Activities of Tatjana ŽDANOKA
Plenary speeches (49)
Importance of European remembrance for the future of Europe (RC-B9-0097/2019, B9-0097/2019, B9-0098/2019, B9-0099/2019, B9-0100/2019)
Foreign electoral interference and disinformation in national and European democratic processes (B9-0108/2019, B9-0111/2019)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
General budget of the European Union for 2020 - all sections (A9-0017/2019 - Monika Hohlmeier, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
Recent actions by the Russian Federation against Lithuanian judges, prosecutors and investigators involved in investigating the tragic events on 13 January 1991 in Vilnius (RC-B9-0182/2019, B9-0182/2019, B9-0183/2019, B9-0184/2019, B9-0185/2019, B9-0186/2019)
Annual report 2018 on the human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union's policy on the matter (A9-0051/2019 - Isabel Wiseler-Lima)
European Citizens’ Initiative – Minority SafePack (debate)
Deliberations of the Committee on Petitions 2019 (debate)
Human rights situation in Kazakhstan
European Citizens’ Initiative ‘End the cage age’’ (debate)
EU Blue Card Directive (debate)
Employment and social policies of the euro area 2021 (debate)
Deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2020 (debate)
Situation in Kazakhstan
EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine (debate)
European Semester for economic policy coordination: annual sustainable growth survey 2022 – European Semester for economic policy coordination: employment and social aspects in the annual sustainable growth strategy survey 2022 (debate)
EU Citizenship Report 2020 (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
Adequate minimum wages in the European Union (debate)
Situation of fundamental rights in the EU in 2020 and 2021 (debate)
Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
The erosion of the rule of law in Greece: the wiretapping scandal and media freedom (topical debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
European Semester for economic policy coordination 2023 - European Semester for economic policy coordination: Employment and social priorities for 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)
This is Europe - Debate with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
This is Europe - Debate with the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz (debate)
This is Europe - Debate with the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides (debate)
Protection of journalists and human rights defenders from manifestly unfounded or abusive court proceedings (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Putting the European economy at the service of the middle class (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
State of the Union (debate)
Parliamentarism, European citizenship and democracy (debate)
European Media Freedom Act (debate)
Need for a speedy adoption of the asylum and migration package (debate)
Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan’s attack and the continuing threats against Armenia (B9-0405/2023, RC-B9-0393/2023, B9-0393/2023, B9-0397/2023, B9-0399/2023, B9-0400/2023, B9-0402/2023, B9-0404/2023)
Urgent need for a coordinated European response and legislative framework on intrusive spyware, based on the PEGA inquiry committee recommendations (debate)
Fighting disinformation and dissemination of illegal content in the context of the Digital Services Act and in times of conflict (debate)
Strengthening the right to participate: legitimacy and resilience of electoral processes in illiberal political systems and authoritarian regimes (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
This is Europe - Debate with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Nikolay Denkov (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Shadow reports (9)
REPORT on the proposal for a Council decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States
REPORT on the outcome of the Committee on Petitions’ deliberations during 2019
REPORT on an old continent growing older – possibilities and challenges related to ageing policy post-2020
REPORT on the protection of persons with disabilities through petitions: lessons learnt (Petitions Nos 2582/2013, 2551/2014, 0074/2015, 0098/2015, 1140/2015, 1305/2015, 1394/2015, 0172/2016, 0857/2016, 1056/2016, 1147/2016, 0535/2017, 1077/2017, 0356/2018, 0367/2018, 0371/2018, 0530/2018, 0724/2018, 0808/2018, 0959/2018, 0756/2019, 0758/2019, 0954/2019, 1124/2019, 1170/2019, 1262/2019, 0294/2020, 0470/2020, 0527/2020, 0608/2020, 0768/2020, 0988/2020, 1052/2020, 1139/2020, 1205/2020, 1299/2020, 0103/2021 and others)
REPORT on the proposal for a Council decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States
REPORT on employment and social policies of the euro area 2021
REPORT on the deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2020
REPORT on the EU Citizenship Report 2020: empowering citizens and protecting their rights
REPORT on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: employment and social aspects in the annual sustainable growth survey 2022
Opinions (1)
OPINION on the protection of the rights of the child in civil, administrative and family law proceedings
Shadow opinions (8)
EMPL recommendations on the negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
OPINION on the Situation of Fundamental Rights in the European Union - Annual Report for the years 2018-2019
OPINION on reducing inequalities with a special focus on in-work poverty
OPINION on reversing demographic trends in EU regions using cohesion policy instruments
OPINION on the shaping of a digital education policy
OPINION on the European Education Area: a shared holistic approach to education, skills and competences
OPINION on better regulation: joining forces to make better laws
OPINION on the implementation of inclusion measures within Erasmus+ 2014-2020
Oral questions (1)
Waiver of patent protection to speed up vaccine production in the EU
Written explanations (3)
Human Rights and Democracy in the World and the EU policy on the matter - annual report 2019 (A9-0259/2020 - Isabel Santos)
. – I voted against this report, and the major reason for this is my belief that the global EU human rights sanctions mechanism may not be an ‘essential part of the EU’s human rights and foreign policy toolbox’ (see para 67). The only toolbox to strengthen the EU’s role as a ‘global human rights actor’ is substantial improvement of the human rights situation in the EU itself. Those who claim to be judges for others are themselves involved in the political persecution of their own citizens. In order to mention the names of all political prisoners in the European Union much more place than this file allows is needed. In my country, Latvia, people are prosecuted for their political opinion or even for the fact of working for certain media. In neighbouring Lithuania, former Member of Parliament, Algirdas Paleckis, is persecuted for his opinion, dissenting from the ‘official’ one. In Spain, my former colleagues MEPs Oriol Junqueras and Raül Romeva, as well as a number of other Catalan people, are imprisoned. The EU, as it is now, is not suitable for the role of a judge for third countries in human rights matters, since people have every right to ask the question: who are the judges?
75th and the 76th sessions of the United Nations General Assembly (A9-0173/2021 - María Soraya Rodríguez Ramos)
I abstained in the vote since I believe that the statement of §1a of this report is far from reality and that advancing democracy, the rule of law, the universality and the indivisibility of human rights is NOT at the core of the EU’s common foreign and security policy and that this is NOT reflected in all areas of the Union’s relations with non-EU countries and institutions. In my opinion, the EU professes a policy of double standards in relations with non-EU countries depending on geopolitical interests as well on the internal political problems of some EU Member States forcing governments to reorient the public debate towards alleged foreign threats. The EU and its Member States have to hold themselves to the same standards that they demand of third countries concerning human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. The EU, as it is now, is not suitable for the role of a judge for third countries in human rights matters.
Russian aggression against Ukraine (B9-0123/2022)
. ‒ I stand for peace. Therefore, I voted against this resolution calling for an escalation of the military confrontation. That is how, and not otherwise, one can regard the calls for the EU and its Member States “for contributions towards strengthening Ukraine’s defence capacities to be increased” (paragraph 24), ‘to accelerate the provision of defensive weapons to Ukraine’ (paragraph 25) and ‘to continue providing the strongest possible economic and financial support to Ukraine, as well as macro-financial and technical assistance wherever needed, including in defence- and security-related areas’ (paragraph 31).The President of the European Commission in her speech at the session of the European Parliament on 1 March 2022 declared that EUR 500 million from the EU budget will be used to purchase arms for Ukraine. This is the first time the EU finances the provisions of lethal equipment.Eight years ago, we witnessed many cases of civil confrontation in various regions of Ukraine, leading to numerous tragedies. In my speeches at Parliament at that time, I emphasised that the reason lay in a different vision of the future for the country among different segments of the population. In 2013, the Ukrainian population was already divided into two equal parts: those who were against European accession and those who were in favour. Besides that, the overwhelming majority was against Ukraine joining NATO. Ignoring this fact for the sake of their geopolitical interests on the part of the leaders of the European Union and other international global players has led to the current tragic situation in the very centre of the European continent.
Written questions (14)
Risks associated with AESAN’s plan to relax rules on freezing on board freezer vessels
Transparency of contracts for COVID-19 vaccines
European Citizens’ Initiative as a tool for citizens’ participation in the EU decision-making process
Minimum 10 % allocation for education in national plans and the RRF evaluation process.
Rejection by the Galician artisanal fishing and shellfish fleet of the obligation to keep an electronic journal
Coronavirus vaccinations in EU prisons and detention centres
The assassination of Jamal Khashoggi.
Non‑discriminatory treatment of children with regard to the EU digital COVID‑19 certificate scheme – measures taken by the Council
Discriminatory practices against minorities in Slovakia
Discriminatory decision by the French Constitutional Council against speakers of regional and minority languages
Current state of the fight against endometriosis in the EU
Cuba on the so-called ‘list of state sponsors of terrorism’
Recognition of qualifications in the EU and mobility of citizens
The uncontrolled and unjustified increase in the cost of bottled water in both European cities and airports
Individual motions (1)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the lifting of sanctions on Syria for humanitarian purposes
Amendments (1018)
Amendment 10 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Calls for abolishing Article 51 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union in order to widen the scope of the Charter;
Amendment 22 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that the right to petition is a citizright of all residen’ts rightof the Union, which plays a fundamental role as a direct participatory democracy tool; recalls that petitions can be used as means of creating opportunities for public debate and of initiating policy and legislative changes; calls on the Member States and the Commission to do their utmost to ensure that petitions are adequately followed up;
Amendment 9 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic is placing a heavy burden on all people in the EU, particularly those from moreon women and on vulnerable groups, such as women, peoplepersons with disabilities, children, young people and the elderly, in their everyday lives, working lives and livelihoods2 3 ; _________________ 2 Bundesinstitut für Bevölkerungsforschung, Belastungen von Kindern, Jugendlichen und Eltern in der Corona-Pandemie, 2021. 3 European Commission, Joint Employment Report 2021.
Amendment 18 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the RRF created an unprecedented structure adapted to addressing the complex effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on economy, people, society and institutions;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas social and territorial cohesion is one of the six pillars of the RRF; whereas creatingmitigating the social and economic impact of the crisis, contributing to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and fostering high- quality employment creation, which is particularly important for women and the most disadvantaged groups, is one of the objectives included in the RRF Regulation;
Amendment 38 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the consultation and involvement of the EU stakeholders strongly varies between countries and regions;
Amendment 50 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that the COVID-19 crisis has already left many people jobless or in precarious employment; cCalls on the Commission and Member States to fight against youth unemployment and to ensure that young people, especially those not in employment, education or training (NEETs), receive adequate, paid and quality first working experience;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 65 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. SIs concerned that many NRRPs do not properly reflect the ambitions set by the European Child Guarantee and that they reflect only partially those of the reinforced Youth Guarantee; stresses that Member States must adopt reforms and include investments in the next generation, children and youth in line with the objectives of the Child Guarantee and reinforced Youth Guarantee; recalls that there is RRF funding expressly available for the development of education, training and skills, particularly digital skills; stresses, further, the importance of the mutual recognition of skills, qualifications and competences in fostering labour mobility;
Amendment 72 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Recalls that the social consequences of the pandemic have been manifold and have unevenly burdened lower income and vulnerable groups while at the same time reinforcing the need for public services; observes that the social expenditure in the NRRPs focuses on employment incentives for specific disadvantaged groups, reforms of employment protection legislation and labour contract regulation; regrets that only some NRRPs contain measures for the development of proper care services and temporary support measures; calls for increased public expenditure to ensure the provision of accessible highquality public services;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Recalls the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 crisis on people’s mental health; is concerned that many Member States did not include sufficient measures to make mental health care accessible and highlights that mental health should represent an integral part of the EU’s socio-economic recovery from the pandemic and anoccupational health priority;
Amendment 107 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to support legislative and policy initiatives aimed at reducing inequalities and promoting decent working conditions for all, with a particular focus on telework, the right to disconnect, mental well-being at work, occupational health and safety, ensuring quality and safe jobs for essential workers, and strengthening the role of the social partners and collective bargaining; calls in this regard for the swift adoption of the directives on improving working conditions in platform work and on adequate minimum wages in the European Union;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Notes that many NRRPs include explanations on how the plan addresses gender-related concerns; observes that some NRRPs contain measures focusing on the participation of women in the labour market and the reduction of the gender pay gap; notes however that these measures fall short of what would have been needed to ensure agender-equal recovery; regrets that current available data show that jobs are largely created in male-dominated sectors without accompanying measures to increase the presence of women in those sectors;
Amendment 128 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. WelcomNotes the creation and publication of the Recovery and Resilience Scoreboard.;
Amendment 130 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Underlines that the Facility aims at contributing to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, introducing better policies for the next generation; considers that for the delegated acts on recovery and resilience scoreboard and on social expenditure to comply and be in line with the aims of the Regulation, clear methodologies are crucial for displaying the progress on the implementation of the recovery and resilience plans regarding the above mentioned aspects;
Amendment 135 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Regrets these delegated acts do not provide a robust and comprehensive methodology to track and to report on the social dimension and impacts of the RRF that would live up to the objectives of the Regulation; underlines that the social expenditure methodology must follow the structure of the European Pillar of Social Rights and analyse the contribution to each one of the 20 principles; stresses that common indicators must include indicators reflecting all the social areas included in the RRF that allow an assessment of the performance of the Facility; calls on the Commission to come forward with complementary social indicators tracking notably the implementation of the 20 principles of the EPSR through the NRRPs;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. Insists once again on the essential role played by EU stakeholders in the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the RRPs; regrets that the RRF Regulation does not contain a formal assessment criterion when it comes to the involvement 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; deplores once more the fact that many Member States have not or only inadequately involved regional and local authorities in the drafting process of the NRRPs;
Amendment 141 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4 d. Concludes that the design and implementation of the RRF offer important lessons and can serve as an inspiration for reforming the European Semester; calls on the European Commission to integrate effectively the social dimension into the Semester process;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas in coordinating economic, budgetary, employment and social policies in the Member States, the European Semester must respect rules on sound public financeensure Member States’ public finance sustainability while enabling fiscal support for the recovery in uncertain times and funding for the ecological and digital transitions;
Amendment 47 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic is placing a heavy burden on individuals and families in terms of their everyday lives, working lives and general livelihoods2 ; __________________ 22021 report of the Bundesinstitut für Bevölkerungsforschung entitled ‘Belastungen von Kindern, Jugendlichen und Eltern in der Corona-Pandemie’.
Amendment 50 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas certain groups of population, such as women, young people, low-skilled workers and those with a migrant background have been disproportionally hit by the COVID-19 pandemic2a; __________________ 2a Joint Employment Report
Amendment 63 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the EU’s climate targets represent a challenge ton opportunity for the economy and society to improve people’s wellbeing; whereas they also present opportunities for businesses and opportunities to credeploy workers, which will mean that socially vulnerable people, families and micro-enterprises will come under pressureate more sustainable, better quality jobs, that must give opportunities to workers in situations of vulnerability;
Amendment 67 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
Amendment 78 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas demographic change affects social systems and markets3 , in particular the care sector; __________________ 3 Commission report of 17 June 2020 on the impact of demographic change (COM(2020)0241).
Amendment 82 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas on account of artificial intelligence, the economy is on the verge of a transformation, with the opportunity to become more robust and more resilient; whereas, however, this transformation will also raise challenges for many workers and may have disadvantages in certain sectors such as the social services sector; whereas workers need to be provided with the necessary training to meet the skills needed to work with the evolving technology and the twin transitions;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas skilled workers, education, training and further trailife-long learning are of key importance for markets4 ; whereas upskilling, reskilling and training programmes must be available for all workers, including those with disabilities, free of cost for the worker, and should also be adapted to the needs and capacities of workers; __________________ 4 Report by SME United, Business Europe and SGI Europe of 13 October 2021 entitled ‘Annual sustainable growth strategy 2022: Social partners’ consultations – Employers’ views.
Amendment 97 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas work-related illnesses and injuries cost the European Union 3.3 % of its GDP5 ; whereas workers have the right to secure a healthy, safe and accessible work place and environment that lives up to and contributes to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and Occupational Safety and Health standards; __________________ 5Commission communication of 28 June 2021 entitled ‘EU strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027: Occupational safety and health in a changing world of work’ (COM(2021)0323).
Amendment 101 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the well-being of people in the EU is at the heart of a modern sustainability and economic strategy; points out that the dimensions set out in the annual sustainable growth strategy – social and environmental sustainability, productivity, equityfairness and macroeconomic stability – are mutually reinforcing and serve as guiding principles for the development of the national recovery and resilience plans and necessary reforms in order to achieve a sustainable, resilient and inclusive economic model;
Amendment 110 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the aim of sustainable economic growth must be to weather future crises in the best possible wayensure an inclusive socio-ecological transformation of our economies, preventing social, economic and environmental imbalances by fighting poverty, reducing inequalities, creating decent jobs with adequate wages and working conditions, and be in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is concerned thatabout debts incurred by countries were already heavily indebted before the COVID-19 pandemic, that these debts are to be borne by future generations and that some Member Statewhile noting that interest charges as share of public debts, as well as shave little room for manoeuvre to support economic recovery through national measures; is convinced that additional instruments are needed that do not place a lasting burden on national budgetsres of GDPs are both lowering, is convinced that additional instruments at the EU level to complement and stabilise national efforts are needed to ensure a safe recovery and prepare the ground for the just transition;
Amendment 122 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls for an ambitious debate on the future of the EU economic governance framework, preventing procyclicality and ideologically-driven austerity calls, and allowing sufficient fiscal spaces for public investment and just transitions processes, while maintaining a high level of quality of universal public services and preserving fiscal sustainability;
Amendment 143 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is convinced that bureaucratic obstacles hinder economic growth; calls on the Commission to recommend reforms to all Member States for immediate implementation to cut red tape and simplify access to funding opportunities;
Amendment 162 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises the central role in the EU strategic framework of health and safety at work; notes that prevention so as to ensure safe and healthy working conditions contributes to the health of workers in order to maintain productivity and competitivenesssecure their rights and ensure their wellbeing;
Amendment 164 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted pre-existing structural problems of the social sector, in particular in long-term care, including issues such as staff shortages, poor working conditions, low wages and low uptake of digital solutions;
Amendment 172 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that wages increasing purchasing power is a guaranteed means of ensuring further economic recoverye, following productivity trends, is a fundamental tool for ensuring further economic recovery stimulating domestic aggregate demand while ensuring citizens’ well-being;
Amendment 179 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that 22.4 % of the EU population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, of which 24.9 % are children6 ; stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic makes the child guarantee even more important, and that risk of poverty rises to 34.6% for persons with a disability 6a , stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic makes the child guarantee, the Reinforced Youth Guarantee and the EU Disability Rights Strategy even more important to be implemented at national level; calls on the Commission to be more active in combating poverty, especially child poverty and in-work poverty; __________________ 6European Commission web page entitled ‘Poverty and social exclusion’, accessed on 10 January 2022. 6a http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/su bmitViewTableAction.do
Amendment 185 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Considers that quality, adequate, accessible and affordable social services are a pre-requisite for the recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic and the successful implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, in particular in reducing poverty and social exclusion in all its forms;
Amendment 187 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Notes that the headline target of reducing poverty by 15 million will not be reached without addressing the most vulnerable; calls on the European Commission and Member States to develop targeted ways of supporting the long-term unemployed and homeless, as well as persons facing multiple barriers and discriminations;
Amendment 195 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that families are the main victims of the COVID-19 pandemic; calls on the Commission to introduce a 25/25 child cost allowance; stresses that the amount will be split betweuncil and the Member States to be ambitious in the full and rapid implementation of the European Child Guarantee whose objective is to prevent a national allowancnd combat poverty and social exclusion by guaranteeing free uander the responsibility of the Member States and a direct EU benefit; stresses that families need this money, and that they would sp effective access for children in need to key services such as early childhood education and care, educational and school-based activities, healthcare and at least one healthy meal per school day, and effective access for all childrend it and in turn contribute to the economyn need to healthy nutrition and adequate housing;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that a 25/25 child allowance is an economic stimulus package that is geared towards people, comballs for the EU and the Member States to tackle the structural problems causing child poverty and social exclusion by promoting a high level of employment and social inclusion, in particular among disadvantaged groups; calls on Member States poverty, generates purchasing power and provides incentives that favour demographic changeto ensure the effective establishment of the European Child Guarantee across the Union by mainstreaming the guarantee across all policy sectors, and urges them to make use of existing EU policies and funds for concrete measures that contribute to eradicating child poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 209 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Underlines the need of the country-specific recommendations in the European Semester to invest in adequate disability allowance that is compatible with other forms of income, to reduce the risk of poverty faced by persons with disabilities;
Amendment 210 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9 b. Stresses the need for decisive and effective social investment at European, national and regional level to strengthen social services;
Amendment 215 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the need to ensure social equality in employment relationshipsadequate social protection policies for all;
Amendment 227 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to identify shortages at production sites – e.g. of semiconductors – in order to re- Europeanise them and provide them with financial support;
Amendment 235 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to ensure the economy is crisis-resistant, to attract investment and entrepreneurship and to ensure a fair and social EU with well- paid jobs that respect the principle of equal pay for equal work or work for equal value, and good salaries for entry level positions, decent and safe working conditions and strong social protection systems;
Amendment 240 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Stresses that minimum incomes are needed to lift people out of poverty and urges the Commission to come forward with EU legislation to guarantee a minimum income for those most at risk of exclusion;
Amendment 245 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses the need to address skills shortages and gaps; notes that these shortages are holding back productivity and economic growth; expresses concern that digital skillsy are preventing workers from entering into the EU need to play catch up and that this is reflected in the shortage of IT professionalslabour market; emphasises the importance of focusinged vocational training on the digital and green transitions; demands that EU training content become more uniform and at all stages of education and continuing through life long learning, with an especial focus for STEM skills for girls and women; demands that EU training content be further tailored to better help those furthest behind and that qualifications be more widely recognised, including among third country nationals, ensuring the recognition of educational qualifications, strong and soft skills across Member States as well as acquired outside of the EU;
Amendment 248 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls the European Commission to set a priority to the reform of and investment in long-term care in the European Semester process and needs of providing quality, accessible, affordable and adequate long-term care with the focus on community-based, person- centred and empowering care services, which meet the needs of people and are accessible to persons with lower incomes; notes that investment in long-term care is an opportunity to create jobs; stresses the importance of paying attention to creating quality jobs with decent wages and working conditions;
Amendment 249 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that training, education and research are key to economic policyformal and non-formal education as well as strengthening career guidance from an early age and equal access to information and support for students and adult learners can help them discover or foster their interest, talents, skills and competences and potentially choose suitable educational and vocational pathways leading to employment opportunities fit best for them;
Amendment 255 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Considers that the transition to a low-carbon economy must be based on a social market economy; stresses the need to enable public and private sector financing and promote research and innovation in new technologies, while safeguarding jobsdecent jobs; notes that although public investment (financed by both national sources and RRF grants and loans) is forecast to increase from 2019 figures in 2021 and 2022 each, according to the Commission 2021 spring forecast, this level is only reaching the share of public investment before the Great Financial Crisis of 2008/2009, while European support was absent at that time;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2166(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that the role of the better regulation programme is improving regulatory principles and reducing unnecessary burdens for businesses and citizens; underlines the importance of enabling citizens to fully exercise their democratic right to participate in the EU’s decision-making process and ensuring citizens’ direct participation; underlines that it is essential for the EU to ensure increased transparency at different levels of policy-making and to make the EU institution's internal databases and repositories publicly accessible; calls on the Commission to continuously improve public consultations in order to ensure citizens’ participation and to take into account feedback from other institutions on such activities; stresses that public consultations on better law-making in the EU should be accessible to citizens and civil society through different outreach channels, should be translated into all official and co-official languages of the Member States, and should have easy-to- access documents;
Amendment 14 #
2021/2166(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises that better regulation must be an interinstitutional effort, with Parliament and the Council also sharing responsibility; highlights the fact that the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality are the guiding principles of the EU when it chooses to act; recalls, in that regard, Article 1 of the Treaty on European Union, which provides that the decisions at EU level shall be taken as openly and closely as possible to the citizens; considers that clearer rules on the handling of petitions by the Commission would improve the transparency of the system and its effectiveness towards resolving the issues raised in petitions by European citizens. The European Commission and the European Parliament should consider the option of framing their relationship regarding the handling of petitions with a more binding agreement, as the current Inter-institutional Agreement does not cover petitions;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas in some EU Member States stateless persons with long-term residency status are not fully involved in democratic participation and, in particular, are deprived of a right to participate in municipal and/or European elections; whereas the Commission did not come up with the recommendation on approximating equality for stateless minorities e.g. Roma as it was proposed in the European Citizens’ Initiative ‘Minority SafePack – one million signatures for diversity in Europe’;
Amendment 72 #
2021/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that statelessness is a barrier to enjoying EU citizenship rights; regrets the lack of rights conferred through EU long-term resident status and the possibility for Member States to impose limits on free movement; is deeply concerned that only EU citizens are protected from discrimination under the acquis; stresses that as a result, stateless persons with long-term residency status cannot enjoy free movement of persons or services, are not covered by Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas18 (the Visa Code), and do not enjoy rights equal to those in, for example, Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 of 27 November 2003 concerning jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and the matters of parental responsibility19 (the Brussels IIa Regulation); calls on the Commission to revise Council Directive 2003/109/EC concerning the status of third-country nationals who are long-term residents20 and, as a priority, concerning the status of recognised refugees and stateless persons and other persons who do not hold the nationality of any country, who reside in a Member State and who are holders of a travel document issued by that Member State, and to introduce opportunities to approximate EU long-term resident status to EU citizen status, in particular, as regards the right to participate in municipal and European elections; _________________ 18 OJ L 243, 15.9.2009, p. 1. 19 OJ L 338, 23.12.2003, p. 1. 20 OJ L 16, 23.1.2004, p. 44.
Amendment 80 #
2021/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the Commission’s intention, announced in its EU Citizenship Report 2020, to update the directives on the voting rights of mobile EU citizens in municipal and European elections (Council Directives 94/80/EC and 93/109/EC); stresses, in this regard, the urgency of removing all barriers and difficulties which hinder the exercise of voting rights, including by persons with disabilities, increasing and facilitating the provision of information on European elections and voting procedures (possibly through a single EU-wide information platform), and exploring and implementing remote voting options, including electronic voting, in order to increase and facilitate democratic participation; calls on the European Commission to propose measures to increase the participation of people with racial or ethnic minority background in elections;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
— having regard to the 2021 Long- term care report, jointly prepared by the European Commission and the Social Protection Committee,
Amendment 12 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Covid-19 pandemic and crisis has had an uneven impact on social groups, sectors and regions; whereas the most vulnerable have been hit hardest and is leading to an increase of poverty level across the EU; whereas the most vulnerable have been hit hardest; whereas the crisis has had a devastating effect on different vulnerable groups and has posed an unprecedented challenge on the workforce providing elderly care;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas unequal societies create a climate of competition, stress and disillusionment that leads to all members of society, not justespecially the deprived, suffering from reduced levels of wellbeing;
Amendment 33 #
2021/2062(INI)
D. whereas young people have experienced the sharpest decline in employment15 th have been one of the groups hardest hit by the pandemic and the crisis; whereas young people have experienced forced online learning and the sharpest decline in employment15 and as a consequence are facing more mental health challenges; whereas workers with precarious employment conditions including seasonal workers and migrants have been particularly exposed to job losses because of the pandemic and had suffered from a lack of social protection; _________________ 15 https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/nb/publi cations/report/2021/covid-19-implications- for-employment-and-working-life
Amendment 48 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas, regarding the social dimension of the RRF, the Regulation establishes the general objective of promoting the Union´s economic, social and territorial cohesion by mitigating the social and economic impact of the crisis, in particular on women due to the increasing care and labour burden unevenly shared by gender and segregated and precarious labour market participation, by contributing to the implementation of the EPSR and to upward social convergence, and by fostering high quality employment creation;
Amendment 59 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that according to the treaties the Union shall work for the sustainable development of Europe based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive social market economy aiming at full employment and social progress, healthy and safe working environments and conditions, social progress and covergence, a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment, the promotion of scientific and technological progress, combating poverty, social exclusion and discrimination, and promoting social justice and protection, equality between women and men, solidarity between generations and protection of the rights of the child; insists that these goals must be the overarching priorities for the EU’s long-term sustainable growth strategy in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the EPSR, the Green Deal, and underpin Member States’ recovery and resilience plans; calls on the Commission to establish the future alignment of the European Semester along these goals and strategies, making the European Semester a truly comprehensive tool;
Amendment 72 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that economic policy cannot be analysed from a purely macroeconomic perspective focused on traditional indicators of growth, debt, deficit and employment rate; insists that the Sustainable Semester must be based on an integrated approach combining economic, social and, environmental and climate policies that together address structural change for social progress, sustainable development and well-being;
Amendment 75 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes EU leaders’ commitment to the implementation of the EPSR and to the three new EU headline targets to be achieved by 2030; warns, however, that the ambition remains insufficient and unable to combat discrimination, as well as it does not meet Sustainable Development Goals targets; calls on Member States to adopt more ambitious national targets that will exceed the Commission proposal with a focus on intersectional discrimination;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Recalls that in order to achieve the 2030 SDGs and to properly integrate them in the Semester process, a revision of the Social Scoreboard is needed with indicators on in-work poverty and homelessness; stresses that the Social Scoreboard indicators must be broken down by age, gender, country of birth and disability status; calls on the Commission to align the Social scoreboard and the EPSR with the SDGs on gender equality;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Deplores the fact that the pandemic has increased existing inequalities and deteriorated the situation of the most vulnerable, particularly that of people at risk or experiencing homelessness; urges the Commission to propose a comprehensive Antipoverty Strategy, and calls on the Commission and Member States to increase investment into poverty reduction with an intersectional focus and into affordable housing; calls for an EU Framework of National Homelessness Strategies with a dedicated target of ending homelessness by 2030;
Amendment 112 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls that the President of the Commission has committed to placing sustainability, social inclusion and citizens’ well-being at the heart of the EU economic strategy; deplores the fact that this is not reflected in the Commission’s analysis and in the submitted National Recovery and Resilience Plans; calls on the Commission to integrate social and environmental imbalances into its analysis in the framework of the Semester;
Amendment 122 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets that the Commission is still proposing measures that might pututting at risk the adequacy and sustainability of social protection systems in Member States by continuing to promoteing reforms aiming to shift taxation from labour to the environment, especially in a context of serious macroeconomic imbalances; warns about the risks of replacing stable taxes with others from more volatile sources; stresses that the EU should first consolidate the minimum corporate tax of 15 % to avoid tax dumping and ensure fairness for the middle class and working people in the EU;
Amendment 135 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights the importance of integrating sustainable well-being in the EU budgetary planning; stresses the importance of setting up a comprehensive and integrated framework with a specific attention to the most vulnerable and marginalised groups of the society;
Amendment 143 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is concerned about over- indebtedness arising from the pandemic and its economic and social consequences, and stresses that people and SMEs have to be protected from being trapped into over- indebtedness; believes, that regarding non- performing loans, it is not credit purchasers and credit servicers who should be supported, but rather it is European SMEs, workers and civil society; therefore calls for extending of moratoria on evictions in cases of household rent arrears to avoid an increase in evictions that can lead to increase of homelessness;
Amendment 168 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Agrees with European leaders, with regard to economic and social governance of the EU, on the need for a regular assessment of progress towards the 2030 headline targets and upward convergence at the highest political level; including a revision of the headline targets towards the SDG targets, in particular the SDG poverty target;
Amendment 175 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the European social partners’ joint proposal for an alternative set of indicators to measure economic, social and, environmental and climate policy progress, supplementing GDP as welfare measurement for inclusive and sustainable growth; stresses the importance of taking into account the interests of most vulnerable and marginalised members of our society;
Amendment 198 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to agree on a quality job creation target with a tracker system on public investments at all levels, including a dedicated section on green jobs, digital jobs and, the gender and non- discrimination perspective, and on a system of quality and green job creation conditionalities for companies accessing public funds; calls for close monitoring of active outreach measures to ensure equal participation of those farthest from the labour market in quality jobs;
Amendment 214 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses that if the EU wants to lead global sustainable recovery, millions of well-paying jobs must be created, including for medium- and low-skilled workers, so that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the common European project; insists that more investment is needed in social services, reskilling and upskilling, research, innovation, and zero carbon technologies;
Amendment 231 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Warns that only country-specific recommendations (CSRs) that contribute to the social objectives established in the RRF Regulation can be taken into account in national recovery and resilience plans (NRRPs), and that for NRRPs CSRs have to be interpreted in a way that contributes to the achievement of the Regulation’s social objectives; demands a revision of the CSRs in order to ensure coherence between them and the general and specific objectives of the RRF Regulation and more ambitious social dimention;
Amendment 233 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Recalls that the Pillar of Social Rights is the basis for social inclusion measures both in the European Semester process and the cohesion policy funds 2021-2027; urges therefore the European Commission to integrate the Pillar of Social Rights more strongly into the Semester process as of 2022;
Amendment 244 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Recalls that the RRF Regulation foresees that mainstreaming of equal opportunities for all during the preparation and the implementation of the NRRPs should be safeguarded, which is duly explained by rising inequalities in several EU Member States; calls on the Commission to place special emphasis on monitoring the implementation of the NRRPs from this angle with the help of the relevant civil society organisations and equality bodies in the Member States;
Amendment 287 #
2021/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Warns of the high average age of the fleet in small-scale fishing, which means a programme to renew and update the small-scale fleet is needed with a view to improving safety and on-board living conditions, improving energy efficiency andfacilitating the energy transition and improving environmental sustainability, while ensuring the social and economic sustainability of the fishing communities that depend on the fleet;
Amendment 292 #
2021/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Considers that the renewal of the fleet through the construction of new vessels is necessary in cases of developing alternative propulsion systems aligned with the EU Green Deal and the decarbonisation of the fishing fleet; further considers that this will also contribute to a reduction in operational costs;
Amendment 295 #
2021/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Reiterates that the renewal of the fleet is necessary for improving the safety, the working conditions and the economic and environmental sustainability of activities, and therefore cannot be confused with expanding it or increasing fishing capacity;
Amendment 302 #
2021/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Takes the view that ignoring the need for fleet renewal, particularly ofbut not only obsolete and inefficient vessels, would jeopardise the future of small-scale fishing;
Amendment 351 #
2021/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Believes therefore that management initiatives at local level through co-management need to be considered eligible for EMFAF funding;
Amendment 3 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15
Citation 15
— having regard to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the European Social Charter, the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and the European Committee of Social Rights, the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ECRML) and the conventions, recommendations, resolutions, opinions and reports of the Parliamentary Assembly, the Committee of Ministers, the Human Rights Commissioner, the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance, the Steering Committee on Anti- Discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion, the Venice Commission, the Advisory Committee on the FCNM, the Committee of Experts of the ECRML and other bodies of the Council of Europe,
Amendment 31 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas respect for the rights of minorities is a part of the political criteria an accession-candidate country must fulfil at the time of accession; whereas while the Union has an important role in ensuring respect for the rights of national and linguistic minorities in candidate- countries, it so far hasn't yet adopted any benchmarks for its Member States in this area, thus making possible that Member States backtrack on their commitments; whereas the 2020 report, too, misses to cover the rights of national and linguistic minorities;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas the European Parliament has already called on the European Commission to adopt a common framework of Union minimum standards for the protection of rights of persons belonging to minorities, which are strongly embedded in a legal framework guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights throughout the Union1a; _________________ 1aEuropean Parliament Resolution of 13 November 2018 on minimum standards for minorities in the EU (OJ C 363, 28.10.2020, p. 13)
Amendment 209 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Calls on the Commission to include in its next reports detailed analyses and recommendations on the situation of the rights of autochthonous national and linguistic minorities, including through the involvement of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights; stresses that this is an area where it should establish strong links and synergies with the Council of Europe, and in particular with its Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2019(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
— having regard to Articles 20, 24 and 227 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which reflect the importance the Treaty attaches to the right of EU citizens and residents to bring their concerns to the attention of Parliament,
Amendment 2 #
2021/2019(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7
Citation 7
— having regard to Rules 54 and 227(7)6, 227, 228, 229 and 230 of its Rules of Procedure,
Amendment 10 #
2021/2019(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas the Commission’s strategy in dealing with petitions is based on its 2016 Communication titled “EU law: Better results through better application", whose provisions establish no administrative procedure or practice concerning petitions; whereas the Commission’s activity resulted in its systematic refusal to take action on individual petition issues and on petitions concerning areas covered by the EU competence to support, coordinate or supplement Member States’ action;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2019(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
Ib. whereas the Commission’s annual reports on monitoring the application of EU law refer to petitions in a very general way, revealing the lack of a proper system to collect information on petitions and how they link with infringement procedures or EU acts; whereas the Commission is failing to provide comprehensive information to the Committee on petitions on the number of petitions that led to the initiation of an infringement procedure or to any other legislative or non-legislative action;
Amendment 12 #
2021/2019(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
Ic. whereas the Commission refused to deal with individual petition issues, even when they related to EU law violations which have seriously undermined basic rights for a relevant number of EU citizens and residents in the EU; whereas the Commission's strategic approach on petitions, based on its 2016 Communication titled “EU law: Better results through better application", has no legal clarity as it is affected by lack of predictable and transparent criteria on the Commission's way to consider a case as related to an issue of wider principles or falling within the systematic failure to enforce EU law, thus deserving its further action;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2019(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that petitions contribute considerably to the Commission’s role as guardian of the Treaties; stresses that reinforced cooperation between the Committee on Petitions and the Commission and timely answers from the Commission are essential to ensure the successful treatment of petitions; reiterates its calls on the Commission for regular updates on developments in infringement proceedings and for access to relevant Commission documents on infringements and EU pilot procedures which have been closed; to provide the European Parliament with systematic information related to ongoing and closed EU pilots and infringement procedures that are linked to issues raised by a petition and to consider any issues related to the breach of EU law that are raised through petitions as a priority for initiating an infringement procedure, especially when the issues are related to the environmental legislation;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2019(INI)
4a. Underlines that the Commission's refusal to take action on individual petitions issues and on petitions concerning areas under article 6 TFEU constitutes a breach of the Charter of fundamental rights of the European Union as well as of the EU Treaties' provisions concerning the right to petition, which is not limited to issues of strategic importance or reflecting structural problems;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2019(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Stresses that the Commission's strategic approach in handling petitions, enshrined in its 2016 Communication "EU law: Better results through better application", resulting in pursuing no further action on individual petition issues is at odds with its duty to oversee the correct application of the EU law throughout the Union, as arising from article 17 TEU, risking to leave unpunished even serious violations of EU law, detrimental to the protection of citizens' rights;
Amendment 47 #
2021/2019(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Considers paramount the adoption of a binding inter-institutional agreement on the handling of petitions between the Parliament and the Commission to ensure a predictable, transparent and clear legal framework fully in line with the right to petition enshrined in the EU Treaties and aimed at effectively protecting citizens' rights as arising from EU law;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2019(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Asks the Commission to provide a clarification on the competence of the Commission in relation to petitions including those raising issues that fall under a field of activity of the EU but not under a policy where the EU has legislative competence;
Amendment 18 #
2021/2009(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that the risk of stigmatisation in the participants’ country of residence may discourage them from self-identifying as disadvantaged, which may hamper their mobility, the collection of reliable data by authorities and the monitoring of their participation in Erasmus+4 ; calls for EU-wide recognition of disability status and encourages host institutions to guarantee Erasmus+ participants the same reasonable accommodations as home , transport, social and administitutionrative benefits available for national students; _________________ 4 Bunescu, L., Davies, H., Gaebel, M., ERASMUS+ International Credit Mobility – a study of the mobility of disadvantaged students from Partner Countries, Support and Promotion for Higher Education Reform Experts (SPHERE), January 2020.
