Activities of Anja HAGA
Plenary speeches (6)
Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan’s attack and the continuing threats against Armenia (debate)
EU Action Plan: protecting and restoring marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries (debate)
Closer ties between the EU and Armenia and the need for a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia (debate)
State of play of the corporate sustainability due diligence directive (debate)
Preventing plastic pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution (debate)
Azerbaijan, notably the repression of civil society and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and Ilhamiz Guliyev
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on shaping the EU’s position on the UN binding instrument on business and human rights, in particular on access to remedy and the protection of victims
Institutional motions (6)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan’s attack and the continuing threats against Armenia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan’s attack and the continuing threats against Armenia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the need for unwavering support for Ukraine, after two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the need for unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on closer ties between the EU and Armenia and the need for a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on closer ties between the EU and Armenia and the need for a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia
Written explanations (16)
Interim report on the proposal for a mid-term revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 (A9-0273/2023 - Jan Olbrycht, Margarida Marques)
“Europese begroting: meer waar nodig, maar minder waar overbodig”. De Europese meerjarenbegroting (MFK) omvat een periode van zeven jaar en deze week heeft het Europees Parlement gestemd over een tussentijdse herziening hiervan. Vanwege ontwikkelingen kan er extra geld nodig zijn, bijvoorbeeld vanwege Europese steun aan Oekraïne. Wat dat betreft, waardeer ik de inzet om de begroting beter geschikt te maken voor de uitdagingen waar de EU voor staat. Daarom steun ik ook de extra financiën voor de aanpak van migratie en het Europese transportnetwerk (zoals het mogelijk maken van de Lelylijn).Wat echter ontbreekt in de tussentijdse herziening, is het vinden van goede dekking. Tot nu toe wordt er standaard een beroep gedaan op verhoging van de bijdrage van de lidstaten en wordt niet gekeken naar waar het een onsje minder kan. Het Europees Parlement mag kritischer zijn op de begroting in plaats van direct aan te kloppen bij de lidstaten. Wat mij betreft, zou het verstandig zijn om, naast het vragen om extra geld, ook te kijken naar onderdelen waarop bezuinigd kan worden, onder het motto: “meer EU waar nodig, maar minder waar overbodig”. Omdat dit niet gebeurd is in het verslag, heb ik me op het finale besluit onthouden van stemming.
Urban wastewater treatment (A9-0276/2023 - Nils Torvalds)
“De vervuiler betaalt” vind ik een belangrijk principe. Stedelijk afvalwater is schadelijk voor mens en milieu en het is daarom belangrijk dat dit goed gereinigd wordt. Hier is een Europese richtlijn voor, de richtlijn voor het reinigen van stedelijk afvalwater, maar die is verouderd en wordt daarom herzien. Vanmiddag hebben we daarover gestemd.Als water verontreinigd is met bijvoorbeeld resten van medicijnen of cosmetica, is het mogelijk dat er extra waterzuivering nodig is om het water goed te reinigen. Een van de voorstellen voor de geüpdatete richtlijn is dat naast de fabrikanten van deze producten, ook nationale overheden mee moeten betalen voor deze extra waterzuivering. Ik vind het logisch dat de verantwoordelijke fabrikant hiervoor betaalt, omdat dit een prikkel is om verontreiniging te voorkomen. Wanneer de vervuiler moet betalen, loont het voor de fabrikant om over te stappen op producten met een biologische of niet-verontreinigende werking. Ik ben het dan ook niet eens met de meerderheid in het Parlement dat de overheid mee moet betalen. De herziene richtlijn is in totaal een grote vooruitgang in de aanpak van schoner stedelijk afvalwater: zoals het tegengaan van microplastics, PFAS en het overstorten van hemelwater. Daarom heb ik voor het eindverslag gestemd.
Establishing the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) (A9-0290/2023 - José Manuel Fernandes, Christian Ehler)
De Europese Commissie wil Europees leiderschap op het gebied van hernieuwbare energie, micro-elektronica, kritieke grondstoffen, kunstmatige intelligentie, deep tech en andere digitale technologieën. Dit wil ze bereiken door een nieuw platform: STEP: Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform. Hiermee kunnen projecten op het gebied van strategische technologieën eerder en gemakkelijker in aanmerking komen voor financiering. Het doel van STEP steun ik. Het is goed dat de EU proactief is bij nieuwe ontwikkelingen en hierin investeert. Helaas is de financiering slecht onderbouwd. Naast bestaande fondsen wordt het meerjarig financieel kader (oftewel de meerjarenbegroting) tussentijds opengebroken. De afspraak is dat een budgetverhoging in de meerjarenbegroting alleen kan als er sprake is van onvoorziene omstandigheden, maar daar is nu geen sprake van. De Commissie wil 10 miljard EUR (en de begrotingscommissie van het EP zelfs 13 miljard EUR) bijdragen aan het platform zonder effectbeoordeling. Uiteindelijk gaat het hier om belastinggeld dat bij de lidstaten moet worden opgehaald. Daar hoort een goede financiële onderbouwing onder te liggen en die mis ik. Daarbij ben ik van mening dat nieuwe ontwikkelingen moeten bijdragen aan het doel van klimaatneutraliteit in 2050. Ook dat is niet meegenomen in dit voorstel. Daarom heb ik me onthouden van stemming.
Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7) (A9-0298/2023 - Alexandr Vondra)
De Europese duurzaamheidsnormen voor auto’s (Euro 7) zouden moeten worden uitgebreid met biobrandstoffen. Ik heb voor voorstellen gestemd waarin dit wordt bepleit.Duurzaam vervoer is noodzakelijk voor een schone lucht en voor het klimaat. Ik ben dan ook voorstander van elektrische auto’s, maar lang met je spullen doen is wat mij betreft minstens zo verstandig. In plaats van telkens nieuwe voertuigen aan te schaffen, is het belangrijk om autobezitters te stimuleren zo duurzaam mogelijk te rijden met hun auto.Dat kan bijvoorbeeld door blauwe diesel te tanken: die is gemaakt van afval dat anders verbrand zou worden en kan voor maar liefst 90 % CO2-reductie zorgen. Door gebruik te maken van zulke brandstoffen hoeven we minder nieuwe auto’s te produceren, en dat minimaliseert ons grondstoffengebruik. Een nieuwe elektrische auto is ook lang niet voor iedereen weggelegd, vanwege de hoge aanschafkosten.We moeten auto’s dus niet massaal naar de schroothoop brengen, maar kijken hoe we er duurzaam mee kunnen rijden. Dat is verstandig in de overgangsperiode naar volledig elektrisch vervoer. Daarom ben ik voor uitbreiding van de Euro 7-norm met biobrandstoffen, mits dat breed beschikbaar en betaalbaar wordt gemaakt. Het is wat mij betreft dan ook een gemiste kans dat een meerderheid hier vandaag tegen heeft gestemd.
