Activities of Dimitrios PAPADIMOULIS
Plenary speeches (289)
Review of the Romanian Presidency of the Council (debate)
Clean air zone in EU cities (debate)
Closure of the sitting
Appointment of the President of the European Central Bank - Candidate: Ms Christine Lagarde (debate)
Amazon forest fires (debate)
Amazon forest fires (debate)
Presentation by the Council of its position on the draft general budget - 2020 financial year (debate)
Situation in Turkey, notably the removal of elected mayors
Situation in Turkey, notably the removal of elected mayors
Myanmar, notably the situation of the Rohingya
Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 and own resources: time to meet citizens' expectations (debate)
General budget of the European Union for 2020 - all sections (debate)
The Turkish military operation in northeast Syria and its consequences (debate)
Opening accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania (continuation of debate)
Situation of LGBTI persons in Uganda
Situation of LGBTI persons in Uganda
Situation in the hotspots on the Greek islands, in particular the case of Moria (debate)
Preparation of the European Council meeting of 12 and 13 December 2019 (debate)
2020 budgetary procedure: joint text (debate)
Presentation by the Commission President-elect of the College of Commissioners and their programme (debate)
Protection of forest and environmental defenders in the EU (debate)
Protection of forest and environmental defenders in the EU (debate)
Situation of freedoms in Algeria
Situation of freedoms in Algeria
Situation of freedoms in Algeria
Cuba, the case of José Daniel Ferrer
Requirements for payment service providers - Measures to strengthen administrative cooperation in order to combat VAT fraud (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 12 and 13 December 2019 (debate)
Violations of human rights including religious freedoms in Burkina Faso
Violations of human rights including religious freedoms in Burkina Faso
Afghanistan, notably the allegations of sexual abuse of boys in the Logar Province
Presentation of the programme of activities of the Croatian Presidency (debate)
European Parliament's position on the Conference on the Future of Europe (debate)
Distortion of European history and remembrance of the Second World War (topical debate)
Ongoing hearings under article 7(1) of the TEU regarding Hungary (debate)
Ongoing hearings under article 7(1) of the TEU regarding Hungary (debate)
Ongoing hearings under article 7(1) of the TEU regarding Hungary (debate)
Ongoing hearings under article 7(1) of the TEU regarding Poland (debate)
Commission communication on the Review of the economic governance (debate)
SMEs and better regulation (debate)
SMEs and better regulation (debate)
Revision of the guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure - Objection pursuant to Rule 111: Union list of projects of common interest (debate)
Revision of the guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure - Objection pursuant to Rule 111: Union list of projects of common interest (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
European Central Bank - annual report 2018 (debate)
Preparation of the Extraordinary European Council Meeting of 20 February 2020 on the Multiannual Financial Framework (debate)
Conclusions of the special European Council meeting of 20 February 2020 on the Multiannual Financial framework (debate)
Migration situation at the Greek-Turkish border and the EU's common response to it (debate)
Common agricultural policy - support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States and financed by the EAGF and by the EAFRD - Common agricultural policy: financing, management and monitoring - Common agricultural policy – amendment of the CMO and other Regulations (debate)
Commission Work Programme 2021 (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15 and 16 October 2020, in particular the negotiations of the future relations with the UK (debate)
Gender Equality in EU’s foreign and security policy (debate)
Gender Equality in EU’s foreign and security policy (debate)
Serious security threats through the sale of EU passports and visas to criminals (debate)
Serious security threats through the sale of EU passports and visas to criminals (debate)
State of the Energy Union (debate)
Amendment of the agenda
First voting session
Multiannual Financial Framework (including Own Resources), Rule of Law Conditionality Mechanism and the Recovery Fund for Europe (debate)
General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2021 – all sections (debate)
Preparation of the European Council meeting of 10-11 December 2020 (debate)
New general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2021 (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 10-11 December 2020 – MFF, Rule of Law Conditionality and Own Resources – Council regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027 – Proposal for an Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources – Regulation on the protection of the Union’s budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States (debate)
Technical Support Instrument (debate)
EU global strategy on COVID-19 vaccinations (debate)
European Central Bank – annual report 2020 (debate)
Establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (debate)
Administrative cooperation in the field of taxation (debate)
InvestEU programme (debate)
Application of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2092, the rule of law conditionality mechanism (debate)
Respecting the partnership principle in the preparation and implementation of national recovery and resilience plans, and ensuring good governance of the spending (debate)
System of own resources of the European Union – Own resource based on non-recycled plastic packaging waste and certain aspects of the GNI-based own resource – Collection of own resources accruing from value added tax (debate)
Guidelines for the 2022 Budget – Section III (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 25 and 26 March 2021 - The outcome of the high level meeting between the EU and Turkey of the 6th of April (continuation of debate)
European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) 2021-2027 (debate)
Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme 2021-2027 (debate)
Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme 2021-2027 (debate)
Justice programme 2021-2027 (debate)
The right of information of the Parliament regarding the ongoing assessment of the national recovery and resilience plans (debate)
Creative Europe programme (debate)
Creative Europe programme (debate)
Erasmus+: the Union Programme for education and training, youth and sport (debate)
Competition policy – annual report 2020 (debate)
The gender dimension in cohesion policy (short presentation)
The gender dimension in cohesion policy (short presentation)
EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030: Bringing nature back into our lives (debate)
EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030: Bringing nature back into our lives (debate)
Establishing the instrument for financial support for customs control equipment (debate)
Establishing the instrument for financial support for customs control equipment (debate)
State of play of the implementation of the own resources roadmap (debate)
State of play of the implementation of the own resources roadmap (debate)
European Parliament’s scrutiny on the ongoing assessment by the Commission and the Council of the national recovery and resilience plans (debate)
Rule of law situation in the European Union and the application of the Conditionality Regulation (EU, Euratom 2020/2092) (debate)
Follow-up of the Porto Social Summit of 7 May 2021 (debate)
Financial activities of the European Investment Bank - annual report 2020 - Control of the financial activities of the European Investment Bank - annual report 2019 (debate)
Review of the macroeconomic legislative framework (debate)
Announcement by the President
Composition of political groups
Announcement of voting results
Announcement of voting results
Announcement of voting results
Labour rights in Bangladesh (debate)
First voting session
First voting session
Labour rights in Bangladesh (continuation of debate)
Labour rights in Bangladesh (continuation of debate)
Sustained price increase of raw and construction materials in Europe (debate)
Situation in Lebanon (debate)
Direction of EU-Russia political relations (debate)
State of the Union (debate)
Pandora Papers: implications on the efforts to combat money laundering, tax evasion and avoidance (debate)
Reforming the EU policy on harmful tax practices (including the reform of the Code of Conduct Group) (debate)
Reforming the EU policy on harmful tax practices (including the reform of the Code of Conduct Group) (debate)
The state of play on the submitted RRF recovery plans awaiting approval (debate)
The state of play on the submitted RRF recovery plans awaiting approval (debate)
General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2022 - all sections (debate)
The outcome of the Western Balkans summit (debate)
2019 Discharge: European Border and Coast Guard Agency (debate)
Insurance of motor vehicles (debate)
Insurance of motor vehicles (debate)
2022 budgetary procedure: joint text (debate)
Council positions at first reading (Rule 63)
The International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women and the State of play on the ratification of the Istanbul Convention (debate)
First voting session
The International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women and the State of play on the ratification of the Istanbul Convention (continuation of debate)
Preparation of the European Council meeting of 16-17 December 2021 - The EU's response to the global resurgence of Covid-19 and the new emerging Covid variants (debate)
State of play of the RRF (Recovery and Resilience Facility) (debate)
The proposed Council decision on provisional emergency measures for the external border with Belarus based on article 78(3) TFEU (continuation of debate)
Composition of Parliament
Deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2020 (debate)
Deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2020 (debate)
EU response to the transport poverty (debate)
MeToo and harassment – the consequences for the EU institutions (debate)
First voting session
MeToo and harassment – the consequences for the EU institutions (continuation of debate)
MeToo and harassment – the consequences for the EU institutions (continuation of debate)
An EU ban on the use of wild animals in circuses (debate)
European Central Bank – annual report 2021 (debate)
European Central Bank – annual report 2021 (continuation of debate)
Opening of the sitting
Announcement of voting results: see Minutes
Composition of committees and delegations
Droughts and other extreme weather phenomena on the Iberian Peninsula and other parts of Europe (debate)
Droughts and other extreme weather phenomena on the Iberian Peninsula and other parts of Europe (debate)
Protection of workers from the risks relating to exposure to carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxins at work (debate)
First voting session
Protection of workers from the risks relating to exposure to carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxins at work (continuation of debate)
Rising energy prices and market manipulation on the gas market (debate)
Composition of political groups
Gender mainstreaming in the European Parliament – annual report 2020 (debate)
Debriefing of the European Council meeting in Paris on 10 March 2022 - Preparation of the European Council meeting 24-25 March 2022 (debate)
Guidelines for the 2023 budget – Section III (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 24-25 March 2022: including the latest developments of the war against Ukraine and the EU sanctions against Russia and their implementation (debate)
Increased pre-financing from REACT-EU (debate)
Increased pre-financing from REACT-EU (debate)
The situation of marginalised Roma communities in the EU (debate)
The situation of marginalised Roma communities in the EU (debate)
The situation of marginalised Roma communities in the EU (debate)
The situation of marginalised Roma communities in the EU (debate)
The follow up of the Conference on the Future of Europe (debate)
State of play of the EU-Moldova cooperation (debate)
State of play of the EU-Moldova cooperation (debate)
The impact of the war against Ukraine on women (debate)
2021 Report on Turkey (debate)
Resumption of the sitting
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting
Binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States (Effort Sharing Regulation) - Land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) - CO2 emission standards for cars and vans (joint debate – Fit for 55 (part 2))
Binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States (Effort Sharing Regulation) - Land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) - CO2 emission standards for cars and vans (joint debate – Fit for 55 (part 2))
The call for a Convention for the revision of the Treaties (debate)
The call for a Convention for the revision of the Treaties (debate)
The call for a Convention for the revision of the Treaties (debate)
The call for a Convention for the revision of the Treaties (debate)
The call for a Convention for the revision of the Treaties (debate)
Implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (debate)
This is Europe - Debate with the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis (debate)
Financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2021 - Control of the financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2020 (debate)
Recent heat wave and drought in the EU (debate)
Recent heat wave and drought in the EU (debate)
Sustainable aviation fuels (ReFuelEU Aviation Initiative) (debate)
Surveillance and predator spyware systems in Greece (debate)
Corrigendum (Rule 241)
Consequences of drought, fire, and other extreme weather phenomena: increasing EU's efforts to fight climate change (debate)
Consequences of drought, fire, and other extreme weather phenomena: increasing EU's efforts to fight climate change (debate)
Consequences of drought, fire, and other extreme weather phenomena: increasing EU's efforts to fight climate change (debate)
Consequences of drought, fire, and other extreme weather phenomena: increasing EU's efforts to fight climate change (debate)
State of the Union (debate)
An EU approach for Space Traffic management - an EU contribution addressing a global challenge (debate)
An EU approach for Space Traffic management - an EU contribution addressing a global challenge (debate)
An EU approach for Space Traffic management - an EU contribution addressing a global challenge (debate)
The urgent need for an EU strategy on fertilisers to ensure food security in Europe (debate)
The Rule of Law in Malta, five years after the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia (debate)
FRONTEX's responsibility for fundamental rights violations at EU's external borders in light of the OLAF report (debate)
FRONTEX's responsibility for fundamental rights violations at EU's external borders in light of the OLAF report (debate)
Sustainable maritime fuels (FuelEU Maritime Initiative) - Deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (debate)
General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023 - all sections (debate)
Commission Work Programme 2023 (debate)
UN Climate Change Conference 2022 in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt (COP27) (debate)
Impact of Russian invasion of Ukraine on migration flows to the EU (debate)
REPowerEU chapters in recovery and resilience plans (debate)
Borrowing strategy to finance NextGenerationEU (debate)
Resilience of critical entities (debate)
Resilience of critical entities (debate)
Gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges (debate)
2023 budgetary procedure: joint text (debate)
System of own resources of the European Union (debate)
Rules to prevent the misuse of shell entities for tax purposes (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15 December 2022 (continuation of debate)
Composition of political groups
Composition of committees and delegations
Revision of the European Works Councils Directive (debate)
Revision of the European Works Councils Directive (debate)
The Global Gateway Initiative (debate)
REPowerEU chapters in recovery and resilience plans (debate)
The erosion of the rule of law in Greece: the wiretapping scandal and media freedom (topical debate)
Developing an EU cycling strategy (debate)
Developing an EU cycling strategy (debate)
The further repressions against the people of Belarus, in particular the cases of Andrzej Poczobut and Ales Bialiatski (debate)
The further repressions against the people of Belarus, in particular the cases of Andrzej Poczobut and Ales Bialiatski (debate)
Composition of committees and delegations
Availability of fertilisers in the EU (debate)
Availability of fertilisers in the EU (debate)
This is Europe - Debate with the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda (debate)
Adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion (debate)
Adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion (debate)
Conclusions of the Special European Council meeting of 9 February and preparation of the European Council meeting of 23-24 March 2023 (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 23-24 March 2023 (debate)
2022 Rule of Law Report - The rule of law situation in the European Union - Rule of law in Greece - Rule of law in Spain - Rule of law in Malta (debate)
Guidelines for the 2024 budget - Section III (debate)
Markets in Crypto-assets (MiCa) - Information accompanying transfers of funds and certain crypto-assets (recast) (debate)
Digital euro (debate)
Composition of political groups
IPCC report on Climate Change: a call for urgent additional action (debate)
Composition of political groups
European Citizens' Initiative "Stop Finning – Stop the trade" (debate)
European Citizens' Initiative "Stop Finning – Stop the trade" (debate)
European Citizens' Initiative "Stop Finning – Stop the trade" (debate)
Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries - Agreement of the IGC on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (High Seas Treaty) (debate)
Artificial Intelligence Act (debate)
Make Europe the place to invest (debate)
Tax the rich (topical debate)
Council position at first reading (Rule 63)
Public access to documents – annual report for the years 2019-2021 (debate)
Public access to documents – annual report for the years 2019-2021 (debate)
Global Convergence on Generative AI (debate)
SME Relief Package (debate)
Composition of political groups
Parliamentarism, European citizenship and democracy (debate)
Parliamentarism, European citizenship and democracy (debate)
Parliamentarism, European citizenship and democracy (debate)
Parliamentarism, European citizenship and democracy (debate)
Violence and discrimination in the world of sports after the FIFA Women’s World Cup (debate)
Interim report on the proposal for a mid-term revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 (debate)
Corrupt large-scale sale of Schengen visas (debate)
Medicine shortages and strategic healthcare autonomy in the EU (debate)
Need for a speedy adoption of the asylum and migration package (debate)
Establishing the Ukraine Facility (debate)
General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2024 - all sections (debate)
General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2024 - all sections (debate)
Schengen area: digitalisation of the visa procedure - Schengen area: amending the Visa Sticker Regulation (Joint debate – Schengen area)
Commission Work Programme 2024 (debate)
System of own resources of the European Union (debate)
2024 budgetary procedure: Joint text (debate)
International day for the elimination of violence against women (debate)
EU strategy to assist young people facing the housing and cost of living crisis (topical debate)
One year after Morocco and QatarGate – stocktaking of measures to strengthen transparency and accountability in the European institutions (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023 and preparation of the Special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024 - Situation in Hungary and frozen EU funds (joint debate - European Council meetings)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023 and preparation of the Special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024 - Situation in Hungary and frozen EU funds (joint debate - European Council meetings)
Rule of Law and media freedom in Greece (debate)
Recent ecological catastrophe involving plastic pellet losses and its impact on micro plastic pollution in the maritime and coastal habitats (debate)
Recent ecological catastrophe involving plastic pellet losses and its impact on micro plastic pollution in the maritime and coastal habitats (debate)
Implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy and future perspectives (debate)
Multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027 - Establishing the Ukraine Facility - Establishing the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) (joint debate - multiannual financial framework revision)
Financial activities of the European Investment Bank - annual report 2023 (debate)
EU/Chile Advanced Framework Agreement - EU/Chile Advanced Framework Agreement (Resolution) - Interim Agreement on Trade between the European Union and the Republic of Chile (joint debate - EU-Chile agreements)
EU/Chile Advanced Framework Agreement - EU/Chile Advanced Framework Agreement (Resolution) - Interim Agreement on Trade between the European Union and the Republic of Chile (joint debate - EU-Chile agreements)
Next steps towards greater patient safety by swiftly ensuring the availability of medical devices through a targeted transitional period (debate)
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting
Topical debate (Rule 162) - Allegations of corruption and misuse of EU funds in Spain during the pandemic
Topical debate (Rule 162) - Allegations of corruption and misuse of EU funds in Spain during the pandemic
Topical debate (Rule 162) - Allegations of corruption and misuse of EU funds in Spain during the pandemic
Topical debate (Rule 162) - Allegations of corruption and misuse of EU funds in Spain during the pandemic
European Semester for economic policy coordination 2024 - European Semester for economic policy coordination: employment and social priorities for 2024
Guidelines for the 2025 Budget - Section III (debate)
Rising anti-LGBTIQ rhetoric and violence: recent attacks in Thessaloniki (debate)
Reports (1)
REPORT on the European Central Bank – annual report 2021
Shadow reports (94)
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Greece
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument to finance immediate budgetary measures to address the on-going challenges of migration, refugee inflows and security threats
REPORT on the proposal for a Council directive amending Directive 2006/112/EC as regards introducing certain requirements for payment service providers
REPORT on the proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EU) No 904/2010 as regards measures to strengthen administrative cooperation in order to combat VAT fraud
REPORT on the European Central Bank Annual Report for 2018
REPORT on the financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2019
RECOMMENDATION FOR SECOND READING on the Council position at first reading with a view to the adoption of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088
REPORT on general guidelines for the preparation of the 2021 budget, Section III – Commission
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 5/2020 of the European Union for the financial year 2020 - Continuation of the support to refugees and host communities in response to the Syria crisis in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the Contingency Margin in 2020 to continue humanitarian support to refugees in Turkey
REPORT on the draft Council decision on the system of Own Resources of the European Union
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 7/2020 of the European Union for the financial year 2020 - Update of revenue (own resources)
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Technical Support Instrument
REPORT on the Council position on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2021
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the InvestEU Programme
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Recovery and Resilience Facility
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 9/2020 of the European Union for the financial year 2020 accompanying the proposal to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Croatia and Poland in relation to a natural disaster and to provide for the payment of advances to Croatia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Portugal and Spain in relation to a public health emergency
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 10/2020 of the European Union for the financial year 2020 - Increase of payment appropriations in line with updated forecasts of expenditure and other adjustments to expenditure and revenue
RECOMMENDATION on the draft Council regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027
REPORT on the European Central Bank Annual Report 2020
REPORT on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on credit servicers, credit purchasers and the recovery of collateral
REPORT on the proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 2011/16/EU on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation
REPORT on cohesion policy and regional environment strategies in the fight against climate change
REPORT on the draft Council regulation amending Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 1553/89 on the definitive uniform arrangements for the collection of own resources accruing from value added tax
RECOMMENDATION on the draft Council regulation laying down implementing measures for the system of own resources of the European Union and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 608/2014
REPORT on general guidelines for the preparation of the 2022 budget, Section III – Commission
REPORT on the draft Council regulation on the calculation of the own resource based on plastic packaging waste that is not recycled, on the methods and procedure for making available that own resource, on the measures to meet cash requirements, and on certain aspects of the own resource based on gross national income
REPORT on the gender dimension in cohesion policy
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 2/2021 of the European Union for the financial year 2021 - financing the COVID-19 response and including refinements and updates related to the final adoption of the Multiannual Financial Framework
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund following an application from Germany – EGF/2020/003 DE/Germany GMH Guss
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund following an application from Belgium – EGF/2020/005 BE/Belgium Swissport
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund following an application from the Netherlands – EGF/2020/004 NL/The Netherlands KLM
REPORT on the financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2020
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 3/2021 of the European Union for the financial year 2021 - entering the surplus of the financial year 2020
REPORT Implementation report on the EU Trust Funds and the Facility for Refugees in Turkey
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 1/2021 of the European Union for the financial year 2021 - Brexit Adjustment Reserve
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 4/2021 of the European Union for the financial year 2021 - Update of revenue following the entry into force on 1 June 2021 of Council Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/2053 on the system of own resources of the European Union, the revised forecast of own resources and other revenue
REPORT on the Council position on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2022
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 6/2021 of the European Union for the financial year 2021 - Additional vaccines doses to low and lower-middle income countries, UCPM reinforcement and other adjustments to expenditure and revenue
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 5/2021 of the European Union for the financial year 2021 – Humanitarian support to refugees in Turkey
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers following an application from Italy – EGF/2021/002 IT/Air Italy
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers following an application from Italy – EGF/2021/003 IT Porto Canale
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers following an application from Spain – EGF/2021/004 ES Aragon automotive
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Croatia in relation to the series of earthquakes starting from 28 December 2020
REPORT on cohesion policy as an instrument to reduce healthcare disparities and enhance cross-border health cooperation
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers – EGF/2022/000 TA 2022 – Technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 1/2022 of the European Union for the financial year 2022 - budgeting the impact for 2022 budget of the Adjustment of the multiannual financial framework in accordance with Article 7 of Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027
REPORT on general guidelines for the preparation of the 2023 budget, Section III – Commission
REPORT on the financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2021
REPORT on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers following an application from Greece – EGF/2021/008 EL/Attica electrical equipment manufacturing
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 3/2022 of the European Union for the financial year 2022 – financing reception costs of people fleeing Ukraine
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 2/2022 of the European Union for the financial year 2022 – Entering the surplus of the financial year 2021
INTERIM REPORT on the 2021 proposal for a revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 4/2022 of the European Union for the financial year 2022: update of revenue (own resources) and other technical adjustments
REPORT on the Council position on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023
REPORT on the implementation of the borrowing strategy to finance NextGenerationEU, the Union’s recovery instrument
REPORT on the proposal for a Council decision amending Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/2053 on the system of own resources of the European Union
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 5/2022 of the European Union for the financial year 2022 – Additional measures to address the consequences of the Russian war in Ukraine, Union Civil Protection Mechanism reinforcement, Reduction in payment appropriations and update of revenues, Other adjustments and technical updates
REPORT on upscaling the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework: a resilient EU budget fit for new challenges
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending certain Regulations as regards the establishment and functioning of the European single access point
REPORT on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending certain Directives as regards the establishment and functioning of the European single access point
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a European single access point providing centralised access to publicly available information of relevance to financial services, capital markets and sustainability
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 as regards requirements for credit risk, credit valuation adjustment risk, operational risk, market risk and the output floor
REPORT on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2013/36/EU as regards supervisory powers, sanctions, third-country branches, and environmental, social and governance risks, and amending Directive 2014/59/EU
REPORT on the proposal for a Council regulation on the methods and procedure for making available own resources based on the Emissions Trading System, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and reallocated profits and on the measures to meet cash requirements
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (application from Spain – EGF/2022/003 ES/Alu Ibérica)
REPORT on own resources: a new start for EU finances, a new start for Europe
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers -EGF/2023/000 TA 2023 - Technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 1/2023 of the European Union for the financial year 2023 – technical adjustments stemming from the political agreements reached on several legislative proposals, including with respect to REPowerEU, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the Union Secure Connectivity programme
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 2/2023 of the European Union for the financial year 2023 entering the surplus of the financial year 2022
INTERIM REPORT on the proposal for a mid-term revision of the multiannual financial framework 2021-2027
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing the Ukraine Facility
REPORT on the Council position on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2024
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 3/2023 of the European Union for the financial year 2023 – Update of revenue (own resources) and other technical adjustments including the set-up and financing for 2023 of the new Defence Industrial Reinforcement Instrument and of the European Chips Act
REPORT on the proposal for a Council decision amending Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/2053 on the system of own resources of the European Union
REPORT on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2014/65/EU to make public capital markets in the Union more attractive for companies and to facilitate access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises and repealing Directive 2001/34/EC
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulations (EU) 2017/1129, (EU) No 596/2014 and (EU) No 600/2014 to make public capital markets in the Union more attractive for companies and to facilitate access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises
REPORT on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on multiple-vote share structures in companies that seek the admission to trading of their shares on an SME growth market
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (application from Belgium – EGF/2023/002 BE/Makro)
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 4/2023 of the European Union for the financial year 2023 – Reduction in payment appropriations, other adjustments and technical updates
REPORT on the joint text on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2024 approved by the Conciliation Committee under the budgetary procedure
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transparency and integrity of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rating activities
REPORT containing a motion for a non-legislative resolution on the draft Council regulation amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027
RECOMMENDATION on the draft Council regulation amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027
REPORT on general guidelines for the preparation of the 2025 budget, Section III – Commission
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2016/1011 as regards the scope of the rules for benchmarks, the use in the Union of benchmarks provided by an administrator located in a third country, and certain reporting requirements
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers - EGF/2024/000 TA 2024 – Technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (application from Denmark – EGF/2023/004 DK/Danish Crown)
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers following an application from Germany – EGF/2023/003 DE/Vallourec
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 1/2024 of the European Union for the financial year 2024 Amendments of the 2024 budget required due to the MFF revision
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 3 to the general budget 2024 reinforcing the European Public Prosecutor's Office following the accession of Poland and the expected participation of Sweden
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 806/2014 in order to establish a European Deposit Insurance Scheme
Opinions (1)
OPINION on the proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Madagascar and its implementing protocol (2023-2027)
Shadow opinions (25)
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Just Transition Fund
OPINION on the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2021
Opinion on the Proposal for an Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management
OPINION on the financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2020
OPINION on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: employment and social aspects in the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021
OPINION on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021
OPINION on the EU Gender Action Plan III
OPINION on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2022
OPINION on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: annual sustainable growth survey 2022
OPINION on the proposal for a Council Decision on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, and provisional application of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the Implementing Protocol thereto
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Union Secure Connectivity Programme for the period 2023-2027
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down measures for a high common level of cybersecurity at the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union
OPINION on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023
OPINION on the proposal for a Council decision amending Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/2053 on the system of own resources of the European Union
OPINION on own resources: a new start for EU finances, a new start for Europe
OPINION Proposals of the European Parliament for the amendment of the Treaties
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing the European defence industry Reinforcement through common procurement act
OPINION on the financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2022
OPINION on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Definition of criminal offences and penalties for the violation of Union restrictive measures
Opinion on further reform of corporate taxation rules
OPINION on the implementation of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe
OPINION on the European Hydrogen Bank
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on European Maritime Safety Agency and repealing regulation (EC) No 1406/2002
OPINION on the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community, on the one hand, and the Republic of Kiribati, on the other (2023-2028)
OPINION on the European Semester for economic policy coordination 2024
Institutional motions (49)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Iran, notably the situation of women's rights defenders and imprisoned EU dual nationals
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Myanmar, notably the situation of the Rohingya
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Situation in Turkey, notably the removal of elected mayors
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the state of implementation of the Union’s anti-money laundering legislation
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the patentability of plants and essentially biological processes
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Myanmar, notably the situation of the Rohingya
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on situation in Turkey, notably the removal of elected mayors
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework and own resources: time to meet the citizens’ expectations
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on The proposed new Criminal Code of Indonesia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION On The situation of LGBTI people in Uganda
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Turkish military operation in northeast Syria and its consequences
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the effects of the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook Group
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the state of play on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2013/34/EU as regards disclosure of income tax information by certain undertakings and branches (2016/0107(COD)), known as public country-by-country reporting
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on opening accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on opening accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the criminalisation of sexual education in Poland
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on children’s rights on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention and other measures to combat gender-based violence
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Haiti
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Bolivia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the climate and environment emergency
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Haiti
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on public discrimination and hate speech against LGBTI people, including LGBTI free zones
PROPOSITION DE RÉSOLUTION sur la violation des droits de l'Homme y compris la liberté de religion au Burkina Faso
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION The Russian "Foreign Agents" Law
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Afghanistan, notably the allegations of sexual abuse on boys in the Logar Province
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the rule of law in Malta following the recent revelations surrounding the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Burundi, notably the case of imprisoned journalists
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the gender pay gap
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on India’s Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on a common charger for mobile radio equipment
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on a common charger for mobile radio equipment
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on India’s Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on an EU strategy to put an end to female genital mutilation around the world
PROPOSITION DE RÉSOLUTION sur Guinée Conakry, notamment la violence contre les manifestants
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on The situation of child labour in mines in Madagascar
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Republic of Guinea, notably violence towards protestors
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on child labour in mines in Madagascar
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the new multiannual financial framework, own resources and the recovery plan
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the conclusions of the extraordinary European Council meeting of 17-21 July 2020
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the right of information of the Parliament regarding the ongoing assessment of the national recovery and resilience plans
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on meeting the global COVID-19 challenge: effects of the waiver of the WTO TRIPS Agreement on COVID-19 vaccines, treatment, equipment and increasing production and manufacturing capacity in developing countries
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the views of Parliament on the ongoing assessment by the Commission and the Council of the national recovery and resilience plans
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 24-25 March 2022, including the latest developments of the war against Ukraine and the EU sanctions against Russia and their implementation
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Commission delegated regulation of 9 March 2022 amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2139 as regards economic activities in certain energy sectors and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 as regards specific public disclosures for those economic activities
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the rule of law and media freedom in Greece
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the murder of Alexei Navalny and the need for EU action in support of political prisoners and oppressed civil society in Russia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on including the right to abortion in the EU Fundamental Rights Charter
Oral questions (7)
Water crisis in Bulgaria
LGBTI-free zones in Poland within the scope of the Rete Lenford case
Waiver of patent protection to speed up vaccine production in the EU
An EU Commissioner for Animal Welfare
An EU Commissioner for Animal Welfare
Making the fundamental right to a healthy and safe working environment a reality
The case of Dentsu Tracking and the Commission’s lack of transparency with regard to the tobacco industry
Written explanations (15)
Guidelines for the 2021 Budget - Section III (A9-0110/2020 - Pierre Larrouturou)
Το 2021 θα είναι η πρώτη χρονιά εφαρμογής του νέου πολυετούς προϋπολογισμού της ΕΕ, που θα αποβεί καθοριστικός για την ανάκαμψη από την πανδημία του κορονοϊού. Συγχρόνως, θα αποτελέσει αντικείμενο σκληρών διαπραγματεύσεων με την Επιτροπή και το Συμβούλιο, και το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο οφείλει να σταθεί στο ύψος των περιστάσεων. Η έκθεση χαρακτηρίζεται, για πρώτη ίσως φορά, από ιδιαίτερα φιλόδοξους στόχους που εστιάζουν όχι μόνο στην οικονομική αλλά και στην κοινωνική διάσταση της ανάκαμψης, την αλληλεγγύη, την πράσινη μετάβαση και τον ψηφιακό μετασχηματισμό. Η έκθεση υιοθετεί πολλές από τις θέσεις μας, όπως είναι η αύξηση των κονδυλίων για τις πολιτικές συνοχής, η ενίσχυση της αγροτικής πολιτικής και των προγραμμάτων υγείας, η επιτάχυνση των κλιματικών στόχων, το κράτος δικαίου, η ισότητα των φύλων, η στήριξη των ΜμΕ, του τουρισμού και του πολιτισμού, η στήριξη των θυμάτων έμφυλης βίας και η δημιουργία ενός ευρωπαϊκού συστήματος αντασφάλισης ανεργίας. Ακόμη, με επιμονή της Ευρωομάδας μας, τονίζεται η ανάγκη για κοινή πολιτική ασύλου, λήψη μέτρων αλληλεγγύης και συνεργασίας, όπως η προληπτική εκκένωση των καταυλισμών προσφύγων και η μετεγκατάστασή τους, βελτίωση των συνθηκών διαβίωσής τους και λήψη αποτελεσματικών μέτρων για την ένταξή τους. Απομονώνοντας ελάχιστα σημεία, υπερψηφίσαμε την έκθεση, δίνοντας ένα σαφές μήνυμα για τις αρχές που θα συνεχίσουμε να υπερασπιζόμαστε.
Just Transition Fund (A9-0135/2020 - Manolis Kefalogiannis)
Η μετάβαση στη μεταλιγνιτική περίοδο θέτει τα θεμέλια για έναν νέο προσανατολισμό στο ζήτημα της ενέργειας και για τον αναπροσανατολισμό των ευρωπαϊκών πόρων σε επενδύσεις που υποστηρίζουν τον παραγωγικό μετασχηματισμό και τις οικονομίες των ανθρακικών και λιγνιτικών περιφερειών. Η σημερινή μας αποχή στην τελική ψηφοφορία για τον κανονισμό για το Ταμείο Δίκαιης Μετάβασης υπογραμμίζει την αντίρρησή μας στη χρηματοδότηση επενδύσεων για νέες εγκαταστάσεις φυσικού αερίου και ορυκτών καυσίμων, διότι εμπεριέχουν τον κίνδυνο εγκλωβισμού της οικονομίας σε έργα που δεν ευθυγραμμίζονται με την κλιματική ουδετερότητα και τους στόχους της Συμφωνίας των Παρισίων. Παράλληλα, εκφράζει την απογοήτευσή μας για τη μη υιοθέτηση κριτηρίων δικαιότερης κατανομής των πόρων του Ταμείου. Καθ’ όλη τη διάρκεια των εργασιών στις Επιτροπές του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου, στηρίξαμε με τροπολογίες μας την ανάγκη αύξησης των πόρων του Ταμείου, προκειμένου να ανταποκρίνεται στις πραγματικές ανάγκες των περιφερειών, αλλά και την ανάγκη δικαιότερης κατανομής τους. Για τον λόγο αυτόν, επαναφέραμε στην ολομέλεια δύο τροπολογίες, με στόχο την αύξηση της χρηματοδότησης των περιφερειών με υψηλή ανεργία και των κρατών μελών που αποφασίζουν την εμπροσθοβαρή απολιγνιτοποίηση, που θα ωφελούσαν χώρες όπως η Ελλάδα και περιοχές όπως η Δυτική Μακεδονία και η Μεγαλόπολη. Δυστυχώς, οι τροπολογίες αυτές δεν υιοθετήθηκαν.
Council regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027 (A9-0260/2020 - Jan Olbrycht, Margarida Marques)
Η πανδημία έχει στοιχίσει τη ζωή εκατοντάδων χιλιάδων συνανθρώπων μας, δοκιμάζει τα όρια των συστημάτων υγείας, βαθαίνει διαρκώς την ύφεση, εκτινάσσει την ανεργία, οξύνει τις κοινωνικές, οικονομικές και περιφερειακές ανισότητες, ενώ αποτέλεσε πρόσχημα για φαινόμενα παράβασης του κράτους δικαίου και των θεμελιωδών δικαιωμάτων. Η ΕΕ οφείλει να ανταποκριθεί με υπευθυνότητα, αποτελεσματικότητα και αλληλεγγύη. Το Ταμείο Ανάκαμψης των 750 δισεκατομμυρίων ευρώ αποτελεί ένα σημαντικό θετικό βήμα για την ανάσχεση της κρίσης, το οποίο και στηρίζω. Ωστόσο, το κύριο εργαλείο κοινωνικής και οικονομικής επενδυτικής πολιτικής είναι ο ευρωπαϊκός προϋπολογισμός. Οι καιροί απαιτούν έναν ισχυρό και φιλόδοξο πολυετή προϋπολογισμό με γενναία ενίσχυση των κονδυλίων για την υγεία, τη συνοχή, την καταπολέμηση της κλιματικής κρίσης, την ψηφιακή και πράσινη μετάβαση, την έρευνα και την καινοτομία, το κοινωνικό κράτος. Παρά τις βελτιώσεις που πέτυχε το Ευρωκοινοβούλιο, το ύψος του ΠΔΠ 2021-2027 δεν είναι αρκετό για να ανταποκριθεί στις ιδιαίτερα αυξημένες ανάγκες. Για τους λόγους αυτούς, ψήφισα αποχή στην ψηφοφορία για το ΠΔΠ 2021-2027, υπερψηφίζοντας όμως το κοινό ψήφισμα του Ευρωκοινοβουλίου για το ΠΔΠ, το Ταμείο Ανάκαμψης, τους ίδιους πόρους και τον κανονισμό για το κράτος δικαίου. Οι πολίτες χρειάζονται καλύτερη και περισσότερη Ευρώπη και προς αυτήν την κατεύθυνση θα συνεχίσω να εργάζομαι.
MFF, Rule of Law Conditionality and Own Resources (B9-0428/2020, B9-0429/2020)
Η Ευρώπη δοκιμάζεται από το δεύτερο, σφοδρό κύμα της πανδημίας, που έχει προκαλέσει μια πρωτόγνωρη υγειονομική, κοινωνική και οικονομική κρίση και απαιτεί άμεση, φιλόδοξη και αποτελεσματική απάντηση που θα αποδεικνύει έμπρακτα την ευρωπαϊκή αλληλεγγύη. Το Ταμείο Ανάκαμψης των 750 δισεκατομμυρίων ευρώ, με την έκδοση κοινού χρέους της ΕΕ από την Επιτροπή, αποτελεί ένα σημαντικό θετικό βήμα. Και πρέπει να προχωρήσει το γρηγορότερο. Ωστόσο, το ύψος του πολυετούς προϋπολογισμού, παρά τις βελτιώσεις που πέτυχε το Ευρωκοινοβούλιο, δεν είναι αρκετό για να ανταπεξέλθει στους στόχους που έχει θέσει η ίδια η Ένωση, αλλά και στις εξαιρετικά διογκωμένες ανάγκες των κρατών και των πολιτών. Σημαντικό βήμα αποτελεί και η εισαγωγή νέων ιδίων πόρων της Ένωσης, από τους οποίους θα χρηματοδοτηθεί η ανάκαμψη. Ζητούμε, ωστόσο, να επιταχυνθεί η εισαγωγή του φόρου χρηματοπιστωτικών συναλλαγών, να φορολογηθούν οι ψηφιακοί γίγαντες και να θεσμοθετηθεί φόρος επί του πλούτου. H Ευρωομάδα του ΣΥΡΙΖΑ-Προοδευτική Συμμαχία ψηφίσαμε υπέρ του κοινού ψηφίσματος για το ΠΔΠ 2021-2027, το Ταμείο Ανάκαμψης, τους ιδίους πόρους και τον κανονισμό για το κράτος δικαίου. Θα συνεχίσουμε να αγωνιζόμαστε για μια δίκαιη και βιώσιμη ανάπτυξη με επίκεντρο τους πολίτες, την κοινωνική πρόοδο και δικαιοσύνη, την προστασία του περιβάλλοντος και την αντιμετώπιση της κλιματικής κρίσης.
Digital Green Certificate - Union citizens (C9-0104/2021 - Juan Fernando López Aguilar)
Το πιστοποιητικό COVID-19 είναι μια τεχνική πρόταση για να διευκολυνθούν οι γραφειοκρατικές διαδικασίες μεταξύ των κρατών μελών στις μετακινήσεις των πολιτών και δεν αποτελεί ταξιδιωτικό έγγραφο. Έρχεται, μάλιστα, με πολύ μεγάλη καθυστέρηση, καθώς στο ΕΚ ζητούσαμε ήδη από τον Ιούνιο του 2020 να υπάρξουν ενιαία πρωτόκολλα και κανόνες στην ΕΕ για ασφαλή ταξίδια και για το ασφαλές άνοιγμα των συνόρων.Θα πιστοποιεί τρία πράγματα: ότι ο κάτοχός του είτε έχει εμβολιαστεί κατά του COVID-19, είτε έχει αναρρώσει, είτε έχει ελεγχθεί και είναι αρνητικός στον ιό. Στην Ευρωομάδα του ΣΥΡΙΖΑ-Προοδευτική Συμμαχία εργαστήκαμε χτίζοντας συμμαχίες στις αρμόδιες επιτροπές του ΕΚ, ώστε να βελτιωθεί η πρόταση της Επιτροπής με γνώμονα την προστασία της δημόσιας υγείας και το ασφαλές άνοιγμα της οικονομίας στη χώρα μας.Υπερψηφίσαμε τη θέση του ΕΚ για τρεις λόγους. Πρώτον, διότι πετύχαμε να υιοθετηθεί η θέση μας για δωρεάν τεστ σε όλους τους ταξιδιώτες με στόχο τη διευκόλυνση των ταξιδιών με τη μέγιστη ασφάλεια. Δεύτερον, πετύχαμε να θεωρούνται τα εμβόλια δημόσια αγαθά, καθώς ο μόνος τρόπος να μπει φρένο στην πανδημία είναι να επιτευχθούν υψηλά ποσοστά εμβολιασμού σε παγκόσμιο επίπεδο. Τέλος, πετύχαμε να μπουν ισχυρές δικλίδες ασφαλείας στην προστασία των προσωπικών δεδομένων από τη χρήση του πιστοποιητικού. Θα επιδιώξουμε οι βελτιωτικές αυτές προτάσεις να παραμείνουν και στο τελικό κείμενο.
European Climate Law (Jytte Guteland - A9-0162/2020)
Ο ευρωπαϊκός κλιματικός νόμος είναι η πυξίδα μας προς την κλιματική ουδετερότητα. Είναι η βάση πάνω στην οποία θα χτίσουμε μια βιώσιμη και ανθεκτική Ένωση. Από την αρχή, καταβάλαμε κάθε προσπάθεια ώστε να παραδώσουμε στους Ευρωπαίους πολίτες έναν κλιματικό νόμο αντάξιο των προκλήσεων που βιώνει καθημερινά η ανθρωπότητα εξαιτίας της κλιματικής κρίσης και που συμβαδίζει με τα δεδομένα της επιστημονικής κοινότητας. Η αρχική θέση του Κοινοβουλίου για μείωση των εκπομπών αερίων του θερμοκηπίου κατά 60% μέχρι το 2030 βρισκόταν στον σωστό δρόμο. Παρά τις προσπάθειές μας, στις διαπραγματεύσεις συναντήσαμε την απροθυμία και ανελαστικότητα του Συμβουλίου να συνεργαστεί για έναν φιλόδοξο ενδιάμεσο στόχο για το 2030. Ο συμβιβασμός που έχει επιτευχθεί απέχει πολύ δυστυχώς από τις προσταγές της επιστήμης και της κοινωνίας και κυρίως από το δικαίωμα των νέων στην κλιματική ασφάλεια. Ο στόχος μείωσης εκπομπών κατά 55% μέχρι το 2030, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των απορροφήσεων άνθρακα, που προκρίνει η συμφωνία δεν ευθυγραμμίζεται με τον στόχο της Συμφωνίας του Παρισιού για τον περιορισμό της υπερθέρμανσης του πλανήτη στον 1.5°C και μεταθέτει το βάρος στις επόμενες γενιές. Η μετάβαση στην κλιματική ουδετερότητα με τρόπο δίκαιο που «δεν αφήνει κανέναν πίσω» προϋποθέτει την άμεση ανάληψη δράσης. Για αυτόν τον λόγο, καταψηφίζουμε το αποτέλεσμα των διαπραγματεύσεων.
Breaches of EU law and of the rights of LGBTIQ citizens in Hungary as a result of the adopted legal changes in the Hungarian Parliament (B9-0412/2021, B9-0413/2021)
On 15 June 2021, the Hungarian Parliament voted in favour of amendments proposed by Fidesz MPs that severely restrict freedom of speech and children’s rights. The Law prohibits the ‘portrayal and promotion of gender identity different from sex assigned at birth, the change of sex and homosexuality’ in schools, in television programmes and in publicly available advertisements on any platforms for persons aged under 18, even for educational purposes; the Law disqualifies such content from being considered as a public service announcement or social responsibility advertisement even if intended for adults; the Law introduces amendments to the Child Protection Act, the Family Protection Act, the Act on Business Advertising Activity, the Media Act and the Public Education Act.I consider this Law to be in breach of EU law and of the rights of LGBTIQ citizens in Hungary, in particular the freedom to provide services and freedom of movement of goods as set out in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and E-commerce Directive in conjunction with the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Therefore I voted in favour of the resolution ‘Breaches of EU law and of the rights of LGBTIQ citizens in Hungary as a result of the legal changes adopted in the Hungarian Parliament’.
Protection of workers from the risks relating to exposure to carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxins at work (A9-0114/2021 - Stefania Zambelli)
Καθώς θέτω πάντα ως ύψιστη προτεραιότητα της κοινοβουλευτικής μου δραστηριότητας την προστασία των πολιτών και των εργαζομένων της ΕΕ, υποστηρίζω την αναθεώρηση της Οδηγίας 2004/37/EΚ σχετικά με την προστασία των εργαζομένων από τους κινδύνους που συνδέονται με την έκθεση σε καρκινογόνους ή μεταλλαξιογόνους παράγοντες κατά την εργασία.Για τον λόγο αυτό, υπερψήφισα την πρόταση οδηγίας, αν και εισηγήτρια της πρότασης του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου είναι η κ. Zambelli από το ID Group. Η υποστήριξή μου στην οδηγία, δεν συνιστά σε καμία περίπτωση στήριξη των ακραίων δεξιών πολιτικών θέσεων της εισηγήτριας, με τις οποίες διαφωνώ ριζικά, ούτε βεβαίως συμπόρευση με την πολιτική της ομάδα.Υποστηρίζω μια οδηγία προς το συμφέρον των εργαζομένων και των πολιτών της ΕΕ. Η πρόταση του Ευρωπαϊκού Kοινοβουλίου μπορεί να αποδοθεί στην κ. Zambelli κατ’ όνομα και μόνο, καθώς οι διαπραγματεύσεις επί της οδηγίας και οι προτάσεις του Κοινοβουλίου διαμορφώθηκαν αποκλειστικά από τις δημοκρατικές δυνάμεις με την ενεργό και ουσιαστική συμμετοχή της Ευρωομάδας της Αριστεράς και χωρίς τη συμμετοχή της εισηγήτριας, οι προτάσεις της οποίας απορρίφθηκαν ως μη αποδεκτές. Επομένως, η ευρωβουλευτής του ID στην πραγματικότητα δεν ενήργησε ως εισηγήτρια· αντιθέτως, τόσο η ίδια όσο και οι απόψεις της παρακάμφθηκαν πλήρως.
Russian aggression against Ukraine (B9-0123/2022)
To Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο υπερψήφισε με ιδιαίτερα μεγάλη πλειοψηφία, το κοινό ψήφισμα για την επίθεση της Ρωσίας κατά της Ουκρανίας που έχει συνυπογραφεί από τις πολιτικές ομάδες. Υπερψήφισα το ψήφισμα, καταδικάζοντας με τον πιο κατηγορηματικό τρόπο τη βάρβαρη και απροσχημάτιστη επίθεση της Ρωσίας του Πούτιν σε βάρος της Ουκρανίας και τονίζοντας την ανάγκη για απόλυτο σεβασμό της εδαφικής ακεραιότητας και ανεξαρτησίας της Ουκρανίας και για άμεση κατάπαυση του πυρός. Στη διάρκεια της επεξεργασίας του ψηφίσματος, η ομάδα της Ευρωπαϊκής Αριστεράς και ο ΣΥΡΙΖΑ-ΠΣ προτείναμε μια σειρά από τροπολογίες, εκφράζοντας σοβαρές επιφυλάξεις για μια νέα κούρσα εξοπλισμών και αμυντικών δαπανών στην ευρωπαϊκή ήπειρο που, αναπόφευκτα, θα συνδυαστεί με μέτρα λιτότητας, τα οποία θα πλήξουν τους πολίτες και τα ασθενέστερα κοινωνικά στρώματα. Στήριξα, επίσης, την παροχή μακρο-οικονομικής στήριξης στην Ουκρανία, όχι ως δάνειο με μνημονιακούς όρους, όπως είχε αποφασιστεί από την πλειοψηφία του ΕΚ πριν την εισβολή, αλλά ως ουσιαστική βοήθεια για την ανακούφιση από τις επιπτώσεις του πολέμου. Υπερψήφισα την ανάγκη στήριξης όλων των πολιτών και την παροχή ανθρωπιστικής βοήθειας, καθώς και το κάλεσμα προς την ΕΕ και τα κράτη μέλη να στηρίξουν τα αντιπολεμικά κινήματα στη Ρωσία. Η κρίση στην Ουκρανία ανέδειξε με τον πιο εμφατικό τρόπο την ανάγκη να ενισχυθεί η στρατηγική αυτονομία της ΕΕ για να διαδραματίσει τον ρόλο ενός ισχυρού διεθνούς ανεξάρτητου πόλου με αποκλειστικό γνώμονα την προώθηση της παγκόσμιας και περιφερειακής ειρήνης και σταθερότητας, την προάσπιση του διεθνούς δικαίου και την ευημερία των πολιτών της.
Objection pursuant to Rule 111(3): Union list of projects of common interest for the trans-European energy infrastructure (B9-0137/2022)
Ο πέμπτος ενωσιακός κατάλογος έργων κοινού ενδιαφέροντος για τις διευρωπαϊκές ενεργειακές υποδομές (ΤΕΝ-Ε), που παρουσιάστηκε από την Επιτροπή τον Νοέμβριο του 2021, περιλαμβάνει έργα κρίσιμα για την ολοκλήρωση της ευρωπαϊκής εσωτερικής αγοράς ενέργειας, ώστε να επιτευχθεί ο στόχος της ενεργειακής πολιτικής της Ένωσης για οικονομικά προσιτή, ασφαλή και βιώσιμη ενέργεια, καθώς και για την επίτευξη των στόχων της Ένωσης για κλιματική ουδετερότητα. Ο κατάλογος περιέχει συνολικά 34% λιγότερα έργα από τον τέταρτο ενωσιακό κατάλογο που εγκρίθηκε το 2019, ενώ περιλαμβάνει 38% λιγότερα έργα φυσικού αερίου. Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τις έκτακτες συνθήκες του πολέμου στην Ουκρανία που έχει επιτείνει περαιτέρω την ενεργειακή κρίση, την αβεβαιότητα για την ενεργειακή ασφάλεια, την ανάγκη διαφοροποίησης των πηγών ενέργειας της ΕΕ και προώθησης της ενεργειακής ανεξαρτησίας της ΕΕ, καθώς και την συμπερίληψη στον παρόντα κατάλογο σημαντικών έργων για την Ελλάδα, αποφάσισα να καταψηφίσω την αντίρρηση που κατατέθηκε κατά του πέμπτου καταλόγου έργων κοινού ενδιαφέροντος. Ωστόσο, επαναλαμβάνω το πάγιο αίτημα της Ευρωομάδας του ΣΥΡΙΖΑ-ΠΣ για την ανάγκη άμεσης υιοθέτησης πιο φιλόδοξων πράσινων ενεργειακών πολιτικών που να ευθυγραμμίζονται με τα πορίσματα της επιστήμης και τις δεσμεύσεις που έχουν αναληφθεί στο πλαίσιο της συμφωνίας του Παρισιού από την Ένωση και τα κράτη-μέλη, και να διασφαλιστεί ότι στο μέλλον κανένα νέο έργο ορυκτών καυσίμων δεν θα λάβει χρηματοδότηση από τον μηχανισμό «Συνδέοντας την Ευρώπη».
Foreign interference in all democratic processes in the EU (A9-0022/2022 - Sandra Kalniete)
Υπερψήφισα την έκθεση-ψήφισμα του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου σχετικά με τις εξωτερικές παρεμβάσεις και την παραπληροφόρηση σε όλες τις δημοκρατικές διαδικασίες στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, που ήταν το αποτέλεσμα των εργασιών της Ειδικής Επιτροπής που συστάθηκε με αυτό το αντικείμενο. Παρότι εντοπίζονται κενά, καθώς η έκθεση εξαντλείται στις ρωσικές, κυρίως, και κινεζικές παρεμβάσεις, που αποτελούν ωστόσο σοβαρό πρόβλημα για την ΕΕ και τις υπό ένταξη χώρες, η υπερψήφιση της έκθεσης αποτελεί υπενθύμιση ότι η ευαισθησία και η αυστηρότητα στην καταπολέμηση των φαινομένων οφείλει να είναι συνεπής, συνεχής και παγκόσμια και όχι επιλεκτική ως προς την προέλευση ή τη συγκυρία στην οποία καταγράφονται, με βάση μικροπολιτικές ή λανθασμένες προσεγγίσεις.
Need for an urgent EU action plan to ensure food security inside and outside the EU in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (RC-B9-0160/2022, B9-0160/2022, B9-0162/2022, B9-0163/2022, B9-0164/2022, B9-0165/2022, B9-0166/2022, B9-0167/2022)
Η κλιματική κρίση, η κρίση της COVID-19 και, τώρα, η εισβολή της Ρωσίας στην Ουκρανία έχουν τραυματίσει περαιτέρω το εύθραυστο παγκόσμιο σύστημα τροφίμων. Οι συνέπειες θα μπορούσαν να είναι καταστροφικές για τις πιο ευάλωτες χώρες και πληθυσμούς. Η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση κατά τη διάρκεια κρίσεων πρέπει να λαμβάνει έκτακτα μέτρα για την αντιμετώπιση τους και επομένως στην προκειμένη περίπτωση για την επισιτιστική ασφάλεια στη Ουκρανία αλλά και σε τρίτες χώρες και την αντιμετώπιση της αύξησης των τιμών στην Ευρώπη. Παρότι το ψήφισμα δεν εκφράζει πλήρως τις θέσεις μας, σε σχέση με τη ανάσχεση της εντατικής γεωργίας και την προώθηση της βιώσιμης παραγωγής τροφίμων, αναγνωρίζοντάς τις ανησυχίες των πολιτών υπερψηφίσαμε τα έκτακτα μέτρα, ώστε να ενισχυθούν τα συστήματα παραγωγής για μεγαλύτερη αυτονομία και ανθεκτικότητα.
Interim report on the proposal for a mid-term revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 (A9-0273/2023 - Jan Olbrycht, Margarida Marques)
Η Ευρωομάδα του ΣΥΡΙΖΑ - Προοδευτική Συμμαχία υποστηρίζει πάγια μια φιλόδοξη αναθεώρηση του Πολυετούς Δημοσιονομικού Πλαισίου (ΠΔΠ) με πραγματικές αυξήσεις κονδυλίων και όχι ανακατανομές με μειώσεις κονδυλίων από σημαντικά προγράμματα, έτσι ώστε ο προϋπολογισμός της ΕΕ να μπορεί να ανταποκρίνεται με επάρκεια και αποτελεσματικότητα στις κοινωνικές και οικονομικές ανάγκες που έχουν προκαλέσει οι συναπτές κρίσεις σε πανευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο. Η πρόταση της Επιτροπής για την αναθεώρηση του τρέχοντος ΠΔΠ προβλέπει συγκεκριμένες ενισχύσεις σε περιορισμένο αριθμό τομέων, βασιζόμενη σε μεγάλο μέρος σε ανακατανομές κονδυλίων. Προτείνει, συγχρόνως, τη δημιουργία ειδικών μέσων για τη στήριξη της ανασυγκρότησης της Ουκρανίας, την προώθηση των στρατηγικών τεχνολογιών στην ΕΕ και τη βιώσιμη αποπληρωμή του κόστους δανεισμού του Ταμείου Ανάκαμψης - προτάσεις που υποστηρίζουμε. Ωστόσο, η πρόταση της Επιτροπής δεν αποτελεί μια ολιστική προσέγγιση. Σε παρόμοιο επίπεδο, η έκθεση του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου περιέχει πολλά θετικά στοιχεία που διαχρονικά υποστηρίζουμε. Ωστόσο, παραμένει στο πλαίσιο που έθεσε η Επιτροπή, δίχως να επιλέγει μεγαλύτερο εύρος διεκδικήσεων και αξιώσεων προς το Συμβούλιο που θα μπορούσαν να αντιμετωπίσουν συνολικότερα τις διαρκώς διογκούμενες ανάγκες. Για τους λόγους αυτούς, η Ευρωομάδα του ΣΥΡΙΖΑ - Προοδευτική Συμμαχία τοποθετήθηκε με αποχή στη συγκεκριμένη ψηφοφορία, συνεχίζοντας να διεκδικεί πιο φιλόδοξες και ολιστικές λύσεις.
Proposals of the European Parliament for the amendment of the Treaties (A9-0337/2023 - Guy Verhofstadt, Sven Simon, Gabriele Bischoff, Daniel Freund, Helmut Scholz)
Υπερψήφισα την έκθεση για τις προτάσεις του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου για την τροποποίηση των Συνθηκών, η οποία εγκρίθηκε από την Ολομέλεια και αποτελεί ένα σημαντικό βήμα για την εμβάθυνση της ευρωπαϊκής ολοκλήρωσης και τη μεγαλύτερη αποτελεσματικότητα της ΕΕ και των θεσμών της. Στα θέματα, όμως, της κοινής εξωτερικής πολιτικής και πολιτικής ασφάλειας και της κοινής πολιτικής ασφάλειας και άμυνας καθώς και στα θέματα διεύρυνσης της ΕΕ, δεν υπερψήφισα τις σχετικές τροπολογίες περί απόκλισης από την αρχή της ομοφωνίας στη λήψη των σχετικών αποφάσεων, επιλέγοντας την στάση της αποχής, δεδομένων των ιδιαίτερα ευαίσθητων και σημαντικών εθνικών θεμάτων, σχετιζόμενων με την συνεχιζόμενη και κατά καιρούς κλιμακούμενη επιθετικότητα της Τουρκίας προς την Ελλάδα και την Κύπρο και τη γενικότερη αποσταθεροποίηση στην ευρύτερη περιοχή της Ανατολικής Μεσογείου. Για τον λόγο αυτό, υπερψήφισα τροπολογίες που ενισχύουν την ενδυνάμωση της ευρωπαϊκής άμυνας και της στρατηγικής αυτονομίας της ΕΕ για την πληρέστερη προστασία της χώρας μας από εξωτερικούς κινδύνους.
30 years of Copenhagen criteria - giving further impetus to EU enlargement policy (RC-B9-0500/2023, B9-0500/2023, B9-0501/2023, B9-0502/2023, B9-0504/2023, B9-0505/2023, B9-0506/2023)
Υποστηρίζω σταθερά την προαγωγή της ειρήνης, της σταθερότητας, της ανάπτυξης και της βελτίωσης της ποιότητας ζωής των πολιτών μέσα και από μια δίκαιη και φιλόδοξη πολιτική διεύρυνσης της ΕΕ. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, υπερψήφισα το ψήφισμα του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου σχετικά με τα 30 χρόνια από τη θέσπιση των κριτηρίων της Κοπεγχάγης και την περαιτέρω ώθηση στην πολιτική διεύρυνσης της ΕΕ, παρά τα ορισμένα αρνητικά σημεία (άρση του δικαιώματος του βέτο και αποσύνδεση της έναρξης και συνέχισης της ενταξιακής πορείας από την προηγούμενη επίλυση διμερών διαφορών με κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ), τα οποία και δεν υποστήριξα. Συνεχίζω να στηρίζω την ενταξιακή πορεία των υπό ένταξη χωρών, με προτεραιότητα στις χώρες των Δυτικών Βαλκανίων, υπό την απαραίτητη προϋπόθεση της απαρέγκλιτης τήρησης των κριτηρίων της Κοπεγχάγης και με βάση τον βαθμό εκπλήρωσης των κριτηρίων αυτών, ιδίως των κριτηρίων που αφορούν τον πλήρη σεβασμό των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων, των αρχών της δημοκρατίας και της δικαιοσύνης και του κράτους δικαίου. Πιστεύω ότι η διαδικασία της διεύρυνσης οφείλει να κινείται παράλληλα με την αναγκαία διαδικασία της εμβάθυνσης, με τελικό ορίζοντα την επίτευξη της ευρωπαϊκής ολοκλήρωσης στον μεγαλύτερο δυνατό βαθμό.
Written questions (191)
Excessive powers of the Greek Prime Minister over the media - Allocation of responsibilities for justice and migration policy to the Hellenic Police Force
Primary surplus and budgetary implications of government announcements
Independence of national control mechanisms for financial crime
Plans to increase the EU's own resources
Appointments of Secretaries General
Bleak job prospects for young people
Fair taxation - tax evasion and non-payment of VAT in the EU
Greek Government dismisses members of the Hellenic Competition Commission
Transcription of voice messages by Facebook
Change in Booking.com pricing policy
EU Member State competition authorities
Close family ties between a new member of the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) nominated by the government and a senior figure in the Council of State (CoS): incompatibility with membership of the HCC
Need for action to tackle the devastating fires in the Amazon
Rule of law infringement in the UK
Participation in EU public consultations
Changes to the EU-Turkey Agreement on Refugees
Function and objectives of the European Public Prosecutor's Office
Companies' compliance with the GDPR
The illegal detention in Ireland of US veterans Ken Mayers and Tarak Kauff
US tariffs on European imports
Complaint about prohibited state aid to the Organisation of Urban Transportation of Thessaloniki (OASTH)
The European Labour Authority
Inquiry into unlawful practices by the Novartis company
Proposal to unfreeze the proceeds of economic crime after 18 months
Revision of the Stability and Growth Pact
Unfreezing the proceeds of economic crime after 18 months
EU investment in ‘research and development’
Conversion of open reception and identification centres into closed-type detention centres
EU and digital economy taxation
EU preparations for industrial transition
Measures against networks and websites without the need for a court order in Spain
Political bias displayed by Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas
Violation of EU law and the right to the provision of judicial protection in Greece
Laws against blasphemy and religious insult
Funding for the European Green Deal
Retroactive legislation resulting in the removal of administrators serving on the Greek Competition Commission
Withdrawal of a complaint about illegal state aid to the Thessaloniki City Transport Body (OASTH)
Corruption and mismanagement of EU funds in the Member States
Agreement enabling Turkey to avoid being listed by the EU as a tax haven
Gender mainstreaming in the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework
Increased refugee and migratory flows at the Turkish-Greek border
Equal treatment of the LGBTIQ+ community within the Greek Police
Issuance of Eurobonds and economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic
Excessive legislative power concentrated in the hands of the Hungarian Government
Violation of sovereign rights and international law by Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean
Ensuring a common EU health policy
Measures to support workers in the face of the coronavirus crisis in Greece
The Commission’s decision to award a contract to BlackRock to oversee the development of ESG factors in the EU banking sector and corporate investment policies
Common Security and Defence Policy operation EUNAVFOR MED Irini
Distance learning for the professional and self-employed categories and for scientific experts
Change in legislation and implementation of directives on the natural environment
Amendment of legislation on environmental licensing procedures and Directive 2011/92
Greek Government granting secret funds to its Ministry of Asylum and Migration
Installation of cameras and the transmission/recording of lessons in classrooms
Gender-based violence in the EU during the Coronavirus pandemic
Patras-Pyrgos motorway
Direct award of an EOT (Greek National Tourism Organisation) tourism promotion project to the private company, Marketing Greece
Illegal hydrocarbon exploration and drilling by Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean
Illegal hydrocarbon exploration and drilling by Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean
Lack of data on the creative and cultural sectors (CCS)
Grants to Greek media outlets for an information campaign about the Coronavirus pandemic
Unemployment rates in Greece for 2020
Turkish Government moves to turn Hagia Sophia into a mosque
European Semester e-Conference on Greece
Direct violation by the President and the Vice-President of the Commission of their obligations of impartiality and objectivity and of the Code of Conduct
Inclusion of an assessment of ‘behaviour’ in school leaving certificates
Allocation of European recovery instrument funding (Next Generation EU)
Strong fiscal measures to address the consequences of the pandemic for 2020
Support for victims of deadly flooding in Evia
Unilateral actions by Turkey in the Greek and Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and violations of the Greek continental shelf
Unilateral actions by Turkey in the Greek and Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and violations of the Greek continental shelf
Just Transition Fund estimates and allocation criteria
Major disparities in the allocation of SURE funding
Mass arrest of LGBTI activists in Poland
Natural disasters
Terms of National Insurance sale
Inclusive education and not substituting lifelong learning with digital education
Disclosure of information concerning the award of a bid on environmental sustainability guideline (ESG) factors to BlackRock
Measures to combat money laundering
Azerbaijan’s hostile activities against Armenia
Energy Charter Treaty renegotiation: the EU’s position regarding fossil fuels protection, the Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanism and public information
European Fiscal Board’s proposals to revise the rules on public debt
Freezing of criminal proceedings for smuggling and tax evasion
Four-day blanket ban on gatherings in Greece
Authorisation of ship-breaking facility at the archaeological site of the Salamis sea battle
Poland’s abortion ban ruling
Political killing in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Recently proposed bills in Hungary infringing on the rights of LGBTI persons
Transparency of contracts for COVID-19 vaccines
Ensuring the reliability and transparency of epidemiological data on the COVID-19 pandemic
The human rights situation in Bahrain
Combating gender-based cyberviolence
Decision of the European Ombudsman regarding the Commission’s decision to award a contract to BlackRock for a study on integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives into EU banking rules
Non-transparent partnership of the Greek Government with Palantir Technologies, a data processing company, to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic
Uneven supply of COVID-19 vaccines
Uniform rules for safe travel in the EU
EU Action Plan on Intellectual Property – compulsory licences
India and South Africa’s call for the WTO to suspend or waive intellectual property rights for COVID-19 related technologies
Ending the European Union opt-out from Article 31bis of the TRIPS Agreement
Global vaccine shortages and patent sharing according to European Citizens’ Initiative ‘Right to Cure’
Suspending intellectual property rights for COVID‑19‑related medicines and technologies
European Citizens’ Initiative as a tool for citizens’ participation in the EU decision-making process
Review of Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) before deactivation of the general escape clause
Extensive power cuts in Greece
Powers of independent Port Regulatory Authority curtailed
Ensuring the timely mass vaccination of the population
Hellas Gold
Minimum 2 % earmarking for CCS in national plans for the RRF evaluation process
Access of refugee children to education
European solution for public debt alleviation in the Member States
Protecting freedom of expression on social media
Continued violations of human rights and civil liberties in Turkey
Financial and social exclusion of remote areas of Greece due to downsizing of the banking network
Introduction of a global minimum corporate tax
Offensive behaviour by Turkish President during visit by Commission and European Council Presidents
Ensuring the availability of EU funding for final recipients – Regulation No 2020/2092 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the Union budget
Construction of walls around Greek refugee camps
Revision of the EU’s cross-border healthcare framework
Deterring civil servants from testifying before Greek courts, with the threat of disciplinary and criminal action, is unprecedented
Use of acoustic cannons against migrants and asylum seekers in Greece
Arrest of Dutch journalist Ingeborg Beugel in Greece
Protecting heritage and promoting infrastructure in Thessaloniki’s Venizelos metro station
EU web accessibility for persons with disabilities
Alarming economic and social implications of supplementary insurance reforms in Greece
Medium-Term Fiscal Strategy Framework (MTFSF) 2022-2025
Group pushbacks by Bulgarian authorities
Climate crisis and devastating fires in Greece
Use and reform of the ‘Greece 2.0’ plan
Surge in electricity prices
New bill on deportations and return procedures in Greece
Forthcoming closure of Euronews Greek service
Erosion of press freedom in Greece
Libya – crimes against humanity
Commission decision to halt funding for Euronews Greek language service
Written question on the death of a pregnant Polish woman after being denied an abortion
Significant delays in NSRF payments by the Greek Government
Pushbacks and the deterioration of migration
US authorities’ refusal to grant a visa to an MEP
Criminal proceedings against investigative journalists in Greece
Verbal attacks on journalists, attempts to undermine freedom of the press and direct interference by the Greek Prime Minister in the workings of the judiciary
Approval of unscientific and homophobic educational content and EU funding for bodies responsible
Reduction of excise duty on energy consumption to counter spiralling fuel prices
Subject: Criminal proceedings against former prosecutor and assistant prosecutors responsible for investigating the Novartis corruption scandal
Risk of suffocating government control over the Athens News Agency - Macedonian Press Agency (ANA-MPA)
Substantial losses of VAT revenue
Major shortcomings and weaknesses in the implementation in Greece of directives on the prevention of money laundering
Large-scale derogations from the provisions on public contracts in Greece
Use of the ‘Predator’ spyware in Greece
Turkish activist Osman Kavala sentenced to life imprisonment without parole
Drastic curbs on press freedom in Greece in 2022
Infringement of EU law by Greece at the expense of electricity consumers
Creation of permanent fiscal tools and mechanisms to address and prevent asymmetric shocks
Totally inadequate Commission response to inadmissible and blameworthy utterances by the Turkish President
Reform of the methodology for tracking climate expenditure
Important recommendations from the European Court of Auditors on the Commission's use of external consultants
Scandal of Uber’s interconnectedness and political influence
Attendance by Commission Vice-President at Atreju festival
Scandal surrounding the surveillance of journalists and politicians in Greece
Creation of central fiscal capacity to underpin the EU economy
Appointment of judge criticised for her anti-Semitic views as Vice-President of the Supreme Court
Continued departures from EU public procurement legislation in Greece, despite warnings from the Commission and the Hellenic Single Public Procurement Authority (HSPPA)
Sanctions against Turkey and Turkish entities
Sanctions against Turkey and Turkish entities
Involvement of large advisory companies as contractors for both the preparation and implementation of national recovery and resilience plans
Issuing common EU debt as a means of responding more effectively to the energy crisis and current economic and financial perils
Risk of Hercules guarantees being included in Greek public debt figures
Revising public procurement legislation to stop the publicly financed race to the bottom on working conditions
Inadmissible and opaque methods of calculating the annual adjustment of long-term health insurance premiums
European Commission - third countries - transparency
Increase of funds under the EU budgetary framework for the EU Civil Protection Mechanism
Publication of information regarding the final recipients of recovery and resilience funding
Guaranteeing correct, complete and reliable implementation of the Railway Safety Directive
Greek railway safety reports
Water privatisation by the Greek Government
Freezing of EU funding for recycling centres in Greece
Greek Government involvement in exports of Predator malware
Mass arrests of journalists, lawyers and politicians in Türkiye
The impact of the EU cohesion policy on the reduction of social inequalities in the EU
Contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) programme budget
State of implementation of Local and Special Urban Plans funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility
Planned increases in the Commission’s communication budget
Removing the minimum liver weight requirement for foie gras production
Clauses on respect for labour and trade union rights in the European public procurement framework
Devastating wildfires and floods in Greece
Opaque procedures for modification of the Greek recovery and resilience plan
Collection and sale of personal data by car companies
Biodiversity mainstreaming in the MFF and Global Europe Instrument
Urgent need to take measures at European level to combat shrinkflation
Israel’s disregard for international law and the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice
Review of the new Common Agricultural Policy
EPPO investigation into contract award process for hundreds of RRF-funded projects in Greece worth EUR 2.5 billion
Individual motions (1)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the review of the Financial Regulation and the Commission’s guidelines on public procurement for policy-related service contracts
Amendments (2088)
Amendment 1 #
2023/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
– having regard to the EIB’s approach to human rights, published on 6 February 2023,
Amendment 2 #
2023/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 a (new)
Citation 21 a (new)
– having regard to the EIB Group’s strategy on gender equality and women’s economic empowerment and to its gender action plan,
Amendment 8 #
2023/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates the important role played by the EIB as the EU public bank and as the only international financial institution entirely owned by Member States with operations, fully guided by EU policy objectivies and subject to EU legal standards with the goal of supporting the social and economic recovery and targeting investments for the materialisation of the Union’s objectives;
Amendment 19 #
2023/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the EIB to address systemic shortcomings that prevent certain regions or countries from taking full advantage of its financial activities; stresses the importance of avoiding further geographical imbalances in the EIB’s lending activity so as to ensure a broader geographical and sectoral allocation of investments, reduce regional disparities and enhance economic and social convergence;
Amendment 23 #
2023/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the EIB to expand its role in addressing investment gaps in social infrastructure and welfare, such as social housing, public healthcare, utilities, public transport, sustainable transport and education, while ensuring additionality and complementarity with other public funds and commercial lenders; calls on the EIB to support projects that deliver on the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 25 #
2023/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the role of the European Investment Fund in improving access to finance for smaller EU companies, mid- caps and start-ups; calls on the EIB to provide additional growth capital to enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to scale up their operations by improving financing conditions and diversifying the sources of finance available to SMEs; recalls that SMEs constitute the backbone of the economy, representing the overwhelming majority of EU enterprises and generating more than 50% of the total added value produced by EU businesses; underlines that supporting SMEs is a key objective for the EIB; calls on the EIB to further enhance its efforts in expanding their financing capacity;
Amendment 78 #
2023/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Stresses the enormous social and economic consequences deriving from the COVID-19 crisis followed by the invasion of Ukraine and their impact on fair, inclusive and sustainable growth, investment, resilience, employment, education and socio-economic inequalities;
Amendment 102 #
2023/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Reiterates its call for clear and binding rules to complement the information note summarising EIB Global’s approach to human rights, in particular on assessment and disengagement; expresses particular concern that, since 2015, the EIB has not required project promoters to carry out any standalone human rights impact assessments; calls therefore on the EIB to provide a Human Rights Strategy as well as human rights assessment and evaluation of its programmes, also on the ground, to ensure that local communities are consulted and that the right to free prior and informed consent (FPIC) is implemented in a systematic manner; calls, furthermore, on the EIB to develop specific policies on human rights defenders and protocols to respond to risks of reprisals;
Amendment 109 #
Amendment 116 #
2023/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Calls on the EIB to increase its reporting to Parliament regarding its decisions, progress achieved and the impact of its lending activities, notably through regular structured dialogues between Parliament and the EIB; reiterates its request for an interinstitutional agreement between Parliament and the EIB in order to improve access to EIB documents and data and enhance democratic accountability, including the ability to submit questions for written answer to the EIB;
Amendment 125 #
2023/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Calls on the EIB to actively promote balanced gender representation in its managerial and senior positions; calls on the EIB to further enhance the promotion of all forms of diversity and inclusion within its organisation and to set ambitious targets;
Amendment 2 #
2023/2123(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU budget must continue to pave the way for climate neutrality by 2050enhance its support towards the Union goal of climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest; whereas increased investments are needed in renewable energy given the needs magnified by the energy crisis and the increasing energy poverty; whereas renewable hydrogen has untapped potential that could contribute to achieving this objective;
Amendment 10 #
2023/2123(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the European Hydrogen Bank (EHB) initiative; regrets the use of the word ‘bank’, since the project will not entail investment and lending activities; calls on the Commission to rename the initiative and will rather aim to coordinate activities and financing to support renewable hydrogen projects; calls on the Commission to rename the initiative accordingly, also by including the word ‘renewable’;
Amendment 17 #
2023/2123(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that a budget of EUR 3 billion was announced for the EHB in the 2022 State of the European Union address; takes note that a budget of EUR 800 million is expected for the first EU pilot auction for renewable hydrogen production; calls on the Commission to detail wensure that further funding will be made available;
Amendment 22 #
2023/2123(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that pillars 1 and 4 of the EHB will partly rely on the coordination of the same EU programmes as the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform in order to support the development of renewable hydrogen production; stresses that the approach of overburdening existing programmes without adequate additional fresh money risks undermining the fulfilment of their initial objectives; invites the Commission to clarify the interaction between the two initiatives;
Amendment 29 #
2023/2123(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the ambition of EHB pillar 1 to spur the development of a domestic market for renewable hydrogen; calls on the Commission to ensure a level playing field when conducting auctions, including by considering support for hydrogen based on renewable sources from other bidding zones than the production zone; agrees that a well-functioning domestic market requires cross-border renewable hydrogen infrastructure; regrets the fact that the Commission’s proposal for the revision of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) did not include an increase in funding for the Connecting Europe Facility;
Amendment 38 #
2023/2123(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Highlights that the successful implementation of the initiative will require significant investment in skills development, including through training, reskilling and upskilling; calls on the Commission to clarify the ways and means to achieve this essential condition;
Amendment 1 #
2023/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. NUnderlines the exceptionally uncertain EU economic and social outlook resulting from the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the consequences of the invasion of Ukraine, inflation and the energy and cost of living crises; notes that the Union economy is expected to gradually recover in 2024, although with a slower pace than initially projected, with a forecast growth of 1.3 % of GDP and a generally robust labour market; points, however, to the various risks and uncertainties, which put a strain on European businesses, public finance, public social and welfare policies and people, and affect some Member States more than others; is highly concerned by the extremely high levels of inflation that have resulted in a cost of living crisis; points to the research ofthe European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund suggesting that corporate profits have been important drivers of inflation;
Amendment 9 #
2023/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Takes note of the proposed reform of the economic governance framework of the Union; believes that the new framework should ensure clear and flexible implementation and provide the adequate fiscal space for Member States to invest in the EU’s strategic prioritStresses that the current EU economic governance framework has proven inadequate to address past and current challenges and that a thorough revision is urgently needed; takes note of the proposed reform of the economic governance framework of the Union; regrets that the GDP reference values for public deficit and public debt remain unchanged; believes that the new framework should ensure clear and flexible implementation and provide the adequate fiscal space for Member States to implement growth-enhancing and socially-just reforms and investments, make their economies and societies more resilient, sustainable, fair and inclusive and to invest in the EU’s strategic priorities, including climate and social policies; recalls its position that an EU- level permanent crisisspecial instrument over and above the MFF ceilings will contribute to ensuring a sufficiently high level of strategic investment and an appropriate fiscal stance at the aggregate level as well as to increasing EU readiness to quickly react to ongoing and upcoming crises and their social and economic effects;
Amendment 18 #
2023/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the overall success of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) in supporting the recovery of EU economies and societies and notes its positive impact on the implementation of the country-specific recommendations and on investmentreforms and investments in EU priorities; underlines the importance of compliance with the rule of law and the general regime of conditionality and reiterates the need for the necessary monitoring, audit and enforcement mechanisms to ensure respect for the rule of law and to protect the EU’s fin EU prioritiesancial interests, in particular to prevent fraud, corruption and conflicts of interest and ensure transparency; welcomes the fact that most Member States have submitted revised national plans, including REPowerEU chapters; stresses that investments in line with European objectives, notably those of the RRF and REPowerEU, should be treated favourably for the calculation of excessive debt;
Amendment 24 #
2023/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses the importance of significant public investment to support a sustainable, fair and inclusive recovery in the EU, address the energy crisis, strengthen public healthcare systems, upward social and economic convergence, social and economic resilience, social justice and equality and to contribute to the full implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU’s climate and biodiversity objectives, the just green and digital transitions and the EU Gender Equality Strategy; notes that according to the Commission, 650 billion EUR of additional investment is needed annually until 2030 for the green and digital transitions alone; stresses, moreover, that, according to the Commission, significant progress is still needed to reach the 2030 EU and national employment, skills and social targets; supports, therefore, the introduction of a golden rule to exclude public investment on tackling climate change, promoting digitisation of the public sector and strengthening public social policies as well as public spending to meet emergency needs, from the calculation of public debt and public deficit;
Amendment 27 #
2023/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that the substantial increase in interest rates has driven up the borrowing costs for the European Recovery Instrument (EURI); reiterates, therefore, its call for swift progress on the introduction of new own resources, as agreed in the legally-binding roadmap established under the Interinstitutional Agreement; asks, moreover, the Commission to reflect beyond the existing roadmap and to propose further innovative, new and preferably genuine own resources; strongly supports the Commission proposal for a EURI instrument outside the ceilings of the multiannual financial framework to cover the excess costs for interest payments; recalls its position that all EURI repayment costs should be placed over and above the MFF ceilings;
Amendment 39 #
2023/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for Parliament’s role in the reform of the economic governance framework and the European Semester to be significantly strengthened.
Amendment 1 #
2023/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Holds that the EU budget’s investment policy and its multiannual programming are a potentially stabilising factor, helping to ensuringe that certain long- term investments that enhance growth and boost employment are not detrimentally affected by the volatility of economic cycles and national downturns; underlines, however, that the multiple crises and their socio-economic consequences have significantly affected the purchasing power and the stabilising effect of the EU budget and have limited the Union’s ability to provide itself with the means necessary to attain its objectives and carry through its policies;
Amendment 4 #
2023/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that the own resources system already includes mechanisms that can be considered modest automatic stabilisers during asymmetrical crises, namely the value added tax-based own resource and the gross national income- based own resource; reiterates the need to fully respect the timeline of the legally- binding roadmap for the introduction of new own resources annexed to the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA) of 16 December 2020, including the introduction of an EU-wide financial transaction tax; urges, furthermore, the Commission to continue the efforts to identify fresh, new and preferably genuine own resources and other revenue sources for the Union budget beyond the IIA;
Amendment 6 #
2023/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. ConcedeRegrets that the EU, because of its restricted competences regarding direct taxation and social policies, as well as the limited size of its general budget, does not currently have effective and immediate ways of redistributing income between individual taxpayers or private households in times of crisis; stresses the need for enhanced EU competences and more efficient and democratic decision-making in EU tax policy and social policy, including through the transition to qualified majority voting under the ordinary legislative procedure;
Amendment 13 #
2023/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Warns againsBelieves that taxation mechanisms that, ifshould be set up at the wrong level, might result in capilevels that ensure talx flight, with investments and other revenues flowing outside the EUairness and contribute to tackling income inequality;
Amendment 14 #
2023/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes with concern the increase in income inequality, with wealth being even more concentrated than income and capital gains being mostly realised by the top decile of the population; stresses the need for a more effective and fair redistribution of income and wealth through the taxation of capital gains, property and wealth; calls on the Commission to propose a progressive EU wealth tax and to support calls to start negotiations for such a tax at international level;
Amendment 16 #
2023/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Regrets the limited scope and short time span of the EU solidarity contribution; calls on the Commission to propose a permanent excess profit tax on all sectors, in light of growing evidence that inflation is significantly driven by excess corporate profits;
Amendment 24 #
2023/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. CRecalls that the EU budget has been used continuously as a response tool in times of crises; calls on the Commission and the Council to explore the possibilityways of using the EU budget’s expenditure and revenue mechanisms as response instruments and for redistribution purposes during symmetrical and asymmetrical crises, such as through a permanent fiscal capacity for the euro areawithout any detriment to existing policies and programmes; calls, in this regard, for the establishment of a permanent fiscal capacity for the euro area and of a permanent special instrument over and above the MFF ceilings for the EU budget to better adapt and quickly react to crises and their social and economic effects.
Amendment 203 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12a) Activities under the Facility should also help the Beneficiaries to address social challenges, foster upward social cohesion and convergence towards the Union standards and support progress towards the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Amendment 218 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States and the Beneficiaries, should contribute to increased transparency and accountability in the delivery of assistance, including by implementing appropriate internal control systems and anti-fraud policies. The support under the Facility should be made available under the preconditions that each of the Beneficiaries continues to respects and upholds effective democratic mechanisms and institutions, including a functioning multi- party parliamentary system, media freedom and the rule of law, and to guarantees respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to all minorities, such as ethnic, religious, LGBTIQ+, and vulnerable groups and promote their social and economic inclusivity. Another pre-condition should be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relations.
Amendment 298 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) accelerate the socio-economicinstitutional, social, economic and environmental convergence of the Beneficiaries’ economies and societies with the Union standards;
Amendment 299 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) accelerate the adoption and implementation of the political, institutional, legal, administrative, social and economic reforms required to accelerate alignment with Union values, laws, rules, standards, policies and practices (‘EU acquis’) with a view to Union membership.
Amendment 314 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) accelerate fair, inclusive and sustainable green transition in line with the 2020 Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and covering all economic sectors, particularly energy, including the transition towards sustainable, de- carbonised climate-neutral, climate- resilient and inclusive circular economy, in line with the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 317 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) promote the digital transformation and digital skills ans enablers for sustainable development and inclusive growth;
Amendment 321 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point g
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point g
(g) boost innovation, particularly for MSMEs and in support of the fair, inclusive and sustainable green and digital transitions;
Amendment 323 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point g a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point g a (new)
(ga) address social challenges and foster upward social cohesion and convergence towards the Union standards;
Amendment 331 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point h
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point h
(h) boost quality education of all levels, training, reskilling and upskilling, and quality employment policies;
Amendment 337 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
(i) further strengthen the fundamentals of the enlargement process, including the rule of law, democracy, the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, through strengthening democratic institutions and promoting an independent judiciary, reinforced security, the fight against fraud, corruption, organised crime and money laundering and terrorism financing, tax evasion, tax avoidance and tax fraud; compliance with international law; strengthen freedom and independence of media and academic freedom and an enabling environment for civil society; foster social dialogue and civil society involvement; promote gender equality, gender mainstreaming, non- discrimination and tolerance, to ensure and strengthen respect for the rights of persons belonging to all minorities, such as ethnic, religious, LGBTIQ+, and vulnerable groups and promote their social and economic inclusivity;
Amendment 348 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point j
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point j
(j) reinforce the effectiveness of public administration and support transparency and accountability, structural reforms and good governance at all levels, including in the areas of public financial management and public procurement and State aid control; support initiatives and bodie, bodies and organisations involved in supporting and enforcing democratic and human rights and international justice in the Western Balkans Beneficiaries.
Amendment 363 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
4. Activities under the Facility shall comply with the social, climate and environmental standards of the Union. These activities shall mainstream climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity and environmental protection, human rights, democracy, social rights, gender equality and, where relevant, disaster risk reduction, and shall support progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Pillar of Social Rights, promoting integrated actions that can create co- benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way. They shall avoid stranded assets, and shall abe guided by the principles of ‘do no harm’ and of ‘leaving no one behind’, as well as by the sustainability mainstreaming approach underpinning the European Green Deal.
Amendment 369 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 5
Article 4 – paragraph 5
5. Beneficiaries and the Commission shall ensure that gender equality between men and women, gender mainstreaming and the integration of a gender prespective are taken into accountincorporated into and promoted throughout the preparation of the Reform Agendas and the implementation of the Facility. Beneficiaries and the Commission shall take appropriate steps to prevent any discrimination based upon gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The Commission will report on these measures in the context of its regular reporting under the Gender Action Plans.
Amendment 372 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6
Article 4 – paragraph 6
6. The Facility shall not support activities or measures which are incompatible with the Beneficiaries’ National Energy and Climate Plans, their Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, and ambition to reach climate-neutrality by 2050 at the latest or that promote investments in fossil fuels, or that cause significant adverse effects on the environment or the climate or biodiversity.
Amendment 376 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 7
Article 4 – paragraph 7
7. The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States and the Beneficiaries, shall contribute toensure the implementation of Union commitments to increased transparency and accountability in the delivery of assistance, including by promoting the implementation and reinforcement of robust internal control systems and anti-fraud policies, and by compulsory making information on the volume and allocation of assistance available through web-based databasesdown to the level of final recipients available through a single web-portal, and shall ensure that data is comparable and can be easily accessed, shared and published.
Amendment 454 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 4
Article 11 – paragraph 4
4. The Reform Agendas shall be consistent with and support the reform priorities identified in the context of the Beneficiary’s accession path, and other relevant documents, such as the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, the National Energy and Climate Plan, the Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement and the ambition to reach climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest.
