 million Christians making up 4 % of the population in the Middle East and North Africa, down from 20 % a century ago; is alarmed by the situation in Iraq, where there were 1.5 million Christians before 2003, a number now reduced by 87% within one generation to approximately 175,000;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 145 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Notes with particular concern that persecution of Christians is widespread in the Middle East, at times amounting to genocide, and has prompted an exodus of Christians from the region over the past two decades, resulting in approximately 15 million Christians making up 4 % of the population in the Middle East and North Africa, down from 20 % a century ago; stresses in this respect the inalienable right to stay of discriminated and persecuted religious communities in their homelands;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 157 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls the genocides, crimes against humanity and war crimes were committed in Iraq and Syria by the so- called ‘ISIS/Daesh’ against Christians, Yazidis, Muslims and other religious and ethnic minorities in the territories under its control during the period 2014-2020;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 190 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Notes that persecution of religious minorities in Asia is commonplace in many countries, especially in those with communist regimes, and that blasphemy laws are of particular concern, particularly in Pakistan, that disproportionately target minorities, including Christians and Hindus; notes that in addition to the penalties, these laws create an environment and pretext that lead to riots and mob violence against religious minorities’ communities and neighbourhoods as well as their temples, which create intimidation and social unrest among them;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 194 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Is alarmed that religious nationalism in countries such as India, Turkey, Bhutan, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar and Nepal leads to stigmatization of Christians as allies of the West and that 2 out of 5 Christians in Asia experience persecution or discrimination for their faith; draws attention to the worsening situations in China and India in particular;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 203 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Deplores the crimes against Muslim communities in Asia, including the past and current human rights abuses against the Muslim Rohingya population; recognises the ongoing genocide against the Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang, China; condemns in the strongest possible terms China’s crimes against humanity;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 214 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Is concerned about the situation of Buddhists; takes special note of the difficult situation faced by Buddhists in Vietnam and Tibet; condemns the intensified surveillance and control of the Tibetan monastic community as well as Chinese government interferences in Tibetan Buddhism’s unique culture;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 219 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Condemns the violence and attacks by radical Hindus in India against religious minorities, including mobs;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 239 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Recalls that after major defeats of 'ISIS/Daesh' in Syria and the Middle East, the terror organisation is gaining new ground through its affiliates in the Sahel, among others in Mali and Burkina Faso, aiming at imposing its rule and violent ideology in the area;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 244 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Strongly condemns, in this regard, the violence, including murder, kidnapping, in particular, this of Leah Sharibu who, to this day, is still missing, and burning of places of worship, committed by terrorist and militant groups against Christian and Muslim communities in Nigeria, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 246 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Particularly underlines the alarming situation in Nigeria, where 3530 Christians were killed in 2020;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 248 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Emphasises the need to investigate and prosecute the murdering, kidnapping, raping, wounding and other crimes committed against Christian farmers in the Middle Belt of Nigeria, and encourages the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to enlarge the ongoing investigations for the crimes against humanity and war crimes presumably committed by Boko Haram, adding the mentioned crimes committed by jihadist Fulani militias in the Middle Belt, that have already provoked thousands of killings;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 255 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses the paramount importance of holding accountable perpetrators of human rights abuses against persons belonging to religious minorities; calls on the EU and Member States to urgently work towards the establishment of UN mechanisms and committees to investigate current human rights violations against religious minorities around the world; therefore, reiterates its call for immediate actions to address the growing human rights crisis in Xinjiang, at least to investigate the reported ethnic and religious persecution across the region; calls in this regard for the establishment of an independent UN monitoring mechanism on human rights in China, which could include a UN Special Rapporteur, a HRC Panel of Experts or a Special Envoy; supports calls for the UNHRC to hold a special session on the crisis;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 264 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
24. Calls on the Council and EU Member States to apply more sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for or involved in systematic violations of the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities, as provided for bymore efficiently using the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 287 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
27. Condemns the use by authoritarian regimes of legislation on security, sedition and the fight against terrorism and extremism as an instrument to persecute persons belonging to religious minorities, to outlaw the practise or expression of their religion and gatherings of believers, and to deter the registration of religious associations or finding pretexts for closing churches such as in China and Algeria; calls on the Commission and European External Action Service (EEAS) to monitor carefully the implementation of such legislation, and to consistently raise this issue in bilateral dialogues with the governments concerned; urges EU Member States to reject any request by foreign authorities for judicial and police cooperation in individual judicial cases if they are based on such legislation;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 300 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
28. Deplores the fact that more than 70 countries in the world enforce criminal laws or seek to introduce new legislation which provide for punishments for blasphemy, apostasy and conversion, including the death sentence; notes that laws already in place are used disproportionately against people belonging to religious minorities, and are thus seen, with good reason, as an instrument of oppression; calls for the EU to intensify its political dialogue with all countries concerned with a view to repeal those laws; underlines that converts leaving a majority faith often experience the most severe violations including imprisonment, forced divorce, abduction, physical violence and murder;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 319 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the recent appointment of Mr Christos Stylianides as the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief; calls on the Commission to include objectives for the fight against persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion as important part of his mandate; recommends that the Special Envoy works closely with the EU Special Representative for Human Rights and the Council Working Group on Human Rights (COHOM), and reiterates its calls on the Council and the Commission to adequately support the Special Envoy’s institutional mandate, capacity and duties; regrets that the Special Envoy position was left vacant for more than a year before the appointment of Mr Christos Stylianides; believes that the position should always be renewed as soon as possible;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 324 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Encourages the Commission to assist and support members of religious minorities and their families, who look for international protection or are IDPs due to war, violence and persecution, and who are willing to voluntary return to their home places, including the reconstruction of their homes, livelihoods and basic infrastructures, such as schools and hospitals;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 333 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
32. Calls on the Commission and EEAS to closer scrutinise the human rights situations of religious minorities in third countries and the implementation of related commitments under bilateral agreements of those countries with the EU;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 337 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Calls on the Commission to especially review the eligibility of third countries under the generalized scheme of preferences in this regard; advocates a system that gradually grants preferences to a country based on its compliance to human rights commitments, in order to better be able to provide incentives and sanctions;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 342 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
33. Recommends strengthening EU multilateral engagement with like-minded states and other actors with a view to promoting and mainstreaming the respect for religious minorities in human rights policies everywhere in the world; recommends that Special Envoys for Freedom of Religion or Belief throughout EU Member States share their best practices and work closely together; calls for the EU and EU Member States to enhance cooperation with the UN, the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), to intensify its dialogues with the African Union and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and to forge alliances with third countries in order to provide international responses to human rights issues faced by religious minorities, in particular those who are most vulnerable or targeted in conflict areas; also recommends that the EU continue to be the lead sponsor of resolutions on freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief in the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 345 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Welcomes the regular contacts and cooperation of EU institutions with CSOs, including Churches and religious communities, to improve the situation of persecuted religious minorities in third countries, and overcome the difficulties and obstacles they have to face in their everyday life; encourages EU institutions to intensify partnerships with CSOs, including Churches and religious communities, in particular with those in third countries dealing with religious freedom and supporting and assisting religious minorities, and leaders of persecuted religious minorities, in order to advance religious freedom and to improve the wellbeing of religious minorities’ faithful, in particular those who are in most vulnerable situations;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 346 #

2021/2055(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Calls on the Council, the Commission and EU Member States to start the procedure to declare and officially designate the 24th of June as the annual European Day on Freedom of Religion or Belief, in order to show true commitment to promoting and protecting Freedom of Religion or Belief, in commemorating the victims of acts of violence based on religion or belief; believes that the 24th of June would be appropriate for such an EU-day, as this date marks the anniversary of the EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief in 2013;
2021/06/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 9 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
— having in regard to the Russian Federation's membership of the Council of Europe as well as the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the consequent commitments and obligations arising from the membership of both organisations,
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 52 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas Russia is threatening peace and security in Europe by continuing its aggressive behaviour on the border with Ukraine and interfering with acts of terrorism on the territory of EU Member States, such as Czechia, and its eastern neighbours,seeking to destabilise neighbouring countries, including inter alia by supporting the illegitimate regime of Alexander Lukashenkoa in Belarus or fuelling frozen conflicts in numerous countries, waging a hybrid warfare against Western societies and interfering with acts of terrorism on the territory of EU Member States, such as Czechia;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 94 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas the situation in Russia is deteriorating dreadfully because of President Putin’s systemic repression of democratic forces such as when just two weeks after the arrest of Alexei Navalny Russian authorities detained more than 11 000 peaceful demonstrators, bringing the total number of Russians detained since January 2021 to more than 15 000; whereas the organisers and masterminds of the 2015 assassination of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov remain unidentified and unindicted, while the OSCE report on this issue has concluded that the 'main issues for addressing impunity is not the capabilities of the Russian law enforcement, but political will';
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 102 #

2021/2042(INI)

Ba. whereas, according to the Memorial Human Rights Centre, the Russian authorities currently hold nearly 400 political prisoners in violation of Russian Federation's obligations under Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights, Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Article 23 of the Concluding Document of the Vienna Meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 105 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas in July 2020 the Russian authorities enacted a series of constitutional amendments - including an amendment giving President Putin a waiver from presidential term-limits in 2024 - in a procedure that violated both Russian law and Russian Federation's OSCE obligations, and that the European Commission for Democracy through Law (the Venice Commission) has assessed as 'clearly inappropriate';
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 133 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas in its resolutions of 17 September 2020, 21 January 2021 and 29 April 2021 Parliament called for a review of the EU’s policy vis-à-vis Russia, including the five guiding principles agreed in 2016, emphasised that future EU relations with Russia would depend on the pace of Russia’s democratic transformation (or lack thereof) and called for the EU institutions to devise a new strategic approach on the assumption that any dialogue with Russia must be based on respect for international law and human rights; and in adherence to the EU's own values and principles;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 140 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas the five EU guiding principles for relations with Russia have helped to deterred the Kremlin regime from further aggression against Ukraine, but they are silent with respect to containingdo not address President Putin’s war against the people of Russia nor the Kremlin's broader destabilising activities;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 145 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence on the Eastern Flank has played a crucial deterrence role in the face of Russian destabilising activities, including military build-up in the Western Military District);
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 146 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas the new EU strategy should be centred on the ‘push-back, contain and engage’ principles aimed at strengthening the EU’s capacity to combat the Kremlin’s threats, especially in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) region, including Belarus, as well as in Russia itself, by defending human rights andveloping a number of policy priorities as well as different scenarios that will take into account a range of possible developments in EU-Russia relations, and within Russia itself, including assisting Russia’s possible transformation into a democracy in accordance with the principle of ‘democracy first’, or in turn responding to a more repressive and revanchist turn in the Kremlin's policies;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 174 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G
G. whereas the EU strategy on Russia should be based on the assumption that the people of Russia can transform their country into a democracyhave support for freedom and democracy at its heart;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 179 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H
H. whereas the EU strategy on Russia should work in the interest of the EU and offer Russia a constructive dialogue aimed at promoting the values of human rights and democracy; and ensure that any future strengthening of bilateral relations is dependent on the Russian Federation's fulfilment of its own commitments to human rights and democracy in accordance with its constitution and internal agreements;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 216 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the EU, together with NATO and international partners, should deter Russia and keep peace and stability in the EaP regionEurope by pressing Russia not to interfere in the region and toto cease its destabilising activities against the transatlantic space, to refrain from interfering in the countries of the Eastern neighbourhood, including by return theing occupied territories in the EU’s Eastern neighbourhoodregion, as well as to stop its destabilising activities in the Southern Neighbourhood, particularly in Syria and Libya;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 256 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the EU must have a clear goal and plans on how to cut its dependency on Russian gas and oil, at least while President Putin is in power, including, by immediately halting the construction of Nord Stream 2;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 284 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) the EU should initiate security (d) compacts with EaP countries that have an association agreement with the EU and propose a new EU integration strategy for Eastern Partners building on former Commission President Romano Prodi’s formula of ‘everything, but the institutions’, and to strengthen cooperation in areas such as informational and cyber-resilience, intelligence-sharing and stepping up joint military exercises;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 306 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) the EU and its Member States should continue itstheir work on the containment of Russian hybrid threats with instruments able to eliminate Russian hybrid influences from the EU and its Member States, in particular, attempts to polarise and divide democratic societies through disinformation and support to anti-democratic forces across Europe;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 361 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) the EU should establish with the US a transatlantic alliancemust strengthen its cooperation with the US to defend democracy globally and propose a democracy defence toolkit, which should include joint actions on sanctions, anti- money laundering policies, rules on the conditionality of economic and financial assistance, international investigations, and support for human rights activists and defenders ofan ambitious agenda to support freedom and democracy;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 373 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) in line with the ‘democracy first’ principle, the EU should strengthen the requirement of conditionality in its relations with Russia by including in any dialogue or agreement with Russia measures aimed at protecting human rights and the holding of free elections; accordingly, the EU and its Member States should revise their investment support and economic cooperation projects, starting with the halting of the Nord Stream 2 project and ensure the full implementation of all sanctions;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 398 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) the EU should increase its ability to prepare and adopt sanctions against the Russian authorities for their systemic repression of democratic forces in Russia and to centralise EU decision-making by making the triggering of sanctions automatic in cases of corruption or violation of human rights, including by urgently updating the EU global sanctions mechanism (EU Magnitsky Act) to address cases of corruption;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 413 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j
(j) the EU should establish a centralised anti-money laundering framework, including an EU authority for financial controls, to be put under Parliament’s and the Council's supervision and to be entrusted with the protection of the EU and its Member States from illicit financial practices and influences from Russia and other authoritarian regimes;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 428 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
(ka) Calls on the EU to urgently demand the release of all political prisoners unjustly imprisoned for political reasons, including Alexei Navalny, Alexei Pichugin, Yuri Dmitriev, and all others designated by the Memorial Human Rights Centre as 'political prisoners';
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 461 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
(ma) Stresses its unwavering support for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Meduza and other independent media targeted by the Kremlin; rejects all attempts by the Kremlin to silence independent media, whether through administrative, financial or coercive means;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 468 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) the EU should adopt and announccalls on the EU to adopt a strategy that will take into account different possible developments in EU-Russia relations as well as within Russia; this must include a strategic vision for its future relations with a democratic Russia, which should include a broad offer with conditions and incentives such as visa liberalisation, free trade investment and modernisation programmes, and a strategic partnership; it should also convey the potential benefits that it is willing to offer in return for a democratic transformation of Russia; at the same time, the EU and its democratic allies must also be prepared to deal with a more repressive and revanchist regime and should therefore simultaneously work to strengthen the resilience of democratic societies, and strengthen the EU and its Member States' cyber, intelligence and military capabilities to ensure sufficient deterrence;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 479 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
(na) calls on the Council to deny recognition of any attempt by Vladimir Putin to continue in office beyond the end of his current and final presidential mandate on 7th May 2024, should he attempt to do on the basis of the illegal 2020 constitutional amendments;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 481 #

2021/2042(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n b (new)
(nb) stresses that the EU must demand that Russian authorities conduct an impartial and independent investigation into the assassination of the Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov and brings its organisers and masterminds to justice, in accordance with the recommendations of the OSCE and the Council of Europe, and further calls on the Russian authorities to ensure an impartial and independent investigation into the poisoning of Alexei Navalny;
2021/06/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 52 #

2021/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) condemns the threats of reprisals and pressure imposed on Miloš Vystrčil, the President of the Czech Senate, by the PRC in connection to this visit to Taiwan in August 2020, and notes that the Czech Republic and any other sovereign country have the right to develop economic and cultural cooperation with Taiwan;
2021/06/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 79 #

2021/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) commends Taiwan as an outstanding partner in promoting human rights and freedom of religion in the Indo- Pacific region; requests the EU Special Representative for Human Rights and the EU Special Envoy for the Freedom of Religion or Belief to participate in international human rights conventions in Taiwan and to take concrete actions to work with Taiwan to advance human rights and religious freedom, the digital economy and sustainable growth of the developing countries in the Indo- Pacific region;
2021/06/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 85 #

2021/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p
(p) commends Taiwan’s acts of solidarity with the EU, as demonstrated by the donation of over 7 million surgical masks to several Member States during the pandemic, as well 5 mask production lines to the Czech Republic;
2021/06/03
Committee: AFET
Amendment 45 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the election of Joe Biden as President of the United States and Kamala Harris as Vice-President has created new opportunities to resetinvigorate the transatlantic relationship;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 49 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas the Biden administration has declared its intention to re-establish closestrengthen relations with the EU and other democratic allies;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 53 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas the Biden administration has reversed some of the most damaging unilateral actions of the Trump administrationre is a strong bipartisan support in the United States to work with democratic allies to increase the resilience of the transatlantic community against hybrid threats from authoritarian regimes;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 60 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas constructive dialogue is needed to address thebuild a strong and ambitious transatlantic divergencesagenda;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 68 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G
G. whereas, while pursuing transatlantic cooperation in areas of shared interest, the EU should also foster its strategic autonomy in defence and economic relationsmust also take greater responsibility for addressing key global and regional challenges, especially in the economic sphere, and contribute to the defence of the transatlantic area;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 83 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I
I. whereas both the EU and the US share a number of new common challenges such as the malign influence of authoritarian regimes, undermining multilateral institutions, the socio- economic impact of the pandemic, the promotion of global health, the climateenvironmental emergency, the fight against global criminal networks, and the digital and green transformation as a means of sustainable modernisation;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 96 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the adoption of the new proposal of the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for an EU-US agenda for global change in December 2020 as a blueprint for a strenewgthened transatlantic partnership; stresses that strategic autonomy cannot be pursued without a qualitative improvement in the implementation of EU foreign policy priorities and principles as well as an ambitious partnership and cooperation with the Union's closest allies;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 104 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
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 democratic values, and the promotion of human rights, sustainable development and inclusive growthand addressing the malign influence of authoritarian regimes who seek to undermine our common investment in supporting freedom, democracy and sustainable economic growth worldwide;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 112 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for a new transatlantic agenda that privileges multilateral coopo address attempts by malign authoritarian regimes to weaken and change internation for a healthier world,al norms and weaken democratic governance around the world; calls for further cooperation in areas such as the fight against climate change, promotion of peaceful resolution of conflicts, and reform of economic governance, by putting the fight againwork towards creating conditions for more sust ainequalities at its cable economic developmentre;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 140 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for strengthened interparliamentary cooperation between Members of the European Parliament, Members of national parliaments and Members of Congress in different thematic areas that could enable the exchange of best practices on global, but alsogreater coordination on shared, domestic and global challenges, such as addressing economic and social inequality, protection of human rights and democratic standards, universal health coveragegovernance, intellectual property theft, legislative convergence on AI, responsibility of online platforms and a just transition towards climate neutrality;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 143 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls for greater cooperation between US and European political foundations to strengthen dialogue between policy-makers on both sides of the Atlantic, and to put particular emphasis on fostering a new generation of transatlantic leaders;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 147 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises the importance of visa reciprocity between the EU and the US and encourages both sides to find a mutually acceptable solution that would enable a visa-free regime for all EU citizens of all EU Member States;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 157 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. EmphasisWelcomes that the announced return of the US toemphasis of the new US administration to strengthen multilateralism provides an opportunity to re-engage with the US in repairing and rebuilding the transatlantic relationship and strengthening together the global rules- based order in the spirit of our shared democratic values;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 171 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Urges the EU and the US to develop an ambitious and coordinated global democracy support agenda, to push back against creeping influence of authoritarian influence, support people's desire for freedom and strengthen democratic resilience;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 175 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for transatlantic leadership on health diplomacy, notably the reform of the World Health Organization and equitable global distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments, in particular in lower-income countries, while safeguarding the vaccines as a global public good; insists on fostering cooperation to establish better procedures for preparing for future pandemics, including through complementary supply chains; calls for an impartial independent investigation into the source and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well its handling by the WHO at its onset;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 185 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for coordinated efforts to achieve ambitious commitments at the UN summits on climate change and biodiversity in 2021; stresses, however, that over the past three decades China has tripled its carbon emissions and its now emitting 27% of the world's greenhouse gases, making EU and US efforts to address greenhouse gas emissions largely insufficient without clear commitment and implementation by China;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 191 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Finds it necessary to work together with the US on strengthening the multilateral trading system and reforming the World Trade Organization; calls on the EU and the US to work together to ensure China's compliance with WTO rules, whose industrial policy is incompatible with WTO norms or transparency, and to stand firmly with those democratic countries against whom China used tariffs and other means as a weapon of coercion;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 202 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Believes that the EU should reaffirm together with the US the centrality of the Sustainable Development Goals, or the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as a framework for effective multilateral cooperation, involving also Chinaimportance of the multilateral system and its institutions, and to strengthen their resilience in the face of malign influence of China and other authoritarian regimes;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 207 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for enhanced coordination on the use of the human-rights sanctions mechanisms, and urges the Council to adopt a corruption component as part of the EU's Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 215 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the Biden administration’s announced commitment to re-engage with the UN Human Rights Council, signalling the US’s renewed intention to promote human rights globallyand calls on the EU and the US together with like-minded allies to reform the HRC and in particular set clear criteria for its membership;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 228 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Encourages the US to move towards the abolition of the death penalty, the reform of the criminal justice system, including through addressing systemic racism, and the end of all discrimination against LGBTQI persons; urges dialogue and exchange of best practices between the EU and US on promoting racial and gender equality; calls on the EU and the Member States to strengthen their cooperation with the EU in promoting the freedom of religion or belief across the world;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 250 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Supports a rebalancing of the responsibilities in the transatlantic security relationship by fostering greater self- reliance for EU Member Statestresses the importance and the primary role of NATO as a guarantor of security across the transatlantic space, and notes the enduring role of US Army Europe in protecting peace and security in Europe; notes, however, the necessity for European countries to uphold their defence commitments, and to take on greater responsibilities in the transatlantic security relationship in matters of defence as a way to lessen the burden on the US;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 275 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Considers it necessary to fosterstrengthen cooperation not only on traditional security threats, but also on new ones such as hostile foreign technological dominance, hybrid threats, disinformation and cybersecurity;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 280 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls for more robust cooperation between the EU, US and NATO with our eastern neighbours, in particular, Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova in security and defence-related matters, support the countries' territorial integrity, and strengthen their resilience against cyber, informational, espionage and other threats emanating from the Russian Federation;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 291 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Supports the creation of the EU-US Security and Defence Dialogue and calls on the VP/HR to launch it as soon as possible; stresses, however, that such Dialogue must also include NATO representatives, and avoid duplication;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 305 #

2021/2038(INI)

20. Stresses the common need to defend global democracy against rising malign influence of authoritarianism regimes, also within the transatlantic community, by, inter alia, fostering inclusive social and economic policies that address the root causes of inequalities and fighting extreme nationalist views that provide a fertile ground for faddressing disinformation and other tools used to divide democratic societies, as well as the need to address Far-Left and Far-rRight movements to thriveextremism on both sides of the Atlantic;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 321 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
21. Supports the proposal of President Biden to hold a Summit for Democracy with like-minded democraciand to develop closer coordination with like-minded democracies in order to address the growing influence of authoritarian regimes;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 340 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Believes that the EU should engage more with the US in the Western Balkans and eastern Europe in order to build resilient, prosperous, democratic multi- ethnic societies there, capable of resisting the disruptive influence of both local and external authoritarian forces; in particular, calls on the EU and the US to work together to address Chinese malign investment across the regions, and its corrosive impact of democratic governance and the environment;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 352 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
23. Calls for a comprehensive EU-US dDialogue on China that should address the areas of divergence, such as the Comprehensive Agreement on Investments, and explore possibilities for EU-US cooperation with China in multilateral frameworks on common challenges, such as climate chango commence as soon as possible;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 362 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
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, coordination of actions in the Indo- Pacific region, setting technological standards, protecting intellectual property rights and the fight against disinformation and on sanctions, building resilience against disinformation, cyber and other hybrid threats, setting technological standards, cooperating in 5G and 6G development, strengthening democracy and human rights worldwide, providing a sustainable alternative to the Belt & Road Initiative, reducing strategic dependency on China and protection of supply chains, protecting intellectual property rights against theft and forced technology transfer, and setting due diligence standards for European and US companies; supports closer coordination on these and other issues of common concern;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 387 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
25. Calls for close cooperation to jointly address the range of threats emanating from the Russian Federation, such as the continued destabilisation of Ukraine and Georgiathe eastern neighbourhood and Western Balkan countries, interferences in democratic processes in the EU and the US, hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns, while at the same pursuing selective cooperation in the areas of shared transatlantic interest, notably in the area of arms control, strategic corruption, cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns, deplores the Russian Federation's destabilising activities on the territories of EU Member States;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 388 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
25. Calls for close cooperation to jointly address the range of threats emanating from the Russian Federation, such as the continued destabilisation of Ukraine and Georgiathe eastern neighbourhood and Western Balkan countries, interferences in democratic processes in the EU and the US, hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns, while at the same pursuing selective cooperation in the areas of shared transatlantic interest, notably in the area of arms control;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 403 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
26. Supports closer cooperation with the US and Latin American countries in promoting multilateralism, democratic values, sustainable development, human rights and international law standards; calls for greater EU-US coordination on sanctions targeting the Maduro regime in Venezuela and provide support to the democratic opposition;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 416 #

2021/2038(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
27. Welcomes the recent engagement of the US in the negotiations on a revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as a cornerstone of a global non-proliferation, however notes that any future deal must address the wider destabilising activities of Iran across the regimeon and a foundation for de-escalation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region;its declared intent to destroy the State of Israel; welcomes the signing and implementation of the Abraham Accords and calls for renewcoordinated transatlantic efforts to build on their momentum to meaningfully revive the Middle East Peace Process, leading to a viable two-state solution and wider peace and cooperation in the region;
2021/05/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 9 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
— having in regard to the Council Conclusions on Hong Kong of 28 July 2020;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 38 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas through its strong economic growth and ambitiousssertive foreign policy agenda, China is asserting a stronger global role both as an economic power and as foreign policy actorled by the Communist Party (CCP) is exerting its malign influence globally, which poses serious political, economic, security and technological challenges to the EU, has significant consequences for the world order and poses threats to liberalfreedom and democracy;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 59 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas China has athe Chinese Communist Party is a totalitarian regime with a long track record of gross human rights violations and suppression of human dignity that eschew the country’s bilateral and multilateral commitments in these areas;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 70 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the existing EU China Strategy has revealed its limitations in the light of recent developments and the challenges posed by Chinathe actions of the Chinese Communist Party at home and abroad;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 83 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) elaborate a more assertive, comprehensive and consistent EU- China strategy that unites all Member States and shapes relations with Beijing in the interest of the EU as a whole, while defending our values and promoting a rules-based multilateral order;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 90 #

2021/2037(INI)

1) Open and frank dialogue on global challenges;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 95 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point 3
3) Analysis of the threatand identification of the threats, vulnerabilities and challenges;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 96 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point 5
5) Fostering open strategic autonomyEnsuring consistent implementation of EU foreign policy priorities in line with EU values and interests;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 109 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the VP/HR to ensure that the new EU-China strategy involves China in an open but frank dialogue on global challenges, such as climate change and the fight against global pandemics, as well as those resulting from the Chinese Communist Party's malign activities at home and abroad;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 121 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Supports greater dialogue and cooperation with China on peace and security, sustainable development, science, technology and innovation, environmental issues, space and aerospace; notes, however, that such dialogue and cooperation are only possible if China is willing to uphold its international obligations;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 133 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Underscores the importance of capitalisingensuring the implementation onf China’s commitment to tackling climate change by reinforcing partnership in this field and emphasises the need to ensure that China commits to peak its emissions before 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement by implementing a carbon border adjustment mechanism; stresses, however, that over the past three decades China has tripled its carbon emissions and it is now emitting 27% of the world's greenhouse gases, making efforts to address greenhouse emissions largely insufficient without clear commitments and implementation by China;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 139 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for Human Rights Dialogues to be held regularly and calls for aDeplores Chinese officials' dismissive attitude to the Human Rights Dialogues; calls for more regular meetings and solid benchmarking of the progress made in bilateral dialogues more generally; notes that, should the Chinese side continue to ignore the Human Rights Dialogue, the EU should downgrade and limit other sectoral bilateral dialogues, including trade;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 153 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Deplores the growing religious persecution in China; welcomes the appointment of a new EU Special Envoy for the Freedom of Religion or Belief Outside the Union, and calls for the new Special Envoy to be actively involved in supporting the plight of all religious groups and entities, including Muslims, Christians and Buddhists, facing persecution in mainland China and Hong Kong;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 162 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for the EU to engage in dialogue with China on possible ways to ensure better global preparedness to respond to pandemics; calls further on China to cooperate fully inallow an independent investigation into the origins and spread of COVID;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 176 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to use the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) as a leverage instrument to improve the protection of human rights and support for civil society in Chinapeople in mainland China and Hong Kong;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 195 #

2021/2037(INI)

(a) having a timetable for China’s ratification and implementation of key International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions on labour rights and a robust monitoring mechanism, as well as concrete measures or steps towards putting an end to other human rights violations against the Uyghur minority in China, Tibetans, pro-democracy political leaders and activists in Hong Kong, and other groups and individuals facing repressions by the regime;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 204 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 – point a a (new)
(a a) The release of all political prisoners or prisoners of conscience held in mainland China and Hong Kong, including citizens of EU Member States and third country nationals;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 220 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 – point c
(c) lifting the counter-sanctions imposed by the Chinese Government on EU and national entities and individuals;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 233 #

2021/2037(INI)

9. States its support for UN to carry out legal investigations into alleged genocide and crimes against humanity taking place in the Xinjiang region and into forced labour programmes in Tibet;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 239 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for the introduction of a unilateral ban on the import of cotton and other products from forced labour and child labour or any other form of modern slavery; further calls on European companies in China, as part of their corporate responsibility, to under-take a thorough investigation into use of forced labour in their supply chains
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 243 #

2021/2037(INI)

10 a. Deplores the coercive campaign against H&M, Nike and other companies seeking to uphold their corporate responsibility and expressed their concerns over forced labour in cotton production in Xinjiang;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 251 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to put forward the proposed Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence Framework as a matter of urgency and for European companies to ensure their corporate responsibility;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 261 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Believes that the future EU strategy on China should provide the necessary tools and data to analyseanalyse and address the political, economic, social and technological threats stemming from China, its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and 17+1 policies, its investment strategy and their implications for the Union’s strategic autonomy and the liberal orderfreedom and democracy worldwide; notes that there is an urgent need to ensure political will and resources for the implementation of the EU's Connectivity Strategy; calls for greater coordination between the EU's Connectivity Strategy and the Blue Dot Network in order to provide a sustainable alternative to the Belt and Road Initiative; further calls on the EU and the US to develop a joint strategy to address China's malign investments in third countries and regions, including the Western Balkans, eastern neighbourhood, Latin America and Africa;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 273 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to commission an EU-wide audit of the EU dependency on China in certain strategically important and critical sectors, including pharmaceutical supplies, setting out plans to reduce dependency through off-shoring and near-shoring of industry, while maintaining overall trade relations with China, which should be as open as possible; ;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 282 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – introductory part
14. Calls on the Commission and the Council to elaborate mechanisms to address these threats coherently, in particular by:
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 286 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point a
(a) preservstrengthening the EU’s unity;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 288 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point b
(b) building on the EU toolbox for national risk-mitigating measures, tosuch as developing joint standards for the new generation of technologies, such as 5G and 6G networks, and ensuring that companies that do not fulfil security standards are excluded from 5G and 6G network development;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 295 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point c
(c) strengthening the EU’s unique brand of responsible global leadershipcooperation with democratic countries around the world, in particular the United States;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 306 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point d
(d) ensuring that the President of the Commission is present at the BRI annual forum, and to cooperate with Member States, to ensure that the decisions taken by EU Member States involved in the BRI initiative are in line with EU policies and interests;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 310 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point e
(e) examining all infrastructure contracts to ensure their conformity with EU legislationand national legislation; in particular, stresses the need to protect critical infrastructure from malign influence of China and other authoritarian regimes;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 326 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Believes that the future EU-China strategy should be more coordinated between the EU institutions and the Member States, as well as between the different Commission Directorates General in order to ensure a comprehensive and consistent policy that avoids compartmentalisation of separate policy areas, such as human rights, trade and investment, and assures consistency with EU values;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 333 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Encourages the EU to work with all Member States which do not have adequate investment screening mechanisms to urgently bring forward such legislation as a precondition of the ratification of the EU- China CAI, in line with the EU Framework for Screening of Foreign Direct Investment, and calls for Member States to be issued with special guidance on screening investments and acquisitions from Chinese firms under the influence of the Chinese state;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 337 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Calls on the Commission to undertake an assessment of the extent of European investment, including pension funds, going to companies in China who are complicit in human rights abuses;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 339 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17 b. Calls on the Commission to develop mechanisms to address intellectual property theft; notes that those foreign companies refusing to pay licensing fees for the use of patented technologies should be subject to import controls or bans and other measures to protect European companies; notes that intellectual property theft from Chinese companies poses a serious threat to European companies' competitiveness and citizens' jobs;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 342 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Is concerned by the assertive and, at times, aggressive diplomatic pressure from the Chinese authorities; underlines that EU institutions can in no way bow to pressure or censorship from Chinese channels; further calls on EU institutions and agencies to engage in a thorough due diligence process to ensure that technologies of those companies engaged in surveillance and repressions in Xinjiang and across mainland China and Hong Kong are removed from all buildings and facilities owned or rented by EU institutions and agencies, and to prohibit all further purchases of products made by such companies; further calls on EU institutions and agencies to conduct a thorough review of their security and cyber resilience policies and instruments;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 365 #

2021/2037(INI)

19. Calls on the VP/HR to coordinate the Union’s actions with like-minded partners on the protection of human rights and support for civil society in Chinapeople in China and Hong Kong and for Chinese diaspora around the world, as well as the defence of liberalfreedom and democracy in the world, notably in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and with a view to engaging China to respect international law, the freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of disputes;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 370 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
20. Considers it necessary for the EU to promote a balanced and prosperous transatlantic relationship with the Biden Administration, in order to maintain and demonstrate the united strength of global liberal democracies in multilateral organisations; of primary importance for the EU to develop and promote an ambitious and dynamic transatlantic agenda, as a key cornerstone for strengthened cooperation among democratic countries around the world; cals for the EU-US Dialogue on China to commence as soon as possible, especially in areas such as democracy support, 5G and 6G research and development, strategic dependency, intellectual property theft, providing a sustainable alternative to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Chinese malign investment more broadly;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 380 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Notes that China's industrial policy is incompatible with WTO norms and transparency, and calls on the EU and the US to work together to ensure China's compliance with WTO rules, and to stand firmly with those democratic countries against whom China continues to employ tariffs and other means as a weapon of coercion;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 384 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
21. Underlines the importance of the EU remaining vigilant about China’s changing role and growing influence in multilateral organisations and to ensure better coordination among the Member States and towards combining the strength of global liberal democracies in order to respond to this development; calls on the EU to work with the US and other democratic partners to counter China's and other authoritarian regimes' attempts to rewrite international norms and to further address their malign influence in multilateral institutions, notable at the UN;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 393 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Underscores the necessity of fostering closer cooperation with NATO and G7 countries to fight hybrid threats, including cyber and disinformation campaigns stemming from China;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 397 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
23. Calls for stronger cooperation with NATO on Chinese security challenges; supports NATO’s proposal to develop a political strategy for approaching a world in which China will be of growing importance through to 2030; based on different scenarios for the development of relations with China, including the possibility of further deterioration of security in the South China Sea, and calls for dialogue and coordination with the countries of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 410 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 5
FosterStrengthening European strategic autonomyUnion's resilience
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 414 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
25. Underlines that investment and trade conditionality by itself is not enough to counter Chinese assertiveness; finds that the EU should increase strategic autonomy by addressing othaddress the wider dimensions of the EU-China relationship, notably digital and technological sovereignty, intellectual property theft and supply chain security;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 428 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
28. Calls for increased funding for 5G rollout projects and research into 6G, AI and big data technology, and the exclusion of Huawei and other Chinese companies from the Europe's 5G and 6G development and other critical infrastructure in order to ensure future network security and increased digital sovereignty which will be vital for digitalisation and economic growth, but also for closing the technological gap with China;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 452 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32 a. Calls on the Council to implement the Council Conclusions of 13 July 2020 regarding Hong Kong, including the setting up of a lifeboat scheme for those Hong Kongers facing repressions; further calls on those Member States who continue to have extradition treaties with China and Hong Kong in force, to suspend them as soon as possible;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 456 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
33. Believes that the Union should continue working towards its transformation into a geopolitical player by ensuring a more united geopolitical approach of its Member States, as well as by fostering its strategic autonomygreater domestic resilience against the malign influence of China and other authoritarian regimes;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 465 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33 a. Resolutely condemns the threats of reprisals and pressure imposed on Milos Vystrcil, the President of the Czech Senate, by China in connection to his visit to Taiwan in August 2020, and notes that the Czech Republic and any other sovereign country has the right to develop economic and cultural relations with Taiwan;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 470 #

2021/2037(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
34. Points to the need to strengthen the EU’s tools to defend itself, increase its capacity to protect its interests overseas, acquire greater influencplay a more pro-active, consistent and strategic role in its direct neighbourhood and ensure that the Member States are united in their geopolitical approach;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 476 #

2021/2037(INI)

35. Believes that the Conference on the Future of Europe should be used to give the VP/HR a stronger mandate to act on behalf of the EU and take the necessary steps to introducediscuss the possibility of using qualitied majority voting in certain areas of foreign affairs, as well as tohe feasibility of createing a European Defence Union while avoiding duplication with the primary role of NATO as a security guarantor across the wider transatlantic area;
2021/05/27
Committee: AFET
Amendment 25 #

