Activities of Raquel GARCÍA HERMIDA-VAN DER WALLE
Plenary speeches (18)
Need to prevent security threats like the Solingen attack through addressing illegal migration and effective return (debate)
The Hungarian “National Card” scheme and its consequences for Schengen and the area of freedom, security and justice (debate)
The case of José Daniel Ferrer García in Cuba
The case of José Daniel Ferrer García in Cuba
The reintroduction of internal border controls in a number of Member States and its impact on the Schengen Area (debate)
Strengthening the security of Europe’s external borders: need for a comprehensive approach and enhanced Frontex support (debate)
Strengthening the security of Europe’s external borders: need for a comprehensive approach and enhanced Frontex support (debate)
Findings of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on Poland's abortion law (debate)
Findings of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on Poland's abortion law (debate)
Findings of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on Poland's abortion law (debate)
The important role of cities and regions in the EU – for a green, social and prosperous local development (debate)
Fight against money laundering and terrorist financing: listing Russia as a high-risk third country in the EU (debate)
Recent legislation targeting LGBTQI persons and the need for protecting the rule of law and a discrimination-free Union (debate)
Recent legislation targeting LGBTQI persons and the need for protecting the rule of law and a discrimination-free Union (debate)
Need to ensure swift action and transparency on corruption allegations in the public sector to protect democratic integrity (debate)
Need to update the European strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities (debate)
Recommendation to the Council on the EU priorities for the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women - EU priorities for the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (joint debate - EU priorities for the upcoming session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women)
Recommendation to the Council on the EU priorities for the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women - EU priorities for the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (joint debate - EU priorities for the upcoming session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women)
Shadow opinions (1)
Opinion on General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025 – all sections
Institutional motions (4)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the case of José Daniel Ferrer García in Cuba
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of José Daniel Ferrer García in Cuba
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Iraq, notably the situation of women’s rights and the recent proposal to amend the Personal Status Law
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Iraq, notably the situation of women’s rights and the recent proposal to amend the Personal Status Law
Oral questions (1)
The Commission’s plans to include the revision of the outstanding proposals on animal welfare in its work plan for 2025
Written questions (13)
Follow-up to the Minority SafePack initiative
Request by the Netherlands Government for an opt-out from EU asylum and migration rules
Human rights violations by EU-funded forces in Tunisia
Use of Pegasus and other types of spyware in Slovakia
The role of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in EU border and migration policy
Netherlands Government plan to return asylum seekers who have exhausted all legal remedies to Uganda
EU funds used to deport asylum seekers and refugees from Türkiye to unsafe countries
Draft national implementation plans for the New Pact on Migration and Asylum
Reintroduction of border controls by the Netherands Government
Access to OLAF report on fraud committed with EU money in Cyprus
The Syrian civil war and plans in the EU to return Syrian refugees
Spanish law on registration of tourist details
The role of local and regional authorities in implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum
Amendments (65)
Amendment 29 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas sexual and reproductive rights (SRR) are protected as human rights in international and European human rights law such as in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, CEDAW and the European Convention on Human Rights, and constitute an essential element of comprehensive healthcare provision; whereas health rights, in particular sexual and reproductive health rights, are fundamental women’s rights which should be enhanced and cannot in any way be watered down or withdrawn; whereas the realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) is an essential element of human dignity and is intrinsically linked to combating gender-based violence and the achievement of a wide range of other human rights such as a person’s right to life, health, privacy, security of the person, non-discrimination, equality before the law and freedom from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;
Amendment 104 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Condemns any action or attempt to legalise, instigate, authorise, consent or acquiesce to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment methods under any circumstances; emphasizes in this context that preventing conflict refugees who are victims of sexual violence from accessing abortion care constitutes a grave violation of their human rights and amounts to torture and inhuman or degrading treatment; condemns the increasing reports of the use of torture by state actors in conflict situations around the world, and reiterates the non-derogable nature of the right to be free from torture or other forms of inhuman or degrading treatment;