Amendment 471 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) an explanation of the extent to which the measures are expected to contribute to social, climate and environmental objectives;
Amendment 2 #
2023/0352(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Notes that Makro's parent company, METRO AG, achieved an EBITDA of EUR 1.389 billion in the 2021/2022 fiscal year; notes that the EBITDA for the 2022/2023 fiscal year is forecast to exceed EUR 1 billion; regrets that METRO AG is not obliged to cover the entire cost of the laying off of the 1 431 workers;
Amendment 3 #
2023/0352(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Deeply regrets the incomprehensible decision by the Flemish authorities to refuse European support under the EGF that could further support the redundant workers;
Amendment 7 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
Citation 17 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal,
Amendment 8 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 b (new)
Citation 17 b (new)
– having regard to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals,
Amendment 9 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 c (new)
Citation 17 c (new)
– having regard to the European Pillar of Social Rights and its resolution of 19 January 2017 thereon,
Amendment 10 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 d (new)
Citation 17 d (new)
Amendment 21 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, following on from the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought further substantial economic and social consequences for the people of Europe, pushing up inflation, generating energy insecurity and energy poverty, driving up food and energy prices and resulting in a cost of living crisis for millions, especially for the most vulnerable; underlines that the new geopolitical and economic context has given rise to new policy needs, notably in climate and energy, social investments, defence and industrial policy;
Amendment 27 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. NoteRegrets that, despite the Commission’s proposal to revise the MFF, the Council chose to formulate its position on the 2024 budget assuming no change to the framework; deeply regrets that, despite the drastic constraints, the Council elected to cut commitment appropriations in the DB by EUR 772 million and payment appropriations by EUR 515 million across the MFF headings; considers that the cuts proposed by the Council are totally unjustified, not driven by an objective assessment of needs or absorption capacity and run counter, in many instances, to shared policy ambitions and political agreements; decides, therefore, to restore appropriations on all lines cut by the Council to the level of the DB;
Amendment 32 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that the budget can only be adopted in accordance with the MFF regulation in force; reiterates its firm conviction that a revised MFF regulation must provide the framework for the 2024 budget and, in order to ensure democratic decision-making in accordance with the spirit of the Treaty, considers it appropriate for Parliament to formulate its position on the basis of a revised framework; decides, therefore, to draw up its reading on the 2024 budget in alignment with its interim report on the MFF revision;
Amendment 34 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Reaffirms the importance of the horizontal principles concerning climate, biodiversity and gender equality that underpin the MFF and all related EU policies; recalls that targets related to climate and biodiversity, as well as the obligation to respect the ‘do no significant harm’ principle and to promote gender equality are laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 2020 and insists that these provisions must also underpin the updated MFF; calls on the Commission to fulfil its obligation under the IIA to take concrete action to ensure that the agreed targets and policy objectives are fully met;
Amendment 39 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Underlines that swift progress on new own resources is essential both for the repayment of EURI borrowing costs and for the financial robustness and implementation of the current and future multiannual financial frameworks; reiterates the need to fully respect the timeline of the legally-binding roadmap for the introduction of new own resources annexed to the IIA and urges the Commission to continue the efforts to identify fresh, new and preferably genuine own resources and other revenue sources for the Union budget beyond the IIA;
Amendment 54 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the Council, in its position on the 2024 budget, reduces appropriations set aside for EURI borrowing costs; shares the Council’s based on the hope that borrowing costs are ultimately lower than forecast in the DB, but; insists that, in accordance with the principle of budgetary prudence, the budgetary authority should rely on the Commission’s objective forecasting and the updates in the Amending Letter; proposes, therefore, to restore the DB amount and, in line with its MFF interim report, to delete the line from Heading 2b and place the full amount in the EURI special instrument over and above the MFF ceilings;
Amendment 57 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Underlines that budgetary flexibility has been key for the Union to respond to unforeseen events and to adjust its spending priorities in light of evolving political and, economic and social needs; highlights, however, that the Union budget is not equipped with the flexibility it requires; reiterates, therefore, its view that the Flexibility Instrument should be increased by EUR 1,457 billion in 2024 in line with its MFF interim report;
Amendment 61 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Recalls that programmes under Heading 1 play a key role in supporting research and innovation, in boosting the sustainability and competitiveness of the EU economy, in supporting SMEs and in investing in cross- border infrastructure, thus contributing significantly to the green and digital transitions and to driving fair, inclusive and sustainable growth, economic and social development and job creation;
Amendment 70 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that a well-functioning Single Market is critical for the Union’s competitiveness and to enhance access to markets for EU businesses, especially SMEs; emphasises that SMEs in particular have been hit hard by high inflation and energy prices and proposes, as a result, an increase of EUR 10 million above the DB for the SME strand of the Single Market programme; reiterates, furthermore, the programme’s role in contributing to human, animal and plant health; proposes, in that regard, an increase of EUR 5 million to ensure effective implementation of veterinary programmes for animal diseases and zoonosis, in particular to combat bovine tuberculosis;
Amendment 73 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Underscores that the just green and digital transitions and a refocusing of industrial policy require significant investment in skills development, including reskilling and upskilling, for example through the Net Zero Academies; proposes, therefore, to increase appropriations for skills development under the Single Market programme by EUR 10 million;
Amendment 77 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Highlights the vital role that Horizon Europe plays in supporting research and innovation and in helping to turn research results and innovative ideas into products and services that stimulate job creation and boost the global competitiveness of EU business; recalls that the programme remains heavily over- subscribed and is therefore unable to support a large number of research projects evaluated as ‘excellent’; proposes, therefore, to increase allocations for the programme by a total of EUR 140 million compared to the DB (excluding the STEP- related increases), with reinforcements for the European Research Council, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and Clusters ‘Health’, ‘Culture’ ‘Climate, Energy and Mobility’ and ‘Food’;
Amendment 83 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Underlines the key role cohesion policy plays in delivering on EU policy priorities and boosting the EU economy by contributing to fair, inclusive and sustainable growth and development, promoting economic and social convergence between countries and regions, supporting the just green and digital transitions, and fostering innovation and employment; regrets that, due to the limited flexibility of the current MFF, the Commission has resorted to reorienting cohesion policy, which is not a crisis response tool but has been repeatedly called on to make up for shortcomings in budgetary flexibility or crisis response mechanisms in the MFF to the detriment of its long-term policy objectives; calls on the Commission and the Member States to accelerate implementation of cohesion policy;
Amendment 87 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses the importance of adequate funding for programmes under Heading 2a in order to ensure that regcohesional policy, as the EU’s main investment policy, delivers on its objectives; underlines that local and regional authorities are key to ensuring effective implementation of EU programmes and calls for the local and regional level, on the one hand, and the EU level, on the other, to be strengthened, including through adequate financing for relevant actions and institutions;
Amendment 91 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Underlines that placing EURI borrowing costs over and above the MFF ceilings would have the effect of restoring some margin within Heading 2b and creating budgetary space in the Flexibility and Single Margin Instruments; underlines that programmes under Heading 2b have been impacted by the EURI line’s presence within the same heading since the Commission has been de facto prevented from proposing reinforcements where they are needed; insists that the EURI Instrument should cover all EURI repayment costs, not only those above the programmed amount under Heading 2b, thus also freeing up considerable budgetary space for policies under this Heading;
Amendment 104 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Is alarmed by the growing impact of natural disasters in Europe and its neighbourhood and concerned about the EU’s ability to respond timely and effectively; underlines that these disasters are often linked to climate change and are therefore likely to occur with greater frequency and intensity in the future; increases, therefore, appropriations for the Union Civil Protection Mechanism by EUR 20 million above DB in order to ensure an effective response and protect human lives;
Amendment 139 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Stresses that effective and fair management and protection of the Union’s external borders are key to ensuring the security of the Union, guaranteeing the smooth and efficient implementation of the Union’s migration and asylum policy and preserving the free movement of people within the Union and the proper functioning of the Schengen area; underlines that the Union’s migration and asylum policy should be based on solidarity, shared responsibility and respect for human rights, promote safe and legal pathways and provide certainty, clarity and decent and dignified conditions for people arriving in the EU, in line with Union values and international commitments; stresses, moreover, the need to better prevent irregular migration to protect vulnerable people from smuggling and trafficking networks and address the instrumentalisation of migrants as part of hybrid attacks; underlines the vital role that the Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI) plays in that regard; notes that the Commission proposes to reinforce the BMVI above financial programming levels in the DB, though points out that this ‘reinforcement’ only partially offsets repeated redeployments from the BMVI to finance revised agency mandates; proposes to increase appropriations for the BMVI by EUR 60 million above DB, including to support Romania and Bulgaria in their preparations for accession to the Schengen area;
Amendment 153 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53
Paragraph 53
53. Stresses the importance of the Southern Neighbourhood line in supporting political, economic and social reforms in the region, in providing assistance to refugees, in particular Syrian and Palestinian refugees, and in enabling support along the southern migration routes; proposes, therefore, to increase appropriations for the line by EUR 650 million above DB, including to ensure predictable funding for UNWRAadditional, predictable and sufficient funding for UNRWA in light of its growing needs and its crucial role in protecting and ensuring the essential needs of Palestinian refugees as well as in promoting development and stability;
Amendment 3 #
2023/0201R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the fact that, following its review of the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework (MFF), the Commission has finally drawn the same conclusion as Parliament did in December 2022, namely that the MFF has been overtaken by events in a world that has changed beyond recognition since it was agreed in 2020, that budgetary flexibility has been depleted and much more is necessary in order to respond to unforeseen circumstances, that the MFF contains structural problems laid bare by economic and social developments and that, as a result, an urgent revision of the MFF regulation and its annex is essential;
Amendment 9 #
2023/0201R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines the fact that the revision must focus on addressing the manifold consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, on safeguarding the Union’s strategic autonomy and sovereignty, on enhancing social and economic convergence, on addressing the climate crisis and on endowing the Union with adequate flexibility to respond to crises; welcomes, therefore, the Commission’s proposal for a targeted revision as a very first step in the right direction to ensure that the MFF can better address those challenges; stresses, however, that there are still many needs that are not covered by the Commission’s proposal and that these needs should not be left unaddressed;
Amendment 13 #
2023/0201R(APP)
3. ConsidersIs concerned that the proposed revision targets only some of the most pressing areas of concern in the existing framework; welcomes the fact that, in line with Parliament’s position, the proposal for revision does not lead to any downward revision of the pre-allocated national envelopes;
Amendment 21 #
2023/0201R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. HighlighRegrets that, even taking account of the Commission’s proposal to revise the MFF, total commitment appropriations would amount to only 1.03 % of GNI and total payment appropriations would amount to only 1.02 % of GNI; recalls that, originally, payment appropriations in the current MFF were planned to amount to 1.10 % of GNI; stresse, a percentage already too low; regrets that the reinforcements proposed by the Commission are not projected to cover the impact of inflation;
Amendment 38 #
2023/0201R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its long-standing demand that all budgetary instruments covering spending at Union level be fully incorporated into the budget, thereby ensuring transparency, accountability, full democratic control and protection of the Union’s financial interests; insists that the integration of such instruments into the EU budget must not result in a reduction of financing for other EU policies and programmes;
Amendment 61 #
2023/0201R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses that effective and fair management and protection of the EU’s external borders, ensuring the security of the Union, together with the smooth and efficient implementation of the Union’s migration and asylum policy, are key priorities and essential to preserve the free movement of people within the Union and the proper functioning of the Schengen area; stresses the need to implement a migration and asylum policy that is based on solidarity, shared responsibility and respect for human rights, promoting safe and legal pathways and providing certainty, clarity and decent conditions for people arriving in the EU, in line with Union values and international commitments;
Amendment 72 #
2023/0201R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Acknowledges, however,Understands that, by using existing programme structures and seeking to create synergies, the STEP proposal has the potential to deliver results more quickly; considers, however, that the STEP proposal should act as a testbed for a fully- fledged Sovereignty Fund the soonest possible and, at the latest, in the next MFF period;
Amendment 73 #
2023/0201R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. NoteRegrets that the STEP proposal combinesis mainly based on the re-prioritisation of funds under existing programmes, including the cohesion policy funds, with only some targeted reinforcements for specific programmes under Headings 1 (single market, innovation and digital), 3 (natural resources and environment) and 5 (security and defence);
Amendment 84 #
2023/0201R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Recalls its long-standing position that recurrent redeployments are not a viable way to finance the Union’s policy priorities and that new priorities should be funded with fresh resources;
Amendment 86 #
2023/0201R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Takes noteIs very concerned that the amount programmed in the MFF to repay the borrowing costs associated with EURI is far below requirements, with the Commission estimating the shortfall to be between EUR 17 and 27 billion over the MFF period; highlights that, already in the draft budget, increased EURI costs are expected to consume all resources under the Flexibility Instrument and around one third of resources under compartment (a) of the Single Margin Instrument in 2024;
Amendment 89 #
2023/0201R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Welcomes the creation of the EURI Instrument as a special instrument over and above the MFF ceilings to be mobilised as required based on the actual repayment needs; insists, however, that the Instrument cover all EURI repayment costs, not only those above the programmed amount under Heading 2b (resilience and values), thus also freeing up considerable fiscal space for policies under Heading 2b; underlines that a EURI Instrument designed in this way should be the model for managing all EURI repayment costs in the next MFF;
Amendment 93 #
2023/0201R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Underlines, however, that the MFF contains very little flexibility, with the Flexibility Instrument and unallocated margins amounting to only 1.05 % of the commitments ceiling; stresseregrets that the current MFF has relied heavily on that limited flexibility and indeed on reorienting cohesion policy, which is not a crisis response tool but has been repeatedly called on to make up for shortcomings in budgetary flexibility or crisis response mechanisms in the MFF to the detriment of its long-term policy objectives;
Amendment 97 #
2023/0201R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Recalls its demands for an increase in the Flexibility Instrument and the SEAR and for an additional permanent special instrument over and above the MFF ceilings to allow the EU budget to better adapt and quickly react to crises and their social and economic effects; understands that, in the absence of such an instrument, it will remain difficult for the Union to ensure its preparedness for unforeseen events, especially since, currently, 99.6 % of the Union’s budget is pre-allocated ; stands ready to work to find pragmatic solutions in the short term, while reflecting on a more structural, streamlined solution in the next MFF, including also the establishment of a permanent fiscal capacity for the euro area;
Amendment 100 #
2023/0201R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Underlines that budgetary flexibility has proven that it enables resources to be targeted where they are needed and the Union to respond to unforeseen events and to adjust its spending priorities in light of evolving political or, economic or social needs; insists, therefore, that the Flexibility Instrument be increased by EUR 3 billion in current prices over and above the Commission proposal for the MFF period;
Amendment 111 #
2023/0201R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43, point vii
Paragraph 43, point vii
(vii) provide that the EURI Instrument, Instrument, established as a established as a special instrument special instrument over and over and above the MFF ceilings, above the MFF ceilings, cover cover all EURI repayment costs, all EURI repayment costs; without any downward revision of the programmed amount under Heading 2b;
Amendment 318 #
2023/0200(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. A precondition for the support to Ukraine under the Facility shall be that Ukraine continues to upholds and respects effective democratic mechanisms, including a multi- party parliamentary system, media freedom and the rule of law, and to guarantees respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, and takes effective measures for the protection of the financial interests of the Union, in particular regarding the prevention, detection and correction of fraud, corruption, conflicts of interests and irregularities.
Amendment 98 #
2023/0177(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Citation 1
Citation 1
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 114s 9, 114, 191 and 192 thereof,
Amendment 101 #
2023/0177(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The transition to a sustainable economy is key to ensuring the overall long-term competitiveness of the Union economysustainability of the Union and the quality of life of people in the Union as well as to adhering to the Union environmental and social objectives and commitments under the Paris Agreement, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the European Green Deal and the European Pillar of Social Rights. Sustainability has long been at the heart of the Union project and the Union Treaties give recognition to the importance of its social and environmental dimensions.
Amendment 104 #
2023/0177(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Achieving SDG objectives in the Union requires the channelling of capital flows towards sustainable investments. It is importantnecessary to exploit fully the potential of the internal market for the achievement of those goals. In that context, it is crucial to remove obstacles to the efficient movement of capital towards sustainable investments in the internal market and to prevent such obstacles from emerging.
Amendment 295 #
2023/0177(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. ESG rating providers shall make use of the data disclosed under Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Directive (EU) 2022/2464 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
Amendment 308 #
2023/0177(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. ESG rating providers and entities that are part of a group to which an ESG rating provider belongs shall not provide any of the following activities:
Amendment 373 #
2023/0177(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
1. ESG rating providers shall disclose on their website the methodologies, models and key rating assumptions they use in their ESG rating activities, including how they assessed impact materiality and financial materiality and the information referred to in point 1 of Annex III.
Amendment 482 #
2023/0177(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – Part 1 – paragraph 1 – point b
Annex III – Part 1 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) high level overview of data processes (data sources, including if theydata sources including information disclosed under Regulation (EU) 2019/2088, Regulation (EU) 2020/852 and Directive (EU) 2022/2464, disclosure of whether data sources are public or non–-public, and if they are sourced from sustainability statements required by Directive (EU) 2022/2464,frequency of data updates and a high level overview of data processes with data sources, including if they are an estimation of input data in case of unavailability, frequency of data updates) of actual data;
Amendment 489 #
2023/0177(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – Part 1 – paragraph 1 – point d
Annex III – Part 1 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) information on the ratings’ objective, clearly marking whether the rating is assessing risks, impactsdecribing how and the extent to which the rating is assessing impact materiality, financial materiality or some other dimensions;
Amendment 1 #
2023/0152(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas LNSA used to provide logistics services regarding fresh and dry food products, wines and spirits to Carrefour; whereas the redundancies resulted from the decision of LNSA’s parent company Kuehne + Nagel to close down its Belgian subsidiary, following financial difficulties of LNSA and significant losses of the company in 2020 and 2021, and to rely on its subsidiary Kontich NV to supply Carrefour stores across Belgium; whereas Kuehne + Nagel ’s earnings amounted to more than EUR 2 billion in 2021, the year when the decision was taken, that is 173.1 % compared to 20201a; _________________ 1a https://2021-annual-report.kuehne- nagel.com/fileadmin/user_upload/KN_Up loads/pdf- Download/Annual_Report_2021.pdf
Amendment 2 #
2023/0152(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Amendment 4 #
2023/0152(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Regrets the fact that Kuehne + Nagel did not offer the workers the option to be relocated between logistic centres to reduce the number of dismissals; regrets the company’s lack of willingness to collaborate with trade unions to facilitate solutions for the workers concerned;
Amendment 8 #
2023/0152(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Reiterates that assistance from the EGF must not replace actions which are the responsibility of companies, by virtue of national law or collective agreements; calls for stricter rules to make companies economically responsible for collective dismissals, especially when the company itself, the parent company and/or the group make profits;
Amendment 7 #
2023/0031(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Notes the essential role of Belgian trade unions during the negotiations on the redundancy process; recalls the importance of reinforcing the presence of workers’ representatives in the workplace;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas, according to Article 311 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Union shall provide itself with the means necessary to attain its objectives and carry through its policies; whereas, according to the same Article, without prejudice to other revenue, the budget shall be financed wholly from own resources;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2172(INI)
-A a. whereas the Parliament, the Council and the Commission have agreed upon a legally binding roadmap, included in the Interinstitutional Agreement of December 2020, for the introduction of new own resources for the 2021-2027 period; whereas the Institutions have committed to sincere and transparent cooperation and work towards the implementation of the roadmap;
Amendment 10 #
2022/2172(INI)
B. whereas the second basket of new own resources cshould include a financial transaction tax and a financial contribution linked to the corporate sector or a new common corporate tax base;
Amendment 12 #
2022/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Declares that EU finances are going through a critical period where a lack of reform would have highly detrimental effects on the future of EU policies and objectives and the trust of Europeans and investors in the Union;
Amendment 14 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas European citizens in the Conference on the Future of Europe have proposed strengthening the Union budget through new own resources;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the crucial and growing importance of the EU budget in delivering on virtually all of the EU’s key policy objectives, its flagship programmes and its crisis intervention; underlines the multiple challenges the EU is facing such as building up its strategic autonomy, promoting the green and digital transitions leaving no one behind, ending its reliance upon Russian fossil fuels, completing the health union and the energy union and financing important common projects such as defence, civil protection and space, implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights and financing important common projects; considers that all new EU policies and challenges must involve new means and extra resources; reiterates, in this regard, that robust, reliable and resilient financing of the EU budget requires a diversified and enlarged set of own resources; is convinced that there is huge potential in a well-designed reform of the EU own resources not only for strengthening the financing of its budgetary needs, but also for boosting its policy outputs, improving the fiscal equilibrium between the EU and Member States and adding value to overall public finance;
Amendment 24 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that, according to the legally binding roadmap in the Interinstitutional Agreement of December 2020, the Commission neis requireds to put forward a proposal for the second basket of new own resources by June 2024; recalls its position that the Commission present such a proposal by the end of 2023; notes the relevant commitment by the Commission and expects this commitment to be duly fulfilled;
Amendment 25 #
2022/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that the Union is obliged to repay the principal and interest of the funds borrowed under the EU Recovery Plan; recalls, in this regard, that the EU institutions adopted a ‘repayment plan’ in the form of a legally binding interinstitutional agreement establishing a roadmap for the introduction of new own resources to cover in full the borrowing costs; recalls, in this context, that the triple- AAA rating of the EU as a quasi-sovereign borrower depends, inter alia, on the reliability of the institutions’ following up on their political commitment to introduce new own resources;
Amendment 35 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. NoteRegrets that none of the new own resources from the first basket are yet in place; recalls that the Commission should have presented its proposal by June 2021 and that the Council should have deliberated on these new own resources by 1 July 2022 at the latest in view of their introduction by 1 January 2023; stresses the need to move more swiftly and decisively and urges the Council to approve the first basket of own resources without further delay;
Amendment 37 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Underlines that new own resources are urgently needed in order to ensure sufficient resources for NGEU debt repayments and to avoid any cuts to Union programmes, which would undermine the very purpose and long- term perspective of the recovery plan; notes with great concern the sharp rises in inflation and interest rates, which have increased significantly the costs of funding and that higher than programmed refinancing costs are already having an impact on the EU budget;
Amendment 37 #
2022/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that these new own resources are necessary to avoid the next generation of Europeans paying the price for the repayment of the principal and the interest of the funds borrowed under NGEU, either through an increased burden on taxpayers or via cuts in regular EU programmes directly affecting beneficiaries and project-holders; notes the legitimate demand by Europeans for more social and tax justice; warns against any attempt to reduce funding for ordinary EU policies to make space for the repayment of EU debt, as this would endanger long-term EU goals, such as economic convergence, social and territorial convergence, gender equality, research and innovation or the green and digital transitions;
Amendment 38 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Amendment 42 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is concerned that the first basket of own resources will not generate the revenues expected for several reasons; observes further that beyond the funding needed for NextGenerationEU, the Union mayis also in urgent need of additional resources to assist Ukraine financially and to further mitigate the social and economic impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on the Union, its Member States and its people;
Amendment 44 #
2022/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Regrets that the current way in which the EU budget is financed subjects it to national budgetary constraints, thus leading to undue downward pressure on its – already modest – overall volume and a ‘juste retour’ logic that does not reflect the solidarity principle at the core of EU integration; believes that this structure is one of the main reasons preventing the EU from fulfilling all its tasks and commitments effectively; is very concerned by the slow progress in the modernisation of the own resources system since the creation of the European Communities;
Amendment 47 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Underlines that the introduction of new own resources will strengthen the fiscal autonomy and independence of the EU and achieve lasting benefits, not only in delivering EU policies but also ensuring the Union’s standing as a credible and smart debt issuer;
Amendment 48 #
2022/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. CRegrets that the Council has yet to approve the first basket of new own resources; calls on the Member States in the Council to adopt, as soon as possible,swiftly adopt the new own resources from the first package of 14 December 2021; worries, however, that the amounts generated by the new own resources will not be sufficient to cover all NGEU repayments and borrowing costs; calls, therefore, on the Commission to come forward with the next batch of proposals in the third quarter of 2023 at the latest; insists that these proposals take into account the priorities of the European Parliament as outlined in here;
Amendment 50 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Concludes that the second basket of own resources therefore needs to be ambitious and yield sufficient revenues commensurate with the Union’sand adequate for the Union’s increasing needs;
Amendment 60 #
2022/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Believes that the EU revenue side should be used strategically to create incentives for promorte social and tax justice; underlines that green own resources should be complemented by tax-based own resources from the corporate sector for reasons of sufficiency, fiscal equivalence (those who benefit from the EU and its open markets should also contribute their fair share to its financing) and overall distributional fairness among Member States and sectors;
Amendment 62 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to consiincluder, forin its second basket of own resources, an EU-wide financial transaction tax based on its 2011 model, which should yield around EUR 41.5 billion per year;
Amendment 73 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls on the Commission, if by the end of 2023 the process of ratification of the OECD/G20 (IF) Pillar I Agreement has not started in a critical mass of countries as defined by the Multilateral Convention, to propose a digital levy in order to generate revenues by 2026;
Amendment 75 #
Amendment 77 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Invites the Commission and the Member States, in view of the recent economic challenges, to think beyond the Interinstitutional Agreement and to consider additional new, genuine and innovative own resources, such as a wealth tax, an EU-wide aviation tax for intra- European commercial flights or an own resource based on the revision of the Energy Taxation Directive2 ; _________________ 2 Commission proposal for a Council directive restructuring the Union framework for the taxation of energy products and electricity (COM(2021)0563).
Amendment 80 #
2022/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Acknowledges with regret that any prospectRegrets the lack of progress for the introduction of a financial transaction tax under enhanced cooperation have faded away in the course of recent years; insists, nevertheless,; insists that thea financial sector be encompassed by the corporate or single market-based own resource initiative, ideally within the BEFIT contexttransaction tax should be part of the EU’s own resources system;
Amendment 83 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Recalls that the own resources arrangements should be guided by the overall objectives of simplicity, transparency and equity; reiterates its position that rebates and other correction mechanisms should be abolished;
Amendment 85 #
2022/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Recalls the Commission declaration, in the framework of the MFF and Own Resources negotiations, that ‘if there is no agreement by end of 2022, the Commission will, based on impact assessments, propose a new own resource, based on a new Financial Transaction Tax’;
Amendment 86 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Underlines the importance of a central fiscal capacity and the necessity to establish an additional permanent special instrument over and above the MFF ceilings, accompanied by a commensurate raising of the own resources ceilings, so that the EU can sufficiently finance Union policies and programmes in areas with clear European added value and so that the Union budget can better adapt and quickly react to crises and their social and economic consequences;
Amendment 90 #
2022/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13 b. Calls therefore on the Commission to come forward with an ambitious proposal for a new Financial Transaction Tax in its proposal for a second basket of new own resources;
Amendment 93 #
Amendment 94 #
2022/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13 c. Underlines the significant income and wealth inequalities across the Union; deplores the over-concentration of wealth in the hands of the richest 1% of the EU population; points to the importance of progressive forms of taxation in fighting such inequalities and promoting social, economic and tax fairness; suggests the introduction of a European wealth tax, whose revenues would flow into the European budget as a new own resource;
Amendment 95 #
Amendment 96 #
2022/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 d (new)
Paragraph 13 d (new)
13 d. Deplores that energy companies and multinational companies in other sectors have made record windfall profits at the expense of households and businesses in the EU; underlines that such profits need to be taxed in order to provide additional revenue for the EU to promote its policies and objectives; calls for the establishment of a permanent windfall tax for all companies making windfall profits;
Amendment 157 #
2022/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Recognises the merits of the GNI- based own resource in view of its reliable balancing function but stresses that the over-dependence of the EU budget on GNI-based contributions is outdated; notes the enduring predominance of the share of national contributions in the own resources system, now amounting to approximately 80 %; points out the modest share of traditional and genuine own resources, especially customs duties, which stands at around 13 % today;
Amendment 161 #
2022/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Recalls its consultative powers regarding the Own Resources Decision; is convinced thatthat following the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe, the Parliament has already submitted to the Council proposals for the amendment of the Treaties under the ordinary revision procedure laid down in Article 48 TEU, including in order to provide the Parliament with full co-decision rights on the EU budget; is convinced that the promotion of the Community method and a more pronounced role of the European Parliament as the legislative and budgetary authority in the underlying legislation, as well as in the annual procedure concerning the revenue side and debt levels, cwould enhance the visibility, legitimacy and accountability of EU public finance; calls for the decision laying down the provisions relating to the system of own resources of the Union and the implementing measures for that system to be adopted by the European Parliament and the Council acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure;
Amendment 164 #
2022/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34 a. Recalls that the own resources arrangements should be guided by the overall objectives of simplicity, transparency and equity; reiterates its position that rebates and other correction mechanisms should be abolished;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2062(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Highlights the fundamental role of the EIB as the EU’s public bank and as the only international financial institution entirely owned by EU Member States and fully guided by EU policies and standards in supporting the social and economic recovery and targeting investments for the materialisation of the Union’s objectives;
Amendment 11 #
2022/2062(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the financial assistance provided to Ukraine; stresses the enormous social and economic consequences deriving from the COVID- 19 crisis followed by the invasion of Ukraine and their impact on fair, inclusive and sustainable growth, investment, resilience, employment, education and socio-economic inequalities;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2062(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Awaits the review of the Climate Bank Roadmap ahead of COP28; expects full alignment with the 1.5 degree pathway, including the exclusion of blue hydrogen infrastructure and road and highway financing, and the requirement to conduct a solid assessment of less carbon-intensive alternatives and ‘Scope 3’ emissions; calls on the EIB to implement the principle of energy efficiency and set the objective of tackling energy poverty in all its energy lending;
Amendment 25 #
2022/2062(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls on the EIB to support projects that deliver on the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the UN Sustainable Development Goals;
Amendment 49 #
2022/2062(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on EIB Global to devise a strategy centred on development additionality; stresses the importance of avoiding further geographical imbalances in the EIB’s lending activity so as to ensure a broader geographical and sectoral allocation of investments, reduce regional disparities and enhance economic and social convergence; calls on the EIB to address systemic shortcomings that prevent certain regions or countries from taking full advantage of its financial activities;
Amendment 55 #
2022/2062(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Is concerned that the EIB has, at least once, failed to conduct a full inquiry into allegations of bribery and misuse of funds involving a financial intermediary outside the EU; calls on the EIB to reopen all such cases; calls on the EIB to commit to strengthen its policy against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance, including by refraining from funding beneficiaries or financial intermediaries and from cooperating with financial partners with a proven negative track record; calls on the EIB to enforce prevention measures and regular tax assessments against non- cooperative tax jurisdictions, tax and fiscal fraud and tax evasion, as well as illegal and aggressive tax avoidance;
Amendment 64 #
2022/2062(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Takes note of the information note on the EIB’s human rights approach2; calls for clear and binding rules, in particular on human resources due diligence assessment and on disengagement; calls on the EIB to strengthen its human rights policy and to increase the human rights dimension in its project planning, including by providing a Human Rights Strategy as well as HR Assessment and Evaluation of its programmes, also on the ground, to ensure that local communities are consulted and that the right to free prior and informed consent (FPIC) is implemented in a systematic manner; calls, furthermore, on the EIB to develop specific policies on human rights defenders and protocols to respond to risks of reprisals; _________________ 2 EIB, The European Investment Bank’s approach to human rights, information note, Luxembourg, 6 February 2023.
Amendment 71 #
2022/2062(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Calls on the EIB to increase its reporting to Parliament regarding its decisions, progress achieved and the impact of its lending activities, notably through regular structured dialogues, and to apply the same reporting and accountability provisions as set out in the EFSI Regulation; reiterates its request for an interinstitutional agreement between Parliament and the EIB in order to improve access to EIB documents and data;
Amendment 73 #
2022/2062(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9 b. Calls on the EIB to actively promote balanced gender representation in its managerial and senior positions; calls on the EIB to further enhance the promotion of all forms of diversity and inclusion within its organisation and to set ambitious targets;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point 1
Paragraph 1 – point 1
1. NotStresses that the challenges resulting from recent events and their severe socio-economic consequences, including the COVID- 19 crisis, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and, the unprecedented rise of energy costs, haveenergy crisis and skyrocketing inflation rates, have significantly limited the Union’s ability to provide itself with the means necessary to attain its objectives and carry through its policies as required by the Treaties;
Amendment 4 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights the proposals included in the final report on the final outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe, which was presented to the Presidents of the three institutions on 9 May 2022; notes that some recommendations could be followed up in the framework of the current Treaties while some of them require amendments to the Treaties to be fully implemented; underlines that the three institutions have committed to following up effectively the conclusions of the Conference;
Amendment 5 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point 1 b (new)
1b. Recalls that the European Parliament has pointed out that the Treaties need to be amended urgently and that it has already submitted to the Council proposals for the amendment of the Treaties under the ordinary revision procedure laid down in Article 48 TEU1a; recalls specifically its proposal to provide Parliament with full co-decision rights on the EU budget; _________________ 1a European Parliament resolution of 9 June 2022 on the call for a Convention for the revision of the Treaties, Texts adopted, P9_TA(2022)0141
Amendment 7 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point 2
Paragraph 1 – point 2
2. Calls therefore for the urgent revision of the TFEU, in particular its Title II, to ensure that the Union is able to fulfil its objectives and commitments, including under the European Pillar of Social Rights and the European Green Deal, as well as to react agilely and effectively to challenges and to achieve better democratic accountability and transparency of the Union budget, notably by reinforcing Parliament’s role inpromoting the Community method and reinforcing Parliament’s role as a fully equal arm of the budgetary authority in all aspects of budgetary decision- making and scrutiny;
Amendment 19 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – point 3
Paragraph 2 – point 3
3. Article 122 TFEU shall be amended to lay down a single procedure whereby the Council, acting by qualified majority after obtaining the consent of the European Parliamentprovide that the European Parliament and the Council, acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure, may adopt temporary measures to address severe or exceptional economic or social situations, without prejudice to other procedures provided for in the Treaties; the Council shall act by qualified majority;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – point 3 a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point 3 a (new)
3a. A new Article 122a TFEU shall be inserted to establish a central fiscal capacity and a permanent special instrument over and above the MFF ceilings for the EU budget to better adapt and quickly react to crises and their social and economic effects; the decisions for the establishment and the relevant implementing measures shall be adopted by the European Parliament and the Council acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure; the Council shall act by qualified majority;
Amendment 27 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – point 4
Paragraph 2 – point 4
4. Article 311 TFEU shall be amended so that (a) the decision laying down the provisions relating to the system of own resources of the Union and the implementing measures for that system are adopted by the Council acting by qualified majority after obtaining European Parliament and the Council acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure and (b) rebates and other consent of the European Parliamentrrection mechanisms are permanently abolished. The Council shall act by qualified majority;
Amendment 36 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – point 5
Paragraph 2 – point 5
5. Article 312(2) TFEU shall be amended so that the regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework is adopted by the European Parliament and the Council acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure. The Council shall act by qualified majority;
Amendment 38 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – point 5 a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point 5 a (new)
5a. A new paragraph 2a shall be added to Article 312 TFEU to stipulate that each multiannual financial framework shall encompass, as horizontal principles, the objectives of climate and biodiversity protection, social convergence and gender equality. Specific spending targets shall be set for expenditure contributing to climate protection, halting and reversing the decline of biodiversity, promoting upward social convergence and gender equality, as well as rights and equal opportunities for all;
Amendment 41 #
2022/2051(INL)
6a. A new paragraph 3a shall be added to Article 312 TFEU to stipulate that the appropriations for the repayment of permanent or temporary instruments to address severe or exceptional economic or social situations and their effects are entered in the Union budget over and above the MFF ceilings;
Amendment 270 #
2022/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
– having regard to the Proposal of a Manifesto for a Federal Europe: Sovereign, Social and Ecological, adopted by the Spinelli Group on 29 Augus 20221 1.https://thespinelligroup.eu/wp- content/uploads/2022/10/20220912_P roposal-Manifesto-for-a-Federal- Europe-political-social-and- ecological.pdf
Amendment 557 #
2022/2051(INL)
Annex to the motion for a resolution Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union – Article 312 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The multiannual financial framework shall encompass, as horizontal principles, the objectives of climate and biodiversity protection, social convergence and gender equality. Specific spending targets shall be set for expenditure contributing to climate protection, halting and reversing the decline of biodiversity, promoting upward social convergence and gender equality, as well as rights and equal opportunities for all.
Amendment 558 #
2022/2051(INL)
Annex to the motion for a resolution Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union – Article 312 a (new)
Article 312 a Permanent special instrument 1. The European Parliament and the Council, acting by means of regulations in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure, shall establish a permanent special instrument over and above the ceilings of the multiannual financial framework for the Union budget to better adapt and swiftly react to crises and their social and economic effects. 2. The European Parliament and the Council, acting in accordance with the same procedure, shall lay down implementing measures for the permanent special instrument in so far as this is provided for in the regulation adopted on the basis of the first paragraph.
Amendment 559 #
2022/2051(INL)
Annex to the motion for a resolution Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union – Article 312 – paragraph 3
3. The financial framework shall determine the amounts of the annual ceilings on commitment appropriations by category of expenditure and of the annual ceiling on payment appropriations. The categories of expenditure, limited in number, shall correspond to the Union’s major sectors of activity. Commitment appropriations shall be included into categories of expenditure and be subject to annual ceilings, only if they relate to Union policies or the corresponding administrative expenditure. Other financial means to allow the Union to fulfil its legal obligations in respect of third parties, including the repayment of any interest due, shall not be included into categories of expenditure or be subject to annual ceilings. The financial framework shall lay down any other provisions required for the annual budgetary procedure to run smoothly.
Amendment 3 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 a (new)
Citation 24 a (new)
Amendment 15 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas Russia’'s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine has led to a major humanitarian crisis, and has triggered an enormous economic and social shock of uncertain duration and magnitude worldwide driven, among others, by high inflation, increasing poverty, high energy prices, security of supply risks and a worsening economic outlook, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the most vulnerable; whereas the Heads of State or Government have described the war as a ‘tectonic shift in European history’ and the Commission has stated that the ‘unforeseen needs created by war in Europe are well beyond the means available in the current multiannual financial framework’, necessitating new financing sources;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas citizensthe people of the Union rightly expect the EU budget to respond effectively to evolving and increasing needs and to effectively support them inespecially in times of crises;
Amendment 25 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the current MFF has reached its limits already since the first year of its implementation;
Amendment 27 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the combined effect of multiple crises and low MFF ceilings has given rise to a ‘galaxy’ of ad hoc instruments beyond the EU budget, as well as greater use of external assigned revenue not subject to the ordinary budgetary procedure that would ensure the full involvement and scrutiny of the European Parliament, most notably in the case of NextGenerationEU; whereas, as one arm of the budgetary authority, Parliament should play aalways play its full role in this new budgetary environment in order to ensure democratic accountability and transparency;
Amendment 32 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the IIA sets out specific arrangements for cooperation and dialogue between Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary matters; whereas further steps should be taken to improve transparency, accountability and the availability of information on all spending in support of EU policy-making;
Amendment 39 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines the central role that the EU budget plays in delivering on the Union’s political priorities, including making a success of the just green and digital transitions, promoting gender equality, tackling the climate and biodiversity crises and their consequences, fostering an inclusive and social recovery, promoting sustainable growth, strategic autonomy and energy security and independence, providing support for small and medium-sized enterprises and vulnerable groups, fostering sustainable development that leaves no one behind and ensures cohesion and upward convergence, ensuring a more robust European Health Union in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, safeguarding and promoting the rule of law, EU values and fundamental rights, contributing to greater opportunities for all, and ensuring a stronger Union for its people and in the world;
Amendment 56 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underscores that there is a clear consensus among the institutions that, in the wake of the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine, the EU should provide the strongest possible social, humanitarian, economic and financial assistance to Ukraine, while addressing the severe economic and social consequences of the crisis within the Union and delivering the necessary support to its citizenspeople; underlines, in this context, the shared Union goals of delivering on the European Green Deal and the digital transition, scaling up defence cooperation and coordination, improving its strategic autonomy and energy independence and security, addressing energy poverty, ensuring food security, and addressing the challenges caused by high inflation;
Amendment 61 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that, in the short term, large-scale humanitarian aid in Ukraine and financial support to Member States receiving and helping to settle people fleeing the conflict are needed to address the impact of the war against Ukraine; notes that the global humanitarian funding gap continues to grow; stresses that the Humanitarian Aid Instrument is not adequately funded to face the increased needs;
Amendment 76 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that essentialRegrets that new policy initiatives put forward since the adoption of the current MFF have come with proposals to shift money away from key EU policies and objectives;
Amendment 88 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Emphasises, therefore, that the 2021-2027 MFF is already being pushed to its limits less than two years after its adoption, a situation aggravated by the unforeseeable events of 2022; points out that it is simply not equipped, in terms of size, structure or rules, to effectively respond to a multitude of crises of this scale, nor to adequately finance new shared EU policy ambitions and the swift implementation of the requisite EU-wide solutions;
Amendment 105 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Concludes that, in this context, the need for an urgent, substantial and ambitious review and revision of the MFF is beyond any doubt and that a ‘business as usual’ approach will not remotely suffice to tackle the array of challenges posed and could thereby undermine confidence in the Union in the long term;
Amendment 117 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission, therefore, to conduct an in-depth review of the functioning of the current MFF and proceed with a legislative proposal for a comprehensive, substantial and ambitious MFF revision as soon as possible and no later than the first quarter of 2023; stresses that, along with addressing the funding gaps, the MFF revision should strengthen the horizontal principles and objectives of the EU budget such as promoting gender equality and tackling the climate and biodiversity crises;
Amendment 229 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Points out that MFF and own resources are interlinked; emphasises, in this context, the need for sustainable and resilient revenue for the EU budget; recalls that, in the IIA, Parliament, the Council and the Commission committed, on the basis of a legally binding roadmap, to introducing sufficient new own resources to at least cover the repayment of EURI debt; calls, therefore, on the Council to move as swiftly as possible and speed up the negotiations for the first basket of own resources presented by the Commission on 22 December 2021 and the Commission to make a proposal for the second basket of new own resources before December 2023; calls, moreover, the Commission, given the increased financing needs, to reflect beyond the IIA and to examine the need of proposing further new, innovative and genuine own resources;
Amendment 252 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Stresses that, while crisis response measures are necessary and useful, cohesion policy is not a crisis response tool; is concernedregrets that cohesion policy is increasingly being used to reinforce other policies and to make up for shortcomings in budgetary flexibility or crisis response mechanisms in the MFF; emphasises that cohesion policy is one of the main priorities of the Union, has long-term investment objectives linked to the EU’s strategic agenda, in particular the European Green Deal and the Digital Agenda, and should not be used to replenish funding for other policies; calls, therefore, for cohesion funding levels to be preservenhanced in the budget;
Amendment 270 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Insists that, beyond a reinforcement of the existing special instruments, it is necessary to establish a permanent central fiscal capacity and a common crisis instrument as an additional special instrument over and above the MFF ceilings so that the EU budget can better adapt and quickly react to crises andommon or country-specific crises and effectively mitigate their social and economic effects;
Amendment 305 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Highlights that the ongoing revision of the Financial Regulation is an important opportunity to adapt the rules governing budgetary instruments to current circumstances, whereby external assigned revenue, borrowing and lending operations, trust funds and instruments under Article 122 TFEU are being used with greater frequency despite disregarding the community method, often bypassing the scrutiny of the budgetary authority and thus diminishing the traceability of funds and accountability; points, in particular, to the declaration on reassessing the external assigned revenue and borrowing and lending provisions in the Financial Regulation that was agreed in the context of the MFF negotiations; considers that external assigned revenue, as well as assets and liabilities linked to borrowing and lending operations, should form an integral part of the EU budget and be adopted by the budgetary authority as part of that budget;
Amendment 309 #
2022/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Calls on the Commission, furthermore, to begin a longer-term reflection on the EU budget post-2027 in the light of evolving spending needs and building on the work of the Conference on the Future of Europe with respect to own resources and the budget; insists that the successor to the current MFF be equippedproperly equipped in advance to deal fully and flexibly with a range of policy priorities and spending needs and to ensure resilience in the event of crises, while reinforcing horizontal principles and objectives such as promoting gender equality and tackling the climate and biodiversity crises;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2032(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the key role of cohesion policy in fostering economic, social and territorial convergence across the EU; expresses concern, however, about persistent inequalities, socio-economic disparities and uneven demographic decline, with many less developed regions falling behind and getting caught in a ‘development trap’ in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic; underlines that several middle-income and less developed regions, especially in the southern EU, have suffered from economic stagnation or decline, suggesting that they are in a development trap, also given that many were hit by the economic and financial crisis in 2008 and have struggled to recover since;
Amendment 10 #
2022/2032(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that cohesion policy, with a budget of EUR 392 billion between 2021 and 2027, remains the EU’s primary investment tool and notes that its share of public investment in Member States increased considerably over the 2014-2020 period, given the contraction of national public investments due to the economic and financial crisis;
Amendment 28 #
2022/2032(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Welcomes the principle of “do no harm to cohesion”, meaning no action should hamper the convergence process or contribute to regional disparities, highlighted in the 8th Cohesion Report; supports its further development and its integration in policy making; stresses that territorial impact assessments and rural proofing should be strengthened in order for the needs and specificities of different EU territories to be better taken into account;
Amendment 30 #
2022/2032(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Calls for a fair distribution of cohesion funding to support entrepreneurship, employment, education, training and innovation and for an end to its over-concentration in the more developed regions, especially in capital regions, in order to avoid any development trap, especially in the less developed regions;
Amendment 34 #
2022/2032(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Notes that, following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the EU’s growth outlook has been revised downwards and the forecast for inflation upwards, as depicted in the Spring 2022 Economic Forecast; underlines that the invasion of Ukraine has posed new challenges and has increased uncertainty; stresses, in this context, the need to maintain a supportive fiscal stance and expects the general escape clause to remain activated as long as necessary; considers that returning to the existing fiscal rules in the current circumstances is not a viable solution and calls, therefore, for their thorough revision before the deactivation of the general escape clause;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that the swift and decisive mobilisation of significant EU budgetary resources was and will continue to be instrumental in cushioning the health, social and economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis; stresses the general importance of significant public investment to support a sustainable, fair and inclusive recovery in the EU, to promote strengthened public healthcare systems, pandemic and crisis prevention and preparedness, upward social and economic convergence, social and economic resilience, social justice and equality and to contribute to the full implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU’s climate and biodiversity objectives, the just green and digital transitions and the EU Gender Equality Strategy;
Amendment 8 #
2022/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) requires that the European Semester be completely reshaped to ensure the delivery of effective, high- quality, inclusive and ambitious national recovery and resilience plans (NRRPs) given that the European Semester process has proved insufficient to address social and economic disparities and inequalities in the EU; considers that the NRRPs areF aims at the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and offers an opportunity for the Member States to address identified structural challenges, to implement growth- enhancing and socially-just reforms and investments, and to make their economies more shock- resistant, sustainable, fair and inclusive in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals; underlines that Member States aim to spend around 40% of their total grant allocation in 2022 alone, thus making the success of the RRF one of the greatest challenges for 2022; points out that support from the RRF is not meant to substitute recurring national budgetary expenditure; regrets the lack of adequate and substantial consultation with all relevant stakeholders in the preparation and implementation of NRRPs;
Amendment 22 #
2022/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates the need for Member States to have the necessary control and audit mechanisms in place to ensure respect for the rule of law and, protect the EU’s financial interests, secure transparency and prevent corruption; regrets that the Commission has not yet implemented the rule of law conditionality regulation (RoL Regulation), despite its entry into force on 1 January 2021, and is therefore not fulfilling its duty as guardian of the EU treaties; reiterates its call for the Commission to apply the RoL Regulation completely and without ambiguity;
Amendment 29 #
2022/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that public funding is key to achieving the 2030 climate objectives, promoting the digital transition and addressing other social and, economic and public health challenges; considers that all options to incentivise Member State investments to tackle those challenges should be on the table, specifically the thorough revision of the Stability and Growth Pact to promote a just, sustainable and future-oriented economy and the extension ofstablishment of permanent lending and borrowing capacities at EU level, building on NextGenerationEU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to urgently reform the EU economic governance framework well in advance of the deactivation of the general escape clause in order to effectively promote fair, inclusive and sustainable growth, enhance democratic accountability and avoid a new debt crisis;
Amendment 32 #
2022/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that RRF governance, notably the assessment and approval of the NRRPs by the Commission and the Council, provides a solid foundation for discussions on how to allow sufficient public investment under the fiscal rules; supports the introduction of a golden rule to exclude public investment on tackling climate change, promoting digitisation of the public sector and strengthening public healthcare and education systems as well as public spending to meet emergency needs, from the calculation of public deficit;
Amendment 39 #
2022/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the design of NextGenerationEU requires debt repayment through the introduction of a basket of new own resources of the EU budget; calls on the Commission and the Council to respect in full the timeline included in the legally-binding roadmap as agreed in the Interinstitutional Agreement; stresses that delays or failure to introduce the agreed basket of new own resources will be to the detriment of European programmes and instruments and result in much higher national contributions for the repayment of the NextGenerationEU debt.
Amendment 1 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls for the 2023 EU budget to contribute to achieving the priorities set by the European Semesterthe efforts for a just, inclusive and sustainable recovery strategy that would mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis and the war in Ukraine, and to support the Union to deliver on the European Green Deal, the digital agenda, an inclusive industrial strategy, the European Pillar of Social Rights and the commitment for a climate- neutral economy by 2050 at the latest in line with the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals;
Amendment 7 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. CUnderlines that the economic recovery is slower than expected and notes economic uncertainty amid factors such as supply chain disruptions and food insecurity, high energy prices, rising inflation, the continuation of the COVID- 19 pandemic, rising unemployment and poverty, and the Russias's invasion of Ukraine; considers that the 2023 EU budget should continue to support the post- pandemic recovery, building on the lessons learned from the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF); believes that the creation of the RRF underlined the need for a permanent central fiscal capacity of the Union to improve its ability to respond to macroeconomic shocks and support the achievement of the Union's objectives;
Amendment 12 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Calls for the 2023 EU budget to support the swift implementation of the RRF and the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs); takes note of the Commission’s proposal for targeted amendments to the RRF Regulation to integrate dedicated REPowerEU chapters in the NRRPs and of the additional funding sources proposed to help finance the new REPowerEU objectives under the RRF framework; notes that the proposed funding sources will have a significant impact on the EU budget and stands ready to examine thoroughly these proposals with a view to safeguarding the EU budget and the Union’s objectives;
Amendment 14 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
— – having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal,
Amendment 15 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that the budget should ensure appropriate financial support for the economies and societies of Ukraine and the Union in the context of the war in order to make the economies and financial systems more resilientaddress the social and economic consequences of the war and to make the economies and financial systems more resilient; stresses that the Russia's invasion of Ukraine has underlined the need for sufficient green investments to end the Union’s dependence on Russian energy imports and on fossil fuels, diversify the Union's energy sources, promote sustainable energy production and green imports as well as the need to mitigate the impact of price increases on vulnerable households and SMEs and support them during the transition period; underlines that the sanctions against Russia have a significant impact on people and businesses and therefore stresses the need for effective measures to support them at both Union and national level, in particular to avoid the deepening of the energy crisis;
Amendment 16 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 b (new)
Citation 10 b (new)
— having regard to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals,
Amendment 17 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 c (new)
Citation 10 c (new)
— having regard to the European Pillar of Social Rights and its resolution of 19 January 2017 thereon,
Amendment 18 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 d (new)
Citation 10 d (new)
— having regard to the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025,
Amendment 26 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the Union faces an extraordinarily complex set of challenges, including the direct and indirect repercussions of the war in Ukraine, high inflation, high energy prices and security of supply risks, the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment, poverty, gender inequality and a worsening economic outlook, in particular for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the need to secure tha just, inclusive and sustainable recovery from the pandemic, crises in many other parts of the world, technological change, including increasing digitalisation, as well as climate changerisis and its consequences; considers that the Union budget should contribute to tackling those challenges, while expressing concern at the exceptionally limited margins, which are about one third of last year’s, or, in the case of Heading 6, the lack of margin, and the limited flexibility built into the budget; deplores the fact that the draft budget is an insufficient response to the current challenges; recalls that the multiannual financial framework (MFF) was not established to address a pandemic, a war, high inflation, high energy prices, high numbers of refugees, new accessions, food insecurity, and a humanitarian crisis;
Amendment 29 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises the need to stimulate fair, inclusive and sustainable growth while supporting a just green and digital transformaitions, structuralustainable and socially balanced reforms to modernise the Union economies and, investments to enhance resilience, economic, social and regional convergence and cohesion, access to finance and capital markets for SMEs and retail investors through information and transparency;
Amendment 33 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Welcomes the European Green Deal as one of the main pillars in transforming the Union's economy into a fair, inclusive, sustainable, resilient and carbon-neutral economy; calls for adequate funding to address the economic, social and environmental challenges of sustainable development, including through the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan; recalls the commitment to allocate at least 30 % of the total Union budget to support climate objectives; calls on the Commission to advance work on developing an effective, transparent and comprehensive methodology to allocate 7,5 % in 2024 and 10 % in 2026 and 2027 of the EU budget to biodiversity objectives;
Amendment 34 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Recalls that SMEs constitute the backbone of the European economy, accounting for almost 99 % of all businesses and providing around three- quarters of all jobs; stresses their vital role in creating jobs and economic growth, while being key drivers of innovation; underlines that the COVID- 19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have seriously impaired the economic turnover of SMEs and their access to finance; underlines the importance of adequate funding to support SMEs effectively;
Amendment 35 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Stresses the need for enhanced and targeted measures to swiftly and effectively support people, workers, the self-employed, sectors and regions hardest hit by the pandemic and the energy crisis; calls for increased resources to combat social and gender inequality, poverty and unemployment, with special focus on women, youth and vulnerable groups;
Amendment 36 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5 d. Considers that the promotion of gender budgeting and the integration of gender mainstreaming as a horizontal principle in all Union activities, policies and programmes, can have multiple positive results for the economy of the Union; recalls that by 1 January 2023 at the latest, the Commission should implement a gender equality tracking methodology for certain centrally managed programmes; calls on the Commission to present an effective, transparent and comprehensive methodology in a timely manner and to actively engage with the Parliament;
Amendment 40 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that the Union budget, on account of its size, structure and rules, has a very limited capacity to respond appropriately in 2023 to the challenges facing the Union or to adequately finance new shared Union policy ambitions or initiatives announced in the Commission’s President’s 2022 State of the Union address; recalls in particular that the Heads of State or Government have described the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine as a ‘tectonic shift in European history’ and that the Commission has stated that the ‘unforeseen needs created by war in Europe are well beyond the means available in the current multiannual financial framework’, necessitating new financing sources; is of the view that this is a further demonstration of the urgent need to revise the MFF, including to make it more flexible, raise the ceilings where necessary to reflect emerging needs and new priorities and to address the problems generated by including the European Union Recovery Instrument (EURI) financing costs in Heading 2b; calls, therefore, on the Commission to conduct an in-depth review of the current MFF and proceed with a legislative proposal for a comprehensive, updated and ambitious MFF revision as soon as possible and no later than the first quarter of 2023;
Amendment 48 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Underlines the importance of transparency and accountability in bodies that receive Union funding;
Amendment 48 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the need to respond to the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic at Union level; recalls that cohesion and agriculture policy cannot be the main source of the financing of urgent priorities, jeopardising the implementation of long-term objectivestresses in particular the need for sufficient green investments to terminate the EU’s dependence on Russian energy imports and on fossil fuels, diversify EU energy sources, promote sustainable energy production and green imports; recalls that cohesion and agriculture policy cannot be the main source of the financing of urgent priorities, jeopardising the implementation of long-term objectives; highlights the need for enhanced and targeted measures to swiftly and effectively support people, workers, the self-employed, sectors and regions hit harder by the pandemic and the energy crisis; calls, on the Commission, in light of limited resources from the Union budget to respond to high energy prices, to analyse potential flexibilities in order in order to support SMEs and vulnerable households;
Amendment 50 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 e (new)
Paragraph 7 e (new)
7 e. Recalls that the timely deployment of new own resources is essential to cover the repayment costs of the Union loans under the European Union Recovery Instrument (EURI), to meet the financial needs of supporting the recovery and to support other Union priorities, and to avoid cuts in the Union programmes in the future; therefore calls on the Council to act as swiftly as possible and speed up the negotiations on the first basket of own resources presented by the Commission on 22 December 2021; further calls on the Commission to submit a proposal for the second basket of new own resources before December 2023, as agreed in the legally binding Interinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 2020; asks, moreover, the Commission, given the increased financing needs, to reflect beyond the Interinstitutional Agreement and to explore the need to propose additional new, innovative and genuine own resources;
Amendment 53 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Emphasises the continuing need for increased human and financial resources for accounting entities and tax authorities, in particular to support them in the fight against tax fraud, tax evasion, tax avoidance and money laundering and to promote tax fairness, transparency and certainty; underlines that these entities should be accountable to the Parliament;
Amendment 55 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 d (new)
Paragraph 7 d (new)
7 d. Reiterates its position that new priorities and objectives should be financed from new resources and that they should not come at the expense of existing priorities and programmes; stresses that the current MFF was pushed to its limits already in its first year; points to the multiple crises and challenges that the Union has faced and the substantial financing needs they have created; calls, therefore, on the Commission to conduct an in-depth review of the current MFF and to submit a legislative proposal for a comprehensive, updated and ambitious MFF revision as soon as possible and no later than the first quarter of 2023;
Amendment 58 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7 c. Calls on the Commission to come up with a more rigorous approach to decommitments and to reallocate and redeploy the unused funds to finance priority objectives and areas agreed upon at interinstitutional level, especially in areas related to the recovery from the pandemic, addressing the energy crisis, education, healthcare, innovation and social policies;
Amendment 76 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Emphasises that businesses and SMEs in particular, which constitute the backbone of the European economy, have been severely hit by the COVID-19 crisis, including in the tourism sector, and by the consequences of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, in particular high energy prices; supports an increase of EUR 10 million above the DB for the SME strand of the Single Market Cluster; proposes also an increase of EUR 1 million above the DB to support the ongoing work of the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) in designing high-quality reporting standards, on the condition that EFRAG adopts a work plan outlining the measures to ensure a proper transparent due process and public oversight as well as a balanced representation of stakeholders;
Amendment 77 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines the pivotal role of cohesion policy as an essential Union investment policy and convergence instrument to promote sustainable growth and support the overall harmonious development of the Member States and their regions; anticipates that, after a delayed start to the programming process in the first two years of the 2021-2027 MFF, implementation will gather pace in 2022; calls on the Member States to accelerate the process of programming in order to allow 2023 to be the start of the implementation of the cohesion funds, that will help address social, economic and territorial inequalities and boost our economy; help the public and private sectors, SMEs, and citizens during these difficult times;
Amendment 97 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. StressesUnderlines the need to promote the respect for rule of law and fundamental rights and fight social and gender inequalities, poverty and unemployment, paying particular attention to women, youth and vulnerable groups; stresses, in this regard, the crucial role of the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme in strengthening European citizenship and democracy, equality and gender equality and the rule of law in the Union, and in supporting victims of gender-based violence; reverses, therefore, the Council’s cuts to the programme; decides, further, to increase the Daphne strand by EUR 2 million above the DB to tackle gender- based violence, which has worsened since the pandemic, and the ‘citizens’ engagement and participation’ strand by EUR 1.5 million above the DB, in particular to ensure proper follow-up to the Conference on the Future of Europe;
Amendment 115 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Stresses the need to significantly increase the budget of the European Environment Agency to provide sufficient financial and staff resources to enable full implementation of the European Green Deal and its related policies as one of the main pillars for the transformation of the Union economy to a fair, inclusive, sustainable, resilient and carbon-neutral economy;
Amendment 1 #
2022/0170(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Union has set up legislative and budgetary instruments to provide additional support to workers who are suffering from the consequences of globalisation and of technological and environmental changes, such as changes in world trade patterns, trade disputes, significant changes in the trade relations of the Union or the composition of the internal market and financial or economic crises, as well as the transition to a low- carbon- neutral economy, or as a consequence of digitisation or automation;
Amendment 2 #
2022/0170(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the application relates to 206 displaced workers whose activity ceased in six companies4 during the reference period, and who will all be considered to be eligible beneficiaries; whereas 180 of the displaced workers are men (87,4 %) and 26 are women (12,6 %); whereas 26 of the displaced workers are under the age of 30 (12,6 %), 137 are between 30 and 54 years old (66,5 %) and 43 are over the age of 54 (20,9 %); whereas 167 of the displaced workers have lower secondary education or less (81,1 %), 6 have upper secondary or post- secondary education (2,9 %) and 33 have third-level education (16,0 %); _________________ 4 Bsh Oikiakes Syskeves Anon. Viom. Etairia [Bsh-Pitsos], Seller Hellas Avee, Nexans HellasMonoprosopi Ave, Kampourakis Georgios - G.E.M.A., Sammler V. Michalopoulos Aeve, Mavilek Avee
Amendment 3 #
2022/0170(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas expenditure for new household appliances in Greece was strongly impacted first by the economic crisis in the years from 2008 to 2016 (35 % decrease) and second by the COVID-19 pandemic (50 % decrease between 2019 and 2020), having recovered by 9,5 % between 2017 and 2019;
Amendment 4 #
2022/0170(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Amendment 5 #
2022/0170(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas in that context, the lackoss of competitiveness of the Pitsos production plant and the decision to move its production to Turkeydue to a combination of factors, such as a lack of automation and advanced manufacturing, the high production costs of electrical household appliances, a shortage in the domestic supply of electrical components, the BSH- Pitsos management decision not to support the capital investments required to optimise the production facility of the plant and the decision to move production to Turkey for lower production costs (while the brand, sales and service department was retained in Greece) led to the announcement of itsthe closure of the Pitsos production plant in September 2017; whereas production was extended until the beginning of 2021, and 166 workers were dismissed in 2021;
Amendment 6 #
2022/0170(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas, although the unemployment rate in Greece has been gradually declining since 2013, when it reached its highest peak of 27,5 %, Greece continues to have very high unemployment rates; whereas, in 2021, the unemployment rate in Greece was the second highest in the Union at 14,7 %, compared to a Union average of 7,0 %4b; _________________ 4b https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/ view/tps00203/default/table?lang=en
Amendment 15 #
2022/0170(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Stresses that assistance from the EGF must not replace required actions by Members States to enhance the competitiveness of companies, particularly SMEs, and their capacity to adapt to the rapidly transforming digital economy, actions to enhance the digital skills of workers in order to address the risk of technological lag and digital illiteracy, measures to enhance the purchasing power of the population, as well as further targeted active employment policies to combat unemployment and facilitate the reintegration of displaced workers in the labour market;
Amendment 16 #
2022/0170(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls for the swift release of the EGF financial contribution of EUR 1 495 830 to Greece;
Amendment 28 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Since the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility,3 unprecedented geopolitical events and their direct and indirect socio-economic consequences have considerably affected the Union’s society and economy, and its people and have exacerbated the risk of energy poverty. In particular, it has become clearer than ever that the Union’s energy security isand energy independence are indispensable for a successful, sustainable and inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, as it is also a major factor contributing to the resilience of the European economy. __________________ 3 Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17).
Amendment 35 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Due to the direct links between a sustainable recovery, building the Union’s resilience and the Union’s energy security and independence, and its role for a just and inclusive green transition, the Recovery and Resilience Facility is a well- suited instrument to contribute to the Union’s response to these newly emerging challenges.
Amendment 43 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The Versailles Declaration of 10-11 March 2022 of the Heads of States and Governments invited the Commission to propose by the end of May a REPowerEU plan to phase out the dependency on Russian fossil fuel imports, which was subsequently reiterated in the European Council Conclusions of 24-25 March 2022. This should be done well before 2030 in a way that is consistent with the Paris Agreement, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the EU’s Green Deal and the climate objectives for 2030 and 2050 enshrined in the European Climate Law. Regulation (EU) 2021/241 should therefore be amended to enhance its ability to support reforms and investments dedicated to diversifying energy supplies, in particular fossil fuels, thereby strengthening the strategic autonomy of the Union alongside an open economy. Support should also be given to reforms and investments increasing the energy efficiency of the Member States’ economiessocieties and economies, notably through the promotion of renewable energy.
Amendment 65 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The recovery and resilience plan, including the REPowerEU chapter,s should contribute to effectively addressing all or a significant subset of the challenges identified in the relevant country-specific recommendations, including the country- specific recommendations to be adopted under the 2022 Semester cycle which refer inter alia to the energy challenges that Member States are facing.
Amendment 71 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Pursuant to Article 18(4) point (q) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the Member States should also provide a summary of the mandatory and adequate consultation process of local and regional authorities and, social partners, NGOs and all other relevant stakeholders, including, as relevant, from the agricultural sector, for reforms and investments included in the REPowerEU chapter. Such summaries should depict the timeline and stages of those consultations, note the stakeholders consulted, explain the outcome of those consultations, and outline how the input received was reflected in REPowerEU chapters, which input was not reflected and for which reason and state how the relevant stakeholders will be involved in the implementation of the REPowerEU chapters and its monitoring.
Amendment 80 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The application of the ‘do no significant harm’ principle is essential to ensure that the investments and reforms undertaken as part of the recovery from the pandemic are implemented in a sustainable manner. It should continue to apply to the reforms and investments supported by the Facility, with one targeted exemption to safeguard the EU’ immediate energy security concerns. Considering the objective of diversifying energy supplies away from Russian suppliers, the reforms and investments set out inincluding those REPowerEU chapters which aim to improve energy infrastructure and facilities to meet immediate security of supply needs for oil and gas should not be required to comply with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ and should therefore be exempted from such assessment.
Amendment 90 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Further incentives should be provided for Member States to request loans, through the clarification of the loan allocation procedure. In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/241, Member States may request loans until 31 August 2023, provided that they have informed the Commission of their intention to request such loan support. An intention to submit a loan request should be communicated to the Commission 30 days after the entry into force of this Regulation so that the redistribution of the remaining funds can be conducted in an orderly manner. When expressing the intention to request loan support and when submitting such loan request, Member States should act in good faith, so as to ensure the predictability and effectiveness of the redistribution. The Commission should inform, simultaneously, on equal terms and without delay, the European Parliament and the Council about the status of the loan requests and the proposed allocation of the loan supports.
Amendment 121 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) Recent geopolitical events have affected prices of energy, food and construction materials and have also, caused shortages in the global supply chains and generated new challenges, including the extremely high risk of energy poverty. These developments may have a direct impact on the capacity to implement some reforms and investments included in the recovery and resilience plans. To the extent that Member States can demonstrate that such developments make a specific milestone or target, either totally or partially, no longer achievable, such situations may be invoked as objective circumstances under Article 21. These developments cannot constitute objective circumstances for revising reforms, as reforms are generally not cost dependent. In addition, nMoreover, to the extent that Member States can demonstrate that the achievement of a specific milestone or target conflicts with the achievement of the Facility’s objectives, including the REPowerEU objectives, such situations may also be invoked as objective circumstances under Article 21. No request for amendments should undermine the overall implementation of the recovery and resilience plans.
Amendment 145 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EU) 2021/241
Article 18 – paragraph 4 – point q
Article 18 – paragraph 4 – point q
(q) for the preparation and, where available, for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan, a summary of the consultation process, which shall be mandatory and adequate and conducted in accordance with the national legal framework, of local and regional authorities, social partners, civil society organisations, youth organisations and other relevant stakeholders, and how the input of the stakeholders is reflected in the recovery and resilience plan; in particular, the summary of the consultation process shall explain the outcomedepict the timeline and the stages of the consultations with local and regional authorities, social partners, NGOs and all other relevant stakeholders relevant to the REPowerEU objectives, note the stakeholders consulted, explain the outcome of these consultations on reforms and investments included in the REPowerEU chapter and, outline how the input received was reflected in the REPowerEU chapter, which input was not reflected and for which reason and how the local and regional authorities and other relevant stakeholders will be involved in the implementation of the REPowerEU chapter and its monitoring;
Amendment 161 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Regulation (EU) 2021/241
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – point ka (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – point ka (new)
Amendment 263 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Regulation (EU) 2021/241
Article 21c – paragraph 4
Article 21c – paragraph 4
Amendment 270 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Regulation (EU) 2021/241
Article 21c – paragraph 5
Article 21c – paragraph 5
(5) The provisions of this Regulation, including the deadlines of Article 19(1) and Article 20(6), shall be applicable mutatis mutandis to the reforms and investments of the REPowerEU chapter, unless provided otherwise.
Amendment 1 #
2021/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission’s first annual report on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (COM(2022) 75 final) published on 1 March 2022,
Amendment 52 #
2021/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the fact that even if the economic effects of the RRF cannot be fully disentangled from other developments, it seems fair to conclude that, so far, the RRF has had positive effects on gross domestic product (GDP) and that its effective implementation will be key for the EU’s economic growth; recognises that the RRF has helped to cushion EU economies and societizenes from the most acute impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and is positively contributing to the EU’s recovery and resilience; stresses, however, that the recovery dynamics remain uneven, with significant divergences among Member States, and that uncertainty is still high;
Amendment 79 #
2021/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Points out that the creation of the RRF provides lessons for the future of the EU economic architecture and governance and that its successful implementation could lead either to its extension or lay down the foundations for creating similar instruments and mechanisms at EU level to tackle crises and promote the EU objectives;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises that the packages of reforms and investments, particularly growth-enhancing ones under the RRF, should also generate EU added value; emphasises that the packages of reforms and investments under the RRF should also contribute to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and to the promotion of gender equality and equal opportunities for all and the mainstreaming of these objectives;
Amendment 101 #
2021/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Reiterates the importance of the six pillars in providing the Member States with a structure to propose and implement reforms and investments that tackle the green and digital transitions, the economy, productivity and competitiveness, social and territorial cohesion, social and economic inclusiveness, health and institutional resilience, and measures for children and young people;
Amendment 115 #
2021/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is concerned, however, that only seven Member States have requested loans amounting to a total of EUR 166 billion out of the EUR 385.8 billion available for loans, leaving a considerable amount available should Member States require loans at a later stage; is preoccupied that the limited interest for the loan component may lead to lost opportunities and prevent the RRF from reaching its full potential; recalls, in this context, its previous position21a deploring the cuts to the grant components of the NGEU, which upset the balance between grants and loans and risk undermining the recovery efforts; __________________ 21a OJ C 371, 15.9.2021, p. 110
Amendment 182 #
2021/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Regrets the lack of adequate involvement of local and regional authorities, civil society organisations, social partners and all other relevant stakeholders in the preparation of the NRRPs; calls on the Member States to ensure their proper involvement in the implementation of the NRRPs;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes that all approved NRRPs expect to reach the green target of at least 37 % set out in the RRF Regulation and that the overall climate expenditure of all approved NRRPs reaches almost 50 % or EUR 220 billion; underlines, however, the concerns whether all relevant measures truly contribute to the achievement of the objectives of and the commitments under the Paris Agreement and the EU Climate Law;
Amendment 222 #
2021/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Notes that the Commission estimates social spending in the NRRPs to account for around 20 % of the grants and loans requested; observes that this expenditure focuses on employment incentives for specific disadvantaged groups, reforms of employment protection legislation and labour contract regulation; regrets that social investment measures have been rather limited to social infrastructure and that only some NRRPs contain measures for the development of proper care services and temporary support measures; supports the Commission’s aim, through the RRF, of building a more resilient and inclusive labour market, while noting that relevant measures should promote high-quality employment and tackle the deregulation of the labour market;
Amendment 237 #
2021/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Notes that approved NRRPs envisage expenditure on healthcare-related measures of EUR 37 billion, which corresponds to 8 % of total NRRP expenditure; expects these healthcare- related measures to contribute to increasing the capacity and resilience of public healthcare systems and their preparedness for future crises; is concerned that some Member States did not include sufficient measures to tackle long-standing public healthcare challenges;
Amendment 261 #
2021/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Points out that the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ was evaluated for each measure by the Commission in accordance with its technical guidance; notes that in order to comply with the principle, some Member States had to improve certain measures; underlines, however, the concerns regarding the actual respect of this principle by all national measures; stresses, moreover, that the respect of the ‘do no significant harm’ principle should be carefully examined and monitored during the implementation phase of the NRRPs as well;
Amendment 269 #
2021/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Observes that a large majority of NRRPs include a specific section explaining how the plan addresses gender- related concerns and challenges; stresses, however, that all NRRPs should have included an explanation of how the measures are expected to contribute to gender equality and equal opportunities for all and the mainstreaming of these objectives;
Amendment 322 #
2021/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Recalls that Member States are required to set up a robust control and audit systems in order to guarantee the protection of the financial interests of the Union and to, prevent fraud and tackle fraud, corruption and conflicts of interest and secure transparency, and that the Commission is responsible for assuring that these systems are in place and fully-functioning before the first payments are approved;
Amendment 347 #
2021/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34 a. Invites the Member States to follow the example of the European Parliament and establish national parliamentary committees to scrutinise the implementation of their NRRPs in an open, transparent and democratic way;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
— having regard to the EIB Diversity and Inclusion 2020 Progress Report, published on 12 October 2021,
Amendment 9 #
2021/2203(INI)
-A. whereas, under Article 309 TFEU, the EIB is tasked with contributing to the achievement of the Union’s objectives, including through various investment instruments such as loans, equities, guarantees, risk-sharing facilities and advisory services;
Amendment 18 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Expresses serious concerns about the social and economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis and the invasion in Ukraine and their related impact on fair, inclusive and sustainable growth, investment, resilience, employment, education and socio-economic inequalities;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1 a. Highlights the fundamental role of the EIB as the EU’s public bank and as the only international financial institution entirely owned by EU Member States and fully guided by EU policies and standards in supporting the social and economic recovery and targeting investments for the materialisation of the Union’s objectives;
Amendment 22 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Recalls that small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) constitute the backbone of the economy, represent the overwhelming majority of EU enterprises, generate more than 50% of the total value added produced by EU businesses, employ almost two-thirds of the labour force and are strong drivers of development and innovation; underlines that supporting SMEs is one of the primary public policy goals and a key objective for the EIB; calls on the EIB to further enhance its efforts in expanding financing capacity, improving financing conditions and diversifying the sources of finance available to SMEs as well as to assist them with the challenges linked to their green and digital transformation;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Stresses the importance of avoiding further geographical imbalances in the EIB’s lending activity so as to ensure a broader geographical and sectoral allocation of investments, reduce regional disparities and enhance economic and social convergence; calls on the EIB to address systemic shortcomings that prevent certain regions or countries from taking full advantage of its financial activities;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls for the exclusion of the EIB programmes from public debt;
Amendment 75 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Calls on the EIB to implement the principle of energy efficiency and set the objective of tackling energy poverty in all its energy lending;
Amendment 101 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the inclusion of labour rights in ESSF standard 8; underlines the importance of developing fair, safe and healthy working conditions and respecting labour rights in fostering workforce commitment and effective project implementation;
Amendment 103 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Calls on the EIB to support projects which deliver on the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the UN Sustainable Development Goals;
Amendment 104 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Urges the EIB to address regional inequalities by supporting public investments and development plans of local and regional authorities as well as advising on the development of new private and public projects, especially in innovation, digitalisation, infrastructure, SMEs support and projects aiming at high-quality employment;
Amendment 105 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15 c. Calls on the EIB to prioritise projects that generate positive development impact, such as domestic resource mobilisation, reduction of inequalities and promotion of social diversity and inclusion; calls for tailored indicators to measure such objectives;
Amendment 126 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Calls on the EIB to increase its engagement in less developed countries and those experiencing conflict and extreme poverty;
Amendment 134 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Regrets that the new ESSF includes no significant improvement in human rights protection or procedures to prevent human rights violations; calls for this to be addressed in the statement on human rights; is very concerned that in some cases, the EIB has continued to disburse loans despite clear human rights abuses; calls, therefore, on the EIB to strengthen its human rights policy and to increase the human rights dimension in its project planning, including by providing a Human Rights Strategy as well as HR Assessment and Evaluation of its programmes, also on the ground, to ensure that local communities are consulted and that the right to free prior and informed consent (FPIC) is implemented in a systematic manner; calls, furthermore, on the EIB to develop specific policies on human rights defenders and protocols to respond to risks of reprisals;
Amendment 142 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6
Subheading 6
Transparency, and governanceccountability, governance and gender equality
Amendment 149 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Reiterates its request for an interinstitutional agreement between Parliament and the EIB in order to improve access to EIB documents and data and enhance democratic accountability, including the ability to submit questions for written answer to the EIB and the organisation of hearings and economic dialogues;
Amendment 150 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19 b. Calls on the EIB to increase its reporting to Parliament regarding its decisions, progress achieved and the impact of its lending activities, notably through regular structured dialogues, and to apply the same reporting and accountability provisions as set out in the EFSI Regulation;
Amendment 160 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Takes note of the 2020 Progress Report on Diversity and Inclusion; notes that women represent 52% of the EIB workforce; regrets the fact that women are still not sufficiently represented in managerial and senior office positions; calls on the EIB to further encourage the participation of women and actively promote balanced gender representation in its managerial and senior positions; calls on the EIB to further enhance the promotion of all forms of diversity and inclusion within its organisation and to set ambitious targets;
Amendment 176 #
2021/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Calls on the EIB to commit to strengthen its policy against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance, including by refraining from funding beneficiaries or financial intermediaries and from cooperating with financial partners with a proven negative track record; calls on the EIB to enforce prevention measures and regular tax assessments against non- cooperative tax jurisdictions, tax and fiscal fraud and tax evasion, as well as illegal and aggressive tax avoidance;
Amendment 9 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Acknowledges that high-risk expenditures are subject to complex rules and eligibility conditions; notes that the estimated level of error decreased from 4,9% in 2019 to 4,0% in 2020 and that six possible fraud cases were reported to OLAF in comparison to 2019’s nine; recalls that the way funds are disbursed has an impact on the risk of errors and welcomes efforts to simplify requirements for project managers and management authorities under the 2021-2027 programming period; reiterates the need to step up the efforts in the fight against fraud both at EU and Member States level, in close cooperation with the EPPO and OLAF;
Amendment 16 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets that the absorption rate of European Structural and Investment Funds , which increased from 12% in 2019 to 15% in 2020 , is slower than expected with 45 % (EUR 209 billion) remaining to be absorbed; calls on the Commission to step up its action to address absorption difficulties and help Member States increase their absorption rates;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes note that the EU will be able to spend significantly more than in the previous programming period, with an overall allocation of EUR 1 824 billion from NextGenerationEU and the MFF; urges the Commission to limit the risk of delayed start to the implementation of shared managed funds and ensure the sound financial management in the use of funds, including the respect for the rule of law and the fundamental rights; regrets that the Commission has de facto suspended the implementation of the rule of law conditionality regulation, despite its entry into force on 1 January 2021.
Amendment 1 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1
Citation 1
— having regard to Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) which requires a high level of human health protection in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities and aims to encourage cooperation between Member States in order to improve the complementarity of their health services in cross-border areas,
Amendment 3 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
— having regard to Article 35 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union which establishes everyone’s right of access to preventive health care and the right to benefit from medical treatment,
Amendment 4 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 b (new)
Citation 2 b (new)
— having regard to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and particularly SDG 3 which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, including universal health coverage,
Amendment 5 #
2021/2100(INI)
— having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 11 November 2020 entitled ‘Building a European Health Union: Reinforcing the EU’s resilience for cross-border health threats’,
Amendment 7 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
— having regard to the OECD report entitled ‘Health at a Glance: Europe 2020’ published in November 2020,
Amendment 10 #
2021/2100(INI)
-A. whereas the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the crucial importance of the health sector, put greater demands on the healthcare systems and health workers, and highlighted the weaknesses and shortcomings of the healthcare systems as well as the healthcare disparities and inequalities within the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A a (new)
Recital -A a (new)
-Aa. whereas cohesion policy, through the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative (CRII) and the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative Plus (CRII+), was the first line of defence against the COVID-19 pandemic, thus proving that it can contribute significantly to promoting health and to reducing health inequalities;
Amendment 12 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the lack of basic infrastructure in certaand adequate workforce in less-developed regions, which seriously hampers equity of access to healthcare, is the main reason high-quality health infrastructure remainsand adequate and well- trained health workforce should be a priority for manyall national governments;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the standards of healthcare provision in the EU are not harmonised, as significant differences exist between Member States and their regions, whereby less-developed regions, which are not able to devote anything close to the amount of resources on healthcare per capita as their more developed counterparts, may face problems in this respect;
Amendment 27 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU instruments aimed at compensating for some of these problems are mostly limited to “soft” law resulting in general shortcomings; whereas a more structured Union-level approach complemented by a stronger and more comprehensive legal framework and legally binding means of action is required in this regard in order to enhance cooperation and coordination between Member States, better protect peoples’ health and effectively address the existing healthcare disparities;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas cross-border territories represent 40% of the territory of the EU, and more than one in three EU citizens live in a cross-border region;
Amendment 33 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Commission supports cross-border cooperation in healthcare through numerous studies and initiatives, including through Interreg, financed under the structural funds; whereas, in the 2014- 2020 programming period, 169 healthcare-related projects were funded through Interreg programmes; whereas the beneficiaries of these programmes are first professionals and then patients, with few projects aimed at specific subgroups such as precarious or deprived populations;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas previous analyses have shown that strengthening cohesion policy is necessary in order to reduce disparities between the standards of healthcare provision in the EU; whereas recent studies still show considerable differences in health indicators across the EU, such as life expectancy, birth and mortality rates, chronic diseases and access to healthcare and infrastructure; whereas health inequalities between EU countries, regions and population groups continue to persist with social determinants, such as employment, income, education, gender, age and ethnicity, playing a key role;
Amendment 39 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas health spending accounts for almost 10 % of GDP in the EU, with people employed in health-related fields making up 15 % of the EU workforce; whereas significant differences regarding the level of healthcare expenditure and the availability of doctors and healthcare professionals still persist among Member States and their regions;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that the EU’s cohesion policy invests in health as a key asset for regional development and, social convergence and regional competitiveness, in order to reduce economic and social disparities;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Underlines that ensuring healthy lives means providing healthcare to all and guaranteeing adequate and well- trained health workforce, health infrastructure and equipment, equal access to quality health services and EU- wide insurance coverage;
Amendment 66 #
2021/2100(INI)
2. Highlights that certainmany less- developed regions are a long way from uniformly matching the standards of healthcare provision available in more developed parts of the EU, and that convergence in this sense is unlikely to be achieved without help at EU level, particularly through its cohesion policy;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that investments in healthcare innovation, public healthcare systems, sufficient health workforce and the reduction of health inequalities will continue to offer significant improvements to thepeoples’ daily lives of citizens;
Amendment 74 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recalls that the Treaties require a high level of human health protection in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities;
Amendment 75 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Amendment 77 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recommends that, when defining healthcare policies at regional and, national and EU level, there should be a willingness to overcome silo approaches between health, social and economic policies, with the goal of improving dialogue, synergies and planned investments from the structural funds and other relevant EU programmes, which are able to cater for citizenpeoples’ unmet health and social needs;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for better synergies and complementarities between cohesion policy programmes to be ensured, with the aim of reducing regional disparities, in particular in Horizon Europe which should generate new knowledge, and EU4Health, making the best possible use of this new knowledge for the benefit of citizens andpeople and public health systems;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses the importance of cohesion policy in tackling gender inequality in healthcare and promoting gender-related health priorities of the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR);
Amendment 91 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the importance of continuing to build a comprehensive public health infrastructure and to reduce the existing disparities to the greatest possible extent; recalls that cohesion policy can make a significant contribution to the building of health infrastructure in every part of the EU, especially in the less- developed regions, in order to create high- quality, fully-equipped and resilient public healthcare systems throughout the entire EU, which can better protect peoples’ health and effectively respond to current and future challenges;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Emphasises that citizenspeople in rural areas and the outermost regions often encounter barriers to equality of access to healthcare that limit their ability to obtain the care they need, especially in the form of basic health infrastructure and adequate health workforce; stresses that, in order for them to acquire sufficient access, as well as the appropriate healthcare which they need, services must be available and obtainable in a timely manner;
Amendment 117 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls for bold cohesion policy measures, in accordance with the legal provisions in force in the EU, in order to attempt to mitigate the lack ofsignificant lack of adequate healthcare workers especially in rural areas, and aimed at motivating them to commence or resume practice there;
Amendment 121 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Points out that sustainable long- term investment in the healthcare workforce is more urgent than ever before, given the severe economic, social and health impact of the COVID-19 crisis, in particular investment in sufficiency of healthcare workforce, higher education from the ESF+, funding specialisations and sub- specialisations of the health workforce in the countries and regions which are facing a brain drain;
Amendment 133 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Believes that the COVID-19 pandemic represents a historic transformational moment for investments in health systems and future workforce capabilities; calls for the establishment of a strong and sufficiently-funded European Health Union to enhance cooperation and coordination between Member States, reinforce public healthcare systems, better protect peoples’ health and effectively address the long- standing healthcare disparities;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. SHighlights the importance of patient mobility and cross-border access to safe and high-quality healthcare in the EU; stresses that cross-border healthcare improvements can benefit patients by enabling equitable access to health services and infrastructure in other Member States, including diagnosis and clinical trials, based on the principle of ‘easiest, closest, best and fastest’ access12 ; underlines that there is still a lot of room for improvement in this regard; _________________ 12 https://eurohealthnet.eu/publication/joint- statement-use-next-european-and- structural-investment-funds-strategic- investments
Amendment 146 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Acknowledges the existence of the numerous successful health cross-border projects13 across Europe, and that the experience gained from these cshould be capitalised on with a view to further enhancing and facilitating cross-border cooperation in this area, for the benefit of EU citizensall people in the EU; _________________ 13 https://www.interregeurope.eu/policylearni ng/news/6157/innovation-in-healthcare- showcasing-interreg-europe-good- practices/?no_cache=1&cHash=44676ec10 795d5bda5628029f930f60a
Amendment 149 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls for enhanced focus on patients in the projects to be financed through Interreg programmes in the new programming period and for projects focusing specifically on vulnerable and marginalised groups as well as on gender- related health priorities of the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR);
Amendment 155 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. CHighlights that cooperation on cross-border healthcare requires the support and involvement of a wide range of partners, medical and social institutions, health insurance entities and public authorities; calls for projects facilitating cross- border health contracts, whereby patients travel and are treated within the framework of contractual agreements, to be funded; underlines the importance of guaranteeing an EU-wide insurance coverage;
Amendment 157 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Calls on the Commission to effectively address existing barriers to seeking and accessing cross-border healthcare including in terms of free movement, information, awareness or perception from patients, different taxation and social security systems, and the recognition of qualifications for healthcare staff and institutions;
Amendment 162 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Believes that centres of excellence could stimulate cross-border contracting to an even greater extent, and that, as a result, such centres could be of great importance in increasing thepeoples’ life expectancy of EU citizens;
Amendment 166 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the Commission to encourage better management of cross- border healthcare, as EU patients still face serious challenges and important barriers in accessing healthcare in other Member States and only a minority of potential patients are aware of their rights to seek cross-border healthcare; considers that appropriate pan-European campaigns should be launched in order to inform the public regarding their rights in this regard;
Amendment 179 #
2021/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Highlights that several Interreg projects have contributed to cross-border regions’ fight against COVID-19 throughout the EU, for example through the mobility of intensive care patients and healthcare professionals, and the development of medical equipment; notes, however, that border closures affected the mobility of patients and healthcare workers, while information about infection data, vaccinations or conditions for patients’ transfers was not harmonised;
Amendment 7 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the monetary dialogues with the President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde, of 18 March, 21 June and 27 September 2021,
Amendment 8 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9
Citation 9
— having regard to the Eurosystem staff macroeconomic projections for the euro area published on 10 June9 September 2021,
Amendment 11 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
— having regard to the ECB Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises (SAFE) in the euro area - 8 March and 22 April 2021, published on 1 June 2021,
Amendment 12 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
— having regard to the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) report entitled ‘Adapting central bank operations to a hotter world: Reviewing some options’, published on 24 March 2021,
Amendment 20 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas, according to the Commission’s Summer 2021 Economic Forecast, GDP contracted in 2020 by 6 % in the EU and 6.5 % in the euro area; whereas GDP is forecast to grow by 4.8 % in 2021 and 4.5 % in 2022 in both the EU and the euro area, with significant growth inequalities persisting between and within the Member States; whereas uncertainty and risks surrounding the growth outlook are high depending on the emergence and spread of COVID-19 virus variants and further picking up the pace up of vaccination campaigns;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas, according to the Eurosystem staff macroeconomic projections of September 2021, real GDP contracted in 2020 by 6.5 % in the euro area and is projected to grow by 5.0 % in 2021, 4.6 % in 2022 and 2.1 % in 2023;
Amendment 27 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, according to Eurostat, the unemployment rate in JulyAugust 2021 stood at 6.98 % in the EU and 7.65 % in the euro area, spread in an uneven way across the EU and with unemployment rates among young people and women remaining much higher (16.2 % in the EU and 16.4 % in the euro area and 7.2 % in the EU and 7.9 % in the euro area, respectively);
Amendment 35 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas, according to the Eurosystem staff macroeconomic projections of JuneSeptember 2021, annual inflation for the euro area in the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) will be 1.92.2 % in 2021, 1.57 % in 2022 and 1.45 % in 2023 on average; whereas inflation projections show substantial variance across the euro area;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2063(INI)
C a. whereas ECB expects its key interest rates to remain at their present or lower levels until inflation reaches two per cent well ahead of the end of its projection horizon and durably for the rest of the projection horizon, and the realised progress in underlying inflation is sufficiently advanced to be consistent with inflation stabilising at two per cent over the medium term; whereas this may also imply a transitory period in which inflation is moderately above target;
Amendment 38 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas, at the end of 2020, the size of the Eurosystem balance sheet had reached its all-time peak of EUR 6 979 324 million, an increase of almost 50 % (EUR 2 306 233 million) compared with the end of 2019, mainly due to the increase in Eurosystem refinancing operations, as a result of the third series of targeted longer-term refinancing operations (TLTRO III), and the securities purchased under the pandemic emergency purchase programme (PEPP) and the Asset Purchase Programme (APP);
Amendment 40 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) constitute the backbone of the EU economy, representing 99 % of all businesses in the EU, employing around 100 million people, accounting for more than half of EU’s GDP and playing a key role in adding value in every sector of the economy; whereas SMEs have been severely hit by the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas, according to the Eurosystem staff macroeconomic projections of September 2021, global real GDP (excluding the euro area) is projected to increase by 6.3 % in 2021, before decelerating to 4.5 % in 2022 and 3.7 % in 2023; whereas global activity had already exceeded its pre-pandemic level in late 2020;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
D c. whereas ECB’s net profit for 2020 amounted to EUR 1 643 million, compared with EUR 2 366 million in 2019; whereas this decrease was mainly due to the lower net interest income on foreign reserve assets and on securities held for monetary policy purposes as well as the decision by the Governing Council to transfer EUR 48 million to the ECB’s provision for financial risks;
Amendment 74 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the ECB Monetary Policy Strategy Review adopted unanimously and announced on 8 July 2021, which sets out how to achieve the primary objective of maintaining price stability and contribute to the achievement of the Union’s objectives without prejudice to the primary objective of price stability; calls on the ECB to set climate change, just transition, social, economic and territorial cohesion and full and high- quality employment as priority objectives;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines the importance of a central fiscal capacity capable of providing a counter-cyclical stabilisation function and timely and adequate support in the event of economic shocks; agrees with President Lagarde that ‘such a central fiscal capacity could help steer the aggregate euro area fiscal policy stance and ensure a more appropriate macroeconomic policy mix’;
Amendment 114 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Highlights that a common euro area safe asset could foster financial stability and financial integration and help mitigate risks spilling over from sovereigns to their domestic banking sector;
Amendment 120 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Echoes President Lagarde’s call for the revision and simplification of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) to be carried out before the deactivation of the general escape clause; calls for an enhanced debate on the future of the EU economic governance framework in order to facilitate the economic and social recovery, promote fair, inclusive and sustainable growth and boost full and high-quality employment;
Amendment 136 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the ECB’s decision to continue to conduct net asset purchases at a significantly higher pace under the PEPP until at least the end of March 2022; Notes that the PEPP total envelope stands at EUR 1 850 billion and that the ECB will continue to conduct net asset purchases under the PEPP until at least the end of March 2022; welcomes the ECB’s decisions on 11 March 2021, 22 April 2021, 10 June 2021 and 22 July 2021 to conduct net asset purchases at a significantly higher pace than during the first months of 2021; notes the position of the ECB’s Governing Council on 9 September 2021 that favourable financing conditions can be maintained with a moderately lower pace of net asset purchases under the PEPP; calls on the ECB to carry out a thorough impact assessment before implementing such a lower pace and to inform the Parliament accordingly; agrees with President Lagarde’s statement on 10 June 2021 that ‘any discussion about exit from the PEPP (...) would be premature, it’s too early and it will come in due course’; calls on the ECB to continue these purchases for as long as necessary; notes that the PEPP envelope can be recalibrated if required to maintain favourable financing conditions;
Amendment 145 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Welcomes ECB’s decision to purchase flexibly under the PEPP with a view to preventing a tightening of financing conditions that is inconsistent with countering the downward impact of the pandemic, while supporting the smooth transmission of monetary policy;
Amendment 155 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the fact that net purchases under the asset purchase programme (APP) will continue at a monthly pace of EUR 20 billion; welcomes ECB’s expectation that monthly net asset purchases under the asset purchase programme (APP) will continue to run for as long as necessary to reinforce the accommodative impact of its policy rates;
Amendment 158 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Welcomes the inclusion of Greek bonds in the PEPP; notes, however, that they are still not eligible under the public sector purchase programme (PSPP) despite the significant progress made; calls on the ECB to reassess the eligibility of Greek bonds under the PSPP and to provide specific recommendations well in advance of the conclusion of the PEPP for their inclusion in the PSPP;
Amendment 161 #
2021/2063(INI)
10 b. Welcomes ECB’s decision to continue to reinvest the principal payments from maturing securities purchased under the PEPP until at least the end of 2023 and to continue reinvesting, in full, the principal payments from maturing securities purchased under the APP for an extended period of time past the date when it starts raising the key ECB interest rates, and in any case for as long as necessary to maintain favourable liquidity conditions and an ample degree of monetary accommodation;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes that the amount of Eurosystem refinancing operations increased to EUR 1 850 billion at the end of 2020, mainly due to the third series of targeted longer-term refinancing operations (TLTRO III); notes, moreover, that the weighted average maturity of outstanding Eurosystem refinancing operations increased to around 2.4 years at the end of 2020;
Amendment 164 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Welcomes ECB’s decision to continue to provide ample liquidity through its refinancing operations; acknowledges that the funding obtained through the TLTRO III plays a crucial role in supporting bank lending to businesses and households; stresses, however, that in some cases a very small part of these liquidity injections has increased bank lending to the real economy, especially households and SMEs; calls on the ECB to ensure that such measures truly facilitate the financing of the real economy;
Amendment 170 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes the ECB’s decision on a new symmetric inflation target of 2 % over the medium term and its commitment to maintain a persistently accommodative monetary policy stance in order to meet its inflation target; notes with concern that inflation rose to a decade-high 3.4 % in August 2021September 2021; stresses that increases in inflation can be particularly harmful to the poorest parts of the population and result in increasing economic and social inequalities; calls on the ECB to evaluate and address this upward trend and its consequences more attentively;
Amendment 179 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Amendment 184 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes the ECB’s decision to include the costs related to owner-occupied housing in the HICP to better represent the inflation rate that is relevant for households; acknowledges that this inclusion is a multi-year project; stresses that such inclusion could result to raising the price indices and, at least temporarily, bringing inflation above the medium-term target thus reducing ECB’s room for manoeuvre; calls on the ECB to prepare for and effectively address such risks;
Amendment 191 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls on the ECB to conduct a detailed and transparent audit of public debts and a public debt sustainability analysis for the euro area to facilitate a sustainable economic recovery; recommends that the ECB discuss a constructive plan on renegotiating and reconstructing public debt as part of an overall debt relief policy and re-examine the possibility to cancel the share of public debt it holds; invites the ECB to examine the possibility for the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) to purchase the ECB-held sovereign debt, which could enhance monetary policy independence;
Amendment 196 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13 b. Welcomes ECB’s decision to assess periodically the appropriateness of its monetary policy strategy, thus enhancing also public awareness and involvement in monetary policy;
Amendment 214 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Agrees with the ECB that tackling the climate emergency touches not only upon its secondary but also upon its primary mandate, given that climate change and its consequences pose a threat to price stability by hampering the transmission of monetary policy to the real economy, affecting growth and increasing macroeconomic instability; stresses that the EU has already decided on the priority of economic policies steered towards achieving climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest, hence the ECB is already obliged to adopt specific policies contributing to the EU climate policies and targets;
Amendment 224 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Welcomes the ECB’s new action plan and its detailed roadmap of climate change-related actions to further incorporate climate change considerations into its policy framework; notes, however, that the action plan focuses on climate- related risks, sidelining the issue of environmental impacts and thus potentially disregarding the double materiality principle that is at the heart of the EU sustainable finance framework; calls on the ECB to develop further its action plan to fully integrate environmental impacts;
Amendment 235 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Believes that the market neutrality principle falls short of the commitments under the Paris Agreement and the EU’s objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest; notes that the ECB has already deviated from market neutrality in several instances; stresses that in the presence of market failures, adhering to the market neutrality principle may reinforce pre-existing inefficiencies; notes that the ECB has already deviated from market neutrality in several instances; calls on the ECB to adopt a new approach that fully accounts for market failures and the need to align its policies with the EU environmental objectives;
Amendment 240 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Regrets the predominance of carbon-intensive sectors in the ECB’s corporate sector purchase programme (CSPP); welcomes ECB’s commitment to assess potential biases in the market allocation and alternative allocations and to make concrete proposals for alternative benchmarks, in particular for the CSPP; believes that such biases and alternative benchmarks are essential in order to align the CSPP with the Paris Agreement and the EU environmental objectives; calls on the ECB to accelerate the implementation of its commitment; calls for concrete action to tackle lending in the carbon economy and reduce the high emission intensity in the ECB’s portfolio also in the meantime;
Amendment 245 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17 b. Acknowledges ECB’s commitment to prepare climate-related disclosures of the CSPP as well as to develop proposals and ultimately adapt the CSPP framework to include climate change considerations but warns against delays; encourages the ECB to aim for a faster disclosure where advanced data is already available; invites the ECB to open a public consultation on decarbonising the CSPP to strengthen the legitimacy of its decisions; recalls that other asset purchase programmes, such as the third covered bond purchase programme (CBPP3) and the asset- backed securities purchase programme (ABSPP), are also to be aligned with the Paris Agreement and the EU environmental objectives;
Amendment 249 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Regrets the fact that green bond issuance in the EU represents only 2.6 % of the EU’s total bond issuance, despite the fact that, in 2020, 51 % of global bond issuance was concentrated in the EU and 49 % of global green bond issuance was denominated in euro; notes that the ECB has increased the share of green bonds in its own funds portfolio from 0.5 % in January 2020 to 3.5 % with a view of further increasing this percentage in the coming years; underlines, however, that this share remains considerably low; calls on the ECB to speed up its work on increasing the share of green bonds in its portfolio; welcomes, in this regard, ECB’s decision to use part of its own funds portfolio to invest in the euro- denominated green bond investment fund for central banks (EUR BISIP G2);
Amendment 255 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Calls on the ECB to prioritise the purchasing of bonds connected with long- term strategic investments, which contribute to the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy and to immediately develop transparent and standardised criteria for the selection of beneficiaries that fully incorporate environmental, social and governance factors, therefore divesting from carbon- intensive sectors and firms;
Amendment 257 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Amendment 262 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the fact that the ECB is taking steps to incorporate climate-related risks into its collateral framework but warns against delays in its implementation; is concerned about the fact that the ECB continues to rely exclusively on private external credit rating agencies (CRAs) for risk assessment, particularly considering the fact that incorporation of climate risks in external CRAs is still an underdeveloped process in an unregulated field; calls on the ECB to develop a harmonised in-house climate and environment credit risk assessment framework in order to identify and eventually exclude polluting assets from monetary policy operations;
Amendment 267 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Calls on the ECB to expand the scope of its action by aligning its collateral framework with biodiversity- related risks and to explore further ways of aligning its TLTROs with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 271 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19 b. Calls on the ECB, as member of the NGFS, to build on the nine options assessed by the NGFS for central banks to factor climate-related risks into their operational framework on credit operations, collateral and asset purchases;
Amendment 274 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
19 c. Welcomes the creation of a climate change centre to bring together the work on climate issues in different parts of the ECB; expects the ECB to intensify its work to effectively incorporate climate considerations into its routine business;
Amendment 285 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Is concerned about the risks caused by the serious delay in completing the third pillar of the banking union; welcomes the ECB’s long-standing support of the establishment of a fully fledged European Deposit Insurance Scheme (EDIS) that would complete the banking union, ensure depositors’ protection, support the confidence of savers and safeguard financial stability;
Amendment 291 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Notes the progress made so far on the reduction of non-performing loans (NPLs); regrets the practice in several Member States of banks selling private non-performing mortgages to private equity funds on a mass scale, which results in a higher rate of home repossessions; regrets the failure of several Member States to deal with this problem through adequate consumer protection legislation; calls for the introduction of legal protection from repossession for mortgage holders at EU level;
Amendment 294 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21 b. Points out the importance of cash as a means of payment; notes that the number and value of euro banknotes in circulation grew by around 10 % in 2020; takes note of the Eurosystem’s Cash 2030 strategy aiming to ensure that all euro area citizens and businesses will continue to have good access to cash services and that cash will remain a generally accepted means of payment, while addressing the elements of reducing the ecological footprint of euro banknotes and developing innovative and secure banknotes; is concerned about the downsizing of the banking network in some Member States; considers that such practices can lead to significant restrictions to equal access to essential financial services and products;
Amendment 296 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 c (new)
Paragraph 21 c (new)
21 c. Welcomes the fact that, in 2020, the number of counterfeit euro banknotes decreased to its lowest level since 2003 (17 parts per million); calls on the ECB to enhance the fight against counterfeiting and its cooperation with Europol, Interpol and the European Commission in pursuit of this goal; invites the ECB, without prejudice to the Member States’ prerogatives, to create a system to better monitor large transactions with a view to combating money laundering, tax evasion and the financing of terrorism and organised crime;
Amendment 301 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Welcomes the ECB’s decision to launch a 24-month investigation phase of a digital euro project; calls on the ECB to effectively address the expectations and concerns raised during the public consultation on a digital euro, such as privacy, security, the ability to pay across the euro area, no additional costs and offline usability; notes that this investigation phase will not prejudge any decision on the possible issuance of a digital euro;
Amendment 309 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes the continuous efforts of the ECB to strengthen its response and recovery capabilities in the event of cyberattacks; Stresses that the financial sector is undergoing considerable transformation driven by innovation and digitalisation; underlines that this transformation poses increased risks for external disruptions such as cyberattacks; welcomes the continuous efforts of the ECB to strengthen its response and recovery capabilities in the event of cyberattacks; reiterates its concern regarding the incidents that seriously affected TARGET2 and TARGET2-Securities in 2020; welcomes the independent review of these incidents and notes that a number of findings were rated with ‘high’ severity; welcomes the Eurosystem’s acceptance of the general conclusions and its commitment to implement the recommendations of the review; calls on the ECB to further enhance its efforts in the field of cybersecurity and to continue to promote the cyber resilience of financial market infrastructures;
Amendment 316 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls on the ECB to step up its monitoring of the development of crypto- currencies and the related risks in terms of cybersecurity and money laundering; calls on the ECB to ensure an adequate balance between financial innovation, including in the FinTech area, and financial stability; takes note of ECB’s intention to develop and implement a policy response to mitigate the potential adverse impact of stablecoins on the EU payments and financial landscape while enabling sound initiatives to bring benefits to consumers and businesses;
Amendment 321 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Notes that Bulgaria and Croatia joined the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) in 2020 thus becoming the first countries outside the euro area to join the European banking supervision; notes the equal representation of their national banks on the ECB’s Supervisory Board; notes, also, the inclusion of the Bulgarian lev and the Croatian kuna in the exchange rate mechanism (ERM II) as one of the preconditions for adopting the euro;
Amendment 328 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Amendment 329 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Welcomes the substantial and detailed feedback provided by the ECB to Parliament’s resolution on the 2019 ECB Annual Report; calls on the ECB to continue this commitment to accountability and keep on publishing its written feedback to Parliament’s resolutions on the ECB Annual Reports each year;
Amendment 333 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Stresses the need to further enhance the accountability and transparency arrangements of the ECB; recognises the steps taken by the ECB; repeats its call to launch negotiations on a formal interinstitutional agreement, such as the adoption of the single Code of Conduct for high-level ECB officials and the decision to publish the Ethics Committee’s opinions addressed to the current members of the Executive Board, Governing Council and Supervisory Board that have been issued since the entry into force of the single Code of Conduct; repeats its call to launch negotiations on a formal interinstitutional agreement to formalise and go beyond the existing transparency and accountability practices;
Amendment 337 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Suggests a regular dialogue between members of Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and relevant ECB representatives following the publication of the latest available account of the proceedings of the Governing Council to assess ECB decisions ahead of and in parallel with the monetary dialogues;
Amendment 338 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26 b. Calls on the ECB to publish the full list of purchases under the ABSPP and the CBPP3, as it has been doing with the CSPP since 2017, thus increasing the transparency of the APP;
Amendment 339 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)
Paragraph 26 c (new)
26 c. Calls on the ECB to disclose the full amounts of profit made by the Eurosystem through the agreements on net financial assets (ANFAs) and the securities markets programme (SMP) from 2010 until the full expiration of the programme, with a specific breakdown per country subject to SMP purchases (Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Italy);
Amendment 340 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Reiterates its call for the ECB to ensure the independence of the members of its Audit Committee, as well as of its Ethics Committee; urges the ECB to ensure that the Ethics Committee is not chaired by a former President or other past members of the Governing Council, nor by anyone liable to conflict of interest; calls on the ECB to require a two-year cooling-off period for its outgoing members after the conclusion of their mandate;
Amendment 341 #
2021/2063(INI)
27 a. Is concerned about the fact that more than 90 % of the members of the ECB’s advisory groups are from the private sector, which could cause bias, conflict of interest and regulatory capture in the policy-making process;
Amendment 342 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Welcomes the ECB’s new internal whistleblowing framework; calls on the ECB to ensure itsthe integrity and efficiency of the new internal tool in order to facilitate truly simple and secure reporting of potential breaches of professional duties, inappropriate behaviour or other irregularities, and the possibility for whistleblowers and witnesses to be granted effective protection from any kind of retaliation;
Amendment 345 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28 a. Calls on the ECB to further take into account the decision of the European Ombudsman on the involvement of the President of the ECB and members of its decision-making bodies in the ‘Group of Thirty’ (Case 1697/2016/ANA) in order to ensure full transparency and public confidence in the independence of the ECB;
Amendment 346 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. RExpresses strong concern that only two of the ECB’s Executive Board are women; reiterates that the nominations of the Executive Board members should be prepared carefully and take a gender- balanced approach, with full transparency and together with Parliament, in line with the Treaties; calls on the Council to draw up a gender-balanced shortlist for any upcoming vacancies and to share it with Parliament, thus allowing it to play a more meaningful advisory role in the appointment process; regrets that no satisfactory progress has been made to date in this regard; reiterates its commitment not to take into account lists of candidates where the gender balance principle has not been respected;
Amendment 351 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Expresses strong concern that only two of the 25 members of the ECB’s Governing Council are women given that all governors of the national central banks of the euro area member countries are men; calls on the euro area member countries to fully incorporate the principle of gender equality in their appointment process and to ensure equal opportunities for all genders for the position of the governor of their national central banks;
Amendment 353 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Welcomes the ECB’s new strategy to further improve the gender balance of its staff at all levels; notes theNotes that, at the end of 2019, the share of women in all management positions of the ECB rose to 30.3 % and in its senior management positions to 30.8 %; underlines, however, that this share remains considerably low; welcomes, in this regard, the ECB’s new strategy to further improve the gender balance of its staff at all levels, including the objective to fill at least half of new and open positions with women on all levels and the target to increasinge the share of women in managerial positions, which, however, remains low; at the different levels to between 40 % and 51 % by 2026; calls on the ECB to further incentivise the participation of women and actively promote a gender-balanced representation in all its positions;
Amendment 356 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. Acknowledges the ongoing efforts by the ECB to enhance its communication to citizens on its policies and their impact; notes that a relevant Eurobarometer survey indicates that only 40 % of euro area respondents tend to trust the ECB; calls on the ECB to further engage in constructive dialogue with citizens to explain its decisions and listen to citizens’ concerns;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 20 May 2021 on the ruling of the ECJ of 16 July 2020 - Data Protection Commissioner v Facebook Ireland Limited, Maximilian Schrems - Case C- 311/18
Amendment 16 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the US remains the EU’s closest strategic partner; whereas the EU and its Member States must abandon the role of junior partner in transatlantic relations and need to re-build the partnership on the basis of mutual respect of the specific interests of each partner;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas events of the last two decades, such as in particular the economic crisis, military interventions in the Middle East, the crisis of public health services and the failure to effectively manage the COVID-19 pandemic, have resulted in a call to replace the neoliberal agenda by a progressive agenda focussing on people;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Amendment 27 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. Whereas the Biden administration has thrown its support behind a move at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to temporarily lift patent protections for coronavirus vaccines; whereas the EU, following the resistance of those EU Member States which host big pharma business remains reluctant to actively support this request; whereas United States and the EU have enacted temporary trade measures that aim to restrict exports of vital medical supplies as other essential products needed for the worldwide fight against the pandemic;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU and the US share a fundamental interest in shaping the international environment; ; whereas the interests and positions not necessarily coincide: whereas the EU and its Member States reject any attempts to obtain global supremacy, but advocate multilateralism;
Amendment 70 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas, while pursuing transatlantic cooperation in areas of shared interest, the EU should also foster its strategic sovereignty and where necessary autonomy in political, defence and, economic and trade relations;
Amendment 78 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the EU and the US have the largest bilateral trade and investment relationship and enjoy the most integrated economic relationship in the world; whereas however, other partners are of major importance for EU’s trade and economy;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. Whereas the pandemic has mirrored that an expansive web of inequalities has become a reality of the societies of the US and the EU which is not restricted to income and wealth, but includes education, health, and housing, unevenness of opportunity and access to public services;
Amendment 91 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
Amendment 94 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
Ic. Underlines the need to rebuild the transatlantic partnership on the basis of a paradigm a shift from neo-liberal policies towards a progressive agenda which focusses on people and works for a sustainable and environmental friendly reconstruction of the economy and for overcoming regional, social, race, and gender injustice; insists that the renewed transatlantic partnership should be based on equality of partners and respect for their interests;
Amendment 100 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. WelcomNotes the adoption of the new proposal of the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for an EU-US agenda for global change in December 2020 as a blueprint for a renewed transatlantic partnership;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) to reassert the continued relevance of the strategic transatlantic relationship for the rebuilding and reinvigorating of the multilateral rules- based international order, respect for the UN Charter and international law, the global strengthening of democratic values, and the promotion of human rights, sustainable development and inclusive growth;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the EU and the US to involve all social and economic forces in the debate on the future of transatlantic relations; takes the view that a regular transatlantic civil society dialogue must be established for this purpose;
Amendment 160 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Reiterates its commitment to international cooperation within the UN as an indispensable forum for multilateral solutions for global challenges and for policy outreach, policy dialogue and consensus-building across the international community;
Amendment 180 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Urges the transatlantic partners to proactively support a temporary international waiver on the agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights(TRIPS) for all coronavirus-related medical products, including vaccines and treatments; urges them to work together with all the WTO partners to ensure that intellectual property rights such as patents, industrial designs, copyright and protection of undisclosed information do not create barriers to the timely access to affordable medical products including vaccines and medicines or to scaling-up of research, development, manufacturing and supply of medical products essential to combat COVID-19;
Amendment 183 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. expresses concern at supply disruptions from the growing use of export restrictions and other actions that limit trade of key medical supplies and food, including by EU Member States; calls on the transatlantic partners and their allies to promptly remove those restrictive measures on products needed for the fight against the pandemic and its consequences and to refrain from imposing new ones or intensifying export and other trade restrictions;
Amendment 188 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for coordinated efforts to achieve ambitious commitments at the UN summits on climate change and biodiversity in 2021; expects the USA to be a strong partner in pushing for an ambitious outcome at the CBDCOP15 in Kunming, October 2021;
Amendment 190 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Amendment 204 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. underlines the link between nuclear disarmament and the non- proliferation of nuclear weapons, reminds the transatlantic partners that the consistency of the strategy concerning nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament of nuclear weapons and the complete dismantling of nuclear arms is key for their credibility; strongly encourages the US and EU Member States to ratify and implement the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons; calls on the EU and the US to co-operate in facilitating the implementation and respect of the United Nations General Assembly resolutions on nuclear disarmament and on effective measures for nuclear risk-reduction;
Amendment 245 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
Amendment 263 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Stresses that climate change is the biggest security threat to the EU, USA and the world;
Amendment 265 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Calls on the transatlantic partners to support and actively contribute to the UN Secretary-General's call for a global cease fire, including through effective measures against illicit arms trade and enhancing the transparency and accountability of Member States' arms exports;
Amendment 266 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)
Paragraph 17 c (new)
17c. Calls on the transatlantic partners to put the arms control and disarmament high on the agenda on its and the international agenda; calls on the transatlantic partners to push for international negotiations on arms control agreements, in particular for nuclear disarmament and non- proliferation and including new military technologies, such as artificial intelligence, outer space weaponry, biotechnologies and hypersonic;
Amendment 288 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Supports the creation of the EU-US Security and Defence Dialogue and calls on the VP/HR to launch it as soon as possible; stresses the need to end the narrow interpretation of security as protection from third countries threats and to start the discussion from a concept which does not neglect factors such as environmental hazards, threat of diseases, hunger, social injustice, right wing disinformation and violence;
Amendment 307 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Underlines that policies supporting democracy, human rights and rules of law, fighting disinformation and foreign interference beyond national borders can only be successful if based on defending democratic values, human rights and rule of law, fighting domestic disinformation and respecting international law domestically;
Amendment 309 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Underlines the need on both sides of the address drivers of declining public trust in policy and institutions; stresses that efforts in this direction should include embracing and protecting more resolutely media plurality and independence, building trust in science and facts, protecting people of colour, expanding a safety net of non- discrimination policies, rejecting and addressing racial and religious discrimination and separating the interests of the public from the private interests of those in power;
Amendment 322 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Supports the proposal of President Biden to hold a Summit for Democracy with like-minded democracies; reiterates its commitment to develop broad partnerships to support effective multilateralism;
Amendment 326 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on the United States and European Union to work for effective international measures to reshape tax justice and provide public authorities with the means to conduct far-reaching recovery and investment plans by establishing a global minimum effective corporate tax ;
Amendment 331 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Amendment 332 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 c (new)
Paragraph 21 c (new)
21c. Stresses that the increasing weaponization of disinformation via social media, the spread of hateful rhetoric and false or manipulated information across many of these channels must be addressed by limiting Big Tech´s “attention-seeking business models” which contribute to the spread thereof and to the polarization of our societies, (and Big Tech’s gradual tightening of its grip on digital activity) Further on, calls for an update of competition policies fit for the digital age addressing digital gate keeper platforms and players with structural remedies and separations and thus, prioritizing citizens’ concerns and rights, and strengthening pertinent public governance in this area; Advocates enhanced EU-US cooperation on renewable energy issues, building on the framework of the EU-US Energy Council; rejects the extension of trade in LNG originating from fracking;
Amendment 356 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls on the transatlantic partners to abandon cold war inspired foreign policy paradigms; Calls for a comprehensive EU-US dialogue on China that should address the areas of divergence, such as the Comprehensive Agreement on Investments, and explore possibilities for EU-US cooperation with China in multilateral frameworks on common challenges, such as climate change;
Amendment 367 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Stresses that the consolidation of bipolar structures in the Indo-Pacific region endangers the prosperous development, peace and security in the region; insists that no country should – as in the time of the Cold War – be forced to choose between two sides or fall into a state of unilateral dependency; stresses that freedom of choice regarding membership in economic and policy structures is vital; believes that openness, prosperity, inclusiveness, sustainability, transparency and reciprocity should be guiding principles for the relations of the partners acting in Indo-Pacific region; expresses its readiness to cooperate with the United States in the Indo-Pacific region if these principles are accepted and respected; calls on the United Stats to ratify the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS);
Amendment 376 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls for close cooperation to jointly address the range of threats emanating from the Russian Federation, such as the continued destabilisation of Ukraine and Georgia, interferences in democratic processes in the EU and the US, hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns, while at the same pursuing selective cooperation in the areas of shared transatlantic interest, notably in the area of arms control; welcomes the readiness of the Biden administration to re-start dialogue and negotiations with Russia; takes the view that the EU and its Member States should actively support the search for ways to dialogue and should contribute to the rebuilding of mutual trust;
Amendment 392 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. underlines the need to de-escalate the military confrontation on the European continent, in particular as the nuclear risks are concerned; calls on the transatlantic partners to engage in efforts to create the conditions for dialogue and negotiations on a new collective security system in Europe which takes into account the interests of all countries of Europe; underlines the urgency of resuming arms control and disarmament negotiations and improving the effectiveness of existing confidence and security-building measures, modernizing them and broadening their scope;
Amendment 404 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Supports closer cooperation with the US and Latin American countries in promoting multilateralism, democratic values, sustainable development, human rights and international law standards; calls on the US to lift the embargo against Cuba, which results in deep economic and social consequences in the region;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the gender action plan III (GAP III), and in particular, the commitment of 85 % of the EU’s official development aid (ODA) being allocated to programmes across all sectors having gender equality as a significant or as a principal objective; calls for 20 % of ODA in each country to be allocated to programmes having gender equality as one of its principal objectives; expects no ODA spending to counter gender-equality achievements; emphasises the need for coordinated and coherent EU action and calls for close cooperation with other actors to support gender equality and women’s empowerment and ensure that women and girls are not left behind; stresses the need for intensified and targeted action to advance the promotion of gender equality and to achieve the UN SDG 5 by 2030 at the latest;
Amendment 7 #
2021/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that funding needs to be accessible for local and small civil society organisations, such as women’s rights organisations and social movements, that work most closely with girls and women in all their diversity and can actively contribute towards linking the 85% target to the actual funding needs of specific regions; emphasises the key role of the neighbourhood, development and international cooperation instrument and stresses that administrative and implementation barriers should be avoided, since they might hamper the involvement of the most relevant actors; recalls the urgent need for significant funding forto support, protect and further enhance universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights;
Amendment 12 #
2021/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines that women have been over-proportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic and social consequences, constituting a majority of workers particularly affected by unemployment and lockdowns, while also being victims of the sharp increase of domestic and gender-based violence; expects funding in essential services to ensure that victims of gender-based violence have access to protected shelters, social welfare, legal aid and housing, including those in fragile and humanitarian crisis situations; highlights that adequate and quality services can promote socio-economic integration and provide psycho-social support to the victims of all forms of gender-based violence;
Amendment 13 #
2021/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the increased level of support for gender-responsive budgeting, that can have a fundamental impact on inclusive social and economic growth, foster employment, reduce poverty and increase GDP; stresses the need to recognise gender-responsive budgeting as a fundamental policy objective; welcomes the creation of specific gender indicators and the collection of quality, gender- disaggregated and globally comparable data; expects the Commission to consult Parliament on the monitoring system so that the efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability and the added value of the GAP III can be properly assessed;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for the establishment of an extensive and comprehensive training programme to underpin the implementation of the GAP III, and for the EU to develop clear and specific gender equality guidelines and set binding targets for all EU actors implementing the GAP III;
Amendment 78 #
2021/0378(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3 a) In order to enhance the promotion of sustainable finance at the heart of the financial system as a key prerequisite for achieving a just and inclusive green transition, ESAP should provide a clear synergy between the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the European Green Deal indicators.