2021/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas the voice of workerssocial partnership and collective bargaining between representatives of employees and employers on national level and the social dialogue on European level is a key element of the European Social Model, whose shared legacy of social dialogue, workers’ participation, collective bargaining, employee representation on boards, health and safety representation, and tripartism are the building blocks of a diverse and socially sustainable future;
2021/07/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 44 #

2021/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas workers’ participation, collective bargaining coverage and unionisation are decliningshould be supported and promoted across the EU;
2021/07/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 52 #

2021/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas trade unions and workers’workers’ representatives, including trade unions, together with employee representatives have played a key role in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the workplace, from the introduction of measures to protect the health and safety of workers, notably essential workers in highly exposed workplaces, to the implementation of job retention schemes such as short-time work and new forms of work organisation like working from home;
2021/07/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 76 #

2021/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I
I. whereas employees are not mere ‘stakeholders’ of companies, but ‘constituting parties’ alongsideneither shareholders who have to bear the entrepreneurial risk; therefore, the final decision-making power should remain with shareholders and managers; whereas worker participation in companies is a key component of a pluralistic model of corporate governance based on democratic principles, fairness and efficiency23 ; __________________ 23ILO study of November 2018 on corporate governance models: structure, diversity, evaluation and prospects.
2021/07/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 90 #

2021/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Notes the rich and interlocking network of workers’ participation at workplaces across the entire Union, from workers and trade unionworkers representatives, including trade unions, elected by and from the workforce at the local level, to cross-site works councils in more complex companies, to dedicated health and safety representation, and employee representation on companies’ supervisory or administrative boards;
2021/07/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 91 #

2021/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights the need to raise awareness of EWCs among employee and management representatives; stresses that EWCs are a unique forum to exchange information, build and promote corporate identity;
2021/07/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 97 #

2021/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Is convinced that the workers’ 3. voice must be a key component of EU initiatives to ensure sustainable corporate governance and due diligence on human right, as laid down in TFEU Article 154 on the consultation of management and labour, to ensure sustainable corporate governance and due diligence on human rights; stresses that it is the main responsibility of states and governments to safeguard human rights in their countries and that this responsibility shall not be fully transferred to private actors;
2021/07/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 105 #

2021/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Highlights the importance of continuously improving the EU’s and Member States’ education, training and skills policies including vocational training, in particular in order to ensure lifelong learning and training, as well as the upskilling and reskilling for all workers;
2021/07/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 107 #

2021/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to respect the agreements between European social partners at both cross-industry and sectoral level, in accordance with TFEU Article 154 and 155, and to refrain from unilaterally deciding, in spite of the joint request of those social partners, not to transpose such agreements through a generally binding Council decision;
2021/07/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 133 #

2021/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Calls onEncourages the Commission and the Member States to establish the necessary conditions and requirements to ensure that at least 80 % ofsupport that large corporations in the EU are covered by sustainable corporate governance agreements by 2030while recognizing the particular administrative burden for small and medium-sized enterprises25 ; calls, to this end, for the establishment of strategies agreed with workers to positively influence environmental, social and economic development through governance practices and market presence,; to strengthen the role of directors in pursuing the long-term interests of their company, to improve directors’companies' accountability towards integrating sustainability into corporate decision- making, and to promote corporate governance practices that contribute to company sustainability, including corporate reporting, board remuneration, a maximum CEO-to-worker pay ratio, board composition and stakeholder involvement26 ; __________________ 25Commission staff working document of 4 March 2021 accompanying its European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan (SWD(2021)0046). 26 Ibid.
2021/07/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 140 #

2021/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission to deliver on its commitment to put forward without further delay a directive on binding human rights due diligence and responsible business conduct, including workers’ rights such as the right to organise and collectively bargain, health and safety, social protection and working conditions; stresses that this directive should establish mandatory due diligence covering companies’ activities and their business relationships, including supply and subcontracting chains, and should ensure the full involvement of trade unions and workers’ representatives throughout to ensure transparency over the activities of the subcontractors and supply chain actors in third countries, especially in those whole due diligence processere forced labour or inhumane, degrading treatment disrespectful to human dignity continues to be practiced at the workplace;
2021/07/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 146 #

2021/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Is convinced that introducing and monitoring new digital technologies in the workplace successfully and in a trustworthy manner willhas, despite the challenges that need to be address on individual case-by-case basis, the potential to have a positive impact on the working environment if they are introduced in a trustworthy manner and applied in line with the human-centric approach, protecting and enhancing dignity of every worker. This will inter alia require timely and meaningful information for and consultation with trade unions and workers’ representatives to ensure full respect for their health, safety, data protection, equal treatment and well- being at work and prevent undue exploitation and surveillance of workers, in particular via management by algorithms; underlines the fact that trade unions and workers’ representatives should have the necessary access and means to assess and evaluate digital technology; highlights the need to apply the ethics-by-default principle throughout the entire life cycle of the digital technologies in order to harness their full potential and avoid biases;
2021/07/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 159 #

2021/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses the need to thoroughly enforce, evaluate and in case it is necessary based on this evaluation, strengthen, enforce and consolidate all the relevant EU laws to ensure that information and consultation is an integral part of company decision-making at all levels within companies;
2021/07/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 170 #

2021/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses the importance of ensuring timely and meaningful information and consultation across the EU before any decisions are made abouton policies or measures with cross-border implications are made; emphasises that workers’ representatives must have access to the requisite expertise sufficient to assess the implications of these cross- border policies and processes for the workforce and companies;
2021/07/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 189 #

2021/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission to introduce a new framework directive on workers’ information, consultation and participation for the various kinds of European companies, including subcontracting chains and franchises, and for companies that use EU company mobility instruments, in order to establish minimum standards on issues such as anticipating change and restructuring, in particular at company level;
2021/07/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 195 #

2021/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses that many shortcomings in EU law would be overcome by introducing thresholds for a minimum EU standard of board-level representation under this new framework directive; considers, to this end, that workers’ representatives should have the following number/proportion of seats on boards: 2 or 3 seats in small companies with 50 to 250 employees, one third of all seats in companies with 250 to 1 000 employees, and half of all seats in big companies with more than 1 000 employees (within the company and its direct or indirect subsidiaries);
2021/07/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 208 #

2021/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Commission to guaranteensure information and consultation rights to ensure thatin order to enable the European Works Council canto deliver its opinion before consultation is completed at the respective level; moreover, calls on the Commission, moreover,Member States to ensure access to justice, to put an end to exemptions for old, so-called ‘voluntary’ pre-directive agreements after more than 20 years, to introduce sanctions and on the Commission to introduce effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties in order to ensure compliance, to consolidate the concept of the ‘transnational character of a matter’ and incorporate it intoin the context of the European Works Council Directive, to prevent the abuse of confidentiality rules, and to ensure the efficient coordination of information, consultation and participation at local, national and EU levels;
2021/07/13
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 215 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
(6) Platform work can provide opportunities for accessing the labour market more easily, gaining additional income through a secondary activity or enjoying some flexibility create employment, increase choice, provide additional income, and lower barriers to entering the organisation of working timelabour market, especially for vulnerable groups. At the same time, platform work brings challenges, as it can blur the boundaries between employment relationship and self- employed activity, and the responsibilities of employers and workers. Misclassification of the employment status has consequences for the persons affected, as it is likely to restrict access to existing labour and social rights. It also leads to an uneven playing field with respect to businesses that classify their workers correctly, and it has implications for Member States’ industrial relations systems, their tax base and the coverage and sustainability of their social protection systems. While such challenges are broader than platform work, they are particularly acute and pressing in the platform economy.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 218 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) Platform work may facilitate flexibility and optimisation of resources, and provide opportunities for both people working in or through digital labour platforms and clients, and the matching of demand for and supply of services.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 220 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 6 b (new)
(6b) Innovation in digital tools is a precondition for platform work and can contribute to growth in times of crisis and recovery.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 221 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 6 c (new)
(6c) Platform work can offer advantages for students and those who wish to combine study and work at the same time, as well as creating access to employment for young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs), and people with lower skill levels;
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 232 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) No legal uncertainty exists for the traditional regulated liberal professions, irrespective whether their performance is facilitated by digital means or not. Further more, the question of the classification of regulated liberal professions is often clearly regulated on national level and often free lancers, engaged in liberal professions, are legally prohibited from employment under employment contract.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 234 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 c (new)
(7c) No definition of 'worker’ at European level exists, to resolve the above mentioned uncertainties, and the case law of the CJEU has established criteria for determining the status of a worker and a self employed person, while leaving most of the competences to the Member States;
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 272 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
(15) In addition, the Commission held extensive exchanges with relevant stakeholders, including digital labour platforms, associations of persons performing platform work, experts from academia, Member States and international organisations and representatives of civil society. It is of utmost importance for these consultations to continue after the adoption of this Directive, including social partners at all levels, in order to guarantee the smooth transposition and implementation of the Directive and provide for a timely revision, based on lessons learned.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 293 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
(18) Digital labour platforms differ from other online platforms in that they organise work performed by individuals at the request, one-off or repeated, of the recipient of a service provided by the platform. Organising work performed by individuals should imply at a minimum a significantdetermining role in matching the demand for the service with the supply of labour by an individual who has a contractual relationship with the digital labour platform and who is available to perform a specific task, and can include other activities such as processing payments. Online platforms which do not organise the work performed by individuals but merely provide the means by which service providers can reach the end-user, for instance by advertising offers or requests for services or aggregating and displaying available service providers in a specific area, without any further involvement, should not be considered a digital labour platform. The definition of digital labour platforms should not include providers of a service whose primary purpose is to exploit or share assets, such as short-term rental of accommodation. It should be limited to providers of a service for which the organisation of work performed by the individual, such as transport of persons or goods or cleaning, constitutes a determining, necessary and essential and not merely a minor and purely ancillary component.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 323 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
(23) Ensuring correct determination of the employment status should not prevent the improvement of working conditions of genuine self-employed persons performing platform work. Where a digital labour platform decides – on a purely voluntary basis, as a result of collective bargaining, based on the Code of Conduct agreed among the relevant stakeholders, or in agreement with the persons concerned – to pay for social protection, accident insurance or other forms of insurance, training measures or similar benefits to self-employed persons working through that platform, those benefits as such should not be regarded as determining elements indicating the existence of an employment relationship.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 324 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
(23) Ensuring correct determination of the employment status should not prevent the improvement of working conditions of genuine self-employed persons performing platform work. Where a digital labour platform decides – on a purely voluntary basis, as a result of collective bargaining or in agreement with the persons concerned – to pay for social protection, accident insurance or other forms of insurance, training measures or similar benefits to self-employed persons working through that platform, those benefits as such should not be regarded as determining elements indicating the existence of an employment relationship.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 357 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 26 a (new)
(26a) Code of Conduct based on the agreement among relevant stakeholders as a form of self-regulation focused on improving working conditions of genuine self-employed persons performing platform work including their social protection should be encouraged by the Commission and Member States. Improving working conditions of genuine self-employed persons performing platform work by the platforms involved in the Code of Conduct shall not be considered as fulfilling the criteria as outlined by Article 4 paragraph 2.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 358 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 26 a (new)
(26a) Collective bargaining agreements between representatives of platform workers and digital labour platforms focusing on the working conditions of platform workers are encouraged and the competent authorities in Member States shall not consider any of the criteria in Article 4 paragraph 2 met where they are included in collective bargaining negotiations.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 393 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 33
(33) Digital labour platforms should not be required to disclose the detailed functioning of their automated monitoring and decision-making systems, including algorithms, or other detailed data that contains commercial secrets, price sensitive information or is protected by intellectual property rights. Digital labour platforms should also not be required to disclose information that, with reasonable certainty, would result in the enabling of deception of consumers or consumer harm through the manipulation of the system. However, the result of those considerations should not be a refusal to provide all the information required by this Directive.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 433 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 44
(44) Representatives of persons performing platform work should be able to represent one or several persons performing platform work in any judicial or administrative procedure to enforce any of the rights or obligations arising from this Directive. Bringing claims on behalf of or supporting several persons performing platform work is a way to facilitate proceedings that would not have been brought otherwise because of procedural and financial barriers or a fear of reprisalsExcept to the extent that national law provides for it, individuals should not be subject to collective action on their behalf without having agreed explicitly to the action. This is in order to ensure that collective action by representatives of persons performing platform work would not result in persons performing platform work being reclassified against their will.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 439 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 45
(45) Platform work is characterised by the lack of a common workplace where workers can get to know each other and communicate with each other and with their representatives, also in view of defending their interests towards the employer. It is therefore necessary to create digital communication channels, in line with the digital labour platforms’ work organisation, where persons performing platform work can exchange with each other and be contacted by their representatives. Digital labour platforms should create such communication channels within their digital infrastructure or through similarly effective means, while respecting the protection of personal data and refraining from accessing or monitoring those communicationsfacilitate the establishment of such communication channels while respecting the protection of personal data.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 475 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. This Directive shall be without prejudice to the full respect of the autonomy of social partners, as well as their right to negotiate and conclude collective agreements.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 499 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) ‘platform work’ means any work essentially organised through a digital labour platform and performed in the Union by an individual on the basis of a direct contractual relationship between the digital labour platform and the individual, irrespective of whether an case no contractual relationship exists between the individual and the recipient of the service;
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 504 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3
(3) ‘person performingengaged in platform work' means any individual performing platform work, irrespective of the contractual designation of the relationship between that individual and the digital labour platform by the parties involved;
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 525 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
(6a) ´Code of Conduct´ means a form of self-regulation focused on improving working conditions of genuine self- employed persons performing platform work which shall: (a) be such that it is broadly accepted by the main stakeholders at Union level (b) clearly and unambiguously set out its objectives; (c) include an ex-ante review of the contractual terms between the platform and the persons performing platform work (d) provide for regular, transparent and independent monitoring and evaluation of the achievement of the objectives aimed at; and (e) provide for effective enforcement including effective and proportionate sanctions. The signatories of the Code of Conduct shall submit the draft of the code to the Commission. The Commission shall make the Code of conduct publicly available.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 541 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 2
2. The definition of digital labour platforms laid down in paragraph 1, point (1), shall not include providers of a service whose primary purpose is to exploit or share assets. It shall be limited to providers of a service for which the organisation of work performed by the individual constitutes not merely a minor and purely ancillary component, or organisations classified as a small or medium sized enterprise according to Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 555 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. The determination of the existence of an employment relationship shall be guided primarily by the facts relating to the actual performance of work, taking into account the use of algorithms in the organisation of platform work, by the individual in question on a case by case basis irrespective of how the relationship is classified in any contractual arrangement that may have been agreed between the parties involved. Where the existence of an employment relationship is established based on facts, the party assuming the obligations of the employer shall be clearly identified in accordance with national legal systems.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 605 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Controlling the performance of work within the meaning of paragraph 1 shall be understood as fulfilling at least two majority of the following, without prejudice to collective agreements between digital labour platforms and persons performing platform work:
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 616 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) effectivelyDe facto determining, or setting upper limits for thethe total level of remuneration, beyond what is required by law;
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 627 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) requiring the person performing platform work to respect specificextensive binding rules with regard to appearance, conduct towards the recipient of the service or performance of the work;, beyond what is required by law or reasonably necessary to safeguard health and safety or to ensure the essential functioning of the service.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 640 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) supervising the performance of work or verifying the quality of the results of the work including by eleincluding by electronic means beyond what is required by law or reasonably necessary to safeguard health and safety or to ensure the essential functrionic means;ng of the service.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 649 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) effectivelyDe facto restricting the freedom, including through sanctions, to organise one’s work, in particular the discretion to choose one’s working hours or periods of absence, to accept or to refuse tasks or to use subcontractors or substitutes;
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 657 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) effectivelyde facto restricting the possibility to build a client base or to perform work for any third party.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 726 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 a (new)
Article 4a Ensuring correct determination of the employment status should not prevent the improvement of working conditions of genuine self-employed persons performing platform work. Where a digital labour platform decides – on a purely voluntary basis or in agreement with the persons concerned or based on the Code of Conduct – to pay for social protection, accident insurance or other forms of insurance, training measures or similar benefits to self-employed persons working through that platform, those benefits as such should not be regarded as determining elements indicating the existence of an employment relationship.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 745 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Where the digital labour platform argues that the contractual relationship in question is not an employment relationship as defined by the law, collective agreements or practice in force in the Member State in question, with consideration to the case- law of the Court of Justice, the burden of proof shall be on the digital labour platform. Such proceedings shall not have suspensive effect on the application of the legal presumption.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 770 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5a Improvement of working conditions for genuine self-employed persons performing platform work Ensuring correct determination of the employment status shall not prevent the improvement of working conditions of genuine self-employed persons performing platform work. Where a digital labour platform decides, in agreement with the persons concerned, to pay for social protection, accident insurance or other forms of insurance, training measures or similar benefits to self-employed persons working through that platform, those benefits as such shall not be regarded as determining elements indicating the existence of an employment relationship.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 842 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 a (new)
Article 6a Unless otherwise provided in this Directive or in the national law to which the platform operator is subject, in particular legislation concerning access to information, the platform operator shall not be obliged to disclose information which they have designated as confidential.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 882 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Where platform workers are not satisfied with the explanation or the written statement of reasons obtained or consider that the decision referred to in paragraph 1 infringes their rights, they shall have the right to request the digital labour platform to review that decision. The digital labour platform shall respond to such request by providing the platform worker with a substantiated reply without undue delay and in any event within one week of receiptin line with deadlines outlined in GDPR. That period may be extended by two further months where necessary, taking into account the complexity and number of the requests.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 904 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. Without prejudice to the rights and obligations under Directive 2002/14/EC, Member States shall ensure information and consultation of platform workers’ representatives or, where there are no such representatives, of the platform workers concerned by digital labour platforms, onMember States shall ensure that Directive 2002/14/EC is applied to decisions likely to lead to the introduction of or substantial changes in the use of automated monitoring and decision-making systems referred to in Article 6(1), in accordance with this Article.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 910 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 2
2. For the purposes of this Article, the definitions of ‘information’ and ‘consultation’ as laid down in Article 2, points (f) and (g), of Directive 2002/14/EC shall apply. The rules laid down in Article 4(1), (3) and (4), Article 6 and Article 7 of Directive 2002/14/EC shall apply accordingly.deleted
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 913 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. The platform workers’ representatives or the platform workers concerned may be assisted by an expert of their choice, in so far as this is necessary for them to examine the matter that is the subject of information and consultation and formulate an opinion. Where a digital labour platform has more than 500 platform workers in a Member State, the expenses for the expert shall be borne by the digital labour platform, provided that they are proportionate.deleted
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 934 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Member States shall ensure full portability of all health and social security contributions, made through platforms, irrespective of the employment classification, and non-discriminatory treatment of persons, engaged in platform work vis-a-vis any other self-employed person or worker.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 935 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1 d (new)
Member States shall ensure that platform workers enjoy the right to data portability, including reputational data, (and the right not to transport those data), the right to rectification, erasure and to be forgotten in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679;
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 984 #

2021/0414(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that digital labour platforms createfacilitate the establishment of the possibility for persons performing platform work to contact and communicate with each other, and to be contacted by representatives of persons performing platform work, through the digital labour platforms’ digital infrastructure or similarly effective means, while complying with the obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679. Member States shall require digital labour platforms to refrain from accessing or monitoring those contacts and communicationswhile complying with the obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
2022/06/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 17 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
(5) The modern interconnected world economy creates an increased risk of, and opportunity for, economic coercion, as it provides countries, especially non- democratic regimes, with enhanced, including hybrid, direct or indirect, means to deploy such coercion. It is desirable that the Union contribute to the creation, development and clarification of international frameworks for the prevention and elimination of situations of economic coercion.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 19 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
(5 a) Non-democratic regimes, such as the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China or the Islamic Republic of Iran, continue to undermine the international rules-based order, threaten the Union's and the Member States' democratic governance and security, and degrade our economic competitiveness.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 22 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
(6) Whilst always acting within the framework of international law, it is essential that the Union possess an appropriate instrument to deter and counteract economic coercion by third countries in order to safeguard its rights and interests and those of its Member States. This is particularly the case where third countries take measures affecting trade or investment that interfere in the legitimate sovereign choices of the Union or a Member State by seeking, including its governmental and judicial actions and decisions, by seeking, directly or indirectly, to prevent or obtain the cessation, modification or adoption of a particular act by the Union or a Member State. Such measures affecting trade or investment may include not only actions taken on, and having effects within, the territory of the third country, but also actions taken by the third country, including through entities controlled or directed by the third country and present in the Union, that cause harm to economic activities in the Union.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 23 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
(6 a) The economic coercion by the People's Republic of China against Lithuania, a Member State of the Union, undermines the basic principles of the Union's Single Market and requires joint response.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 24 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 b (new)
(6 b) The People's Republic of China's economic coercion against Union candidate and potential candidate countries undermines the Union's enlargement policies and the success of democratic and economic reforms in countries aspiring to become Member States of the Union. China's investments and loans in the Western Balkan countries, especially the 1 billion euro loan taken by the Montenegrin government for the construction of the Bar-Boljare highway, increase the countries' vulnerability to foreign interference and place a burden on their public finances.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 25 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
(8) The objectives of this Regulation, in particular counteracting third countries’ economic coercion of the Union or a Member State, cannot be sufficiently achieved by Member States acting on their own. This is because Member States as distinct actors under international law may not be entitled under international law to respond to economic coercion directed against the Union. Additionally, because of the exclusive competence conferred on the Union by Article 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Member States are prevented from taking common commercial policy measures as a response to economic coercion. Therefore, those objectives can bare achieved with greater effectiveness at Union level, and in the spirit of unity and solidarity.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 30 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
(13) The Commission should examine whether third-country measures are coercive, on its own initiative or following information received from any source, including legal and natural persons or a Member State. Following this examination, the Commission should determine in a decision whether the third-country measure is coercive. The Commission should communicate any affirmative determination to the third country concerned, together with a request that the economic coercion cease within a period of no more than 90 days and a request, where appropriate, that any injury be repaired.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 32 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
(14) The Union should support and cooperate with third countries affected by the same or similar measures of economic coercion or other interested third countries, in particular, like minded democratic partners. The Union should participate in international coordination in bilateral, plurilateral or multilateral fora that are geared towards the prevention or elimination of the economic coercion.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 34 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
(15) The Union should only impose countermeasures when other means such as negotiations, mediation or adjudication do not lead to the prompt and effective cessation of the economic coercion and to reparation of the injury it has caused to the Union or its Member States, and where action is necessary to protect the interests and rights of the Union and its Member States and it is in the Union’s interest. It is appropriate that the Regulation sets out the applicable rules and procedures for the imposition and application of Union response measures and permits expeditious action where necessary to preserve the effectiveness of any Union response measures.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 35 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
(16) Union response measures adopted in accordance with this Regulation should be selected and designed on the basis of objective criteria, including: the effectiveness of the measures in inducing the cessation of coercion by the third country; their potential to provide relief to economic operators within the Union affected by the third-country measures of economic coercion; the aim of avoiding or minimising negative economic and other effects on the Union; and the avoidance of disproportionate administrative complexity and costs; and strategic communication of Union's actions to ensure that they are not misrepresented or manipulated by third country through misinformation, disinformation or propaganda. It is also essential that the selection and design of Union response measures take account of the Union’s interest. Union response measures should be selected from a wide array of options in order to allow the adoption of the most suitable measures in any given case.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 39 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
(21) It is important to ensure an effective and regular communication and exchange of views and information between the Commission on the one hand and the European Parliament and the Council on the other, in particular on efforts to engage with the third country concerned to explore options with a view to obtaining the cessation of the economic coercion and on matters that may lead to the adoption of Union response measures under this Regulation.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 49 #

2021/0406(COD)

— interferes in the legitimate sovereign choices of the Union or a Member State, including its governmental and judicial actions and decisions, by seeking to prevent or obtain the cessation, modification or adoption of a particular act by the Union or a Member State
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 50 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
— by applying or threatening to apply measures affectingundermining the economic security, trade or, investment. or competitiveness
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 52 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 2 a (new)
- circumvents or assists another third country to circumvent restrictive measures imposed by the Union
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 55 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) whether the third country is engaging in a pattern of interference seeking to obtain from the Union or from Member States or other countries particular acts, or to hinder the Union's or the Member States' capacity to act;
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 56 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(b a) the broader context, including, whether the third country's coercive measures are part of a wider pattern of behaviour that undermine the Union or Member States' interests, security, or capacity to act;
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 62 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission mayshall examine any measure of a third country in order to determine whether it meets the conditions set out in Article 2(1). The Commission shall act expeditiously.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 64 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The Commission shall use the Single Entry Point to allow all Union stakeholders to submit information concerning measures taken by a third country.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 67 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The Commission mayshall publish a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union or through other suitable public communication means with an invitation to submit information within a specified time limit. In that event, the Commission shall notify the third country concerned of the initiation of the examination.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 74 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3
The Commission shall keep the European Parliament and the Council regularly informed of relevant developments.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 77 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
The Commission shall enter into consultations or cooperation, on behalf of the Union, with any other country affected by the same or similar measures of economic coercion or with any interested third country, with a view to obtaining the cessation of the coercion. This mayshould involve, where appropriate, coordination in relevant international fora and coordination with like-minded democratic partners in response to the coercion.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 81 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) action is necessary to protect the security, interests and rights of the Union and its Member States in that particular case, and
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 85 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall, upon adoption of the implementing act, notify the third country concerned of the Union response measures adopted pursuant to paragraph 1. In the notification, the Commission shall, on behalf of the Union, call on the third country concerned to promptly cease the economic coercion, offer to negotiate a solution, and inform the third country concerned that the Union response measure will apply, unless the economic coercion ceases within a period of up to no more than 90 days.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 91 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. Any Union response measure shall not exceed the level that is commensurate with the injury suffered by the Union or a Member State due to the third country’s measures of economic coercion, taking into account the gravity of the third country’s measures and the rights in question, as well as the impact of the measures on the Union or a Member State.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 93 #

2021/0406(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall keep under review the measures of economic coercion deployed by a third country that have triggered the Union response measures, the effectiveness of the Union response measures adopted and their effects on the Union’s interests and shall keep the European Parliament and the Council regularly informed thereof.
2022/06/21
Committee: AFET
Amendment 46 #

2021/0293(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
(7) Digital skills, basic and advanced, for all and with the special focus on vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities, elderly or people from disadvantaged background, are essential to reinforce the collective resilience of the Union’s society. Digitally empowered and capable citizens will be able to take advantage of the opportunities of the Digital Decade. Moreover, digital training and education should support a workforce in which people can acquire specialised digital skills to get quality jobs and rewarding careers in much greater numbers than today, with convergence between women and men. In addition, an essential enabler for taking advantage of the benefits of digitisation, for further technological developments and for Europe’s digital leadership is a sustainable digital infrastructure for connectivity, microelectronics and the ability to process vast data. Excellent and secure connectivity for everybody and everywhere in Europe including in rural and remote areas40 is needed. Societal needs for upload and download bandwidth are constantly growing. By 2030, networks with gigabit speeds should become available at accessible conditions for all those who need or wish such capacity. Moreover, microprocessors which are already today at the start of most of the key, strategic value chains are expected to be in even higher demand in the future, in particular the most innovative ones. Climate neutral highly secure edge node guaranteeing access to data services with low latency wherever businesses are located and quantum capacity are also expected to be critical enablers. _________________ 40 Long-term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas. COM(2021) 345 final.
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 71 #

2021/0293(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 9
(9) Democratic life and public services will also crucially depend on digital technologies and therefore they should be fully accessible for everyonetogether with the training in digital skills fully accessible for everyone in particular vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities or people from disadvantaged background, as a best–in- class digital environment providing for easy-to-use, efficient and personalised services and tools with high security and privacy standards.
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 121 #

2021/0293(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) set a clear direction for the ethical digital transformation of the Union and for delivery of the digital targets;
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 126 #

2021/0293(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) promote a human-centered, inclusive, secure and open digital environment based on ethical principles, where digital technologies and services respect and enhance human dignity, Union principles and values;
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 144 #

2021/0293(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) reinforce Member States’ collective resilience and bridge the digital divide notably by promoting basic and specialised digital skills for all and fostering the development of high-performing digital education including upskilling and reskilling and training systems;
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 220 #

2021/0293(COD)

(b) 100% of Union citizens have secured access to their medical records (electronic health records (EHR)) while the highest level of privacy and data protection is ensured;
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 247 #

2021/0293(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the main implemented, adopted and planned policies, measures and actions contributing to the objectives and digital targets set out in Article 2 and 4 including the policies, measures and actions targeted at the most vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities and people coming from disadvantaged background;
2022/03/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 9 #

2021/0227(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that the social and employment related consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic demand a strong response for people, families, workers and businesses; highlights in this regard the crucial role of the European funds and financial instruments including the Recovery and Resilience facility, the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), which will be the main driver for strengthening the social dimension of the Union and ensuring a socially sustainable recovery, as well as of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) and the Just Transition Fund (JTF); stresses that these funds and instruments should support activities of all relevant stakeholders including non-governmental and charitable organisations;
2021/08/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 15 #

2021/0227(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that the budget should help create quality employment, reduce poverty and increase upward social convergenceresilience and improve stability of the social systems in a time of unprecedented crisis following the COVID-19 pandemic; stresses that the crisis has exacerbated existing social and economic inequalities and hascreated new ones; points out that the pandemic has moreover worsened the living and working conditions of many workers and their families; insists on the need to tackle territorial and regional disparities;
2021/08/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 25 #

2021/0227(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the importance of policies and measures to support labour market transition, especially in the context of the COVID-19 crisis and long-standing trends; insists on the need forto adopt up- and reskilling policies and to recognize skills gained through informal and non- formal learning in order to address the challenges posed by demographic change as well as the green and digital transition; recalls that the integra including the increased use of AI; recalls that the improvement of the position into the labour market of the most vulnerable groups, such as people in poverty, peoplersons with disabilities, young and elderly people, single parents and the unemployed, that allows dignified life, is paramount;
2021/08/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 33 #

2021/0227(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the Commission proposal to allocate EUR 13 ,173 5 billion in 2022 to the ESF+; highlights that the ESF+ must play a key role in supporting the Member States to achieve high employment levels, adequatenon-discriminatory and inclusive labour markets, working conditions that allow work-life balance for parents and carers, adequate and fair social protection and a skilled and resilient workforce ready for the transition to a green and digital economy; welcomes the transfer from REACT-EU of an additional EUR 10,8 billion to cohesion in 2022, of which 30 % will be allocated to the ESF +;
2021/08/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 43 #

2021/0227(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls the obligation by Member States with a higher share than the average Union rate of young people not in employment, education or training to allocate at least 12,5 % of their ESF+ resources to implement the Youth Guarantee; calls on the Members States to make the best use of the directly managed strand of the ESF+, the Employment and Social Innovation strand for investment in social innovation and for stimulaupporting labour mobility but also preventing brain drain from certain Member States, remote or rural areas;
2021/08/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 47 #

2021/0227(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls that Member States with a level of child poverty above the Union average should use at least 5 % ofshould use their ESF+ resources to address this issue, whereas all other Member States must allocate an appropriate amount of their ESF+ resources toefficiently tackle child poverty and support targeted actions to combat child poverty in view of supporting the implementation of the Child Guarantee;
2021/08/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 51 #

2021/0227(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the EGF will offer one- off assistance to dismissed workers to find another job as rapidly as possible in major restructuring events, in particular those caused by important changes in trade relations of the Union or the composition of the internal market, the transition to a low-carbon economy or as a consequence of digitisation or automation; Underlines the importance of the revised application requirements and eligibility criteria in the EGF Regulation, lowering the minimum threshold of workers made redundant or of self-employed persons from 500 to 200; recalls that the support from EGF should be gradually accessible to all companies including SMEs;
2021/08/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 60 #

2021/0227(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that the JTF provides support for territories and people facing socio-economic and employment challenges deriving from the transition process towards a climate neutral economy of the Union by 2050; takes note of the Commission appropriations in 2022 of EUR 1 159,749 million; Highlights the broadening of its scope to address the social aspects of the transition, in particular support to jobseekers, including job search assistance, upskilling and reskilling and their active inclusion into the labour market as well as investments in smart and sustainable mobility, other activities in the areas of education and social inclusion, including investments in infrastructure for the purposes of training centres, child- and, elderly- and disability- care facilities and the possibility to support investments in large enterprises in ’assisted areas’ pursuant to regional State aid guidelines, if such support is necessary for job creation in the identified territory;
2021/08/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 67 #

2021/0227(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 c (new)
9 c. Welcomes the statement of the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, on the Commission’s firm commitment to fighting anti-semitism and engaging with the Palestinian Authority and the UNRWA to promote quality education for Palestinian children and ensure full adherence to UNESCO standards of peace, tolerance, co- existence, and non-violence in Palestinian textbooks; agrees with the stance that the conditionality of EU financial assistance in the educational sector needs to be duly considered; insists that the Commission must guarantee that no Union funds are allocated or linked to any form of terrorism and/or religious and political radicalisation;
2021/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 72 #

2021/0227(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
11. Insists on the importance of budgetary accountability and prioritisation; welcomes in this regard the Commission Communication on the performance framework for the 2021-2027 MFF; stresses that in order to deliver true value for money for EU citizens, the focus should be put on evidence-based and future-proof policymaking;
2021/08/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 61 #

2021/0104(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) The reporting by undertaking, should, however, following the principle of proportionality, not cause an excessive burden on companies or require efforts non-proportionate to the size of the company, its staff and/or scope of business activities, thus putting into danger the employment and/or incomes of management and personnel, engaged in the usual business activities, by imposing new structures, job titles and management positions to the company staff.
2021/12/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 62 #

2021/0104(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 8 b (new)
(8b) There should, furthermore, be no double reporting required and this Directive shall not be interpreted as requiring any reporting, already mandatory under another European or national legislative act, whereas certain adaptation of national legislation might be necessary in order to avoid double reporting
2021/12/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 66 #

2021/0104(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) Reporting could, however, not disclose any and all information on sustainability issues, either required by investors or expected by the public. Therefore, this Directive should by no means be interpreted as relieving public authorities of their duties or market players and social partners of their professional responsibilities.
2021/12/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 68 #

2021/0104(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
(11) The report on the review clause of the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (Directive 2014/95/EU), and its accompanying fitness check on corporate reporting, identified problems as to the effectiveness of that Directive48 . There is significant evidence that many undertakings do not disclose material information on all major sustainability- related topics. The report also identified as significant problems the limited comparability and reliability of sustainability information. Additionally, many undertakings from which users need suTherefore, this Directive aims mainly at proper reinforcement of the existainability information g rules for large not obliged to report suchand listed companies and the harmonization of the sustainability information required. _________________ 48 Publication office: please insert reference to Report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee on the review clauses in Directives 2013/34/EU, 2014/95/EU, and 2013/50/EU, and accompanying SWD- Fitness Check.
2021/12/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 105 #

2021/0104(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 42 a (new)
(42a) Achieving a climate neutral economy is also posing significant risk to employment levels and quality, especially in transition sectors and regions. Therefore, undertakings in those sectors and regions should also report on possible risks and negative trends regarding employment and incomes, due to flaws in the transition process.
2021/12/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 107 #

2021/0104(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 43
(43) Sustainability reporting standards should specify the information that undertakings should disclose on social factors, including employee factors and human rights. Such information should cover the impacts of undertakings on people, including on human health. The information that undertakings disclose about human rights should include information about forced labour in their value chains where relevant, , but in no way should such reports replace the public authorities’ responsibility to address import of goods, produced as result of human rights abuses, including forced labour, by trade policy and diplomacy means. Reporting standards that address social factors should specify the information that undertakings should disclose with regard to the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights that are relevant to businesses, including equal opportunities for all and working conditions. The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan adopted in March 2021 calls for stronger requirements on undertakings to report on social issues. The reporting standards should also specify the information that undertakings should disclose with regard to the human rights, fundamental freedoms, democratic principles and standards established in the International Bill of Human Rights and other core UN human rights conventions, the 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 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The reporting on social factors should be proportionate to the scope and goals of this Directive, thus limited to essential rights and freedoms along the value chain.
2021/12/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 133 #

2021/0104(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 1
1. Large undertakings and, as of 1 January 2026,, including small and medium-sized listed undertakings as of 1 January 2026, when subject to this Directive, which are undertakings referred to in Article 2, point (1), point (a), as well as high-impact undertakings, 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.
2021/12/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 193 #

2021/0104(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
2. The sustainability reporting standards referred to in paragraph 1 shall require that the information to be reported is understandable, accessible in particular for persons with disabilities relevant, representative, verifiable, comparable, and is represented in a faithful manner.
2021/12/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 199 #

2021/0104(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point i
(i) equal treatment and opportunities for all, including gender equality and equal pay for equal workwork, measures for just transition in the vulnerable regions and sectors, including, but not limited to measures under the Just Transition Mechanism, training and skills development, and employment and inclusion of people with disabilities;
2021/12/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 206 #

2021/0104(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point ii
(ii) working conditions, including secure and adaptable employment, wages, social dialogueincluding adaptation to social and climate factors and to market disturbances, caused by green transition policies, availability of just transition policies in the vulnerable regions and sectors, adequacy of wages, social dialogue, freedom of association, collective bargaining and the involvement of workers, work-life balance, and a healthy, and safety, and well-just transition measures adaopted work environmentthrough social dialogue;
2021/12/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 217 #

2021/0104(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point iii a (new)
(iiia) human rights impact assessments carried out by the relevant public authorities and adopted by the undertaking with respect violation of essential human rights and in particular against forced labour and child labour and the implementation of the undertaking's policy on free, prior and informed consent.
2021/12/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 220 #