Children first - strengthening the Child guarantee, two years on from its adoption (B9-0462/2023)
Kinderarmoede is een schrijnend probleem in Europa dat aangepakt moet worden. In Straatsburg stemden we over twee verslagen die over deze problematiek gaan.Het is goed dat de EU de lidstaten oproept plannen tegen kinderarmoede te realiseren en daarbij te letten op kwetsbare groepen, zoals migrantenkinderen. Kinderen die opgroeien in armoede kunnen zich minder goed ontwikkelen en kinderarmoede heeft ook gevolgen voor op de lange termijn. Ik vind het belangrijk dat we er als maatschappij voor zorgen dat iedereen meetelt, ongeacht hoeveel geld iemands ouders heeft.Het uitgangspunt moet zijn, vind ik, dat lidstaten zorgen voor een adequaat sociaal minimum, zoals zorg en onderwijs, voor alle kinderen. De EU kan hierbij helpen met geld. Dat is een goede zaak. Ik ben tegen bemoeienis van de EU op het gebied van abortuswetgeving. Datzelfde geldt ook voor de invulling van het onderwijs en kinderopvang. Dat is en blijft wat mij betreft een taak van de lidstaten. Daarom heb ik voor de resolutie gestemd die de financiering mogelijk maakt om kinderarmoede tegen te gaan, maar me onthouden op een verslag waarin de EU zich te veel inmengt in de bevoegdheden van de lidstaten.
Sustainable use of plant protection products (A9-0339/2023 - Sarah Wiener)
Helaas is het wetsvoorstel verworpen om het gebruik van pesticiden in 2030 te halveren. Er komt dus geen extra regelgeving om de voedselproductie, het milieu en de volksgezondheid in Europa te beschermen. Deze verwerping is zeer teleurstellend, aangezien er al genoeg geschikte alternatieven voor pesticiden zijn. Dit uitstel kunnen we ons niet permitteren, omdat de staat van onze natuur steeds erbarmelijker is.Opvallend genoeg sprak een grote meerderheid van het Europees Parlement zich wél uit voor een nieuwe aanpak voor bestuivers. Die zijn van essentieel belang in de landbouw: zonder bestuivers geen voedsel. De achteruitgang van bestuivers vormt een bedreiging voor het menselijk welzijn, de landbouwproductiviteit en de voedselzekerheid en de natuur in het algemeen. Het is dus goed dat hier nu stappen in worden gezet.Met dit in het achterhoofd is het extra jammer dat het verslag over gewasbeschermingsmiddelen eerder verworpen werd, want juist pesticiden vormen een groot risico voor bestuivers.
Packaging and packaging waste (A9-0319/2023 - Frédérique Ries)
De voorstellen om de groeiende afvalberg in Europa terug te dringen, zijn helaas stevig afgezwakt door het Europees Parlement. In plaats van stevige ambities (waar ik voor heb gestemd) was de meerderheid van het Parlement voor meer flexibiliteit in ambities, in tijd en in reikwijdte. De meerderheid wil helaas meer inzetten op recyclen in plaats van het behalen van milieuwinst aan het begin van de keten.Recyclen is prima, maar is onvoldoende als de verpakkingsberg alleen maar blijft groeien (wat momenteel het geval is, en wat niet aan banden wordt gelegd). Uiteindelijk betekent dit onder andere dat fastfoodketens milieuvervuilende wegwerpverpakkingen mogen blijven gebruiken. De beste verpakking is echter geen verpakking! Nu blijft de focus op het achteraf oplossen van het afvalprobleem.
Proposals of the European Parliament for the amendment of the Treaties (A9-0337/2023 - Guy Verhofstadt, Sven Simon, Gabriele Bischoff, Daniel Freund, Helmut Scholz)
Het is positief dat internationale klimaatakkoorden een exclusieve bevoegdheid van de Europese Unie worden. Tijdens internationale klimaatonderhandelingen is het belangrijk dat de EU met één mond spreekt. Juist omdat de EU het streven heeft het eerste klimaatneutrale continent te zijn, en hiermee een voorbeeld en aanjager kan zijn voor andere continenten.Een ander goed punt is dat er op het gebied van migratiebeleid meer oog moet komen voor economische en sociale stabiliteit in de lidstaten. Over onderwijs en gezondheidszorg horen de lidstaten te gaan. In Nederland kunnen ouders bijvoorbeeld kiezen voor een school met bijvoorbeeld een religieuze grondslag. Deze keuzevrijheid is uniek en moeten we koesteren. Wat betreft zorg is het goed om samen te werken in tijden van crises (zoals bij COVID-19), maar het is onnodig om bijvoorbeeld onze thuiszorg en ziekenhuiszorg op Europees niveau te gaan regelen. Erg teleurstellend was het om vast te stellen dat een meerderheid voor het behoud van Straatsburg als vestigingsplaats van het Europees Parlement is.Veel politici grepen de mogelijkheid aan om zoveel mogelijk uiteenlopende voorstellen te doen in dit verslag, zoals het regelen van referenda op Europees niveau. Een Verdragswijziging is echter ingrijpend en veel voorstellen hebben verregaande gevolgen waar ik het lang niet altijd mee eens ben. Daarom heb ik tegengestemd.