Amendment 37 #
2021/2009(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to address the lack of familiarity with the Erasmus+ programme, information barriers, obstacles to the application process, support services abroad and the challenges relating to the portability of grants faced by persons with disabilities and other participants from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, including ethnic groupsminorities groups and to monitor if learners from these groups are being reached;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas everyone has the right to inclusive and quality education, training and lifelong learning in order to acquire and maintain the skills that will enable them to develop their professional and personal potential to the fullest extent; whereas the right to receive education and training in the mother tongue, including regional languages, has to be respected even during the COVID19 pandemic, especially in early education years;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas a qualified mobile workforce is key for a globally competitivsustainable economy that provides quality jobs and improves the well-being of society; whereas the recognition of qualifications and learning periods is a crucial prerequisite for the free movement of learners, educators and the workforce within the EU;
Amendment 51 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas investing in education, training and the effective use of skills, including soft-skills, will be crucial for the EU’s economic and social prosperity, particularly in the light of the green and digital transitions, demographic change and globalisation, which are changing the nature of work, the content of jobs and the skills and qualifications required;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the pandemic represents an opportunity to rethink the future of education and training towards the creation of a more resilient, inclusive educational system that better prepares learners and a workforce capable of responding to the needs of future of the planet and the multiple global challenges of today; whereas the European Green Deal recognises the role of schools, training institutions and universities in enacting the changes needed for a successful Green transition;
Amendment 105 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Underlines that the post-pandemic recovery and revitalisation of the European education policy has to be interconnected with social challenges and the Green and digital transitions, calls on the Commission and in particular the Member States to ensure equal access to quality education and to facilitate access to skills development for all, regardless of gender, racial, ethnic ar social origin, language, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, and including low- qualified/skilled adults and people with a migrant background; encourages the involvement of various educational stakeholders at local or regional level, in particular social services, civil society and non-formal education;
Amendment 117 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that basic and cross- cutting skills, up- and re-skilling and lifelong learning in the context of the Green Deal and the Just Transition are vital for sustainable growth, productivity, investment and innovation, and are therefore key factors for the competitiveness of businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
Amendment 123 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Welcomes the Commission Communication on achieving the European Education Area by 2025; as of the opinion that the mutual recognition of trainings, volunteering programs, learning outcomes, qualifications and diplomas at all education levels, and progress in the recognition and validation of non-formal and informal learning, will help to overcome skills shortages and skills mismatches and enable adults to obtain full qualification;
Amendment 125 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Emphasises that close cooperation and exchange of best practices between all relevant actors at local, regional, national and European level, involved in skills development is crucial to ensure that everyone can acquire the skills needed on the labour market and in society at large; supports the launch of the Pact for Skills, aiming to bring together all stakeholders which share the objective of upskilling and re-skilling Europe’s workforce; calls to put in place Local Pacts for Skills to better reach people from sectors hit the most by COVID-19 crisis and help them requalify to remain active in the labour market; calls on companies to ensure up- /reskilling their workforce and enhance the provision of apprenticeships in line with the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships;
Amendment 133 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to facilitate and promote transparent mobility through the full implementation of the Professional Qualifications Directive1 , and better use of tools such as the European Employment Services (EURES) job mobility portal, the Europass online platform and the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) classification system, EU Skills Profile Tool for Third Country Nationals, and ENIC-NARIC networks; highlights, in this context, the need to improve the recognition of third-country nationals’ competences, qualifications & skills on the Union’s labour market; _________________ 1Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifistresses the European Union’s role in coordinating and complementing Member States’ action in the field of educations, OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 22.training and skilling;
Amendment 149 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. StressWelcomes the opportunities created by digital work to achieve the inclusion of allisation to improve inclusiveness in the labour market; highlights, in this regard, the need to ensure digital public services are safe, inclusive by design, develop digital literacy courses, and provide access to the development of digital skills, as well as competences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) especially for women and marginalised groups where their representation is minor, and cross- cutting soft skills such as critical thinking, creativity and entrepreneurship, to everyone; highlights that preserving in- person learning is key for the development of soft-skills, and technology must only be complementary; underlines that special attention must be paid to the inclusion of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in this context, in particular persons with disabilities, migrants and minority groups, including national minorities;
Amendment 159 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Stresses that the digitalisation of education and work must only be complementary to face-to-face learning and working routine, and not a replacement of it;
Amendment 169 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets the persistent gender employment and pay gap; highlights, in this regard, the need to tackle gender stereotypes and to increase women’s representation in education, training and employment in STEM subjects and occupations.; notes that future framework should integrate an intersectional perspective, which pays specific attention to multiple forms of discrimination and different experiences women from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds face, particularly in predominantly women-employed sectors e.g. healthcare, domestic and care work;
Amendment 176 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Emphasises, the need for a structured dialogue and consultation of stakeholders, including public authorities at local, regional, national and European level, economic and social partners, employers, and diaspora networks when considering the future development in education;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Recommends that the Committee on Petitions prepares an annual report on problems highlighted in petitions related to persons with disabilities and to propose its recommendations.
Amendment 40 #
2020/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Calls on the Commission to structurally integrate the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021- 2030 within the European Semester process as the European Semester should be used to stimulate Member States policies and approaches, to strengthen the inclusiveness of society and to support employment and social protection of people with disabilities; calls on the Commission to provide an annual review of disability mainstreaming in the European Semester process;
Amendment 90 #
2020/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the Member States to make use of cohesion policy funds toCommission and on the Member States to include in the final content of the Partnership Agreements on the European structural and investment funds and in programmes of these funds the objectives and approaches which improve the living conditions of persons with disabilities, while respecting the principles of accessibility and non- discrimination, and investing in equal opportunities and the participation of persons with disabilities in all areas of life, including in supporting the transition from institutional to community-based living; asks the Commission to monitor closely the use of EU funds in line with the CRPD;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to address problems mentioned in European Parliament's resolution on the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities in the COVID-19 crisis and resolution on additional funding forbiomedical research on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis;
Amendment 37 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Calls the Commission to strengthen the focus on the transition from institutional to community and family-based services in accordance with the UN CRPD and address the shortcomings identified in the Ombudsman's inquiry 1233/2019/MMO;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2044(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the number of petitions remained modest in relation to the total population of the EU; whereas nevertheless this number indicates that a proportion ofmany active EU citizens are aware of and exercise the right to petition;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2044(INI)
F. whereas of the 1 357 petitions submitted in 2019, 938 were declared admissible, 406 were declared inadmissible and 13 were withdrawn; whereas the relatively high percentage (30 %) of inadmissible petitions in 2019 reveals that there is still a widespread lack of clarity about the EU’s fields of activitycompetence;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2044(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the criteria for the admissibility of petitions are laid down in Article 227 of the TFEU and Rule 226 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, which require that petitions must be submitted by EU citizens or residents directly affected by matters falling within the European Union’s fields of activitycompetence;
Amendment 46 #
2020/2044(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Considers in order to ensure that petitions are passed to the relevant and competent authorities it is necessary to improve cooperation with national parliaments, Member State governments, responsible national institutions and Ombudsmen.
Amendment 52 #
2020/2044(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls to follow the practice which suggests that decisions to close admissible petitions should be taken by consensus or by broad majority among members of the PETI committee.
Amendment 56 #
2020/2044(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that petitions offer the opportunity to the European Parliament and other EU institutions to maintain a direct dialogue with EU citizens who are affected by the misapplication of EU lawr breach of EU law and to fix problems which has been detected; stresses the need for enhanced cooperation between the EU institutions and national, regional and local authorities on inquiries regarding implementation of and compliance with EU law;
Amendment 58 #
2020/2044(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that petitions offer the opportunity to the European Parliament and other EU institutions to maintain a direct dialogue with EU citizens who are affected by the misapplication or breaches of EU law; stresses the need for enhanced cooperation between the EU institutions and national, regional and local authorities on inquiries regarding implementation of and compliance with EU law;
Amendment 63 #
2020/2044(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Considers that the Commission should not put responsibility to act on a petitioner alone when there is a problem detected with application or breach of the EU law. The Commission has to examine that national authorities are starting to solve the problem mentioned in the petition and to be ready to interfere in case of inefficiency of actions of national authorities;
Amendment 67 #
2020/2044(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that transparency and public access to the documents of all the EU institutions, including the Council, should be the rule in order to ensure the highest levels of protection of the democratic rights of citizens;
Amendment 74 #
2020/2044(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Trusts that the petitions network is a useful tool for ensuring the follow-up of petitions in parliamentary and legislative work; believes that regular meetings of the petitions network are key for enhancing cooperation between parliamentary committees through exchange of information and sharing of best practices among the network members;
Amendment 88 #
2020/2044(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Draws attention to the large number of petitions on Brexit submitted in 2019, mostly calling for the protection of EU citizens’ rights before and after Brexit; welcomes the excellent work done by the Committee on Petitions, which by giving voice to the concerns raised by these petitioners contributed to ensuring that citizens’ rights remained one of Parliament’s main priorities in the Brexit negotiations; points out that in order to preserve the rights the EU citizens resident in a Member State other than their own enjoy, it can be helpful to have appropriate legislation in case the Member State changes its status within the EU;
Amendment 91 #
2020/2044(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls the specific role of protection played by the Committee on Petitions within the EU in the framework of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; points to the committee’s important ongoing work in connection with petitions concerning issues relating to disabilities; notes that the number of petitions on disability decreased in 2019 in comparison with the previous year; notes however, that mobility, accessibility and discrimination remain among the main challenges faced by persons with disabilities; recalls that in 2019 the Committee on Petitions paid specific attention to the discussion of petitions on inclusive education for disabled children;
Amendment 99 #
2020/2044(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses that the ECI is an important instrument for active citizenship and public participation; welcomes the adoption on 17 April 2019 of the new rules for the ECI, which bring a number of structural and technical improvements to make this instrument more user-friendly and accessible as well as to facilitate increased participation of EU citizens in the democrlegislaticve process of the Union; notes the significant number of new ECIs registered by the Commission in 2019, which shows that citizens are seizing the opportunity to use participatory instruments to have a say in policymaking and lawmaking processes;
Amendment 100 #
2020/2044(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses that the ECI is an important instrument for active citizenship and public participation; welcomes the adoption on 17 April 2019 of the new rules for the ECI, which bring a number of structural and technical improvements to make this instrument more user-friendly and accessible as well as to facilitate increased participation of EU citizens in the democratic process of the Union; notes the significant number of new ECIs registered by the Commission in 2019, which shows that citizens are seizing the opportunity to use participatory instruments to have a say in policymaking and lawmaking processes; underlines that the supported initiatives have to lead to changes in the EU policymaking and legislation;
Amendment 90 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) measures to assist businesses and regional and local communities adversely affected by the withdrawal;
Amendment 91 #
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 in those territories highly dependent on fisheries;
Amendment 92 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) measures to support compensation for operators in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, those involved in trade relating to these sectors, processors, the transportation sector, and other sectors dependent on fisheries;
Amendment 9 #
2020/0112R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the role of the FRA as an independent and fully-fledged EU agency and fundamental rights watchdog should be further strengthened; in this context highlights the landmark judgment of the General Court of the European Union from September 24, 2019 which clarified that the rights of persons belonging to minorities is an EU value and respecting and promoting cultural and linguistic diversity in the EU is an EU objective;
Amendment 78 #
2020/0112R(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – point iii – paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 4 – point iii – paragraph 1 a (new)
Situation of national, ethnic, cultural and linguistic minorities in the European Union should be specifically mentioned as part of the mandate of the Fundamental Rights Agency; the Agency should conduct necessary research with regard to safeguarding their rights, preserving minority culture, regional and minority languages;
Amendment 5 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the importance of the use of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights by Member States at a national level by national courts and through inclusion in legislative procedures; regrets that there has only been a limited attempt at promoting the application of its provisions, even though it is an obligation stated in Article 51 of the Charter; reminds the condition of primary law of the Charter, with the same legal value as the treaties, as set by Article 6 TEU;
Amendment 7 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Proposes to abolish Article 51 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, as already recommended in the European Parliament’s resolution of 16 February 2017 on possible evolutions of and adjustments to the current institutional set-up of the European Union;
Amendment 10 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Stresses that nothing prevents Member States from implementing the provisions of the Charter in national law, even in case there is no specific EU legislation involved; encourages in this sense national parliaments to ensure the highest standards of protection of fundamental rights in their legislative drafting; considers that the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) can provide valuable support to Member States in this regard, if consulted;
Amendment 22 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Opposes to the normalisation of far right speeches, which openly or implicitly undermine the situation of fundamental rights, and regrets in this regard that in some Member States or parts of them they are given the opportunity to play a relevant role in the forming of governments and define their programs and subsequent political action;
Amendment 31 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that an independent judiciary, freedom of expression and information and media pluralism are crucial components of the rule of law; calls on the Commission to enforce these core EU values when infringed by Member States; expresses its major concern about the real shortcomings in access to a timely and affordable justice in some Member States1a, as well as to the evidences of lack of independence of the judiciary and the negative consequences thereof in terms of ensuring the rule of law; _________________ 1aStudy by Policy Department C for PETI committee on "Effective Access to Justice" (2017) https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/ etudes/STUD/2017/596818/IPOL_STU(20 17)596818_EN.pdf
Amendment 34 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Encourages the Commission to enhance the use of the wide array of sources at its disposal to play a more proactive role in assisting the Member States to adequately ensure the respect to the Fundamental Rights, in close cooperation with the FRA; considers that the EU Justice Scoreboard, the European semester’s information, the European Commission Annual report on monitoring the application of EU law, the forthcoming annual Rule of Law report, and the decisions of the Court of Justice, are extremely valuable tools for this overall purpose, among others;
Amendment 38 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on the Commission to further develop a thorough mechanism for an impartial and regular assessment of the situation with regard to the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights in all the Member States;
Amendment 43 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to further implement the principles of the Pillar of Social Rights to ensure social fundamental rights at EU and national level, such as the integration of persons with disabilities, just and fair working conditions, social benefits and social assistance; underlines the deep link it has with the Charter, and the importance to fully deploy the Social Rights chapter therein as the cornerstone of the efforts to re-launch the Union for its citizens and residents;
Amendment 48 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Points out to the many petitions denouncing abuses of fixed-term contracts, also in the public sector; deeply regrets these existing practices and considers them to be contrary to Articles 30 and 31 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, on protection against dismissal and fair working conditions, respectively;
Amendment 49 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Considers that particular attention should be paid to the fundamental right to health care, according to Article 35 of the Charter, and the particular implications for persons affected by Myalgic Encephalomielitys/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; underlines that, as well as for rare diseases, enough research funding at the EU level is crucial to better understand its causes and triggers;
Amendment 50 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Expresses its concerns on the increasing threats to the fundamental right to environmental protection, as established in Article 37 of the Charter, not only due to the increasingly noticeable consequences of climate change, but also given the negative impacts in ecosystems and biodiversity due to the recurrent neglect in the implementation of EU environmental law provisions in Member States; regrets the passive role adopted by the Commission in this front, particularly since the adoption of its own communication "EU Law: Better results through better application"; reiterates its disagreement with the approach taken therein and considers that it is contrary to the Commission's essential duty as guardian of the treaties;
Amendment 51 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Recalls the need to deploy the access to environmental justice pillar of the Aarhus convention at the EU level, in order to provide for an adequate framework and effective mechanisms for civil society to further engage in the duty of environmental protection, in compliance with the spirit of Article 37 of the Charter;
Amendment 52 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4e. Reminds the importance to keep developing all the necessary dimensions of the EU Framework of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; to give full meaning and coverage to Article 26 of the Charter on the integration of persons for disabilities; underlines that more decisive steps need to be made towards the full deinstitutionalisation of persons with disabilities, and that no EU funds should be used for any sort of institutionalisation at any scale, but to adequately support community-based life;
Amendment 53 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 f (new)
Paragraph 4 f (new)
4f. Regrets that the fundamental right of non-discrimination, as conferred by Article 21 of the Charter, is still far from being a complete reality, for instance when it comes to the respect of minorities; recalls in this regard the obligation to respect cultural, religious and linguistic diversity, as enshrined in Article 22 of the Charter;
Amendment 60 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Points out that some of the rights conferred by the Charter, such as Articles 39 and 40 on the right to vote and stand as a candidate to the European Parliament and municipal elections respectively, can still be object of discrimination for long-term residents in a Member State without citizenship;
Amendment 68 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Council to urgently conclude the EU ratification of the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violaence against women and domestic violence, on the basis of a broad accession, without any limitation; calls on as well the remaining Member States to ratify and implement the Convention; expresses its concerns that several Member States have incorrectly, or only partially, implemented the convention; regrets some counterproductive measures taken for instance by some regional governments in Spain that in practice drastically reduce the protection mechanisms for women under threat or having suffered gender- based violence; calls on the Commission to review the implementing legislation.;
Amendment 71 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses the due observance of the provisions of Article 24 of the Charter on the fundamental rights of the child, and particularly the notion that the best interest of the child shall be paramount in any action by public authorities, including for instance in decisions related to cross- border custody disputes; recalls also in this regard the fundamental right of the child to be heard as well as the right in principle to keep contact with both parents, unless manifestly contrary to the best interest of the child, and in their common language so as to safeguard the diverse cultural heritage;
Amendment 76 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Reiterates the request within the European Parliament resolution of 15 January 20131a for the Commission to submit a proposal for a regulation on a European Law of Administrative Procedure of the European Union (2012/2024(INL)), in order to guarantee the rights set by Article 41 of the Charter on the right to good administration; _________________ 1aEuropean Parliament resolution of 15 January 2013 with recommendations to the Commission on a Law of Administrative Procedure of the European Union (2012/2024(INL))
Amendment 80 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Insists on updating the powers of the European Ombudsman, as suggested by the European Parliament's recent legislative proposal for a revision of the Statute of the European Ombudsman, so as to upgrade the fundamental rights conferred by Articles 42 and 43 of the Charter on access to documents and of referring to the Ombudsman, respectively; reminds that this new Regulation on general conditions governing the performance of the Ombudsman’s duties as adopted by the Parliament is still pending awaiting the Council's consent;
Amendment 17 #
2019/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to set a statutory minimum wages to ensure a decent standard of living and fight against precariousness and in-work poverty, paying special attention to lower and middle-income groups;
Amendment 18 #
2019/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Calls on the Member States to abolish all forms of precarious work, including zero-hour contracts and bogus self-employment; calls on the Member States to abolish all forms of precarious work, including zero-hour contracts and bogus self-employment;
Amendment 27 #
2019/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls on the Member States to further strengthen Europe's social model by ensuring that all workers have the same rights, decent working conditions, including health and safety at work and receive decent wages;
Amendment 39 #
2019/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to monitor the implementation of the existing acquis and to review the relevant EU labour laws in order to improve the quality and working conditions of workers throughout the Union., noting that the current situation, caused by COVID-19 pandemic, will have a serious and long- lasting impact on EU labour market, social justice and working conditions;
Amendment 69 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. Whereas the restitution of pre WWII property in some EU countries turned the tenants of these houses in a highly vulnerable category, living under permanent threat of eviction ;
Amendment 276 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Member States and regional and local authorities to put in place legal provisions to protect tenants and owner-occupiers from eviction and to ensure security of tenure by favouring long-term rental contracts as the default option, together with rent transparency and rent control meas, including clear rental regulations, to protect the rights of tenants and owner-occupiers and prevent evictions, also after renovation measures and including those living in a dwelling alienated from the state during restitution process and to ensure security of tenure by favouring long-term rental contracts as the default option, together with rent transparency and rent control measures provide support for organisations working on the protection of tenants and owner- occupiers and to set up low-threshold legal dispute settlement procedures;
Amendment 130 #
2019/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Considers that the environmental and economic sustainability of the fisheries sector requires the decarbonisation of the fishing fleet, which in turn will result in a reduction in current fuel spending thereby positively impacting the profitability of activities; therefore calls on the Commission to facilitate the conditions for the acquisition of new vessels operating alternative propulsion systems by using public funds, without which said decarbonisation will be unaffordable for the sector itself.
Amendment 265 #
2019/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 a (new)
Paragraph 47 a (new)
47a. Highlights the need to promote and support the decarbonisation of the fisheries fleet, currently depending 100% on fossil fuels, in order to effectively contribute from the fisheries sector to the European Green Deal and support the access of the young generation to the fisheries sector with innovative initiatives.
Amendment 11 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the right to petition the European Parliament is one of the fundamental rights of EU citizens, as laid down in Article 44 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and Article 227 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; underlines the importance of petitions as one of the most accessible ways for citizens to address the EU institutions in order to express their concerns about possible violations of their rights and about instances of misapplication or breaches of EU law; recalls that petitions are the cornerstone of participatory democracy and that as such, in due respect also of the spirit of article 11 TEU, they contribute to bridging the gap between citizens and political institutions by promoting citizens’ active participation and engagement in the EU political debate;
Amendment 12 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the right to petition the European Parliament is one of the fundamental rights of EU citizens, as laid down in Article 44 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and Article 227 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; underlines the importance of petitions as one of the most accessible ways for citizens to address the EU institutions in order to express their concerns about possible violations of their rights and about instances of misapplication or breaches of EU law, as well as loopholes within the acquis; recalls that petitions are the cornerstone of participatory democracy and that as such, they contribute to bridging the gap between citizens and political institutions by promoting citizens’ active participation and engagement in the EU political debate;
Amendment 23 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. WelcomeRecalls the Commission’s commitment, as clearly set out in its 2017 annual report on monitoring the application of EU law (COM(2018)0540), to placing great value on the contributions of citizens, businesses and other stakeholders in detecting breaches of EU law; notes, in this regard, the Commission’s efforts to illustrate the impact of petitions on its enforcement action in a number of policy areas such as the environment, migration, taxation and the internal market; deplores, however, the lack of figures on the number of petitions handled by the Commission and the number that lead to the initiation of EU Pilots and infringement procedures;
Amendment 25 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes, in this regard, theRequests increased transparency and the disclosure of more information in the 2018 report about the number of petitions dealt with by the Commission and about its follow-up actions; notes, however,regrets that in the large majority of cases the Commission did not open an investigation and did not take any further action; is particularly concerned, in this respect, about the practice of referring a significant number of petitioners to other bodies at national, regional or local level; acknowledgnotes that this practice reflects the Commission’s new enforcement policy announced in its 2016 communication entitled ‘EU Law: Better Results through Better Application’ (C(2016)8600), which essentially aims to direct citizens to the national level when complaints or petitions do not raise issues of wider principle or systematic failure to comply with EU law and can satisfactorily be dealt with by other mechanisms; instensifies, however, the Parliament’s repeatedly expressed opposition to the approach established therein and urges for its withdrawal;
Amendment 34 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses that the Commission must prevent the situations where its services or staff refuse to act presuming that protection of the EU is a primary duty of member states’ authorities, especially if these authorities act apparently ineffectively in a concrete case; considers that if national institutions do not provide effective protection of EU law the Commission has to proactively and timely come into play with all its prerogatives, tools and powers; suggests that Commission should also provide the possibility for petitioners, after receiving a negative answer, to get a review from another Commission’s competent person, ideally with a nationality different than the concerned Member State of the petition;
Amendment 35 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Suggests that concerning concrete petitions, the Commission should by default evaluate the willingness and ability shown by national authorities to solve the stated problem of implementation of the EU law; reminds that for this purpose the Commission enjoys a wide array of sources: the European Commission’s Annual report on monitoring the application of EU law itself, its EU Justice Scoreboard and the European Semester’s information, the decisions of the Court of Justice and other sources, such as the forthcoming annual Rule of Law report;
Amendment 39 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that, despite its efforts over recent years to enhance the transparency of its monitoring and enforcement activities (e.g. through a centralised platform providing infringement-related information), the Commission has not yet responded to Parliament’s repeated calls to be regularly informed about every EU Pilot opened and infringement procedure initiated, especially when they result from petitions; stresses the importance of receiving regular updates on developments in infringement procedures related to open petitions, while respecting the confidentiality requirements laid down in the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU); reminds the Commission about citizens’ high expectations of transparency with respect to its oversight activities; urges the Commission, therefore, to share this information with Parliament on a timely manner and in a spirit of sincere cooperation, in order to enable Parliament to exercise its scrutiny over the executive under Article 14 of the TEU and, ultimately, to enhance the legitimacy and accountability of the Commission’s enforcement action;
Amendment 40 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses the importance of finally deploying within the EU law the access to justice pillar of the Aarhus convention, in order to ensure individual citizens’ and civil society organisations’ right to bring before the CJEU cases of possible breach of environmental legislation, as a means of effective redress;
Amendment 45 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Points out that those citizens directing their petitions and complaints to the Parliament and Commission, respectively, have in principle a positive opinion towards the Union, and are thus doing so in full conviction that the EU level will reveal itself as a fruitful political space to resolve their concerns effectively; underlines that a manifest failure to properly handle their cases at this level is likely to disappoint their initial expectations and perceptions towards the usefulness of the Union; considers hence that the current trend concerning the treatment of petitions is rather likely to increase the disaffection already existing in some Member States;
Amendment 46 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Points to the existence of the provision within the article 265 TFEU whereby the Commission or other EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies could be brought before the CJEU if it is considered that they failed to act;
Amendment 49 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Recalls the European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2013 with recommendations to the Commission on a Law of Administrative Procedure of the European Union (2012/2024(INL)), particularly its request to the Commission to submit a proposal for a regulation on a European Law of Administrative Procedure.
Amendment 19 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas while the risk of poverty or social exclusion in the EU has fallen back to its pre-crisis level, it remains very high and far from reaching the Europe 2020 poverty and social exclusion target; whereas the whole EU has subscribed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with one of these goals being to end poverty in all its forms everywhere;
Amendment 25 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the main objective of cohesion policy is strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion by reducing regional disparities both within and between Member States, improving the well-being of EU citizens and providing them with equal opportunities regardless of their place of residence;
Amendment 31 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. Whereas Cohesion policy has played an important role in tackling the financial, economic and social crisis of the past years by providing much-needed opportunities for public investment;
Amendment 33 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Is of the opinion that Cohesion Policy, as the main investment policy of the Union, should be maintained at at least a similar budgetary level in the future multiannual financial framework; considers that the European Social Fund (ESF) should be retained as the main EU instrument for the integration and reintegration of workers into the labour market as well as for supporting measures for social inclusion, combating poverty and inequalities, and the creation of equal opportunities, with a continued 20% earmarked funding for the fight against poverty and social exclusion; considers therefore that the ESF share should be increased so that at least 30% of the combined ESI funds resources at EU level should be allocated to the ESF in each Member State;
Amendment 41 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Considers that binding cohesion policy programming to quantifiable Europe 2020 targets, such as the reduction of poverty, was one of the main achievements of the 2014-2020 programming period; believes that contributing to economic, social and territorial cohesion in the EU should be the main objective of a Europe post-2020 strategy, based on the adopted international Sustainable Development Goals;
Amendment 56 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Stresses that of the numerous challenges the European regions will face in the coming years, social inclusion and poverty as well as rising inequalities, both between and within regions as well as among citizens, are of particular relevance to cohesion policy;
Amendment 57 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Takes the view that the job creation potential of Union funds is still insufficient and should therefore be further strengthened through more efficient and results-based policy-making and implementation focusing in particular on future-oriented sectors with a net quality job creation potential, in particular the green and circular economy, care sector and digital sector; considers, moreover, that access to funding should be eased for all beneficiaries, especially social economy actors and SMEs;
Amendment 72 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to continue initiatives aimed at increasing access to better education, skills, and quality, sustainable employment, especially for young people; points out that training programmes financed under the ESF should be tailored to the needs of the labour marketindividual as well as take into account labour market opportunities;
Amendment 82 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to reinforce the partnership with social partners and civil society at all levels and in all stages of the process, including in the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the programmes, to ensure a successful implementation of cohesion policy and the ESF in particular, in the future; calls to this end for sufficient resources and technical assistance to be made available for all relevant partners to effectively participate in the process;
Amendment 84 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Stresses that to effectively tackle social problems, such as combating poverty and social exclusion within communities, a bottom-up approach is needed as these issues require a tailor- made response and the active involvement of the level of government directly concerned;
Amendment 15 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6
Citation 6
– having regard to Articles 9-12 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), to Articles 18-25 of the TFEU and to Articles 39-46 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, particularly Articles 39-46,
Amendment 20 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
– having regard to the PETI hearing of 22 February 2016 entitled ‘Broadening the scope of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (Article 51)?’, the hearing of 21 June 2016 on ‘Transparency and freedom of information within the EU institutions’ and the one of 22 June 2017 on ‘Restoring citizens’ confidence and trust in the European Project’, together with the previous ones in this legislative term on the ‘Right to Petition’ (23 June 2015) and on ‘The European Citizens’ Initiative’ (26 February 2015), and also the PETI-LIBE hearing on ‘Statelessness’ of 29th June 2017,
Amendment 21 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard of the PETI report of the activities of its ‘Working Group on Child welfare issues’, and particularly its conclusions,
Amendment 28 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas access to EU citizenship is gained through nationality of a Member State, which is regulated by national laws; whereas at the same time, rights and duties emerge from this institution which are laid down by EU law and do not depend on the Member States; whereas for the above reason it is equally true that these rights and obligations cannot be limited in an unjustified manner by the Member States; whereas as expected in several petitions received, once individuals currently enjoy EU citizenship they should not have it removed;
Amendment 34 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Treaty of Lisbon consolidated the inalienable rights and guarantees of EU citizenship, including, inter alia, the freedom to travel, work and study in other EU countries, to participate in European political life, to promote equality and respect for diversity and to be protected from discrimination, especially that practised on the basis of nationality; whereas the ever-increasing exercise of the right to freely move within the EU in the course of the past decades has had as a consequence the emergence of mixed families with different nationalities, often including children; whereas this being a good trend for the consolidation of EU citizenship as an institution in itself, it entails specific needs and poses challenges in different aspects, including legal ones;
Amendment 49 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas as petitions have shown, EU citizens and their families face notable difficulties in exercising this right in practice, owing to administrative burdens and bureaucracy in Member States, and to misinformation and/or a lack of cooperation by Member State authorities;
Amendment 62 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas citizens are directly represented in the European Parliament and have a democratic right to stand and vote in European elections, even when residing in another Member State; whereas the right of EU citizens who have exercised their right to freedom of movement to vote in European and local elections is not facilitated and promoted equally in all Member States; whereas different petitions point out to the existence of bureaucratic hurdles and shortcomings of administrative nature or else, in the exercise of the right to vote in national or regional elections of their home Member State for those who reside in another Member State;
Amendment 80 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers the right to petition to the European Parliament as a concrete tangible aspect linked to EU citizenship, which should be further promoted; Highlights the fact that the effective exercise of the right to petition has been facilitated thanks to the launch in late 2014 of the Committee on Petitions portal , which allows petitions to be submitted in an uncomplicated fashion and managed more efficiently, as illustrated elsewhere by the respective Annual Reports of the Committee on Petitions;
Amendment 81 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights the fact that the effective exercise of the right to petition has been facilitated thanks to the launch in late 2014 of the Committee on Petitions portal , which allows petitions to be submitted in an uncomplicated fashion and managed more efficiently, as illustrated elsewhere by the respective Annual Reports of the Committee on Petitions; urges for the implementation of the foreseen next steps of the project, allowing a much more interactive follow-up of the petitions course by petitioners and supporters, to be concluded without delay;
Amendment 83 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Considers that EU citizenship, with its associated rights and duties has become a tangible institution in itself, beyond the national citizenships; believes that third country nationals with a legal bond with the European Union Member States, such as permanent residence or possession of a travel document issued by those States, should be acknowledged as EU citizens;
Amendment 86 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Suggests maintaining the rights citizens currently enjoy so that there is no material change in their position, in case of a democratic change of the status of the territory within the EU;
Amendment 97 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls upon legislators to expedite their activities with regard to the adoption of a comprehensive directive on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States as regards the accessibility requirements for products and services for persons with functional limitations, including persons with disabilities;
Amendment 100 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Invites the Commission to take more active steps against LGBTI discrimination and to combat homophobia by defining concrete action to be taken at national level; calls at the same time for the EU institutions to monitor LGBTI rights closely and to promote the recognition of cross-border rights for LGBTI persons and their families in the EU; calls upon legislators to expedite their activities with regard to the adoption of a comprehensive directive on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States as regards the accessibility requirements for products and services;
Amendment 118 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recognises that the protection of minority rights is mainly a national competence; recalls, however,recalls that both the Treaties and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights make reference to the protection of national minorities and discrimination practised on the grounds of language; underlines in this regard the need for the Commission to play an active role in the protection of minorities, by promoting awareness-raising meetings, seminars and resolutions, as well as concrete administrative steps within the EU institutions, in order to encourage national governments to find durable solutions and to promote the culture of linguistic diversity in the Member States and the EU as a whole, beyond the official EU languages;
Amendment 128 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes with appreciation the Commission’s efforts to make multiple information and assistance outlets about the EU and Citizenship rights, such as the Europe Direct network, the Your Europe portal and the e-justice portal, available and more accessible; urges the Commission to systematise the information and possibly plan for a single, EU-wide information window; at the same time, invites the Member States to promote the SOLVIT network and its services among EU citizens, as well as other redress mechanisms, both at EU level, such as the Committee on Petitions and the European Ombudsman and at national level, such as the regional or local ombudsman;
Amendment 135 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Points out that citizens should have access to all the necessary information, which should be presented in a clear and comprehensible way, in order to be able to make informed decisions on the exercise of their Treaty rights, and especially their right to free movement and residence within the EU; recommends the promotion of transparency and proactive publishingconsular support as the most appropriate tools to that end, together with adequate publishing of the necessary information to facilitate a new settling;
Amendment 146 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Acknowledges that enhancing voter turnout in European elections is a shared responsibility between the EU and Member States; encourages the latter to promote participation in democratic life by better informing citizens of their right to stand and vote in local and European elections through various channels and in a comprehensible language, and by removing any barriers to their participation, such as linguistic discrimination, unfair practices or corruption; urges the Member States to remove accessibility obstacles for citizens with disabilities and to facilitate voting for their citizens residing abroad in any election, for instance by embracing electronic identification and voting solutions;
Amendment 153 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Believes that the reform of the Electoral Act on the basis of Parliament’s legislative initiative is an unmissable opportunity for the Union to become more democratic; highlights the fact that thousands of Europeans share this view, as evidenced by the ‘Let me Vote’ European Citizens’ Initiative, which aims to allow citizens to vote in their place of residence; believes that third country nationals with a legal bond with a Member States, such as permanent residence or possession of a travel document issued by that State, should be able to actively and passively take part in all the electoral processes therein; commends the Commission for exploring the possibilities for non-national EU citizens who have exercised their right to free movement to vote in national elections in the country in which they reside; urges the Commission to devise a concrete action plan for the introduction of electronic voting with a view to the 2019 European Parliament elections;
Amendment 155 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Believes that the reform of the Electoral Act on the basis of Parliament’s legislative initiative is an unmissable opportunity for the Union to become more democratic; highlights the fact that thousands of Europeans share this view, as evidenced by the ‘Let me Vote’ European Citizens’ Initiative, which aims to allow citizens to vote in their place of residence; commends the Commission for exploring the possibilities for non-national EU citizens who have exercised their right to free movement to vote in national elections in the country in which they reside; suggests that the introduction of transnational lists to elect a part of the seats to the European Parliament would be a positive contribution to fostering the notion of EU citizenship; urges the Commission to devise a concrete action plan for the introduction of electronic voting with a view to the 2019 European Parliament elections;
Amendment 167 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Expresses its conviction that free media and access to a plurality of voices in society and in the media are an indispensable part of a healthy democracy; underlines the need for a defined EU policy to tackle anti-European propaganda and false information; propose, as well as to foster the independence of public media from governments; proposes that a minimum time dedicated to content related to the EU field of activity be set in public media in all Member States, as well as that EU institutions proceed with the creation of a European television channel broadcasting in all Member States; suggests that the members of the public media councils are elected directly by citizens;
Amendment 182 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Maintains that transparency is a key tool for bringing citizens closer to the EU and involving them in its activities; recommendurges the promotion of the right to access documents and the translation of as many documents as possible into all EU languages; supports the intensification of dialogue with citizens and the encouragement of public debates in order to improve EU citizens’ understanding of the impact of the EU on their daily lives and to allow them to take part in an exchange of views, through slots in television programmes for targeted audiences;
Amendment 192 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Urges the Member States to guarantee that their national legislation is sufficiently clear and detailed to ensure that the right to free movement of citizens and their families is respected; to proceed with the proper training of competent national authorities in this respect on the basis of an electronic learning tool and to disseminate accurate information to interested parties in a precise manner; to foster, furthermore, good cooperation and a swift exchange of information with other national administrations, especially where cross-border insurance and old age pensions are concerned; calls for better cooperation between host Member States and concerned consulates that ensures a proper network of assistance and a fair treatment in cross-border cases, particularly when it entails children custody;
Amendment 194 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Considers that the revision of the European Citizens’ Initiative should include provisions to oblige the European Commission to come up with a legislative proposal after 12 months of the presentation of a successful initiative, whose compliance with the values of the EU should already be independently assessed before the beginning of the signature collection process:
Amendment 78 #
2017/0305(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Member States and the Union should also address the social legacy of the economic and financial crisis and aim to build an inclusive and socially just society in which people are empowered to anticipate and manage change, and can actively participate in society and the economy, as also outlined in the Commission recommendation on the active inclusion of people excluded from the labour market6 . Inequality should be tackled, non-discriminatory access and opportunities for all should be ensured and poverty and social exclusion (including of children) reduceradicated, in particular by ensuring an effective functioning of labour markets and adequate social protection systems and by removing barriers to education/ training and labour- market participation. As new economic and business models take hold in EU workplaces, employment relationships are also changing. Member States should ensure that new employment relationships maintain and strengthen Europe’s social model. _________________ 6 by ensuring that people in emerging forms of work are covered and protected by employment regulations. _________________ 6 COM/2008/0639 final COM/2008/0639 final
Amendment 93 #
2017/0305(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – part 1 – paragraph 1
Annex I – part 1 – paragraph 1
Member States should facilitate and invest in the creation of quality jobs, including by reducing the barriers that businesses face in hiring people, by promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment and, in particular, by supporting the creation and growth of micro and small enterprisessustainable and quality jobs across skill levels, labour market sectors and regions, including by fully developing the potential of future oriented sectors, such as the green and circular economy, the care sector and the digital sector. Member States should reduce difficulties for people in balancing work and private life, ensure that all work places are adapted for persons with disabilities and older workers, and reduce unjustified barriers that businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises, face in hiring people. Member States should actively promote the social economy and foster social innovation.