2021/0104(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c – point i
(i) the role of the undertaking’s administrative, management and supervisory bodies, including with regard to sustainability matters, and their composition;
2021/12/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 228 #

2021/0104(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19c – paragraph 1
The Commission shall, by 31 October 2024 at the latest, adopt a delegated acts in accordance with Article 49 to provide for sustainability reporting standards proportionate to the capacities and characteristics oflisting for which sectors small and medium- sized- undertakings. Those sustainability reporting standards shall specify which information referred to in Articles 19a and 29a are to report according to Articles 19a and 29a. The list of sectors shall list sectors according to the third level of NACE Rev, 2 as defined by Article 2(c) of Regulation (EC) No1893/2006. The delegated act smhall and medium-sized undertakings referred to in Article 2, point (1)(a) shall report. They shall take into account the criteria set out in Article 19b, paragraphs 2 and 3. They shall also, where relevant, specify the structure in which that information shall be reportedlist sectors that according to their nature or their overall impact on environmental, social or governance factors pose a particular impact unsustainability matters. When adopting that delegated act, the Commission shall take into consideration if mandatory reporting would particularly benefit the access to financial capital for the concerned small and medium sized- undertakings or if the disclosure of information would have a particular benefit for other stakeholders.
2021/12/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 230 #

2021/0104(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19c – paragraph 2
The Commission shall adopt those delegated acts at the latest by 31 October 20234.
2021/12/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 243 #

2021/0104(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 29 a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point i
(i) the due diligence process implemented with regard to sustainability matters;deleted
2021/12/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 10 #

2020/2818(RSP)


Recital A
A. whereas the green and digital transitions as well as demographic trends and globalisation are changing the nature of work, the content of jobs and the skills and qualifications required; whereas upskilling and re-skilling will be crucial to cope with the challenges and the opportunities generated by the accelerating macro trends and will be key to fill the widening skills gap in the EU labour market;
2020/11/12
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 16 #

2020/2818(RSP)


Recital B
B. whereas the COVID-19 crisis has changed the world of work and reinforced the need to update the skills sets of the European workforce, in particular as regards digital and technological skills as well as resilience and adaptability; whereas these needs will be even more urgent with the bigger use of the Artificial Intelligence which might completely change the work patterns and substitute some types of activities;
2020/11/12
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 26 #

2020/2818(RSP)


Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas critical thinking is besides the technological and digitals skills one of the key skills people need in the digital era; whereas there is a clear need to strengthen critical thinking among all groups of citizens in order to enable them to enjoy the full potential of the digital tools and protect them from their dangers;
2020/11/12
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 40 #

2020/2818(RSP)


Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas having up to date skills facilitate people to stay employed in the labour market and to be socially included, which is fundamental also for the mental health and lives of millions of our citizens;
2020/11/12
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 44 #

2020/2818(RSP)


Recital F
F. whereas education, training and skills policies are in the competence of the Member States; whereas the EU plays an important role in supporting, coordinating and complementing the actions of the Member States in these areas; whereas, however new challenges require the mobilisation of European tools and supporting policies within the European Education Area;
2020/11/12
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 45 #

2020/2818(RSP)


Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas digital technologies should however be perceived as a tool to provide quality education and training; whereas in the future there would be an increased need for digital skills (coding, logistics and robotics) which will concern not only the IT education courses but will touch upon the curriculum as a whole;
2020/11/12
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 65 #

2020/2818(RSP)


Paragraph 2
2. Underlines that skills and lifelong learning are vital for sustainable growth, productivity, investment, and innovation and therefore are key factors for the competitiveness of businesses, especially SMEs; Emphasises that close cooperation and exchange of best practices between all relevant actors involved in skills development is crucial to ensure that the workforce has the skills needed on the labour market; in this regard, highlights the need to collect up-to-date data and information regarding skills needs and demand on the labour market; supports the launch of the Pact for Skills, aiming to bring together all stakeholders which share the objective of upskilling and re-skilling Europe’s workforce;
2020/11/12
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 75 #

2020/2818(RSP)


Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that modernizing vocational education and training systems is key to prepare young people and adults for the green and digital transitions and to contribute to the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic; welcomes the Commission proposal for a ‘Council Recommendation on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience’; stresses that VET programmes need to be targeted, providing learners with the skills set to thrive in the labour market; recalls that modernizing of the VET programmes must go hand in hand with increasing the attractiveness of these programmes for young people so they opt for them not because their results are not good enough for university but because they are interested in the vocational training itself;
2020/11/12
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 76 #

2020/2818(RSP)


Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that modernizing vocational education and training systems is key to prepare young people and adults for the green and digital transitions and to contribute to the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic; welcomes the Commission proposal for a ‘Council Recommendation on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience’; stresses that VET programmes need to be targeted, providing learners with the skills set to thrive in the labour market; highlights the importance of best practices related to dual education systems and VET which could contribute to structural changes in the labour market and lead to higher levels of youth employment;
2020/11/12
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 92 #

2020/2818(RSP)


Paragraph 5
5. Is of the opinion that the mutual recognition of qualifications will help to overcome skills shortages and skills mismatches; emphasizes the importance of addressing skills shortages and mismatches by facilitating the mobility of learners and cross-border recognition of qualifications through a better use of tools such as the European Qualifications Framework, Europass CV, the European Credit Transfer System, Skills Panorama, ESCO, EURES, etc.;
2020/11/12
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 98 #

2020/2818(RSP)


Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Emphasises that many citizens gain valuable skills and experience outside the system of formal education or training as is for example the case of informal carers providing care to persons with disabilities or elderly; believes that these informal skills should be recognized as they can help the informal carers to increase their possibilities on the labour market;
2020/11/12
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 107 #

2020/2818(RSP)


Paragraph 6
6. Notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the importance of digital skills, changed the skills demand on the labour market thus increasing the digital skills gap, and exacerbated pre-existing education inequalities; highlights the need for highly-skilled specialists to be trained and equipped with digital skills and innovative and entrepreneur thinking;
2020/11/12
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 110 #

2020/2818(RSP)


Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Recalls that except of the digital skills gap, the COVID-19 crises revealed also the lack of internet connection and digital tools among vulnerable groups of persons like persons coming from disadvantaged background, minorities or persons with disabilities; believes that strengthening of the digital skills must be accompanied by the increased access to the internet and digital tools with the special attention to the most vulnerable groups;
2020/11/12
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 127 #

2020/2818(RSP)


Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Underlines that the consequences of COVID-19 offer a unique opportunity to accelerate the digital and technological revolution in lifelong learning, which can break physical barriers, where possible, and increase significantly its reach and impact; encourages Member States and education providers to increase location- less learning opportunities, allowing students in remote and rural areas or abroad to access courses around the EU without location constraints;
2020/11/12
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 163 #

2020/2818(RSP)


Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Stresses the importance to reach people in rural and remote areas and make up-skilling and reskilling opportunities more accessible and designed for people working in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and other jobs in these regions, and to provide them with green, digital and all the necessary skills to better grasp present and future opportunities offered by the green and blue economy, and to allow them to give an important contribution to the preservation of the environment;
2020/11/12
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 173 #

2020/2818(RSP)


Paragraph 11
11. Notes the Commission’s envisaged actions to promote Skills for Life, in particular the updating of the European Agenda for Adult Learning; calls on the Commission and Member States to give specific attention to the development of soft skills such as analytical skills, emotional intelligence, leadership, entrepreneurship skills, teamwork, communication, adaptability, creativity, innovation and, critical thinking and language skills, which will become even more important in the post- COVID-19 world of work;
2020/11/12
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 184 #

2020/2818(RSP)


Paragraph 12
12. Points out that in an ageing society, it is crucial to ensure learning throughout life, including at an older age; calls on the Commission and Member States to give greater attention to older workers and to ensure that they can participate in upskilling and re-skilling programmes allowing them to adapt themselves to changing skills needs and stay in the labour market; notes that digital technologies can offer new methods and opportunities for adult and elderly people's education too;
2020/11/12
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 18 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas the COVID-19 outbreak has reversed the positive trend of the employment rate of the last six years in the EU-27, resulting in a reduction of the number of persons in work of about 6.1 million in the second quarter of 2020 and a predicted decrease of 4.5 % over the year 202014 ; whereas workers who remain in the labour market have faced a considerable reduction in hours worked and, consequently, loss of income; whereas this development has the biggest impact on the workers that belong to vulnerable groups like workers with disabilities, workers coming from disadvantaged background, single parents or workers with big families; _________________ 14Commission proposal of 18 November 2020 for a joint employment report of the Commission and the Council for 2021 (JER 2021).
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 28 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas before COVID-19, economic trends were generally described as positive in the European Semester annual reviews; whereas evidence shows that persistent and increasing inequalities remain among persons and between and within states and regions; whereas COVID-19 state aid provided to workers and businesses varies greatly among the Member States;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 39 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas the youth unemployment rate has increased due to COVID-19 crisis, reaching 17.1 % in September 2020; whereas 11.6 % of young people aged between 15 and 24 are not in employment or in education (NEETs)15 ; whereas increasing inequalities between generations affect the sustainability of our welfare system as well as our democratic health; whereas young people coming from disadvantaged background often face multiple discrimination and are hit harder by the current crisis; _________________ 15 JER 2021.
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 45 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G
G. whereas women are particularly vulnerable to labour market changes owing to social care duties and uneven distribution of the unpaid household work, occupational segregation and their more precarious employment; whereas an intersectional evaluation shows that women in vulnerable groups, such as young women with children and particularly single mothers, persons with disabilities or those of a migrant origin, are more likely to be in a worse position;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 52 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H
H. whereas the gender employment gap (11.4 %) , gender pay gap (14 %) and gender pension gap (30 %) remain unacceptably high; whereas improving employment opportunities for women, ensuring equal pay and, facilitating a good work-life balance and adequately recognising the contribution of the periods of raising children in the retirement pension schemes, including for men, are vital to sustainable economic growth and development, productivity, and long-term fiscal sustainability in the EU;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 65 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital J
J. whereas new forms of employment that are expected to significantly transform the way of working in future have emerged or intensified, such as teleworking and non-standard ways of working, and whereas new realities have also emerged and existing trends have intensified during lockdowns, including domestic violence against women and, health problems among workers, particularly psychological ones as well as difficulties to reach the work-life balance in the new reality of changed work patterns and the necessity to combine the work with care duties and often also home schooling;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 85 #

2020/2244(INI)

M. whereas the demographic challenge requires a comprehensive approach based on a mix of policy solutions in the fields of fair pensions, social security, care servicquality and accessible care infrastructure for children, elderly and persons with disabilities, support to families, housing, early childhood schools, long- term care, health systems, social inclusion, integration of migrants and work-life balance, gender equality, high levels of employment and dignified wages;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 92 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital N
N. whereas we face a critical time in our history, with the idea that economic growth automatically trickles down to all sectors of society being widely discredited; whereas we are witnessing a thinning of the middle class, increasingly precarious job conditions for blue collar and platform workers and growing polarisation in terms of income and wealth;deleted
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 99 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital O
O. whereas, contrary to the crowding- out hypothesis that has prevailed in economic thinking for the last three decades, public investment and its crowding-in effects should play a central role in this new economic paradigm; whereas investments and reforms should also focus on digital skills and educational and vocational training for all in order to have a positive impact on social cohesion, which is a pre-condition for economic growth, job creation and employment;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 103 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital O a (new)
O a. whereas cohesion policy, as the EU’s main investment policy for social, economic and territorial development, has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing inequalities and regional differences, in particular regarding the poorest regions;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 104 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital O b (new)
O b. whereas social protection systems and labour market policies are deeply rooted in national traditions and there is great variation between the Member States, which should be maintained when working towards common social goals through the European Semester; whereas issues lacking a transnational dimension are dealt with at national level in line with TFEU146(2), 147(1), 151 and the principle of subsidiarity;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 105 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital O c (new)
O c. whereas the green transition and the digitalisation of the economy will involve substantial economic diversification and transformation of business models and policymaking; whereas that will create new opportunities as well as significant socio-economic challenges in many regions and industrial sectors; whereas the EU needs a common strategy to accompany workers and businesses concerned in order to ensure that no one is left behind;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 122 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. States that 10 years after the introduction of the European Semester cycle of economic policy coordination, employment and social imbalances in Europe, such as labour market segmentation, wage dispersion and child poverty, have not been resolved but have worsened, demonstra, suggesting that public policies at the national level are insufficient for building a fairer European labour market, and thatneed more support on the EU level in order to build a stronger and further-reaching policies at EU level are neededresilient labour market;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 129 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to reform the financial legal framework and the European Semester process in order to strengthen democratic accountability and the involvement of the European Parliament; stresses that the social progress objectives regarding social welfare systems and quality employment must be shielded from the application of macroeconomic conditionality;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 166 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that fiscal flexibility to support investment in social rights is vitalimportant, as is the mainstreaming, effectively and at all stages, of all principles enshrined in the EPSR; demands that any proposed fiscal measures be ex-ante assessed and monitored against the provisions of Article 9 of the TFEU to evaluate their social impact, and that they only be considered when they will be beneficial for upward social convergence and increasing wellbeing standards in Member States;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 178 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets that the way data is presented in the joint employment report is not clear and that the data is often inconclusive or difficult to compare, regarding the evolution of wages, productivity, capital gains and profits, subsidies and tax breaks for corporations, or the tax wedge for labour and capital; warns that multifactor productivity is not being measured; calls on the Member States to include the Gender Equality Index as one of the European Semester’s tools and to analyse the structural reforms from a gender perspective;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 187 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop a quality employment package, including legislative initiativ containing an effective set of measures aimed at improving wages and protecting decent working conditions for all, with a particular focus on telework, the right to disconnect, mental well-being at work and work-life balance, occupational health and safety, the rights of platform workers, ensuring quality jobs for essential workers, and strengthening democracy at work and the role of the social partners and collective bargaining;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 190 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Stresses that Members States should also focus on innovation and investments for improved connectivity and artificial intelligence methods and systematic deployment of 5G and Gigabit infrastructure along urban and rural households and large-scale transport corridors in line with EU’s 2025 5G and Gigabit connectivity objectives;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 199 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for a quality employment package and notes that macroeconomic policies that guarantee high levels of employment, as well as fair taxation,ogether with the support of families and recognition of their contribution to the society in the pension schemes for parents are essential for the sustainability of ourand fairness of the national pension systems in a demographic context of ageing European populations;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 201 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for a quality employment package and notes that macroeconomic policies that guarantee high levels of employment, as well as fair taxation, are essential for the sustainability of our national pension systems in a demographic context of ageing European populations;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 213 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Member States to ensure access to high-quality healthcare and to refocus health systems on preventive care, notably by implementing relevant country-specific recommendationwith the emphasis on preventive care as well as on building resilient healthcare systems prepared for possible future crises;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 218 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that implementing the EU skills agenda equitably is critical for promoting health systems and tackling skills shortages for people in new fields of work; warns, however, that a skills agenda is not enough to tackle the increasing precariousness and in-work poverty in the EU labour market; calls on the Commission and the Member States to maximise their efforts to invest in affordable, accessible, inclusive and high- quality vocational education and training, to reinforce upskilling and reskilling measures, including digital and transferable skills, and to promote lifelong learning to prepare workers for the needs of the labour market affected by the green and digital transformations; takes the view that the mutual recognition of qualifications will be beneficial for overcoming skills shortages and skills mismatches;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 222 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that implementingtimely and effective implementation of the EU skills agenda equitably is critical for promoting health systems and tackling skills shortages for people in new fields of work; warnstresses, however, that athe skills agenda is not enough to tackle the increasing precariousness and in-work poverty in the EU labour marketshould be accompanied by other effective measures in order to tackle the challenges in the EU labour market including in-work poverty; underlines the need to harness the full potential of Artificial intelligence for creating the labour market in which the skills match the skill demand;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 239 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission to analyse brain drains in certain regions and sectors, and to support mobile workers by ensuring fair mobility and strengthening the portability of rights and entitlements; highlights the potential of Next generation EU for creating new opportunities and new innovative ways of work that would enable people to work from rural and remote areas without the need of moving to bigger cities which could prevent brain drains in some sectors;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 240 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission to analyse brain drains in certain regions and sectors, and to support mobile workers by ensuring fair mobility and strengthening the portability of rights and entitlements; underlines that the digitalisation of public services can help to facilitate fair labour mobility, particularly with regard to the coordination of social security systems;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 245 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure a growth- friendly investment climate and to support SMEs and their employees in the transition to a more digital and greener economy, and to give adequate consideration to the interests of SMEs in the policy making process by analysing the possible effects of policies on SMEs; highlights the importance of improving access for SMEs to public and private funding, including microcredits and crowdfunding, and reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 246 #

2020/2244(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Points out that fairness conditions must be establishshould be considered for companies that wish to access public funds and support in order to avoid such support going to companies based in tax havens, to those without significanta jurisdiction referred to in Annex I to Council conclusions on the revised EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes1a, should not subvert collective bargaining, workers’ participation in company matters or codetermination, or those without a ban on bonuses to limit CEO and top executive remuneration;or codetermination in company decision-making processes in accordance with national law and practice, and should be conditional on maintaining the same level of working and employment conditions and rights, including protection against dismissals and reductions in wages, no bonuses to managers or dividends to shareholders; _________________ 1a OJ C 64, 27.2.1010, p. 8
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 6 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Citation 2 a (new)
— having regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC),
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 9 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Citation 2 b (new)
— having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD),
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 25 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A
A. whereas everyone of any age group and socio-economic background has the right to inclusive and quality education, training, up-skilling, re-skilling and lifelong learning in order to acquire and maintain the skills that will enable them to develop their professiersonal and persrofessional potential to the fullest extent;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 29 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the Covid-19 pandemic has shown profound differences in the access to digital education, digital tools and the internet among learners, mainly those from disadvantaged backgrounds including low income, single-parent, and large families; whereas one fifth of children in the EU lacked two out of five important resources for online learning1a;whereas the situation varied greatly among the Member States; _________________ 1aEuropean Commission, Fairness policy briefs 4/2020, Educational inequalities in Europe and physical school closures during Covid-19, https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/sites/jrcsh/files/fai rness_pb2020_wave04_covid_education_j rc_i1_19jun2020.pdf
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 34 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas the Covid-19 pandemic has disclosed a wide gap between digital skills of people and labour market demands; whereas the focus on the digital skills will remain prominent also after the pandemic; whereas on average two in five Europeans aged 16-74 are lacking these skills1b; _________________ 1bEurostat: Do young people in the EU have digital skills? https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/product s-eurostat-news/-/EDN-20200715-1
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 35 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A c (new)
A c. whereas the Covid-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the labour market; whereas the unfavourable economy prospect influences the unemployment rate that rose from 6.5% to 7.5% over the course of the year 2020 and mainly young people entering the workforce at the time of the pandemic have had difficulties to secure their first jobs1c;whereas young parents had to support their children’s education and care in addition to their own work which created additional difficulties for their equal participation to the labour market; _________________ 1cEurostat: Society and work, https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/covid- 19/society-work
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 38 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital B
B. whereas a qualified mobile workforce is key for a globally competitive economy that provides quality jobs; whereas the strengthened cooperation between universities and other education institutions as well as the recognition of qualifications, learning and leartraining periods including those gained by informal learning and volunteering is a crucial prerequisite for the free movement of learners, educators and the workforce within the EU;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 59 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas in addition to crucial basic skills, it is also important to focus on mastering language skills as well as cross- cuttings kills such as critical thinking, entrepreneurship, creativity, intercultural and interreligious competences, team work or media literacy;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 66 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas development of specific targets and benchmarks as well as the system of monitoring of their implementation is crucial for achieving the European Education Area by 2025;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 70 #

2020/2243(INI)

C c. whereas the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown measures have restricted spaces in which children can interact and develop their social skills in school, peer, and extended family networks;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 74 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital C d (new)
C d. whereas training and education should aim primarily to achieve formation of learners and value the integral development and growth of every person, with a special attention to all facets of the individual and without restricting the objectives of education solely to employability;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 76 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital C e (new)
C e. whereas, besides a strong focus on STEM subjects in up-skilling and re- skilling programmes, similar attention should be given to humanities and social sciences, since they can, among others, contribute to the social dimension of the green and digital twin transition and lead to a human-centred approach to the digital and scientific areas;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 79 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission communication of 30 September 2020 entitled ‘Achieving the European Education Area by 2025’ (COM(2020)0625) which encompasses six dimensions – quality, inclusion and gender equality, the green and digital transitions, teachers and trainers, higher education and the geopolitical dimension – and a set of targets with the aim of improving outcomes and ensuring resilient and future- looking education systems; Reminds that the creation of the European Education Area by 2025 is a way to harness the full potential of education and culture as drivers for economic growth and job creation as well as improved social cohesion;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 87 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Recalls that in order to harness the full potential of the European Education Area, the key areas in which the European Union can support and complement the effort of the Member States in line with the principle of subsidiarity need to be clearly identified and implemented in compliance with the targets and benchmarks developed in cooperation with the Member States, academic institutions and other relevant stakeholders, including families and family associations;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 93 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Highlights that the successful transition towards the European Education Area requires a comprehensive ecosystem of support for all relevant parties including education institutions, employers, expert communities, non- governmental sector and charitable organisations;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 99 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the importance of ensuring inclusive and quality education, and promoting re-skilling, up-skilling and lifelong learning, including vocational education and training (VET), for all across the Union, to ensure equal opportunities in the labour market; welcomes, in this context, the development of a European approach to micro- credentials and individual learning accounts; Recalls that inclusive education needs to be accessible for all as for the geographical and financial accessibility but also for the physical accessibility of education institutions for learners with disabilities;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 106 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Calls on the Commission to encourage the Member States to thoroughly evaluate the learning curricula so they are up-to-date, future- proof and able to prepare the learners to match their skills with demands of the labour market, reflecting the plurality of societies and at the same time provide space in which the learners can shape their learning process adapted to individual needs of the learners, mainly those with disabilities and special needs or from disadvantaged background;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 112 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Calls on the Commission to encourage the Member States to put forward long-term strategic plans encompassing visions for the education system that is resilient to future challenges and potential crises and flexible also in terms of the fast technological changes and development of AI;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 113 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2 c. Calls on the Commission to encourage the Member States to engage in dialogue with civil society organisations, among others family associations, students’ organisations, academia, enterprises and all stakeholders working in the areas of education and training, up-skilling and re-skilling, to address the educational and training challenges faced by EU societies and the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on education systems, by formulating comprehensive and structured processes of cooperation and co-creation on such matters;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 116 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that basic and cross- cutting skills, up- and re-skilling and lifelong learning are vital for sustainable growth, productivity, adaptation to the transformations of the labour market, investment and innovation, and are therefore key factors for the competitiveness of businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); Highlights the opportunities brought by the informal ways of learning for example by volunteering or providing informal help and care in families as the formal recognition of these skills could help people to gain more opportunities on the labour market;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 120 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Highlights the importance of preparing teachers to be able to provide quality education and preparation of the learners for the labour market; recalls the necessity to provide the opportunities for the continuous professional development of teachers, the mobility opportunities for them and to increase the attractiveness of the teaching profession; highlights the need to prepare more teachers for highly demanded areas like STEM or for teaching learners with special needs; highlights the need for teachers to support and be supported by parents due to their complementary roles in the education of children;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 132 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to facilitate and promote transparent mobility for all including persons with disabilities and special needs and persons from disadvantaged background through the full implementation of the Professional Qualifications Directive1 , and better use of tools such as the European Employment Services (EURES) job mobility portal, the Europass online platform and the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) classification system or Erasmus + with the special focus on VET learners and staff; highlights, in this context, the need to improve the recognition of third-country nationals’ competences on the Union’s labour market; _________________ 1Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications, OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 22.knowledge, skills and competences gained during the qualifications, learning and training periods abroad including those gained by informal learning and volunteering as well as the recognition of third-country nationals’ competences on the Union’s labour market; Underlines the importance of promoting language skills in order to enable learners to fully use the opportunities given by enhanced mobility;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 150 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the opportunities created by digital work to achieve the inclusion of all in the labour market; highlights, in this regard, the need to provide access to the development of digital skills, as well as competences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), social skills, language skills and cross- cutting soft skills such as critical thinking, creativity and, entrepreneurship, team work and media literacy to everyone; underlines that special attention must be paid to the inclusion of disadvantaged groups in this context, in particular persons with disabilities; Recalls, in this regard, the need to invest in innovative ways of teaching enabled by the digital development but not forgetting that face- to-face learning must remain the key as it teaches also valuable social skills;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 154 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recalls that education systems should not only embrace the knowledge and skills but should also enhance the well-being and physical health of the learners; calls therefore for the close attention to be paid to the overal health and physical condition of the learners, with the special focus on the growing problem of civilization diseases, increasing number of children with disabilities and special needs, problems connected to stress, psychological problems or addictions;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 160 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Regrets that the Covid-19 crisis has deepened the youth unemployment in the European Union; Stresses the need to step up in the efforts to improve the employment rate of recent graduates and to prevent the youth unemployment i.a. through the reinforced Youth Guarantee; Recalls the need for a special attention to be paid to the employment perspectives of young people with disabilities, young people from disadvantaged background but also to young parents, especially mothers who suffer disproportionate marginalisation on the labour market, specifically upon returning to work from maternity or parental leave;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 171 #

2020/2243(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets the persistent gender employment and pay gap as well as the consequent gender pension gap; highlights, in this regard, the need to tackle gender stereotypesmotivate girls and women and to increase women’s representation in education, training and employment in STEM subjects and occupations. as well as in other fields of knowledge and employment;
2021/05/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 7 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A
A. whereas the Fourth Industrial Revolution, digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) are leading to fundamental and structural changes to the labour market, the workplace, the work patterns and the work profile of every worker;
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 8 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas new opportunities brought by digital transformation and digital single market should empower and allow to prosper all EU citizens;
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 9 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas digitalisation and artificial intelligence has the potential to substantially change the way people receive information, the way they communicate and the way they think;
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 10 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas greater challenges are posed on the synergies between labour market and education system as the education system should better foresee the future needs of the labour market and be able to adapt accordingly;
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 11 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas the use of AI holds potential for safer and more inclusive workplaces and labour markets;
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 15 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital B
B. whereas these developments plausibly facilitate human-machine synergies, thereby producing a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate outcomes, but also pose serious challenges in terms of workforce reorganisation and the potential elimination of more sectors and employment than the new forms they createsome employment sectors while at the same time creation of new employment opportunities;
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 23 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the fast technological change is often accompanied by the spread of false information, hoax and misinterpretation that can undermine the positive aspects and opportunities brought by the development;
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 30 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas artificial intelligence (including high risk AI) is increasingly used not only in the work place but also in the recruitment and other administrative processes;
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 44 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that the future regulatory framework for AI in the European Union shouldmust ensure that workers’ human dignity and rights are fully respected and adapted to the new forms of work relations and work organisation, in a way that secures jobs and improves upon wages and working conditions, while safeguarding the quality of employment as well as workers´ work-life balance; stresses, in addition, that the European AI framework should respect European values, Union rules and the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and set clear and predictable rules for civil liability connected to AI;
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 50 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses the urgent need to recognize the ethics-by-default principle as a leading principle for the design and use of artificial intelligence;
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 61 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines that AI must always be human-centric and thus serve exclusively as an aid to human performance and comply with all rules ensuring respect for fundamental rights with human dignity at the forefront, including the protection of personal data and privacy, and the prohibition of arbitrary profiling;
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 69 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines that new technologies including AI should be used to improve labour market functioning and produce sustainable and inclusive labour market matches between workers and businesses;
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 83 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to adopt communication strategies in order to enable smooth transposition of the changes brought by the development of AI. Calls on the special attention to be paid to providing detailed information on the changes to the workers, trade unions and social partners and thus prevent the spread of misinformation and hoaxes;
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 96 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that the use of AI applications, algorithms and process development affecting all aspects of work and workers’ rights, such as recruitment processes, must not discriminate against workers and vulnerable groups or reinforce inequalities inter alia on the pretext of gender, age, disability or nationalityand health state or nationality; underlines the need to provide information in a simple and understandable manner regarding the use of the AI in recruitment processes or work-related administrative processes as explainability of the basic features of algorithms is a pre-condition for an ethical usage;
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 121 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Highlights the potential of artificial intelligence to mitigate the inequalities in society and stresses the need to focus on the solutions provided by the artificial intelligence that can help the most vulnerable groups like persons with disabilities or persons living in remote or rural areas to improve their opportunities on the labour market;
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 124 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Recalls that the process of machine learning needs to be based on a sufficient amount of quality and diverse data that prevent the incidence of biased algorithms; calls therefore on the Commission and the Member States to cooperate in the collection of quality and diverse data ensuring the unbiased AI to avoid possible collateral deepening of inequalities in the society;
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 141 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to update the European Skills Agenda and the Digital Education Action Plan, so that workers can reskill or upskill and become qualified for the challenges of the future world of work; calls on the Member States to update their national vocational and professional training and upskill, reskilling, upskilling and lifelong learning programmes so as to ensure digital literacy and promote digital inclusion (οn average, 16 % of EU workers fear that digitalisation will render their skills outdated2 ); __________________ 2 Cedefop, ‘Artificial or human intelligence? Digitalisation and the future of jobs and skills: opportunities and risks’, p. 3.
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 160 #

2020/2216(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the European Labour Authority to take leadership in facilitation of the transformation process towards a social-digital economy;
2021/01/19
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 3 #

2020/2209(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A
A. whereas the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs highly appreciates the role of the Committee on Petitions as a bridge between the Union’s citizens, Parliament and the other EU institutions; whereas the right to petition the European Parliament is one of the fundamental rights of EU citizens; whereas the right to petition offers EU citizens and residents an open, democratic and transparent mechanism for addressing their elected representatives directly, and is therefore an important element of active citizens' participation in the EU’s fields of activity;
2021/06/02
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 7 #

2020/2209(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the right to petition should be more visible to all; whereas the Committee on Petitions should ensure that EU citizens and residents have sufficient information on this right i. a. through targeted information campaigns with the special focus on vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities;
2021/06/02
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 14 #

2020/2209(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital B
B. whereas approximately 1 % of all petitions received each year by the Committee on Petitions relate to various disability issues which shows the interest and concerns of European citizens about the rights of persons with disabilities despite the low visibility of the opportunity to petition the Parliament among the disability communities; whereas social protection and employment rights, use of the European Structural and Investment Funds in compliance with EU regulations and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), and other issues falling within the competences of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, are among the most common disability equality concerns voiced in the petitions received by Parliament;
2021/06/02
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 25 #

2020/2209(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital C
C. whereas it is generally acknowledged that persons with disabilities continue to face multiple obstacles and discrimination in everyday life and that they do not enjoy the fundamental freedoms and rights laid down in numerous EU and UN documents, such as mutual recognition of disability status between Member States which hinders their freedom of movement as one of the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Treaties, access to public transport, accessibility of the built environment, goods and services, use of sign languages, financing of and equal access to education and vocational training, independent living and access to personal assistance and community inclusion;
2021/06/02
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 63 #

2020/2209(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission to ensure that the Member States comply with the relevant EU and UN obligations on the rights of persons with disabilities, in particular the UN CRPD and the CRPD Committee’s General Comments to the Convention, and with the relevant EU measures and funding rules, and to provide support to them and enable exchange of the best practices in this regard;
2021/06/02
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 100 #

2020/2209(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to conduct a thorough analysis of the national legislations concerning the criteria for the recognition of disability and its degrees and based on this, harmonise the definition of disability and to ensure mutual recognition of disability status across Member States, so as to ensure the free movement of persons with disabilities and their enjoyment of their EU citizenship rights;
2021/06/02
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 113 #

2020/2209(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the fact that as part of the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, an EU-wide Disability Card will be available by the end of 2023; Calls on the Commission to put forward a clear legislative proposal on the EU-wide Disability Card in a timely manner so the Card is available for all persons with disabilities within this time frame; Calls on the Commission in this regard to use the digital tools to create the EU-wide Disability Card widely accepted, accessible for all persons with disabilities and interconnected with other tools like Disability Parking Card; Calls furthermore on the Commission to use the European Disability Card to clarify all aspects of the portability of all rights connected to the officially recognized disability status;
2021/06/02
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 138 #

2020/2209(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Member States to implement without delay Directive (EU) 2019/882 (the European Accessibility Act) in order to effectively remove barriers for workers with disabilities, and to ensure the availability of accessible services and the suitability of the conditions under which these services are provided; Calls on the Member States to consider the interconnectivity between the accessibility of services and accessibility of the built environment and take it into account when transposing the European Accessibility Act into their national legislation;
2021/06/02
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 40 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas throughout the celebration of the 30th anniversary of UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in November 2019, the EU stressed its commitment to developing a comprehensive strategy on children’s rights and parental rights and placing them at the heart of EU policies; whereas Parliament hosted a dedicated conference on 20 November 2019, which addressed a range of issues including challenges to the protection of the rights of the child in an ever-changing digital world, especially in regards to banning access to child pornography, harassment and violence, overcoming barriers to the full enjoyment of children’s rights and tackling the changing nature of armed conflicts and their impact on children’s futures;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 56 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas the global recession caused by the pandemic creates the temptation for governments to respond by giving priority tosulted in understandable focus on stimulating economic activity and attracting investments, while lowering theirit also led to regretful lowering of governments' levels of ambition in terms of political objectives and standards for some other areas, such as the protection of human rights and, climate action and the fight against poverty, especially of children and their families;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 67 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the responses to the COVID-19 pandemic of those states which have placed the rights to life and health as their first imperatives, on the basis of the principle that precautionary measures, including lockdowns, must prevail over economic considerationthe protection of life as their first imperatives;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 86 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Expresses very serious concerns, however, about the decline in democratic and human rights standards that the crisis has caused in some countries; is of the opinion that this pushback primarily results from the devastating economic and social consequences of the crisis and their use as a pretext to manipulate state institutions and electoral timelines, suppress the activities of human rights defenders, political opponents, media or civil society representatives, and restrict fundamental freedoms for purposes unrelated to the pandemic; also stresses in this regard the rise of hate speech and disinformation, the targeting of vulnerable groups accused of spreading the virus, and the widespread use, in violation of human rights, of digital technologies aimed at containing the pandemic by tracking citizens and retrieving their private data;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 99 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Strongly denounces the many cases of discrimination and persecution linked to ethnicity, nationality, social class, caste, religion, belief, language, age, sex, sexuality and gender identityrace, religion, belief, language, age and sex that continue to occur in many countries and societies; deplores the targeting of individuals or communities with intolerant and hate-filled declarations and actions; considers the prevalence of racism and xenophobia in many countries to be unacceptable;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 130 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the growing aspirations and mobilisations of citizens, in particular the youngest citizens, for political and societal changes favourable to respect for human rights, democratic governance, equality and social justice, more ambitious climate action and better protection of the environment; highlights the emergence in 2019 of massive protest movements in every region in the world reflecting these aspirations, calling into question institutional and economic orders of societies and supporting the development of a more equitable global society and better protection of the environment;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 147 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that physical attacks, imprisonments, death threats, harassment, intimidation and restrictions on freedom of expression remain tools systematically used around the world against human rights defenders (HRDs), non- governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society activists and journalists; underlines the existence of political trends towards deeper nationalism and the misuse of religion for political gain, which are conducive to intolerance, in particular towards HRDs, women, LGBTI people and migrants;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 166 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that it is the duty of EU institutions to actively support organisations and individuals engaged in defending democracy and human rights; underlines in this regard the importance of Parliament’s action in making their voice heard and in obtaining the release of HRDs detained as a result of their activism; supports the work of European political foundations in strengthening democratic processes and fostering a new generation of political leaders around the world;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 169 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Is seriously concerned at the persistence of the scourge of wars and military conflicts, amounting even to genocides against religious minorities, which give way to grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, in particular mass killings and forced displacements of civilian populations; strongly condemns the engagement of authoritarian powers in proxy wars and stresses that political solutions are a prerequisite for sustainable peace; expresses deep concerns at heightened international political tensions, and in certain regions of the world, at the increased activity of non-state armed groups and terrorist organisations and the development of communal violence;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 202 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the fact that efforts to advance the rights of women and girls have gained further prominence worldwide; stresses, however, the persistence of widespread gender-specific violence and discrimination in every region of the world, which often arises from cultural habits or long-established discriminatory legal systems; highlights, furthermore,denounces the exploitation of women through the practice of surrogacy, human trafficking and the use of sexual violence targeting women because of their opinions, faith, philosophical orientation or their activism in defence of human rights; condemns authoritarian regimes that are opposing or fanning a negative backlash against women’s demands for equal rights; underlines the prominent role that women play through their activism in political and social movements and deplores the heavy toll they have paid by being victims of violence caused by brutal repression;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 212 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Expresses deep concern at the continuation of serious human rights abuses against children around the world in 2019, the year of the 30th anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Child, namely trafficking and exploitation of children through child prostitution, child pornography and the practice of surrogacy, use of child soldiers in armed conflicts and family separation and detention of children for immigration- related reasons;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 218 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Express its deep sorrow at and condemnation of the terrorist attacks and bombings perpetrated in the first half of 2019 that targeted believers in particular inand their places of worship; is alarmed that these horrific acts coincided with hate campaigns ramped up by some political leaders and terror groups that aim to deny and limit the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 248 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the commitment by the Council to promote responses to the effects of the COIVD-19 pandemic by developing a global system of cooperation and dialogue and advancing rules- and rights- based multilateralism; stresses its view that international human rights law and the promise of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 should remain the cornerstones of all responses to the pandemic; recommends that the EU continue its efforts by engaging with countries and stakeholders which may or may not share the same values as the EU, in order to preserve or develop international standards in the field of human rights, but in line with the Union's values as defined in Article 21 of the Treaties (TEU);
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 254 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
20. Asks the Member States to make the EU’s foreign and security policy more effective by using the rule of qualified majority voting in the Council; cCalls on the Member States to speak with a single, strong EU voice in multilateral forums, as this is the only way that the Union can play a leading role on the international scene and use its influence to bring about positive changes and better responses to global challenges including, primarily, the promotion and protection of democracy and human rights, ands well as environmental and climate related challenges;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 269 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
21. Reiterates that the EU will only be recognised on the global scene if its core values, in particular those of respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law are credible externally, and this will only be possible if the EU ensures the internal and external coherence of its policies, and consistency in adhering to its values, on these matters;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 274 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Deplores the fact that Russia, China and other authoritarian regimes have abused multilateral institutions, seeking to neutralise multilateral human rights institutions and mechanisms in their ability to hold states accountable for human rights violations; calls on the Union and its Member States to work with like-minded democratic allies to support a reform of multilateral institutions so that they become more resilient against the malign influence of authoritarian regimes;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 309 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
27. Takes the view that democratic governance and the rule of law are globally under attack due to a combination of factors including the rise of authoritarianism, increased inequalities and poverty, polarisation, the shrinking of space for civil society, disinformation campaigns and other hybrid threats conducted by internal and external actors, loss of credibility of public powerinstitutions and the weakening of collective organisations defending public interest; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue supporting the building up of democratic institutions and transparent and credible electoral processes, while going beyond this by providing further support to actions that encourage and unleash democratic debate, combat inequalities, empower civil society organisations, support dialogue between different segments of society, fight corruption and strengthen judiciaries;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 325 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
29. Supports a rights-based approach to boost climate action that ensures public participation and access to justice in the making, implementation and review of political decisions related to climate change;deleted
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 412 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
39. Calls for the adoption of an ambitious EU Action Plan for gender equality and women’s empowerment in external relations for 2021-2025 (Gender Action Plan III); calls in this regard for the reinforcement of EU support for non-EU countries that are implementing new policies and legislative changes with a view to aligning national legal frameworks to international and SDG commitments concerning women’s rights and gender equality, to protecting women HRDs, to advancing women's sexual and reproductive health and rights, to providing young people with science- based and comprehensive sexual educand young people's health and access to education, the labour market, information, and to preventing sexual and gender-based violence and female genital mutilation;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 448 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
42. Considers regrettable the growing divergent developments between countries which are moving towards a better protection of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons, notably by de- criminalising homosexuality, and those which undermine them and leave the field free for persecution, discrimination and stigmatisation against LGTBI persons; bBelieves that practices and acts of violence against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation should not go unpunished and must be eradicated; calls for the EU to play a leading role in defending the human rights of LGBTI persons and to set an example in tackling violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and develop a new and ambitious LGBTI+ equality strategy;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 464 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
43. Is seriously concerned at the suffering and vulnerability of indigenous communities that results from the consequences of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, which are worsened by the loss of their lands and livelihoods due to corporate activities and related damages; regrets the fact that indigenous peoples continue to face widespread and systematic discrimination and persecution worldwide, including forced displacements, arbitrary arrests and the killing of human rights defenders; recommends that the EU and its Member States include references to indigenous peoples and the rights contained in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the relevant and emerging frameworks for due diligence, and ensure that EU-based companies be held to account in the event of a breach of their obligationsthe obligations are clearly set and defined, and that EU-based companies understand and apply their corporate responsibility accordingly;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 493 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
46. Is appalled by the number of killings, attacks and acts of persecution, discrimination, harassment and incitation to antagonism that took place, and the number of restrictions on rights that were imposed in 2019 against individuals and groups targeted because of their religion or belief; reaffirms its support for victims of violence based on religion or belief and its commitment to eradicating such violence; welcomes the Global Exchange on Religion in Society, launched by the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) in Brussels on 6 September 2019; recommends, however, that equal attention be paid to both intra-religious and inter- religious relationships; calls in this regard for the development of EU support to intra- religious dialogue at local level with the aim of fighting extremism and hate speech; calls furthermore for the objectives of promoting and protecting freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief to be mainstreamed into a wider range of EU activities related to human rights; calls on the Commission to renew as soon as possible the post of the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 555 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53
53. Calls for the setting up of an EU mandatory human rights due diligence instrument that requires companies to engage actively in the identification, assessment, mitigation, prevention and notification of any adverse impacts of their businesses and supply chains on human rights, setting civil and criminal liability for corporate bodies, business leaders and executives in the event of a breach and providing victims with access to justice and remedy; recommends that a legal duty of care be included as a specific element of this instrument in order to prevent the use of modern slavery and child labour by businesses in their overseas supply chains; calls on EU-based companies to live up to their corporate responsibility by moving towards the adherence of ethical rules and standards embraced within the EU's Single Market;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 569 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 55
55. Is deeply concerned at the disproportionate negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrants and refugees; uUrges governments to engage in responses based on respect for human rights and dignity and solutions to address migrants’ and refugees’ vulnerability and their need for protection, in line with the principles of solidarity and partnership and allowing for adequate and accessible legal pathways for migration; stresses the importance of upholding the right to asylum worldwide;
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 596 #