European Health Data Space (A9-0395/2023 - Tomislav Sokol, Annalisa Tardino)
Met de EHDS komt er een gemeenschappelijke ruimte waarin naast patiënten ook medici, wetenschappers en beleidsmakers toegang kunnen krijgen tot gezondheidsgegevens.Ik vind het onverstandig en risicovol om patiëntgegevens op grote schaal binnen de EU te delen. Ik heb daarom tegengestemd, omdat ik me grote zorgen maak over de vertrouwelijkheid van de medische gegevens van miljoenen patiënten binnen de EU.Medische gegevens mogen wat mij betreft alleen gedeeld kunnen worden wanneer patiënten hier vooraf expliciet toestemming voor geven. Helaas is nu het omgekeerde het geval met dit voorstel: je moet als patiënt expliciet bezwaar maken. Dat vind ik de omgekeerde wereld.Ik vind het zorgelijk dat commerciële bedrijven, zoals grote farmaceutische bedrijven, bij patiënteninformatie kunnen komen. Het risico op een datalek is altijd aanwezig en staat niet in verhouding tot het mogelijke voordeel voor de patiënt. De ChristenUnie was enkele jaren terug niet voor niets erg kritisch op de invoering van een elektronisch patiëntendossier in Nederland, vanwege het feit dat het lange tijd onduidelijk was wie precies bij die gegevens kon komen.Wanneer medische gegevens grootschalig binnen de EU gedeeld worden, is al helemaal onduidelijk in welke handen gevoelige informatie terecht kan komen.
Jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition of decisions and acceptance of authentic instruments in matters of parenthood and creation of a European Certificate of Parenthood (A9-0368/2023 - Maria-Manuel Leitão-Marques)
Het is onwenselijk dat de EU voorschrijft hoe er over gezinssamenstellingen gedacht moet worden. Europese lidstaten denken hier heel verschillend over en het is daarom terecht dat we het familierecht op nationaal niveau regelen. Ik heb daarom tegen het voorstel gestemd om een Europese akte van afstamming in te stellen.Volgens de Europese Commissie is zo’n akte nodig omdat er nu situaties bestaan waarin bepaalde ouder-kindrelaties in de ene lidstaat wel worden geaccepteerd, maar in de andere niet. Deze praktijk zou een obstakel vormen voor het vrij verkeer van personen.Vanuit een technische blik op het vrij verkeer van personen lijkt een Europese akte van afstamming een logische stap. Het is bovendien positief dat de rechten van kinderen hiermee overal in Europa gewaarborgd worden, maar het is wat mij betreft onwenselijk dat de EU hiermee ook een ingang krijgt tot het familierecht.Mijn zorg is dat met de Europese akte van afstamming, lidstaten gedwongen kunnen worden om op individueel niveau bepaalde praktijken te erkennen waar hun eigen wetgeving niet in voorziet. Alhoewel de EC benadrukt dat familierecht een zaak van de lidstaten blijft, voorzie ik dat we via deze technische oplossing toch de deur openzetten richting afgedwongen acceptatie van zaken als draagmoederschap of meerouderschap.
Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation (RC-B9-0068/2024, B9-0068/2024, B9-0069/2024, B9-0071/2024, B9-0073/2024, B9-0075/2024, B9-0077/2024)
Het is inmiddels meer dan 100 dagen geleden dat Hamas op gruwelijke wijze huishield in Israël en daarmee een enorme geweldsuitbarsting ontketende die al veel menselijk leed heeft veroorzaakt. De gezamenlijke resolutie waar het Europees Parlement vandaag over stemde, benoemt terecht zowel het kwaad dat is aangericht door Hamas in Israël als de enorme nood die er is in de Gazastrook als gevolg van de laffe methoden van Hamas en de Israëlische reactie daarop.De oproep in de resolutie tot een permanent staakt-het-vuren is echter niet te rechtvaardigen zolang het structurele gevaar van Hamas niet definitief weggenomen is en zolang er nog gijzelaars vastgehouden worden. Dit was voor mij de voornaamste reden om tegen deze resolutie te stemmen. Ook vind ik dat de resolutie niet kritisch genoeg is als het gaat om Europese steun aan organisaties zoals de Palestijnse Autoriteit en UNRWA. Recente onthullingen laten zien dat medewerkers van laatstgenoemde organisatie in chatgroepen het geweld van Hamas verheerlijken. De urgentie om dergelijke praktijken te onderzoeken en te veroordelen mis ik in deze tekst. Daarom heb ik de resolutie van mijn eigen EVP-Fractie gesteund, waarin alle partijen worden opgeroepen zich te houden aan het internationaal recht en wordt gepleit voor humanitaire gevechtspauzes.
Plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques and their food and feed (A9-0014/2024 - Jessica Polfjärd)
Genetische aanpassingen van planten kunnen nuttig zijn om zodoende op een duurzame manier ons voedsel te verbouwen. Het veredelen van planten bestaat al van oudsher en zorgt ervoor dat planten beter bestand zijn tegen bijvoorbeeld droogte of ziekte. Met moderne technieken kunnen dezelfde processen sneller verlopen. Ik vind het belangrijk dat de soortengrens niet overschreden wordt en er keuzevrijheid blijft voor consumenten, bijvoorbeeld door de biologische keten te vrijwaren van deze technieken. In dit voorstel is dat zo. Sinds de strenge regelgeving voor genetische modificatie is geïntroduceerd, zijn er veel technologische ontwikkelingen geweest. Daarom moest de regelgeving worden aangepast. Met bijvoorbeeld CRIPSR-Cas, een nieuwe technologie, kunnen er gemakkelijker stukjes DNA van gewassen (van dezelfde soort) geknipt en geplakt worden. In het voorstel dat is aangenomen, wordt dat geschaard onder de noemer nieuwe genomische technieken (NGT). Uiteindelijk gaat het hierbij om aanpassingen die ook door traditionele veredeling bereikt kunnen worden, maar dan veel sneller. Met deze nieuwe regelgeving kunnen landbouwgewassen beter aangepast worden aan klimaatverandering en zijn er minder pesticiden nodig. Dat is goed voor het milieu en zorgt voor voedselzekerheid. Tevens ben ik blij dat het patentrecht op NGT-gewassen wordt afgeschaft. Dit breekt de macht van zaadbedrijven en verkleint de afhankelijkheid van boeren.