Amendment 100 #
2017/0305(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – part 1 – paragraph 2
Annex I – part 1 – paragraph 2
Member States should encourage innovative forms of work, which create high-quality job opportunities for all in a responsible manner, while ensuring full compliance with Union Law, national employment laws and practice as well as with industrial relation systems.
Amendment 115 #
2017/0305(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – part 2 – paragraph 2
Annex I – part 2 – paragraph 2
Member States should foster equal opportunities in education, including early childhood education, and raise overall education levels, particularly for the least qualified and learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. They should ensure quality learning outcomes, reinforce basic skills, reduce the number of young people leaving school early, enhance the labour-market relevance of tertiary degrees, improve skills monitoring and forecasting, and increase adult participation in continuing education and training, including through policies that provide for educational and training leave, as well as in-work vocational training and life-long learning. Member States should strengthen work- based learning in their vocational education and training systems, including through quality and effective apprenticeships, make skills more visible and comparable and increase opportunities for recognising and validating skills and competences acquired outside formal education and training. They should upgrade and increase the supply and take-up of flexible continuing vocational training. Member States should also target support for low skilled adults to maintain or develop their long term employability by boosting access to and take up of quality learning opportunities, through the establishment of Upskilling Pathways, including a skills assessment, a matchingn offer of education and training matching labour market opportunities and the validation and recognition of the skills acquired.
Amendment 125 #
2017/0305(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – part 2 – paragraph 4
Annex I – part 2 – paragraph 4
Tax reforms to shift taxes away from labour should aim to remove unjustified barriers and disprovide incentives to participation in the labour market, in particular for those furthest away from the labour market, while ensuring that tax shifts do not jeopardise the sustainability of the welfare state. Member States should support an adapted work environment for people with disabilities and older workers, including targeted financial support actions and services that enable them to participate in the labour market and in society. as a whole.
Amendment 136 #
2017/0305(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – part 3 – paragraph 2
Annex I – part 3 – paragraph 2
Policies should aim to improve and support labour-market matching and transitions so that workers are able to progress in their careers. Member States should effectively activate and enable those who can participate in the labour market through individual support and integrated services within a broader active inclusion approach. Member States should strengthen the effectiveness of active labour-market policies by increasing their funding, targeting, outreach, coverage and better linking them with income support, based on the rights and responsibilities for the unemployed actively to seek workensuring adequate income support for the unemployed while actively seeking work. This includes working with the social partners and other relevant stakeholders, including civil society organisations, to increase the effectiveness and accountability of these policies. Member States should aim for more effective and quality public employment services by ensuring timely and tailor-made assistance to support jobseekers, supporting labour- market demand and implementing performance-based management.
Amendment 142 #
2017/0305(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – part 3 – paragraph 4
Annex I – part 3 – paragraph 4
The mobility of learners and workers should be promotedensured as a fundamental right and as a matter of free choice with the aim of enhancing employability skills and exploiting the full potential of the European labour market. Barriers to mobility in education and training, in occupational and personal pensions, in access to social protection and in the recognition of qualifications should be removed. Mobile workers should be supported including by improving their access to and awareness of rights at work. Member States should take action to ensure that administrative procedures are not a blocking or complicating factor for workers from other Member States in taking up active employment. Member States should also prevent abuses of the existing rules and address potential ‘brain drain’ from certain regions. They should do so by increasing and supporting investment in sectors that have a real potential of generating high-quality employment opportunities such as the green and circular economy or the digital and care sectors.
Amendment 146 #
2017/0305(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – part 3 – paragraph 5
Annex I – part 3 – paragraph 5
In line with national practices and with the partnership principles, and in order to achieve more effective social and civil dialogue and better socio-economic outcomes, Member States should ensure the timely and meaningful involvement of social partners and civil society organisations in the design and, implementation and evaluation of economic, employment and social reforms and policies and at all stages of the process, including by providing support for increased capacity of social partners and civil society organisations. Such involvement has to go beyond the mere consultation of stakeholders. Social partners should be encouraged to negotiate and conclude collective agreements in matters relevant to them, respecting fully their autonomy and the right to collective action. Workers in atypical contracts and self-employed workers should also be supported in their right to organise and to bargain collectively.
Amendment 151 #
2017/0305(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – part 4 – paragraph 1
Annex I – part 4 – paragraph 1
Member States should promote inclusive labour markets, open to all, by putting in place effective measures to promote equal opportunities for under-represented groups in the labour market. They should ensure equal treatment regarding employment, social protection, education and access to goods and services, regardless of gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, in cooperation with local and regional authorities, should put in place effective measures to fight all forms of discrimination and to promote equal opportunities for all people to participate in society. Such measures should include those promoting inclusive labour markets, open to all, including through measures that counter discrimination in access to and on the labour market, to support those who are currently discriminated or under- represented. They should ensure equal treatment regarding employment, social protection, education and access to goods and services, regardless of gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. To that end, particular measures to support certain people in vulnerable situations, such as migrants or ethnic minorities are necessary, and need to be backed by adequate funding to prevent any potential competition for resources between the beneficiaries concerned.
Amendment 173 #
2017/0305(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – part 4 – paragraph 6
Annex I – part 4 – paragraph 6
Amendment 5 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
– having regard to ILO Convention No 102 on Social Security and its Recommendation No 202 on Social Protection Floors,
Amendment 8 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission Communication of 20 February 2013 entitled 'Towards Social Investment for Growth and Cohesion – including implementing the European Social Fund 2014-2020',
Amendment 9 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 b (new)
Citation 7 b (new)
– having regard to the Commission recommendation of 20 February 2013 entitled 'Investing in Children: breaking the cycle of disadvantage',
Amendment 12 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
– having regard to Eurofound (2015) Access to social benefits: reducing non-take-up,
Amendment 14 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 b (new)
Citation 20 b (new)
– having regard to forthcoming Eurofound report on "Income inequalities and employment patterns in Europe before and after the great Recession",
Amendment 19 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 a (new)
Citation 18 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 26 May 2016 on poverty: a gender perspective,
Amendment 20 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 b (new)
Citation 18 b (new)
– having regard to its recommendation to the Council of 7 July 2016 on the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly,
Amendment 22 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas poverty and social exclusion are infringements of human dignity and fundamental human rights; whereas the EU and Member States committed in 2010 to a reduction of the number of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion with 20 million by 2020;
Amendment 40 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas according to the Parliament's Resolution of 2010, adequate minimum income schemes must set minimum incomes at a level equivalent to at least 60% of average income in the member state concerned;
Amendment 53 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas according to a forthcoming Eurofound report on "Income inequalities and employment patterns in Europe before and after the great Recession" the impact of the crisis has been generally more acute among lower-income individuals, pushing income inequalities upwards within European societies;
Amendment 59 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the current emergency situation calls for measures to promote national minimum income schemes for citizeninhabitants, so that all citizeninhabitants are ensured decent living conditions;
Amendment 62 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas according to an overview by Eurofound many people in the EU do not receive the benefits they are entitled to, including in-work benefits, for example because of complexity of benefit systems or application procedures, or unawareness of entitlement for instance assuming that by being employed one is not entitled;
Amendment 68 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas introducing and strengthening schemes for adequate minimum income schemesupport is an important and effective way to overcome poverty and inequality, support social integration and access to the labour market and meet the targets of the Europe 2020 strategy;
Amendment 87 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas contrary to what is often thought, well-designed, adequate and widely available income support systems do not prevent or discourage a return to the labour market;1a __________________ 1aEuropean Commission, Employment and Social Developments in Europe 2013, January 2014
Amendment 88 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
Ib. whereas the Recommendation on Active Inclusion rightly recognised that apart from facilitating access to quality employment for those who can work, active inclusion policies should also "provide resources which are sufficient to live in dignity, together with support for social participation, for those who cannot";
Amendment 89 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas the Council on 5 October 2015 adopted conclusions on pension adequacy, considering it essential that public pension or other social protection schemes contain appropriate safeguards for people whose employment opportunities do or did not allow them to build up sufficient pension entitlements and that such safeguards notably include minimum pensions or other minimum income provisions for older people;
Amendment 90 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas in the Commission's recommendation of 3 October 2008 on active inclusion it is stressed that adequate income suppordentifies adequate income support as one of the three equally important strands of an active inclusion strategy and is stressed that it must be accompanied by access to quality services and by inclusive labour markets;
Amendment 92 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L a (new)
Recital L a (new)
La. whereas in many countries key barriers to developing effective links between the different strands of active inclusion include lack of capacity, skills and resources in public employment services and social assistance institutions, lack of coordination and cooperation between services, and a tendency to prioritise different groups in need of support who may be easier to reintegrate into the labour market;2a __________________ 2aEuropean Social Policy Network, Minimum Income Schemes in Europe: A study of national policies 2015, January 2016
Amendment 93 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L b (new)
Recital L b (new)
Lb. whereas the 2013 European Commission's Social Investment Package again reiterated the importance of an active inclusion approach and within this stressed the importance of adequate minimum income support; whereas it was stated that the adequacy of existing national minimum income schemes can be improved to ensure the level is high enough for a decent life; whereas it was mentioned that "the Commission will, as part of the European Semester, monitor the adequacy of income support and use for this purpose reference budgets once these have been developed together with the Member States";
Amendment 94 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L c (new)
Recital L c (new)
Lc. whereas ILO Recommendation 202 on social protection floors states that countries should "establish as quickly as possible and maintain their social protection floors comprising basic social security guarantees. The guarantees should ensure at a minimum that, over the life cycle, all in need have access to essential health care and to basic income security which together secure effective access to goods and services...";
Amendment 95 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L d (new)
Recital L d (new)
Ld. whereas the Council recognised the necessity of active inclusion with adequate income support and the importance of an integrated life cycle approach for tackling poverty;3a __________________ 3aCouncil Conclusions on “combating Poverty and Social Exclusion: An integrated approach”, 16 June 2016
Amendment 105 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas a transitional job scheme is one of the most effective forms of minimum incomecan be an effective tool for social and labour market inclusion for those who are able to work, as it combines income support with a proper job; whereas people who keep themselves busy working in a public transitional job scheme will also find it easier to find new jobs in the private sector;
Amendment 111 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P a (new)
Recital P a (new)
Pa. whereas difficulties in accessing minimum income schemes are experienced by those people in the most vulnerable situations such as the homeless;
Amendment 112 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P b (new)
Recital P b (new)
Pb. whereas Minimum income schemes represent a very small percentage of the government's social spending while providing a huge return on investment and the cost of non-investment has enormous immediate impacts for the individuals concerned and long term costs for society;
Amendment 113 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P c (new)
Recital P c (new)
Pc. whereas minimum income schemes are good for the whole of society as they are indispensable for more equal societies and more equal societies perform better on many social and economic indicators;
Amendment 114 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P d (new)
Recital P d (new)
Pd. whereas minimum income schemes are effective economic stimulus packages, as the money is used to address pressing needs and immediately re-enters the real economy;
Amendment 115 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P e (new)
Recital P e (new)
Pe. whereas the right to an adequate standard of living is recognised in Article 25 of the UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights, and refers to the extent to which the level of benefit provides people with sufficient resources to ensure "a standard of living adequate for their health and well-being"; whereas coverage refers to the extent to which all those in need of support are covered by the eligibility conditions pertaining to a minimum income scheme; whereas take- up refers to the extent to which those who are eligible to receive a minimum income benefit actually do receive it;
Amendment 116 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P f (new)
Recital P f (new)
Pf. whereas often the lack of adequate payments coupled with limited coverage and poor take-up due inter alia to poor administration, inadequate access to information, excessive bureaucracy and stigmatisation means that they fall very far short of ensuring a decent life for the most vulnerable in society;4a __________________ 4aEuropean Social Policy Network, Minimum Income Schemes in Europe: A study of national policies 2015, January 2016
Amendment 129 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. TCalls on all Member States to put in place adequate minimum income schemes that can be accessed by all who need them; takes the view that introducing well-organised and adequate minimum income schemes in all EU Member States - consisting of specific measures supporting people whose income is insufficient with a funding supply and facilitated access to services - is one of the most effective ways to combat poverty including intergenerational poverty, and inequality, guarantee an adequate standard of living and foster social inclusion and integration;
Amendment 132 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Considers that the right to an adequate income should be recognised as a fundamental right and should enable people to live a life in dignity, support their full participation in society and ensure their independence across the life cycle;
Amendment 133 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a. Points out that minimum income policies constitute an important tool of comprehensive social protection policies; considers that adequate minimum income schemes form the basis on which high quality social protection schemes should be built, while ensuring a positive hierarchy with other social benefits and minimum wages; considers therefore that they need to be complemented with adequate pension rights for older persons and income support for young people, children and their families;
Amendment 136 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Acknowledged that it is difficult for Member States to go from no or low quality minimum income schemes to high level schemes; requests therefore from Member States to work towards the progressive realisation of adequate minimum income schemes addressing the issues of adequacy, coverage and take-up of the schemes;
Amendment 147 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that it is vital for everyone to have a sufficient minimum income to be able to meet their basic requirements as well as those of their dependants; considers that adequate minimum income is an income that is indispensable to live a life in dignity and to fully participate in society, across the life span; points out that in order to be adequate, it has to be above bare minimum and needs to allow people not just to survive but to thrive;
Amendment 160 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that an adequate income across the life cycle is fundamental for a dignified life and that without a minimum income and a stake in society individuals cannot develop their potential to the full and participate in the democratic shaping of society;
Amendment 166 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that, while most Member States have national minimum income schemes, several do not; calls on thoseof these schemes do not provide adequate income support for all the people that need them; calls on all states to provide for the introduction and upgrading of guaranteed minimum income schemes to prevent poverty and foster social inclusion;
Amendment 175 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to agree on a set of common principles, definitions and methods for adequate minimum income schemes to be achieved in all Member States;
Amendment 184 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘European minimum income and poverty indicators’ and supports the proposal concerning a framework directive on adequate minimum income in the European Union, which should lay down common rules and indicators, provide methods for monitoring its implementation and improve dialogue between the individuals concerned, the Member States and the EU institutions; is of the view that a framework of this kind should be based on tangible factors and should bear in mind the social and economic context of each Member State; calls on the Commission and the Member States, in this regard, to evaluate the manner and the means of providing an adequate minimum income in all Member States;
Amendment 188 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. points out that as has been shown before that it is legally possible to have a framework directive on minimum income within the context of the current EU Treaties;5a __________________ 5aA. Van Lancker, EAPN Working Paper on a Framework Directive on adequate minimum income, September 2010
Amendment 201 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. ConsidersRecalls that adequate minimum income schemes must be part of a comprehensive Active Inclusion Strategy which requires combining the equally important strands of adequate minimum income schemes, inclusive labour markets and access to high-quality social services; considers therefore that minimum income schemes should be embedded in a strategic approach towards social inclusion and integration, involving both general policies and targeted measures - in terms of housing, health care, education and training, social services - helping people to recover from poverty andand other services of general interest - helping people to recover from or not to fall into poverty and to address situations where people are confronted with multiple difficulties or problems at the same time; believes such approach will support those who can work to take action themselves to gain access to the labour market; believes that the real objective of minimum income schemes should be not simply to assist but mainly to accompany the beneficiaries in moving from situations of social exclusion to active life;
Amendment 205 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on Member States to improve coordination and integrated planning between administrations and services dealing with the different strands of active inclusion, developing one point of contact for clients, and enhancing the capacity of and resources available to services so as to increase the access to and quality of the services concerned;
Amendment 206 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Condemns negative or even punitive activation incentives, such as cuts to the level of benefits, sanctions, stricter eligibility criteria, or broad definitions of "suitable" job offers, which can lead to pushing people into precarious employment; considers that guiding people out of unemployment requires adapting the labour market for it to be inclusive and open for those most excluded and/or discriminated, including through personalised approaches;
Amendment 207 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)
Paragraph 9 c (new)
9c. Considers it crucial to guarantee adequate income also for people in vulnerable situations for whom a return to work is not possible or no longer an option such as people with a disability, long-term unemployed, older workers, as recognised by the Recommendation on Active Inclusion;
Amendment 215 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Notes with concern that in many Member States, for example the costs of long-term care exceed even the average pension income; stresses the importance of taking into account the specific needs and living costs of different age groups;
Amendment 221 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses the importance of defining appropriate eligibility criteria in order to benefit from an adequate minimum income scheme; emphasizes that these criteria should not create insurmountable administrative barriers to access minimum income schemes for people who are already in a very vulnerable situation, such as the requirement of having a physical address for homeless people;
Amendment 224 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Is concerned about the high rate of non-take up amongst people that are entitled to minimum income which highlights the many barriers including intrusive procedures and stigma linked to the application for minimum income schemes; considers that non-take up is a major barrier to the social inclusion of the people concerned; requests the Commission and the Social Protection Committee to further research the problem of non-take up and develop recommendations and guidelines to tackle this problem; calls on Member States to combat non-take-up, including by raising public awareness about the existence of minimum income schemes, providing appropriate guidance on accessing these and improving the administrative organisation;
Amendment 230 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses the need for Member States to take specific action to determine a minimum income threshold, based on relevant indicators including reference budgets, in order to safeguard social and economic cohesion and reduce the risk of poverty throughout the European Union; calls on the Council to express its views more firmly with regard to such action;
Amendment 232 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Points out that reference budgets can help set the level of minimum income necessary to meet people's fundamental needs, including also non-monetary aspects, such as access to education and lifelong learning, decent housing, quality healthcare services, leisure and social activities or civic participation, while taking into account household composition and ages; calls therefore to use reference budgets, as a tool to assess the adequacy of minimum income schemes provided by Member States;
Amendment 235 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Notes that many already use the Minimum Income Protection Indicators (MIPI); calls for the use of MIPI data by all Member States, which will also allow for better comparison between national systems;
Amendment 236 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 c (new)
Paragraph 12 c (new)
Amendment 239 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Emphasises the need, when the levels of minimum incomes are determined, for due account to be taken of dependants, in particular children, in order to break the vicious circle of child poverty; takes the view, furthermore, that the Commission should draw up an annual report on progress in the fight against child povertycalls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the swift implementation of the 2013 recommendation on 'Investing in children – breaking the cycle of disadvantage'; takes the view, furthermore, that the Commission should draw up an annual report on progress in the fight against child poverty and on the implementation of the recommendation with the help of the indicators therein, while using the European Semester as monitoring framework;
Amendment 252 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Is still of the opinion that adequate minimum income schemes should set minimum incomes at a level equivalent to at least 60 % of median income in the Member State concerned; considers reference budgets could be used to test the robustness of the level of minimum income and of the 60% threshold;
Amendment 260 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to carry out an impact assessment of minimum income schemes in the Union and to consider further steps, taking into account the economic and social circumstances of each Member State as well as assessing whether the schemes enable households to meet their basic personal needs;
Amendment 268 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Is concerned about the cuts in the amount and/or duration of unemployment benefits as well as in the tightening of eligibility criteria in many Member States over the last years, which leads also to more people having to rely on minimum income schemes and causes extra pressure on these schemes;6a __________________ 6aEuropean Social Policy Network, Social Investment in Europe: A study of national policies 2015, January 2016
Amendment 270 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Is concerned that in many Member States the level of benefits and coverage of minimum income schemes seems to have been reduced in recent years; considers Member States should increase coverage by minimum income schemes of people in need of support, in line with the recommendations of the European Social Policy Network: 7a a. calls on Member States with very complex and fragmented systems to simplify these and develop more comprehensive systems; b. calls on Member States with currently low levels of coverage to review their conditions to ensure that all people in need are covered; c. calls on Member States whose minimum income schemes currently exclude significant groups experiencing poverty such as homeless people, refugees, asylum seekers, Roma, young people to amend their schemes to better cover them; d. calls on Member States with high levels of administrative discretion in their core minimum income systems to aim to reduce this and ensure that there are clear and consistent criteria for making decisions linked to an effective appeals process. __________________ 7aEuropean Social Policy Network, Minimum Income Schemes in Europe: A study of national policies 2015, January 2016
Amendment 288 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Believes that job creationthe creation of quality jobs with decent working conditions including adequate wages, should be a priority for the European Union as a firsn important step towards reducing poverty;
Amendment 294 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure the full participation of all stakeholders, in particular the social partners and civil society organisations in the design, implementation and monitoring of minimum income policies and programmes;
Amendment 296 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Calls on the Commission to continue its support for the European Minimum Income Network, as a network that monitors and supports the progressive realisation of adequate, accessible and enabling Minimum Income Schemes in all Member States;
Amendment 297 #
2016/2270(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Amendment 3 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2
Citation 2
— having regard to Articles 6(a), 8, 10, 153(1)(i) and 157 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Amendment 5 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 49 c (new)
Citation 49 c (new)
- having regard to article 27 of the European Social Charter on the right of workers with family responsibilities to equal opportunities and equal treatment,
Amendment 15 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13
Citation 13
— having regard to its resolution of .....12 May 2016 on the application of Council Directive 2010/18/EU of 8 March 2010, implementing the revised Framework Agreement on parental leave concluded by BUSINESSEUROPE, UEAPME, CEEP and ETUC and repealing Directive 96/34/EC,
Amendment 20 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27
Citation 27
Amendment 23 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 38
Citation 38
— having regard to the European Institute for Gender Equality’s 2015 Gender Equality Index 2015and its 2015 report "Reconciliation of work, family and private life in the European Union: Policy review",
Amendment 29 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 49 a (new)
Citation 49 a (new)
- having regard to the Council conclusions of 19 June 2015 on equal income opportunities for women and men: Closing the gender gap in pensions (10081/15),
Amendment 30 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 49 b (new)
Citation 49 b (new)
- having regard to the European Pact for gender equality for the period 2011-2020 adopted by conclusions of the Council of the European Union Council, 7 March 2011[1a ], __________________ 1a 3073th Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs, Council meeting Brussels, 7 March 2011
Amendment 38 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas achieving a genuine work- life balance requires comprehensive policies including measures for reconciling work, caring for and spending time with friends and family, and time for leisure and personal development;
Amendment 45 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. Whereas the roadmap presented by the Commission is a starting point but certainly not ambitious enough; whereas this opportunity must open a reorganisation process of the Work Life Balance situation of women and mean in Europe and must contribute significantly to achieve higher levels of gender equality;
Amendment 48 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the first findings of the Eurofound 6th European Working Conditions Survey show that almost half of the workers have worked in their free time in the past year in order to meet work demands; whereas a significant proportion of workers in the EU has atypical working hours, including working on Saturdays and Sundays, working days of over 10 hours, shift and night work[2a]; whereas doubt has been raised whether long working hours are beneficial to the economy in terms of increased productivity; __________________ 2aEurofound European Working Conditions Survey
Amendment 59 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas reconciling work and private life depends also on the working time arrangements at the workplace; whereas working time arrangements change regularly for 31% of employees, often at short notice1a; __________________ 1aEurofound European Working Conditions Survey
Amendment 93 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas family-related types of leave are still often grounds for discrimination and stigmatisation for both women and men despite existing legislation;
Amendment 99 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
Fb. whereas the overwhelming majority of workers taking parental leave are women, who also spend two to ten times more time on unpaid care than men[6a]; whereas this has negative consequences for women, such as lower pay, higher concentration in part-time work, career interruptions, a higher risk of poverty and social exclusion as well as a large gender pension gap (40%); __________________ 6aEurostat data for 2010, Commission report 2015 on Equality between women and men in the European Union, SWD(2016) 54 final
Amendment 106 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas access to childcare services for young children is the main factor influencing the participation of women in the labour market; whereas for 27% of Europeans the poor quality of childcare made it difficult to access these services;[3a] whereas only 11 Member States have met the first Barcelona target (childcare available for at least 90 % of children between the ages of 3 and the mandatory school age) and only 10 Member States have achieved the second target (at least 33 % of children under three years)19 ; __________________ 19 Progress report on the Barcelona objectives of 29 May 2013 entitled ‘The development of childcare facilities for young children in Europe with a view to sustainable and inclusive growth’ (COM(2013)0322). 3aEurofound European Quality of Life Survey 2012
Amendment 113 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas early childhood education and care and children's experiences from the ages of 0-3 have a decisive impact on the cognitive development of children, given that they develop essential capacities in the first five years;
Amendment 114 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas work-life balance policies should also enable parents to fulfil their responsibilities towards their children, ensuring the financial means, time and support necessary for both mothers and fathers;
Amendment 115 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
Ec. whereas Europe is the continent with the highest number of older citizens and an ageing process that will continue in the next decades; whereas many member states lack sufficient facilities in long-term care to address the increase in care needs and a stagnation to reduction of the healthy life years indicator; whereas most of the jobs created in formal home care for older relatives have low pay and require low qualifications;[4a] __________________ 4aEurofound (2013) Caring for children and dependants: Effect on carers of young workers.
Amendment 116 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Ed. whereas 80% of care needs are provided by informal carers in the EU; whereas about 3.3 million Europeans aged between 15 and 34 have had to give up full-time work because they lack care facilities for dependent children or older relatives;
Amendment 126 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the combination of care and paid work has an important impact on the sustainability of work and employment rates, in particular for women who might face at some stage in their life both or either care responsibilities for grandchildren and/or elderly parents[5a]; __________________ 5aEurofound report Sustainable work over the life course: Concept paper (2015)
Amendment 131 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F c (new)
Recital F c (new)
Fc. whereas some legal systems in the EU maintain non-individualisation of tax and social security systems, with women granted only derived rights through their relationship to men, including for access to health and pension services; whereas Member States that impose dependency of the wife/mother are imposing direct discrimination against women, and denying full citizenship rights to women through the selective way state services are delivered;
Amendment 137 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that reconciliation of professional, private and family life needs to be guaranteed as a fundamental right for all people, with measures being available for everyone, going beyond young mothers, fathers or carers; calls therefore on the EU and Member States to promote, in both the public and private sectors, business welfare models which require respect for the right to a work-life balance;
Amendment 160 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that the EU is facing unprecedented demographic challengedevelopments – an ageing population, low birth rates, changing family structures and migration; is concerned that austerity measures have had a negative impact on the sustainability of public finances needed for work-life balance policies and services that foster demographic renewal;
Amendment 163 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Is alarmed at the disastrous long term impact of austerity measures on women's economic empowerment and equality between women and men, with rising unemployment and cuts in public services and benefits resulting in a care crisis; underlines that reductions in care services, cuts in child, disability, carers' benefits and reductions in tax credits, cuts in statutory leave, including parental and paternity leave, tend to shift care services onto unpaid women who, as a result, are unable to pursue insurable employment or may only be employed on a part-time basis;
Amendment 168 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Underlines that migrants and refugees should have the same rights and should have access to the same benefits and services through a universal model that is not related to insurance contributions and employment history;
Amendment 177 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the Commission’'s approach to work-life balance policies as key in addressing socio-economic challenges; calls on the European Social Partners to come forward with an agreement on a comprehensive package of legislative and non-legislative measures regarding the reconciliation of professional, private and family life; calls on the Commission to put forward a proposal for such a package as part of the Commission Work Programme 2017 in the context of the announced European pillar of social rights should it not be possible for an agreement between the social partners to be reached; stresses that the comprehensive legislative proposal should include as a legal basis equality between men and women, also including legislative powers for other measures ensuring the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of women and men at work;
Amendment 186 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to put in place policies that acknowledge the increasing diversity of family relationships and , parenting and grandparenting arrangements as well as society as a whole, in particular to guarantee that a child is not discriminated against because of its parents’' marital status or family constitution;
Amendment 192 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure that the wellbeing and best interest of children are primary considerations in the development, monitoring and implementation of work-life balance policies; calls on the Commission and Member States to fully implement the Recommendation on Investing in Children and closely monitor progress;
Amendment 193 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure legislation and policies on work-life balance take into account the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities and the Concluding observations of the 2015 CRPD Committee to the EU;
Amendment 218 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Underlines that key to women´s economic empowerment, is transforming and adapting the labour market and welfare systems in order to take into account women´s life cycles;
Amendment 224 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Calls on the Member States, together with the Commission, to guarantee that family rights assigned by public policies, including parental leave, are equal in terms of individual rights and equally accessible for women and men;
Amendment 240 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Urges Member States to replace household unit models by the individualisation of taxation and social security rights to ensure that women have individual rights and to counter dependency status through their partners or through the State;
Amendment 242 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Calls on MS and the Commission to reformulate tax and benefit systems that give financial incentives for the spouse earning less to withdraw from the labour market or to work part-time as it may run counter to a higher take-up rate of parental leave by fathers and brings negative consequences for women, such as reinforcing the gender pay, care and pension gap; calls on the Member States to consider providing shared pension rights in cases of divorce and legal separation;
Amendment 252 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Urges the Commission to adopt a post-2015 Gender Equality Strategy and to implement it through the European Semester, including the Annual Growth Survey and the country-specific recommendations in line with the recommendations of the European Pact for gender equality for the period 2011- 2020;
Amendment 261 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Member States to put in place proactive policies designed to support women and men with caring responsibilities in entering, returning to and staying in the labour market with stable and quality employment, in line with article 27 of the European Social Charter;
Amendment 269 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to involve the social partners and civil society in gender equality policies; stresses the importance of collective agreements in combating discrimination and promoting equality between women and men at work, and of research and, exchanges of good practices and adequate funding;
Amendment 272 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop policies and awareness campaigns that not only target men, but also businesses, organisations and society as a whole, in view of recognising the right and need for men to request i.a. leaves and adapted working hours in order to take up care responsibilities without being stigmatised and penalised;
Amendment 282 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Asks the Commission to strengthen the Roadmap by focussing on legislative measures; Strongly regrets that the Commission withdrew the revision of the Maternity Leave Directive and calls as a matter of urgency for it to return with an ambitious proposal guaranteeing as a minimum the same level of protection with the withdrawn Directive; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that women are fully paid for the duration of maternity leave; stresses that maternity leave must be accompanied by effective measures protecting the rights of pregnant and new mothers, reflecting the recommendations of the World Health Organisation21 ; __________________ 21 http://www.who.int/topics/breastfeeding/en /
Amendment 289 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Considers it crucial to ensure adequate remuneration and social protection during any type of family- or care-related leave in order to ensure that low-income workers can benefit from leave measures on an equal footing with others;
Amendment 291 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Stresses the need to guarantee favourable conditions for the return to work of those who have benefited from a family- or care-related leave, especially concerning reinstatement to the same post or an equivalent or similar post;
Amendment 297 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to publish an implementation report on the Parental Leave Directive and urges it to use the review clause to extend the minimum duration of paid leave from four to at least six months to be taken altogether or in fractions, to allow a more flexible use and allow parents to better combine work and care responsibilities; calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure the parental leave period is non- transferable and shared between parents;
Amendment 307 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Believes that promoting the individualisation of the right to leave as well as the role of fathers is essential to achieving gender-balanced reconciliation of work and private life; calls on the Commission to introduce measures to encourage men to undertake unpaid care work;
Amendment 308 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls for an eventual revision of the leave regulations and policies to accommodate the role of many working grandparents to care for grandchildren;
Amendment 324 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 – point 1
Paragraph 15 – point 1
(1) a paternity leave directive with a minimum of a mandatory two-week fully paid leave;
Amendment 332 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 – point 2
Paragraph 15 – point 2
(2) a carers’ leave directive which supplements the provision of professional care, enables care for dependants and offers the carer adequate remuneration and social protection; as well as the right to return to work and protection from dismissal; calls for employee-driven flexibility and sufficient incentives for men to take up carers' leave;
Amendment 334 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 – point 2 a (new)
Paragraph 15 – point 2 a (new)
(2a) An adoption leave directive with minimum standards applicable in all Member States to address the specific needs of adoptive parents and children;
Amendment 342 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Member States to introduce ‘'care credits’' for both women and men as equivalent periods for building up pension rights in order to protect those taking a break from employment to provide informal, unpaid care to a dependant or family member and to ensure that time spent as a carer is calculated into pension eligibility to reflect the contribution that these carers continue to make to society;
Amendment 354 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Urges the Member States to invest in and ensure the availability of and universal access to affordable and high- quality early childhood education and care, elderly and dependant care by, for example, increasing public expenditure on care services including independent living schemes, and incentivising employer contributions to care costs, including by making better use of EU funds, and calls for the MFF revision to be used to step up investment in social infrastructure including public care structures and services for children, the elderly and other dependents; notes the disproportionate impact that lack of investment in public care structures and services has on single parents, the vast majority of whom are women;
Amendment 368 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls for the introduction of targets on care for elderly and other dependants, with monitoring tools within the European Semester; calls on Eurostat and Eurofound to collect relevant data and to carry out studies; calls for these data to be included in the Gender Index developed by EIGE;
Amendment 377 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish qualitative standards for all care services, including on availability, accessibility and affordability care, drawing inspiration from existing Frameworks such as the European Quality Framework for Long- term Care Services;
Amendment 380 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Points out that an important element in achieving quality services is investing in the workforce[7a]; calls therefore on Member States and social partners to promote decent working conditions and quality employment for care workers, including through decent pay, recognition of care workers' status and the development of high quality vocational training pathways for care workers; __________________ 7aEurofound (2015) Early childhood care: working conditions, training and quality of services – A systematic review
Amendment 393 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on Eurofound to develop further its activities in relation to monitoring of good-quality jobs and the need for measuring based on its concept of job quality[8a]; __________________ 8a Eurofound report on Trends in job quality in Europe (2012) and Eurofound report Convergence and divergence of job quality in Europe 1995-2010 (2015)
Amendment 408 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Is concerned about the increased amount of involuntary part-time work, particularly among women with caring responsibilities, that increases their risk of in work poverty; stresses that when a worker chooses part- time work, the quality of their employment and non- discrimination against them as compared to full-time workers must be guaranteed; in line with the part-time work directive, and calls on the Commission to follow-up on the application of this directive[9a]; __________________ 9aCOUNCIL DIRECTIVE 97/81/EC of 15 December 1997concerning the Framework Agreement on part-time work concluded by UNICE, CEEP and the ETUC
Amendment 411 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Asks the Commission to guarantee that part-time workers, workers facing job discontinuity and workers with career gaps or with periods where fewer hours were worked have an effective equalisation to full time workers in their right to access a decent pension scheme without any form of discrimination;
Amendment 417 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Points out that excessive working hours and insufficient rest periods, atypical working hours, as well as the disproportionate output required, are major factors in increased levels of poor health and occupational accidents and diseases; points out that flexitime, predictable working hours and being able to take time off at short notice during working hours, positively influence the work-life balance[10a]; calls on the Commission to initiate infringement proceedings against Member States who are failing to implement the Working Time Directive; __________________ 10a Eurofound European Working Conditions Survey
Amendment 424 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls on Eurofound to keep monitoring how working time arrangements support work life balance and to monitor public policies and social partners' agreements in this field; calls on Eurofound to develop research on how dual worker households manage their working time arrangements together and how best to support them;
Amendment 429 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Reiterates its call to Council for swiftly adopting the Proposal for a Council Directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation;
Amendment 436 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Points out that 'quality of life' is a broader concept than 'living conditions' and refers to the overall well-being of individuals in a society, identifying a number of dimensions of human existence as essential for a rounded human life;[11a] __________________ 11aEurofound 3rd European Quality of Life Survey
Amendment 439 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Underlines that leisure inequality and unequal sharing of responsibilities between women and men has an impact on women’s personal development, learning of new skills and languages, and participation in social, political, cultural and community life, and especially on women's economic situation;
Amendment 449 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Stresses that gender segregation, pay, long life earnings and pension gaps, gender stereotypes and high levels of stress in managing professional and private life are reflected in women`s high physical inactivity rate and have a huge impact on their physical and mental health23 ; __________________ 23 European Parliament Directorate- General for Internal Policies of the Union study of March 2016 entitled ‘Differences in Men’s and Women’s Work, Care and Leisure Time’.