2020/2208(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 58 a (new)
58a. Calls on the Commission and the Council to strengthen the Union's democracy support programmes globally, by fostering pro-democratic bottom-up processes, building institutional resilience and supporting rules-based global free market economy,
2020/10/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 36 #

2020/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that, given the current and increasing multi-faceted threats the EU could face in a highly multipolar world with unreliable superrevisionist powers, only the combined weight of the Union and close cooperation with transatlantic partners has the potential to deliver peace, human security, sustainable development and democracy;
2020/11/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 53 #

2020/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the progress made in the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy; welcomes the fact that the EU remains committed to increasing its ability to act as a global security provider, including through its CSDP missions and operations, to supporting sustainable peace and prosperity and to overcoming conflicts around the world;
2020/11/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 99 #

2020/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Expresses grave concern at the recent escalations of tensions on some potential flashpoints in Indo-Pacific region, such as India-China disputed border, the East and South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, including China’s increasingly provocative military manoeuvres aimed at Taiwan; calls for all parties concerned to resolve their differences through peaceful means to de- escalate the tensions and to refrain from taking unilateral action to change the status quo; underlines the importance of the peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait to maintain peace, stability and prosperity for China and Taiwan, as well as in the Asia-Pacific region, which remains of critical importance to the interests of the EU; calls for the EU and it Member States to revisit their engagement policy with Taiwan and to collaborate with international like-minded partners to protect democratic Taiwan free from foreign threats; ˙Expresses concern about the disinformation campaign launched by malicious third countries to disrupt the efforts in fighting COVID-19 pandemic against democracies in the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan; calls on the EU and its Member States to support Taiwan’s meaningful and pragmatic participation as an observer in the WHO meetings, mechanisms and activities, so as to jointly fight against the global public health crisis;
2020/11/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 166 #

2020/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the launch of Operation EUNAVFOR MED Irini, which is aimed at contributing to sustainable peace and stability by supporting the implementation of the arms embargo on Libya in accordance with UNSCR 2526 (2020); calls on Member States to prioritiincrease the contribution of forces and assets to all CSDP missions and operations, addressing in particular the existing shortfalls; specifically invites Member States to urgently assign the intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and constabulary assets needed to boost Operation Irini’s capabilities; calls on the VP/HR to make full use of EU assets in this domain, in particular EU satellite and intelligence centres;
2020/11/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 173 #

2020/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that the strategic review of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) is to be initiated in 2020 and that, given the impact of this review on the planning as well as command and control of military missions and operations, calls on the VP/HR to keep Parliament informed of the options chosen in a timely manner;
2020/11/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 256 #

2020/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
21. Underlines that third country participation in the EDF, in some specific and exceptional cases when it gives added value to certain projects and is conducted on the basis of effective reciprocity, shaccordance with agreed rules in EDF regulation, would give added value and would not undermine the objectives of the EDF;
2020/11/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 279 #

2020/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Calls on Members States to act in simplifying and harmonizing procedures for military mobility and shorten the lead times to enable the EU Member States to act faster, in line with their defence needs and responsibilities, both in the context of Common Security and Defence Policy missions and operations, as well as national and multinational activities (e.g.in the framework of NATO); calls for renewal of the Action Plan on Military Mobility;
2020/11/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 286 #

2020/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
24. Welcomes the progress made in EU-NATO cooperation since the Joint Declaration in Warsaw in 2016; commends the progress made in implementing the common set of proposals of December 2017, in particular the intensification of EU-NATO political dialogue at all levels, as well as the structured dialogue on military mobility, the efforts to ensure greater coherence between the respective defence planning processes, and closer cooperation in countering hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns; calls on the EU and NATO to further enhance the mutually reinforcing cooperation, including between missions and operations, and to deepen their Strategic Partnership;
2020/11/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 332 #

2020/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
29. Underlines the important role of the armed forces during the COVID-19 pandemic and welcomes military assistance to civil support operations, notably for the deployment of field hospitals, patient transport, and equipment delivery and distribution; considers that this valuable contribution has shown the importance of the Member States’ military assets and capabilities in support of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, as well as for humanitarian assistance purposes; reiterates the importance of mutual assistance and solidarity, in line with Article 42(7) TEU and Article 222 TFEU; points out that development of military mobility is beneficial in management of civilian crises; encourages the setting up of European mechanisms aimed at facilitating the cross- border use of military logistical capabilities to face such emergencies, in order to allow for greater coordination, synergy, solidarity and support; stresses the need to increase the EU’s CBRN preparedness;
2020/11/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 351 #

2020/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
30. Welcomes the set of priorities and guidelines adopted for EU cooperation in the field of countering hybrid threats and enhancing resilience to these threats, including the fight against disinformation, and the setting up of a Rapid Alert System to facilitate cooperation with international partners such as the G7 and NATO; invites the EU and its Member States to develop and strengthen the security of its information and communication systems, including secure communication channels; calls for increased funding for the East StratCom Task Force; underlines the importance and the urgency for the EU to step up its strategic communication, debunk disinformation and to address and deter the growing and malign foreign interference which threatens its democratic system; stresses the importance of the European Parliament Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation;
2020/11/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 360 #

2020/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
31. Welcomes the adoption by the Council of a decision that, for the first time, allows the EU to impose targeted restrictive measures to deter and respond to cyber-attacks which constitute an external threat to the EU or its Member States, including cyber-attacks against third States or international organisations, and to impose sanctions on persons or entities responsible for cyber-attacks; highlights the need to further integrate cyber aspects into the EU’s crisis management systems; underlines that closer cooperation in preventing and countering cyber-attacks is essential in these times of particular vulnerability in order to advance international security and stability in cyberspace; welcomes good progress achieved by PESCO Cyber Rapid Response Team project in this regard; calls for support from the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and for strong coordination with the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in this respect; calls for increased EU coordination as regards establishing collective attribution for malicious cyber incidents;
2020/11/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 384 #

2020/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
34. Warns of the danger of a lack of ambition to fund European defence initiatives in the MFF, combined with significant and uncoordinated cuts in national defence budgets as a result of the COVID-19 crisis; stresses the need for Member States to allocate the necessary financial resources at national level in order to give the Union the ability to operate as a global actor for peace; in this vein, shares the assessment of the European Court of Auditors that ‘the EU Member States are far from having the military capabilities they need to match the EU military level of ambition’;
2020/11/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 386 #

2020/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
35. Recalls that while the common European defence projects and initiativeinitiatives and common projects are instrumental in addressing the shortfalls in the areas of defence-related R&D, pooling resources and co-ordinating efforts, the bulk of the defence assets used for CSDP missions continue to be produced by the Member States and paid for by national defence budgets;
2020/11/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 396 #

2020/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
37. Is alarmed at the potential erosion of the global non-proliferation and disarmament effortsarchitecture; fears that withdrawal fromnon- compliance with, or the non-extension of, major arms control treaties would seriously damage the international arms control regimes that have provided decades of stability, and would undermine relationships between nuclear-armed states; underlines the urgent need to restore cross- border trust;
2020/11/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 402 #

2020/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
39. Reiterates its deep regret at the withdrawal from the INF Treaty by the US and the Russian Federation following Russia’s persistent failure to comply with the Treaty, which the Parliament deplores; fears that the collapse of the Treaty, for which Russia bears primary responsibility, might lead to the escalation of tensions and heightened nuclear and military threats and risks, while jeopardising the future of arms control regimes; underlines that it is strongly opposed to a new arms race and re- militarisation on European soil; urges the Council and the VP/HR to launch an EU- led initiative with a view to pushing for the conversion of the INF Treaty into a multilateral Treaty involving all nuclear states;
2020/11/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 412 #

2020/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
41. EDeplores Russia’s selective implementation of its obligations under the Open Skies Treaty; expresses its deep regret at the decision taken by the US to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty, a major arms control instrument which has contributed to trust-building and to providing smaller states with a valuable capability to monitor and verify the military activities of their neighbours; calls on the remaining signatories to continue implementing the Treaty, while ensuring that it remains functional and useful;
2020/11/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 417 #

2020/2207(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
42. Welcomes the EU’s financial contribution to the projects and activities of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW); welcomes the adoption by the Council of a horizontal sanctions regime to address the growing use and proliferation of chemical weapons; calls for the EU to pursue its efforts to counter the proliferation and use of chemical weapons and to support the global prohibition of chemical weapons as laid down by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC); calls the EU to take initiative to address the issue of impunity for the use of chemical weapons;
2020/11/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 1 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
- having regard to the Council Conclusions on the Integrated Approach to External Conflicts and Crises of 22 January 2018,
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 33 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the European Union's vulnerability vis-a-vis authoritarian regimes, and the need for the Union to ensure a foreign policy that is consistent with its fundamental values;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 40 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic and its wide-ranging consequences are hitting particularly hard the most vulnerable, particularly in regions with weaker healthcare and social systems;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 67 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Defends the EU’s role as a reliable partner worldwide, a preferred ‘partner of choice’ for third parties, a principled, but not dogmatic, honest broker, actor and mediator for conflict resolution and mediation, as a leading promoter of sustainable development and main contributor to the multilateral framework, but ready to act autonomously when necessary to defend the EU’s interests and international peace and stability, based on the principles and values of the UN Charter; takes the view that creative ways are needed to increase the EU’s influence globally and to promote its positive power model worldwide;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 120 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Reiterates the need to strengthen the EU's alliances with other global democratic actors, and work together to reduce the malign influence of authoritarian regimes;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 121 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5 d . Reiterates the need to address the malign influence of authoritarian regimes, in particular their corrosive influence on democratic governance and private enterprise, not only within the Union and its immediate neighbourhood, but globally;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 122 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5e. Deplores Russia, China, and other authoritarian regimes for their abuse of multilateral institutions, seeking to neutralise human rights institutions and mechanisms in their ability to hold states accountable for human rights violations; calls on the Union and its member states to work with like-minded democratic allies to support a reform of multilateral institutions so that they become more resilient against the malign influence of authoritarian regimes;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 128 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Insists that the EU’s foreign and security policy should be guided by the protection of human dignity, the promotion of democracy, the protection of human rights and the promotion of fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of religion or belief, and Christians’ rights; welcomes in this respect the recent Commission decision to renew the mandate of the Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 146 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6f. Calls on the European Commission and the Council to strengthen the Union's democracy support programmes globally, by fostering pro-democratic bottom-up processes, building institutional resilience and supporting rules-based global free market economy and private enterprise
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 147 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 g (new)
6g. Calls on the Commission and the Council to support the work of European political foundations in strengthening democratic processes and fostering a new generation of political leaders in its neighbourhood and globally;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 220 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Recognises that the stability, security, peace and prosperity of the Western Balkans and the Eastern and Southern Neighbourhood countries directly affect the Union’s own stability; calls for a more active, unified and effective role for the EU in the peaceful resolution of the ongoing tensions and conflicts, in particular in Belarus, Ukraine, Lebanon, Syria and Libya, and in the prevention of any future conflicts in the neighbourhood, prioritising efforts in pre-emptive peace- building, including preventive diplomacy, as well as early warning and action mechanisms in line with the Union's integrated approach to external conflicts and crises;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 248 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Underlines the importance of EU accession perspective for the countries of the Western Balkans and the Eastern Neighbours;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 276 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Deplores the resumption of hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh; reiterates its position that the conflict must be resolved via peaceful means under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs in line with their 2009 Basic Principles; Recalls that the 2009 Basic Principles reflect a reasonable compromise based on the Helsinki Final Act principles of Territorial Integrity, the Equal Rights and Self-Determination of People and the Non-use of force
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 316 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Takes the view that the EU needs to define urgently an overall strategy for its mid- to long-term relations with Turkey, particularly in the light of thecontinued democratic backsliding, ongoing escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean, and its destabilising role in the region;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 346 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for a stronger transatlantic partnership in dealing with current foreign and security challenges and crises, particularly the current health emergency and the economic and political challenges it brings; reiterates the need for European NATO member countries to take on more burden-sharing responsibilities in protecting the transatlantic space and respond to new hybrid threats;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 368 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Notes that authoritarian regimes, including the Russian Federation and China, continue to target the European Union through disinformation campaigns and other hybrid threats, seeking to weaken our internal cohesion and thereby ability to act effectively on the global stage;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 375 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the current efforts to redesign and significantly upgrade the EU- Africa strategy, including in terms of security and cooperation; calls for a common EU approach to strengthen the EU’s visibility and commitment in Africa in view of developing a fair, people- centred and sustainable partnership;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 403 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Deplores China's lies about the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, manipulation of the multilateral system, spread of Chinese malign influence through disinformation, cyber-attacks, corrupt investment projects, trampling on international agreements through the introduction of the so-called new security law for Hong Kong, organ-harvesting from political prisoners, indoctrination, mass incarceration, enslavement and forced abortion and sterilisation of the Uyghurs, Tibetans and other minority groups, as well as further despicable abuse of fundamental rights;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 407 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 e (new)
20e. Notes that the European Parliament will take into account human rights abuses in mainland China and Hong Kong when asked to endorse comprehensive agreement on investment and any future trade deals with China;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 409 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 g (new)
20g. Reiterates its call that the Union must stand with the people of Hong Kong, supporting the city's autonomy, freedoms and the rule of law; encourages the member states to implement the package of measures agreed upon by the Foreign Affairs Council on 28th July 2020, as well as the Parliament's Joint's resolution of 15th June 2020;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 421 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 e (new)
21e. Underlines that preserving peace, stability and the freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region remains of critical importance to the interests of the EU and its Member States; notices with grave concern the recent escalations of tensions on the India-China border, as well as in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, including China’s increasingly provocative military moves aimed at Taiwan; calls for all parties concerned to resolve their differences peacefully through constructive dialogue and to refrain from taking unilateral action to change the status quo; expresses concern about the impacts of the imposition of the National Security Law in Hong Kong on the relationship between China and Taiwan; takes the view that cross-strait relations should be developed constructively, without destabilizing initiatives or any coercion by either side, and that any change of the cross-strait relations must not be made against the will of Taiwan’s citizens; calls for the EU and its Member States to revisit their engagement policy with Taiwan and to cooperate with international partners in helping sustain democracy in Taiwan free from foreign threats; commends Taiwan’s effective efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus and its solidarity with the EU, as demonstrated by the donation of over seven million surgical masks to many Member States during the pandemic; calls on the EU and its Member States to take concrete action to support Taiwan’s meaningful and pragmatic participation in the WHO and other international organizations, mechanisms and activities, as well as in the global disease prevention network;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 430 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses its support for the progressive framing and advancing of a common defence policy and to establishing a fully-fledged defence union; welcomes in this regard the objective of adopting a Strategic Compass in 2022; based on clear strategic objectives and orientated towards human security and sustainable peace; welcomes in this regard the objective of adopting a Strategic Compass in 2022; underlines the importance of conducting inclusive multi-stakeholder consultations, involving Member States, civil society, Churches and religious communities, academics, businesses and other stakeholders, in view of fostering a common strategic culture in security and defence;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 476 #

2020/2206(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
25. Draws attention to the mid- to long- term threats which will need to be addressed by the CFSP in the future, including the security risks posed by authoritarian regimes, non-state actors, climate change, cyber-threats, the space race, and emerging technologies;
2020/10/28
Committee: AFET
Amendment 2 #

2020/2194(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights the important role that Union agencies play in helping Union institutions to design and implement policies, especially by carrying out specific technical, scientific and managerial tasks; expresses its satisfaction with the high quality work performed by the agencies working in the area of employment, social affairs and inclusion (Cedefop, Eurofound, EU-OSHA, ETF and ELA);
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 10 #

2020/2194(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes and encourages the cooperation among the agencies within and beyond the framework of the EU Agencies Network (EUAN), which constitutes an important inter-agency cooperation platform to ensure efficient communication between the agencies and relevant stakeholders; appreciates and further encourages the close cooperation among the agencies under the remit of the EMPL Committee in order to improve synergies, ensure further complementarity and the sharing of resources;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 18 #

2020/2194(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that, similarly to previous years, most of the observations the Court has made in its Annual report on EU agencies for the financial year 2019 concern shortcomings in public procurement procedures, mostly concerning sound financial management and regularity; encourages the Union agencies to further improve their public procurement procedures, ensuring full compliance with the applicable rules and best value for money procurements;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 23 #

2020/2194(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
6. Expresses its concern over the very high level of carry-overs in some agencies, which could indicate various weaknesses, including weak budgetary planning, which is in contradiction to the budgetary principle of annuality;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 9 #

2020/2155(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with regret from the Court’s report that the Agency exceeded the contractual ceiling with regard to the Third European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER-3) by 2,4 % without any amendment of the contract; notes from the Agency’s reply that it received confirmation from the Commission only once the procurement was completed and the award decision was signed which led to the non-inclusion in the initial documents of the budget for inclusion of additional countries;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 12 #

2020/2155(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
6. Expresses its concern over the remaining high level of committed appropriations carried forward from 2019 to 2020, which stood at 22 %; recalls that such high carry-overs were also reported for the financial years 2016, 2017 and 2018, and calls on the Agency to analyse the underlying reasons and to improve the budget planning accordingly; notes the Agency’s reply specifying that part of the carry forwards are planned in order to ensure economy and in order to guarantee logistical arrangements;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 13 #

2020/2155(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Notes with regret from the Court’s report that under a contract for the provision of training and coaching services, the Agency did not base its reimbursements on actual figures shown in supporting documents as provided in the contract, thus incurring the risk of reimbursing higher sums than the costs actually made; notes from the Agency’s reply that it acknowledges that supporting documents/invoices were missing;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 5 #

2020/2151(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. Appreciates the Foundation’s work to enhance and disseminate knowledge, and to provide evidence and expertise to support policies concerning the improvement of living and working conditions in the Union; highlights the importance of collaborating with various highly qualified external experts;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 13 #

2020/2151(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with regret from the Court’s report that with regard to a framework contract for a maximum amount of EUR 170 000 for the supply of electricity, the Foundation incorrectly used a negotiated procedure with a single candidate, which resulted in irregular related contracts and associated payments; notes from the Foundation’s reply that it accepts the Court’s observation and consequently has planned the new tender for early 2021 to be of a competitive nature;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 16 #

2020/2151(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Notes with regret from the Court’s report that with regard to another framework contract, the Foundation should have used an open procedure instead of a negotiated procedure justified by the Foundation on the basis of a budget which was underestimated; notes from the Foundation’s reply that it did a screening of the local market, based the budget on professional advice, publicly advertised the contract and published a contract award notice in the Official Journal;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 17 #

2020/2151(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the fact that the Foundation has completed the corrective actions in relation to the Court’s observations from previous years; notes that the Foundation is in the process of implementing actions in response to the recommendations from the Commission made on the basis of the external cross- agency evaluation covering the period 2012 to 2016, and awaits the Foundation’s related reporting in its 2020 Annual activity report;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 10 #

2020/2150(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
4. Appreciates the Centre’s collaboration with other Union agencies, in particular with Eurofound, with the purpose of seeking to ensure synergies; expresses its satisfaction that the Centre collaborates with the EU Agencies Network to ensure efficiency gains in administrative matters, such as joint procurement procedures and exchange of knowledge and expertise on IT system, cybersecurity or HR practices;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 14 #

2020/2150(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with regret that the Court identified weaknesses in one procurement procedure for cleaning services for which the Centre accepted a change in the execution of the contract following its signature, without properly documenting the change or incorporating the change into the framework contract; notes from the Centre’s reply that the Centre intends to formalise its guidelines on contract management to complement the training given to contract managers, the work flow and the controls in place;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 16 #

2020/2150(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Notes the Court’s observation regarding incorrect application of the method for calculating contribution set out in the Statement on Cedefop-EFTA cooperation; notes, from the Centre’s reply, the Centre’s declaration that no incorrect application has taken place and that it has been consistently applying the ‘proportionality factor’ in this regard;
2021/01/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 3 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
2. Takes note that by the end of 2019, outstanding commitments continued to rise, reaching EUR 298.0 billion; highlights that this increase was due to the fact that commitment appropriations systematically exceeded payment appropriations and that payment needs were being postponed to the next MFF, basically owing to delays in the implementation of the European Structural and Investment (ESI) funds; points out that there was a significant increase in payment claims of the ESI funds while the use or ‘absorption’ of these funds by Member States has remained slower than planned, which contributed to a worrying increase in the outstanding commitments for the ESI funds;
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 12 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
4. Notes with concern that the estimated overall level of error in the policy area ‘Economic, social and territorial cohesion’ in 2019 stood at 4.4 % (2018: 5.0 %); underlines that despite the slight decrease in comparison with the previous year, this figure is still largely above the 2 % materiality threshold and the estimated level of error in expenditure for the Union budget as a whole (2.7 %); points out, furthermore, that the number and the impact of detected errors indicate that there is a high inherent risk of error in this area and that managing authorities’ checks are still often ineffective for preventing or detecting irregularities in the expenditure declared by beneficiaries;
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 15 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
5. Regrets the fact that also for 2019 financial year, the Court of Auditors (the ‘Court’) concludes that the weaknesses detected in some audit authorities’ sampling methods have affected representativeness, and that shortcomings remain in the way audit authorities perform and document their work; notes with concern that despite many irregularities which national audit authorities have already reported for the projects the Court examines, many errors still go undetected or uncorrected by all internal control instances at an earlier stage; welcomes, in this context the joint initiative of the Commission and audit authorities to improve the documentation of audit authorities’ work; recommends, on the basis of the Court’s findings and conclusions for 2019, that the Commission analyses the main sources of undetected errors and develops the necessary measures together with the audit authorities to improve the reliability of reported residual rates;
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 17 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Acknowledges that EU spending in this policy area is characterised by cost reimbursements, which involve more complex rules than in some other policy areas, and that this results in that relatively high estimated level of error in this policy area; in this respect, notes that in 2019, errors are mainly due to ineligible projects (55 %) and infringement of internal market rules (24 %, of which 15 % serious non-compliance with public procurement rules), followed by ineligible expenditure (12 %) and absence of essential supporting documents (4 %);
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 18 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Takes note that in its Annual activity report for 2019, DG EMPL reported a KPI (1.7 % residual total error rate) below the 2 % materiality threshold and that it also reported ‘a maximum rate’ (up to 2.4 %) which would allow to take into account possible further errors in expenditure on operations that were not included in the Commission’s audits; furthermore takes note that the Court considers the ‘maximum rate’ to be more suitable, because it takes account of the potential impact of ongoing audit work;
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 20 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Notes that in 2019, the risk at payment for ESF is in the range of 1.7 %- 2.4 %; furthermore, takes note of the fact that due to the processing of first payments for a number of operational programmes in Member States in 2018 and 2019, the auditors had the possibility to examine the full process for a higher number of programmes and a higher number of payments, which subsequently resulted in an increased number of errors found, as well as a higher error rate;
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 22 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Notes with concern that the most common error affecting ESF expenditure is the absence of essential supporting documentation; notes, furthermore, that in 2019 the Court identified one ESF project that infringed the EU's state aid rules;
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 23 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Welcomes the fact that in the framework of the preventive measures applied by the Commission, DG EMPL continues to apply a strict policy of interruption and suspension of payments to preserve the EU’s financial interests; in this context, notes that for the ESF / Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) and the FEAD, 12 interruption decisions and one suspension decision were adopted in 2019, and that, in addition, 16 warning letters and five pre-suspension letters were sent to the Member States concerned;
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 26 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
9. Notes with satisfaction that, following the adoption of the new Commission Anti-Fraud Strategy on 29 April 2019, DG EMPL has performed a fraud-risk-analysis and reviewed and updated jointly with DG REGIO and DG MARE the ‘Joint Anti-Fraud Strategy’ as well as its direct management anti-fraud strategy; takes note that DG EMPL has continued to contribute to the development of the risk scoring tool ARACHNE helping the national authorities, among others, to identify the risk of fraud;
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 27 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Notes that the total number of on- going OLAF investigations concerning EMPL’s fields of activity and all programming periods put together amounts to 20 cases related to the ESF, 1 case regarding FEAD and 2 cases related to direct expenditure at the end of 2019, the main areas of (potential) fraud in these cases being non-compliance with the principles of sound financial management, overpricing and non-respect of procurement rules and procedures;
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 28 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Welcomes the fact that in 2019, the follow-up to 10 OLAF reports was completed whereby through various means and forms the EU budget was protected with the recovery of almost EUR 55.3 million;
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 29 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls that most spending on the programmes under the MFF subheading 1a is directly managed by the Commission and takes the form of grants to public or private beneficiaries participating in projects (the Commission providing advances to beneficiaries upon signature of a grant agreement or financing decision);
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 31 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
11. Expresses its concern that the estimated level of error in spending on ‘Competitiveness for growth and jobs’ (MFF subheading 1a) for 2019 as a whole is material and stands at 4.0 %; - which represents a substantial increase compared to 2.0 in 2018 (2017: 4.2 % and 2016: 4.1 %) and notes that the level of error is persistently high for research and innovation expenditure, being the main source of error, while it is much lower for the rest of this subheading;
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 33 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
12. Notes that EaSI financed 44 projects through five calls for proposals for EUR 29.3 million under its 2019 work programme; takes note of the fact that in October 2019, DG EMPL signed the first share subscription in the EaSI Funded Instrument, representing a EUR 200 million loan fund to support lending to micro-enterprises and social enterprises;
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 36 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 13
13. Recognises that the five decentralised agencies under the remit of DG EMPL provide significant contribution and have important added value to the achievement of the specific objectives of DG EMPL’s policy areas; notes that the revised Founding Regulations of the three tripartite agencies (Cedefop, EU-OSHA and Eurofound) were adopted on 16 January 2019 and entered into force on 20 February 2019; welcomes the establishment of the European Labour Authority on 31 July 2019, and reiterates its call that the Authority is provided with sufficient financial resources;
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 40 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 14
14. Notes from DG EMPL’s Annual activity report for 2019 that DG EMPL had reasonable assurance and concluded that the management and control systems of the operational programmes worked as intended in 2019 with the exception of 29 ESF/YEI and 1 FEAD programmes which presented material deficiencies of some key elements of the systems;
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 41 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Notes with satisfaction, from DG EMPL’s Annual activity report 2019, that DG EMPL has undertaken the necessary follow-up actions in relation to all Statement of Assurance 2015-2018 recommendations reported by the Court, and that by the end of March 2020, there were no open Court’s recommendations;
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 43 #

2020/2140(DEC)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to follow up all errors found by the Court and to request additional financial corrections, where deemed necessary; furthermore calls the Commission to make an analysis of the underlying reasons together with the audit authorities and to undertake adequate measures in this regard;
2021/01/22
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 28 #

2020/2135(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the Covid-19 crisis has shown that there is a big percentage of pupils and students that did not have the access to internet and digital tools and thus had very limited access to education;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 36 #

2020/2135(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital C
C. whereas the development of digital skills is vital in order to adapt to the changing needs of an increasingly digitised labour market and to combat job losses and adverse social phenomena, such as lack of access to basic services and digital and social exclusion; whereas the lifelong education has a good potential in closing the gap between the skills and needs of the labour market;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 48 #

2020/2135(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas there is a clear need for the quality data gathering and exchange of best practices among member states;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 87 #

2020/2135(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Member States to guarantee that all educational establishments and all students have access to necessary digital tools and broadband internet, which is a prerequisite for the process of improving digital skills;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 101 #

2020/2135(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Member States to remove barriers to access to education, with particular emphasis on digital education, in order to improve digital skills; calls on the Member States to focus more on the vulnerable communities that lack the access to the digital tools and the internet and where a large proportion of pupils and students did not have access to education during the first wave of Covid- 19 pandemics;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 107 #

2020/2135(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Member States to use the digital tools to make the education system truly accessible for all including persons with disabilities;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 132 #

2020/2135(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses the need to support the physical health of pupils and students that might be endangered as a consequence of long hours spent in front of the computer screens resulting from the predominantly digital education during the Covid-19 crisis; calls on the Member States to launch targeted campaigns raising awareness about the necessity of physical exercise;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 60 #

2020/2131(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for the systematic application of health and safety measures in the workplace, and welcomes the guidelines of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) on adapting workplaces and protecting workers in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic; considers that such guidelines should be further developed and based on regular consultations with the relevant stakeholders in order to provide a coordinated, up-to-date and efficient response in case of future cross-border threats to public health;
2020/09/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 98 #

2020/2131(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the EU to support the digital and green transitions by investing in human - centric and dignity-based artificial intelligence and in reskilling and upskilling initiatives to foster digital literacy, the uptake of advanced digital skills and the new skills for new occupations and sectors that will emerge from the transition to a sustainable, carbon- neutral economy; highlights the need to adopt a forward-looking approach to vocational education and training and skills, in particular digital skills; stresses, as a matter of priority, the need to address the mismatch between skills/qualifications and the needs of the labour market.; stresses the need to raise awareness about the big potential of the AI based solutions to ensure the trust of the citizens; highlights the need for a research on societal changes caused by AI;
2020/09/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 36 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the urgent need for resilient capacity-building across the international community and the need for close multilateral dialogue and cooperation, with particular regard to access to public goods; whereas Agenda 2030 and the SDGs provide a central roadmap for recovery and action, already validated by the international community at large; whereas COVID-19 will likely accelerate negative trends - including threats to democracy, the rule of law and human rights - unless swift, significant and substantial policy action is taken at a global level; whereas the pandemic has underscored the fact that healthy populations are not only a moral imperative, but also a prerequisite for economic wellbeing and development, as well as the importance of investing more and better in addressing critical health needs at a global level;
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 45 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the UN Secretary-General has shown excellent leadership in moving forward with the reform of the UN; whereas the EU, as a leading UN fundend its Member States, as single largest financial contributor, hasve shown an important commitment to effective multilateralism through its political, symbolic and financial support to the UN;
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 60 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) take the view that, in a multipolar context where some countries are promoting selective multilateralism rather than effective multilateralism anchored in universal values, the EU must seek to promote further an unconditional commitment by UN members to universal values, a rules-based system and the primacy of human rights in all policy areas; calls for the promotion of the mainstreaming of such values across all policy and programming areas of the UN, in close cooperation with like-minded countries, with a view to advancing policy dialogue and policy solutions, implementation and mainstreaming capacity, while also respecting national sovereignty in matters of domestic concern;
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 65 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) strengthen its outreach activities to develop broader partnerships to support effective multilateralism; consider including focused discussions on effective multilateralism in all structured dialogues with partners;
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 73 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) continue with its efforts to enable the EU and its Member States to progressively speak with one voice in the UN on matters that enjoy EU-wide consensus, with particular reference to the UN Security Council (UNSC) and the good track record of cooperation with permanent and rotating UNSC members which are EU Member States, with the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and with the Human Rights Council (HCR); praises the excellent role played by the EEAS and its delegations, as well as the delegations of the EU Member States, in facilitating such dialogue and cooperation;
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 87 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c d (new)
(cd) reiterate that effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order are a precondition for advancing disarmament and for countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; reaffirm the full support of the EU and its Member States for existing international treaties, inter alia, the NPT, CTBT, CWC, BTWC, ATT as well as the Conventions on Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines and promote efforts to develop a political declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA) as well as a legally binding framework for autonomous weapons systems;
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 94 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) continue to provide valuable support to the UN Secretary-General in his quest to advance the programme of reforms in the UN and reinforce the UN’s capacity to further sustainable development, promote peace and security, and streamline its internal management system with a view to an effective, transparent, financially sustainable, inclusive and accountable UN that is able to reconnect with its citizenMember States' citizens by allowing an effective participation of local communities and other grassroots actors in shaping and implementing policies; underlines that the major progress achieved in the UN reform process has been in the administrative and bureaucratic sphere, while major political reforms remain pending;
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 96 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) work with our democratic allies to address the weakening of multilateral institutions and mechanisms by authoritarian regimes; in particular, address attempts to neutralise human rights institutions and mechanisms in their ability to hold States accountable for human rights violations; calls on the Union and its member states to work with like-minded democratic allies to support a reform of multilateral institutions so that they become more resilient against the malign influence of authoritarian regimes;
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 104 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) continue to seek greater synergies between the work of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), the UNGA and the UNSC while recognising the role of subsidiarity in accordance with institutional procedures; commends the work of the EU in supporting the work of the HRC, in the context of the need to mainstream respect for human rights across all decision- making and policy areas of the UN; deplores the abuse of HRC by authoritarian regimes who continue to abuse it for their own ends, in particular, to undermine its functioning, and erode the human rights norms regime; calls for the EU and its Member States to support a comprehensive reform of the HRC;
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 114 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(fa) reject and address anti-Israel bias in the HRC;
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 137 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) continue to expand its diplomacy and outreach toolbox, with particular regard to climate diplomacy, peace and security, fair globalisation and the capacity to pursue policy dialogue and policy consensus, not only with UN members but also with relevant interlocutors such as cities, regions, academia, Churches and religious communities, as well as civil society and the private sector;
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 160 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) expand further the trilateral cooperation between the EU, the AU and the United Nations; stresses the importance of continuing to develop the AU’s capabilities as regards crisis prevention, crisis management and conflict resolution on the African continent, as well as capabilities in other policy areas of relevance for Africa’s security and stability on the basis of a Human Security Index, including in economic and environmental terms and with regard to access to public goods; takes the view that the EU can have a tremendous capacity of appeal with its ability to deliver on the partnership aspirations of the African continent and its institutions; underlines the importance of closer political and policy dialogue with the EU’s partners in Africa, including within parliamentary dimensions;
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 174 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) pursue further dialogue on the capacity of the UN system to deliver on and expand its capability in terms of responsibility to protect (R2P); stresses the importance of dialogue and cooperation with the UN on effective peacekeeping missions with clear objectives, a clear capacity of deliverysufficient capacity to achieve results, and effective mechanisms, including the perspectives of women in line with UN Security Council resolution 1325 and all subsequent resolutions, as well as the need to ensure respect for human rights and the protection of civilians, which are at the core of peacekeeping mandates; underlines the importance of EU support to countries emerging from violent conflict and, therefore, calls for reinforced cooperation in addressing the fragility of transition settings, including through strengthening national ownership and consolidating peacebuilding gains;
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 177 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
(ia) support and actively contribute to the UN Secretary-General's call for a global ceasefire, including through effective measures against illicit arms trade and enhancing the transparency and accountability of Member States' arms exports;
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 209 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) support the UN Secretary-General’s call for an affordable and accessible COVID-19 vaccine, to be considered a global public good; calls on the EU and its Member State to support an independent inquiry into the World Health Organisation's (WHO) handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially at its onset; reiterates its support for the inclusion of Taiwan into the World Health Assembly
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 235 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) continue to pursue and expand capacity cooperation within the UN system on the promotion of effective and ethical common standards in new policy areas such as data protection, due diligence, artificial intelligence or cyberspace, while promoting adequate support for those countries that may wish to expand their regulatory capacity and implementation of standards;
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 244 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) address migration and forced displacement and cooperate in the implementation of both the Global Compact on Migration and the Global Compact on Refugees; support and reinforce the work of relevant UN bodies such as UNHCR and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA);
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 261 #