Amendment 127 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Stresses that women’s rights and gender equality are indispensable and indivisible human rights, as well as a basis for the rule of law and inclusive resilient democracies; deplores the fact that millions of women and girls continue to experience discrimination and violence, especially in the context of conflicts, and are denied their dignity, autonomy, voice, agency and even life; calls for the EU, its Member States and like- minded partners to step up their efforts to ensure the full enjoyment and protection of women’s and girls’ human rights; condemns in the strongest terms the increasing attacks on sexual and reproductive health and rights around the world, as well as gender-based violence; welcomes the accession of the EU to the Istanbul Convention and calls on the Member States and members of the Council of Europe that have not done so, to ratify the Convention; emphasizes the need for its full and swift implementation; calls for the EU and its international partners to strengthen their efforts to spread the standards of the Istanbul Convention across the globe and ensure that women fully enjoy human rights and are treated equally to men; stresses the need to pursue efforts to fully eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation, child and forced marriage;
Amendment 136 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Stresses that SRHR education and information is one of the main instruments for achieving the commitments on the 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD25); emphasises that SRHR education and information can significantly contribute to reducing gender-based violence and sexual harassment; stresses that comprehensive and age-appropriate sexual and relationship education and sexuality information is key to building children’s and young peoples’ skills to form healthy, equal and safe relationships, notably by addressing gender norms, gender equality, power dynamics in relationships, consent and respect for boundaries, and contributes to achieving gender equality; calls for the EU and its international partners to pursue efforts to ensure access to age- appropriate and comprehensive SRHR education and information to girls and boys around the world;
Amendment 139 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 c (new)
Paragraph 27 c (new)
27c. Notes that sexual and reproductive health and rights are fundamental to the well-being and empowerment of all individuals, yet they have traditionally been seen as women’s issues; point out that this limited perspective undermines progress and perpetuates gender inequalities; calls on the EU and Member States to develop strategies aimed at engaging men as active allies in promoting SRHR, challenging harmful gender norms, promoting shared responsibility in family planning and supporting women’s rights and well- being;
Amendment 140 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 d (new)
Paragraph 27 d (new)
27d. Points out that equal pay is a recognized human right; recalls that ensuring that the work done by women and men is valued fairly and ending pay discrimination, is essential to achieving gender equality; calls on the Member States to swiftly implement the Pay Transparency Directive and to promote the principle of equal pay for equal work at international level;
Amendment 148 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Expresses concerns over the rise of anti-gender movements in Europe and beyond; emphasizes the need to uncover and understand the mechanisms by which these groups organize, fundraise, mobilize, and exert influence across borders and globally; calls on the EU to commit to increased and sustained funding for women´s rights movements, including in the framework of the post- 2027 Gender Action Plan;
Amendment 153 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Denounces the erosion of the human rights and the safety of refugees, asylum seekers and forcibly displaced persons; reaffirms their inalienable human rights and fundamental right to seek asylum; recalls the obligation of states to protect them in accordance with international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to effectively uphold their rights in the EU’s asylum and migration policy and in the EU’s cooperation with partner countries in this regard; stresses that the EU should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue and, where possible, step up their support for countries hosting the most refugees, as well as for transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with non-EU countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses, in this regard, that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling are crucial; calls for EU- funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and women and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the EU and welcomes, in this regard, the Commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the EU10 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries; _________________ 10 Commission communication of 27 April 2022 on attracting skills and talent to the EU (COM(2022)0657).