Amendment 454 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Calls on the Member States and social partners to develop and put in place policies for educational and training leave and to make learning outside work accessible, in particular to workers in disadvantaged situations;
Amendment 462 #
2016/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls on the Member States to put in place adequate minimum income schemes to enable all people to live a life in dignity, to support their full participation in society and to ensure independence throughout the life cycle;
Amendment 13 #
2016/2009(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas Article 24 of the Charter sets up the fundamental right of children; whereas hundreds of petitions were received in 2015 concerning children custody matters, in most of the cases with cross-border implications; whereas a specific working group was created to more effectively deal with the core of these matters;
Amendment 80 #
2016/2009(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes the frequent recurrence of petitions about problems encountered by legally resident third-country spouses of EU citizens and non-EU-national permanent residents, particularly stateless persons, in exercising their rights;
Amendment 85 #
2016/2009(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for special attention to the rights of children, in particular in the context of cross-border custody disputes, and parentaldoptions without parental consent and visitation rights; calls on the Commission to provide clear guidance on the concept of ‘best interests of the child’ in the context of the revision of the Brussels IIA Regulation;
Amendment 27 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The burden of proof of justification and proportionality lies on the Member States. The reasons for regulation invoked by a Member State by way of justification should thus be accompanied by an analysis of the appropriateness and proportionality of the measure adopted by that State and by specific evidence substantiating its arguments. This should not prevent Member States from taking immediate measures which they consider necessary to protect public health or where they consider measures necessary to pursue other overriding reasons of public interest.
Amendment 33 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) It is appropriate to monitor the proportionality of the provisions restricting access to or pursuit of regulated professions on a regular basis and with a frequency appropriate to the regulation concerned and to a degree commensurate with the complexity of the regulations in place and the extent of the new measures proposed. A review of the proportionality of restrictive national legislation in the area of regulated professions should be based not only on the objective of that legislation at the time of its adoption, but also on the effects of the legislation, assessed after its adoption. The assessment of the proportionality of the national legislation should be based on developments found to have occurred in the area since the legislation was adopted.
Amendment 47 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12 a) This Directive seeks to strike a balance between securing public interest objectives and quality of services on the one hand, and improving access to, and exercise of, regulated professions, which is in the interests of the professionals themselves, on the other.It is clear from settled case law of the Court of Justice that when one Member State imposes less strict rules than another Member State, this does not necessarily mean that the latter Member State's rules are disproportionate.
Amendment 55 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16
Recital 16
Amendment 64 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) The economic impact of the measure, including a cost-benefit analysis with particular regard to the degree of competition in the market and the quality of the service provided, as well as the impact on the right to work and on the free movement of persons and services within the Union should be duly taken into account by the competent authorities. Based on this analysis, Member States should ascertain, in particular, whether the extent of the restriction of access to or pursuit of regulated professions within the Union is proportionate to the importance of the objectives pursued and the expected gains.
Amendment 98 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. This Directive shall apply to requirements under the legal systems of the Member States restricting access to a regulated profession or its pursuit, or one of its modes of pursuit, including the use of professional titles and the professional activities allowed under such title, falling within the scope of Directive 2005/36/EC. It does not affect Member States' competence to decide whether and how, in accordance with the principles of non- discrimination and proportionality, to regulate a profession.
Amendment 118 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that beforewhen introducing new legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions restricting access to or pursuit of regulated professions, or amending existing ones, the relevant competent authorities undertake an assessment of their proportionality in accordance with the rules laid down in this Directive, taking full account of the specific nature of each profession. The extent of this assessment shall be commensurate to the content and impact of the provisions in question. .
Amendment 127 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Any provision referred to in paragraph 1 shall be accompanied by a detailed statement making it possible to appraise the provision's compliance with the principle of proportionality.
Amendment 132 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. The reasons for considering that a provision is justified, necessary and proportionate shall be substantiated by qualitative and, wherever possible, quantitative evidence.
Amendment 147 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions restricting access to or pursuit of regulated professions they intend to introduce and amendments they intend to make to existing provisions are justified by public interest objectives.
Amendment 153 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. The relevant competent authorities shall consider in particular whether those provisions are objectively justified on the basis of public policy, public security or public health, or by overriding reasons in the public interest, such as for example but not limited to: preserving the financial equilibrium of the social security system, the protection of consumers, recipients of services and workers, the safeguarding of the proper administration of justice, fairness of trade transactions, combating fraud and prevention of tax evasion and avoidance, road safety, the protection of the environment and the urban environment, the health of animals, intellectual property, the safeguarding and conservation of the national historic and artistic heritage, social policy objectives and cultural policy objectives.
Amendment 198 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point d
Amendment 200 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point e
Amendment 204 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f
Amendment 207 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point g
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point g
Amendment 210 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point h
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point h
Amendment 219 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point i
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point i
(i) the economic impact of the measure, with particular regard to the degree of competition in the market and on the quality of the service provided, as well as the impact on the free movement of persons and services within the Union;
Amendment 286 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 (new)
These requirements shall not be considered disproportionate restrictions per se, nor shall any restrictive effect resulting from their implementation.
Amendment 288 #
2016/0404(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Member States shall, by appropriate means, inform citizens, service recipients, representative associations and relevant stakeholders other than the members of the profess and in addition to the members of the profession, inform all relevant stakeholders, including service recipients, representative associations before introducproposing new legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions restricting access to or pursuit of regulated professions, or amending existing ones, and give them the opportunity to make known their views which shall then be given due consideration. This requirement may be fulfilled, for example, by means of a public consultation whose results inform the content of the adopted provisions.
Amendment 29 #
2016/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The European services e-card should be fully electronic, rely almost exclusively on data provided by home Member State and other reliable sources, limit the use of documents to the minimum necessary and allow for multilingual processing to avoid translation costs. In order to make the procedure fully electronic and allow for administrative cooperation between home and host Member States. The Internal Market Information system set up by Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council22 should be used under this Regulation. A specific electronic platform should be developed for the purpose of issuing, updating, suspending, revoking or cancelling European services e-cards, as well as to make valid European services e-cards electronically available to their holders and to competent authorities. __________________ 22 Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on administrative cooperation through the Internal Market Information System and repealing Commission Decision 2008/49/EC ( ‘the IMI Regulation’ ) (OJ L 316, 14.11.2012, p. 1)
Amendment 50 #
2016/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) The application of this Regulation should be regularly monitored and assessed in order to determine its impact on the costs of expanding operations cross- border, increased transparency about cross- border providers, competition, prices and quality of the services provided. The effects of this Regulation and the practical functioning of the cooperation between coordinating authorities should be evaluated regularlyat least once in two years. This monitoring will happen in cooperation with Member States, social partners and other relevant stakeholders.
Amendment 60 #
2016/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Providers may voluntarily choose to apply for a European services e-card.
Amendment 61 #
2016/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Any applications for a European services e-card shall be submitted in an electronic platform connected to IMI using a multilingual standard form, which shall be available in all the languages of European Union.
Amendment 62 #
2016/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3 – point a
(a) identification of the provider, including, where applicable, registration numbers in central, commercial or company registers and for tax and social security purposes in the home Member State;
Amendment 72 #
2016/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
The Commission mayshall adopt a harmonised format for the insurance certificate as referred to in the second subparagraph of paragraph 1 by means of an implementing act.
Amendment 77 #
2016/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 4
Amendment 86 #
2016/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. In the context of procedures to issue, update, suspend or revoke a European services e-card competent authorities of Member States shall accept documents in a simple copy form and shall not request that documents submitted to them are subject to legalisation,have apostille formalities, certification or authentication.
Amendment 92 #
2016/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
The Commission mayshall adopt rules on the standardised presentation format of the statement referred to in paragraph 1 by means of implementing acts.
Amendment 28 #
2016/0402(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The main purpose of the European services e-card is to introduce a uniform and simplified non-binding procedure for service providers wishing to expand provision of services across internal market borders. The e-card represents an electronic certificate stating that a service provider is legally established in a Member State (the home Member State). Host Member States where a service provider is interested in expanding to should furthermore not apply, to holders of an e- card, their prior authorisation or notifications schemes put in place under national law to control access to or exercicse of service activities, which is already the object of control before issue of a European services e-card.
Amendment 59 #
2016/0402(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 42
Recital 42
(42) A European services e-card should be valid for an indefinite period in tim24 month after receiving and its term is automatically prolonged in case if there are no reasoned and objective objections from a host Member State, without prejudice to, in relation to temporary cross-border services, the effects of case-by-case derogations in accordance with Directive 2006/123/EC.
Amendment 67 #
2016/0402(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 43
Recital 43
(43) A European services e-card should however be suspended by the issuing coordinating authority if, temporarily, the service provider is banned from providing the services in question. The suspension should last as long as the ban is in place. A European services e-card should be revoked by the issuing coordinating authority if the conditions for issuing it or for it to remain valid, as a testament of legality of service provision in the host Member State, are no longer met. A final decision establishing that an e-card holder misrepresented him or herself as a service provider and that, under national law of either home or host Member State he or she is considered to be a worker, should lead to the revocation of the European services e-cards in question. Similarly, cases of fraudulent, inaccurate or falsified information or documents used in the context of issuing a European services e- card should impact the validity of thstop the validity of e-card till the moment all inaccurate information is updated. Providing the wilful false information on the e-card should be a subject for a fine and ending the validity period of service e- card.
Amendment 80 #
2016/0402(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. A host Member State shall not impose any prior authorisation scheme, prior notification scheme or an establishment requirement on the holder of a previously issued European services e- card for temporary cross-border provision of services as a condition for such provision of services in its territory.
Amendment 84 #
2016/0402(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. A host Member State shall not impose any prior authorisation scheme or prior notification scheme on the holder of a previously issued European services e-card for establishment as a condition for establishment in its territory through a branch, agency or office located in its territory.
Amendment 87 #
2016/0402(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. A host Member State shall refrain from imposing on holders of a previously issued European services e-card requirements other than those referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 the compliance of which has been or is deemed to have been verified under Articles 11 to 13.
Amendment 97 #
2016/0402(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
A European services e-card shall be valid for an indefinite duration, unles24 month from the issuing moment and is prolonged automatically for the same term in case there are no reasoned and objective objections from a host Member State. The validity of services e- card can be ended any moment in case it’s suspended, revoked or cancelled, in accordance with Articles 15 to 17.
Amendment 104 #
2016/0402(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Member States shall ensure that providers with establishment in the territory of one Member State shall have the right to submit an application for a European services e-card to the coordinating authority of that same Member State in order to provide services in other Member States.
Amendment 36 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) The definitions and criteria for determining disability and invalidity differ widely across the Member States, which can constitute a major obstacle to the mutual recognition of national decisions on disability and invalidity issues, in particular as regards access to specific services and facilities, and can put people with a disability or invalidity at a particular disadvantage in the field of social security when moving from one Member State to another. It is therefore necessary, with a view to facilitating the travel and movement of persons with a disability or invalidity from one Member State to another, to ensure a common European definition in line with UNCRPD and the mutual recognition of disability status between Member States, in particular through the swift implementation of the European Disability Card in all Member States.
Amendment 37 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 b (new)
Recital 3 b (new)
(3b) It is important to respect the common values and principles of Union’s health systems as referred to in the Council Conclusions of 22 June 2006 on Common values and principles in European Union Health Systems1a, in particular the overarching values of universality, access to good quality care, equity and solidarity. This is particularly significant for categories of people who are neither employed, nor looking for a job, such as students, whose mobility should be preserved through their appropriate access to social security benefits, including health insurance, in the host Member State. As stated by the Council, "universality means that no-one is barred access to health care; solidarity is closely linked to the financial arrangement of our national health systems and the need to ensure accessibility to all; equity relates to equal access according to need, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, social status or ability to pay." __________________ 1a OJ C 146, 22.6.2006, p.1.
Amendment 40 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) It is to be noted that on 15 March 2017 the European Parliament adopted a resolution on obstacles to EU citizens’ freedom to move and work in the internal market1a. __________________ 1a Texts adopted, P8_TA(2017)0083
Amendment 41 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 b (new)
Recital 4 b (new)
(4b) In order to improve the mobility of workers, students and job seekers across the Union, it is essential that Member States guarantee access to the European Health Insurance Card to all people, including temporary workers, self- employed persons and those in atypical employment relationships, as well as students and mobile jobseekers, without discrimination.
Amendment 42 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 c (new)
Recital 4 c (new)
(4c) Cross-border healthcare is of particular relevance to guarantee an equitable coordination of social security systems. In this regard, the implementation of Directive 2011/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council1a differs greatly across the Member States. __________________ 1aDirective 2011/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the application of patients ‘rights in cross- border healthcare (OJ L 88, 4.4.2011, p. 45).
Amendment 48 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In the area of unemployment benefits, the rules on the aggregation of periods of insurance should be applied uniformly by all Member States. With the exception of cross-border workers referred to in Article 65(2), the rules on the aggregation of periods for the purpose of conferring entitlement to unemployment benefits should be subject to the condition that an insured person has most recently completed at least three months of insurance in that Member State. The previously competent Member State should become competent for all insured persons who do not satisfy this condition. In this case, registration with the employment services of the Member State of most recent insurance should have the same effect as registration with the employment services of the Member State, where the unemployed person had been previously insured on the basis of Article 6.
Amendment 57 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) Individuals should be able to choose their habitual residence for the purpose of establishing social security benefits, with competent authorities certifying it within a reasonable timeframe on the basis of proven sufficient roots to the concerned Member State.
Amendment 88 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point b
Regulation (EC) No 883/2004
Article 1 – point i – point 1 – point ii
Article 1 – point i – point 1 – point ii
(b) In Point (i)(1)(ii) afterwithin the term “Title III, Chapter 1 on sickness, long-term care, maternity and equivalent paternity benefits” the term “ and Chapter 1a on long-term care benefits” is inserted. (This amendment applies throughout the text. Adopting it will necessitate corresponding changes throughout.))
Amendment 89 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point c
Regulation (EC) No 883/2004
Article 1 – point v a – point i
Article 1 – point v a – point i
(c) In Point (va)(i) afterwithin the term “Title III, Chapter 1 (sickness, long-term care, maternity and equivalent paternity benefits),” the term "and Chapter 1a (long- term care benefits)” is inserted and the last sentence is deleted. (This amendment applies throughout the text. Adopting it will necessitate corresponding changes throughout.)
Amendment 95 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Regulation (EC) No 883/2004
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. A person who pursues an activity as an employed person in a Member State on behalf of an employer which normally carries out its activities there and who is posted within the meaning of Directive 96/71/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services46 or sent by that employer to another Member State to perform work on that employer's behalf shall continue to be subject to the legislation of the first Member State, provided that: (a) the anticipated or actual duration of such work does not exceed 246 months and that the person is not posted or sent to replace another employed or self-employed person previously posted or sent within the meaning of this Article. __________________ 46 OJ L 018 , 21.01.1997 p. 1; and (b) for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the start of the activity as an employed person, the person concerned is already subject to the legislation of the Member State in which his or her employer is established.
Amendment 97 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Regulation (EC) No 883/2004
Article 12 – paragraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 2
2. A person who normally pursues an activity as a self-employed person in a Member State who goes to pursue a similar activity in another Member State shall continue to be subject to the legislation of the first Member State, provided that: (a) the anticipated or actual duration of such activity does not exceed 24six months and that the person is not replacing another posted employed or self-employed person., and (b) for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the start of the activity, the person concerned has already been subject to the legislation of the Member State in which he or she normally pursues his or her activity.
Amendment 101 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14 a (new)
Amendment 103 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14 c (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14 c (new)
Regulation (EC) No 883/2004
Article 30
Article 30
Article 30 is replaced by the following: “Article 30 Contributions by pensioners 1. The institution of a Member State which is responsible under the legislation it applies for making deductions in respect of contributions for sickness, long-term care, maternity and equivalent paternity benefits, may request and recover such deductions, calculated in accordance with the legislation it applies, only to the extent that the cost of the benefits pursuant to Articles 23 to 26 is to be borne by an institution of the said Member State. 2. Where, in the cases referred to in Article 25, the acquisition of sickness, long-term care, maternity and equivalent paternity benefits is subject to the payment of contributions or similar payments under the legislation of a Member State in which the pensioner concerned resides, these contributions shall not be payable by virtue of such residence. lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CONSLEG:2004R0883:20130108:EN:HTML)” Or. en (http://eur-
Amendment 115 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20 – point a
Regulation (EC) No 883/2004
Article 64 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 64 – paragraph 1 – point c
(a) In paragraph 1(c) the word “three” shall be replaced by “six” and the words “of three months up to a maximum of six months” shall be replaced by the words “of six months up to the end of the per, point (c) is replaced by the following: “(c) entitlement to unemployment benefits should have a reasonable duratiodn of that person's entitlement to benefits”;least 6 months;”
Amendment 141 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 14 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 14 a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 987/2009
Article 23 – paragraph 1
Article 23 – paragraph 1
(14a) In Article 23, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: “If the legislation of the Member State of residence or stay comprises more than one scheme of sickness, long-term care, maternity and paternity insurance for more than one category of insured persons, the provisions applicable under Articles 17, 19(1), 20, 22, 24 and 26 of the basic Regulation shall be those of the legislation on the general scheme for employed persons. lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CONSLEG:2009R0987:20130108:EN:HTML)ˮ (This amendment applies throughout the text. Adopting it will necessitate corresponding changes throughout.) Or. en (http://eur-
Amendment 142 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15 a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 987/2009
Article 25 – paragraph 1
Article 25 – paragraph 1
(15a) in Article 25, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: 1. For the purposes of the application of Article 19 of the basic Regulation, the insured person shall present to the health care or long-term care provider in the Member State of stay a document issued by the competent institution indicating his entitlement to benefits in kind. If the insured person does not have such a document, the institution of the place of stay, upon request or if otherwise necessary, shall contact the competent institution in order to obtain one. lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CONSLEG:2009R0987:20130108:EN:HTML)Or. en (http://eur-
Amendment 143 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15 b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15 b (new)
Regulation (EC) No 987/2009
Article 25 – paragraph 3
Article 25 – paragraph 3
(15b) in Article 25, paragraph 3 is replaced by the following: 3. The benefits in kind referred to in Article 19 (1) of the basic Regulation shall refer to the benefits in kind which are provided in the Member State of stay, in accordance with its legislation, and which become necessary on medical grounds or due to the need for long-term care with a view to preventing an insured person from being forced to return, before the end of the planned duration of stay, to the competent Member State to obtain the necessary treatment. lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CONSLEG:2009R0987:20130108:EN:HTML)Or. en (http://eur-
Amendment 144 #
2016/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 19 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 19 a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 987/2009
Article 54 – paragraph 1
Article 54 – paragraph 1
(19a) in Article 54, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: 1. Article 12(1) of the implementing Regulation shall apply mutatis mutandis to Aunemployment benefits treated under article 61 of the basic Regulation. Without prejudice to the underlying obligations of the institutions involved, the person concerned may submit to the competent institution a document issued by the institution of the Member State to whose legislation he was subject in respect of his last activity as an employed or self- employed person specifying the periods completed under that legislation. lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CONSLEG:2009R0987:20130108:EN:HTML)(This amendment applies throughout the text. Adopting it will necessitate corresponding changes throughout.) Or. en (http://eur-
Amendment 16 #
2016/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5 a) Government guidelines or best practices with regard to the provision of accessible format copies to beneficiary persons under the terms of the Marrakesh treaty should be developed in consultation with representative groups of authorised entities, such as library associations and library consortia, together with other authorised entity producers of accessible format copies, as well as with users, civil society actors and right-holders.
Amendment 19 #
2016/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (ʻthe UNCRPDʼ), to which the EU is a party as of 21 January 2011, guarantees people with disabilities the right of access to information and the right to participate in cultural, economic, political and social life on an equal basis with others. The UNCRPD requires parties to the Convention to take all appropriate steps, in accordance with international law, to ensure that laws protecting intellectual property rights do not constitute an unreasonable or discriminatory barrier to access by persons with disabilities to cultural materials.
Amendment 20 #
2016/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) ‘work or other subject-matter’ means a work in the form of a book, journal, newspaper, magazine or other writing, including sheet music, and related illustrations, in any media, online or offline, including in audio form such as audiobooks, which is protected by copyright or related rights and which is published or otherwise lawfully made publicly available;
Amendment 23 #
2016/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
(c) a person who has a perceptual or reading disability, including dyslexia, or any other relevant learning disability, and is, as a result, unable to read printed works to substantially the same degree as a person without an impairment or disability; or
Amendment 28 #
2016/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. An authorised entity established in a Member State carrying out the acts referred to in Articles 3 and 4 shall provide the following information in an accessible way, on request, to any beneficiary person or right holder:
Amendment 31 #
2016/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Member States shall assist their authorised entities to make information available regarding their practices under Articles 3 and 4, both by the sharing of information among authorised entities, and by making information available in an accessible way on their policies and practices, including those related to the cross-border exchange of accessible format copies, to interested parties and members of public.
Amendment 32 #
2016/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Amendment 13 #
2016/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Union Directives in the area of copyright and related rights provide legal certainty and a high level of protection for rightholders. This harmonised legal framework contributes to the proper functioning of the internal market and stimulates innovation, creation, investment and the production of new content, including in the digital and online environment. It also aims to promote access to knowledge and culture by protecting works and other subject-matter and by permitting exceptions or limitations that are in the public interest. A fair balance of rights and interests between rightholders and users should be safeguarded.
Amendment 16 #
2016/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled, including those with physical disabilities unable to hold or manipulate a book, continue to face many barriers in accessing books and other print material which are protected by copyright and related rights. Measures need to be taken to increase the availability of those works in accessible formats and to improve their circulation in the internal market.
Amendment 19 #
2016/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) This Directive is designed for the benefit of persons who are blind, have a visual impairment which cannot be improved so as to give those persons visual function substantially equivalent to that of a person who has no such impairment, or have a perceptual or reading disability, including dyslexia, or any other relevant learning disability, preventing them from reading printed works to substantially the same degree as persons without such disability, or are unable to hold or manipulate a book or to focus or move the eyes to the extent that would be normally acceptable for reading due to a physical disability. The objective of the measures introduced by this Directive is to improve the availability of books, journals, newspapers, magazines and other writings, sheet music and other print material, including in audio form, whether digital or analogue, online or offline, in formats that make those works and other subject-matter accessible to those persons to substantially the same degree as to persons without an impairment or disability. Accessible formats include Braille, large print, adapted e-books, audio books and radio broadcasts.
Amendment 22 #
2016/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) This Directive should therefore provide for mandatory exceptions to the rights that are harmonised by Union law and are relevant for the uses and works covered by the Marrakesh Treaty. These include in particular the rights of reproduction, communication to the public, making available, distribution and lending, as provided for in Directive 2001/29/EC, Directive 2006/115/EC, and Directive 2009/24/EC, as well as the corresponding rights in Directive 96/9/EC. As the scope of exceptions and limitations required by the Marrakesh Treaty also includes works in audio form, like audiobooks, it is necessary that these exceptions also apply to related rights. The exercise of the exceptions provided for by this Directive should be without prejudice to other more favourable exceptions for persons with disabilities provided for by the Member States, such as those relating to private use.
Amendment 23 #
2016/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) In view of the specific nature of the exception, its targeted scope and the need for legal certainty for its beneficiaries, Member States should not be allowed to impose additional requirements for the application of the exception, such as compensation schemes or the prior verification of the commercial availability of accessible format copies. Such additional requirements would run the risk of going against the purpose of facilitating the cross-border exchange of accessible format copies within the internal market.
Amendment 25 #
2016/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (ʻthe UNCRPDʼ), to which the EUnion is a party as of 21 January 2011, guarantees people with disabilities the right of access to information and to communication and the right to participate in cultural, economic, political and social life on an equal basis with others. The UNCRPD requires parties to the Convention to take all appropriate steps, in accordance with international law, to ensure that laws protecting intellectual property rights do not constitute an unreasonable or discriminatory barrier to access by persons with disabilities to cultural materials.
Amendment 27 #
2016/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Under the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the Union prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and recognises and respects the right of people with disabilities to benefit from measures designed to ensure their independence, social and occupational integration and participation in the life of the community.
Amendment 30 #
2016/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) ‘work and other subject-matter’ means a work in the form of a book, journal, newspaper, magazine or other writing, including sheet music, and related illustrations, in any media, online or offline, including in audio forms such as audiobooks, which is protected by copyright or related rights and which is published or otherwise lawfully made publicly available;
Amendment 32 #
2016/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
(c) a person who has a perceptual or reading disability, including dyslexia, or any other relevant learning disability, and is, as a result, unable to read printed works to substantially the same degree as a person without an impairment or disability; or
Amendment 35 #
2016/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Member States shall ensure that the exceptions to copyright and to related rights provided for in paragraph 1 cannot be superseded by technological measures or by contract.
Amendment 39 #
2016/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Amendment 18 #
2016/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital -1 (new)
Recital -1 (new)
(-1) Statistical data and indicators are the backbone of responsible evidence- based policies. To create, analyse and adapt Union, national and regional policies, which address the needs of citizens, it is essential to dispose of timely, comparable and precise information about the situation so as to respond to it and this is a key responsibility of policy makers.
Amendment 20 #
2016/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) A good balance between economic and social goals in the European Semester is particularly important for the sustainability and legitimacy of the economic and monetary Union. Hence, social and employment goals have become more prominent in the European Semester, with both country reports and country-specific recommendations assessing social and employment challenges and promoting policy reforms based on best practices. To that end, social statistics have a paramount concern.
Amendment 23 #
2016/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Better statistics are therefore crucial to achieving better results and contributing to a better Europe, and greater efforts should be made to boost investments in official statistics at both European and national levels. This should provide guidance in priority policy areas and for capacity-building, in addition to current guidance and ongoing re-prioritisation. More specifically, action should be taken to tackle the most urgent statistical gaps, increase timeliness and support political priorities and economic policy coordination through the European Semester. Reporting should be established on the scope and extent of non-coverage of persons which are “overlooked” and not covered by statistics such as the homeless people. The Commission (Eurostat) should also provide new population projections in close cooperation with the national statistical institutes to update the analysis of the economic and budgetary implications of population ageing.
Amendment 34 #
2016/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 99/2013
Annex I – point I – point 1 – point 1.1 – point 1.1.1 – paragraph 2
Annex I – point I – point 1 – point 1.1 – point 1.1.1 – paragraph 2
(aa) In Objective 1.1.1, the second paragraph is replaced by the following: “ “The objective will be implemented by: — the making available of: — updated headline target indicators for the Europe 2020 strategy (in the areas of employment, equality of treatment irrespective of gender, research and development, innovation, energy/climate change, education, environment, social protection, social inclusion and poverty) on the Commission ( reduction) on the Eurostat) website; — statistics to support the monitoring of the implementation of Europe 2020 flagship initiatives; — the making available of additional indicators as an input for the ex-ante and ex-post evaluations of the economic, social and environmental policies of the Union; and — as part of the Europe 2020 strategy in terms of growth, high-quality employment, poverty reduction and social exclusion; — the making available of employment indicators distinguishing between part-time and full-time employment or other working time arrangements, as well as indicators on unemployment that take into account people in activation policies such as training.” — the inclusion, in connection with new statistical products, of the 17 goals and 169 targets under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals strategy.”;” Or. en (http://eur- lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:039:0012:0029:EN:PDF)
Amendment 45 #
2016/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 99/2013
Annex I – point I – point 1 – point 1.2 – point 1.2.1 – paragraph 2 – indent 3
Annex I – point I – point 1 – point 1.2 – point 1.2.1 – paragraph 2 – indent 3
(ba) In Objective 1.2.1, the third indent is replaced by the following: “— developing and producing a set of indicators to measure competitiveness; and” lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:039:0012:0029:EN:PDF) inequality” Or. en (http://eur-
Amendment 55 #
2016/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point e – point i
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point e – point i
Regulation (EU) No 99/2013
Annex I – point I – point 2 – point 2.1 – point 2.1.1 – paragraph 2 – indent 4
Annex I – point I – point 2 – point 2.1 – point 2.1.1 – paragraph 2 – indent 4
— reinforcement of links with national accounts in the areas of social protection, social services, health and education
Amendment 56 #
2016/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point e – point ii – introductory part
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point e – point ii – introductory part
Regulation (EU) No 99/2013
Annex I – point I – point 2 – point 2.1 – point 2.1.1 – paragraph 2 – new indent
Annex I – point I – point 2 – point 2.1 – point 2.1.1 – paragraph 2 – new indent
ii) Twohree new indents are inserted after the fifth indent as follows:
Amendment 58 #
2016/0265(COD)
— the development of timely indicators on citizens using the portability of their social rights from one Member State to another
Amendment 60 #
2016/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point f Regulation (EU) No 99/2013
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point f Regulation (EU) No 99/2013
— the availability and extension of harmonised housing price statistics for all Member States taking into account housing difficulties and housing deprivation.
Amendment 61 #
2016/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point h – point i
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point h – point i
Regulation (EU) No 99/2013
Annex I – point I – point 3 – point 3.1 – point 3.1.1 – paragraph 1
Annex I – point I – point 3 – point 3.1 – point 3.1.1 – paragraph 1
“Increase the efficiency and effectiveness of statistical production processes. Considering the fact that the Lisbon Treaty has called for better regulation, a streamlining of the legislation related to the pillar of business statistics is needed. In so doing, due consideration should be given to the need for sound timely and quality data, the limitations of the resources available to producers and the overall burden on respondents in line with the Commission Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT). Provide high-quality statistics on key areas where enterprises are the centre of interest, such as business statistics, short-term indicators, their investment in human capital and skills, international transactions, globalisation, internal market monitoring, R&D and innovation, and tourism. Special attention should be paid to the availability of data in high value-added industrial or services sectors, in particular in the green, digital or social economy (such as health and education).”
Amendment 69 #
2016/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point l – point i
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point l – point i
Regulation (EU) No 99/2013
Annex I – point I – point 3 – point 3.3 – point 3.3.3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Annex I – point I – point 3 – point 3.3 – point 3.3.3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
In line with the ‘European Energy Union’ priority of the Commission particular focus will be given to statistics related to energy consumption, energy efficiency, renewable energies, energy dependence, energy poverty and security of supply. Furthermore, energy statistics will need to support the 2030 policy framework for climate and energy that aims to make the Union’s economy and energy system more competitive, secure and sustainable.
Amendment 29 #
2016/0190(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) Proceedings in matters of parental responsibility under this Regulation as well as return proceedings under the 1980 Hague Convention should respect the child’s right to express his or her views freely, and when assessing the child’s best interests, due weight should be given to those views. The hearing of the child in accordance with Article 24(1) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child plays an important role in the application of this Regulation. This Regulation is however not intended to set out how to hear the child, for instance, whether the child is heard by the judge in person or by a specially trained expert reporting to the court afterwards, or whether the child is heard in the courtroom or in another place. The hearing of the child must provide all the guarantees that help preserve the emotional integrity and the best interest of the child and, for this reason, must be attended by professional mediators, psychologists and interpreters. This would also facilitate cooperation between the child's parents and the relationship between them and the child at a later stage.
Amendment 42 #
2016/0190(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 46
Recital 46
(46) An authority of a Member State contemplating a decision on parental responsibility should be entitled to request the communication of information relevant to the protection of the child from the authorities of another Member State if the best interests of the child so require. Depending on the circumstances, this may include information on proceedings and decisions concerning a parent (particularly in cases of gender violence) or siblings of the child, or on the capacity of a parent to care for a child or to have access to the child. The assessment of this capacity should be determined by a professional. The nationality, economic and social situation, cultural and religious background of a parent should never be considered as a determining element when deciding on his/her capacity to care for a child.
Amendment 52 #
2016/0190(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2
Article 20 – paragraph 2
The authority shall give due weight to the child's views in accordance with his or her age and maturity and, particularly when the child is above 12 years-old, and clearly document its considerations in the decision.
Amendment 5 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Is concerned that due to the procyclical nature of public spending the financial capacity and social mission of NGOs are severely challenged at times when they are most needed as unemployment, poverty and social exclusion are still unacceptably high throughout the EU; stresses the need for sufficient NGO funding even in times of tight budgets in light of their critical contribution in filling the gaps of public policies;
Amendment 18 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that EU programmes such as the EaSI, ESF and FEAD cannot be implemented without NGO involvementthe Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme, ESF, FEAD and EFSI cannot be implemented without NGO involvement at all levels and throughout the whole programme cycle; points out that the diversity of social issues requires the provision of funding for a wide range of NGOs, including the smaller ones, to cover the whole social spectrum;
Amendment 21 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Considers that capitalising on NGO's grass-root knowledge improves policy makers' understanding of the complex realities many people are facing in their daily lives, which is in particular the case for those people who are most vulnerable or socially excluded and are often unheard in the political debate;
Amendment 23 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Recalls that the Employment Guidelines demand their implementation in partnership with representatives of civil society; recalls that the EPSCO Council in 2015 invited the Member States and the European Commission to better involve civil society in discussions on how to improve job quality and ensure sustainable labour market inclusion;1a __________________ 1aCouncil Conclusions on inclusive labour markets, 9 March 2015
Amendment 30 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure the independence of social NGOs at European, national, regional and local levels and to provide funding to contribute to the independent development, implementation and assessment of policies and services;
Amendment 34 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Points out that public financing of NGOs working with and for people in socially vulnerable situations is important also because they have lesser access to other types of funding such as members contributions or income from profit- making activities;
Amendment 36 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Amendment 42 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Strongly regrets the decrease in EU funding for European social and equality NGOs under EaSI, compared to the previous PROGRESS programme, and under Europe for Citizens; and the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme1b, compared to the previous PROGRESS, Daphne and Europe for Citizens programmes; calls therefore on the Commission to clarify the criteria for granting funding to projects and organisations, as well as for more transparency on the reasons for reducing or refusing funding for certain organisations and projects; __________________ 1bFor example, the previous stand-alone funded Daphné Programme to combat violence against women, young people and children, was integrated into the current Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme, which resulted in an overall decrease of funding in comparison to previous funding
Amendment 52 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that many NGOs, in particular the small ones, have difficulties in accessing ESF funding and are disproportionately burdened by the complexity of programmes and reporting requirements; calls on the Commission and Member States to step up support in this area, reduce administrative burden and simplify procedures, and consult with NGOs to identify the best ways to report and share both impact and experience;
Amendment 60 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to focus social and equality NGOs funding programmes on operational grants beyond one year, in order to ensure continuity and sustainabilityrather than on action grants, in order to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of their work and staff, strengthen and develop capacities and skills, fulfil their long-term missions, and allow decision makers to build relationships with them as reliable partners; calls on the Commission to continue to develop operational funding through Framework Partnership Agreements and for a multi-year period as is currently the case with the EaSI programme;
Amendment 68 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that most EU funds available for social and equality NGOs require co- financing, and too high a share can be detrimental to the applicant NGO which may not be able to raise this amount is concerned that this is leading to some key NGOs being excluded; calls for reducing the amount of co-financing required or for taking into account other means for calculating this amount which could be monetarised and is still subject to audit, such as volunteer time or contributions, through an appropriate change to the financial regulations; calls also for the rules on co-financing to be applied to the various NGOs in a consistent way;
Amendment 76 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Regrets that sometimes under different programmes like the EaSI only public administration bodies can apply for funding as lead partner; calls on the Commission to put forward a proposal to adapt the regulations so that NGOs can also be the lead partner;
Amendment 79 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that many EU social and equality NGOs work in areas covered by different Commission Directorates-General (DGs); calls on the Commission to make it possible to combine operational grants from more than one DG;
Amendment 80 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for the publication of the outcomes of the EaSI scoring mechanism that is used to analyse and assess the conformity and potential of submitted proposals and for the publication of the qualifications of the assessors;
Amendment 86 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. PConsiders that when dealing with public money it is important that stringent reporting requirements are in place and that NGOs fulfil them within a given timeframe; points out that in the social field full policy impact is difficult to identify and measure within one year or when too many quantitative indicators are used; calls on the Commission to better balance the measuring and reporting of output and impact, to apply more qualitative indicators and to ensure that the requirements fit the objectives for which funding was received;
Amendment 91 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. CDeplores the cases where the Commission asked social NGOs for clarification on submitted funding reports only a few weeks prior to the end of the time the Commission had to review the report before authorizing final payments; calls on the Commission to handle social NGOs’ funding applications and reports without delay and to ask for additional information in good time in order to avoid suspension of payment. which can have a detrimental impact on the organisation's cash flow;
Amendment 92 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls for representatives of social NGOs to be represented in the High Level Group of Independent Experts on Monitoring Simplification for Beneficiaries of the European Structural and Investment Funds;
Amendment 94 #
2015/2345(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Calls on the Commission to put forward a proposal for clear and transparent guidelines and procedures for civil dialogue with European social NGOs to allow for meaningful involvement that goes beyond mere consultation of the full range of EU-level stakeholders.