2020/2128(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) further enhance integrated support for gender equality between men and women and the empowerment of women, in line with the Beijing Declaration and its Platform for Action, with a special focus on eradicating violence against women and girls and supporting the meaningful and active participation of women in all spheres of public life;
2020/11/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 1 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
— having regard to the joint communication by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council and the Council: A new EU-US agenda for global change (JOIN(2020)22)
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 2 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
— having regard to the revised text of the Political Declaration setting out the framework for the future relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom as agreed at negotiators’ level on 17 October 2019
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 5 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the EU Strategy against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (2003) and the Council conclusions on the new lines for action by the European Union in combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems (2008)
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 17 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas the global order is increasingly polarisedunstable and marred by competing agendas and policy stancgrowing assertiveness of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, and by their increasing risk of regulatory fragmentation and competition on regulatory standardattempts to undermine and rewrite international norms;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 25 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas the world has entered a new era of ‘unpeace’, characterised by great geopolitical competition involving ‘semi-conflicts’, which happen away from the public eye, but haveinstability, which has significant implications for EU and global security;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 30 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas at the same time, the global order is increasingly confronted with policevolving, and is increasingly dissues and challenges thatrupted, requireing effective global policy dialogue and convergence of positions in order to devise real solutions and common agreed upon standards that can deliver effectively in the interest of all, and contribute to international peace, stability and sustainable development; whereas the EU stands behind international laws and norms;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 42 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas multilateralism is in crisis, resulting in part from the emergence of new actors on the global stage, as a peaceful means of organising relations between sovereign states, is increasingly challenged resulting in part from the emergence of new actors on the global stage, including increasingly assertive authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, the tensions derived from the nature of multilateral institutions, the growing gap between public opinion and institutions, the decline of traditionally dominant geopolitical powers and the subsequent decline of global freedoms and democracy; whereas we are on the cusp of a new era that threatens to undermine more than seventy years of progress and relative peace and consolidate an era of strongman politics striving to undermine the rule of law, responsibility and diversity; whereas the combination of national populist impulses, divergent and changing objectives and a lack of application and accountability methodsisolationism, protectionism and revisionism is forcing the multilateral system to face threefour connected crises: a crisis of power, of relevance, accountability and of legitimacy;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 50 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas multilateralism is in need of swift revitalisation to tackle this multidimensional crisis; whereas peace and security, threats to fundamental freedoms and democracy, climate change, global public health and the deepening of poverty and inequalities at the global level are some of the pressing challenges that the world is facing right now; whereas only through a reinforced multilateral order will the international community be able to find lasting and sustainable answers to these and future challenges;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 61 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas the climate emergency and the COVID-19 pandemic have shown the importance and policy primacy of global public goods, such as, inter alia, access to health, clean air, education, technology and cyberspace in an inclusive fashion; whereas access to global public goods and policy responses seeking to standardise and expand such access across countries and communities requires global cooperation on objectives, minimum standards and active support for the most vulnerable countries and communities; whereas this requires an effective multilateral agenda focused on global public goods and governance structures that reinforce access to such goods; whereas effective policy dialogue, cooperation and delivery on access to global public goods cannot be decoupled from the promotion and protection of fundamental rights;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 69 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G
G. whereas the increasing positions of strength by illiberal third countrigrowing assertiveness of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes in multilateral fora and international organisations, including through attempts to weaken and rewrite international norms, and strong presence as regards the management and decision-making processes of relevant international organisations and multilateral fora, can lead to asymmetric and less effective, if not biased, policy responses, absent the level playing field for all members of the international community, and to a much weaker commitment by the international community to the defence of universal values and universal rights; whereas individual agendas, unilateral actions and a lack of engagement and support for multilateral solutions can further undermine multilateralism as an essential organising principle to tackle transnational challenges; whereas, in this context, it is essential to reaffirm the value of rules- based governance, international cooperation, a commitment to fundamental rights and a true level playing field for all members of the international community; whereas relevant international organisations and multilateral fora will be key to achieving these objectives; whereas these objectives will not only allow a more effective positive policy impact on global challenges, but will also curb and prevent the risk of conflict;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 75 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the EU has contacts with numerous international organisations, including, the United Nations and its bodies, Council of Europe, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the Organisation for Economic and Development Cooperation, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the World Trade Organisation, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the International Olympic Committee, the Group of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Organisation of American States, the African Union, the South African Development Community, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, MERCOSUR, International Organisation of La Francophonie, the Commonwealth, the Community of Portuguese Language Counties, the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, the International Chamber of Commerce, Interpol, Union of South American Nations, Association of Caribbean States, The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, Caribbean Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 77 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H
H. whereas the UN Secretary- General’s report entitled ‘Our Common Agenda’, which was presented to the UN General Assembly in September 2021 and drafted through a wide-ranging consultation process including UN member states, thought leaders, young people, civil society, relevant stakeholders and citizens, as well as the UN system and its many partners, attests to the need for a more effective, inclusive and networked multilateralism for the future; whereas this will be essential for the UN system and other multilateral fora in order to continue being an effective venue for global consultation and decision-making; whereas, in this context, the Holy See, along with its worldwide network of representations and the capillary presence of religious and faith- based organisations providing concrete assistance to vulnerable communities, has shown global leadership in multilateral fora and contributed to the advancement of sustainable human development, inclusive education, universal healthcare, humane migration policies, peace- building, disarmament, fight against climate change and other important agendas; whereas the EU is uniquely positioned to support the UN and other relevant international organisations in pursuing a process of reform and in revitalising their delivery capacity and their ability to connect to relevant stakeholders, such as young people or the communities most impacted by climate change, efficiency, accountability, resilience, and ability to connect to relevant stakeholders; whereas in doing so the EU should seize the opportunity to engage constructively and effectively with rival powers, while maintaining a firm stance on fundamental rights and pursuing closer cooperation with like-minded countries to reinforce the primacy of universal values and fundamental rights and to advance effective solutions to global challenges; whereas parliamentary diplomacy will be a key component of reinforcing rules-based, inclusive, networked and effective multilateralism;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 91 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I
I. whereas the new ‘Global Europe – Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument’ (Global Europe financial instrument), combined with the ‘Team Europe’ approach confers on the EU and its Member States an ability to pull resources together in a synergic way and to better coordinate assistance and create positive impact in the external action of the EU, including through multilateral fora; whereas the new Global Europe financial instrument provides for high-level political dialogue between the Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS) and Parliament on programming priorities with the opportunity for Parliament to reconnect this policy and programming dialogue to its political outreach and consultations with third countries, thus reinforcing, through its parliamentary diplomacy activities and outreach, the ability of the EU to assist and positively impact relevant third countries;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 99 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the joint communication by the Commission and the VP/HR to Parliament and the Council on strengthening the EU’s contribution to rules-based multilateralism; considers that this communication contributes very directly to and further advances the reflection on the direction of the EU’s foreign policy from its important, but more general commitment to effective multilateralism as defined in the 2003 European security strategy to the realisation of the need to combine the value and objective of effective multilateralism with principled pragmatism and the need to promote and preserve the EU’s interests and values, as laid out in the 2016 global strategy for the EU’s foreign and security policy; concurs with the Commission and the VP/HR on the need for the EU to be more assertive in pursuing its interests and in advancing the universal values in which it believes and, therefore, concurs on the need for the EU to defend and strengthen multilateralism as a means to ensuring a level playing field for the international community, providing a platform for inclusive policy dialogue, cooperation and convergence and achieving policy responses supported by the international community at large and which can truly delivernd the need to promote and preserve the EU’s interests and values, as laid out in the 2016 global strategy for the EU’s foreign and security policy; points to the EU’s ability to devise very efficient and inclusive regulatory standards for its single market and takes the view that the EU should also seek to promote such standards in the framework of its external action as a paradigm and contribution to the discussion on effective global regulatory standards;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 110 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its strongest support for the programme of reforms introduced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres; stresses the importance of a UN system that can continue to deliver effectively; points to the value of the ‘One UN’ vision of the UN Secretary-General for the UN system, where the various agencies and components of the UN can truly be interlinked and function together on the basis of a single budgetary and managerial structure and can reinforce the attainment of the UN’s objectives; points, in particular, to the enhanced role of the UN Resident Coordinators provided for by the reform of the UN development system and considers that these UN Resident Coordinators should not only take the lead in coordinating the implementation of UN programmes on the ground to reinforce the unity of UN action, but should also liaise and consult closely with EU delegations in the relevant UN member state to pursue synergies and mutual reinforcement with the EU’s thematic and geographic programmes for that country; recalls that the EU can greatly reinforce the outreach and impact of UN programmes in third countries and can define its programming and assistance in synergic and reinforcing fashion in conjunction with the objectives of the UN; stresses, therefore, the value of close EU-UN consultation and cooperation and invites the UN to regularly consult with the EU at UN headquarters, but also on the ground in third countries; takes the view that the EU and the UN should hold annual summits with the possibility for the UN Secretary-General to confer with Council, Commission, EEAS and Parliamentstresses the value of close EU-UN consultation and cooperation and invites the UN to regularly consult with the EU at UN headquarters, but also on the ground in third countries; calls on the UN to ensure a steady presence of high-level UN interlocutors at the European Parliament to further policy dialogue and give enhanced visibility to UN efforts;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 120 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Takes the view that the EU should identify the UN bodies and other multilateral organisations that are key to promoting policy dialogue, convergence and policy solutions to global challenges and, standard setting and should define clear objectives and clear priorities for dialogue with and support, including budgetary support, to such bodies and organisations, including through budgetary support; recalls, in this regard, that the EU and its Member States are already the leading donors to the UN and, many of its agencies and programmes, and other organisations, but that this commitment to and support for the UN does not always translate into a stronger presenceimpact by the EU and, its Member States in key UN agency positionsand like-minded partners in multilateral fora, which is particularly worrying at a time of growing assertiveness of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes in such fora; calls on the EU and, its Member States and like-minded partners to further improve their coordination when it comes to establishing joint support for candidacies for leadership positions in multilateral fora; points to the positive potential of also enhancing this coordination with like- minded partners in other world regions and looking at the importance of the principle of the equitable geographical distribution of leadership positions;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 130 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Praises the ability of the EU and its Member States to work in a coherent and synergic fashion and to present unified positions in the UN system, with particular regard to the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council and UN Human Rights Council; praises, in this regard, the valuable coordination efforts by the EU delegations to the UN in New York and Geneva; believes that this unified, synergic approach should be replicated for every UN body, agency or other international organisation, so thacross multilateral fora; calls on the EU and its Member States to review and update the EU can act and deStrategy against the prolivfer as one across the board in multilateral fora; laments thatation of Weapons of Mass Destruction to take account of the Srecurity Council is not as reactive to crises like the ones in Syria, Ethiopia and Sudan as it has been to other crises in the past and that this has had a negative impact on preventing, managing and resolving theseent geopolitical, technological and legal developments and provide an up-to-date and ambitious basis for EU’s multilateral engagement for non-proliferation and disarmament; laments that the Security Council is divided and not reactive to regional and global crises; points to the fact that in 2022, only two EU Member States will be on the Security Council; considers that the EU should promote reflecting on the terms of a reform of the Security Council that can restore its ability to address crises in a timely and effective manner, thoroughly limit the right to veto and change the composition of the Security Council to reflect today’s world better; reiterates its view, in this regard, that the EU and its Member States should work towards finding a broad consensus on reforming the Security Council, inter alia, through the provision of a permanent seat for the EU, in addition to the already existing seats held by EU Member States;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 140 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the EU and its Member States to further their ability to share information, consult and coordinate, including in the governing bodies and boards of multilateral bodies where the EU is not represented; shares the view of the VP/HR and the Commission that the EU should establish coordination mechanisms in all international financial institutions; believes that the same coordination ability should be expanded to the boards of all UN bodies, such as, for example, the Food and Agriculture Organization;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 149 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that the new Global Europe financial instrument and the ‘Team Europe’ approach to geographic and thematic assistance and programming provide a unique opportunity to define a common inter-institutional agenda that duly reflects and values the contributions of the EU Member States and reinforces the leveraging ability of the EU and its Member States; warns that the quest by some illiberal countries to attain and consolidate leverage through financing international organisations raises the issue of financial antagonism in multilateral fora and prompts the need for a reflection at EU level on how to secure the independence and effectiveness of relevant international organisations and multilateral fora, including through multilateral fora; warns that attempts by authoritarian and totalitarian regimes to attain and consolidate leverage through financing international organisations raises the need to secure the organisations' independence and effectiveness, including through adequate EU funding; recalls that EU humanitarian aid and development assistance to third countries is very often channelled through the UN system; supports this partnership between the EU and the UN, but calls on the EU to ensure that the UN gives more visibility to the EU’s specific role and contributions; underlines, in this regard, the importance of carrying out, at EU level, an in-depth evaluation of both existing and envisaged EU-UN partnerships to assess whether there is adequate visibility for the EU’s contribution, value for taxpayers' money in line with the EU's values, and whether the leadership roles conferred on the EU and its Member States are commensurate with the EU’s strong commitment and dedication to the UN system; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to carry out this review and to confer with Parliament on their findings and on the way forward to ensure that adequate value is given to the EU’s contributions to the UN system;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 154 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses that the EU's support to international organisations and presence in multilateral fora should be visible for the citizens in the EU Member States; calls on the VP/HR to launch an EU-wide information campaign on the EU support given to international organisations and its presence objectives and activities in multilateral fora;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 162 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the need to work towards an effective, results-oriented and inclusive multilateralism, where governments, civil society, religious and faith-based actors, the private sector, academia and other relevant stakeholders can effectively work together to serve and achieve global goals, values and interests; acknowledges the importance of reconciling the two critical EU goals of enhancing the EU’s visibility as a global actor and supporting the role of multilateral fora; recalls the need to address and manage these tensions and to articulate a balanced position between these two goals, in line with the EU’s core values, ideas and interests;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 168 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the importance of continuing to reach out to allies and like- minded partners in international organisations and multilateral fora to consolidate a coalition of like-minded countries committed to common values and objectives and to policy dialogue and effective cooperation globally; points, in this regard, to the particular relevance, not only of traditional transatlantic partners such as the US and Canada, as well as the UK, but also to countries in Latin America; recalls that the EU, the UK, the US, Canada and the countries of Latin America can create, in partnership together, a broader transatlantic area of common values and standards and a commitment to advancing global responses to global challenges; underlines, in this regard, that this broad transatlantic coalition could expand dialogue and cooperation to African countries and support the latter in their quest for political and economic stability; notes that cooperation between the EU and its northern and southern Atlantic partners would empower the political voices that want to build a future for Africa premised on democracy, inclusion and prosperity, while being mindful of the need to protect the African continent from the ravages and security threats stemming from climate change; supports, in this regard, efforts by the VP/HR, the Council and the Commission to further strengthen the EU’s partnership with the African Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States; points to the importance of furthering a convergence of positions at the UN and other multilateral fora between the EU and both accession and partner countries; calls on the EU to expand its ability to assist partner and like-minded countries, including through capacity building, knowledge-sharing, training and twinning, so that they can engage more effectively in the multilateral system; reiterates the importance of reinforcing the existing multilateral fora with like- minded partners, especially the EU- Community of Latin American and Caribbean States summitsother like-minded partners across the world;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 190 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Supports the EU’s tireless advocacy for and defence of universal human rights, its staunch support for the universalisation of international human rights law, its active support to and use of UN human rights fora to address pressing human rights issues, its steadfast support for strengthening accountability and international justice mechanisms and its fight against impunity; supports the VP/HR and the Commission in their quest to ensure that the UN Human Rights Council acts more efficiently, addresses all human rights issues and country situations effectively, credibly and without bias and ensures synergies with other multilateral human rights fora; pays tribute to the work of the current UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and takes the view that her tenureit provides a unique opportunity to engage oin effective dialogue and cooperation on how to streamline and reinforce the delivery capacity of the UN human rights system, including through increased public scrutiny of Human Rights Council membership, responsibilities and mandatory pledging events at the UN General Assembly with candidates to the Human Rights Council, as proposed by the VP/HR and the Commission in their joint communication; welcomes the launch on 12 October 2021 of an annual strategic dialogue with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; welcomes the EU’s initiatives and activities pertaining to human rights in the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee and the UN Security Council, as well as the cooperation between the EU and the UN on multiple thematic and country-based human rights issues;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 195 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Deplores the abuse of the HRC by authoritarian and totalitarian regimes who continue to abuse it for their own ends, in particular, to undermine its functioning, and erode the human rights norms regime; calls for the EU and its Member States to support a comprehensive reform of the HRC;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 199 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Stresses that the HRC should address situations of violations of human rights in a balanced manner, and cease attempts to disproportionately target the State of Israel; calls in this regard for a fundamental reform of the Human Rights Council including the setting of clear criteria for members of the Council;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 201 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls that for rules-based, effective, results-oriented and networked multilateralism to flourish, it is important to involve democratically elected parliaments to ensure broader access to a wide-range of stakeholders and expand dialogue and cooperation to non-state entities such as regional governments, municipalities and the economic sector; recalls that democratically elected parliaments can give visibility to and empower the voices supporting multilateralism as an avenue for effective policy responses for the benefit of all mankind and can further secure the necessary link between the international organisations and multilateral fora making decisions and the citizens; points to the synergic role that the European Parliament can play in its regular political and policy outreach to the parliaments of the EU Member States and third countries, as this outreach can reinforce and further expand the coalition and the ability of like-minded countries in international organisations and multilateral fora to make positive impacts; considers that Parliament should reflect on the possibility of creating a delegation devoted to the UN, with particular regard to the UN General Assembly and other parliamentary dimensions of international organisations and multilateral fora to reinforce the parliamentary link and dialogue with the UN system and other relevant multilateral fora and ensure democratic dialogue and strategic considerations at the EU inter- institutional level; believes that Parliament’s offices in cities with UN bodies or international organisations that are relevant for the external action of the EU should reach out to and cover the activities of these bodies and organisations to establish a closer link with the efforts, commitments and visions related to multilateralism at EU and European Parliament level; takes the view that Parliament should carry out a reflection on how to maximise the synergies between inter-parliamentary delegations, committees and Parliament’s services devoted to election observation and democracy support to further reinforce the external action of the EU through the activities of these parliamentary bodies;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 216 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls Parliament’s important role as a democratic, convening institution that can provide a unique public forum to promote multilateralism; considernotes that Parliament should regularly invites high- level leaders from relevant international organisations to discuss shared interests and priorities; believes that to reinforce the parliamentary dimension of multilateral fora, Parliament should host on its premises, on an annual basis, a conference of speakers from G7 and G20 countries; calls for the reinforcement of structured dialogue between Parliament and the UN system; stresses, in this regard, the importance of holding regular meetings to exchange views between the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the heads of the EU delegations to the UN in New York and Geneva and between the committee and the Heads of Mission of the EU Member States that are either permanent or rotating members of the UN Security Council; highlights the positive contributions of the annual delegations from the Committee on Foreign Affairs and its sub-committees to the UN headquarters in New York; calls for the formalisation of some of the informal sessions between the EU and the UN Security Council; encourages the setting up of a formal association between Parliament and the UN General Assembly;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 227 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the crucial contribution of the multilateral system in addressing the climate emergencychange; calls for the further enhancement, and reinforcement and institutionalisation of the existing multilateral frameworks that seek to combat climate change, such as the UN Climate Change Conferences and the Paris Agreement, which have almost universal membership, through the establishment of accountability mechanisms and concrete principles to ensure the effectiveness of their mandates; stresses the need to reinforce global action against climate change, as only through collective, immediate and ambitious global action may the world be ablcan substantially contribute to limiting the temperature increase to 1,5 degrees centigrade above pre-industrial levels; recalls the importance of focusing on the implementation at the national level by adopting and implementing nationally determined contributions (NDCs), while at the same time ensuring that the international community is collectively on track to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement at the multilateral level; recalls the importance of working closely with major emitters, climate-vulnerable countries and transatlantic partners to deliver progress on the 2030 target at the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 235 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls the key role of multilateral fora in addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights this as an example of their importance in promoting and protecting global public health; celebrates the development of the Covax initiative, which constitutes an unprecedented exercise of international solidarity, and thanks its donors and contributors, while stressing the need to continue donating and increasing resources in order to make vaccines and treatments available for free to all countries; commends the work of the World Health Organization in combating the pandemic through its decisions based on scientific knowledge and evidence and stresses the need to enhance its mandate and executive capacity, especially with regard to data sharing and resource mobilisation, as well as reform the decision-making process of its Emergency Committee and establish enforcement mechanisms for its decisions and preceptsalls on the EU and its Member State to support an independent inquiry into the World Health Organisation's (WHO) handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially at its onset;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 241 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Reiterates its support for the inclusion of Taiwan into the World Health Assembly, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, as well as the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 249 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls on the Commission to swiftly conclude the drafting of the corporate diligence framework and work with like- minded partners to tackle gross human rights abuses by authoritarian and totalitarian regimes and thus secure sustainable and resilient global supply chains in the face of malign influence of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 259 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for extendingNotes the importance of multilateralism toin addressing new challenges and realities such as the loss of biodiversity, cybersecurity, biotechnology and artificial intelligence, which need to be developed alongside experts and scientists who should be party to multilateral, multi- stakeholder arrangements;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 265 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on the EU to pursue a more active role developing international framework for human-centric and trustworthy AI technologies, especially in regards to autonomous weapons systems;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 267 #

2020/2114(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Calls on the EU to engage in multilateral fora with like-minded partners on the ongoing challenges to digital governance, including, digital taxation, data protection and privacy, tackling disinformation, illegal content online, 5G, internet governance, cyber security, digital finance including payments and cryptocurrencies, and e- government;
2022/02/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 2 #

2020/2086(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 9
— having regard to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention),deleted
2020/10/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 7 #

2020/2086(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas persons with disabilities (PwD) are denied their right to engage in work on an equal basis with othersface challenges posed by the discrimination including multiple discrimination in many areas of life; whereas these challenges vary across the Member States; whereas persons with disabilities face major difficulties in achieving their equal access and equal conditions in the labour market;
2020/10/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 18 #

2020/2086(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas many PwD face multiple discrimination based onresulting from the intersection between their disability and otheir factors including gender, race, ethnicity, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, migration status or socioeconomic background;
2020/10/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 23 #

2020/2086(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the UNCRPD is binding upon the EU, its institutions and its Member States, which have a direct obligation to fully implement it; whereas although since its adoption in 2006 remarkable progress has been achieved, many areas are still showing significant limitations in achieving the goals of the UNCRPD;
2020/10/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 27 #

2020/2086(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas the UNCRPD rejects the medical model of disability and endorses the human rights model of disability instead; whereas the UNCRPD demands inclusive equality for PwD; whereas the UNCRPD recognizes the right of PwD to work on an equal basis with others, choose freely, be accepted and work in open, inclusive and accessible work environment;
2020/10/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 33 #

2020/2086(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas one of the key aspects of the employment of the PwD is their participation at the community life and transition from institutional to community-based support; whereas the process of deinstitutionalisation in the Member States need to be finalised as PwD have the right to live in the community and be fully included in it; whereas the progress in deinstitutionalisation is uneven across the Member States and despite the introduction of policies and the allocation of substantial funding in the EU, there are still 1 million people living in institutions;
2020/10/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 42 #

2020/2086(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H
H. whereas quality and comparable data must be collected as there is a lack of disaggregated official disability statistics;
2020/10/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 72 #

2020/2086(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital M
M. whereas employment-related discrimination against PwD is interrelated with the lack of inclusive education and vocational training, discrimination in the field of housing, health, and lack of accessibility; whereas an equal access of PwD to the employment is often hindered both by the barriers to the workplace and the barriers to the built environment which impedes the possibilities to find the employment outside the sheltered workshops;
2020/10/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 80 #

2020/2086(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital N
N. whereas the accessibility of workplaces, transport and support services is essential for PwD to enjoy their right to work; whereas Directive (EU) 2019/882 on the accessibility requirements for products and services (European Accessibility Act), once the transposition period passes, will be a significant source of the barrier-free society and its transposition needs to be monitored; whereas the Member States should also support the barrier-free built environment;
2020/10/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 118 #

2020/2086(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Member States to use compulsory workplace diversity quotas with sanctions for non-compliance, including fines, the money of which is to be invested in inclusive education and employment programmes for PwD; calls on the Member States also to implement compulsoryexchange the best practices in order to identify and apply a targeted mix of measures to support the equal employment of PwD including the compulsory workplace diversity quotas, incentives programmes, annual diversity plans with targets and periodic evaluation and measures to support employers in recruiting PwD, for example by establishing a voluntary list of applicants with disabilities from which to hire candidates; calls on the Member States to provide training on the applicable rules;
2020/10/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 155 #

2020/2086(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Member States to assess the effectiveness of existing sheltered workshops in providing PwD with skills to gain employment in the open labour market, to ensure that they are bound by legal frameworks covering social security, minimum wages and non- discrimination and to phase them ; reiterates that while conducting the assessment of the effectiveness, the opinions of PwD working in the sheltered workshops shall be taken into account; calls on the Commission to monitor this process;
2020/10/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 179 #

2020/2086(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Member States to take active measures to safeguard non- discrimination for all, to provide accessible workplace and built environment, RA at all stages of work, and to ensure that PwD can exercise their labour and trade union rights on equal terms and that they are protected from violence and harassment, including sexual harassment; calls for the EU institutions to take the same measures;
2020/10/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 203 #

2020/2086(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to propose binding legislation on thlaunch the consultation with the representatives of the PwD in order to propose standards for equality bodies, thereby providing them with a stronger mandate to safeguard the equal treatment of PwD;
2020/10/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 211 #

2020/2086(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to conduct a study of the legislation and best practices of the Member States in order to harmonise the definition of disability and to ensure mutual recognition of disability status across Member States so as to ensure the free movement of PwD and the enjoyment of their EU citizenship rights;
2020/10/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 231 #

2020/2086(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Calls for the collection of quality EU-wide disability-related data with a human rights- based approach, disaggregated by gender, age, disability type, race/ethnic origin, sexual orientation, etc., including PwD who have until now been left out of the statistics; calls for the collection of data related to the impact of Covid-19 crisis on PwD in order to put forward policies to prepare for the future crises;
2020/10/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 256 #

2020/2086(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to support research programmes focused on development of assistive technologies including robotics, digital technologies and artificial intelligence enabling full integration of PwD in all aspects of life;
2020/10/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 6 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
- having regard to the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (CRPD);
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 33 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas the Europe 2020 Strategy was launched in 2010 for the promotion of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth; whereas despite the words ‘sustainable’and ‘inclusive’, the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy gave priority to growth above most other objectives;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 65 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas the poverty rate is predicted to increase as one of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemics; whereas women, older people, persons with disabilities and big families are more endangered by this development;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 67 #

2020/2084(INI)

F. whereas job polarisation is expected to increase further and there are expected to be more jobs at the higher and lower ends of the skills spectrum; whereas technological change and the use of artificial intelligence will significantly change the labour market;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 73 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G
G. whereas the unemployment rate is over 7 % and the youth unemployment rate has risen to 17 % and is expected to increase further due to COVID-197 ; whereas the current generation of young people is unprecedently affected by the pandemics as a consequence of the closure of the educational institutions, interruption of the vocational trainings, traineeships and apprenticeships; _________________ 7Unemployment statistics: Eurostat, July 2020
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 96 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I
I. whereas persons with disabilities are particularly susceptible to the COVID- 19 crisis; whereas many persons with disabilities as well as older persons became victims of the insufficient prevention in the long-term care facilities as well as long time neglected process of deinstitutionalisation which made the long-term care facilities particularly vulnerable to the spread of the virus;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 135 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that the Porto agenda should take a double approach, i.e. it should focus on the social sustainability part of the EU’s Sustainable Development 2030 Agenda, while at the same time paving the way for the materialisation of the EPSR principles, setting up ambitious targets and instruments; points out that part of the limited success of the social dimension of the Lisbon Strategy was due to the voluntary nature of the participation of Member States and the lack of effective implementation;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 147 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the goals of a new agenda for a strong social Europe must be reinforced through mandatory enforceability, mirroring economic and environmental obligations whose observance is linked to access to European funds; is convinced that a governance framework for a social and sustainable Europe should be anchored in the following reforms: the integration of the EPSR and a social progress protocol in the Treaties, protecting social rights over economic freedoms in the single market, and the adoption of a Sustainable Development and Social Progress Pact making social and sustainable targets mandatory;deleted
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 163 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on Member States to make full use of the fiscal flexibility to prevent and mitigate the social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis; stresses the importance of the implementation of the EPSR in the context of the European Recovery Plan, at the same level as the Green Deal and the digital transition; calls, therefore, for the upcoming reforms linked to the recovery package to have upward social convergence as one of the main objectives of the national reform programmes, including through financial support; in this sense, believes that the new Porto 2030 targets should be included in the Recovery Plan, alongside the economic and environmental targets;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 181 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the establishment of the Instrument for Temporary Support to Mitigate Employment Risks in an Emergency (SURE); invites the Commission to examinemake a thorough assessment of the possibility ofle introducing ation of the permanent special instrument in this respect; stresses that companies benefiting from public financial support are not to lay off workers, reduce wages, reduce workers’rights and protections, or pay bonuses to executives or dividends to shareholders;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 199 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomestakes note of the announcement of an EU Unemployment Benefit Reinsurance Scheme;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 247 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to present a legal framework for minimum wages and collective bargainingmeasures in order to eliminate in-work poverty and promote collective bargaining; reiterates its call on the Commission to carry out a study on a living wage index, which could serve as a reference tool for social partners;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 259 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to commit to reachingsupport the increase in the collective bargaining coverage of 90 % by 2030;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 304 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Member States to commit to eliminating work-related deaths by 2030; urges the Commission to come up with ambitious proposals on musculoskeletal and stress-related disorders; calls on the Commission to present a strategic EU carers’agenda as a step further in qualitatively empowering the healthcare sector in the EU; reiterates that the carers´ agenda needs to reflect also the situation of 100 million of informal carers in the EU who provide 80% of long-term care but remain mostly unrecognized;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 325 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Commission to propose a directive on decent working conditions and rights in the digital economy, also covering non-standard workers, workers in platform companies and the self-employed; urges the Commission to include in this directive minimum standards for fair teleworking and, the right to disconnect and measures to support the work-life balance;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 371 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
24. Insists thatCalls on the Commission propoto make a thorough study in order to assess a frameworkthe impact of the potential proposal for minimum income schemes, with 100 % coverage;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 377 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to commit to eliminating the currently 16% gender pay gap - and the resulting pension gap - with a 0 % target for 2030, and to present a legal framework on pay transparencyand to present a legal framework on pay transparency; reiterates that the gender pension gap results also from the inadequate pensions schemes which do not appropriately take into account the periods of maternity or parental leave;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 393 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
26. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to commit to eliminating the glass ceiling effect on the boards of listed companies by introducing the objective of reaching at least 40 %adopting efficient measures to strike the balance in the representation of women in senior management positions;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 398 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
27. Calls on the Commission to put forward a post-2020 European Disability Strategy; supports the promotion of vocational training, including for vulnerable groups and people with disab which emphasizes the need to reach fully accessible goods and services including the building environment, inclusive education and labour market, the use of artificial intelligence in order to enable persons with disabilities to participate fully in the society as well as the commitment to the finalisation of the process of deinsititutionalisation of the long-term care facilities;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 419 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
28. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to invest 30 % of the Recovery and Resilience Facility in the implementation of the EPSR principles in order to eradicate poverty;deleted
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 439 #