Nature restoration (A9-0220/2023 - César Luena)
De natuurherstelwet moet EU-landen ertoe aanzetten maatregelen te nemen om de natuur te beschermen. In 2030 moet ten minste 30 % van de beschermde natuurgebieden die in slechte staat zijn, hersteld zijn. In 2040 en 2050 is dit respectievelijk 60 % en 90 %.Vanuit Nederland was er een grote angst voor het verslechteringsverbod. Dit verbod houdt in dat er niets mag gebeuren waardoor de staat van natuurgebieden achteruitgaat. Om een nieuw debacle zoals rond stikstof te voorkomen, is dit verslechteringsverbod eruit gehaald. De bedoeling is dat landen worden beoordeeld op de inspanning die ze leveren, niet op het resultaat. Lidstaten mogen daarnaast zelf beslissen hoe ze geld voor natuurherstel in willen zetten. Hier ligt een mooie kans voor natuurinclusieve landbouw.De onderhandelingen hebben tot een akkoord geleid waarmee overheden verleid worden de natuur te herstellen zonder het risico dat het land op slot komt te zitten. Dat lijkt me een resultaat om mee in te stemmen, ook al had het ambitieuzer gekund. Juist als christenen hebben we zorg voor de schepping. Dat betekent sterke natuur, zodat dier- en plantsoorten kunnen overleven en daarmee een basis vormen voor een toekomstbestendige landbouw- en visserijsector. Ik heb dan ook vóór de natuurherstelwet gestemd.
European Digital Identity framework (A9-0038/2023 - Romana Jerković)
Op donderdag 29 februari ging het Europees Parlement akkoord met een uiteindelijke overeenkomst over de Europese digitale identiteit (eID), een Europese digitale plek om persoonlijke gegevens en documenten in op te slaan. Ik ben hier niet blij mee. Het is me niet duidelijk welk probleem dit oplost, maar zie er wel problemen door ontstaan. Ik heb nog nooit iemand gesproken die dacht: had ik maar een digitaal Europees identiteitsbewijs. Integendeel, we moeten bewaken dat Europa bij zijn taken blijft en niet problemen meent te gaan oplossen die er niet zijn. De eID valt duidelijk in die tweede categorie.De vraag is bovendien of het straks nog wel mogelijk gaat zijn om er niet aan mee te doen. Ik vrees van niet. Dat is voor mij de belangrijkste reden om hier niet in mee te gaan: nu instemmen betekent straks een verplichte eID voor iedereen, ben ik bang. Omdat het simpelweg de norm gaat worden waar je niet meer aan kunt ontkomen. Terwijl de gevolgen van een mogelijk datalek gigantisch kunnen zijn. Ik vind het daarom essentieel dat iedereen altijd de mogelijkheid houdt niet deel te nemen aan de eID. Dat is nu niet geregeld, helaas.
Amending Directive 2008/98/EC on waste (A9-0055/2024 - Anna Zalewska)
Het Europees Parlement wil dat er in 2030 minstens 20 % minder voedsel wordt verspild bij de verwerking en dat huishoudens 40 % minder voedsel verspillen. Ook komen er regels om textielverspilling tegen te gaan. Helemaal geen verspilling is natuurlijk het beste. Daarom vind ik het belangrijk om ambitieuze doelen te stellen. Als je ziet hoeveel voedsel en kleding er verspild worden, dan is het de hoogste tijd dat hier regelgeving voor komt. Uit een onlangs verschenen rapport bleek dat in de Europese Unie jaarlijks zo’n 3,4 miljard T-shirts worden vernietigd. De reden hiervoor is dat textiel nog te vaak bij het restafval verdwijnt. Hier moet paal en perk aan worden gesteld. Daarom is het goed dat het Europees Parlement ingestemd heeft met regels om dit tegen te gaan. De nieuwe regels houden in dat textiel standaard apart ingezameld moet gaan worden en dat producenten de verantwoordelijkheid krijgen voor de recycling. Deze regelgeving is een belangrijke stap naar een circulaire economie. We moeten af van fast fashion, en dit is een begin. Helaas zijn er nog geen harde doelen gesteld om textielafval te verminderen. Daar heeft het Europees Parlement echt een kans laten liggen.
Estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2025 – Section I – European Parliament (A9-0180/2024 - Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou)
Europarlementariër Anja Haga stemt tegen de begroting van het Europees Parlement voor 2025: op dit moment krijgt elke Europarlementariër boven op zijn/haar prima salaris ook een onkostenvergoeding van ongeveer 4 500 euro. Dat kan omlaag. Daarnaast lijkt het me goed dat alle Europarlementariërs verantwoorden waar dit publiek geld aan uitgegeven wordt, zoals menig Europarlementariër en de ChristenUnie al jaren doen.Helaas is in deze begroting de hoogte van de onkostenvergoeding niet naar beneden bijgesteld en is ook niet geregeld dat elk parlementslid verantwoording moet afleggen over zijn/haar uitgaven uit de onkostenvergoeding. Er zijn genoeg nuttige zaken waar de Europese Unie geld aan besteedt en zou kunnen besteden, maar we moeten ook bereid zijn om te kijken waar het minder kan. Dit is zo’n punt wat mij betreft. Noem het Hollandse zuinigheid, ik noem het financiële degelijkheid.Veel burgers hebben weinig vertrouwen in de Europese politiek en het zou jammer zijn dat zoiets de goede dingen die hier ook gebeuren overschaduwt. Als Europarlementariërs kunnen we daar zelf een goede stap in zetten door transparant te zijn over onze uitgaven. Er zijn daarom twee simpele zaken die ik anders zou willen zien. Een halvering van de onkostenvergoeding en een verantwoordingsplicht. Dit is niet opgenomen in het voorstel en daarom stem ik tegen.
Written questions (18)
Making UNRWA funds conditional on the content of Palestinian schoolbooks
Protecting the human rights of Christians and all people in Pakistan from abusive blasphemy laws
EU policy towards Azerbaijan in the light of the ongoing blockade of the Lachin corridor
Attack on Stepanakert by Azerbaijan
Rejection of official EU delegations by Tunisian authorities and consequences for EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding
Protection of biodiversity at Teahupo’o during the 2024 Olympics
Following the adoption of the resolution on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan’s attack and the continuing threats against Armenia
Application of EU provisions on acrylamide to Frisian pepernoten (spiced cookies)
Follow-up question on Dutch aid shipments being blocked by Romania
Hosting of COP29 awarded to Azerbaijan
Enforced disappearances in Balochistan
Biodiversity mainstreaming in the MFF and Global Europe Instrument
Increasing persecution of Christians worldwide
Application of EU rules to a fish stall in Nissewaard municipality
The situation of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu in Azerbaijan
Statements of Commissioner Simson on Azerbaijan
Gas extraction under the Wadden Sea
Urgent need to take action for the liberation of Vladimir Kara-Murza
Amendments (94)
Amendment 113 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
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;
Amendment 118 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
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;
Amendment 123 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
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.