Amendment 1 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
- having regard to the Eurofound report (2012) Public measures to support self-employment and job creation in one- person and micro enterprises;
Amendment 2 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 b (new)
Citation 20 b (new)
- having regard to the Eurofound report (2011) SMEs in the crisis: Employment, industrial relations and local partnership;
Amendment 3 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 c (new)
Citation 20 c (new)
- having regard to the Eurofound report (2011) Employee representation at establishment level in Europe;
Amendment 4 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 d (new)
Citation 20 d (new)
- having regard to the Eurofound report (2014) Social dialogue in micro and small companies;
Amendment 6 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 8 July 2015 on the Green Employment Initiative: Tapping into the job creation potential of the green economy 2a __________________ 2a Text adopted, P8_TA(2015)0264
Amendment 14 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas employee representation and social dialogue are not as widespread in SMEs as they are in larger companies and trade unions in some countries are making it a priority to try to increase employee representation in SMEs, for example by trying to encourage the establishment of works councils in SMEs 1a; __________________ 1aEurofound report (2011) Employee representation at establishment level in Europe
Amendment 22 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas in many countries working conditions and factors such as working hours are more flexible and informally arranged in SMEs than in larger companies 1b; __________________ 1bEurofound report (2011) SMEs in the crisis: Employment, industrial relations and local partnership
Amendment 27 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas business transfers to employees under the cooperative form as a well-working type of business transfers proven their high survival rates;1c __________________ 1cCECOP publication (2013) Business Transfers to Employees under the Form of a Cooperative in Europe
Amendment 29 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas the Green sector was one of the main net creators of jobs in Europe during the recession and SMEs with a long-term plan to operate in the Green economy create jobs that are more resilient to the current externalities of the globalised economy2b; __________________ 2bEP Resolution of 8 July 2015 on the Green Employment Initiative: Tapping into the job creation potential of the green economy
Amendment 45 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Believes that in order to ensure better conditions for job creation for the SME sector Member States must address the following problems, which are unequally present in different regions: skills scarcity and brain drain; regulatory burdens and regulatory uncertainty, including tax regulations; access to finance, such as a start-up capital; the motivation of the owner-manager to grow the business and to take some risks; access to new technologies and resources for more effective management; the shadow economy; and the de facto privileged position of multinational corporations (MNCs);
Amendment 75 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that labour costs have an impact on SMEs’ job creation potential and can influence competitiveness;
Amendment 83 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses, however that high level workers' protection has to be guaranteed at all times and that lowering labour costs by reducing workers’ protection is not a correct means of achieving lower unemployment, and that, in addition, reducing workers’ rights induces higher skills outflows, exposing SMEs to shortages of skilled workers;
Amendment 89 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Considers that SMEs have an important role to play in creating green jobs; calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure policies and funding to support SMEs that help realising the Green economy;
Amendment 101 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is concerned at the growing phenomenon of bogus self-employment across the EU, which cannot be considered in positive terms as contributing to the ‘growing number of micro-enterprises’, but, rather, causes precariousness of employment, leads to low level working conditions and lack of social protection, and undermines the image of entrepreneurship;
Amendment 102 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Is concerned about the precarious working conditions of a high number of self-employed workers and their increasing levels of poverty; calls on the Commission and Member States to promote micro and small enterprises collaborative networks under the cooperative form (such as cooperatives of individual producers, cooperatives of freelancers, cooperatives of SMEs, activity and employment cooperatives) as those networks considerably reinforce the sustainability and the employment potential of the constituent units;
Amendment 107 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Takes note of the Investment Plan for Europe, which is designed to create new jobs and boost innovation, and hopes that the European Investment Project Portal, as a transparent pipeline for investable projects in the EU, will help orientate investors towards existing opportunities, in favour of financing SMEs and start-up development as the fastesta possible way to reduce unemployment;
Amendment 112 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Considers that EU and national policies should not only focus on SMEs start-ups and creation of new jobs in SMEs and calls on the Commission and Member States to continue to support business transfers as an tool for maintaining existing jobs in SMEs that risk closing down; calls for the promotion of business transfers to employees under the cooperative form as a well-working type of business transfers;
Amendment 140 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Takes the view that the artificial academisation of specific professions is not helpful if one wishes to tackle the problem of skills scarcities in SMEs; calls for encouraging more informal training including on the job training and knowledge sharing among staff; believes that vocational education and training (VET), and especially dual systems operated in cooperation with SMEs and social partners, should be given more public support with attention also given to increasing the attractiveness of VET to young people; points out that a dual education system used in one Member State cannot be copied blindly into another Member State;
Amendment 152 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that quality internship and apprenticeship schemes within SMEs should be promoted by Member States, including through financial incentives and by establishing national legal quality frameworks on internships and apprenticeships, ensuring in particular employment protection and adequate social security coverage;
Amendment 166 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Encourages the Member States to create opportunities for young people to acquire entrepreneurship skills; also stresses the importance of mentoring for young entrepreneur as well as to better recognise and validate non formal education and skills; also stresses the importance of support that is not only relevant for start-ups, but also early-phase entrepreneurship such as mentoring for young entrepreneurs, to improve survival rates and sustainability of companies;
Amendment 173 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the ‘Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs’ programme, which helps provide aspiring European entrepreneurs with theuseful skills necessary to start and/or successfully run a small business;
Amendment 186 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on Member States to adopt favourable legislative frameworks for young graduates who are employed by an SME or are starting up an enterprise including through facilitating young entrepreneurs' access to credit, while ensuring adequate social protection and employment protection for young workers;
Amendment 192 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Calls on the Member States to promote the creation and development of cooperative enterprises as they have proven to be more resilient during the crisis and less subject to job losses than the average enterprise as well as to create quality jobs that do not delocalise;
Amendment 252 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses the importance of SME- friendly efficient, flexible and responsive public administration in the Member States in order to promote entrepreneurship values, facilitate the growth of SMEs and enable them to achieve their full quality job creation potential;
Amendment 274 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Member States to remove the remaining unjustified administrative barriers with a view to facilitating market access for micro- enterprises and SMEs from other Member States;
Amendment 307 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Points out that SMEs across Europe are characterised by a diversity of business models and legal forms and that a playing field should be guaranteed for all of them, including social economy actors;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Notes the hundreds of petitions received on the field of disabilities over the years, which help showing the reality of millions of people across Europe, and the constraints and challenges they face daily to be able to enjoy a life in dignity; reminds that full inclusion of persons with disabilities is not only a right and a deserved benefit for the concerned individuals, but an asset for the society as a whole as it benefits from the values and diverse skills these persons bring forward;
Amendment 20 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the initiative of the Committee on Petitions to organise an annualtargeted events focusing on petitions in the field of disabilities, in cooperation with multiple stakeholders, including other relevant committees of the European Parliament, members of the EU Framework for the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), members of civil society and academics;
Amendment 29 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas the EU, as a party to the UN CRPD, has the duty to ensure the close involvement and active participation of persons with disabilities and their representative organisations in the development and implementation of legislation and policies to implement the Convention and in all decision making processes concerning issues that relate to persons with disabilities;
Amendment 29 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Member States to implement the provisions of the UNCRPD, revise their legislation accordingly and ensure proper enforcement; calls for national information tools to be developed and enhanced in order to best assist people with disabilities and their families; calls on those Member States that have not ratified the UNCRPD to do so as soon as possible;
Amendment 38 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Points out that the petitions that have received most attention have often been backed by civil society organisations representing people with disabilities, and there is thus a need to promote and publicise the protection role and effectiveness of petitions based on infringements of these rights; praises the role played by these organizations when it comes to promoting social inclusion and an improvement of quality of life of persons with disabilities, and considers that this task should be further supported by the public institutions, also at the level of targeted funding;
Amendment 40 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges a comprehensive and cross- cutting review of EU legislation and funding programmes with a view to complying fully with the CRPD by constructively involving disability organisations representing persons with disabilities and the members of the EU Framework for the CRPD (hereinafter the ‘EU Framework’); calls on the European Commission and the Member States to take the necessary measures to mainstream disability in all legislation, policies and strategies;
Amendment 46 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to promote and enhance the use of Structural Funds by Member States, with a view to developing high-quality social services for people with disabilities and ensuring the transition from institutional care to community-based care, fostering the aims of greater autonomy within each individual's possibilities and ensuring the necessary social inclusion;
Amendment 48 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Asks the Commission to propose an update of the declaration of competence in light of the Concluding Observations, to be repeated periodically with the formal involvement of disability organisations representing persons with disabilities and the European Parliament;
Amendment 48 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Takes note of petitions portraying cases of wrongdoing in some Member States when it comes to ensuring the subsistence of persons with disabilities, not only concerning the lack of payment of subsidies granted by law, but even cases such as in petition 1062/2014 where authorities have allegedly made arbitrary administrative decisions in order to reduce the allowances previously granted on the basis of dubious medical assessments effectively reducing the degree of disability; asks the concerned national, regional and local authorities to be more sensitive of the implications of such actions on the life of the individuals affected and their families, and requests the Commission to monitor thoroughly the different policies and related measures that take place in the different Member States concerning disabilities;
Amendment 51 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to set up a structured dialogue with disability organisations representing persons with disabilities and from different Member States and to put forward a proposal for structured dialogue between the other EU institutions and these organisations, with an independent budget and sufficient funding for consultation with and participation of persons with disabilities, in line with the Concluding Observations of the UN CRPD Committee;
Amendment 59 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to review the European Disability Strategy and to develop a comprehensive EU CRPD strategy with a clear timeframe, benchmarks and indicators, looking also at how the European Semester can contribute positively to the implementation of the UNCRPD;
Amendment 59 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for a swift ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled, without making the ratification conditional upon the; urges the Member States who have established a blocking minority in the Council to reconsider their position and to facilitate the ratification, independently of whether there is a need for a revision of the EU legal framework or upon the timing of thethe expected decision of the Court of Justice on the matter of competences which may take still several months;
Amendment 60 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission to revise the Guide to Social Considerations in Public Procurement to highlight the social obligations, but also to point out the opportunities and benefits of investing in high-quality support services for people with disabilities;
Amendment 65 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Recommends the development of a comprehensive campaign to raise awareness about the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and combat prejudice against persons with disabilities;
Amendment 68 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to take steps to combat all forms of discrimination, including multiple and intersectional discrimination based on disability, with special regard to women and, children and aged persons with disabilities and to those whose disabilities change over time;
Amendment 108 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is concerned that the Employment Equality Directive does not explicitly make the denial of reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities a form of discrimination. Calls on public authorities to work with experienced employers and service providers to share good practice and dispel stigma;
Amendment 126 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Is concerned that the European Structural and Investment Funds are being misused to foster institutionalisation, and calls on the Member States and the Commission to strengthen their monitoring in line with the CRPD and in consultation with disability organisations, to ensure that the Funds promote the right of persons with disabilities, including persons in need of high level support, to live in the community with access to high quality services and social protection. Recommends that ESIF payments are suspended, withdrawn and recovered if the obligation to respect fundamental rights is breached;
Amendment 130 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Is concerned that the European Structural and Investment Funds are being misused to foster institutionalisation, and calls on the Member States and the Commission to strengthen their monitoring in line with the CRPD and in consultation with disability organisations representing persons with disabilities;
Amendment 140 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Member States to develop real mechanisms in order to prevent or alleviate poverty, vulnerability and social exclusion among persons with disabilities and their families in the context of a European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 147 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Calls for the strengthening of the inter-institutional coordination between the implementation mechanisms of the different EU institutions;
Amendment 153 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for the development of human rights-based indicators and comparable disaggregated disability data; underlines the need to disaggregate data by gender, age, rural or urban population and impairment type; calls for research and data collection on violence, abuse and exploitation of persons with all types of disabilities including in institutions;
Amendment 174 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Recommends that comprehensive CRPD training modules for staff be drawn up in consultation with disability organisations representing persons with disabilities, focusing on frontline personnel, management and public procurement;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights the centrality of agriculture to social cohesion owing to its role in economic growth and diversification, and in fixing populations in rural areas; stresses the need to strengthen the CAP budget, especially with a focus on small-scale farming, and to ensure social fairness in its implementation; stresses the need to strengthen the CAP budget, with financial resources targeted at small-scale farming;
Amendment 20 #
2015/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights the potential of sustainable farming and food systems, especially organic farming, as well as sustainable management of soil, water, biodiversity and rural infrastructure to preserve and create decent employment in farming and thriving rural economies;
Amendment 46 #
2015/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Regrets the strong market orientation of the EU’'s agricultural policies and itsleading to structural overproduction and negative effect on rural incomes and employment, as evidenced by the liberalisation of the dairy sector; calls for the implementation of adequate measures, such as supply management, to ensure the continuity and sustainability of farming activities; believes that free trade agreements currently being negotiated should not lead to unfair competition towards small and medium size farms and undermine local economies and jobs; condemns the negative impact on agricultural labour of free trade agreements such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership;
Amendment 64 #
2015/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for the introduction of social conditionalitymeasures promoting sustainable production and decent employment in the CAP’'s first pillar;
Amendment 83 #
2015/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for a stronger role for social partners and civil society organisations in the development and implementation of agricultural policy in order to create sustainable and quality jobs, ensure adequatehigh levels of health and safety working conditions and foster the social integration of rural workers, in particular migrant and seasonal workers;
Amendment 93 #
2015/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the importance of training and skill formation for farmers and agricultural workers, particularly for young people entering the workforce and in order to be able to adapt to changes in agriculture and food production in encouraging sustainable farming practices, identifying best practices in sustainable food systems as well as promoting the development of new sources of income such as eco- tourism;
Amendment 135 #
2015/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for the defence of the right to access to quality public services in rural areas against current neo-liberal policies; supports the development of minimum income schemes to ensure a decent income for farmers and rural workers and promote social cohesion, given the high rate of poverty and social exclusion in rural areas.
Amendment 4 #
2015/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights the potential of cohesion policy to improve employment opportunities and growth, thereby, sustainable growth and to contributinge to poverty reduction and social inclusion; Points out in this regard the importance of integrated funding, and especially the combination of ESF and ERDF;
Amendment 9 #
2015/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the Commission’s vision of CLLD and ITI as instruments and delivery mechanisms for empowering local communities and developing local economy and social entrepreneurship as well as instruments designed for smooth and efficient spending of the available funds by local actors; Underlines that targeted capacity building is necessary to facilitate the pooling of funds from different resources;
Amendment 17 #
2015/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Regrets the absence of a more recognisable branding for CLLD and ITI and encourages the Commission and the Member States to make both tools mandatory and as visible and understandable as possible for their users, while avoiding any additional unnecessary bureaucratic burden;
Amendment 24 #
2015/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to create channels of communication with Member States and local agents and points out that CLLD and ITI will only achieve success with the commitment and ownership of all the stakeholders involved, including civil society; considers that the involvement of partners can also strengthen the integrated and place-based approach, in particular where take-up of CLLD and ITI is low;
Amendment 36 #
2015/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. NotStresses the potential of the bottom-up approach of CLLD in creating job opportunities and encouraging sustainable rural development, and would welcome the inclusion of urban areas in this mechanism;
Amendment 44 #
2015/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission, in view of the limited use of the European Social Fund within the method in question and the absence of a centralised managing authoritylack of experience in most Member States, to use the mid-term review of the MFF to address the difficulties that have already been identified in the application of the instruments and to find sustainable solutions;
Amendment 7 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
– having regard to the interim report of the UN's Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion and belief submitted in accordance with General Assembly Resolution 68/170 on Freedom of religion and belief,
Amendment 39 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the Employment Equality Directive covers only religion and belief, disability, age and sexuality, but Member States are also obliged under the Racial Equality Directive to combat discrimination based on race and ethnicity in employment;
Amendment 44 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the rate of employment of people with disabilities in the Member States is underfar below 50 %, as compared to over 70 % for the general population, and the rate of unemployment of people with disabilities (18.3 %) is almost twice that of the general population (9.9 %);
Amendment 67 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes that some groups with a religious minority background are particularly affected by discrimination on the basis of religion in employment, as documented by national and European research, in particular research conducted by the Fundamental Rights Agency;
Amendment 70 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Highlights that the most discriminated religious groups in the area of employment include Jews, Sikhs and Muslims (and especially women) according to studies; recommends the adoption of European frameworks for national strategies to combat anti- Semitism and Islamophobia;
Amendment 71 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Highlights that religion is sometimes used as a proxy for race when it comes to discrimination in employment, based on the real or perceived belonging of a person to a religion;
Amendment 72 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Notes the intersectionality between discrimination on religion and belief and race and ethnicity; calls on the Commission to ensure that Member States comply with the implementation of the Racial Equality Directive which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race and ethnicity in employment;
Amendment 74 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the role played by the European Court of Human Rights, through its decisions in the interpretation and implementation of the Directive, and looks forward with interest to the future first decisions on this matter of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in the interpretation and implementation of the Directive;
Amendment 75 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the role played by the European Court of Human Rights, through its decisions in the interpretation and implementation of the Directive, and looks forward with interest to the future first decisions on this matter of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU); expresses regrets in relation to the low number of cases referred to courts, which contrasts with the high number of discrimination visible in victimization surveys;
Amendment 84 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes, on the basis of case law available at EU and national level, that a duty of reasonable accommodation for all grounds of discrimination – including, therefore, religion and belief – should be laid down in EU and national law, provided that this does not impose a disproportionate burden on employers or service providers; recommends that national, regional and local authorities propose guidance for reasonable accommodation and to tackle exclusion of specific vulnerable groups;
Amendment 86 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Notes that reasonable accommodation should be understood as necessary and appropriate modification and adjustments not imposing a disproportionate or undue burden, where needed in a particular case, to ensure to all persons have enjoyment or exercise of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with others;
Amendment 93 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Notes that restrictions imposed by employers to the wearing of religious symbols are not always in line with international human rights standards, as they are not limited to well-defined and narrow circumstances or do not pursue a legitimate goal, and that States do not always take appropriate measures against such restrictions when they are not in line with international human rights standards; is concerned that some Member States have introduced general bans on religious symbols in the public space, in the name of neutrality and secularism, which have led to attempts to also extend such restrictions by the private sector;
Amendment 94 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Recalls that exclusion and discrimination against religious communities in the European Union creates a fertile ground for individuals in vulnerable situations to join extremist organisations that can be violent; considers a consistent application of anti- discrimination legislation as a crucial element of strategies to prevent radicalisation;
Amendment 138 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Labour market have to be more adapted to disabled people needs, not disabled persons have to adapt to a labour market in order to be employed.
Amendment 144 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Encourages the Member States to develop an all-encompassing framework for measures benefitting access to work of people with disabilities, including using fines imposed for failures to comply with anti-discrimination legislation to finance other actinclusions in the fieldopen labour market;
Amendment 147 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Encourages Member States to provide ongoing support to employers that hire persons with disabilities so as to create favourable conditions and ensure adequate support in all phases of the employment life: recruitment, retention and career progression.
Amendment 153 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Regrets that the Commission has not yet addressed age inequalities in the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Disability Strategy; calls, therefore, on the Commission to raise awareness of and address the rights of persons with disabilities and the discrimination they suffer
Amendment 190 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Stresses that reliable statistics on the situation of older people and demographic changes are needed to develop better targeted and effective active ageing strategies; calls on the Commission to ensure comprehensive high-quality data collection on the societal status of older people, their health, rights and standard of living
Amendment 197 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Points out that promoting age- friendly environments is an essential tool for supporting older workers and jobseekers and promoting inclusive societies that offer equal opportunities to all; welcomes, in this connection, the Commission's joint management project with the WHO aimed at adapting the WHO Global Age-friendly Cities guide to the European context;
Amendment 234 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Highlights that lack of comparable equality data makes it more difficult to prove the existence of discrimination, particularly indirect discrimination; calls on the Member States to collect equality data in a systematic way and with the involvement of national equality bodies and national courts; notes that Directive 2000/43/EC already encourages Member States to do so, including in the area of employment; calls on the Commission to take initiatives to promote such data collection by means of a Recommendation to the Member States, and by ask Eurostat to consult with relevant groups with the aim to mainstream the disaggregation of data on all discrimination grounds for the indicators of the European Social Survey;
Amendment 241 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Recommends to Member States while collecting statistical data on employment matters to include into a labour survey optional questions to discover possible discrimination based on grounds of sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age and sexual orientation;
Amendment 245 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Notes the important role of the national equality bodies in the implementation of the Employment Equality Directive, contributing to awareness raising and data collection, addressing underreporting and making complaint processes more accessible; calls for the role of the national equality bodies to be strengthened, their impartiality insured and their capacities enhanced, including through the provision of adequate funding;
Amendment 248 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Highlights that the Directive mentions the disproportionate impact of multiple discrimination on women; recommends that national, regional and local authorities, law enforcement bodies, including labour inspectors, national equality bodies and civil society organisations, increase their monitoring of the intersectionality between gender and other grounds in cases of discrimination;
Amendment 255 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26b. Calls for the adoption of the proposed 2008 Equal Treatment Directive which is still pending for approval by the Council; considers it a condition to secure a consolidated and coherent EU law framework against discrimination, also protecting from discrimination on the grounds of religion and belief, disability, age and sexual orientation outside of employment; notes that no undue restriction of the Directive's scope should be accepted; considers that the consolidation of the EU legislative framework on tackling hate crime is also a crucial element, taking into consideration that similar crimes are also prevalent in the work environment;
Amendment 265 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Notes that, considering the increasing xenophobia in Europe, refugees and migrants can be specifically affected by religious discrimination in their access to the labour market and encounter obstacles to participate fully in society, and that they may be deprived from full access to justice due to their residence status;
Amendment 277 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Highlights the need for anthe dissemination of relevant decisions of the CJEU and for exchange of national court decisions in line with CJEU case law pertaining to the provisions of the Employment Equality Directive, and for the dissemination of relevant decisions of the CJEU;
Amendment 285 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Considers it necessary that adequate training is provided for employees of national, regional and local authorities and law enforcement bodies;, including labour inspectors, believes that training for judges, prosecutors, lawyers and police force on non-discrimination legislation in employment and case-law is of critical importance, along with training on cultural understanding and unconscious bias provided by organisations representing the most discriminated groups;
Amendment 305 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Calls on the Commission and Member States to use, and to make available for civil society organisations and equality bodies, all possible funds, including the Progress Fund, to facilitate awareness raising and education campaigns about discrimination in employment;
Amendment 4 #
2015/2086(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Insists on the absolute necessity to ensure legal certainty in the field of inter- country adoption for the protection of the parents' and children's rights respecting at the same time EU law provisions as regards European Citizenship; considers that it must be ensured that the exercise of a fundamental right such as the freedom of movement and residence does not entail a higher threat to the right to family life;
Amendment 8 #
2015/2086(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Member States to avoid heavy bureaucracy in the process of recognition of Conventional adoptions already recognised in another EU Member State so as to ensure a correct implementation of the 1993 Hague Convention, while at the same time ensuring a minimum of procedural safeguards and timing so that all the involved stakeholders can have their rights guaranteed;
Amendment 14 #
2015/2086(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Draws the attention of the European Commission, the Council and the Member States on the possible harmful consequences of non-consensual adoptions for birth parents and the adopted children; considers that such a procedure should be restricted to particularly exceptional and well grounded cases;
Amendment 15 #
2015/2086(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Considers that it must be ensured that no decision involving changes in custody of children such as foster care placement order or adoption procedures, have their origin in the budgetary cuts resulting of the austerity measures imposed during the economic crisis;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2086(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Stresses the importance of providing social workers with adequate working conditions to perform their assessment, avoiding an excessive workload in terms of amount of cases to be handled simultaneously, or any other pressure imposed by the applying legal framework that could influence in any way a decision to be made with a certain bias, which could deviate from the best interest of the child with the short, mid and long term perspectives all considered; recommends that an adequate amount of specialised training on children matters is provided not only to social workers and other concerned public officers, but also to lawyers involved in child custody proceedings;
Amendment 17 #
2015/2086(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on Member States, in case of proceedings related to non-consensual adoptions with cross-border aspects, to systematically implement the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963 and to make sure that the authorities of the States of origin of the parents involved have been properly informed are properly informed from the very beginning and throughout the whole process, and that they have proper access to the proceedings and the related files; underlines the importance of ensuring that adequate interpretation and legal aid is provided whenever necessary;
Amendment 27 #
2015/2086(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Member States, in case of adoption, to ensure that the relatives of the birth parents have had a real opportunity to apply as permanent carer of the child before any definitive decision on custody is made; remarks in light of the importance of preserving multilingualism and the cultural diversity, that children adopted or placed into care have sufficient links with their original culture and do not lose their mother tongue, and particularly that visiting rights of biological parents can take place with the adequate frequency and in their own language;
Amendment 4 #
2015/2061(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the EEA countries and Switzerland to continuestep up their efforts to transpose, implement and enforce internal market legislation; calls on Switzerland to ensure that Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications is fully implemented and to rapidly transpose Directive 2013/55/EU, which improves it;
Amendment 12 #
2015/2061(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Takes note of the result of the popular initiative of 9 February 2014; calls, however, on Switzerland to respect its obligations with the EU; calls on the European Union to remain firm on the fundamental principle of free movement of persons so that Switzerland continues to grant privileged access to Union workers and enterprises;
Amendment 17 #
2015/2061(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the unilateral measures taken by Switzerland in favour of Croatian nationals cannot replace the required ratification of the Protocol extending the FMPA to include Croatia; urges Switzerland to ratify this Protocol without delay;
Amendment 164 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The demand for accessible products and services is high and the number of citizens with disabilities and/or functional limitations will increase significantly with the ageing of the European Union’s population. An environment where products and services are more accessible allows for a more inclusive society and facilitatesis an essential condition for independent living.
Amendment 188 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In some situations, common accessibility requirements of the built environment would facilitate the free movement of the related services and of persons with disabilities. Therefore, this Directive enablcourages Member States to include the built environment used in the provision of the services under the scope of this Directive, ensuring compliance with the accessibility requirements set in Annex X.
Amendment 201 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) This Directive should follow the principle of ‘think small first’ and should take account of the administrative burdens that SMEs are faced with. It should set light rules in terms of conformity assessment and should establish safeguard clauses for economic operators, rather than providing for general exceptions and derogations for those enterprises. Consequently, when setting up the rules for the selection and implementation of the most appropriate conformity assessment procedures, the situation of SMEs should be taken into account and the obligations to assess conformity of accessibility requirements should be limited to the extent that they do not pose a disproportionate burden on SMEs. In addition, market surveillance authorities should operate in a proportionate manner in relation to the size of undertakings and to the small serial or non-serial nature of the production concerned, without creating unnecessary obstacles for SMEs and without compromising the protection of public interests.
Amendment 218 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Chapters I, II to V, and VII apply, on a non-exclusive basis, to the following products:
Amendment 224 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Chapters I, II to V, and VII, apply on a non-exclusive basis to the following services:
Amendment 238 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The demand for accessible products and services is high and the number of citizens with disabilities and/or functional limitations will increase significantly with the ageing of the European Union's population. An environment where products and services are more accessible allows for a more inclusive society and facilitates independent living with disabilities as well as permanent, temporary or situational impairments.
Amendment 241 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The disparities between the laws and administrative measures adopted by the Member States in relation to accessibility of products and services for persons with functional limitations includingand persons with disabilities create barriers to the free movement of such products and services and distort effective competition in the internal market. Economic operators, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are particularly affected by those barriers.
Amendment 250 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) This Directive respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. In particular, this Directive seeks to ensure full respect for the rights of persons with disabilities and older persons to benefit from measures designed to ensure their independence, social and occupational integration and participation in the life of the community and to promote the application of Articles 25 and 26 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Amendment 254 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The entry into force of the Convention in the Member States’ legal orders entails the need to adopt additional national provisions on accessibility of products, services and the built environment related to the provision of goods and services, which without Union action would further increase disparities between national provisions.
Amendment 263 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) It is necessary to introduce the accessibility requirements in the least burdensome manner for the economic operators and the Member States, notably by only including in the scope the products and services which have been thoroughly selec, which enable all people to make full use of the products, and services and infrastructure covered by this Directive, in the least burdensome manner for the economic operators and the Member Stateds.
Amendment 277 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) the size, resources and nature of the economic operators;
Amendment 278 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25 a (new)
Recital 25 a (new)
(25a) When identifying and classifying the needs of persons with disabilities the product or service is intended to meet, the principle of the universal design should be viewed in accordance with the General Comment No. 2(2014) on Article 9 of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Amendment 285 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) For reasons of proportionality, accessibility requirements should only apply to the extent that they do not impose a disproportionate burden on the economic operator concerned, or require a change in the products and services which would result in their fundamental alteration in accordance with the specified criteria. Control mechanisms nevertheless have to be in place in order to verify the rightful exception from the accessibility requirements application.
Amendment 287 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 6
Article 12 – paragraph 6
6. Where the economic operators have used the exception provided for in paragraphs 1 to 5 for a specific product or service they shall notify the relevant market surveillance authority of the Member State in the market of which the product or service is placed or made available. Notification shall include the assessment referred to in paragraph 3. Microenterprises are exempted from this notification requirement but must be able to supply the relevant documentation upon request from a relevant market surveillance authorityThe final decision as to whether to grant an exception shall be made by the market surveillance authority of the Member State on a case-by-case basis.
Amendment 290 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Relevant stakeholders, including persons with disabilities and their representative organisations, may be consulted as part of the procedure for the adoption of implementing acts.
Amendment 292 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 49 a (new)
Recital 49 a (new)
(49a) Data bases on non-accessible products should be established at national and European levels.
Amendment 295 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. A structured dialogue may be established between relevant stakeholders, including persons with disabilities and their representative organisations, and the market surveillance authorities to ensure that adequate and coherent principles are established for assessing requests for exceptions in the compliance with accessibility requirements regarding products and services.
Amendment 298 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii a (new)
(iia) parking ticket vending machines;
Amendment 300 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii a (new)
(iiia) payment terminals.
Amendment 301 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) household appliances operated by a user interface.
Amendment 303 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(ba) interactive kiosks located in public places and related to shopping activities;
Amendment 305 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 19 – paragraph 8 a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. To facilitate the exchange of information and best practices amongst the market surveillance authorities and to ensure coherence in the application of the requirements set out in this Directive or where it is deemed necessary, following a request by the Commission, for an opinion to be expressed on exceptions to those requirements, the Commission may establish a working group composed of representatives of the national market surveillance authorities and the representative organisations of the relevant stakeholders, including persons with disabilities.
Amendment 307 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 1
Article 22 – paragraph 1
Amendment 308 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) e-commerce, including website and mobile device-based services of postal, energy and insurance providers.
Amendment 308 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 2
Article 22 – paragraph 2
Amendment 309 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
(fa) accommodation services.
Amendment 309 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point a
Amendment 310 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point b
Amendment 311 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Chapters I, II and VII apply to the following: (a) built environment used by clients of passenger transport services, including the environment that is managed by service providers and by infrastructure operators; (b) built environment used by clients of banking services; (c) built environment used by clients of telephony services, including customer services centres and shops under the scope of telephony operators.
Amendment 315 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 a (new)
Article 1 a (new)
Article 1a Minimum harmonisation 1. Member States shall maintain measures in conformity with Union law which go beyond the minimum requirements established by this Directive. 2. Member States may introduce measures in conformity with Union law which go beyond the minimum 4 requirements established by this Directive.
Amendment 315 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 4
Article 22 – paragraph 4
4. Where a competent authority has used thean exception provided for in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 for a specific product or service it shall notify the Commission thereof. The notification shall include thean assessment referred to of the way in which compliance with accessibility requirements regarding paragraph 2roducts and services imposes a disproportionate burden.
Amendment 319 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) “accessible products and services” are products and services that are perceptible, operable and understandable for persons with functional limitations, including and persons with disabilities, on an equal basis with others;
Amendment 319 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 26 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Member States shall allocate the necessary resources to ensure that penalties are imposed and collected. Income deriving from penalties may be re-invested in accessibility-related measures.
Amendment 347 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3
3. The following self-service terminals: Automatic Teller Machines, ticketing machines and check-in machines and payment terminals shall comply with the requirements set out in Section II of Annex I.
Amendment 348 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 4
Article 3 – paragraph 4
4. Telephony services, including emergency services and the related consumer terminal equipment with advanced computing capability, shall comply with the requirements set out in Section III of Annex I. Member States shall ensure the availability of at least one text based relay service and one video based relay service, within the entire territory of the Member State and continuously, in consultation with users' organisations, including organisations representing persons with disabilities, that these relay services are interoperable with the telephony services. Member States shall also ensure the availability of audio, video and real-time text communication (Total Conversation) with national, regional, and local emergency services.
Amendment 353 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
By the date set out in Article 27(2), audiovisual media service providers broadcasting in the Union shall make accessible their services as follows: – at least 75% of the overall programming shall include subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH) – at least 75% of the overall programming subtitled into the national language shall include spoken subtitles – at least 5% of the overall programming shall include sign language interpretation.
Amendment 355 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 7
Article 3 – paragraph 7
7. Banking services, the websites, the mobile device-based banking services and payment terminals, self- service terminals, including Automatic Teller machines used for provision of banking services shall comply with the requirements set out in Section VI of Annex I.
Amendment 359 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 9
Article 3 – paragraph 9
9. E-commerce, media and news websites, online platforms and social media shall comply with the requirements set out in Section VIII of Annex I.
Amendment 363 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 10
Article 3 – paragraph 10
10. Member States may decidshall ensure, in the light of national conditions, that the built environment used by clients of passenger transport services including the environment that is managed by service providers and by infrastructure operators as well as the built environment used by clients of banking services, and customer services centres and shops under the scope of telephony operators shall, as well as any other service or place for the purchase of any of the products included in this Directive, comply with the accessibility requirements of Annex I, section X, in order to maximise their use by persons with functional limitations, including and persons with disabilities.
Amendment 368 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Where compliance of a product with the applicable accessibility requirements has been demonstrated by that procedure, manufacturers shall draw up an EU declaration of conformity and affix the CE marking. They shall include an additional clear reference to accessibility such as "Accessible product".
Amendment 369 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 7
Article 5 – paragraph 7
7. Manufacturers shall ensure that the product is accompanied by instructions and safety information in a language which can be easily understood by consumers and end-users, as determined by the Member State concerned. The provision of instructions and information to consumers shall be done in accessible and multiple formats.
Amendment 377 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. The accessibility requirements referred to in Article 3 apply to the extent that they do not introduce a significant change in an aspect or feature of a product or service that results in the alteration of the basic nature of the product or service.
Amendment 383 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) the estimated costs and benefits for the economic operators in relation to the estimated benefit for persons with disabilities, persons with functional limitations and persons with age related or any other impairments, taking into account the frequency and duration of use of the specific product or service.
Amendment 386 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 4
Article 12 – paragraph 4
4. The burden shall not be deemed disproportionate where it is compensated by funding from other sources than the economic operator’s own resources, whether public or private. Lack of priority, time or knowledge shall not be considered as legitimate reasons to claim the disproportionate burden.
Amendment 390 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 5
Article 12 – paragraph 5
5. The assessment of whether compliance with accessibility requirements regarding products or services imposes a fundamental alteration or disproportionate burden shall be performed by the economic operator together with users and experts on accessibility requirements.
Amendment 393 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 6
Article 12 – paragraph 6
6. Where the economic operators have used the exception provided for in paragraphs 1 to 5 for a specific product or service they shall notify the relevant market surveillance authority of the Member State in the market of which the product or service is placed or made available. Notification shall include the assessment referred to in paragraph 3. Microenterprises are exempted from this notification requirement but must be able to supply the relevant documentation upon request from a relevant market surveillance authorityIn order for an exemption to be granted pursuant to such exception, the market surveillance authority shall systematically verify the assessment, unless the economic operator has provided an independent third-party assessment.