Amendment 161 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Deplores the human rights violations, including discrimination, persecution, violence and killings, against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) persons around the world; is extremely concerned by the spreading of hatred and anti- LGBTIQ+ narratives and legislation that target LGBTIQ+ persons and HRDs both in and outside the EU; reiterates its calls for the full implementation of the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 as the EU’s tool for improving the situation of LGBTIQ+ people around the world;
Amendment 171 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Reiterates its condemnation of all forms of racism, intolerance, xenophobia and discrimination on the basis of racesex, race, colour, ethnicity, nationality, social class, disability, caste, religion, belieforigin, genetic features, language, disability, religion, belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, age, sexual orientation or gender identity; condemns the growing international threat of hate speech, including online; reiterates the crucial role of education and dialogue in promoting tolerance, understanding and diversity; calls for the EU and its Member States to lead the global fight against all forms of extremism and welcomes the adoption of an EU strategy to this end;
Amendment 193 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Is concerned by the threat that artificial intelligence (AI) can pose to democracy and human rights, especially if it is not duly regulated; points out the risk of perpetuating gender inequalities and biases present in our societies through AI, if no adequate action is taken; in this context, calls on the EU, Member States and international partners to intensify global efforts aimed at enabling and increasing girls’ and women’s access to and leadership in STEM and ICT education and careers; emphasizes that gender equality needs to be a priority in the process of conceptualising and building AI systems; welcomes the Council conclusions on Digital Diplomacy of 26 June 2023 to strengthen the EU’s role and leadership in global digital governance, in particular its position as a shaper of the global digital rulebook; welcomes, in this regard, the adoption of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act which aims to harmonise the rules on AI for protecting human rights, and the advantages that AI can bring to human wellbeing; notes with concern the adverse effects of the ‘fake content industry’ on the right to information and press freedom, including the rapid development of AI and the subsequent empowerment of the disinformation industry12 ; _________________ 12 Reporters Without Borders, ‘2023 World Press Freedom Index – journalism threatened by fake content industry’ https://rsf.org/en/2023-world-press- freedom-index-journalism-threatened-fake- content-industry.
Amendment 6 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) supports, complements and adds value to the policies of the Member States in order to ensure equal opportunities, equal access to the labour market, fair and high-quality working conditions, social cohesion, protection and inclusion and to develop a skilled and resilient workforce across all regions that is prepared for the green and digital transition; Whereas the ESF+ is and shall continue to be a key pillar of the Cohesion Policy;
Amendment 14 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the ESF+ is the only EU structural and investment fund primarily focused on social policies, and is therefore unique in itself and is strongly effective in achieving social inclusion, together with the cohesion policyensuring that cohesion policy contributes to social inclusion, convergence, and fairness;
Amendment 79 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that a differentthe ESF+ governance wshould lead to the loss of priority given to social aspects, including employment and social inclusion projects, and to the funding not reaching local levels and those most in need, while increasing the risk of reallocation of funds for other purposesbe streamlined to facilitate access by regions and by local authorities to structural funds, with a view to boost tailor-made and place-based investment favouring employment and social inclusion projects, affordable housing and future-proof training of the European workforce;
Amendment 88 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the participation of social partners, civil society organisations (CSOs) and representatives of theregional and local authorities and target groups in allthe design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation stages of the ESF+, to allocate adequate funding for this purpose and to prevent the exclusion of smaller actors;
Amendment 98 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines that the ESF+ post-2027 should invest in tackling enduring social challenges and stay close to the general and specific objectives set out in the current ESF+; emphasises the importance of the fund’s principles of shared management, partnership, multilevel governance, place- based approach, clear objectives and thematic concentrations, and that most of the fund should be spent as close as possible to those using the fund;
Amendment 103 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that the ESF+, and more broadly the Cohesion Policy funds, should focus on long-term investments in European regions and should not be regularly used to respond to emergencies or crises; insists that a social rescue facility capable of reacting to social emergencies and crisis situations should supplement the ESF+; calls on the Commission to build on the success of the temporary EU instrument launched in 2020, entitled ‘Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE)’, in fighting temporary unemployment, and to put forward an EU unemployment reinsurance scheme without further delay;
Amendment 115 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Insists that the ESF+ should targetreach all regions but concentrate on the most disadvantaged territories and people in our societies, regardless of their sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief, or racial or ethnic origin – in particular marginalised communities such as Roma people, people with disabilities or chronic diseases, homeless people, children and elderly people; underlines that the ESF+ must be inclusive, with special attention given to all kinds of families, including single-parent families, families with more than two parents and rainbow families;