Amendment 19 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
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)),
Amendment 38 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 n (new)
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),
Amendment 39 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 o (new)
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,
Amendment 138 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
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;
Amendment 146 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
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;
Amendment 239 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
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;
Amendment 244 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
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;
Amendment 248 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
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;
Amendment 249 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
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;
Amendment 252 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
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;
Amendment 269 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
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;
Amendment 281 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
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;
Amendment 285 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i b (new)
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;
Amendment 290 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i c (new)
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;
Amendment 294 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i f (new)
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;
Amendment 461 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x c (new)
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;
Amendment 472 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point y a (new)
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;
Amendment 69 #
2023/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the EU should play a significant role in safeguarding the health and sustainability of our oceans and seas by keeping them clean from (micro)plastics and forever chemicals like PFAS, since they have an enormous impact on sea life and thus on marine ecosystems which we all depend on;
Amendment 148 #
2023/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Regrets the lack of coherence between the title of the action plan and the proposals presented therein, which mainly focus on altering the fishing practices that affect species and habitats without addressing the potential for alignment between fishing techniques and practices and the protection or restoration of ecosystems; recalls the need for fishers to be part of the solution, instead of being put forward as cause.
Amendment 151 #
2023/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. considers that our oceans, seas and marine life suffer from (micro)plastics; is of the opinion therefore that the EU should stimulate scientific research on the transition towards plastic- free and/or biodegradable fishing gear and on the reduction of plastic fish lint; further considers that it is essential that this happens in a holistic and coherent approach taking into account other EU policies and research projects;
Amendment 216 #
2023/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Believes that this surplus of more or less short-term actions detracts from the coherence and legitimacy of initiatives that should be the subject of a consensus, taking into account socio-economic, technical and scientific aspects; reiterates that actions supported by these considerations will have a positive effect on their implementation;
Amendment 221 #
2023/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes the lack of perspective on the consequences of certain aspects of the action plan, which was published without waiting, for instance, for scientific and socio-economic conclusions on previous proposals; notes that these actions can have a severe impact on the trust of fishers and fisheries communities in (European) policy- and decision-making processes;
Amendment 311 #
Amendment 312 #
2023/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Supports the Commission's proposals on the need and support for sufficient possibilities for scientific research and innovation projects since science plays a crucial role in finding solutions for the problems we face today; stresses the need to apply these in a coherent way with other EU policies, pilot projects and scientific projects dealing with innovation and research, for example on reducing the use of (micro)plastics; recalls that possibilities for scientific research and innovation projects is especially necessary to find more sustainable fishing techniques, since at this moment no viable alternatives for bottom trawling are available;
Amendment 392 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
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;
Amendment 397 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
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;
Amendment 1 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
– having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,
Amendment 3 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
– having regard to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct,
Amendment 6 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas corporations are major players in economic globalisation, financial services and international trade, and are required to comply with all applicable laws and international treaties and to respect human rights; whereas business enterprises may cause, contribute or be directly linked to adverse impacts on human rights and the environment; whereas corporations may alsocorporations may contribute to sustainable development through job creation and economic development, and therefore may have an important role to play in the promotingon of human rights, environmental standards and corporate responsibility as well as in the prevention of adverse impacts on human rights and the environment;
Amendment 12 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas victims of corporate abuse face multiple and overlapping obstacles to accessing remedies; whereas impunity for human rights abuses by transnational corporationcommitted by some companies remains largely unaddressed in the absence of a robust and comprehensive regulatory framework and alignment at global and regional level;
Amendment 16 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the position of the EU and the Member States has marginally evolved in relation to the work of the OEIGWG; whereas the EU has been working on ambitious legislation regarding corporate due diligence amongst others, which would serve as a basis for its negotiating mandate; whereas these files have not been completed yet and therefore a clear basis for a negotiating mandate has not yet been established; whereas, in the absence of a negotiating mandate, the EU representative only participated in the OEIGWG’s sessions as an observer and only contributed general statements; whereas also the engagement of other large economies outside the EU in the discussions has been ambivalent over the years;
Amendment 18 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas Parliament has consistentlyshown supported for the UN discussions on the LBI, including by adopting a number of resolutions calling for the EU and the Member States to engage constructively in the negotiations;
Amendment 20 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas, in recent years, the EU has been showing great ambition when it comes to business and human rights, and has initiated a number of legislative initiatives aimed at regulating business activities on human rights and environmental and climate-related obligations;
Amendment 28 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that the overall level of enjoyment of human rights worldwide is inevitablyamong others contingent on the behaviour of corporations, given the current scale of globalisation and the internationalisation of business activities and value chains; emphasizes that all companies must be able to fulfil their human rights responsibilities and therefore be able to rely on good public governance and a well-functioning legal system;
Amendment 33 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. SUnderlines the importance of the UNGPs and the OECD Guidelines and the broad support they enjoy; stresses that any effort towards a potential LBI should ensure full alignment with these standards; believes that there is a risk that new initiatives that diverge from the these standards will undermine the ongoing efforts to implement the latter; strongly supports the full implementation, within and outside the EU, of the international standards on responsible business conduct to complement and strengthen the implementation of the UNGPs;
Amendment 35 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that corporate social responsibility solely on a voluntary basis risks creating market distortions and unfair competition for the enterprises that choose to comply with international standards or that are subject to national or regional obligations; welcomes, therefore, the current shift in terms of normative developments from soft-law initiatives towards binding standardsefforts to create a level playing field;