Amendment 400 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. A structured dialogue shall be established between relevant stakeholders, including persons with disabilities and their representative organisations and the market surveillance authorities to ensure that adequate, coherent principles for the assessment of the exceptions are established.
Amendment 405 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 a (new)
Article 17 a (new)
Amendment 410 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 19 a (new)
Article 19 a (new)
Article 19a Exchange of information and best practices To facilitate the exchange of information and best practices amongst the market surveillance authorities and to ensure coherence in the application of the requirements set out in this Directive or in cases deemed necessary following a request by the Commission to express an opinion on exceptions from those requirements, the Commission shall establish a working group formed by representatives of the national market surveillance authorities and the representative organisations of the relevant stakeholders, including persons with disabilities.
Amendment 412 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) where applicable, to all relevant Union legislation or to the provisions in Union legislation referring to accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Amendment 417 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the estimated costs and benefits for the competent authorities concerned in relation to the estimated benefit for persons with disabilities and persons with functional limitations, taking into account the frequency and duration of use of the specific product or service;
Amendment 419 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 3
Article 22 – paragraph 3
3. The assessment of whether compliance with accessibility requirements referred to in Article 21 imposes a disproportionate burden shall be performed by the competent authorities concerned. Lack of priority, time or knowledge shall not be considered as legitimate reasons to claim a disproportionate burden.
Amendment 420 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 4
Article 22 – paragraph 4
4. Where a competent authority has used the exception provided for in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 for a specific product or service it shall notify the Commission thereof. The notification shall include the assessment referred to in paragraph 2 and it shall be made available to the public in accessible formats.
Amendment 423 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. If the Commission has reasons to doubt the decision of the competent authority concerned, the Commission may request the working group referred to in Article 19a to verify the assessment referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article and issue an opinion.
Amendment 426 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 25 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 25 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(ba) provisions whereby an accessible, comprehensive and adequately resourced complaints mechanism for consumers is established to complement a system of implementation and monitoring.
Amendment 428 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 26 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 429 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 27 – paragraph 2
Article 27 – paragraph 2
2. They shall apply those provisions from [… insert date - six years after the entry into force of this Directive]: (a) [two years after the entry into force of this Directive] for products and services referred to in Article 1, points 1 and 2; (b) [two years after the entry into force of this Directive] for Union legislation referred to in Article 1, point 3; (c) [ten years after the entry into force of this Directive] for provisions linked to the built environment referred to in Article 1, point 4.
Amendment 442 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 3 – Section II – column 1 – title
Annex I – row 3 – Section II – column 1 – title
Self-service terminals: Automatic Teller Machines, ticketing machines and check-in machine, parking ticket vending machines, check-in machines and payment terminals
Amendment 458 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 3 – Section II – column 2 – point 2 a (new)
Annex I – row 3 – Section II – column 2 – point 2 a (new)
Amendment 469 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 4 – Section III – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point c
Annex I – row 4 – Section III – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point c
(c) making websites and online applications accessible in a consistent and adequate way for users’ perception, operation and understanding, including the adaptability of content presentation and interaction, when necessary providing an accessible electronic alternative; and in a way which facilitates interoperability with a variety of user agents and assistive technologies available at Union and international level;
Amendment 472 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 4 – Section III – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point c a (new)
Annex I – row 4 – Section III – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) making mobile-based services needed for the provision of the service accessible in a consistent and adequate way for users’ perception, operation and understanding, including the adaptability of content presentation and interaction, when necessary providing an accessible electronic alternative, and in a way which facilitates interoperability with a variety of user agents and assistive technologies available at Union and international level;
Amendment 490 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 5 – Section IV – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point c
Annex I – row 5 – Section IV – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point c
(c) making websites and online applications accessible in a consistent and adequate way for users’ perception, operation and understanding, including the adaptability of content presentation and interaction, when necessary providing an accessible electronic alternative; and in a way which facilitates interoperability with a variety of user agents and assistive technologies available at Union and international level;
Amendment 491 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 5 – Section IV – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point c a (new)
Annex I – row 5 – Section IV – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) making mobile-based services needed for the provision of the service accessible in a consistent and adequate way for users’ perception, operation and understanding, including the adaptability of content presentation and interaction, when necessary providing an accessible electronic alternative; and in a way which facilitates interoperability with a variety of user agents and assistive technologies available at Union and international levels;
Amendment 494 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 6 – Section V – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point b
Annex I – row 6 – Section V – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point b
(b) making websites and online applications accessible in a consistent and adequate way for users’ perception, operation and understanding, including the adaptability of content presentation and interaction, when necessary providing an accessible electronic alternative; and in a way which facilitates interoperability with a variety of user agents and assistive technologies available at Union and international level;
Amendment 495 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 6 – Section V – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point c a (new)
Annex I – row 6 – Section V – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) the built environment needed for the provision of the service shall comply with Section X of this Annex.
Amendment 497 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 6 – Section V – column 2 – point B – point a
Annex I – row 6 – Section V – column 2 – point B – point a
(a) Making websites and online applications accessible in a consistent and adequate way for users’ perception, operation and understanding, including the adaptability of content presentation and interaction, where necessary providing an accessible electronic alternative; and in a way which facilitates interoperability with a variety of user agents and assistive technologies available at Union and international level.
Amendment 498 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 6 – Section V – column 2 – point C – title
Annex I – row 6 – Section V – column 2 – point C – title
C. Mobile device-based services, smart ticketing, smart check-in and real time information:
Amendment 499 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 7 – Section VI – column 1 – title
Annex I – row 7 – Section VI – column 1 – title
Banking services; websites used for provision of banking services; mobile device-based services; self-service terminals, including Automatic Teller machines used for provision of banking services and payment terminals.
Amendment 504 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 7 – Section VI – column 2 – point B – point a
Annex I – row 7 – Section VI – column 2 – point B – point a
(a) making websites and online applications accessible in a consistent and adequate way for users’ perception, operation and understanding, including the adaptability of content presentation and interaction, when necessary providing an accessible electronic alternative; and in a way which facilitates interoperability with a variety of user agents and assistive technologies available at Union and international level;
Amendment 505 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 7 – Section VI – column 2 – point D – title
Annex I – row 7 – Section VI – column 2 – point D – title
D. Self-services terminals, including Automatic Teller machines used for the provision of banking services and payment terminals:
Amendment 507 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 8 – Section VII – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point c
Annex I – row 8 – Section VII – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point c
(c) making websites and online applications accessible in a consistent and adequate way for users’ perception, operation and understanding, including the adaptability of content presentation and interaction, when necessary providing an accessible electronic alternative; and in a way which facilitates interoperability with a variety of user agents and assistive technologies available at Union and international level;
Amendment 508 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 8 – Section VII – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point d a (new)
Annex I – row 8 – Section VII – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point d a (new)
(da) making mobile-based services needed for the provision of the service accessible in a consistent and adequate way for users’ perception, operation and understanding, including the adaptability of content presentation and interaction, when necessary providing an accessible electronic alternative; and in a way which facilitates interoperability with a variety of user agents and assistive technologies available at Union and international levels;
Amendment 511 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 9 – Section VIII – column 1 – title
Annex I – row 9 – Section VIII – column 1 – title
E-cCommerce, including website and mobile device-based services of postal, energy and insurance providers
Amendment 518 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 9 – Section VIII – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point b
Annex I – row 9 – Section VIII – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point b
(b) making websites and online applications accessible in a consistent and adequate way for users’ perception, operation and understanding, including the adaptability of content presentation and interaction, when necessary providing an accessible electronic alternative; and in a way which facilitates interoperability with a variety of user agents and assistive technologies available at Union and international level;
Amendment 519 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – row 9 – Section VIII – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point b a (new)
Annex I – row 9 – Section VIII – column 2 – point A – point 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) making mobile-based services needed for the provision of the service accessible in a consistent and adequate way for users’ perception, operation and understanding, including the adaptability of content presentation and interaction, when necessary providing an accessible electronic alternative; and in a way which facilitates interoperability with a variety of user agents and assistive technologies available at Union and international levels;
Amendment 523 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – Section VIII a (new)
Annex I – Section VIII a (new)
Amendment 552 #
2015/0278(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – Section IX – Part B a (new)
Annex I – Section IX – Part B a (new)
Amendment 31 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Recital 1
(1) Member States and the Union should work towards developing a coordinated strategy for employment and particularly for decent working conditions across the Union, promoting a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce and labour markets responsive to economic, social and environmental change and with a view to achieving the full employment and social progress objectives set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union. Within this joint responsibility Member States, having regard to national practices related to the responsibilities of management and labour, are to regard promoting employment as a matter of common concern and coordinate their action in this respect within the Council; the Union should accompany these efforts with policy proposals to achieve the Treaty objectives and ensure an inclusive integrated labour market as well as decent working conditions across the Union.
Amendment 42 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Recital 2
(2) The Union must combat social exclusion and discrimination, ensure equal access to fundamental rights, and promote social justice and protection. This overarching objective needs to be implemented across all Union policies and legislation, ensuring that this overall Union objective is not endangered by side effects of other legislation. In defining and implementing its policies and activities, the Union should take into account requirements linked to the guarantee of adequatecent social protection and the fight against poverty, social exclusion and a high level of education and training.
Amendment 56 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Recital 4
(4) Member States should regard their economicThe financial and economic crisis and the related policy actions have clearly shown that Member States action alone on economic, employment or social policies ais a matter of common concern and coordinate them within the Council. Employment guidelines and broad economic policy guidelines should be adopted by the Council to guide Member States’ and Union policiesnot enough and that intergovernmental agreements endanger democracy and citizens' rights. It is therefore of utmost importance that Member States accept that their economic policies are a matter of common concern and must be coordinated at Union level.
Amendment 59 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) Regrettably the Employment guidelines and Broad economic policy guidelines are only adopted by the Council and not under the ordinary legislative procedure. To ensure a more democratic decision-making on the Employment guidelines, which affect the citizens and labour markets across the Union, it is of utmost importance to change Article 148 TFEU so that both the Employment guidelines and the Broad Economic Guidelines are decided upon by both legislators, Council and European Parliament.
Amendment 66 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Recital 5
(5) In accordance with the Treaty provisions, the Union has developed and implemented policy coordination instruments for fiscal policy and macro- structural policies which have a strong impact on the social and employment situation in the Union. The European Semester combines the different instruments in an overarching framework for integrated multilateral economic and budgetary surveillance and should be better geared to delivering on the EU2020 targets. The streamlining and strengthening of the European Semester as set out in the Commission's 2015 Annual Growth Survey will only further improve its functioning if the poverty and employment targets are taken more seriously and policy recommendations which bear the risk of increasing poverty are no longer possible.
Amendment 70 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Recital 6
(6) The financial and economic crisis revealed and emphasised important weaknesses in the economy of the Union and its Member States. It has also underscored the close interdependence of the Member States' economies and labour markets. Moving the Union to a state of strong, sustainable and inclusive growth and job creation is the key challenge faced today. This requires coordinated and ambitious policy action both on Union and national level, in line with the provisions of the Treaty and the Union economic governance. Combining supply and demand side measures, these actions should encompass a boost to investment, a renewed commitment to structural reforms and exercising fiscal responsibilitythe creation of a more inclusive rights- based labour market underlined with decent social protection and at least a floor of labour and social rights at Union level to avoid competition on labour and social standards.
Amendment 78 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Recital 7
(7) Member States and the Union should alsourgently address the social impact of the crisis and aim at building a cohesiven inclusive and more just society in which people are empowered to anticipate and manage change, and can actively participate in society and the economy. A. Non-discriminatory access and opportunities for all should be ensured and poverty and social exclusion reduced, in particular by ensuring an effective functioning of labour markets and decent, poverty-proof social welfare systems and removing barriers to labour market participationmore inclusive labour markets. Member States should also make sure that the benefits of economic growth reach all citizens and all regions and that the trend towards increasing inequalities is reversed aiming at a more just and inclusive society.
Amendment 89 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Recital 8
(8) Action in line with the guidelines is an important contribution to reaching the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy including its commitment to a low carbon economy, to reducing poverty and improving the employment rate in the Union. The outcome of the 2014 public consultation on the Europe 2020 Strategy as well discussions in the different Council formations clearly show that the employment, poverty, social exclusion and education targets of the Strategy are still highly relevant, and are equally important, interdependent and mutually reinforcing. The guidelines constitute an integrated set of European and national policies, which Member States and the Union should implement in order to achieve the positive spill-over effects of coordinated structural reformreforms aimed at reducing inequalities and increasing the well-being of citizens, an appropriate overall economic policy mix and a more consistent contribution from European policies to the Europe 2020 strategy’'s objectives.
Amendment 94 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Recital 9
(9) When designing and implementing national policies, Member States should ensure effective governance. While these guidelines are addressed to Member States and the Union, they should be implemented, monitored and evaluated in partnership with all national, regional and local authorities, closely associating parliaments, as well as social partners and representatives of civil society.
Amendment 101 #
Amendment 102 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 1 – paragraph 1
Member States should facilitate job creation, reduce barriers for business to hire people, promote entrepreneurship and in particularand invest in sustainable and quality job creation, address accessibility for at-risk-groups and reduce barriers to the employment of people across skill levels and labour market sectors, promote entrepreneurship, green employment as well as support the creation and growth of small enterprises; Member States should act in order to increase the employment rate of women and mento facilitate the regular employment of third country nationals. Member States should also actively promote white and green sector jobs, the social economy and foster social innovation.
Amendment 115 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 1 – paragraph 2
The tax burden should be shifted away from labour to other sources of taxation that are more fair and less detrimental to employment and growth while protecting revenue for adequate social protection and growth enhancing expenditures. Reductions in, including towards consumption, towards unearned income, high earners and the use of fossil fuels, while protecting revenue for adequate social protection and expenditures directed towards public investment, innovation and job creation. Where the choice is to reduce labour taxation, it should be aimed at the relevant components of the tax burden and at removingtackling discrimination, barriers and disincentives to labour market participation, in particular for those furthest away from the labour market. At the same time full compliance with employment rights and protection standards needs to be ensured. Any tax shift should go hand in hand with improving transition security supporting workers opting to change work, invest in life-long-learning, take care breaks or become entrepreneurs.
Amendment 122 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 1 – paragraph 3
Policies to ensure that wages allow a decent living income remain important to both improve quality employment and decrease poverty in the Union. Member States should therefore, together with the social partners, respect and encourage wage-setting mechanisms allowing for a responsiveness of real wages to aggregate productivity developments while boosting purchasing power and internal demand. In this respect, differences in skills levels and local labour market conditions as well as divergences in employment, social and economic performance across regions, sectors and companies should be taken into accountproperly evaluated with the aim of ensuring a decent living wage across the Union. When setting minimum wages, Member States and social partners should ensure their adequacy as well as consider their impact on in-work poverty, job creation and competitiveness and household income.
Amendment 130 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 2 – title
Enhancing labour supply and skillsincreasing labour market inclusion
Amendment 131 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 2 – paragraph 1
Member States should promote and take the required policy actions towards sustainable productivity and quality employability through an appropriate supply of relevant knowledge and skills- on the one hand by lifelong education and training towards the necessary supply of knowledge, creativity and skills – and on the other hand by creating those workplace conditions which stimulate productivity, innovation and are a pre-condition for a healthy productive and inclusive workforce. It is of utmost importance that both education and training as well as decent workplace conditions are made available and are accessible to all. Member States should make the necessary investments in education and training, including vocational training systems, while improving their effectiveness and efficiency to raise the skill level of the workforce, allowing itcompetency, creativity, know-how and skill level of the workforce, creating therefore the conditions for employers and employees to better anticipate and meet the rapidly changing needs of dynamic labour markets in an increasingly digital and resource efficient economy. Member States should step up efforts to improve access and remove barriers to quality adult learning for all and implement active ageing strategies to enable longer working livewith a special focus on high risk groups and their needs.
Amendment 143 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 2 – paragraph 2
Amendment 158 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 2 – paragraph 4
Amendment 171 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 2 – paragraph 5
Member States should make a full use of European Social Fund and other Union funds support in order to combat poverty, improve employment, social inclusion, education and public administration.
Amendment 178 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 3 – paragraph 1
Member States should reduce labour market segmentation. Employment protection rules and institutions should provide a suitable environment for recruitment while offering adequate levels of by focussing on quality employment for insiders and outsiders. Employment legislation as well as employment actors should offer decent and fair protection to those in employment and those seeking employment or employed on temporary contracts or independent work contracts, by actively involving social partners. Quality employment should be ensured in terms of socio-economic security and a living income, decent pay, rights at work, decent workplace conditions, social security protection to reduce the at-poverty-risk, education and training opportunities, working conditions (including health and safety) and, work-life balance and gender equality.
Amendment 191 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 3 – paragraph 2
Member States should closely involve National Parliaments, civil society organisations and social partners in the design and implementation of relevant reforms and policies, in line with the partnership principle and with national practices, while supporting the improvement of the functioning and effectiveness of social dialogue at national level.
Amendment 195 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 3 – paragraph 3
Member States should strengthen active labour market policies by increasunderlining their targeting, outreach, coverage and interplay with passive measures. These policies should aim atsupporting measures such as social security. These policies should aim at improving workers’ safety in case of changes, improving labour market access and matching and support sustainable transitions on the labour market, with public employment services delivering individualised support and implementing performance measurement systems. Member States should also ensure that their social protection systems effectively activate and enable those who canhoose to participate in the labour market, protect those (temporarily) excluded from the labour markets and/or unable to participate in it by providing them with at least a poverty-proof minimum income, and prepare individuals for potential risks, by investing in human capital. Member States should promote inclusive labour markets open to all and also, to achieve that, put in place effective anti-discrimination measures.
Amendment 201 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 3 – paragraph 4
Mobility of workersas a choice should be ensurpromoted with an aim of exploiting the full potential of the European labour market, including by enhancing thsupporting mobile pwortability of pensions and the recognition of qualifications. Member States should at the same time guard agaikers, improving their access to and awareness of rights at work, by providing for accompanying measures such as care infrastructures, return schemes and by enhancing the portability of pensionst abuses of the existing rules well as social security in general and the recognition of qualifications.
Amendment 212 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 3 a (new) - title
Improving the quality and performance of education and training systems at all levels
Amendment 213 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Member States should make access to care and to affordable quality early childhood education a priority as both are important support measures for labour market actors and contribute to increasing the overall employment rate while supporting the individuals in their responsibilities. Member States should set up the comprehensive policies and investment needed to improve family and parenting support and reconciliation measures helping parents to balance work and family life, as a contribution to preventing early school-leaving and increasing young people's chances on the labour market.
Amendment 215 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 4 – paragraph 1
Member States should modernisimprove their social protection systems to provide effective, efficient, and adequatecent protection throughout all stages of an individual’'s life, ensuring solidarity, inclusion, fairness and addressing inequalities. There is a need for simplified and better targeted social policies complementedincluding by affordable quality childcare and education, training and job assistance, housing support and accessiblequality health care, access to basic services such as bank account and Internet and for action to prevent early school leaving and fight social exclusion.
Amendment 226 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 4 – paragraph 2
For that purpose a variety of instruments should be used in a complementary manner, including labour activation enabling services and income support, targeted at individual needs. Social protection systems should be designed in a way that facilitate access, decency, take up of all persons entitledin a non-discriminatory way, support investment in human capital, and help prevent, reduce and protect against poverty and other risks such as health, accidents or lack of employment.
Amendment 231 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 4 – paragraph 3
The pension systems should be reforme, where necessary, be reformed aiming at a decent retirement income at least above the poverty level and in order to secure their sustainability and adequacy for women and men in a context of increasing longevity and demographic change, including by linking statutory retirement ages to life expectancycreating conditions to enable workers to work up to their retirement age, by increasing effective retirement ages, and by developing complementary solidarity- based retirement savingchemes.
Amendment 240 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 4 – paragraph 4
Member States should improve the quality, affordability, accessibility, efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare and long term care systems as well as decent working conditions in the related sectors, while safeguarding fiscthe financial sustainability of these systems by improving the solidarity- based financing in line with social justice.
Amendment 9 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
Citation 17 a (new)
– having regard to its Resolution of 4 July 2013 Impact of the crisis on access to care for vulnerable groups (2013/2044(INI))
Amendment 16 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU is facing unprecedented demographic, social changes, growing social inequality and structural challenges;
Amendment 27 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the success of active ageing policies is strongly linked to the effectiveness of a range of social inclusion policies developed throughout the active liveslifecycle of EU citizens and workers;
Amendment 30 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas a holistic approach is needed, taking into account the different elements that contribute to making work sustainable over the life course for all individuals and for society as a whole;
Amendment 31 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas different groups of workers experience different working conditions, leading to occupational health inequalities;
Amendment 69 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls that active ageing is the process of optimising opportunities for health and for participation in society in order to enhance quality of life as people age; takes the view that active ageing policies should increase people's potential for physical, social and mental well-being through the course of their lives so as to allow better social inclusion and greater participation in society; highlights the fact that active ageing does not simply mean better conditions to enable older people choose to work longer, but also better access to health, long-term care and social services, which has come under pressure within the crisis and to lifelong learning, the elimination of age discrimination and stereotypes, action to combat poverty and social exclusion, and greater awareness of the value of active ageing;
Amendment 85 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Strongly rejects the consideration of active ageing policies solely as an instrument to maintain the employability of older workers, and calls on the Member States to make all the necessary assessments before raisingand efforts to shift to a life- cycle approach before considering to raise the mandatory pension age;
Amendment 90 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Encourages Member States to differentiate healthy life years and to provide more opportunities for older people to work part time in line with their preferences;
Amendment 93 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Considers it regrettable that older workers are still often exposed to age discrimination, stereotypes and barriers; calls on the Member States, therefore, to correctly implement Directive 2000/78/EC on equal treatment in employment and occupation without delay;
Amendment 111 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to study the worrying problem of unemployment among people over the age of 50 and, in conjunction with the Member States, to develop effective tools for reintegrating such workers intoto adapt working conditions to the needs of older workers enabling them to choose to remain on the labour market;
Amendment 136 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls on the Commission to follow up the conclusions of the joint report on Adequate social protection for long-term care needs in an ageing society and present concrete proposals without delay;
Amendment 142 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Reiterates the need to develop the ‘silver economy', which caters to the needs of the ageing population on the basis of the economic opportunities arising from the public and consumer expenditure related to population ageing and from specific products, services, innovative solutions and needs, resulting in new jobs and growth, taking into account the needs of most vulnerable socioeconomic groups;
Amendment 156 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Calls on the Commission to encourage cooperation on health literacy to empower older persons to take care of their health;
Amendment 184 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Encourages the development of more flexible and inclusive approaches to participation in volunteering programs;
Amendment 19 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas almost one third of petitions received by Parliament relate to alleged breaches of fundamental rights referred to in the Charter, touching on issues such as citizenship, the four freedoms, employment, economic circumstances, justice systems, voting rights, disability and children’s rights; whereas some of those petitions raise questions related to health issues and worsened access to health care and health care services as a direct consequence of the economic crisis; whereas this situation has undermined the provisions of Article 35 of the Charter; whereas petitions serve as an instrument for guaranteeing citizens their fundamental rights;
Amendment 36 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the right to vote and stand as a candidate in the municipal and European Parliament elections in the State of residence is recognised in Articles 39 and 40 of the Charter; whereas the exercise of the mobility right does legally or effectively prevent many citizens to take part of other elections either in their country of origin or residence;
Amendment 39 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the Charter enshrines the right to good administration within the Union; whereas it also states the rights to access the documents of the main three EU institutions; whereas the EU Ombudsman is the guarantee that these rights are respected;
Amendment 42 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas Articles 37 and 38 of the Charter recognises the right to a high environmental protection intrinsically linked to the deployment of the policies of the Union;
Amendment 66 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Regrets the narrow interpretation of the EU competence regarding fundamental rights by the Commission based on restrictive reading of Article 51 of the Charter; reminds that according to Article 2 TEU the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities; believes that systemic problems in the field of fundamental rights in the Member States should be addressed by the Commission, in particular, through a new framework for addressing systemic threats to the rule of law;
Amendment 82 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Commission to ensure as a matter of urgency that the Member States transpose and correctly apply Directive 2004/38/EC on the free movement of citizens, given the frequent recurrence of petitions on the subject of problems encountered, also by their spouses and children; notes the increase in petitions from several Member States on child custody disputes in cross-border context in the framework of the Brussels IIa regulation, and also particularly against some Member States' authorities on the withdrawal of custody from parents having exercised the freedom of movement within the EU;
Amendment 85 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Invites Member States to adopt the necessary legal and administrative provisions to ensure that all EU citizens in voting age can exercise their voting rights in national and regional elections of their concern;
Amendment 87 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Member States and the Commission, when proposing legislation, to strike a balance between counter- terrorism measures and the protection of fundamental rights, so that the latter is not compromised;
Amendment 94 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Notes the legal uncertainty generated by any retrospective provision in new legislation of Member States, as well as in cases of continuous changes in the same regulatory field, which de facto delay the effective implementation of the final provisions; warns about the risk of undermining the right to effective legal remedy not being respected in cases when national court procedures are unacceptably delayed; expresses the view that in order to respect the principle of equality before justice, socioeconomic barriers in its access such as excessive judicial fees should be tackled in each and every Member State;
Amendment 139 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas article 22 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union obliges the Union to "respect cultural, religious and linguistic diversity",
Amendment 148 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
Gb. whereas fundamental freedoms, human rights and equal opportunities shall be provided for all citizens of the European Union including persons belonging to national and linguistic minorities;
Amendment 402 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Deplores the fact that even today people belonging to minorities are still victims of discrimination; calls for more consistency of the European Union in the field of minority protection; strongly believes that all Member States as well as candidate countries shall be bound by the same principles and criteria in order to avoid the application of double standards; Calls therefore, as a part of resolving the so- called Copenhagen dilemma, for the establishment of an effective mechanism to monitor and ensure fundamental and acquired rights of national and linguistic minorities both in candidate countries and in countries already admitted to the European Union;
Amendment 18 #
2014/2252(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. HighlightWelcomes the fact that 2012 saw national parliaments show their first ‘yellow card’ in the context of the subsidiarity control mechanism, in response to the proposal for a regulation on the exercise of the right to take collective action within the context of the freedom of establishment and the freedom to provide services;
Amendment 23 #
2014/2252(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 31 #
2014/2252(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. regrets that the Commission proposal for a regulation on the exercise of the right to take collective action fell short of what is needed to create legal certainty for all actors; reminds the Commission of the importance of full stakeholder consultation on such sensitive matters;
Amendment 42 #
2014/2252(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Firmly believeconsiders that the ‘Think Small First’ principle iscould be a key element in the policy process and can play an important role in job creation and growth by reducing the costs of regulation for businessefocussing on smart regulation which can be implemented in a way that ensures a level playing field for SMEs and micro- enterprises who have less administrative capacities than big enterprises; rejects any attempts to automatically exempt micro- enterprises or SMEs from European legislation; reminds all actors that UEAPME, the European Association of craft, small- and medium-sized companies considers the exemption of SMEs or micro enterprises of European legislation as a general rule as going against SME interests;
Amendment 49 #
2014/2252(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. WelcomNotes the increasing emphasis placed by the Commission on the policy cycles, and calls on the committee responsible to systematically review Commission impact assessments and to review Parliament’s ex-ante impact assessment analysis as early as possibleon impact assessments; nevertheless , believes that Commission and Parliament's impact assessments should be considered as a simply tool to allow a well-informed political decision and should never replace political decisions or cause delays in the legislative process.
Amendment 6 #
2014/2240(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes the Commission Communication which seeks to fully exploit the employment potential of European coasts, seas and oceans through innovation – a key element in sectors such as shipbuilding, tourism, aquaculture, sustainable energy generation, port infrastructure and fisheries;
Amendment 18 #
2014/2240(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that blue growth should never be considered in isolation from the impact on environment and people and the maintenance of the natural resources of the seas, the restoration of those which have been lost and measures which are certainly sustainable and have been proven to be so;
Amendment 33 #
2014/2240(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. stresses that work at sea is work with a high risk of accidents at work and calls on the Member States and the EU to ensure a high level of health and safety protection as regards the equipment, the vessel and the workers;
Amendment 36 #
2014/2240(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. deplores that seafarers remain excluded from some EU directives on labour law and rights at work and asks to remedy this to ensure that the workers concerned are protected and that the work in the blue economy can become attractive by being decent rights-based work.
Amendment 20 #
2014/2210(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas family businesses may in positive cases differ in terms of values from non-family corporations as regards long-term orientation, have a special degree of commitment to their local community – rooted in the European tradition of the ‘'honourable merchant’' – and are generally slower to close down and put workers out of jobs;
Amendment 44 #
2014/2210(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the work being undertaken on an EU definition of ‘'family business’', and calls for the specificities within Member States’' definitions to be taken into account, in particular with regard to guaranteeing social rights, social security, pension entitlements and health and safety at work in these family businesses;
Amendment 45 #
2014/2210(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on those working on an EU definition of "family business" to make sure the definition meets the diversity of families found in EU societies and ensures non-discrimination of family forms, rather than limiting it to a concept of family meaning a man, a woman and their biological children.
Amendment 62 #
2014/2210(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes with concern that the financial crisis and subsequent recession have dealt a heavy blow to European SMEs, many of which are family businesses; , and highlights the importance of a favourable regulatory framework to support healthy restructuringas regards especially access to finance, tax justice, inclusive social security protection of all actors in SME structures; stresses that a well-targeted support towards healthy restructuring, could have major positive effects on job retention; stresses the local job creation potential for SMEs of new and emerging sectors such as the circular economy and thus job retention;
Amendment 86 #
2014/2210(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Draws the Commission’'s attention to the need forfact that equal treatment of big multinationals and family businesses so as to ensure a balanced level playing field in terms of competition, while respecting the unique nature of family businesses, in particular in those Member States in which such businesses were destroyed after 1945family businesses is at risk in what concerns multinationals and their options to evade tax in comparison to geographically bound family businesses.
Amendment 18 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas various complaints have been received with regard to the exercise of the right to vote in European and municipal elections, and also with regard to disenfranchisement in relation to national elections after a period of time spent abroad; whereas there is a low number of EU citizens resident in a Member State other than their own who exercise their right to vote or stand in either European or local elections in their place of residence;
Amendment 22 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas public confidence in the European Union has fallen to historically low levels; whereas the 2014 elections will be the first to be held after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, which significantly widens the powers of the European Parliament; whereas the European elections need to aim at strengthening public trust in the political system and creating a European public sphere; whereas a democratic, transparent functioning of the European Parliament is one of the main assets in promoting European values and integration;
Amendment 30 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes that EU citizenship is the fundamental status of Member States’ nationals; underlines that there is a close link between the rights inherent in EU citizenship and those enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights applicable to everyone on EU territory; calls on EU institutions and Member States to align the rights of third-country nationals permanently residing in EU with the rights of EU citizens;
Amendment 34 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that citizens need to be able to make informed decisions about exercising their Treaty rights and should therefore be provided with all the necessary information, focusing not only on abstract rights, but also on practical information about economic, administrative, legal and cultural issues; stresses that proper access to documents from all institutional levels, including the European, is fundamental to enjoy the citizenship rights and demands the information to be accessible unless properly justified public interest reasons advice not to; calls on national, regional and local authorities to promote a better understanding of EU citizenship and to explain its practical benefits for individuals;
Amendment 36 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Regrets the existing opt-outs from existing parts of the EU treaties by some Member States which undermine and generate de facto differences in the rights of citizens which are intended to be equal under the EU Treaties;
Amendment 39 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Acknowledges the vital role played by the Member States in correctly implementing European legislation; believes that enhanced cooperation with local and national authorities can be an efficient means of informally resolving problems; considers that EU citizenship rights would be further enhanced if the Member States would abide by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in all domestic law;
Amendment 41 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes with regret that the Commission has not been very active in addressing infringements related to citizens' rights; calls on the Commission to behave more proactively.
Amendment 45 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Regrets that the economic crisis has had as consequence relevant cuts in fundamental citizenship rights in a number of Member States; calls on the European Commission to monitor these trends and act proactively where necessarily to prevent this further and to restore them;
Amendment 49 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Is concerned by the poor implementation of current directives, especially the Free Movement Directive, which causes many problems relating to free movement and other rights of EU citizens, and calls on all parties to correctly and fully transpose and implement the acquis;
Amendment 61 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on those Member States that disenfranchise their own nationals who choose to live in another Member State for an extended period of time to put an end to this practice and revise their legislation accordingly to provide full citizenship rights during the whole process; recommends that the Member States take all steps to effectively assist citizens who wish to vote or stand as candidates in states other than their own;
Amendment 66 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Member States to organise transparent public campaigns and effectively tackle the problem of falling voter participation rates; takes the view that the Commission and Member States themselves should promote by different means an active participation of resident EU citizens from other Member States to vote or stand in local or European elections; calls on all Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies to further improve transparency and make access to documents easy and user- friendly, as this enable citizens to participate more closely in the decision- making process;
Amendment 72 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Expresses its serious concern about petitions revealing the delicate situation of certain residents, in particular stateless people, who, due to their status, cannot entirely benefit from their rights to free movement or from full voting rights in local elections; calls on the European Commission and Member States concerned to facilitate the regularisation of the status of such cases;
Amendment 75 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Considers that the European citizenship is an inherent, inalienable personal right of current Member States’ nationals and it is a status which cannot be removed against the will of the concerned person;
Amendment 77 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Takes the view that EU citizenship should not be affected by the democratic outcome of political or territorial disputes in Member States;
Amendment 81 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Member States to put in place coordination and cooperation measures in order to efficiently tackle the issues of double car registration taxes, tax discrimination and double taxation in a cross-border context; considers that double taxation issues are insufficiently addressed through existing bilateral tax conventions or unilateral action by a Member State and would need concerted action at the Union level; regrets the existence of cross-border hurdles in civil or social matters, such as family law or pensions, that prevent to many citizens enjoying a full EU citizenship and asks for deeper harmonisation in these fields to be promoted by the European Commission;
Amendment 82 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Recalls that EU citizens in the territory of a third country in which the Member State of which they are nationals is not represented are entitled to protection by diplomatic or consular authorities of any Member State, on the same conditions as the nationals of that Member State, and emphasises the importance of such a provision as a point of principle;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Welcomes the Progress report of the Commission on and the proposal for a Council recommendation on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States of 26 June 2013 with special focus on access to employment, housing, education and healthcare, calling on Member States to introduce positive actions and to mainstream Roma integration strategies in their fight against poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a. Calls on Member States that received, in addition, country specific recommendations under the European Semester on Roma related issues to implement them swiftly and to fight discrimination, including at the workplace, to involve civil society - including Roma organisations - in decision making, and to allocate not only EU but also national and other funds to deliver the commitments of their national Roma integration strategies;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 b (new)
Paragraph -1 b (new)
-1b. Calls on the Commission to follow up these implementations even closer and to use all of its instruments to ensure that Member States improve their legislation and combat discrimination and segregation;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that poor employability of Roma women caused by both discriminatory practicesthe lack of job and training opportunities, discriminatory practices and lack of access to education and their low level of education is a key issue, and that, therefore, addressing poor employability isand discrimination both in school and on the labour market are among the most important tools in achieving a higher employment rate, in decreasing dependency on social assistance and in reducing the risk of poverty;
Amendment 18 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that limited access to education increases the risk of early marriagCalls on Member States to provide equal access to quality childhood education and high quality, accessible early childhood development services and eparly pregnancy, which leads to early school-leaving, and which alsoents' partnership based education; stresses that limited access to education and segregation in education has the consequence of limiting employment opportunities in adulthood which, after all, causes a higher risk of poverty;
Amendment 29 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises that educating Roma girls has a complex impact in improving the lives of Roma people. For example, it is a crucial condition for increasing the employability of Roma women, providing some income security, and it is essential in overcoming poverty; calls, therefore, on the Member States to combat segregation, to ensure more inclusive and effective education systems, taking the improvement of jobs skills to match the demands of the labour market and to encourage entrepreneurship as a priority;
Amendment 35 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that Roma youth are particularly vulnerable to unemployment, running the risk of being permanently excluded from mainstream society; highlights, therefore, the importance of assuring the possibility of finishing primary and/or secondary education, as well as vocational training at a later stage, which can e.g. with well targeted scholarship and mentoring programs - as well as vocational training at a later stage, which can, together with strict anti- discrimination policies and job creation, dramatically increase the employability of Roma youth;
Amendment 43 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Takes the view that reshapadjusting welfare systems is necessary in order to decrease guarantee depcendency on social assistancet life for all, while stimulating active participation on the labour market;
Amendment 47 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that increasing efforts in providing equal access to child-care facilities for reconciliation of family and working life in rural areas could have a positive impact; therefore calls on Member States to provide access to high quality childcare facilities for all.
