Activities of Fabrice LEGGERI
Plenary speeches (12)
The Hungarian “National Card” scheme and its consequences for Schengen and the area of freedom, security and justice (debate)
Order of business
One-minute speeches (Rule 179)
Protecting the EU budget and ensuring that EU funds do not benefit entities or individuals linked to terrorist or Islamist movement (debate)
Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta (debate)
Abuse of new technologies to manipulate and radicalise young people through hate speech and antidemocratic discourse (debate)
Full accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen Area: the urgent need to lift controls at internal land borders (debate)
Strengthening children’s rights in the EU - 35th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, such as TikTok, and related risks to the integrity of elections in Europe (debate)
Misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, such as TikTok, and related risks to the integrity of elections in Europe (debate)
Need to update the European strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities (debate)
Written explanations (23)
Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3), and (4)(c): Maximum residue levels for carbendazim and thiophanate‐methyl
La Commission souhaite renouveler les autorisations de limites maximales résiduelles des molécules bénomyl, carbendazime et thiophanate-méthyle, qui sont des fongicides utilisés dans l'agriculture. Les rapporteurs de cette objection s'opposent à cette décision et souhaitent au contraire les restreindre tant sur le marché intérieur que sur les exportations. En effet, sur le marché intérieur, ces limites ne garantissent pas l'innocuité de ces produits (vie aquatique et reproduction). Concernant les produits importés, ces limites mettent nos producteurs dans une situation de concurrence déloyale. J’ai voté en faveur de cette objection, c’est-à-dire CONTRE la proposition de la Commission européenne, pour favoriser le principe de précaution.
Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3), and (4)(c): Maximum residue levels for cyproconazole
La Commission souhaite renouveler les autorisations de limites maximales résiduelles des molécules cyproconazole et spirodiclofène, qui sont des fongicides utilisés dans l'agriculture. Les rapporteurs de cette objection s'opposent à cette décision et souhaitent au contraire les restreindre tant sur le marché intérieur que sur les exportations. En effet, sur le marché intérieur, ces limites ne garantissent pas l'innocuité de ces produits (vie aquatique et reproduction). Pour ce qui est des produits importés, ces limites mettent nos producteurs dans une situation de concurrence déloyale. J’ai voté en faveur de cette objection, c’est-à-dire contre la proposition de la Commission européenne, pour favoriser le principe de précaution.
EU/USA Agreement on launch of Galileo satellites from U.S. territory
Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States
Malgré notre soutien à l’Ukraine contre l’agression russe, les propositions présentes dans cette résolution, si elles étaient appliquées, provoqueraient une nouvelle escalade militaire du conflit et aggraveraient à la fois significativement l’inflation en Europe. Ainsi, le manque de réalisme et la dangerosité géopolitique et économique de ces propositions m’ont poussé à m’opposer à ce texte.
Devastating floods in Central-Eastern Europe, loss of lives and EU preparedness to act on such disasters
Cette résolution fait suite aux inondations survenues dans l’est de l’Europe. La résolution demande qu’une aide rapide soit mise en place pour les États membres touchés. Si le texte comporte parfois des références à des objectifs contraignants sur la baisse des températures à diverses dates, je tiens tout de même à montrer toute ma solidarité après cette catastrophe naturelle.
Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund: assistance to Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France further to natural disasters occurred in 2023
Notre délégation soutient cette proposition concernant les fonds qui viennent en soutien des États membres au titre de la solidarité européenne, en particulier dans un cadre d’urgence et de voisinage. Par ailleurs, la France, particulièrement touchée par les inondations dans le Nord-Pas-de-Calais en est bénéficiaire. Nous soulignons la nécessité d'améliorer la réactivité de l'Union pour que les populations bénéficient rapidement des soutiens promis et pour renforcer la capacité des États à agir de manière autonome face aux crises.
Moldova's resilience against Russian interference ahead of presidential elections, EU integration referendum
The democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia
Deforestation Regulation: provisions relating to the date of application
Le règlement (UE) 2023/1115 vise à interdire la commercialisation de certains produits dans l'UE provenant de terres déboisées après décembre 2020. L'application de cette loi, initialement prévue pour fin 2024, a été reportée au 30 décembre 2025 pour les grandes entreprises et au 30 juin 2026 pour les petites entreprises. Certains amendements visant à assouplir le texte, comme la création d’une catégorie de pays « sans risque », ont été rejetés par les États membres.Les secteurs concernés, notamment le bois et l’agriculture, ont demandé un report, soulignant les défis techniques et les impacts économiques.Ce report nous permet de renforcer la traçabilité et de mieux préparer les entreprises et producteurs, notamment les petits, aux nouvelles exigences. J’ai voté pour ce report.
Regional Emergency Support: RESTORE
Les récentes catastrophes naturelles en Europe centrale, orientale et méridionale ont lourdement impacté les populations et infrastructures locales. La Commission propose de réallouer des fonds FEDER 2021-2027 pour soutenir la reconstruction dans les zones touchées, tout en respectant les priorités environnementales de l’UE.Sans modifier les engagements budgétaires actuels, cette initiative offre un financement jusqu’à 100 %, avec un préfinancement de 30 %, permettant une réponse rapide aux besoins. Elle vise à reconstruire durablement en intégrant des solutions naturelles pour mieux gérer les risques climatiques.Face à l’urgence climatique, cette mesure incarne la solidarité européenne en soutenant les territoires et populations affectés. Les Régions Ultrapériphériques, comme les Antilles, soulignent l’importance d’une action durable et de la création de solutions scientifiques pour anticiper les crises futures. Au regard de ses objectifs, j’ai voté pour cette proposition.
Specific measures under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) for Member States affected by natural disasters
Face aux récentes catastrophes naturelles ayant frappé plusieurs régions d’Europe, cette proposition vise à permettre aux États membres de l’UE disposant de fonds FEADER (2014-2020) non encore utilisés de les redéployer pour soutenir les agriculteurs, exploitants forestiers et PME touchés. Les outils actuels, tels que la PAC, apportent un appui, mais les ressources disponibles sont souvent insuffisantes.Même si la France n’est pas directement impactée, cette initiative offre une réponse pragmatique aux besoins pressants de certains pays. En outre, elle garantit que les fonds non dépensés ne soient pas réintégrés dans le budget général de l’UE pour être réaffectés à d’autres dossiers non prioritaires.Compte tenu de ces arguments, et des avantages qu’elle apporte aux États membres concernés, j’ai voté pour cette proposition.