Amendment 37 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the importance of closing the legal and regulatory loopholes which are being exploited by some transnational corporations and investors at the cost of human rights and the environment;
Amendment 43 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes, with concern, that in the judicial systems of certain states, many procedural, substantive and practical barriers persist regarding access to justice for victims, including difficulties in identifying the competent court, barriers related to jurisdictional standards, short statutory limitation periods, excessive evidentiary burdens, limitedunclear liability owing to the corporate veil, access to legal representation and information, as well as other inequalities between claimants and defendants;
Amendment 50 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Acknowledges the OEIGWG as the only global and multilateral forum where mandatory rules on business and human rights are discussed and, therefore, considers it crucial for the EU to actively participatethat a critical mass of UN members, including the EU are engaged in this process;
Amendment 52 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Underscores that the latest normative developments at EU level on business and human rights have scarcebeen gradually addresseding access to justice and victims’ rights, which lie at the centre of the LBI as a core human rights treaty; stresses, in this regard, the complementary nature, objectives and scope of as well as the need for coherence between both normative tracks, which will operate at different levels;
Amendment 55 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Believes that the EU should actively engage in the ongoing negotiations, in particular to further develop the draft LBI, while focusing on victims of business-related abuses, ensuring a level playing field and legal certainty for businesses, in particular SMEs, dismantling barriers to justice and effective remedy, and enhancing cooperation by drawing on international perspectives and best practices; considers that this engagement would ultimately contribute to securing better implementation and enforcement of human rights internationally, while equally contributing to an international level playing field and delivering a global instrument that is both widely supported and ratified among states across all regions, including but not limited to Europe, and that remains relevant in the face of constantly evolving business-related threats to human rights;
Amendment 58 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Is of the opinion that further development of the draft LBI is not dependent on the EU alone, but also requires the serious engagement of other large economies in order to reach a consensus-based outcome that can rely on broad support globally;
Amendment 61 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the Council’s commitment that the EU will strengthen its engagement and actively participate in the OEIGWG; considers, however, that the only meaningful and tangible way to enact this stated commitment is by adopting an EU mandate for negotiations; urges, therefore, the Commission to recommend that the Council to adopt an ambitious mandate for negotiations as soon as possible so that the EU is able to actively participate in the negotiations with a view to shaping the future LBI, which is already at an advanced stage;
Amendment 69 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Believes that an LBI wshould be compatible with and complementary to the ongoing normative developments at EU level, and thus would contribute to creating a more coherent global legal framework on business and human rights;
Amendment 73 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Supports a broad scope for the LBI, which aims to cover all business enterprises, includingincludes transnational business activities and state-owned enterprises; considers that allowing states parties the flexibility to differentiate, under their domestic legislation, how business enterprises discharge the prevention obligations under the LBI, would provide important leeway for national adaptation and would be consistent with the universal scope of the UNGPs;
Amendment 74 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Amendment 80 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. RegretNotes the fact that several references to the environment and climate change were removed from the scope of the LBI in the latest draft; considerrecommends that the EU and the Member States should strive for the environmental and climate impact of business activities to be included within the scopetake into account EU policies and ambitions in the field of climate and environment when engaging in discussions ofn the LBI;
Amendment 85 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls for the EU and the Member States to ensure, in line with the provisions under the UNGPs, that the LBI prevention framework obligesadopts a risk based approach by encouraging corporate actors to pay particular attention to their activities in relation to areas or activities where the risk of gross human rights violations is heightened, such as conflict-affected areas or territories under occupation or annexation, where the risk of gross human rights violations is heightened, including by adding references to international humanitarian law, international criminal law and customary international law in the scope of the LBI;
Amendment 88 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Believes that the obligation for companies to undertake regular and risk- based human rights impact assessments prior to and throughout operations, and to take into account the needs of those at heightened risk, constitute particularly important elements for the LBI prevention framework, including by integrating a gender perspective, but also by taking into account issues concerning groups at risk of vulnerability or marginalisation;
Amendment 90 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls for the LBI to provide a central role to affected stakeholders, in particular through the obligation to promote thepromotion of an active and meaningful participation of relevant stakeholders, including trade unions, non-governmental organisations, indigenous peoples and community-based organisations, as well as the private sector, in the implementation of legislation, policies and other measuresthe LBI;
Amendment 95 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Emphasises the need to ensure that states implement robust and effective, yet practical and proportional enforcement and compliance monitoring mechanisms; insists, furthermore, on the need for regular and in-depth reporting to be required from corporations and states partiethat any reporting requirements will be designed in such a way that they can be aligned with existing EU legislation in this regard, in order to avoid duplication of requirements;
Amendment 98 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
Amendment 101 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Insists that the LBI should include the duty for states parties to develop a comprehensive and adequate system of legal liability that is responsive to the needs of victims, as regards remedy, and commensurate to the gravity of the abuse whilst avoiding facilitating abusive claims;
Amendment 105 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Insists that the LBI should address the practical and procedural obstacles faced by victims of corporate abuse when seeking justice; whilst avoiding facilitating abusive claims;
Amendment 1 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
– having regard the 2007 ILO Work in Fishing Convention (No. 188),
Amendment 1 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
– having regard the 2007 ILO Work in Fishing Convention (No. 188),
Amendment 2 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 b (new)
Citation 9 b (new)
– having regard the 2012 Cape Town Agreement on the Implementation of the Provisions of the Torremolinos Protocol of 1993 relating to the Torremolinos International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels, 1977,
Amendment 2 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 b (new)
Citation 9 b (new)
– having regard the 2012 Cape Town Agreement on the Implementation of the Provisions of the Torremolinos Protocol of 1993 relating to the Torremolinos International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels, 1977,
Amendment 29 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas labour abuses and IUU fishing are often interlinked and the risk still exists that products from IUU fishing and/or forced labour still enter the EU market;
Amendment 29 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas labour abuses and IUU fishing are often interlinked and the risk still exists that products from IUU fishing and/or forced labour still enter the EU market;
Amendment 40 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Notes that fisheries play an important role in safeguarding global food and nutrition security and providing a livelihood for the people living in coastal areas; underlines that the Union attaches great importance to the sustainable development of global fisheries and to abolish forced labour, trafficking and other abuses, also in the fishing sector;