Amendment 164 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Underlines the importance of the ESF+ in focusing on different groups and regions with different needs; stresses, therefore, the importance of allocating support to projects on the socio-economic position of migrants, including labour migrants, the social inclusion of people with disabilities, the ageing population in society, women and children, and female- headed households; insists that the ESF+ post- 2027 incorporate other aspects of social inclusion, such as housing, health and family circumstances and the support of community-based services;
Amendment 195 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Member States to ensure that regional and local authorities and organisations have a say inmeaningful role in the definition of projects co-financed from national budgets;
Amendment 212 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Calls for the reduction of the administrative burden, notably by simplifying the application processes for accessing funds and the reporting procedures for organisations, in particular for those of a smaller size; warns that simplification must not compromise the fundamental principles of shared management, multilevel governance, transparency and accountability, ensuring the proper administration of publicEuropean funds;
Amendment 217 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Warns that not all people are prepared for digitalisation, and that certain groups of people, especially the most vulnerable, could miss ovulnerable groups, rural regions, and outermost regions have limited access to high-quality digital infrastructure; Reiterates its call for a place-based approach to Cohesion policy, aimed at ensuring harmonious and just digital transition in regions lagging behind; Underlines the importance of Cohesion Policy in enhancing institut ion funding opportunities as a resultal quality in all regions, to allow local authorities to properly absorb and invest Structural and Investment Funds;
Amendment 28 #
2024/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas a 2024 UN study3 on the evaluation of SDG 5 highlights that social norms still exist that legitimise violence against women and girls, reduce access to healthcare services, including sexual and reproductive health, assign unpaid care and domestic work solely to women and restrict leadership opportunities; _________________ 3 UN, Are we getting there? A synthesis of UN system evaluations of SDG 5, March 2024, https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital- library/publications/2024/03/are-we- getting-there-a-synthesis-of-un-system- evaluations-of-sdg-5.
Amendment 41 #
2024/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) re-confirm its commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and to the range of actions for women’s human rights and gender equality outlined therein; confirm its commitment to women’s human rights, through gender mainstreaming in all policy areas and cycles, to the implementation of specific and targeted actions for women’s human rights and gender equality, and to ensuring proper gender budgeting;
Amendment 47 #
2024/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) ensure that gender equality and women’s rights are fully and proudly implemented in all aspects of EU external action through an adequately funded, gender-transformative, inclusive and intersectional approach, particularly as the funding of anti-gender movements globally is on the rise ;
Amendment 113 #
2024/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) take the lead in the global fight against the backlash against gender equality and women’s rights, including ensuring that Women's Rights Movements are adequately funded at EU and National levels;
Amendment 175 #
2024/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) enhance the EU’s response, resources and toolkit, both internally and externally, regarding gender-based violence, including domestic, sexual, physical, psychological and economic violence, including in war conflict-zones, taking account of migration, prostitution and sexual exploitation;
Amendment 182 #
2024/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
Paragraph 1 – point t
(t) remove the legal, financial, social and practical barriers and restrictions on abortion in all Member States; ensure that women in all their diversity have access to health services, including for sexual rights and reproductive health, including age- appropriate sexuality and relationship education, contraception, safe and legal abortion, maternal healthcare and care- based health services;
Amendment 189 #
2024/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t – point i (new)
Paragraph 1 – point t – point i (new)
i) take note of and implement the recommendations of the European Parliament's resolution of 11 April 2024 on including the right to abortion in the EU Fundamental Rights Charter;
Amendment 204 #
2024/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v
Paragraph 1 – point v
(v) advocate for and strengthen civil society organisations supporting women’s rights inside and outside of the EU, actively work against initiatives aimed at diminishing the civic space in several Member States;
Amendment 2 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Article 8 TFEU mandates the Union to aim to eliminate inequalities and to promote equality between men and women in all its activities; whereas equality is a fundamental right under the Treaty of Lisbon and a priority for the Union with the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) supporting Union institutions and Member States in achieving that aim; whereas it is EIGE's objective to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality, including gender mainstreaming in all EU policies, a task in which it has proven to be vital and effective; whereas it is therefore underlined that EIGE needs to be provided with sufficient and stable financial and human resources to fulfil its tasks;
Amendment 10 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas in 2023 EIGE’s work focused on two thematic priorities: the European Green Deal and gender-based violence; whereas crises exacerbate women’s vulnerability and exposure to violence, intensifying existing structural inequalities and aggravating all types of gender-based violence, including physical, sexual and psychological; whereas the effectiveness of EIGE’s actions on the European Gwomen are underrepresen Deal, which needs to be revised and updated to set achievable targets in general to achieve equality and support women, especially in the Union, is questionableted in leading roles in climate policy, as men still fill 67% of climate-related decision making roles, and women being disproportionately affected by climate disasters as they often face more barriers to leave climate-disaster prone areas;