2020/2084(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
29. Stresses that the EU and its Member States have an obligation towards citizens to ensure their universal access to decent and affordable housing; calls on the Commission and the Member States to maximise efforts of investing in affordable housing to cover the housing needs of the low and middle-income groups (the three bottom quintiles), ensuring that at least 30 % of all newly built houses constitute affordable housing for both of these income groups, and to eliminate energy poverty by 2030;
2020/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 21 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
— having regard to the statement of the President of the European Parliament of 13 August and the leaders of the five political groups of 17 August on the situation in Belarus following the presidential election of 9 August,
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 28 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas despite the fundamental restrictions on basic freedoms and human rights that remain in Belarus, the EU policy of critical engagement with Belarus has produced some results in the form of signed agreements and increased cooperation in areas such as environment and connectivity, cross-border cooperation and border management; whereas future relations between the EU and Belarus will be defined in the Partnership Priorities to be agreed by both sides;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 46 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas the OSCE ODIHR International Election Observation Mission noted an overall disregard for the fundamental freedoms of assembly, association and expression during the 2019 parliamentary elections, which took place after a limited amount ofspace for election campaigning, and within a restrictive environment and repressions that did not provide for a meaningful or competitive political contest overall;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 47 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas, despite the 2016 EU Council's decision to lift restrictive measures against 170 individuals and three companies in light of steps taken by Belarus to improve EU-Belarus relations, no progress has been achieved in areas of democratic governance and human rights, with increasing administrative, financial and physical repressions against the democratic opposition, civil society organisations, journalists and bloggers, and even ordinary people;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 50 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the 2020 presidential elections have thus far followed the same pattern as the parliamentary elections;deleted
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 54 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the 2020 presidential elections have thus farnot only followed the same pattern as the parliamentary elections, but demonstrated even more regime- orchestrated repressions than in previous years;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 80 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas the Belarusian authorities denied that COVID-19 had spread in the country, thereby wasting precious time that could have been used to prepare and protect the country’s population and in particular its medical staff, did not cancel mass events, and instead engaged in the intimidation of journalists and bloggers, the democratic opposition, civil society organisations and ordinary people who dared to contradict the official government narrative;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 81 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the EU stood in solidarity with the people of Belarus from the on-set of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing financial and material support through bilateral and regional programmes;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 86 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas press freedom in Belarus has significantly deteriorated since 2015, the few independent journalists or, media outlets and bloggers that are able to operate in the country are subject to systematic harassment and punitive measures, such as arrests or initiation of criminal investigations, and the number of prosecutions for statements on the internet has increased;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 90 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas there has been notable increase in engagement with the Belarusian civil society, including through EU-supported activities and intensifying people-to-people contact;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 93 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has displayed the resilience, strong resolve and unprecedented self- organisation of the Belarusian society, particularly in light of the authorities' lethargic response, and even denials of the pandemic and its impact;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 115 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G
G. whereas from a security point of view, Belarus is closely linked to and dependent on Russia and is engaging in actions posing a threat to the EU Member States such as the non-transparent Zapad 2017 joint military exercises;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 116 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the presidential election campaign was marred by widespread bureaucratic interference favouring the incumbent, intimidation and repression towards other candidates, their families and supporters, denial of registration of candidates who collected sufficient number of signatures, multiple arrests, attempts to silence independent journalists, bloggers and take down dissident websites on the internet;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 123 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G c (new)
Gc. whereas the Central Election Committee announced Alexander Lukashenko as the winner of the election allegedly receiving 80.10% and his main opponent Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya 10.12%, irregularities during the polling days were reported constantly, people were often denied their right to vote, protocols from polling precincts were falsified;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 126 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G d (new)
Gd. whereas the Belarusian authorities did not comply with minimum international standards for a credible, transparent, free and fair presidential election process;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 128 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G e (new)
Ge. whereas peaceful protests expressing a desire for democratic change and freedom started already on the night of Sunday 9 August in Minsk and many other cities around the country, the scale of protests is unprecedented in the history of Belarus going into the hundreds of thousands;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 129 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G f (new)
Gf. whereas the authorities responded to peaceful protests with disproportionate brute force, heavy use of tear gas, batons, flash grenades and water cannons, several thousand protestors were detained, there have been reports of torture, rape, missing persons, several people have been found dead so far;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 133 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G h (new)
Gh. whereas the European Union and its Member States did not recognise the results of the presidential election due to substantial doubt about the fairness of the election, condemned the disproportionate, unacceptable use of force against peaceful protestors and supported the right of the people of Belarus to determine their future;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 135 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G i (new)
Gi. whereas the European Council decided to impose sanctions against a substantial number of individuals responsible for violence, repression and the falsification of the election results in Belarus prohibiting them from entering into the EU and freezing their financial assets in the EU;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 164 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) support the sovereignty of Belarus, including against pressure from the Russian Federation for deeper integration, and remind Belarus that the European Union is open to further development of relations with the country both bilaterally and within the Eastern Partnership framework if Belarus meets conditions linked to democracy, the rule of law, international law, human rights and fundamental freedoms;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 179 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) acknowledge that while the critical engagement policy has brought about some developments in bilateral relations, progress in the key areas of democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and civil society remains very limited or almost non- existent, and, as the EU is engaging in a more tailored approach to the Eastern Partnership, consider applying the ‘less for less’ principle in the case of further deteriorationwith regards to the Belarusian authorities in the case of continued deterioration of the human rights situation, while pursuing a 'more for more' principle with regards to the civil society;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 186 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) insist that any EU macro-financial support for mitigating the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is conditional on strict political criteria, notably those linked to democracy and human rights, nuclear safety concerns voiced by some of the EU Member States and threats posed by Belarus-Russia military cooperation, and that adequate measures are taken to combat the virus and protect the population;deleted
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 223 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) pay close attention to the presidential election campaign and insist that a lack of progress in conducting elections according to international standards and furthercondemn the lack of free and fair presidential election, including the repressions and crackdowns, against the oppositionnd insist that these developments will have direct adverse effeimpacts on relations with the EUthe EU-Belarus relations;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 225 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) pay close attention to the fallout of the presidential election campaign and insist that a lack of progress innot conducting new elections in according toance with international standards and further crackdowns against the opposition will have direct adverse effects on relations with the EU;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 241 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) insist thaton the transparency and inclusiveness of the upcoming constitutional reform i, through a national dialogue, as a crucial opportunity to introduce genuine changes, including basic civil rights and freedoms, which would address the weaknesses of the current political system, ensure transparent and pluralistic electoral process, and enable the Belarusian people to participate more actively in the political life and processes;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 253 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) call on the authorities to remove the arbitrary barriers under which no new political party has been registered in Belarus since 2000 and enable the registration of political parties, religious and civic and public organisations, and to stop the restrictions applied to established organisations;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 258 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) support the work of European political foundations in strengthening the development and role of citizenry in shaping public affairs and empowering of future political leaders in Belarus;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 263 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) strongly support the decision to not recognise the election results as announced by the Belarusian Central Electoral Committee, not to recognise Alexander Lukashenko as president of the country once his current term of office expires; note that the current presidential term in Belarus ends at the latest on 5 November 2020 and after that date a position of the President of Belarus will be vacant. According to the article 81 of the Constitution of Belarus in this case new election of President has to be held not earlier than 30 days and not later than 70 days;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 265 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
(gb) support an inclusive national dialogue between the People's Coordination Council and the regime, led by representatives of churches as respected and neutral mediators, to help set Belarus on road out of the current crisis and towards a peaceful and democratic transition;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 271 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g c (new)
(gc) demand that new elections take place as soon as possible under international supervision led by OSCE/ODIHR in the presence of international observers, guaranteeing that the election is conducted in accordance with internationally recognised standards;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 272 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g d (new)
(gd) recommend to recognise the Belarusian People's Coordination Council as the legitimate representative of the people demanding democratic change and freedom in Belarus;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 273 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g e (new)
(ge) welcome the efforts of the Belarusian People's Coordination Council for a peaceful and democratic transition of power as a result of an inclusive national dialogue;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 274 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g f (new)
(gf) urge to prepare a comprehensive review of its policy towards Belarus, taking into account different scenarios of developments in the country, that also include a substantially increased financial and technical commitment from the EU;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 275 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g g (new)
(gg) urge the EU to organise a donors conference for democratic Belarus, which would bring together international financial institutions, G-7 countries, EU member states and institutions, and others willing to pledge a multi-billion euro financial package to support the future reform efforts and restructuring of the economy;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 276 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g h (new)
(gh) call on the Russian Federation to refrain from any interference, covert or overt, in the peaceful democratic revolution in Belarus;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 277 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g i (new)
(gi) as long as the political situation in Belarus does not change reconsider any ongoing disbursements of the EU financial assistance and adjust it accordingly, so that it reaches the end- recipients and circumvents the authorities;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 278 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g j (new)
(gj) encourage Member States to facilitate and accelerate the procedure for obtaining visas for those who flee Belarus for political reasons;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 279 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g k (new)
(gk) call for a full EU/international investigation of crimes against the people of Belarus committed by law enforcement authorities of Lukashenko regime against peaceful protesters demanding transparent, free and fair Presidential elections, stopping current repressions and immediate release of all political prisoners in Belarus;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 281 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g m (new)
(gm) condemn the suppression of internet and media, road blockades, and intimidation of journalists in order to stop the flow of information about the situation in the country - the people have the right to access information; condemn the crackdown on international journalists and media limiting their ability to report on the democratic revolution in a free, fair and balanced way;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 282 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g n (new)
(gn) propose to appoint an EU special representative for Belarus in order to support the process of a peaceful transition of power in accordance with the will of Belarusian people under the leadership of the president elect by the people and the Belarusian People's Coordination Council;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 293 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) condemn the ongoing intimidation and persecution of opposition figures, including presidential hopefulcandidates, peaceful protesters, civil society activists and independent journalists and bloggers;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 307 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) insist on the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including members of the democratic opposition, human rights defenders, activists, journalists, bloggers and others convicted in retaliation for exercising their civil and political rights;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 314 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
(ka) demand for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained after participating in the democratic revolution protests following the falsified presidential election of 9 August; demand the authorities to provide all information on people who went missing in relation to their participation in the protests after 9 August;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 316 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k b (new)
(kb) demand that all legal actions undertaken by the authorities against members of the Belarusian People's Coordination Council are dropped and all of them who are detained and arrested are freed;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 324 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) support independent media outlets and, journalists and bloggers, including those who work on a freelance basis with unregistered foreign media;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 326 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
(la) ensure that the new targeted sanctions apply to groups, individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses in Belarus, as well as against those individuals, entities and enterprises, through which such actions are financed and enabled; at the same time, impose visa bans against regime representatives, sanctioned individuals and their family members;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 331 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
(la) demand that any spread of disinformation in Belarus concerning the EU and its Member States is vigilantly countered as well as any hybrid threats undertaken by third actors;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 350 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) welcome and encourage the energy diversification of Belarus, reducing its dependence on Russia through imports of oil and gas from new suppliers, including via the territory of the EU; and through the development of alternative energy sources;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 353 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
(na) strengthen cooperation with international authorities in the field of nuclear safety, and insist on access and monitoring of the Astravets Nuclear Power Plant (NPP);
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 358 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
(oa) set up clear conditions to guarantee that EU financial support to Belarus will not end up in the hands of the regime representatives or serve to legitimise its actions, unless the regime ceases all repressions, opens up to dialogue with citizens and allows for new free and fair elections; at the same time, there is a need to use all available mechanisms to support the Belarusian civil society;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 383 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
(ra) explore possibilities for visa-free travel to Belarusian citizens so that people-to-people contact is not held hostage to undemocratic principles of the Belarusian authorities;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 386 #

2020/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r b (new)
(rb) strengthen democracy support programmes and strategic communication, and support greater outreach to local communities beyond the traditional 'pro-European' cohorts;
2020/09/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 24 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 69 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 19 June 2020 on European protection of cross-border and seasonal workers in the context of the COVID-19 crisis2, ______________________________ 2 Text adopted, P9_TA(2020)0176.
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 54 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas austerity policies resulted in less protective and underfunded social and healthcare systems, which aggravated the effects of the pandemic in certain Member States;deleted
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 93 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G
G. whereas the crisis willcaused by the COVID-19 pandemic is hitting the most vulnerable groups hardest and has created new vulnerable groups, and it is anticipated that it will continue to have a significant impact on social conditions, in particular for vulnerable groups;
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 113 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H
H. whereas fair living wages, strong collective bargainingremuneration, decent and syustemainable jobs, and social protection can reduce in-work poverty, decrease inequalities and generate demand;
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 140 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Is concerned about the devastating social effects of the COVID-19 crisis, in particular on vulnerable groups, especially the elderly, persons with disabilities, persons belonging to minorities or persons facing multiple discrimination, but also new vulnerable groups created by the pandemic; stresses that only a decisive and coordinated European response that also thinks ahead to future crises will offset the consequences of the current crisis;
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 150 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that in the current crisis, the Stability and Growth Pact has proven to be inadequate, not allowing Member States the fiscal space they need to absorb imbalances and mitigate the social consequences, which made the activation of the escape clause necessary; demands that social and ecological objectives be given the same legal enforceability as fiscal consolidation and financial stability;deleted
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 158 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that in the current crisis, the Stability and Growth Pact has proven to be inadequate, not allowing Member States the fiscal spac Member States remain fully committed to the Stability and Growth Pact and welcomes their decision to make use of the general escape clause to ensure they need to absorb imbalances and mitigate the social consequences, which maded flexibility to take all necessary measures to support the the activation of the escape clause necessary; demands that social and ecological objectives be given the same legal enforceability as fiscal consolidation and financial stabilityalth of the European citizens and civil protections systems and to stabilise the European social market economy; asks for better integration and strengthening of the role of the social and ecological objectives;
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 169 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that, despite the importance of sound and responsible fiscal policies,y builds on budgetary stability should not be detrimental to, but does not hinder effective public investment, especially in in reformed education, social and health, healthcare, childcare and dependent-care systems;
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 186 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes Next Generation EU, the EU’s recovery plan; cCalls on the Member States to make use of the general escape clause and invest in people and social welfare systems; calls for specific social progress plans to ensure more effective and stronger welfare stateview funding under this instrument as a great opportunity to finance the necessary reforms, while bearing in mind that these funds must be returned over the next 10 years and thus considering investments in terms of their effectiveness, sustainability and returns;
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 215 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure that financial assistance is only provided tobear in mind, when granting financial assistance, the issue of the deliberate registration of undertakings in so-called tax havens, and to be particularly vigilant for cases in which an undertaking does not registered in tax havenscarry out genuine economic activities in its country of registration;
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 229 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Is concerned about the increased rate of unemployment, which will especially affect youth and workers in low- skilled positions and precarious employment; cCalls on the Commission to propose a permanentopen a public debate on the possible need to design an EU unemployment reinsurance scheme and, to evaluate the benefits of the Youth Guarantee to date and, on the basis of this evaluation, to consider proposing a more effective and inclusive Youth Guarantee; calls on the Member States to adequately invest in effective active labour market policies to prevent long-term unemployment, particularly among sections of the population left unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in order to help young people, persons with disabilities and people facing discrimination to enter the labour market;
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 260 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. WelcomesTakes account of the Commission’s second phase consultation of the social partners on an EU framework for minimum wages; cCalls on the Commission to present a European framework for minimum wages to eliminate in-work poverty by ensuring decent living wages above the poverty threshold for all workers through collective agreements or through national law; calls for EU-level safeguards forMember States to guarantee decent old-age pensions for all workers;
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 293 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Calls for an EU teleworking agenda, including a legislative proposal to ensure decent working conditions including respect for working hours, leave and the right to disconnect; calls for account to be taken of the situation of parents with young children, single parents and informal carers providing continuous care to dependent relatives, as the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that these groups have had the greatest difficulty in reconciling work and family life in connection with teleworking;
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 306 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Pays attention to the fact that flexible working arrangements and tele- working also play an important role in preserving jobs and production and are one of the key factors in supporting better work-life balance;
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 318 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Is concerned about limited intergenerational social mobility and increasing income inequality; stresses thatconsiders that the Member States should design their national tax and benefit systems must be designed in a way that reduces inequalities, promotes fairness and provides incentives for labour market participation;
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 345 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the Commission’s intention to introduce binding pay transparency measures, and urges their swift adoption in order to avoid further gender-based inequalitiemeasures to bridge the pay gap and the associated gender pension gap, notably by guaranteeing pay transparency; considers that other measures should include better adjustment of the assessment during maternity and parental leave and adequate inclusion of this period in pension entitlements;
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 372 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the Member States to improve the quality, accessibility and, inclusiveness and future-proof character of their education systems, and to ensure high-quality basic skills training with tailored support, especially for the most marginalised groups in society; calls on the Member States to make the most of digital solutions and AI in the field of education, taking into account the rapid development of technology and future labour market needs.
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 379 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the Commission to update the Skills Agenda for Europe in order to meet the skills requirements of the EU labour market and of the ecological and digital transition; underlines that supporting adequate skills with emphasis on digital skills will improve the productivity and resilience of the labour force easing the ecological and digital transition towards a greener and smarter economy;
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 403 #

2020/2079(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls on the Member States to actively promote the development of the circular and social economy, foster social innovation, social enterprises and strengthen their sustainability, and encourage those forms of work which create quality job opportunities;
2020/07/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 20 #

2020/2076(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital C
C. whereas digitalisation and artificial intelligence are crucial for all industry sectors, increasing competitiveness, creating job opportunities and economic prosperity based on human-centric approach in its development, deployment and use; whereas in order to harness the full potential of artificial intelligence, close attention to human dignity shall be paid;
2020/06/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 54 #

2020/2076(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that EU industrial policy must be in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights and efficiently address the social consequences of structural change and the need to continue implementing its principles, in order to support fair working conditions and, equal opportunities, inclusion of persons with disabilities, as well as access to well-functioning labour markets and welfare systems;
2020/06/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 143 #

2020/2076(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that the recent pandemic has shown the importance of digital solutions, particularly telework, and the need to establish guidelines and regulations at European level; believes that telework offers opportunities such as better work- life balance, reduced CO2 emissions related to the daily commute, and enhanced employment opportunities for people with disabilities, parents with small children or informal carers taking care of their dependant relatives; calls on the Commission to propose a legislative framework with a view to regulating telework conditions across the EU; stresses; however, that the situation and particularly work-life balance of parents with young children or informal carers needs to get more attention within this framework - especially if teleworking is implemented in time of future crisis - as it was proved problematic during the Covid- 19 crisis when most of the schools and day-care centres were closed and parents and carers needed to combine their caring duties with teleworking.
2020/06/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 5 #

2020/2039(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A
A. whereas demographic changes impose considerable economic and social pressure on Member States’ governments and on local and regional authorities in terms of the provision of public services, particularly social welfare, social services and, infrastructure and state budget; whereas these pressures will be exacerbated by a declining active population and a higher dependency ratio as well as expected increase of the number of persons with disabilities; whereas high- quality and geographically and financially available public and private services, especially childcare, long-term care and day-care facilities for elderly and persons with disabilities, will play a key role, and the role of telecare and telemedicine will need to be expanded with the special focus on human dignity;
2020/09/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 45 #

2020/2039(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas it is necessary to invest into research, collection of data and exchange of best practices in order to get the innovative and future-proof solutions to the demographic challenges;
2020/09/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 47 #

2020/2039(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the importance of families with children for the sustainability of the entire social system is not properly recognized. Whereas the support to the families including the available childcare infrastructure, help to the families with single parent, families with children with disabilities or an adequate financial benefit for the childcare provided during the maternity and parental leave can contribute to the fight against the negative demographic trends. Whereas a just and adequate translation of the value of the contribution of raising children during the periods of maternity and parental leave into the pension schemes is one of the efficient ways how to appreciate the value of the childcare for the sustainability of the social system;
2020/09/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 55 #

2020/2039(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas increasing the inclusiveness of the labour market with regards to the specific needs of some groups like persons with disabilities or older workers that are willing to remain active on the labour market can mitigate the negative development caused by the demographic changes;
2020/09/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 102 #

2020/2039(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for greater mobilisation of ESF resources to effectively counter the digital gap and digital exclusion, especially among older people; calls for greater support to flexible ways of working that allow people to better reach the work-life balance or combine their work duties with care duties; notes that the Covid-19 crisis showed that such task is with the appropriate support possible;
2020/09/17
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 1 #

2020/2026(INL)

Draft opinion
Recital A
A. whereas non-profit organisations (NPOs) are increasingly widespread across the Union; whereas there is not only one type of non-profit organisation but these organisations differ across the Member States in their status and include a wide range of entities, i.e. charitable organisations, organisations providing employment opportunities to persons with disabilities like sheltered workshops or social enterprises, or other organisations providing social services regardless their status of private or other than public organisation;
2021/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 5 #

2020/2026(INL)

Draft opinion
Recital C
C. whereas the crisis arising from the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the important role of NPOs in ensuring social cohesion; whereas the demand for the services and activities provided by NPOs that increased during the pandemic will likely not fade out but will persist; whereas many NPOs had to increase their capacities during the COVID-19 pandemic and there is a need for sustaining this widened capacity;
2021/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 8 #

2020/2026(INL)

Draft opinion
Recital D
D. whereas the NPOs have a great potential for service delivery, civic participation, inclusion, and social innovation;
2021/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 10 #

2020/2026(INL)

Draft opinion
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas NPOs have significant positive impact on the situation of persons coming from disadvantaged background, older people, persons with disabilities, single parents, big families or homeless people as they often provide help that is not available or is insufficient within the state system;
2021/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 15 #

2020/2026(INL)

Draft opinion
Recital E
E. whereas the great majority of NPO activities are domestic or local; whereas, however, an ever larger number of NPOs operate across borders, especially in border regions where thousands of NPOs are already active;
2021/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 16 #

2020/2026(INL)

Draft opinion
Recital H
H. whereas number of organisations active in the non-profit sector is expanding due to the progressive “functional neutralisation of the legal forms”, in particular of companies and cooperatives, which no longer necessarily set up for the purpose of making a profit or for a mutual purpose;deleted
2021/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 17 #

2020/2026(INL)

Draft opinion
Recital J
J. whereas, even though they are referred to in the Treaty on European Union and in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union as well as in numerous judgements of the Court of Justice of the European Union, in European Parliament resolutions and written declarations and in numerous EESC’s opinions, NPOs do not yet have their own specific statute in Union law;
2021/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 20 #

2020/2026(INL)

Draft opinion
Recital K
K. whereas since the 1990s, the Union institutionsEuropean Parliament and the EESC have tried to introduce Union legal statutes for different types of NPOs but without success, except for cooperatives;
2021/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 24 #

2020/2026(INL)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
1. Calls for a legislative proposal establishing a legal statute for NPOs with cross-border activities, including a label or status for such organisations; believes that the scope of the legislative proposal should cover more than the classic non-profit sector, should focus on the aspect of the public interest purpose, and should including charitable organisations and organisations in the so-called “third sector” or the social economy, even if not all are fully non-profit;
2021/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 27 #

2020/2026(INL)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Stresses that the legislative proposal should identify the requirements for the acquisition and maintenance of the label or status in accordance with national law, leaving Member States the freedom to provide for stricter or additional requirements that are proportional, and the label or status should be a status of national law, although with a Union (cross- border) value and, in particular, should be made available only to organisations that:
2021/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 28 #

2020/2026(INL)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – point a
(a) are private, regardless of the legal form of incorporation;deleted
2021/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 30 #

2020/2026(INL)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – point c
(c) operate under an “asset-lock” regime, according to which capital remuneration is allowed only to a limited extent, even at the time of their dissolutionthe assets of NPO’s have to be used exclusively in line with their altruistic purpose, which excludes their members’ own interest”;
2021/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 34 #

2020/2026(INL)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide information and guidance to the NPOs and other organisations that are willing to acquire a legal statute of European cross-border associations and non-profit organisations via single contact point;
2021/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 35 #

2020/2026(INL)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Points out that the statute of European cross-border associations and non-profit organisations shall incorporate wider financial support to larger range of organisations;
2021/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 37 #

2020/2026(INL)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that NPOs often provide employment opportunities for persons with disabilities as well as for persons from other disadvantaged groups, enable learning and gaining skills to marginalised communities, provide valuable volunteering opportunities and fight against the extreme poverty and homelessness;
2021/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 45 #

2020/2026(INL)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
6. Points out that NPOs often have a strong local and regional basis, which gives them the advantage of being more aware of specific needs and of being able to offer the products and services required in the area, thusbetter placed to address the root causes of the challenges negatively affecting certain population groups problems by offering services and the products required in the area, thus contributing to the empowerment of disadvantaged population groups and to improving economic, social and territorial cohesion;
2021/10/21
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 26 #

2020/2020(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital B
B. whereas the free movement of services must under no circumstances undermine workers’ rights, social protection or the principle of subsidiarity, and whereas digital technology, provided that it complies with the rules of personal data protection and privacy, can facilitate the supervision and enforcement of the rules safeguarding the rights of mobile workers;
2020/06/25
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 5 #

2020/2013(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that the security and defence policies of the European Union and its Member States are guided by the principles of the UN Charter, and by a common understanding of the universal values of the inviolable and inalienable rights of the human person, of human dignity, of freedom, of democracy, of equality and of the rule of law; highlights that all defence-related efforts within the Union framework must respect these universal values while promoting peace, security and progress in Europe and in the world;
2020/06/04
Committee: AFET
Amendment 3 #

2020/2012(INL)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that the security and defence policies of the European Union and its Member States are guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter, and by a common understanding of the universal values of the inviolable and inalienable rights of the human person, of human dignity, of freedom, of democracy, of equality and of the rule of law; highlights that all defence- related efforts within the Union framework respect these universal values whilst promoting peace, security and progress in Europe and in the world;
2020/05/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 7 #

2020/2012(INL)

Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas AI will significantly transform current socio-economic structures and should be subject to an appropriate regulatory framework;
2020/06/24
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 20 #

2020/2012(INL)

Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas value of work efficiency must not lead to dehumanised digital future;
2020/06/24
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 23 #

2020/2012(INL)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that current and future security and defence-related activities within the Union framework will draw on AI, on robotics and autonomy, and on related technologies and that the Union must assume leading role in research and development of AI systems in security and defence field; believes that the use of AI- enabled applications in security and defence offer number of direct benefits such as higher quality collected data, greater situational awareness, increased speed for decision-making, as well as greater reliability of military equipment; recalls that AI systems are also becoming key elements in countering emerging and hybrid security threats;
2020/05/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 39 #

2020/2012(INL)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights that, based on a human- centric approach, the Union follows a path of responsibility and transparency, of protecting our citizens, and of defending our values, whilst seizing the opportunities that those technologies offer;
2020/05/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 53 #

2020/2012(INL)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers human dignity a fundamental value and human control a fundamental principle of the revolutionary technological progress;
2020/06/24
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 69 #

2020/2012(INL)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights the need to adopt clear safety and security provisions and requirements for AI-systems in security and defence, and carry our regular tests and verifications across the entire life cycle; underlines the necessity of ensuring compliance with applicable standards and obtained certifications where AI modifies e.g. through machine learning the functionality and behaviour of systems in which it is integrated, in order to ensure full traceability, explicability and accountability of decisions made with involvement of AI;
2020/05/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 109 #

2020/2012(INL)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Stresses the utmost importance of education and ethics-based training in the field of security and defence AI technologies with particular focus on ethics of semi-autonomous and autonomous operational systems based on human accountability;
2020/05/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 8 #

2020/2011(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A
A. whereas 43 % of Roma are in some form of paid employment1 ; whereas 50% of Roma between the age of 6 and 24 do not attend school and 63 % of young Roma (aged 16-24) are not in education, employment or training (NEET)2 ; whereas the increasing share of Roma NEETs was an area where the situation had deteriorated in 2016 compared to 20113 ; _________________ 1European Commission, 2019 Report on National Roma Integration Strategies: Key Conclusions, p. 3. 2Report on the implementation of national Roma integration strategies – 2019, COM(2019)0406, p. 4. 3 Roma inclusion measures reported under the EU framework for NRIS, SWD(2019) 320 final, PART 1/2, p. 18.
2020/06/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 11 #

2020/2011(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas Roma are struggling to find stable employment as they do not fit job requirements because of their often limited chances of developing their skills and competences;
2020/06/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 21 #

2020/2011(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital B
B. whereas Roma are born into an extreme generational poverty, one third of Roma households do not have tap water, just over half have an indoor flush toilet or shower, and 78 % of Roma live in overcrowded housing4 ; _________________ 4European Commission, 2019 Report on National Roma Integration Strategies: Key Conclusions, p. 6.
2020/06/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 50 #

2020/2011(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Calls on the more attention paid to those Member States that have a sizable Roma population and history of rather ineffective measures. The Commission should monitor and better support these Member States and their policies and measures;
2020/06/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 61 #

2020/2011(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that the most critical points to address in the area of Roma employment are effective transition from education to the open labour market, tackling negative stereotypes that are often the biggest obstacles to find employment, tackling discrimination by employers, matching labour demand with labour supply, and the growing rates of Roma youth not in education;
2020/06/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 87 #

2020/2011(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the need for an urgent and thorough commitment by the relevant state authorities to the desegregation of Roma pupils in schools and to securing the same quality and inclusive mainstream learning as the non-Roma pupils, as Roma children are often educated in segregated environments, while the misdiagnosis of Roma children as having special educational needs is still a common discriminatory practice;
2020/06/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 111 #

2020/2011(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls on the Commission to facilitate an exchange of best practices between Member States and to monitor the progress;
2020/06/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 115 #

2020/2011(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Calls on the Member States to make the greatest effort in order to sensitise public opinion concerning Roma inclusion;
2020/06/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 19 #

2020/2010(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital C
C. whereas demographic change is gradually bringing about qualitative shortages on the labour market, making it hard to find suitably qualified workers, and, as demographic trends become increasingly unfavourable, there are also quantitative shortages, i.e. a general shortfall in the number of people who are willing and able to take up employment, mainly in certain less appealing sectors including the care sector, whether or not efforts are made to match supply in terms of the skills and knowledge sought;
2020/09/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 45 #

2020/2010(INI)

Draft opinion
Recital D
D. whereas the migrants the EU attracts are far less well qualified than they should be or their qualification cannot be verified, given the EU’s position on the international stage; whereas, of all the migrants residing in OECD countries in 2015-16, just 25% of workers with a high level of education chose an EU destination1; __________________ 1https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52018 DC0635&from=EN
2020/09/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 68 #

2020/2010(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises that demographic change is bringing about increased demand for workers in specific trades and professions, for example in sectors such as care for the elderly and long-term care; emphasizes the need to attract the high- skilled workers that can fill in the gap in these specific sectors within the labour market;
2020/09/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 79 #

2020/2010(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Notes that providing incentives for high-skilled migrants that could enrich the European science and research would help the European Union to achieve its goal to become a leader in the area of science and research;
2020/09/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 90 #

2020/2010(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that maintaining that residence is temporary when it is not – e.g. in the case of seasonal workers or those in the ICT sector – often means that the situation of the workers involved is not consistent with the relevant legislation and mobility rules, in many cases leading to lower living standards and working conditions and potential breaches of human rights; emphasizes the need to monitor the working conditions of these workers;
2020/09/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 105 #

2020/2010(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises the need to improve the collection of quality and comparable data and information on the implementation of EU law by providing support for networks of experts and research, and via the presentation of statistics by the Member States;
2020/09/23
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 5 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
— having regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which raises issuis based on the principles of personal autonomy, non- discrimination, full and effective participation in society and, equal opportunities and accessibility,
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 51 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas all Member States encounter the problem of ageing population; whereas the working-age population (people aged between 15 and 64) is expected to decrease significantly from 333 million in 2016 to 292 million in 2070;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 79 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas the total number of people of working age (15-64) will fall by 20.8 million between 2005 and 2030 as the baby boomer generation retires;deleted
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 93 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas oldthe process of ageing is characterisaccompanied by pthenomena such as significant life changes like the loss of one´s partner, the growing proportion of females, and lonelinessrelatives or friends, health degradation, changes in the life habits and work patterns as well as changes to the financial stability; whereas since 2010, the number of single-person households has increased by 19%; whereas 40% of women in the EU aged 65+ live alone;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 120 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I
I. whereas older people are most at risk of experiencing a lack oflikely to experience difficulties in adapting to the changing digital era, with the lack of the necessary skills or access to the internet and modern technologies and, as a consequence, are more vulnerable to exclusion, including digital exclusion and job loss;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 164 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital L
L. whereas it is necessary to avoid generalisation as elderly people are not a homogenous community and their life conditions, problems or challenges they face widely differ based on the particular age group, gender, territory or socio- economic status;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 175 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital M
M. whereas the incidence of dependence and the need for care and support increases with age;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 186 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital O
O. whereas many older people prefer passive activities, may not have access to active ageing partolicies due to the state of their health, the lack of habits of regular physicencouragement or habits to have a regular physical, mental or social activity and recreation, difficulty in accessing sports and physical rehabilitation centres, andfinancial constraints or the inadequacy of activities aimed at older people;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 194 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital P
P. whereas the idea of ageing in place is of key importance for spatial planning and the deinstitutionalisation ofpossibilities of maintaining autonomy and independence are dependant on the set of conditions including the age-friendly environments, accessible services or affordability and availability of quality home or community-based care;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 203 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital Q
Q. whereas the eldolder persons are particularly severely are more likely to be at risk of illness and to suffer more severely from diseases, includingffected by the COVID-19 pandemics; whereas it is urgent to address the situation regarding access to diagnosis, medical treatment and personal protective equipment to beneficiaries and staff in long-term care facilities; whereas many older persons have been hindered in accessing medical treatment unrelated to COVID- 19; and care services in general have been reduced or suspended during the pandemic;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 210 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital R
R. whereas during the coronavirus pandemic, many citizens experienced age discrimination in accessing medical and care servicesases of hospital triage deciding on the availability of hospital care was based on the age as one of the main criteria; whereas such exclusion of patients solely on the ground of age constitutes discrimination;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 222 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital S
S. whereas older people, especially women, are at greater risk of poverty due, among other factors, to the difference in economic development between Member States, the wage and pension gap; financial difficulties; whereas persisting problem of gender pay gap which is currently at 16% as well as inadequate pensions schemes which do not appropriately take into account the periods of maternity or parental leave, result in gender pension gap which together with the high percentage of women working in low paid sectors which prevents them to save for the older age make women particularly vulnerable to the old age poverty;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 250 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital W
W. whereas older people are falling victim to a growing number of crimes, such as violence, abuse and neglect, and other worrying activities against older people, such as fraud and unfair business practices, deprivation; while the widespread phenomenon of elder abuse is not sufficiently covered by research on its incidence, drivers and strategies and good practices to prevent it;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 264 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital Y
Y. whereas creating the conditions for women and men who wish to work longer may encouragable many older people to stay in the labour market; whereas this can be achieved by health promotion and prevention in the workplace and access to quality healthcare, policies supporting the work-life balance or the access to lifelong learning;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 271 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital Z
Z. whereas ensuring the health and safety, safety and work-life balance of workers throughout their careers is a prerequisite for a sustainable working life and active and healthy ageing after retirement;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 289 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital CC
CC. whereas in many Member States, housing for older people is inadequate for their needs and capabilities due to high cost of living, living alone and barriers to or in big institutions incompatible with the goal of deinstitutionalisation, insufficient quality of housing including its inaccessibility;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 300 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to combat discrimination against older people, especially in the area of employment, access to services and housing promoting their autonomy and to shape a positive perception of old age in society;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 324 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission and the Council to establish a Year of Dignified Ageing, in order to raise awareness about the problems older people face and strategies to mitigate them as well as in order to strengthen the links between the generations and to counteract loneliness in old age; stresses the importance of this initiative not only in the context of demographic change, but also of the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit older people hardest;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 338 #

2020/2008(INI)

3. Calls on the Commission to prepare an action strategy for the elderly, taking into account the diversity and complexity of the situation of older people as well as differences in the Member States;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 366 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to adopt a set of indicators of access and sustainability of elderly care systems, as well as a common quality framework for elderly care services;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 407 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Encourages Member States to de- institutionalise care for the elderly, as this is more conducive tomove towards deinstitutionalisation of elderly care, through the development of home and community-based care, as to promote social inclusion, independence and autonomy for the elderlyolder persons; encourages the Member States in particular to develop community-based solutions for older persons with dementia;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 419 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Member States to provide professional support for carers and assistants of dependent older people and to introduce various forms of periodic relief for family members caring for dependent older peopleincluding the informal carers; calls on the Commission and the Member States to adopt an EU-wide definition of informal carer which would enable the Member States to adopt targeted strategies to help the informal carers, recognize their contribution to the elderly care and to put forward proposals for adequate relief services;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 434 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Member States to create flexible working conditions and ensure access to rehabilitation services as an incentive for older workers to remain in the labour market if they wish to do so;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 442 #

2020/2008(INI)

10. Calls on the Member States to prepare medical, care and assistant staff for the needs of out forward policies in order to ensure sufficient number of professionals in the field of elderly care including doctors, nurses, professional carers or assistants to elderly peoplersons; calls on the Member States to provide as many medical professions as possible with training in the field of geriatricmote the preparation and qualification courses for the informal carers which are the most often family members of the dependant persons;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 469 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on Member States to develop educational and integration opportunities for older people, including online education; emphasizes the need for strengthening the digital skills of elderly people which can help them to use these opportunities to the fullest;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 492 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote the social inclusion of older people by using the Internet and other ICTAI and digital solutions for cultural, entertainment, educational, communication, telecare and telemedicine purposes; stresses the need for the dignified and human-centric approach and emphasizes that these solutions cannot, despite many advantages, fully substitute the personal contacts and thus balanced approach to promote the both should be adopted;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 531 #

2020/2008(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Member States to adapt buildings and housing, housing and the environment to the needs of older people, persons with disabilities, and people with reduced mobility and perception; recalls that without accessible environment the accessible housing cannot be fully used; stresses that safe housing is housing where the possibility of dangers has been reduced and where the response in the case of danger is made easier;
2020/10/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 41 #

2020/2005(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Aa. Whereas Covid-19 pandemic interrupted many educational and employment opportunities and thus created obstacles to gaining skills; whereas this affected disproportionally mainly work to school transition of young people coming from disadvantaged background;
2023/02/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 82 #

2020/2005(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that traineeships are primarily a learning experience; calls on the Commission and the Member States to facilitate and improve access for young people, with the special focus on young people from disadvantaged background, to high-quality, paid and inclusive traineeships;
2023/02/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 148 #

2020/2005(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to propose a direcinitiatives to ensure adequate remuneration for traineeships in order to avoid exploitative practices;
2023/02/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 154 #

2020/2005(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Reiterates the central role that the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Youth Guarantee can play in contributing to an increase in the number of high- quality traineeships; urges Member States, with the support of the Commission, to use all available resources in this area; calls on the Commission to increase investment through the ESF+ to support measures aimed at integrating disadvantaged youth;
2023/02/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 162 #

2020/2005(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Member States to better utilise the ESF+ to help progression within education and training and transition to work, by supporting upskilling, reskilling, lifelong learning and employability with a view to facilitating full participation in society for all, and contributing to competitiveness14 ; __________________ 14 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021 R1057&from=EN
2023/02/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 203 #

2020/2005(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines that high-quality traineeships must be inclusive and accessible to all; stresses, in particular, the need to support persons with disabilities to have access to high-quality traineeships while ensuring an inclusive recruitment process; calls for a Union-wide consultation on the common definition of disability and an expansion of the European disability card to facilitate the mobility of persons with disabilities and their ability to take up traineeship opportunities in other Member States; stresses the need for an accessible workplace for trainees with disabilities; calls for a revision of Council Directive 2000/78/EC15 to improve the article on reasonable accommodation in the workplace in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; calls for the unblocking of the adoption of a proposal for an anti-discrimination directive (COM(2008)0426); highlights the need for the unbundling of remuneration and disability support to allow for extra disability related costs for traineeships; highlights the importance of personal assistance to support persons with disabilities; calls for more cooperation between employers and the organisations representing people who are at greater risk of discrimination; __________________ 15 Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation (OJ L 303, 2.12.2000, p. 16).
2023/02/10
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 19 #

2020/1998(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that the COVID-19 outbreak has claimed thousands of lives in Europe and has led to an unprecedented crisis with disastrous consequences for people, families, workers, NGOs and charitable organisations and businesses, and therefore requires an unprecedented response; highlights that 2021 will be a critical year for the budget, as the first year of the 2021-2027 MFF and the first “post- COVID-19 recovery” year; highlights in particular that the budget should help improving the situation in the social and employment area, in time of unprecedented crisis following the COVID-19 pandemic;
2020/09/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 29 #

2020/1998(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the recovery efforts should boost jobs and growth, the resilience of our societies and should be complemented by a strong social dimension, addressing social and economic inequalities and the needs of those hardest hit by the crisis, particularly potentially vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, including minorities, persons with disabilities or single parents whose inclusion in the labour market must be supported and fostered;
2020/09/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 58 #