Forest reproductive material of the ‘tested’ category
Cette proposition cherche à intégrer les « matériels testés », une catégorie avancée des matériaux forestiers de reproduction, dans le cadre des règles d’importation européennes. Elle remplace l’autorisation temporaire en vigueur et fixe des critères pour garantir que ces matériaux importés respectent les standards de qualité et d’adaptation climatique de l’Union européenne.Bien qu’elle vise à clarifier le cadre juridique et à soutenir l’innovation dans le domaine forestier, cette initiative renforce également l’emprise de l’UE sur des compétences qui devraient rester nationales, notamment la gestion des semences forestières.Par ailleurs, l’ambition de planter 3 milliards d’arbres d’ici 2030, affichée dans le Pacte vert, paraît peu réaliste et trop centralisée. En France, où les forêts sont déjà efficacement gérées, il serait inapproprié de laisser l’UE imposer des directives sur les choix locaux en matière de plantation. J’ai voté contre cette proposition.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2024/002 BE/Limburg machinery and paper - Belgium
Le Fonds européen d’ajustement à la mondialisation (FEM) aide les travailleurs qui perdent leur emploi à cause des changements économiques mondiaux. En juillet 2024, la Belgique a demandé une aide du FEM après 681 licenciements : 567 à Sappi Lanaken, suite à la fermeture d’une usine de papier, et 114 chez Purmo Group Belgium, après l’arrêt d’une ligne de production de radiateurs. C’est la deuxième demande de ce type cette année.La Commission européenne a confirmé que la Belgique remplissait les conditions pour recevoir cette aide, qui s’élèvera à 704 135 EUR, couvrant 60 % des coûts des mesures de soutien. Ces mesures incluent des conseils pour retrouver un emploi, des formations et des aides à la reconversion professionnelle.Nous soutenons cette aide, mais il faut impérativement une gestion claire et efficace des fonds. J’ai voté pour cette proposition.
Activities of the European Ombudsman – annual report 2023
Le texte soumis évalue le rapport de la médiatrice européenne sur son activité en 2023. Emily O’Reilly a œuvré pour plus de transparence de la Commission, notamment concernant la gestion des contrats. Le rapport souligne aussi les demandes de la médiatrice, souvent ignorées ou traitées en retard. Il met aussi en lumière les pratiques opaques de la Commission, notamment dans l’affaire du « Pfizergate ».Il rend hommage au travail d’ Emily O’Reilly, qui quitte son poste après deux mandats. J’ai voté pour ce rapport.
Amendment of Annex VI – Powers and responsibilities of the standing committees
La crise du COVID-19 et la guerre en Ukraine ont permis à l'Union européenne d'étendre ses compétences dans des domaines traditionnellement réservés aux États membres, comme la défense et la santé. Par exemple, la gestion des commandes communes de vaccins et des programmes de défense industrielle a été confiée à la Commission européenne. Aujourd'hui, l'UE cherche à institutionnaliser ces nouvelles compétences, avec la création de commissaires à la défense et de commissions parlementaires pour la santé et la défense. Les traités européens, notamment l'article 24 du TUE, limitent clairement les compétences de l'UE en matière de défense. En créant ces commissions, l'UE cherche à contourner ces limitations et à transférer toujours plus de souveraineté des États membres vers elle, ce qui me semble incompatible avec le principe de subsidiarité. La santé et la défense sont des domaines sensibles qui devraient rester sous le contrôle des États. J'ai voté contre cette proposition.
Setting up a special committee on the European Democracy Shield, and defining its responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office
Le texte propose la création d’une commission spéciale sur le bouclier européen de la démocratie, composée de 33 membres pour 12 mois, visant à lutter contre les ingérences étrangères, notamment russes. Ursula von der Leyen a évoqué la nécessité de renforcer la transparence et de soutenir le journalisme indépendant face à ces ingérences.Cependant, cette commission semble aussi viser à renforcer la propagande européiste. Le texte met l’accent sur des mesures nécessaires, mais difficiles à appliquer, comme la détection des menaces et l’identification des responsables. De plus, la focalisation sur la Russie semble ignorer d’autres ingérences, comme celles du Qatar, ce qui remet en question l’efficacité de la démarche.En somme, cette commission apparaît davantage comme un outil politique que comme une réponse concrète aux menaces extérieures. Pour ces raisons, nous nous opposons fermement à cette proposition. J'ai voté contre.
Setting up a special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union, and defining its responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office
Le texte propose la création d’une commission spéciale sur la crise du logement dans l’Union européenne, visant à analyser les politiques de logement et proposer des solutions pour le rendre plus accessible. Cependant, le logement relève avant tout des compétences nationales, et l’UE a une compétence limitée en la matière. La création de cette commission semble donc une ingérence dans les affaires internes des États membres.Cette proposition cherche à imposer une approche uniforme à l’échelle européenne dans un domaine profondément local. Les solutions doivent être adaptées aux réalités économiques, sociales et culturelles de chaque pays, et non dictées depuis Bruxelles. Cette commission risquerait de multiplier la bureaucratie sans résoudre les véritables problèmes.L’UE, avec ses réglementations, est souvent un frein aux investissements nécessaires pour construire des logements abordables.Cette initiative s’inscrit dans une logique de centralisation excessive des pouvoirs européens et ouvre la voie à une extension injustifiée des compétences de l’Union. J’ai voté contre.
EC-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement: accession of Tonga
Les Accords de Partenariat Économique sont des accords commerciaux entre l'Union européenne et des pays en développement, visant à promouvoir le commerce et la croissance économique. Ils offrent aux pays partenaires un meilleur accès au marché européen, tout en les incitant à ouvrir progressivement leurs propres marchés aux produits européens et à respecter les normes sanitaires de l'UE.L'APE UE-Pacifique inclut des pays comme les Fidji, la Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée, les Samoa et les îles Salomon, qui peuvent exporter vers l'UE sans droits de douane. En retour, ces pays doivent se conformer aux normes européennes tout en protégeant des secteurs sensibles comme l’agriculture.LAPE renforce les liens économiques avec ces nations, voisines de nos territoires d’outre-mer, et soutient leur développement grâce à la réduction des barrières commerciales. J'ai voté pour cet accord.
Conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the United Nations Convention on transparency in treaty-based investor-State arbitration
L'UE propose de remplacer le système actuel de règlement des différends entre investisseurs et États, où les arbitres sont choisis au cas par cas, par un Tribunal des investissements. Ce tribunal serait composé de membres désignés à l’avance par les pays signataires, dans l’idée de créer un tribunal multilatéral. L’UE a aussi adhéré à la Convention des Nations Unies sur la transparence dans les arbitrages, afin d’améliorer la clarté et la responsabilité des décisions prises.La Convention de Maurice, adoptée en 2015, vise à rendre ces arbitrages plus transparents, en appliquant des règles spécifiques aux arbitrages commencés après avril 2014.La France soutient cette démarche pour plus de transparence, mais certains craignent que cela laisse trop de place aux ONG et à l’UE, ce qui pourrait empiéter sur la souveraineté des États. Je me suis abstenu.