Amendment 22 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Has serious concerns that EIGE’s mission was diverted from improving equality by its focus on the European Green Dealabout the lack of gender mainstreaming within climate policies and welcomes EIGE's initiatives shed light on this phenomenom; points out that EIGE achieved 92,76 % of its work programme objectives;
Amendment 26 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Welcomes the ongoing cooperation between EIGE and the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality; stresses the valuable contribution that EIGE can make to all Parliament committees, in order to better integrate the gender perspective in all EU policies;
Amendment 28 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the 8,5 % increase in EIGE’s staff costs can be attributed to the continued high inflation rate as well as a 2,7% indexation of salaries, and that the average number of staff remained at 45; notes that two contract agents were engaged and funded by the IPA contribution agreement with the Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations; acknowledges the persisting understaffing of EIGE and suggests that EIGE focus its work programme on violence against women and girls while deprioritizing actions related to the European Green Deal where necessary in light of current staff capacities; notes that Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on establishing a European Institute for Gender Equality, states in article 6 that EIGE should function independently in the public interest; acknowledges that EIGE thus produces independent research and as such is capable of dealing with the prioritization of their work independently as well; encourages the European Commission to prioritise gender mainstreaming in all its policies and ensure that EIGE has sufficient capacity to research this topic;
Amendment 32 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises FRA’s guidance and engagement in the area of asylum and migration, including cooperation with the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA) to enhancing the understanding of the importance 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 on identifying 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 sea;
Amendment 41 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with satisfaction that FRA provided fundamental rights analysis and expertise to support the activities and work of other EU justice and home affairs (JHA) agencies, including the EUAA, Frontex, Europol, the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large- Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA), and European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL); calls on FRA to determine the extent to which the rule of law and fundamental rights are intrinsically linked, and how its work could be incorporated or developed in synergy with that of the European Commission in the framework of the annual Rule of Law Report;
Amendment 67 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes the new Interoperability roadmap; regrets that the new timeline for the roll-out and interoperability of EU information systems was necessary due to delays in development of the Entry/Exit System (EES), European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and European Criminal Records Information System on third-country nationals (ECRIS-TCN); calls on eu-LISA to prioritise the swift implementation of those information systems and set a new specific operational start date; underlines that swift, effective, and reliable information exchange is critical for sustaining and strengthening the Union’s area of freedom, security, and justice;
Amendment 80 #
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; expresses its deep regret at the recurring tragic loss of life in the Mediterranean with over 4,000 people being dead or missing on Mediterranean and Northwest Africa maritime routes in 2023 accoring to UNHCR; renews its call for the establishment of a comprehensive EU SAR mission implemented by the Member States’ competent authorities and Frontex;
Amendment 87 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights the positive progress in implementing Fundamental Rights targets, including the ongoing execution 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; highlights the importance of close cooperation with national authorities to ensure the appropriate follow-up on allegations of fundamental rights violations in line with national fundamental rights mechanisms; stresses that Frontex officers must avoid involvement in any actions that could directly or indirectly violate fundamental rights; welcomes Frontex's reinforced commitment to transparency and accountability; stresses the need for more detailed post-operation information;
Amendment 98 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes with appreciation that most Fundamental Rights targets were met in 2023, contributing to a more robust and rights-based approach to Frontex operations; regrets, despite official replies by the Executive Director of Frontex, the lack of concrete action on some of the opinions issued by the FRO and thus calls for continued focus on implementing concretesuch actions based on the recommendations of the FRO and for further strengthening Frontex’s human rights framework;
Amendment 101 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Acknowledges the reception of 217 reported incidents of alleged violations of fundamental rights, the submission of 104 serious incident reports in 2023, 48 of which were related to fundamental rights, which also highlightsthe reception of 64 complaints via the Frontex Complaints Mechanism, the launch of 55 serious incident investigations in 2023, and the closure of 39 serious incidents, with fundamental rights violations found to have likely happened in nearly 50 % of the closed cases; acknowledges that the conducted investigations also highlight Frontex's commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement;
Amendment 118 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission, in light of the challenging migration crisiincrease in irregular arrivals, 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 manage migration flows and ensure security and the respect for fundamental rights at the Union’s external borders, reinforcing its vital role in the Union’s broader migration strategy.