Amendment 86 #
2021/0378(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5 a) Entities submitting information to ESAP remain responsible for the accuracy, veracity, completeness and reliability of such information. A clear framework defining the liabilities to which the entities submitting information would be subject to should be established in order to ensure full compliance with the obligation to submit accurate information and provide for explicit protection for the ESAP users against any potential loss or damage arising from the use of inaccurate, incorrect or incomplete information. Such a framework would also enhance the quality of the data available on ESAP, thus contributing to its usability and reliability. As a result, ESAP would build users’ trust in its information, effectively attaining its objective of constituting a single Union- wide source of comparable and accurate information.
Amendment 101 #
2021/0378(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) ESAP should provide users with access to information for free and without discrimination and should make it possible for those users to search, access and download the information through ESAP. However, taking into account the need to protect ESMA from an excessive financial burden in relation to costs incurred for serving the needs of intensive users, if any, ESMA should have the ability to generate revenues. Therefore, by way of derogation from the principle that information should be accessible free of charge, ESMA should be allowed to impose fees exclusively to commercial users for those specific services, including for services with high maintenance or support costs due to searches for very large volumes of information or to frequent access to ESAP. Any fees imposed should, however, not exceed the cost of the service providedbe kept to the minimum level and, in any case, not exceed the cost of the service provided. The subsequent revenues should be allocated to contributing to the overall functioning of ESAP. Retail investors, academia, social partners and civil society organisations should not be subject to any fees.
Amendment 107 #
2021/0378(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) In order to build and maintain public trust in ESAP and to protect each entity from undue alteration of its information, ESAP should ensure data integrity and credibility of the source of the information submitted to the collection bodies. Therefore, information submitted by the entities should include a qualified electronic seal attached to the information submitted as defined in Article 3(20), of Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council29 . A specific legal entity identifier may(LEI) should be a mandatory attribute of that certificate. That seal or signature acquired by ESAP should be made available to users across the Union, ranking above any other generic identifier for the entities concerned by various Union directives and regulations, since this would facilitate not only the identification of these entities but also the accuracy, searchability, retrieval, use and interoperability of the information provided to ESAP. That seal or signature acquired by ESAP should be made available to users. In the absence of a LEI, alternative means of efficiently ensuring a unique identification of the entities concerned should be defined, such as a reference to a set of national and industry identifiers commonly used, and thus widely available in the Member States, that is published and maintained by the ECB. _________________ 29 Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and repealing Directive 1999/93/EC (OJ L 257, 28.8.2014, p. 73).
Amendment 111 #
2021/0378(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) In order for the information to be comparable over time, users should have access to past information. It is therefore necessary to require ESAP to provide access to information for a reasonable period of time, to the extent compatible with other applicable provisions of Union law. For that purpose, ESMA should ensure that no personal data are made accessible for longer than necessary as provided for under Union law. In order to enable ESMA and the collection bodies to prepare the operation of ESAP, ESAP should only provide access to the information submitted as from 1 January 2024. hance the operation of ESAP, ESAP should also provide access to the information submitted before 1 January 2024, when available. Moreover, ESAP should start collecting information and historical data released prior to its establishment, regarding financial and sustainability-related data that have already been collected and published for several years before its establishment and could provide useful information to investors and authorities interested in analysing trends and developments in financial and sustainability-related data.
Amendment 116 #
2021/0378(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) To ensure a smooth processing of the information received or drawn-up by the collection bodies and made available to ESAP, it is necessary to lay down certain requirements specifying the format and the metadata of that information and which collection bodies should collect such information. In order to ensure the quality of the information submitted to ESAP by the collection bodies, it is also necessary to define the characteristics of the automated validations to be carried out on each information reaching the collection bodies, and the characteristics of the qualified electronic seal to be attached to that information by the entities. To ensure the use and re-use of data on ESAP, a list of the designated open standard licences would need to be defined. To facilitate the searching, finding, retrieving of the data in a timely manner, the characteristics of the application programming interface and the metadata to be implemented will also need to be designed. Additional requirements as regards efficient search functions will need to be implemented such as the specific legal entity identifier, the classification of the type of information, and the categories of the size of the entities. To that purpose, the Joint Committee of the European Supervisory Authorities should develop draft implementing technical standards. Additionally, ESMA might develop draft implementing technical standards to determine the nature and extent of the specific services for which fees may be charged to commercial users and the associated fee structure. The Commission should be empowered to adopt those implementing technical standards by means of implementing acts pursuant to Article 291 TFEU and in accordance with Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council30 , No 1094/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council31 and No 1095/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council32 . _________________ 30 Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority (European Banking Authority), amending Decision No 716/2009/EC and repealing Commission Decision 2009/78/EC (OJ L 331, 15.12.2010, p. 12). 31 Regulation (EU) No 1094/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority (European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority), amending Decision No 716/2009/EC and repealing Commission Decision 2009/79/EC (OJ L 331, 15.12.2010, p. 48). 32 Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority (European Securities and Markets Authority), amending Decision No 716/2009/EC and repealing Commission Decision 2009/77/EC (OJ L 331, 15.12.2010, p. 84).
Amendment 118 #
2021/0378(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17 a) To ensure optimal functioning of ESAP, ESMA should establish an ESAP advisory group composed of experts and relevant stakeholders, including civil society and social partners, to advise and support ESMA in the implementation, improvement and enhancement of ESAP.
Amendment 119 #
2021/0378(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 b (new)
Recital 17 b (new)
(17 b) Proper working conditions for employees responsible for providing and managing data should be ensured in accordance with the relevant national and EU legislation.
Amendment 125 #
2021/0378(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
2. When available, ESAP shall not provide access to information submitted before 1 January 2024. ESAP shall also start collecting information and historical data released prior to its establishment, regarding financial and sustainability- related data.
Amendment 194 #
2021/0378(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
ESMA may, however, charge fees exclusively to commercial users for specific services that involve high maintenance or support costs due to searches for a very large volume of information or for frequently updated information. Those fees shall be kept to the minimum and, in any case, not exceed the cost incurred by ESMA for the provision of the service. The relevant revenue shall be allocated to contributing to the overall functioning of ESAP. Retail investors, academia, social partners and civil society organisations shall not be subject to fees.
Amendment 204 #
2021/0378(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. For the purposes of paragraph 2, second subparagraph, ESMA may develop draft implementing technical standards to determine the nature and extent of the specific services for which fees may be charged to commercial users and to determine the associated fee structure.
Amendment 216 #
2021/0378(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. ESMA shall establish an ESAP advisory group composed of experts and relevant stakeholders, including civil society and social partners, to advise and support ESMA in the implementation, improvement and enhancement of ESAP.
Amendment 231 #
2021/0378(COD)
21 a. Regulation (EU) No xxxx/xxxx on European Green Bonds
Amendment 104 #
2021/0341(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) Where the legal system of the Member State does not allow the administrative penalties provided for in this Directive, the rules on administrative penalties mayshould be applied in such a manner that the penalty is initiated by the competent authority and imposed by judicial authorities. Therefore, it is necessary that those Member States fully ensure that the application of the rules and penalties has an effect equivalent to the administrative penalties imposed by the competent authorities. When imposing such penalties, judicial authorities should take into account the recommendation by the competent authority initiating the penalty. The penalties imposed should be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
Amendment 108 #
2021/0341(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) The unprecedented scale of transition towards a sustainable, climate- neutral and circular economy will have considerable impacts on the financial system. In 2018, the Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System50 acknowledged that climate-related risks are a source of financial risk. The Commission’s Renewed Sustainable Finance Strategy51 emphasises that environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks, and risks steaming from the physical impact of climate change, biodiversity loss and the broader environmental degradation of ecosystems in particular, pose an unprecedented challenge to our economies and to the stability of the financial system. Those risks, which should be taken into account equally, present specificities such as their forward-looking nature and their distinctive impacts over short, medium and long-term time horizons. __________________ 50 Launched at the Paris One Planet Summit on 12 December 2017, is a group of Central Banks and Supervisors willing, on a voluntary basis, to share best practices and contribute to the development of environment and climate risk management in the financial sector and to mobilise mainstream finance to support the transition toward a sustainable economy. 51 COM(2021) 390 final, 06.07.2021.
Amendment 156 #
2021/0341(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2013/36/EU
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 4
Amendment 279 #
2021/0341(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Directive 2013/36/EU
Article 48i – paragraph 1
Article 48i – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall require third country branches to maintain a registry book enabling those branches to track and keep a comprehensive and precise record of all the assets and liabilities associated with the activities of the third country branch in the Member State and to manage those assets and liabilities autonomously within the branch. The registry book shall provide all necessary and sufficient information on the risks generated by the third country branch and on how they are managed.
Amendment 341 #
2021/0341(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point b
Directive 2013/36/EU
Article 76 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 76 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Member States shall ensure that the management body develops specific plans and, quantifiable targets and clearly defined procedures to monitor and address the risks arising in the short, medium and long- term from the misalignment of the business model and strategy of the institutions, with the relevant Union policy objectives or broader transition trends towards a sustainable economy in relation to environmental, social and governance factors and take all necessary measures to prevent these risks to arise in the future.;
Amendment 423 #
2021/0341(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20
Directive 2013/36/EU
Article 91 a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 91 a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
However, where it is strictly necessary to replace a member of the management body immediately, the entities mayshould assess the suitability of such replacement members afterbefore they have taken up their positions. The entities shall be able to duly justify such immediate replacement.
Amendment 449 #
2021/0341(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20
Directive 2013/36/EU
Article 91 b – paragraph 4
Article 91 b – paragraph 4
4. Competent authorities that request from the entities additional information or documentation, including interviews or hearings, may extend the assessment period for a maximum of 40 working days. However, the assessment period shall not exceed 120 working days. Request for additional information or documentation shall be made in writing and shall be specific. The entities shall acknowledge receipt of request for additional information or documentation within two working days and provide the requested additional information or documentation strictly within 10 working days as of the date of the written acknowledgement of the request from competent authorities. Failure by the entities to provide the requested information within that deadline shall result in the procedure being closed.
Amendment 495 #
2021/0341(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20
Directive 2013/36/EU
Article 91 d – paragraph 4
Article 91 d – paragraph 4
4. Competent authorities that request from the entities referred to paragraph 1 additional information or documentation, including interviews or hearings, may extend the assessment period for maximum 40 working days. However, the assessment period shall not exceed 120 working days. Request for additional information or documentation shall be made in writing and shall be specific. The entities referred to paragraph 1 shall acknowledge receipt of request for additional information or documentation within two working days and provide the requested additional information or documentation strictly within 10 working days as of the date of the written acknowledgement of the request from competent authorities. Failure by the entities to provide the requested information within that deadline shall result in the procedure being closed.
Amendment 4 #
2021/0316(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that the social impacts of the redundancies are expected to be important for workers in the Basque region, where the number of unemployed persons increased by 25 % between March and August 202011 , and where long-term unemployment represented 55,6 % of total unemployment in May 2021 (3,6 p.p. higher than in January 2021) and unemployed persons with basic education or less represented 60,8 %; recalls also that the wage gap between men and women is 22.6% and the temporary employment rate is 25.8% in the Basque region, 11.6 points above the Union average, which is 14.2%; _________________ 11Avance de los datos del mercado laboral del año 2020 (labor market data for 2020).
Amendment 7 #
2021/0316(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes that the co-ordinated package of personalised services was drawn up by Spain in consultation with the social partners12 ; the involvement of certain social partners was ensured by their representation in Lanbide's governance board, which is made up of representatives of the regional government, trade unions and employer organisations; considers that the biggest trade unions and the cooperative ventures of the Basque region should have also been consulted, as they are essential social partners in the context of the social dialogue; _________________ 12The application was approved by Lanbide, the Basque public employment service (social partners are part of the governance board), on 2 July 2021. Meetings were also held on 19 January and 2 February 2021 with Federación Vizcaína de Empresas del Metal, (federation of metal enterprises of Biscay), Asociación de Empresas de Guipúzcoa - ADEGI (Business association of Gupúzcoa) and SEA-Empresas Alavesas (business associations of Alava).
Amendment 2 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls for the 2022 Union budget to contribute to the fulfilment of the priorities outlined in the European Semestermitigate the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis, support fair, inclusive and sustainable growth, enhance economic, social and regional convergence, cohesion and resilience and accelerate the implementation of core European objectives, such as the European Green Deal, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, the European Pillar of Social Rights, digital transformation and the just transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 at the latest;
Amendment 9 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that the EU budget should continue to support the social and economic recovery in the European Union after the COVID-19 pandemic and to support EU priorities; underlines that the symmetric shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has caused asymmetric consequences for Member States and warns against the risk of uneven and unjust recovery both at the Member State and the Union level; stresses the need for enhanced and targeted measures to swiftly and effectively support people, workers, the self-employed, sectors and regions hit harder by the pandemic; calls for increased resources to fight social and gender inequalities, poverty and unemployment, paying particular attention to women, youth and vulnerable groups;
Amendment 12 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Welcomes the activation of the general escape clause to suspend the Stability and Growth Pact; calls for that general escape clause to remain active for as long as necessary; calls for the repeal of the Stability and Growth Pact and its replacement by a Sustainable Development and Employment Pact that will promote fair, inclusive and sustainable growth, high-quality employment and environmental protection before the deactivation of the general escape clause;
Amendment 16 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Welcomes the European Green Deal as one of the main pillars for the transformation of the Union economy to a fair, inclusive, sustainable, resilient and carbon-neutral economy; calls for adequate funding to allow economic, social and environmental challenges related to sustainable development to be met, including through the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan; recalls the commitment of at least 30 % of the total amount of the Union budget to support climate objectives; calls on the Commission to advance the work on an effective, transparent and comprehensive methodology to provide 7,5 % in 2024 and 10 % in 2026 and in 2027 of the EU budget to biodiversity objectives;
Amendment 16 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Underlines the importance of the implementation of gender-responsive budgeting to ensure that women and men benefit equally from public spending; calls, furthermore, for the swift implementation of the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 complemented by additional actions and specific and binding targets;
Amendment 19 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises the importance of sufficient resources for the coordination and surveillance of macroeconomic policies, anti-money laundering, countering financial crime and for enforcement of the economic governance frameworkfunding and human resources to fight tax evasion, tax avoidance, financial crime and money laundering; regrets that the Union loses hundreds of billions each year due to tax evasion and tax avoidance, which could have been channelled to the recovery efforts;
Amendment 23 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Recalls that the introduction of a basket of new own resources is essential to meet the financial needs to support the recovery and the Union priorities; recalls that the Interinstitutional Agreement on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (IIA) includes a detailed and legally binding roadmap for the introduction of new own resources; regrets that the Commission has failed to meet the deadline to put forward legislative proposals for the introduction of a digital levy as well as for a carbon border adjustment mechanism and an own resource based on the EU Emissions Trading System; warns that further delays would constitute a breach of the terms of the IIA; calls on the Commission to respect its legal commitments undertaken in the IIA;
Amendment 25 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the necessity to boost fair, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, while pursuing sustainable and socially-balanced reforms to modernise European economies and enhance their competitiveness, resilience, economic, social and regional convergence and cohesion, as well as facilitating access to finance for SMEs;
Amendment 30 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Recalls that SMEs constitute the backbone of the European economy, representing almost 99 % of all businesses and providing around three-quarters of all jobs; stresses their vital role in job and growth creation while being the key drivers of innovation; underlines that SMEs have been severely hit by the COVID-19 crisis, which has seriously deteriorated their economic turnover and their access to finance; underlines the importance of adequate funding to effectively support SMEs;
Amendment 32 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses, also, that the Commission announced a package in favour of refugees from Syria and beyond after the publication of its DB; in that respect, calls for a comprehensive agreement to be found on the overall package in the budgetary conciliation on the 2022 budget, which would also include Draft Amending Budget No 5/2021; acknowledges that further measures will be needed to adequately respond to the recent events in Afghanistan, including support for citizenshumanitarian aid and effective support for women, children, vulnerable groups and all people who do not have possibility to continue their workliving in Afghanistan; underlines that, given the changing situation and the lack of a comprehensive and longer-term needs assessment, these issues could not be fully factored into the Parliament’s reading and will be reassessed in the light of the Commission’s Amending Letter 1/2022 and subsequent information presented at a later stage;
Amendment 38 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Amendment 43 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for adequate financial and human resources for the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) in view of their newly assigned tasks and powers deriving from the revision of the ESA Regulations (by Regulation (EU) 2019/2175); calls for increased transparency on the functioning of their boards of supervisors in order to improve their accountability and their governance structures;
Amendment 46 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Emphasises that funding to accounting entities and tax authorities should continue, in particular to support them in the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion, tax evasion and tax avoidance, and to promote transparency and certainty for tax payer. Tho; underlines that these entities should be accountable to the European Parliament.
Amendment 127 #
2021/0227(BUD)
42. Emphasises the need to increase funding for Western Balkan countries and the countries of the Eastern and Southern Neighbourhood to support comprehensive political and socio-economic reforms and recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and its long-term economic consequences; points, in that context, to the need to ensure adequate funding for crucial areas such as democracy support, civil society and the rule of law; stresses the essential role held by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in providing vital services for Palestine refugees, contributing to regional stability and human development in the Middle East; underlines, in that sense, that the increase in appropriations for Southern Neighbourhood is intended to provide predictable funding to UNRWA in 2022 in order to preserve uninterrupted its basic services;
Amendment 5 #
2021/0077(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Regrets that the assessment of the applications for financial assistance due to the major public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which were submitted by the official final deadline of 24 June 2020, were delayed, resulting in the Commission submitting its proposal for the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund with a 9-month delay;
Amendment 3 #
2021/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. WelcomesTakes note of the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021 assessments, the strategy’s enhanced focus on social and environmental dimensions and its emphasis on the importance of combining crisis management with the transformative aspirations of the Green Deal and the digital transition; underlines that the COVID-19 crisis is having an impact onexpresses its deep concern about the deep recession caused by the COVID-19 crisis, the substantial rise of unemployment, the big loss of peoples’ income, the millions of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion, the sharp increase in cases of domestic and gender-based violence, and the increasing disparities among Member States and their regions; underlines that the COVID-19 crisis has radically changed the notion of reforms, recovery and resilience and highlights the Portuguese Presidency’s emphasis on the European social model as a valuable contribution in this regard;
Amendment 10 #
2021/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notes that, according to the Commission’s Autumn 2020 economic forecast, EU GDP would contract by 7.4 % (7.8 % in the euro area) in 2020 and recover to 4.1 % (4.2 % in the euro area) by 2021; worries, however, that the soon to be published winter forecast, which will reflect the second wave of the pandemic, the prolongation of the containment measures as well as the considerable delays in the vaccination process, will show a much slower recovery that initially predicted; underlines that, in any case, the uncertainty surrounding the outlook is extremely high due to the exceptional circumstances relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and in this framework the production of forecasts is by definition a very challenging task;
Amendment 13 #
2021/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that the agreements on the multiannual financial framework (MFF), Next Generation EU (NGEU), the own resources (OR) decision, the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and the Rule of Law (RoL) regulation constitute a viable baseline for innovative policie, sustainable and socially just policies, reforms and investments and is convinced that the common issuance of bonds at EU level is a seafundamental change in EU public finances which adds value by mutualising the outstanding credit rating of the EU budget based on its OR system; regrets, however, the limited size of the EU budget and the significant cuts in the fields of cohesion and social policies, especially in the financial envelopes of the Cohesion Fund and the European Social Fund; stresses the need to take full advantage of all possibilities and synergies under the MFF and the NGEU;
Amendment 32 #
2021/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that the RRF reshapes the European Semester framework and that, together with the Just Transition Fund, will be an exemplary test case of how EU strategic guidance and financial firepower can be synchronised with national needs, priorities and implementation capacities; points out that the support from the RRF is not meant to substitute recurring national budgetary expenditure; deplores the macroeconomic conditionality in the RRF and the Common Provisions Regulation for shared management funds;
Amendment 38 #
2021/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses that the European Semester process has proved insufficient to address social and economic disparities and inequalities in Europe; calls on the Commission and the Member States to urgently reform the financial legal framework and the European Semester process in order to effectively promote fair, inclusive and sustainable growth, fully incorporating the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the European Pillar of Social Rights, and to enhance democratic accountability; underlines that the deactivation of the general escape clause under the Stability and Growth Pact is only feasible once the EU fiscal rules have been thoroughly revised and adapted to the new circumstances;
Amendment 42 #
2021/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to complement relevant scoreboards and dashboards with indicators that better reflect the impact of the EU budget as well as social, gender-related, macroeconomic and environmental impacts; underlines the importance of the implementation and integration of gender mainstreaming as a horizontal principle in all EU activities, policies and programmes; calls on the Commission to accelerate the introduction of an effective, transparent, comprehensive, result-oriented and performance-based methodology for all MFF programmes;
Amendment 51 #
2021/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the need for the recovery and resilience plans to deliver public goods like pandemic prevention and to contribute to implementingstrengthened public healthcare systems, pandemic and crisis prevention and preparedness, upward social and economic convergence, social and economic resilience, social justice and equality and to contribute to the full implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU’s climate and biodiversity objectives, the just digital and green transformation and the Gender Equality Strategy;
Amendment 55 #
2021/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Stresses that taming the pandemic is a prerequisite for the social and economic recovery and for the effectiveness of the national recovery and resilience plans; welcomes the positive steps regarding the development of COVID-19 vaccines that has been significantly funded under the Emergency Support Instrument, but is very worried about the serious cases of non-compliance with production and delivery schedules; calls for COVID-19 vaccines to be treated in practice as public goods that are guaranteed for all; calls on the Commission to overcome the barriers and restrictions arising from patents and intellectual property rights in order to ensure the widespread production of vaccines and their timely distribution to all Member States and to all people;
Amendment 59 #
2021/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reiterates the urgency of diversifying the EU budget’s revenue sources, in line with the roadmap integrated in the Interinstitutional Agreement, and of linking own resources with policy objectives more effectively; calls on the Member States to approve the OR decision without further delays;
Amendment 67 #
2021/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to immediately apply the RoL Regulation completely and without ambiguity.;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2244(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Asserts that the Recovery and Resilience Facility is reshaping the European Semester process; underlines that the two processes should be fully coordinated towards building resilience and supporting the recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis; fair, inclusive and sustainable recovery from the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis; stresses, however, that the European Semester process has proved insufficient to address social and employment imbalances and inequalities in Europe; calls on the Commission and the Member States to urgently reform the financial legal framework and the European Semester process in order to effectively promote fair, inclusive and sustainable growth, build a truly social Europe and enhance democratic accountability;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2244(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Is very worried about the deep recession caused by the COVID-19 crisis, the substantial rise of unemployment, the extremely high youth unemployment that still remains twice as high as the overall rate, the millions of jobs lost, the abrupt fall in the hours worked per worker, the big loss of peoples’ income, the increasing in-work poverty, the millions of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion, the sharp increase in cases of domestic and gender-based violence, and the increasing disparities among Member States and their regions; calls on the Commission and the Member States to prioritise social justice, social and economic convergence, equality, social development and full high-quality employment and accelerate the full implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the UN Sustainable Development Goals;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2244(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Stresses that, in most Member States, the minimum income level falls below the poverty threshold; considers that the Commission proposal for adequate minimum wages is an important step for the protection of workers, the improvement of their working conditions and the fight against in-work poverty and wage inequality;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2244(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Stresses that the gender employment gap, the gender pay gap and the gender pension gap remain extremely high; underlines that improving employment opportunities for women as well as for vulnerable and marginalised groups, ensuring equal pay and facilitating a good work-life balance are vital for the achievement of fair, inclusive and sustainable growth; highlights the importance of the implementation and integration of gender mainstreaming as a horizontal principle in all EU activities, policies and programmes; calls on the Commission to accelerate the introduction of an effective, transparent, comprehensive, result-oriented and performance-based methodology for all MFF programmes;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2244(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1 d. Recalls that the COVID-19 crisis has put Member States’ public health systems under unprecedented stress; underlines that the pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges related to the capacity, accessibility, effectiveness and resilience of public health systems, caused by insufficient financing and investments for public healthcare, limited coordination and integration of care, weak primary care, persisting obstacles to access to healthcare and unmet needs for adequate healthcare personnel; calls for the establishment of a strong European Health Union to better protect peoples’ health, better prevent and address health crises and improve the capacity and resilience of public health systems;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2244(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1 e. Welcomes the positive steps regarding the development of COVID-19 vaccines, but is worried about reported cases of non-compliance with vaccine delivery schedules and possible shortages of available quantities; calls for COVID- 19 vaccines to be treated in practice as public goods that are guaranteed for all; calls on the Commission to overcome the barriers and restrictions arising from patents and intellectual property rights in order to ensure the widespread production of vaccines and their timely distribution to all Member States and to all people;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2244(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that in the area of social and employment policies, Next Generation EU (NGEU) and the EU budget can play a subsidiary but instrumental role in triggering, bundling and directing investments towards social development and resilience; appreciates that this role will be enhanced by better coordination of national and European policies towards overarching EU objectives such as the European Green Deal, the just green and digital transitions and the full implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the EU Gender Equality Strategy;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2244(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Underlines that the green and digital transitions pose both great opportunities and huge challenges for the Union and for its Member States, regions, cities, businesses, workers, local communities and people; recalls that not all Member States and regions have the same starting point when it comes to the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy and that the digital gap remains still very high with wide divergences among Member States; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take all necessary measures in order to allow for just and socially-balanced green and digital transitions;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2244(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights the importance of horizontal coordination between EU programmes and national measures for social justice, equality, social development and combating the risk of poverty and social exclusion, , the reformed European Social Fund being the prime example; holds, however, that the social and employment impact should be a transversal consideration across all expenditure programmes;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2244(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Points out that the support from the Recovery and Resilience Facility is not meant to substitute recurring national budgetary expenditure; urges the Member States to implement ambitious, holistic and inclusive national programmes to effectively address longstanding shortcomings in social protection policies and employment along with the devastating impact of the COVID-19 crisis;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2244(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Regrets that the limited size of the EU budget means that its redistribution and stabilisation functions are also limited; deplores the major cuts in the fields of cohesion and social policies, especially in the financial envelopes of the Cohesion Fund and the European Social Fund for the period 2021-2027, deriving from the Council agreement on the MFF and the NGEU in July 2020; stresses that it is all the more important to take full advantage of all possibilities under the multiannual financial framework (MFF), the NGEU and the own resources system to support national recovery, social justice, and environmental, economic, social and inclusive resilience and boost social policies and investments.
Amendment 40 #
2020/2244(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Deplores the macroeconomic conditionality in the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the Common Provisions Regulation for shared management funds;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
— having regard to the EIB Financial Report for 2019, published on 5 May 2020,
Amendment 5 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
— having regard to the EIB’s approval of the ratification of the Paris Agreement by the EU of 7 October 2016,
Amendment 6 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 b (new)
Citation 13 b (new)
— having regard to the UN Sustainable Development Goals,
Amendment 12 #
2020/2124(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Stresses that the COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated the disparities in the EU, its Member States and its regions; calls on the EIB to enhance its efforts for fair, inclusive and sustainable territorial development of all regions thus contributing to social, economic and territorial convergence and cohesion;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas under Article 309 of the TFEU and in line with the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, the EIB is tasked with contributing to the achievement of the Union’s objectives; whereas under Article 18 of its Statute, the EIB should ensure that its funds are employed as rationally as possible in the interests of the Union;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the EIB Group is bound by the Treaties to contribute to EU integration, economic and social cohesion and regional development, through various investment instruments such as loans, equities, guarantees, risk-sharing facilities and advisory services;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2124(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Underlines the pivotal role of SMEs as the backbone of Europe's economy, representing almost 99% of all businesses and providing around three- quarters of all jobs, while being key drivers of innovation; points out that SMEs have been severely hit by the COVID-19 crisis; calls on the EIB to further enhance its support to SMEs;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 56 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Urges the EIB to address regional inequalities by supporting direct public investments and the development plans of public authorities, particularly in peripheral countries and countries in post-financial assistance phase, as well as advising on the development of new private and public projects, especially in innovation, digitalisation, infrastructure, support of SMEs and providing the unemployed, particularly the young people, with skills and training, access to finance, aiming at high-quality employment;
Amendment 62 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls for the exclusion of the EIB programmes from public debt;
Amendment 63 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the importance of avoiding further geographical imbalances in the EIB’s lending activity so as to ensure a broader geographical and sectoral allocation of investments, reduce regional disparities and enhance convergenceeconomic and social convergence; calls on the EIB to address systemic shortcomings that prevent certain regions or countries from taking full advantage of its financial activities, inter alia by providing technical assistance and advisory support, especially in regions with low investment capacity, and by advising on the development of projects; welcomes the efforts already made by the EIB in this regard;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2124(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls for Parliament’s oversight to be strengthened in order to enhance EIB’s accountability and the democratic scrutiny of its policies and investments, including the ability to submit questions for written answer to the EIB as already provided for the ECB;
Amendment 78 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 92 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Calls on the EIB to uphold its commitment to align all its operations with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the EU’s objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest;
Amendment 94 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the proposaldecision to increase EIB financing for climate action and environmental sustainability, including renewable energies, from around 30 % to at least 50 % by 2025, which would unlock investment of more than EUR 1 trillion over the next decade;
Amendment 100 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Notes, however, that the roadmap envisages the introduction of a transition period until the end of 2022, which would mean that the EIB, including EIF operations, will not be aligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement until 2023 at the earliest; calls on the EIB to strive for full compliance with the Paris Agreement in the ongoing appraisal procedures;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Call on the EIB to implement the principle of energy efficiency and set the objective of tackling energy poverty in all its energy lending;
Amendment 114 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls that the review of the EIB’s transport lending policy is a key priority; stresses the importance of aligning the EIB’s transport portfolio with the Paris Agreement as soon as possible; calls for the adoption of a new transport financing policy to decarbonise the EU transport sector by 2050 at the latest;
Amendment 126 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Underlines that Member States and regions have different starting points when it comes to the transition to a carbon-neutral economy and that some of them will be much more exposed to economic and social risks; points out that the EIB, as part of the Just Transition Mechanism, should ensure the just transition while leaving no one behind; emphasises that special attention should be paid to the protection of the citizens and workers that will be most affected by the transition, inter alia, by providing access to re-skilling and up-skilling programmes and by promoting investments in new economic sectors that will create new and high-quality jobs;
Amendment 130 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16 b. Calls on the EIB to develop ambitious action plans to guide the implementation of its Climate Bank Roadmap and its contribution to the Just Transition Mechanism, while ensuring the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, including NGOs, trade unions and local authorities, in the development and implementation of such action plans;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Considers that investment in innovation, infrastructure and skills are crucial elements to recover from the economic and social crisis, ensure sustainable and inclusive growth and create high-quality jobs and long-term competitiveness;
Amendment 142 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. RUnderlines the pivotal role of SMEs as the backbone of Europe’s economy, representing almost 99 % of all businesses and providing around three quarters of all jobs, while being key drivers of innovation; points out that SMEs have been severely hit by the COVID-19 crisis and many of them are facing unprecedented challenges, especially liquidity challenges; reiterates that supporting SMEs and mid-caps must remain a fundamental objective for the EIB, notably to provide capital support and to assist them with decarbonisation and access to ICT tools; welcomes efforts made to provide online assistance and counselling to SMEs in accessing EIB lending and calls on the EIB to further enhance its support to SMEs;
Amendment 152 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Calls on the EIB to include in its SMEs strategy, the reinforcement of its administrative and advising capacities to provide information and technical support to SMEs, especially regarding developing SMEs and SMEs applying for finance;
Amendment 167 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the EIB to play an active role in helping Member States to deliver on the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while standing ready to align with the forthcoming Commission action plan and the Social Summit in Porto; points to the importance of ex-ante and ex- post evaluations of the sustainability, economic, social and environmental impact of projects;
Amendment 184 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Calls on the EIB to prioritise positive development impact, namely domestic resource mobilisation and inequalities reduction;
Amendment 186 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24 b. Calls on the EIB to put in place tailored indicators to measure the reduction of inequalities, tax revenues generation for host countries, and the impact on gender and marginalised groups;
Amendment 187 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Paragraph 24 c (new)
24 c. Calls on the EIB to pay attention to third countries and regions outside the EU suffering from conflict and extreme poverty, with the aim of reducing the development gap between the EU and those regions; calls for a special focus on the Southern Mediterranean and Eastern European Neighbourhood countries; calls on the EIB to respect the legislation of the beneficiary countries and to increase the efficiency of the Results Measurement Framework (REM);
Amendment 188 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 d (new)
Paragraph 24 d (new)
24 d. Urges the EIB to refrain from working with clients and financial intermediaries that do not have a development orientation, such as private equity funds;
Amendment 189 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Recalls its request for an interinstitutional agreement between the EIB and Parliament in order to improve access to EIB documents and data and enhance democratic accountability, including the ability to submit questions for written answer to the EIB as already provided for in the case of the ECB;
Amendment 193 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Calls on the EIB to increase its reporting to the Parliament and stakeholders regarding its decisions, progress achieved and the impact of its lending activities, through regular structured dialogues increasing parliamentary oversight, and to apply the same reporting and accountability provisions as set out in the EFSI regulation;
Amendment 198 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26 b. Calls on the EIB to further enhance transparency and access to information for the Parliament and other institutions, as well as for the public, especially regarding the contracting and subcontracting system, the results of internal investigations and the selection, monitoring and evaluation of activities and programmes;
Amendment 199 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)
Paragraph 26 c (new)
26 c. Urges the EIB to enforce the independence and efficiency of the Complaint Mechanism Office and the Fraud Investigation Division and to further enhance the cooperation with the European Ombudsman;
Amendment 201 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Welcomes the EIB’s launch of a public consultation on the review of its transparency policy in December 2020; recalls its request for the EIB to step up its transparency policy in line with the best practices and standards employed by other financial institutions; asks the EIB to publish more regular, in-depth and comprehensive information on the financial intermediaries responsible for leveraging EIB funds and to include contractual clauses concerning mandatory disclosures from these institutions on lending activity; calls on the EIB to put an emphasis on the consultations with all interested stakeholders, in particular local communities, civil society and population affected by its projects;
Amendment 205 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Calls on the EIB to adopt a more ambitions transparency policy, especially regarding its governing bodies, including the disclosure of minutes and agendas of the meetings of the EIB Management Committee and the timely publication of information;
Amendment 208 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27 b. Calls on the EIB to commit to strengthen its policy against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance, including by refraining from funding beneficiaries or financial intermediaries and from cooperating with financial partners with a proven negative track record; calls on the EIB to enforce prevention measures and regular tax assessments against non- cooperative tax jurisdictions, tax and fiscal fraud and tax evasion, as well as illegal and aggressive tax avoidance;
Amendment 210 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 c (new)
Paragraph 27 c (new)
27 c. Stresses some weaknesses in the EIB Group NCJ Policy, which allow the EIB to again fund projects that are related to tax havens; urges the EIB to develop mechanisms to avoid fuelling tax dodging; calls on the EIB not to finance and to use its mandatory relocation clause for an operation that uses entities either subject to zero taxation or less than 50 % taxation rate compared to the country of implementation of the project, including hybrid entities; urges the EIB not to make any use of entities for which a hybrid mismatch is possible, especially if they can benefit from preferential tax regimes, including intellectual property transfers or license agreements in low-tax jurisdictions, or if the entities are not covered by Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) rules and/or withholding taxes;
Amendment 213 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 d (new)
Paragraph 27 d (new)
27 d. Calls on the EIB to review its framework for the EIB anti-corruption fight in order to improve cooperation with European authorities, especially the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), and to mandatorily report potential fraud cases to national authorities;
Amendment 214 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 e (new)
Paragraph 27 e (new)
27 e. Calls on the EIB to strengthen its Anti-Fraud Policy, including by reinforcing the due diligence on the clients’ track records, introducing provisions allowing for the suspension of disbursements and the termination of contracts in cases of violations of the Anti-Fraud Policy and by opening national or other official investigations, in order to stop financing projects that are under fraud and corruption investigations;
Amendment 217 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 f (new)
Paragraph 27 f (new)
27 f. Calls on the EIB to prevent companies receiving support, especially under the EGF, from paying dividends to their shareholders,giving out bonuses to their CEOs and carrying out share buybacks;
Amendment 223 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Welcomes the EIB’s Group Strategy on Gender Equality and Gender Action Plan; regrets the fact that women are still not sufficiently represented in managerial and senior office positions; believes that more needs to be done in this regard during the implementation of the second phase of the Action Plan in 2021; calls on the EIB to further enhance the promotion of all forms of diversity and inclusion within its organisation and to set ambitious targets;
Amendment 225 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the fact that the EIB will review its environmental and social standards and; calls on EIB to introduce binding social and environmental criteria as part of the guidelines on counterparty alignment, including the requirement for clients to have clear and binding decarbonisation plans in line with the Paris Agreement; calls for a wide and inclusive public consultation on these issues; invites the EIB to take account ofincorporate the do-no harm principle in all its operations; calls on the EIB to take this opportunity to strengthen its human rights policy and to increase the human rights dimension in its project planning, including by providing a Human Rights Strategy, as well as HR Assessment and Evaluation of its programmes, also on the ground, to ensure that local communities are meaningfully consulted and that the right to free prior and informed consent (FPIC) is implemented in a systematic manner; calls on the EIB to develop specific policies on human rights defenders and protocols to respond to risks of reprisals;
Amendment 232 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Calls on the European Court of Auditors (ECA) to produce a special report with recommendations on the performance of the EIB activities and their alignment with the EU policies and objectives;
Amendment 234 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 b (new)
Paragraph 29 b (new)
29 b. Calls for the ECA to be granted full auditing rights on all EIB operations, as part of the forthcoming tripartite agreement between the ECA, the EIB and the Commission;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Deplores that the European Union economy is in constant crisis mode since the outbreak of the financial crisis in 2007 and stresses that since then socio- economic disparities have increased both between Member States and within Member States especially for the younger generations and for low wage earners 1a; regrets that the existing tools of macroeconomic and fiscal policy coordination as for example expressed in the country specific recommendations have exacerbated these disparities; _________________ 1aThe Social Divide in Europe - OECD report for the Open Society Foundation Europe EU inequality got worse before Covid crisis, data shows | ETUC Inequality and Poverty across Generations in the European Union (imf.org).
Amendment 41 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a. Deplores that the design of current macroeconomic legislative framework abolishes or constraints member states’ capacities to employ monetary and fiscal policy for purposes of macroeconomic stabilisation in the euro area 1b; regrets the consequent promotion of international price competitiveness through downward wage flexibility as means of economic adjustment; highlights that former Commissioner László Andor warned that the consequence is social damage due to layoffs and wage cuts in the public and private sector1c; _________________ 1bDesign Failures of the Eurozone - Can They be Fixed? - LSE ‘Europe in Question’ Discussion Papers, Paul de Grauwe, 2013, vol. 57; Forced Structural Convergence in the Eurozone - Or a Differentiated European Monetary Community -Max Planck Institute für Gesellschaftsforschung Discussion Paper 16/15, Fritz Scharpf, 201. 1cDeveloping the Social Dimension of a Deep and Genuine Economic and Monetary Union - László Andor, 13 September 2013.
Amendment 42 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 b (new)
Paragraph -1 b (new)
-1b. Is highly worried about the multiple long-term challenges the European Union is confronted with: public health crisis, climate crisis, lack of investment in public infrastructure aggravating socio-economic disparities and fuelling centrifugal tendencies of the Union;
Amendment 43 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 c (new)
Paragraph -1 c (new)
-1c. Takes note of the ultra-low interest rate policy of ECB which has only become necessary due of insufficient fiscal policy; strongly deplores its side effects namely fuelling asset and real estate prices, which mainly benefitted capital owners and rent seekers;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2075(INI)
-1d. Strongly believes that in order to tackle these challenges and to escape the vicious crisis cycle a decisive and concerted effort is indispensable that cannot be achieved with the current tools of macroeconomic and fiscal policy coordination;
Amendment 52 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission communication of 3 March 2021 entitled ‘One year since the outbreak of COVID- 19: fiscal policy response’ and takes note of the proposed conditions for deactivating the general escape clause (GEC); highlights that deactivation of the GEC shwould be conditional upon the health, social and economic situation across Member States in order to ensure that fiscal support is provided for as long as neededentail fiscal consolidation, which will be detrimental to economic growth, employment and public investment; recalls that the latter is urgently needed over the long run to promote a social, ecological and digital transformation;
Amendment 83 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that economic indicators and adjustment paths need to be interpreted cautiously, and therefore calls for the code of conduct of the Stability and Growth Pact to be revised vis-à-vis the benchmarks needed to calculate such adjustment needs and paths; stresses that fiscal guidance should avoid pro-cyclical biases, promote upward convergence and counteract macroeconomic imbalancavoid negative effects on employment as well as wages and counteract macroeconomic imbalances through symmetrically coordinated macroeconomic policies; calls for special accounting treatment for loans from Next Generation EU (NGEU) related spending and from other national initiatives for public investment;
Amendment 95 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for a continued expansionary fiscal stance for as long as needed and for it to be shifted to support the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and a green, digital and inclusive transformation while ensuring fiscal sustainability in the long term;
Amendment 96 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses that the discretionary use of fiscal policy is a key tool for macroeconomic stabilization; highlight that such discretionary use is of special significance in times of economic downturns and to promote structural transformation;
Amendment 100 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 137 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the importance of complementarity between monetary and fiscal policies to deliver the required support post-COVID-19; considers that the low interest rate environment has implications for fiscal policy; warns against the negative consequences of a premature tightening of monetary and fiscal policy; is highly concerned about the distributional effects of to the low interest rate environment;
Amendment 155 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for an appropriate fiscal and monetary policy mix that work together towards achieving; highlights that the financial and economic crisis of 2008-13 showed that the lender of last resort function of central banks is an indispensable instrument of fiscal and macroeconomic stabilization; calls for a reconsideration of the EUCB’s objectivmandate with a view on ensuring the stability of public finances;
Amendment 169 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Highlights that debt levels have increased and that some Member States already have a sizeable debt legacy; notes that circumstances have changed since the Maastricht criteria were defined and that inflation and interest rate levels are considerably lower; recalls the ongoing consultation on the ECB monetary policy, and the need for the ECB to consider full employment and ecological transition on par with its price stability mandate;
Amendment 185 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that debt service costs are expected to remain low for the foreseeable future and primary deficits are likely to be offset by favourable interest-growth differentials; further considers that as long as the differentials are negative it is possible to sustain and progressively reduce high debt levels, while continuing supporting the economy;
Amendment 202 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls the importance of growth- enhancing policies and public investment aimed at increasing growth potential and, achieving the EU’s objectivesfull employment and directing a social, ecological and digital transformation;
Amendment 215 #
Amendment 221 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to relaunch the debate on the reform of the economic governance of the Union with a view to coming forward with a legislative proposal by the end of 2021; calls for a rethink of EU fiscal rulesframework, also in view of the legacies of the pandemic, and supports the EFB’s conclusion that the fiscal framework has to be adapted; calls for a replacement of the principle of rules-based fiscal policy with the principle of discretionary fiscal policy;
Amendment 229 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Recalls that the “problem is with the very concept of fiscal rules”, as shown by Blanchard, Leandro and Zettelmeyer1d; highlights that the question whether debt becomes a risk depends on uncertain economic and political factors; stresses therefore that it is impossible to define adequate fiscal policy rules ex-ante that could account for the contingencies involved; _________________ 1dRedesigning EU fiscal rules: From rules to standards - PIIE Working Paper, Olivier Blanchard, Álvaro Leandro and Jeromin Zettelmeyer, February 2021.
Amendment 233 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls for the rea newed fiscal framework to promote sustainability and cyclical stabilisation and to improve the quality of public expenditure through sustainable investments and reforms; calls for well-defined, transparent, simple, flexible and enforceable rules embedded in a credible and democratic frameworkhat facilitates the use of discretionary fiscal policy by Member States to support country-specific macroeconomic and social objectives; calls for a flexible and democratic framework of fiscal policy coordination that takes into account the specificities of Member States and promote upward economic and social convergeand particular policy objectives of Member States and promotes symmetric macroeconomic policies with a view on reducing intra-euro area imbalances;
Amendment 262 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
Amendment 273 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes that the country-specific path outcome should result from a discussion between each Member States and the Commission, after a consultation with the EFB in the context of the European Semester; considers that the expenditure rule should also include a correction mechanism to remove cyclical items in the context of strong democratic control;
Amendment 277 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. UnderlinNotes that expenditure rules allow for automatic stabilisers to operate and are under the direct control of the government; argues that while potential output growth is unobservable and has to be estimated, it is less likely to be subject to revisions than the output gaprecalls however that expenditure rules will constrain the implementation of a discretionary fiscal stimulus; stresses that concepts as potential output growth cannot be adequately measured, nor observed, and can therefore not provide an adequate basis for policy design;
Amendment 290 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Proposes, in line with the EFB, ‘ one general escape clause, triggered based on independent economic judgedemocratic deliberation in the European parliament’;
Amendment 336 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Welcomes the creation of the NGEU, which is financed through debt issuance guaranteed by the EU budget; regrets the limited size of the grants component of the NGEU, especially compared to the fiscal stimulus measures provided by other jurisdictions; underlines that EU-issuance debt22 will provide a new supply of European high- quality assets, which is a step towards a permanent EU safe asset; proposes to exclude EU-issued debt from the ECB’s monetary financing prohibition using provisions of Article 125 TFEU and following similar specifications made in Council Regulation (EC) No 3603/93 of 13 December 1993; _________________ 22 NGEU & SURE bonds.
Amendment 350 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Stresses the importancTakes note of the MIP in identifying and taking preventive and corrective actions against emerging imbalances; regrets the asymmetric nature of the MIP scoreboard and its bias towards the promotion of international cost competitiveness; points out, however, that the potential of this mechanism has not been fully exploited on account of its structural weaknesses; is concerned about the lack of democratic oversight in the MIP; calls for a strengthening of the role of the European parliament and democratic accountability;
Amendment 366 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Calls for the MIP to be reformoverhauled to make its indicators and recommendations more forward-looking and symmetrical with regard to over- and undershooting target values, and to focus on indicators under the control of policymakers and geared towards reducing intra-euro area imbalances by means of a symmetrical approach instead of a one- sided promotion of international cost competitiveness; considers that greater compliance with pared-back recommendations must be achieved and MIP-relevant country-specific recommendations should focus on policy actions that can have a direct impact on imbalances; stresses that the MIP must respect Article 153 TFEU entailing that recommendations are not to intervene with national wage policy and collective bargaining;
Amendment 401 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls for a renewed European Semester as the mainfundamentally changed economic and social policy coordination framework supporting the EU’s long-standing goals of sustainability and upward convergence with stronger national ownershipMember States distinct economic paths ways as decided by their elected parliaments and governments; calls for more rigorous democratic scrutiny and for Parliament’s full involvement in defining the overarching goals and the guidance;
Amendment 413 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
Amendment 2 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
- having regard to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) special report on global warming of 1.5 °C, its fifth assessment report (AR5) and its synthesis report thereon, its special report on climate change and land, and its special report on the ocean and cryosphere in a changing climate,
Amendment 3 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
- having regard to the General Union Environment Action Programme to 2020 ‘Living well, within the limits of our planet’, the Commission proposal for the General Union Environment Action Programme to 2030 and its vision to 2050,
Amendment 4 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission communication of 5 March 2020 on the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (COM(2020)0152),
Amendment 5 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 9 January 2020 on the 15th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity2a, _________________ 2a Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0015.
Amendment 16 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the Interinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 202010a provides for an overall target of at least 30 % of the total amount of the Union budget and the European Union Recovery Instrument expenditures supporting climate objectives and a new annual biodiversity target of 7.5 % from 2024, in view of reaching 10 % in 2026 and 2027; _________________ 10aInterinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 2020 between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources, OJ L 433I , 22.12.2020, p. 28.
Amendment 24 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the transition to a climate- neutral economy by 2050 at the latest poses both a great opportunity and a challenge for the Union and for its Member States, regions, cities, workers, businesses, local communities and citizenspeople;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas climate change and its multiple impact affect European regions in different ways, with different degrees of severity and in different timeframes;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2074(INI)
E. whereas Cohesion Policy not only offers investment opportunities to respond to local and regional needs through the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds, it also provides an integrated policy framework to reduce developmental disparities between the European regions and to help them address the multiple challenges to their development, including through environmental protection and fair, inclusive and sustainable development;
Amendment 37 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas women and men are not equally affected by green policies tackling climate change; whereas this also applies for vulnerable and marginalised groups;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas, since its creation in 2002, the EU Solidarity Fund has been activated in more than 90 catastrophic events and has mobilised over EUR 5.5 billion in 23 Member States and one accession country; whereas, as part of the EU response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the scope of the EUSF has been extended to cover major public health emergencies and the maximum level of advance payments has been raised;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments undertaken under the European Green Deal to implementing the Paris Agreement and the SDGs, taking into consideration social and, economic and regional aspects to ensure a fair transition for all territories and their citizenspeople;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal on the European Climate Law, which enshrines the 2050 climate neutrality target into Union legislation, including the intermediate targets for 2030 and 2040 and constitutes the cornerstone of the European Green Deal; reiterates its position for climate action to be further strengthened and particularly for the Union 2030 climate target to be raised to a reduction in emissions of 60 % compared with 1990 levels; reiterates its call for a new 2040 intermediate climate target;
Amendment 93 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises the need for local and regional authorities to make a clear political commitment to achieving the climate targets, which should be translated into concrete actions;
Amendment 102 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights the crucial role for Cohesion Policy in fighting climate change and achieving climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest and the intermedienhanced 2030 climate target by 2030, as well as the role of local and regional authorities in mitigating and adapting to climate change, in particular through a far-reaching reform of investment policies;
Amendment 104 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that climate policies should serve the pursuit of full employment, including green jobs, and fair social progress; urges the Member States to prioritise the fight against climate change along with the fight for inclusive and sustainable development and social justice and the fight against poverty, energy poverty and policies that burden vulnerable and marginalised groups;
Amendment 110 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines the European Council’s position that EU expenditure should be fully consistent with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the ‘do no harm’ principle of the European Green Deal; and the Taxonomy Regulation10b; _________________ 10b Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU)2019/2088, OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13.
Amendment 119 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that sustainability and the transition to an economy that is safe,the fair and inclusive transition to a climate -neutral, climate- resilient, more resource -efficient and circular areeconomy is crucial to ensuring the long-term competitivenesssustainability of the Union economy;
Amendment 127 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Underlines that public consultations should be thorough and meaningful, ensuring active and representative participation of communities and stakeholders in the decision-making process in order to inspire the ownership of decisions and plans, initiatives and the engagement in actions;
Amendment 129 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Believes that local communities should be brought into policy and project development and implementation and that locally-led actions should be encouraged and prioritised;
Amendment 130 #
2020/2074(INI)
8c. Stresses that gender mainstreaming should be fully implemented and integrated as a horizontal principle in all EU activities, policies and programmes, including cohesion policy; points out that addressing the gender dimension has a key role in leveraging the full potential of both climate and cohesion policies;
Amendment 132 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Believes that Cohesion Policy should focus on the full implementation of the Paris Agreement and the fight against climate change through an effective methodology for monitoring climate spending and its performance, including its negative effects for EU region, transparent, comprehensive, result- oriented and performance-based methodology for monitoring climate spending, which should also depict the negative effects of climate change in all EU regions and include measures to be taken in case of insufficient progress towards achieving the Union’s climate targets;
Amendment 161 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the proposal to top up the Just Transition FundRecalls its support to the Commission amended proposal to increase the budget of the Just Transition Fund from EUR 7.5 to EUR 40 billion, with EUR 10 billion under the MFF and EUR 30 billion from Next Generation EU; regrets the fact, however, that the top-up amount proposed by the Commission hwas been cutcut in less than half under the Council agreement on MFF and Next Generation EU and the fact that these cuts have been maintained in the final agreement between the Parliament and the Council; underlines that these cuts would jeopardise the fund’s core objectives;
Amendment 174 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Emphasises that islands, in particular small islands with limited governing autonomy, should be able to access sufficient economic resources in order to deliver integrated, sector-coupled and innovative interventions for infrastructure and local economic development; underlines the renewable energy potential of the peripheral and outermost regions, linked to their geographical and climatic characteristics;
Amendment 189 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Emphasises that all sectors need to be represented and supported in the transition towards a climate-neutral industrial processes, while maintaining international competitiveneseconomy, thus contributing to the sustainability of the Union while maintaining international competitiveness; underlines the strategic role of renewable, sustainable and decentralised energy in the development of the EU regions and their enterprises, in particular SMEs;
Amendment 219 #
2020/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls for a greater role for Cohesion Policy in supporting risk prevention efforts to adapt to the present and future impacts of climate change at regional and local levels; calls for the establishment of effective regional and interregional cooperation mechanisms in the field of natural disaster prevention, including a capacity for reaction, management and mutual assistance in the event of disasters;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Heading 1
Heading 1
with recommendations to the Commission on a safety net to protect the beneficiaries of Union programmes and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: setting up an MFF contingency plan
Amendment 5 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas on 2 May 2018, the Commission presented a set of legislative proposals on the 2021-2027 MFF and Union Own Resources, followed by legislative proposals for the setting-up of new Union programmes and instruments; whereas this proposal entailed an overall MFF ceiling of 1,11 % of the EU-27’s GNI (including 0,03 % from the European Development Fund), which was already lower than the estimated 1,16 % of the 2014-2020 MFF in relation to the EU-27’s GNI, with the stated objective to provide a basis for a swift negotiation to be concluded before the Parliament elections of 2019; whereas this proposal deplorably entailed, inter alia, significant cuts in cohesion and agriculture;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Parliament adopted on 14 November 2018 its interim report with detailed figures and amendments constituting its negotiating mandate, including its firm position to accept no cuts in cohesion and agriculture and the imperative need for the reform and enhancement of the EU’s own resources system, and has stood ready, since then, to enter into negotiations with the Council;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas the Parliament adopted on 10 October 2019 a resolution to confirm and update its negotiating mandate; whereas this resolution reiterates Parliament’s firm position to accept no cuts in cohesion and agriculture as well as the imperative need for the reform and enhancement of the EU’s own resources system as a prerequisite for providing its consent to a new MFF; whereas the Parliament also demanded the launch of negotiations with the Council, without any further delay, in the interest of reaching a solid agreement in a timely manner;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas first figures were only submitted by the Finnish Presidency of the Council to the General Affairs Council and to the European Council in December 2019, that is more than 18 months after the Commission proposals; whereas the Finnish Presidency proposal fully disregarded Parliament’s position by setting its 2021-2027 MFF proposal only at 1,07 % of the EU-27’s GNI, significantly lower than the estimated 1,16 % of the 2014-2020 MFF in terms of the EU-27’s GNI and even lower than the Commission’s proposal, and by proposing further cuts in cohesion and agriculture;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas, in view of the special European Council meeting on the MFF of 20-21 February 2020, Council President Michel presented on 14 February 2020 a new proposal for the 2021-2027 MFF, entailing an overall MFF ceiling of 1,07 % of the EU-27’s GNI; whereas this proposal also fully disregarded Parliament’s position, while maintaining significant cuts in cohesion and agriculture;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the special European Council meeting on the MFF of 20-21 February 2020, convened by the President of the European Council, failed once more to reach itsany conclusions;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic questions EU’s structures, threatening public health, civil protection, economic and financial stability, social, economic and territorial cohesion, fundamental rights and rule of law, employment, sustainable development and the environment; whereas there is, now more than ever, an increased need for solidarity and decisiveness in order to find an inclusive, just and sustainable way out of this unprecedented crisis; whereas the COVID-19 crisis has radically changed the context in which the MFF discussions had been taking place and an MFF contingency plan was initially proposed by the Parliament;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
I b. whereas the COVID-19 crisis calls for a much more ambitious, enhanced and reoriented 2021-2027 MFF with increased funding for health, cohesion, employment and climate policies to address the actual impact of the crisis;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
I c. whereas Commission President von der Leyen announced on 28 March 2020 that the Commission will make an updated MFF proposal to address the fallout of the coronavirus crisis and called on 4 April 2020 for a Marshall Plan for Europe, having the next MFF at its heart, but without providing any other elements; whereas the Eurogroup welcomed on 9 April 2020 the Commission’s intention to update its MFF proposal to reflect the impact of this crisis and the size of the challenges ahead; whereas none of the Commission or the Council made any reference to the need for an MFF contingency plan despite the long- standing demand of the Parliament;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas, in light of the succession of delays and regardless of when the European Council will finally reaby the Commission and the Council, the COVID-19 outbreak and the Commission’s announcement of an upcoming updated MFF proposal, which its conclusions, there is now a tangible riskexpected in late April with the intention of a possible agreement in June, it is inevitable that the next MFF will not be agreed in time to enter into force on 1 January 2021 and there will be no smooth transition between the 2014-2020 MFF and the 2021- 2027 MFF, considering also the risk of widely diverging positions between the Parliament and the Council and the need for intense interinstitutional negotiations in the framework of both the consent procedure and the ordinary legislative procedure;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
Amendment 30 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O a (new)
Recital O a (new)
O a. whereas an MFF contingency plan is needed now more than ever; whereas, in view of the COVID-19 crisis, the MFF contingency plan can no more be considered as a mere prolongation of the ceilings and other provisions of the year 2020 but should obtain the form of a reoriented emergency plan to foremost address the impact of the crisis till the 2021-2027 MFF is agreed and enters into force, with special focus on health, cohesion, employment and climate policies;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O b (new)
Recital O b (new)
O b. whereas the Commission still does not commit itself to the drawing up of an MFF contingency plan and insists on a quick agreement on the 2021-2027 MFF;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O c (new)
Recital O c (new)
O c. whereas, due to the expected huge decrease of the EU-27’s GNI, the use of nominal terms and real amounts, rather than percentages, offers more certainty and clarity when referring to the MFF and the MFF contingency plan proposals;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Requests that the Commission submit, by 15 June 2020, based on the relevant legal bases for each expenditure programme8 and in the light of Article 312(4) TFEU, a proposal for an reoriented MFF contingency plan to not only provide a safety net to protect the beneficiaries of Union programmes but also to effectively contribute to the mitigation of the multiple impact of the COVID-19 crisis till the 2021-2027 MFF is agreed and enters into force, with special focus on health, cohesion, employment and climate policies, following the recommendations set out in the Annex hereto; _________________ 8Articles 19(2), 21(2), 33, 42, 43(2), 46(d), 77(2), 78(2), 79(2), 79(4), 81(1), 81(2), 82(1), 84, 87(2), 91(1), 100(2), 113, 114, 149, 153(2)(a), 164, 165(4), 166(4), 167(5), 168(4)(b), 168(5), 169, 172, 173(3), 175, 177, 178, 182(1), 182(4), 183, 188, 189(2), 192(1), 194(2), 195(2), 196, 197, 203, 207(2), 209(1), 212(2), 214(5), 325, 338(1), 349, 352 of the TFUE and Articles 7(1) and 203 of the Euratom Treaty.
Amendment 40 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part A – point 1
Annex I – part A – point 1
1. The MFF contingency plan aims not only at providing a safety net to protect the beneficiaries of the Union programmes but also at effectively contributing to the mitigation of the multiple impacts of the COVID-19 crisis in the event that the 2021-2027 MFF could not be agreed in time to enter into force on 1 January 2021. The MFF contingency plan should ensure a satisfactory degree of predictability and continuity in Union budget implementation and should focus especially on health, cohesion, employment and climate policies to address the actual impact of the crisis;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part A – point 2 a (new)
Annex I – part A – point 2 a (new)
2 a. The MFF contingency plan shall include one or several legislative proposal(s) to ensure that it will in fact mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, with special focus on health, cohesion, employment and climate policies;
Amendment 53 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part A – point 3
Annex I – part A – point 3
3. The MFF contingency plan should be tabled by 15 June 2020 at the latest, unless the MFF negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council lead to a political agreement before that date. This timeframe for tabling the contingency plan will address a double necessity: a) to ensure that the budgetary procedure for the year 2021 starts with all the necessary information as regards contingency planning; b) to ensure that the relevant legislative proposals can be adopted by the co-legislators before the conciliation on the 2021 budget. This will be the time when the budgetary authority will have to take a final decision on next year’s Union budget either on the basis of a new 2021-2027 MFF or on the basis of an extension of the 2020 ceilingsthe MFF contingency plan;
Amendment 54 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part A – point 3 a (new)
Annex I – part A – point 3 a (new)
3 a. The MFF contingency plan should be expressed in nominal terms and real amounts and not as a percentage of the EU-27’s GNI;
Amendment 65 #
2020/2051(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part B – point 1 a (new)
Annex I – part B – point 1 a (new)
1 a. One or several legislative proposal(s) to ensure that the MFF contingency plan will in fact mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, with special focus on health, cohesion, employment and climate policies.
Amendment 171 #
2020/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Condemns the violations of human rights and political freedoms in Turkey; stresses the need to ensure the compatibility of the FRT funds with the respect of the rule of law and human rights;
Amendment 179 #
2020/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Amendment 195 #
2020/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its request that Turkey respect the principle of non-refoulement, in particular on the Syrian border, and that it not use the flows of refugees against the EUs a tool for political pressure against the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
- having regard to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) of 18 December 19791a, _________________ 1a https://www.ohchr.org/documents/professi onalinterest/cedaw.pdf
Amendment 6 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 18 December 2019 on public discrimination and hate speech against LGBTI people, including LGBTI free zones23a, _________________ 23a Texts adopted, P9_TA(2019)0101.
Amendment 7 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 25 a (new)
Citation 25 a (new)
- having regard to the study entitled ‘Gender budgeting - Mainstreaming gender into the EU budget and macroeconomic policy framework’ from the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), published in 2018,
Amendment 17 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the principle of gender equality between women and men is a core value of the EU, enshrined in the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; whereas gender mainstreaming should therefore be implemented and integrated as a horizontal principle in all EU activities and, policies and programmes;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas cohesion policy is as an important policy tool to supportactively and effectively support the achievement of gender equality;
Amendment 30 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas promotachieving gender equality is important to reducea precondition for the elimination of regional, economic and social disparities and for ensuring the long-term fair, inclusive and sustainable development of the EU, its Members States and its regions;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Amendment 53 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas women and marginalised groups are more exposed to poverty, unemployment, job precariousness, unequal working conditions and opportunities, work-life imbalance, physical and psychological violence and social and economic exclusion;
Amendment 56 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas preliminary studies suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities, by and has a disproportionately impacting on women and marginalised groups, especially in terms of layoffs, work-life imbalance and domestic violence, which cohesion policy should take into account;
Amendment 72 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the importance of cohesion policy in promoting gender equality and implementing the EU Gender Equality Strategy; recalls that all policy goals need appropriate and sufficient resources dedicated to their implementation;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses the need for a strong political commitment on the importance of gender equality for the entire population and for fair, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and territorial development;
Amendment 118 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Believes that all programmes implemented under cohesion policy should ensure gender equality throughout their preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, as well as equal opportunities for all, without discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation, including through positive action when necessary and applicable;
Amendment 128 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Recognises the burden placed on women as principal caregivers in formal and informal settings, as well as its social value, especially during the COVID-19 crisis; therefore points out the crucial role of cohesion policy in securing adequate investments in care services, to improve working conditions, fight informal employment and precariousness and create new high-quality jobs in this sector ands well as to support a transition towards a care economy that is accessible for all;
Amendment 136 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses that cohesion policy needs to support equal access to training for women, implement positive action in order to bridge the digital gender gap and to support the green and digital transitions while protecting workers that will be affected by these transitions;
Amendment 147 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for a strong political commitment to gender equality at EU, national and natregional level in order to enhance the attention given by national, regional and local stakeholders to gender equality, both from a human rights perspective and as a crucial factor for socio-economic development, and to promote further commitment in this area;
Amendment 153 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls for compulsory requirements on gender equality objectives to be introduced in all post-2020 operational programmes, with specific and interdisciplinary measures to be translated into all operations; calls for specific obligations and binding guidelines, including positive action when necessary and applicable;
Amendment 157 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Reiterates its position that the Commission should monitor the use of all EU funding streams, including European Structural and Investment Funds, and use regular dialogues with national, regional and local authorities to remind stakeholders of their commitment to non- discrimination and that such funds should under no circumstances be used for discriminatory purposes; welcomes, in this regard, the Commission’s decision to reject six town twinning applications involving Polish authorities that had adopted resolutions on ‘LGBTI-free zones’; calls on the Commission to continue to take concrete measures to address breaches of anti-discrimination rules;
Amendment 158 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16 b. Calls for part of cohesion policy funds to be devoted to supporting women in poverty, women at risk of poverty, single mothers, women with disabilities and women victims of violence; calls on the Member States and their respective authorities to deliver such programmes;
Amendment 161 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Strongly supports the ex ante requirement of developing a binding national gender equality strategy to underpin cohesion policy interventions and their effectiveness;
Amendment 184 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Stresses that in order to ensure gender mainstreaming, the Commission should implement a gender impact assessment for each policy and legislative proposal in the area of cohesion policy, define gender-responsive indicators, collect gender-disaggregated data and carry out gender-responsive evaluations;
Amendment 187 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on all institutions to provide guidance documents and, training sessions and binding gender equality targets, so as to disseminate concrete examples of good practices on gender mainstreaming; stresses, moreover, that at the project selection stage the criteria for gender mainstreaming should be strengthened through higher scoring and requirements for more practical actions; calls for the integration of the gender dimension in all stages of the evaluation, implementation and monitoring of ESI Funds; recommends making use of the existing tools developed by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) such as its toolkit for gender budgeting in the ESI Funds;
Amendment 192 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Calls on the Commission to address gender-related health priorities as defined in the EU Gender Equality Strategy in cohesion policy, including sexual and reproductive health and rights;
Amendment 1 #
2020/1999(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the update of the own resources revenue as proposed in the Draft Amending Budget No 7/2020 is based on the Commission spring 2020 economic forecast; whereas the Commission has already published its summer 2020 economic forecast, which projects deeper recession in 2020 compared to its spring forecast, and therefore the own resources revenue is highly likely to be worsened; whereas the extremely negative revenue forecast confirms the imperative need for the revision of the Union’s own resources system and the introduction of new own resources as of 1 January 2021,
Amendment 1 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Calls for a strong and ambitious budget for the year 2021 to support fair, inclusive and sustainable growth, mitigate the socio-economic impact of the COVID- 19 crisis, enhance economic, social and regional convergence, cohesion and resilience and accelerate the implementation of core European objectives, such as the European Green Deal, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, the European Pillar of Social Rights, digital transformation and the just transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 at the latest;
Amendment 2 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recognises the need for the EU budget to continue toCalls for a strong and ambitious Union budget for the 2021 to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis and support the recovery, convergence, fair and of the Union, enhance economic, social and regional convergence, cohesion and resilience, support fair, inclusive and sustainable growth and competitiveness of the European economy and other EU prioritiesaccelerate the implementation of core Union priorities and objectives, such as social, economic and territorial cohesion and regional development, climate action, digitalisation and innovation, security and the management of migration, while acknowledgingthe European Green Deal, the Paris Agreement, the “do no significant harm” principle, the just transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, the Sustainable Development Goals, the European Pillar of Social Rights, digital transformation, innovation and the management of migration on the basis of solidarity, cooperation and shared responsibility; stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic has provided amultiple new and unexpected socio-economic challenges that the EUnion and its Member States need to respond determinedly and provide solutions at the EUfair and effective solutions at both Union and Member State level;
Amendment 3 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a. Reiterates its position for the 2021 budget of EUR 192.1 billion in current prices in commitment appropriations and its call for major additional appropriations on top of this position in order to respond to the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis; deplores, in this regard, the lack of ambition and decisiveness shown by the Commission in its 2021 Draft Budget proposal, which represents a reduction by 9.8% compared to the 2020 budget in terms of commitments and incorporates significant cuts to core EU policies and programmes, such as cohesion, agriculture, SMEs support, health, research and innovation; underlines that these cuts cannot be considered counter-balanced by the Next Generation EU top-ups and calls for the significant enhancement of the above policies and programmes in the 2021 budget;
Amendment 4 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 b (new)
Paragraph -1 b (new)
-1b. Stresses that the symmetric shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has caused asymmetric consequences between Member States; is extremely worried about the Commission summer 2020 economic forecast, which predicts deeper recession with wider divergences than initially projected, as well as about the significant rise of unemployment; stresses, therefore, the need for solidarity, ambition and decisiveness at European level to overcome the negative effects of the crisis;
Amendment 5 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls for thean increased 2021 Union budget to make an ambitious and effective contribution to the fair, inclusive, sustainable and resilient recovery of the Union economy in view of the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak; welcomes the proposal for a new recovery instrument, Next Generation EUacknowledges the European Council agreement on a new recovery instrument, Next Generation EU, as an important first step towards this end; deplores, however, the massive cuts to the grant component of the Next Generation EU in the final agreement that seriously upset the balance between grants and loans; regrets the massive cuts to the top-ups for Horizon Europe, InvestEU, Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Just Transition Fund (JTF), the withdrawal of top-ups for EU4Health, the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) and humanitarian aid, as well as the complete cancellation of the Solvency Support Instrument; stresses that these cuts will seriously undermine the recovery efforts;
Amendment 7 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that in its resolution of 19 June 2020 on general guidelines for the preparation of the 2021 budget, Parliament stressed that the primary focus of the 2021 budget should be to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak and support the recovery, built on the European Green Deal and digital transformation, in order to promote fair, inclusive and sustainable growth and high-quality job creation;
Amendment 11 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Reiterates its position for a 2021 budget of EUR 192,1 billion in current prices in commitment appropriations and its call for major additional appropriations on top of this position in order to respond to the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis; deplores, in this regard, the lack of ambition and decisiveness shown by the Commission in its 2021 Draft Budget proposal, which represents a reduction of 9,8 % compared to the 2020 budget in terms of commitments and incorporates significant cuts to core Union policies and programmes, such as cohesion, regional development, agriculture, SMEs support, health, research and innovation; underlines that these cuts cannot be considered counter-balanced by the Next Generation EU top-ups and calls for the significant enhancement of the above policies and programmes in the 2021 budget;
Amendment 15 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls for thea more ambitious 2021 Union budget to support the rapid implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which aims to address the challenges identified in the European Semester, in which the Sustainable Development Goals shall be integrated; multiple socio-economic challenges faced by the Member States; calls for the increase of grants and a flexible conditionality for loans, well beyond the austerity oriented rules of the Stability and Growth Pact; calls for the Facility to support investments that promote fair, inclusive and sustainable growth and enhance convergence, cohesion and resilience, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal, the Paris Agreement, the “do no significant harm” principle, the Sustainable Development Goals, the European Pillar of Social Rights and the objective of a just transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 at the latest; stresses the need for the swift implementation of the Facility and calls for payments to start the soonest possible in 2021; deplores the macro- economic conditionalities attached to the Facility, the exclusion of the European Parliament from its governance, which moves away from the community method and endorses an intergovernmental approach, and the emergency brake procedure adopted by the European Council, which could lead to detrimental delays;
Amendment 16 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. RemUnderlindes that cohesion is a shared competence between the EU and Member States and that aconstitutes a main public investment policy ithat will play a major role in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic; emphasises that cohesion policy is based on a solidarity and its goal is to reduce economic, social and territorial disparities between Member States and within the EU and regions; emphasizes in that context that programmes managed under European Structural and Investments (ESI) Funds support and contribute significantly to sustainable solutions for fair and, inclusive and resilient economic growth, and investments and competitiveness, as well as high quality, safe and secure working and living conditions of the citizens, including equal opportunities, social justice and non- discrimination; rejects, in this regard, the massive cuts to cohesion in the 2021 Draft Budget proposed by the Commission;
Amendment 20 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the budget for the year 2021 starts the new programming period 2021-2027 and that it should reflect the principles and priorities of an updated and reoriented Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and contribute effectively to the mitigation of the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in a fair, inclusive, sustainable and resilient way, while carefully considering available resources as well as budgetary rules and principles that will ensure ambitious, realistic, immediate and satisfactoryeffective implementation;
Amendment 25 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses the need for enhanced and targeted emergency measures to swiftly and effectively support citizens, workers, the self-employed and sectors hit harder by the COVID-19 crisis in order to avoid even wider divergences among Member States and regions; calls for significantly increasing resources to fight social and gender inequalities, poverty and unemployment, paying particular attention to the youth and vulnerable groups;
Amendment 26 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. UnderlinesStresses the need for enhanced and targeted emergency measures to swiftly and effectively support citizens, workers, the self-employed and sectors hit harder by the pandemic; underlines, in this regard, the importance of supporting companies, especially SMEs, with solvency issues as a result of the COVID- 19 pandemic; highlights the Commission proposal for a Solvency Support iInstrument and calls for fast-acting supportdeplores its complete abolishment by the Council;
Amendment 26 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Amendment 28 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the necessity to provide a sufficient level of payment appropriations in the budget for the year 2021 in order to avoid the accumulation of unpaid claims from MFF 2014-2020that will take into account the volume of outstanding commitments at the end of 2020 in order to avoid the accumulation of unpaid claims from MFF 2014-2020 and a new payment crisis, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic; notes that due to the delays in implementation of the programming period 2014-2020 most of the refundlevant payments will be donesettled in years 2021- 2022; stresses, however, that this should not hinder the launch of new programmes;
Amendment 29 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Reiterates that the revision of the EU’s own resources system and the introduction of a basket of new own resources as of 1 January 2021, based on a legally binding timetable, is extremely essential to meet the increased financial needs of supporting the recovery and delivering other Union priorities and objectives; urges Member States to swiftly agree on an increase of the own resources ceilings and to adopt rapidly the legislative proposals that will introduce new own resources;
Amendment 33 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the State aid Temporary Framework in the context of COVID-19; calls for reinforced resources to ensure full and fast application of Union competition policyactivation of the general escape clause to suspend the Growth and Stability Pact and the introduction of the State aid Temporary Framework in the context of COVID-19, including its amended version allowing public support to micro and small companies, even in cases where the companies were already in financial difficulty on 31 December 2019; points out, however, the uneven capacity of Member States to provide financial support to sectors and citizens hit harder by the pandemic, which could lead to distortions of the European level-playing field and calls for specific measures to minimise the side-effects of the state aid rules’ relaxation that intensify inequalities and jeopardise single market; calls for the repeal of the Growth and Stability Pact and its replacement by a Sustainable Development and Employment Pact that will promote fair, inclusive and sustainable growth, high- quality employment and environmental protection;
Amendment 33 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the enhanced flexibility in cohesion policy – increased co- financing, anti-crisis use of EU funds - introduced in March and April 2020 and believes that it - should be maintained also in MFF 2021-2027, while ensuring full respect of the applicable rules for the sound management of the resources and for the transparency of their spending;
Amendment 35 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. In order to finance this budget, reminds that, as expressed in its legislative resolution of 16 September 2020, the new categories of own resources should be introduced as of 2021 and that any amounts generated by new own resources beyond the level necessary to cover the repayment obligations of the NGEU in a given year should remain in the Union budget as general revenue notably to top-up the 15 EU flagshipEU policies and programmes as of 2021 accompanied by the corresponding rise of the MFF ceilings;
Amendment 36 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the European Green Deal as one of the main pillars for the transformation of the EU economy to a fair, inclusive, sustainable, resilient and carbon-neutral economy; calls for adequate funding to allow economic, social and environmental challenges related to sustainable development to be met, including through the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan; reiterates its position for a climate mainstreaming spending level of 30% and a biodiversity spending level of 10% for 2021;
Amendment 41 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls for increased resources to fight social and gender inequalities, poverty and unemployment, paying particular attention to the youth and vulnerable groups;
Amendment 44 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for sufficient resources to fight both at EU and at Member States level against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance as well as against financial crime and money laundering and for adherence to the economic governance framework and deal in an effective and coordinated way with the tax havens issue, including Member States;
Amendment 47 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Welcomes the proposal for the creation of the REACT-EU programme that will make additional funds available to the ERDF and the ESF as well as to the FEAD in the fight against the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; calls for the rapid implementation of the programme and for payments to start as early as possible in 2021;
Amendment 48 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Emphasises that funding to accounting entities and tax authorities should continue, including to support the Union action to fight tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance; welcomes the creation of the EU Tax and Financial Crimes Observatory; calls for adequate funding and human resources for the relevant programmes and agencies;
Amendment 48 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Welcomes the activation of the general escape clause to suspend the Growth and Stability Pact that allows for further flexibility as well as the introduction of the State aid Temporary Framework in the context of COVID-19; points out, however, the uneven capacity of Member States to provide financial support to citizens and sectors hit harder by the pandemic, which could lead to even wider divergences among Member States; calls for specific measures to minimise such side-effects;
Amendment 49 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8 c. Calls for the rapid implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which aims to address the multiple socio- economic challenges faced by the Member States; calls for the increase of grants and a flexible conditionality for loans; calls for the Facility to support investments that promote fair, inclusive and sustainable growth and enhance convergence, cohesion and resilience, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal, the Paris Agreement, the “do no significant harm” principle, the Sustainable Development Goals, the European Pillar of Social Rights and the objective of a just transition to a carbon- neutral economy by 2050 at the latest; calls for payments to start the soonest possible in 2021; deplores the macro- economic conditionalities attached to the Facility, the exclusion of the European Parliament from its governance, which moves away from the community method and endorses an intergovernmental approach, and the emergency brake procedure adopted by the European Council, which could lead to detrimental delays; stresses the need for transparency and scrutiny in the distribution and use of the funds that will be provided through the Facility;
Amendment 55 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recalliterates that the introduction of a basket of new own resources isrevision of the EU’s own resources system and the introduction of a basket of new own resources as of 1 January 2021 according to a legally binding timetable is extremely essential to meet the increased financial needs of supporting the recovery and for other Union priorities.