EC-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement: accession of Niue
Les Accords de Partenariat Économique sont des accords commerciaux entre l'Union européenne et des pays en développement, visant à promouvoir le commerce et la croissance économique. Ils offrent aux pays partenaires un meilleur accès au marché européen, tout en les incitant à ouvrir progressivement leurs propres marchés aux produits européens et à respecter les normes sanitaires de l'UE.L'APE UE-Pacifique inclut des pays comme les Fidji, la Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée, les Samoa et les îles Salomon, qui peuvent exporter vers l'UE sans droits de douane. En retour, ces pays doivent se conformer aux normes européennes tout en protégeant des secteurs sensibles comme l’agriculture.LAPE renforce les liens économiques avec ces nations, voisines de nos territoires d’outre-mer, et soutient leur développement grâce à la réduction des barrières commerciales. J'ai voté pour cet accord.
EC-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement: accession of Tuvalu
Les accords de partenariat économique sont des accords commerciaux entre l'Union européenne et des pays en développement, visant à promouvoir le commerce et la croissance économique. Ils offrent aux pays partenaires un meilleur accès au marché européen, tout en les incitant à ouvrir progressivement leurs propres marchés aux produits européens et à respecter les normes sanitaires de l'UE.L'APE UE-Pacifique inclut des pays comme les Fidji, la Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée, les Samoa et les îles Salomon, qui peuvent exporter vers l'UE sans droits de douane. En retour, ces pays doivent se conformer aux normes européennes tout en protégeant des secteurs sensibles comme l’agriculture.L'APE renforce les liens économiques avec ces nations, voisines de nos territoires d’outre-mer, et soutient leur développement grâce à la réduction des barrières commerciales. J'ai voté pour cet accord.
Written questions (17)
Turkish NGO receiving EU funds pays tribute to former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh
Consequences of suspension clauses for the survival of Air Austral
Another pro-Hamas university being funded by the Commission
Impact of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement on the competitiveness of EU companies
Repeated failure to integrate migrants into European societies
Spanish Government measures’ compatibility with press freedom defended by the EU
Financial support to Member States to protect themselves from uncontrolled immigration, Islamist terrorism and cross-border crime
EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, a EUR 5 billion sinkhole
Use of the word ‘steak’ for plant-based products
Challenges and prospects for European space policy financing, institutional cooperation and harmonisation of standards in a strategic sector
Michelin plant closures and European electricity market reform
EU-Canada agreement on Horizon Europe: reciprocity and safeguarding strategic interests
State of the automotive industry in Europe
Grants paid to suspended Eramet Group project
Consequences of the digital euro for financial stability and individual freedoms
Support for the European automotive industry affected by the requirement to go fully electric
Upcoming conclusion of the Mercosur agreement: stabbing French farmers in the back
Individual motions (1)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on enabling Member States to opt-out of EU migration policy
Amendments (93)
Amendment 19 #
2024/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the recommendations following the Ombudsman’s own-initiative inquiry into the time the Commission takes to deal with requests for public access to documents, which call on the Commission to deal with its systemic delays as a matter of urgency and to respect the deadlines set out in Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 on public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents; is worried by the inquiry’s finding that the Commission’s systemic and significant delays in dealing with document access requests amount to maladministration; deplores the fact that the most important contracts with the pharmaceutical industries concluded by the President of the Commission without any transparency and in violation of all European public procurement rules have still not been made public;
Amendment 27 #
2024/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Urges the Council to engage in constructive negotiations with Parliament and the Commission on the revision of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001, in order to turn these three key EU institutions, including their presidency, into role models of transparency and public accountability for the whole of the EU;
Amendment 33 #
2024/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Endorses the conclusions of the Ombudsman’s special report4 to the European Parliament concerning the time the European Commission takes to deal with requests for public access to documents and is worried about the Ombudsman’s assessment that these systemic and significant delays in the Commission’s processing of requests for public access to documents amount to maladministration; underlines how important it is that the Commission dedicate more resources to dealing with confirmatory requests under Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 and calls on the Commission to correct this situation as a matter of priority and to improve its practice of handling confirmatory requests; acknowledges the importance of the timely treatment of access to documents requests by all institutions; reminds the Commission of Parliament’s right to bring action against it before the Court of Justice of the European Union on the grounds of infringement of the Treaties and expects a clear and unequivocal commitment by the new College of Commissioners and the Commission President to remedy this situation; _________________ 4 Special Report of the European Ombudsman in her strategic inquiry concerning the time the European Commission takes to deal with requests for public access to documents (OI/2/2022/OAM).
Amendment 41 #
2024/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is particularly worried that the Ombudsman found maladministration in the Commission’s refusal to provide access, as with all the contracts concluded since 2020 with the pharmaceutical industries, to documents concerning the greenhouse gas emissions of the ceramics industry reported under the EU Emissions Trading System; calls on the Commission to pay particular attention to the overriding public interest and to be more mindful of it when assessing the possibility of disclosing documents concerning emissions into the environment;
Amendment 64 #
2024/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Appreciates the Ombudsman’s commitment to upholding fundamental rights in the EU institutions’ border management activities by launching inquiries into the actions of Frontex and the Commission in this area; notes thatcalls on the Ombudsman to asked for further clarification from the Commission as to how it intends to guarantee respect for humanthe rights in the context of the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding, in an effort to ensure that the EU complies wiof European states to better control their borders in an effort to combat uncontrolled migration flows, the scale of which is undermining the its human rights obligatiodentity, security and prosperity of the EU’s Member States and their citizens;
Amendment 66 #
2024/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. In this context, calls on the Ombudsman also to take into account the human rights and interests of local European citizens. Local residents of the Greek, Spanish, Italian, etc. islands with reception centres are suffering serious safety, health and economic damage due to mass migration. It is also part of the Ombudsman’s mission to protect the interests and human rights of European citizens;
Amendment 73 #
2024/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. WelcomNotes the Commission’s decision to work with local authorities to draw up a fundamental rights impact assessment of EU-funded migration management facilities in Greece, following an own- initiative inquiry by the Ombudsman into how the Commission ensures respect for fundamental rights in these facilities; stresses that local residents also have rights;
Amendment 81 #
2024/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Strongly supports the Ombudsman’s conclusions that the EU’s ethical and anticorruption rules need to be respected and strengthened by the EU institutions and that Parliament’s implementation of reforms in this area must be properly monitored and enforced at all levels, beginning with that of their presidency; urges the Ombudsman to pay close attention to direct and indirect lobbying practices in Parliament that might increase the risk of potential conflicts of interest; invites the Ombudsman, in this context, to suggest improvements to the current Code of Conduct for Members of the European Parliament regarding integrity and transparency;
Amendment 93 #
2024/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the Commission’s changes to its internal guidance on public procurement, positively assessed by the Ombudsman’s inquiry, which strengthen its handling of potential professional conflicts of interest in calls for tender; regrets, however, that no serious clarification has yet been provided as regards the conditions for the award of more than EUR 70 billion worth of public contracts concluded with the pharmaceutical industries since 2020, which will have a long-term financial impact on the finances of the Union and its Member States;
Amendment 94 #
2024/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Encourages the Commission to step up its efforts to increase transparency with regard to the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and supports the Ombudsman’s call on the Commission to improve its handling of requests for public access to RRF-related documents and to continue publishing preliminary assessments of Member States’ payment requests; strongly recommends that the Ombudsman investigate the activities of the Commission in the area of border protection; instead of criticising the Member States and border protection agencies, the Commission should support Member States that are defending their borders and not threaten them or punish them with withdrawal of funding and with fines. The activities of the European Ombudsman should take into account the interests of European citizens;
Amendment 101 #