Amendment 2 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas, subject to Protocol 30 of the Treaty, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union has already acquired legally binding force through the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon1 ; whereas Parliament objects to the restrictive interpretation of the scope of application of the Charter put forth by the European Commission; whereas the same Treaty also establishes the legal basis for the EU to accede to the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as theo launch a European Citizens' Initiative appealing to the Commission to come up with a new legislative proposal on a given matter;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the Committee on Petitions has a duty to constantly review and, where possible, to enhance its role, notably with regard to the development of democratic principles, such as the increased participation of citizens in the EU decision-making process and the enhancement of transparency and accountability and whereas, in its regular activity, the committee works closely with Member States, the Commission, the European Ombudsman and other bodies in order to ensure that EU law is fully respected in both letter and spirit;
Amendment 7 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas in 2012 the Committee on Petitions registered 1 9845 petitions, mostly referring to the themes of fundamental rights, the environment, and the internal market; whereas 1 408 petitions were declared admissible, and of those 854 were forwarded to the Commission for further investigation pursuant to Articles 258 and 260 of the Treaty; and 577 petitions were declared inadmissible; whereas the judgment of the General Court of 14 September 2011 in case T- 308/07 made it clear that in declaring petitions inadmissible, Parliament must give good reasons for doing so;
Amendment 8 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas, regarding the statistical analysis contained in this report, the highest number of petitions refer to the EU as a whole (27.3%), followed by Spanish (15.0%), German (12.5%) and Italian (8.6%) cases;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas, in the field of fundamental rights, the Committee devoted much attention in 2012 to the rights of persons with disabilities, the rights of children, property rights, the rights of free movement without discrimination on any grounds, protecting freedom of expression and privacy, and the right of access to documents and information; whereas the situation of economic crisis has prompted a number of petitions concerning social problems, such as housing;
Amendment 14 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas petitions submitted by citizens give evidence that there is persisting discrimination against citizens as a result of their religion or belief, disability, belonging to a minority or certain ethnic group, gender, age or sexual orientation;
Amendment 17 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas, in relation to the protection of the environment, the threat posed by pollution and environmental malpractice can never be overstated, due to the ensuing risks to biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as public health risks, all of which are long-lasting and often life-threatening; whereas regarding biodiversity some Member States have not yet determined the totality of minimum Natura 2000 protection areas nor fully implemented their effective protection; whereas in 2012 the Committee devoted much attention to the implementation of legislation on waste and water, as well as to the assessment of the impact of projects and activities on the environment and on public health;
Amendment 19 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas on the waste management issue, the fact-finding visit to Italy highlighted the urgent need for all Italian authorities involved to find a sustainable solution for the waste management needs in Roma Province ensuring respect for the citizens' health and dignity; whereas, despite the end of the emergency situation in the city of Naples, many challenges on a comprehensive approach to waste management remain in the Campania region in connection with the waste Framework Directive hierarchy and the CJEU ruling of March 2010;
Amendment 21 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
Fb. whereas the works of the committee have led to water's being declared as a public good which has to be managed according to the general interest; whereas the European Citizens' Initiative "Right to water" has already reached the threshold of a million signatures of European citizens;
Amendment 23 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F c (new)
Recital F c (new)
Fc. whereas in the resolution tabled by the Petitions Committee and adopted by the plenary on 13 December 2012 on the environmental recuperation of the surrounding of the ILVA steel plant in Taranto, this Parliament advocated the 'polluter-pays principle'1 1 P7_TA(2012)0510
Amendment 25 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas in spite of the Interinstitutional Agreement between the Parliament and the Commission, the latter appears reluctant to provide prompt information on the nature of its deliberations, as well as decisions taken, in infringement proceedings concerning the implementation of environmental legislation; whereas this is an important source of concern given the irreversible damage and destruction that could be inflicted on our ecosystems and health; whereas the European institutions ought to supply more information and be more transparent with regard to EU citizens;
Amendment 31 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas, for that reason, the Committee on Petitions devoted a great amount of time and effort in 2012 to discussing the meaning of European citizenship, which is closely associated with a complethe freedom of movement and residence within the EU; whereas petitions give evidence that Union citizens and residents still face widespread and tangible obstacles to exercising their cross-border rights, a situation which has a direct and daily impact on the lives and welfare of thousands of households;
Amendment 35 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas the field of action, and the modus operandi, of the right to petition granted to all EU citizens and residents under the terms of the Treaty differs from other remedies available to citizens, such as, for instance, the submission of complaints to the Commission or to the Ombudsman, and whereas the Member States, using the crisis as a pretext, are increasingly choosing to neglect this right, which is an important concern for European citizens;
Amendment 37 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas a new instrument for a participatory democracy, the ‘European Citizens’ Initiative‘, entered into force on 1 April 2012 and registered a total of sixteen (16) initiatives during the course of the year; whereas relevant concerns have been raised by diverse initiators of European Citizens' Initiatives on the technical barriers encountered for the actual collection of signatures; whereas the Committee on Petitions will play a primordial role in the organisation of the public hearings for successful initiatives;
Amendment 46 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas European citizens and residents are legitimately entitled to expect that the issues they raise with the Committee on Petitions may find a solution without undue delay within the legal framework of the European Union, and in particular that the Members of the Committee will defend the petitioner's natural environment, health, freedom of movement, dignity and fundamental rights and freedoms; whereas the efficiency of the committee's work is largely the result of swiftness and thoroughness of its Secretariat; whereas, in view of the progressively increasing number of petitions received yearly, more resources and committee meeting time should be devoted for this purpose;
Amendment 48 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas certain petitions, such as one of the oldest outstanding petitions concerning discriminatory treatment against foreign-language lecturers (‘lettori’) in Italy, are pending between the Commission, Parliament and national authorities without any solution found, leaving the petitioners on uncertain ground with no sign of a conclusion;
Amendment 57 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes note that petitions received in 2012 from European Union citizens and residents focused on alleged breaches of EU law in the fields of fundamental rights, the environment, the internal market and property rights; considers that petitions give evidence that there are still frequent and widespread instances of incomplete transposition or of misapplication of EU law; takes the view therefore that, ultimately, the European Union's body of law does not fully deliver the expected results and that the Commission is the ultimate responsible to guarantee that both the letter and spirit of it is well respected;
Amendment 75 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Repeats its previous calls to Member States to ensure freedom of movement for all EU citizens and their families, without discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or nationality; repeats its call to Member States to implement fully the rights granted under Articles 2 and 3 of Directive 2004/38/EC not only to different- sex spouses, but also to the registered partner, member of the household or partner with whom an EU citizen has a duly attested, stable relationship, including members of same-sex couples, on the basis of the principles of mutual recognition, equality, non-discrimination, dignity and respect for private and family life; calls on the Commission, in that connection, to ensure that the directive is strictly applied and ultimately reviewed accordingly for this purpose, if necessary;
Amendment 78 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Observes that the environment remains another key subject of petitions, giving evidence that public authorities repeatedly fail to ensure the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, and that the highest standards of public health are guaranteed; points, in particular, to the numerous petitions submitted on waste management, on water, on protected species and on the assessment of the impact of projects and activities on the environment and on public health; urges the Commission to strengthen the environmental legislative framework and, specifically, its correct implementation; regrets that some Member States, despite their efforts, have not been able to find sustainable solutions for problems related to waste management;
Amendment 83 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Expects that the reviewed Environmental Impact Assessment Directive will not only be strengthened by providing clearer parameters as regards the independence of expert studies, common EU thresholds, a maximum timeframe for the process, including effective public consultation, the requirement to justify decisions, the mandatory assessment of reasonable alternatives and a quality control mechanism but will, above all, be duly implemented by the Member States,
Amendment 85 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Welcomes the end of the emergency situation in Naples city and the new initiatives concerning the waste management and expects that the persisting challenges in Campania region will be duly addressed, namely by means of a comprehensive regional waste management plant in accordance with the EU Waste Framework directive hierarchy and the TJEU ruling of 2010; still has serious concerns on the waste management approach in Lazio Region, particularly the follow-up of the close- down of the Malagrotta landfill;
Amendment 92 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses the importance of the creation of the Spanish Coastal Law Working Group, which has been closely studying related petitions and the modification of the law; reiterates the importance of directeffective contact with the Spanish national authorities in this respect and welcomes furthecalls for cooperation to find a better balance between property rights and the protection of solutions to property rights when the ultimate goal of the protection of the environment requires expropriation; expresses its fears that the new Coastal law approved by the Spanish Parliament is not solving the concerns of petitioners, nor are there any plans for further environmental protection of the coastal areas in Spain;
Amendment 96 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the Committee's conclusions from the fact-finding visit to Berlin on youth and family welfare matters, particularly in cross-border custody cases; notes, however, based on the continuing inflow of petitions of this nature, that it is clear the issue is ongoing, and that similar cases have also been brought to the Committee's attention from other Member States, notably Denmark;
Amendment 99 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Considers it important to enhance cooperation with Member States' parliaments and governments, based on reciprocity, and, where necessary, to encourage Member States' authorities to transpose and apply EU legislation with full transparency; stresses the importance of the Commission's cooperating with the Member States and deplores the negligence of some Member States with regard to transposing and enforcing European environmental legislation;
Amendment 102 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Is determined to put in place a more practical and visible petitions web portal by the end of 2013, in order to facilitate access to the petitions process and to provide valuable information on petitions, its public dissemination and an interactive approach to the petitions process, as well as on other redress mechanisms; calls for the right of petition to be given greater visibility on the Parliament website homepage;
Amendment 104 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Emphasises that the Committee on Petitions, along with other institutions, bodies and instruments such as the European Citizens' Initiative, the European Ombudsman, the European Commission, and the committees of inquiry, play an independent and clearly defined role as points of contact for each individual citizen; further stresses that the Committee on Petitions must continue to be a point of reference for citizens whose rights are allegedly being infringed;
Amendment 107 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Welcomes the constructive cooperation between the Committee and the European Ombudsman, such as in the Special Report on the Vienna airport extension; supports the activities of the Ombudsman concerning instances of maladministration in the activities of EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies; expects this task to be continued on the grounds of full independence, as has been the case until now;
Amendment 110 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the continued cooperation with the Commission; stresses, nevertheless, that the Committee expects to be kept well and promptly informed about developments concerning infringement proceedings; asks the Commission to give equal consideration to petitions and complaints as regards the functioning of infringement procedures; calls, in addition, upon the Commission to also provide the Committee with details and a statistical analysis of all complaints it investigates; stresses that, for the right of petition to be fully respected, a thorough analysis and answer from the Commission is fundamental when requested, providing an assessment not only about the formal or procedural issues but also on the essential content of the matter;
Amendment 112 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Emphasises that access to information held by the EU institutions is the primary interest of citizens aiming to understand the political and economic deliberations behind decision-making, particularly when it concerns projects with an impact on the environment; takes the view that greater access to information on investigations and infringement files could be provided by the Commission without jeopardising the purpose of the investigations and that an overriding public interest might well justify access to these files, particularly in cases where fundamental rights, human or animal health and the protection of the environment against irreversible damage may be at stake, or where proceedings are under way regarding discrimination against a minority or violations of human dignity, as long as protection of trade secrets and sensitive information relating to court cases, competition cases and personnel files are safeguarded;
Amendment 113 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Asks for a precautionary and preventive-aimed approach by the Commission when assessing projects with potential negative environmental or public health impact, in an early cooperation with the Member States concerned; notes the possibility of injunction measures to be established during deliberations in cases where irreversible damage is anticipated;
Amendment 117 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Deplores the negligence of many Member States in transposing and enforcing European legislation, a persistent failing which continues to give relevance to the work of thise Committee on Petitions; urges Member States, consequently, to transpose and apply EU legislation in full transparency and, with that objective in mind, considers it indispensable to improve the Commission's early cooperation with Member States' parliaments and governments, on a reciprocal basis;
Amendment 121 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Notes that the petitions mechanism is not merely a service, but a right for all European citizens and residents; pledges to make the petition procedure more efficient, transparent, and impartial, while preserving the participatory rights of the Members of the Committee on Petitions, so that the handling of petitions stands up to judicial review even at a procedural level; notes that the petition procedure should be absolutely independent to any national court process, enabling parallel conclusions;
Amendment 122 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Calls on the Committee on Petitions to continue examining the effects of the ERT case law on the interpretation of Article 51 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and its consequences concerning petitions and to investigate the question of what actual obstacles lie in the way of EU citizens applying for a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice in order to obtain reliable interpretations of central issues under European legislation in cases before the national courts;
Amendment 126 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Considers the organisation of public hearings a useful way of studying issues raised by petitioners in depth; wishes to bring attention, for instance, to the public hearing held on the exploration and exploitation of unconventional energy sources, which took note of the concerns raised in this respect by EU citizens through their petitions; notes that, as long as EU legislation is fully observed, decisions are ultimately the prerogative of the Member States;
Amendment 128 #
2013/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Looks forward toMandates the Committee on Petitions with the primary responsibility in organising public hearings for successful European Citizens' Initiatives, alongside the legislative Committee responsible; reaffirms its belief that this new tool will strengthen the democratic institutions of the Union and will give meaning to the notion of European citizenship;
Amendment 39 #
2013/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas respect for linguistic diversity makes a positive contribution to social cohesion by boosting self-esteem, and whereas linguistic diversity fosters access to culture and contributes to creativity and to the acquisition of intercultural skills, especially in border areas;
Amendment 76 #
2013/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Calls on all Member States who have not yet done so to ratify and implement the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The Charter acts a benchmark for the protection of endangered languages and as one of the minority protection mechanisms specified in the Copenhagen criteria which States must satisfy in order to gain EU accession;
Amendment 170 #
2013/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the European Commission and Member States to establish an endangered language observatory that monitors and collects data on: their sociolinguistic situation; existing educational provision; their extent of usage; and reports on any hindrances they face in terms of usage.
Amendment 12 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Reminds that the concept of Union citizenship includes the principle of non- discrimination of all Union citizens; urges the Commission to further its analysis of the situation of intra-EU migrants and to take appropriate action in order to ensure that they genuinely enjoy rights as Union citizens;
Amendment 15 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Considers that the EU and Member States have a shared responsibility to promote the rights of the Roma as Union citizens, especially in the field of free movement, education, employment, social rights and civic participation;
Amendment 23 #
2011/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas many citizens overestimate the scope of the FMD, in particular when seeking rights for family members who are third-country nationals, and find it difficult to understand that the directive does not apply when they are resident in their own Member State, an apparent anomaly;
Amendment 29 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Welcomes the fact that the Treaty of Lisbon made it possible for one million Union citizens from different Member States collectively to invite the Commission to submit legislative proposals, and believes that such a legal right will significantly raise awareness of Union citizenship among Europeans; recalls that transparency and democratic participation must be achieved by a variety of forms of partnership among the EU and Member States, regional and local institutions, social partners and civil society;
Amendment 37 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes that the right of Union citizens to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States cannot be viewed in isolation from other rights and basic principles of the European Union, such as the freedom of movement of workers, the freedom to provide services, the respect for family life and social rights (including the portability of pensions and other social benefits), as well as the mutual recognition of degrees and professional qualifications; and therefore calls on the Commission and Member States to lift existing legal and practical barriers in order to enable all citizens to exercise all of their rights; stresses that problems of language or communication skills should not be used as grounds to deny access to the rights of Union citizens and other fundamental rights;
Amendment 43 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on the Commission, Member States and local authorities to take further measures to facilitate the movement of Union citizens between Member States, especially with regard to practical issues such as the issuance and recognition of documents and contracts, transfer of records, reimbursement of expenses, which very often do not function properly despite efforts to harmonise them at the EU level;
Amendment 49 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Takes the view that, given the low number of EU citizens resident in a Member State other than their own who exercise their right to vote or stand as candidate in European or local elections in their place of residence, the Commission and Member States should promote such participation by various means; calls on Member States to launch in national and local media, including television, radio and the internet, information campaigns to inform Union citizens about their right to vote and stand in elections, as well as about registration procedures, which should be as easy as possible; calls for the necessary reforms of the European elections procedures in all Member States, with a view to making those procedures more similar and finding ways to promote active Union citizenship, and calls for appropriate information campaigns to be conducted once those reforms are completed; asks to improve the real effectiveness of right to stand for elections by ensuring that all Union citizens are entitled to be members of and found political parties in the Member State where they have their place of residence;
Amendment 58 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that EU citizens in the territory of a third country in which the Member State of which they are nationals is not represented are entitled to protection by the diplomatic or consular authorities of any Member State, on the same conditions as the nationals of that Member State; emphasises the importance of such a provision as a point of principle; calls on the Commission and Member States to distribute information on the measures which support the right to diplomatic and consular protection; calls on Member States to cooperate actively in order to secure the protection of Union citizens outside the European Union, including in times of crisis or disaster;
Amendment 68 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes with regret that the Commission has not been very active in addressing infringements related to citizens' rights; calls on the Commission to behave more proactively; calls on the Commission to make funding available for the training of Member States’ national, regional and local officials who deal with intra-EU migrants in the basics of the EU legislation that applies in their respective fields, and to help administrations in answering questions concerning possible differences and conflicts between national and EU legislation;
Amendment 74 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Considers it vital to adopt an effective approach to information and communication aimed at making Union citizens aware of their rights and obligations and helping them to assume an active role in EU decision-making, thus enabling participatory democracy to be genuinely exercised; since proposals for multilingualism should not be limited to the main official/Member State languages, calls on the Commission and Member States to disseminate information about Union citizenship also in regional and minority languages; points out the need to launch better and more effective information campaigns that promote Union citizenship rights among young people such as setting up a "citizenship programme" in schools and universities, with a view to preparing the younger generation for active citizenship.
Amendment 88 #
2011/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on those Member States which have decided to introduce or to continue applying transitional arrangements restricting access by Romanian and Bulgarian nationals to their labour markets8 to revise their decisions by the end of 2011as soon as possible;
Amendment 120 #
2011/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Is concerned about the situation of stateless persons permanently resident in Member States, in particular, Latvia and Estonia1; calls in this regard on the Member States to systematically bring about just solutions based on the recommendations of international organisations; believes that such persons should have the right to take part in local elections; __________________ 1 See, inter alia, Petitions 1263/07 and 1746/08
Amendment 137 #
2011/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Recalls that Regulation (EC) No 2201/200318 lays down the principle that children should be able to maintain their relationships with both parents after the latter have separated, even if they live in different Member States; points out that, although the introduction and application of substantive rules on access rights is currently a Member State matter, the Member States must respect Union law when exercising their powers, in particular the Treaty provisions concerning the freedom of all EU citizens to travel and reside in another Member State19 ; calls on the Commission to investigate alleged discrimination against the non-German spouse in mixed marriages in the case of the German Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt);
Amendment 19 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Urges the ENP partners to ratify all ILO core labour conventions and align national legislation with them;
Amendment 23 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that ENP should tackle urgent labour-market issues such as supply- demand mismatches, informal employment, bad working conditions, illegal child labour and gender imbalances with the expertise and collaboration of the EU and the international organisations that deal with reforming labour markets and developing social policies;
Amendment 27 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the importance of job creation butand recalls the need to cope effectively with illegal migration of the joblessin a better way with irregular migration, especially by creating options to stay in the home country;
Amendment 37 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Reminds about the necessity to ensure that the minimum wage provides an adequate standard of living for workers and their families; deductions from wages should not deprive employees and their dependents of their very means for subsistence;
Amendment 38 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Notes that adequate time should be foreseen for notices of termination of employment, taking into account employee’s length of service;
Amendment 39 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Underlines the urgent need for extraordinary education and employment measures to tackle the alarmingly high youth unemployment and thereby secure a future for the next generation;
Amendment 47 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses that ENP should include support for steps towards establishing stronger labour laws in order to protect children from abusive working conditions and to undertake immediate measures towards the eradication of illegal child labour;
Amendment 56 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Recalls the importance of the right of everyone to form trade unions and the right of trade unions to establish national federations or confederations and urges to facilitate and respect it in practice; reminds that the right to strike is a recognized fundamental right and may not be refused solely on the ground of working in an area essential for a community, without differentiation between specific functions; urges to promote the right to be informed and consulted as applicable to all areas of mutual interest, guaranteed by sanctions, and not excluded solely on the ground of working in civil service;
Amendment 62 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on the Commission to embrace the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP) as the guiding policy framework for medium term pro-poor economic growth and equitable distribution of wealth according to the needs of the country;
Amendment 8 #
2011/2069(INI)
Draft opinion
Section 1 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Section 1 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Recalls that the original mandate for the Charter was to codify the fundamental rights enjoyed by EU citizens and considers that it is understandable if citizens do not understand the limited applicability of the Charter also in the light of the solemn declarations of the heads of state and that the Charter represents rights EU citizens enjoy; calls on all Member States to reconsider the need for Article 51 of the Charter and encourages them unilaterally to declare that they will not limit the rights of individuals on the basis of that article within their jurisdiction;
Amendment 15 #
2011/2069(INI)
Draft opinion
Section 1 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Section 1 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Underlines the close link between the rights inherent to EU citizenship and those enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights applicable to all persons on EU territory; calls on the EU institutions and Member States to align the rights of third-country nationals permanently residing in EU with the rights of EU citizens;
Amendment 16 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9
Citation 9
– having regard to the body of United Nations conventions on human rights to which all Member States are party, and to the conventions and recommendations of the Council of Europe, as well as the decisions, guidance and judgments of specialised monitoring and judicial bodies,
Amendment 19 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
- having regard to studies requested by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs,
Amendment 27 #
2011/2069(INI)
Draft opinion
Section 1 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Section 1 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Is concerned about the situation of stateless persons permanently resident in Member States and calls, in this regard, on the Member States to systematically bring about just solutions based on the recommendations of international organisations; believes that such persons should have the right to take part in local elections;
Amendment 33 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas accession by the EU to the ECHR, as required by the TEU, will allow the acts of the EU to be subject to review by the ECtHR, creating greater accountability for the EU and improving access to justice for individuals;
Amendment 36 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the effective safeguard and promotion of rights must constitute an overall objective of all EU policies, including their external dimension and whereas observing the duty to protect, promote and fulfil does not require new competences for the EU but rather proactive institutional engagement with human rights;
Amendment 38 #
2011/2069(INI)
Draft opinion
Section 1 – paragraph 10 a (new)
Section 1 – paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Recalls that Article 37 of the Charter obliges the Union to ensure a high level of environmental protection and the improvement of the quality of the environment; takes the view that the serious health consequences for present and future generations of deliberate and reckless pollution of the environment, for instance, through illegal dumping of toxic waste, are sufficiently grave to merit being considered violations of fundamental and human rights;
Amendment 39 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas the EU's hitherto fragmentary approach to human rights has led to calls for a coherent EU human rights policy; whereas no mechanism bringing together the various fundamental rights actors within the EU structure currently exists;
Amendment 41 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas citizens can enjoy their rights fully only if the fundamental values and principles, such as the rule of law, the independence of judiciary, freedom of the media and the lack of discrimination are respected;
Amendment 42 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C e (new)
Recital C e (new)
Ce. whereas the gap between fundamental rights and their implementation undermines the credibility of the EU as well of its Member States and the effective respect and promotion of human rights, within its territory and throughout the world;
Amendment 44 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas together with Article 2 TEU, Article 7 TEU grants the EU institutions the power to assess human rights in the Member States, to politically engage with the countries concerned to prevent and redress violations;
Amendment 49 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the effective protection and the promotion of fundamental rights calls for Member States to accept in a spirit of solidarity and of sincere cooperation with the other Member states the EU scrutiny of the respect of EU values in the legislation policies and practices;
Amendment 54 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas the current economic crisis challenges the principle of solidarity, which is an essential component of the EU history and identity, as well as the underlying bond bringing together the EU citizens as member of the same political community 1; __________________ 1 see notably the Charter articles on social rights as well the relevant specific Treaties articles on solidarity: art. 80 and 122 TFEU.
Amendment 59 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. While welcoming steps by the Commission to ensure that legislative proposals comply with the Charter, notes that there remains considerable room for improvement, as proposals continue to emerge that fail to consider at all, or fail to consider adequately, the impact of proposed measures on fundamental rights; urges the Commission to take tangible steps towards improving the verification of its proposals with the Charter, including ensuring adequate expertise within the Commission's legal service, responsible for checking compliance of proposals with the Charter;
Amendment 62 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges the Commission to ensure that the impact on fundamental rights of EU legislation and its implementation by the Member States form systematically part of the Commission's evaluation reports on the implementation of EU legislation, as well as its annual report on monitoring the application of EU law; recommends that the Commission revise the existing Impact Assessment Guidelines to give greater prominence to human rights considerations, widening the standards to include UN and Council of Europe human rights instruments;
Amendment 67 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Commission – and Council, where it initiates legislation – to make systematic use of external independent expertise notably of the Fundamental Rights Agency during the preparation of impact assessments;
Amendment 71 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Deplores the insufficient cooperation between the Commission and Council with international organisations dealing with fundamental rights, NGOs and civil society in pre-legislative and legislative processes and calls on the EU institutions to work closely with all relevant stakeholders;
Amendment 72 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls on the Commission to ensure that its annual report on the implementation of the Charter adopts a more balanced and self-critical analysis, to include not only positive developments, but also analysis of where it could strengthen its approach in the future;
Amendment 75 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Recommends that the European Parliament, the Commission and the Council jointly and formally recognise the existence of positive obligations to protect and promote human rights as part of EU law;
Amendment 76 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Calls on the Council to include in its annual reports on human rights in the world an analysis of the situation in the Member States by taking also in account the measures to be taken to implement the ECtHR judgments and adapt the internal legislation and practice accordingly;
Amendment 79 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4e. Calls on the Commission and the Council to ensure that a sufficient level of funding is maintained in funding programmes dedicated to fundamental rights during the coming Multiannual Financial Framework for NGOs working at the EU level to effectively represent the views of groups in society whose voices would not otherwise be heard at the EU level, such as the elderly, those living in extreme poverty, ethnic and racial minorities, children, LGBT persons, or persons with disabilities;
Amendment 92 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Proposes to ensure continuous channels of information sharing on fundamental rights in the EU between the relevant bodies and within the EU institutions, and EU agencies, and to hold a yearly interinstitutional forum to discuss for assessing the situation on EU fundamental rights; considers that such a forum should be a preparatory step of the EP annual debate on fundamental rights and on the development of the European Area of Freedom, Security and Justice; believes that such an interinstitutional forum should convene representatives of the Commission, the Council Working Group on Fundamental Rights, Citizens Rights and Free Movement of Persons (FREMP), of the EP´s Committee of Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), the Committee on Petitions (PETI), the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), the Committee on Regional Development (REGI), the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI), as well as representatives of the European Ombudsman, the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), EUROFOUND, and the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS);
Amendment 96 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Urges national parliaments to enhance their role in human rights scrutiny of EU activities and national implementation of EU law and invites them to hold periodic meetings focused on the strategies to be developed to implement the Charter and the jurisprudence of the EU Courts;
Amendment 108 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Notes that participation in international treaties for the protection and promotion of human rights can only serve to strengthen the protection of fundamental rights within the EU and welcomes the fact that the EU has joined the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and will join the ECHR; calls on the Council and Commission to take steps towards becoming party to other international human rights treaties;
Amendment 116 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Considers that, in order to maintain the credibility of the accession conditions, Member States should also be continuously assessed for their continued compliance with the EU's fundamental values and the fulfilment of their commitments concerning the functioning of democratic institutions and the rule of law;
Amendment 125 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Underlines its commitment to use its powers to act as a human rights litigant, in particular to ensure that EU acts respect, protect, promote and fulfil human rights;
Amendment 129 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Calls for the revision of the procedural rules of the CJEU and General Court to facilitate third-party interventions, by human rights NGOs in particular;
Amendment 131 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)
Paragraph 9 c (new)
9c. Calls for the setting-up of appropriate National Human Rights Institutions in all Member States and for measures facilitating the networking of these bodies across the EU with the support of the FRA; invites the EU institutions and the Member States to develop the capacity of Equality Bodies and Data Protection Bodies, of NHRIs and of FRA as human rights litigants;
Amendment 135 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls for the parliamentary evaluation of FSJA-related policies in compliance with Article 70 of the TFEU through the creation of a permanent link between the EP's LIBE Committee, the Council Working Group on Fundamental Rights, Citizens Rights and Free Movement of Persons (FREMP) and national parliamentary committees dealing with fundamental rights in order to assess the relevant legislation at EU and national level;
Amendment 140 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – indent 2
Paragraph 13 – indent 2
– that police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, which has become standard EU policy, as well as social and economic rights, which are essential elements of the Charter, are still exnot explicitly included frominto the mandate of the FRA; asks the Council to include the above matters in the next multi-annual framework of the FRA;
Amendment 142 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Points to shortcomings in the current multi-annual framework of the FRA, notably the limited number of comparative evaluation between Member States;
Amendment 144 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls on the Commission and Council to revise, together with the European Parliament, the founding regulation of the FRA in order to widen the scope of its mandate, including a monitoring role;
Amendment 151 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Is concerned about the so-called "opt- outs" of some Member States, which will risk affecting the rights of their citizens who will suffer more from discrimination than other EU citizens and recalls that, in accordance with case-law of the ECJ, the "opt-outs" do not intend to exempt the Member States from the obligation to comply with the provisions of the Charter or to prevent a court of one of those Member States from ensuring compliance with those provisions;
Amendment 154 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Stresses that, beyond informing individuals of their Charter rights, the Commission must ensure they are aware of how to exercise their right of access to justice and enforce their rights in relevant fora; considers that informal networks, such as those successfully developed for the internal market (SOLVIT), should be established at national and regional level to assist and advise people whose rights risk being violated (such as migrants, asylum seekers, vulnerable people); considers that these support structures for right restoration and economic and social integration should be a priority for regional funds;
Amendment 157 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Calls on Member States to collect disaggregated data for all grounds of discrimination, as well as to develop fundamental rights indicators in cooperation with the FRA, in order to ensure properly informed and targeted legislation and policies, particularly in the field of non-discrimination and in the context of national Roma integration strategies;
Amendment 161 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Deplores the fact that not all Member States have properly transposed the Council Framework Decision on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law 1; calls on Member States to prosecute xenophobia, racism, and hate speech; recalls that on December 1st 2014 this framework decision will become fully enforceable as well as all the FD into force at that time; __________________ 1 OJ 2008 L 328 of 12.5.2008, p. 55.
Amendment 165 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 e (new)
Paragraph 14 e (new)
14e. Calls on the Member States to ensure that offences motivated by racist, xenophobic, homophobic or transphobic intent are punishable within the criminal law system, and that these crimes are investigated effectively, prosecuted and punished, that victims are offered proper assistance, protection and compensation, and that such offences are properly registered;
Amendment 173 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses that the principles of human dignity and equality before the law are foundations of democratic society; deems incomprehensible the current blockage of Council negotiations on the Commission's proposal for a horizontal directive extending comprehensive protection against discrimination on all grounds, including religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, and urges efforts to ensure adoption as soon as possible; regrets the lack of proper implementation of the existing equality directives by some Member States and calls on the Commission to examine it as a matter of priority, starting infringement proceedings immediately, if necessary;
Amendment 195 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses that the situation of stateless persons permanently resident in Member States needs to be addressed and calls on all the Member States concerned to ratify the relevant United Nations conventions and to systematically bring about just solutions, based on the recommendations of international organisations; believes that stateless persons permanently resident in the Member States should have the right to vote in local elections;
Amendment 197 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Underlines the importance of the respect for the rights of persons belonging to minorities; encourages the Member States that have not yet done so to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages without further delay and, where relevant, to withdraw reservations and restrictive declarations, as well as to implement the treaties in good faith; recalls also the need to implement the principles developed in the framework of the OSCE;
Amendment 201 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Regrets that citizens of Roma origin are subjected to collective expulsion procedures by Member States and deplores the weak reaction of the Commission in certain cases;
Amendment 211 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Urges Member States to adopt the necessary legislative changes with regard to sterilization and to financially compensate the victims of coercive sterilizations performed on Roma women and women with mental disabilities, in line with the case-law of the ECtHR;
Amendment 216 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Calls on the Member States to address the high levels of unemployment among the minorities, especially Roma, by removing barriers to accessing employment;
Amendment 219 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Calls on the Member States to eliminate spatial segregation, forced evictions and homelessness faced by the Roma setting up effective and transparent housing policies;
Amendment 223 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Calls on the Member States to reform their national educational systems in order to address the needs of minorities, including Roma children, and to dismantle segregated educational arrangements without prejudice to education in minority languages existing in many Member States;
Amendment 235 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 e (new)
Paragraph 20 e (new)
20e. Reiterates its call for a targeted approach to the social inclusion of Roma women in order to avoid multiple discrimination and ethnic segregation;
Amendment 250 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls on the EU institutions to explore the implementation of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in the EU legal framework;
Amendment 253 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Calls on the Member States to ensure through efficient measures the protection for pregnant workers and women on maternal leave;
Amendment 255 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 c (new)
Paragraph 22 c (new)
22c. Urges Member States to address the issue of violence against women, domestic violence and sexual exploitation in all its forms and to combat trafficking in human beings;
Amendment 257 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 d (new)
Paragraph 22 d (new)
22d. Calls on the Member States to ensure that national action plans address multiple discrimination and protect women belonging to ethnic minorities and immigrant women;
Amendment 277 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Calls on the Commission to come up with a proposal for the full mutual recognition of the effects of all civil status documents across the EU, including legal gender recognition, marriages and registered partnerships, in order to reduce discriminatory legal and administrative barriers for citizens who exercise their right to free movement;
Amendment 280 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26b. Deplores that transgender people are still considered mentally ill in a number of Member States; calls on Member States to introduce or review legal gender recognition procedures on the model of Argentina and review conditions (including forced sterilisation) set for legal gender recognition; calls on the Commission and the World Health Organisation to withdraw gender identity disorders from the list of mental and behavioural disorders and to ensure a non-pathologising reclassification in the negotiations on the 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11);
Amendment 282 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)
Paragraph 26 c (new)
26c. Welcomes the new set of asylum rules introduced in the Qualification Directive which include gender identity as a ground of persecution; maintains that the asylum package must remain coherent and include sexual orientation and gender identity in the Asylum Procedure Directive;
Amendment 285 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 e (new)
Paragraph 26 e (new)
26e. Welcomes the launch of a FRA survey that will gather comparable data on the experience of LGBT people in the European Union and Croatia;
Amendment 287 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 g (new)
Paragraph 26 g (new)
26g. Calls on the Commission to use the results of this survey to prepare an EU Roadmap for equality on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, with a view to adoption by 2014;
Amendment 288 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 h (new)
Paragraph 26 h (new)
26h. Calls on Member States to ensure the effective protection of participants in LGBT public events, including pride marches, and to ensure these events can take place lawfully;
Amendment 298 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Regrets that young people in some Member States are still being prosecuted and sentenced to imprisonment because the right to conscientious objection to military service is still not adequately recognised and calls on the Member States to stop the persecution of and discrimination against conscientious objectors;
Amendment 306 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Calls on all the Member States to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and its Optional Protocol and to ensure that all national action plans are in line with the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 and aim at improving accessibility, employment, inclusive education and training, as well as independent living for the disabled;
Amendment 312 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30b. Calls on the EU and on the Member States to improve access to employment and training of persons with disabilities, including persons with intellectual disabilities, using existing EU funds;
Amendment 314 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 c (new)
Paragraph 30 c (new)
30c. Calls on the Member States to fund organisations active in supporting the independent living of disabled people and de-institutionalisation programmes;
Amendment 316 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 d (new)
Paragraph 30 d (new)
30d. Calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure that EU funds are not directed towards renovating existing or building new institutions for persons with disabilities but are used instead to facilitate community living, in accordance with Articles 5 and 19 of the CRPD and Articles 21 and 26 of the Charter;
Amendment 317 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 e (new)
Paragraph 30 e (new)
30e. Stresses the need to increase the political participation of persons with disabilities in elections by accommodating their special needs;
Amendment 323 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Stresses that the reform of the EU’s data protection regime should increase transparency and awareness of data protection rights and make remedies and sanctions more effective; stresses that lowering existing standards and reducing national competences, including those of curges the Council to commit to a comprehensive data protection framework with a uniform and high level of harmonisation building on Directive 95/46/EC; stresses that it is of crucial importance that comprehensive data protection stitutional courts, is out ofandards envisaged in the area of law enforcement also cover the qudomestionc processing of data;
Amendment 328 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Stresses the need to consider repealing the Data Retention Directive or at least explore alternatives to data retention, such as expedited data preservation and targeted collection of traffic data, particularly in light of the human rights violations intrinsic to a blanket data retention system, such as data losses and misuse, mistakes in data retrieval and breaches of the confidentiality of communications with health professionals, lawyers and journalists;
Amendment 330 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 b (new)
Paragraph 32 b (new)
32b. Expresses its concern regarding the shortcomings of the Data Retention Directive highlighted by the Commission’s report, the EDPS, several national parliaments and the constitutional courts of several Member States that have declared it unconstitutional;
Amendment 332 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 b (new)
Paragraph 32 b (new)
32b. Points out with concern that the first inspection performed by the Europol Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) raises serious concerns about compliance of the TFTP Agreement of the EU with the US with data protection principles; considers that the conclusions drawn by the JSB underline the flawed nature of the agreement itself, particularly as regards the role of Europol in verifying the necessity and proportionality of US requests for SWIFT data; stresses that, instead of copying the US approach by devising a European terrorist finance tracking system, the problems with the TFTP agreement should lead to proper reflections on the necessity and proportionality of such system;
Amendment 335 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 c (new)
Paragraph 32 c (new)
32c. Regrets that several of its key demands were not met by the EU-US PNR Agreement (in particular a purpose limitation to serious transnational crime, limited storage periods, an exclusion of data-mining and profiling, as well as proper access and redress rights); stresses that the Commission has only presented anecdotal evidence for the usefulness of PNR data in the fight against terrorism and serious transnational crime and has avoided a serious debate about necessity and proportionality, particularly in view of the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights and German Constitutional Court on the prohibition of profiling and the blanket retention of data of innocent people; underlines that the Commission has not properly explored less intrusive alternatives to the analysis of PNR data such as that provided by using Advanced Passenger Information or by restricting the use of PNR data to cases where a lead or initial suspicion has already been established;
Amendment 354 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Welcomes the improvements in the revised Qualification Directive 1 , notably a greater acknowledgment of gender- specific forms of persecution, the inclusion of gender identity as a ground of persecution for which protection should be granted, and the commitment to take the best interest of the child into account; __________________ 1 OJ L 337, 20.12.2011, p.9.