Amendment 67 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Emphasises the urgent need to allocate additional resources to the EU4Health Programme, given the inexplicable cuts of the NGEU top-ups by the Council, contributing in particular to address the significant structural needs identified during the COVID-19 crisis, setting out key action areas such as the improvement of national health systems, the availability and affordability of medicines and other crisis-relevant products and to ensure continued and timely provision of accessible and safe sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services;
Amendment 78 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Recalls that the COVID-19 crisis affects women, groups of people who are subject to systematic gender-based discrimination and other vulnerable groups disproportionately and calls for reinforcement of the Employment and Social Innovation strand to support programmes and trainings targeted at advancing women'stheir participation and tackling their precarity on the labour market;
Amendment 84 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Deeply regrets that the Commission still has not responded to Parliament's call for a comprehensive review of the budget line for multimedia measures, particularly with regard to the framework contract with Euronews; decides to put its budgetary allocation in reserve until the Commission has answered the concerns raised by the Court of Auditors; notes however that the Court of Auditors does not point to any shortcomings on Euronews’s part in its contractual reporting duties under the current framework; regrets that such a reserve of 18 million euros endangers the financial viability of Euronews, and consequently its staff, while it is highly important that the EU supports independent and high-quality journalism on EU affairs;
Amendment 111 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Stresses the importance of a progressive framing of the EU’s common security and defence policy; underlines the importance of enhancing European cooperation in defence matters since it not only makes Europe and its citizens safer, but also leads to a cost reduction; calls for increased funding for the European Defence Fund in order to fully foster an innovative and competitive defence industrial base that will contribute to the much-needed strategic autonomy of the EU;
Amendment 115 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
Amendment 131 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51
Paragraph 51
51. Points to the persistent challenges in the Union’s Eastern and Southern neighbourhood, as well as the importance of endowing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East with adequate financial resources and therefore calling for an increase of EU’s support to the Agency in recognition of its essential role as a unique provider of vital services for millions of Palestine refugees; recalls the importance of developing stable relations and strong cooperation between the EU and Africa and deems appropriate to dedicate sufficient financial resources to the development of this continent, which would contribute inter alia to mitigating the root causes of forced migration;
Amendment 46 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) A Brexit Adjustment Reserve (the ‘Reserve’) should be established to provide support to counter adverse consequences in Member States, regions and, sectors, workers and local communities, in particular those that are worst affected by the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union, and thus to mitigate the related impact on the economic, social and territorial cohesion. It should cover in whole or in part the additional public expenditure incurred by Member States for measures specifically taken to mitigate those consequences.
Amendment 52 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) For the purposes of contributing to economic, social and territorial cohesion, it is appropriate that Member States, when designing support measures, focus in particular on the regions, areas, sectors, workers and local communities, including those dependent on fishing activities in the United Kingdom waters and those dependent on tourism from the United Kingdom, that are likely to be most negatively impacted by the withdrawal of the United Kingdom. Member States may have to take specific measures notably to support businesses, especially SMEs, workers and economic sectors adversely affected by the withdrawal. It is therefore appropriate to provide a non-exhaustive list of the type of measures that are most likely to achieve this objective.
Amendment 54 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5 a) In order to ensure the effectiveness of the support measures, when designing such measures, Member States should engage in meaningful, inclusive and accessible consultations with national, regional and local authorities, social partners, employees, local communities, civil society organisations and all other relevant stakeholders, especially of the sectors and territories affected by the withdrawal of the United Kingdom.
Amendment 55 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 b (new)
Recital 5 b (new)
(5 b) The support measures should be consistent with the Union’s social and environmental targets and priorities. Therefore, these measures should be in accordance with the principles set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights and should contribute to the Union’s environmental targets in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Amendment 57 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) At the same time, it is important to clearly specify any exclusions from support provided by the Reserve. The Reserve should exclude from support the value added tax as it constitutes a Member State revenue, which offsets the related cost for the Member State budget. In order to concentrate the use of limited resources in the most efficient way, technical assistance used by the bodies responsible for the implementation of the Reserve should not be eligible for support from the Reserve. In line with the general approach for cohesion policy, expenditure linked to relocations or contrary to any applicable Union or national law should not be supported.
Amendment 66 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) In order to take into account the immediate impact of the adverse consequences of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union on the Member States and their economies and the need to adopt mitigating measures, as appropriate, prior to the expiry of the transition period, the eligibility period for implementing such measures should start as from 1 Julanuary 2020 and be concentrated over a limited period of 30 monthslast until 31 December 2023.
Amendment 101 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) ‘reference period’ means the reference period referred to in Article 63(5), point (a), of the Financial Regulation, which shall be from 1 Julanuary 2020 to 31 December 20223;
Amendment 107 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
The Reserve shall provide support to counter the adverse consequences of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union in Member States, regions and secto, local communities, sectors, businesses, especially SMEs, and workers, in particular those that are worst affected by that withdrawal, and to mitigate the related impact on the economic, social and territorial cohesion.
Amendment 129 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) measures to assist businesses, especially SMEs, workers and local communities adversely affected by the withdrawal;
Amendment 131 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) measures to support the most affected economic sectors and their employees;
Amendment 134 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) measures to support businesses, especially SMEs, workers and local communities dependent on fishing activities in the United Kingdom waters;
Amendment 135 #
2020/0380(COD)
(c a) measures to support businesses, especially SMEs, workers and local communities dependent on tourism from the United Kingdom;
Amendment 138 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) measures to support high-quality employment, including through short-time work schemes, rere-skilling, up-skilling and training in affected sectors;
Amendment 141 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) measures to ensure the functioning of border, customs, sanitary and phytosanitary, security and fisheries controls, as well as the collection of indirect taxation including additional personnel, training and infrastructure;
Amendment 143 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) measures for communication, information and awareness-raising of citizens, workers and businesses about changes stemming from the withdrawal to their rights and obligations and about measures that take or will take place to contribute to the objectives referred to in Article 3 as well as about their eligibility criteria.
Amendment 149 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. When designing support measures, Member States shall take into account the varied impact of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union on different regions, businesses, workers and local communities and focus support from the Reserve on those most affected, as appropriate. Member States shall pay particular attention to SMEs given their significance for social and economic cohesion and their contribution to the EU economy.
Amendment 151 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. When designing support measures, Member States shall engage in meaningful, inclusive and accessible consultations with national, regional and local authorities, social partners, employees, local communities, civil society organisations and all other relevant stakeholders, especially of the sectors and territories affected by the withdrawal of the United Kingdom.
Amendment 153 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Measures eligible under paragraph 1 shall be in accordance with the principles set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights and shall contribute to the Union’s environmental targets in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Amendment 158 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 165 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall pay the pre- financing within 630 days of the date of the adoption of the implementing act referred to in paragraph 2. It shall be cleared in accordance with Article 11.
Amendment 169 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. The Member States shall submit an application to the Commission for a financial contribution from the Reserve by 30 September 20234. The Commission shall assess this application and establish whether additional amounts are due to Member States or any amounts should be recovered from the Member States in accordance with Article 11.
Amendment 172 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2
2. Where a Member State does not submit an application for a financial contribution from the Reserve by 30 September 20234, the Commission shall recover the total amount paid as pre- financing to that Member State.
Amendment 177 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) a description of the impact of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union in economic and social terms including an identification of the regions, areas and secto, sectors and workers most affected;
Amendment 181 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) a description of the contribution of the measures to climate change mitigation and adaptationthe principles set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights and to the Union’s environmental targets in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Amendment 193 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 5
Article 11 – paragraph 5
5. The Commission shall clear the respective pre-financing and pay any additional amount due within 630 days of adoption of the implementing act referred to in paragraph 2.
Amendment 41 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) In order to accommodate new initiatives of the Union in the field of tax transparency, Council Directive 2011/16/EU21 has been the subject of a series of amendments over the last years. These changes mainly introduced reporting obligations, followed by communication to other Member States, related to financial accounts, advance cross-border rulings and advance pricing arrangements, country-by- country reports and reportable cross-border arrangements. In such a way, these amendments extended the scope of the automatic exchange of information. The tax authorities now have a broader set of cooperation tools at their disposal, to detect and tackle forms of tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance, in order to safeguard tax revenues and to ensure fair taxation. _________________ 21Council Directive 2011/16/EU of 15 February 2011 on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation and repealing Directive 77/799/EEC (OJ L 64, 11.3.2011, p. 1).
Amendment 44 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) The Union and the Member States should ensure a harmonised system of penalties and sanctions across the Union to prevent the exploitation of loopholes and differences among Member States’ taxation systems by platform operators. In case of violation of the rules, financial penalties and exclusion from public contracts should be considered. In extreme and repeated cases, the possibility of revoking the business licence of the platform operator should be an option.
Amendment 45 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 b (new)
Recital 3 b (new)
(3b) Given the global technological advancement, there is a need for advanced supervisory mechanisms that are in close contact with the relevant counter-criminal financing bodies.
Amendment 46 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) Any information regarding cross- border schemes with implications for third countries should also be disclosed to the tax authorities in these countries. This should concern in particular developing countries, which often have a more limited access to international systems of exchange of tax information.
Amendment 60 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
(15a) Individuals who have access to information related to sensitive tax information of platform operators and multinational corporations regarding tax evasion and tax avoidance practices, should be encouraged to come forward and cooperate with the authorities with discretion and respect to the public interest, and they should be fully protected if they do so.
Amendment 63 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16 a (new)
Recital 16 a (new)
(16a) The Commission should provide, every three years after the entry into force of this Directive, a report on the application of this Directive to the European Parliament and the Council, taking into account the Member States’ reports on exchange of information and best practices and propose concrete improvements when necessary, including by legislative proposals. The Commission should make this evaluation report public.
Amendment 76 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 26 a (new)
Recital 26 a (new)
Amendment 91 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Member States shall inform the Commission annually of at least twoll categories of income and capital mentioned in the first subparagraph with regard to which they communicate information concerning residents of another Member State.
Amendment 94 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. Before 1 January 2023, Member States shall inform the Commission of at least fourll categories listed in paragraph 1 in respect of which the competent authority of each Member State shall, by automatic exchange, communicate to the competent authority of any other Member State, information concerning residents in that other Member State. The information shall concern taxable periods starting on or after 1 January 2024.
Amendment 105 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point b
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8b – paragraph 2
Article 8b – paragraph 2
Amendment 107 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point b a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 8b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
(ba) In paragraph 2, the first subparagraph is replaced by the following: “2. Before 1 January 201922, the Commission shall submit a report that provides an overview and an assessment of the statistics and information received under paragraph 1 of this Article, on issues such as the administrative and other relevant costs and benefits of the automatic exchange of information, as well as practical aspects linked thereto. If appropriate, the Commission shall present a proposal to the Council regarding the categories and the conditions laid down in Article 8(1), including the condition that information concerning residents in other Member States has to be available, or the items referred to in Article 8(3a), or both.’
Amendment 108 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point b b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point b b (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Article 8b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point a
(bb) In paragraph 2, point a of the second subparagraph is replaced by the following: ‘(a) the competent authority of each Member State shall, by automatic exchange, communicate to the competent authority of any other Member State, information regarding taxable periods as from 1 January 201922 concerning residents in that other Member State, on all categories of income and capital listed in Article 8(1), as they are to be understood under the national legislation of the Member State communicating the information; and’
Amendment 118 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 21 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
7. The Commission shall develop and provide all the necessary technical and logistical support for a secure central interface on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation where Member States communicate with the use of standard forms pursuant to Article 20(1) and (3). The competent authorities of all Member States shall have access to that interface. For the purpose of collecting statistics, the Commission shall have access to information about the exchanges recorded to the interface and which can be extracted automatically. The access by the Commission shall be without prejudice to the obligation of Member States to provide statistics on exchanges of information in accordance with Article 23(4).
Amendment 120 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 23 – paragraph 2
Article 23 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall examine and evaluate, in their jurisdiction, the effectiveness of administrative cooperation in accordance with this Directive in combating tax evasion and tax avoidance and shall communicate annually the results of their evaluation to the Commission. These annual reports shall be made public.
Amendment 122 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 17 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 17 a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 23a – paragraph 1
Article 23a – paragraph 1
(17a) In Article 23a, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: ‘1. Information communicated to the Commission pursuant to this Directive shall be kept confidential by the Commission in accordance with the provisions applicable to Union authorities and may not be used for any purposes other than those required to determine whether and to what extent Membeto the point that does not harm public interest or States comply with this Directive. (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0016-20200701)xpayers.’ Or. en
Amendment 123 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18 Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18 Directive 2011/16/EU
Reports and documents produced by the Commission, referred to in the first subparagraph, may be used by the Member States only for analytical purposes, and shall not be published or made available to any other person or body without the exprand be accessible to all interested partiess agreement of the Commissionnd subsequently be public.
Amendment 128 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 25a – paragraph 1
Article 25a – paragraph 1
Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive and concerning Articles 8aa, 8ab and 8ac, and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive. These penalties shall include financial penalties, exclusion from public contracts and, in extreme and repeated cases, the revoking of the business licence of the platform operator.
Amendment 129 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20 a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 25b (new)
Article 25b (new)
(20a) The following article is added: ‘Article 25b Review clause By ... [three years after the date of entry into force of this amending Directive], and every three years henceforth, the Commission shall present a report on the efficiency of the Directive and make specific proposals, including legislative proposals, for its improvement. This report shall be made public.’
Amendment 58 #
2020/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Based on its spring 2020 economic forecast, Commission estimates derived from firm-level data suggest that the equity repair needs resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic could be in the region of EUR 720 billion in 2020. The number could go significantly higher in case lockdown measures were to stay in place for longer than currently assumed, or if they had to be re-imposed due to a resurgence of contaminations. Moreover, the Commission’s summer 2020 economic forecast projects a significantly greater contraction of the EU economy in 2020 and a less robust recovery in 2021 than initially predicted, leading to an even deeper recession with wider divergences. In a stress scenario, in which 2020 GDP growth would be projected at -15.5%, the direct impact on equity of all incorporated companies (listed and non-listed) in the Union could rise to EUR 1.2 trillion. If left unaddressed these capital shortfalls maywill lead to a prolonged period of lower investment and much higher unemployment. The impact of the capital shortfall will be uneven across sectors and Member States, leading to even wider divergences in the single market. This is compounded by the fact that the capacity of Member States to provide State aid differs greatly.
Amendment 69 #
2020/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) In accordance with Regulation [European Union Recovery Instrument]order to address the capital shortfall of companies, especially SMEs, and within the limits of resources allocated therein,s impact in terms of investment and employment, targeted and effective recovery and resilience measures under the solvency support window of the European Fund for Strategic Investments should be carried out as soon as possible to address the unprecedented socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Such additional resources should be used in such a way as to ensure compliance with the time limits provided for in Regulation [EURI].
Amendment 76 #
2020/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In order to counter the severe economic and social consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic in the Union, companies that have encountereding difficulties because of the economic crisis caused by the pandemic and thats well as micro and small companies with pre-existing difficulties that have been further aggravated due to the pandemic, which cannot obtain sufficient support through market financing, or measures undertaken by Member States, should be provided with a facility for solvency support as a matter of urgency under a Solvency Support Instrument which should be added as a third window under the EFSI.
Amendment 81 #
2020/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) The purpose of the Solvency Support Instrument is to help companies to overcome this difficult period so that they are in a position to carry the recovery, to safeguard employment levels, and to counter-balance the expected distortions in the single market, given that not all companies have, by definition, the same level of access to market financing and certain Member States may not have sufficient budgetary means available to provide adequate support to companies in need. The possibility of national solvency support measures for companies may therefore differ substantially across Member States and sectors and lead to an uneven playing field. Furthermore, as there is a considerable risk that the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak will be long- lasting and to a certain extent, unpredictable, this lack of capacity to help viable companies can lead to systemic distortions, creating new disparities or cementing existing ones. Given the strong interdependence of the Union economy, an economic downturn in one part of the Union or in a specific sector would have negative spill-over effects on cross-border supply chains or on other sectors, respectively, and therefore on the Union economy as a whole. Conversely, for the same reason, support in one part of the Union or in a specific sector would also have positive spill-over effects on cross- border supply chains or on other sectors, respectively, and therefore on the Union economy as a whole.
Amendment 89 #
2020/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Companies supported under the Solvency Support Instrument should be established and operating in the Union, meaning that they should have their registered office in a Member State and should be active in the Union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff, manufacturing, research and development or other business activities in the Union. They should pursue activities in support of objectives covered by this Regulation. They should have a viable business model and not have been in difficulty in terms of the State aid framework7 already at end 2019. Support should also target companies that have been newly created before the end of 2020, which have acquired or are managing assets or branches of companies in difficulty in terms of the State aid framework already at the end of 2019, provided that there has been a change in management. Micro or small enterprises that were already in difficulty on 31 December 2019 should also be eligible, subject to certain conditions, since they are eligible for State aid under the Temporary Framework for State aid measures7a. Support should be targeted at eligible companies operating in those Member States and sectors which are most impacted by the Covid-19 crisis and/or where the availapossibility of State solvency support isand access to market financing are more limited. _________________ 7 As defined in Article 2(18) of Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 of 17 June 2014 declaring certain categories of aid compatible with the internal market in application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty (OJ L 187, 26.6.2014, p.1). 7aThe Communication from the Commission of 20 March 2020 on Temporary Framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Amendment 96 #
2020/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) The Steering Board should set specific geographical and sectoral concentration limits for the solvency support window, in line with the indicators and methodology established by the Commission, in order to ensure, respectively, that the majority of the EU guarantee under the Solvency Support Instrument supports eligible companies in Member States and sectors which have been economically most adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and that the majority of that guarantee supports eligible companies in Member States, where the possibility of State solvency support and access to market financing are most limited. The limits can be updated over time in view of the COVID- 19 impacts.
Amendment 123 #
2020/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The financing and investment operations should be aligned with current policy priorities and objectives of the Union such as the European Green Deal, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, the “do no significant harm” principle, the European Pillar of Social Rights, the just transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 at the latest and the Strategy on shaping Europe’s digital future. Support to cross-border activities should also be targeted.
Amendment 148 #
2020/0106(COD)
(14a) In order to ensure accountability to European citizens, the EIB should regularly report to the European Parliament and the Council on the progress, impact and operations of the Solvency Support Instrument, in particular as regards the number of operations conducted, the geographical and sectoral coverage and the social impact, with a special focus on job positions preserved due to the access to the solvency support window. At the request of the European Parliament, the Chair of the Steering Board and the Managing Director should participate in hearings and reply to questions within a fixed period. The Commission should report annually on the situation of the guarantee fund.
Amendment 183 #
2020/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Regulation (EU) 2015/1017
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 – introductory part
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 – introductory part
The operations concerned shall be consistent with Union policies and objectives, including the European Green Deal9, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, the “do no significant harm” principle, the European Pillar of Social Rights, the just transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 at the latest, the New Industrial Strategy for Europe9a and the Strategy on shaping Europe’s digital future10 , as well as supporting an inclusive and symmetric recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and support any of the following general objectives:’ _________________ 9 COM(2020)640 final. 9a COM(2020)102 final. 10 COM(2019)67 final.
Amendment 191 #
2020/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Regulation (EU) 2015/1017
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a – point a
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a – point a
(a) target that at least 40 % of EFSI financing under the infrastructure and innovation window support project components that contribute to climate action, in line with the commitments made at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21)European Green Deal, the Paris Agreement and the “do no significant harm” principle. EFSI financing for SMEs and small mid- cap companies shall not be included in that computation. The EIB shall use its internationally agreed methodology to identify those climate action project components or cost shares;
Amendment 198 #
2020/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Regulation (EU) 2015/1017
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a – point c
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a – point c
(c) ensure that the majority of EFSI financing under the solvency support window is utilised to support eligible companies in Member States and sectors where the availapossibility of State solvency support isand access to market financing are more limited.
Amendment 214 #
2020/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 24 – point -a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 24 – point -a (new)
Regulation (EU) 2015/1017
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
(-a) in paragraph 1, the second subparagraph is amended as follows: ‘The EIAH shall be able to provide technical assistance in the areas listed in Article 9(2), in particular energy efficiency, TEN-T and urban mobility. It shall also support the preparation of climate action and circular economy projects or components thereof, in particular in the context of COP21,as well as the transition to a fair, inclusive, sustainable and carbon-neutral economy by 2050 at the latest or components thereof, in particular in the context of the European Green Deal, the Paris Agreement, the “do no significant harm” principle and the preparation of projects in the digital sector, as well as the preparation of projects referred to in the second indent of the third subparagraph of Article 5(1).’
Amendment 249 #
2020/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 31 – point 3 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 31 – point 3 a (new)
Regulation (EU) 2015/1017
Annex II – Section 8 – paragraph 1 – point a
Annex II – Section 8 – paragraph 1 – point a
(3a) In Section 8, point a is amended as follows: ‘(a) Sectoral Concentration In order to manage sector diversification and concentration of the EFSI portfolio, the Steering Board shall set indicative concentration limits in respect of the volume of operations supported by the EU guarantee at the end of the investment period. The indicative concentration limits shall be made public. The Steering Board may decide to modify these indicative limits, after consulting the Investment Committee. In that case, the Steering Board shall explain its decision to the European Parliament and to the Council in writing.The Steering Board shall set specific diversification and concentration limits under the Solvency Support Window to ensure that the respective requirements of Article 9(2a), (b) and (c) are fulfilled, whilst avoiding excessive concentration in a limited number of sectors. The Steering Board shall regularly take stock of the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Member States and sectors. On this basis, the Steering Board may decide to modify these limits, after consulting the Investment Committee. The Steering Board shall explain its decisions relating to the indicative and Solvency Support Window specific limits to the European Parliament and the Council in writing. The European Parliament and the Council may invite the Chair of the Steering Board to an exchange of views on those decisions.’
Amendment 128 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) At Union level, the European Semester of economic policy coordination (‘European Semester’), including the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the objectives of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, is the framework to identify national reformsustainable reform and investment priorities and monitor their implementation. In this context, which needs to be replaced in order to promote fair, inclusive and sustainable growth, high-quality employment and environmental protection as clearly shown by the COVID-19 crisis as well as the economic and financial crisis of 2008, Member States develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reforms and investments. Those strategies should be presented alongside the yearly National Reform Programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national and/or Union funding.
Amendment 133 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 is a major symmetric shock to the global and Union economy with major asymmetric social and economic impact across Member States and regions and has changed the economic and social outlook for the years to come in the Union and in the world, calling for an urgent, efficient and coordinated response from the Unionboth at Union and at Member States’ level in order to cope with the enormous economic and social consequences for all Member States. According to the Commission Summer 2020 Economic Forecast, the EU economy is forecast to contract by 8.3% in 2020, significantly greater and with wider divergences than initially projected and far deeper than during the financial crisis of 2008. Moreover, employment decreased by 2.7% in the EU in the second quarter of 2020 compared with the previous quarter, after already decreasing by 0.2% in the first quarter. The challenges linked to the demographic context have also been amplified by COVID-19. The current COVID-19 pandemic as well as the previous economic and financial crisis of 2008 have shown that developing sound, sustainable, socially balanced and resilient economies and financial systems built on strong economic and social structures helps Member States to respond more efficiently to shocks and recover more swiftly from them in a fair, inclusive and sustainable way. The medium and long-term social and economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis will critically depend on how quickly Member States’ economies and societies will recover from the crisis, which in turn depends on the fiscal space Member States have available to take measures to mitigate the social and economic impact of the crisis, and on the resilience of their economies. RSustainable reforms and investments to address structural weaknesses of the economies and societies and strengthen their resilience will therefore be essential to set the economies back on a fair, inclusive and sustainable recovery path and avoid further widening of the divergences in the Union.
Amendment 158 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The implementation of reforms and investments contributing to achieve a high degree of resilience and sustainability of domestic economies and societies, strengthening adjustment capacity and unlocking sustainable growth potential are among the Union’s policy priorities. They are therefore crucial to set the recovery on a fair, inclusive and sustainable path and support the process of upward economic and soc, social and territorial convergence and cohesion. This is even more necessary in the aftermath of the pandemicCOVID-19 crisis to pave the way for a swift, fair, inclusive and sustainable recovery.
Amendment 177 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Past experiences have shown that investment is often drastically cut during crises. However, it is essential to support investment in this particular situation to speed up the recovery and strengthen long- term sustainable growth potential. Investing in green and digital technologies, capacities and processes aimed at assisting clean energy transition, boosting energy efficiency in housing and other key sectors of the, tackling energy poverty and other key economic sectors are important to achieve fair, inclusive and sustainable growth and help create jobspreserve jobs, create new high-quality jobs, tackle in- work poverty and promote equality and inclusion. It will also help make the Union more resilient and less dependent by diversifying key supply chains.
Amendment 198 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Currently, no instrument foresees direct financial support linked to the achievement of results and to implementation of sustainable reforms and public investments of the Member States in response to challenges identified in the European Semestereconomic, social and environmental challenges, and with a view to having a lasting impact on the inclusiveness, sustainability, productivity and resilience of the economy of the Member States.
Amendment 213 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Against this background, it is necessary to strengthen the current framework for the provision of support to Member States and provide direct financial support to Member States through an innovative tool. To that end, a Recovery and Resilience Facility (the ‘Facility’) should be established under this Regulation to provide effective financial and significant support to step up the implementation of sustainable reforms and related public investments in the Member States that help mitigate the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis and promote fair, inclusive and sustainable growth. The Facility should be comprehensive and should also benefit from the experience gained by the Commission and the Member States from the use of the other instruments and programmes.
Amendment 229 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) In accordance with Regulation [European Union Recovery Instrument] and within the limits of resources allocated therein, recovery and resilience measures under the Recovery and Resilience Facility should be carried out to address the unprecedented social and economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Such additional resources should be used in such a way as to ensure compliance with the time limits provided for in Regulation [EURI].
Amendment 236 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Reflecting the European Green Deal as Europe’s sustainable growth strategy and the translation of the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the just transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 at the latest, the Facility established by this Regulation will contribute to mainstreaming climate actions and environmental sustainability in line with the Unions’ energy, climate and environmental targets and the ‘do no significant harm’ principle and to the achievement of an overall target of 25at least 30 % of the EU budget expenditures supporting climate objectives. and environmental objectives. Given the above horizontal target and the relevant contribution of other EU spending programmes to the mainstreaming of the Union’s climate and environmental objectives, at least 50 % of the total funds of the Facility as well as of the total support from the funds set out in each decision approving a recovery and resilience plan should contribute to mainstreaming climate and environmental objectives. Moreover, the Facility should only finance projects respecting the ‘do no significant harm’ principle set out in the Regulation (EU) No 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council [EU Taxonomy Regulation]2a. __________________ 2aRegulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13-43).
Amendment 268 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In order to implement these overall objectives, relevant actions will be identified during the Facility’s preparation and implementation, and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes. Also, due attention should be paid to the impact of the national plans submitted under this Regulation on fostering not only the green transition, but also the digital transformation. They will both play a priority role in relaunching and modernising our economy. At the same time, special attention should be paid to protecting workers that may face negative impact due to the transitions.
Amendment 286 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
Amendment 301 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The Facility’s general objective should be the promotion of upward economic, social and territorial cohesionnvergence and cohesion, the mitigation of the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis and the contribution to the implementation of core Union objectives, such as the European Green Deal, the Paris Agreement, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the digital transformation, the Gender Equality Strategy and the European Pillar of Social Rights. For that purpose, it should contribute to improving the resilience and adjustment capacity of the Member States, mitigating the social and economic impact of the crisis, and supporting the green and digital transitions aimed at achieving a climate neutral Europe by 2050 at the latest, thereby restoring the sustainable growth potential of the economies of the Union in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, fostering high-quality employment creation and to promoting, tackling in-work poverty and promoting fair, inclusive and sustainable growth.
Amendment 324 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) To maximize the objective of additionality of the Facility and therefore increase its European added value, measures starting as of 1 February 2020 that are related to mitigating the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 crisis should be eligible.
Amendment 345 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) To ensure its contribution to the objectives of the Facility, the recovery and resilience plan should comprise measures for the implementation of sustainable reforms and public investment projects through a coherent recovery and resilience plan. The recovery and resilience plan should be consistent with the relevant country- specific challenges and priorities identified in the context of the European Semester, with the national reform and investment programmes, the national energy and climate plans, the just transition plans, and the partnership agreements and operational programmes adopted under the Union funds. To boost actions that fall within the priorities of the European Green Deal and the Digital Agenda, the plan should also set out measures that are relevant for the green and digital transitions. TheUnion, such as the European Green Deal, the Paris Agreement, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the just transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 at the latest, the Gender Equality Strategy, the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Digital Agenda, the recovery and resilience plan should also set out measures shouldthat enable a swift and effective deliver of targets, objectives and contributions set out in national energy and climate plans and updates thereofthat are relevant for these priorities. All supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate and environmental priorities of the Union and in full alignment with the ‘do no significant harm’ principle.
Amendment 372 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) To inform the preparation and the implementation of the recovery and resilience plans by Member States, the European Parliament and the Council should be able to discuss, within the European Semester, the state of recovery, resilience and adjustment capacity in the Union. To ensure appropriate evidence, this discussion should be based, inter alia, on the Commission’s strategic and analytical information available in the context of the European Semester and, if available, on the basis of the information on the implementation of the plans in the preceding years. All relevant information should be made available by the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council promptly, simultaneously and on equal terms.
Amendment 392 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) It is necessary to establish a process for the submission of proposals for recovery and resilience plans by the Member States, and the content thereof. With a view to ensuring the expediency of procedures, a Member State should submit a recovery and resilience plan at the latest by 30 April, in the form of a separate annex of the National Reform Programme. To ensure a fast implementation, Member States should be able to submit a draft plan together with the draft budget of the forthcoming year, on 15 October of the preceding year. For the preparation of the recovery and resilience plans, Member States should be able to make use of the Technical Support Instrument in accordance with Regulation (EU) XX/YY [establishing the Technical Support Instrument].
Amendment 404 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In order to ensure the national ownership and a focus on relevant sustainable reforms and investments, Member States wishing to receive support should submit to the Commission a recovery and resilience plan that is duly reasoned and substantiated. These plans should be drawn up based on multilevel, meaningful and inclusive consultations with local and regional authorities, social partners, employees, local communities, civil society organisations and all other relevant stakeholders both at national and at regional level. The recovery and resilience plan should set out the detailed set of measures for its implementation, including targets and milestones, and the expected impact of the recovery and resilience plan on growth potential, job creation and economic and social resilience; it should also include measures that are relevant for the green and the digital transitions; it should also include anthe objectives of this Regulation; it should also include an explanation on how local and regional authorities, social partners, exmplanation of the consistency of the proposed recovery and resilience plan with oyees, local communities, civil society organisations and all other relevant country-specific challenges and priorities identifiestakeholders have been substantially consulted and ion the context of the European Semesterhow and to what extend their inputs were taken into account. Close cooperation between the Commission and the Member States should be sought and achieved throughout the process.
Amendment 425 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) The Commission should assess the recovery and resilience plan proposed by the Member States and should act in close cooperation with the Member State concerned. The Commission will fully respect the national ownership of the process and will therefore take into account the justification and elements provided by the Member State concerned and assess whether the recovery and resilience plan proposed by the Member State is expected to contribute to effectithe effectiveness, efficiency, relevance and coherence of the recovelry address challenges identified in the relevant country-specific recommendation addresnd resilience plan proposed toby the Member State concerned or in other relevant documents officially adopted by the Commission in the European Semester;s, including whether the plan contains measures that effectively contribute to the green and the digital transiobjectives of this Regulations and to addressing the social, economic and environmental challenges resulting from them; whether the plan is expected to have a lasting impact in the Member State concerned; whether the plan is expected to effectively contribute to strengthen the growth potential,fair, inclusive and sustainable growth, high-quality job creation and economic and social resilience of the Member State, mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis and contribute to enhancing upward economic, social and territorial cohesion; whether the plan is expected to effectively contribute to the implementation of the commitments of the Union, such as the European Green Deal, the Paris Agreement, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the just transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 at the latest, the digital transition, the Gender Equality Strategy and the European Pillar of Social Rights; whether the justification provided by the Member State of the estimated total costs of the recovery and resilience plan submitted is reasonable and plausible and is commensurate to the expected impact on the economy and employment; whether the proposed recovery and resilience plan contains measures for the implementation of sustainable reforms and public investment projects that represent coherent actions; and whether the arrangement proposed by the Member State concerned are expected to ensure effective implementation of the recovery and resilience plan, including the proposed milestones and targets, and the related indicatorsrelated economic, social and environmental indicators; and whether local and regional authorities, social partners, employees, local communities, civil society organisations and all other relevant stakeholders both at national and at regional level have been substantially consulted.
Amendment 457 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
Amendment 476 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) The request for a loan should be justified by the financial needs linked to additional reforms and investments included in the recovery and resilience plan, notably relevant for higher cost of the green and digital transitions, and by therefore, by a higher cost of the planforms and investments than the maximum financial contribution (to be) allocated via the non-repayable contribution. It should be possible to submit the request for a loan together with the submission of the plan or at a later stage. In case the request for a loan is made at a different moment in timelater stage and concerns additional reforms and investments, it should be accompanied by a revised plan with additionalrelevant milestones and targets. To ensure frontloading of resources, Member States should request a loan support at the latest by 31 August 2024. For the purposes of sound financial management, the total amount of all the loans granted under this Regulation should be capped. In addition, the maximum volume of the loan for each Member State should not exceed 4.76.8 % of its Gross National Income. An increase of the capped amount should be possible in exceptional circumstances subject to available resources. For the same reasons of sound financial management, it should be possible to pay the loan in instalments against the fulfilment of results.
Amendment 484 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) A Member State should have the possibility to make a reasoned request to amendcomplement, amend or replace the recovery and resilience plan within the period of implementation, where objective circumstances justify such a course of action. The Commission should assess the reasoned request and take a new decision within four monthstwo months. For the purpose of complementing, amending or replacing their recovery and resiliency plans, the Member States should be able to make use of the Technical Support Instrument in accordance with Regulation (EU) XX/YY [establishing the Technical Support Instrument].
Amendment 490 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) For reasons of efficiency and simplification in the financial management of the instrument, the Union financial support to recovery and resilience plans should take the form of a financing based on the achievement of results measured by reference to milestones and targets indicated in the approved recovery and resilience plans. To this effect, the additional loan support should be linked to the additional milestones and targets compared to those relevant for the financial support (i.e. the non-repayable support)Given the lack of financial means of the Member Sates and the urgent need to promote the objectives of this Regulation, pre-financing of at least 20% of the total support from the funds set out in the decision approving a recovery and resilience plan should be made available by the Commission.
Amendment 513 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) For the purposes of transparency and accountability, the recovery and resilience plans adopted by the Commission should be promptly communicated to the European Parliament and the Council on equal terms and communication activities should be carried out by the Commission as appropriate.
Amendment 522 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 35 a (new)
Recital 35 a (new)
(35a) Pursuant to the principles of accountability and transparency, spending under the Facility should be subject to a discharge procedure by the European Parliament.
Amendment 529 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) It is opportune that the Commission provides an annualquarterly reports to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of the Facility set out in this Regulation. Thisese reports should include detailed information on the progress made by Member States under the recovery and resilience plans approved; itnumber of approved and pending recovery and resilience plans, the progress made with the plans of the Member States concerned under the Facility, the status of implementation of the targets and milestones for each Member State, the amounts committed for and paid to each Member State and in total, the payment applications made, the payment decisions adopted, the suspension or cancellation of payments, the recovery of funds, the recipients of the funds and all other relevant information that ensure full transparency and accountability; they should also include information on the volume of the proceeds assigned to the Facility under the European Union Recovery Instrument in the previous yeaquarter, broken down by budget line, and the contribution of the amounts raised through the European Union Recovery Instrument to the achievements of the objectives of the Facility. In line with the principles of transparency and accountability, at the request of the European Parliament, the Commission should participate quarterly in hearings before the European Parliament in order to report on the activities and information included in the quarterly reports.
Amendment 540 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) An independent evaluation, looking at the achievement of the objectives of the Facility established by this Regulation, the efficiency of the use of its resources and its added value should be carried out. Where appropriate, the evaluation should be accompanied by a proposal for amendments to this Regulation. An independent ex-post evaluation should, in addition, deal with the long-term impact of the instrumentssocial, economic, regional and environmental impact of the Facility, including specific data and results for each Member State.
Amendment 557 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) The recovery and resilience plans to be implemented by the Member States and the corresponding financial contribution allocated to them should be established by the Commission by way of implementingdelegated act. In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powerpowers to adopt delegated acts should be conferred on the Commission. The implementing powerpower to adopt acts relating to the adoption of the recovery and resilience plans and to the payment of the financial support upon fulfilment of the relevant milestones and targets should be exercised by the Commission in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament andArticle 290 of the Treaty ofn the CoFuncil, under the examination procedure thereof13 tioning of the European Union (TFEU). After the adoption of an implementing delegated act, it should be possible for the Member State concerned and the Commission to agree on certain operational arrangements of a technical nature, detailing aspects of the implementation with respect to timelines, indicators for the milestones and targets, and access to underlying data. To allow the continuous relevance of the operational arrangements in respect of the prevailing circumstances during the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan, it should be possible that the elements of such technical arrangements may be modified by mutual consent. Horizontal financial rules adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on the basis of Article 322 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union apply to this Regulation. These rules are laid down in the Financial Regulation and determine in particular the procedure for establishing and implementing the budget through grants, procurement, prizes, indirect implementation, and provide for checks on the responsibility of financial actors. Rules adopted on the basis of Article 322 TFEU also concern the protection of the Union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States, as the respect for the rule of law is an essential precondition for sound financial management and effective EU funding. __________________ 13 Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13).
Amendment 1075 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2
Article 16 – paragraph 2
2. When assessing the recovery and resilience plan and in the determination of the amount to be allocated to the Member State concerned, the Commission shall take into account the analytical information on the Member State concerned available in the context of the European Semester as well as the justification and the elements provided by the Member State concerned, as referred to in Article 15(3), and any other relevant information including, in particular, the one contained in the National Reform Programme and the National Energy and Climate Plan of the Member State concerned and, if relevant, information from technical support received via the Technical Support Instrument. The Commission shall also require a gender impact assessment of the plan carried out by an independent expert or proceed to such an assessment itself.
Amendment 1089 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The Commission shall assess the importance and coherence of the recovery and resilience plan and its contribution to the green, care and digital transitions, and for that purpose, shall take into account the following criteria:
Amendment 1091 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The Commission shall assess the importeffectiveness, efficiency, relevance and coherence of the recovery and resilience plan and its contribution to the green and digital transitions, and for that purpose, shall take into account the following criteria:
Amendment 1101 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) whether the recovery and resilience plan is expected to contribute to effectively address challenges identified in the relevaneffectively contribute to the scope set country-specific recommendations addressed to the Member State concerned or in other relevant documents officially adopted by the Commission in the European Semestert in Article 3 and to the objectives set out in Article 4;
Amendment 1123 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) whether the plan contains measures that effectively contribute to the green, care and the digital transitions or to addressing the challenges resulting from them;
Amendment 1124 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) whether the plan contains measures that effectively contribute to the green and the digital transitions or to addressing the challenges resulting from themat least 50% of the amount requested for the plan is expected to contribute to mainstreaming climate and environmental objectives;
Amendment 1150 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)
(c a) whether the gender equality plan included in the recovery and resilience plan effectively addresses the gender issues emerging in the crisis and ensures gender equality. In particular, the area of employment, access to finance as well as whether it includes measures to prevent and combat gender-based and domestic violence;
Amendment 1159 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point d
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point d
(d) whether the recovery and resilience plan is expected to effectively contribute to strengthen the growth potential, job creation, and economic and social resilience of the Member State, mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis, and contribute to enhance economic, social and territorlocal and regional authorities, social partners, employees, local communities, civil society organisations and all other relevant stakeholders both at national and at regional level have been substantially cohesionnsulted;
Amendment 1165 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point d
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point d
(d) whether the recovery and resilience plan is expected to effectively contribute to strengthen the growth potential, job creation, gender equality and economic and social resilience of the Member State, mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis, and contribute to enhance economic, social and territorial cohesion;
Amendment 1224 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall adopt a decision within fourtwo months of the official submission of the recovery and resilience plan by the Member State, by means of an implementing delegated act. In the event that the Commission gives a positive assessment to a recovery and resilience plan, that decision shall set out the sustainable reforms and investment projects to be implemented by the Member State, including the milestones and targets, and the financial contribution allocated in accordance with Article 11.
Amendment 1236 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 2
2. In case the Member State concerned requests a loan support, the decision shall also set out the amount of the loan support as referred to in Article 12(4) and (5) and, where applicable, the additional reforms and investment projects to be implemented by the Member State covered by that loan support, including the additionalrelevant milestones and targets.
Amendment 1240 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The financial contribution referred to in paragraph 1 for recovery and resilience plans that comply with the criteria set out in Article 16(3) shall be determined on the basis of the estimated total costs of the recovery and resilience plan proposed by the Member State concerned, as assessed under the criteria set out in Article 16(3). The amount of financial contribution shall be set as follows:
Amendment 1243 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) where the recovery and resilience plan complies satisfactorily with the criteria set out in Article 16(3), and the amount of the estimated total costs of the recovery and resilience plan is equal to, or higher than, the maximum financial contribution for that Member State referred to in Article 10, the financial contribution allocated to the Member State concerned shall be equal to the total amount of the maximum financial contribution referred to in Article 10;
Amendment 1252 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) where the recovery and resilience plan complies satisfactorily with the criteria set out in Article 16(3), and the amount of the estimated total costs of the recovery and resilience plan is lower than the maximum financial contribution for that Member State referred to in Article 10, the financial contribution allocated to the Member State shall be equal to the amount of the estimated total costs of the recovery and resilience plan;
Amendment 1256 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – point c
Amendment 1282 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point g
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point g
(g) where appropriate, the amount of the loan to be paid in instalments and the additional, where applicable, the milestones and targets related to the disbursement of the loan support.
Amendment 1285 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 5
Article 17 – paragraph 5
5. WhereIn case a recovery and resilience plan does not comply satisfactorily with the criteria set out in Article 16(3), the Commission shall gives a negative assessment to athe recovery and resilience plan, it and no financial contribution shall be allocated to the Member State concerned. In such case, the Commission shall communicate a duly justified assessment within fourtwo months of the submission of the proposal by the Member State. The Member State concerned may make a request for technical support in accordance with Regulation XX/YYYY [Technical Support Instrument] in order to amend or replace the plan.
Amendment 1297 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 7
Article 17 – paragraph 7
Amendment 1308 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – title
Article 18 – title
Amendment 1310 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
1. Where the recovery and resilience plan including relevant milestones and targets, is no longer achievable, either partially or totally, by the Member State concerned because of objective circumstances, the Member State concernedThe Member States may make a reasoned request to the Commission to complement, amend or replace the decisions referred to in Article 17(1) and 17(2). To that effect, the Member State concerned may propose a complementary, modified or a new recovery and resilience plan.
Amendment 1318 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
2. Where the Commission considers that the reasons put forward by the Member State concerned justify an amendthe complementation, amendment or replacement of the relevant recovery and resilience plan, the Commission shall assess the new plan in accordance with the provisions of Article 16 and shall take a new decision in accordance with Article 17 within fourtwo months of the official submission of the request.
Amendment 1324 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 3
Article 18 – paragraph 3
3. Where the Commission considers that the reasons put forward by the Member State concerned do not justify an amendthe complementation, amendment or replacement of the relevant recovery and resilience plan, it shall reject the request within fourtwo months of its official submission, after having given the Member State concerned the possibility to present its observations within a period of one month of the communication of the Commission's duly justified conclusions. The Member State concerned may make a request for technical support in accordance with Regulation XX/YYYY [Technical Support Instrument] to meet the concerns included in the Commission's duly justified conclusions.
Amendment 1337 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2
Article 19 – paragraph 2
2. Payment of financial contributions to the Member State concerned under this Article shall be made in accordance with the budget appropriations and subject to the available funding. The Commission decisions referred to in this Article shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 27(2).
Amendment 1344 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. At the request of the Member State concerned, the Commission shall approve at least 20% of pre-financing of the total support from the funds set out in the decision approving a recovery and resilience plan.
Amendment 1352 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Upon completion of the relevant agreed milestones and targets indicated in the recovery and resilience plan as approved in the implementingdelegated act of the Commission, the Member State concerned shall submit to the Commission a duly justified request for payment of the financial contribution and, where relevant, of the loan tranche. Such requests for payment may be submitted by the Member States to the Commission on a biannual basis. The Commission shall assess, within two months of receiving the request, whether the relevant milestones and targets set out in the decision referred to in Article 17(1) have been satisfactorily implemented. For the purpose of the assessment, the operational arrangement referred to in Article 17(6) shall also be taken into account. The Commission may be assisted by experts.
Amendment 1409 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall transmit the recovery and resilience plans as approved in the implementingdelegated act of the Commission in accordance with Article 17 to the European Parliament and the Council without undue delay. The Member State concerned may request the Commission to redact sensitive or confidential information, the disclosure of which would jeopardise public interests of the Member Stateand any other relevant information, promptly, simultaneously and on equal terms to the European Parliament and the Council without undue delay.
Amendment 1424 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 a (new)
Article 21 a (new)
Article 21 a Discharge procedure Spending under the Facility shall be subject to a discharge procedure by the European Parliament.
Amendment 1446 #
Amendment 1454 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1
Article 24 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall provide an annualsubmit quarterly reports to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of the Facility set out in this Regulation.
Amendment 1455 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 2
Article 24 – paragraph 2
2. The annualquarterly reports shall include detailed information on the progress made with the recovery and resilience plans of the Member States concerned under the Facnumber of approved and pending recovery and resilience plans, the progress made with the plans of the Member States concerned under the Facility, the status of implementation of the targets and milestones for each Member State, the amounts committed for and paid to each Member State and in total, the payment applications made, the payment decisions adopted, the suspension or cancellation of payments, the recovery of funds, the recipients of the funds and all other relevant information that ensure full transparency and accountability.
Amendment 1464 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The annualquarterly reports shall also include the following information:
Amendment 1469 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) The volume of the proceeds assigned to the Facility under the European Union Recovery Instrument in the previous yeaquarter, broken down by budget line, and
Amendment 1483 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4
Article 24 – paragraph 4
4. For the purpose of the reporting on the activities referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission may use the content of theall relevant documents officially adopted by the Commission under the European Semester as appropriate.
Amendment 1487 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. At the request of the European Parliament, the Commission shall participate quarterly in hearings before the European Parliament to report on the activities and information referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3.
Amendment 1492 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1
Article 25 – paragraph 1
1. Four years after the entry into force of this Regulation, the Commission shall provide the European Parliament, and the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions with an independent evaluation report on its implementation and with an independent ex post evaluation report no later than threone years after the end of 2027.
Amendment 1513 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27
Article 27
Amendment 68 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92 b – paragraph 3
Article 92 b – paragraph 3
3. 0.35% of the additional resources shall be allocated to technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission, with a special focus on Member States hit harder by the pandemic and Member States with lower absorption and implementation rates.
Amendment 95 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92 b – paragraph 13 a (new)
Article 92 b – paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Τhe Commission, Member States and managing authorities shall ensure full respect of the applicable rules for the sound management of the resources and for the transparency of their spending.
Amendment 34 #
2020/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The Commission adopted a Communication on the European Green Deal on 11 December 20199 , drawing its roadmap towards a new growth policy for Europe and setting ambitious objectives to counter climate change and for environmental protection. In line with the objective to achieve climate neutrality in the Union by 2050 at the latest in an effective and fair manner, the European Green Deal announced a Just Transition Mechanism to provide meansfinancial means and knowledge for facing the climate challengerisis while leaving no one behind. The most vulnerable regions and people are the most exposed to the harmful effects of climate change and environmental degradation. At the same time, managing the transition requires significant structural changes both at regional and national level. _________________ 9 COM(2019) 640 final.
Amendment 51 #
2020/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) A public sector loan facility (the ‘Facility’) should be provided. It constitutes the third pillar of the Just Transition Mechanism, supporting public sector entities in their investments. Such investments should meet the development needs resulting from the social and economic transition challenges described in the territorial just transition plans as adopted by the Commission after meaningful consultation with all relevant stakeholders at regional level. The activities envisaged for support should be consistent with and complement those supported under the other two pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism.
Amendment 60 #
2020/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) In order to enhance the regional cohesion and economic diversification of territories impacted by the transition, the Facility should cover a wide range of sustainable investments, on condition that they contribute to meet the development needs in the transition towards a climate neutral economy, as described in the territorial just transition plans. The investments supported may covershould exclude fossil fuels and should cover renewable energy and transport infrastructure, district heating networks only for coal regions in transition, green mobility, smart waste management, clean energy and energy efficiency measures including renovations and conversions of buildings, support to transition to a circular economy, land restoration and decontamination, as well as up- and re-skilling, training and social infrastructure, including social housing. Infrastructure developments may also include solutions leading to their enhanced resilience to withstand disasters. Comprehensive investment approach in accordance with the "do not harm" principle should be favoured in particular for territories with important transition needs. Investments in other sectors could also be supported if they are consistent with the adopted territorial just transition plans. By supporting investments that do not generate sufficient revenues, the Facility aims at providing public sector entities with additional resources necessary to address the social, economic and environmental challenges resulting from the adjustment to climate transition. In order to help identify investments with a high positive environmental impact eligible under the Facility, the EU taxonomy on environmentally sustainable economic activities mayshould be used.
Amendment 106 #
2020/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Specific eligibility conditions and award criteria should be set out in the work programme and the call for proposals. Those eligibility conditions and award criteria should take into account the relevance of the project in the context of the development needs described in the territorial just transition plans, the overall objective of promoting regional and territorial convergencehesion and the significance of the grant component for the viability of the project. Union Support established by this Regulation should thus only be made available to Member States with at least one territorial just transition plan adopted. The work programme and calls for proposals will also take into account the territorial just transition plans submitted by Member States to ensure that coherence and consistency across the different pillars of the mechanism is ensured.
Amendment 137 #
2020/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
The Facility shall provide support benefitting Union territories facing serious social, environmental and economic challenges deriving from the transition process towards a climate-neutral economy of the Union by 2050 at the latest.
Amendment 146 #
2020/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
5. 'territorial just transition plan' means a plan established in accordance with Article 7 of Regulation [JTF Regulation] prepared by the Member States, together with the relevant local and regional authorities and stakeholders after meaningful consultation of the territories concerned and approved by the Commission;
Amendment 162 #
2020/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. The Facility shall have the specific objective of increasing public sector investments, which address the development needs of regions identified in the territorial just transition plans, and the promotion of regional cohesion by facilitating the financing of projects that do not generate a sufficient stream of own revenues and would not be financed without the element of grant support from the Union budget.
Amendment 204 #
2020/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the projects achieve measurable impact in addressing serious social, economic or environmental challenges deriving from the transition process towards a climate-neutral economy in the Union by 2050 at the latest in line with the Paris Agreement objectives of limiting the rise in global temperature below than 1,5C and benefit territories identified in a territorial just transition plan, even if they are not located in those territories;
Amendment 57 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Achieving climate neutrality should requires joint and coherent efforts by all levels governance, funding and investment policies and a contribution from all economic sectors. In light ofGiven the importance of energy producgeneration, distribution and consumption onfor the sustainable and socially cushioned reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the transition to a sustainable, affordable and secureafe, well-functioning public energy supply system relyis essential. The phasing- on a well-functioning internal energy market is essential. Theut of fossil fuels and their direct and indirect subsidies, digital transformation, technological innovation, and research and development are also important drivers for achieving the climate-neutrality objective.
Amendment 75 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The Union ihas a responsibility as a global leader in the transition towards climate neutrality, and is determined to help raise global ambition and to strengthen the global response to climate change, using all tools at its disposal, including climate diplomacy.
Amendment 89 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The Union should aim to achieve a balance between anthropogenic economy- wide emissions and removals, through natural and technological solutions, of greenhouse gases domestically within the Union by 20540. The Union-wide 20540 climate-neutrality objective should be pursued by all Member States collectively and individually, and the Member States, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission should take the necessary measures to enable its achievement. Measures at Union level will constitute an important part of the measures needed to achieve the objective.
Amendment 159 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
This Regulation establishes a framework for the irreversible and gradual, rapid and absolute reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancement of removals by natural or other sinks in the Union.
Amendment 161 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
This Regulation sets out a binding objective of climate neutrality in the Union by 20540 in pursuit of the long-term temperature goal set out in Article 2 of the Paris Agreement by limiting global warming to 1.5°C, and provides a framework for achieving progress in pursuit of the global adaptation goal established in Article 7 of the Paris Agreement, in full coherence with the EU’s zero-pollution ambition.
Amendment 164 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 a (new)
This Regulation is based on the principle to prioritise emissions prevention at the source over control and mitigation, on the precautionary and the polluter-pays principle.
Amendment 166 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. Union-wide and individual national emissions and removals of greenhouse gases regulated in Union law shall be balanced at the latest by 20540, thus reducing emissions to net zero by that date, while pursuing significant reductions in absolute terms both at Union and national level at the same time.
Amendment 177 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
2. The relevant Union institutions and the Member States shall take the necessary measures at Union and national level respectively, to enable the collective achievement of the national and collective climate- neutrality objectives set out in paragraph 1, taking into account the importance of promoting fairness and solidarity among Member States well as economic social and territorial cohesion among and within Member States and regions.
Amendment 195 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 3
Article 2 – paragraph 3
3. By September 2020, the Commission shall review the Union’s 2030 target for climate referred to in Article 2(11) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 in light of the climate-neutrality objective set out in Article 2(1), and explore options forset a new 2030 target of 50 to 565% emission reductions compared to 1990. Where the Commission considers that it is necessary to amend that target, it shall make proposals to the European Parliament and to the Council as appropriate.
Amendment 196 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Each Member State shall achieve climate neutrality by 2040 and shall review their National Energy and Climate Plans accordingly.
Amendment 198 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4
Article 2 – paragraph 4
4. By 30 June 2021, the Commission shall assess how the Union legislation implementing the Union’s 2030 target, as well as all EU policies, legislation and funding and investment instruments and their implementation would need to be amended in order to enable the achievement of 650 to 55 % emission reductions compared to 1990 and to achieve the climate-neutrality-objective set out in Article 2(1), and consider taking the necessary measures, including the adoption of legally binding intermediate targets and other legislative proposals, in accordance with the Treaties.
Amendment 212 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 9 to supplement this Regulation by setting out a trajectory at Union level to achieve the climate-neutrality objective set out in Article 2(1) until 20540. At the latest within six months after each global stocktake referred to in Article 14 of the Paris Agreement or at the request of the European Parliament, the Commission shall review the trajectory.
Amendment 237 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) best available technology and technological progress;
Amendment 240 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point d
(d) energy efficiency, energy affordability, the need to tackle energy poverty and ensure the right to energy for EU citizens, and security of supply;
Amendment 249 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point e
(e) fairness and solidarity between and within Member States and regions;
Amendment 265 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point j
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point j
(j) the best available and most recent scientific evidence, including the latest reports of the IPCC and IPBES.
Amendment 266 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Amendment 278 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall develop and implement adaptation strategies and plans with concrete reduction targets that include comprehensive risk management frameworks, based on robust climate and vulnerability baselines and progress assessments.
Amendment 284 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) the collective and individual national progress made by all Member States towards the achievement of the climate-neutrality objective set out in Article 2(1) as expressed by the trajectory referred to in Article 3(1);
Amendment 285 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) the collective and individual national progress made by all Member States on adaptation as referred to in Article 4.
Amendment 30 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In view of the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, the commitment regarding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the increased ambition of the Union as proposed in the European Green Deal, the JTF should provide a key contribution to mainstream climate actions. Resources from the JTF own envelope are additional and come on top of the investments needed to achieve the overall target of 25% of the Union budget expenditure contributing to climate objectives. Resources transferred from the ERDF and ESF+ willmay contribute fully to the achievement of this target.
Amendment 42 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) Just Transition should be a horizontal policy approach in the new MFF 2021-2027 and thus sufficiently funded. JTF should not be considered as a stand-alone funding instrument but it should be additional to other funding schemes that ensure a fair transition for all to climate neutrality;
Amendment 62 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The regulatory framework governing the Union’s cohesion policy for the period from 2021 to 2027, in the context of the next multi-annual financial framework, contributes to the fulfilment of the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by concentrating Union funding on green and social objectives. This Regulation implements one of the priorities set out in the Communication on the European Green Deal (‘the European Green Deal’)11 and is part of the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan12 providing dedicated financing under the Just Transition Mechanism in the context of cohesion policy to address the economic and social cost, social and regional challenges and divergences of the transition to a sustainable, climate-neutral and, socially balanced and inclusive circular economy, where any remaining greenhouse gas emissions are compensated by equivalent absorptions. __________________ 11 COM(2019) 640 final, 11.12.2019. 12 COM(2020) 21, 14.1.2020.
Amendment 71 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The transition to a sustainable, climate-neutral and, socially balanced and inclusive circular economy constitutes one of the most important policy objectives for the Union. On 12 December 2019, the European Council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral Union by 2050, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. While fighting climate change and environmental degradation will benefit all in the long term and provides opportunities and challenges for all in the medium term, not all regions and Member States start their transition from the same point or have the same capacity to respond. Some are more advanced than others, whereas the transition entails a wider social and economic impact for those regions that rely heavily on fossil fuels - especially coal, lignite, peat and oil shale - or greenhouse gas intensive industries. Such a situation not only creates the risk of a variable speed transition in the Union as regards climate action, but also of growing disparities between regions, detrimental to the objectives of social, economic and territorial cohesion.
Amendment 77 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In order to be successful, the transition has to be fair, sustainable and socially acceptable for allinclusive, fully respecting labour rights, preventing unemployment and socio-economic marginalisation. Therefore, both the Union and the Member States must take into account its economic and soci, social and regional implications from the outset, and deploy all possible instruments to mitigate adverse consequences. The Union budget hasshould play an important role in that regard.
Amendment 78 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In order to provide flexibility for the programming of the JTF resources under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it should be possible to prepare a self- standing JTF programme or to programme JTF resources in one or more dedicated priorities within a programme supported by the European Regional Development Fund (‘ERDF’), the European Social Fund Plus (‘ESF+’) or the Cohesion Fund. In accordance with Article 21a of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], JTF resources shouldmay be reinforced with complementary funding from the ERDF and the ESF+. The respective amounts transferred from the ERDF and the ESF+ should be consistent with the type of operations set out in the territorial just transition plans.
Amendment 86 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Just Transition should be a horizontal policy approach in the new 2021-2027 MFF and thus sufficiently funded. As set out in the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan, a Just Transition Mechanism should not be considered as a stand-alone funding instrument, but to complement the other actions under the next multi-annual financial framework for the period from 2021 to 2027, ensuring a fair transition for all to climate neutrality. It should contribute to addressing the social and, economic and regional consequences of transitioning towards Union climate neutrality by bringing together the Union budget’s spending on climate and social objectives at regional level.
Amendment 92 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) which is one of the pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism implemented under cohesion policy. The aim of the JTF is to mitigate the adverse effectprevent and successfully address the social, environmental, economic and regional challenges of the climate transition by supporting the most affected territories, local communities and workers concerned. In line with the JTF specific objective, actions supported by the JTF should directly contribute to alleviate the social, environmental, economic and regional impact of the transition by financing the diversification and modernisation of the local economy and by mitigating the negative repercussions on employment by specific measures to ensure the wages, quality of life and training of employees, as well as by consulting all relevant stakeholders and raising awareness well before planning the implementation of the just transition territorial plans. This is reflected in the JTF specific objective, which is established at the same level and listed together with the policy objectives set out in Article [4] of Regulation EU [new CPR].
Amendment 102 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In view of the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, the commitment regarding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the increased ambition of the Union as proposed in the European Green Deal, the JTF should provide a key contribution to mainstream climate actions. Resources from the JTF own envelope are additional and come on top of the investments needed to achieve the overall target of 25% of the Union budget expenditure contributing to climate objectives. Resources that may be transferred from othe ERDF and ESF+ willr funds covered by Regulation (EU) [new CPR] should contribute fully to the achievement of this target.
Amendment 108 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The resources from the JTF should complement the resources available under cohesion policy. of the JTF should be commensurate with its ambitious objectives. In order to achieve them, the JTF should be a fully-fledged fund equipped with a distinct and adequate financial allocation, independent of the allocations of other EU structural and investment funds. Access to the JTF should not be conditional upon transfers from other funds. However, the resources of the JTF alone will not be able to address the whole range of challenges linked to a fair and inclusive transition to climate neutrality. For that reason, the resources from the JTF should complement the resources available under cohesion policy, but should by no means replace cohesion investment funding schemes and the establishment of the JTF should not lead to cuts to or mandatory transfers from other funds covered by Regulation (EU) [new CPR], thus providing for the complementation of policies and objectives. Allocation of funds for the JTF should not be at the expense of regions that do not benefit from it, as this could increase structural differences.
Amendment 113 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
The resources for the JTF under the Investment for jobs and growth goal available for budgetary commitment for the period 2021-2027 shall be an additional amount of EUR 7.530 billion in 2018 prices, which may be increased, as the case may be, by additional resources allocated in the Union budget, and by other resources in accordance with the applicable basic act.
Amendment 117 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Transitioning to a sustainable, climate-neutral, socially balanced and inclusive economy is a challenge for all Member States. ItHowever, not all Member States and regions have the same starting points and needs, which consequently means that some of them will be much more exposed to social and economic risks. The transition will be particularly demanding for those Member States that rely heavily on fossil fuels or greenhouse gas intensive industrial activities which need to be phased out or which need to adapt due to the transition towards climate neutrality and that lack the financial means to do so. The JTF should therefore cover all Member States, but the distribution of its financial means should reflect the needs and capacity of Member States to finance the necessary investments to cope with the social, economic and regional challenges linked to a fair and inclusive transition towards climate neutrality.
Amendment 121 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Access to the JTF should be conditional to the acceptance of an ambitious Long Term Strategy consistent with an EU-wide objective of climate neutrality by 2050, as well as of intermediate national targets for 2030 consistent with the new 2030 EU target;
Amendment 124 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) The fact that some regions are heavily dependent on fossil fuels should be taken into serious consideration when planning the just transition territorial plans and the implementation of their projects, in view of preventing further social, economic and regional disparities through unemployment and poverty within the Union. Necessary funds should be allocated for the training of employees affected directly or indirectly by these programmes.
Amendment 128 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) This Regulation identifies types of investments for which expenditure may be supported by the JTF. All supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate and environmental priorities of the Union. The list of investments should includprioritise those that support people, workers, communities and local economies and are sustainable in the medium and long- term, takbeing into accountfully in line with all the objectives of the Green Deal, the Paris Agreement and the European Pillar of Social Rights. The projects financed should contribute to a transition to a sustainable, climate-neutral and, socially balanced and inclusive circular economy. For declining sectors, such as energy production based on coal, lignite, peat and oil shale, gas, oil or extraction activities for these solid fossil fuels, support should be linked to the phasing out of the activity based on a clearly defined roadmap, agreed by all stakeholders, including the affected employees and local communities, and the corresponding reduction in the employment level. As regards transforming sectors with high greenhouse gas emission levels, support should promote new activities through the deployment of new technologies, new processes or products, leading to significant emission reduction, in line with the EU 2030 climate objectives and EU climate neutrality by 20501340 while maintaining and enhancing employment and avoiding environmental degradation. Particular attention should also be given to activities enhancingwhich maximise community benefits related to renewable energy, enhance innovation and research in advanced and sustainable technologies, as well as in the fields of digitalisation and connectivity, provided that such measures enhance the creation of high-quality and sustainable jobs, help mitigate the negative sideocio-economic effects of a transition towards, and contribute to, a climate- neutral and circular economy. __________________ 13 As set out in “A Clean Planet for all European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy”, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank - COM(2018) 773 final.
Amendment 131 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) investments in the creation of new firms, in alternative sustainable economic activities, including through business incubators and consulting services;
Amendment 137 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) To protect citizens and employees who are most vulnerable to the climate transition, especially in the most affected territories, the JTF should also cover the up-skilling and reskilling of the affected workers, with the aim of helping them to adapt to newin a sustainable, inclusive, long- term and gender-balanced way to new, full and high-quality employment opportunities, as well as providing job- search assistance to jobseekers and ensure their active, qualitative and sustainable inclusion into the labour market, taking also measures to mitigate social side effects, such as increasing housing and energy costs.
Amendment 142 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
(f) investments in regeneration and decontamination of sites, land restoration and repurposing projects;. These investments should be complementary and consistent with the polluter pays principle.
Amendment 149 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Additionally, all investments must be eligible under the EU Sustainable Taxonomy Regulation and follow a community-driven approach in terms of planning, taking and ownership of investments;
Amendment 149 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In order to enhance the economic diversification of territories impacted by the transition, the JTF should provide support to productive investment in SMEs. Productive investment should be understood as investment in fixed capital or immaterial assets of enterprises in view of producing goods and services thereby contributing to gross-capital formation and high-quality and sustainable employment. For enterprises other than SMEs, productive investments should only be supported if they are necessary for mitigating job losses resulting from the transition, by creating or protecting a significant number of jobs and they do not lead to or result from relocation. Investments in existing industrial facilities, includAny such investment should be justified accordingly ing those covered by the Union Emissions Trading System, should be allowed if they contribute to the transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050 and go substantially below the relevant benchmarks established for free e relevant territorial just transition plan. These investments should be sustainable and consistent with the polluter pays principle and the energy efficiency first principle and not be considered as window of opportunity for industrial installocation under Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council14 and if they result in the protection of a significant number of jobs. Any such is to sell surplus emissions allowances for their own profit. Investments should be justified accordingly in the relevant territorial just transition plannot be made in fossil fuels installations. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market and cohesion policy, support to undertakings should comply with Union State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 TFEU and, in particular, support to productive investments by enterprises other than SMEs should be limited to enterprises located in areas designated as assisted areas for the purposes of points (a) and (c) of Article 107(3) TFEU. __________________ 14Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).
Amendment 155 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In order to provide flexibility and coherence for the programming of the JTF resources under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it should be possible to Member States, in cooperation with local and regional authorities, employees, social partners, local communities, civil society and all relevant stakeholders, should prepare a self- standing JTF programme or to programme JTF resources in one or more dedicated priorities within a programme supported by the European Regional Development Fund (‘ERDF’), the European Social Fund Plus (‘ESF+’) or the Cohesion Fund. In accordance with Article 21a of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], JTF resources shouldmay be reinforced on a voluntary basis with complementary funding from othe ERDF and the ESF+r funds covered by Regulation (EU) [new CPR], only where justified and without prejudice to the achievement of the objectives of these funds. The respective amounts that may be transferred from the ERDF and the ESF+se funds should be consistent with the type of operations set out in the territorial just transition plans.
Amendment 160 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The JTF support should be conditional and measurable on the effective implementation of a transition process in a specific territory in order to achieve a climate-neutral economy by 2040. In that regard, Member States should prepare, in cooperation with the relevant stakeholdersdialogue and in close cooperation well in advance and with full transparency with all relevant stakeholders, in particular with local and regional authorities, affected employees, social partners, local communities and civil society, and supported by the Commission, territorial just transition plans, detailing the transition process, consistently with their National Energy and Climate Plans. To this end, the Commission should set up a Just Transition Platform, which would build on the existing platform for coal regions in transition to enable bilateral and multilateral exchanges of experience on lessons learnt and best practices across all affected sectors. This close cooperation and consultation should continue in all stages of the JTF programmes, including implementation and evaluation.
Amendment 169 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The territorial just transition plans should identify the territories most negatively affected, where JTF support should be concentrated and describe specific actions to be undertaken to reach a climate-neutral economy, notably as regards the conversion or closure of facilities involving fossil fuel production or other greenhouse gas intensive activities, while protecting the workers affected and enhancing the creation of new, sustainable and high-quality jobs. Those territories should be precisely defined and correspond to NUTS level 3 regions or should be parts thereof. The plans should detail the challenges and needs of those territories and identify the type of operations needed in a manner that ensures the coherent development of climate- resilient economic activities that are also consistent with the transition to climate- neutrality and the objectives of the Green Deal, the Paris Agreement and the European Pillar of Social Rights. Only investments in accordance with the transition plans should receive financial support from the JTF. The territorial just transition plans should be part of the programmes (supported by the ERDF, the ESF+, the Cohesion Fund or the JTF, as the case may be) which are approved by the Commission.
Amendment 180 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The Commission shall only approve a programme where the identification of the territories most negatively affected by the transition process, contained within the relevant territorial just transition plan, is duly justified and the relevant territorial just transition plan is consistent with the National Energy and Climate Plan of the Member State concerned. For those Member States which have not yet committed to a 2050 national climate neutrality target, the Commission shall release only 50% of their national allocation and make the remaining 50% available once they have adopted that target;
Amendment 182 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) The objectives of this Regulation, namely to support territories facing economic and social transformation in their transition to a climate-neutral economy, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States alone. The main reasons in this regard are, on the one hand, the differentiated degree of reliance on fossil fuels and the disparities between the levels of development and employment of the various territories and the backwardness of the least favoured territories, as well as the limit on the financial resources of the Member States and territories and, on the other hand, the need for a coherent implementation framework covering several Union funds under shared management. Since those objectives can better be achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives,
Amendment 184 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) to provide support to territories facing serious socio-economic challenges deriving from the transition process towards a climate-neutral economy of the Union by 20540.
Amendment 194 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article [4(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], the JTF shall contribute to the single specific objective ‘enabling regions and people, municipalities, people and workers to address the social, economic, regional and environmental impacts of the transition towards a climate- neutral economy’. by 2040 and ambitious EU targets for greenhouse gas emission reduction for 2030 consistent with Regulation (EU) [new EU Climate Law]. Priority should be given to activities that ensure high social and environmental standards, in particular through compliance with collective agreements and the promotion of workers’ participation.
Amendment 207 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The JTF shall support just transition and climate neutrality by 2040 for all and the Investment for jobs and growth goal in all Member States.
Amendment 211 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
The distinct resources for the JTF under the Investment for jobs and growth goal available for budgetary commitment for the period 2021-2027 shall be EUR 7.540 billion in 2018 prices, which may be increased, as the case may be, by additional resources allocated in the Union budget, and by other resources in accordance with the applicable basic act. No mandatory transfer of allocations from other funds covered by Regulation (EU) [new CPR] shall be foreseen.
Amendment 227 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall adopt a decision by means of an implementinglegated act setting out the annual breakdown of resources, including any additional resources referred to in paragraph 2, by Member State in accordance with the methodology set out in Annex I.
Amendment 228 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Access to the JTF should be conditional to the acceptance of an ambitious Long Term Strategy consistent with an EU-wide objective of climate neutrality by 2040 and with Regulation (EU) [new EU Climate Law] as well as of intermediate national targets for 2030.
Amendment 237 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) productive and sustainable investments in SMEs, including start-ups, leading to the creation of high-quality and sustainable jobs, economic diversification and reconversion;
Amendment 246 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) investments in public and social infrastructure and services of general interest, including targeted measures to address energy poverty and promote affordable energy by local energy communities;
Amendment 250 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) investments in the creation of new firms in alternative sustainable economic activities, including through business incubators and consulting services;
Amendment 275 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e
(e) investments in digitalisation and digital connectivity, especially for rural areas with limited access to broadband technology;
Amendment 283 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
(f) investments in regeneration and decontamination of sites, land restoration and repurposing projects, restoration of ecosystems and repurposing projects, which should be complimentary to and consistent with the polluter pays principle;
Amendment 292 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point g a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) investments in promoting industrial heritage, including forms of sustainable tourism;
Amendment 297 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point h
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point h
(h) training, upskilling and reskilling of workers, including counselling and support services for workers in change processes, to ensure sustainable, inclusive, long-term and quality employment;
Amendment 317 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Additionally, the JTF may support, in areas designated as assisted areas in accordance with points (a) and (c) of Article 107(3) of the TFEU, productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (h) of Article 7(2). Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan. and create or protect a significant number of high- quality jobs and provided that they do not lead to or result from relocation, are fully aligned with Regulation (EU) [Taxonomy Regulation] and the Paris Agreement and follow a community-driven approach in terms of planning, taking and ownership of investments.
Amendment 340 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) investment related to the production, processing, distribution, storage, transport, transmission or combustion of fossil fuels, including new mines or power plants using fossil fuels in exchange for outdated ones, with the exception of district heating facilities in coal and lignite regions in transition;
Amendment 361 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The Commission shall only approve a programme where the identification of the territories most negatively affected by the transition process, contained within the relevant territorial just transition plan, is duly justified, and the relevant territorial just transition plan, commits to the goals of the Paris Agreement and the EU's goal of climate neutrality by 2040 and is consistent with the National Energy and Climate Plan of the Member State concerned and the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Amendment 366 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
For those Member States which have not yet committed to a 2050 national climate neutrality target, the Commission shall release only 50% of their national allocation and make the remaining 50% available once they have adopted that target.
Amendment 371 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. The JTF priority or priorities shall comprise the JTF resources consisting of all or part of the JTF allocation for the Member States and the resources transferredhat may be transferred on a voluntary basis in accordance with Article [21a] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR]. The total of the ERDF and ESF+ resources transferred to the JTF priority shall be at least equal to one and a half times the amount of support from the JTF to that priority but shall not exceed three times that amount.
Amendment 379 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall prepare, together with the relevant authoritielocal and regional authorities, social partners, employees, local communities, civil society and all relevant stakeholders of the territories concerned, one or more territorial just transition plans covering one or more affected territories corresponding to level 3 of the common classification of territorial units for statistics (‘NUTS level 3 regions’) as established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 868/201417 or parts thereof, in accordance with the template set out in Annex II. Those territories shall be those most negatively affected based on the economic and social impacts resulting from the transition, in particular with regard to expected job losses in fossil fuel production and use and the transformation needs of the production processes of industrial facilities with the highest greenhouse gas intensity. __________________ 17 Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) (OJ L 154 21.6.2003, p. 1).
Amendment 384 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) a description of the transition process at national and local level towards a sustainable, climate- neutral economy, including a timeline for key transition steps, socially balanced and inclusive economy by 2040, including a timeline for key transition steps, such as decommissioning of fossil fuel installations and overall phase-out dates, including where coal is used a coal phase-out by 2030, which are consistent with the latest version of the National Energy and Climate Plan (‘NECP’) and Regulation (EU) [new EU Climate Law];
Amendment 392 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) an assessment of the transition challenges faced by the most negatively affected territories, including the social, economic, and environmental impact of the transition to a climate-neutral economy, identifying the potential number of affected jobs and job losses, the development needs and objectives, to be reached by 2030 linked to the transformation orf energy and carbon intensive industry, with the transition away from fossil fuel use and the closure of greenhouse gas-intensive activities in those territories;
Amendment 399 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) an assessment of its consistency with other EU, national, regional or territorial strategies and plans;
Amendment 407 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point i
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point i
(i) where support is provided to investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC, an exhaustive list of operations to be supported and a justification that they contribute to a transition to a sustainable, climate -neutral economy, socially balanced and inclusive economy by 2040 and lead to a substantial reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions going substantially below the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation under Directive 2003/87/EC and provided that they are necessary for the protection of a significant number of jobs;
Amendment 413 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. The preparation and, implementation and evaluation of territorial just transition plans shall involve the relevant partnersmeaningful, inclusive and accessible consultation and participation of local and regional authorities, social partners, employees, local communities, civil society organisations and all other relevant stakeholders of the territories concerned in accordance with Article [6] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], which has to be ensured by the Member States.
Amendment 416 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Territorial just transition plans shall be consistent with the territorial strategies referred to in Article [23] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], with relevant smart specialisation strategies, the NECPs and, the European Pillar of Social Rights, Regulation (EU) [Taxonomy Regulation] and the Paris Agreement.
Amendment 421 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Full transparency and democratic accountability shall be ensured at all stages of the process. In this regard, the Commission shall provide with a public evaluation assessment, as well as a report to the Parliament and the Council.
Amendment 428 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 3(3) and Article 8(4) shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time from [the date of the entry into force of this Regulation].
Amendment 430 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3
Article 10 – paragraph 3
3. The delegation of power referred to in Article 3(3) and Article 8(4) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.
Amendment 431 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 4
Article 10 – paragraph 4
4. Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State, local and regional authorities, social partners, employees, local communities, civil society organisations and all other relevant stakeholders of the territories concerned in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making.
Amendment 433 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 6
Article 10 – paragraph 6
6. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 3(3) and Article 8(4) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.
Amendment 439 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
(i) greenhouse-gas emissions of industrial facilities in NUTS level 2 regions where the carbon intensity, as defined by the ratio of greenhouse gas emissions of industrial facilities as reported by Member States in accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 166/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council28 compared to the gross value added of the industry, exceeds by a factor of two the EU-27 average. Where that level is not exceeded in any NUTS level 2 regions in a given Member State, greenhouse-gas emissions of industrial facilities in the NUTS level 2 region with the highest carbon intensity is taken into account (weighting 439%), __________________ 28Regulation (EC) No 166/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 January 2006 concerning the establishment of a European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register and amending Council Directives 91/689/EEC and 96/61/EC (OJ L 33, 4.2.2006, p. 1).
Amendment 440 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
(ii) employment in mining and combustion of coal and lignite as a proportion of the total industrial workforce of each region (weighting 25%),
Amendment 451 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii a (new)
(iiia) unemployment rate in regions where coal or lignite is being mined or combusted (weighting 10%);
Amendment 457 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point b
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) the allocations resulting from the application of point (a) are adjusted to ensure that no Member State receives an amount exceeding EUR 28 billion. The amounts exceeding EUR 28 billion per Member State are redistributed proportionally to the allocations of all other Member States. The Member States shares are recalculated accordingly;
Amendment 6 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
- having regard to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
Amendment 15 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas Parliament has been ready to negotiate the MFF since November 2018, but the Council has so far failed to engage in any meaningful talks with Parliament beyond minimal contact on the margins of the General Affairs Council; whereas the Council has repeatedly contradicted itself by presenting new political priorities for the EU but showing itself unwilling to provide for fresh appropriations to finance them; whereas new political priorities and upcoming challenges for the EU should be financed by fresh appropriations and not by reducing the appropriations amount for existing programmes; whereas the timeframe for reaching an agreement in the European Council has been repeatedly extended;
Amendment 18 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas should a new MFF not be adopted on time, several EU programmes could risk being shut down because their legal basis will have ceased to apply; whereas in such a scenario, a safety net in the form of a temporary extension of the ceilings and other provisions of the last year of the present framework would have to be set up in accordance with Article 312(4) of the TFEU, in order to prevent another payment crisis in the first years of the 2021-2027 MFF;
Amendment 19 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development call for action to promote prosperity and build fair and inclusive economic growth while protecting the planet, ending poverty and addressing a range of fundamental social needs such as education, health, childcare, social protection and job opportunities;
Amendment 20 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
F b. whereas the EU budget must consistently contribute to the elimination of social, economic, territorial, growth and investment inequalities and disparities between Member States and regions; whereas more must be done to support Member States and regions that are experiencing slower growth, wider inequalities and higher unemployment, especially where young people are concerned;
Amendment 32 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Insists that thea fair and sufficient EU budget is vital to respond to the rising environmental, social, economic and territorial challenges the Union is facing and reflects the degree of ambition of the Member States and the institutions;
Amendment 51 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55 % by 2030 represents an enormous challenge, notably with regard to building insulation, developing public transport and achieving both an agricultural transition and a socially just transition; insists that in order to succeed in this unprecedented enterprise in only ten years, urgent action is needed, backed by a strong EU budget as of 2021 and the imminent implementation of the long-discussed and planned reform and enhancement of the EU's own resources;
Amendment 70 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Underlines the Commission's acknowledgement that growth prospects have been weakened, investment and potential growth still remain below pre- crisis levels, the economic gap among Member States and regions has widened, inequalities within the EU have increased and the pace of unemployment reduction has slowed down1a; _________________ 1a Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Central Bank, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank: Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2020 (COM/2019/650 final)
Amendment 98 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Stresses that the Just Transition Mechanism must ensure an adequate, inclusive and fair transition for all; underlines that the Member States and regions have different starting points and needs when it comes to the transition to a sustainable economy and that, consequently, some of them will be much more exposed to economic and social risks; deplores, in this regard, that the existing financial proposal for the Just Transition Fund1a will most likely prove insufficient to achieve this goal at the expense of other funding mechanisms; _________________ 1aProposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Just Transition Fund (COM/2020/22 final)
Amendment 123 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Reiterates its firm position to accept no cuts in cohesion and agricultural policies; underlines the need to increase the budget for cohesion and agricultural policies in order to maintain and further enhance their European added value, thus contributing to economic growth, social and territorial inclusion, innovation and environmental protection;
Amendment 128 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Reiterates its firm position that commitment appropriations for the 2021- 2027 period should be set at least at EUR 1 324.1 billion in 2018 prices, which represents 1.3 % of the EU-27’s gross national income (GNI); reflecting this position,jects therefore President Michel's proposal, as announced on 14th February 2020, which amounts to EUR 1 094.8 billion, represents only 1.074% of EU-27’s GNI and deepens the cuts already proposed by the Finish Presidency; recalls that the current MFF represents 1.16% of the EU- 27’s GNI; is determined to defend a 2021 budget of at least EUR 192.1 billion in current prices in commitment appropriations (1.29 % of GNI);
Amendment 167 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Aims to set binding biodiversity and climate mainstreaming targets and to fix the latter to at least 30 % for 2021; calls for a EU budget that offsets as much as possible the existing backlog towards reaching this target; reiterates its call on the Commission to lay down clear eligibility criteria of a stringent and comprehensive methodology for defining and tracking relevant climate and biodiversity expenditure;
Amendment 176 #
2019/2213(BUD)
11 a. Recalls that peace and solidarity constitute core values that should be consistently supported by the EU budget; highlights in this regard the need to enhance the relevant EU funding; calls for the increase of the UNRWA funding, recognising its essential role in supporting stability and strengthening the resilience of Palestine refugees at a time of great uncertainty in the region;
Amendment 1 #
2019/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Takes good note of the Commission's acknowledgement that growth prospects have been weakened, investment and potential growth still remain below pre-crisis levels, the economic gap among Member States and regions has widened, inequalities within the EU have increased and the pace of unemployment reduction has slowed down;
Amendment 2 #
2019/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ATakes good note of the European Commission's acknowledgesment that Eugrowth prospe’s economy is showing signs of less dynamic growthcts have been weakened, investment and potential growth still remain below pre-crisis levels, the economic gap between EU regions has widened, inequalities within the EU have increased and reducing unemployment has slowed down; highlights that more must be done to support Member StatEU regions and countries which are experiencing slower growth, wider inequalities and high unemployment, particularly where young people are concerned;
Amendment 2 #
2019/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ConsiderUnderlines that the European Union needs a fair, more sustainable and inclusive growth model in order to respond to the increased environmental, economic, social, territorial, digital and demographic challenges; welcomes the European Green Deal as the new green growth strategy for Europe with sustainability, citizen well- being and fairness at its core; notes the renaming of the Commission’s Annual Growth Strategy to Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy and expects a substantial policy change towards this goal;
Amendment 13 #
2019/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines that addressing these challenges may lead to negative distributional effects; considers, therefore, that ensuring the full implementation of the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights is crucial, especially regarding the labour market by putting an end to its deregulation, safeguarding existing jobs and creating new and high-quality ones, tackling unemployment, in-work poverty and job precariousness and by eliminating the gender and age pay gap;
Amendment 22 #
2019/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines the importanceNotes the function of the European Semester as an instrument to ensurefor policy coordination; welcomes the increased focus on environmental sustainability and on the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the Country Report(SDGs) of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the Country Reports; emphasises that the SDGs call for action to promote prosperity and build fair and inclusive economic growth while protecting the planet, ending poverty and addressing a range of fundamental social needs such as education, health, childcare, social protection and job opportunities;
Amendment 28 #
2019/2211(INI)
3 a. Points out that the European Semester must consistently contribute to the elimination of social, economic, territorial, growth and investment inequalities and disparities between Member States and regions; highlights that more must be done to support Member States and regions that are experiencing slower growth, wider inequalities and higher unemployment, especially where young people are concerned;
Amendment 32 #
2019/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Amendment 33 #
2019/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Points out that the European Semester must consistently contribute to the elimination of social, economic and territorial inequalities and disparities between EU countries and regions;
Amendment 36 #
2019/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. WelcomesNotes that the Single Market Performance Reports, which will debunk myths surrounding the ‘net contributors and net recipients’ approach to the EU budget by providing figures that demonstrate the benefits of single market access for the Member States; considers that the reform and enhancement of the EU's own resources will also contribute to this end;
Amendment 41 #
2019/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the importance of a properly and sufficiently funded EU budget in order to address common challenges and citizens’ expectations; recalls Parliament’s position demanding a strong and credible EU budget and an agreement on the reform of the EU’s own resources to give its consent; reiterates Parliament’s firm position to accept no cuts in cohesion policies and underlines the need to increase the budget for cohesion policies in order to maintain and further enhance its European added value, thus contributing to economic growth, social and territorial inclusion, innovation and environmental protection; requests that the Commission adopt a more transparent, stringent, comprehensive methodology for climate and biodiversity mainstreaming, while involving Parliament in this process;
Amendment 47 #
2019/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the European Semester should further economic and social convergence between regions and Member States by adjusting trade imbalances, reducing the excessive surplus and giving effect to existing sanctions; highlights the fact that the European goal of more inclusive growth means greater investment especially in infrastructure, education and training, health, and research and innovation; stresses that increases in productivity should lead to increased pay;
Amendment 50 #
2019/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. ConsiderUnderlines that the Member States and regions have different starting points when it comes to the transition; considers to a greener economy and that, consequently, some of them will be much more exposed to economic and social risks; points out that the Just Transition Mechanism shouldmust ensure an adequate, inclusive and fair transition for all; deplores, in this regard, that the existing financial proposal for the Just Transition Fund will most likely prove insufficient to achieve this goal;
Amendment 57 #
2019/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates the crucial role of cohesion policy, as the main investment policy in Europe, in the recovery process; reiterates the European Parliament’s firm position to accept no cuts in cohesion policy and underlines the need to increase the budget for cohesion policy for the 2021-2027 period, in order to maintain and further enhance its European added value, thus contributing to economic growth, social and territorial inclusion, innovation and environmental protection;
Amendment 62 #
2019/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. InvitUrges the Commission to continue to enhance the democratic accountability of the European Semester.;
Amendment 71 #
2019/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the inclusion of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the European Semester, with the aim of putting people, their health and the planet at the centre of economic policy; emphasises that the SDGs call for action to promote prosperity and build economic growth while protecting the planet, ending poverty and addressing a range of social needs including education, health, social protection and job opportunities; notes that, in this respect, special attention must be paid to the labour market, by safeguarding existing jobs and creating new ones;
Amendment 80 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that, in view of the climate change emergency, the EU’s Annual Growth Survey (AGS) has now been renamed the Annual Sustainable Growth Survey (ASGS), and considers that this implies a change in the positioning of the report and the implementation of ecological indicators; stresses that this needs to be more than a semantic aspect in the report, and requires serious and ambitious proposals to tackle climate change and promote environmental sustainability within the EU not downsizing the social dimension.
Amendment 85 #
2019/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Underlines that special attention must be paid to the implementation of the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, especially regarding the labour market by putting an end to its deregulation, safeguarding existing jobs and creating new and high-quality ones, tackling unemployment and in-work poverty and by eliminating the gender and age pay gap;
Amendment 88 #
2019/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Notes the role of the European Green Deal as the EU’s new growth strategy for Europe with sustainability, citizen well-being and fairness at its core; notes, however, that the starting point towards its implementation differs among EU countries and regions and that some of them will be more exposed to economic and social risks; underlines that the Just Transition Mechanism should ensure an adequate, inclusive and fair transition for all; deplores, in this regard, that the financial proposal for the Just Transition Fund will prove itself insufficient for a fair and inclusive transition to a greener economy;
Amendment 94 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the role of the European Green Deal as the EU’s new strategy defining ecological issues and the wellbeing of citizens as principal goals for the Union; notes, with regard to the scope of the European Semester, the inclusion of the SDGs and of the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR), which will require the adjustment of existing indicators and the creation of new ones to monitor the implementation of EU economic, environmental and social policies, as well as coherence between policy goals and budgetary means; notes the need to implement long-term planning to tackle climate change; notes that the Commission’s Green New Deal proposal is clearly insufficient to address the climate emergency; notes that, according to the scientific community, in order to comply with the targets on the Paris Agreement and limit the temperature rise to 1,5 degrees, it is necessary to cut carbon emissions by 65% until 2030; Notes that the Commission does not strengthen the EU budget, and proposes cuts to cohesion and agricultural funds, a decision which would be inconsistent with the ambitious social and environmental goals that are being set.
Amendment 115 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers achieving a fair transition to climate neutrality to be a major responsibility for the EU’s citizens and economy and its role in the world; calls for appropriate support and policies, with involvement for and of the public, the various sectors, regions and Member States with a view to benefiting from this transformation and making it a success; calls on the Commission to undertake an annual evaluation of the Union’s ecological debt, carbon budget and imported emissions; Deplores the Just Transition Fund financial proposal (€7,5 billion) for not being nearly sufficient to ensure that carbon-dependent countries achieve a fair transition to a greener economy; Insists that the criteria underlying the distribution of the fund should take into account the need to promote economic and social upward convergence, countries’ vulnerability to climate change consequences and also the level of fiscal effort that some countries have made in the past to promote energy transition.
Amendment 135 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the euro area is going through a prolonged period of subdued growth (1.1 % in the euro area and 1.4% in the EU as a whole in 2019), with growth in the euro area in 2020 and 2021 forecast at 1.2 % and for the EU in 2020 and 2021 forecast at 1.4 %; also notes that the core inflation rate is forecast to further slow down, to 1.2 % in 2019 and 2020, which signals an enduring failure of ECB’s monetary policy in boosting price levels in the euro area in a context of high uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions and Brexit; is concerned at the high level of private debt and persistent external surpluses; notes that the current period of sluggish growth and stagnant wages shows the limits of expansionary monetary policy and the need for this approach to be complemented by a fiscal expansion, with coordinated efforts to boost public investment, employment and aggregate demand;
Amendment 144 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is concerned that post-crisis investment has been on a down ward path in the EU in spite of historically low interest rates, currently standing at 3.4 %, with overall infrastructure investment now at about 75 % of its pre-crisis level; whereas 80 % of the shortfall is the result of cutbacks in the public sector, which have occurred particularly in countries subject to adverse macroeconomic conditions and the more severe fiscal constraints imposed on disadvantaged regions already characterised by poor infrastructure quality and weak socio- economic outcomes, but also, and surprisingly, in countries with a large fiscal space; recalls that former ECB president Mario Draghi have asked member states to make use of fiscal policy and apply fiscal stimulus to avoid a deflationary trap; notes that the current period of ultra-low interest rates provides an opportunity to expand public investment, thus addressing crucial challenges such as the energy transition, the fight against poverty and inequality and the promotion of convergence within EU member states; recalls the fact that, without the creation of a serious eurozone budget, with at least the same level of redistribution as cohesion funds, convergence between member states will not be achieved; stresses that this poses risks to the future of the monetary union and undermines its stability.