2024/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Is worried that the Ombudsman identified several transparency concerns in the Commission’s interactions with the tobacco industry, as is still the case with the pharmaceutical industries; notes, however, that the Commission committed to further assessing the exposure of its departments to lobbying by the tobacco industry; reminds the Commission that the EU and all its Member States are signatories to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and that they are therefore obliged, in setting and implementing their public health policies with respect to tobacco control, to take action to protect these policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry;
Amendment 107 #
2024/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Stresses that, although progress has been made within the EU institutions in the implementation of the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the achievement of many accessibility targets is still delayed and insufficiently effective; recommends that the next Ombudsman intervene to examine and accelerate accessibility measures in the European institutions and to examine whether people with disabilities are proportionally represented in the institutions;
Amendment 108 #
2024/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Calls on the Ombudsman to open an inquiry into the case of the European Schools and to examine how children with disabilities could be integrated into that institution, so that their parents can participate in the work of the institutions under equal opportunities;
Amendment 10 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with satisfaction the strongthe collaboration with the Justice and Home Affairs Agencies, notably the conclusion of a new working arrangement with European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the opening of 15 new cases where Eurojust supported European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) as well as the cooperation on 42 cases with European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) including on a pilot project for the systematic and structural exchange of data for link detection purposes;
Amendment 25 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Commends the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights’ (Acknowledges the FRA)’s assistance to policymakers implementing existing EU law and policies in the field of equality and anti-discrimination, such as EU law and policies combating racism and antisemitism, supporting the collection of equality data and the implementation of national Roma strategic frameworks, and providing input for to the mid-term review of the 2020–2025 LGBTIQ equality strategy, the protection of civil society and of human rights defenders at risk, as well as supporting the revision of the victims’ rights directive, and advising on the implementation of the horizontal enabling conditions related to fundamental right for the use of EU fund; emphasizes the importance of addressing all forms of discrimination, including anti-European discrimination, to ensure a balanced approach that reflects the diversity of challenges faced by EU citizens; regrets however that the FRA was not able to elaborate more precisely on the reasons triggering a skyrocketing rise of antisemitism in EU Member States;
Amendment 28 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises FRA’s guidance and engagement in the area of asylum and migration, including cooperatioUrges FRA to enhance transparency and accountability in with the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA) to enhancing the understanding of guardians and legal representatives assisting unaccompanied children seeking international protection within the Union and the training provided to staff of Europol enhancing awareness and understanding of fundamental rights considerations in relevant operational contexts; welcomes FRA’s timely input on the temporary protection directive implementation in the context of refugees fleeing from Ukraine, as well as os reporting mechanisms, ensuring that its activities provide clear and measurable outcomes that directly benefit EU citizens; calls for an indentifying the challenges with regard to the implementation of Union law on long- term residence, and the list of actions the Union and its Member States can take to reduce fatalities at seapendent evaluation of FRA’s added value in areas where its mandate overlaps with other EU agencies or national bodies;
Amendment 39 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes FRA's contribution toQuestions the competence of FRA in the evaluation of the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation (‘the EBCG Regulation’)3 , participation in European Border Coast Agency (Frontex) Management Board meetings and co- chairing the Frontex Consultative Forum on Fundamental Rights, and cooperation with the Fundamental Rights Office at Frontex; _________________ 3 Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 2019 on the European Border and Coast Guard and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1052/2013 and (EU) 2016/1624 (OJ L, 2019/1896, 14.11.2019, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1896/oj ).considering that the agency already has Fundamental Rights monitoring;
Amendment 40 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 47 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with dismay that in 2023, over 1,1 million applications for international protection (+18 % compared to 2022) were submitted, and more than 1 million decisions granting temporary protection were issued in 29 EU+ countries; highlights the substantial support EUAA has provided tostresses the urgent need for the EUAA to assist Member States ion that context;4 _________________ 4 EU+ countries include the Member States of the European Union (EU) as well as Schengen associated countrmeasures to prevent illegal migration and processing returns efficiently, in line with their national policies.;
Amendment 55 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the fact thatQuestions the competence of the EUAA’s first fundamental rights officer (FRO) took office on 16 May 2023; appreciates the concept of a visible and easily accessible complaints mechanism developed by the FRO in consultation with the Commission and the Consultative Forumconsidering that the FRA is already providing expertise to the agency;
Amendment 61 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes with satisfaction that 1 000 training sessions were organised by EUAA, and that there is a constant increase in terms of the number of asylum and reception officials and civil society actors trained (+6 % compared to 2022); welcomes the further development of the European asylum curriculum, with training modules such as the ones addressing gender-based violence and the situation of children in the asylum process in an attempt to offset the constant increase in the unstoppable migratory influx encouraged by the European Commission for almost 10 years now;
Amendment 73 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes the significantWelcomes the increase in returns, with Frontex exceeding its target of 20 000 by assisting 39 239 returns in total, including an impressive 87% increase in voluntary returns and a 20% rise in forced returns compared to 2022; welcomes the enhanced support provided to Member States in post-return and post- arrival assistance, with Frontex exceeding its target of 5 000 cases in the Joint Reintegration System, successfully managing 6 438 cases in 2023notes, however, that the overall return rate in the European Union remained below 30%, indicating that current initiatives remain insufficient in the light of scale of illegal migration flows; emphasizes the need for Frontex to further prioritize and expand its return operations as a central element of its mandate and to work closely with Member States to enhance the effectiveness of return and reintegration programs;
Amendment 82 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Acknowledges the essential role Frontex plays in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, with maritime and aerial assets deployed in joint operations responding to 785 incidents involving 43 508 migrants, underscoring the critical contribution of Frontex to humanitarian efforts; recalls that in line with expectations expressed by many Member States, a sustainable EU border management policy should effectively explore the possibilities for Frontex to disembark rescued migrants in coastal third countries of departure;
Amendment 89 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights the positive progress in implementing Fundamental Rights targets, including the ongoing execuAcknowledges the implementation of the Fundamental Rights Action Plan and the independent evaluation of the Agency’s compliance with the Fundamental Rights Framework, in line with the EBCG Regulation; welcomes the proactive follow-up by Frontex on complaints related to fundamental rights, with the majority being dismissed for non- admissibility; welcomes Frontex's reinforced commitment to transparency and accountabilitynotes, however, that the emphasis on fundamental rights must not divert resources from Frontex’s core operational tasks, particularly its mandate to manage returns effectively; calls for a balanced approach where fundamental rights compliance supports, rather than hinders, the execution of operational priorities;
Amendment 93 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. SupportNotes Frontex’s continued efforts to strengthen its FRO, notincluding the employment of 46 Fundamental Rights Monitors (FRM) in 2023; stresses the importance of ensuring that all FRMs are recruited in AD grade, to further enhance their capacity and independence; recognises that Frontex has taken significant steps in responding to the opinions of the FRO, particularly on issues such as gender mainstreaming and human trafficking, however, that these efforts must not detract from Frontex’s primary mission to safeguard Europe’s borders and increase the efficiency of its return operations; encourages Frontex to develop a clearer division of responsibilities between the FRO and operational units, ensuring that fundamental rights monitoring enhances, rather than impedes, the effectiveness of border management and return operations;
Amendment 119 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission, in light of the challenging migration crisis, to follow up on Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s statement of July 2024 declaring that Frontex is well-positioned to further increase its staff to up to 30 000 agents; underlines that this expansion would significantly enhance Frontex’s capacity to manageaddress migration flows and ensure security at the Union’s external borders, reinforcing its vital role in the Union’s broader migration strategy.