Amendment 154 #
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; calls on the Commission to double Europol's staff and increase its funding, 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 6 #
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; acknowledges 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; underlines the importance of additional funding for the EPPO’s budget in order for it to have the necessary means to carry out its tasks; regrets that the Commission's proposal for EPPO's budget for 2025 was not sufficient to achieve this and that the Council was not ready to give the EPPO the budget that it requested in order to fulfill its mandate properly; expects the Commission to dedicate sufficient funding for EPPO within the proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034; stresses in this regard that in 2023, the EPPO requested more than €1.53 billion to be seized, and the seizure of €1.5 billion was granted, of which final confiscations of more than €60 million were ordered by courts in definitively resolved cases, which demonstrates that the EPPO actually generates more money than it costs and therefore should receive significantly more funding to allow for more confiscations from criminals;
Amendment 8 #
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; acknowledges 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 as the agency is understaffed; underlines the importance of additional funding for the EPPO’s budget in order for it to have the necessary means to carry out its tasks as the fight against organised crime, the protection of EU financial interests and the strenghtening of the rule of law are EU priorities;
Amendment 12 #
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; acknowledges 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; underlines the importance of additional funding for the EPPO’s budget and of strengthening its human resources in order for it to have the necessary means to carry out its tasks;
Amendment 14 #
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, and analyse how EPPO's operations and investigations can become more efficient and effective, and present a legislative proposal to accompany the evaluation; recalls in that regard the plans of Commissioner McGrath to accelerate the evaluation;
Amendment 22 #
2024/2029(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises the important role of the EPPO in the Union approach to combating corruption and the misuse of Union funds; expresses its satisfaction that 24 Member States participate in the EPPO and encourages the remaining Member States to do so as well, or be denied the possibility to manage EU funds indirectly; 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 tomust be ongoing with the Member States that already participate in the EPPO as regards tackling difficulties in fighting rule of law violations and corruption and support them in the practical implementation of the recommendations in this regard in the annual rule of law reports;
Amendment 7 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
Amendment 8 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes 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 and scrutinise 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 in line with the deadlines set out by the Common Implementation Plan published by the European Commission on 12 June 2024;
Amendment 12 #
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; furtherTakes note of the Commission effort to strenghten and developp all aspects of the common European asylum system, including its external dimension; acknowledges the Commision's role in supporting legal migration to the Members States including by contributing to the integration of third countries nationals; notes the Commission’s ongoing efforts to assist Member States in addressing irregular arrivals and in successfully integrating legally residing third-country nationals; notes that the number of migrants arriving irregularly in the Union increased in 2023 as compared to previous years; recalls that, while the Commission should continue to take action on migration and 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 in third countries; welcomes the Commission's effort to enhance solidarity and responsability sharing between Member States, in particular towards those most affected by migration and asylum challenges; 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, ensuring that such actions are carried out in accordance with international and Union law;
Amendment 13 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the European Parliament has repeatedly asked the European Commission to promote and implement the use of gender mainstreaming, gender budgeting and gender impact assessments in all Union policy areas;
Amendment 14 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. whereas the anti-gender and anti- abortion movements in Europe are becoming more vocal and influential, partly because of funding from religious extremist organisations based outside of Europe; whereas these movements negatively impact the public discourse on abortion rights and gender equality; whereas they are well funded and well organised, and are likely to put more pressure on women’s rights in the future, especially sexual and reproductive health and rights;
Amendment 16 #