Amendment 171 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Endorses the conclusion of the European Fiscal Board (EFB) that the fiscal framework has not protected the quality of public expenditure, and welcomes the EFB’s proposal for a ‘golden rule’ to protect public investment; calls, therefore, for the reform of the Stability and Growth Pact and the introduction of a golden rule aimed at implementing sound fiscal policy on an equal footing with investment within the EU’s policy objectives; whereas this should cover the investment foreseen for the realisation of the Green Deal, the Digital Revolution, the SDGs and the EPSR Rights, including expenditure aimed at reducing poverty and inequality related to social protection, health services and long-term care, andchildcare, education and training;
Amendment 197 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for a European Green Industrial Strategy; calls for a revision of state aid rules, thus allowing states to direct investment and promote certain industries in accordance with the objectives of industrial policy and social and environmental development.
Amendment 210 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Shares the concern expressed in others of the EFB’s conclusions regarding the pro-cyclical elements in the EU fiscal rules, which forced Member States to adjust their economies in a poor or difficult economic situation, failing to improvewith counterproductive effects on the quality of public finance and promote investment; welcomes the EFB’s recommendation of a seven-year cycle mirroring the MFF so as to better coordinate Member States’ public accounts, and especially investment; notes that the current revision of the EU fiscal rules provides an opportunity to do away with its pro-cyclical bias.
Amendment 216 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the debt levels of all the Member States are above the pre-crisis level and are expected to exceed 60 % in 2021; further notes that in six Member States the ratio will be higher than 90 %; highlights the fact that the fiscal rules have not contributed to bringing down the debt levels of highly indebted countries but have, rather, increased them; recalls the need for a process of public debt restructuring in highly indebted economies (such as Greece, Portugal or Italy) in order to reduce the risk of excessive burden of interest expenditure in these countries, while promoting sustainable economic growth and the sustainability of public finances; recalls the need to discuss debt mutualisation within the EU as a way of promoting financial stability.
Amendment 228 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Supports flexibility in the implementation of the SGP as proposed by the Commission in 2015; considers that much more flexibility should be introduced in order to boost investment and ecological transition in the EU; calls, therefore, for the reform of the SGP and the introduction of a euro area fiscal capacity;, as well as the guarantee that cohesion funds will not suffer cuts in the new MFF; stresses that the framework under which the BICC is currently being designed is clearly insufficient to promote sustainable growth and actually harms convergence in the euro area; calls for the BICC to have at least the same level of redistribution as the cohesion funds.
Amendment 245 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Reiterates its call for a European stabilisation function and a European unemployment benefit reinsurance scheme, with a view to protecting citizens and reducing pressure on public finances during external shocks so as to overcome social and economic imbalances; stresses the need for this scheme to be based on budgetary transfers and not on loans granted to the member states.
Amendment 255 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 263 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Is concerned about the accelerating rise in house prices; ing prices; notes that, between 2010 and 2018, housing prices rose by 15% in the EU and by 11% in the euro area (Eurostat), while wages have stagnated; recalls that rapidly increasing property prices can be a sign of overheating in the housing market and raise the possibility of a housing bubble; stresses the need for public investment to address the housing crisis, expand the public provision of housing at affordable prices and promote the fight against homelessness with the promotion of programs such as “Housing First” within the European Strategy for Homeless integration;
Amendment 280 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls the importance of the efficient regulation of the banking and financial sectors in order to prevent a new crisis; believes that such regulation must integrate the ecological situation; emphasises the importance of completing the Banking Union and, giving full priority to EDIS and measures to control and revert transnational financial concentration and bank size; Recalls also the need to reform the European Stability Mechanism;
Amendment 307 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls for qualified majority voting in Council on tax matters; , with the specific aim of reducing incentives for tax dumping and fighting tax evasion and money laundering;
Amendment 324 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for the systematic inclusion of tax matters in the Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs), with the aim of ensuring economic coherence across EU Member States as well as the fairness of EU tax systems, inline with the resolution on BEPS 2.0 recently adopted by the European Parliament; believes that the CSRs could ensure a fair balance between sources of revenue and should also include innovative elements aiming at promoting the Green Deal taking into account its social dimension; further believes that they should also support Member States in tackling tax avoidance and aggressive tax planning;
Amendment 341 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes that the EU-28 employment rate currently stands at 73.1 % - the highest annual average ever recorded - while unemployment stands at 7.6 % in the euro area and 6.3 % in the EU as a whole; however, stresses that unemployment levels are still significantly higher in periphery countries such as Greece (17,3% in 2019) or Spain (13,9% in 2019), while youth unemployment remains at worrying levels in these countries; notes that this trend reflects the dual post-crisis recovery in Europe, thus exacerbating the divergence between surplus and deficit countries within the euro area;
Amendment 350 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses that, according to the EU Labour Force Survey, there are 8.3 million involuntary part-time workers in the EU, two thirds of them women; recalls that the rise of precarious work in the EU, such as the emergence of new types of employment created by online platforms, is a direct consequence of labour market deregulation and poses risks to social cohesion(mainly affecting the youth), while damaging aggregate demand; Request the Commission to undertake measures to protect workers in these new forms of work and requests the Commission to undertake a study to analyse the impact of this development on pension systems and public finances;
Amendment 359 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Takes note of AMR 2020’s finding that wage growth at euro area level remains below what would be expected at the current levels of unemployment on the basis of historical data, and that this affects the inflation rate; highlights that the currently low productivity and inflation together with structural reforms transferring collective bargaining to the enterprise level are detrimental to wage growth and are leading to greater income inequality and an increase in the numbers of working poor, with in-work poverty affecting almost one in ten workers in Europe; accordingly advocates wage growth;that the necessary wage growth can only be achieved by reversing the process of labour market liberalization and promoting job quality and stability; Calls on the Commission to revert its systematic CSR’s demanding labour market deregulation.
Amendment 366 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Agrees that it is a matter of great concern that income inequality is above pre-crisis levels in some countries, affecting new groups of people and being frequently linked to unequal opportunities in access to education, training and social protection; stresses the importance of redistributive, i.e., progressive income taxes to tackle growing inequality within the EU; Points out that corporate tax dumping promotes inequality, both by depriving Member-States of the necessary resources to fund public services and transferring the tax burden toward labour income.
Amendment 372 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines the fact that the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion stands, on 2017 figures, at 113 million, or 22.5 % of the population; underlines the fact that, in 2017, 9,4% of all employed people in the EU were at risk of poverty; recalls that the objectives laid out in 2010 in the Europe 2020 Strategy (namely, to lift 20million people out of poverty and social exclusion by 2020) haven’t been met yet, as the number of people in this situation has increased significantly.
Amendment 390 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Calls for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights as a strategy to promote the fight against poverty and social exclusion namely improving working conditions, job security and stability and wage growth.
Amendment 401 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Looks forward to the stronger involvement of the EP and the national parliaments in the European Semester process and to the creation of an institutionalised dialogue with the Commission, the social partners, territories and civil society, at both EU, local, regional and national level, in order to further boost the process’s democratic legitimacy; Points out that ownership, in order not to be a void concept, implies that democratic institutions at the different levels effectively shape the recommendations.
Amendment 412 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Invites the stakeholders in this necessary next step to create enhanced democratic accountability mechanisms at both EU, local, regional and national levels, while formalising the scrutiny role of the EP in the European Semester; calls on the Commission and the Member States to enhance the social and civil dialogue, including over the CSRs, and to engage in dialogue with the social partners;
Amendment 1 #
2019/2137(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Recalls that the European Union Solidarity Fund (‘the Fund’) aims to respond rapidly and efficiently to emergency situations as an expression of solidarity; underlines in this regard that internal procedures for the final release of financial assistance through the Fund should not result in any kind of delays, since natural disasters usually cause extensive damage that seriously interferes with people’s everyday lives and local economies;
Amendment 2 #
2019/2137(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Takes note that, according to the Commission’s explanatory memorandum, EUR 265 252 381 of the allocation remained unused in 2018 and was carried over to 2019 and that for the current year, EUR 557 530 278 remains available; expresses therefore its concern regarding the adequate use of the Fund;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2137(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the urgent need to release financial assistance through the European Union Solidarity Fund (‘the Fund’) to theFund to all regions affected by natural disasters in the Union in 2019;
Amendment 9 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
– having regard to the ECB Feedback on the input provided by the European Parliament as part of its resolution on the ECB Annual Report for 2017,
Amendment 10 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 b (new)
Citation 7 b (new)
– having regard to the final report of the High-Level Expert Group on Sustainable Finance, 'Financing a sustainable European Economy', published in January 2018,
Amendment 11 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 c (new)
Citation 7 c (new)
– having regard to the Resolution on Sustainable Finance (2018/2007(INI)) adopted by the European Parliament in May 2018 and the Resolution on Sustainable Investments, adopted by the Parliament in May 2019,
Amendment 12 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 d (new)
Citation 7 d (new)
– having regard to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals,
Amendment 13 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 e (new)
Citation 7 e (new)
– having regard to the Paris Agreement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,
Amendment 16 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas according to the Commission’s Summer 2019 Economic Forecast, the latest figures of 2019 reflect a slowdown from the higher levels of GDP growth in the euro area in 2018, from 1.9 % to 1.2 % in 2019, and in the EU-27, from 2.1 % in 2018 to 1.4 % in 2019, owing to a weaker impetus from external trade uncertainties and to the Brexit;
Amendment 18 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas according to Eurostat figures, the unemployment rate in August 2019 stood at 6.2 % in the EU and 7.4 % in the euro area, the lowest rates since July 2008, with youth unemployment rate more than double the average rate and with extraordinary regional inequalities in unemployment within and among Member States;
Amendment 34 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas, the SMEs, remaining the backbone of the EU economy and society, enhancing economic and social cohesion, need further support;
Amendment 42 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas the European Deposit Insurance Scheme has been considerably delayed, despite the clear proposals by the Commission, the ECB and the ESM for the urgent need for the creation of a fully mutualised system of depositors’ protection, as the third pillar of the Banking Union;
Amendment 68 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is concerned that after a short economic recovery, euro area growth momentum has slowed markedly to 1.2 % of GDP in the euro area and to 1.4 % of GDP for the EU-27; underlines, therefore, the need for monetary policy to remain accommodative for the foreseeable future; is also concerned by the decreasing growth in industrial production and world trade and the unpreparedness, as Mr. Draghi underlined, of the European economic governance framework to prevent and possibly deal with a looming new economic and financial crisis;
Amendment 72 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines the urgent need to deal with increasing global and European uncertainties and regional inequalities, within and among Member States, which jeopardise the future of European integration;
Amendment 93 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Regrets that youth unemployment remains more than double of the EU average rate and that, despite labour shortages becoming evident in several advanced economies, wages and quality employment have not improved;
Amendment 94 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Notes that, according to the Commission assessment only ten countries, mainly with low debt ratios, intend to be compliant with the Stability and Growth Pact, according to the draft budgetary plans for 2019, indicating the deadlocks and long-standing problems of the Pact, which has to be radically reformed;
Amendment 150 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Welcomes the ECB policy on the European Deposit Insurance Scheme (EDIS) and its support for a fully mutualised system, which is in the same direction with the Commission and the ESM policy, completing in that way the third pillar of the Banking Union, for the benefit of the EU banking system and the depositors’ protection;
Amendment 166 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines that very low or negative interest rates offer, despite some short- term positive effects, do not work sufficiently well in offering opportunities to all consumers, workers and borrowers, who can benefit from stronger economic momentum, lower unemployment and lower borrowing costsas the richest of the population are the ones more likely to benefit from lower borrowing costs thus boosting wealth inequality;
Amendment 184 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Amendment 192 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Encourages the ECB to look into alternative monetary policy tools such as direct transfers to households; calls on the ECB and tasks the ECON Committee to carry out studies aimed at investigating the potential economic effectiveness of direct transfers in comparison with quantitative easing;
Amendment 204 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls that, as an EU institution, the ECB is bound by the Paris Agreement on climate change and that this should be reflected in its policies, with full respect for its mandate and its independence; believes that environmental protection should be prioritised among the secondary objectives of the ECB as specified in Art. 127 TFEU and Art. 3 TEU;
Amendment 208 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Notes the commitment by the ECB to continue its reinvestment policies beyond the end of the net asset purchases; in this context, calls on the ECB to prioritise the purchasing of bonds connected with long-term strategic investments, which contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon economy, and to immediately develop transparent and standardised criteria for the selection of beneficiaries for the programme that fully incorporate environmental, social and governance factors, therefore divesting from carbon-intensive sectors and firms;
Amendment 210 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Calls on the ECB to complement the EU’s climate efforts by increasing its purchase of EIB-issued green bonds, given the EIB commitment to align all its operations with the Paris Agreement by end 2020 and to dedicate 50% of its support to climate action and environmental sustainability by 2025 and the new Commission proposal to turn the EIB into a European Climate Bank;
Amendment 218 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Amendment 223 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Calls on the ECB to prepare for the incorporation of the EU sustainable finance and investments (taxonomy) in its policies and to revise its implementation of the principle of market neutrality accordingly, based on Christine Lagarde’s declaration of 4 September;
Amendment 224 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 c (new)
Paragraph 12 c (new)
12c. Calls on the ECB to disclose the full amounts of profits made by the Eurosystem through ANFAs and SMP from 2010 until the full expiration of the programme, with a specific breakdown per countries which have been subject to SMP purchases (Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Italy);
Amendment 228 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the ECB to continue its preparatory efforts to ensure the stability of EU financial markets for all possible contingencies relating to Brexit; calls on the ECB to evaluate the progress achieved in key pieces of EU financial legislation connected to Brexit contingencies, such as EMIR II, and to take all necessary measures in order to minimise the negative consequences of Brexit, especially for regions and countries directly influenced;
Amendment 274 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Agrees with Christine Lagarde that a review of the ECB’s monetary policy framework is timely and warranted in order to ensure that the ECB has the right tools to deliver on its price stability mandate in the future; calls on the ECB to organise a public consultation as part of this process in order to ensure that the review is open to input and feedback from a broad range of diverse civil society stakeholders; tasks ECON Committee to carry out its own- initiative report on the topic;
Amendment 277 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Welcomes the fact that since 2017 the ECB has been publishing the full list of all CSPP holdings, including the names of issuers, together with aggregated data on those holdings by country, risk, rating and sector; deplores that a similar policy has not been implemented with regard to ABSPP and CBPP3; reiterates that more transparency is required, in particular for CBPP3, given the significant size of the programme;
Amendment 284 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Regrets that the ECB has not yet included Greek bonds in the PSPP despite Greece’s improvements in terms of debt sustainability and re-accession to bonds markets; calls on the ECB to justify why a debt sustainability analysis of the Greek bonds -precondition for inclusion of bonds in QE- has not yet been carried out by the ECB;
Amendment 290 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the increase in accountability under the Presidency of Mario Draghi, and looks forward to even greater transparency, accountability, dialogue and openness with the incoming President by improving, inter alia, the setup of the monetary dialogue, taking into account other national parliament models and the feedback provided by the monetary experts commissioned by ECON in March 2014; regrets that Mrs. Lagarde failed to participate in the European Parliament for the plenary discussion and approval of her appointment;
Amendment 300 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Recalls that the Parliament demands that the ECB should ensure the independence of the members of its internal Audit Committee; urges the ECB to publish declarations of financial interests for its Governing Council members in order to prevent conflicts of interest; urges the ECB to ensure that the Ethics Committee is not chaired by a former President or other past members of the Governing Council of the ECB, nor by anyone liable to conflict of interest; calls the ECB Governing Council to follow the EU Staff Regulations and Code of Conduct and require a two-year professional abstention period for its outgoing members after the conclusion of their mandate;
Amendment 303 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Regrets the negative attitude of the ECB regarding the European Ombudsman’s case 1697/2016/ANA on the ECB President’s membership in the “Group of Thirty”; calls on the ECB to put an end to the President's membership to the G30, to re-examine the Ombudsman’s recommendations and to carefully review its internal policies in order to protect itself from potential cognitive capture by the financial sector;
Amendment 304 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Deplores the fact that more than 97% of the members of the ECB's advisory groups are from the private financial sector; believes this situations causes bias, conflicts of interest and regulatory capture in the policy-making process; calls for the greater representation of independent academic experts and consumer protection advocates in all advisory bodies;
Amendment 305 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes the substantial, detailed, section-by-section feedback provided by the ECB on Parliament’s resolution on the 2017 ECB Annual Report; calls on the ECB to continue and further enhance this commitment to accountability and to continue publishing its written feedback on Parliament’s resolution on the ECB annual report each year;
Amendment 2 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
- having regard to the EIB report entitled ‘Investment Report 2019/2020: Accelerating Europe's Transformation’, published in 2019,
Amendment 3 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 b (new)
Citation 9 b (new)
Amendment 7 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission’s proposal for the European Green Deal, published on 11 December 2019,
Amendment 38 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Urges the EIB to address inequalities and disparities between Member States and regions by supporting direct public investments and the development plans of public authorities, particularly in less-developed countries and countries in post financial assistance phase, as well as by advising on the development of new private and public projects, especially in innovation, digitalisation and infrastructure, with the view to promote inclusive growth and economic, social and territorial convergence and cohesion;
Amendment 40 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Calls on the EIB to adopt a key role in sustainable finance both in and outside Europe and to prioritise through its lending activities the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by further unlocking investment in social, green and sustainable projects; underlines that the SDGs call for action to promote prosperity and build fair and inclusive economic growth while protecting the planet, ending poverty and addressing a range of fundamental social needs such as education, health, childcare, social protection and job opportunities;
Amendment 48 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls on the EIB to emphasise on the consultations with all interested stakeholders affected by its projects, in particular local communities, civil society and population;
Amendment 51 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Urges the EIB to further enhance its commitment to tackle unemployment, in particular youth unemployment, by supporting direct pubic investment and providing the unemployed with skills, training and access to finance, aiming at high-quality employment;
Amendment 57 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls for the exclusion of the EIB programmes from public debt;
Amendment 124 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Calls on the EIB to further align its activities with the Paris Agreement requirements and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;
Amendment 126 #
Amendment 127 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Amendment 130 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
19 c. Points out that Member States and regions have different starting points when it comes to the transition to a greener economy and that some of them will be much more exposed to economic and social risks; points out that the EIB, as part of the Just Transition Mechanism, must ensure an adequate, inclusive and fair transition for all;
Amendment 132 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 d (new)
Paragraph 19 d (new)
19 d. Calls on the EIB to commit itself and present a fair, coherent and inclusive plan, in consultation with the Member States and regions and in accordance with their social and geographic circumstances, in order to effectively leverage the necessary private and public resources and promote the transition towards a greener economy; emphasises, to this regard, that special attention must be paid to the protection of the citizens and workers that will be most affected by the transition, inter alia, by providing access to re-skilling programmes and by promoting investments in new economic sectors that will create new and high- quality jobs;
Amendment 135 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Amendment 136 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20 b. Notes that external financing for all firms across the EU accounts for just over one-third of their investment funding;
Amendment 138 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Considers that, given the strategic role of SMEs, the EIB should reinforce its administrative and advisory capacities to provide information and technical support to SMEs with a view to facilitating their access to finance, particularly in less- developed countries and countries in post- financial assistance phase;
Amendment 150 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Welcomes that the EIB is active in more than 130 countries outside the EU, lending to projects to support EU external cooperation and development policies;
Amendment 151 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22 b. Notes that in 2018 the EIB signed financing contracts for 101 new projects outside the EU with a total of approved financing of EUR 9.05 billion aiming at enabling total investments of EUR 41 billion, with a record lending for climate and social and economic infrastructure;
Amendment 156 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Urges the EIB, the largest multilateral lender in the world, to maintain and further enhance its leading role in future EU financing mechanisms for third countries; calls on the EIB to pay special attention to third countries and regions suffering from conflict and extreme poverty in order to reduce the development gap between the EU and those countries and regions, with a special focus on the Southern Mediterranean and Eastern European Neighbourhood countries, while respecting the legislation of the beneficiary countries and increasing the efficiency of the Results Measurement (ReM) Framework; opposes the recent initiatives to encourage the EIB to be more active in defence and security, migration management and border control;
Amendment 183 #
Amendment 199 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls on the EIB to review its transparency policy in 2020 in order to ensure the timely publication of more ample information on all its financing activities, so as to ensure that its transparency policy is compliant with its social, climate and environmental commitments;
Amendment 200 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31 a. Calls on the EIB to further enhance transparency and access to information especially regarding the contracting and subcontracting system, the results of internal investigations and the selection, monitoring and evaluation of its activities and programmes;
Amendment 209 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Expects the EIB to adapt its internal policies to take account of the new legal framework put in place to combat not only tax fraud but also tax evasion and tax avoidance; Eencourages the EIB to enhance the independence and efficiency of its Fraud Investigations Division, to work with the European Anti- Fraud Office (OLAF) and national authorities to prevent fraud and money laundering, and to ensure that the European Public Prosecutor takes a proactive interest in the EIB’s activities;
Amendment 212 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35 a. Calls on the EIB to present a list of outstanding EIB transactions, especially those featuring in the list of international tax havens;
Amendment 214 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36 a. Calls on the EIB to enhance its cooperation with the European Ombudsman;
Amendment 215 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 b (new)
Paragraph 36 b (new)
36 b. Calls on the EIB to enhance gender representation, especially in its senior positions;
Amendment 216 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 c (new)
Paragraph 36 c (new)
36 c. Calls on the EIB to take further steps to reduce bureaucracy and increase its capacity for macroeconomic analysis;
Amendment 218 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Calls for the European Court of Auditors to be fully empowered to audit all EIB operations and for it to draw up an annual report with recommendations on the results of its external lending activities and their performance and alignment with EU policies;
Amendment 221 #
2019/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Calls as a matter of urgency for Parliament’s powers be strengthened as regards the strategic direction and policies of the EIB, in order to ensure democratic scrutiny of investments, including the ability to submit questions for written answer to the EIB as already provided for the ECB;
Amendment 19 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Strongly believes that it is imperative to rise to the climate challenge in a way that promotes prosperity for all, builds sustainable growth, boosts employment and, strengthens competitiveness and addresses a range of social needs including education, health, social protection while tackling poverty; welcomes the powerful calls for action made by EU leaders at the recent UN climate change summit and the commitments made recently by several Member States to ramp up spending in areas such as energy efficiency and transport and energy infrastructure;
Amendment 28 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Proposes, therefore, a 2020 Union budget that makes an important contribution to tackling environmental challenges and climate change and offsets as much as possible the existing backlog towards reaching the target of 250 % of climate-related Union expenditure for the end of the period 2014-2020; proposes a significant reinforcement by more than EUR 2 billion above DB levels for budget lines across different Headings, and predominantly in Subheading 1a, which make a high contribution towards the climate- expenditure target; carefully targets those reinforcements towards lines that have an excellent implementation rate and the operational capacity to absorb the additional appropriations in 2020;
Amendment 35 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Proposes further targeted reinforcements to other budget lines related to Parliament’s priorities, in areas such as SMEs, digitalisation, cancer research, security and justice cooperation, migration and external policy;
Amendment 39 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Considers that an efficient fight against corruption, tax evasion and tax avoidance practiced by multinational companies and the richest individuals would make it possible to return to the national budgets of the Member States an amount estimated by the Commission at EUR 1 trillion per year; notes that there is in this matter a real deficit of action from the EU; stresses in this regard the urgent need to establish a European authority empowered to combat tax fraud and fiscal evasion;
Amendment 51 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Points out that Horizon 2020 provides very strong European added value and makes a vital contribution to the development of green technology and climate- and environment-friendly innovation, so as to lay the foundations for a decarbonised future and reductions of emissions to match committments of the Paris Agreement; stresses, moreover, the importance of the programme for other significant areas of European research such as digitalisation and cancer research; significantly increases, therefore, the allocation of Horizon 2020 over the level of the DB by EUR 737,8 million in commitment appropriations; furthermore, in accordance with Article 15(3) of the Financial Regulation, makes available the entire amount of EUR 280,7 million in commitment appropriations de-committed in 2018 as a result of non-implementation of research projects, for the budget lines of Horizon 2020 that are most relevant to climate-related research projects;
Amendment 76 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Calls for the EU to increase its efforts to boost cohesion and social convergence in Europe; proposes that the European Social Fund budget, and notably the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) be doubled to overcome poverty in Europe;
Amendment 77 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Considers that sufficient means should be provided in the EU budget for the achievement of economic, social and territorial cohesion in the outermost regions of the European Union (OR) as well as for specific measures in these regions provided for by Article 349 TFEU, in line with the objectives and principles set out in the Commission communication of 24 October 2017 (COM(2017)0623) on ‘A stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the EU’s outermost regions’;
Amendment 97 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Proposes, following the agreement on the appointment of the new European Chief Prosecutor, to endow her office with significant financial means and staff so that the EPPO be fully operational as it takes office in 2020;
Amendment 105 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Proposes a sizeable increase on the line 'Human development', which should aim at compensating the recent decision by the USA to cut funding for global development, especially for NGOs working in the field of reproductive health;
Amendment 134 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 – point c
Paragraph 39 – point c
c) in relation to the European Ombudsman, to add two AD posts above the 2020 budget, combined with minor cuts to three budget lines, in order to balance the amounts restored to two other lines;
Amendment 2 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
- having regard to the 15 December 2010 EIB Policy towards weakly regulated, non-transparent and uncooperative jurisdictions and the 8 |April 2014 addendum to the NCJ Policy;
Amendment 4 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 b (new)
Citation 10 b (new)
- having regard to the approval by the European Parliament of the ratification of the Paris Agreement by the European Union on 4 October 2016;
Amendment 14 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas the bank should keep as an important parameter the investment profitability, with clear criteria to avoid overly speculative operations, expanding its credit activity in line with the needs of the European economy and particularly the social and regional cohesion and inclusive growth;
Amendment 16 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
E b. whereas the EIB should boost its macroeconomic analysis capacity;
Amendment 17 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
E c. whereas the EIB should address regional inequalities by supporting direct public investments and the development plans of public authorities in peripheral countries, as well as advising on the development of new private projects, particularly by SMEs, particularly in those regions;
Amendment 18 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
E d. whereas the EIB should tackle unemployment by supporting direct pubic investment and providing the unemployed, particularly the young people, with skills and training, access to finance and employment;
Amendment 19 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1
Subheading 1
Amendment 20 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
Amendment 25 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the importance of the EIBUrges the EIB to enhance furthermore its activities in laying the foundations for long-term and sustainable growth, which is demonstrated by the fact that, according to the EIB’s economist, the EIB Group lending within the EU approved in the period 2015-2016 will support EUR 544 billion in investment, add 2.3 % to GDP and create 2.25 million jobs by 2020;
Amendment 28 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Calls on the EIB to pay attention to third countries and regions outside the EU suffering from conflict and extreme poverty, the main goal being to reduce the development gap between the EU and those regions, with a special focus on the Southern Mediterranean and Eastern European Neighbourhood countries; calls for full respect for the legislation of the beneficiary countries; calls on the EIB to further increase the efficiency of the Results Measurement Framework (REM) for activities outside the EU; requests that the European Court of Auditors produce a special report on the performance and alignment with EU policies of EIB external lending activities;
Amendment 30 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recognises the EIB’s responsicapability to intervene when there are specific market failures, such as thedevelop counter-initiatives to address underdevelopment and recession resulted from financial crisis and difficulties in accessing finance for SMEs and innovators; applauds the success ofTakes note of the results achieved by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), under which 898 operations have been approved and which is expected to trigger EUR 335 billion in investment across the 28 EU Member States; States that EFSI is designed to address the investment need created by the loss of investment volumes following the incomplete recovery from the 2008 crisis and the failure to match historic investment trends.
Amendment 39 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls on the EIB to bring its activities in line with the most recent UNCTAD recommendations, and to support the strengthening of own new industrial policies of developing countries by contributing to the creation of investment policy tools and focus on different sectors, economic activities, and mechanisms to maximise the contribution of investment to the development of industrial capabilities;
Amendment 59 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recognises that the EIB gives priority to innovation and skills in order to drive growth and ensure Europe’s long- term competitiveness, with loans amounting to EUR 13.9 billion in 2017 for, inter alia, 7.4 million high-speed digital connections and the installation of 36.8 million smart meters; stresses, however that innovative projects often fail to ensure additionality and are overly concentrated on large projects, rather than diffusing technological advancement through the economy;
Amendment 60 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Points out that strengthening of EU coherence, EU economic inclusive growth and quality employment depends also on an increase in public and private investments, especially in innovation, digitalisation, infrastructure and support of SMEs;
Amendment 61 #
Amendment 62 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3 a (new)
Subheading 3 a (new)
Welcomes the EIB’s plan to create a Sustainability Awareness Bond, and encourages the Bank to adopt a key role in sustainable finance both in and outside Europe.; Calls on the EIB to prioritise supporting through its lending activities the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable development Goals by further unlocking investment in social, green and sustainable projects;
Amendment 66 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Recommends EIB to adop energy strategy fully compatible with the Paris Agreement’s objective, taking into account the research evidence and recommendations from the IPCC report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty;
Amendment 70 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Calls on the EIB to further enforce projects connected with climate change and environment protection, given that the EU is one of the signatories of the Paris Agreement, reminding the commitment made by the EU to reduce its emissions by at least 40% by 2030;
Amendment 71 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6 c. Stresses the importance of EIB financing in the developing of renewable energy capacity and the improvement of energy efficiency in sectors such as industry and transport;
Amendment 72 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6 d. Regrets the lack of sound and consistent criteria on Emission Performance Standards; calls for better stream-lining of the environmental dimension in the forthcoming revision of project criteria;
Amendment 73 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6 e. Calls on the EIB to increase the Human Rights dimension in its project planning, including by providing a Human Right Assessment and Evaluation;
Amendment 76 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Recognizing the need for enhanced human rights defenders protection at the time when they face greater risk of retaliation and violence than ever before, calls on the EIB to establish relevant human rights strategy to ensure human rights due diligence to identify and address human rights risks in all of their activities and throughout the lifespan of a project and effective mechanisms whereby defenders can safely alert it about deteriorating environment or risks of conflict and reprisal;
Amendment 80 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. calls on the EIB to put an emphasis on the consultations with all interested stakeholders in particular the local communities, civil society and population affected by banks projects, being in full compliance with international, EU and national laws;
Amendment 88 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the strong support of the EIB Group for SMEs and mid-caps with a total investment of EUR 29.6 billion, which has had a positive impact on 287 000 companies employing 3.9 million people; stresses however that this is far from filling the financing gap suffered by SMEs on account of the deteriorated economic environment and the concentration of the private financial industry away from its traditional credit model;
Amendment 91 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Given the strategic role of the SMEs, believes the bank’s SMEs strategy should include the reinforcement of the administrative and advising capacities of the bank to provide information and technical support to SMEs in developing and applying for finance;
Amendment 94 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Stresses the need to enhance further investment programmes towards small scale projects in order to ensure the participation of SMEs;
Amendment 95 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6 a (new)
Subheading 6 a (new)
Enhancing democratic control and transparency
Amendment 96 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Calls on the EIB to further enhance transparency and access to information both internally, for the European Parliament and other institutions, as well as for the public, especially regarding the contracting and subcontracting system, the results of internal investigations and the selection, monitoring and evaluation of activities and programmes, on the basis of clear and measurable indicators, as well as the methodology and results of the ex ante impact assessment and ex post reporting for each project financed, provided that no sensitive business information is involved;
Amendment 97 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Urges the EIB to enforce the independence and efficiency of the Complaint Mechanism Office and to take further steps to reduce bureaucracy, increase its capacity for macroeconomic analysis and enhance gender representation in its senior positions; regrets the lack of diversity in the management committee, board of governors and board of directors of the EIB, in particular with regard to gender equality;
Amendment 98 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10 c. Calls on the EIB to increase transparency in all of its programming and undertakings and to publish in full length the results of its reviews into lending operation;
Amendment 99 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 d (new)
Paragraph 10 d (new)
10 d. Requests the EIB to increase its reporting to Parliament and other stakeholders regarding its decisions, progress achieved and the impact of its lending activities within and outside the EU, through regular structures for dialogue increasing parliamentary oversight; calls on the EIB to apply to its ordinary activities the same reporting and accountability provisions as set out in the EFSI regulation; in this spirit, asks the EIB to agree to sign an agreement with Parliament to allow direct questions to its President, as already happens with the ECB President, and to improve the selection process for its posts of Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director;
Amendment 100 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 e (new)
Paragraph 10 e (new)
10 e. Calls on the EIB to refrain from funding beneficiaries or financial intermediaries and from cooperating with financial partners with a proven negative track record, and to enforce prevention measures and regular tax assessments against non-cooperative tax jurisdictions officially declared to be tax havens by the Commission, tax and fiscal fraud and tax evasion, as well as illegal and aggressive tax avoidance; calls on the EIB to deal more effectively with risks of corruption and organised crime infiltration in EIB projects; calls on the EIB to reclaim loans where they were not spent according to the rules, and requests a list of outstanding EIB transactions, especially those featuring in the Commission’s list of ‘top 30’tax havens globally;
Amendment 101 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 f (new)
Paragraph 10 f (new)
10 f. Welcomes disclosure of the minutes of the EIB Board of Directors’ meetings and recognises the need for disclosure of Management Committee decisions and documents related to key structural and policy developments in the Bank of high public interest, including proposal for establishing new development bank and EIB related Brexit strategy;
Amendment 102 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 g (new)
Paragraph 10 g (new)
10 g. Emphasizes the need for a high level of transparency of financial intermediaries used by the EIB (commercial banks in particular, but also including microfinance institutions and cooperatives), in order to ensure that intermediated loans are subject to the same transparency requirements as other types of loans;
Amendment 103 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 h (new)
Paragraph 10 h (new)
10 h. Urges the Bank to establish an efficient control, monitoring and reporting system on financial intermediaries lending in order to ensure that intermediated loans comply with environmental and social standards of the Bank;
Amendment 104 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 i (new)
Paragraph 10 i (new)
10 i. Calls on the EIB to further enhance its cooperation with the European Ombudsman given the increasing complains that the European Ombudsman received;
Amendment 105 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 j (new)
Paragraph 10 j (new)
10 j. Calls on the EIB to revise and conclude its Complaints Mechanism Policy in the 1st half of 2018 after proper consultation of all interested parties, including civil society organisations;
Amendment 106 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 k (new)
Paragraph 10 k (new)
10 k. Calls on the EIB to provide with the necessary resources and human capital the independent Fraud Investigation Division, which investigates cases of corruption and fraud in bank’s projects and further enhance bank’s staff training and awareness;
Amendment 109 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11 b. Calls the EIB to fulfil its purpose and increase its investment activity with regard to decrease the dangerous imbalances in the EU, by supporting projects to member-states, which are in post financial assistance phase, or suffer from high levels of long-term poverty, severe unemployment and deindustrialisation;
Amendment 110 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11 c. Calls on the EIB to take all necessary measures based on lessons- learned from the EFSI experience, to maximise the results of the forthcoming InvestEU programme, paying particular attention to regional and social inequalities and the member-states that suffered from the economic crisis;
Amendment 111 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11 c. Calls on the EIB to establish as a criteria for funding a project, the creation of long term and quality working places, with full working rights, collective bargaining and right to union membership;
Amendment 113 #
2018/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Recalls that the external policy of the EIB should be also consistent with the European Charter of Fundamental Rights; calls on the EIB to put this as a priority criterion;
Amendment 85 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 6 – point 1 (new)
(1) Deplores the fact that the Venice Commission recommendations on the status of religious communities in Turkey and the right of the Orthodox Patriarch to use the title “ecumenical” have yet to be implemented and that the Halki (Heybeliada) Greek Orthodox Seminary remains closed. Furthermore, regrets the fact that the Council of Europe Resolution 1625 (2008) regarding the islands of Gökçeada (Imvros) and Bozcaada (Tenedos) isn’t fully implemented yet and that the electoral regulation for non Muslim foundations is still not published after its annulment in 2013;
Amendment 115 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 7 – point 1 (new)
(1) Expresses concern about tensions in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean which are not conducive to good neighbourly relations and undermine regional stability and security; calls for Turkey to avoid any kind of threat or action directed against a Member State, or any source of friction or action that would damage good neighbourly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes and reminds the need for Turkey to unequivocally commit to good neighbourly relations, international agreements, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which is part of the EU acquis, and to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter, having recourse, if necessary, to the International Court of Justice;
Amendment 144 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the state of emergency further constrained the capacity of the Grand National Assembly to fulfil its fundamental role of democratic scrutiny and accountability; notes with great concern the arrest of two members of parliament from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), as well as the waynine members of parliament from the People’s Democratic Party (HDP) and how the latter has been particularly marginalised, with many HDP lawmakers being arrested on the grounds of alleged support for terrorist activities;
Amendment 155 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Condemns the continued arrest of Selahattin Demirtas, opposition leader and presidential candidate; pledges to continue to follow his case very closely and calls for his immediate and unconditional release; expects the European Court of Human Rights to deliver without delay its final judgementTurkey to respect the recent final judgement of the European Court of Human Rights in the case;
Amendment 173 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission and the Member States, taking all of the above into account and in accordance with the Negotiating Framework, to formally suspend the acces not to proceed to the official suspension of negotiations with Turkey; remains, however, committed to democratic dialogue with Turkey; asks the Commission to use, during the formal suspension of negotiations, all funds available under IPA II and the future IPA III to support, through a dedicated envelope directly managed by the EU, Turkey’s civil society, and to increase opportunities for people-to-people contacts, academic dialogue, access for Turkish students to European universities and media platforms for journalists, but to keep accession talks frozen as decided, until Turkey meets the EUs’ legal and institutional system, specially on democracy, human rights and the rule of law;
Amendment 208 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Believes that a door should be left open for the modernisation and upgrading of the 1995 Customs Union between the EU and Turkey, to include relevant areas such as agriculture, services and public procurement, which currently are not covered; recalls that two thirds of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Turkey comes from EU Member States and that Turkey is an important growth market for the EU; believes that the upgrade would provide a valuable opportunity for democratic conditionality, positive leverage and the possibility of a roadmap where upgrading the Customs Union would go hand in hand with concrete commitments by Turkey on democratic reforms, rule of law and good neighbourly relations; believes further that the upgrading of the Customs Union would provide an important opportunity for policy dialogue on climate change as well as on labour rights in Turkey; calls on the Commission to start preparatory work for the upgrading of the Customs Union as soon as the Turkish Government indicates its readiness for serious reforms;
Amendment 260 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Recalls the important role played by Turkey in responding to the migration crisis resulting from the war in Syria; takes the view that Turkey’s population has shown great hospitality by offering shelter to more than 3 million Syrian refugees; notes that the number of arrivals to the European Union from Turkey has significantly risen in 2018 compared to last year; calls on the EU and its Member States to keep their promise regarding a large-scale resettlement, and to ensure adequate financial resources for the long- term support of Syrian refugees in Turkey;
Amendment 299 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the efforts by the UN to resume negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus; supports a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the EU acquis; reiterates its call on Turkey to commit and contribute to a comprehensive settlement, to begin withdrawing its troops from Cyprus, to transfer the sealed-off area of Famagusta to the UN, and to refrain from actions altering the demographic balance on the island; praises the important work of the Committee on Missing Persons; recognises the right of the Republic of Cyprus to enter into bilateral agreements concerning its exclusive economic zone; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to refrain from any threat or action which might have negative effects on good neighbourly relations; underlines that recognition of all Member States by Turkey is a necessary component of the accession process;
Amendment 49 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the Prespes Agreement of 17th of June 2018 between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and commends both sides for their significant efforts to reach a commonly satisfying solution to the name issue. Welcomes the ratification by the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia of the strategic partnership agreement with Greece on 20 June 2018; urges the parties to duly inform their citizens of the contents and implications of the agreement and to diligently complete all internal procedures for the ratification and implementation of this strategically important agreement, bringing an end to a protracted geopolitical limboreinforcing the peace and stability in the region;
Amendment 33 #
2018/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 9 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Acknowledges the fact that 118 significant projects (out of 181) have been successfully implemented at the end of 2007-2013 programming period, while 18 will be fully operated at the end of March 2019 and 24 projects have been characterized as phasing.
Amendment 42 #
2018/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 11 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Appreciates the fact that according to the final data communicated to the European Commission on 31/12/2016, the amount of payment requests by Greek Authorities was € 1.6 billion in terms of community funds, significantly exceeding the target set for inflow of € 1 billion EU funds.
Amendment 45 #
2018/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls the importance of structural reforms for a sound business environment and an effective implementation of the ESIFs, and invites Greeceacknowledges Greece's efforts to make full use of the possibilities for assistance under the SRSP;
Amendment 56 #
2018/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. RemindAcknowledges the Greek authorities of' focus on the importance of ensuring proper communication and visibility of the projects which were financed following the adoption of Regulation 2015/1839;
Amendment 60 #
2018/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 16 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Acknowledges the positive effects of the measures taken in countering the problems faced due to negative growth, severe problems of liquidity and lack of public funds and fostering the implementation of the Cohesion Funds in Greece and invites the Commission to consider similar measures for the programming period 2021-2027 in justified cases, if needed.
Amendment 13 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20
Citation 20
— having regard to China’s dominancesignificant advancement in the issuance of green bonds and to the need for a European definition of a green bond that includes social as well as ecological criteria,
Amendment 22 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 31 a (new)
Citation 31 a (new)
- having regard to the European Investment Bank (EIB) extensive experience on green bonds through mainly the Climate Awareness Bond, which contributed to green bonds of 18 billion Euro and 160 projects related to renewable energy, which unfortunately were distributed regionally in an uneven way without the appropriate long-term and regionally balanced planning.
Amendment 44 #
2018/2007(INI)
A. whereas the power of finance can and should be used to facilitate the transition to a sustainable economy in the EU which extends beyond the climate transition into other areas of ecologicalnvironmental, social and governance crisis;
Amendment 66 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the potential of a faster, green and sustainable transition as an opportunity for orienting capital markets and banks towards long- term, innovative, socially friendly and efficient investments; notes that environmental, social and governance (ESG) benefits and risks are not reflected in prices and that this provides a market advantage to unsustainable and short-termist geared finance; stresses that a more strict political and regulatory framework to govern sustainable finance is overdue;
Amendment 76 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. stresses the importance of maintaining a balance between environmental, social and governance (ESG) dimensions of sustainable finance, taking very much into consideration the social dimension by prioritising the fight against social and regional inequalities and poverty, enforcing a real sustainable, environmentally-sensitive and inclusive growth;
Amendment 89 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the financial sector as a whole and its core function of allocating capital tocore function should benefit society should, must be governed by the values of equity and sustainability and inclusiveness; emphasises in that respect the instrumental role of economic, fiscal and monetary policy in fostering sustainable finance by facilitating capital allocation to decarbonised and resource- efficient economic activities which are able to reduce the current need for future resources and thereby capable of meeting EU sustainability and Paris Agreement goals; insists that a substantial price for greenhouse gas emissions is a key component of a functioning and efficient environmental and social market economy;
Amendment 111 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Member States, in coordination with the Commission and the EIB, to evaluate their national and collective public investment needs to ensure that the EU is on track to meet its climate change goals and sustainability goals within the next five years; based on this evaluation and planning, each member-state under an EU strategy should issue a national investment plan for sustainable finance.
Amendment 125 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to lead a multi-stakeholder, inclusive and credible process to establish by the end of 2019 a robust and credible green sustainability taxonomy, including a ‘Green Finance Mark’, providing the necessary legal framework through a legislative initiative;;
Amendment 138 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point 1
Paragraph 6 – point 1
1. a minimum standard aligned with the Paris Agreement and the do-no-harm principle in accordance with ESG risk analysis;, the SDGs, Agenda 2030 and in line with international human rights and international humanitarian, labour and environmental laws and the do-no-harm principle in accordance with ESG risk analysis including at a minimum: a) Environmental factors – climate change risks, bio-diversity ,waste, pollution, water security and deforestation b) Social factors – human rights, workers rights, women’s rights, health and safety c) Governance factors – measures to tackle corruption, tax evasion and money laundering
Amendment 140 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point 1 a (new)
Paragraph 6 – point 1 a (new)
1 a. Calls on the European Commission to introduce an mandatory framework of due diligence as a mean through which investors will be required to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for ESG factors and risks based on the 2017 OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct for Institutional Investors;
Amendment 172 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. AskUrges the Commission to adopt a regulatory strategy aimed inter alia at measuring sustainability risks within the framework of capital adequacy rules; stresses that capital adequacy rules must be based on and fully reflect demonstrated sustainability risks; aims to initiate an EU pilot project within the next annual budget to begin developing methodological benchmarks for that purpose;
Amendment 200 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Insists that fiduciary duty should be extended to encompass a mandatory ‘two- way’ integration process whereby asset managers are obliged to consider ESG factors and clients are asked about their timeframe and sustainability preferences; recommends that such guidance should clarify that asset owners have a duty to pay attention to long-term factors including ESG factors and may consider non-financially material ESG preferences of clients and beneficiaries;
Amendment 216 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Asks that active and accountable stewardship form an integral part of the legal duties of investors to be reflected throughand that an account of stewardship activities be made available to beneficiaries and public through, inter alia, the disclosure of major holdings, engagement activities, the use of proxy advisers and the use of passive investment vehicles;
Amendment 221 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 245 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Encourages the creation of a proactive green credit guidance, which already exists in some member-states, with well-defined rules of the minimum percentage allocated to renewable energy;
Amendment 272 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Intends to further clarify the mandate of the ESAs so that it includes ESG risks; calls on ESMA to update its ‘suitability’ guidelines to include ESG issues and on the three ESAs to introduce a monitoring system to assess material ESG risks beginning in 2018 and with a forward-looking climate scenario analysis; favours the extension of the ESAs’ mandate to include checking portfolio alignment with the Paris Agreement and to ensure consistency with the TCFD recommendations; encourages ESAs to enforce coordination with relevant agencies and international organisations;
Amendment 284 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes that the EIB has a mixed record on climate action; insists that the EIB should only agree to future lending that is compatible with a 1.5 °C climate limit and calls the EIB to redesign its programme planning in a more balanced way, both environmentally and regionally, to enforce climate actions and social and regional convergence always within a context of respect to working rights while having a positive environmental and social impacts;
Amendment 305 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the ECB to redesign its purchase programmes in order to rebalance and align its portfolio with an investment policy that is consistent with the Paris Agreement and ESG goals; being also more transparent, given that up to date ECB programmes benefited mainly big corporations with at least questionable environmental approaches; underlines that such redesign may act as a pilot for establishing a future sustainability taxonomy;
Amendment 7 #
2018/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2 a) According to the 2019 Final Report in the context of the ‘Study and Reports on the VAT Gap in the EU-28 Member States’ prepared for the Commission, the VAT gap, that is the difference between the expected VAT revenue and the amount actually collected, in the Union amounted to EUR 137,5 billion in 2017, representing a loss of 11,2% of the total expected VAT revenue and EUR 267 of lost revenue per person in the Union. There are, however, big differences between Member States, with VAT gaps ranging from 0,6% up to 35,5%. This proves the need for more transnational cooperation to better fight against VAT e-commerce fraud in particular, but more generally VAT fraud (including carousel fraud).
Amendment 13 #
2018/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) It is necessary and proportionate that payment service providers retain records of the information in relation to payment transactions for a twofive-years period to assist Member States fight e- commerce VAT fraud and detect fraudsters. This period constitutes the minimum necessary for Member States to carry out controls effectively and investigate into suspected VAT fraud or detect VAT fraud, and it is proportionate considering the massive volume of the payment information and its sensitivity in terms of protection of personal data.
Amendment 17 #
2018/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Regulation (EU) No 904/2010
Article 24c – paragraph 2
Article 24c – paragraph 2
2. CESOP shall retain the information referred to in points (a) andto (bc) of paragraph 1 for a maximum period of twofive years from the expiry of the year when the information was transferred into the system.
Amendment 9 #
2018/0412(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2 a) According to the 2019 Final Report in the context of the ‘Study and Reports on the VAT Gap in the EU-28 Member States’ prepared for the Commission, the VAT gap, that is the difference between the expected VAT revenue and the amount actually collected, in the Union amounted to EUR 137,5 billion in 2017, representing a loss of 11,2% of the total expected VAT revenue and EUR 267 of lost revenue per person in the Union. There are, however, big differences between Member States, with VAT gaps ranging from 0,6% up to 35,5%. This proves the need for more transnational cooperation to better fight against VAT e-commerce fraud in particular, but more generally VAT fraud (including carousel fraud).
Amendment 17 #
2018/0412(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Due to the significant volume of information and its sensitivity in terms of the protection of personal data, it is necessary and proportionate that payment service providers retain records of the information in relation to cross-border payment transactions for a twofive-year period in order to assist Member States fight e- commerce VAT fraud and detect fraudsters. This period constitutes the minimum necessary for Member States to carry out controls effectively and to investigate suspected VAT fraud or to detect VAT fraud.
Amendment 33 #
2018/0412(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 243b – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 243b – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) be kept by the payment service provider in electronic format for a period of twofive years from the end of the year during which the payment transaction was executed;
Amendment 43 #
2018/0412(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Directive 2006/112/EC
Title XV – Chapter 2a – Article 404 a (new)
Title XV – Chapter 2a – Article 404 a (new)
(1 a) in Chapter 2a of Title XV, the following Article is inserted: "Article 404a By 31 December 2021, the Commission shall, on the basis of information obtained from the Member States, present to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the operation of Section 2a of Chapter 4 of Title XI, in particular as regards the need to include virtual currencies exchange platforms in the scope of that Section. The Commission shall regularly present such reports to the European Parliament and to the Council. These reports shall be accompanied, where appropriate, by legislative proposals."
Amendment 28 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) With 1.8% of EU GDP, down from 2.2% in 2009, infrastructure investment activities in the Union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis. Thus, while a recovery in investment-to-GDP ratios in the Union can be observed, it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment. More importantly, the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the Union’s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness, including for innovation, skills, infrastructure, small and medium- sized enterprises (‘SMEs’) and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing. Consequently, continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub-optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors to achieve the Union’s policy objectives.
Amendment 29 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) With 1.8% of EU GDP, down from 2.2% in 2009, infrastructure investment activities in the Union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis. Thus, while a recovery in investment-to-GDP ratios in the Union can be observed, it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment, especially in Member States severely hit by the austerity policies and by recession. More importantly, the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the Union’s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness, including for innovation, skills, infrastructure, small and medium- sized enterprises (‘SMEs’), green investments and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing. Consequently, continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub-optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors to achieve the Union’s policy objectiveand particular Member States and regions.
Amendment 31 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2 a) According to the 2018 Special Report of Court of Auditors1a “Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions (JASPER) - time for better targeting”, there is evidence of discontinued assignments which is caused by poor targeting. _________________ 1a https://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECADoc uments/SR18_01/SR_JASPERS_EN.pdf
Amendment 32 #
2018/0229(COD)
(3) In the last years, the Union has adopted ambitious strategies to complete the Single Market and to stimulate sustainable growth and jobs, such as the Capital Markets Union, the Digital Single Market Strategy, the Clean Energy for all Europeans package, the Union Action Plan for the Circular Economy, the Low- Emission Mobility Strategy, the Defence and the Space Strategy for Europe. The InvestEU Fund should exploit and reinforce synergies between those mutually reinforcing strategies through providing support to investment and access to financing in all regions, especially in regions where such access is structurally constrained.
Amendment 36 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) At Union level, the European Semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. Member States develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities. The strategies should be presented alongside the yearly National Reform ProgrammMember States develop their own national multiannual investment strategies as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national or Union funding, or by both. Theyse strategies should also serve to use Union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the European Structural and Investment Funds, the European Investment Stabilisation Function and the InvestEU Fund, where relevant.
Amendment 39 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The InvestEU Fund should contribute to improving the competitiveness of the Union, including in the field of innovation and digitisation, the sustainability of the Union’s economic growth, the social resilience and inclusiveness and the integration of the Union capital markets, including solutions addressing their fragmentation and diversifying sources of financing for the Union enterprisbe geared to social, economic and territorial cohesion and be capable of helping to increase aggregate demand and carry out investment in public infrastructure, which may subsequently leverage and boost private investment. Only a plan of this nature can be effective in reviving growth, fighting unemployment and combating social, economic and territorial inequalities. To that end, it should supportfavour projects that are technically and economically viable by providing a framework for the use of debt, risk sharing and equity instruments underpinned by a guarantee from the Union’s budget and by contributions from implementing partners. It should be demand-driven while support under the InvestEU Fund should at the same time focus on contributing to meeting policy objectives of the Union. , to enhance cohesion through the creation of quality jobs and the broadening and improvement of the productive base of Member States, especially those facing severe economic imbalances, suffering from austerity measures and structural adjustments;
Amendment 43 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The InvestEU Fund should support investments in tangible and intangible assets to foster growth, investment and employment, and thereby contributing to the reduction of disparities between regions, improved well-being and fairer income distribution in the Union and the Union’s economic, social and territorial cohesion. Intervention through the InvestEU Fund should complement Union support delivered through grants.
Amendment 55 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Low infrastructure investment rates in the Union during the financial crisis undermined the Union’s ability to boost sustainable growth, competitiveness and convergence. Sizeable investments in the European infrastructure are fundamental to meet the Union’s sustainability targets, including the 2030 energy and climate targets as well as the EU 2050 commitment to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95%. Accordingly, support from the InvestEU Fund should target investments into transport, energy, including energy efficiency and renewable energy, environmental, climate action, maritime and digital infrastructure. To maximise the impact and the value added of Union financing support, it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline and consistency across relevant Union programmes. Bearing in mind security threats, investment projects receiving Union support should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces. This should be complementary to the efforts made by other Union funds such as the European Regional Development Fund providing support for security components of investments in public spaces, transport, energy and other critical infrastructure.
Amendment 62 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in the Union. However, they face challenges when accessing finance because of their perceived high risk and lack of sufficient collateral. Additional challenges arise from SMEs’ need to stay competitive by engaging in digitisation, internationalisation and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce. Moreover, compared to larger enterprises, they have access to a more limited set of financing sources: they typically do not issue bonds, have only limited access to stock exchanges or large institutional investors. The challenge in accessing finance is even greater for those SMEs whose activities focus on intangible assets. SMEs in the Union rely heavily on banks and debt financing in the form of bank overdrafts, bank loans or leasing. Supporting SMEs that face the above challenges and providing more diversified sources of funding is necessary for increasing the ability of SMEs to finance their creation, growth and development, withstand economic downturns, and for making the economy and the financial system more resilient during economic downturn or shocks. Particular attention should be paid to social enterprises. This is also complementary to the initiatives already undertaken in the context of the Capital Markets Union. The InvestEU Fund should provide an opportunity to focus on specific, more targeted financial products.
Amendment 69 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) The InvestEU Fund should operate under four policy windows, mirroring the key Union policy priorities, namely sustainable infrastructure; research, innovation and digitisation: SMEs; and social investment and skills. Supported actions should address market failures or sub-optimal investment situations at Union level or in one or several Member States, in a proportionate manner, including vulnerable and remote areas such as the outermost regions of the Union and should have a clear European added value.
Amendment 70 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
Amendment 74 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
Amendment 80 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) The EU guarantee underpinning the InvestEU Fund should be implemented indirectly by the Commission relying on implementing partners with outreach to final recipients. A guarantee agreement allocating guarantee capacity from the InvestEU Fund should be concluded by the Commission with each implementing partner, to support its financing and investment operations meeting the InvestEU Fund objectives and eligibility criteria. TIn order to improve transparency, efficiency, accountability and ensure the appropriate use of the EU guarantee, the InvestEU Fund should be provided with a specific governance structure to ensure the appropriate use of the EU guarantee, completely separate from that of the EIB Group.
Amendment 85 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
Amendment 86 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) In selecting implementing partners for the deployment of the InvestEU Fund, the Commission should consider the counterpart’s capacity to fulfil the objectives of the InvestEU Fund and contribute its own resources, in order to ensure adequate geographical coverage and diversification, to avoid disproportionate benefit to larger Member States with more developed capital markets, to crowd-in private investors and to provide sufficient risk diversification as well as new solutions to address market failures and sub-optimal investment situations. Given its role under the Treaties, its capacity to operate in all Member States and the existing experience under the current financial instruments and the EFSI, the European Investment Bank (‘EIB’) Group should remain a privileged implementing partner under the InvestEU Fund’s EU compartment. In addition to the EIB Group, national promotional banks or institutions should be able to offer a complementary financial product range given that their experience and capabilities at regional level could be beneficial for the maximisation of the impact of public funds on the territory of the Union. Moreover, it should be possible to have other international financial institutions as implementing partners, in particular when they present a comparative advantage in terms of specific expertise and experience in certain Member States. It should also be possible for other entities fulfilling the criteria laid down in the Financial Regulation to act as implementing partners.
Amendment 91 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) In order to ensure that interventions under the EU compartment of the InvestEU Fund focus on market failures and sub-optimal investment situations at Union level, but, at the same time, satisfy the objectives of best possible geographic outreach and avoid disproportionate benefit to larger Member States with more developed capital markets, the EU guarantee should be allocated to implementing partners, which alone or together with other implementing partners, can cover at least three Member States. However, it is expected that around 75 % of the EU guarantee under the EU compartment would be allocated to implementing partner or partners that can offer financial products under the InvestEU Fund in all Member States.
Amendment 95 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
Amendment 98 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) In order to ensure a wide geographic outreach of the advisory services across the Union and to successfully leverage local knowledge about the InvestEU Fund, a local presence of the InvestEU Advisory Hub should be ensured, win each Member State and in the re needgions should be ensured, taking into account existing support schemes, with a view to provide tangible, proactive, tailor-made assistance on the ground.
Amendment 100 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) In the context of the InvestEU Fund, there is a need for capacity building support to develop the organisational capacities and market making activities needed to originate quality projects. Moreover, the aim is to create the conditions for the expansion of the potential number of eligible recipients in nascent market segments, in particular where the small size of individual projects raises considerably the transaction cost at the project level, such as for the social finance ecosystem. The capacity building support should therefore be complementary and additional to actions undertaken under other Union programmes that cover a specific policy area. Particular effort should also be made to support the capacity building of potential project promoters, in particular local and regional service provider organisations and authorities.
Amendment 104 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) A solid monitoring framework, based on output, outcome and impact indicators should be implemented to track progress towards the Union’s objectives. In order to ensure accountability to European citizens, the Commission should report annually to the European Parliament and the Council on the progress, impact and operations of the InvestEU Programme and on the coordination, complementarity and consistency with other Union policies and instruments, especially the funds under shared management.
Amendment 108 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
This Regulation establishes the InvestEU Fund providing for an EU guarantee for financing and investment operations carried out by the implementing partners in support of the Union’s internal policies.
Amendment 110 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7
(7) ‘implementing partner’ means the eligible counterpart such as a financial institution or other intermediarybeing the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, or national promotional banks or institutions with whom the Commission signs a guarantee agreement and/or an agreement to implement the InvestEU Advisory Hub;
Amendment 111 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Amendment 112 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Amendment 113 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the competitiveness of the Unsocial and regional cohesion, including innovation and digitisation;
Amendment 122 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) the integration of the Union capital markets and the strengthening of the Single Market, including solutions addressing the fragmentation of the Union capital markets,addressing diversifying sources of financing for Union enterprises and promoting sustainable finance.
Amendment 124 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) to increase the access to and the availability of finance for SMEs and, in duly justified cases, for small mid-cap companies;
Amendment 139 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) sustainable infrastructure policy window: comprises sustainable investment in the areas of transport, energy, digital connectivity, supply and processing of raw materials, space, oceans and water, waste, nature and other environment infrastructure, equipment, mobile assets and deployment of innovative technologies that contribute to the environmental or social sustainability objectives of the Union, or to both, or meet the environmental or social sustainability standards of the Union as well as to the long- term sustainable development of the region in which the operation is taking place;
Amendment 142 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) With 1.8% of EU GDP, down from 2.2% in 2009, infrastructure investment activities in the Union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis. Thus, while a recovery in investment-to-GDP ratios in the Union can be observed, it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment. According to the most recent data on national accounts, there no indication of a significant surge in investment since the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) was launched, while growth is unevenly distributed among Member States and mainly export led. More importantly, the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the Union’s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness, including for innovation, skills, infrastructure, small and medium- sized enterprises ('SMEs') and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing. Consequently, continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub-optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors to achieve the Union's policy objectives.
Amendment 146 #
2018/0229(COD)
(1a) Acknowledges that one of the main barrier to business investment is the lack of demand resulting from austerity measures, that provoked a sharp drop in workers’ disposable income and in public consumption and investment; believes that only an increase in workers’ income and ambitious public investment will be able to avoid risks of continued weak growth, or even recession, and continuing high unemployment rates; urges to an immediate reverse of the austerity measures, repeal the budget deficit and public debt limits and create a broad public investment plan;
Amendment 151 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In the last years, the Union has adopted ambitious strategies to complete the Single Market and to stimulate sustainable growth and jobs, such as the Capital Markets Union, the Digital Single Market Strategy, the Clean Energy for all Europeans package, the Union Action Plan for the Circular Economy, the Low- Emission Mobility Strategy, the Defence and the Space Strategy for Europe with limited results in tackling regional and social inequalities. The InvestEU Fund should exploit and reinforce synergies between those mutually reinforcing strategies through providing support to investment and access to financing.
Amendment 154 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Financing and investment operations under the sustainable infrastructure policy window referred to in point (a) of paragraph (1) shall be subject to climate, environmental and social sustainability proofing with a view to minimise detrimental impacts and maximise benefits on climate, environment and social dimension. For that purpose, promoters requesting financing shall provide adequate information based on guidance to be developed by the Commission and avoiding any operations involving intensive fossil fuel infrastructures. Projects below a certain size defined in the guidance shall be excluded from the proofing.
Amendment 157 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) At Union level, the European Semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. Member States develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities. The strategies should be presented alongside the yearly National Reform Programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national or Union funding, or by both. Theyse strategies should also serve to use Union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the European Structural and Investment Funds, the European Investment Stabilisation Function and the InvestEU Fund, where relevant.
Amendment 159 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The InvestEU Fund should contribute to improving the competitiveness of the Union, including in the field of innovation and digitisation, the sustainability of the Union's economic growth, the social resilience and inclusiveness and the integration of the Union capital markets, including solutions addressing their fragmentation and diversifying sources of financing for the Union enterprisbe geared to social, economic and territorial cohesion and be capable of helping to increase aggregate demand and carry out investment in public infrastructure, which may subsequently leverage and boost private investment. Only a plan of this nature can be effective in reviving growth, fighting unemployment and combating inequalities. To that end, it should supportfavour projects that are technically and economically viable by providing a framework for the use of debt, risk sharing and equity instruments underpinned by a guarantee from the Union's budget and by contributions from implementing partners. It should be demand-driven while support under the InvestEU Fund should at the same time focus on contributing to meeting policy objectives of the Union. and to encourage social and regional cohesion through the creation of quality jobs and the broadening and improvement of the productive base of Member States, especially those facing severe economic imbalances, suffering from austerity measures and undergoing violent structural adjustments;
Amendment 160 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Article 7 – paragraph 4
4. Implementing partners shall provide the information necessary to allow the tracking of investment that contributes to meeting the Union objectives on climate and environment, as well as on the European Pillar of Social Rights, based on guidance to be provided by the Commission.
Amendment 163 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8
Article 8
Amendment 168 #
Amendment 177 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The InvestEU Fund should support investments in tangible and intangible assets, including cultural heritage and tourism to foster growth, investment and employment, and thereby contributing to improved well-being and fairer income distribution in the Union. Intervention through the InvestEU Fund should complement Union support delivered through grants.
Amendment 179 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) Additionality, a key feature of the EFSI, should be strengthened in the InvestEU selection criteria. In particular, operations should only be eligible if they address clearly identified market failures or sub-optimal investment situations. InvestEU should not support public- private in infrastructure, given that these are in general more expensive for taxpayers and consumers.
Amendment 187 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 188 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Amendment 189 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 4
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 4
Amendment 192 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) achieves geographical diversification by Member State and by Region;
Amendment 195 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 5
Article 14 – paragraph 5
Amendment 200 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18
Article 18
Amendment 206 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Low infrastructure investment rates in the Union during the financial crisis along with recessive economic policies and further cuts to public investments, undermined the Union's ability to boost sustainable growth, competitiveness and convergence. Sizeable investments in the European infrastructure are fundamental to meet the Union's social standards for employment, inequalities and sustainability targets, including the 2030 energy and climate targets as well as the Paris Agreement goals. Accordingly, support from the InvestEU Fund should target investments into transport, insularity, energy, including energy efficiency and renewable energy, environmental, climate action, maritime and digital infrastructure. To ensure the maximum public control and transparency on those targets, the process should embody maximum transparency and accountability standards. To maximise the impact and the value added of Union financing support, it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline and consistency across relevant Union programmes. Bearing in mind security threats, investment projects receiving Union support should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces. This should be complementary to the efforts made by other Union funds such as the European Regional Development Fund providing support for security components of investments in public spaces, transport, energy and other critical infrastructure.
Amendment 210 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
The experts shall have a high level of relevant market experience in project structuring and financing orin the field of regional development and of financing of SMEs or corporates.
Amendment 217 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in the Union. However, they face challenges when accessing finance because of their perceived high risk and lack of sufficient collateral. Additional challenges arise from SMEs' needthe need of SMEs and social economy enterprises, to stay competitive by engaging in digitisation, internationalisation and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce. Moreover, compared to larger enterprises, they have access to a more limited set of financing sources: they typically do not issue bonds, have only limited access to stock exchanges or large institutional investors. The challenge in accessing finance is even greater for those SMEs whose activities focus on intangible assets. SMEs in the Union rely heavily on banks and debt financing in the form of bank overdrafts, bank loans or leasing. Supporting SMEs that face the above challenges and providing more diversified sources of funding is necessary for increasing the ability of SMEs to finance their creation, growth and development, withstand economic downturns, and for making the economy and the financial system more resilient during economic downturn or shocks. This is also complementary to the initiatives alread and capable of creating quality uandertaken in the context of the Capital Markets Union long-term jobs and social prosperity. Particular attention should be paid to social enterprises. The InvestEU Fund should provide an opportunity to focus on specific, more targeted financial products.
Amendment 218 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Conclusions of the Investment Committee approving the support of the EU guarantee to a financing or investment operation shall be publicly accessible and shall include the rationale for the approval. The publication shall not contain commercially sensitive informat, the criteria applied and the scoreboard of indicators. Particular focus should be given on compliance with the additionality criterion.
Amendment 219 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 3
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 3
Amendment 220 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 4
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 4
Twice a year, the conclusions of, the criteria applied and the scoreboard indicators related to the Investment Committee rejecting the use of the EU guarantee shall be transmitted to the European Parliament and to the Council, subject to strict confidentiality requirements.
Amendment 225 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) supporting actions and leveraging local and regional knowledge to facilitate the use of the InvestEU Fund support across the Union and contributing actively where possible to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the InvestEU Fund by supporting the implementing partners in originating and developing potential financing and investment operations;
Amendment 227 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
Amendment 227 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 6
Article 20 – paragraph 6
6. The InvestEU Advisory Hub shall have local presence, where necessary. It shall be established in particular in in each Member States or and in regions that face difficulties in developing projects under the InvestEU Fund. The InvestEU Advisory Hub shall assist in the transfer of knowledge to the regional and local level with a view to building up regional and local capacity and expertise for support referred to in paragraph 1.
Amendment 237 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
Amendment 252 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) The EU guarantee underpinning the InvestEU Fund should be implemented indirectly by the Commission relying on implementing partners with outreach to final recipients. A guarantee agreement allocating guarantee capacity from the InvestEU Fund should be concluded by the Commission with each implementing partner, to support its financing and investment operations meeting the InvestEU Fund objectives and eligibility criteria. TIn order to improve transparency, efficiency, accountability and ensure the appropriate use of the EU guarantee, the InvestEU Fund should be provided with a specific governance structure to ensure the appropriate use of the EU guarantee, completely separate from that of the EIB Group.
Amendment 273 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
Amendment 281 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) In selecting implementing partners for the deployment of the InvestEU Fund, the Commission should consider the counterpart's capacity to fulfil the objectives of the InvestEU Fund and contribute its own resources, in order to ensure adequate geographical coverage and diversification, to avoid disproportionate benefit to larger Member States with more developed capital markets to crowd-in private investors and to provide sufficient risk diversification as well as new solutions to address market failures and sub-optimal investment situations. Given its role under the Treaties, its capacity to operate in all Member States and the existing experience under the current financial instruments and the EFSI, the European Investment Bank (‘EIB’) Group should remain a privileged implementing partner under the InvestEU Fund's EU compartment. In addition to the EIB Group, national promotional banks or institutions should be able to offer a complementary financial product range given that their experience and capabilities at regional level could be beneficial for the maximisation of the impact of public funds on the territory of the Union. Moreover, it should be possible to have other international financial institutions as implementing partners, in particular when they present a comparative advantage in terms of specific expertise and experience in certain Member States. It should also be possible for other entities fulfilling the criteria laid down in the Financial Regulation to act as implementing partners.
Amendment 293 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) In order to ensure that interventions under the EU compartment of the InvestEU Fund focus on market failures and sub-optimal investment situations at Union level, but, at the same time, satisfy the objectives of best possible geographic outreach, and avoid disproportionate benefit to larger Member States with more developed capital markets, the EU guarantee should be allocated to implementing partners, which alone or together with other implementing partners, can cover at least three Member States. However, it is expected that around 75 % of the EU guarantee under the EU compartment would be allocated to implementing partner or partners that can offer financial products under the InvestEU Fund in all Member States.
Amendment 300 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
Amendment 311 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) In order to ensure a wide geographic outreach of the advisory services across the Union and to successfully leverage local knowledge about the InvestEU Fund, a local presence in each Member State and in regions of the InvestEU Advisory Hub should be ensured, where needed, taking into account existing support schemes, with a view to provide tangible, proactive, tailor-made assistance on the ground.
Amendment 317 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) A solid monitoring framework, based on output, outcome and impact indicators should be implemented to track progress towards the Union's objectives. In order to ensure accountability to European citizens, the Commission should report annually to the European Parliament and, the Council and the Member-States on the progress, impact and operations of the InvestEU Programme. As a result an Annual Report will have to be produced and be accessible to all Member States as they are the initial stakeholders.
Amendment 320 #
2018/0229(COD)
(45a) The investments under InvestEU should be safe and maintain sound financial management, therefore anti- fraud policies should be ensured and further enhanced. Special provisions should be defined to exclude off-shore companies and companies based in “non- cooperating” countries. Cooperation with the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Court of Auditors should be ensured to that end.
Amendment 325 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
This Regulation establishes the InvestEU Fund providing for an EU guarantee for financing and investment operations carried out by the implementing partners in support of the Union’s internal policies.
Amendment 341 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7
(7) 'implementing partner' means the eligible counterpart such as a financial institution or other intermediarybeing the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, or national promotional banks or institutions with whom the Commission signs a guarantee agreement and/or an agreement to implement the InvestEU Advisory Hub;
Amendment 349 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Amendment 351 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Amendment 356 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the competitiveness of the Unsocial and regional cohesion, including innovation and digitisation;
Amendment 371 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) the integration of the Union capital markets and the strengthening of the Single Market, including solutions addressing the fragmentation of the Union capital markets,addressing diversifying sources of financing for Union enterprises and promoting sustainable finance.
Amendment 375 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) to increase the access to and the availability of finance for SMEs and, in duly justified cases, for small mid-cap companies;
Amendment 380 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) to increase the access to and the availability of microfinance and finance tofor SMEs, social enterprises, support financing and investment operations related to social investment and skills and develop and consolidate social investment markets, in the areas referred to in point (d) of Article 7(1).
Amendment 389 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
The EIB shall report annually to the European Parliament on the functioning of the guarantee.
Amendment 390 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 b (new)
The Commission shall provide a mid-term review and propose the necessary upward budgetary changes.
Amendment 392 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
An additional amount of the EU guarantee may be provided for the purposes of the Member State compartment referred to in point (b) of Article 8(1), subject to the allocation by Member States, pursuant to [Article 10(1)] of Regulation [[CPR] number]28 and Article [75(1)] of Regulation [[CAP plan] number]29 , of the corresponding amounts. The InvestEU programme shall aim at covering the highest risk tranche for the projects that are financed with an additional amount.
Amendment 397 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. The financial envelope for the implementation of the measures provided in Chapters V and VI shall be EUR 525750 000 000 (current prices).
Amendment 409 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) sustainable infrastructure policy window: comprises sustainable investment in the areas of transport, energy, digital connectivity, cultural heritage supply and processing of raw materials, space, oceans and water, waste, nature and other environment infrastructure, equipment, mobile assets and deployment of innovative technologies that contribute to the environmental or social sustainability objectives of the Union, or to both, or meet the environmental or social sustainability standards of the Union;
Amendment 419 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) social investment and skills policy window: comprises microfinance, social enterprise finance and social economy and gender equality and active participation of women and vulnerable groups; skills, education, training and related services; social infrastructure (including social and student housing); social innovation; health and long-term care; inclusion and accessibility; cultural activities with a social goal; integration of vulnerable people, including third country nationals.
Amendment 424 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Financing and investment operations under the sustainable infrastructure policy window referred to in point (a) of paragraph (1) shall be subject to climate, environmental and social sustainability proofing with a view to minimise detrimental impacts and maximise benefits on climate, environment and social dimension. For that purpose, promoters requesting financing shall provide adequate information based on guidance to be developed by the Commission and avoiding any operations involving intensive fossil fuel infrastructures. Projects below a certain size defined in the guidance shall be excluded from the proofing.
Amendment 450 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8
Article 8
Amendment 472 #
Amendment 540 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 542 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Amendment 546 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) achieves geographical diversification by Member State and by region;
Amendment 561 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 5
Article 14 – paragraph 5
Amendment 606 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18
Article 18
Amendment 670 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Conclusions of the Investment Committee approving the support of the EU guarantee to a financing or investment operation shall be publicly accessible and shall include the rationale for the approval. The publication shall not contain commercially sensitive informat, the criteria applied and the scoreboard of indicators. Particular focus should be given to compliance with the additionality criterion.
Amendment 674 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 3
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 3
The scoreboard shall be publicly available after the signature of a financing or investment operation or sub-project, if applicable. The publication shall not contain commercially sensitive information or personal data not to be disclosed under the Union data protection rules.
Amendment 678 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 4
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 4
Twice a year, the conclusions of the Investment Committee rejecting the use of the EU guarantee shall be transmitted to the European Parliament and to the Council,, the criteria applied and the scoreboard indicators related to the Investment Committee shall submit to the European Parliament, the Council and the Member States participating in the InvestEU, a list of all the conclusions as well as the scoreboards relating to all those decisions, that submission shall be subject to strict confidentiality requirements.
Amendment 705 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 6
Article 20 – paragraph 6
6. The InvestEU Advisory Hub shall have local presence, where necessary. It shall be established in particular in on each Member States orand in regions that face difficulties in developing projects under the InvestEU Fund. The InvestEU Advisory Hub shall assist in the transfer of knowledge to the regional and local level with a view to building up regional and local capacity and expertise for support referred to in paragraph 1 and to implement and accommodate small projects. The Commission shall sign separate agreement with the financial institutions or other intermediaries, with a view to designating them as Advisory Hub partners and charging them with the implementation of the InvestEU Advisory Hub on the ground. The Advisory hub shall have local presence to all participating Member-States and regions, especially when difficulties occur in developing projects under the InvestEU fund.
Amendment 733 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2
Article 23 – paragraph 2
2. By 30 September 2025, the Commission shall carry out an interim evaluation on the InvestEU Programme, in particular on the use of the EU guarantee. In particular, the evaluation shall demonstrate how the inclusion of the implementing partners has contributed to the achievements of the InvestEU programme targets, as well as EU policy goals, especially with regard to geographical and sectoral balance of the supported financing and investment operations.
Amendment 748 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) up to EUR 11 5000 000 000 for objectives referred to in point (a) of Article 3(2);
Amendment 752 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point b
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) up to EUR 11 25000 000 000 for objectives referred to in point (b) of Article 3(2);
Amendment 756 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point c
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) up to EUR 11 25000 000 000 for objectives referred to in point (c) of Article 3(2);
Amendment 762 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point d
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) up to EUR 45 000 000 000 for objectives referred to in point (d) of Article 3(2).
Amendment 808 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 12
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 12
Amendment 809 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 13 – introductory part
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 13 – introductory part
13. Space, in particular through the development of the space sector with an exclusive focus on civil applications in line with Space Strategy objectives:
Amendment 810 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 13 – point d
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 13 – point d
(d) to foster Union's autonomy for safe and secure access to space, including dual use aspects.
Amendment 811 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – point 2 – point 2.1 a (new)
Annex III – point 2 – point 2.1 a (new)
2.1a Number of regions covered by projects;
Amendment 75 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1 a) On 20 June 2017, the Council endorsed the Union response to the 'UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’ - a sustainable European future’; the Council underlined the importance of achieving sustainable development across the three dimensions (economic, social and environmental), in a balanced and integrated way; it is vital that the Sustainable Development Goals are mainstreamed into and sustainable development is applied as an essential guiding principle for all Union internal and external policy areas; the objectives of cohesion policy and its financing instruments should be pursued to contribute to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Amendment 76 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Regulation (EU) 2018/XXX of the European Parliament and of the Council [new CPR]16 sets out common rules applicable to various funds including the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF'), the European Social Fund Plus ('ESF+'), the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development ('EAFRD'), the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund ('EMFF'), the Asylum and Migration Fund ('AMIF'), the Internal Security Fund ('ISF') and the Border Management and Visa Instrument ('BMVI') which operate under a common framework ('the Funds'). _________________ 16 [Full reference - new CPR]. [Full reference - new CPR].
Amendment 86 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Horizontal principles as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union ('TEU') and in Article 10 of the TFEU, including principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the TEU, should be respected in the implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, taking into account the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Member States should also respect the obligations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure accessibility in line with its article 9 and in accordance with the Union law harmonising accessibility requirements for products and services. Member States and the Commission should aim at eliminating inequalitiesocial and income inequalities, at furthering the fight against poverty, at the preservation and promoting the creation of quality jobs with attendant rights and at promoting equality between men and women and integrating the gender perspective, as well as at combating discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The Funds should not support actions that contribute to any form of segregation or social exclusion. The objectives of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development and the Union's promotion of the aim of preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment as set out in Articles 11 and 191(1) of the TFEU, taking into account the polluter pays principle. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, operations benefitting undertakings shall comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU.
Amendment 104 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) In order to support the efforts of Member States and regions in facing new challenges and ensuring a high level of security for their citizenup to rising regional regional and social disparities, new challenges and ensuring inclusive societies as well as the prevention of radicalisation, while relying on the synergies and complementarities with other Union policies, investments under the ERDF should contribute to security in areas where there is a need to ensure safe and secur, modern and accessible public spaces and critical infrastructure, such as transport and energycommunication, public transport, energy and universal, high-quality public services which are vital to address regional and social disparities, promote social cohesion and regional development and encourage enterprises and people to stay in the their local area.
Amendment 111 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) In addition, investments under the ERDF should contribute to the development of a comprehensive high- speed digital infrastructure network, and to promoting cleanpollution-free and sustainable multimodal urban mobility.
Amendment 121 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In order to improve the overall administrative capacity of public institutions and governance in Member States, regions and municipalities implementing programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it is necessary to enable supporting measures under all of the specific objectives.
Amendment 128 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) In the context of Union obligations under the Paris Agreement and in line with the 7th Environmental Action programme, new and ambitious targets for the environment, energy, waste management and climate have been introduced in Union legislation. In order to allow Member States and regions to meet the targets of a just transition to a socially and environmentally sustainable and inclusive economy adequate long term support schemes are indispesable. Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change and loss of biodiversity in line with the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Funds will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 biodiversity protection by targeting 30% of the EU budget expenditure to the supporting of climate objectives. Operations under the ERDF are expected to contribute 340 % of the overall financial envelope of the ERDF to climate and environment objectives. Operations under the Cohesion Fund are expected to contribute 3750% of the overall financial envelope of the Cohesion Fund to climate and environment objectives.
Amendment 138 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) In order to concentrate the use of limited resources in the most efficient way, the support given to by the ERDF to productive investments under the relevant specific objective, should be limited to only micro, small and medium-sized enterprises ('SMEs') within the meaning of Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC19 and public sector companies, except where investments involve cooperation with SMEs in research and innovation activities . _________________ 19 Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium- sized enterprises (OJ L 124, 20.5.2003, p. 36).
Amendment 141 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) The ERDF should strengthen its direct support to subnational governments by ensuring enhanced financing and tailored instruments for territorial development, boosting the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on the ground and help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union and to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions including those facing challenges due to the decarbonisation commitments. ERDF support under the Investment for jobs and growth goal should therefore be concentrated on key Union priorities in line with policy objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR]. Therefore support from the ERDF should be concentrated on the policy objectives of 'a smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation' and 'a greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management'and transport transition, the reduction of the impact of industry on the environment, green and blue investment, the circular economy, combatting and adapting to climate, sustainable water management and risk prevention and management' while taking account of the overall policy objectives of a more cohesive and solidarity-based Europe helping reduce economic, social and territorial asymmetries. That thematic concentration should be attained at natregional level while allowing for flexibility at the level of individual programmes and between the three groups of Member Statecategories of regions formed according to respective gross national incomeregional gross domestic product. In addition, the methodology to classify Member Stateregions should be set out in detail taking into account the specific situation of the outermost regions.
Amendment 153 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) In order to concentrate the support on key Union priorities and in line with the objectives of social, economic and territorial cohesion set out in Article 174 TFEU and the policy objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR], it is also appropriate that thematic concentration requirements should be respected throughout the programming period, including in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes.
Amendment 168 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) Pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional agreement for Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016, there is a need to evaluate the Funds on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements, while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens, in particular on Member Statlocal and regional authorities and beneficiaries. These requirements, where appropriate, can include measurable indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Funds on the ground.
Amendment 176 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) In order to maximise the contribution to territorial development, actions in this field should be based on integrated territorial strategies including in urban areas. Therefore, the ERDF support should be delivered through the forms set out in Article 22 of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR] ensuring appropriate involvement of local, regional and urban authorities, social partners and representatives of civil society.
Amendment 193 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) In order to identify or provide solutions which address issues relating to sustainable urban development at Union level, the Urban Innovative Actions in the area of sustainable urban development should be replaced by a European Urban Initiative, to be implemented under direct or indirect management. That initiative should cover all urban areas and support the Urban Agenda for the European Union21 and investments under the ERDF should promote the polycentric development of a network of all types of urban areas in order to leverage the development of inland and rural regions and promote the development of essential public services at the local level. _________________ 21 Council Conclusions on an Urban Agenda for the EU of 24 June 2016.
Amendment 202 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation sets out the specific objectives and the scope of support from the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF') with regard to the Investment for jobs and growth goal and the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) in line with the objectives of social, economic and territorial cohesion set out in Article 174 TFEU and referred to in Article [4(2)] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR].
Amendment 206 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
(a) 'a smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation'a more cohesive and solidarity-based innovative, sustainable and smart economic transformation', preservation and creation of sustainable and quality employment; ('PO 1') by:
Amendment 222 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
(ii) reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, the provision of universal and modern public services, the scientific community, companies and governments;
Amendment 229 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
(iii) enhancing growth and competitiveness of SMEs, including social economy enterprises, namely the cooperative movement;
Amendment 236 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iv
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iv
(iv) developing skills for smart specialisation, industrial transiand sustainable circular specialisation, just transition, social innovation and entrepreneurship;
Amendment 239 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iv a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iv a (new)
(iv a) promoting the revitalisation and economic regeneration of regions suffering from demographic challenges and areas with natural handicaps;
Amendment 247 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
(b) 'a greener, lowzero-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transitionand transport transition, environmentally friendly industry, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptationombating and adapting to climate change and risk prevention and management ('PO 2') by:
Amendment 261 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
(i) promoting energy efficiency and saving measures;
Amendment 285 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii
(vii) enhancing biodiversity, green infrastructure in the urban and rural environment, and reducing pollutionpreservation of natural ressources, reducing pollution protecting and promoting natural heritage;
Amendment 300 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii a (new)
(vii a) promoting universal sustainable, emission-free multimodal mobility including appropriate infrastructure and noise reduction measures;
Amendment 309 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii b (new)
(vii b) promoting research, innovation and the uptake of technologies that reduce the environmental impact of production processes and services.
Amendment 323 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
(ii) developing a sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent, secure and intermodal TEN-T focussing on climate-friendly and environmentally friendly public transport and rail networks;
Amendment 334 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv
Amendment 347 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point i
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point i
(i) enhancing the effectinclusiveness of labour markets and access to quality employment through developing social innovation and infrastructure and promoting the social economy;
Amendment 371 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iv
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iv
(iv) ensuring equal and universal access to health care through developing infrastructure, including primary care;
Amendment 383 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(d a) helping ensuring the right to water, health, education, learning, culture and sport;
Amendment 427 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(e a) supporting the capacity building of local and regional administrations, civil society organisations and citizens in order to localise the Sustainable Development Goals and to boosting implementation on the ground;
Amendment 450 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Amendment 455 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) those with a gross national income ratio'more developed regions' with a GDP per capita equal to or above 100 % of the EU average ('group 1');
Amendment 460 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) those with a gross national income ratio'transition regions' with a GDP per capita equal to or above 75 % and below 100 % of the EU average ('group 2');
Amendment 465 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) those with a gross national income ratio'less developed regions' with a GDP per capita below 75 % of the EU average ('group 3').
Amendment 471 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
For the purposes of this Article, the gross national income ratio meansclassification of a region under one of the three categories of regions shall be determined on the basis of the ratio betweenof the gross national incomedomestic product per capita of a Member Stateeach region, measured in purchasing power standardsparity and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period from 2014 to 2016, and the average gross national income per capita in purchasing power standards of the 27 Member StatesGDP of the EU27 for that same reference period.
Amendment 487 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) Member States of group 1 shall allocate'more developed regions' at least 85 40% of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1 and PO 2, and at least 640 % to PO 1;
Amendment 498 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point b
(b) Member States of group 2'transition regions' shall allocate at least 435 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 340 % to PO 2;
Amendment 510 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point c
(c) Member States of group 3'less developed regions' shall allocate at least 350 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 305 % to PO 2.
Amendment 530 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) investment in housing, when owned by public authorities or non-profit operators for use as housing designated for low-income households or people with special needs;
Amendment 541 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) productive investments in SMEs and public sector companies;
Amendment 576 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) investments in the environment, including investments related to sustainable development and, circular economy and sustainable renewable energy presenting environmental benefits;
Amendment 577 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) investments in TEN-T, focussing on climate-friendly and environmentally friendly public transport and rail networks;
Amendment 601 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
Amendment 616 #
2018/0197(COD)
(e a) any measures would run counter to PO2
Amendment 649 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
(i a) actions that contribute to any form of social exclusion or discrimination.
Amendment 655 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point j
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point j
Amendment 660 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point j – point i
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point j – point i
Amendment 665 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point j – point ii
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point j – point ii
Amendment 671 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. In addition, the Cohesion Fund shall not support investment in housing unless related to the promotion of energy and ressource efficiency or renewable energy use. Renewable technologies in housing that can give rise to elevated particulate emissions are excluded.
Amendment 714 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
At least 6% of the ERDF resources at national level under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, other than for technical assistance, shall be allocated to sustainable urban development in the form of community-led local development, integrated territorial investments or another territorial tool under PO5.
Amendment 735 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) support of innovative actions, including a programme of exchange for representatives of local and regional authorities and civil society organisations ('Erasmus for local and regional representatives');
Amendment 135 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In March 2018, the Commission published its Action Plan 'Financing Sustainable Growth'25 setting up an ambitious and comprehensive strategy on sustainable finance. One of the objectives set out in that Action Plan is to reorient capital flows towards sustainable investment in order to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. The establishment of a unified classification system for sustainable activities is the most important and urgent action envisaged by the Action Plan. The Action Plan recognises that the shift of capital flows towards more sustainable activities has to be underpinned by a shared understanding of what 'sustainable' means. As a first step, clear guidance on activities qualifying as contributing to environmental objectives, should help inform investors about the investments that fund environmentally sustainable economic activities. Further guidance on the activities contributing to other sustainability objectives, including social and governance objectives, mayshould be developed soon afterwards at a later stage. _________________ 25 COM(2018) 97 final. COM(2018) 97 final.
Amendment 138 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7 a) The European Parliament Report on Sustainable Finance of 29 May 2018 lays down essential elements of sustainability indicators and taxonomy, as an incentive for sustainable investment. Consistency should be ensured among relevant legislation.
Amendment 139 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 b (new)
Recital 7 b (new)
(7 b) The importance of maintaining a balance between environmental, social and governance (ESG) dimensions of sustainable finance and investments should be underlined and ensured, enforcing an environmentally sensitive and socially inclusive sustainable growth.
Amendment 199 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21 a (new)
Recital 21 a (new)
(21 a) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has an extensive experience in green bonds through mainly the Climate Awareness bond, which contributed to green bonds of 18 billion euro and 160 projects related to renewable energy, which unfortunately were distributed regionally in an uneven way without the appropriate long-term and regionally balanced planning. Nevertheless, public sector bodies such as the EIB and the ESAs, could monitor key developments to ensure the progressive scale-up and adaptability of the EU sustainability taxonomy.
Amendment 290 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. 'sustainable investment' means an investment that funds one or several economic activities that meet the environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets;
Amendment 496 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 a (new)
Article 11 a (new)
Article 11 a Substantial contribution to social objectives 1. An economic activity shall be considered to contribute substantially to social objectives through any of the following means: (a) reducing inequality, social exclusion, discrimination and marginalization and/or improving social cohesion and integration and/or promoting equal opportunities for all (b) reducing poverty, including through its often multidimensional and overlapping deprivations in the areas of income, material deprivations and low work intensity (c) promoting equitable access to affordable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food and/orensuring food security (d) promoting equitable access to quality health services and universal health coverage (e) promoting equitable access to quality education and training (f) promoting equitable access to quality social Protection (g) promoting equitable access to adequate and affordable housing (h) promoting equitable access to other essential services of good quality, includingwater, sanitation, energy, transport, financial services and digital communications. 2. The Commission shall adopt a delegated act in accordance with Article 16 to: (a) supplement paragraph 1 to establish technical screening criteria for determiningunder which conditions a specific economic activity is considered, for the purposesof this Regulation, to contribute substantially to social objectives; (b) supplement Article 12 to establish technical screening criteria, for each relevantenvironmental and social objective, for determining whether an economic activityin respect of which screening criteria are established pursuant to point (a) of thisparagraph is considered, for the purposes of this Regulation, to cause significantharm to one or more of those objectives. 3. The Commission shall establish the technical screening criteria referred to in paragraph 2 together in one delegated act, taking into account the requirements laid down in Article 14.4. The Commission shall adopt the delegated act referred to in paragraph 2 by [1 July 2022], with a view to ensure its entry into application on [31 December 2022].
Amendment 512 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(f a) social objectives, where that activity is detrimental to: a.Equality, social inclusion and social cohesion, where the activity leads to significantly exacerbating vulnerabilities or marginalisation among the affectedpopulation b.Poverty reduction, where the activity significantly increases deprivations among the affected population c.Equitable access to food or food security, where the activity results in significantlyreduces access to supplies of food or significantly increases pollution of land or water, leading to reduced agricultural productivity d.Equitable access to health services, where the activity is detrimental to a significant extent to the medical personnel, medical supplies or services or significantly restricts access to these services e.Equitable access to quality education and training, where the activity is detrimentalto a significant extent to the teaching professionals, supplies or services orsignificantly restricts access to these services f.Equitable access to social protection, where the activity is detrimental to asignificant extent to the programs, professionals, supplies or service or significantlyrestricts access to these services g.Equitable access to quality housing, where the activity is detrimental to the affordability of housing h. Equitable access to other essential services, where the activity is detrimental to a significant extent to the professionals, supplies or service or significantly restricts access to these services
Amendment 518 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
The minimum safeguards referred to in Article 3(c) shall be procedures implemented by the undertaking that is carrying out an economic activity to ensure that the following are observed: (a) principles and rights set out in the eight fundamental conventions identified in the International Labour Organisation’s declaration on Fundamental Rights and Principles at Work, namely: the right not to be subjected to forced labour, the freedom of association, workers' right to organise, the right to collective bargaining, equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value, non- discrimination in opportunity and treatment with respect to employment and occupation, as well as the right not to be subjected to child labour, are observed. (b) the International Bill of Human Rights; (c) the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; (d) the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; (e) Chapters IV and V of the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises on human rights and employment and industrial relations; (f) Where relevant and applicable: the FOA Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Amendment 523 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 1 a (new)
2. The minimum safeguards shall be implemented by the undertaking that is carrying out an economic activity by due diligence procedures consistent with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct(2018). Due diligence in this context means the procedure (or set of procedures) undertakings carry out to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how they address their potential and actua lnegative impacts on human rights, including the human rights of workers, in the context of the undertaking’s economic activity, supply chains and business relationships.