Amendment 124 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes with regret that the training activities in the area of fundamental rights and data protection decreased in 2023 (when 19 activities were implemented with 2063 participants) in comparison to 2022 (30 activities with 4 014 participants); underlines that the core objective of CEPOL is to support, develop, implement and coordinate training for law enforcement officials, while putting particular emphasis on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the context of law enforcement; acknowledges at the same time that the total number of participants increased to 46 431.
Amendment 152 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Further acknowledges the Commission's efforts towards a stronger and more secure Europe, as outlined by President Ursula von der Leyen in her statement of 2024; cCalls on the Commission to double Europol's staff and recognise Europol’s central role in ensuring security across the Union and its capacity to respond to emerging threats; further underlines that this expansion will further enhance Europol's ability to support Member States in combating serious and organised crime, both online and offline, thereby contributing to a safer and more secure Europe for all.
Amendment 10 #
2024/2029(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the increase in appropriations for the EPPO’s budget in 2023, amounting to EUR 64,6 million in total, which allowed for an 11 % increase in staff in that year; acknowledgeregrets that the acceleration of the disbursement of NextGenerationEU funding and the increase in the EPPO’s membership are projected to put further strain on the EPPO’s resources; underline instead of acknowledging the EC's responsibility for the negligent management of NextGenerationEU; questions the importance of additional funding for the EPPO’s budget in order for it to have the necessary means to carry out its tasks;
Amendment 16 #
2024/2029(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Acknowledges the importance of taking a holistic approach to combating white-collar crime, such as fraud and corruption, and more conventional types of crime, such as drug trafficking and human trafficking, as they are often linked; recalls the fact that, in its upcoming evaluation report, the Commission should carefully analyse whether and to which categories of crimes the EPPO’s mandate needs to be extended in order for it to be best equipped to fulfil its role; regrets that this is being done to the detriment of, and instead of, strengthening controls and criteria for the allocation of funds by the EC;
Amendment 20 #
2024/2029(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises the importantcomplementary role of the EPPO in the Union approach to combating corruption and the misuse of Union funds; expresses its satisfactionnotes that 24 Member States participate in the EPPO and encourages the remaining Member States to do so as well; calls on the Commission to continue engaging in an active dialogue with non-participating Member States to effectively facilitate the EPPO in carrying out its tasks; emphasises the fact that such a dialogue could also be of value to Member States that already participate in the EPPO as regards tackling difficulties in fighting rule of law violations and corruptio; underlines the importance of letting Member States decide whether or not to join;
Amendment 2 #
2024/2028(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the 2023 operating budget of the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) amounted to EUR 22 711 559 and compared to the 2022 final budget, is concerned that the operating budget increased by 12 %; welcomes that, in 2023, the implementation rate of the commitment appropriations by the EDPS was 96 %;
Amendment 13 #
2024/2028(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Expresses concern about the significant increase in EDPS staff mission costs, from EUR 28 789 in 2021 and EUR 176 903 in 2022, to EUR 284 580 in 2023; calls on the EDPS to assess whether the resources spent on missions are being used appropriately and effectively; notesexpresses deep concern that the EDPS ceased making public the number of missions funded by organisers, as well as information on which unit or sector participated in each mission, thus reducing transparency regarding mission expenses; calls on the EDPS to, even though transparency is the cornerstone of its mission; calls on the EDPS to retroactively and sustainably reinstate this practice.
Amendment 1 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. WelcomNotes the progress in the implementation of Member States' national programmes in 2023; notes with concern that, despite the requirement to spend all funds for the programming period 2014- 2020 by June 2024, 18% of AMIF funds and 25% of ISF funds allocated to Member States for that period remain undeclared; is concerned about the improper use of some funds, and calls on the Commission to account for them;
Amendment 9 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. WelcomStrongly opposes the Commission’s timely proposal to increase the ceilings of Headings 4 and 6 as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework mid- term revision with a view to ensuring sufficient funding for the implementation of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum; stresses the need to ensure adequate and timely Union funding for Member States and Union agencies to facilitate the smooth implementation of Union law in the areas of asylum and migration; calls on the Commission to monitor and assist in the timely progress of the administrative, operational and legal steps required by Member States and Union agencies for the full implementation of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum by Summer 2026; reiterates that the New Pact on Migration and Asylum will only exacerbate migration flows into Europe; calls instead for a redirection of resources toward stricter border controls, effective returns, and measures to address root causes of migration in cooperation with third countries;
Amendment 18 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes with concern that the number of migrants arriving irregularly in the Union increased again in 2023 as compared to previous years; further notes the Commisshighlights that Search and Rescue (SAR) operation’s ongoing efforts to assist Member States in addressing irregular arrivals and in successfully integin the Mediterranean, while vital for saving lives, may act as a pull factor encouratging legally residing third-country nationals; recalls that, while the Commission should continue to take action on migration andfurther dangerous crossings; stresses that the current framework, which combines the right to asylum within the framework of external action, the functioning of the ‘Team Europe’ approach must be clarified while safeguarding the role of Parliament; calls on the Commission to increase the transparency and accountability of the programming and implementation of the Union home affairs funds right to residence in Europe, incentivizes perilous journeys, leading to increased deaths at sea; warns that the New Migration Pact, by facilitating pathways to Europe, risks exacerbating third countries; renews its call on the Commission to support the Union agencies and the Member States in coordinating effective search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterranean,ese trends, resulting in more dangerous crossings, higher mortality rates, and a rise in illegal migration; calls for a thorough reassessment of the Pact to ensuringe that such actions are carried out in accordance with international and Union lawit does not unintentionally encourage irregular migration or undermine Member States’ control over their borders;
Amendment 22 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Acknowledges the Commission’s continuous monitoring of rule of law benchmarks through the rule of law toolbox, including the annual rule of law report, while remaining concerned that, by adopting an overly diplomatic approach and failing to distinguish between individual and systemic issues, the annual rule of law report risks trivialising some of the most serious breaches of the rule of law; repolitical and arbiterates its regret and serious concern with respect to the lawfulness of the Commission’s decision concluding that, in Hungary, the horizontal enabling condition of the Charter had been fulfilled in relation to judicial independence which decision enabled the Hungarian authorities to start claiming reimbursements of up to approximately EUR 10,2 billion from Union funds; calls on the Commission to take steps towards the full implementation of Parliament’s recommendations on the establishment of an EU mechanism for democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, contained in its resolution of 25 October 20161 , and to ensure that assessments of rule of law benchmarks are more precise and qualitative than is presently the case, relying not only on legislative changes, but also on real and independent evidence of their implementation in practice; _________________ 1 European Parliament resolution of 25 October 2016 with recommendations to the Commission on the establishment of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights (2015/2254(INL)) (OJ C 215, 19.6.2018, p. 162).ry monitoring of rule of law benchmarks through the rule of law toolbox;
Amendment 32 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates its great concern over the persistent delays in the Commission’s procedures for granting access to documents; urges the Commission to address these deficiencies promptly, in line with Parliament’s recommendations, and to apply first and foremost the rules of transparency it imposes on others entities;
Amendment 6 #
2024/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) The specifications of ICAO Document 9303, which ensure global interoperability including in relation to machine readability and use of visual inspection, should be taken into accounthe benchmark for the purpose of this Regulation.