Amendment 40 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Notes that fisheries play an important role in safeguarding global food and nutrition security and providing a livelihood for the people living in coastal areas; underlines that the Union attaches great importance to the sustainable development of global fisheries and to abolish forced labour, trafficking and other abuses, also in the fishing sector;
Amendment 43 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reaffirms the need for the EU and its Member States to continue taking a zero-tolerance approach to IUU fishing, applying this approach equally to all countries, irrespective of size, and to promote sustainable fisheries with a view to combating overfishing and ensuring food security; Underlines that the EU IUU card system could be more effective when used in a holistic approach;
Amendment 43 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reaffirms the need for the EU and its Member States to continue taking a zero-tolerance approach to IUU fishing, applying this approach equally to all countries, irrespective of size, and to promote sustainable fisheries with a view to combating overfishing and ensuring food security; Underlines that the EU IUU card system could be more effective when used in a holistic approach;
Amendment 57 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Acknowledges that the 2012 IMO Cape Town Agreement, the 2009 FAO Agreement on Port State Measures, the ILO Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) and the ILO Work in Fishing Convention (No. 188) are important instruments to ensure decent working conditions and helps to prevent unacceptable forms of work for all fishers, especially forced labour, trafficking and other abuses, and to combat IUU fishing; calls on the authorised Member States to sign and ratify, or accede to these conventions;
Amendment 57 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Acknowledges that the 2012 IMO Cape Town Agreement, the 2009 FAO Agreement on Port State Measures, the ILO Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) and the ILO Work in Fishing Convention (No. 188) are important instruments to ensure decent working conditions and helps to prevent unacceptable forms of work for all fishers, especially forced labour, trafficking and other abuses, and to combat IUU fishing; calls on the authorised Member States to sign and ratify, or accede to these conventions;
Amendment 63 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Encourages national authorities to ensure an adequate implementation of the IUU Regulation in order to set an example of good practice for other Member States, contribute to implementing an adequate traceability system; ensure responsible fishing practices, improving the safety at sea and labour conditions on fishing vessels and to enhance accurate reporting of catch;
Amendment 63 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Encourages national authorities to ensure an adequate implementation of the IUU Regulation in order to set an example of good practice for other Member States, contribute to implementing an adequate traceability system; ensure responsible fishing practices, improving the safety at sea and labour conditions on fishing vessels and to enhance accurate reporting of catch;
Amendment 76 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls on the Commission to increase awareness on the protection of human rights in the fishing sector; Underlines that the fisheries sector in specific geographic areas have a higher risk of forced labour imposed by state authorities; urges that when forced labour is identified, measures should be taken at EU level to avoid those products entering the EU market;
Amendment 76 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls on the Commission to increase awareness on the protection of human rights in the fishing sector; Underlines that the fisheries sector in specific geographic areas have a higher risk of forced labour imposed by state authorities; urges that when forced labour is identified, measures should be taken at EU level to avoid those products entering the EU market;
Amendment 112 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Stresses that available IUU databases suffer from opaqueness, i.e. unknown vessel names or origin or ownership which causes loss of income, notably in poor countries;
Amendment 112 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Stresses that available IUU databases suffer from opaqueness, i.e. unknown vessel names or origin or ownership which causes loss of income, notably in poor countries;
Amendment 113 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16 b. Stresses that international bodies involved in the fight against IUU fishing should coordinate their IUU fishing control activities with shared electronic databases, clear strategies and structured plans that result in the lowest possible level of IUU fishing practices at an international level;
Amendment 113 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16 b. Stresses that international bodies involved in the fight against IUU fishing should coordinate their IUU fishing control activities with shared electronic databases, clear strategies and structured plans that result in the lowest possible level of IUU fishing practices at an international level;
Amendment 114 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Notes that regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) are proven to be useful in the fight against illegal fishing; calls on the Commission to actively promote the establishment of more relevant RFMOs;
Amendment 114 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Notes that regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) are proven to be useful in the fight against illegal fishing; calls on the Commission to actively promote the establishment of more relevant RFMOs;
Amendment 115 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Encourages Member States in promoting the initiatives of the FAO and of relevant RFMOs aiming at fighting IUU fishing activities and exchanging information relating to fishing vessels suspected of such activities;
Amendment 115 #
2023/2027(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Encourages Member States in promoting the initiatives of the FAO and of relevant RFMOs aiming at fighting IUU fishing activities and exchanging information relating to fishing vessels suspected of such activities;
Amendment 5 #
2023/0172(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The safety of Union shipping and of citizens using it and the protection of the environment should be ensured at all times. it should also be borne in mind that countless jobs and coastal communities are dependent upon that protection.
Amendment 8 #
2023/0172(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) Unsafe situations at sea can lead to accidents and shipping disasters, which can have an unprecedented impact on (vulnerable) marine ecosystems. Seas and oceans play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate and are a huge carbon sink, and it is therefore essential to protect these ecosystems.
Amendment 31 #
2023/0171(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) Discussions are ongoing at the IMO regarding new environmental issues in relation to international shipping, resulting in both water and air pollution. These include the water pollutants of marine litter, such as the loss of containers and plastic pellets, and underwater noise and air pollutants such as black carbon. These discussions may result in new regulations under Marpol 73/78. A future review of Marpol 73/79 should also include zero pollution from (micro)plastics and PFAS. Moreover, Directive 2008/56/EC of the European parliament and of the Council34 requires Member States to achieve good environmental status in the marine environment, which includes, amongst others, marine litter and underwater noise from ships as qualitative descriptors. Relatedly, Directive (EU) 2023/xxxx35 sets limit values for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) resulting from nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Shipping activities contribute to higher NO2 levels in coastal and port areas. Against this background, a future review of Directive 2005/35/EC should take into account new developments and the Commission should examine the possibility of modifying the scope of this Directive, if appropriate, in view of any new international standards under Marpol 73/78. A future review should assess the possibility of modifying the scope of Directive 2005/35/EC, if appropriate, to incorporate SOx and NOx emissions, as regulated in Annex VI to Marpol, based on the experience gained in implementing the Directive (EU) 2016/802 and on the development and maturity of monitoring and detecting CO2, SOx and NOx emissions from ships, with a view to ensure a coherent, efficient and effective enforcement regime, as well as the imposition of dissuasive penalties therefor, in line with the Zero Pollution Action Plan and, in particular, Flagship 5 thereof ‘Enforcing zero pollution together’. _________________ 34 Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) (Text with EEA relevance) (OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19). 35 OJ L xxxx.