Amendment 524 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 1 b (new)
3.The due diligence procedures should build on thefollowing principles set out in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and HumanRights and the requirements for technical screening criteria in Article 14: (a) Take into account the nature and scale of the undertaking's operations, supply chains and business relationships. (b) Assess and address the negative human rights impacts of the economic activity itself, as well as of the products and services used by and produced by that economic activity, notably by considering their production, use and where relevant, end-of-life. (c) Be risk-based, meaning that the level of due diligenceapplied should be commensurate to the severity and likelihood of the negative impacts.The focus should be on preventing negative impacts first, and when prevention is not possible, then mitigating, preventing recurrence and, where relevant, remediating impacts. (d) Be supported by relevant policies and management systems to reinforce a systematic, proactive and reactive approach to on-going identification and management of human rights impacts (e) Be informed by engagement with stakeholders, whichincludes workers and others potentially impacted individuals or groups. (f) Provide relevant information to investors and other stakeholders to enable them to assess compliance with the minimum safeguards.
Amendment 530 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) identify the most relevant potential contributions to the given environmental objective, considering not only the short- term but also the longer term impacts of a specific economic activity using a dynamic approach building on forward- looking climate and environmental scenario analysis where available including regional and sectoral differences within the real economy;
Amendment 547 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point h
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point h
Amendment 556 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The minimum safeguards shall be implemented by the undertaking that is carrying out an economic activity by due diligence procedures consistent with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct (2018). Due diligence in this context means the procedure (or set of procedures) undertakings carry out to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how they address their potential and actual negative impacts on human rights, including the human rights of workers, in the context of the undertaking’s economic activity, supply chains and business relationships. This is missing in the draft report. As mentioned, explicitly introducing requirement on undertakings to conduct due diligence consistent with UNGPs and OECD guidelines is key, otherwise risk duplicating/weakening existing international standards.
Amendment 568 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) experts representing relevant private stakeholders;, appointed by the European Parliament; Experts referred to point (b) should not represent more than one third of all experts.
Amendment 583 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) experts appointed in a personal caparepresenting civil society, with proven knowledge and experience in the areas covered by this Regulation.including non-governmental organisations, trade unions and experts working on human rights issues;
Amendment 595 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) monitor and report regularly to the Commission on capital flows towards sustainable and unsustainable investment;
Amendment 601 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
(f a) contribute to the evaluation and development of sustainable finance regulations and policies,including consistency issues across relevant policies, and providing advice to Member States in the development their National Energy and Climate Plans, sustainable investment strategies and support with national level finance interventions.
Amendment 611 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. The Commission shall publish the analysis, reports and minutes of the Platform on their website.
Amendment 612 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. The European Parliament and the Council shall be kept duly informed in a timely manner at all stages of the selection procedure of experts for the Platform on sustainable finance. Approval for all external candidates, representing non-EU institutions, will be required from the European Parliament before appointment by the Commission.
Amendment 636 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the appropriateness of extendingextension of the scope of this Regulation to cover other sustainability objectives, in particular social objectives;
Amendment 643 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. By 31 December 2019 at the latest, the Commission shall publish a report describing the most appropriate process for extending the scope of this Regulation to cover other sustainability objectives, including social objectives.
Amendment 644 #
2018/0178(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. By 31 December 2024, and subsequently every three years thereafter, the Commission shall publish a report evaluating the effectiveness of the taxonomy in channelling private investments in sustainable activities.
Amendment 23 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The Own Resources System of the Union must enssecure adequate resources for the orderly and efficiently development of the policies of the Union, subject to the need for strict budgetary disciplineensuring that the Union is able to address current needs and challenges within a budgetary equilibrium. The development of the Own Resources System can and should also participate, to the greatest extent possible, in the development of the existing policies of the Union as well as the future emerging challenges.
Amendment 25 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Draft legislative resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
Having regard to the draft European Council conclusions on the new multiannual financial framework, own resources and the recovery plan, presented by the European Council President Charles Michel on 10 July 2020;
Amendment 26 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Draft legislative resolution
Citation 9 b (new)
Citation 9 b (new)
Having regard to the final report and recommendations of the High-Level Group on Own Resources, published in December 2016 and presented to the European Parliament and Council in January 2017;
Amendment 27 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Draft legislative resolution
Citation 9 c (new)
Citation 9 c (new)
Amendment 29 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2 a) According to the Report of the High Level Group on Own Resources of December 2016, new own resources should be introduced such as: a) Union Corporate tax, b) CO2 levy, c) an electricity tax, d) taxing of goods which imprint heavily on the environment, e) profits of the ECB related to bond purchasing, f) International financial transactions tax, g) tax on digital services of giant internet companies. Issues of democratic accountability, cohesion, equity, environmental protection, sustainable growth and synergy building, which are underlined by the report of the High Level Group on Own Resources, in December 2016, are still missing or under valued.
Amendment 30 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In June 2017 the Commission adopted a Reflection Paper on the Future of EU Finances18 . The Commission proposes a range of options linking Own Resources more visibly to Union policies, in particular the single market and sustainable growth. According to the paper, in introducing new Own Resources, it is necessary to pay attention to their transparency, simplicity and stability, their consistency with Union policy objectives, their impact on competitiveness and sustainable growth and their equitable breakdown among Member States, taking into account the differences in capacity among Member States and considering providing technical assistance to those Member States, if requested. _________________ 18 COM(2017)358 final of 28 June 2017.
Amendment 32 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3 a) Takes note of the Resolution of the European Parliament of 30 May 2018 on the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework and own Resources (2018/2714(RSP)), which states: "Urges the Council to ensure that the next financial framework reflects a clear and positive vision of the Union’s future and responds to the needs, concerns and expectations of EU citizens; [...] Notes, in particular, that the increases for several EU programmes are actually significantly lower while the cuts for other programmes are significantly higher than the way they were originally presented by the Commission; [...] Reconfirms its firm position on the necessary level of funding for key EU policies in the 2021-2027 MFF, in order to enable them to fulfil their mission and objectives;"
Amendment 33 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3 b (new)
Recital 3 b (new)
(3 b) Stresses that, without an ambitious and realistic Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027, the own resources system itself will be weak and less efficient.
Amendment 36 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The present system for determining the Value Added Tax-based Own Resource has been repeatedly criticised by the Court of Auditors, the European Parliament and Member States as overly complex. It is therefore appropriate to simplify the calculation of that Own Resource, in a way that promotes an equal and fair approach across all Member States.
Amendment 36 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) The new categories of Own Resources should be introduced as of 2021 for their proceeds to be available when the interest and repayment obligations occur and to contribute to the development of Union policies and programmes. The proceeds from those Own Resources should be sufficient to cover at least the costs of the principal and interest of the repayments and other related costs in their entirety. The new Own Resources should be aligned with Union policy objectives and support the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Green Deal, the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement objective, as well as the functioning of the Single Market and efforts to improve the effectiveness of corporate taxation.
Amendment 40 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In order to better align the Union's financing instruments with its policy priorities, to better reflect the Union's budget role fover the functioning of the Single Marketgrowing social and economic problems, to better support the objectives of Union policies related to cohesion and sustainable development, and to reduce Member States' Gross National Income- based contributions to the Union's annual budget, it is necessary to introduce new ambitious categories of Own Resources based on the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base, the national revenue stemming from the European Union Emissions Trading System and a national contribution calculated on the basis of non-recycled plastic packaging waste.
Amendment 52 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The Union considers as a priority to achieve its emission reduction target of at least 40% between 1990 and 2030 as committed under the Paris Climate Agreement. The European Union Emissions Trading System is one of the main instruments put in place to implement this objective and generates revenue through the auctioning of emission allowances. Considering the harmonised nature of the European Union Emissions Trading System as well as the funding provided by the Union to foster mitigation and adaptation efforts in the Member States, it is appropriate to introduce a new Own Resource for the EU budget in this context. This Own Resource should be ambitious but also realistic and should be based on the allowances to be auctioned by Member States, including transitional free allocation to the power sector. In order to take account of the specific provisions for certain Member States provided for in Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council20 , allowances redistributed for the purposes of solidarity, growth and interconnections as well as allowances dedicated to the Innovation Fund and the Modernisation Fund should not be counted for determining the Own Resource contribution. _________________ 20 Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).
Amendment 55 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) In line with the Union strategy on plastics, the Union budget canshould contribute to reduce pollution from plastic packaging waste. An Own Resource which is based on a national contribution proportional to the quantity of plastic packaging waste that is not recycled in each Member State will provide an incentive to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics, foster recycling and boost the circular economy. Technical assistance should be provided to Member States, if requested. At the same time, Member States will be free to take the most suitable measures to achieve those goals, in line with the principle of subsidiarity.
Amendment 58 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In order to finance the costs of principal and interest of the repayments of the European Recovery Instrument, to better align the Union's financing instruments with its policy priorities, to better reflect the Union's budget role for the functioning of the Single Market, to enhance the funding of Union policies and programmes and better support their objectives of Union policies and to reduce Member States' Gross National Income- based contributions to the Union's annual budget, it is necessary to introduce new categories of Own Resources based on the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base, the national revenue stemming from the European Union Emissions Trading System and a national contribution calculated on the basis of non-recycled plastic packaging waste. Or. en (NOTE: the text comes from COM(2018)0325)
Amendment 60 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) It is necessary to end the system of corrections in order to avoid that Member States which benefit from corrections are confronted with a significant and sudden increase in their national contributions. It is therefore necessary to provide for temporary corrections in favour of Austria, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden by means of lump sum reductions to their Gross National Income-based contributions during a transitional period. Those corrections should be phased out by the end of 2025.
Amendment 62 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The retention, by way of collection costs, of 20 % of the amounts collected by the Member States for traditional Own Resources constitutes a high share of Own Resources not being made available to the Union Budget. The collection costs retained by Member States from the traditional Own Resources should be restored from 20% to the original level of 10% to better align financial support for customs equipment, staff and information with the actual costs and needs. This reduction by 10% would allow to release a high share of own resources which currently are not available to the Union budget.
Amendment 68 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) the application of a uniform call rate to a share of Value Added Tax receipts collected from the standard rated taxable supplies divided by the national Value Added Tax standard rate; the actual call rate shall not exceed 2 % and it should be monitored and predicted accurately whereas any administrative cost should be covered;
Amendment 72 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point d – point i (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point d – point i (new)
i) the income resulting from the return of the lost tax revenues related to the international tax evasion and recuperated thanks to whistleblowing;
Amendment 81 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) Rebates and other correction mechanisms should be abolished.
Amendment 85 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
2. Revenue deriving from any new charges introduced within the framework of a common policy, in accordance with the Treaty on the Functioning for the European Union, provided that the procedure laid down in Article 311 of that Treaty has been followed, shall also constitute Own Resources entered in the budget of the Union. Given the deficits caused by Brexit and the demands for new resources caused by new challenges, CAP should be continue its operation without any financial hindrances.
Amendment 86 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
The monetary income generated annually in the Eurosystem should contribute financially the grant component of the European Investment Stabilisation Function.
Amendment 88 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 10
Recital 10
Amendment 130 #
2018/0135(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 4
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 4
Amendment 10 #
2018/0131(NLE)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
Amendment 12 #
2018/0131(NLE)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Amendment 214 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) In the process of developing macro-prudential approaches to prevent the emergence of system-wide risks associated with NPLs, the European Systemic Risk Board shall develop appropriate macro-prudential standards and supervision of the other financial institutions involved in the secondary market for NPLs. These regulatory measures will ensure that such institutions are required to meet the same standards as banks, including in relation to prudential requirements, disclosure requirements and the fair treatment of borrowers. These institutions shall also be bound by all relevant national and EU consumer protection requirements that may be applicable.
Amendment 216 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Credit institutions will be required to put aside sufficient resources when new loans become non- performing, which should create appropriate incentives to address NPLs at an early stage and should prevent an excessive accumulation of them. Where loans become non- performing, more efficient enforcement mechanisms for secured loans would allow credit institutions to enforce NPLs, subject to appropriatimplement a holistic strategy that protects distressed borrowers and safeguards the sustainability of the banking system, subject to strong and effective safeguards for borrowconsumers. Nevertheless, should NPL stocks become too high – as it is currently the case for some credit institutions and some Member States – credit institutions shouldall not be able to sell them in efficient, competitive and transparent secondary marketsor transfer to other operators. Competent authorities of credit institutions will guide them in this, based on their existing bank-specific, so-called Pillar 2, powers under Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council27 (CRR). Where NPLs become a significant and broad-based problem, Member States can set up national asset management companies or other alternative measures within the framework of current state aid and banks resolution rules. _________________ 27Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms and amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (OJ L 176, 27.6.2013, p. 1)ird parties performing credit agreements concluded with consumers. Where NPLs become a significant and broad-based problem, Member States can set up national asset management companies or other alternative measures within the framework of current state aid and banks resolution rules.
Amendment 220 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) This Directive should fosregulater the development of secondary markets for NPLs in the Union by removing impediposing safeguards and minimum requirements to the transfer of NPLs by credit institutions to non-credit institutions, while at the same time safeguarding consumers' rights. Any proposed measure should also simplify and harmonise the authorisation requirements for credit servicers. This Directive should therefore establish a Union-wide framework for both purchasers and servicers of credit agreements issued by credit institutions, whereby credit servicers should obtain authorisation and be subject to the supervision of the member- state in which they operate; furthermore, this Directive allows member-states to subject credit servicers and credit purchasers to stricter requirements.
Amendment 224 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) Other financial institutions active in the secondary market should take into account the interests of consumers and comply with all relevant national and EU consumer protection requirements, including those set out in Article 28 of Directive 2014/17/EU1a, in the EBA guidelines on arrears and foreclosure and in the EBA final guidelines on the management of non-performing and forborne exposures. _________________ 1aDirective 2014/17/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 February 2014 on credit agreements for consumers relating to residential immovable property and amending Directives 2008/48/EC and 2013/36/EU and Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 (OJ L 60, 28.2.2014, p. 34–85).
Amendment 225 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9 b (new)
Recital 9 b (new)
(9b) Forbearance measures should aim to return the borrower to a sustainable performing repayment status, having regard to the fair treatment of the consumer and to all relevant national and EU consumer protection requirements that may be applicable. When deciding on which steps or forbearance measures to take, credit institutions should take into account the interests of consumers and comply with consumer protection requirements, including those set out in Article 28 of Directive 2014/17/EU, in the EBA Guidelines on arrears and foreclosure and in the EBA final guidelines on the on management of non- performing and forborne exposures.
Amendment 226 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9 c (new)
Recital 9 c (new)
(9c) Forbearance measures may include the following concessions to the consumer: (a) a total or partial refinancing of a credit agreement; (b) a modification of the previous terms and conditions of a credit agreement, which may include among others: i. extending the term of the mortgage; ii. changing the type of the mortgage (such as, changing the type of mortgage from a capital and interest mortgage to an interest only mortgage); iii. deferring payment of all or part of the instalment repayment for a period; iv. changing the interest rate up to a certain cap; v. offering a payment holiday.
Amendment 230 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12a) There are currently no common minimum standards at European level to regulate credit servicing activities. Moreover, no common standards are currently laid down to regulate the activities related to debt collection.
Amendment 231 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
Recital 15
Amendment 233 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Therefore, action at Union level is necessary in order to address the protection of the borrowers as well as the sustainability of the banking system and the position of credit purchasers and credit servicers in relation to credit originally granted by credit institutions. It is not proposed to cover credit originally issued by non-credit institutions or debt collection in general at this stage, as there is no evidence of macroeconomic relevance, misaligned incentives or ill-functioning markets for such an extended scope.
Amendment 235 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16 a (new)
Recital 16 a (new)
(16a) Entities engaging in credit servicing activities shall be subject to the same rules, be it specialised credit servicers, banking institutions or credit purchasers. This could be a direct consequence of subjecting credit servicing activities to MiFID rules.
Amendment 236 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) Although the purpose of this Directive is to protect consumers' rights and to strengthen the credit institutions' capacity to deal with credit that has become non-performing or risks becoming non-performing, the secondary market for credit covers both performing and non- performing credit. Actual market sales encompass credit portfolios, consisting of a mix of performing,heavily under- performing and non- performing credit. The portfolios include credit that is both secured and unsecured and that is owed by consumers or businesses. Where rules for the enforcement of credit differed for each type of credit or borrower, there would be additional costs to the packaging of those credit portfolios for sale. The provisions in this Directive that target the development of the secondary market cover performing and non- performing credit in order to avoid a situation that these additional costs would result to a social crisis and at the same time discourage investor participation and fragment this emerging market. Credit institutions will benefit from facing a larger investor base and more efficient credit servicers. Similar benefits will accrue to asset management companies that are instrumental in some Member States in marketing both non-performing and performing credit originated from credit institutions that had been resolved or been restructured or that have otherwise offloaded them from their balance sheets28 . _________________ 28See Commission staff working document SWD(2018 72) on the AMC Blueprint.
Amendment 242 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) In order to ensure a high level of consumer protection, Union and national law provide for a number of rights and safeguards related to credit agreements promised or granted to a consumerthat are not consumer loans, in particular those secured by the primary residential property. Those rights and safeguards apply in particular to the negotiation and conclusion of the credit agreement and to its performance or default thereof. This is notably the case in relation to long-term consumer credit agreements falling within Directive 2014/17/EU, in respect of the right of the consumer to discharge fully or partially his obligations under a credit agreement prior to the expiry of that agreement or to be informed by means of the European Standardised Information Sheet, where applicable, on the possiblehowever, a transfer of the credit agreement to a credit purchaser. B should not be allowed whatsoever as borrower rights should also not be altered if the transfer of the credit agreement between a credit institution and a purchaser takes the form ofunder any circumstance or contract novation.
Amendment 243 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20 a (new)
Recital 20 a (new)
(20a) Residential mortgages for primary residences must be excluded from the scope of this Directive.
Amendment 244 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20 b (new)
Recital 20 b (new)
(20b) Under this Directive, a non- performing loan secured by the mortgage of a residential property must not be transferred without the written consent of the borrower.
Amendment 246 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In order to allow existing credit purchasers and credit servicers to adapt to the requirements of the national provisions implementing this Directive and, in particular, to allow credit servicers to be authorised, this Directive will only apply to transfers of credit agreements that take place six months after the transposition deadline has expired and only after the creditor has given to distressed borrowers the right to buy back their debt at the same price.
Amendment 247 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) The authorisation of a credit servicer to provide credit servicing activities throughout the Union should be subject to a uniform and harmonised set of conditions that should be applied in a proportionate manner by the competent authorities. To avoid a reduction in debtor or borrower protection and in order to promote trust, the conditions for granting and maintaining an authorisation as a credit servicer should ensure that credit servicers, persons who hold a qualifying holding in the credit servicer or who are part of the management of the service provider have a clean police record in relation to serious criminal offences linked to crimes against property, to crimes related to financial activities or to crimes against the physical integrity and that they are of good repute. Similarly, these persons as well as the credit servicer should not be subject to an insolvency procedure or have not previously been declared bankrupt, unless they have been reinstated in accordance with national law. Finally, to ensure compliance with debtor protection as well as personal data protection rules, it is necessary to require that appropriate governance arrangements and internal control mechanisms and recording and handling of complaints, are established and subject to supervision. Moreover, credit servicers should be obliged to act fairly and with due consideration for the financial situation of the borrowers. In addition, when dealing with borrowers, credit servicers should follow minimum EU common standards as laid down in this Directive and transposed by Member States. Where debt advice services facilitating debt repayment are available at national level, the credit servicers should considerare obliged to referring borrowers to such services.
Amendment 254 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) Third-country credit purchasers may make it harder for the Union consumer to rely on their rights under Union law and for the national authorities to supervise the enforcement of the credit agreement. Credit institutions may also be discouraged from transferring such credit agreements to third-country credit purchasers because of the reputational risk involved. Imposing an obligation on the representative of the third-country purchasers of consumer credit to appoint a credit institution or a credit servicer authorised in the Union for servicing a credit agreementAs a result, both the credit purchasers and credit servicers operating in the Union must be obliged to be authorised in the Union to ensures that the same standards of consumers' rights are preserved after the transfer of the credit agreement. The credit purchaser and credit servicer isare under an obligation to respect the applicable Union and national laws and the national authorities in individual Member States should be given the necessary powers to effectively supervise itstheir activityies.
Amendment 255 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 34 a (new)
Recital 34 a (new)
(34a) Credit purchasers generally rely on a short-term business model that specialises in purchasing distressed debt at a large discount and attempting to procure the underlying asset as quickly as possible. As it is the credit purchaser that makes the key decisions regarding the distressed loan, including on the setting of interest rates, whether to restructure a loan, and the enforcement of the loan, it is crucial that the credit purchaser - and not only the credit servicer that acts as an intermediary - is authorised and regulated in the Union, and subject to supervision, investigation and sanctions by the national competent authorities in the Member State in which it operates.
Amendment 258 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 53 a (new)
Recital 53 a (new)
(53a) In order to achieve a sufficient level of borrower protection and to address debt collection malpractice, harmonised EU regulation should ensure that the costs and remuneration of credit servicers are never charged to borrowers.
Amendment 259 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 54 a (new)
Recital 54 a (new)
(54a) Member States shall ensure that behaviour or practices that are likely to negatively impact on borrower privacy and/or human dignity, or are likely to mislead them are prohibited. Practices that can be considered as harassment include sending excessive numbers of dunning letters, using intimidating language, using stigmatizing envelopes, visiting the borrower during working hours or at the workplace, or contacting their colleagues or family members. These practices can aggravate the borrower's situation causing possible loss of employment and reduce their capacity to repay a debt.
Amendment 271 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
This Directive relates to non-performing credit agreements. Creditors shall not be allowed to transfer to third parties performing credit agreements concluded with consumers.
Amendment 286 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point c a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point c a (new)
(ca) the purchase of a credit agreement by a credit institution or non-credit institution which has been involved in a tax avoidance or tax evasion case in any Member State of the EU;
Amendment 301 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point f
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point f
Amendment 302 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point f a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point f a (new)
(fa) handles any activities related to debt collection;
Amendment 306 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 a (new)
Article 3 a (new)
Article 3a Forbearance measures and foreclosure 1. Creditors shall make every effort to avoid transferring consumer non- performing loans to third parties. Notably, Member States shall ensure that creditors exercise reasonable forbearance towards the distressed borrowers, in accordance with Article 28 of Directive 2014/17/EU and the EBA guidelines on arrears and foreclosure EBA/GL/2015/12. 2. Forbearance measures may include the following concessions to the consumer: (a) a total or partial refinancing of a credit agreement; (b) a modification of the previous terms and conditions of a credit agreement, which may include among others: i. extending the term of the mortgage; ii. changing the type of the mortgage (such as, changing the type of mortgage from a capital and interest mortgage to an interest only mortgage); iii. deferring payment of all or part of the instalment repayment for a period; iv. changing the interest rate up to a certain cap; v. offering a payment holiday. 3. Definition of non-performing loans adopted by the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/227 shall be without prejudice to the creditors’ forbearance obligations. 4. In case of foreclosure, when the credit is secured by the consumer’s primary residence, return or transfer to the creditor or a third-party of the security or proceeds from the sale of the security shall be sufficient to repay the credit. Article 28(4) of Directive 2014/17/EU shall be amended accordingly.
Amendment 307 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 a (new)
Article 3 a (new)
Amendment 308 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 b (new)
Article 3 b (new)
Article 3b Exclusion of primary residences Residential mortgages for primary residences are excluded from the scope of this Directive.
Amendment 309 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 c (new)
Article 3 c (new)
Article 3c Borrower protection A sufficient level of borrower protection shall be ensured at all times. Credit servicers dealing with borrowers must comply with the specific requirements laid down in this Directive.
Amendment 311 #
2018/0063A(COD)
1a. Member States shall be able to maintain the existing national measures aiming at protecting distressed borrowers, as well to adopt stricter measures, such as personal insolvency measures, restriction of the activity of credit servicers and credit purchasers.
Amendment 314 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) Credit servicers and credit purchasers shall act in good faith, treat consumers fairly and respect their privacy. The following practices shall be forbidden: i) provision of misleading information to consumers; ii) harassment of consumers, including communication of information about the consumers’ debt to their employer, family, friends and neighbours; iii) charging fees and penalties to consumers that exceed the costs directly related to the management of the debt. Member States shall place a cap on fees and penalties referred to in point (iii) according to the principles of fairness, rationality and proportionality.
Amendment 318 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
(i) are of sufficiently good repute, according to Article 135 of Directive 2006/48/CE and Article 13 of Guideline: EBA/CP/2013/03 EBA Consultation Paper on draft Guidelines for assessing the suitability of members of the management body and key function holders of a credit institution;
Amendment 336 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 a (new)
Article 6 a (new)
Amendment 338 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 a (new)
Article 6 a (new)
Article 6a Debt buy-back 1. When a credit institution intends to transfer a credit agreement to a credit purchaser at a specified price, before the transfer the credit institution shall allow the debtors concerned who are consumers to buy back their debt at the same price or with a small mark-up, which would be specified by the relevant competent authorities. For that purpose, credit institutions shall be required to disclose to the relevant competent authorities the necessary details of expected deals with credit purchasers. 2. Member States shall ensure that the buy-back option can be exercised in instalments.
Amendment 343 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(fa) commits a serious breach of the applicable rules outlined in Article 6(a) (new).
Amendment 350 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 a (new)
Article 8 a (new)
Article 8a Borrowers' protection 1. Member States shall require that credit servicers, in their relationship with the debtors, act in good faith, fairly, professionally and respect their privacy. 2. Member States shall ensure that credit services comply with the following requirements: (a) The information provided shall not be misleading, unclear or false; (b) Credit servicers shall protect the personal information and privacy of the debtors and not to communicate with persons other than the borrower, including family members or employers, unless under authorisation by the debtor; (c) Credit services shall not communicate to debtors in way which constitutes harassment, coercion, or undue influence. 3. Member States shall ensure that fees and penalties charged on borrowers by credit servicers do not exceed the cost directly related to the management of the debt. Member States shall require that in the event of the transfer of the creditor’s rights under a credit agreement or the credit agreement itself to a credit purchaser, the debtor is notified in due time about the transfer and that all relevant Union and national law concerning in particular the enforcement of contracts, consumer protection, borrower’s rights and criminal law continues to apply to the credit purchaser or the credit servicer. 4. Member States shall ensure that credit servicers and credit purchasers foresee the possibility, if viable, and set out the conditions for non-performing borrowers to exit their non-performing status in line with measures set out in the ECB Guidance to banks on non-performing loans.
Amendment 356 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall ensure that where a credit servicer uses a third party to perform activities that would normally be undertaken by that credit servicer ('credit service provider'), the credit servicer should be supervised by the same supervisory authorities the banking system of the Member State has and remains fully responsible for complying with all obligations under the national provisions transposing this Directive. The outsourcing of those credit servicing activities shall be subject to the following conditions:
Amendment 361 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 a (new)
Article 10 a (new)
Article 10a Right to legal representation 1. In any court hearing involving a distressed borrower there shall be consideration of the equality of representation status to ensure a full and fair hearing and full and complete understanding of all of the parameters and legal contentions being addressed. 2. This demands that there be an equivalent of legal representation provided and available to all distressed borrowers and, insufficient advance, to ensure comprehensive preparation of all relevant facts and detail for appropriate court representation of the case in dispute. 3. Where necessary, this service shall be provided at the cost of the Member State through free legal aid or its equivalent.
Amendment 366 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. With regard to credit agreements concluded between creditors and consumers, a credit servicer shall be required to obtain an authorisation and establish a branch or a subsidiary in the Member State where it intends to operate.
Amendment 376 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Credit servicers shall not be allowed to provide cross-border services in respect of credit agreements concluded between creditors and consumers. In that case, credit servicers shall be authorised and supervised by the competent authorities of the Member State where they effectively operate.
Amendment 408 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall ensure that a credit purchaser is not subject to any necessary additional requirements for the purchase of credit agreements other than as provided for by the national measures transposing this Directive.
Amendment 413 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall ensure that a credit purchaser, entities or, where applicable, its representative designated in accordance with Article 17, shall be subject to the same rules, be it specialised credit servicers and banking institutions. Moreover, it communicates to the competent authorities of the Member State where the credit purchaser or, where applicable its representative is domiciled or established that it intends to directly enforce a credit agreement by providing the following information:
Amendment 429 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) a credit purchaser or credit servicer's governance arrangements and internal control mechanisms fail to ensure respect for borrower rights and compliance with personal data protection rules;
Amendment 431 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) a credit purchaser or credit servicer's policy is inadequate for the proper treatment of borrowers as set in Article 5(1)(d);
Amendment 432 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) a credit purchaser or credit servicer's internal procedures fail to provide for the recording and handling of borrower complaints according to the obligations set in the national measures transposing this directive;
Amendment 446 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 a (new)
Article 22 a (new)
Amendment 463 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the identity of the credit servicer and, where applicable, the credit purchaser it is providing the service to;
Amendment 466 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 40 – paragraph 1
Article 40 – paragraph 1
1. FiveTwo years after the entry into force of this Directive, the Commission shall carry out an evaluation of this Directive and present a Report on the main findings to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee.
Amendment 215 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4 a) In the process of developing macro-prudential approaches to prevent the emergence of system-wide risks associated with NPEs, the European Systemic Risk Board should develop appropriate macro-prudential standards and supervision of the other financial institutions involved in the secondary market for NPEs. These regulatory measures will ensure that such institutions are required to meet the same standards as banks, including in relation to prudential requirements, disclosure requirements and the fair treatment of borrowers. These institutions should also be bound by all relevant national and EU consumer protection requirements that may be applicable.
Amendment 216 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Credit institutions will be required to put aside sufficient resources when new loans become non- performing, which should create appropriate incentives to address NPLs at an early stage and should prevent an excessive accumulation of them. Where loans become non- performing, more efficient enforcement mechanisms for secured loans would allow credit institutions to enforce NPLs, subject to appropriate safeguards for borrowers including legal protection against evictions from primary residences. Nevertheless, should NPL stocks become too high – as it is currently the case for some credit institutions and some Member States – credit institutions should be able to sell them in efficient, competitive and transparent secondary markets to other operatorsincentivised to work through the NPLs on a case-by-case basis. This Directive does not express a preference for certain NPL reduction tools over others, and the combination of tools or strategy reduction drivers for a given credit institution is the responsibility of, and chosen at the discretion of, its management. Competent authorities of credit institutions will guide them in this, based on their existing bank- specific, so-called Pillar 2, powers under Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council27 (CRR). Where NPLs become a significant and broad-based problem, Member States can set up national asset management companies or other alternative measures within the framework of current state aid and banks resolution rules. _________________ 27Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms and amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (OJ L 176, 27.6.2013, p. 1).
Amendment 217 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Credit institutions will be required to put aside sufficient resources when new loans become non- performing, which should create appropriate incentives to address NPLs at an early stage and should prevent an excessive accumulation of them. Where loans become non- performing, more efficient enforcement mechanisms for secured loans would allow credit institutions to enforce NPLs, subject to appropriatimplement a holistic strategy that protects distressed borrowers and safeguards the sustainability of the banking system, subject to strong and effective safeguards for borrowconsumers. Nevertheless, should NPL stocks become too high – as it is currently the case for some credit institutions and some Member States – credit institutions shouldall not be able to sell them in efficient, competitive and transparent secondary marketsor transfer to other operators. Competent authorities of credit institutions will guide them in this, based on their existing bank-specific, so-called Pillar 2, powers under Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council27 (CRR). Where NPLs become a significant and broad-based problem, Member States can set up national asset management companies or other alternative measures within the framework of current state aid and banks resolution rules. _________________ 27Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms and amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (OJ L 176, 27.6.2013, p. 1)ird parties performing credit agreements concluded with consumers. Where NPLs become a significant and broad-based problem, Member States can set up national asset management companies or other alternative measures within the framework of current state aid and banks resolution rules.
Amendment 225 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) This Directive should fosregulater the development of secondary markets for NPLs in the Union by removing impediposing safeguards and minimum requirements to the transfer of NPLs by credit institutions to non-credit institutions, while at the same time safeguarding consumers' rights. Any proposed measure should also simplify and harmonise the authorisation requirements for credit servicers. This Directive should therefore establish a Union-wide framework for both purchasers and servicers of credit agreements issued by credit institutions, whereby credit servicers shall obtain authorisation and be subject to the supervision of the Member State they operate in; furthermore, this Directive allows Member States to subject credit servicers and credit purchasers to stricter requirements.
Amendment 227 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) This Directive should foster the development of secondary markets for NPLs in the Union by removing impediments to the transfer of NPLs by credit institutions to non-credit institutions, while at the same time safeguarding consumers' rights, particularly legal protection for mortgage-holders against eviction from primary residences. Any proposed measure should also simplify and harmonise the authorisation requirements for credit servicers. This Directive should therefore establish a Union-wide framework for both purchasers and servicers of credit agreements issued by credit institutions.
Amendment 228 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9 a) Other financial institutions active in the secondary market should take into account the interests of consumers and comply with all relevant national and EU consumer protection requirements, including those set out in Article 28 of Directive 2014/17/EU, in the EBA Guidelines on arrears and foreclosure and in the EBA final Guidelines on the management of non-performing and forborne exposures.
Amendment 229 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9 b (new)
Recital 9 b (new)
(9 b) Forbearance measures should aim to return the borrower to a sustainable performing repayment status, having regard to the fair treatment of the consumer and to all relevant national and EU consumer protection requirements that may be applicable. When deciding on which steps or forbearance measures to take, credit institutions should take into account the interests of consumers and comply with consumer protection requirements, including those set out in Article 28 of Directive 2014/17/EU, in the EBA Guidelines on arrears and foreclosure and in the EBA final Guidelines on the management of non- performing and forborne exposures;
Amendment 230 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9 c (new)
Recital 9 c (new)
(9 c) Forbearance measures may include the following concessions to the consumer: a) a total or partial refinancing of a credit agreement; b) a modification of the previous terms and conditions of a credit agreement, which may include among others: i. extending the term of the mortgage; ii. changing the type of the mortgage (such as, changing the type of mortgage from a capital and interest mortgage to an interest only mortgage); iii. deferring payment of all or part of the instalment repayment for a period; iv. changing the interest rate up to a certain cap; v. offering a payment holiday.
Amendment 233 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
Recital 15
Amendment 235 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Therefore, action at Union level is necessary in order to address the protection of the borrowers as well as the sustainability of the banking system and the position of credit purchasers and credit servicers in relation to credit originally granted by credit institutions. It is not proposed to cover credit originally issued by non-credit institutions or debt collection in general at this stage, as there is no evidence of macroeconomic relevance, misaligned incentives or ill-functioning markets for such an extended scope.
Amendment 238 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16 a (new)
Recital 16 a (new)
(16 a) Entities engaging in credit servicing activities shall be subject to the same rules, be it specialised credit servicers, banking institutions or credit purchasers. This could be a direct consequence of subjecting credit servicing activities to the rules of Directive 2014/65/EU.
Amendment 239 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) Although the purpose of this Directive is to protect consumers' rights and to strengthen the credit institutions' capacity to deal with credit that has become non-performing or risks becoming non-performing, the secondary market for credit covers both performing and non- performing credit. Actual market sales encompass credit portfolios, consisting of a mix of performing,heavily under- performing and non- performing credit. The portfolios include credit that is both secured and unsecured and that is owed by consumers or businesses. Where rules for the enforcement of credit differed for each type of credit or borrower, there would be additional costs to the packaging of those credit portfolios for sale. The provisions in this Directive that target the development of the secondary market cover performing and non- performing credit in order to avoid a situation that these additional costs would result to a social crisis and at the same time discourage investor participation and fragment this emerging market. Credit institutions will benefit from facing a larger investor base and more efficient credit servicers. Similar benefits will accrue to asset management companies that are instrumental in some Member States in marketing both non-performing and performing credit originated from credit institutions that had been resolved or been restructured or that have otherwise offloaded them from their balance sheets28 . _________________ 28 See Commission staff working document SWD(2018 72) on the AMC Blueprint.
Amendment 242 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) The importance placed by the Union legislature on the protection provided for consumers in Directive 2014/17/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council29 , Directive 2008/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council30 and Council Directive 93/13/EEC31 means that the assignment of the creditor's rights under a credit agreement or of the agreement itself to a credit purchaser should not affect the level of protection granted by national and Union law to consumers in any way. Credit purchasers and credit servicers should therefore comply with national and Union law as applicable to the initial credit agreement and the consumer should retain the same level of protection as provided under Union law or as determined by Union or national conflict of law rules regardless of the law applicable to the credit purchaser or credit servicer. National competent authorities must ensure that no borrower is worse off following the transfer of their credit agreement from a credit institution to a credit purchaser or credit servicer. _________________ 29Directive 2014/17/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 February 2014 on credit agreements for consumers relating to residential immovable property and amending Directives 2008/48/EC and 2013/36/EU and Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 (OJ L 60, 28.2.2014, p. 34). 30Directive 2008/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2008 on credit agreements for consumers and repealing Council Directive 87/102/EEC (OJ L 60/34, 22.5.2008, p. 66). 31Council Directive 93/13/EEC of 5 April 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts (OJ L 95, 21.4.1993, p. 29).
Amendment 245 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) In order to ensure a high level of consumer protection, Union and national law provide for a number of rights and safeguards related to credit agreements promised or granted to a consumerthat are not consumer loans, in particular those secured by the primary residential property. Those rights and safeguards apply in particular to the negotiation and conclusion of the credit agreement and to its performance or default thereof. This is notably the case in relation to long-term consumer credit agreements falling within Directive 2014/17/EU, in respect of the right of the consumer to discharge fully or partially his obligations under a credit agreement prior to the expiry of that agreement or to be informed by means of the European Standardised Information Sheet, where applicable, on the possiblehowever a transfer of the credit agreement to a credit purchaser. B should not be allowed whatsoever as borrower rights should also not be altered if the transfer of the credit agreement between a credit institution and a purchaser takes the form ofunder any circumstance or contract novation.
Amendment 246 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20 a (new)
Recital 20 a (new)
(20 a) Residential mortgages for primary residences should be excluded from the scope of this Directive.
Amendment 248 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In order to allow existing credit purchasers and credit servicers to adapt to the requirements of the national provisions implementing this Directive and, in particular, to allow credit servicers to be authorised, this Directive will only apply to transfers of credit agreements that take place six months after the transposition deadline has expired and only after the creditors have given to distressed borrowers the right to buy back their debt at the same price.
Amendment 255 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) Third-country credit purchasers may make it harder for the Union consumer to rely on their rights under Union law and for the national authorities to supervise the enforcement of the credit agreement. Credit institutions may also be discouraged from transferring such credit agreements to third-country credit purchasers because of the reputational risk involved. Imposing an obligation on the representative of the third-country purchasers of consumer credit to appoint a credit institution or a credit servicer authorised in the Union for servicing a credit agreementAs a result, both the credit purchasers and credit servicers operating in the Union must be obliged to be authorised in the Union to ensures that the same standards of consumers' rights are preserved after the transfer of the credit agreement. The credit purchaser and credit servicer isare under an obligation to respect the applicable Union and national laws and the national authorities in individual Member States should be given the necessary powers to effectively supervise itstheir activityies.
Amendment 256 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 34 a (new)
Recital 34 a (new)
(34 a) Credit purchasers generally reply on a short-term business model that specialises in purchasing distressed debt at a large discount and attempting to procure the underlying asset as quickly as possible. As it is the credit purchaser that makes the key decisions regarding the distressed loan, including on the setting of interest rates, whether to restructure a loan, and the enforcement of the loan, it is crucial that the credit purchaser - and not only the credit servicer that acts as an intermediary - is authorised and regulated in the Union, and subject to supervision, investigation and sanctions by the national competent authorities in the Member State in which it operates.
Amendment 265 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 a (new)
Article 1 a (new)
Article 1 a This directive relates to non-performing credit agreements. Creditors shall not be allowed to transfer to third parties performing credit agreements concluded with consumers. 1. Creditors shall make every effort to avoid transferring consumer non- performing loans to third parties. Notably, Member States shall ensure that creditors exercise reasonable forbearance towards the distressed borrowers, in accordance with Article 28 of Directive 2014/17/EU and the EBA Guidelines on arrears and foreclosure EBA/GL/2015/12. 2. Forbearance measures may include the following concessions to the consumer: a) a total or partial refinancing of a credit agreement; b) a modification of the previous terms and conditions of a credit agreement, which may include among others: i. extending the term of the mortgage; ii. changing the type of the mortgage (such as, changing the type of mortgage from a capital and interest mortgage to an interest only mortgage); iii. deferring payment of all or part of the instalment repayment for a period; iv. changing the interest rate up to a certain cap; v. offering a payment holiday. 3. Definition of non-performing loans adopted by the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/227 shall be without prejudice to the creditors’ forbearance obligations. 4. In case of foreclosure, when the credit is secured by the consumer’s primary residence, return or transfer to the creditor or a third-party of the security or proceeds from the sale of the security shall be sufficient to repay the credit. Article 28(4) of Directive 2014/17/EU shall be amended accordingly.
Amendment 266 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 b (new)
Article 1 b (new)
Article 1 b Rules of conduct for credit servicers and credit purchasers 1. Credit servicers and credit purchasers shall act in good faith, treat consumers fairly and respect their privacy. The following practices shall be forbidden: a. Provision of misleading information to consumers; b. Harassment of consumers, including communication of information about the consumers’ debt to their employer, family, friends and neighbours; c. Charging fees and penalties to consumers that exceed the costs directly related to the management of the debt. Member States shall place a cap on those fees and penalties according to principles of fairness, rationality and proportionality.
Amendment 280 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point c a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point c a (new)
(c a) the purchase of a credit agreement by a credit institution or non credit institution which has been involved in a tax avoidance or tax evasion case in any Member State of the EU;
Amendment 300 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 b (new)
Article 3 b (new)
Article 3 b Exclusion of primary residences Residential mortgages for primary residences are excluded from the scope of this Directive.
Amendment 301 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Member States shall be able to maintain the existing national measures aimed at protecting distressed borrowers, as well to adopt stricter measures, such as personal insolvency measures, restriction of the activity of credit servicers and credit purchasers.
Amendment 305 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) Credit servicers and credit purchasers shall act in good faith, treat consumers fairly and respect their privacy. The following practices shall be forbidden: a) Provision of misleading information to consumers; b) Harassment of consumers, including communication of information about the consumers’ debt to their employer, family, friends and neighbours; c) Charging fees and penalties to consumers that exceed the costs directly related to the management of the debt. Member States shall place a cap on those fees and penalties according to principles of fairness, rationality and proportionality.
Amendment 322 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. When a credit institution intends to transfer a credit agreement to a credit purchaser at a specified price, before the transfer the credit institution shall allow the debtors concerned who are consumers to buy back their debt at the same price or with a small mark-up, which would be specified by the relevant competent authorities. For that purpose, credit institutions shall be required to disclose to the relevant competent authorities the necessary details of expected deals with credit purchasers.
Amendment 323 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Member States shall ensure that the buy-back option can be exercised in instalments.
Amendment 331 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 a (new)
Article 6 a (new)
Article 6 a Debt buy-back 1. When a credit institution intends to transfer a credit agreement to a credit purchaser at a specified price, before the transfer the credit institution shall allow the debtors concerned who are consumers to buy back their debt at the same price or with a small mark-up, which would be specified by the relevant competent authorities. For that purpose, credit institutions shall be required to disclose to the relevant competent authorities the necessary details of expected deals with credit purchasers. 2. Member States shall ensure that the buy-back option can be exercised in instalments.
Amendment 346 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall ensure that where a credit servicer uses a third party to perform activities that would normally be undertaken by that credit servicer ('credit service provider'), the credit servicer should be supervised by the same supervisory authorities the banking system of the Member State has and remains fully responsible for complying with all obligations under the national provisions transposing this Directive. The outsourcing of those credit servicing activities shall be subject to the following conditions:
Amendment 349 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 a (new)
Article 10 a (new)
Article 10 a Right to legal representation 1. In any court hearing involving a distressed borrower there shall be consideration of the equality of representation status to ensure a full and fair hearing and full and complete understanding of all of the parameters and legal contentions being addressed. 2. This demands that there be an equivalent of legal representation provided and available to all distressed borrowers and, insufficient advance, to ensure comprehensive preparation of all relevant facts and detail for appropriate court representation of the case in dispute. 3. Where necessary, this service shall be provided at the cost of the Member State through free legal aid or its equivalent.
Amendment 352 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. With regard to credit agreements concluded between creditors and consumers, as well as credit agreements concluded between creditors and business borrowers secured by the immovable residential property which is the primary residence of a business borrower, a credit servicer shall be required to obtain an authorisation and establish a branch or a subsidiary in the Member State where it intends to operate.
Amendment 358 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Credit servicers shall not be allowed to provide cross-border services in respect of credit agreements concluded between creditors and consumers, as well as credit agreements concluded between creditors and business borrowers secured by the immovable residential property which is the primary residence of a business borrower. In that case, credit servicers shall be authorised and supervised by the competent authorities of the Member State where they effectively operate.
Amendment 383 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 a (new)
Article 13 a (new)
Article 13 a Credit purchasers subject to national law A credit purchaser carrying out activities in a Member State is subject to the restrictions and requirements established in the national law of the Member State in accordance with this Directive.
Amendment 397 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that the represente direct regulativeon of a credit purchaser referred to in Article 17(1) appoints a credit institution established in the Union or its subsidiary established s operating in their jurisdiction by ensuring the Union or an authorised credit servicernational competent authorities are empowered to superform credit servicing activities in respect of credit agreements concluded with consumvise, investigate and sanction the credit purchasers.
Amendment 400 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Amendment 401 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall ensure that a credit purchaser is not subject to any necessary additional requirements for the purchase of credit agreements other than as provided for by the national measures transposing this Directive.
Amendment 411 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17
Article 17
Amendment 413 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall ensure that a credit purchaser, entities or, where applicable, its representative designated in accordance with Article 17, shall be subject to the same rules, be it specialised credit servicers and banking institutions; moreover, it communicates to the competent authorities of the Member State where the credit purchaser or, where applicable its representative is domiciled or established that it intends to directly enforce a credit agreement by providing the following information:
Amendment 414 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall ensure that a credit purchaser or, where applicable, its representative designated in accordance with Article 17, communicates to the competent authorities of the Member State where the credit purchaser or, where applicable its representative is domiciled or establishedcommunicates to the competent authorities of the Member State that it intends to directly enforce a credit agreement by providing the following information:
Amendment 423 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 19 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Member States shall require the national competent authorities to make publicly available information regarding the transfer of credit agreements from a credit institution to a credit purchaser, or from a one credit purchaser to another, including the identity and address of the new credit purchaser and, where applicable, its representative designated in accordance with Article 17.
Amendment 440 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) a credit purchaser or credit servicer's governance arrangements and internal control mechanisms fail to ensure respect for borrower rights and compliance with personal data protection rules;
Amendment 441 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) a credit purchaser or credit servicer's policy is inadequate for the proper treatment of borrowers as set in Article 5(1)(d);
Amendment 442 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) a credit purchaser or credit servicer's internal procedures fail to provide for the recording and handling of borrower complaints according to the obligations set in the national measures transposing this directive;
Amendment 476 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the identity of the credit servicer and, where applicable, the credit purchaser it is providing a service to;
Amendment 478 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 37 a (new)
Article 37 a (new)
Article 37 a State aid The Commission shall investigate whether the past sale of credit agreements by publicly owned, or partially publicly owned, credit institutions to credit purchasers which have received special tax advantages may have constituted illegal state aid.
Amendment 479 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 40 – paragraph 1
Article 40 – paragraph 1
1. FiveTwo years after the entry into force of this Directive, the Commission shall carry out an evaluation of this Directive and present a Report on the main findings to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee.
Amendment 480 #
2018/0063(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 40 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 40 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. The Commission's impact assessment carried out prior to the proposal for this Directive failed to take into account the impact of the Directive on EU citizens human rights under the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The transposition of this Directive must be delayed until the Commission produces a new assessment that takes into account the impact of this Directive on the Charter rights of EU citizens.
Amendment 69 #
2018/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 201317 forms, together with Directive 2013/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 201318 , the legal framework governing the prudential rules for institutions. Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 contains, inter alia, provisions directly applicable to institutions for determining their own funds. It is therefore necessary to complement the existing prudential rules in Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 relating to own-funds with provisions requiring a deduction from own funds where NPEs are not sufficiently covered via provisions or other adjustments. This would amount to effectively creating a prudential backstop for NPEs that will apply uniformly to all Union institutions, which shall include all institutions active in the secondary market for NPEs in order to avoid creating a competitive advantage for the non-bank sector.
Amendment 70 #
2018/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4 a) In the process of developing macro-prudential approaches to prevent the emergence of system-wide risks associated with NPEs, the European Systemic Risk Board shall develop appropriate macro-prudential standards and supervision of the other financial institutions involved in the secondary market for NPEs. These regulatory measures will ensure that such institutions are required to meet the same standards as banks, including in relation to prudential requirements, disclosure requirements and the fair treatment of borrowers. These institutions shall also be bound by all relevant national and EU consumer protection requirements that may be applicable.
Amendment 71 #
2018/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 b (new)
Recital 4 b (new)
(4 b) Other financial institutions active in the secondary market shall take into account the interests of consumers and comply with all relevant national and EU consumer protection requirements, including those set out in Article 28 of Directive 2014/17/EU, in the EBA Guidelines on arrears and foreclosure and in the EBA final Guidelines on the management of non-performing and forborne exposures.
Amendment 79 #
2018/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) For the purposes of applying the backstop, it is appropriate to introduce in Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 a clear set of conditions for the classification of NPEs. As Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 680/2014 already lays down criteria concerning NPEs for the purposes of supervisory reporting, it is appropriate that the classification of NPEs builds on that existing framework. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 680/2014 refers to defaulted exposures as defined for the purposes of calculating own funds requirements for credit risk and exposures impaired pursuant to the applicable accounting framework. As forbearance measures may influence whether an exposure is classified as non- performing, the classification criteria are complemented by clear criteria on the impact of forbearance measures. Forbearance measures may have different justifications and consequences, it is therefore appropriate to provide that a forbearance measure granted to a non- performing exposure should not discontinue the classification of that exposure as non-performing unless certain strict discontinuation criteria are fulfilled, in accordance with the EBA's final Guidelines on management of non- performing and forborne exposures.
Amendment 80 #
2018/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6 a) Forbearance measures should aim to return the borrower to a sustainable performing repayment status, having regard to the fair treatment of the consumer and to all relevant national and EU consumer protection requirements that may be applicable. When deciding on which steps or forbearance measures to take, credit institutions should take into account the interests of consumers and comply with consumer protection requirements, including those set out in Article 28 of Directive 2014/17/EU, in the EBA Guidelines on arrears and foreclosure and in the EBA final Guidelines on the on management of non- performing and forborne exposures.
Amendment 92 #
2018/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
Amendment 99 #
2018/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
Amendment 139 #
2018/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Regulation (EU) No 575/2013
Article 47a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 47a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
For the purposes of Article 36(1)(m), the following exposures shall be classified as non-performing, where this definition is compatible with national laws aimed at protecting distressed borrowers:
Amendment 166 #
2018/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Regulation (EU) No 575/2013
Article 47b – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 47b – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. For the purposes of Article 47a, 'forbearance measure' shall include a concession by an institution towards an obligor that is experiencing or is likely to experience a deterioration in its financial situation. The objective of forbearance measures should be to aim to return the borrower to a sustainable performing repayment status, having regard to the fair treatment of the borrower, and to all relevant national and EU consumer protection requirements that may be applicable. When deciding on which steps or forbearance measures to take, credit institutions should take into account the interests of consumers and comply with consumer protection requirements, including those set out in Article 28 of Directive 2014/17/EU, in the EBA Guidelines on arrears and foreclosure and in the EBA final Guidelines on the management of non-performing and forborne exposures. With regard to residential loans, only when a full exploration of forbearance measures has been carried out and no sustainable restructuring solution can be reached should the credit institution move towards resolution of the NPE. A concession may entail a loss for the lender and shall refer to either of the following actions:
Amendment 7 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas cohesion policy aimsis the European Union’s key toolkit to express the EU’s solidarity as one of the fundamental principles of the Union, by pursuing its Treaty based objective to promote harmonious development of the whole Union, leading to a strengthening of its economic, social and territorial cohesion, in a spirit of solidarity and with the aim of promoting growth, and reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions;
Amendment 15 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas balanced social and economic development throughout Europe is crucial to maintain and promote social peace and an innovative, sustainable and inclusive European integration process that is based on broad public support;
Amendment 26 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas one of the key pieces of new information provided by the 7th Cohesion Report concerns the identification of certain areas described as being caught in the ‘middle-income trap’, which risk being left behindstagnation or even falling back again behind the already reached level of development;
Amendment 38 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers it crucial that cohesion policy should continue to cover all European regions and remain the European Union’s main investment instrument, with a budget commensurate with the challengessolidarity, development and investment instrument, based on long-term strategy and perspectives, and with a budget commensurate with the challenges; demands therefore that the current 1%- ceiling for the EU’s expenditure be increased to at least 1.3% of the GNI, in order to be able to continue to support existing policy areas while avoiding funding new challenges at their expense and while maintaining the share of cohesion policy at the current level, i. e. more than one third of the MFF;
Amendment 58 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises that cohesion policy investments provide European added value by contributing to European public goods and to the Treaty objective of reducing disparities towards the upward adaptation of living standards;
Amendment 88 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises that efforts to consolidate the territorial dimension of cohesion policy require greater attention to be paid to peri-urban, cross border and rural problems, with a particular focus on to medium-sized towns;
Amendment 126 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is convinced that a major challenge for future cohesion policy will be to provide appropriatesufficient support to these regions to keep up their positive development paths, and that cohesion policy must both reduce disparities and prevent vulnerable regions from falling behind, by taking account of the different trends and dynamics and possibly expanding the scope of and support for the transition region category;
Amendment 143 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that social and fiscal convergence help to foster cohesion while improving the functioning of the single market; takes the view that divergent practices in this area may run counter to the objective of cohesion and are liable to cause further problems for territories which are lagging behind or are the most vulnerable to globalisation; considers that cohesion policy could contribute to the promotion of social and fiscal convergence by providing incentives, but reiterates its position that cohesion policy must not be subject to any conditionalities at European level that cannot be influenced by local and regional authorities and other beneficiaries; calls on the Commission to take better account of this aspect in the European Semester;
Amendment 156 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Supports a strong thematic concentration on a limited number of priorities linked to major European political objectives, leaving managing authorities the task of drawing up their territorial strategies on the basis of their needs; stresses that employment,social integration and culture, decent employment and education, combating poverty and discrimination, civil research and innovation, support for SMEs, climate changeaction and the circular economy should constitute priority areas for cohesion policy in future;
Amendment 224 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Emphasises that financial instruments can be an effective lever and that they should be promoted if they generate added value; stresses, however, that their effectiveness hinges on many factors (nature of the project, of the territory or of the risk) and thatReiterates that grants must remain the basis of the financing of cohesion policy and points out that financial instruments can play a complementary role, but stresses, that their effectiveness hinges on many factors (nature of the project, of the territory or of the risk) and that they should be used with caution, based on an appropriate ex-ante assessment; grants should be complemented only where such financial instruments demonstrate an added value, and all regions, regardless of their level of development, must be free to determine the most appropriate method of financing; opposes any binding targets for the use of financial instruments;
Amendment 295 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls for a genuine single set of rules to be introduced for the various funds; supports consistent treatment of European funds under direct management and cohesion funds where State aid is concerned and, more generally, harmonised rules for European instruments aimed at the same beneficiaries; stresses the importance of greater complementarity between cohesion policy and the future EU research programme, in order to cover the full cycle from basic research to commercial applications; general exemption from state aid rules should be considered for support measures in the framework of European Territorial Cooperation (ETC);
Amendment 304 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls for requirements in respect of the programming, implementation and monitoring of ESI Funds in future to be based on the principle of differentiation, based on transparent and fair criteria, in accordance with the amounts allocated to programmes, the risk profile, the quality of administration and the level of financing by recipients;
Amendment 310 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Regards it as essential that the relationship between the Commission and managing authorities should evolve towards a ‘contract of confidence’; calls on the Commission to build on the work already done in the area of sound public finance management, introducing the principle of a new label"trust bonus" to reward managing authorities which have demonstrated their ability to comply with the rules; in relation to monitoring, calls for greater reliance on national and regional rules where their effectiveness has been verified and validated;
Amendment 321 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
Amendment 336 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. WelcomNotes the positivereliminary results of the Juncker investment plan; stresses that cohesion policy and the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) are based on different concepts and objectives which in certain cases can be complementary, but that one cannot be a substitute for the other, irrespective of the level of development of the regions; calls for maintaining clear delimitations between the EFSI and cohesion policy, together with the provision of opportunities for their combination and facilitated use where appropriate without mixing them;
Amendment 12 #
2017/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas equivalence is a tool to promote international regulatory convergence, which may lead to more competition in the EU on a level playing fieldconnectedness in the global financial system, which may lead to even bigger banks in the EU, while prevenomoting regulatory arbitragedumping;
Amendment 39 #
2017/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that since the financial crisis, the EU has developed its financial regulation through wide-ranging reforms; welcomes the increased regulatory and supervisory cooperation between the EU and third countrieinsufficient and incomplete reforms; recognises that this has improved global consistvergencye in financial regulation and has made the EU more resilient, which in the past was no obstacle to global financial shocks;
Amendment 44 #
2017/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that the EU should promote global financial regulatory reforms aimed at reducing systemic risk and should work towards an open less, integrated and more resilient financial system based on smaller institutions and tighter regulation that supports sustainable economic growth, job creation and investment;
Amendment 59 #
2017/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the Member States may not always entirely support international cooperation owing to concerns about the protection of national interests and the inherent incentive to shift risks to other jurisdictions;
Amendment 80 #
2017/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recognises that the EU’'s equivalence regime is an integral part of its regulatory framework for financial services and can offer several benefits, such aposes several risks: the removal of unnecessary regulatory barriers, increased competincentration, increased capital flows into and out of the EU, and more instruments and investment choices for EU firms and investorsvolatility and exposure for the EU's financial system;
Amendment 103 #
2017/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Emphasises that one of the key objectives for equivalence is to promote regulatory downward convergence on the basis of lowering international standards;
Amendment 116 #
2017/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Believes that equivalence decisions and international agreements should be objective, proportionate, risk-sensitive and be taken in the best interests of the Union, and itsll of its Member States and citizens;
Amendment 126 #
2017/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Questions the rationale behind equivalence decisions typically taking the form of implementing acts; insists that the process for granting equivalence to a third country in the area of financial services should always be scrutinised by the European and National Parliaments and that, owing to their political nature, and for the purposes of greater transparency, these decisions should be taken by means of delegated acts;
Amendment 142 #
2017/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that the Commission has the right to withdraw equivalence decisions, and believes that the European and National Parliaments should be consulted in a timely manner before such a withdrawal decision is taken; calls for the introduction of clear procedures and timelines governing the adoption, withdrawal or suspension of equivalence decisions;
Amendment 204 #
2017/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Recalls the importance of National Competent Authorities (NCAs) in the authorisation process for financial institutions that wish to delegate part of their portfolio management or risk management to service providers in third countries where the regulatory regime is comparable to that of the EU; considers that NCAs have sufficient technical knowledge and expertise to properly assess delegation approval requests; encourages the ESAs to develop further cooperation between NCAs in order to share best practice concerning regulatory cooperation and activities with third countries; considers that Member States should be allowed to limit equivalence decisions in their own countries in order to ensure the stability of their financial systems and economies;
Amendment 209 #
2017/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Underlines the importance of the EU’s role in global standard-setting as a means of working towards international consistency in financial regulation,a tighter financial regulation in the global financial system maximising financial stability, preventing regulatory loopholes between jurisdictions and developing an efficientseverely limiting interconnectedness of the system and the dimension of international financial systeminstitutions;
Amendment 217 #
2017/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls for active involvement from the Commission, the Member States and ESAs in global standard-setting bodies in financial services; stresses the need for the consistent implementationimprovement of international standards in order to achieve better regulatory cooperation with other jurisdictions and to improve global financial stability;
Amendment 227 #
2017/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls to that end, moreover, for the EU-US Financial Markets Regulatory Dialogue to be upgraded to include more regular meetings; stresses that the EU should push to have a financial services chapter as part of any potential future EU-US trade agreementhave an extremely cautious approach towards a further financial integration with the US;
Amendment 12 #
2017/2226(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas, although a limited, and regionally and socially uneven progress in reducing poverty and social exclusion can be observed, there are still disadvantaged groups in society with an unacceptable 119 million people below poverty level in the EU of which more than 25 million of Children across of Europe (more than 1 in 4children) and regional disparities persist;
Amendment 48 #
2017/2226(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. Whereas the overall policy outlook of the European Semester remains concerned with fiscal consolidation and deregulation of labour markets;
Amendment 116 #
2017/2226(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the importance of a wage increase at European level in order to boost private consumption as the main support for growth; points out the need to focus on the interaction between monetary, fiscal and incomes (including wage and profit development) policies rather than only fiscal issues; Stresses that building up social policies is not a question of choice but of human dignity and fundamental rights, an indispensable factor for maintaining cohesion and sustainable and inclusive growth;
Amendment 187 #
2017/2226(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that the European Semester and the Country-Specific Recommendations should achieve the objectives set out in the Pillar of Social Rights; Calls for the binding character of low levels of unemployment, poverty and in equalities in the same way economic indicators are binding;
Amendment 239 #
2017/2226(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Stresses that fiscal consolidation programmes should by no means impose austerity measures undermining social policies that suffer substantial cuts; any proposed fiscal measure should be assessed and monitored against its social impact;
Amendment 27 #
2017/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that, according to the Commission report on the implementation of the Circular Economy Action Plan, EU support for the 2014-2020 period for innovation, SMEs, the low-carbon economy and environmental protection amounts to EUR 150 billion and many of these areas are contributing to the achievement of a circular economy; stresses that the cyclical economy, in addition to waste management and environmental protection, also involves radically transforming the functioning of the economy so that it becomes a goal of cohesion policy beyond 2020;
Amendment 30 #
2017/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets, however, that, as underlined in a study commissioned by the Commission, the current policy framework does not allow the full contribution of cohesion policy to the circular economy to be captured; then notes with dissatisfaction the fact that the cyclical economy is absent from the current Multiannual Financial Framework where it needs to be strengthened through Cohesion Policy; notes, in this respect, that the definition of the existing ‘Intervention Field’ categories used for financial allocations does not cover the circular economy as such;
Amendment 43 #
2017/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights the existence and importance of an ex ante conditionality on ESI Funds related to ‘promoting economically and environmentally sustainable investments in the waste sector’; regrets, however, the negligence of waste hierarchy and lack of sound environmental assessment of long-term outcomes in a substantial number of cases co-financed by ESI Funds; however, it must encourage young entrepreneurs to move towards a cyclical economy rather than acting punitively or excluding regions with low levels of income and growth;
Amendment 54 #
2017/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the importance of the partnership principle and the important role of stakeholders during the drawing up of partnership agreements and operational programmes; calls for a genuine involvement of partners in policy processes, and for circular economy-related objectives to be adequately incorporated into programming documents; points to the leading role that local government can play in achieving the cyclical economy;
Amendment 71 #
2017/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Points out that, in addition to local, regional and national authorities, incentives should also be given to consumers themselves, who should be constantly informed and encouraged to change their consumer behaviour in respect of waste management and production, recycling and issues involving sustainable solutions in their everyday lives;
Amendment 94 #
2017/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Emphasises the potential of macro- regional strategies to help achieve a circular economy, not only in the Member States but also in third countries located in the same geographical area; stresses that those strategies could support the creation of a market for secondary raw materials for the Union; the development of EU cooperation initiatives with third countries should be an important tool for the European integration of these countries;
Amendment 106 #
2017/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Encourages regional and local authorities to further invest in education and awareness raising about the benefits and advantages of all actions with the aim of implementing the circular economy through cohesion policy projects, thus increasing citizen participation and influencing consumer behaviour; stresses the importance of developing a specific strategy for island regions;
Amendment 55 #
2017/2208(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that cohesion policy plays a key role in ensuring investment in all EU regions, especially in lagging regions; in order to perform this role, it must maintain its resources, while providing for the allocation of a necessary proportion of these resources to lagging regions through simplified and direct procedures;
Amendment 62 #
2017/2208(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to better define regional categories (e.g. low- income, low-growth, transitional regions) based not only on general economic conditions but also on the results of the social indicators especially of those regions with high rates of chronic unemployment and on reference periods in line with ESI fund programming cycles;
Amendment 75 #
2017/2208(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the presence of a properly educated and trained workforce has a powerful impact on competitiveness, productivity and the attractiveness of the labour market, which flourish in growth and investment-friendly environments; strategies to reinforce European, national and private investments that focus on small and medium-sized enterprises and exploit local advantages in an innovative way should therefore be sought, providing employment incentives especially for young, highly skilled workers;
Amendment 84 #
2017/2208(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Hopes that, in implementing the 2020 education and training strategy and its objectives, account will be taken of existing situations in lagging regions, in particular the departure rates and their adverse impact on employment; a special basis should be given to regions bearing the brunt of refugee and migratory flows so that refugees and migrants who remain in these areas can receive appropriate training and education with a view to integrating them into the labour market;
Amendment 114 #
2017/2208(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that applying the principle of ‘resilience’ to economic problems facing such regions would allow broader scope and greater flexibility in finding ad hoc solutions with EU support to specific crises such as those affecting lagging regions;
Amendment 147 #
2017/2208(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considers it necessary to support productive business activities specific to lagging regions, including sustainable tourism and agriculture, through the increasingly effective combination of funding from regional and national bodies and from EU instruments. It is important to simplify legislative and bureaucratic procedures in order to stimulate the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises with an outward-looking approach, especially for young people living in lagging regions;
Amendment 160 #
2017/2208(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the Member States to adopt national regional development strategies to improve administratCommission to treat peripheral regions and regions with geographical handicaps, with the exceptionally poor accessibility being the most important of such handicaps, as lagging regions by definition and to decide on measures and incentives to demonstrate 'inclusive' governance and other key growth factors in lagging regionsrowth in practice; to this end, it should provide for the appropriate legislative framework to govern the implementation of the future Cohesion Policy;
Amendment 13 #
2017/2173(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Notes the need to properly assess the Authority's work on regular basis in an effort to allocate and make the use of its resources more effective, transparent and credible;
Amendment 18 #
2017/2173(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that, as the Authority’s workload is increasingly shifting from legislative tasks to enforcing and applying the Union law, the Authority’s budget and manpower should be reallocated internally; notes that, for the purpose of ensuring sufficient staff at the Authority for implementing its tasks, budget and resources should be allocated properly, also in the case of additional tasks, which would further ensure its credibility and independence;
Amendment 21 #
2017/2173(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses the need for protection of consumers as a priority and to allocate all necessary resources for this purpose;
Amendment 22 #
2017/2173(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Notes the necessity of coordination and close cooperation with the other European Supervisory Authorities and national authorities, as well as with international organisations;
Amendment 29 #
2017/2173(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Welcomes the conclusions of the European Court of Auditor's special report and encourages the Authority to implement them as quick as possible;
Amendment 30 #
2017/2173(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Stresses further the need to enhance democratic accountability and transparency regarding meetings with stakeholders and lobbyists and properly inform the Parliament for its activities, notes that the protection of whistle- blowers will enforce transparency, democratic accountability and public control;
Amendment 20 #
2017/2172(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Takes note of the Authority’s efforts to reallocate internally the Authority’s budget and manpower, as the Authority’s workload is increasingly shifting from legislative tasks to supervisory convergence and enforcement. Notes the need to properly assess the Authority's work on regular basis in an effort to allocate and make the use of its resources effective, and transparent and credible;
Amendment 22 #
2017/2172(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses the need for protection of consumers as a priority and to allocate all necessary resources for this purpose;
Amendment 23 #
2017/2172(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Notes the necessity of coordination and close cooperation with the other European Supervisory Authorities and national authorities, as well as with international organisations;
Amendment 30 #
2017/2172(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Welcomes the conclusions of the European Court of Auditors' special report and encourages the Authority to implement them as quick as possible;
Amendment 31 #
2017/2172(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Stresses further the need to enhance democratic accountability and transparency regarding meetings with stakeholders and lobbyists and properly inform the Parliament for its activities; notes that the protection of whistle-blowers will enforce transparency, democratic accountability and public control;
Amendment 13 #
2017/2171(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Notes the need to properly assess the Authority's work on regular basis in an effort to allocate and make the use of its resources more effective, transparent and credible;
Amendment 24 #
2017/2171(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that, as the Authority’s workload is increasingly shifting from legislative tasks to enforcing and applying the Union law, the Authority’s budget and manpower should be reallocated internally; notes that, for the purpose of ensuring sufficient staff at the Authority for implementing its tasks, budget and resources should be allocated properly, also in the case of additional tasks, which would further ensure its credibility and independence;
Amendment 26 #
2017/2171(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses the need for protection of consumers as a priority and to allocate all necessary resources for this purpose;
Amendment 27 #
2017/2171(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Notes the necessity of coordination and close cooperation with the other European Supervisory Authorities and national authorities, as well as with international organisations;
Amendment 34 #
2017/2171(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Welcomes the conclusions of the European Court of Auditors' special report and encourages the Authority to implement them as quick as possible;
Amendment 35 #
2017/2171(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Stresses further the need to enhance democratic accountability and transparency regarding meetings with stakeholders and lobbyists and properly inform the Parliament for its activities; notes that the protection of whistle- blowers will enforce transparency, democratic accountability and public control;
Amendment 7 #
2017/2136(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that, as was the case in previous years, Member States had enough information to prevent or correct a significant number of errors before claiming reimbursement and the estimated error rate could have been reduced below the materiality threshold; takes note of the conclusion drawn by the Court of Auditors that there is no need for additional controls in EU spending, but that existing controls need to be enforced properly; calls, therefore, on the Member States to properly enforce their management and control systems;
Amendment 16 #
2017/2136(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is concerned by the delays in implementing the 2014-2020 programmes andby several Member States and the repercussions on the regions to mobilise and utilise EU funds and hence to pursue public investments which are ever more needed in the aftermath of the multiple crises of the past decade; points out that, in 2016, the total amount of outstanding budgetary commitments were higher than ever and reached some EUR 238,8 billion, mainly because of those delays; underlines that this amount is expected to rise until 2020; emphasises that clearing this backlog should be a priority when planning the next MFF; highlights that delays in the implementation should in no way be interpreted as declining need of EU funding;
Amendment 50 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas, growth and unemployment rates remain geographically uneven in a significant way, causing dangerous fragility to the economy and the sound development;
Amendment 64 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines the federal nature of the ECB, which rules out national vetoes, enabling it to act decisively in addressing the crisis; however, independence and transparency in the decision-making process should be significantly enforced.
Amendment 82 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Gives a positive assessmentQuestions the efficiency of the monetary policy pursued by the ECB in the period 2012-2016 in terms of its contribution to economic recovery by preventing deflation, preserving favourable financing conditions and maintaining financial stability and the proper functioning of the payment systems; however, the policy chosen by the ECB, especially in countries in crisis, was not always politically neutral.
Amendment 115 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is concerned that the ECB will likely not reach its inflation target for at least six consecutive years and will remain below the medium-term target level of 2 % until at least 2020 despite pursuing a very accommodative monetary policy, which indicates that the economy is not operating at full capacity partly due to the inefficient policies designed by the ECB;
Amendment 129 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Agrees with the ECB that in order to reach the inflation target, supportive fiscal policies and socially balanced productivity-enhancing reforms are required; points out that reforms should take into consideration also social indicators, social cohesion, protection of medium and low income families and raising inequalities as well as distributive taxation according to member-states particularities;
Amendment 153 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. BGiven the large current inefficiencies of the monetary policy transmission channels, believes that additional growth-oriented policy measures should be considered in order to move closer and more rapidly towards the inflation objective, including a restructuring and an increase in monthly purchases, the inclusion of equity purchases in the APP and the extension of the TLTRO programme to households through zero-coupon perpetual loans;
Amendment 176 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Asks the ECB to consider complementing its price stabiConsiders that the repeated failure of the ECB to reach its inflation target, calls for considering the adoption of a nominal GDP target as a new monetary politcy objective with nominal GDP growth targfor the ECB; therefore calls upon the Council to put this topic into the agenda of its future Council meetings;
Amendment 199 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. HighlightsNotes with regret that according to the IMF’s April 2017 World Economic Outlook, the Eurozone output gap was -1.2 % of the potential GDP in 2016, a gap which will remain negative until 2019;
Amendment 206 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Underlines the positivelimited effect of the ECB monetary policy on growth, employment and the financing costs of Member States, non-financial companies and households; calls for additional and alternative measures to enhance inclusive growth, policies that focus on job-creating development, quality employment fight poverty and youth unemployment and enforce SMEs participation and development, preventing and managing better in that way future crises;
Amendment 244 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Considers that monetary policy alone is not sufficient to achieve a sustainable and more even and inclusive economic recovery, and that public and private investments should therefore be encouraged in the context of a moderately positive fiscal stance in the Eurozone as proposed by the Commission to fill the regional investment gap; thereby calls for a recomposition of the ECB's portfolio of securities held under the APP towards more bonds linked with sustainable investments, for example in the context of a mutually noncoercive coordination between the ECB and the European Investment Bank (EIB);
Amendment 255 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Points out that while unemployment has decreased, aggregate demand in the euro area remains subdued, largely as a result of the rise in poor quality, temporary, low-paid jobs; calls on the ECB to evaluate how this phenomenon is slowing the recovery and explore ways to stimulate demand, in spite of wage stagnationcrease wages and promote quality employment, equal access to education and training to new technologies;
Amendment 264 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. calls the ECB to explore the economic and legal feasibility of policy options, beyond interest rate policy and bond purchases, to channel money or credit efficiently into the real economy and hence induce investment demand and ensuring proper transmission of monetary policy;
Amendment 282 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that excessive current account surpluses in some Member States must be corrected through appropriate fiscal policies, including the European Commission recommendations for more public investments and incease of demand, in order to tackle macroeconomic imbalances in Europe;
Amendment 307 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Encourages further improvement of SMEs' access to credit, enforcing inclusiveness in economic development;
Amendment 338 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Acknowledges that the current policy of low interest rates has a positive effect on the level of nonperforming loans (NPLs); calls for a European strategy involving a secondary market for NPLs in order to alleviate the burden of NPLs in some Member States, taking into account social implications and protecting the first residence and medium and low income families;
Amendment 376 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Welcomes the improvements made by the ECB in disclosing the list of securities held by the Eurosystem under the ECB’s CSPP; but remains concerned that this programe mainly benefits large multinationals; thereby reinforcing capital misallocation towards shareholders and the over-concentration of some oligopolistic sectors;
Amendment 396 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Encourages the ECB to take steps to align its CSPP purchases with the EU’s commitment to tackling climate change, since ECB as an EU organization is committed to the goals of the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 402 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
Amendment 418 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28 a. acknowledges that the third pillar of the banking union is a necessary condition for full mutualisation of the risk with regard to the guarantee of the deposits of all the European depositors;
Amendment 471 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Urges the ECB to support Greece, for example through ensuring the eligibility of Greek companies for the CSPP and the timely inclusion of Greek sovereign bonds in the APP, ensuring the timely access to QE and provide an independent debt sustainability analysis, as well as to support investments for countries to risk;
Amendment 519 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36 a. Calls for full European Parliamentary scrutiny over ECB policy and full revision of the ECB accountability framework by an EU independent body.The European Parliament should confirm the appointment of the ECB Executive Board members and be timely and in full transparency informed forthe ECB policies at all levels;
Amendment 525 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 b (new)
Paragraph 36 b (new)
36 b. Calls the ECON Committee to further enhance the monetary dialogue by revising the relevant rules, in the direction of the monetary experts’, commissioned by ECON in March 2014, recommendations and feedback;
Amendment 526 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 c (new)
Paragraph 36 c (new)
36 c. Calls the ECB Governing Council to follow EU staff regulation and code of conduct regarding to a two-year professional abstention period after the conclusion of its members’ mandate and to file public declarations of interests and assets;
Amendment 528 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 d (new)
Paragraph 36 d (new)
36 d. Calls the ECB to enhance whistle- blowers protection, as clearly indicated in relevant reports by the Commission, the Parliament, the European Ombudsman and the UN Convention against corruption;
Amendment 529 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 e (new)
Paragraph 36 e (new)
36 e. Notes that the current ECB employment system regarding temporary agents, which is placed within a system or repetitive temporary contracts, is reportedly creating instability in the working environment and undermining professional cohesion within the ECB;
Amendment 544 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Asks the ECB to make it a rule to publish its decisions, recommendations and opinions, thereby drastically reducing the number of exemptions from disclosure as well as to follow closer international best practises in improving the disclosure of bank supervisory data;
Amendment 550 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38 a. Stresses that in accordance with Article 7 of its Statute, neither the ECB, nor a national central bank, nor any member of their decision-making bodies shall seek or take instructions from Community institutions or bodies, from any government of a Member State or from any other body;
Amendment 556 #
2017/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 b (new)
Paragraph 38 b (new)
38 b. Stresses that the Members of the Executive Board of the ECB, should abstain from being simultaneous members of forums or other organisations which include executives from banks supervised by the ECB;
Amendment 2 #
2017/2084(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights the vital role that regions and cities play in the implementation of energy policies, and specifically in developing renewables and promoting sustainable patterns of consumption, and therefore urges the Commission and the Member States to involve cities and regions, as well as civil society, in discussions on the energy transition, above all in the context of state-level integrated energy and climate plans; takes the view, furthermore, that they should be given an active role in drawing up and implementing specific measures;
Amendment 7 #
2017/2084(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Emphasises that support for regions and cities from ESI Funds must be stepped up in the area of the energy transition; points out, specifically, that economic support and resources should be increased for the implementation of local energy renovation programmes, for local communities that produce clean energy, for the renovation of buildings and homes with the aim of increasing energy efficiency, and in order to combat energy poverty; points out, in that regard, that more effort will need to be put into technical assistance, which is vital in this area; takes the view, on the other hand, that direct and indirect support for the use of fossil fuels should be stopped;
Amendment 10 #
2017/2084(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3a. Calls for investment in both research and innovative projects to pay particular attention to renewable energy cooperatives, to renewable energy decentralisation and self-generation initiatives, and to innovative action on the part of SMEs; points out, in addition, how important it is to maintain territorial balance in the EU, and to provide more extensive support for regions and cities that are less developed in this regard;
Amendment 21 #
2017/2084(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that the smart specialisation approach (resulting in over 120 research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation), as set up by the reformed cohesion policy for 2014-2020, should be further developed; also encourages also, in this context, the setting -up of interregional partnerships, including on energy, with particular attention being paid to cross-border cooperation projects;
Amendment 16 #
2017/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the EIB to present an additional special chapter in its annual report dedicated to EIB activities aimed at the implementation of cohesion policy by Member States, and to include detailed information on the use of loans in cohesion policy projects and programmes; underlines that in these economic and social circumstances many EU member- states are far behind in their target to meet the Europe 2020goals.
Amendment 23 #
2017/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that the EIB, as an institution through which the EU finances projects aimed at fulfilling EU policies, should contribute to economic, social and territorial cohesion; underlines that decent job creation, positive cost-benefit analysis, additionality, growth acceleration, social cohesion, climate change and environmental protection should be the main selection criteria of the above mentioned projects; notices however that, according to the geographical breakdown of lending by country in which projects are located, five Member States received 54.11 % of the total loans granted in 2016;
Amendment 59 #
2017/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the fact that, in 2016, more than 50 % of the total approved loans were invested in the transport, energy, industry and water and waste management sectors, which indicates thematic concentration; underlines that projects supporting the revitalisation of rural and other less populated, less accessible and underdeveloped areas should have priority in all sectors; with a special provision to member-states which suffer from long- term unemployment, investment gap and regional imbalances;
Amendment 74 #
2017/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Notes that the finance of SMEs has limited results to the real economy; therefore, calls the EIB to increase its capital with a special targeting to innovative SMEs and local and regional infrastructure projects.
Amendment 7 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas regional cohesion policy is one of the EU’s core policies, bringing Europe together, improving its economic, social and territorial cohesion and strengthening its economy, and it is therefore key that sufficient funding for cohesion policy - at least equivalent to that of the current period - is provided for in the MFF;
Amendment 12 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas measures should be taken to ensure that the budgetary challenge deriving from the United Kingdom’s departure from the EU does not disrupt regional policy and does not reduce the budget for cohesion in the next MFF, including by shifting to new own resources for funding;
Amendment 19 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas cohesion policy has contributed significantly to economic, social and territorial cohesion, to the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy and to achieving its goals for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth; whereas the strategy should be reviewed for the post-2020 period, giving a major role to cohesion policy;
Amendment 41 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls, therefore, for the MFF to provide for sufficient fundsfunds that are at least equivalent to those of the current programming period for cohesion policy post-2020, striking a good balance between investments in citizens and investments for citizens and ensuring that the EU’s political goals can be reached;
Amendment 57 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that regional funding should be protected and should continue to predominantly take the form of grants rather than financial instruments, which do, however, have an important role to play in certain cases; stresses that in the event of a reduction in the EU’s budgets, greater focus on the EU’s core goals is requirunder no circumstances should the EU have its budgets reduced;
Amendment 84 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the importance of regional policy to protect the most vulnerable regions, such as the least developed and outermost regions;stresses that under no circumstances should those regions be harmed by any reduction in the MFF;
Amendment 30 #
2017/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is of the opinion that multi-level governance , with a simultaneous strengthening of the role of the regions in it, should be embedded in all macro- regional strategy from its inception;
Amendment 46 #
2017/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Considers it important that the medium- term objectives should have the possibility of rapid adaptation in the event of emergencies or crises such as the migratory/refugee crisis in order to respond effectively to the needs of local and regional actors;
Amendment 71 #
2017/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 14 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Additional support is needed to deepen cooperation between regions from non- EU, accession countries so that joint programmes respond to common problems, shortcomings and challenges;
Amendment 72 #
2017/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Notes with concern the lack of substantial support from the Facility Point which was created for this very purpose;
Amendment 75 #
2017/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes with concern the persistent problems of resourcas regards the lack of effective linkage and effectiveness of available resources with EUSAIR's strategic priorities, governance and ownership, which are preventing the strategy’s objectives from being fully achieved;
Amendment 80 #
2017/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that the region has been at the forefront of the migration crisis in the recent years; considers that the EUSAIR couldmust help alleviate such challenges;
Amendment 82 #
2017/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 16 – subparagraph 1 (new)
This macro-region is of particular importance for sectors such as transport, as most of it consists of maritime routes, sustainable tourism and blue growth, both in coastal continental areas and in the islands. This entails strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises, creating new jobs, exploiting fish stocks with respect for biodiversity and strengthening research and innovation for fish farms.
Amendment 105 #
2017/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Points out that MRS bear fruit if they are rooted in a long-term political perspective and organised in such a way that all stakeholders are effectively represented from the outset; this requires the effective exchange of information, best practices, know-how and experience between macro-regions.
Amendment 15 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
— having regard to the Five Presidents’ Report of 22 June 2015 on completing Europe’s Economic and Monetary Union, to the Commission white paper of 1 March 2017 on the future of Europe, and to the Commission reflection paper of 31 May 2017 on the deepening of the Economic and Monetary Union, as well as to the fact that the Five Presidents' Report is referring to the euro as a "political and economic project",
Amendment 16 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
- having regard to the Five Presidents' Report which refers that euro "requires solidarity in times of crisis and respect for commonly agreed rules from all members",
Amendment 17 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 b (new)
Citation 5 b (new)
- having regard to the European Court of Auditors reports 18/2015 of 26 January 2016 on financial assistance provided to countries in difficulties and 17/2017 of 16 November 2017 on the Commission intervention in the Greek financial crisis,
Amendment 29 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the introduction of the euro is one of the European project’s most significant political achievements and a cornerstone of EMU construction, it remains incapable of addressing the existing challenges of inequalities among and within the member states and enforce an economic strategy which benefits all the member states in a fair;
Amendment 39 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the financial and economic crisis has revealed the weaknesses of the euro architecture, highlighting the need for the swift completion and urgent democratisation of the EMU;
Amendment 41 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the current EU economic governance framework proved inadequate to prevent and deal in a sufficient and timely way with the economic and financial crisis since 2010, leaving the space for IMF’s austerity-oriented policies, which resulted in further inequalities, unemployment and poverty in the countries following adjustment programmes;
Amendment 54 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas membership of a common currency area requires common rules and obligations, as well as common tools to respond to symmetric and asymmetric shocks and for the promotion of solidarity and socioeconomic upward convergence; whereas risk reduction and risk sharing should go hand in hand in deepening and enforcing democratic accountability of the EMU;
Amendment 63 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the creation of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) and its later transformation into the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) have represented, despite its intergovernmental nature, an important step towards the creation of a European crisis management mechanism, trying to helping to respond to the weaknesses of the EMU and providing financial assistance to several European countries affected by the crisis;
Amendment 66 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the European Court of Auditors' reports on financial crisis and assistance have underlined in many cases delays and insufficient results of the proposed measures, presenting valuable recommendations;
Amendment 77 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas the EMF should take concrete actions with respect to the goals of the completion of the EMU, especially the social pillar which should take into account, among other factors, the social effects of economic adjustments;
Amendment 85 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas in the short term, the ESM reform should contribute in particular to the banking union, providing a proper common financial backstop for the Single Resolution Fund (SRF), without prejudice to the need to establish a fully insured European Deposit Insurance Scheme (EDIS) as proposed by the European Commission proposal (2015)586 on 24 November 2015;
Amendment 96 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal of 6 December 2017 for a Council Regulation on the establishment of the European Monetary Fund and considers it a useful contribution to the ongoing debate on the future of Europe, the completion of the EMU and the ESM reform, in a way that the EU economic governance is more democratic and efficient;
Amendment 109 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that the proper functioning of an EMU depends on the existence of an institution serving as a ‘lender of last resort’; acknowledgnotes, in this context, the positivecontroversial contribution of the ESM, despite its intergovernmental nature, towards addressing the weaknesses of the institutional setting of the EMU, namely by providing financial assistance to several Member States affected by the financial crisis and the Great Recession, subject to recessive fiscal measures, cuts to wages and public services resulting in severe socio- economic conditions, increasing unemployment, poverty and inequalities;
Amendment 123 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls its previous positions in favour of the incorporation of the ESM into the EU legal framework, which would make it a fully-fledged EU body, subject to democratic accountability and transparency rules; insists that this incorporation should continue to be understood as part of the EMU completion project; believes that such an integration wshould allow for management in accordance with the Community method, ensure the full consistency of fiscal rules and obligations, facilitate economic and fiscal policy coordination away from restrictive fiscal policies, and enhance democratic legitimacy and accountability through the European Parliament;
Amendment 141 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the Commission’s proposal has generated a lively discussion on its political, financial and legal implications, and that discussions continue on a number of important issues; stresses, however, that this debate on the long-term vision of the ESM’s institutional setting should not delay the steps urgently required to strengthen and enforce democratic accountability of the EMU and its capacity to promote financial stability and respond to economic shocks, alongside inclusive growth, economic, social and regional cohesion; calls, therefore, for a meaningful ESM reform in the short term by means of a revision of the ESM Treaty, without prejudice to more ambitious developments in the future;
Amendment 149 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines that the primary mission of the new ESF should continue to be to provide transitional financial assistance to Member States in need, on the basis of the agreed adjustment programmes based on lessons learned by austerity measures imposed to member states by Troika and IMF; stresses that the ESF must have adequate firepower for that purpose; opposes, therefore, any attempt to turn the reformed ESM into an instrument for banks only, or to reduce its financial capacity to support Member States; recalls that financial assistance provided to Member States under the new ESF has to be complemented by other fiscal capacity tools, including precautionary instruments, to promote economic and financial stabilisation, public investment and upward socioeconomic convergence in the euro area as part of a new more sustainable inclusive and democratic economic governance framework;
Amendment 167 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Believes that the reformed ESM should play a more prominent role in the management of financial assistance programmes, alongside the Commission and in close cooperation with the ECB, ensuring that the EU institutional framework has more autonomy whenever needed, without prejudice to appropriate partnerships with other institutions, namely the International Monetary Fund;
Amendment 176 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that evaluation of the financial assistance requests made by the ESF, as well as its decision-making on the design of the adjustment programmes, in cooperation with other institutions, should in no way replace, duplicate or overlap the normal macroeconomic and fiscal surveillance provided for in the EU’s financial rules and regulations, which must remain the Commission’s exclusive competence; the evaluation should take into consideration reports and opinions being produced by the European Parliament, respective National Parliaments and the European Economic and Social Committee;
Amendment 183 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. The EMF should report regularly to the European Parliament as well as to national parliaments on its undertaking activities, with a view to achieving greater democratic control;
Amendment 188 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights the need for an efficient, balanced and democratic decision-making procedure in the reformed ESM, particularly in the case of urgent situations where inclusive dialogue with all interested parties and with respect to national particularities, transparency, accountability and simplicity will be ensured;
Amendment 197 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for a swift ESM reform that also redefines its role, functions and financial tools, so that the new ESF can offer adequate liquidity support in case of resolution and serve as a financial backstop for the SRF, without recessive and austerity policies conditionality; calls for the SRF to be made operational as soon as possible and, in any case, before 2024;
Amendment 220 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines the risks arising from the delay in completing the banking union; welcomes, in this context, the European Council’s commitment to a common backstop for the SRF and recalls the need also to establish the EDISa fully-insured EDIS, as proposed by the European Commission in its (2015)586 proposal of 24 November 2015;
Amendment 231 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Invites the ESM to establish a protocol for a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the European Parliament, with immediate effect, to further promote institutional dialogue, consultation and enhance the ESM’s transparency, accountability and democratic legitimacy in line with the further deepening of interinstitutional cooperation on the economic governance of the euro area;
Amendment 235 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Calls for the increasing role of the national parliaments in all stages of the EMF activities, well beyond addressing their observations, asking questions and simply exchanging of views with the EMF Managing Director in relation to the progress made regarding the implementation of the financial stability support programs;
Amendment 237 #
2017/0333R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. Denounces the Council proposal that the Managing Director shall hold confidential oral discussions behind closed doors with the Chair and Vice- Chairs of the competent Committees of the European Parliament concerning its tasks, including social impact assessment, the implementation of financial stability support and the provision of credit lines or setting of guarantees in support of the SRB; calls therefore this dialogue to kick- off to the European Parliament, enforcing democratic accountability and transparency;
Amendment 5 #
2017/0326(COD)
Draft legislative resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
- having regard to Article 295 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union as well as the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on Better Law-Making, which are committed to sincere and transparent cooperation throughout the entire legislative cycle and the equality of both co-legislators
Amendment 33 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) To shield interconnectedness, OSS for businesses should operate under common criteria, regulations and data management. That scheme should be available and accessible across the Union while appropriate technical support should be given to those Member States who need it.
Amendment 37 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Given this demand and the fact that it will take several years for thea definitive VAT system for intra-Union trade has to be implementeddecided upon and implemented in a timely manner, these specific measures, intended to harmonise and simplify certain arrangements for businesses, are appropriate.
Amendment 39 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The creation of the certified taxable person status is neededessential for the efficient application of the improvements to the Union VAT rules for cross-border transactions as well as for the gradual transition towards the definitive system for intra-Union trade. It is also needed in order to establish common rules and provisions that will result in certain fines and penalties for those who do not comply with them.
Amendment 41 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In the current system no distinction is made between reliable and less reliable taxable persons as regards the VAT rules to be applied, which results in negative results in the way those persons are being treated by authorities. The granting of the certified taxable person status on the basis of certain objective criteria should enable the identification of those reliable taxable persons. This status would allow them to benefit from the application of certain fraud-sensitive rules not applicable to other taxable persons.
Amendment 42 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In the current system no distinction is made between reliable and less reliable taxable persons as regards the VAT rules to be applied. The granting of the certified taxable person status on the basis of certain objective and mutual criteria should enable the identification of those reliable taxable persons and those who do not fully comply with the criteria. This status would allow them to benefit from the application of certain fraud-sensitive and user-friendly rules not applicable to other taxable persons.
Amendment 45 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Access to the certified taxable person status should be based on criteria harmonised at Union level and therefore certification provided by one Member State should be valid in the whole Union. Moreover, the Commission should provide detailed, yet easy to use regulations and guidelines that will enhance the common understanding of harmonisation and administrative cooperation despite any burden for the authorities and will ensure the interoperability among Member States.
Amendment 57 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 13 a – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 13 a – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Any taxable person who has a place of business or a fixed establishment in the Community or in absence of place of business and fixed establishment has his permanent address or usual residence in the Community and who, in the course of his economic activity, carries out, or intends to carry out, any of the transactions referred to in Articles 17a, 20 and 21, or transactions in accordance with the conditions specified in Articles 138 and 138a may apply to the tax authorities for the status of certified taxable person.
Amendment 58 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 13 a – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 13 a – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the absence of any serious infringement or repeated infringements of taxation rules and customs legislation in the last 10 years, as well as of any record of serious criminal offences relating to the economic activity of the applicant, regardless of whether the activity has taken place within the Union or elsewhere;
Amendment 61 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 13 a – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 13 a – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) the absence of any record of serious criminal offences relating to the economic activity of the applicant, such as, but not limited to: (i) money laundering; (ii) tax evasion; (iii) mismanagement of Union funds and programmes; (iv) bankruptcy (insolvency) fraud; (v) tax avoidance; (vi) bribery and corruption;
Amendment 67 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 13 a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 13 a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
However, the taxable persons mentioned under points (a) to (d) may be granted the status of a certified taxable person for the other economic activities that they carry out, under the precondition that the results of those activities do not interfere with the activities which excluded those taxable persons from being granted the status of a certified taxable person in the first place.