Amendment 7 #
2024/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) Member States should be able to decide whether to include a person’s gendersex on a document covered by this Regulation. Where a Member State includes a person’s gender on such a document, the specifications of ICAO Document 9303 ‘F’, ‘M’ or ‘X’ or the corresponding single initial used in the language or languages of that Member Stat, according to the specifications of ICAO Document 9303. Displaying the holder's sex enables documents to be used more effectively to identify the should be used, as appropriater.
Amendment 11 #
2024/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) Where difficulties are encountered in the collection of biometric identifiers, Member States should ensure that appropriate procedures are in place to respect the dignity of the person concerned. Therefore, specific considerations relating to gender and to the specific needs of children and of vulnerable persons should be taken into account.
Amendment 13 #
2024/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) A distinguishing sign in the form of the two-letter country code of the Member State issuing the document, printed in negative in a blue rectangle and encircled by 12 yellow stars, facilitates the visual inspection of the document, in particular when the holder is exercising the right of free movement.
Amendment 16 #
2024/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 20 #
2024/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 4
Article 3 – paragraph 4
4. The identity card shall contain, on the front side, the two-letter country code of the Member State issuing the card, printed in negative in a blue rectangle and encircled by 12 yellow stars.
Amendment 23 #
2024/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(e a) sex of the holder
Amendment 24 #
2024/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point h
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point h
(h) on the front-side, the two-letter country code of the Member State issuing the document, printed in negative in a blue rectangle and encircled by twelve yellow stars.
Amendment 37 #
2024/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 52 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children, including child sexual abuse material , are barbaric acts that cause huge suffering to victims. They shock and outrage society by targeting the most innocent and vulnerable in its midst, who represent its future. From a legal perspective, they constitute serious violations of fundamental rights, in particular of the rights of children to the protection and care necessary for their well-being, as provided for by the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union2. _________________ 2 OJ C 364, 18.12.2000, p. 1.
Amendment 66 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Research has shown that limiting the dissemination of child sexual abuse material is not only crucial to avoid the re- victimisation linked to the circulation of images and videos of the abuse but is also essential as a form of offender-side prevention, as accessing child sexual abuse material is often the first step towards hands-on abuse, regardless of whether it depicts real or simply realistic abuse and exploitation. The ongoing development of artificial intelligence applications capable of creating realistic images that are indistinguishable from real images, the number of so-called ‘deep-fake’ images and videos depicting child sexual abuse is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. The term 'realistic' should thus be used for images that, due to their sophistication or resemblance to real persons, blur the boundaries between real and fictitious situations. In addition, the development of augmented, extended and virtual reality settings making use of avatars including sensory feedback, e.g. through devices providing a perception of touch are not fully covered by the existing definition. The inclusion of an explicit reference to ‘reproductions and representations’ should ensure that the definition of child sexual abuse material covers these and future technological developments in a sufficiently technology- neutral and hence future-proof way.
Amendment 79 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Disability, by itself, does not automatically constitute an impossibility to consent to sexual relations. However, the abuse of the existence of such a disability in order to engage in sexual activities with a child should be criminalisedregarded as an aggravating circumstance of the offence itself.
Amendment 84 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
(15a) In order to respect Member States' freedom in criminal matters, this directive should not directly stipulate the level of penalties applicable to each offence, but should simply establish the minimum thresholds for these penalties. Member States may thus decide to set identical or higher upper limits for penalties, and lower, identical or higher lower limits for penalties.
Amendment 89 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) In the context of child sexual abuse material , the term 'not be considered to be committed without right’ allows Member States to provide a defence in respect of conduct relating to material that could constitute child sexual abuse material having, for example, a medical, scientific or similar purpose. It also allows activities carried out under domestic legal powers, such as the legitimate possession of child sexual abuse material by the authorities in order to conduct criminal proceedings or to prevent, detect or investigate crime , or activities carried out by organisations acting in the public interest against child sexual abuse, when these organisations have been authorised by the competent authorities of the Member State in which they are established. These activities include, in particular, the reception, analysis and creation of reports of suspected child sexual abuse material, including the determination of the location where the material referred to in the reports is hosted, submitted to them by online users or other organisations acting in the public interest against child sexual abuse, as well as carrying out searches to detect the dissemination of child sexual abuse material . Furthermore, the term ‘without right’ does not exclude legal defences or similar relevant principles that relieve a person of responsibility under specific circumstances. .
Amendment 94 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) Solicitation of children for sexual purposes is a threat with specific characteristics in the context of the Internet, as the latter provides unprecedented anonymity to users because they are able to conceal their real identity and personal characteristics, such as their age. In the last decade, the use of information and communication technologies has provided offenders with increasingly easy access to children, where the contact often starts with the offender luring the child, for example by pretending to be a peer or with other deceitful or flattering conduct, into compromising situations. This increased access to children has led to the rapid growth of phenomena such as ‘sextortion’ (i.e. the conduct of threatening to share intimate material depicting the victim to obtain money, child sexual abuse material or any other benefit), affecting children both below and above the age of sexual consent. There has been a surge in recent years of financially motivated sextortion by organised crime groups that target in particular teenage boys, which have led to multiple cases of those children taking their lives. It is therefore essential that all these phenomena are appropriately covered in Member States’s law. At the same time, Member States acknowledge the importance of also combating the solicitation of a child outside the context of the Internet, in particular where such solicitation is not carried out by using information and communication technology. Member States are encouraged to criminalise the conduct where the solicitation of a child to meet the offender for sexual purposes takes place in the presence or proximity of the child to the extent that it affects them physically, for instance in the form of a particular preparatory offence, attempt to commit the offences referred to in this Directive or as a particular form of sexual abuse. Whichever legal solution is chosen to criminalise ‘off- line grooming’, Member States should ensure that they prosecute the perpetrators of such offences.