Amendment 31 #
2023/0171(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) Discussions are ongoing at the IMO regarding new environmental issues in relation to international shipping, resulting in both water and air pollution. These include the water pollutants of marine litter, such as the loss of containers and plastic pellets, and underwater noise and air pollutants such as black carbon. These discussions may result in new regulations under Marpol 73/78. A future review of Marpol 73/79 should also include zero pollution from (micro)plastics and PFAS. Moreover, Directive 2008/56/EC of the European parliament and of the Council34 requires Member States to achieve good environmental status in the marine environment, which includes, amongst others, marine litter and underwater noise from ships as qualitative descriptors. Relatedly, Directive (EU) 2023/xxxx35 sets limit values for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) resulting from nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Shipping activities contribute to higher NO2 levels in coastal and port areas. Against this background, a future review of Directive 2005/35/EC should take into account new developments and the Commission should examine the possibility of modifying the scope of this Directive, if appropriate, in view of any new international standards under Marpol 73/78. A future review should assess the possibility of modifying the scope of Directive 2005/35/EC, if appropriate, to incorporate SOx and NOx emissions, as regulated in Annex VI to Marpol, based on the experience gained in implementing the Directive (EU) 2016/802 and on the development and maturity of monitoring and detecting CO2, SOx and NOx emissions from ships, with a view to ensure a coherent, efficient and effective enforcement regime, as well as the imposition of dissuasive penalties therefor, in line with the Zero Pollution Action Plan and, in particular, Flagship 5 thereof ‘Enforcing zero pollution together’. _________________ 34 Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) (Text with EEA relevance) (OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19). 35 OJ L xxxx.
Amendment 6 #
2023/0165(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) As long as an harmonized legal framework in the EU for fisheries does not exist in terms of maritime safety, competences, ship construction and living and working conditions on board (as it is the case in the maritime transport sector), the Port State Control Directive for fisheries can only be applied on a voluntary basis. It is therefore of high importance that Member States that have not ratified international conventions relating to fisheries, especially ILO C188, IMO CTA and IMO STCWF, do so as soon as possible. In order to ensure harmonised approaches in the implementation of these international obligations, these conventions should be transposed on EU-level through a Directive with a view to then establish a harmonised approach to control of these obligations, including harmonised inspections systems on the control and enforcement of the provisions of the Convention C188. Therefore, in light of the poor ratification status of the Convention relating to fisheries, a legislative proposal for a harmonised transposition of these international obligations should be presented, particularly regarding the IMO STCW-F Convention on an harmonized inspection system on the control and application of the provisions of Convention C188. In this sense, implementing measures in relation to Directive (EU) 2017/159 similar to those adopted by the maritime transport sector through Directive 2013/54/EU in relation to Directive 2009/13/CE shall be proposed.
Amendment 10 #
2023/0165(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
(15a) In order to create a level playing field throughout the Union, it is preferable to first harmonize the fisheries conventions in the community aquis and, once completed, propose a community control system. However, there are already Member States which have ratified international conventions such as the ILO C188 and the STCW-F, who have the responsibility of applying the Port State Control directive. Ratification of these conventions should therefore be accelerated, otherwise, there may be a risk that Member States will apply the rules differently.
Amendment 11 #
2023/0165(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15 b (new)
Recital 15 b (new)
(15b) Member States must apply the same criteria to national fleets and other European flags calling their ports. No differences should occur in the treatment of EU fishing vessels and between the different national control systems implemented.
Amendment 24 #
2023/0163(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) As regards maritime safety, the Agency should develop a proactive approach in determining safety risks and challenges for any type and size of vessel on the basis of which it should present to the Commission every three years a report on the progress on maritime safety. Moreover, the Agency should continue assisting the Commission and the Member States in the implementation of the relevant Union legislation, especially in the areas of flag and port State obligations, the accident investigation of marine accidents, the passenger ship safety legislation, Recognised Organisations and marine equipment. Finally, the Agency should have a proactive role in assisting the deployment of maritime autonomous and automated surface ships while also it is important to collect further data in the area of the training and certification for seafarers and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006). Finally, the Agency shall work towards the mutual recognition of fishers and seafarers training and safety certificates in order to increase the cooperation between Member States, business opportunities and the free movement of the Member States workforce.
Amendment 24 #
2023/0163(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) As regards maritime safety, the Agency should develop a proactive approach in determining safety risks and challenges for any type and size of vessel on the basis of which it should present to the Commission every three years a report on the progress on maritime safety. Moreover, the Agency should continue assisting the Commission and the Member States in the implementation of the relevant Union legislation, especially in the areas of flag and port State obligations, the accident investigation of marine accidents, the passenger ship safety legislation, Recognised Organisations and marine equipment. Finally, the Agency should have a proactive role in assisting the deployment of maritime autonomous and automated surface ships while also it is important to collect further data in the area of the training and certification for seafarers and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006). Finally, the Agency shall work towards the mutual recognition of fishers and seafarers training and safety certificates in order to increase the cooperation between Member States, business opportunities and the free movement of the Member States workforce.
Amendment 42 #
2023/0163(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 9
Article 4 – paragraph 9
9. The Agency shall gather and analyse data on seafarers provided and used in accordance with Directive (EU) 2022/993 of the European Parliament and of the Council40 . It may alsoThe Agency shall also gather and analyse data on fishers used in accordance with the STCW-F Convention. It shall gather and analyse data on the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) and the Work in Fishing Convention (C188, 2007) with the aim of assisting in the improvement and harmonisation of the onboard safety, working and living conditions of seafarers.. and fishers. _________________ 40 Directive (EU) 2022/993 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2022 on the minimum level of training of seafarers (OJ L 169, 27.6.2022, p. 45).
Amendment 42 #
2023/0163(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 9
Article 4 – paragraph 9
9. The Agency shall gather and analyse data on seafarers provided and used in accordance with Directive (EU) 2022/993 of the European Parliament and of the Council40 . It may alsoThe Agency shall also gather and analyse data on fishers used in accordance with the STCW-F Convention. It shall gather and analyse data on the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) and the Work in Fishing Convention (C188, 2007) with the aim of assisting in the improvement and harmonisation of the onboard safety, working and living conditions of seafarers.. and fishers. _________________ 40 Directive (EU) 2022/993 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2022 on the minimum level of training of seafarers (OJ L 169, 27.6.2022, p. 45).
Amendment 46 #
2023/0163(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 9 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. In accordance with the calls from the social partners in the fisheries sector to transpose the IMO STCW-F Convention into Union law, this convention should be transposed on EU- level through a Directive with the goal to set an harmonized framework for minimum level of training of fishers in Europe.
Amendment 46 #
2023/0163(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 9 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. In accordance with the calls from the social partners in the fisheries sector to transpose the IMO STCW-F Convention into Union law, this convention should be transposed on EU- level through a Directive with the goal to set an harmonized framework for minimum level of training of fishers in Europe.