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 Commission’s ongoing efforts to assist Member States in addressing irregular arrivals and legal pathways and in successfully integrating legally residing third-country nationals; recalls that, while the Commission should continue to take action on migration and asylum within the framework of external action, the functioning of the ‘Team Europe’ approach must be clarified while safeguarding the role of Parliamentrole of Parliament in any partnership agreements with third countries must be ensured as set out by the Treaties and the 2010 framework agreement on relations between Parliament and Commission; calls on the Commission to increase the transparency and accountability of the programming and implementation of the Union home affairs funds in 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, ensuring that such actions are carried out in accordance with international and Union law;
Amendment 19 #
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 Commission’s ongoing efforts to assist Member States in addressing irregular arrivals and in successfully integrating legally residing third-country nationals; recalls that, while the Commission should continue to take action on migration and 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 in third countries; renews its call onfor the Commission to support the Union agencies and the Member States in coordinating effective search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterraneanestablishment of a comprehensive EU SAR mission implemented by the Member States’ competent authorities and Frontex, ensuring that such actions are carried out in accordance with international and Union law;
Amendment 23 #
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 and not basing its analysis on specific indicators, the annual rule of law report risks trivialising some of the most serious and/or persistent breaches of the rule of law; supports the link established between the release of funds under the European recovery plan and the achievement of super milestones, and calls on the Commission to apply more generally this link between financial instruments and respect for the rule of law; reiterates 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 implementationdevelop a more systematic, predictable and reasoned approach to the objective reasons for freezing or unfreezing funds; calls on the Commission to take steps towards the full implementation – taking into account developments that have taken place in the meantime – 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 precise indicators and 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).
Amendment 28 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Acknowledges the Union’s commitment to gender mainstreaming and the need to further focus on combating violence against women and girls in policymaking; stresses the need to urgently establish a common approach to rape based on consent based legislation with common minimum sanctions in national laws;
Amendment 34 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is concerned about the growing financial risks due to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its impact on gender equality policies; highlights the need to prioritise policies that protect children, women and familiesrecognize the vulnerable position of women in conflict zones and to prioritise policies that protect children, women and families especially in providing aid in conflict situations and access to healthcare services including emergency contraception, testing for sexually transmitted infections, post- exposure prophylaxis treatment and access to safe and legal abortion care;
Amendment 39 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls for a strong European effort to protect our fundamental values such as equal rights and access to sexual and reproductive health and rights including safe and legal abortion;
Amendment 43 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Supports the United Nations’ Spotlight Initiative’s goal of ending violence against women and girls and addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, such as victims of harmful practices like female genital mutilation or child marriage; urges the Commission to stop funding movementorganisations in and outside the Union that proactively contribute to the oppression of women in all forms, including campaigning against SRHR rights;
Amendment 60 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Regrets the lack of specific budget lines for measures dedicated to gender equality, especially within the Daphne programme, leading to a lack of transparency and accountability;
Amendment 1 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
– having regard to Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, whereby gender equality is a core value of the Union;
Amendment 2 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 b (new)
Citation 2 b (new)
– having regard to Article 8 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, whereby ‘in all its activities, the Union shall aim to eliminate inequalities and to promote equality’; whereas this applies including to all levels of the budgetary process;
Amendment 288 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 65 a (new)
Paragraph 65 a (new)
65 a. Calls for consistent and sustainable budgeting for all gender- related activities in the EU Defence and Security sector, in line with the EU Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security; Emphasizes the need for a dedicated funding for gender-related actions within Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions, including a specific budget line for the Gender Advisors within civilian CSDP missions;