Amendment 104 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) This Directive does not govern Member States’ policies with regard to consensual sexual activities in which children may be involved and which can be regarded as the normal discovery of sexuality in the course of human development, taking account of the different cultural and legal traditions and of new forms of establishing and maintaining relations among children and adolescents, including through information and communication technologies. Member States which avail themselves of the possibilities referred to in this Directive do so in the exercise of their competences. More particularly, Member States should be able to exempt from criminalisation consensual sexual activities involving exclusively children above the age of sexual consent, as well as consensual sexual activities involving peers. The amendments to that Article are intended to clarify the scope of the derogation, in light of the fact that some Member States appear to have interpreted its original wording too broadly (e.g. by exempting from criminalisation consensual activities between minors above the age of consent and adults of any age, considered to be ‘peers’ despite a significant age difference). To this end, the age difference between peers above the age of sexual consent should be limited to 3 years.
Amendment 110 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) Victims of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children are often unable to report the crime for several decades after its commission due to the shame, guilt and self-blame, which can be related, among others, to the social and cultural stigma that still surround sexual abuse, the secrecy in which the abuse takes place, threatening or blaming conduct by the perpetrator, and/or trauma. Perpetrators of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children, unlike perpetrators of other violent crimes, tend to remain active until old age, continuing to pose a threat to children. In light of this, effective investigation and prosecution of offences involving sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children, as well as appropriate victims’ assistance and support, can only be provided if statutes of limitations allow victims to report the crime for a significantly extended period of time, without prejudice to Member States' ability to establish an even longer statute of limitations.
Amendment 114 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) Effective investigatory tools should be made available to those responsible for the investigation and prosecutions of the offences referred to in this Directive. Those tools could include interception of communications, covert surveillance including electronic surveillance, monitoring of bank accounts or other financial investigations, taking into account, inter alia, the principle of proportionality and the nature and seriousness of the offences under investigation. In accordance with national law, such tools should also include the possibility for law enforcement authorities to use a concealed identity on the Internet and to distribute, under judicial supervision, child sexual abuse material. Requiring Member States to enable the use of these investigative techniques is essential to ensure the effective investigation and prosecution of offences involving sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children. As those are, in most cases, facilitated or enabled by online tools and are therefore intrinsically cross- border, undercover operations and the use of so-called ‘honeypots’ have proven to be particularly effective investigative tools in relation to child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation offences. It is essential, however, to ensure that the authorities responsible for investigating and prosecuting these offences do not, in this context, engage in actions that would themselves be offences, such as incitement, abetting or providing instructions explaining how to make contact with children, or conduct that could alter the material and intentional aspects of the offence, and thus risk jeopardising the outcome of prosecutions. To ensure effective investigation and prosecution, Member States’ competent authorities should also cooperate through and with Europol and Eurojust, within their respective competences and in accordance with the applicable legal framework. These competent authorities should also share information among each other and with the Commission on issues encountered in investigations and prosecutions.
Amendment 133 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) The EU Centre to prevent and combat child sexual abuse (‘EU Centre’), established by Regulation […/…/EU laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse]16, should support Member States’ prevention and assistance to victims’ efforts and obligations under this Directive. It should facilitate the exchange of best practices in the Union and beyond. The EU Centre should encourage dialogue between all relevant stakeholders to help the development of state-of-the-art prevention programmes. Moreover, by cooperating with Member States and contributing to the standardisation of data collection concerning child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation throughout the Union, the EU Centre should be an asset in supporting evidence-based policy on both prevention and assistance to victims. As it is established and governed by the regulation laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse, its activities and missions should be governed by the regulation alone. However, this directive should refer to it as often as necessary in order to ensure coordination between the two legal texts. Member States should establish national authorities or equivalent entities as they consider most appropriate according to their internal organisation, taking into account the need for a minimal structure with identified tasks, capable of carrying out assessments of trends in child sexual abuse, of gathering statistics, of measuring the results of actions to prevent and combat child sexual abuse, and of regularly reporting on such trends, statistics and results. Such national authorities should serve as a national contact point and should take an integrative multistakeholder approach in their work. In addition, Member States should establish the necessary mechanisms at national level to ensure effective coordination and cooperation in the development and implementation of measures to prevent and combat child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation, both online and offline, among all relevant public and private actors, as well as facilitate cooperation with the EU Centre and the Commission. _________________ 16 COM (2022) 209 of 11.5.2022.
Amendment 146 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 54
Recital 54
(54) Member States should take the necessary measures to create mechanisms for data collection at the national, local or regional levels and in collaboration with civil society, for the purpose of observing and evaluating the phenomenon of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children , building also on the broader data collection obligations set in the Directive […/…] [Victims rights Directive, Recast], and Regulation (EU) [Regulation to prevent and combat child sexual abuse] . In order to be able to properly evaluate the results of actions to combat sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material , the Union should continue to develop its work on methodologies and data collection methods to produce comparable statistics that take into account, in particular, the different limits for defining criminal offences, and carry out research into the scope of a consistent definition (perpetrator and victims of specific ages or with a specific age gap) versus a variable definition (identical legal classification despite different age limits). The EU Centre, as a central knowledge hub on child sexual abuse in the Union, should play a key role in this respect.
Amendment 147 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 56
Recital 56
(56) Child sexual abuse material is a specific type of content which cannot be construed as the expression of an opinionby its very nature does not fall within the scope of ideas or opinions whose communication and expression are protected. To combat it, it is necessary to reduce the circulation of child sexual abuse material by making it more difficult for offenders to upload such content onto the publicly accessible web. Action is therefore necessary to remove the content and apprehend those guilty of making, distributing or downloading child sexual abuse material . With a view to supporting the Union’s efforts to combat child sexual abuse material , Member States should use their best endeavours to cooperate with third countries in seeking to secure the removal of such content from servers within their territory.
Amendment 149 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 58
Recital 58
Amendment 197 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
(3a) 'realistic images' means any image whose sophistication or resemblance to real persons could lead one to believe that it is authentic;
Amendment 220 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8
(8) ‘'peers’' means persons who have an age difference of no more than 3 years and who are close in age and degree of psychological and physical development or maturity.
Amendment 232 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the intentional conduct referred to in paragraphs 2 to 8 is punishable.
Amendment 245 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 4
Article 3 – paragraph 4
4. Engaging in sexual activities with a child who has not reached the age of sexual consent or causing the child to engage in sexual activities involving just the child or with another person shall be punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 8 years.
Amendment 268 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 6
Article 3 – paragraph 6
6. Coercing, forcing or threatening a child into sexual activities on their own or with a third party shall be punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 12 years if the child has not reached the age of sexual consent, and of at least 7 years of imprisonment if the child is over that age.
Amendment 283 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 8
Article 3 – paragraph 8
8. Where the child is above the age of sexual consent and does not consent to the actthe act is committed through violence, coercion, threat or surprise, the conduct referred to in paragraph 7 shall be punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 102 years.