2020/1998(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
8. WelcomNotes, in light of the expected increase in demand in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the Commission proposal to increase the annual funding available for EGF to EUR 386 million from 2021 onwards and is concerned thats well as the Council proposal to limit this funding to EUR 197 million in 2021; could undermine its paramount role in offering assistance to workers who lost their job in restructuring evalls for a thorough assessment of the measures financed from EGF with the goal of using the money in an effective way and only on the measures that have proven to improve the re- employments;
2020/09/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 66 #

2020/1998(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines that, in the context of ongoing budgetary constraints and of the post-COVID-19 recovery, it will be critical to make the best use of the 2021 general budget, including future skills policies and measures to support labour market transition and better adjustment to demographic change, automatisation and digitalisation, particularly by improved integration of potentially vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in the labour market; reiterates that the use of digital solutions based on the human-centric AI should be seen as a great opportunity to create jobs and integrate disadvantaged groups in the labour market;
2020/09/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 129 #

2020/1998(BUD)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51
51. Points to the persistent challenges in the Union’s Eastern and Southern neighbourhood, as well as the importance of endowing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East with adequate financial resources; ris particularly concerned that school curriculum and textbooks authorised by the Palestinian Authority contain hate speech and violent depictions. Recalls that all teaching and training programmes that are financed from Union funds have to reflect common values and comply with UNESCO standards for peace and tolerance in school education.Recalls the importance of developing stable relations and strong cooperation between the EU and Africa and deems appropriate to dedicate sufficient financial resources to the development of this continent, which would contribute inter alia to mitigating the root causes of forced migration;
2020/10/20
Committee: BUDG
Amendment 222 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
(15) This Directive establishes minimum requirementsa framework at Union level to ensure bpromothe that minimum wages are set at adequate level and that workers have access to minimum wage protection, in the form of a statutory minimum wage or in the form of wages set under collective agreements as defined for the purpose of this Directive.
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 249 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 17 a (new)
(17 a) In a social market economy, everyone who works should have a decent income and be able to provide for himself/herself and his/her family. There needs to be solutions in place to prevent in work poverty, social dumping and race-to- the-bottom competition. Adequate minimum wages are essential in this regard. According to the Treaties of the European Union, pay is a competence of the Member States and minimum wages are established and set at national level. Any action in this area at the European level must respect the boundaries that the Treaties set.
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 281 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
(20) Sound rules, procedures and practice for setting and updating statutory minimum wages, including through automatic indexation, are necessary to deliver adequate minimum wages, while safeguarding jobs and the competitiveness of firms including small and medium-sized enterprises. They include a number of elements to preserve the adequacy of statutory minimum wages, including criteria and indicators to assess adequacy, regular and timely updates, the existence of consultative bodies and the involvement of social partners, both direct and indirect. A timely and effective involvement of the latter is another element of good governance that allows for an informed and inclusive decision-making process.
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 305 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
(21) Minimum wages are considered adequate if they are fair in relation to the wage distribution in the country and if they provide a decent standard of living. The adequacy of statutory minimum wages is determined in view of the national socio- economic conditions, including employment growth, competitiveness, national systems for taxes and allowances as well as regional and sectoral developments. Their adequacy should be assessed at least in relation to their purchasing power, to the productivity developments and to their relation to the gross wage levels, distribution and growth. The use of indicators commonly used at international level, such as 60% of the gross median wage and 50% of the gross average wage, can help guide the assessment of minimum wage adequacy in relation to the gross level of wages.
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 324 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 22
(22) To promote adequacy of minimum wages for all groups of workers, Member States should ensure that variations and deductions from statutory minimum wages should be limited to a minimumare non-discriminatory, proportionate and justified, while ensuring that social partners are duly consulted in their definition. Some deductions to statutory minimum wages may be justified by a legitimate aim, including overstated amounts paid or deductions ordered by a judicial authority. Others, such as deductions related to the equipment necessary to perform a job or deductions of allowances in kind, such as accommodation, may be unjustified or disproportionate.
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 373 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 29
(29) This Directive lays down a framework for minimum requirements, thus leaving untouched Member States' prerogative to introduce and maintain more favourable provisions. Rights acquired under the existing national legal framework should continue to apply, unless more favourable provisions are introduced by this Directive. The implementation of this Directive cannot be used to reduce existing rights for workers, nor can it constitute valid grounds for reducing the general level of protection afforded to workers in the field covered by this Directive.
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 393 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. With a view to improving working and living conditions in the Union, this Directive establishes a framework for promoting:
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 402 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) setting adequate levels of minimum wages;
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 451 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) ‘statutory minimum wage’ means a minimum wage set by law, or other binding legal provisions, with the exclusion of those set by a collective agreement made universally applicable;
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 463 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
(3) ‘collective bargaining’ means all negotiations which take place between an employer, a group of employers or one or more employers’ organisations, on the one hand, and one or more workers’ organisattrade unions, on the other, for determining working conditions and terms of employment; and/or regulating relations between employers and workers; and/or regulating relations between employers or their organisations and a worker organisation or worker organisattrade unions;
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 485 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. With the aim to increase the collective bargaining coverage and to enhance the access of workers to minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements Member States shall take, in consultation with the social partners and in accordance with national law and practices, at least the following measures:
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 534 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Member States where collective bargaining coverage is less than 70% of the workers defined within the meaning of Article 2 shall in addition provide forshall in addition provide for an action plan to promote collective bargaining, including a framework of enabling conditions for collective bargaining, either by law after consultation of the social partners or by agreement with them, and shall establish an action plan to promote collective bargaining. The action plan shall be made public and shall be notified to the European Commission.
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 551 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – title
APromotion of adequacy
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 570 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The national criteria referred to in paragraph 1 shall include at least the following elements whose relevance and relative weight may be decided by Member States in accordance with their prevailing national socio-economic conditions:
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 582 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the purchasing power of statutory minimum wages, taking into account the cost of living and the contribution of taxes and, social benefits and allowances and the cost of living;
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 599 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) labour productivity developments.deleted
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 629 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shallmay use indicative reference values to guide their assessment of adequacy of statutory minimum wages in relation to the general level of gross wages, such as those commonly used at international level.
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 640 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure the regular and timely updates of statutory minimum wages in order to preservecontinue promoting their adequacy.
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 656 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 5
5. Member States shall establishare encouraged to establish or designate consultative bodies to advise the competent authorities on issues related to statutory minimum wages, if appropriate.
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 676 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Where Member States may allow for different rates of statutory minimum wage for specific groups of workers. Member States shall keep these variations to a minimum, and or for deductions by law that reduce the remuneration paid to a level below that of the relevant statutory minimum wage, they shall ensure that anythese variation iss and deductions are non- discriminatory, and proportionate, limited in time if relevant, and objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aim. .
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 683 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. Member States may allow deductions by law that reduce the remuneration paid to workers to a level below that of the statutory minimum wage. Member States shall ensure that these deductions from statutory minimum wages are necessary, objectively justified and proportionate.deleted
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 697 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the social partners are involved in a timely and effective manner in statutory minimum wage setting and updating, either directly or indirectly depending on national practices and law, including through participation in consultative bodies referred to in Article 5(5) and notably as concerns:
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 733 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Member States shall, in cooperation with social partners, where appropriate take the following measures to enhance the access of workers to statutory minimum wage protection as appropriate:
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 895 #

2020/0310(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Member States may entrust the social partners with the implementation of this Directive, where the social partners jointly request to do so. In so doing, the Member States shall take all necessary steps to ensure that the results soughobligations set by this Directive are guaranteedcomplied with at all times.
2021/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 73 #

2020/0104(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
(4) The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 changed the economic outlook for the years to come in the Union and in the world, calling for an urgent and coordinated response from the Union in order to cope with the enormous economic and social consequences for all Member States. The challenges linked to the demographic and social context have been amplified by COVID-19. The current COVID-19 pandemic as well as the previous economic and financial crisis have shown that developing sound and resilient economies and financial systems built on strong economic and social structures helps Member States to respond more efficiently to shocks and recover more swiftly from them. The medium and long-term consequences of the COVID-19 crisis will critically depend on how quickly Member States’ economies will recover from the crisis, which in turn depends on the fiscal space Member States have available to take measures to mitigate the social and economic impact of the crisis, and on the resilience of their economies. Reforms and investments to address structural weaknesses of the economies and strengthen their resilience will therefore be essential to set the economies back on a sustainable recovery path and avoid further widening of the divergences in the Union.
2020/09/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 83 #

2020/0104(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
(6) Past experiences have shown that investment is often drastically cut during crises. However, it is essential to support investment in this particular situation to speed up the recovery and strengthen long- term growth potential. Investing in green and digital technologies, capacities and processes aimed at assisting clean energy transition, boosting energy efficiency in housing and other key sectors of the economic are important to achieve sustainable growth and help create and maintain jobs. It will also help make the Union more resilient and less dependent by diversifying key supply chains.
2020/09/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 101 #

2020/0104(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
(14) The Facility’s general objective should be the promotion of economic, social and territorial cohesion. For that purpose, it should contribute to improving the resilience and adjustment capacity of the Member States, mitigating the social and economic impact of the crisis with the due attention to the most vulnerable groups including elderly, persons with disabilities and families with children, and supporting the green and digital transitions aimed at achieving a climate neutral Europe by 2050, thereby restoring the growth potential of the economies of the Union in the aftermath of the crisis, fostering employment creation and to promoting sustainable growth.
2020/09/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 103 #

2020/0104(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) In order to achieve the general objectives, the Facility should also contribute to improving the resilience of the Member States by covering education, professional training, reskilling and up- skilling including formal and informal education. Efficient support of the educational process that reflects all current challenges should include all stakeholders such as the non- governmental organisations, business and research institutions. The educational process should be inclusive and should react to the dynamic needs of the labour market;
2020/09/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 186 #

2020/0104(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) an explanation of how the plan strengthens the growth potential, job creation and economic and social resilience of the Member State concerned, mitigates the economic and social impact of the crisis particularly in connection with the most vulnerable groups, and its contribution to enhance economic, social and territorial cohesion and convergence;
2020/09/11
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 113 #

2020/0103(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) education and training, labour market policies, including social dialogue, for the creation of jobs, up- and re-skilling, in particular digital skills, media literacy, active citizenship, the fight against poverty and excessive income inequality, gender equality, the promotion of social inclusion, adequate and inclusive social security and social welfare systems, accessible and affordable public health and healthcare systems, accessible and affordable care infrastructure including the services for children, elderly and persons with disabilities as well as cohesion, asylum, migration and border policies;
2020/09/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 122 #

2020/0103(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) policies for implementing the digital and the green transitions, e- government solutions, e-procurement, connectivity, data access and governance, e-learning, use of Artificial Intelligence based solutions with a focus on human dignity, the environmental pillar of sustainable development and environmental protection, climate action, mobility, promoting the circular economy, energy and resource efficiency, renewable energy sources, achieving energy diversification and ensuring energy security, and for the agricultural sector, soil and biodiversity protection, fisheries and the sustainable development of rural areas; and
2020/09/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 124 #

2020/0103(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) financial sector policies, including: the promotion of financial literacy and fight against overindebtedness, financial stability, access to finance and lending to the real economy; and production, provision and quality monitoring of data and statistics.
2020/09/03
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 34 #

2020/0101(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
(9) In order to complement the actions already available under the scope of support of the ERDF, as extended by Regulations (EU) 2020/460 and (EU) 2020/558 of the European Parliament and of the Council5, Member States should continue to be allowed to use the additional resources primarily for investments in products and services for health services, for providing support in the form of working capital or investment support to SMEs, in operations contributing to the transition towards a digital and green economy, resilience, infrastructure providing basic services to citizens or economic support measures for those regions most dependent on sectors most affected by the crisis. Technical assistance should also be supported. It is appropriate that the additional resources are focused exclusively under the new thematic objective “Fostering crisis repair in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and preparing a green, digital and resilient recovery of the economy”, which should also constitute a single investment priority, to allow for simplified programming and implementation of the additional resources. __________________ 5 Regulation (EU) 2020/460 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 March 2020 amending Regulations (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 508/2014 as regards specific measures to mobilise investments in the healthcare systems of Member States and in other sectors of their economies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak (Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative) (OJ L99, 31.3.2020, p. 5); Regulation (EU) 2020/558 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2020 amending Regulations (EU) No 1301/2013 and (EU) No 1303/2013 as regards specific measures to provide exceptional flexibility for the use of the European Structural and Investments Funds in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, (OJ L 130, 23.4.2020, p. 1).
2020/07/08
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 40 #

2020/0101(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
(10) For the ESF, Member States should primarily use the additional resources to support job maintenance, including through short-time work schemes and support to self-employed, support measures to enable work-life balance, job creation, in particular for people in vulnerable situations, support to youth employment measures, education and training, inclusion, skills development and to enhance access to social services of general interest, including for children, persons with disabilities and elderly. It should be clarified that in the present exceptional circumstances support to short-time work schemes for employees and the self- employed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic can be provided even when that support is not combined with active labour market measures, unless the latter are imposed by national law. Union support to those short-time work schemes should be limited in time.
2020/07/08
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 54 #

2020/0101(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
(15) With a view to allow the targeting of these additional resources to the geographic areas where they are most needed, as an exceptional measure and without prejudice to the general rules for allocating Structural Funds resources, the additional resources allocated to the ERDF and the ESF are not to be broken down per category of region. However, Member States are expected to take into account the different regional needs and development levels in order to ensure that focus is maintained on less developed regions, in accordance with the objectives of economic, social and territorial cohesion set out in Article 173 TFEU. Member States should also involve local and regional authorities, as well as relevant bodies representing civil society including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), in accordance with the partnership principles.
2020/07/08
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 44 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 1
(1) Member States and the Union are to work towards developing a coordinated strategy for employment and particularly for promoting a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce, as well as labour markets that are responsive to economic change, with a view to achieving the objectives of full employment and social progress, inclusiveness, balanced growth and a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union. Member States shall regard promoting employment as a matter of common concern and shall coordinate their action in this respect within the Council, taking into account national practices related to the responsibilities of management and labour.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 50 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 2
(2) The Union is to combat social exclusion and discrimination and promote social justice and protection, as well as equality between women and men, solidarity between generations and the protection of the rights of the child, the full inclusion of persons with disabilities and the protection of the rights of the child and of other disadvantaged groups, including groups facing multiple forms of discrimination. In defining and implementing its policies and activities, the Union is to take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, inclusive labour markets, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the existence of quality public services that are financially and geographically accessible, the fight against poverty and social exclusion and a high level of education and training as set out in Article 9 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 73 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 5
(5) The European Semester combines the different instruments in an overarching framework for integrated multilateral coordination and surveillance of economic and employment policies. While pursuing environmental sustainability, productivity, fairness and stability, the European Semester integrates the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, including strong engagement with social partners, civil society and other stakeholders. It supports the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (13). The Union and Member States’ employment and economic policies should go hand in hand with Europe’s response to the post-COVID-19 crisis, and should also, in view of the particularly serious effects of this crisis on certain European industrial and business sectors, support the transition to a climate neutral, environmentally sustainable, inclusive and digital economy, while improving competitiveness, fostering innovation, promoting social justice and equal opportunities as well as tackling inequalities and regional disparities. __________________ 13 UN Resolution A/RES/70/1.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 83 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
(6) Climate change and environmental related challenges, globalisation, digitalisation and demographic change willare transforming European’s economiesy and society, as shown by the COVID-19 crisies. The Union and its Member States should work together to effectively address these structural factors and adapt existing systems as needed, recognising the close interdependence of the Member States' economies and labour markets and related policies. This requires a coordinated, ambitious and effective policy action at both Union and national levels, in accordance with the TFEU and the Union’s provisions on economic governance. Such policy action should encompass a boost in sustainable investment, a renewed commitment to appropriately sequenced structural reforms that improve productivity, economic growth, social and territorial cohesion, upward convergence, resilience and the exercise of fiscal responsibility. Effective long-term measures are also needed to mitigate the impact of the crisis and provide financial assistance to businesses, non-profit and charitable organisations, as well as households, including those at higher risk of poverty. It should combine supply- and demand side measures, while taking into account their environmental, employment and social impact.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 102 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8
(8) Reforms to the labour market, including the national wage-setting mechanisms, should follow national practices of social dialogue and allow the necessary opportunity for a broad consideration of socioeconomic issues, including improvements in sustainability, competitiveness, innovation, job creation, inclusion of persons with disabilities and otherwise disadvantaged groups, lifelong learning and training policies, working conditions, education and skills, public health and inclusion and real incomes.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 108 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 9
(9) Member States and the Union should ensure that the transformations are fair and socially just, strengthening the drive towards an inclusive and resilient society in which people are protected and empowered to anticipate and manage change, and in which they can actively participate in society and the economy. Discrimination in all its forms should be tackled. Access and opportunities for all should be ensured and poverty and social exclusion (including that of children, persons with disabilities and other highly disadvantaged groups, including groups facing multiple forms of discrimination) should be reduced, in particular by ensuring an effective functioning of inclusive labour markets and of social protection systems and by removing barriers to education, training and labour- market participation, including through investments in early childhood education and care. Timely and equal access to affordable healthcare services, including prevention and health promotion are particularly relevant in a context of ageing societies. The potential of people with disabilities to contribute to economic growth and social development should be further realised. As new economic and business models take hold in Union workplaces, employment relationships are also changing. Member States should ensure that employment relationships stemming from new forms of work maintain and strengthen Europe’s social model.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 114 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 10
(10) The Integrated Guidelines should form the basis for country-specific recommendations that the Council may address to the Member States. Member States should make full use of the European Social Fund Plus and other Union funds, including the Just Transition Fund and InvestEU, to foster employment, social investments, social inclusion, accessibility, promote up- and reskilling opportunities of the workforce, lifelong learning and high quality education and training for all, including digital literacy and skills. In view of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of these funds should also play an important role in strengthening services, even when those services are provided by non-profit or charitable organisations. While the Integrated Guidelines are addressed to Member States and the Union, they should be implemented in partnership with all national, regional and local authorities, closely involving parliaments, as well as the social partners and representatives of civil society.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 126 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 5 – paragraph 1
Member States should actively promote a sustainable social market economy and facilitate and support investment in the creation of quality jobs. To this end, they should reduce the barriers that businesses face in hiring people, foster responsible entrepreneurship and genuine self- employment and, in particular, support the creation and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to finance. Member States should actively promote the development of the social economy, foster social innovation, social enterprises, and encourage those innovative forms of work, creating quality job opportunities and generating social benefits at local level. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Member States should support the transformation of European enterprises towards ensuring self-sufficiency in protective equipment and medical devices, thus improving the European Union's resilience to public health crises.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 142 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 5 – paragraph 3
Member States having in place national mechanisms for the setting of statutory minimum wages should ensure an effective involvement of social partners in a transparent and predictable manner allowing for an adequate responsiveness of wages to productivity developments and providing fair wages for a decent standard of living, paying particular attention to lower and middle income groups with a view to upward convergence, as well as to individuals and families who have lost income as a result of their responsibilities to care for a family member with a disability. These mechanisms should take into account economic performance across regions and sectors. Member States should promote social dialogue and collective bargaining with a view to wage setting. Respecting national practices, Member States and social partners should ensure that all workers are entitled to adequate and fair wages through collective agreements or adequate statutory minimum wages, taking into account their impact on competitiveness, job creation and in-work poverty.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 164 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 2
Member States should foster equal opportunities for all by addressing inequalities in education and training systems, including by providing access to good quality and inclusive early childhood education. They should raise overall education levels, reduce the number of young people leaving school early, increase access to and completion of tertiary education and increase adult participation in continuing learning, particularly among learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, the least qualified. Taking into account new requirements in digital, green and ageing societies, Member States should strengthen work-based learning in their vocational education and training systems (VET) (including through quality and effective apprenticeships) and increase the number of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) graduates by promoting interest among women and girls in these fields, both in medium-level VET and in tertiary education. Furthermore, Member States should enhance the labour-market relevance of tertiary education and research, improve skills monitoring and forecasting, make skills more visible and qualifications comparable, including those acquired abroad, and increase opportunities for recognising and validating skills and competences acquired outside formal education and training, for example through voluntary work in the non-profit sector. They should upgrade and increase the supply and take- up of flexible continuing vocational education and training. Member States should also support low skilled adults to maintain or develop their long-term employability by boosting access to and take up of quality learning opportunities, through the implementation of Upskilling Pathways, including a skills assessment, an offer of education and training matching labour market opportunities, and the validation and official recognition of the skills acquired, including skills acquired during informal education or caring for a child or family member with a disability.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 176 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 3
Member States should provide unemployed and inactive people with effective, timely, coordinated and tailor-made assistance based on support for job-search, training, requalification and access to other enabling services. Comprehensive strategies that include in-depth individual assessment of unemployment should be pursued as soon as possible with a view to significantly reducing and preventing long-term and structural unemployment, including strategies to reduce unemployment among persons with disabilities and otherwise disadvantaged persons. Youth unemployment and the issue of young people not in employment, education or training, should continue to be addressed through prevention of early school leaving and structural improvement in the school- to-work transition, including through the full implementation of the Youth Guarantee 15 . __________________ 15 OJ C 120, 26.4.2013, p. 1.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 182 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 5
Member States should ensure gender equality between men and women and increased labour market participation of women, including through ensuring equal opportunities and career progression and eliminating barriers to participation in leadership at all levels of decision-making. The gender pay and pension gaps should be tackled. At the same time, periods of maternity and parental leave should be adequately valued both in terms of contributions paid during it and in terms of pension insurance, so as to reflect the importance of educating future generations, especially in the context of an ageing society. Equal pay for equal work, or work of equal value, and pay- transparency should be ensured. The reconciliation of work, family and private life for both women and men should be promoted, in particular through access to affordable quality long-term care and both early childhood and lifelong education and care services. Member States should ensure that parents and other people with caring responsibilities have access to suitable family leave andpaid and sufficiently long carers’ leave and relief services, as well as flexible working arrangements in order to balance work, family and private life, and promote a balanced use of these entitlements between women and men.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 203 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 4
The mobility of learners and workers should be adequately supported with the aim of enhancing employability, skills and exploiting the full potential of the European labour market, while also ensuring fair conditions for all those pursuing a cross-border activity and stepping up administrative cooperation between national administrations with regard to mobile workers. Barriers to mobility in education and training, in occupational and personal pensions and in the recognition of qualifications should be removed and recognition of qualifications made easier. Member States should take action to ensure that administrative procedures are not an unnecessary obstacle to workers from other Member States taking up employment, including for cross- border workers. It is important that Member States, when implementing measures such as border closures to mitigate the spread of COVID- 19, take into account mobile workers, including cross-border workers, for example in terms of health and safety, taxes and social security, and enable them and their family members to cross national borders as easily as possible for work or other vital needs, such as a visit to a doctor or the performance of important official tasks in another Member State, while taking into account the epidemiological situation. Member States should also prevent abuse of the existing rules and address underlying causes of ‘brain drain’ from certain regions including through appropriate regional development measures.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 220 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 1
Member States should promote inclusive labour markets, open to all, by putting in place effective measures to fight all forms of discrimination and promote equal opportunities for under-represented groups in the labour market, with due attention to the regional and territorial dimension. They should ensure equal treatment regarding employment, social protection, health and long-term care, education and access to goods and services, regardless of gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, anticipated future health problems, age or sexual orientation.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 227 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 3
Member States should develop and integrate the three strands of active inclusion: adequate income support, inclusive labour markets and access to quality enabling services, meeting individual needs. Social protection systems should ensure adequatecent minimum income benefits for everyone lacking sufficient resources and promote social inclusion by encouraging people to actively participate in the labour market and society, including through targeted social services.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 234 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 4
The availability of affordable, accessible and quality services such as early childhood education and care, out-of- school care, education, training, housing, health and long-term care is a necessary condition for ensuring equal opportunities. Particular attention should be given to fighting poverty and social exclusion, including in-work and child poverty. Member States should ensure that everyone, including children, has access to essential services. For those in need or in a vulnerable situation, Member States should ensure access to adequate social housing or housing assistance. The specific needs of people with disabilities including accessibility should be taken into account in relation to these services and the full accessibility of these services, including the environment, should be ensured. Homelessness should be tackled specifically.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 236 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 5
Member States should ensure timely access to affordable preventive and curative health care and long-term care of good quality, while safeguarding the sustainability over the long runf the healthcare system over the long run, without transferring more responsibility to individuals.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 241 #

2020/0030(NLE)

Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 6
In a context of increasing longevity and demographic change, Member States should secure the adequacy and sustainability of pension systems for workers and self-employed, providing equal opportunities for women and men to acquire pension rights, including through supplementary schemes to ensure an adequate decent income. Pension reforms should be supported by measures that extend working lives, such as by raising the effective retirement age, and be framed within active ageing strategies, while respecting the decisions of senior citizens to either remain economically active for longer, or not to participate any more in the labour market. Member States should establish a constructive dialogue with social partners and other relevant stakeholders, and allow an appropriate phasing in of the reforms.
2020/05/07
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 84 #

2020/0006(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
(2) The transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy constitutes one of the most important policy objectives for the Union. On 12 December 2019, the European Council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral Union by 2050, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. While fighting climate change and environmental degradation will benefit all in the long term and provides opportunities and challenges for all in the medium term, not all regions and Member States start their transition from the same point or have the same capacity to respond. Some are more advanced than others, but also in light of the COVID-19 crisis, some are more impacted than the others, whereas the transition entails a wider social and economic impact for those regions that rely heavily on fossil fuels - especially coal, lignite, peat and oil shale - or greenhouse gas intensive industries. Such a situation not only creates the risk of a variable speed transition in the Union as regards climate action, but also of growing disparities between regions, detrimental to the objectives of social, economic and territorial cohesion.
2020/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 98 #

2020/0006(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
(3) In order to be successful, the transition has to be fair and socially acceptable for all. Therefore, both the Union and the Member States must take into account its economic and social implications from the outset, as well as the impact of coronavirus crisis on their crucial industries, and deploy all possible instruments to mitigate adverse consequences. The Union budget has an important role in that regard.
2020/05/18
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 4 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
- having regard to Euronest Parliamentary Assembly resolution of 9 December 2019 on the future of the Trio Plus Strategy 2030: building a future of Eastern Partnership; having regard to final statements and recommendations of Parliamentary Association Committees of 19 December 2019 with Ukraine and Moldova; having regard to European Parliament annual report on the implementation of the common foreign and security policy of 18 December 2019,
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 6 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)
- having regard to the Joint Statement of 5 December 2019 adopted by Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine on the Future of Eastern Partnership,
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 8 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 c (new)
- having regard to the Joint Letter of 15 February 2020 by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine on the MFF 2021-2027,
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 9 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
- having regard to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement,
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 11 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
- having regard to the Agreements between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas, and to the signing of an Agreement on the facilitation of the issuance of visas by the European Union and the Republic of Belarus on 8 January 2020,
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 26 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas the Eastern Partnership (EaP) is based on mutual interests and understanding, shared ownership and responsibility, differentiation, mutual accountability and a shared commitment between Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and the European Union to deepen their relations and adhere to international law and core values such as democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, and a social market economy, sustainable development and good governance;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 50 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the achievements and the strengthened differentiation in bilateral relations between the EU and the EaP countries with which it signed an Association Agreement are welcome, now it is time to provide those countries with clearer guidance on specific reform priorities, alignment criteria and on the next steps in the EU integration process;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 54 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in the Joint statement of 5 December 2019 on the Future of Eastern Partnership called upon the EU to engage further in joint discussions on the progress, opportunities and challenges concerning the association-related reforms with the aim of facilitating full implementation of the AAs/DCFTAs and invited the EU to consider establishing an EU+ Three Associated Partners dialogue in the areas including, but not limited to, transport, energy, justice and digital economy;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 56 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in the Joint letter of 15 February 2020 on the MFF 2021– 2027 reiterated their strong commitment to contribute to the strategic success of the EaP, in particular through the differentiation principle and the establishment of a EU+ Three Associated Partners enhanced dialogue, and emphasised that a dedicated financial tool providing a robust assistance to support complex reform commitments in line with AAs/DCFTAs would be decisive for all actors involved in the process;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 60 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas even more advanced forms of cooperation and integration are possiblethere is a necessity to encourage the development of tailor-made strategies with all of the six EaP countries, and to advance to more ambitious forms of cooperation and integration where desired by the partner countries, provided that comprehensive reforms are implemented in a timely and sustainable manner with the support of flexible EU instruments;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 95 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas, the success of transformation in the EaP countries, in particular of the three associated partner countries, can yield a positive example, which could also have an influence on the society in neighbouring Russia;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 117 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) acknowledge and strive for a continuous transformational impact of EaP policy in order to bring about political, social, economic and legal change in the three associated partner countries (the EU Trio countries);
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 123 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) by taking into account the request from the EU Trio countries, create within the EaP policy a closer cooperation initiative – the EU Advanced Partnership Strategy (EU Trio Plus Strategy 2030) which will establish an EU reform and investment support platform, to be implemented first in the EU Trio countries, in areas including, but not limited to, investment capacity building, transport, energy, justice and digital economy, and will pave the way for an ambitious integration agenda with the EU;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 124 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) in line with the 'more for more' approach, and in the spirit of the existing arrangements with the EEA/EFTA countries, to include the associated countries in the proceedings of the Committees established pursuant to Article 291 TFEU and Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 as a means to show the EU's commitments to further integration and to strengthen the countries' reform orientation and administrative know-how;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 130 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a b (new)
(ab) emphasise, that the implementation of the EU Trio Plus Strategy 2030 can be extended to the remaining Eastern Partners of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus on the basis of individual assessments of EU reform commitments and of the progress made; stress, that further setbacks with regard to democracy, reforms and the rule of law and the erosion of the European orientation may entail the exclusion of the countries concerned from the EU Trio Plus Strategy 2030; ensure that Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus will have individualised, beneficial and tailor-made partnership relationships with the EU, conditional on reform commitments;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 152 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) embrace an enhanced and future- oriented vision for the next decade of the EaP with the aim of ensuring lasting and irreversible achievements and deepening EU-EaP cooperation; invite the EU institutions to lead the creation of ever closer relations with the most advanced EaP countries, to begin with the EU Trio countries, and, with the support of a coalition of like-minded EU Member States, to establish for this purpose the EU Trio Plus Process, which shall be focused on tangible projects and programmes, such as the EU Support Group, Investment Framework platform, access to EU financing, and which will take into account the best reform support practices, including from the Western Balkans and the European Economic Area;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 187 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) devise additional measures for deeper integration such as in selected EU agencies, investment framework platforms, intra-EU programmes and initiatives, in full compliance with existing conditionalities and pursuant to the more for more principle and which will take into account the best reform support practices;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 217 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(ha) invite the EaP countries acceding to the EU Trio Plus Strategy 2030, starting with the countries that signed an Association Agreement with the EU, to use the reinforced political steering and benchmark instruments of the implementation of the EU Association Agreements, such as joint reporting and monitoring, which would bring in a credible merit-based approach, to the benefit of the EU and its influence in the EaP countries and beyond;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 221 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(ha) acknowledge that, as the subsidiarity principle is the best way the EU uses to determine the sphere of competencies among the Union and its member states, the same principle shall be applied to the relations between the EU and the six EaP countries, while at the same time accepting that the EU needs to react faster and in adherence to the EU's values to the deterioration of the rule of law and the quality of democratic governance in the partner countries and apply smart conditionality to prevent the partner governments from further backsliding;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 223 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h b (new)
(hb) invite the EaP countries, especially the EU Trio countries, to the Conference on the Future of Europe, which could set out a list scenarios on the future relationship of those countries with the EU;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 228 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) acknowledge the associated partnership status of advanced EaP countries, notably the signatories of AAs with DCFTAs (the EU Trio countries), in order to accommodate the mutual need for more venues for political dialogue, further economic cooperation and legislative harmonisation;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 242 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j
(j) engage further in State building and in strengthening institutions, by making instruments similar to the Support Group for Ukraine (the EU Support Group) available to the associated partners first and foremost; strong, independent and efficient institutions at a central and local level are key to democratic accountability, deoligarchisation, and the fight against corruption and State capture;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 244 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j
(j) engage further in State building and in strengthening institutions and their accountability, by making instruments similar to the Support Group for Ukraine available to the associated partners first and foremost; strong, independent and efficient institutions at a central and local level are key to democratic accountabilitygovernance, deoligarchisation, and the fight against corruption and State capture;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 254 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
(ja) encourage the work of political foundations in fostering the next generation of political leaders in the EaP countries;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 265 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) acknowledge and encourage initiatives by the governments of associated countries (the EU Trio countries) to boost their mutual cooperation; a similar approach should be applied to cooperation amongst all the Eastern European Partners on various issues;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 280 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 1 a (new)
New EaP instruments of financial support for the EU Trio Plus Strategy 2030
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 281 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
(la) provide greater financial assistance, including in the context of the external financial instruments that are currently under legislative negotiation; such assistance should be tailored to the specific needs of the individual partners and used to implement activities under the EaP programme; note that this access to EU funding should be linked with reform commitments and should include a set of ambitious benchmarks of the European financial assistance for the EU Trio Plus Strategy 2030 countries;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 284 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l b (new)
(lb) provide for the EU Trio Plus countries a greater access to EU funding, including via Connecting Europe Facility and the TEN programme as well as a gradual access to the Green Deal Fund of Just Transition to modernise emission- intensive industries; note that this access should be linked to differentiated benchmarks in line with the EU integration reform commitments;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 286 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l c (new)
(lc) develop public investment management strategy for the EU Trio Plus countries, which would help absorbing the TEN infrastructure investments and would increase investment support, including via the Connecting Europe Facility;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 287 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l d (new)
(ld) create for this purpose the Connectivity Agenda, which will include a list of major infrastructure projects implemented in the new Investment Framework platform and managed together with IFIs and the European Commission; propose that investments be tightly linked with reform implementation and suggest signing the Reform Contracts for Investments with the EU Trio countries and remaining Eastern Partners willing to join the EU Trio Plus Strategy 2030;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 288 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l e (new)
(le) adopt a comprehensive infrastructure-building plan with the aim of improving connectivity between the EU and its Eastern European Partners, and among the EaP countries themselves;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 311 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) ensure the EaP countries’ further engagement in the fight against climate change, including participatiomaking sure that under the new European Green Deal adequate actions and funding are dedicated to improving energy security and interconnectivity, energy efficiency as well as waste water management in lin the new European Green Deale with the absorption capacity of the partner countries while the implementation of the European Green Deal should not compromise the growing trade of the EaP countries with the EU; for this reason the identification of sectors that might be affected and would be in need of extra support should be performed;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 326 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p a (new)
(pa) address the rural-urban divide in the EaP countries through effective financial and technical incentives to micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), small-scale farmers and family enterprises in rural and suburban areas, and through the improvement of human connectivity and infrastructure between cities and countryside in view of fostering social cohesion;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 330 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) extend to other associated partners the approach employed by the EU in its efforts to support the recovery of the Ukrainian economy, including by means of tailored and flexible macro-financial assistance and instruments and engagement and coordination of international financial institutions and donors, and by improving the environment for foreign direct investment (FDI); in the proposed single Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) stress the importance of differentiation within the EaP in assisting the EU Trio Plus countries in line with the principles of ‘more for more’ and ‘less for less’;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 355 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r
(r) address the EU’s qualified labour shortages by increasing labour mobility from the EaP countries and providing social guarantees;deleted
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 360 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r
(r) address the EU’s qualified labour shortages by increasing labour mobility from the EaP countries and providing social guarantebrain-drain in the EaP countries by promoting quality and inclusive education, formation and training programmes, and creating job opportunities in view of providing socio- economic perspectives to young people and families in their local communities;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 373 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) acknowledge the importance of cross-border mobility in strengthening people-to-people contact, and expand funding for and the participation of the EaP countries in educational, professional skills-boosting and exchange programmes such as Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 379 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
(t) strengthen intra-EaP academic cooperation by launching a regional programme supporting centres of academic and research excellence in the region and an EaP university focused on good governance and public administration;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 380 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
(t) strengthen intra-EaP academic cooperation by launching an EaP university focused onand targeted EaP programmes in specialised universities focused on European values and rule of law, good governance and public administration;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 386 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u
(u) ensure that all EU support programmes include a gender-equality dimension and target the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of society, including Roma people, as well as refugees and internally displaced persons from areas experiencing violent conflict such as Eastern Ukraine, being often subject to poverty and social exclusion; reinforce initiatives on their political as well as socio-economic empowerment and on improving their access to education, healthcare and decent housing;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 397 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u a (new)
(ua) ensure the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief by protecting and promoting the rights all of religious components present in the region, on the bases of the concept of full and equal citizenship;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 404 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v
(v) acknowledge the importance of security and stability and peace for the future development of EaP members by boosting cooperation in security and defence and devoting particular attention to regional conflicts; by means of reconciliation, cyber security and actions countering disinformation and propaganda, as well as strengthening the resilience of persons, families, communities and state institutions;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 431 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point w
(w) acknowledge the unique experience and expertise of EaP countries; recognisrecognise the importance of pro- democratic reforms and trust in institutions as the most efficient security mechanism; acknowledge the contribution of the associated partners to common security and defence policy (CSDP) missions; deepen cooperation in EU- related defence policies, prioritising efforts in pre-emptive peace-building, including preventive diplomacy, as well as early warning and action mechanisms and expanding funding for enhancing cyber resilience;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 466 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x
(x) acknowledge the contribution of EaP civil society actors and organisations to democratisation and reform processes in their countries and the whole EaP region; continue supporting their activities and safeguarding their working environment and strengthen civil society's ability to act as a watchdog for reform and to hold the respective state institutions to account, and securing its presence in trilateral meetings, including in all Human Rights Dialogues and Association and Cooperation Council meetings;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 483 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point y a (new)
(ya) establish an EaP European municipalities Twinning program to support Twinning Partnerships between municipalities in EaP countries and EU Member States, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, which have institutional memory of the European modernisation;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 486 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point y a (new)
(ya) strengthen the dialogue and cooperation with Churches and religious communities and organisations in areas such as peace-building and reconciliation, strengthening trust in a just and free society, as well as education, healthcare and basic social service;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 507 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z
(z) increase the visibility of the support provided by the EU in the recipient EaP countries and boost EU citizens’both EU and EaP citizens’ information resilience and awareness about the EaP;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 514 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z a (new)
(za) utilise more efficiently the existing EU structures such as EEAS East StratCom taskforce to identify and respond to disinformation and propaganda campaigns undermining the EU-EaP countries' relationship and its goals;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 526 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z b (new)
(zb) prioritise local projects raising awareness about the EU in small towns and regions and going beyond existing EU-minded cohorts;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 528 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z c (new)
(zc) build campaigns to inform citizens about the opportunities stemming from the EaP and AA/DCFTA implementation, raising awareness about the benefits of closer association and linking them to the positive impact on labour markets in the EaP countries;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 531 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z d (new)
(zd) further strengthen and capitalise upon the Young Ambassador programme and the Eastern Partnership Civil Society fellowships, establishing an active alumni network on the basis of existing successful models;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 532 #