Amendment 73 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 Directive 2006/112/EC
5. Where the application is refused, the grounds for refusal shall be notified by the tax authorities to the applicant together with the decision. Member States shall ensure that the applicant is granted a right of appeal against any decision to refuse an application. An appeal procedure shall be initiated within 12 weeks of the announcement of the decision to the applicant.
Amendment 75 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 13 a – paragraph 6
Article 13 a – paragraph 6
6. TheA taxable person who has been granted the status of certified taxable person shall inform the tax authorities without delayin a period defined by the Member State concerned of any factor arising after the decision was taken, which may affect or influence the continuation of that status. Tax authorities shall reserve their right to apply strict infringement procedures against any concealment of such factors. The tax status shall be withdrawn by the tax authorities where the criteria set out in paragraph 2 are no longer met.
Amendment 21 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Draft legislative resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 6 July 20161a on tax rulings and other measures similar in nature or effect, _________________ 1a P8_TA(2016)0310
Amendment 23 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Member States find it increasingly difficult to protect their national tax bases from erosion as aggressive and complex tax planning structures have evolved to be particularly sophisticated and often take advantage of the increased mobility of both capital and persons within the internal market. These structures commonly consist of arrangements which are developed across various jurisdictions and move taxable corporate and individual's profits towards more beneficial tax regimes or have the effect of reducing the taxpayer´s overall tax bill. As a result, Member States often experience considerable reductions in their tax revenues whichhence hindering them from applying growth-friendly tax policies and sustain welfare policies necessary for the most vulnerable social groups while raising walls from fulfilling the constitutional obligations in terms of fundamental rights, aggravating social and economic inequality, increasing political power of cross-border business, shifting taxation towards less mobile factors such as labour and consumption, thus making the tax system less progressive, and widening the democratic deficit. It is therefore critical that Member States' tax authorities obtain comprehensive and relevant information about potentially aggressive tax arrangements or fraud. This information would enable those authorities to be able to promptly react against harmful tax practices and to close loopholes through enacting legislation or by undertaking adequate risk assessments and carrying out tax audit that potentially can lead to significant sanctions.
Amendment 30 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Considering that most of the potentially aggressive tax planning arrangements span across more than one jurisdiction, the disclosure of information about those arrangements would bring additional positive results where that information was also exchanged amongst Member States. In particularMoreover, taking into account the new global reality that allows even illicit money to move thousands of miles at the click of a button, the need for advanced supervisory mechanisms that are in close contact with police and intelligence is necessary. Thus, the automatic exchange of information between tax administrations and counter- criminal financing bodies is crucial in order to provide these authorities with the necessary information to enable them to take action where they observe aggressive tax practices.
Amendment 34 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) The European Parliament should also encourage individuals who have access to information related to sensitive tax information of multinational corporations regarding tax evasion and tax avoidance practices, to come forward and cooperate with the authorities with discretion and respect to the public interest.
Amendment 35 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) It is necessary to recall how certain financial intermediaries and other providers of tax advice, and auditors, seem to have actively assisted their clients to conceal money offshore. Furthermore, although the CRS introduced by Council Directive (EU) 2014/10727 is a significant step forward in establishing a tax transparent framework within the Union, at least in terms of financial account information, it can still be improved. _________________ 27 Council Directive (EU) 2014/107 of 9 December 2014 amending Directive 2011/16/EU as regards mandatory automatic exchange of information in the field of taxation (OJ L 359, 16.2.2014, p. 1).
Amendment 36 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) It is necessary to recall how certain financial intermediaries and other providers of tax advice seem to have actively assisted their clients to conceal money offshore. It is also necessary to identify the legal status of those financial intermediaries and the licence under which they operate. Furthermore, although the CRS introduced by Council Directive (EU) 2014/10727 is a significant step forward in establishing a tax transparent framework within the Union, at least in terms of financial account information, it can still be improved. _________________ 27 Council Directive (EU) 2014/107 of 9 December 2014 amending Directive 2011/16/EU as regards mandatory automatic exchange of information in the field of taxation (OJ L 359, 16.2.2014, p. 1).
Amendment 43 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The disclosure of potentially aggressive tax planning arrangements of a cross-border dimension can contribute effectively to the efforts for creating an environment of fair taxation in the internal market. In this light, an obligation on intermediaries to inform tax authorities on certain cross-border arrangements that could potentially be used for tax avoidance purposes would constitute a step in the right direction. In order to develop a more comprehensive policy, it would also be significant that as a second step, following disclosure, the tax authorities share information with their peers in other Member States. Such arrangements should also enhance the effectiveness of the CRS. In addition, it would be crucial to grant the Commission access to a sufficient amount of information so that it can monitor the proper functioning of this Directive, including state-aid monitoring. Such access to information by the Commission does not discharge a Member State from its obligations to notify any state aid to the Commission.
Amendment 44 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The disclosure of potentially aggressive tax planning arrangements of a cross-border dimension can contribute effectively to the efforts for creating an environment of fair taxation in the internal market. In this light, an obligation on intermediaries and auditors to inform tax authorities on certain cross-border arrangements that could potentially be used for tax avoidance purposes would constitute a step in the right direction. In order to develop a more comprehensive policy, it would also be significant that as a second step, following disclosure, the tax authorities share information with their peers in other Member States. Such arrangements should also enhance the effectiveness of the CRS. In addition, it would be crucial to grant the Commission access to a sufficient amount of information so that it can monitor the proper functioning of this Directive. Such access to information by the Commission does not discharge a Member State from its obligations to notify any state aid to the Commission.
Amendment 45 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The disclosure of potentially aggressive tax planning arrangements of a cross-border dimension canshould contribute effectively to the efforts for creating an environment of fair taxation in the internal market. In this light, an obligation on intermediaries to inform tax authorities on certain cross-border arrangements that could potentially be used for tax avoidance purposes would constitute ais a necessary step in the right direction. In order to develop a more comprehensive policy, it would also be significant that as a second step, following disclosure, the tax authorities share information with their peers in other Member States. Such arrangements should also enhance the effectiveness of the CRS. In addition, it would be crucial to grant the Commission access to a sufficient amount of information so that it can monitor the proper functioning of this Directive. Such access to information by the Commission does not discharge a Member State from its obligations to notify any state aid to the Commission.
Amendment 46 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) In order to make the tax administrations meet the enhanced duties of mapping the procedures through which amounts of money can secretly surpass national authorities' radars, special funding is needed for equipping them with the necessary legal, administrative and IT tools. This funding has to be channelled to all Member States with special provision to those who face tax collection challenges with a larger fiscal imprint.
Amendment 49 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) It is acknowledged that the disclosure of potentially aggressive cross- border tax planning arrangements would stand a better chance of achieving its envisaged deterrent effect where the relevant information reached the tax authorities at an early stage, in other words before the disclosed arrangements are actually implemented creating that way an early warning mechanism with necessary sanctioning powers. Where the disclosure obligation is shifted to taxpayers, it would be practical to place the obligation to disclose those potentially aggressive cross- border tax planning arrangements at a slightly later stage, as taxpayers may not be aware of the nature of the arrangements at the time of the inception. To facilitate Member States' administrations, the subsequent automatic exchange of information on these arrangements could take place every quarter.
Amendment 55 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Aggressive tax planning arrangements have evolved over the years to become increasingly more complex and are always subject to constant modifications and adjustments as a reaction to defensive counter-measures by the tax authorities. Taking this into consideration, it would be more effective to endeavour to capture potentially aggressive tax arrangements through the compiling of a list of the features and elements of transactions that present a strong indication of tax avoidance or abuse rather than to define the concept of aggressive tax planning. These indications are referred to as 'hallmarks'. Moreover, given the constant changes in the way that tax planning arrangements evolve and adjust, the Union should take the necessary initiatives and recruit former advisors of such intermediaries in order to access quality information on those practices.
Amendment 59 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Given that the primary objective of such legislation should focus on significantly limiting the catastrophic consequences of tax evasion and tax avoidance on the public accounts while ensuring the proper functioning of the internal market, it would be critical not to regulate at the level of the Union beyond what is necessary to achieve the envisaged aims. This is why it would be necessary to limit any common rules on disclosure to cross- border situations, namely situations in either more than one Member State or a Member State and a third country. In such circumstances, due to the potential impact on the functioning of the internal market, one can justify the need for enacting a common set of rules, rather than leaving the matter to be dealt with at the national level.
Amendment 61 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Considering that the disclosed arrangements should have a cross-border dimension, it would be important to share the relevant information with the tax authorities in other Member States in order to ensure the maximum effectiveness of this Directive in deterring aggressive tax planning practices. The mechanism for the exchange of information in the context of advance cross-border rulings and advance pricing arrangements, should be available to the public and should also be used to accommodate the mandatory and automatic exchange of disclosed information on potentially aggressive cross-border tax planning arrangements amongst tax authorities in the Union.
Amendment 64 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In order to facilitate the automatic exchange of information and enhance the efficient use of resources, exchanges should be carried out through the common communication network (CCN) developed by the Union. In this context, information would be recorded on a secure central directory on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation, which should then be publicly accessible and searchable. Member States should have to implement a series of practical arrangements, including measures to standardise the communication of all requisite information through creating a standard form. This should also involve specifying the linguistic requirements for the envisaged exchange of information and accordingly upgrading the CCN.
Amendment 66 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In order to improve the prospects for effectiveness of this Directive, Member States should lay down strict penalties against the violation of national rules that implement this Directive and ensure that these penalties actually apply promptly in practice, that they are proportionate and have a dissuasive effect. The Member States should submit to the Commission a public list of intermediaries and taxpayers who have had penalties imposed under this Directive, including name, nationality and place of residence.
Amendment 76 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Since the objective of this Directive, namely to significantly limit the catastrophic consequences of tax evasion and tax avoidance on the public accounts and to improve the functioning of the internal market through discouraging the use of cross-border aggressive tax planning arrangements, cannot sufficiently be achieved by the Member States acting individually in an uncoordinated fashion but can rather be better achieved at Union level by reason of the fact that it targets schemes which are developed to potentially take advantage of market inefficiencies that originate in the interaction amongst disparate national tax rules, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on the European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective, especially considering that it is limited to arrangements of a cross-border dimension of either more than one Member State or a Member State and a third country.
Amendment 78 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 3 – point 18 – point c
Article 3 – point 18 – point c
(c) one or more of the parties to the arrangement or series of arrangements carries on a business in another jurisdiction through a permanent establishment situatedor a foreign company regardless of its location, in that jurisdiction and the arrangement or series of arrangements forms part or the whole of the business of that permanent establishment;
Amendment 90 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 1
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 1
1. Each Member State shall take the necessary measures to require intermediaries and auditors to file information with the competent tax authorities on a reportable cross-border arrangement or series of such arrangements within five working days, beginning on the day after the reportable cross-border arrangement or series of arrangements is made available for implementation by the intermediary to one or more taxpayers following contact with that taxpayer or those taxpayers, or where the first step in a series of arrangements has already been implemented.
Amendment 93 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Each Member State shall take the necessary measures to give intermediaries and auditors the right to a waiver from filing information on a reportable cross- border arrangement or series of such arrangements where they are entitled to a legal professional privilege under the national law of that Member State. In such circumstances, the obligation to file information on such an arrangement or series of arrangements shall be the responsibility of the taxpayer and intermediaries shall inform taxpayers of this responsibility due to the privilege.
Amendment 97 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Intermediaries and auditors may only be entitled to a waiver under the first subparagraph to the extent that they operate within the limits of the relevant national laws that define their professions.
Amendment 103 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Chapter II – section II – Article a a a – paragraph 4
Chapter II – section II – Article a a a – paragraph 4
4. Each Member State shall take the necessary measures to require intermediaries, auditors and taxpayers to file information on reportable cross-border arrangements that were implemented between [date of political agreement] and 31 December 2018 Intermediaries, auditors and taxpayers, as appropriate, shall file information on those reportable cross- border arrangements by 31 March 2019.
Amendment 106 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/UEU
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 6 – point a
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 6 – point a
(a) the identification of intermediaries, or, where applicable auditors, and taxpayers, including their name, residence for tax purposes, and taxpayer identification number (TIN) and, where appropriate, the persons who are associated enterprises to the intermediary or taxpayer;
Amendment 112 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 6 – point h
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 6 – point h
(h) the identification of any person in the other Member States, if any, likely to be affected by the reportable cross-border arrangement or series of such arrangements indicating to which Member States the affected intermediaries, auditors or taxpayers are linked.
Amendment 118 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 21 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 3
Article 21 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 3
The competent authorities of all Member States shall have access to the information recorded in that directory. The Commission shall also have access to the information recorded in that directory, however within the limitations set out in Articles 8a(8) and 8aaa(8)taking into account confidentiality. The necessary practical arrangements shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 26(2). The Commission shall ensure access to the information stored in the directory, to the public.
Amendment 125 #
2017/0138(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 26 a – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 26 a – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Every three years after entry into force, the Commission shall submit a report on the application of this Directive to the European Parliament and to the Council.
Amendment 128 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Opposes macro-economic conditionalities and highlights that the link betweenstresses that, at present, cohesion policy and economic governance processes should be reciprocal and that a greater recognition of the territorial dimension would be beneficial for the European Semesterdo not share the same objectives; calls for economic governance objectives to be brought into line with the cohesion policy objectives of economic, social and territorial cohesion, sustainable growth, employment and environmental protection;
Amendment 192 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission to ensure better synergies between the ESI Funds and other Union funds and programmes and to facilitate multi-fund options; warns that the EFSI should not undermine the strategic coherence and long-term perspective of cohesion policy programming and insists on the additionality of its resources; calls for the EFSI to retain a geographical distribution criterion and specific criteria for the overseas territories;
Amendment 213 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Recalls that Article 349 TFEU provides for specific access to structural funds for the outermost regions and that, on that basis, all the outermost regions should be regarded as ‘least developed regions’; calls for the continuation of budget allocations to the outermost regions, of co-financing at a level no less than in the current period (85%), of compensation for excess costs, and of all derogations intended to offset their structural disadvantages;
Amendment 221 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses the importance of the ESF, the Youth Guarantee and the Youth Employment Initiative, especially in the fight against long-term and youth unemployment in the Union, which are at a historically high level, particularly in less developed regions, the outermost regions and regions which have been hit hardest by the crisis; emphasises the key role played by SMEs in job creation – accounting for 80 % of jobs in the Union – in promoting innovative sectors such as the digital and low-carbon economies;
Amendment 261 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses that European territorial cooperation is a key objective of cohesion policy, the purpose of which is to promote economic, social and cultural cooperation between EU countries, and that European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) has proved successful and its potential should be developed; calls on the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to keep the ETC as an important instrument, giving it a more specific role in post-2020 cohesion policy and significantly increasing its budget;
Amendment 263 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. takes the view, in particular, that cross-border cooperation is a key instrument for the development of the border regions and that projects in this area are a true test bed for European integration; takes the view, therefore, that post-2020 cohesion policy should encourage and strengthen cross-border cooperation in areas such as connectivity and accessibility, innovation, strengthening regional identity, responding to environmental challenges, strengthening institutional capacities, health, education, employment and workforce mobility and educational and linguistic cooperation;
Amendment 13 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
- having regard to Turkey not having implemented for the eleventh consecutive year the provisions stemming from the EC-Turkey Association Agreement and the Additional Protocol thereto; this refusal continues to have a profound negative effect on the negotiation process,
Amendment 14 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
- having regard to the fact that the basis for accession to the EU for Turkey is the full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria and the EU's integration capacity, in accordance with the conclusions of the December 2006 European Council meeting,
Amendment 57 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines, however, that measures taken under the state of emergency had large-scale, disproportionate and long- lasting negative effects on the protection of fundamental freedoms in the country; condemns the collective dismissal of civil servants, the mass liquidation of media outlets, the arrests of journalists, academics, judges, human rights defenders, elected officials and ordinary citizens, and the confiscation of property and passports on the basis of emergency decree laws without individualised decisions, and without the possibility of timely judicial review; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners held without proof of individual involvement in committing crime or without any charges presented against them;
Amendment 174 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Expresses its serious concern at the continuously deteriorating situation in south-east Turkey, especially in the areas where curfews were imposed, where some 2 000 people were reportedly killed in the context of security operations and an estimated half a million people became displaced in the period from July 2015 to December 2016; notes that local prosecutors have consistently refused to open investigations into the reported killings; recalls that the Turkish Government has a responsibility to protect all people living on its territory, irrespective of their ethnic and cultural origin, religion or beliefs; is convinced that only a fair political settlement of the Kurdish question can bring sustainable stability and prosperity both to the area and to Turkey as a whole; notes that a series of laws have created an atmosphere of ‘systematic impunity’ for the security forces; regrets the decision of the Turkish Parliament to waive the immunity of a large number of MPs unconstitutionally, paving the way for the arrests of opposition politicians;
Amendment 220 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the deepening ofNotes that there has not been much progress in the EU- Turkey relations in key areas of joint interest, such as counter-terrorism, migration, energy, the economy and trade; believes EU-Turkey coopbelieves EU- Turkey cooperation in key areas can be an investment in the stability and prosperity of both Turkey and the EU; insists that the Turkish government has to revise in line with Internation in these areas to be an investment in the stability and prosperity of both Turkey and the EUal and European Law the legal framework as regards organised crime and terrorism in order to ensure the freedom and fundamental rights, notably the right to fair trial and freedom of expression, of assembly and association in practice;
Amendment 237 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Believes that strengthening trade relations could bring concrete benefits to citizens in Turkey and the EU, and therefore supports the Commission’s proposal to start negotiations on the upgrading of the Customs Union; reiterates that the EU is Turkey’s main trading partner and tha can be contemplated provided that Turkey proceeds first two thirds of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Turkey comes from EU Member States; ce full and indiscriminate implementation of its obligationsi ders the involvement of social partners in negotiations as crucialiving from the current Customs Union Agreement between EU- Turkey; calls on the Commission to include political benchmarks on human rights and fundamental freedoms inonce the negotiations for the upgraded Customs Union begin;
Amendment 250 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Deplores Turkey´s refusal to fulfil its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement vis-à-vis all member states, the Republic of Cyprus in particular; reiterates that Turkey's refusal to normalize its relations with all EU Member States has started having a negative impact on its relations with the EU, including its accession process;
Amendment 263 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Notes that visa liberalisation is important for the Turkish population and will enhance people-to-people contacts; encourages the Turkish Government to comply with the final outstanding criteria, including revision of its anti-terrorism legislation and to fully and in a non- discriminatory manner meet all the criteria identified in the visa liberalisation roadmap towards all Member States;
Amendment 334 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Calls upon the Turkish Government to halt its plans for the construction of the Akkuyuy nuclear power plant; points out that the envisaged site is located in a region prone to severe earthquakes, hence posing a major threat not only to Turkey but to the Mediterranean region; accordingly, requests that the Turkish Government join the Espoo Convention, which commits parties to notifying and consulting each other on major projects under consideration that are likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact across boundaries; to this end, asks the Turkish Government to involve, or at least consult, the governments of its neighbouring countries, such as Greece and Cyprus, during any further developments in the Akkuyu venture;
Amendment 355 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Underlines that a settlement of the Cyprus problem would have a positive impact on the entire region, while first and foremost benefiting both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots; praises the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities in Cyprus for having achieved major progress in the settlement talks; welcomes the exchange of preferred maps, thus far unprecedented, and the first international conferenceConference on Cyprus held with the guarantor powers; supports the settlement based on a bi- communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, a single international legal personality, single sovereignty and single citizenship with political equality between the two communities, in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and on the basis of respect for international law and the principles on which the Union is founded; welcomes the intensified engagement by the parties to achieve the settlement of the Cyprus problem; expects Turkey to show active support for the negotiations, and reiterates that Turkey’s commitment and contribution to a comprehensive settlement remain crucial; praises the important work of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP), and calls on Turkey to allow access to all relevant sites and to assist the CMP by providing information from its military archivemilitary zones for exhumation and to assist the CMP to the discovery of relocated and other remains by providing all relevant information from its military archives; welcomes, in this respect, the appointment of EP standing rapporteur on missing persons;
Amendment 372 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Calls on Turkey to immediately withdraw its troops from Cyprus and to transfer Varosha to its lawful inhabitants in accordance with UNSC Resolution 550(1984);
Amendment 375 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19 b. Calls on Turkey to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which has been signed and ratified by the EU, the 28 Member States and all other candidate countries and forms part of the acquis in line with December 2015 Council Conclusions and other relevant Council Conclusions; also condemns all the provoking actions of Turkey within the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus which are a source of instability and calls on Turkey to terminate them; it recalls that Ankara must respect the sovereign rights of all EU Member States and to refrain from any action damaging good neighbourly relations while at the same time respecting the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes;
Amendment 384 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
19 c. Deplores Turkey's policy of illegal settlement and calls on Turkey to refrain from further settlement of Turkish citizens in the occupied areas of Cyprus, which is contrary to the Geneva Convention and the principles of international law; urges Turkey to revoke relevant threats and terminate all actions aiming to alter the demographic balance on the island thus impeding a future solution;
Amendment 26 #
2016/2304(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that cohesion policy is one of the main public vehicles of growth that, through its European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds), ensures investment in all EU regions and helps reduce disparities and support competitiveness and growth; notes, that in order to ensure the sustainability of the recovery, public finances must be strengthened and investment promoted in particular in regions and member states with persistent and high long-term unemployment, including through the swift extension of the European Fund for Strategic Investment;
Amendment 40 #
2016/2304(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that ensuring the visibility of cohesion policy investments should remain primarily the responsibility of local and regional authorities, as they constitute the most effective interface of communication with citizens by bringing Europe closer to them; underlines the significance of the regional dimension of the European Fund for Strategic Investment, highly important for regions with geographical handicaps and difficulties;
Amendment 123 #
2016/2304(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Highlights the need to enhance the communication dimension of cross-border and, inter-regional cooperation and macroregional strategies, through the dissemination of good practices and of investment success stories;
Amendment 43 #
2016/2302(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. AcknowledgNotes that both the volume and the qualityypes of financial instruments (in the form of microcredit, loans, guarantees, equity and venture capital) under Cohesion Policy’s shared management increased; highlights the two main reasons for this trend – the 2007-2013 period provided valuable experience and lessons regarding ESI Funds implementation through grants and financial instruments, while the 2014- 2020 MFF reflects the post-crisis need for more financial instruments owing to fiscal limitationsfiscal limitations and massive cutbacks in public funding for cohesion policy grants owing to austerity policy ;
Amendment 57 #
2016/2302(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recognises that grants have some strengths as compared to financial instruments: supporting projects that do not necessarily generate revenue, providing funding to projects that for various reasons cannot attract private or public funding, targeting specific beneficiaries, issues and regional priorities, and lower complexity of use owing to existing experience and capacity; acknowledges that in some cases grants are bound to limitations: difficulties in achieving project quality and sustainability, risk of substituting public funding in the long-run and a crowding- out effect for potential private investment even when projects may have a revolving naturerisk of substituting national or regional public funding, complexity of implementation, deadweight effects in the private sector;
Amendment 77 #
2016/2302(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls that the partly positive experience of using financial instruments in the 2007- 2013 programming period whas accompanied byto be seen in contrast to a number of performance issues: late start of operations, inaccurate market assessment, diverging regional uptake to the advantage of more developed regions, overall low disbursement rates, low leverage effect, problematicunsuccessful revolving, high management costs and fees that were high in relation to the support provided and significantly higher than for private-sector funds and inadequately large endowments;
Amendment 159 #
2016/2302(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Highlights that financial instruments perform better in well- developed regions and metropolitan areas, while grants address regional structural issues; notes that increasing the sharunderlines that the subsidy system plays an important role in fostering territorial development in particular in areas where the market has failed and where territorial cohesion challenges are a real issue and points at the complementary nature of subsidies and financial instruments; emphasizes that an increasing volume of financial instruments should not influencenegatively affect the grant appropriations as this would hinder the balanceor lead to a crowding out effect on the EU's budget allocated to cohesion policy as this could further territorial disparities; emphasiszes that in a number of public policies grants have to dominate, while financial instruments can play complementary roles;
Amendment 178 #
2016/2302(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Points out that financial instruments must be accessible for possible users on more advantageous terms compared to standard commercial loans;
Amendment 40 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas proper regulation and supervision of Fintech could contribute to boost inclusive growth, employment and social and regional convergence.
Amendment 81 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas consumer education and information is essential for ensuring consumer protection and firm regulatory responsibility.
Amendment 82 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K b (new)
Recital K b (new)
Kb. whereas data protection and privacy rights should be considered as priorities for regulators and supervisors, who have to enhance transparency and simplicity.
Amendment 96 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission to draw up a FinTech Action Plan, which should boost its Capital Markets Union (CMU) and Digital Single Market (DSM) strategies and aim at a competitregulation aiming at an inclusive financial system, financial stability and consumer and investor protection;
Amendment 148 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights that some central banks are already experimenting with virtual currencies as well as other new technologies; encourages the relevant authorities in Europe to experiment as well, in order to keep up with market developments; recommends that the European Central Bank conduct experiments with a ‘virtual euro’;
Amendment 163 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Emphasises the importance of supervisors having sufficient technical expertise to adequately scrutinise increasingly complex FinTech servicesppropriately and efficiently scrutinise and supervise the increasingly complex FinTech services. Calls on the commission to regulate and limit Fintech services's complexity, so that the supervisor's task is feasible;
Amendment 171 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that RegTech has the potential to improve and alleviate compliance processes; calls on the relevant authorities to clarify the legal conditions under which the outsourcing of compliance activities to third parties is allowed; recommends starting to experiment where there is no legacy of compliance yet, for example with the Central Securities Depository Regulation;
Amendment 204 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls the Commission to take into account new technological developments and evaluate existing regulations and directives, in order to further safeguard data protection at all levels.
Amendment 207 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Stresses the importance of consumer security and the proper implementation of the PSD2 security requirements for electronic payments (strong customer authentication)
Amendment 215 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Acknowledges the increasing combination of personal data and algorithms in order to provide services such as robo-advice; emphasises the efficiency potential of robo-advice and the positive effects on financial inclusiveness; stresses that errors or biases in algorithms can cause systemic risk and harm consumers; being classified as undesirable due to firms' abilities to undertake more granular analyses, leading to an increasing financial exclusion and price personalisation, which is a form of price discrimination; asks the Commission and the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) to take these risks into account and assess the liability aspects of data use;
Amendment 225 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Stresses that one major risk is the selling-sharing of customers’ personal data to third parties, including to direct marketing operations. In these cases, the client should give special permission and has then right to cancel at any time this authorisation.
Amendment 246 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Highlights the need for the exchange of information and best practices between supervisors and market participants and between market participants themselves, respecting member-states' legislation and personal data protection; calls on the Commission, the Member States, market participants and the EU Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) to set standards for major incident reporting and to remove barriers to information sharing; suggests exploring the potential benefits of a single point of contact for market participants in this regard;
Amendment 276 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Commission to coordinate the work of the Member States and market participants to ensure interoperability among the different national e-identification schemes; stresses that the use of these schemes should be open to the private sector;
Amendment 300 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on the ESAs to further work on the issue of automated advice in order better, transparent, accessible and cost- effective advice to customers to be delivered.
Amendment 303 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21b. Stresses the dangers risen by the continuously observed consumers' on line behaviour and the targeted advertisement, which raises privacy and security concerns; urged for unsolicited spam to be banned;
Amendment 304 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 c (new)
Paragraph 21 c (new)
21c. Calls on the Commission to enhance consumer education at all levels, including vocational training and make information accessible to all, which are essential elements for ensuring consumer protection and rights based on firm regulatory rules.
Amendment 305 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 d (new)
Paragraph 21 d (new)
21d. Stresses that data protection and privacy rights should be considered as priorities for regulators and supervisors, who have to enhance transparency and simplicity.
Amendment 312 #
2016/2243(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines the need for increased digital skills in society as a wholeeducation and skills at all levels in society as a whole, including vocational training; calls on the Commission to present best practices in the context of its Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition;
Amendment 1 #
2016/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas whistle-blowers play a very significant role in preventing, detecting and reporting, as well as in identifying and publishing cases of corruption; in particular whistle-blowers played an important role in the LuxLeaks, SwissLeaks and Panama Papers revelations, thus contributing to increased reforms to combat financial and tax fraud, money laundering and corruption, which hamper economic development and the rule of law;
Amendment 14 #
2016/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the protection of whistle- blowers should be guaranteed by law and reinforced throughout the EU;
Amendment 15 #
2016/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas protection of whistle- blowers at Union level has neither been implemented in all Member States, nor harmonised, noting that most EU Member States have ratified the UN Convention against Corruption, making it obligatory to provide appropriate and effective protection to whistle-blowers;
Amendment 16 #
2016/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas more than one third of organisation with a reporting mechanism do not have a clear written policy on protecting whistle-blowers, according to the OECD;
Amendment 29 #
2016/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls onUrges the Commission to present horizontal legislation to protect, avoiding further delays, to immediately submit concrete horizontal legislation establishing an effective and comprehensive protection of European whistle- blowers, as soon as possibleccording to the OECD;
Amendment 36 #
2016/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on those Member States which have not yet adopted relevant legislation, to do so as soon as possible in order to effectively protect whistle-blowers in their domestic law; furthermore calls them to refrain from criminalising the actions of whistle-blowers in disclosing information about illegal activities or irregularities;
Amendment 39 #
2016/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls Member States to take into consideration the Article 33 of the UN Convention against corruption, underlining the role of whistle-blowers in the prevention and fight against corruption;
Amendment 46 #
2016/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls the EU to establish an independent EU Body, with offices in Member States which are in position to receive reports of irregularities and at the same time to take all necessary measures to protect the confidentiality of the information sources in order to prevent any discriminatory actions or threats;
Amendment 49 #
2016/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Calls for the institutions and other EU bodies to apply, without delay, the guidelines as presented by the European Ombudsman;
Amendment 50 #
2016/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Requests from the Parliament the establishment a special unit with a reporting line as well as sufficient facilities for receiving information from whistle-blowers;
Amendment 79 #
2016/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Urges the Commission to provide a comprehensive Action Plan on raising awareness on whistle-blowers protection and defence;
Amendment 81 #
2016/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls for the Commission to provide a comprehensive plan to discourage asset transfers to countries outside the EU that serve as protectors of anonymity to corrupt persons;
Amendment 84 #
2016/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Calls on the Commission to effectively cooperate and coordinate with other institutions, including the European Public Prosecutor’s Office for the protection of whistle-blowers and urges the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) to produce an annual report on the evaluation of the protection of whistle- blowers in the European Union;
Amendment 12 #
2016/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Europe still faces a huge investment deficit, even though the current account surplus in the eurozone continues to rise, theoretically creating more favourable conditionswhich indicates the need for pubolic and private investment due to the exceptionally low interest rates on government borrowingies geared toward internal demand and public investment;
Amendment 111 #
2016/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Fully supports the efforts made to ensure greater national ownership in the formulation and implementation of CSRs as an ongoing reform process, which requires that public threats or sanctions are not used to pressure governments into policies which were rejected;
Amendment 115 #
2016/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that Europe’'s long economic crisis has shown that there is a strong need to focus on public and private investment, in order to enhance the EU’s competitivenesmobilise investment and generate growth and jobs;
Amendment 159 #
2016/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Expresses disquiet about the current ‘'liquidity trap’' the EU economy seems to have fallenfell into, with interest rates at the Zero Lower Bound (ZLB), weak demand prospects, and restricted investment and spending by households and companies, not least in surplus countries;
Amendment 175 #
2016/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the Commission’'s recommendation for three Member States to exit the Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP); agrees with the Commission that large and consistent current account surpluses reflect a clear need to stimulate demand and investment in order to cope with the challenges of the future regarding transport and communications, the digital economy, education and research, climate change, energy, environmental protection and the ageing population; calls on the Commission to continue to support budgetary policies that underpin growth and recovery in all Member States and support sustainable structural reformsto act toward excessive surpluses with the same level of zeal that is dedicated to countries with high levels of public debt;
Amendment 62 #
2016/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a (new)
(a) Recalls the fact that overall investment in the EU decreased over the post-crisis period, with investments in some member-states decreasing from 25% to 60%, building a dangerous environment of investment imbalance in the EU;
Amendment 69 #
2016/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines the fact that the strengthening of EU competitivenessherence depends among other things on an increase in public and private investment, especially in innovation and digitalisationzation, infrastructure and support of the existing SMEs;
Amendment 97 #
2016/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Takes the view that an increase in EIB lending activity could be achieved through better diversification of its product range, including greater use of public- private partnerships (PPP)a particular attention to strategic allocation of funding to growth- enhancing and job-creating investments, sustainable and green projects and other innovative instruments in order to better address market needs;
Amendment 107 #
2016/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on the EIB to increase its investment activity with regard to decrease the dangerous imbalances in the EU, by supporting projects to member-states which are either under Financial Assistance Programme, or suffer from high-levels of poverty, youth unemployment and deindustrialization;
Amendment 134 #
2016/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Invites the EIB to present an assessment of the potential effect that Brexit might have on its financial status and activities; as well as a country-to- country report;
Amendment 136 #
2016/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the EIB to further enhance transparency and access to information both internally, for the European Parliament and other institutions, as well as for the public, especially regarding the contracting and subcontracting system, the results of internal investigations and the selection, monitoring and evaluation of activities and programmes, on the basis of clear and measurable indicators, as well as the methodology and results of the ex-ante impact assessment and ex post reporting for each project financed, provided that no sensitive business information is involved;
Amendment 218 #
2016/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Calls on the EIB to establish as a criteria for funding a project, the creation of stable working places, with full working rights according to the national labour framework;
Amendment 1 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
- having regard to Article 127(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Amendment 19 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas, according to the same forecast, the euro area will continue to exhibit an external surplus, of around 3 % of GDP; whereas the emergence of a persistent external surplus of the euro area is a worrying development and a potential threat to global economic stability, which needs to be countered by policies to strengthen domestic demand;
Amendment 24 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas, according to the ECB projection of March 2016, the average inflation rate in the euro area, after being nil in 2015, will remain close to this level in 2016 (0.2 %) and reach 1.2 % in 2017; whereas the inflation rate in the euro area has been below the ECB's target rate since early 2013;
Amendment 32 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the inflation target is getting harder to reach owing to consolidation of demographic trends and the full impact of trade globalisation on a high-unemployment European societyhigh- unemployment, insufficient wage growth, and low investment in the euro area;
Amendment 47 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas there is increased risk that the ECB's APP fuel asset price bubbles that may pose a threat to financial stability;
Amendment 48 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
Ib. whereas overreliance on monetary policy for economic stimulus via asset purchases contributes to inequality as asset ownership is reserved to wealthier households;
Amendment 64 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that the euro area continues to suffer from a high level of unemployment and excessive low inflation and that, in addition, the euro area is facing a very low level of productivity growth, which is the result of the lack of investment since the beginning of the crisis; notes that the high level of public debt and the huge number of non- performing loans in the banking sector in some Member States are still fragmenting the euro area financial market, thuwhile the debt and deficit rules reducinge room for manoeuvre to support the most fragile economies;
Amendment 84 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Acknowledges that, confronted with this very complex environment and the risks of a prolonged period of low inflation, the ECB was within the terms of its mandate in adopting extraordinary measures to lift inflation back up to the medium-term objective of 2 %; notes that, since the launching of the APP in March 2015, and owing to targeted long-term refinancing operation (TLTRO) programmes targeted at the real economy, financial conditions have improved, which has promoted a recovery in lending to firms and households in the euro area; notes that improvements have not affected Member States equally and that credit demand especially in southern Member States remains weak, due to the depressed economic situation;
Amendment 115 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Agrees with ECB President Mario Draghi that the single monetary policy cannot stimulate aggregate demand unless it is complemented by soundexpansionary fiscal policies and ambitious structural reform; believes that ambitious public investment programmes at EU and Member State level are needed to enhance productivity, employment and wage growth and crowd in private investment; recalls that the main benefit of monetary policy is to safeguard price and financial stability in order to guarantee a stable environment for investment; considers that monetary policy is not the appropriate tool to solve the structural problems of the European economy;
Amendment 135 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes, however, that even though the impact of unconventional measures has been significantd some impact on the financial markets, inflation is not expected to converge to the 2 % medium-term objective at the 2017 horizon; notes that the current recovery in bank and market lending has not wholly produced the expectis geographically unevenly distributed among Member States and did not have a marked effect on the existing investment gap in the euro area so far;
Amendment 161 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Understands the reason why negative rates have been implemented, but remains concerned about the potential consequences of negative interest rate policy for individual savers and the financial equilibrium of pension schemes; believes that owing to demographic trends and cultural preferences for savingin light of the worrying trend towards privatization of pension schemes, these negative effects on income may lead to an increase in the household saving rate, which could be detrimental to domestic demand in the euro area;
Amendment 168 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Underlines that negative rates are no substitute for policies boosting aggregate demand, particularly through stabilizing income distribution via wage growth in line with trend productivity and the ECB's inflation target;
Amendment 170 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Agrees with ECB President Mario Draghi that negative rates are a symptom of an underlying problem caused by a global excess of savings and a lack of appetite for investment; underlines in this context that the euro area's and particularly Germany's current account surplus of €257 billion in 2015 strongly contribute to this problem globally;
Amendment 178 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the ECB to carefully assess the risks of a future resurgence of asset and housing bubbles owing to its ultra-low (negative) interest rate policy, particularly in big cities, and to design specific macroprudential recommendations in this regard;
Amendment 194 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that the ECB’'s APP has lowered bond yields in most Member States to unprecedented levels, but with little effect on the real economy; warns against the risk of too-high valuations on the bond markets, which would be difficult to handle if interest rates start to rise again, particularly for the countries involved in the excessive deficit procedure or with high levels of debt;
Amendment 222 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recalls that theinstrumental independence of the ECB for the conduct of monetary policy, as enshrined in the Treaties, is crucial to the objective of safeguarding price stability; asks all governments to avoid statements questioning the role played by the institution within its mandateinsists that the ECB nevertheless has to be held democratically accountable for its decisions and that ECB decisions must be subject to democratic control by the European Parliament;
Amendment 235 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Deplores the role played by the ECB during the negotiations with the Greek government for the Third Economic Adjustment Programme for Greece;
Amendment 237 #
2016/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Is of the opinion that the ECB's governance council decisions on 4 February 2015 to lift the waiver affecting marketable debt instruments issued or fully guaranteed by the Hellenic Republic, and on 28 June 2015 to freeze the level of emergency liquidity assistance to Greek banks directly led to the introduction of capital controls in Greece; considers these decisions to be in violation of the ECB's mandate to promote the smooth operation of payment systems;
Amendment 34 #
2016/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the rapid transformation brought about by digitisation and fintech innovation not only creates new and often bettercan create an easier and faster access to financial products for consumers, but also involvesposing key challenges in terms of security, data protection, consumer protection and taxation;
Amendment 69 #
2016/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises, in particular because of low levels of consumer trust and satisfaction, that the Green Paper initiative can succeed only if it has a strong focus on creating an EU market in which well- protected consumers have access to transparent, straightforward and good- value-for-money productsconsumers are effectively protected;
Amendment 101 #
2016/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes the increasing complexity of retail financial products; insists on the need to develop initiatives and instruments thatregulations that actively limit retail products' complexity, allowing consumers to identifyaccess safe and simple products within the range of products available to them; supports initiatives such as the Key Investment Information Document for undertakings for collective investments in transferrable securities (UCITS) and the Key Information Document for packaged retail and insurance-based investment products (PRIIPs);
Amendment 110 #
2016/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls the recent developments in the legislative framework for the banking sector, in particular the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive and the Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive; insists onthat the need to inform consumers fully about the impact of the new rules is not a substitute for effective product regulation, as the retail financial services market is characterised by extremely asymmetrical information;
Amendment 133 #
2016/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Notes that consumers' financial and non-financial data collected from different sources are being increasingly used by financial service providers for various purposes, in particular in credit and insurance sectors; stresses that the use of personal data and big data by financial service providers should comply with the EU data protection legislation, be strictly limited to what is necessary to provide the service and bring benefits to consumers; in this perspective, the demutualisation of risk in insurance triggered by the big data should be under close scrutiny;
Amendment 134 #
2016/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Calls on the Commission to assess what information is needed and sufficient to conduct an appropriate creditworthiness assessment by the lender; based on the assessment, propose binding measures regulating the creditworthiness assessment process; scrutinise the relevance of private credit bureaus' activities related to collecting and processing consumer data in order to ensure that consumer rights are fully respected;
Amendment 142 #
2016/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that frontline employees at financial institutions have a crucial role to play in opening up retail services to all strands of society and to consumers all over Europe; points out that such employees should, in principle, be given the training and time necessary to be able to serve their customers accurately, and should cannot be made subject to sales targets, incentives or inducements that could bias or distort their adviceservice; notes that cross- selling and mis-selling of financial products and services are mainly caused by sales-driven remuneration of sales staff and intermediaries; stresses, however, that frontline employees are not and cannot be made responsible for product design and dishonest business strategies, much less for regulatory failures;
Amendment 190 #
2016/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Commission to introduce simple and standardised product rules, default options in different product categories, and the obligation to perform a horizontal product suitability check that all financial providers and intermediaries should apply; Compliance with these rules should be confirmed by regulator before a financial product or service can be sold to the consumer;
Amendment 191 #
2016/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Calls on the Commission to address the issue of mis-selling of financial products and services; introduce a full ban on cross-selling, (except specific cases defined by European regulations) commissions and inducements for sales of investment products;
Amendment 218 #
2016/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Asks the Commission to investigate further the confusing and sometimes misleading practices with which consumers are faced when making card payments and ATM withdrawals involving currency conversion, and to present a coherent solution that would make it possible, including in practice, for the consumer to understand and control the situation fully;
Amendment 1 #
2016/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Money laundering and the associated financing of terrorism and organised crime remain significant problems at the Union level, thus damaging the integrity, stability and reputation of the financial sector and threatening the internal security and the internal market of the Union. In addition, significant intentional or unintentional legislative vacuums in national and Union legislation allow for the intensifying of the problem, damaging also sound economic development, fair and inclusive participation in economic activities, having further financial and political negative implications. In order to tackle those crucial and urgent problems and also reinforce the application of Directive 2015/849/EU34, this Directive aims to tackle money laundering by means of criminal law, allowing for better cross- border cooperation between competent authorities. _________________ 34 Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing, amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and the Council, and repealing Directive 2005/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Directive 2006/70/EC (OJ L 141, 5.6.2015, p.73).
Amendment 4 #
2016/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
Amendment 5 #
2016/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Union action should continue to take particular account ofgo beyond the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations and instruments of other international bodies active in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. The Commission should carry its own assessment regarding the efficiency of measures proposed by FATF and the implementation and effectiveness of anti money laundering measures in general. The FATF itself should undertake a revision of existing standards, an assessment of its own output , and ensure better use of financial intelligence, regional representation, credibility and efficiency. The relevant Union legal acts should, where appropriate, be further aligned with the International Standards on Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation adopted by the FATF in February 2012 (the ‘revised FATF Recommendations’). As a signatory to the Council of Europe Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime and on the Financing of Terrorism (CETS No. 198), the Union should transpose the requirements of that Convention into its legal order.
Amendment 6 #
2016/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Council Framework Decision 2001/500/JHA35 lays down requirements on the criminalisation of money laundering. That Framework Decision is not comprehensive enough, however, and the current incrimination of money laundering is not sufficiently coherent to effectively combat money laundering across the Union, thus leading to enforcement gaps and obstacles in the cooperation between the competent authorities in different Member States. . The Union’s multi-tier system of law making creates additional loopholes, where several Member States still have not fully implemented Directive 2005/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2005 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing (3rd anti money laundering directive) agreed in 2005. _________________ 35 Council Framework Decision 2001/500/JHA of 26 June 2001 on money laundering, the identification, tracing, freezing, seizing and confiscation of instrumentalities and the proceeds of crime (OJ L 182, 5.7.2001).
Amendment 7 #
2016/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The definition of criminal activities which constitute predicate offences for money laundering should be sufficiently extended and uniform in all the Member States. Member States should include a range of offences within each of the categories designated by the FATF, including tax evasion, fraud and avoidance, as well as any fraudulent behaviour involving concealment of income or profits. Where categories of offences, such as terrorism or environmental crimes, are set out in Union law, this Directive refers to such legislation. This ensures that the laundering of the proceeds of the financing of terrorism and wildlife trafficking are punishable in the Member States. In cases where Union law allows Member States to provide for other sanctions than criminal sanctions, this Directive should not require Member States to establish those cases as predicate offences for the purposes of this Directive.
Amendment 9 #
2016/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Tax crimes and tax avoidance relating to direct and indirect taxes should be included in the definition of criminal activity, in line with and beyond the revised FATF Recommendations. Given that different tax offences may in each Member State constitute a criminal activity punishable by means of the sanctions referred to in this Directive, definitions of tax crimes may diverge in national law. However no harmonisation of tThe definitions of tax crimes in Member States' national law is soughtshould be extended and the punishment be stronger and properly implemented, being in this way both preventive and effective.
Amendment 11 #
2016/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
Amendment 12 #
2016/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Where money laundering activity does not simply amount to the mere possession or use, but also involves the transfer or the concealing and disguise of property through the financial system and results in further damage than that already caused by the predicate offence, such as damaging both public good and the integrity of the financial system, that activity should be punished separately. Member States should thus ensure that such conduct is also punishable when committed by the perpetrator of the criminal activity that generated that property (so-called self-laundering).
Amendment 17 #
2016/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) In order to deter money laundering throughout the Union, Member States should lay downincrease and lay down clearly defined minimum types and levels of high penalties when the criminal offences defined in this Directive are committed, also with respect to covering, inciting, aiding and abetting the commission of such criminal offences. Where the offence is committed within a criminal organisation within the meaning of Council Framework Decision 2008/841/JHA37 8 or where the perpetrator abused their professional position to enable money laundering, Member States should provide for aggravating circumstances in accordance with the applicable rules established by their legal systems. _________________ 37 Council Framework Decision 2008/841/JHA of 24 October 2008 on the fight against organised crime, (OJ L 300, 11.11.2008, p. 42)
Amendment 19 #
2016/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) The Union and the Member States should provide the necessary legal measures for the protection of whistle- blowers, when reporting information in relation to money laundering, including in third countries.
Amendment 20 #
2016/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
Amendment 22 #
2016/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point h a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point h a (new)
(ha) tax crimes, including tax evasion and fraud and tax avoidance and any fraudulent action;
Amendment 32 #
2016/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Each Member State shall ensure that covering, inciting, aiding and abetting and attempting an offence referred to in Article 3 shall be punishable.
Amendment 39 #
2016/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Each Member State shall ensure that all natural persons, who ultimately own or control a legal entity through direct or indirect ownership, punishable under Articles 3 and 4, are banned from any financial and commercial activity with the public authorities.
Amendment 53 #
2016/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) the exclusion of that legal person from entitlement to public positions, contracts benefits or aid, including Union related benefits or aid;
Amendment 69 #
2016/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by [24 months after adoption] at the latest, ensuring all the necessary resources for it. They shall immediately communicate the text of those provisions to the Commission.
Amendment 227 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 23 a (new)
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 23 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 60 – paragraph 2
Article 60 – paragraph 2
23a. Article 60, paragraph 2 shall be amended as follows: “2. Technical assistance measures implemented at the initiative of, or on behalf of, the Commission or Member States may be financed at the rate of 100 %. ’ Or. fr (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/FR/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32013R1303&from=FR)
Amendment 270 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 61 a (new)
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 61 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Annex VII – paragraph 18 – subparagraph 3
Annex VII – paragraph 18 – subparagraph 3
Amendment 17 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) That positive momentum should be maintained and efforts need to be continued to bring investment back to its long-term sustainable trend. The mechanisms of the Investment Plan work and should beshould be readjusted and reinforced to continue the mobilisation of public-led and private investments in sectors important to Europe’s future and where market failures or sub-optimal investment situations remain.
Amendment 26 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The EFSI was established for an initial period of three years and with the aim of mobilising at least EUR 315 billion in investments. Given its success, the Commission is committhe fact that most of the investments reached the richest regions and countries enhanced efforts are needed to focus mainly on the less developed and transition regions and countries which are most affected toby the doubling of the EFSI, both in terms of duratinvestment gap and to better align the instrument with the Union’s core objectives of cohesion and financial capacitytegration. The legal extension covers the period of the current Multiannual Financial Framework and should provide a total of at least half a trillion euro investments by 2020. In order to enhance the firepower of the EFSI even further and reach the aim of doubling the investment target, Member States should also contribute as a matter of priority.
Amendment 32 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The extended EFSI should address remaining market failures and sub-optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for Europe’s future job creation – including for the youth –, growth and competitiveness with support strategic investments with strengthened additionality and with high social, environmental, territorial and economic added value, contributing to achieving Union policy objectives, prioritizing the Union’s economic, social and territorial cohesion; particular attention shall be paid to the outermost, less developed and transition regions, urban and rural areas facing particular social, economic and financial constraints, areas affected by industrial transition, high unemployment rates, and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic impairments, such as, the northernmost rengthened additionalitygions with very low population density and islands, cross border and mountain regions. They include investments in the areas of energy, environment and climate action, social and human capital and related infrastructure, healthcare, research and innovation, cross- border and sustainable transport, as well as the digital transformation. In particular, tThe contribution of operations supported by the EFSI to achieving the Union’s ambitious targets set at the Paris Climate Conference (COP21) should be reinforced. Energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted. In addition, EFSI support to motorways should be avoided, unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or insustainable cross-border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country. For reasons of clarity, although they are already eligible, it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture, fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for EFSI support.
Amendment 70 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) The EIB and the EIF should ensure that the final beneficiaries, including SMEs, are informed of the existence of EFSI support, so as to enhance the visibility of the EU guarantee granted under Regulation (EU) 2015/1017the various EU support instruments that may be used alone or in combination with EFSI and provide assistance for choosing the most appropriate instrument or combination of instruments, so as to enhance the visibility of the EU support schemes.
Amendment 80 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point f - point v (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point f - point v (new)
(ba) in point (f), the following point (v) is added: ‘(v) detailed information regarding tax payments resulting from its investment and lending operations under the EFSI; detailed reporting requirements regarding accessibility and costs to SMEs; detailed reporting requirements regarding the impact of investments in regard to social, economic and territorial cohesion;
Amendment 93 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point d
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 7 - paragraph 10 - subparagraph 2
Article 7 - paragraph 10 - subparagraph 2
Decisions approving the use of the EU guarantee shall be public and accessible, and include the rationale for the decision, with particular focus on compliance with the additionality criterion. The publication shall not contain commercially sensitive information and the relevance of the project with regard to public interest. The publication is to be made directly after the approval of the operation by the EIB Board of Directors. Exceptions with regard to commercially sensitive information may not prevent the disclosure of the overall amount of EFSI financing or of the total investment related to EFSI. In reaching its decision, the Investment Committee shall be supported by the documentation provided by the EIB.;
Amendment 136 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 19 - paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 19 - paragraph 1 a (new)
The EIB and EIF shall inform or shall oblige financial intermediaries to inform the final beneficiaries, including SMEs, of the existence of EFSI supportthe various EU support instruments that may be used alone or in combination with EFSI and provide assistance for choosing the most appropriate instrument or combination of instruments.;
Amendment 144 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 1 – point a
Annex II – point 1 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Annex II - section 2 - point b
Annex II - section 2 - point b
EFSI support to motorways shall be avoided, unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or insustainable cross-border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country.;
Amendment 75 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The Communication on the Investment Plan for Europe of 16 November 201422 provides a comprehensive strategy to tackle the lack of finance which is holding back Europe's potential to grow and to provide jobs for its citizens. IAlthough it aims at unlocking private investment by using public funding and by improving the legal framework for the investment environment, it needs to be updated and further aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises. It has provided limited and uneven results and therefore needs evaluation and further elaboration. _________________ 22 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Central Bank, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment bank: An Investment Plan for Europe (COM(2014)903 final).
Amendment 79 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The CMU framework goes in the wrong direction and its establishment has proved counterproductive in many areas of social and economic development. The Communication on the Capital Markets Union of 30 September 201523 is an important element of the Investment Plan. It aims at reducing fragmentation in the financial markets and increasing supply of capital to businesses through the establishment of a genuine single capital market. The Communication specifies that Regulation (EU) No 345/2013 and Regulation (EU) No 346/2013 need to be amended to ensure that the frameworks are best able to support investment in SMEs. _________________ 23 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Central Bank, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: Action Plan on Building a Capital Markets Union (COM(2015)468 final).
Amendment 81 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The market of qualifying venture capital funds and qualifying social entrepreneurship funds should be opened to increase scale effects, to reduce transaction and operational costs, to improve cooperation and sound competition and to strengthen investor choice enhancing economic convergence between Member States and regions. Enlarging the base of prospective managers should contributes to opening up that market to retail investors. It should benefit undertakings seeking investment by giving them access to financing from a greater and more varied range of risk investment sources. The scope of Regulation (EU) No 345/2013 and Regulation (EU) No 346/2013 should therefore be extended by opening up the use of the ‘EuVECA’ and ‘EuSEF’ labels to managers of collective investment undertakings authorised under Article 6 of Directive 2011/61/EU.
Amendment 87 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) A threshold of EUR 100 000 minimum entry ticket for non- professional investors is maintained for investing in EuVECA funds. It is questionable whether venture capital funds would be suitable for retail investors even in the case where investor protection rules would be strengthened, in particular due to the long term and illiquid nature of venture capital funds. However, it might be worth considering in the future whether a special possibility for retail investors could be opened through the use of a feeder fund under Regulation (EU) No 345/2013 for those EuVECA funds that wish to opt for enlarging their investor base. During the next review of that Regulation, the Commission should also investigate how lowering the relatively high threshold might be beneficial, especially as it can be seen as a potential barrier to more investment in such funds.
Amendment 91 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 b (new)
Recital 5 b (new)
(5b) For EuSEF funds, the threshold of EUR 100 000 should in any case be lowered to EUR 50 000, increasing access to funding especially for smaller and socially engaged firms which are less bankable due to the fact that they re- invest their profits into their projects and as such do not meet the minimum required return for bank capital requirements. This would also allow the spectrum of investment possibilities for non-professional investors to be widened and would allow such investors to support firms with a positive social impact.
Amendment 93 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In order to ensure that competent authorities know about every new use of the ‘EuVECA’ and ‘EuSEF’ labels, managers of collective investment undertakings authorised under Article 6 of Directive 2011/61/EU should register each qualifying venture capital fund or qualifying social entrepreneurship fund they intend to manage and market. This should ensure that those managers may maintain their business models by being able to manage collective investment undertakings established in other Member States while further widening the range of products they offer. However, in order to avoid overconcentration of capital across Europe to few managers, there should be a threshold of maximum two Member States, where a manager can maintain investment undertakings.
Amendment 95 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The range of eligible undertakings in which qualifying venture capital funds can invest should be expanded to further increase supply of capital to businesses. Tdefined by a combination of cumulative criteria that would direct liquidity to small and medium enterprises. Alternatively, the definition of qualifying portfolio undertakings should therefore includegive the opportunity to companies with up to 499250 employees (small mid-caps) and small and medium enterprises listed on SME growth markets. The new investment options should also allow growth stage entities that have already access to other sources of financing, such as SME growth markets, to receive capital from qualifying venture capital funds which in turn should contribute to the development of the SME growth markets, as referred to in Commission's Recommendation (EC) 361/2003.
Amendment 99 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) In order to make the framework more appealing and to further increase the supply of capital to social businesses, the range of eligible undertakings in which qualifying social entrepreneurship funds can invest should be expanded by extending the definition of positive social impact, without watering down its importance and while ensuring that it is a priority. The current, detailed language on positive social impact under the definition of qualifying portfolio undertaking is in some cases difficult to quantify and thus both for the funds and the regulators to interpret, apply or supervise. Therefore, further elaboration is needed, without lowering the standards of positive social impact and without creating further difficulties.
Amendment 101 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) QFurther examination is needed for qualifying venture capital funds shouldto be allowed to participate on the longer term in the funding ladder for unlisted SMEs, unlisted small-midcaps and SMEs listed on SME growth markets, and to further enhance their potential for making returns from high-growth companies. Therefore, follow-on investments subsequent to the first investment should be allowed.
Amendment 112 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) It is necessary to clarify that the prohibition for the host Member State to impose requirements or administrative procedures in relation to the marketing of qualifying venture capital funds and qualifying social entrepreneurship funds in its territory, does not necessarily includes the prohibition to impose fees and other charges on the managers of those funds.
Amendment 119 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Regulation (EU) No 345/2013 and Regulation (EU) No 346/2013 now require that managers of qualifying venture capital funds and qualifying social entrepreneurship funds have sufficient own funds at all times. To ensure a consistent understanding across the Union of what constitutes sufficient own funds for those managers, the European Supervisory Authority (‘ESMA’) should be required to draw up draft regulatory technical standards which prescribe the methodologies to determine what constitutes sufficient own fund, based on cumulative criteria. The final defined amount should be no more than that of AIFMD, which prescribe the methodologies to determine what constitutes sufficient own funds, taking into account the differences within the EU and the particularities of the different Member States.
Amendment 123 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Since this Regulation opens up the use of the ‘'EuVECA’' and ‘'EuSEF’' labels to managers of collective investment undertakings authorised under Article 6 of Directive 2011/61/EU, the central database, maintained by ESMA in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 345/2013 and Regulation (EU) No 346/2013, should also include information concerning the qualifying venture capital funds and qualifying social entrepreneurship funds that are managed and marketed by those managers.
Amendment 125 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12a) In order to take into account the specificities of EuVECA and EuSEF funds and their capital fundraising process, the circulation of draft fund documentation that does not include subscription documents, that is where no subscription is possible at that point in time, should not be considered to be marketing. Marketing should be deemed only to start at the point at which final legal documents relating to a fund are no longer negotiable.
Amendment 126 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 b (new)
Recital 12 b (new)
(12b) The central database maintained by ESMA should also conduct a background check of the qualifying venture capital fund managers and qualifying social entrepreneurship fund managers, as the managers should have a clear legal record with no illegal activities in the past.
Amendment 128 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13a) This Regulation should be without prejudice to the application of state aid rules to qualifying venture capital funds. Such funds may serve as vehicles for state aid to promote risk capital investments in SMEs through, for example, more favourable treatment of private investors than of the State, provided the aid is compatible with state aid rules and in particular with Article 21 of Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 of 17 June 2014;
Amendment 143 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 345/2013
Article 10 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 2 a (new)
(2a) In Article 10, the following paragraph is added: "2a. Where the value of the qualifying venture capital funds managed by the manager of qualifying venture capital funds is below EUR 250 000 000, own fund requirements shall represent one fourth of the preceding year's fixed overheads of the same manager."
Amendment 151 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EU) No 345/2013
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
ESMA shall develop draft regulatory technical standards specifying the methodologies to determine what constitutes sufficient own funds based on quantitative and qualitative criteria. Those methodologies shall:
Amendment 153 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EU) No 345/2013
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) take into account the sizand be proportionate the size, complexity structure and internal organisation of the managers referred to in paragraph 1 of Article 2 in order to ensure neutral conditions of competition between those managers and managers referred to in paragraph 2 of that Article;
Amendment 185 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Regulation (EU) No 345/2013
Article 14a – paragraph 5
Article 14a – paragraph 5
5. Registration of qualifying venture capital funds under paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 shall be valid in the entire territory of the Union and shall allow marketing of those funds under the designation ‘'EuVECA’' throughout the Union, after a clearly defined cooperation and exchange of information process with the competent authority of the Member State, which should have the final word on this decision.
Amendment 203 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point b a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 345/2013
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
(ba) In paragraph 1, the following subparagraph is added: "The competent authorities of the home or the host Member State shall inform ESMA without delay if they believe the manager of a qualifying venture capital fund has committed any of the breaches in points (a) to (i) of Article 21(1)."
Amendment 216 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 345/2013
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 224 #
2016/0221(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 b (new)
Regulation (EU) No 346/2013
Article 11 – paragraph 2a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 2a (new)
(2b) In Article 11, the following paragraph is added: "2a. Where the value of the qualifying social entrepreneurship funds managed by the manager of qualifying social entrepreneurship funds is below EUR 250 000 000, own fund requirements shall represent one fourth of the preceding year's fixed overheads of the same manager."
Amendment 442 #
2016/0133(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) that a Member State may decide to apply the discretionary clauses under Article 19, as well as of the specific modalities relating to this procedure;
Amendment 472 #
2016/0133(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The competent authorities of the Member States shall keep the applicants informed upon their own request on the progress of the procedures carried out under this Regulation with regard to their application. In the case of minors, the competent authorities shall inform both the minor and the guardian.
Amendment 524 #
2016/0133(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Article 8 – paragraph 4
4. Before transferring an unaccompanied minor to the Member State responsible or, where applicable, to the Member State of allocation, the transferring Member State shall make sure that the Member State responsible or the Member State of allocation takes the measures referred to in Articles 14 and 24 of Directive 2013/33/EU and Article 25 of Directive 2013/32/EU without delay. Any decision to transfer an unaccompanied minor shall be preceded by an assessment of his/her best interests. The assessment shall be based on the factors listed in paragraph 3. The assessment shall be done swiftly by staff with the qualifications and expertise to ensure that the best interests of the minor are taken into consideration.
Amendment 605 #
2016/0133(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
1. Where, on account of pregnancy, a new-born child, serious illness, severe disability, severe trauma or old age, an applicant is dependent on the assistance of his or her child, sibling or parent legally resident in one of the Member States, or his or her child, sibling or parent legally resident in one of the Member States is dependent on the assistance of the applicant, Member States shall normally keep or bring together the applicant with that child, sibling or parent, provided that family ties existed in the country of origininsofar as the family ties already existed before the applicant arrived on the territory of the Member States, that the child, sibling or parent or the applicant is able to take care of the dependent person and that the persons concerned expressed their desire in writing.
Amendment 619 #
2016/0133(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
The Member State in which an application for international protection is madelodged and which is carrying out the process of determining the Member State responsible, or the Member State responsible, may, at any time before a Member State responsible has been determined , request another Member State to take charge of an applicant in order to bring together any family relations , on humanitarian grounds based in particular on family or cultural considerations even where that other Member State is not responsible under the criteria laid down in Articles 10 to 13 and 18. The persons concerned must express their consent in writing.
Amendment 662 #
2016/0133(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 5
Article 22 – paragraph 5
5. The Member State with which the application is lodged shall search the VIS pursuant to Article 21 of Regulation (EC) 767/2008. Where a hit in the VIS indicates that the applicant is in possession of a valid visa or a visa expired less than six months before lodging the first application, the Member State shall indicate the visa application number and the Member State, the authority of which issued or extended the visa and whether the visa has been issued on behalf of another Member State.
Amendment 678 #
2016/0133(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Where a Member State with which an application for international protection has been lodged considers that another Member State is responsible for examining the application, it shall , as quickly as possible and in any event within onthree months of the date on which the application was lodged within the meaning of Article 21(2), request that other Member State to take charge of the applicant.
Amendment 700 #
2016/0133(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – title
Article 26 – title
Submitting a take back notificationrequest when a new application has been lodged in the requesting Member State
Amendment 703 #
2016/0133(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
1. In a situation referred to in Article 20(1)(b), (c), (d) or (e) the Member State where the person is present shall make a take back notificationrequest at the latest within two weeks after receiving the Eurodac hit, and transfer that person to the Member State responsible .
Amendment 708 #
2016/0133(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Where the take back request is not made within the periods laid down in paragraph 1, responsibility for examining the application for international protection shall lie with the Member State in which the new application was lodged.
Amendment 713 #
2016/0133(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 3
Article 26 – paragraph 3
3. The Member State responsible shall confirm immediately the receipt of the notificationrequest to the Member State which made the notificationrequest.
Amendment 715 #
2016/0133(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 4
Article 26 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, adopt uniform conditions for the preparation and submission of take back notifications requests. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 56(2).
Amendment 719 #
2016/0133(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 a (new)
Article 26 a (new)
Article 26 a Replying to a take back request 1. The requested Member State shall make the necessary checks and shall give a decision on the request to take back the person concerned as quickly as possible and in any event no later than one month from the date on which the request was received. When the request is based on data obtained from the Eurodac system, that time limit shall be reduced to two weeks. 2. Failure to act within the one month period or the two weeks period mentioned in paragraph 1 shall be tantamount to accepting the request, and shall entail the obligation to take back the person concerned, including the obligation to provide for proper arrangements for arrival.
Amendment 835 #
2016/0133(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 35 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(ba) the unemployment rate
Amendment 39 #
2016/0107(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital -1 (new)
Recital -1 (new)
(-1) Tax avoidance and tax evasion, along with profit-shifting schemes, have deprived governments and populations of the necessary resources to, among other things, guarantee universal free access to public education and health services and state social services, as well as depriving states of the possibility of ensuring a supply of affordable housing and public transport, and of building infrastructure that is essential in order to achieve social development and economic growth. In short, these schemes have been a factor of injustice, inequality and economic, social and territorial divergences.
Amendment 40 #
2016/0107(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital -1 a (new)
Recital -1 a (new)
(-1a) A fair and effective corporate tax system should respond to the urgent need for a progressive and fair global tax policy, promote the redistribution of wealth and combat inequalities.
Amendment 44 #
2016/0107(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) In recent years, the challenge posed by corporate income tax avoidance has increased considerably and has become a major focus of concern within the Union and globallyparticularly after the revelations concerning various tax scandals, corporate income tax avoidance has been on the agenda and has sparked strong and justified demands for governments, both nationally and within the framework of international cooperation, to take practical and effective action to put an end to this phenomenon. The European Council in its conclusions of 18 December 2014 acknowledged the urgent need to advance efforts in the fight against tax avoidance both at global and Union level. The Commission in its communications entitled ‘Commission Work Programme 2016 - No time for business as usual’16 and ‘Commission Work Programme 2015 - A New Start’17 identified as a priority the need to move to a system whereby the country in which profits are generated is also the country of taxation. The Commission also identified as a priority the need to respond to our societies’ call for fairness and tax transparency. Despite all the intentions expressed, however, there is an urgent need for action. __________________ 16 COM(2015) 610 final of 27 October 2015. 17 COM(2014) 910 final of 16 December 2014.
Amendment 124 #
2016/0107(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2013/34/EU
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The report on income tax information shall be made accessible to the public on the website of the undertaking on the date of its publication. published, by six months after the closure of accounts for the tax year in question, in a common template available in an open data format and made accessible to the public on the website of the undertaking on the date of its publication in at least one of the official languages of the EU. On the same date, the undertaking shall also file it in a public online registry; that registry shall be managed by the tax authority of the Member State applying the rules laid down in the first subparagraph of this paragraph.
Amendment 145 #
2016/0107(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
The report on income tax information shall be published, by six months after the closure of accounts for the tax year in question, in a common template available in an open data format and made accessible to the public on the date of its publication on the website of the subsidiary undertaking or on the website of an affiliated undertaking in at least one of the official languages of the EU. On the same date, the undertaking shall also file that report in a public online registry; that registry shall be managed by the tax authority of the Member State applying the rules laid down in the first subparagraph of this paragraph.
Amendment 152 #
2016/0107(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2013/34/EU
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 b – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 b – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
The report on income tax information shall be made accessible to the public on the date of its publication on the website of the branch or on the website of an affiliated undertakingpublished, by six months after the closure of accounts for the tax year in question, in a common template available in an open data format and made accessible to the public on the date of its publication on the website of the branch or on the website of an affiliated undertaking. On the same date, the undertaking shall also file the report in a public registry managed by the tax authority of the Member State applying the rules laid down in the first subparagraph of this paragraph.
Amendment 169 #
2016/0107(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2013/34/EU
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 c – paragraph 2 – point a
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 c – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) a brief description of the nature of the activities carried out by each entity, together with a breakdown of the respective areas of business, functions and geographical location;
Amendment 176 #
2016/0107(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2013/34/EU
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 c – paragraph 2 – point b
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 c – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the number of employeesworkers on the undertaking’s staff on a full-time equivalent basis and workers who, although not on the undertaking’s staff, are leased on a full-time equivalent basis, and a breakdown of the allocation of workers by area of business and function;
Amendment 180 #
2016/0107(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2013/34/EU
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 c – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 c – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(ba) staffing costs, by entity, broken down between wages and salaries, social security costs, pension costs and staff leasing costs;
Amendment 181 #
2016/0107(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2013/34/EU
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 c – paragraph 2 – point b b (new)
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 c – paragraph 2 – point b b (new)
Amendment 182 #
2016/0107(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2013/34/EU
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 c – paragraph 2 – point b c (new)
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 c – paragraph 2 – point b c (new)
Amendment 187 #
2016/0107(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2013/34/EU
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 c – paragraph 2 – point b d (new)
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 c – paragraph 2 – point b d (new)
(bd) sales and purchases carried out by each entity with related parties and with unrelated parties;
Amendment 200 #
2016/0107(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
(ga) interest and expenses and/or similar income, with a breakdown of the amounts to be paid and/or received from related parties;
Amendment 204 #
2016/0107(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2013/34/EU
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 c – paragraph 2 – point g b (new)
Chapter 10 a – Article 48 c – paragraph 2 – point g b (new)
(gb) the amount paid and/or received in royalties, including a distinction between that made with related parties and that made with unrelated parties;
Amendment 34 #
2015/2353(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates its firm position on the importance of simplifying access to ESI Funds, and supporregrets, in this context, the work of the Commission'sat Parliament is not directly involved in the High Level Group inresponsible for monitoring simplification for beneficiaries;
Amendment 39 #
2015/2353(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that grants are an effective form of support in many areas of public intervention; recognises the potential of financial instruments as a form of support for ESI Funds; calls for a more simplified use ofstresses that financial instruments may in certain specific cases be a form of beneficial support for certain beneficiaries of ESI Funds; calls for a simplification in future, for final beneficiaries, of the use of grants and financial instruments in future;
Amendment 53 #
2015/2353(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Invites the Commission to take into account the extraordinary efforts made by Member States and regions in providing appropriate reception conditions and integrating asylum seekers and other migrants, and to explore the possibility, in compliance with the expenditure ceilings set out in the MFF, of providing additional assistance to such Member States and regions when reviewing the functioning of the MFF; calls for the investment clause to be revised so that national and regional investments intended for migrants which are co-financed by ESI funds are excluded from the calculation of national deficits under the Stability and Growth Pact;
Amendment 4 #
2015/2320(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on Member States to focus on facilitating an adequate EU funding mix for SMEs – grants, loans, guarantees, equity, microfinance – especially in regions that have been affected by an increased youth unemployment; in view of the ever- increasing role of financial instruments and synergies between instruments funded by the EU budget through the ERDF and through direct management programmes such as Horizon 2020, the PSCI, COSME and LIFE;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2320(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges the Commission and the Member States to focus efforts on regions with low take-up of financial instruments, including scale-up financing for the transition from start-ups to SMEs, in view of the important role of financial products in operational programmes, the EFSI and the EIB Group operations; Calls the Commission and the Member States to provide incentives to SMEs in regions that face recession, long- term unemployment, refugees crisis;
Amendment 194 #
2015/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Asks the Commission to conduct and make public an evaluation of the decision-making procedure which led the Troika, in the implementation of the last Memorandum of Understanding signed with Greece, to require savings up to 25 billion EUR for the recapitalization of Greek banks, while the SSM, which role is to assess such needs, stated on 31 October 2015, that the recapitalization needs, in a baseline scenario, were up to 4.4 billion EUR, and the most risky scenario, up to 14.4 billion EUR;
Amendment 190 #
2015/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses the need for Member States to adaopt their public finances by conducting a counter-cyclical policy when necessary and making full use of the existing flexibility clauses foreseen in the legislationgrowth enhancing policies and to raise employment and growth rates through public investments programs; Urges the Commission to support public investment policies in order to give traction to economic recovery based on a combination of fiscal and monetary policy; considers that Member States with high debt levels in particular must continue with growth-friendly fiscal consolidcan only achieve fiscal conditions through economic and job creation and should urgently implement the recommended structural reformpolicies that ensure job protection and stability and higher wages, while those with more fiscal space should use it to accelerate investment;
Amendment 221 #
2015/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses the role of flexible labour markets in combatting unemployment, in particular the negative impact on job creation rates of rigid rules on dismissal, excessive minimum wage levels and lengthy labour disputes; calls for a shift away from labour taxes to other sources of taxationjob protection in avoiding recessionary spirals and sustaining wage and aggregate demand levels; calls for a shift toward direct taxes and away from indirect taxes, which are unfair and harm small and medium enterprises;
Amendment 244 #
2015/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Deplores the fact that the CSRs suffer from lack of ownership at national level and from a democratic accountability mechanism; calls, in this context, for an increased role for national parliaments in the preparatheir substitution ofby the National Reform Programmes (NRPs) prepared and approved by national parliaments; stresses that increased ownership is a crucial factor for the successful implementation of the CSRsany reform agenda and, in the longer term, for the success of the Europe 2020 strategy;
Amendment 8 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes note of the 2014 EIB Annual Report and the increase by 6.92% to EUR 80.3 billion in the EIB Group’s lending; is very concerned at the increasing high unemployment, inequality and poverty levels, weak investment and the continuous uncertainty in the financial markets; underlines that in these economic and social circumstances many EU member- states are far behind in their target to meet the Europe 2020 goals;
Amendment 29 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes the urgent need for an increase in EIB lending activity; welcomes the increase of signatures to highest levels since 2009 but signatures levels have further potentials;
Amendment 41 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the EIB to re-examine its strategic planning programme, given the high degree of concentration of funding for the four biggest economies in the EU accounting for more than 45%, and thein order to focus on countries that face economic stagnation and disproportionate rincreases in unemployment levels in some other countries which remains at alarming levels, and which could hamper economic convergence in the EU and further damage growth prospects and social cohesion in specific countries and regions in the EU, as well as, in order to finance investment projects that promote economic convergence and social cohesion, sustainable growth, decent jobs creation and the social economy sector;
Amendment 46 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes the growth potentials of the ECB's Public Sector Purchase Programme (PSPP), which enables for the purchase of EIB's marketable debt securities and regrets that such purchases are only conducted by National Central Banks and up to a limit of 12% of the total value of purchased marketable debt securities under the PSPP;
Amendment 61 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes note of the establishment of the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) and emphasises the need for the EFSI to function in an effective, transparent and fair way and to take into account that priority should be given to projects in strategic sectors, countries in adjustment programmes and regions which have difficulties in attracting funding because of their high risk environment; underlines that decent job creation, positive cost-benefit analysis, additionality, growth acceleration, social cohesion, climate change and environmental protection should be the main selection criteria; the EFSI should prove that has the proper strategic planning and structures to mobilise private investment and additional public funding and to direct it to sound projects with added value for the European economies and societies;
Amendment 83 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the EIB to refrain from cooperating with financial partners with a negative track record and to enforce prevention measures against tax havens, fraud and evasion as well as aggressive tax avoidance, or through their financial intermediaries, based on non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, not extending any more funding to companies convicted of tax fraud, tax evasion or aggressive tax planning and to adopt a responsible taxation policy making its funding contingent upon the disclosure of both country-by-country tax relevant data along the lines of the CRD IV provision for credit institutions, as well as disclosure of beneficial ownership information;
Amendment 101 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Welcomes the EIB policy to increase the finance of SMEs and investing for youth, but regrets that results to the real economy and employment remain limited; welcomes the European Investment Fund (EIF) capital increase from € 3 billion to € 4.5 billion and calls on the EIF to provide an analytical report of its achievements based on this substantial increase; similarly asks the EIB to report on the results of the EIB Group Risk Enhancement Mandate for the benefit of innovative and high-risk SMEs;
Amendment 102 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Welcomes that the EIB was in 2014 the biggest issuer with €4.3 billion in the Green Bond market, which was increased significantly reaching issuance of € 28 billion and calls on the EIB to further enforce policies of environmentally friendly renewable energy;
Amendment 103 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Stresses the importance of regional development and calls on the EIB to enhance the dialogue and cooperation with regional and local authorities, banks and agencies; in this framework cross- border cooperation should be particularly supported, especially in cases of high political and economic risks;
Amendment 104 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 d (new)
Paragraph 7 d (new)
7d. Calls on the EIB to pay particular attention to third countries and regions outside the EU, which suffer from conflict and extreme poverty having as main goal to reduce the development gap between the EU and these regions, with a special focus on the Southern Mediterranean Neighbourhood countries; calls for full respect of the legislation of the beneficiary countries; calls on the EIB to further increase the efficiency of the Results Measurement Framework (REM) for activities outside the EU; requests that the European Court of Auditors (ECA) produces a special report on the performance and alignment with EU policies of EIB external lending activities; welcomes that the EU grants are increasingly blended with EIB lending to achieve better project results in EU partner countries;
Amendment 115 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the EIB to further enhance transparency and access to information both internally and for the public, especially regarding the selection, monitoring and evaluation of activities and programmes; urges the EIB to enforce the independence and efficiency of the Complaint Mechanism Office and regrets that the achievements of the Compliance Directorate and its annual activity report is not public; further steps to reduce bureaucracy are needed;
Amendment 126 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Requests the EIB to increase its reporting to Parliament regarding its decisions, progress achieved and the impact of its lending activities within and outside the EU, through regular structured dialogue between the EIB President and Parliament in order to increase parliamentary oversight and enhance cooperation and coordination between the two institutions.
Amendment 1 #
2015/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the importance of the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds in providing urgently needed investment for jobs, boosting jobs, reducing unemployment and gprowthmoting sustainable development for regions in the EU, alsoparticularly including those which are suffering most from the financial, economic and social crisis; welcomes the objective of making the use of these funds more effective and efficient by strengthening their link with the EU's economic governance framework;
Amendment 3 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
– having regard to the study for the LIBE Committee of the European Parliament entitled 'The impact of the crisis on fundamental rights across Member States of the EU'.
Amendment 23 #
2015/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the need for a stable and predictable investment environment, not least with a view to attracting private investment; underlines the role of sound economic governance in the creation of this kind of favourable investment environment; emphasises the need for an overall investment framework in the EUexpresses its concerns about the negative impact that reprogramming might have on the aforementioned but also on the undermining of the effectiveness of cohesion policy; underlines the role of strengthening aggregate demand in the creation of this kind of favourable investment environment; emphasises the need for an investment framework in the EU that supports public and productive investment in order to contribute to social progress, to create full employment, reducing unemployment, strengthening quality public services and ecological sustainability;
Amendment 24 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas there are evidences that CSRs are a total failure in the achievement of growth and jobs and imply measures against the objectives of the cohesion policy;
Amendment 31 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises the importance of cohesion policy instruments and resources in maintaining the level of European added- value investment and boosting demand, growth, jobs and social inclusion in Member States and regions;
Amendment 32 #
2015/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the Commission's intention to use its reprogramming powers carefully, preferring stability over too frequent reprogramming; expresses its concerns that the application of Article 23 CPR may lead to economic instability and uncertainty, deteriorating the situation in Member States and regions which confront problems and have been most affected by the crisis; stresses the need for a well-founded and detailed justification for reprogramming, with a detailed assessment of why it delivers more effective and efficient results and to ensure all the other possible available options;
Amendment 32 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that an increased emphasis on economic governance mechanisms cannot jeopardise the achievement of the ESI Funds' policy objectives and goalsIs strongly opposed to the principle of applying macroeconomic conditionality to the implementation of cohesion policy, and more specifically, to any links between the ESIF and economic governance;
Amendment 38 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls for the investment clause to be reviewed so as to enable regional and national investments co-financed through ESI Funds to be excluded from the calculation of national deficits in the framework of the European Semester;
Amendment 39 #
2015/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Expresses its disapproval for the institutionalisation of the principle of macroeconomic conditionality and the link between cohesion policy and Structural Funds on the one hand and Stability and Growth Pact, package of economic governance and any economic agreement of Member States, on the other; the assumptions underlying them are undeniably different and their objectives diametrically opposed; emphasises that the purpose of cohesion policy should not be to impose stringent macroeconomic and financial conditions necessitating austerity measures or to penalise Member States and regions; stresses that cohesion policy is designed to ensure balanced growth and eliminate inequalities with a view to achieving genuine convergence; indicates that funding for European regions cannot be suspended for non-compliance by Member States with macroeconomic conditions and suspending funding for Member States in difficulties will make the situation worse;
Amendment 44 #
2015/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to give careful consideration to the economic and social effects on the regions affected by a suspension of payments; underlines the importance of the principles of proportionality and effectiveness when the Commission proposes such a suspension of payment but also the social and economic conditions prevailing in the Member State concerned before taking any decision; underlines that decisions to suspend payment should not be linked to the economic policies of Member States but only to the detection of serious infringements of the system of project management, control and monitoring and spending irregularities concerning Member States which have failed to take corrective measures;
Amendment 60 #
2015/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Parliament to submit a proposal concerning the review of the implementation of Article 23 CPR as defined in paragraph 17 of this Article;
Amendment 61 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that any decision regarding reprogramming or suspension under Article 23 CPR must be exceptional, well- weighed, thoroughly justifwould unfairly penalise local, regional and national authoritieds and implemented in a swift way, in order to ensure transparency and allow for verification and reviewall beneficiaries; believes that such reprogramming or suspension are likely to happen to less developed regions and to Member States already suffering the most from the economic and social crisis and would thus exacerbate the effects of the crisis;
Amendment 68 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that the partnership agreements and programmes adopted in the current programming period have taken account of the relevant CSRs and the relevantCSRs and Council recommendations, thus making any reprogramming unnecessary in the medium term;
Amendment 74 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is of the view that reprogramming should be avoided to the greatest extent possible in order not to disrupt fund management or undermine the stability and predictability of the multiannual investment strategy; welcomes the cautious approach of the Commission in this regard and its intention to keep any reprogramming requests to a minimum; believes that reprogramming or suspensions could have serious consequences on absorption of ESI funds;
Amendment 101 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Asks the Commission to apply Article 23 CPR in line with the principle of proportionality, by properly takinge into account the real situation of those Member States and regions which are facing socio- economic difficulties and where ESI Funds represent a significant share of investment;
Amendment 107 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
Amendment 109 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Expresses its disapproval for the institutionalisation of the principle of macroeconomic conditionality and the link between cohesion policy and Structural Funds on the one hand and Stability and Growth Pact, package of economic governance and any economic agreement of Member States, on the other; the assumptions underlying them are undeniably different and their objectives diametrically opposed; emphasises that the purpose of cohesion policy should not be to impose stringent macroeconomic and financial conditions necessitating austerity measures or to penalise Member States and regions; stresses that cohesion policy is designed to ensure balanced growth and eliminate inequalities with a view to achieving genuine convergence; indicates that funding for European regions cannot be suspended for non-compliance by Member States with macroeconomic conditions and suspending funding for Member States in difficulties will make the situation worse;
Amendment 112 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Emphasises the penalising nature of any suspension of payments, and asks the Commission to use its discretionary power to propose the suspension of payments with utmost caution and strictly in line with Article 23(6) CPR, after due consideration of all relevant information and elements arising from and opinions expressed through the structured dialogue;
Amendment 123 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Calls on the Parliament to submit a proposal concerning the review of the implementation of Article 23 CPR as defined in paragraph 17 of this Article
Amendment 11 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) The Banking Union has developed in an imbalanced way with considerable delays in progress on the third pillar of the European Deposit Insurance Scheme, has left depositors unprotected and prolonged inequalities, with the peripheral Member States and the Member States most affected by the financial and economic crisis and their depositors as the main victims.
Amendment 15 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) The Banking Union, with progress only on the Single Resolution Mechanism and the Single Supervisory Mechanism and leaving EDIS behind, has resulted in a capital centralisation process and in several mergers and acquisitions in the banking sector of different Member States, resulting in further concentration of deposits and investments in the major financial centres, which magnifies the "too-big-to-fail" issue.
Amendment 16 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The existing absence of a homogenous level of depositor protection canhas already distorted depositors’ confidence. Further delays will distort competition and create dan effectivegerous barrier for the freedoms of establishment and free provision of services by credit institutions within the internal market. A common deposit insurance scheme is therefore essential for the completionofThe Banking Union as it functions today prolongs and exacerbates inequalities among Member States' banking systems and national DGSs and considerably delays steps which are absolutely necessary for the developmentof the third pillar on EDIS, leaving depositors unprotected mainly in peripheral Member States and the Member States most affected by the finternal market infinancial serviceancial and economic crisis. Only a timely, fully mutualised and fully insured EDIS could provide an effective framework to protect on an equal basis depositors throughout the Banking Union countries, stopping in that way the dependence between sovereign and banks.
Amendment 22 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Although Directive 2014/49/EU significantly improves the capacity of national schemes to compensate depositors, more efficient deposit guarantee arrangements are urgently needed at the level of the Banking Union to ensure sufficient financial means to underpin the confidence of all depositors on an equal basis throughout the Banking Union countries and thereby safeguard financial stability. EDIS would increase the resilience of the Banking Union against future crises by sharing risk more widely and would offer equal protection for insured depositors, supporting the proper functioning of the internal market.
Amendment 23 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) The key objective of the EDIS is to enhance the effective deposit guarantee framework with a view to protecting depositors in an equal way against the consequences of deposits becoming unavailable. At the full insurance stage, the objective is to provide an equal level of protection to all depositors of credit institutions affiliated to the participating DGSs.
Amendment 35 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
(15a) It should also be possible for the DIF to go beyond a pure reimbursement function and to use the available financial means in order to prevent the failure of a credit institution with a view to avoiding the costs of reimbursing depositors and other adverse impacts. Those measures should, however, be carried out within a clearly defined framework including appropriate systems and procedures in place for selecting and implementing such measures and monitoring affiliated risks. The costs of the measures taken to prevent the failure of a credit institution should not exceed the costs of fulfilling the statutory or contractual mandates of the respective DIF with regard to protecting covered deposits at the credit institution or the institution itself.
Amendment 38 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) EDIS should progressively evolve from a reinsurance scheme into a fully mutualised co-insurance scheme over a number of years. In the context of efforts to deepen the EMU, together with the work on the establishment of bridge-financing arrangements for the Single Resolution Fund (SRF) and on developing a common fiscal backstop, this step is necessary to reduce the bank/sovereign links in individual Member States by means of steps towards risk sharing among all the Member States in the Banking Union, and thereby to reinforce the Banking Union in achieving its key objective. However, such risk sharing implied by steps to reinforce Banking Union must proceed in parallel with risk reducing measures designed to break the bank-sovereign link more directly. Risks reduction measures are already supported by the SSM and SRM which aim to reduce the likelihood of bank failures and by the Banking Union single rulebook which establishes a wide range of prudential measures, taken in respect of banks, with the objective of strengthening supervision and crisis management, improving the amount and quality of capital, reducing concentration of exposures, fostering deleveraging, limiting pro-cyclical lending behaviour, reinforcing access to liquidity, addressing systemic risk due to size, complexity and interconnectedness, reinforcing depositor confidence and incentivising proper risk management via rules on governance.
Amendment 52 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20 a (new)
Recital 20 a (new)
(20a) In addition, in order to ensure that all depositors in the Banking Union enjoy an equal level of protection, this Regulation establishes a fully mutualised European Deposit Insurance Scheme ('EDIS') in three successive stages: – a reinsurance scheme that, to a certain extent, provides funding and covers a share of the losses of participating deposit guarantee schemes; – a co-insurance scheme that, to a gradually increasing extent, provides funding and covers losses of participating deposit guarantee schemes; – a full insurance scheme that provides the funding and covers the losses of participating deposit guarantee schemes. EDIS shall be administered by the Board in cooperation with participating DGSs and designated authorities in accordance with Part IIa. EDIS shall be supported by a Deposit Insurance Fund (the 'DIF').
Amendment 61 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) Ensuring effective and sufficient financing of the Deposit Insurance Fund is of paramount importance to the credibility and efficiencyof EDIS. The capacity of the Board to contract alternative funding means for the Deposit Insurance Fund should be enhanced in a manner that optimises the cost of funding and preserves the creditworthiness of the Deposit Insurance Fund. Immediately after the entry into force of this Regulation, the necessary steps should be taken by the Board in cooperation with the participating Member States to develop the appropriate methods and modalities permitting the enhancement of the borrowing capacity of the Deposit Insurance Fund that should be in place by the date of application of this Regulation. It is essential also to create a mutualised credit line via the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and an effective common fiscal backstop for the Banking Union to be used as a last resort.
Amendment 67 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 45
Recital 45
(45) The Commission should review the application of this Regulation in order to assess its impact on the internal market and to determine whether any modifications or further developments are needed in order to improve the efficiency and the, effectiveness and timely implementationof the EDIS.
Amendment 73 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
2. In addition, in order to ensure that all depositors in the Banking Union enjoy an equal level of protection, this Regulation establishes a fully mutualised European Deposit Insurance Scheme ('EDIS') in three successive stages:
Amendment 105 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) While some key steps have been made towards ensuring the efficient functioning of the Banking Union, with the Single Supervisory Mechanism (the 'SSM') established by Council Regulation (EU) No 1024/201311 ensuring that the Union's policy relating to the prudential supervision of credit institutions in the euro area Member States and those non euro area Member States who choose to participate in the SSM (the 'participating Member States') is implemented in a coherent and effective manner and with the Single Resolution Mechanism (the ‘SRM’) established by Regulation (EU) No 806/2014 ensuring a consistent framework for the resolution of banks that are failing or likely to fail in the participating Member States, further essential steps are still needed to complete the Banking Union in a balanced way. __________________ 11 Council Regulation (EU) No 1024/2013 of 15 October 2013 conferring specific tasks on the European Central Bank concerning policies relating to the prudential supervision of credit institutions (OJ L 287, 29.10.2013, p. 63).
Amendment 121 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) The Banking Union has developed in an imbalanced way with considerable delays in progress on the third pillar of the European Deposit Insurance Scheme, has left depositors unprotected and prolonged inequalities, with the peripheral Member States and the Member States most affected by the financial and economic crisis and their depositors as the main victims;
Amendment 123 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) the Banking Union, with progress only on the single resolution mechanism and the single supervisory mechanism and leaving EDIS behind, has resulted in a capital centralization process and in several mergers and acquisitions in the banking sector of different Member States, resulting in further concentration of deposits and investments in the major financial centres, which magnifies the "too-big-to-fail" issue;
Amendment 124 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The existing absence of a homogenous level of depositor protection canhas already distorted depositors’ confidence. Further delays will distort competition and create dan effectivegerous barrier for the freedoms of establishment and free provision of services by credit institutions within the internal market. A common deposit insurance scheme is therefore essential for the completion ofThe Banking Union as it functions today prolongs and exacerbates inequalities among Member States' banking systems and national DGSs and considerably delays steps which are absolutely necessary for the development of the third pillar on EDIS, leaving depositors unprotected mainly in peripheral Member States and the Member States most affected by the finternal market in financial services. ancial and economic crisis. Only a timely, fully mutualised and fully insured EDIS could provide an effective framework to protect on an equal basis depositors throughout the Banking Union countries, stopping in that way the dependence between sovereign and banks.
Amendment 132 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Although Directive 2014/49/EU significantly improves the capacity of national schemes to compensate depositors, more efficient deposit guarantee arrangements are urgently needed at the level of the Banking Union to ensure sufficient financial means to underpin the confidence of all depositors on an equal basis throughout the Banking Union countries and thereby safeguard financial stability. EDIS would increase the resilience of the Banking Union against future crises by sharing risk more widely and would offer equal protection for insured depositors, supporting the proper functioning of the internal market.
Amendment 137 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) The key objective of the EDIS is to enhance the effective deposit guarantee framework with a view to protecting depositors in an equal way against the consequences of deposits becoming unavailable. At the full insurance stage, the objective is to provide an equal level of protection to all depositors of credit institutions affiliated to the participating DGSs.
Amendment 159 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
(15a) It should also be possible for the DIF to go beyond a pure reimbursement function and to use the available financial means in order to prevent the failure of a credit institution with a view to avoiding the costs of reimbursing depositors and other adverse impacts. Those measures should, however, be carried out within a clearly defined framework including appropriate systems and procedures in place for selecting and implementing such measures and monitoring affiliated risks. Implementing such measures should be subject to the imposition of conditions as defined in Directive 2014/49/EU. The costs of the measures taken to prevent the failure of a credit institution should not exceed the costs of fulfilling the statutory or contractual mandates of the respective DIF with regard to protecting covered deposits at the credit institution or the institution itself.
Amendment 165 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) EDIS should progressively evolve from a reinsurance scheme into a fully mutualised co-insurance scheme over a number of6 years. In the context of efforts to deepen the EMU, together with the work on the establishment of bridge-financing arrangements for the Single Resolution Fund (SRF) and on developing a common fiscal backstop, this step is necessary to reduce the bank/sovereign links in individual Member States by means of steps towards risk sharing among all the Member States in the Banking Union, and thereby to reinforce the Banking Union in achieving its key objective. However, such risk sharing implied by steps to reinforce Banking Union must proceed in parallel with risk reducing measures designed to break the bank-sovereign link more directly. Risks reduction measures are already supported by the SSM and SRM which aim to reduce the likelihood of bank failures and by the Banking Union single rulebook which establishes a wide range of prudential measures, taken in respect of banks, with the objective of strengthening supervision and crisis management, improving the amount and quality of capital, reducing concentration of exposures, fostering deleveraging, limiting pro-cyclical lending behaviour, reinforcing access to liquidity, addressing systemic risk due to size, complexity and interconnectedness, reinforcing depositor confidence and incentivising proper risk management via rules on governance
Amendment 196 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) As the Deposit Insurance Fund, in the re-insurance stage, would only provide an additional source of funding and would only weaken the link between banks and their national sovereign, without howeverOnly a fully mutualised Deposit Insurance Scheme would ensuringe that all depositors in the Banking Union enjoy an equal level of protection, the reinsurance stage should, after three years, gradually progress into a co-insurance scheme and ultimately into a fully mutualised deposit insurance scheme.