Amendment 288 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 8 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Engaging in the intentional conduct referred to in paragraphs 7 and 8, where: (a) abuse is made of a recognised position of trust, authority or influence over the child, shall be punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 15 years;or (b) abuse is made of a particularly vulnerable situation of the child, in particular because of a mental or physical disability or a situation of dependence, shall be punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 15 years;or (c) use is made of coercion, force or threats, shall be punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 15 years.
Amendment 289 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 9
Article 3 – paragraph 9
Amendment 345 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. Knowingly and habitually obtaining access, by means of information and communication technology, to child sexual abuse material shall be punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 1 year.
Amendment 365 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 8 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 8 – introductory part
8. Member States shall ensure that authorisations for an organisation acting in the public interest against child sexual abuse referred to in paragraph 7 allowre limited to some or all of the following activities to:
Amendment 373 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 8 – point d
Article 5 – paragraph 8 – point d
d. carry out searches onfind out about publicly accessible child sexual abuse material on hosting services to detect the dissemination of child sexual abuse material, by carrying out searches, using the reports of suspected child sexual abuse material referred to in letter (a) or on a request of a victim.
Amendment 380 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the following intentional conduct committed by an adult or by a peer is punishable as follows :
Amendment 389 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) proposing , by means of information and communication technology, to meet a child either online or in person , for the purpose of committing any of the offences referred to in Article 3(4) , (5), (6) and (7) andor Article 5(6), where that proposal was followed by material acts leading to such a meeting, shall be punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 1 year;
Amendment 440 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 5
Article 10 – paragraph 5
Amendment 454 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 6
Article 10 – paragraph 6
6. CFor the purpose of paragraphs 1 to 4, consensual sharing of one’s intimate images or videos cannot be interpreted as consent to any further sharing or dissemination of that same image or video.
Amendment 536 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 4
Article 17 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall exempt professionals working in the health care sectorsersons working in the context of programmes dedicated to persons who have been convicted of a criminal offence punishable under this Directive or persons who fear that they might commit any of the offences punishable under this Directive from the reporting obligation provided for in paragraph 3.
Amendment 553 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 3
Article 18 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that, with due regard to the fact that reporting an act which may constitute a criminal offence and participating in a criminal proceeding under this Directive does not create any rights regarding the residence status of the victim, or have any suspensive effect when determining their residence status, the competent authorities coming in contact with victims reporting child sexual abuse offences or sexual exploitation offences are prohibited from transferring personal data pertaining to the residence status of the victim to competent migration authorities, at least until completion of the first individual assessment of the victims’ protection needs conducted in accordance with Article 22 of Directive 2012/29/EU.
Amendment 579 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 21 – paragraph 2
Article 21 – paragraph 2
2. Victims shall bMember States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that victims are provided with coordinated, age- appropriate medical care, emotional, psychosocial, psychological and educational support, as well as any other appropriate support tailored in particular to situations of sexual abuse.
Amendment 585 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 21 – paragraph 3
Article 21 – paragraph 3
3. WMember States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that, where it is necessary to provide for interim accommodation, children shallare, as a priority, be placed with other family members, where necessary in temporary or permanent housing, equipped with support services.
Amendment 591 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 21 – paragraph 4
Article 21 – paragraph 4
4. VMember States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that victims of offences punishable under this Directive shall have access to the referral centres established under Article 28 of Directive […/…/EU Proposed violence against women Directive]26. _________________ 26 COM(2022) 105 of 08.03.2022.
Amendment 638 #
Amendment 643 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 23 – paragraph 1
Article 23 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that victims of offences referred to in Articles 3 to 9 of this Directive have athe right to claim compensation for any damage suffered. Member States shall ensure that compensation can be requested from perpetrators of any of the offences referred to in Articles 3 to 9 from legal persons liable for such offences under Articles 13 and 14 and, where appropriate, from national compensation schemes established for the benefits of victims of crime.
Amendment 660 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 24 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
These national authorities may be the authorities established under Article 25 of Regulation (EU) ..../.... [laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse].
Amendment 664 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 25 – paragraph 1
Article 25 – paragraph 1
Amendment 679 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 28 – paragraph 1
Article 28 – paragraph 1
1. TMember States shall take appropriate measures to discourage and reduce the demand that fosters all forms of sexual exploitation of children, Member States shall take appropriate measures, such as. These measures may involve education and training, information and awareness raising campaigns on the lifelong consequences of child sexual abuse and exploitation, its illegal nature, and the possibility for persons who fear that they might commit related offences to have access to dedicated and effective intervention programmes or measures .
Amendment 690 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Member States shall take appropriate measures to enhance the prevention of child sexual abuse in community settings, including schools, hospitals, social care services, sports clubs or religious communities, with strict regard, in the latter case, for the specific nature of their activity and the national legislation applicable to religious practice.
Amendment 694 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Member States shall take appropriate measures to enhance the prevention of child sexual abuse in community settings, including schools, hospitals, social care services, or sports clubs or religious communities.
Amendment 705 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 28 – paragraph 5
Article 28 – paragraph 5
Amendment 723 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 29 – paragraph 5 – point c
Article 29 – paragraph 5 – point c
(c) may refuse and, in the case of convicted persons, are made aware of the possible consequences of such a refusal, those consequences being regulated by the Member States in order to ensure that the consent given complies with Article 7 of the General Data Protection Regulation39 a. _________________ 39 a Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation).
Amendment 730 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 30 – paragraph 1
Article 30 – paragraph 1
1. Pursuant to the conditions laid down in Regulation (EU) ..../.... [laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse], Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure the prompt removal of web pages containing or disseminating child sexual abuse material hosted in their territory and to endeavour to obtain the removal of such pages hosted outside of their territory.
Amendment 737 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 30 – paragraph 2
Article 30 – paragraph 2
2. Pursuant to the conditions laid down in Regulation (EU) ..../.... [laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse], Member States may take measures to block access to web pages containing or disseminating child sexual abuse material towards the Internet users within their territory. These measures must be set by transparent procedures and provide adequate safeguards, in particular to ensure that the restriction is limited to what is necessary and proportionate, and that users are informed of the reason for the restriction. Those safeguards shall also include the possibility of judicial redress.
Amendment 744 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 31 – paragraph 5
Article 31 – paragraph 5
5. The EU Centre shall support Member StatesMember States shall receive support from the EU Centre in the data gathering referred to in paragraph 2, including by promoting the development of common voluntary standards on counting units, counting rules, common disaggregations, constant or variable disaggregation, reporting formats, and on the classification of criminal offences.
Amendment 745 #
2024/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 31 – paragraph 6
Article 31 – paragraph 6
6. Member States shall transmit the statistics to the EU Centre and the Commission (Eurostat) and make the collected statistics available to the public on an annual basis. The EU Centre shall compile the statistics and make them publicly available. The statistics shall not contain personal data.