2019/2209(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z e (new)
(ze) promote inclusive and participatory platforms of dialogue and cooperation bringing together stakeholders across different sectors and levels, including policy-makers, economic actors, academic, civil society as well as Churches, religious communities and citizens with fewer opportunities, with the goal of countering polarising and extremist tendencies in politics and society, as well as the impact of disinformation and propaganda campaigns;
2020/03/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 4 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
— having regard to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from their requirement,
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 10 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the final report of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Election Observation Mission of 21 July 2019 on the early parliamentary elections in Ukraine,
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 18 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
— having regard to the UN Declarations on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities, adopted on 18 December 1992,
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 20 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 b (new)
— having regard to the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, adopted on 5 November 1992,
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 21 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 c (new)
— having regard to the opinion on the Law on Supporting the Functioning of the Ukrainian Language as the State Language, adopted by Venice Commission - CDL-AD(2019)032-e and the opinion on the provisions of the Law on Education of 5 September 2017, which concern the use of the State Language and Minority and other Languages in Education, adopted by the Venice Commission - CDL-AD (2017) 030-e,
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 22 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 d (new)
— having regard to the Joint Statement of the NATO-Ukraine Commission on 31 October 2019,
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 56 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the Joint Statement of the NATO-Ukraine Commission on 31 October 2019, calls on Ukraine to comply with international obligations and commitments, to respect for human and minority rights and to fully implement the recommendations and conclusions of the Venice Commission on the Law on Education;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 57 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas, despite notable progress, widespread corruption continues to hamper Ukraine's reform process
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 63 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the EU stood with the people of Ukraine from the on-set of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing financial and material support through bilateral and regional programmes;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 70 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I
I. whereas the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine is still being undermined by the unresolved conflict in the east of the country and the ongoing Russian occupation of large portions of Donbas and the whole of Crimea as well as targeted disinformation campaigns, cyber-attacks and other hybrid threats;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 116 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on the Ukrainian Government to ensure free and fair electoral campaigns, without improper campaign financing methods, in which there is no room for hate speech and vote buying; stresses that the electoral process and the voting process on the election day should be held with higher safety standards and to take special safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 123 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Acknowledges the importance of cross-border mobility in strengthening people-to-people contact;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 125 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Reiterates the need to address brain-drain in Ukraine by promoting quality and inclusive education, formation and training programmes, and creating job opportunities in view of providing socio-economic perspectives to young people and families in their local communities;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 127 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to build campaigns informing citizens about the opportunities stemming from the Eastern Partnership initiative and AA/DCFTA implementation, raising awareness about the benefits of closer association and linking them to the positive development on labour markets in Ukraine and the other associated countries;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 149 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the decentralisation reform initiated in 2018 and urges Ukraine to complete it; Underlines in this respect, that amendments to the constitution should be prepared in a wide and open discussion in particular with local self- governments and their associations and changes of the territorial-administrative structures should be based on principles of trust and partnership between local self-governments and central government as outlined in the European Charter of Local Self-Government. Recalls that it is important to take into account the preferences of local residents, as envisaged under the existing relevant legislation about the voluntary amalgamation of territorial communities, including persons belonging to national minorities;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 163 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. UrEncourages Ukraine to ratify the International Criminal Court’s Rome Statute and the Istanbul Convention onake actions to preventing and combating violence against women, children and domestic violence;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 208 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Stresses the importance of pro- democratic reforms and trust in institutions as the most efficient security mechanism;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 212 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Acknowledges Ukraine's contribution to the common security and defence policy (CSDP);
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 214 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 c (new)
12c. Calls on the EU and Ukraine to boost cooperation in security and defence and devoting particular attention to the conflict in eastern Ukraine and Russia's attempts to subvert Ukraine's territorial integrity, by means of reconciliation, cooperation in the sphere of cyber security and countering disinformation, as well as working to strengthen the resilience of families, communities and state institutions;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 244 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Supports freedom of belief, opinion and expression and stresses the importance to grant equal access of all national, ethnic and linguistic minorities to information as critical ingredients of any democracy; condemns hate speech and discrimination based on ethnicity or language and fake news and misinformation, targeting national, ethnic and linguistic minorities;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 294 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Takes note of the law on supporting the functioning of the Ukrainian language as the state language and asks the Ukrainian authorities to implementUnderlines the need to ensure the respect for rights already exercised of persons belonging to national minorities as enshrined in UN and Council of Europe conventions and related protocols, non-discrimination of persons belonging to national minorities and respect for diversity, on the basis of a substantive dialogue with representatives of persons belonging to national minorities. Takes note of steps taken by Ukraine to implement the recommendations of the Venice Commission on the law ion accordance witheducation, underlines the need to fully implement these recommendations contained in opinion No. 960/2019. As regards to the Law on State Language, urges Ukraine to implement the recommendations of the Venice Commission;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 309 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Encourages the work of European political foundations in fostering the next generation of political leaders in Ukraine;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 315 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Encourages a strengthened dialogue and cooperation with Churches and religious communities and organisations in areas such as peace- building and reconciliation, thus strengthening trust in just and free society, as well as education, healthcare and basic social services;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 317 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Strongly condemns the incidents of discrimination, racially motivated violence and the manifestation of intolerance targeting individuals belonging to minority groups, such as Roma people living in Ukraine;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 363 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Urges to address the rural-urban divide in Ukraine through effective financial and technical incentives to micro-, small-, medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), small-scale farmers and family enterprises in rural and suburban areas, and through the improvement of human connectivity and infrastructure between cities and countryside in order to foster social cohesion;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 410 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Stresses that the Nord Stream 2 project will have adverse impact not only on Ukraine's revenues, but also its energy security; urges Member States to abandon the Nord Stream 2 project;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 414 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
25. Commends the adoption by the Ukrainian Government in February 2019 of the strategy for the state environmental policy up to 2030 and the national waste management plan; urges Ukraine to take action to put an end to the environmental damage caused by the illegal and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, such as illegal logging in the primeval Carpathian forests, as it is the main reason of the floods in the region; calls on the EU to contribute to preventing illegal logging in Carpathian Mountains, especially in connection with the unlawful Svydovets ski resort project; encourages Ukraine to invest in ecologically and environmentally safe and sustainable touristic infrastructure;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 438 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Acknowledges the associated partnership status of Ukraine and the other signatories of AAs and DCFTAs, and calls for an enhanced political dialogue with them in order to advance further economic integration and legislative harmonisation; for example, as in the case of the EEA/EFTA countries, include Ukraine and the other associated countries as observers in the proceedings of the Committees established pursuant to Article 291 TFEU and Regulation (EU) No. 182/2011, as well as in the meetings of the European Council working groups and committees, to show the EU's commitments to further integration and to strengthen the countries' reform orientation and administrative know-how;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 439 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Welcomes the visa-free regime between the EU and Ukraine, which has allowed Ukrainian citizens to make more than 40 million trips to the EU countries since June 2017;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 444 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Notes that the increased number of visits by Ukrainian citizens to Schengen countries has challenged EU-Ukrainian border crossing points, which are congested and neither their infrastructure nor their capacity is adequate to provide condign human conditions for people crossing the border; Notes that one of the most acute problems on the EU-Ukraine border, especially on the Hungarian- Ukrainian and Polish-Ukrainian section, has been long waiting times to cross the border;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 445 #

2019/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 c (new)
27c. Encourages the EU to support the establishment of new border crossing points and expansion of existing on the EU-Ukraine border through strict monitoring of funding to eliminate past abuses;
2020/10/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 15 #

2019/2200(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the continuous deepening of EU-Georgia relations and the firm support that Georgia’s chosen path of European and Euro-Atlantic integration enjoys across the political spectrum and in society; acknowledges the progress achieved by Georgia, which has made it a key partner of the EU in the region, and reiterates the need to continue implementing reforms under the Association Agreement (AA) and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area; reminds that the EU assistance is based on the principle "more for more" and conditional to reform progress in, but not limited to, areas of democracy and rule of law, independence of judiciary and electoral system reform;
2020/05/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 24 #

2019/2200(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and condemns the illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia by the Russian Federation; emphasises that the AA covers the entire territory of Georgia, including its occupied regions, and aims to benefit its whole population; calls on the Russian Federation to fulfil its obligations under the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008, notably to withdraw all its military forces from Georgia’s occupied territories and allow the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) unhindered access to the whole territory of Georgia; condemns "borderisation" activities along the Administrative Boundary Line by Russian and de facto South Ossetian security actors; asks the Commission and the EEAS to enhance their efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully, including through the EUMM and the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia;
2020/05/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 47 #

2019/2200(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Commends the Georgian authorities for completing the constitutional reform process and the major political parties for signing the Memorandum of Understanding and the Joint Statement of 8 March 2020, which established the key features of the electoral system to be used for the upcoming parliamentary elections; calls on all parties to ensure that the agreement is translated into law and fully implemented and the necessity of addressing actions that could be perceived as inappropriate politicisation of Georgia’s judicial process; calls on all parties to ensure that the agreement is translated into law and into full abandonment of practices of politicisation of judicial processes and fully implemented in letter and spirit as soon as possible;
2020/05/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 57 #

2019/2200(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Georgian authorities to implement swiftly and fully the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations and review relevant legislation to address the identified shortcomings; recalls the assessment by the OSCE/ODIHR-led International Election Observation Mission of the last direct presidential election held in October - November 2018; notes with concern the negative character of the campaign and the use of harsh rhetoric on both sides; highlights that the process had been undermined by undue advantage enjoyed by the government side, use of violent rhetoric and impunity of violence against opposition; notes cases of misuse of administrative resources, undue pressure on voters and intimidation, vote buying, announcement of a massive debt relief offered by a private institution linked to the chairperson of the ruling party; notes that the run-off election day proceeded in an orderly manner, opening, voting and counting were assessed positively, the observed tracking of voters reinforced concern about potential intimidation; urges all stakeholders to fully address the recommendations of the OCSE/ODIHR;
2020/05/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 66 #

2019/2200(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines the importance of media freedom, which should entail equal access for all political parties to the media during the upcoming electoral campaign, pluralistic and non-discriminatory coverage of political views in programmes by public and private broadcasters, clear provisions regulating free and paid advertisements, and improved transparency through strengthened media monitoring; underscores the importance of an independent and pluralistic media landscape, which is free from government or any other state interference; acknowledges that the media landscape in Georgia is dynamic and pluralistic, but also polarised; expresses deep concern that media outlets critical towards the government often become subject of pressure in the form of court cases against the founders (Nika Gvaramia of TV Mtavari), arrest of the shareholders (Giorgi Rurua and TV Mtavari), financial and tax related charges (Avtandil Tsereteli and TV Pirveli) and firing, or resignation of critical TV journalists and editors (Public Broadcaster of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara);
2020/05/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 69 #

2019/2200(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Urges the government of Georgia to ensure effective handling of information environment in the run up to the 2020 elections; urges the Georgian government to work with the civil society and the private sector to limit and prevent information manipulations, including disinformation and propaganda campaigns against any political group or the country by domestic or foreign actors; urges social media platforms to take effective actions to protect information environment and prevent undermining electoral integrity by misuse of social media platforms; expresses hope that the national public broadcaster will fulfil its obligation of editorial independence, fairness and impartiality in the run-up and during the 2020 parliamentary elections and that concerns raised by the OSCE/ODIHR election observation report of 2018 Presidential election specifically in relation to the bias of the Georgian Public Broadcaster will be addressed accordingly;
2020/05/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 74 #

2019/2200(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Reaffirms support to the vibrant civil society in Georgia; expresses hope that in the run-up to the 2020 elections environment for independent watchdogs and activists will be free from any intimidation, interference or verbal attacks;
2020/05/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 79 #

2019/2200(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Expresses its concern about recent court cases against opposition politicians, which contributed to a climate of increased mistrust and heightened tensions between the ruling party and the opposition, and led to a polarisation of politics and society; calls on Georgia to respect the highest standards of judicial independence and fair trial as committed to under the AA; welcomes the decision of President Zourabichvili of 15 May 2020 to pardon two imprisoned leaders of opposition as an important step in the implementation of 8 March agreement and looks forward to the release of Giorgi Rurua; urges to stop any actions of politicised justice or any kind of other illegal or unjustified administrative pressure on opposition leaders;
2020/05/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 102 #

2019/2200(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Strongly condemns the cyber- attacks against Georgian institutions and media outlets widely attributed to Russian actors; calls on all political actors in Georgia to refrain from using social media to attack people, organisations and institutions and spread deliberate misinformation; reminds with concern that in December 2019 and, similarly, in May 2020 Facebook shut down an extensive network of accounts and pages funded by Georgia’s ruling party, which engaged in “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” and attacks against opposition, media, civil society and independent activists and spread anti- democratic and anti-Western messages;
2020/05/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 133 #

2019/2200(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Underlines the importance of reducing antagonism and the polarisation of politics and ensuring constructive cooperation in the country’s democratic institutions, in particular the parliament; therefore profoundly regrets that the ninth meeting of the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee of 12 and13 February 2020 in Strasbourg ended without an agreement on a final statement and recommendations being reached;
2020/05/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 136 #

2019/2200(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Recommends to give a special mandate to the European Parliament Delegation in the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee to watch and observe preparations and realization of fair and transparent forthcoming October 2020 parliamentary elections in Georgia;
2020/05/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 142 #

2019/2200(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 5 a (new)
Acknowledges the associated partnership status of Georgia and the other signatories of AAs and DCFTAs, and calls for an enhanced political dialogue with them in order to advance further economic integration and legislative harmonisation; for example, as in the case of the EEA/EFTA countries, calls to include Georgia and the other associated countries as observers in the proceedings of the Committees established pursuant to Article 291 TFEU and Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, as well as in the meetings of the European Council working groups and committees, to show the EU's commitments to further integration and to strengthen the countries reform orientation and administrative know-how;
2020/05/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 163 #

2019/2200(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. In order to implement the principle “more for more”, calls on the EU to consider creating for the three associated countries, including Georgia, an enhanced cooperation strategy of reforms and investments, which would be conditional on the areas including, but not limited to, investment capacity building, transport, energy, justice and digital economy, and paving the way for an ambitious agenda of integration into the EU;
2020/05/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 165 #

2019/2200(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Highlights in this context the need to recommend the EU to: – in order to implement principle “more for more” in an effective way and to have institutional capacity to assist and to evaluate developments on the ground in associated countries to establish a special Support Group for the associated countries, including Georgia, as it was done in the case of Ukraine (SGUA), – to upgrade the EU macro-financial assistance conditionality, which will work hand in hand with upgraded steering mechanisms and detailed reporting on the progress made by Georgia, in particular in the area of justice sector reform, – to boost the EU investment assistance linked with conditionality in a similar manner as it was proposed in Reform Contract for Investment to Ukraine in coordination with International Financial Institutions, – in the context of the huge forthcoming challenges in managing socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in job losses, closures of businesses and keeping in balance the public finances, to invite the Commission in the autumn of 2020 to propose for Eastern Partners, especially for the ones associated with the EU and committed to EU integration reforms, including Georgia, a detailed, conditional and tailor-made economic and investment plan, as it will be also done for the Western Balkans region;
2020/05/26
Committee: AFET
Amendment 25 #

2019/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas there is great inequality both within and between Member States and the gap between rich and poor is wideningpoverty, social exclusion and inequalities are deepening also due to several factors including the coronavirus pandemic; whereas, while net wealth per household in the Eurogroup countries fell for the bottom 20%, it increased relatively sharply for the top 20%6 , and the bottom 20% of households had net debt averaging EUR 4 500, while the top 10% had net assets of EUR 1 189 7007 ; __________________ 6The Household Finance and Consumption Survey: Results from the 2017 wave, ECB Statistics Paper Series No 36, March 2020, p. 25. https://www.ecb.europa.eu/pub/pdf/scpsps/ ecb.sps36~0245ed80c7.en.pdf?bd73411fbe b0a33928ce4c5ef2c5e872 7 The Household Finance and Consumption Survey Wave 2017 Statistical tables, March 2020, p. 5. https://www.ecb.europa.eu/home/pdf/resea rch/hfcn/HFCS_Statistical_Tables_Wave_ 2017.pdf?656f4e10de45c91c3c882840e91 74eac
2020/09/02
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 65 #

2019/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas the EU has clearly missnot reached its target of reducing the number of people at risk of poverty by 20 million by 20209 ; __________________ 9Francesca Pepé and Gaia Teresa Sartori Pallotta, Fostering access to services to support people to move out of poverty, Report on poverty and inequalities in Europe, Brussels, November 2019, p. 7 and p. 13 et seq., and COM (2010) 2020 final, 3.3.2010.
2020/09/02
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 88 #

2019/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G
G. whereas family poverty is increasing: every fourth child under the age of 18 is at risk of poverty or social exclusion; whereas single parents (34.2%) and large families are particularly affected12 ; whereas families with a child or other relatives with disabilities are at a particular risk of poverty; __________________ 12https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics- explained/index.php/Quality_of_life_indic ators_- _material_living_conditions#General_over view
2020/09/02
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 104 #

2019/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital J
J. whereas old-age poverty continues to increase also in combination with fundamental pension reforms: the at-risk- of-poverty rate for people over 65 was on average 16.1% (EU-28); whereas this figure will continue to grow due to precarious and atypical employment15 ; whereas women are, due to the gender pension gap, even more endangered; __________________ 15 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/v iew/tessi012/default/table?lang=en
2020/09/02
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 128 #

2019/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital M
M. whereas privatisation and outsourcing are reducing job security, and this is also an indicator of the increase in precarious employment;deleted
2020/09/02
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 168 #

2019/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital Q
Q. whereas unemployment, precarious and atypical employment rose sharply during the 2008 financial crisis, and in the COVID-19 crisis the focus is also on social issues with job losses, short-time work, threats to economic survival, e.g. in small craft industries; whereas the middle class is shrinking, the gap between rich and poor is widening and the disparities within and between Member States are being exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis;
2020/09/02
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 183 #

2019/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Reminds the Commission and the Member States to achieve the goal of comparable living conditions through upward convergence and to counter the increasing inequality and de-solidarisation within and between Member States through appropriate measures, such as the strengthening of collective systems and a coordinated approach to minimum security systems for all age groups, a minimum income, minimum wages and minimum pensionclosing the gender pay gap and gender pension gap including by an appropriate financial benefit for the childcare provided during maternity and parental leave as well as by a just and adequate translation of the value of the contribution of raising children during these periods into the pension schemes, by providing an appropriate social security systems for all age groups, providing quality care systems for children and dependant relatives or providing a system of fair wages;
2020/09/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 203 #

2019/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Is convinced that the axiom that ‘work is the best remedy for poverty’ no longer applies today in the face of low- wage sectors, atypical and precarious working conditions and the dismantling of social security systems and that a poverty- free life can only be secured by effectivmust become a political priority with the intense effort to find appropriate csollective agreements and minimum wage systemsutions to this complex phenomenon;
2020/09/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 291 #

2019/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Member States, when implementing the work-life-balance Directive22 , to ensure that access to childcare in general and in particular for single parents as well as the care facilities for persons with disabilities or dependant relatives is secured so that they are not pushed into precarious and low-paid work; __________________ 22Directive (EU) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on work-life balance for parents and carers and repealing Council Directive 2010/18/EU
2020/09/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 303 #

2019/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for compliance with the rules on equality and anti-discrimination, particularly with regard to wages and working conditions;
2020/09/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 330 #

2019/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to monitor compliance with applicable labour and social legislation more closely by instituting controls and to involve the European Labour Authority (ELA) in cross-border situations;
2020/09/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 356 #

2019/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission and Member States to enforce, effectively and through sanctions,sure the right of workers to organise and to negotiate and conclude collective agreements, and to ensure that unions can enter plants, speak to workers at work and organise them;
2020/09/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 400 #

2019/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
20. Points out that imbalances must not be exacerbated and that the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis must not be borne by workersthe COVID-19 crisis should not cause a slowdown orf the poor through austefforts to combat poverity measures or through the European Semester; insists that measures to combat poverty and in-work poverty are particularly necessaryand in-work poverty; recalls that the European Semester should also serve to reach this aim;
2020/09/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 423 #

2019/2188(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the Commission and Member States to mitigate the worst consequences of COVID-19 through European and national support, with the allocation of public money, e.g. through SURE, being linked to a ban on shedding existing jobs;
2020/09/04
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 19 #

2019/2187(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas access to housing is a fundamental right that must be seen aan adequate housing is everyone´s right that is a precondition for the exercise of, and for access to, other fundamental rights and for a life in conditions of human dignity;
2020/09/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 47 #

2019/2187(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the COVID-19 crisis has aggravated housing insecurity, overindebtedness, and the risk of eviction and homelessness; whereas vulnerable groups like minorities, elderly people, persons with disabilities or single-parent families are particularly endangered by these risks;
2020/09/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 52 #

2019/2187(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the COVID-19 crisis worsened the situation of non- governmental and charitable organisations that are traditionally helping people in difficult housing or life situations and led to the insecurity about the continuation of their services;
2020/09/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 62 #

2019/2187(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas there is a shortage of social, affordable and accessible housing; whereas the availability of social, affordable and accessible housing widely varies across the Member States;
2020/09/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 78 #

2019/2187(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas inadequate housing conditions negatively affect not only people’s health, wellbeing, and quality of life but also their access to employment and to other economic and social services or education;
2020/09/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 133 #

2019/2187(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to put forward policies that aim to ensure access for all to decent housing, including clean and high- quality drinking water and adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene, and to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy, hence contributing to eradicating poverty in all its forms; reaffirms its call for EU- wide action for a winter heating disconnection moratorium; calls on the Member States to meet the standards laid down by the World Health Organization (WHO) for adequate housing temperature; demands that the revision of the air quality regulation be aligned with WHO standards;
2020/09/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 150 #

2019/2187(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to prioritisomote emissions reductions through housing renovation as well as demolition in the social housing sector and for worst performing buildings in the Renovation Wave, while tackling inadequate housing and housing accessibility and eliminating energy poverty in order to ensure a socially just transition to a climate-neutral economy that leaves no one behind; stresses, therefore, that tenants and owner-occupiers should be fully informed and involved in renovation projects and should not see overall costs increase because of them;
2020/09/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 162 #

2019/2187(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to prioritisomote the Renovation Wave within the Multiannual Financial Framework and Next Generation EU, placing people in vulnerable situations at the centre of the recovery policies, and to ensure equal access to renovation projects for all; calls on the Member States to prioritisomote renovation in their recovery and resilience plans in order to contribute to achieving deep renovation of 3 % of the European building stock per year;
2020/09/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 176 #

2019/2187(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for an EU-level goal of ending homelessness by 2030; calls on the Commission to take stronger action to support Member States in reducing and eradicating homelessness as a priority in the context of the action plan on the EPSR; calls on the Commission to propose an EU framework for national homelessness strategies; calls on the Member States to prioritise the provision of permanent housing to homeless people; stresses the importance of reliable data collection on homelessness as well as the exchange of the best practices among the Member States;
2020/09/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 192 #

2019/2187(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Member States to ensure that exceptional measures to prevent homelessness and protect homeless people in the context of the COVID-19 crisis are maintained as long as needed and are followed up with adequate and permanent solutions; Ccalls on the Member States to ensure that exceptional measures to prevent homelessness and protect homeless people in the context of the COVID-19 crisis are maintained as long as needed and are followed up with adequate and permanent solutionssupport and promote the non- governmental and charitable organisations providing health and social services to homeless people and help them to protect from COVID-19;
2020/09/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 209 #

2019/2187(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for a comprehensive and integrated anti-poverty strategy with a designated poverty reduction target, including for child poverty; calls for a European framework for minimum income schemes;
2020/09/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 219 #

2019/2187(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Member States to ensure equal access to housing for all and safeguard non-discrimination on all grounds stipulated in Article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the implementation of the Charter as well as of the Racial Equality Directive; calls on the Council to swiftly adopt the horizontal anti-discrimination directive; calls on the Commission to launch infringement procedures against Member States which do not enforce EU anti- discrimination legislation or which criminalise the homeless;
2020/09/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 228 #

2019/2187(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Notes with deep concern that the living conditions of Roma continue to be extremely worrying; calls on the Member States to promote spatial desegregation and engage Roma beneficiaries in housing projects, to prevent forced evictions, and to provide halting sites for non-sedentary Roma; emphasises the urgent need for public investment in this regard as well as the education and public awareness campaigns;
2020/09/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 267 #

2019/2187(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the inclusion of housing affordability in the European Semester; urges the Commission to ensure that all country-specific recommendations contribute positively to the implementation of the principles of the EPSR; stressemphasizes the need to refine the House Price Index indicator and to set the reference threshold for the housing cost overburden rate at no higher than 25 % of the disposable income of a householdopen a political discussion on the European housing cost overburden rate with the aim to set an EU-wide policies to lower its current level;
2020/09/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 270 #

2019/2187(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Urges the Commission to provide more accurate, quality and comparable data on housing markets, including at subnational level, through Eurostat (European Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC));
2020/09/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 308 #

2019/2187(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Notes with concern the increased financialisation of the housing market, in particular in cities, whereby investors treat housing as a tradable asset rather than a human right; calls on the Commission to assess the contribution of EU policies and regulations to financialisation of the housing market and the ability of national and local authorities to ensure the right to housing and, where appropriate, to put forward legislative proposals to counter financialisation of the housing market by mid-2021; calls on the Member States and local authorities to put in place taxationappropriate measures to counter speculative investment, and to develop urban and rural planning policies that favour affordable housing, social mix and social cohesion;
2020/09/09
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 16 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas there is currently no specific Union law on the worker’s right to disconnect from digital tools, including information and communication technology (ICT), for work purposes, and whereas the situation in the Member States varies widely, with some Member States having specific legislation ensuring the right to disconnect and the others mostly omitting this subject;
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 20 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas digitalisation has brought many advantages to employers and workers, but also disadvantages, because it can intensify work, extend working hours and increase the unpredictability of working hours, blurring the boundaries between work and private life and thus normalise the expectation to be constantly on call;
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 23 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the ever greater use of digital tools for work purposes has resulted in an ‘ever-connected’ or ‘always on’ culture that can have detrimental effect on workers’ fundamental rights, fair working conditions, including a fair remuneration, the limitation of working time and work- life balance, and health and safety at work, mental well-being, as well as, because of their disproportionate impact on workers with caring responsibilities, who tend to be women, equality between men and women;
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 24 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the digital society increases expectations to be digitally skilled in order to meet the current labour market demands; whereas those expectations can cause difficulties and stress to older workers or workers coming from disadvantaged backgrounds, who are not digitally skilled; whereas this problem is bigger among older people;
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 34 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas, even though tools for digital work are usually provided, families with young children or with dependent relatives requiring care do not get practical support in order to manage both digital work and care responsibilities; whereas only real practical support to those categories of workers, including single parents and bigger families, can bring an efficient balance;
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 36 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E
E. whereas the right to disconnect should be a fundamental right andright which is an inseparable part of the new working patterns in the new digital era; whereas that right should be seen as an important social policy objective to ensure protection of the rights of all workers in the new digital era;
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 54 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights thatNotes that this development might be, when used correctly, a way for workers to better organise their working time and working tasks, effectively combining their digital work with the care responsibilities; highlights however, that if not used correctly, the constant connectivity combined with high job demands and the rising expectation that workers are reachable at any time can negatively affect workers’ fundamental rights and their physical and mental health and well-being;
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 76 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Recognises that with correct use, digital working can increase overall satisfaction of the employee and enable him or her to schedule the work at his or her convenience;
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 82 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Reiterates that the combination of long working hours and, higher demands on people working from home, especially those with caring responsibilities, including people providing home schooling or care to children or dependent relatives, during the COVID-19 crisis is likely to pose higher than expected risks for workers, with a negative impact on the quality of their working time and their work-life balance;
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 96 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Acknowledges that the right to disconnect is not explicitly regulated in Union law; recalls that a number of Member States have taken steps to regulate the use of digital tools for work purposes in order to provide safeguards and protection to workers; encourages the Member States to exchange the best practices in this matter;
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 116 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to adopt a Union directive to ensure that workers are able to exercise their right to disconnect and to regulate the use of existing and new digital tools for work purposes as well as to ensure that employers and workers are able to recognise and use the opportunities digital working brings to both of them if used correctly;
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 137 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Is of the opinion that the new directive should particularise and complement Directives 2003/88/EC, (EU) 2019/1152 and (EU) 2019/1158, and believes that it should provide for solutions to address the responsibilities of employers and the expectations of both employers and workers regarding the organisation of their working time when they use digital tools;
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 150 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Reiterates that the limitation of working time and its predictability is considered to be essential to ensure the health and safety of workers in the Union;
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 193 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recital 6
6. Digital tools enable workers to work from anywhere at any time and can, when used correctly, contribute to improving workers’ work-life balance, but also to improve workers’ efficiency. However, the use of digital tools, including ICT, for work purposes also has possible negative effects, such as resulting in longer working hours by inducing workers to work outside their working time, higher work intensity, as well as the blurring of the boundaries between working time and free time. If not used exclusively during working time, such digital tools may interfere with workers’ private lives. For workers with unremunerated caring responsibilities, digital tools can make it particularly difficult to find a healthy work-life balance. Women spend more time than men in fulfilling such caring responsibilities, work fewer hours in paid employment and may drop out of the labour market entirely.
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 200 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recital 8
8. The expanding use of digital technologies has transformed the traditional models of work and has created an ‘ever-connected’ and ‘always on’ culture. In that context, it is important to ensure that this development is used for the benefit of both employers and employees. The employee can benefit from the bigger flexibility and the possibility to arrange his working tasks in a way that allows him to balance his work life and private life or care responsibilities and this overall improvement in the work- life balance is also beneficial for the employer who has more efficient and contented employees. Secondly, it is also important to ensure the protection of workers’ fundamental rights, fair working conditions, including their right to a fair remuneration and the implementation of their working time, health and safety, and equality between men and women.
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 211 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recital 11
11. There is currently no Union law specifically regulating the right to disconnect and the legal regulation of this right varies widely across the Member States. However, Council Directives 89/391/EEC4 and 91/383/EEC5 have the purpose of encouraging improvements in the safety and health of workers with an unlimited, fixed-term or temporary employment relationship; Directive 2003/88/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council6 lays down minimum safety and health requirements for the organisation of working time; Directive (EU) 2019/1152 of the European Parliament and of the Council7 has the purpose of improving working conditions by promoting more transparent and predictable employment; and Directive (EU) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council8 lays down minimum requirements to facilitate the reconciliation of work and private life for workers who are parents or carers. __________________ 4Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work (OJ L 183, 29.6.89, p. 1). 5 Council Directive 91/383/EEC of 25 June 1991 supplementing the measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of workers with a fixed- duration employment relationship or a temporary employment relationship (OJ L 206, 29.7.91, p. 19). 6Directive 2003/88/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 November 2003 concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time (OJ L 299, 18.11.2003, p. 9). 7Directive (EU) 2019/1152 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on transparent and predictable working conditions in the European Union (OJ L 186, 11.7.2019, p. 105). 8Directive (EU) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on work-life balance for parents and carers and repealing Council Directive 2010/18/EU (OJ L 188, 12.7.2019, p. 79).
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 226 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recital 20
20. The autonomy of the social partners should be respected. Member States should be able to allow the social partners to maintain, negotiate, conclude and enforce collective agreements to enforce all or certain provisions contained in this Directive.deleted
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 287 #

2019/2181(INL)

Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Any derogation under point (d) of the first subparagraph shall be provided for only in exceptional circumstances, such as force majeure or other emergencies, and subject to the employer providing each worker concerned with reasons in writing, substantiating the need for the derogation on every occasion on which the derogation is invoked. While considering such derogation, a special situation of single workers or workers with care responsibilities towards the children or persons with disabilities shall be taken into account.
2020/09/15
Committee: EMPL
Amendment 10 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
— having regard to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights experts’ press statement on concerns about the misuse of the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism to target and curb work of NGOs, published on 11 November 2020
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 19 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas democracy and rule of law are fundamental values on which the EU is founded and are at the heart of enlargement and stabilisation and association processes; whereas sustainable reforms are needed to tackle the challenges that remain in these areas;
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 32 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas Serbia has remained committed to creating a functioning market economy and has continued to implement the obligations of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, although a number of compliance issues remain; whereas corruption continues to hamper economic development
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 81 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that Serbia has continued alignnd must continue to strengthen aligning and implementing its legislation in accordance with the acquis; underlines that progress on the rule of law and fundamental rights chapters, as well as on the normalisation of relations with Kosovo, continues to be essential and will determine the pace of accession negotiations;
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 91 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses the importance of strategic communication on the benefits of EU accession by Serbian stakeholders; underlines that public discussion about EU accession must be based on facts; encourages the Serbian authorities to communicate more actively their commitment to European values in public debate;
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 95 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on Serbia and the EU Member States to pursue a more active and effective communication policy on the European perspective, aimed at both Serbian and EU citizens; notes that there is an urgent need to engage with Serbian citizens beyond the major cities especially with regards to importance of the reform process and of the tangible benefits of EU accession and calls on the EU to further increase its support for grassroot civil society
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 104 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that the Conference on the Future of Europe should seek ways of involving Serbian representatives, as well as those from the other Western Balkan countries to demonstrate the EU's commitment to their European perspective ;
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 182 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the adoption of the new media strategy and calls for its full implementation; remains concerned at the lack of progress in investigating attacks on journalists involving police offers during the July 2020 protests;
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 191 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Regrets the lack of progress on media freedom, abusive language, intimidation and even hate speech; remains concerned by the legal and administrative harassment and intimidation of civil society organisations, and is alarmed by OHCHR's statement on how these actors are targeted using the country's anti- terrorism law; urges Serbian authorities to take immediate measures to guarantee freedom of expression and assembly, as well as and media independence;
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 203 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Reiterates its support for the work of European political foundations in strengthening Serbia's democratic processes and fostering a new generation of political leaders;
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 257 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses that the normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo is a priority and a precondition for EU accession; calls for active and constructive engagementommends the work of the United States in breathing new impetus into the EU-facilitated dialogue leddialogue between Serbia and Kosovo; calls for active and constructive engagement by the EU Special Representative in seeking a comprehensive and legally binding agreement, in accordance with international law, and through cooperation with the US; reiterates its call to move forward with the full implementation, in good faith and in a timely manner, of all the agreements already reached;
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 287 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
26. Welcomes the progress Serbia has made in the development of a functional market economy; invites Serbia to continue its efforts to boost competitiveness and long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth through structural reforms;
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 296 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
27. Calls on Serbia to increase the sustainability of its energy sector by diversifying its energy sources, launching a low-carbon energy transition and moving towards renewables while at the same time adopting the necessary measures to preserve and protect the environmentally sensitive areas;
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 300 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Expresses concern for the ongoing non-transparent practices specific to public procurement, information disclosure, public consultation and environmental and social impact assessment, epitomised by the cases of Chinese heavy industry investments in and around Smeredevo, Bor, Kostolac B and Kolubara B coal projects, and a developing project of a Shandong Linglong tyre plant in Zrenjanin; calls on Serbia to strengthen its legal compliance for Chinese business activities across energy and infrastructure sectors in Serbia;
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 302 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Expresses its concern about the lack of transparency of Chinese investments in Serbia and across the Western Balkans; reiterates its call to put the countries of the Western Balkans at the heart of the EU's Connectivity Strategy and to provide a transparent and sustainable investment alternative to the corrosive investment of China and other authoritarian regimes;
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 307 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
28. Urges the authorities to ensure alignment with EU standards and policy objectives on climate protection and environment, in order to facilitate the transition to a circular economy; encourages Serbia to work on regional connectivity and the completion of the regional energy market in compliance with Energy Community obligations;
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 335 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
32. Calls for the strengthening of 32. European cooperation with Serbia on addressing disinformation and hybrid threats that seek to divide societies, exploit gaps in democratic governance and undermine the European perspective of the region;
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 366 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
36. Expresses concern over Serbia’s increasing dependence on defence equipmentand security equipment, in areas such as anti- terrorism, and technologies from the People’s Republic of China and the insufficient transparency of the security sector’s public procurement practices; continues to be concerned about Serbia’s close political and military cooperation with Russia and China;
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 381 #

2019/2175(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
38. Calls on the Council to fine-tune both incentives and conditionality in the future Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III); reiterates that the scale of financial assistance should matcheet the goalobjective of Serbia’s European perspective, consistent with EU standards and directives;
2020/12/15
Committee: AFET