Amendment 200 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20 a (new)
Recital 20 a (new)
(20a) In addition, in order to ensure that all depositors in the Banking Union enjoy an equal level of protection, this Regulation establishes a fully mutualised European Deposit Insurance Scheme ('EDIS') by 2024 at the latest in three successive stages: – a reinsurance scheme that, to a certain extent, provides funding and covers a share of the losses of participating deposit guarantee schemes; – a co-insurance scheme that, to a gradually increasing extent, provides funding and covers losses of participating deposit guarantee schemes; – a full insurance scheme that provides the funding and covers the losses of participating deposit guarantee schemes. EDIS shall be administered by the Board in cooperation with participating DGSs and designated authorities in accordance with Part IIa. EDIS shall be supported by a Deposit Insurance Fund (the 'DIF')."
Amendment 224 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) The Deposit Insurance Fund should be financed by direct contributions from banks in order to reduce the sovereign bank link, the risk and the moral hazard. Decisions taken within the EDIS, requiring the use of the Deposit Insurance Fund or of a national deposit guarantee scheme should not impinge on the fiscal responsibilities of the Member States. In that regard, only extraordinary public financial support should be considered to be an impingement on the budgetary sovereignty and fiscal responsibilities of the Member States.
Amendment 258 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 74 c – paragraph 1
Article 74 c – paragraph 1
1. Each year during the reinsurance and co-insurance period, the Board shall, after consulting the ECB, the EBA and the national competent authority and in close cooperation with the participating DGSs and designated authorities, determine for each participating DGS the total amount of ex-ante contributions that it may claim from the credit institutions affiliated to the respective participating DGS in order to reach the target levels provided for in Article 74b. The total amount of contributions shall not exceed the target levels provided for in Article 74b (1) and (2).
Amendment 262 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) Ensuring effective and sufficient financing of the Deposit Insurance Fund is of paramount importance to the credibility and efficiency of EDIS. The capacity of the Board to contract alternative funding means for the Deposit Insurance Fund should be enhanced in a manner that optimises the cost of funding and preserves the creditworthiness of the Deposit Insurance Fund. Immediately after the entry into force of this Regulation, the necessary steps should be taken by the Board in cooperation with the participating Member States to develop the appropriate methods and modalities permitting the enhancement of the borrowing capacity of the Deposit Insurance Fund that should be in place by the date of application of this Regulation. It is essential also to create a mutualised credit line via the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and an effective common fiscal backstop for the Banking Union to be used as a last resort.
Amendment 267 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) It is necessary to ensure that the Deposit Insurance Fund is fully available for the purpose of ensuring the guarantee of deposits. Therefore, the Deposit Insurance Fund should primarily be used for the efficient implementation of deposit guarantee requirements and actions. Furthermore, it should be used only in accordance with the applicable deposit guarantee objectives and principles. Under certain conditions, the Deposit Insurance Fund could also provide funding where alternative measures are implemented, recalling that Article 11(3) of the Directive 2014/49/EU provides for strict prerequisites for a national DGS to be able to finance alternative measures, and these prerequisites should be taken into account when the DIF is used to fund alternative measures; or where the available financial means of a DGS are used in resolution in accordance with Article 79 of this Regulation.
Amendment 276 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 44
Recital 44
(44) Since the objectives of this Regulation, namely setting up a more efficient and, effective and timely implemented deposit guarantee framework and ensuring the consistent application of deposit guarantee rules, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather be better achieved at the Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives.
Amendment 277 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 45
Recital 45
(45) The Commission should review the application of this Regulation in order to assess its impact on the internal market and to determine whether any modifications or further developments are needed in order to improve the efficiency and the, effectiveness and timely implementation of the EDIS.
Amendment 281 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 46
Recital 46
(46) In order for EDIS to function in an effective manner as of [….]2024, the provisions concerning the payment of contributions to the Deposit Insurance Fund, the establishment of all the relevant procedures and any other operational and institutional aspects should apply from XXJanuary 2017.
Amendment 286 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 74 c – paragraph 5 –subparagraph 4 – point f a (new)
Article 74 c – paragraph 5 –subparagraph 4 – point f a (new)
(fa) the institution’s level of diversification of its sovereign exposures;
Amendment 289 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
2. In addition, in order to ensure that all depositors in the Banking Union enjoy an equal level of protection, this Regulation establishes a fully mutualised European Deposit Insurance Scheme ('EDIS') in threeby 2024 at the latest in successive stages:.
Amendment 306 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 74 g a (new)
Article 74 g a (new)
Article 74ga The Board shall contract for the DIF financial arrangements, including public financial arrangements as a mutualised credit line via the European Stability Mechanism in order to make immediate availability of additional financial means to be used where the amounts raised or available are not sufficient to meet the DIF obligations. A common backstop shall be developed during transitional period before setting a mutualised fund to facilitate borrowing by the DIF. The use of the common backstop shall be fiscally neutral in the medium term.
Amendment 308 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 38 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 38 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 92 – paragraph 8 a (new)
Article 92 – paragraph 8 a (new)
38a. In Article 92, the following paragraph 8a is added: “8a. The Court of Auditors shall produce a special annual report which shall examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the SRF and the DIF.”
Amendment 441 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 41h – paragraph 2
Article 41h – paragraph 2
2. In case a participating DGS encounters a payout event or is used in resolution in accordance with Article 109 of Directive 2014/59/EU or Article 79 of this Regulation or is used for alternative measures, it may claim funding from the DIF for its liquidity need as defined by Article 41f of this Regulation. The strict prerequisites in Article 11(3) of Directive 2014/69/EU provides for a national DGS to be able to finance alternative measures should also be taken into account when the DIF is funding provision of alternative measures.
Amendment 487 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
article 41j – paragraph 1
article 41j – paragraph 1
1. A participating DGS shall only be reinsured, co-insured or fully insured by EDIS during the year following any of the dates set out below, if, by that date, its available financial means raised by contributions referred to in Article 10(1) of Directive 2014/49/EU amount to at least the following percentages of the total amount of covered deposits of all credit institutions affiliated to the participating DGS: - by 3 July 2017: 0.145%; - by 3 July 2018: 0.215%; - by 3 July 2019: 0.2835%; - by 3 July 2020: 0.2840%; - by 3 July 2021: 0.2635%; - by 3 July 2022: 0.205%; - by 3 July 2023: 0.115%; - by 3 July 2024: 0%.
Amendment 641 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 74 c – paragraph 1
Article 74 c – paragraph 1
1. Each year during the reinsurance and co-insurance period, the Board shall, after consulting the ECB, the EBA and the national competent authority and in close cooperation with the participating DGSs and designated authorities, determine for each participating DGS the total amount of ex-ante contributions that it may claim from the credit institutions affiliated to the respective participating DGS in order to reach the target levels provided for in Article 74b. The total amount of contributions shall not exceed the target levels provided for in Article 74b (1) and (2).
Amendment 712 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 74 c – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 4 – point f a (new)
Article 74 c – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 4 – point f a (new)
(fa) the institution's level of diversification of its sovereign exposures;
Amendment 754 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 74 g a (new)
Article 74 g a (new)
Article 74ga The Board shall contract for the DIF financial arrangements, including public financial arrangements as a mutualised credit line via the European Stability Mechanism in order to make immediate availability of additional financial means to be used where the amounts raised or available are not sufficient to meet the DIF obligations. A common backstop shall be developed during transitional period before setting a mutualised fund to facilitate borrowing by the DIF. The use of the common backstop shall be fiscally neutral in the medium term.
Amendment 773 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 37
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 37
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 77 a – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 77 a – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The strict prerequisites in Article 11(3) of Directive 2049/49/EU for a national DGS to be able to finance alternative measures should also be taken into account.
Amendment 775 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 37
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 37
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 77 a – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 77 a – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The Board may allow the use of the DIF for alternative measures in order to prevent the failure of a credit institution provided that the conditions defined in the Article 11(3) of the Directive 2014/49/EU are met. The Board may decide that the available financial means may also be used to finance measures such as the transfer of assets and liabilities and deposit book transfer, provided that the costs borne by the DIF do not exceed the net amount of compensating covered depositors of the credit institution concerned in case of pay out.
Amendment 779 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 38 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 38 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 92 – paragraph 8 a (new)
Article 92 – paragraph 8 a (new)
38a. In Article 92, the following paragraph 8a is added: “8a. The Court of Auditors shall produce a special annual report which shall examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the SRF and the DIF.”
Amendment 340 #
2015/0226(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 7 – point a
Article 8 – paragraph 7 – point a
(a) has declared insolvency, agreed with his creditors to a debt dismissal or reschedule or had a court grant his creditors a final non-appealable right of enforcement or material damages as a result of a missed payment within three years prior to the date of origination or forbearance measures were granted to him with regard to his non-performing exposures within three years prior to the date of transfer or assignment of the underlying exposures to the SSPE, except if: (i) a restructured underlying exposure has not presented new arrears since the date the forbearance measures were granted and for at least one year thereafter; and (ii) the information provided by the originator, sponsor and SSPE in accordance with Article 5, paragraph 1, points (a) and (e)(i) explicitly sets out the proportion of restructured underlying exposures, the time and details of the restructuring as well as their performance since the date of the restructuring;
Amendment 343 #
2015/0226(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 7 – point b
Article 8 – paragraph 7 – point b
(b) is on an officialwas at the time of origination, where applicable, on a public credit registry of persons with adverse credit history;
Amendment 27 #
2015/0068(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The challenge posed by cross-border tax avoidance, aggressive tax planning and harmful tax competition has increased considerably and has become a major focus of concern within the Union and at global level. Tax base erosion is considerably reducing national tax revenues, whichhence hindersing Member States in applying growth-friendly tax policies and in fulfilling the constitutional obligations in terms of fundamental rights, aggravating social and economic inequality, increasing political power of cross-border business, shifting taxation towards less mobile factors such as labour and consumption, thus making the tax system less progressive, and widening the democratic deficit. In particular, rulings concerning tax-driven structures lead to a low level of taxation of artificially highlow amounts of income in the country giving the advance ruling and may leave artificially low amounts of income to be taxed in any other countries involved. An increase in transparency is therefore urgently required. The tools and mechanisms established by Council Directive 2011/16/EU13 need to be enhanced in order to achieve this. __________________ 13 Council Directive 2011/16/EU of 15 February 2011 on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation and repealing Directive 77/799/EEC (OJ L 64 of 11.3.2011, p. 1).
Amendment 118 #
2015/0068(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8a – paragraph 3
Article 8a – paragraph 3
Amendment 27 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Throughout the economic and financial crisis, the Union has made efforts to promote growth, in particular through initiatives set out ininitiated the Europe 2020 strategy that put in placesets up an approach for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The capital of the European Investment Bank ('EIB') has also strengthened its role in instigating and promoting investment within the Union, partly by way of an increase in capitalincreased in January 2013. Further action is required to ensure that the investment needs of the Union and that the achievement of the social, economic and territorial cohesion of the Union are addressed and that the liquidity available on the market is used efficiently and channelled towards the funding of viable investment projects taking into account the reduction of the gap between the different levels of economic development of the regions and Member States of the Union.
Amendment 36 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The purpose of the EFSI should be to strengthen social, economic and territorial cohesion and to help resolve the difficulties in financing and implementing productive investments in the Union and to ensure increased access to financing. It is intended that increased access to financing should be of particular benefit to small and medium enterprises. It is also appropriate to extend the benefit of such increased access to financing to mid- cap companies, which are companies having up to 3000 employees. Overcoming Europe's current investment difficulties should contribute to strengthening the Union's economic, social and territorial cohesion.
Amendment 38 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The EFSI should support strategic investments with high social, environmental, territorial and economic value added contributing to achieving Union policy objectives, in particular the Union's economic, social and territorial cohesion. A particular attention shall be paid to outermost regions, urban and rural areas facing particular difficulties, areas affected by industrial transition, high unemployment rates, and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions.
Amendment 43 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11 a) The implementation of the EFSI and the decisions of investment made by the Investment Committee and the Steering Board shall not weaken the cohesion policy and the convergence of the GDP and of employment rates within the EU. Strategic investments shall fully respect the principles defined in the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR) and shall not be concentrated in the richest regions or in the regions already attractive for private and foreign investments.
Amendment 49 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The EFSI should target projects delivering high societal, environmental, territorial, and economic value. In particular, the EFSI should target projects that promote job creation, long- term growth and competitiveness. The EFSI should support a wide range of financial products, including equity, debt or guarantees, to best accommodate the needs of the individual project. This wide range of products should allow the EFSI to adapt to market needs whilst encouraging private investment in the projects. The EFSI should not be a substitute for private market finance but should instead catalyse private finance by addressing market failures so as to ensure the most effective and strategic use of public money. The requirement for consistency with State aid principles should contribute to such effective and strategic use.
Amendment 50 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The EFSI should target projects with a higher risk-return profile than existing EIB and Union instruments to ensure additionality over existing operations. The EFSI should finance projects across the Union, including in the countries most affected by the financial crisis particular in less developed regions, in outermost regions and in the countries most affected by the financial crisis, in compliance with the principles established by cohesion policy. The EFSI should only be used where financing is not available from other sources on reasonable terms.
Amendment 56 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The EFSI should target investments that are expected to be economically, socially, environmentally and technically viable, which may entail a degree of appropriate risk, whilst still meeting the particular requirements for EFSI financing.
Amendment 58 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) Decisions on the use of the EFSI support for infrastructure and large mid- cap projects should be made by an Investment Committee. The Investment Committee should be composed of independent experts who are knowledgeable and experienced in the areas of investment projects. The Investment Committee should be accountable to a Steering Board of the EFSI, who should supervise the fulfilment of the EFSI's objectives. The Steering Board of the EFSI should be accountable to the European Parliament. To effectively benefit from the experience of the EIF, the EFSI should support funding to the EIF to allow the EIF to undertake individual projects in the areas of small and medium enterprises and small mid-cap companies.
Amendment 76 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) Within the Union, there are a significant number of potentially viable projects, in particular in less developed, outermost, remote and transition regions that are not being financed due to a lack of certainty and transparency with respect to such projects. Often, this is because private investors are not aware of the projects or have insufficient information to make an assessment of the investment risks. The Commission and the EIB, with support from the Member States, should promote the creation of a transparent pipeline of current and future investment projects in the Union suitable for investment. This 'project pipeline' should ensure that information is made publicly available regarding investment projects on a regular and structured basis to ensure that investors have reliable information on which to base their investment decisions.
Amendment 81 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) To ensure accountability to European citizens, the EIB should regularly report to the European Parliament and the Council, the Council, the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee on the progress and impact of the EFSI.
Amendment 89 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The purpose of the EFSI shall be to strengthen social, economic and territorial cohesion and to support investments in the Union and to ensure increased access to financing for companies having up to 3000 employees, with a particular focus on small and medium enterprises, through the supply of risk bearing capacity to the EIB ('EFSI Agreement').
Amendment 95 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point d a (new)
(d a) the methodology to ensure a balanced and equitable distribution of investments and that adequately address the investment needs in all categories of regions as defined in the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR);
Amendment 105 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
2. For as long as the only contributors to the EFSI are the Union and the EIB, the number of members and votes within the Steering Board shall be allocated based on the respective size of contributions in the form of cash or guarantees. Additional members and votes within the Steering Board shall be granted to the European Parliament and to the European Council.
Amendment 114 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
The Investment Committee shall be composed of six independent experts and the Managing Director. Independent experts shall have a high level of relevant market experience in project finance and of public investment experience. They shall be appointed by the Steering Board for a renewable fixed term of three years.
Amendment 116 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. The Steering Board of the EFSI is accountable to the European Parliament and to the European Council, who supervise its compliance to EFSI's objectives and EU's social, economic and territorial cohesion objectives, while ensuring the full safeguard of public interest.
Amendment 120 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
2. The EU guarantee shall be granted for EIB financing and investment operations approved by the Investment Committee referred to in Article 3(5) or funding to the EIF in order to conduct EIB financing and investment operations in accordance with Article 7(2). The operations concerned shall be consistent with Union policies, with Articles 174 and 309 TFEU and support any of the following general objectives:
Amendment 122 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) development of infrastructure, including in the areas of transport, particularly in industrial centres and in remote regions; public interest investments; energy, in particular energy interconnections and renewable energy; and digital infrastructure;
Amendment 125 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) investment in education and trainingprioritising public-led investments in education and training, social inclusion, fight against poverty, health, research and development, information and communications technology and innovation; , cultural industry, innovation, and maritime economy;
Amendment 140 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
4. Provided that all relevant eligibility criteria are fulfilled and that the principle of additionality of EFSI is guaranteed while prioritising public interest, Member States may use European Structural and Investment Funds to contribute to the financing of eligible projects in which the EIB is investing with the support of the EU guarantee.
Amendment 156 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The EIB, in cooperation with the EIF as appropriate, shall report annually to the European Parliament and to the Council, the Council, the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee on EIB financing and investment operations. The report shall be made public and include:
Amendment 4 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas cohesion policy for 2014-2020 is the EU's main investment policy aligned with the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, with a budget of EUR 350 billion until the end of 2020;
Amendment 10 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas regional policy is an indispensable tool for promoting economic and social cohesion, with the principal objectives of reducing disparities between regions - in particular the poorer and outermost regions - promoting real convergence, and encouraging growth and employment ; insists that cohesion policy must be pursued and strengthened and should always remain an independent policy providing for sustainable development (economic, social, environmental and territorial), and reductions in disparities between regions and in the backwardness of the poorer regions;
Amendment 11 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas the EU continues to struggle with the deepest economic and social crisis since its foundation, with stagnating economies, high unemployment, declining social and labour rights, and rising socio- economic inequalities, which presents the EU with unprecedented challenges;
Amendment 12 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
A c. whereas almost five years after the launch of the Europe2020 strategy, there is little progress towards the targets set at the country and EU level ; whereas the economic crisis and the drastic decline of public investments has taken a heavy toll on EU regions in terms of growth and employment and gaps between regions have widened dramatically;
Amendment 32 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the goals of cohesion policy have unquestionably evolved over the time, demonstrating their effectiveness; whereas the European Fund for Strategic Investments brings new elements to the overall EU strategy aimed at creating growth and jobs; whereas no investment program can replace a social, ecological and territorial balanced cohesion policy, which strengthens the region's potential and promotes sustainable structural changes;
Amendment 48 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that the Europe 2020 strategy is an overarching, long-term ‘growth and jobs' strategy of the European Union, built around five ambitious objectives: employment, innovation, climate change and energy sustainability, education, and fighting poverty and social exclusion; Notes however that Europe 2020 thus far has failed to restore a sustainable and inclusive economy that can deliver decent jobs to the millions of unemployed or underemployed people in the European Union, as well as a high level of welfare services, while protecting the environment;
Amendment 76 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 84 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. rejects the Commission's approach of subordinating cohesion policy to European economic governance, as well as the use of macroeconomic conditionality in the Stability and Growth Pact as a requirement for access to cohesion policy and regional development funds; insists that cohesion policy should not be used as an instrument of financial punishment if a region or Member State rejects the policy of deregulation and privatisation;
Amendment 110 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Acknowledges, at the same time, the need to consider the evolution of the economic outlook, the use of new instruments, the progress made towards the strategy objectives and the consequent necessity of making operational adjustments; Calls on the Commission , for the scope of the mid-term review of the Europe 2020, strategy , to encompass a new set of indicators measuring well- being and regional disparities, in addition to GDP;
Amendment 114 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls therefore for the scope of the mid-term review of the Europe 2020 strategy to be limited, and focused on deepening, widening, adjusting and better interaddress the major challenges the EU is faced with today, such as stagnating economies, high unemployment, declinking the strategy's five objectives and its flagship initiasocial and labour rights, rising socio-economic inequalitives and on identifying methods as to how they could be better carried forward and evaluated without creating additional layers of complexity and excessive administrative burdenhigh public and external debts; insists that the economic, social, climate and political crisis can only be overcome by a radical new policy that puts people at the centre of all policies, instead of the interests of the financial markets;
Amendment 121 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Reiterates its calls to enhance the responsibility and ownership dimensions of the strategy by involving local and regional authorities and other civil society stakeholders and interested parties; insists on the crucial importance of a strengthened governance structure based on multi-level governance, an effective mixed top-down / bottom-up approach and the partnership model of cohesion policy, with a view to ensuring effective capacity to deliver on the objectives; emphasises that greater transparency, openness and democratisation of the EU and its strategies , including stronger participation by citizens in shaping the future of the Union, are imperative for restoring citizens' trust in the EU and hence the long-term survival of the Union;
Amendment 151 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. HighlightNotes the importance of the new EU investment instrument, the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), and emphasises that it should bnot undermine the scomplementary and additional tope of the Cohesion policy and of the ESI Funds; points out that the EFSI is not clearly linked to the Europe 2020 strategy, but that through its objectives it contributes to the implementation of the strategy; stresses, moreover, the imperative of ensuring full coherence and synergies between all EU instruments, in order to avoid overlapping or contradictions among them or between the different levels of policy implementation and in order to stimulate qualitative and socially balanced growth based on a fairer distribution of wealth; appreciates that the review of the Europe 2020 strategy, as the EU's long-term strategic framework for growth and jobs, must address this challenge with a view to using all the available resources effectively and achieving the expected results as regards the overarching strategic goals;
Amendment 171 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Believes that the existing EU funding and current EU financial resources for cohesion policy are insufficient to meet needs in terms of achieving real convergence and tackling regional disparities, high levels of unemployment, income inequalities and poverty in the European Union; points to the need for the EU budget to be strengthened in the area of cohesion policy; Calls on the Commission to present a proposal for the MFF midterm review which genuinely reflects the priorities needed to stimulate sustainable, qualitative and socially balanced growth;
Amendment 4 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the economic recovery in the EU slowed down considerably in the course of 2014 but has a prospect of catching up in 2015 and of doing even better in 2016;
Amendment 26 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. WelcomesRegret that the Commission’'s Annual Growth Survey 2015, which endeavours to promote a return to higher growth levels and to strengthen the recovery; supportdid not focus its analysis of the true causes of the crisis; questions the three main pillars approach (boosting investment, accelerating structural reforms and pursuing responsible growth friendly fiscal consolidation) as the right way to achieve these goals; welcomes the Commission’s suggestions for improving the European Semester by simplifying procedures and increasing national ownership as needed, considering that only 10-15 % of the Country Specific Recommendations are fully implemented by the Members Statesrecovery;
Amendment 38 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Expresses concern that most Member States are still losing market shares globally and have a growing negative net international investment position; believes that the EU economy as a whole needs to boost its competitiveness further in the global economy, particularly by increasing competition in the product and services markets in order to enhance innovation-dRegret that the Commission's Annual Growth Survey 2015, did not focus its analysis of the true causes of the crisis; questions the three main pillars approach (boosting investment, accelerating structural reforms and pursuing responsible growth friven efficiency, while keeping labour costs in line with productivitdly fiscal consolidation) as the right way to achieve recovery;
Amendment 46 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that the lack of investment is caused by low confidence, high indebtedness, slow deleveraging and subdued expectations ofexcessive austerity biased policies, and lack of aggregate (public and private) demand;
Amendment 59 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. WelcomesExpresses its concern about the Iinvestment Pplan for Europe, which is an important instrument for increasing private and publof President Junker, in particular regarding the assumptions under which the creation of the European Fund for Strategic iInvestment; notes that the (EFSI) is built. This plan, is meant to trigger additional investment, develop new projects, attract investors and restore confidence; insufficient, and does not contain a single cent of fresh money and is based on an exercise of creative accounting and financial engineering without any credible basis.
Amendment 74 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls Questions the Members States actively to support the Investment Plprinciple of using public money to leverage an,d and to contribute to the European Fund for Strategic Investment, supplementing the amounts provided through the EU budget and by the EIB, in order to guttract additional private capital and draws attention to not feed the illusory idea and encourage the private sector to invest; welcomes the principle of using public money to leverage and attract additional private capital;ccording to which the creation of a climate of trust alone will be enough to resuscitate private investment.
Amendment 98 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Is still concerned about the lack of progress in reducing excessive private debt levels; points out that this is not only a concern for financial stability, as it also limits the EU’'s growth potential and makes the ECB’'s monetary policy less effective; calls on the Commission to make proposals for the preparation of effective procedures for private sector deleveraging, including bankruptcy and insolvency procedures, as the huge debt burden weighing on companies and households is one of the key factors limiting private investment;
Amendment 107 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the ambitiousExpresses concern about the structural reforms implementosed byin those Member States most affected by the crisis; welcomes as wellalthough the fact that those Member States that have successfully implemented adjustment programmes or financial sector programmes have been able to return to the capital markets, where they now access capital at low interest rates, almost all imbalances remains unsolved and social impacts have been dramatic;
Amendment 119 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Member States to make theirsupport labour markets more efficient, to modernisewith active job creation policies and avoiding downward pressure on wages to strength social protection systems, including pensions, and to improve and streamline the legal and administrative environment for business investment; stresses that structural reforms need to be complemented by well-targetede need for, longer- term investments in education, research and development, innovation, infrastructure, ICT and sustainable energy;
Amendment 136 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 145 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for urgent action to be taken by the Commission to fight tax fraud and tax evasion; calls for a tax system that is simple, fair and transparent; reiterates its call on the Member States to shift taxes from labour to consumpintroduce more fiscal fairness by taxing increasingly the financial sector and financial transactions;
Amendment 157 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 160 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Reiterates its call on the Commission to improve the governance of the single market; urges the Commission to align the aims of the Single Market with those of the European Semester; believes that analytical tools, composed of indicators measuring the implementation of the single market,meditate the European Semester; believes that a thoughtful analysis of the effects of imposed austerity policies can provide useful guidance for country-specific recommendations and the Annual Growth Survey;
Amendment 165 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 171 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Reiterates the importance of ensuring labour mobility (both cross-border and cross-sectoral), enhanced labour prolabour market policies supporting collective bargaining and limiting the use of precarious work, preserving the necessary scope of work security, improved educativity (connected with skills trainings to improve employability) and labour market flexibility, while preserving the necessary scope of work securityon and training opportunities for workers (on and off the job), enhancing labour productivity, and ensuring opportunities for labour mobility (both cross-border and cross-sectorial);
Amendment 181 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
Amendment 188 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Draws attention to the need to reflect on the large number of countries that were under the excessive deficit procedure – 24 among 28, and note that the decrease in the number of countries under the excessive deficit procedure – down to 11 in 2014 from 24 in 2011 was not accompanied by an improvement in the performance of the economies that remain without growing, with high unemployment and some of them suffering deflationary processes;
Amendment 191 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. In light of those facts, urges the Commission to launch a process of reform of the Stability and Growth Pact in order to make it more adapted to the needs of economies and more oriented to growth and employment;
Amendment 192 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Agrees with the Commission that most Member States need to continue to pursue growth-friendly fiscal consolidation; iInvites Member States with sufficient fiscal space to consider reducing taxes and social security contributions with a view to stimulating privateincrease public investment and promote higher wages, with a view to stimulate public and private consumption and investment;
Amendment 222 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Is concerned that only five Member States were found to be fully compliant with the provisions of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) which questions again the reasonableness of the stability pact rules;
Amendment 227 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. WelcomesIs concerned about the Alert Mechanism Report; welcomes the gradual reduction of internal imbalances in the EU economy; draws attention to the external imbalances, including the large trade surplus and the effect it will have in perpetuating austerity and prevent member states to choose their own development policies;
Amendment 236 #
2014/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
Amendment 1 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
- having regard to the report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions concerning the added value of macro- regional strategies (COM(2013)468) and the relevant Council conclusions of 22 October 2013,
Amendment 10 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the macro-regional strategies represent a new model of multilevel governance in which the involvement of stakeholders representing the EU, national, regional and local levels and different policies and programmes is essential for success; whereas the EUSAIR as part of the EU regional policy is a tool for promoting economic and social cohesion, with the principal objectives of reducing disparities between regions, promoting real convergence and encouraging growth and employment;
Amendment 13 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas a macro-regional strategy as an integrated framework [relating to Member States and non-EU countries in the same geographical area], endorsed by the European Council, is an EU strategy;
Amendment 17 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the increased interest of countries in the Adriatic -Ioniand Ionian Regionnitiative countries and their continuous effort to increase the effectiveness of regional policy has led to the adoption of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR);
Amendment 20 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EUSAIR is a new form of regional cooperation and platform for enlargement and an exercise in preparedness prior to EU accessionwhile maintaining the EU feature, may assist participating candidate and potential candidate countries on their path towards the EU;
Amendment 25 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission communication concerning the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region and the accompanying action plan; believes it is a vital step in the development of this part of Europe; highlights the strategy's prospects for participating candidate and potential candidate countries in the region;
Amendment 54 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages the Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the participating countries to fully exploit the possibilities available under the newly established European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) to finance projects in the region which would create value at the macro-regional level by creating decent jobs and by promoting economic and social cohesion;
Amendment 61 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers it necessary to find ways to involveNotes the interest of countries not included in the strategy and which are geographically and economically close to the region, at least on an individual project basidjacent to the region to join the EUSAIR and calls for the consideration of this possibility at a later stage, examining and justifying the added value and benefits for both the interested countries and the EUSAIR members, being in accordance with the scopes of the Strategy; when appropriate and fully justified, encourages closer project basis cooperation with these countries;
Amendment 78 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Emphasises that greater transparency, openness and democratisation of the EUSAIR and its action plan, including stronger participation by the local authorities and the citizens, is imperative for enhancing citizens support in the EUSAIR;
Amendment 91 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises that the region faces a serious migration problems in the Mediterranean; stresses that controlling these problems is essential for the further development of the southern part of the regionsituation and deplores all the tragedies in the Mediterranean; stresses that, in order to deal effectively with this humanitarian drama and promote the further development of the southern part of the region, a radical shift in EU migration and asylum policies is essential;
Amendment 190 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Urges the participating countries to continue their efforts to diversify energy supply sources, a process which will not only improve the energy security of the macro-region but will also increase competitioncombat energy poverty, which will have important benefits for the economic and social development of the region; underlines the importance of developing liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in the macro-region, in particular in Croatia and Albania;
Amendment 195 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls for the exploitation of available renewable sources such as solar and wind energy within the energy production mix; underlines the sustainability and competitiveness of potential hydropower plants, in particular in Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia; calls on the participating countries to contribute to the setting-up of a well-functioning electricity market in the macro-region that will ensure equal access for all to cheap, affordable energy and promote connections and energy infrastructures that have a strategic role for the benefit of the people ;
Amendment 262 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Supports the development of a diversified tourism offer including thematic tourist parks and routes, and cultural, rural, health, medical, enogastronomic, conference and sport tourism, including cycling, golf, diving, hiking, skiing, mountaineering and outdoor sports, in order to prolong the tourist season and to improve the competitiveness of tourist destinations; supports the expansion of tourist activities towards the hinterland;
Amendment 9 #
2014/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, according to the same forecast, unemployment in the euro area rose from 11.3 % at the end of 2012 to 12 % at the end of 2013, and may fall slightly to 11.8 %remains at a high level in 2014;
Amendment 26 #
2014/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas, according to the Commission services’ spring 2014 forecast, the average inflation rate in the euro area was 1.3 % in 2013, down from 2.5 % in 2012; whereas inflation in the euro area has continued to be on a downward path since the beginning of 2014, reaching a low of 0.3 % in September, posing a risk of deflation;
Amendment 31 #
2014/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the level of public and private investment in the euro area has been stagnating at levels significantly below those registered before the start of the crisis and needs to be given a fresh boost as a matter of urgency;
Amendment 35 #
2014/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas credit to the private sector has moved further into negative territory, with an annual rate of change of -2.4% in December 2013, compared with -0.2% in December 2012, demonstrating the failure of the central bank’s policy, in particular its unconventional operations; whereas the lack of credit affecting SMEs in some Member States is one of the main problems delaying the economic recovery;
Amendment 113 #
2014/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes with concern that the ECB has announced that it will purchase asset- backed securities (ABS) and covered bonds in order to empower the credit-easing impact of the TLTROs; stresses that such, in practice, interventions on ABS market must be conducted in a transparent manner that does not create excessive risks for the ECB’s balance sheetrepresent a potential vehicle for purchasing toxic assets held by the financial sector;
Amendment 131 #
2014/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses that the impact of the unconventional monetary policyfailure of what are known as unconventional measures, currently in use on the real economy should not be overombined with the austerity policiest imated; stresses that such measures are transitory in nature and that their main advantage is that they can give Member States time to consolidposed on the Member States, is still standing in the way of genuine policies to combate their fiscal situation and implement structural reforms that will create conditions for crisis and reinvigorate economic activity to rebound;
Amendment 142 #
2014/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Recalls that monetary policy alone cannot stimulate aggregate demand unless it is complemented by adequate fiscal and structural national reforms and policieStresses that a single monetary policy aimed at guaranteeing price stability, without any objectives in terms of economic growth, job creation and higher wages, is not capable of tackling the highly diverse economic situations in the Member States and is, on the contrary, one of the causes of the current crisis;
Amendment 155 #
2014/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Recalls that the independence of the ECB in the conduct of its monetary policy, as enshrined in the Treaties, is crucial to the objective of safeguarding price stabilitypreventing the adoption of genuine measures to exit the crisis;
Amendment 162 #
2014/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Maintains that the Statute, guidelines and sham independence of the ECB need to be changed, allowing all Member States to be represented on an equal footing in its governing body, so as to ensure that every Member State can control its national central bank and monetary policy, with a view to promoting economic growth and employment;
Amendment 5 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas all possible resources from the Member States and the EU, including those of the EIB, need to be efficiently mobilised without delay to sustainenhance public and private investments in line with the EU 2020 Strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growthinvestments, supporting projects that promote sustainable growth and quality job creation, as well as infrastructures, particularly in the social, public health and public education sectors;
Amendment 8 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the economic and financial crisis, coupled with austerity policies, has seriously undermined economic growth in many Member States, leading to rapidly worsening social conditions, steadily growing inequalities and imbalances between European regions and failure to achieve the objective of social cohesion and real convergence, thereby destabilising European integration and democracy;
Amendment 9 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the EIB is an instrument designed to support social cohesion and is able to provide valuable assistance to Member States facing difficulties in the critical social and economic situation now confronting us; whereas, particularly in view of the shortage of public funding, it is, through increased lending and support for targeted investment projects, in a position to facilitate economic recovery in those Member States that are in financial difficulty and subject to the provisions of fiscal adjustment programmes, as well as helping to iron out social inequalities;
Amendment 10 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EIB should continue to play the essential role of catalyst for financing sound public and privatand sustainable long-term investments, whilestriking a balance between maintaining its high profile in terms of credibility in the capital markets, in order to access best funding conditions and satisfying as far as possible the requirement for investment in line with the needs of the real economy and society, so as to ensure compliance with the principles of social efficiency;
Amendment 13 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas particular efforts should be made to expand jowe recognize the root cause of the fall int interventions (combining EIF or other guarantee tools) for financing SMEs or tangible and intangible sustainable infravestment and credit is due to the combined effect of reduced public spending and private over-indebtedness, as well as an oligopolistic banking structures;
Amendment 29 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Is deeply concerned at the current situation of economic stalling in the EU, and in particular the significant decline in public and private investment– around 18 % below 2007 levels – and by the staggering 35 % drop in lending to SMEs between 2008 and 2013; underlines that such a decline represents a massive hurdle for a sustainable recovery as well as for genuine social progress towards the EU 2020 objectives;
Amendment 31 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out, in that perspective, that national projections demonstrate that nearly half of all Member States will not achieve their national targets on education schemes and greenhouse gas reductions by 2020 and that trends regarding employment and poverty reduction are even worse, moving away rather than towards the national EU 2020 target; calls for economic reinvigoration and an end to austerity policies in all Member States;
Amendment 33 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Points out that austerity measures, neo-liberal structural reforms and budget cuts in many Member States, in particular those under the supervision of the Troika, have led to a historically low level of private investment following a dramatic reduction in purchasing power and flagging demand, accompanied by a widening income divide and worsening poverty;
Amendment 34 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 40 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Strongly criticises President Juncker’s investment plan which involves recycling existing funds and seeks to leverage private capital in a ratio of 1:15 in an economic climate characterised by recession and deflation; notes that it does not constitute a reliable investment programme in which new funds support targeted measures and public and productive investments contributing to social progress, the creation of full employment, a reduction in unemployment, the strengthening of quality public services and environmental sustainability;
Amendment 43 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Takes note in that context of the establishment of a Task Force, led by the Commission and the European Investment Bank, with a view to identifying concrete actions to boost investment, including a pipeline of potentially viable projects of European relevance to be realised in the short and medium term; emphasises that this Task Force should explicitly identify hurdles and remedies for increasing investments and; emphasises that this Task Force should not act as in intermediary to subsidise private investment with public guarantees, but actively seek the involvement of Parliament, social partners and CSOs in the development of public investment projects;
Amendment 71 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Regrets the fact that, despite being a public bank, the EIB has a strict banking culture that does not meet the needs of society and the real economy and prevents it from fully playing its essential and aspirational role as a tool oriented towards supporting social cohesion. Economic considerations regarding sound investments with good returns and profits often dominate at the expense of sustainable, environmental and social considerations. It is therefore necessary to strike a new balance between better evaluation and the best possible investment, so that especially in the current critical climate projects that steer the economy towards a path of growth and promote full employment can be supported without hindrance;
Amendment 78 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission and the EIB to foster the inclusion of investment in the human capital within its scope of action, especially in Member States with high levels of unemployment and low rates of productivityto boost, by lending, activities designed to achieve full employment and reduce unemployment, support public and productive investments and indispensable infrastructure projects, especially in Member States with high levels of unemployment and low rates of productivity that are facing problems, are subject to stringent fiscal discipline programmes and have been particularly hard hit by the crisis;
Amendment 86 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Recalls that it is essential that the EIB cooperate with the European Funds especially in those Member States experiencing problems so that productive public investments and essential infrastructure projects can be carried out; regrets the fact that funding from the European Funds to Europe’s regions have been linked with compliance with harsh neoliberal macroeconomic conditions by Member States under the principle of ‘macroeconomic conditionality’, thus condemning them to permanent austerity and under- development;
Amendment 89 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Points out that investment programmes and growth tools in general must not be undermined by the terms and conditions of the Stability Pact, the economic governance package, the fiscal adjustment programmes and the Memoranda programmes. The new European Fund for Strategic Investments which will operate under the EIB as a special purpose fund must not be linked to the demand for new neoliberal structural reforms in Member States which would aggravate the devastating effects of the austerity programmes;
Amendment 91 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Points out that risk-sharing instruments ultimately involving the provision of public subsidies should only be foreseen where there are market failures generating external costs or for the execution of missions of general inteand diresct such as the provision of public goods and services of general economic interestpublic provision is not available;
Amendment 95 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Points out that any involvement of public resources in risk-sharing instruments and more specifically in first- loss tranches of investment vehicles should either be explicitly linked to the reduction of measurable external negative costs, or the generation of measurable positive external costs or the implementation of public services obligations and services of general economic interest; points out that Article 14 TFEU provides a legal basis for establishing such a link by means of an ordinary legislative proposal;
Amendment 97 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Points out the risk of innovative financial instruments and of trying to mobilise private resources to finance major projects and allowing the framework to be set by monopolistic forces and major market players rather than serving the needs of society and the interests of citizens; notes the risk of the privatisation of public infrastructure and that in the event of failure this will lead to society having to defray the losses;
Amendment 112 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls, therefore, for a comprehensive evaluation of the pilot projects on the basis of an inclusive and open consultation process that will involve public, national and local bodies; highlights also the need for funded projects to be evaluated in terms of added value, the environment, productivity and jobs; also calls on the Commission to submit, via the ordinary legislative procedure, a legislative proposal which will better frame the future project bond strategy, including an enhancement of the EIB performance indicators framework for quality investment, so as to identify and measure both the impact of the funded projects in terms of external costs and their social and environmental returns;
Amendment 114 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Is concerned by the potential generalization of Project Bond Initiatives as a means to reduce costs for private investment, either through lower interest rates or socialization of losses, rather than the more limited scope of providing support to investments of public interest where private investment can be shown to provide indispensable expertise or know- how that is not available to the public sector;
Amendment 155 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Calls on the EIB to take all necessary measures to ensure the utmost reliability of financial intermediaries, to enhance transparency in its lending and publish information on the amounts disbursed, the recipients of these funds, the regions and sectors to which they were allocated and the environmental, social and macroeconomic impact of these loans;
Amendment 158 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Reminds the EIB that it has a duty, in all its financial transactions, to implement mechanisms to safeguard European environmental, labour, social, human rights, transparency and public procurement standards;
Amendment 162 #
2014/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Expresses its concern about the lack of transparency regarding the way ‘global loans’ are allocated and monitored in terms of tax governance; recalls that the EIB should ensure that recipients of loans do not evade taxes by availing themselves of tax havens or use other harmful tax practices such as ‘tax rulings' and abusive transfer pricing;
Amendment 114 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas, according to the Commission’s autumn forecast, investment in the euro area decreased by 3.4 % in 2012, by 2.4 % in 2013 and by 17 % since the pre-crisis period, with the expected rebound rate in 2014 (0.6 %) and that anticipated for 2015 (1.7 %) being very weak; whereas a lack of investment can be just as detrimental to future generations as excessive public debt;
Amendment 118 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the euro area continues to be characterised by high and persistent current account imbalances, with surpluses reaching 10.4% of GDP in the Netherlands and 7.5% of GDP in Germany in 2013;
Amendment 119 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas inflation in the euro area has been consistently below the ECB inflation target for 2013 and 2014, dipping below 0 in December 2014;
Amendment 125 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas a European investment plan is being put in place to raiseguarantee almost EUR 31500 billion in newprivate investments with public funds over the next three years;
Amendment 170 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Believes that the current economic situation calls for urgent, comprehensive and decisive measures to face the threat of deflation or very low invery low inflation and the threat of deflation, low growth and high unemployment;
Amendment 176 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Believes that the current economic situation calls for urgent, comprehensive and decisive measures to face the threat of deflation or very low inflation, low growth and high unemployment as well as persistent current account imbalances and rising inequality;
Amendment 196 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the fact that the current economic governance framework does not allow for a proper debate on the economic perspective of the euro area or on an aggregate fiscal stance and does not address the different economic and fiscal situations on an equal footing;
Amendment 210 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses that public investment is crucial to correct structural imbalances within the European economy and ensure the transition towards a socially and environmentally sustainable economy;
Amendment 211 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Believes that high surpluses in the core of the Eurozone, most notably in Germany, are just as alarming as high deficits in the Eurozone periphery and therefore insists that macroeconomic imbalances must be considered of joint responsibility;
Amendment 212 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Finds that changes in economic governance have not fostered European solidarity, but instead resulted in great tensions and divisions between income groups and between surplus and deficit countries.
Amendment 213 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Believes that internal devaluation such as wage restraint is just as harmful to the collective of the euro zone as excessive debt;
Amendment 228 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that major policy initiatives which included policy recommendations were based on economic forecasts that had not anticipated the low growth and inflation experienced and have not fully taken into account the underestimation of the size of the fiscal multiplier, the importance of spillover effects across countries in a period of synchronised consolidation and the deflationary impact of cumulative structural reforms, leading to the failure of those initiatives;
Amendment 250 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the current situation calls for closer and inclusive economic coordination (to increased aggregate demand, improve fiscal sustainability and allow for fair and sustainable structural reforms and related investments) and for swift reactions so as to correct the most obvious fault lines in the economic governance framework;
Amendment 269 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Warns that the accumulation of procedures makes the economic governance framework complex and not transparent enough, which is detrimental to the ownership and acceptance by parliaments, social partners and citizens of guidelines, recommendations and reforms stemming from this framework;economic governance framework undermines the relevance of democratic choices made at the national and local level which is in contradiction with the primacy of local parliaments, social partners and citizens.
Amendment 286 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Believes that the economic governance framework has not been able to alleviate the negative social impacts of the crisis and has in some cases prolonged the crisis for ordinary people;
Amendment 289 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 314 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines all the existing provisions under the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) which have been put in place to ensure an anti counter-cyclical policy; finds it regrettable that these provisions were not put to full use in previous years, in the context of low inflation, low growth and high unemployment, even more so in the case of the countries under adjustment programmes;
Amendment 330 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. WelcomNotes the fact that in its interpretative communication on flexibility, the Commission acknowledges that the way in which the current fiscal rules are interpreted is crucial in bridging the investment gap in the EU and implementing growth-enhancing structural reforms;
Amendment 338 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Considers however that persisting poor economic performance should lead to a serious debate on those fiscal rules and their capacity to serve economic performance, job creation and fiscal sustainability;
Amendment 339 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Insists that the economic governance framework - in particularly the SGP - must not prevent Member States from adopting the necessary counter-cyclical actions aimed at stimulating internal demand, countering high unemployment, social exclusion and low growth;
Amendment 343 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Supports all the incentives to finance the new European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), mainly by making national contributions to the fund fiscally neutral as regards the SGP; calls for further clarification regardnew investments. Believes that all investment should be regarded as fiscally neutral as regards the SGP. Believes, however, that the primacy of private investors ing the concrete European Fund for Streatment of these contributions in accordance with the new paradigm set out in the communication;egic Investments (EFSI) implies an unequal distribution of risks which puts additional costs on taxpayers
Amendment 372 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Believes that the communication righdoes not sufficiently broadens the scope of the investment clause, and does not allowing for sufficient flexibility in the preventive arm of the SGP to accommodate investment programmes by the Member States, in particular as regards expenditure on projects under structural and cohesion policy, including the Youth Employment Initiative, trans- European networks and the Connecting Europe Facility, and co-financing under the EFSI; believes that this approach must be urgently reassessed to be symmetrically applied to; believes that this approach must be urgently reassessed, both in terms of broadening the scope to all investment programmes and of a similar treatment in the corrective arm of the SGP;.
Amendment 383 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 403 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Believes that structural reforms should be designed by national parliaments and governments, with full knowledge of each country's specific challenges and respect for the choices of its elected officials, and should have a positive socioeconomic return and contribute to increased administrative capacity;
Amendment 415 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Deplores, however, the fact that the communication does not touch upon the nature of ‘'unusual events’' falling outside the control of a Member State which could allow it to temporarily depart from the adjustment path towards achieving its MTO, leaving an unacceptable margin for discretion for european institutions and paving the way for the different treatment of similar situations;
Amendment 435 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Believes that morethere is no room for flexibility and soft laws exists under the SGP and in the European Semester; invites the Commission to build on this flexibility and to propose rule changes where neededUnderlines that economic performance in the Euro area as a whole, and in the peripheral economies in particular, strongly requires a new and flexible approach; invites the Commission to propose rule changes that allow for flexible ways of reaching economic, social and environmental sustainability;
Amendment 453 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Invites the Commission and the Council to better articulate the fiscal and macroeconomic frameworks, notably in the corrective arm of the SGP, to allow for earlier debate among stakeholders, taking into account the need to increase convergence between euro area Member States and the role of national parliaments and social partner and social partners and deliberation by national parliaments regarding the design and implementation of structural reforms;
Amendment 470 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Insists that the Annual Growth Survey (AGS) and euro area recommendation must be better designed and put to better use to allow for a global economic debate, notably as regards convergence in the euro areathe structural flaws and inequalities in the euro area and the rise in unemployment and social exclusion; proposes that the country-specific recommendations (CSRs) should be established on the basis of striking a better balance between the AGS and the macroeconomic imbalance procedure (MIP), and suggests that the euro area recommendation should be madenon- compulsory following a proper debate with the European Parliament, with incentives being offered so as to encourage the implementation thereof; requests that the excessive deficit procedure (EDP) recommendation be joined together with the CSRand preceded by a proper debate in National and European Parliaments;
Amendment 488 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Asks the Commission to verify whetherConsiders that the current 1/20 rule on debt reduction is sustainable and whether it needs to be reconsidernot viable for many of the member states and should be revoked;
Amendment 511 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Asks the Commission's to make the three-pillar strategy (investment, fiscal rules and structural reforms), presented in the AGS 2015, more concrete under the euro area recommendation and in the CSRs and to strengthen its approach by building a fourth pillar on taxation, with a particular focus on european-wide tax evasion, avoidance and arbitrage;
Amendment 541 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Believes that the MIP must be used in a much more balanced manner between deficit and surplus countries, also to address countries with significant room for action; calls on the Commission to specifically pursue decisively cases of current account imbalances in order to prevent increased economic divergence within the euro area;
Amendment 569 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Asks the Commission to take into account all relevant factors, including real growth and, inflation and unemployment, when evaluating the economic and fiscal situations of Member States under the EDP;
Amendment 598 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Commission, when evaluating the fiscal position of Members States, to include a better balance betweenassessment of the impact of the agreed fiscal measures and the fiscal figures based on estimated potential growth for GDP, output gaps and structural deficits that may introduce unexpected radical change at a later stage;on GDP growth, drawing from the experience of consistently optimistic forecasts for adjustment countries and the debate on the fiscal multiplier.
Amendment 614 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Believes there is a strong need for less complexity, better ownership, more transparency and democracy in economic governance; believes that looking forward towards deeper integration cannot be achieved by adding a new layer of rules to the already existing ones or by imposing economic policies on elected national governments or parliaments;
Amendment 624 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Acknowledges, based on the current situation, that the economic governance framework must be corrected and completed in both the medium and long term to allow for the EU and the euro area to meet the challenges of growth, economic convergence, long- lasting investment, job creation and reliance;
Amendment 662 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls for a new legal framework and a policy shift for future assistance programmes in order to ensure that all decisions are taken under the responsibility of the Commission with full and real involvement of European and National Parliament;
Amendment 687 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Requests that a reassessment of the Eurogroup’s decision-making process be conducted so as to provide for appropriate democratic accountability; believes that in the long term the Commissioner for Economic Affairs should assume the role of President of the Eurogroup;
Amendment 697 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Recalls that a ‘the realisation of a 'genuine Economic and Monetary Union’' (EMU) cannot simply be limited to a system of rules but also requires an increased euro area fiscal capawould require political and democratic support of a transfer union which is nowhere to be found in the EU. As it stands, the EMU will continue to exacerbate the macroeconomic imbalances within the Eurozone, leading to excessive surpluses and corresponding excessive deficity;s
Amendment 711 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
Amendment 751 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 – indent 1
Paragraph 37 – indent 1
– a ‘taxation union’commitment to European-wide measures against tax fraud and evasion and corporate tax dumping,
Amendment 766 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 – indent 2
Paragraph 37 – indent 2
– a social dimension, including a minimum wage mechanism and a minimum unemployment benefit scheme for the euro area and in-depth reforms to favour mobilityreduce income inequalities,
Amendment 796 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 – indent 4
Paragraph 37 – indent 4
– a euro area fiscal capacity notably to finance counter cyclical actions, structural reforms or part of debt reduction;
Amendment 7 #
2014/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
Α. whereas an, in addition to the estimated EUR 1 trillion of potential tax revenue is lost every year in the EU due to tax fraud and tax avoidance21, the resulting constraints on public investment and the decline in welfare protection levels are merely exacerbating the economic and social crisis in Europe; whereas this loss is a major risk to the efficiency and fairness of the EU tax systems, and facilitates socially detrimental profiteering which leads to growing inequality among EU citizens; __________________ 21 http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/taxa tion/tax_fraud_evasion/a_huge_problem/i ndex_fr.htm
Amendment 9 #
2014/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Αa. whereas lopsided austerity and drastic budgetary discipline combined with the major losses stemming from tax fraud and tax avoidance are putting even greater strain on the budgets of the Member States and harming the interests of taxpayers and workers in the Union;
Amendment 14 #
2014/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas, at a time when the peoples of Europe are bearing the brunt of austerity programmes and neoliberal structural reforms which entail cuts in wages, pensions and welfare benefits, the fact that secret tax agreements, tax avoidance on a global scale and the transfer of profits to tax havens are perfectly legal raises a major issue of social justice;
Amendment 25 #
2014/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Ε
Recital Ε
Ε. whereas the reduction of administrative burdens on businesses, particularly for SMEs and microenterprises, and the elimination of tax obstacles in cross- border activities havehas the potential to boost growth;
Amendment 29 #
2014/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas by imposing neoliberal structural reforms on Member States (MSs) the European Semester has playsed an essential role in coordinating economic and fiscal policies in the Member States (MSs)obvious role in institutionalising austerity, lowering wages, domestic demand and tax revenues and bringing about a disastrous increase in unemployment and poverty, the result of which has been a severe drop in living standards;
Amendment 46 #
2014/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that, if the phenomenon of tax fraud and tax avoidance is to be combated effectively at source, it is vital that the mandatory automatic exchange of information should be extended to cover areas other than VAT, excise and customs duties paid over to every MS and the mandatory welfare contributions paid over to every state social security scheme;
Amendment 62 #
2014/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that increased tax policy, tax rate and legislative harmonisation would ensure that Member States’ tax policies support wider EU policy objectives as set out in the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growthcontinue to punish tax avoidance and tax fraud and guarantee tax justice;
Amendment 73 #
2014/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses that the European Parliament does not have the legal means to punish tax fraud and tax avoidance, but criticises its failure to use effectively the powers it does have by calling for the setting-up of a committee of inquiry into tax ruling practices with a remit to carry out an in- depth study, make the facts public and draw up specific conclusions which pave the way for the implementation of targeted measures;
Amendment 130 #
2014/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the Commission to demonstrate genuine political will by taxing the real holders of wealth and by drawing up a comprehensive strategy incorporating specific, effective legislative measures to monitor international commercial activities, the profits generated by multinationals and intra- group transactions, to ban offshore companies and tax havens in the EU and to introduce a minimum rate of corporation tax in the eurozone;
Amendment 161 #
2014/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Deplores the fact that, as demonstrated by the recent Luxleaks revelations, tax ruling practices are entirely compatible with EU competition law in that they do not constitute preferential treatment of individual firms; stresses, therefore, that the fight against tax fraud is inextricably bound up with the measures which will have to be taken to address the much broader issue of the current architecture of the Union;
Amendment 220 #
2014/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Stresses that, if the measures taken to combat tax fraud and tax avoidance are to be effective, they must not be implemented in isolation, but instead as part of a long- term alternative policy; emphasises that a new, socially just European tax policy is needed which serves to redistribute wealth and generate growth and safeguard the interests of the MSs and workers and taxpayers in the Union;
Amendment 232 #
2014/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
Amendment 245 #
2014/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on the MSs to make their tax systems more redistributive, to strike a balance between direct and indirect taxation and to take steps to tax all forms of wealth and put an end to tax havens and tax avoidance;
Amendment 249 #
2014/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on MSs to shift the tax burden away from labour to other forms of sustainable and indirect taxationDraws attention to the emergence of socially unjust tax systems in many MSs, and calls on MSs to shift the tax burden away from labour and basic necessities to wealth, net profits and high incomes in order to promote growth and jobthe creation of high-quality jobs;
Amendment 264 #
2014/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Deplores and calls for the discontinuation of the unjust tax policies implemented in the MSs required to undertake economic adjustment programmes, in particular under the supervision of the troïka, policies which entail the retroactive taxation of low incomes and which thus serve to impoverish whole swathes of society, an outcome at odds with the principles of the proportional equality and progressivity of taxation;
Amendment 3 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Is of the opinion that the amounts entered in the Draft Budget (DB) 2015 for heading 1b to cover the minimum needs and objectives of cohesion policy as set by the Union in the Treaty and in the policy legislative framework for 2014-2020 are insufficient; in all the communications from the European Commission on the execution of payments for Structural Funds the Commission clearly reports a EUR 23.4 billion deficit on the appropriations to cohesion programmes;
Amendment 5 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes with concern the clear statement of the 6th Cohesion Report that regional disparities widened in particular during the crisis years 2008-2011, meaning that efforts of cohesion policy will have to be significantly increased in order to reach the goals of economic, social and territorial cohesion as stipulated in Article 174 TFEU;
Amendment 6 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Notes that 2015 will be the second year of implementation of the new ESI funds cycle; underscores the need for sufficient commitment and payment appropriations in order to ensure that the programmes reach the intended number of beneficiaries and thus impact;
Amendment 8 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes with concern the decrease in payment appropriations under heading 1b by 5,0% to EUR 51 601,9 million over 2014, while the so-called increase in commitment appropriations of +3,6% stems mainly from the proposed mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument in 2015 to address the situation of Cyprus; recalls that instruments such as the ESF, the ERDF, the Cohesion Fund or the Youth Employment Initiative are of particular importance during a crisis, and that the first victims of payment decrease are always the weaker stakeholders, such as Member States with budgetary constraints, local and regional authorities, outermost regions, SMEs, NGOs, social partners;
Amendment 11 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes with concern that, while the proposed level of payment appropriations will be mainly dedicated to covering outstanding commitments and the winding down of programmes while at same time most of the instruments have seen their scopes increased (e.g.: Fund for most deprived), the Commission declares that the payments backlog will continue to grow and is expected to reach aroundbove the EUR 1823.4 billion already reached at the end of 20153, even if DAB No 3/2014 is approved;
Amendment 17 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Condemns mechanisms introduced by the new CPR such as the macroeconomic conditionalities and the performance reserve, which could punish local and regional authorities in a budgetary context they are not responsible for;
Amendment 14 #
2008/2330(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
- having regard to the UN International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights 1966,
Amendment 31 #
2008/2330(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas Europethe EU faces a demographic change of which the most important features are a life expectancy increase and a low fertility rate, which is partially the result of the economic crisis,
Amendment 42 #
2008/2330(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas social dialogue can be important to tackle the confidence crisis that is being aggravated by the economic crisis because many people in our society are afraid of the future, and currently their concerns are not of fighting for more rights, but of trying to maintain their current rights,
Amendment 72 #
2008/2330(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Article 2
Article 2
2. Notes that social policy should cover key actions such as a better balance between social rights and market freedomstronger social rights, combating discrimination and promoting equality and strengthening the European social models; considers that neither economic freedoms nor competition rules should take precedence over fundamental social rights;
Amendment 82 #
2008/2330(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Article 4
Article 4
4. Emphasizses the need to find ways to strengthen the national social security systems with a long-term perspective, especially concerning pensions and health care services; stresses that there is potential to enhance the financial sustainability of pension systems as well as the quality and efficiency of health care services through the improvement of their organisation and access, respecting the principles of subsidiarity; also underlines that in the current context of economic instability, the need for concrete financial State support is of great importance;
Amendment 84 #
2008/2330(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Article 4 a (new)
Article 4 a (new)
4a. Points out that most Member States have schemes for a national minimum wage, but that several do not; encourages Member States to provide for such schemes in order to promote social inclusion, and urges them to exchange best practices; recognises that, where there is provision of social assistance, Member States have a duty to ensure that citizens understand and are able to obtain their entitlement;
Amendment 94 #
2008/2330(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Article 6
Article 6
6. Calls for a more effective prevention and combating of early school leaving under the motto that 'school pays off'; calls for effectively organised education systems and school curricula adapted to tomorrow's economy;
Amendment 102 #
2008/2330(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Article 7 a (new)
Article 7 a (new)
7a. Considers that active social inclusion policies must make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty and social exclusion, both for those in paid employment (the "working poor") and for those not in paid employment;
Amendment 120 #
2008/2330(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Article 11
Article 11
Amendment 130 #
2008/2330(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Article 13
Article 13
13. Suggests to social partners that they could discuss new methodologies for wage policies which could include higher incorporation of companies' proceeds in employees' earnings through the use of schemes that mitigate the impact of inflation; considers that such schemes could allow for channelling employees' extra earnings to special capital funds created by companies; calls for a debate regarding incentives for companies to engage in those methodologies, and furthermore calls for a debate regarding a legal framework that regulates the access of employees to those funds in a gradual way over timeUnderlines that inflation should not influence the income and employment conditions of employees;
Amendment 144 #
2008/2330(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Article 17
Article 17
17. Stresses that a successful immigration policy needs, on the basis of equal opportunities, to efficiently balance rights and obligationimprove the fundamental social rights of immigrants and locals;
Amendment 170 #
2008/2330(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Article 26
Article 26
Amendment 173 #
2008/2330(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Article 27
Article 27
Amendment 193 #
2008/2330(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Article 38 a (new)
Article 38 a (new)
38a. Emphasises the need for the adoption of a legally binding charter of fundamental social rights;
Amendment 3 #
2008/2213(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas there is a need for the EU to combat negative economic trends by focusing on education and research and to do everything possible to ensure employment, security and mobility for young people and to keep them in the European Union,
Amendment 18 #
2008/2213(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Expresses its concern at the lack of flexible contracts for experienced researchers and researchers at the end of their careers, while calling for full protection of social security and pension rights for all researchers;
Amendment 25 #
2008/2213(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to adopt measures facilitating the reconciliation of work and family life and supporting women researchers;
Amendment 1 #
2008/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. Whereas the target to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010 will not be achieved and the negative social and economic impact of biodiversity loss and declining ecosystem services are already being felt,
Amendment 7 #
2008/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Coordination of existing tools and legislation 3a. Calls for a better coordination of existing tools and practical implementation of legislation to safeguard biodiversity through the protection and conservation of wild European fauna and flora;
Amendment 8 #
2008/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to develop an EU wilderness strategy, coherent with the Birds and Habitats Directives, using an ecosystem approach, identifying threatened species and biotopes, and setting priorities;
Amendment 18 #
2008/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Member States to exchange their experiences, best practices and lessons learned about wilderness areas;
Amendment 19 #
2008/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 9 #
2008/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses the need to reduce passenger fares of all public transport, according to social criteria, in order to enhance their daily use by a growing number of citizens and therefore reduce the use of polluting private means of transport.
Amendment 12 #
2008/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Underlines that all public transport should become more accessible and friendly to citizens with disabilities;
Amendment 19 #
2008/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that cyclalternative methods of transport, such as cycling or walking, particularly in cities, saves on energy and space, isare noise- free, and isare very effective in combating obesity and diseases linked to a lack of physical activity; stresses also the need to promote those alternative methods of transport by creating special, appropriate zones, such as cycling lanes and walking-friendly areas.
Amendment 26 #
2008/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a.Encourages the European Commission to provide help and information to cities which promote the new culture of urban mobility;
Amendment 31 #
2008/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Highlights the need to promote discussion and cooperation between local authorities in all Member States in order to exchange best practices, experiences and measures;
Amendment 48 #
2008/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b.Points out the need to introduce a new culture of urban mobility in the early stages of education, starting from elementary school.
Amendment 104 #
2008/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Supports the Commissions view that a balance between targeting the diversity of modern family structures and targeting the rights of the child achieves the best outcomes in combating child poverty;
Amendment 105 #
2008/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Asks the Commission to promote a well-balanced policy mix adequately resourced and underpinned by clear objectives and targets taking into account the specific national context and focusing on early intervention;
Amendment 106 #
2008/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11c. Calls on the Member States to strengthen the mutual learning process and the monitoring on successful and unsuccessful policies combating child poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 107 #
2008/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 d (new)
Paragraph 11 d (new)
11d. Stresses the importance of integrated, holistic family policies going beyond active inclusion to address all aspects of child and family well-being and to eradicate child poverty and social exclusion in the European Union;
Amendment 108 #
2008/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 e (new)
Paragraph 11 e (new)
11e. Calls on the Member States to exchange best practices on children’s participation and to promote involvement of children in decisions concerning their own future as participation of children is the best way to apply a child perspective;
Amendment 125 #
2008/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Supports the Commissions view that the European Union must realise its potential for inclusive labour markets by improving the attractiveness of jobs, creating quality jobs and promoting quality in employment, providing a high level of health and safety at work, increasing productivity and active support for the most disadvantaged;
Amendment 163 #
2008/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Agrees with the Commission that all services of general interest, including network industries such as transport, telecommunication, energy and other public utilities or financial services should play an important role in ensuring social and territorial cohesion and should contribute to active inclusion;
Amendment 18 #
2008/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Article 1 – paragraph 4
4. Matters shall be considered to be transnational where they concern the Community-scale undertaking or Community-scale group of undertakings as a whole, or at least twoone undertakings or establishments of the undertaking or group situated in two in a different Member States.
Amendment 19 #
2008/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) ‘Community-scale undertaking’ means any undertaking with at least 10500 employees within the Member States and at least 1500 employees in each of at least two Member States;
Amendment 20 #
2008/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) 'Community-scale group of undertakings' means a group of undertakings with the following characteristics: – at least 10500 employees within the Member States, – at least two group undertakings in different Member States and – at least one group undertaking with at least 1500 employees in one Member State and at least one other group undertaking with at least 150 employees in another Member State;
Amendment 21 #
2008/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) ‘'information’' means the transmission of data byto the employer to the employees' representatives es, by the competent organ of the Community-scale undertaking order to enable them to acquaint themselves with the subject matter and to examine it; information shall take place at such time, in such fashion and with such content as are appropriate and which will enabl group of undertakings, through the European Works Council, on questions which concern the Community scale undertaking or group of undertakings itself and any of its establishments/subsidiaries or establishments situated in another Member State or which exceed the powers of the decision-making organs in a single Member State, in good time and at regular intervals, with a content which allows the employees'’ representatives, in particular, to carry out an appropriate examination and to prepare the consultation, where necessary; to undertake an in-depth assessment of and to formulate an opinion on the possible impact and, where appropriate, prepare consultations with the competent organ of the undertaking or group of undertakings, with the right to veto when these conditions have not been met.
Amendment 22 #
2008/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) ‘'consultation’' means the establishment of dialogue and exchange of views between the European Works Council or the employees' representatives and central managemthe competent or gany more appropriate level of management, at such time, in such fashion of the undertaking or group of undertakings, in good time, in a manner and with such a content that, on the basis of the information provided, enables employees' representatives to express an opinion to the competent organ of the Community- scale undertaking or Community-scalewhich allows the European Works Council or employees' representatives, on the basis of conclusive written information, to express an opinion on measures envisaged by the competent organ which may be taken into account in the decision- making process within the undertaking or group of undertakings;
Amendment 26 #
2008/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) The central management and local management and the competent European and national workers' and employers' organisations shall be informed in advance of the composition of the special negotiating body and of the start of the negotiations and shall be entitled to attend the meeting of the special negotiation body as observers.
Amendment 28 #
2008/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2
In compliance with this principle, Member States may lay down budgetary rules regarding the operation of the special negotiating body. They may in particular limit the funding to cover one expert only.
Amendment 32 #
2008/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – indent 3
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – indent 3
– where, after threone years from the date of this request, they are unable to conclude an agreement as laid down in Article 6 and the special negotiating body has not taken the decision provided for in Article 5(5), unless the parties agree to extend negotiations for a period of up to six months; – where no meeting with the special negotiating body has taken place for a period of more than four months.
Amendment 33 #
2008/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. Without prejudice to the competence of other bodies or organisations in this respect, the memberployees' representatives of the European Works Council shall have the means required to apply the rights stemming from this Directive and collectively represent the interests of the employees of the Community-scale undertaking or Community-scale group of undertakings and shall have the means required to apply the rights stemming from this Directive.
Amendment 34 #
2008/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. Without prejudice to Article 8, the memberployees' representatives of the European Works Council shall inform the representatives of the employees of the establishments or of the undertakings of a Community-scale group of undertakings or, in the absence of representatives, the workforce as a whole, of the content and outcome of the information and consultation procedure carried out in accordance with this Directive.
Amendment 35 #
2008/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 4
Article 10 – paragraph 4
4. In so far as this is necessary for the exercise of their representative duties in an international environment, the members of the special negotiating body and of the European Works Council shall be permitted to attend training without loss of wagesentitled to receive training. Time spent travelling to and from a European Works Council training events as well as time participating in the training shall be considered as working time.
Amendment 38 #
2008/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall provide for appropriateffective, appropriate and dissuasive measures in the event of failure to comply with this Directive; in particular, they shall ensure that adequate administrative or judicial procedures are available to enable the obligations deriving from this Directive to be enforced.
Amendment 39 #
2008/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Member States shall, in situations involving, inter alia, restructuring, mergers or takeovers, in which the application of a decision may have major negative effects on employees, provide for the suspension of the adoption of the final decision for an appropriate period at the request of the employees' representatives if they violate information or consultation rights with a view to continuing the negotiations in order to reach an agreement and avoid or alleviate the negative effects of the situation.
Amendment 40 #
2008/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. The Member States shall introduce measures at national and European level in the event of a failure by employers or employees' representatives to comply with this Directive. In particular, Member States shall ensure that there are administrative and legal procedures which can be used to enforce compliance with the Directive, including procedures whereby employers and employees' representatives may seek legal redress, either administratively or through the courts, if they consider that the other party is failing to fulfil its obligations.
Amendment 53 #
2008/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – point 2
Annex I – point 2
2. The European Works Council shall have the right to meet with the central management ontwice a year, to be informed and consulted, on the basis of a report drawn up by the central management, on the progress of the business of the Community-scale undertaking or Community-scale group of undertakings and its prospects. The local managements shall be informed accordingly.
Amendment 19 #
2008/0229(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 - paragraph 1
Article 2 - paragraph 1
1. 'petrol' means petrol as defined in Article 2(1a) of Directive 98/701994/63/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council1; 1 OJ L 350, 2865, 31.12.19984, p. 5824
Amendment 12 #
2008/0195(COD)
Proposal for a directive - amending act
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) In the light of the Commission report and the impact assessment, self-employed drivers should be exincluded fromwithin the scope of Directive 2002/15/EC.
Amendment 14 #
2008/0195(COD)
Proposal for a directive - amending act
Recital 8
Recital 8
Amendment 34 #
2008/0195(COD)
Proposal for a directive - amending act
Article 1 – point 2 –point c
Article 1 – point 2 –point c
Directive 2002/15/EC
Article 3 – point e
Article 3 – point e
Amendment 22 #
Amendment 24 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Citation 1
Citation 1
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 95s 42, 152 and 308 thereof,
Amendment 26 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Given that that the conditions for recourse to Article 95 of the Treaty as a legal basis are not fulfilled, the Community legislature shall rely on thise same legal basis even when public health protection is a decisive factor in the choices made; in this respect Article 95(3) of the Treaty explicitly requires that, in achieving harmonisation, a high level of protection of human health should be guaranteed taking account in particular of any new development based on scientific factsas Regulation 883/2004/EC on the coordination of social security systems, and also shall take Article 152 of the Treaty into account.
Amendment 33 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Some issues related to cross-border healthcare, in particular reimbursement of healthcare provided in a Member State other than that in which the recipient of the care is resident, have been already addressed by the Court of Justice. As healthcare wasAs health care was rightfully excluded from the scope of Directive 2006/123/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on services in the internal market it is still important to address these issues in a specific Community legal instrufor Member States to ensure the accessibility of their respective public health care systems for patients and to continue concluding bilateral agreements in order to achieve a more general and effective application of principles developed by the Court of Jusor improve cooperation which promotes and benefits the rights of patients for high quality health care and treatment according to Article on a case by case basis152 of the EC Treaty.
Amendment 34 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) This directive aims to establish a general framework forcomplement Regulation (EEC) 1408/71 and its successor Regulation(EC) 883/2004 with regard to the provision of safe, high quality and efficient cross-border healthcare in the Community and to ensure patients mobility and freedom to provide healthcarethe application of patients' rights in the framework of patients mobility and a high level of protection of health, whilst fully respecting the responsibilities of the Member States for the definition of social security benefits related to health and the organisation and delivery of healthcare and medical care and social security benefits in particular for sickness.
Amendment 41 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19
Recital 19
Amendment 42 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
Recital 21
Amendment 44 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 22
Recital 22
Amendment 45 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
Amendment 47 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 26
Recital 26
Amendment 55 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) Realising the potential of the internal market for cCross-border healthcare requires cooperation between providers, purchasers and regulators of different Member States at national, regional or local level in order to ensure safe, high quality and efficient care across borders. This is particularly the case for cooperation in border regions, where cross-border provision of services may be the most efficient way of organising health services for the local populations, but where achieving such cross-border provision on a sustained basis requires cooperation between the health systems of different Member States. Such cooperation may concern joint planning, mutual recognition or adaptation of procedures or standards, interoperability of respective national information and communication technology systems, practical mechanisms to ensure continuity of care or practical facilitating of cross- border provision of healthcare by health professionals on a temporary or occasional basis. Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications stipulates that free provision of services of a temporary or occasional nature, including services provided by health professionals, in another Member State should not, subject to specific provisions of Community law, be restricted for any reason relating to professional qualifications. This Directive shouldall be without prejudice to those provisions of Directive 2005/36/EC.
Amendment 58 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1
Article 1
This Directive establishes a general framework foraims at complementing the existing framework on the coordination of social security systems (Regulation (EEC) 1408/71 and its successor Regulation (EC) 883/2004) with a view to the application of patients' rights in the context of the provision of safe, high quality and efficient cross-border healthcare.
Amendment 70 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Amendment 99 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Subject to the provisions of this Directive, in particular Articles 76, 87 and 9, the Member State of affiliation shall ensure that insured persons travelling to another Member State with the purpose of receiving healthcare there or seeking to receive healthcare provided in another Member State, will not be prevented from receiving healthcare provided in another Member State where the treatment in question is among the benefits provided for by the legislation of the Member State of affiliation to which the insured person is entitled. The Member State of affiliation shall reimburse the costs to the insured person, which would have been paid for by its statutory social security system had the same or similar healthcare been provided in its territory. In any event, it is for the Member State of affiliation to determine the healthcare that is paid f, according to the same mechanisms as provided for by Regulation (EEC)1408/71 and its successor rRegardless of where it is providedulation (EC) 883/2004.
Amendment 103 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. The costs of healthcare provided Member States must ensure that physicians and service providers which are working anos contract partners of their Member State shall be reimbursed by the Member State of affiliation in accordance with the provisions of this Directive up to the level of costs that would have been assumed had the same or similar healthcare been provided in the Member State of affiliation, without exceeding the actual costs of healthcare receivedrespective national health systems or statutory social security systems are obliged to accept the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), E-112 form etc. and treat patients showing their EHIC on the same conditions as stipulated by Regulation (EEC)1408/71 and its successor Regulation (EC) 883/2004 Member States must oblige service providers to post an EHIC symbol in the lobby of the service provider (e.g. in a similar way to credit cards in shops and restaurants) to indicate that the EHIC is accepted there in line with those Regulations.
Amendment 107 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
3. The Member State of affiliation may impose on a patient seeking healthcare provided in another Member State, the same conditions, criteria of eligibility and regulatory and administrative formalities for receiving healthcare and reimbursement of healthcare costs as it would impose if the same s must ensure that physicians and service providers which are working as contract partners of their respective national health systems or statutory social security systems are prohibited from treating patients from another Member State on a private basis or demanding upfront cash payments from them, in such cases that the patient can prove her or his status as an insured person of the respective statutory similar healthcare was provided in its territory, in soocial security system of the respective Member State of affiliation by virtue of, faor as they are neither discriminatory nor an obstacle to freedom of movement of personsexample, the European Health Insurance Card, and theE-112 form..
Amendment 108 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Amendment 113 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 5
Article 6 – paragraph 5
5. Patients travelling to another Member State with the purpose of receiving healthcare therereceiving healthcare in a Member State other than their Member State of affiliation or seeking to receive healthcare provided in another Member State shall be guaranteed access to their medical records, in conformity with national measures implementing Community provisions on the protection of personal data, in particular Directives 95/46/EC and 2002/58/EC.
Amendment 119 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8
Article 8
Amendment 160 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. The Member State of affiliation shall ensure that administrative procedures regarding the use of healthcare in another Member State related to any prior authorisation referred to in Article 8(3), reimbursement.22.1 c) and Art. 22.2 of Regulation (EEC) 1408/71, coverage of costs of healthcare incurred in another Member State and other conditions and formalities referred to in Article 6(31), are based on objective, non- discriminatory criteria which are published in advance, and which are necessary and proportionate to the objective to be achieved. In any event, an insured person shall always be granted the authorisation pursuant to Regulations on coordination of social security referred to in Art. 3.1 f) whenever the conditions of Art.22.1 c) and Art. 22.2 of Regulation (EEC) 1408/71 are met.
Amendment 162 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 3
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall specify in advance and in a transparent way the criteria for refusal of the prior authorisation referred to in Article 8(3).
Amendment 378 #
2008/0015(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The access referred to in paragraph 1 shall be provided in a transparent, objective and non-discriminatory manner determined by the Member State. The Member State shall apply the objectives of fair and open access, taking into account:
Amendment 44 #
2007/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas various new categories of the population such as young adolescents, adults with young children, elderly people and migrants appear as emerging risk groups,
Amendment 73 #
2007/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Regrets the lack of urgency in the White Paper; is concerned that all actions are deferred to a review by 2010 while further research is conducted; and calls on the Commission to propose concrete steps to tackle the rise of obesity and diet related disease as a priority;
Amendment 92 #
2007/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that effective self-regulation needs to be accompanied by clear and concrete targets for all parties concerned and by monitoring of these targets;
Amendment 94 #
2007/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls, however, for more tangible measures especially targeted at children and at-risk groups such as elderly people, especially women, disabled persons, and poor and unemployed people, and young adolescents;
Amendment 139 #
2007/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a Invites the Commission to develop policies, including legislation, to protect children from commercial influences such as marketing and branding of energy-dense foods and fast food outlets;
Amendment 276 #
2007/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls, as a matter of urgency, for an EU wide 9pm watershed on the advertising of foods high in fat, sugar and salt to children;
Amendment 1 #
2007/2264(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1
Paragraph -1
-1. Underlines the conclusion of the European Ombudsman that the failure of the Commission to deal with the petitioner's complaint within a reasonable period of time constitutes maladministration;
Amendment 7 #
2007/2264(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that this case is only one - and not the most serious - example of the systematic failure by various Member States to comply with the basic provisions of Directive 2003/88/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 November 2003 concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time1, as can be seen from the Extended Impact Assessment (SEC(2004)1154) which the Commission produced before embarking on the planned review of the directive in question; reminds the Commission that further complaints have been addressed to the Ombudsman regarding other Member States' failure to comply with Directive 2003/88/EC;
Amendment 9 #
2007/2264(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses that the Commission must take action, in particular as regards the issues addressed in the complaint (namely the time spent on call) in order to ensure that Member States fully comply with the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Communities that time spent on call at the workplace must be regarded as working time and that compensatory rest must be granted immediately after a combined period of normal duty and on- call time;
Amendment 10 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Title
Title
Council Decision on guidelines for the employment policies guidelines of the Member States for good work and social progress (under Article 128 of the EC Treaty)
Amendment 12 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2 – introductory part
Recital 2 – introductory part
Amendment 15 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2 – indent 1
Recital 2 – indent 1
- attractingreducing unemployment and retaining more people in quality employment, increasing labour supply and modernisimproving social protection systems,
Amendment 21 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2 – indent 2
Recital 2 – indent 2
- improving adaptability of workers and enterpriseenterprises and improving security for workers, and
Amendment 30 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3
Recital 3
Amendment 33 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
Amendment 42 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex − paragraph 1 − indent 1
Annex − paragraph 1 − indent 1
- Full employment: Achieving full employment, and reducing unemployment and inactivity, by increasing the demand for and supply of labour through an integrated flexicurity approachjob and growth-friendly macro-economic policies, facilitated by the ´Good Work Agenda´, as promoted by the informal meeting of the Ministers for Employment, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection in Berlin on 18 to 20 January 2007, is vital to sustain economic growth and reinforce social cohesion. This requires policies that address simultaneously the flexibility of labour markets,active labour market policies, improvement of work organisation an, good labour relations, and employment security andjob protection legislation and improvement in social security systems.
Amendment 43 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex − paragraph 1 − indent 2
Annex − paragraph 1 − indent 2
- Improving quality and productivity at work: Efforts to raise employment rates go hand in hand with improving the attractiveness of jobs, quality at work, labour productivity growth, reducing segmentation andby improving supportive measures for easier access to work, stepping stones to assist progress into stable and legally secure employment, by promoting upward social mobility concerning transitions both in work and between jobs and reducing the proportion of working poor. Synergies between quality at work, productivity and employment should be fully exploited.
Amendment 47 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex − Guideline 17
Annex − Guideline 17
Guideline 17. Implement active employment policies aiming at achieving full employment, improving quality, security and productivity at work, and strengthening social and territorial cohesion. Policies should contribute to achieving an average employment rate for the European Union (EU) of 70 % overall, of at least 60 % for women and of 50 % for older workers (55 to 64) by 2010, and to reduce unemployment and inactivity. Member States should consider setting nat, reduce the proportion of working poor and ensure that more people are in stable and permanent labour contracts. Member States should consider setting quantitative and qualitative, national and regional employment rate targets.
Amendment 51 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – paragraph following Guideline 17 – indent 1
Annex – paragraph following Guideline 17 – indent 1
- attracreducing unemployment and retaining more people in quality employment, increaseing labour supply and moderniseimproving social protection systems,
Amendment 54 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – paragraph following Guideline 17 – indent 2
Annex – paragraph following Guideline 17 – indent 2
- improving the adaptability of workers and enterprises,enterprises and security for workers, and
Amendment 63 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex –- Section 1 – title
Annex –- Section 1 – title
1. AttracReducing unemployment and retaining more people in high-quality employment, increaseing labour supply and moderniseimproving social protection systems
Amendment 72 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 1 – Guideline 18 – Title
Annex – Section 1 – Guideline 18 – Title
Guideline 18. Promote a lifecycle approach to workDirect the employment policy to the needs of people during different stages of life through:
Amendment 73 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 1 – Guideline 18 – indent 1
Annex – Section 1 – Guideline 18 – indent 1
- a renewed endeavour to provide young people with high-quality and individually appropriate education and vocational training in order to build employment pathways for young people and reduce youth unemployment, as called for in the European Youth Pact,
Amendment 78 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 1 – Guideline 18 – indent 2
Annex – Section 1 – Guideline 18 – indent 2
- resolute action to increase female participation and reduce gender gaps in employment, unemployment and pay and promoting of gender equality,
Amendment 79 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Guideline 18 –- indent 3
Annex – Guideline 18 –- indent 3
- better reconciliation of work and private life and the provision of accessible and affordable high-quality childcare facilities for 90 % of the children to mandatory school age and care for other dependants,
Amendment 80 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 1 – Guideline 18 – indent 4
Annex – Section 1 – Guideline 18 – indent 4
- support for active ageing, including appropriate working conditions, improved (occupational) health status and adequate incentives to work and discouragement of early retirement,
Amendment 82 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 1 – Guideline 18 – indent 4 a (new)
Annex – Section 1 – Guideline 18 – indent 4 a (new)
- promoting new social rights with a view to a work-life balance approach, including the right to training and care leave, temporary working-time reduction and guaranteed right to return to full-time employment afterwards, long-term sabbaticals, and the guarantee of youth apprenticeships, training or employment 6 months after finishing full-time education;
Amendment 83 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 1 – Guideline 18 – indent 5
Annex – Section 1 – Guideline 18 – indent 5
- modernimprovement of social protection systems, including pensions and healthcare, ensuring their social adequacy, financial sustainability and responsiveness to changing needs, so as to support participation and better retention in employment and longer working lives,
Amendment 86 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex − Section 1 – Guideline 18 − indent 5 a (new)
Annex − Section 1 – Guideline 18 − indent 5 a (new)
- strengthening transitional security based on good job protection by enhancing social rights and social protection to prevent income risks and ensure, inter alia, the maintenance and acquisition of pension rights and health care coverage during employment transitions as well as leave periods (e.g. care for dependent persons, further training and education, sabbaticals) during the course of a person's life;
Amendment 94 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex − Section 1 –Guideline 19 − indent 2
Annex − Section 1 –Guideline 19 − indent 2
- continual review of the incentives and disincentives resulting from the tax and benefit systems, including the management and conditionality of benefits and a significant reduction of high marginal effective tax rate, with a view to phasing out activation measures that force the unemployed into 'bad job traps' (subject to low pay, low quality, low social protection and low perspectives) and to keep the benefit system sufficiently generous, notably for those with low incomes, whilst ensuring adequate levels of social protection,
Amendment 95 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex − Section 1 –Guideline 19 − indent 3
Annex − Section 1 –Guideline 19 − indent 3
- development of new sources of jobs in services for individuals and businesses, the not-for profit sector and the social economy, notably at local level.
Amendment 99 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 2 – Title
Annex – Section 2 – Title
2. Improve adaptability of workers and enterpriseenterprises and provide good security of workers
Amendment 107 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex − Section 2 − Guideline 21 − title
Annex − Section 2 − Guideline 21 − title
Guideline 21. Promote flexibility combined with employment securitythe Good Work Agenda with enhanced workers' rights (e.g. good job protection legislation) and reduce labour market segmentation, having due regard to the role of the social partners, through:
Amendment 126 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 21 – indent 1
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 21 – indent 1
- the adaptation of employment legislation, reviewing where necessary the different contractual and working time arrangepromoting stable and secure contractual arrangements based on permanent full- time employment as the EU's norm established by the social acquis, taking action against abusive labour practices especially in certain non-standard contracts in order to phase out precarious employment and poverty in work, and promoting upward social mobility by facilitating transitions into stable and secure high-quality employments,;
Amendment 133 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 21 – indent 3
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 21 – indent 3
- better anticipation and positive management of change, including economic restructuring, notably changes linked to trade opening, so as to minimise their social costs and facilitate adaptation,
Amendment 135 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 21 – indent 4
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 21 – indent 4
- the promotion and dissemination of innovative and adaptable forms of work organisation, with a view to improving quality and productivity at work, including health and safety,
Amendment 138 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 21 – indent 5
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 21 – indent 5
- support factive labour market policies to support transitions in occupational status, including training, self-employment, business creation and geographic mobility.
Amendment 145 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 22 – indent 1
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 22 – indent 1
- encouraging social partners within their own areas of responsibility to set the right framework for wage bargaining in order to reflect productivity and labour market challengper compensation for productivity increases, inflation and a redistributive component in wage increases at all relevant levels and to avoid gender pay gaps,
Amendment 148 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 22 – indent 1 a (new)
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 22 – indent 1 a (new)
- since real wage moderation discourages firms to increase productivity, which leads to a slowdown of productivity growth, stopping repeated calls at a European level for wage moderation, which disrespects the responsibilities of social partners and only leads to a downwards spiral in salaries and purchasing power and to growing inequalities,
Amendment 149 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 22 – indent 2
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 22 – indent 2
- reviewing the impact on employment of non-wage labour costs like exorbitant company profits and top incomes and where appropriate adjust their structure and level, especially to reduce the tax burden on the low-paid.which can lead to a redistribution and greater share for wages especially the low paid with a view and to establish a system of progressively rising social security contributions or taxes of the employers, according to the principle ‘the lower the employment status (short period, weak perspectives, high risks), the higher contributions to social security’, in order to discourage insecure forms of employment,
Amendment 150 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 22 – indent 2 a (new)
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 22 – indent 2 a (new)
- fighting poverty and precarious employment by introducing an EU norm for the level of minimum incomes for social inclusion (60 % of the respective national GPD per capita) and the level of minimum wages (60 % of the respective average national wage).
Amendment 151 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 22 – last paragraph following second indent
Annex – Section 2 – Guideline 22 – last paragraph following second indent
Amendment 155 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 3 – Guideline 23 – indent 3
Annex – Section 3 – Guideline 23 – indent 3
- efficient lifelong learning strategies open to all in schools, businesses, public authorities and households according to European agreements, including appropriate incentives and cost sharing mechanisms, financing, rights and entitlements to lifelong learning, with a view to enhancing participation in continuous and workplace training throughout the life-cycle, especially for the low-skilled and older workers.
Amendment 158 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 3 – Guideline 24 – indent 1
Annex – Section 3 – Guideline 24 – indent 1
- raising and ensuring the attractiveness, openness and quality standards of education and training, broadening the supply of education and training opportunities and ensuring flexible learning pathways and enlarging possibilities for mobility for students and trainees, guaranteeing, through the social partners and public authorities, investment in lifelong learning by agreeing on a 2 % benchmark as a percentage of the GPD (total public and private spending),
Amendment 160 #
2007/0300(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Section 3 – Guideline 24 – indent 2
Annex – Section 3 – Guideline 24 – indent 2
- easing and diversifying access for all to education and training and to knowledge by means of working time organisation, family support services, vocational guidance and, if appropriate, new forms of cost sharing,
Amendment 64 #
2006/0129(COD)
Article 5 – paragraph 5
5. The Commission shall, by 2025, verify verify by 2015 that emissions, discharges and losses as reflected in the inventory are making progress towards compliancecan be expected to comply, by 2025, with the reduction orand cessation objectives laid down in Article 4(1)(a)(iv) of Directive 2000/60/EC, subject to Article 4(4) and (5) of that Directive. . The Commission shall submit a report on this verification to the European Parliament and the Council. If the report shows that compliance is unlikely to be achieved, it shall propose the necessary Community measures pursuant to Article 251 of the Treaty by 2016. Or. en (Reinstatement of Parliament's amendment 69 from first reading)
Amendment 168 #
2006/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 56 – paragraph – 3 a (new)
Article 56 – paragraph – 3 a (new)
3a. In order to enhance the mobility of workers, jobseeking across Member States it is necessary to ensure closer and more effective coordination between Member States' unemployment schemes and their employment services. An unemployed person residing in the Member State in which he/she pursued his/her last activity, who fulfil the criteria set out in the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Communities in case C-1/85, Horst Miethe v Bundesanstalt für Arbeit1, shall be entitled to the benefits accruing to an unemployed person in the competent Member State. 1 [1986] ECR 1837.
Amendment 20 #
2004/0209(COD)
The European Parliament rejects the Council common position.
Amendment 26 #
2004/0209(COD)
Recital 7
(7) There is a need to strengthen the protection of workers' health and safety and for greater flexibility in organising working time, particularly with regard to on-call time and, more specifically, inactive periods during on-call time, and also to strike a new balance between also to strengthen employees' rights to the reconcilingation of work and family life on the one hand and more flexible organisation of working time on the other.
Amendment 27 #
2004/0209(COD)
Recital 8
(8) Workers should be afforded periods of compensatory rest in circumstances where rest periods are not granted. The rules on determination of the length of the reasonable period within which equivalent compensatory rest is granted to workers should be left to the Member Statesstrictly applied in accordance with the rulings of the European Court of Justice, taking into account the need to ensure the safety and health of the workers concerned and the principle of proportionality, namely that compensatory rest must be granted immediately after a combined period of normal duty and on- call time.
Amendment 34 #
2004/0209(COD)
Article 1 – point 2
Directive 2003/88/EC
Article 2a
Article 2a
The inactive part of on-call time shall not be regarded as working time unless national law or, in accordance with national law and/or practice, a collective agreement or an agreement between the social partners provides otherwise. The inactive part of on-call time may be calculated on the basis of an average number of hours or a proportion of on- call time, taking account of experience in the sector concerned, by collective agreement or agreement between the social partners or by national legislation following consultation of the social partners. The inactive part of on-call time shall not be taken into account in calculating the daily or weekly rest periods laid down in Articles 3 and 5 respectively, unless otherwise provided for: (a) in a collective agreement or an agreement between the social partners; or (b) by means of national legislation following consultation of the social partners. The period during which the worker actually carries out his activity or duties during on-call time shall alwaysentire period of on-call time, including the inactive part, shall be regarded as working time.
Amendment 41 #
2004/0209(COD)
Article 1 – point 2
Directive 2003/88/EC
Article 2a a (new)
Article 2a a (new)
Article 2a a Calculation of working time In the case of workers having more than one contract of work, and for the purposes of implementation of this Directive, the worker's working time shall be the sum of the periods of time worked under each of the contracts.
Amendment 54 #
2004/0209(COD)
Article 1 – point 3 − point b
Directive 2003/88/EC
Article 17 – paragraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 2
(b) in paragraph 2, the words "provided that the workers concerned are afforded equivalent periods of compensatory rest" shall be replaced by "provided that the workers concerned are afforded equivalent periods of compensatory rest within a reasonable period, to be determined by national legislation or a collective agreement or an agreement concluded between the social partnersimmediately following periods of time spent on duty";
Amendment 55 #
2004/0209(COD)
Article 1 – point 3 − point d - point i
Directive 2003/88/EC
Article 17 – paragraph 5 - subparagraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 5 - subparagraph 1
(d) paragraph 5 shall be amended as follows: (i) the first subparagraph shall be replaced by the following: "5. In accordance with paragraph 2 of this Article, derogations may be made from Article 6 in the case of doctors in training, in accordance with the provisions set out in the second to the sixth subparagraphs of this paragraph."; (ii) the last subparagraph shall be deleted.
Amendment 57 #
2004/0209(COD)
Article 1 – point 4
Directive 2003/88/EC
Article 18 − paragraph 3
Article 18 − paragraph 3
In Article 18, in the third paragraph, the words "on condition that equivalent compensating rest periods are granted to the workers concerned" shall be replaced by "on condition that equivalent compensating rest periods are granted to the workers concerned within a reasonable period, to be determined by national legislation or a collective agreement or an agreemimmediately following periods of time spent concluded between the social partners duty".
Amendment 58 #
2004/0209(COD)
Article 1 – point 5
Directive 2003/88/EC
Article 19
Article 19
Without prejudice to Article 22a(b) and by way of derogation from Article 16(b), Member States shall have the option, subject to compliance with the general principles relating to the protection of the safety and health of workers, of allowing, for objective or technical reasons, or reasons concerning the organisation of work, the reference period to be set at a period not exceeding twelve months: (a) by collective agreement or agreement between the social partners, as laid down in Article 18; or (b) by legislative or regulatory provision following consultation of the social partners at the appropriate level. In making use of the option pursuant to point (ba) of the first paragraph, Member States shall ensure that employers respect their obligations as laid down in Section II of Directive 89/391/EEC.".