Amendment 355 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 b (new)
Paragraph 35 b (new)
35b. Urges Member States to implement the Qualification Directive in a manner which ensures full consistency with international human rights law and calls on the Member States that wish to do so to go beyond the minimum level of benefits and rights ensured by the text;
Amendment 356 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 c (new)
Paragraph 35 c (new)
35c. Stresses that the broadened scope of the Directive on Long-term Residents 1 to refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, will contribute to their effective integration that carries benefits for the EU and the Member States; __________________ 1 OJ L 132, 19.5.2011, p. 1
Amendment 357 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 d (new)
Paragraph 35 d (new)
35d. Welcomes the revised Commission proposal recasting the Reception Conditions Directive 1 and stresses that basic reception conditions should be offered from the moment asylum seekers arrive and that they should be encouraged to contribute to the host community, irrespective of the length of their stay; __________________ 1 COM(2011) 320 final.
Amendment 358 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 e (new)
Paragraph 35 e (new)
35e. Stresses that gaps and ambiguities in the amended proposal of a Directive on common procedures for granting and withdrawing international protection status 1 must be addressed in a manner which can enable Member States to avoid the risk of increased costs and potential misuse, while ensuring access to fair and high quality asylum decisions for those in need of protection; __________________ 1 COM (2011) 319 final.
Amendment 359 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 f (new)
Paragraph 35 f (new)
35f. Recommends the setting up of asylum expert teams assisting states with insufficient asylum infrastructures; takes the view that the existence of minimum standards and of quality assessment mechanisms can raise the quality of asylum decision-making;
Amendment 360 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 g (new)
Paragraph 35 g (new)
35g. Emphasises that asylum-seekers do not enjoy equivalent levels of procedural and substantive protection in all Member States due to inadequate transposition of EC law or to differing approaches to implementation;
Amendment 361 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 h (new)
Paragraph 35 h (new)
35h. Expresses concern at the current Dublin system’s impact on the legal rights of asylum-seekers, including their right to have their claim to asylum examined fairly and, where recognized, to effective protection, as well as at the uneven distribution of asylum claims among Member States;
Amendment 362 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 i (new)
Paragraph 35 i (new)
35i. Stresses the need for completing negotiations on an effective mechanism for suspending transfers under the Dublin II Regulation to Member States where there is a risk of a violation of their fundamental rights, in line with recent ECtHR 1 and CJEU case-law 2; __________________ 1 In the case of M.S.S. v. Belgium and Greece the ECtHR condemned Greece and Belgium for violation of Articles 3 and 13 of the ECHR. 2 Joint Cases: NS/Secretary of State for the Home Department (England and Wales - C-411/10) and M. E. e. a./Refugee Applications Commissioner, Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Ireland - C-493/10), judgement of 21 December.
Amendment 366 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Stresses the need to monitor the practical implementation of EASO’s mandate and that the fundamental rights related aspects of Europol’s work should addressed in the renegotiation of its mandate in 2013;
Amendment 367 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 b (new)
Paragraph 36 b (new)
36b. Calls for the effective implementation of the provisions on fundamental rights of the Schengen Borders Code and of the Community Code on Visas in the context of future Schengen evaluations;
Amendment 368 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 c (new)
Paragraph 36 c (new)
36c. Stresses that the principles of necessity and proportionality of the data collected and stored should apply to the new technologies for storing personal data and for border surveillance;
Amendment 377 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38a. Is concerned about the lack of harmonised procedural guarantees when contesting the lawfulness and proportionality of issuance of an alert in the Schengen Information System or comparable national databases;
Amendment 381 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. Urges Member States to cease all military recruitment, training and registration of persons aged under eighteen; in this context, urges the Commission and Council to undertake a security and defence sector reform;
Amendment 384 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 a (new)
Paragraph 40 a (new)
40a. Calls on the EU institutions and on all Member States to elaborate child- friendly policies in areas such as employment, environment, security or migration; stresses the importance of investing in children-oriented actions by re-orientating existing budgetary lines and by new investments;
Amendment 391 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 b (new)
Paragraph 40 b (new)
40b. Calls on the Member States to ensure the adequate implementation of the Directive on combating the sexual abuse of children and child pornography 1 and of the Directive on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings 2; __________________ 1 OJ L335, 17.12.2011, p.1. 2 OJ L 101, 15.4.2011, p.1.
Amendment 393 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 c (new)
Paragraph 40 c (new)
40c. Calls on all EU Member States who have not yet done so to ratify the Optional Protocol to the UN CRC on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and the 2007 Council of Europe Convention on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse;
Amendment 394 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 d (new)
Paragraph 40 d (new)
40d. Welcomes the fact that several Member States have already amended their criminal code to criminalise violence on the internet as well as various forms of sexual violence;
Amendment 395 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 e (new)
Paragraph 40 e (new)
40e. Stresses the need to evaluate the progress made in the fight against trafficking in human beings in the light of the findings of the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator;
Amendment 396 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 f (new)
Paragraph 40 f (new)
40f. Welcomes the Commission’s action plan on unaccompanied minors 2010- 2014; calls on the Commission to inform the EP on the findings of the expert group on unaccompanied minors in the migration process;
Amendment 397 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 g (new)
Paragraph 40 g (new)
40g. Calls on the Commission to mainstream children’s rights in all EU activities and to assess the work to date of the Children’s Rights Coordinator and the European Forum on the Rights of the Child;
Amendment 398 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 h (new)
Paragraph 40 h (new)
40h. Encourages the use of child rights indicators elaborated by the FRA in the reviewing of EU actions; calls for the elaboration of practical guidelines on how such indicators could best be used;
Amendment 402 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41a. Calls on Member States to reform their asylum procedures in order to comply with the requirement to ensure an effective remedy as laid down by the ECtHR and CJEU case-law, notably on applicable timelines to lodge an appeal against a decision, a negative decision and provisions on the right to stay in the host country during the appeal process;
Amendment 403 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 b (new)
Paragraph 41 b (new)
41b. Highlights the importance of negotiations in view of amending the Dublin II Regulation and stresses that more efficient procedures should not be sought at the expense of the rights of applicants;
Amendment 404 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 c (new)
Paragraph 41 c (new)
41c. Recalls the importance of the directive for seasonal workers 1 for reducing irregularity at work and the risk of exploitation and urges the swift conclusion of negotiations; __________________ 1 COM(2010) 379 final.
Amendment 405 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 d (new)
Paragraph 41 d (new)
41d. Calls on the Commission, in the light of its evaluation of European Readmission Agreements 1 (EURAs) to refrain from supporting the hasty conclusion of new agreements that lead to violations of fundamental rights; calls on the Council to observe the ‘no agreement at any cost’ principle; __________________ 1 COM(2011) 76 final.
Amendment 406 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 e (new)
Paragraph 41 e (new)
41e. Strongly condemns the extensive use by most Member States of detention to facilitate removal of immigrants, including minors, and urges Member States to introduce alternatives to detention in national legislation;
Amendment 407 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 f (new)
Paragraph 41 f (new)
41f. Calls for fundamental rights-sensitive border controls and stresses the need for democratic oversight by Parliament over Frontex operations;
Amendment 413 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43a. Urges Member States to restructure their court systems, review the level of court fees, reform the legal aid system and to provide alternative dispute settlement mechanisms so as to facilitate access to justice to the maximum extent possible;
Amendment 415 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43a. Calls on the Commission to complete the Roadmap for strengthening procedural rights of suspected or accused persons in criminal proceedings ensuring that fair trial rights may be effectively exercised in practice;
Amendment 416 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 b (new)
Paragraph 43 b (new)
43b. Urges the EU institutions and the Member States to examine how common legal principles on collective redress could fit into the EU legal system and into the legal orders of the Member States;
Amendment 418 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 b (new)
Paragraph 43 b (new)
43b. Urges the Commission to examine the effective implementation in the EU of the right of access to justice in the context of the right of every person of present and future generations to live in an environment adequate to his or her health and well-being;
Amendment 420 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 c (new)
Paragraph 43 c (new)
43c. Calls on Member States to deal with gender-specific crimes and to propose effective means for tackling domestic violence, if necessary by adopting legislation on protection measures;
Amendment 425 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 e (new)
Paragraph 43 e (new)
43e. Calls on the Member States to provide the financial resources for crime victim services, taking into account the upcoming assessment by the FRA of options and promising practices in the Member States;
Amendment 427 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 f (new)
Paragraph 43 f (new)
43f. Stresses that international cooperation in the fight against terrorism should be based on full compliance with international standards and obligations in the area of human rights;
Amendment 428 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 g (new)
Paragraph 43 g (new)
43g. Calls on Member States to establish the truth on their involvement in the CIA rendition and secret detention programmes, to investigate allegations of human rights and reform their systems to avoid future similar abuse;
Amendment 429 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 h (new)
Paragraph 43 h (new)
43h. Welcomes the Roadmap on criminal procedures and calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up efforts in order to achieve strong EU-wide standards for procedural rights of both defendants and victims;
Amendment 430 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 i (new)
Paragraph 43 i (new)
43i. Draws attention to the remaining deficiencies regarding minimum guarantees of the rights of defence, and points out that the Commissioner for Human Rights of the CoE questioned the absence of effective remedies against the European Arrest Warrant and its use for minor crimes;
Amendment 443 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 a (new)
Paragraph 45 a (new)
45a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to distribute information on the right to diplomatic and consular protection; calls on Member States to cooperate actively in order to secure the protection of EU residents outside the EU, including in times of crisis or disaster;
Amendment 447 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 b (new)
Paragraph 45 b (new)
45b. Points out the need to launch effective information campaigns that promote EU citizenship rights among young people such as setting up an ‘active citizenship programme’ in schools and universities;
Amendment 450 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 c (new)
Paragraph 45 c (new)
Amendment 452 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 d (new)
Paragraph 45 d (new)
45d. Underlines the need for swift reform of the European Parliament electoral system, ensuring the active participation of EU citizens in the EU’s functioning;
Amendment 454 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 e (new)
Paragraph 45 e (new)
45e. Calls on the EU and the Member States to increase public awareness of the Citizens’ Initiative, a tool for direct democracy aimed at enhancing the Union’s democratic functioning;
Amendment 31 #
2011/0436(COD)
Recital 8
(8) The new programme should cover a wide spectrum of different actions and include, among others, citizens' meetings, contacts and debates on citizenship issues, Union level events, initiatives to reflect on defining moments in European history and on the future of Europe, initiatives to raise awareness about the Union institutions and their functioning, and debates on European policy issues, with a view to invigorate all aspects of public life.
Amendment 33 #
2011/0436(COD)
Recital 10
(10) Special attention should be paid to the balanced integration of citizens and civil society organisations from all Member States into transnational projects and activities, taking into account the multicultural and multilingual character of the EU.
Amendment 37 #
2011/0436(COD)
Recital 16
(16) Preference will be given to grants for projects with a high impact, in particular those which are directly linked to EU policies with a view to participate in the shaping of the EU political agenda. Moreover, following the principle of sound financial management, the implementation of the programme should be further simplified by recourse to lump-sums, flat- rate financing and the application of unit- cost rates.
Amendment 39 #
2011/0436(COD)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – introductory part
1. raiseing awareness onf remembrance, the Union's history, identity and aim by stimulating debate, reflection and networkingcommon history, identity and values and of the Union's aim of promoting peace, its values, its cultural and linguistic diversity and the well-being of its peoples, by stimulating debate, reflection and the development of networks and by bringing together people to share and exchange experiences, to learn from history and discuss the future of Europe;
Amendment 42 #
2011/0436(COD)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) ‘Remembrance and European citizenshipFostering remembrance of European history and developing a sense of European identity’
Amendment 43 #
2011/0436(COD)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. In order to achieve its objectives, the programme shall finance inter alia the following types of actions, implemented on a transnational level or with a clear European dimension:
Amendment 44 #
2011/0436(COD)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – indent 6
– Debates/studies and interventions on defining moments in European history, in particular to keep the memory alive of the crimes committed under Nazism and Stalinismtotalitarian regimes
Amendment 46 #
2011/0436(COD)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – indent 7
– Reflection/debates on common values, identity and future
Amendment 52 #
2011/0436(COD)
Annex 1 – part 1 – paragraph 3
It will support activities that invite to reflection on European history, cultural and linguistic diversity and common values in the broadest sense, taking into account diversitygender equality and involvement of persons belonging to minorities. Funds may be available for initiatives reflecting on causes of totalitarian regimes in Europe's modern history (especially but not exclusively Nazism and Stalinism) and to commemorate their victims. The strand should also encompass activities concerning other reference points in recent European history. In particular, it will give preference to actions which encourage tolerance and reconciliation, mutual understanding through intercultural dialogue and reconciliation as a means of moving beyond the past and building the future, in particular with a view to reaching the younger generation.
Amendment 54 #
2011/0436(COD)
Annex 1 – part 1 – paragraph 4
The strand is defined by the possible projects and initiatives that can be launched under its heading, not by the type of civic organisations or actors that can apply. The strand will accommodate activities that cover civic participation in the broadest sense, with particular focus on structuring methods for long-term sustainability. It will give preference to initiatives and projects with a clear link to the European political agenda.
Amendment 56 #
2011/0436(COD)
Annex 1 – part 1 – paragraph 6
Much remains to be done to attract more women and persons in vulnerable positions in political and economic decision- making. Women'sTheir voices should be better heard and acted upon by those responsible for taking the policy decisions that impact on people's lives.
Amendment 59 #
2011/0436(COD)
Annex 1 – part 2 – paragraph 2
In general, preference will be given to grants for projects with a high impact, in particular those which are directly linked to Union policies or to issues identified by citizens as being of major interest, with a view to participate in the shaping of the Union political agenda.
Amendment 60 #
2011/0436(COD)
Annex 1 – part 2 – paragraph 4
All actions will be implemented on a transnational basis or should have a clear European dimension. They will encourage mobility of citizens and the exchange of ideas within the European Union.
Amendment 61 #
2011/0436(COD)
Annex 1 – part 3 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Specific objective 1: Raiseing awareness onf remembrance, Unicommon history, identity and aim by stimulating debate, reflection and networking. values and of the Union's aim of promoting peace, its values, its cultural and linguistic diversity and the well-being of its peoples, by stimulating debate, reflection and the development of networks and by bringing together people to share and exchange experiences, to learn from history and discuss the future of Europe.
Amendment 50 #
2011/0432(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9 a) The assisting Member State should provide protection to recognised refugees and stateless persons and other persons who do not hold the nationality of any country who reside in a Member State and are holders of a travel document issued by that Member State, taking into account their particular situation. Member States may not be in a position to deliver all types of consular protection to such persons.
Amendment 56 #
2011/0432(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Protection should be provided if applicants establish that they are citizens of the Union. Unrepresented citizenbeneficiaries of the right to protection. Applicants in need of consular protection may no longer be in possession of their identity documents. The fundamental status of citizenship of the Union is conferred directly by Union law and identity documents are of merely declaratory value. If applicants are unable to provide identity documents, they should therefore be able to prove their identity by any other means, if necessary following verification with the authorities of the Member State of which the applicant claims to be a national or a resident.
Amendment 71 #
2011/0432(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Recognised refugees and stateless persons and other persons who do not hold the nationality of any country, who reside in a Member State and are holders of a travel document issued by that Member State are entitled to consular protection under the same conditions as unrepresented citizens, if a Member State of residence is not represented by a diplomatic or consular authority.
Amendment 77 #
2011/0432(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. Unrepresented citizens may choose the Member State embassy or consulate from which they seek consular protection. They may also seek assistance from the Union delegation, wherever necessary and relevant.
Amendment 85 #
2011/0432(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. For recognised refugees and stateless persons and other persons who do not hold the nationality of any country who reside in a Member State and are holders of a travel document issued by that Member State, as referred to in Article 2(3a) of this Directive, this article applies mutatis mutandis as to the proof of the existence of residence and travel documents.
Amendment 88 #
2011/0432(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7
Article 7
Amendment 96 #
2011/0432(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14
Article 14
Local cooperation meetings shall include a regular exchange of information on unrepresented citizens, on matters such as safety of citizens, prison conditions or, consular access. Unless otherwise agreed by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs centrally, t or crisis planning. The Chair shall be a representative of a Member State or the Union delegation decided locally. The Chair shall collect and regularly update contact details, in particular regarding the contact points of unrepresented Member States, and share them with the local embassies and consulates and the Union delegation.
Amendment 17 #
2011/0344(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) Active citizenship is a condition for the development of a genuine European political space, which in itself is a condition for the long term legitimacy of the Union wherefore citizens organisations and initiatives deserve particular support.
Amendment 31 #
2011/0344(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) to contribute to enhancing the exercise of rights deriving from the citizenship of the Union and the promotion of active citizenship;
Amendment 43 #
2011/0344(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) supporting the implementation of Union law and policies in the Member States; and promoting, in particular through support to civil society organisations, the implementation and enforcement of fundamental rights within the scope of EU law;
Amendment 46 #
2011/0344(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(da) support to the activities of NGOs and other organisations active in this field, including key European level networks pursuing the general and specific objectives set out in Articles 3 and 4;
Amendment 25 #
2011/0242(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The situations can arise where a large numbers of third country nationals cross the external border of one or more Member States. This might result in an unexpected and significant increase in secondary movements of third country nationals found to be irregularly staying in the territory of another Member State or States. Taking into account the number of Member States affected by such an unexpected and significant increase in secondary movements, and the overall impact of this increase on the migratory situation in the Union or in an individual Member State, it may be considered necessary to temporarily reintroduce border control at internal borders where the circumstances would be such as to constitute a serious threat to public policy or to internal security at the Union or national level. The crossing of the external border of a large number of third-country nationals might, in exceptional circumstances, justify the immediate reintroduction of some internal border controls, if such a measure is needed to safeguardmigratory situation, in particular, the crossing of external borders by third- country nationals, should not per se be considered to be a threat to public policy andor internal security at the Union or national level from a serious and urgent threat.
Amendment 41 #
2011/0242(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. These powers should be exercised in accordance with 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. Except in cases of urgency, and in view of the terms of Article 2(2)(b)(iii) of that Regulation, the examination procedure is applicable. The European Parliament should be immediately and fully informed at all stages of the procedure.
Amendment 44 #
2011/0242(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 1
Article 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 562/2006
Article 23 – paragraph 1
Article 23 – paragraph 1
1. Where in the area without border control at internal borders there is a serious specific and tangible threat to public policy or internal security at the Union or national level, border control at internal borders may exceptionally be reintroduced at all or specific parts of the internal borders of one or several Member States for a limited period of no more than 30 days or for the foreseeable duration of the serious threat if its duration exceeds the period of 30 days. The scope and duration of the temporary reintroduction of border control at internal borders shall not exceed what is strictly necessary to respond to the serious threat.
Amendment 47 #
2011/0242(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 1
Article 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 562/2006
Article 23 – paragraph 2
Article 23 – paragraph 2
2. Border control at internal borders may only be reintroduced as a last resort in accordance with the procedures foreseen in Articles 24, 25 and 26 of this Regulation. The criteria listed in Article 23a must be taken into account in each case where a decision on the reintroduction of border control at internal borders is contemplated.
Amendment 51 #
2011/0242(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 1
Article 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 562/2006
Article 23 – paragraph 4
Article 23 – paragraph 4
4. The total period during which border control is reintroduced at internal borders, on the basis of the initial period under paragraph 1 and prolongations under paragraph 3, shall not exceed six months. In cases of persistent serious deficiencies related to external border control or return procedures identified in accordance with Article 15 of the Regulation on the establishment of an evaluation and monitoring mechanism to verify the application of the Schengen acquis, the Commission can decide to extend this period.
Amendment 54 #
2011/0242(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 1
Article 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 562/2006
Article 23a – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 23a – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the likely impact of any specific and tangible threats to public policy or internal security at the Union or national level, including following terrorist incidents or threats as well as threats posed by organised crime;
Amendment 58 #
2011/0242(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 1
Article 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 562/2006
Article 23a – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 23a – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the current and likely future impact of any serious deficiencies related to external border control or return procedures identified by Schengen evaluations in accordance with the Regulation on the establishment of an evaluation and monitoring mechanism to verify the application of the Schengen acquis;
Amendment 83 #
2011/0242(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 1
Article 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 562/2006
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
1. In cases where the Commission finds that there are persistent serious deficiencies related to external border control or return procedures identified in accordance with Article 15 of the Regulation on the establishment of an evaluation and monitoring mechanism to verify the application of the Schengen acquis, and insofar as these deficiencies constitute a serious threat to public policy or internal security at the Union or national level, border control at internal borders may be reintroduced for a period of no more than six months. This period can be prolonged by a further period of no more than six months if the serious deficiencies are not remedied. No more than three such prolongations will be possible.
Amendment 91 #
2011/0242(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 1
Article 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 562/2006
Article 26 – paragraph 4
Article 26 – paragraph 4
Amendment 36 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Given that the right to free movement significantly improves individuals' lives, it is vital that information about the existence of this right and the conditions for exercising it is available as broadly as possible. As all Union citizens and third- country nationals permanently residing in a Member State are potential beneficiaries of this right, awareness raising efforts should be made across the Union.
Amendment 50 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
The general purpose of the European Year shall be to enhance awareness of the rights attached to Union citizenship, in order to help citizens make full use ofparticular, their right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States. In this context, the European Year shall focus, among others, on the opportunities for civic participation and access to rights by Union citizens residing in another Member State than their own, by students, workers, consumers, and providers of goods and services across the Union.
Amendment 54 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – indent 1
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – indent 1
– to raise Union citizens' awareness of their right to move and reside freely within the European Union and more generally the rights guaranteed to Union citizens in cross-border situationand permanent residents, including their right to participate in the democratic life of the Union;
Amendment 61 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – indent 3
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – indent 3
– to stimulate a debate about the impact and potential of the right to free movement, as an inalienable aspect of Union citizenship, in particular in terms of strengthening societal cohesion and mutual understanding between Union citizens and the bond between citizens, permanent residents and the Union.
Amendment 71 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 3
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 3
– conferences and events to promote debate and raise awareness of the importance and benefits of the right to free movement and residence and more generally citizens' rights asand access to Union citizenship;
Amendment 82 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – part A – paragraph 1
Annex 1 – part A – paragraph 1
Financing will generally take the form of direct purchase of goods and services under existing framework contracts. Part of the financing can be devoted to the provision of linguistic services (translation, interpretation, multilingual information in the official, regional and minority languages).
Amendment 13 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) This Regulation establishes a visa safeguard clause allowingmechanism for the rapid, temporary suspension of the visa waiver, as a last resort, for a third country on the positive list in case of an emergency situation, where an urgent response is needed in order to resolve the difficulties faced by onthree or more Member States, and taking account of the overall impact of the emergency situation on the European Union as a whole.
Amendment 20 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) The reciprocity mechanism is applicable in cases where a third country listed in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 introduces, reintroduces or maintains visa requirements for the nationals of a Member State.
Amendment 24 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) As Regulation (EC) No 1932/2006 on the visa rules applicable for refugees and stateless persons does not apply to such persons when they are residing in the United Kingdom or Ireland, it is necessary to clarify the situation concerning the visa requirement for certain refugees and stateless persons who reside in the United Kingdom or in Ireland. This Regulation leaves Member States free to decide on visa exemption or obligation for that category of persons. Such national decisions shall be notified to the Commissionexempts that category of persons from the visa requirement.
Amendment 27 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 1 – point a – point ii – indent 2 a (new)
Article 1 – point 1 – point a – point ii – indent 2 a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 539/2011
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – second subparagraph – indent 6 (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – second subparagraph – indent 6 (new)
– recognised refugees and stateless persons and other persons who do not hold the nationality of any country who reside in the United Kingdom or in Ireland and are holders of a travel document issued by the United Kingdom or Ireland.
Amendment 28 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 1 – point b
Article 1 – point 1 – point b
Regulation (EC) No 539/2011
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Article 1 – paragraph 4
(b) in paragraph 4 point (c) is replaced by the following: is replaced by the following: 4. Where a third country listed in Annex II introduces, reintroduces or maintains a visa requirement for nationals of a Member State, the following provisions shall apply: (ca) within 90 days after publication of that notification, the Commission, in consultation with the Member State concerned, shall report to the European Parliament and the Council. The report may be accompanied by a proposal providing for the temporary restoration of the visa requirement for nationals of the third country in question. The Commission may also presof such introduction, or its announcement or, in cases where the requirement is maintained, within 90 days of the date of entry into force of this Regulation, the Member State concerned shall notify the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission in writing; the notification shall be published in the C series of the Official Journal of the European Union. The notification shall specify the date of implementation of the measure and the type of travel documents and visas concerned. If the third country decides to lift the visa obligation before the expiry of this deadline, the notification becomes superfluous; (b) the Commission shall, immediately following the date of publication of that notification and in consultation with the Member State concerned, take steps with the authorities of the third country in order to restore visa-free travel and shall inform the European Parliament and the Council about the status of the negotiations at the earliest opportunity; (c) within 45 days after publication of that notification, the Commission, in consultation with the Member State concerned, shall report to the European Parliament and the Council. If within 45 days of the date of publication of that notification, the third country concerned has not lifted the visa requirement, the Commission, in consultation with that Member State, shall propose the restoration of the visa requirement for nationals of the third country in question. If within 90 days of the date of publication of that notification, the third country has not lifted the visa requirement, this proposal after deliberations in the European Parliament and the Council on its report. Te Commission's proposal providing for the restoration of the visa requirement for nationals of the third country in question shall be deemed to have been adopted, unless the Council, acting by qualified majority, and the European Parliament, and the Council shall act on such proposcting by absolute majority, decide to reject the proposal beforehand. (d) where the third country in question abolishes the visa requirement, the Member State shall immediately notify the Council and the Commission to that effect. The notification shall be published in the C series of the Official Journal byof the ordinary legislative procedureEuropean Union. Any measure decided upon under subparagraph (c) shall terminate seven days after the publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. In case the third country in question has introduced a visa requirement for nationals of two or more Member States, the measure will only terminate after the last publication.
Amendment 30 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – introductory part
Regulation (EC) No 539/2001
Article 1a – paragraph 1
Article 1a – paragraph 1
1. Paragraphs 2 to 5 of this Article shall apply, as a last resort, in the event of onthree or more Member States being confronted by an emergency situation, which has a serious negative impact on the overall migratory situation in the Union, and characterised by the occurrence of any of the following:
Amendment 32 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No 539/2001
Article 1a – paragraph 1 – point (a)
Article 1a – paragraph 1 – point (a)
(a) a sudden and substantial increase of at least 5100%, over a six monthone year period, in the number of nationals of a third country listed in Annex II found to be illegalrregularly staying in the Member State's territory, in comparison with the previous six monthone year period;
Amendment 36 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No 539/2001
Article 1a – paragraph 1 – point (b)
Article 1a – paragraph 1 – point (b)
Amendment 40 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No 539/2001
Article 1a – paragraph 1 – point (c)
Article 1a – paragraph 1 – point (c)
(c) a sudden and substantial increase of at least 5100%, over a six monthone year period, in the number of rejected readmission applications submitted by a Member State to a third country listed in Annex II for its own nationals, in comparison with the previous six monthone year period.
Amendment 42 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No 539/2001
Article 1a – paragraph 2
Article 1a – paragraph 2
2. A Member State which is confronted by any of the emergency situations described in paragraph 1 may notify the Commission. This notification shall be duly motivated and shall include relevant data and statistics as well as a detailed explanation of the preliminary measures that the Member State concerned has taken with a view to remedying the situation. The Commission shall inform the European Parliament and the Council immediately after receiving such notification by the Member State concerned.
Amendment 43 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No 539/2001
Article 1a – paragraph 3
Article 1a – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall examine the notification taking into account the scale of the increase, the number of Member States affected by any of the situations described in paragraph 1, the substantive factors affecting the specific circumstances of the notifying Member States and the overall impact of the increases on the migratory situation in the Union as the latter appears from the data provided by the Member States as well as from reports prepared by FRONTEX and/or the European Asylum Support Office, and, within three months following receipt thereof, the Commission may adopt. Following that examination and after reporting to the European Parliament and the Council, the Commission may adopt, within three months following the notification, an implementing decision suspending the exemption of visa requirement for the nationals of the third country concerned for a period of six months. The implementing decision shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 4a (2). The implementing decision shall determine the date on which the suspension of the exemption of visa requirement is to take effect.
Amendment 48 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No 539/2001
Article 1a – paragraph 5
Article 1a – paragraph 5
5. Where the Commission has proposed an amendment to this Regulation in order to transfer a third country to Annex I pursuant to paragraph 4, it can extend the validity of the implementing decision adopted pursuant to paragraph 3 for a period of maximum ninesix months. The decision to extend the validity of the implementing decision shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 4a (2).
Amendment 52 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 4 – point b
Article 1 – point 4 – point b
Regulation (EC) No 539/2001
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point (d)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point (d)
Amendment 53 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 4 – point c
Article 1 – point 4 – point c
Regulation (EC) No 539/2001
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
To the extent imposed by the application of Article 41(1) of the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement between Turkey and the EC, a Member State mayshall provide for exceptions from the visa requirement provided for by Article 1(1), as regards Turkish nationals providing services during their stay.
Amendment 58 #
2011/0051(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 9 a (new)
Article 1 – point 9 a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 562/2006
Article 12 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 5 a (new)
(9a) In Article 12, a new paragraph 5a is inserted: "5a. A person who has crossed, tried to cross or is suspected of intending to cross a border illegally shall be stopped and brought to the nearest border guard station. In the course of surveillance activities, checks on a person and a decision to refuse entry shall be in accordance with Articles 7 to 11 and Article 13, without prejudice to Article 18."
Amendment 59 #
2011/0051(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 9 b (new)
Article 1 – point 9 b (new)
(9b) In Article 13, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: "1. A third-country national who does not fulfil all the entry conditions laid down in Article 5(1) and does not belong to the categories of persons referred to in Article 5(4) shall be refused entry to the territories of the Member States. This shall be without prejudice to the application of special provisions concerning the right of asylum and to international protection or the issue of long-stay visas. The border guards shall ensure that a person who wishes to make an application for international protection has an effective opportunity to lodge the application with the competent authorities as soon as possible, in accordance with Union law and with the principle of non- refoulement."
Amendment 71 #
2011/0051(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex – point 3 – point a
Annex – point 3 – point a
1.1.4.4. Before concluding or amending any bilateral Agreement on joint border crossing points with a neighbouring third country, regardless of its status under international law, the Member State concerned shall consult the Commission, which shall give a prior favourable opinion as to the compatibility of the Agreement with this RegulationUnion law.
Amendment 74 #
2011/0051(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex – point 4 – point a
Annex – point 4 – point a
Regulation (EC) No 562/2006
Annex VI – point 3.1.1 – second sentence
Annex VI – point 3.1.1 – second sentence
Member States may conclude bilateral agreements according to which checks may also be carried out during crossings or, upon the ship´s arrival or departure, in the territory of a third country, respecting the principles set out in point 1.1.4 and the basic principles and guarantees of this Regulation.
Amendment 1 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
– having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and other United Nations instruments in the field of human rights, in particular the Covenants on Civil and Political Rights (1966) and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965), the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (1979) and, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (1990) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006),
Amendment 4 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 c (new)
Citation 4 c (new)
- having regard to the 2008 UN 'Protect, Respect and Remedy' Framework for Business and Human Rights,
Amendment 5 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
– having regard also to the following ILO conventions: ILO-94 on Labour Clauses (Public Contracts); ILO-117 Basic Aims and Standards of Social Policy, especially Part IV; ILO-154 (Convention No 94) and on Collective Bargaining (Convention No 154),
Amendment 6 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
- having regard to the global consensus enshrined in the ILO 2008 Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalisation on the promotion of the ratification and application of other ILO Conventions, classified by the ILO as up to date, with a view to achieve a progressively increasing coverage of the four pillars of decent work (employment, social protection, social dialogue, rights at work) and with a special emphasis on the social governance conventions on Labour Inspection (Conventions Nos 81 and 129), on Employment Policy (Convention No 122) and on tripartite consultations (Convention No 144),
Amendment 13 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 a (new)
Citation 27 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Renewed social agenda: Opportunities, access and solidarity in 21st century Europe’ (COM(2008)0412) calling for efforts by EU Member states to ratify and apply ILO Conventions classified by ILO as up to date with a view to set an example for partners in the world,
Amendment 17 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 33 a (new)
Citation 33 a (new)
- having regard to the United call for mandatory company reporting by the Global Reporting Initiative, the European Coalition for Corporate Justice and the European Trade Union Confederation,
Amendment 20 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the protection of trade union activiseconomic and social rights is an obligation for all Member States and all other States that have ratifiedarising from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations,
Amendment 28 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas some developing countries say that they are under pressure to give up their comparative advantage when the Union requests compliance with international labour standards, but 2008 ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalisation, adopted by consensus of the 183 ILO members states that the violation of fundamental principles and rights at work cannot be invoked or otherwise used as a legitimate comparative advantage and that labour standards should not be used for protectionist trade purposes,
Amendment 37 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas primary role in promoting and protecting human rights, including with regard to the operations of business enterprises, belong to states and international organizations; whereas there are strong voices stating that corporate social responsibility (CSR) codes do not sufficiently guarantee that actions and behaviour of multinational companies are in accordance with the non- binding CSR documents,
Amendment 46 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the adoption of a directive legally binding standards regulating CSR and enforcing its respect should become a reality at EU level,
Amendment 52 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
Amendment 59 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas equality of men and women at work and in remuneration should be promoted,
Amendment 61 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O b (new)
Recital O b (new)
O b. whereas social protection of workers should be promoted,
Amendment 87 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Advocates that the Union refrain from trade agreements with countries with production facilities in export processing zones, and at the same time considers exceptionally alarming the growing number of agency workers and their exploitation in the industrial zones in some Member States due to the lack of an effective national legal framework and poor enforcement;
Amendment 91 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Requests the Commission and Member States to encourage business enterprises domiciled in the EU to respect human rights, including economic and social rights, and environment throughout their global operations, in particular those conducted by their subsidiaries and other related legal entities;
Amendment 98 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Underlines that the Union's expenditure in the framework of development cooperation, association or stability agreements and trade agreements brings about unique chances to assist the partner countries in putting in place viable education and social assistance structures, vocational training, labour market institutions and a social protection floor for greater social and economic security and, consequently, greater welfare;
Amendment 103 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Insists that the Commission and the Member States in the framework of development cooperation and external assistance support the implementation of decent work programmes, reflecting the national needs and priorities regarding employment and social policy, and based on a tripartite agreement (employers, workers, governments); further asks the Commission and the Member States to better integrate social and employment objectives in economic and trade sectors under development cooperation and external assistance;
Amendment 121 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls upon all Member States to respect and to promote the core labour standards of the ILO; requests respect for workers‘ rights as an insurmountable precondition for fair and mutually beneficial trade agreements; insists on inclusion of legally binding and effectively enforceable social provisions reflecting the ILO core labour standards into all trade agreements, including those under the auspices of WTO;
Amendment 122 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Calls upon the Commission to promote closer cooperation of WTO with ILO in order to achieve labour standards and decent work mainstreaming in WTO activities and prevent jeopardizing of social development;
Amendment 125 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Takes the view that CSR is a useful, albeit non-binding form of behaviour of multinational companies; recommends further and more targeted development of CSR through, inter alia, the ISO 26000 Standard, by linking CSR to wider initiatives promoting decent work in a sector, in communities, at country and regional level such as the ILO Better Work and SCORE programme involving workers, employers, authorities and other relevant stakeholders, as well as through legally binding CSR standards;
Amendment 130 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18c. Calls upon the Commission to propose legislation requiring companies to report on their social, human rights, environmental and governance impacts;
Amendment 137 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Recalls the EU guidelines on various human rights issues, which represent a strong political signal that these are priorities for the Union; asks the Council therefore to adopt similar guidelines based on the foureight core ILO conventions, to be used as a pragmatic instrument of the EU that helps to better advance the Union's external social policy;
Amendment 142 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Believes that the EU's Generalised System of Preferences should be reformed so as to allow effective and transparent monitoring in order to impose sanctions on the countries where infringements of the core labour standards are widespread;
Amendment 148 #
2010/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Requests from the Commission a recommendation addressed to the Member States in favour of the implementation and ratification of ILO conventions classified by ILO as up to date, to improve workers‘ rights and working conditions within the Union and in the partner countries aiming at a fair and inclusive globalisation through greater coherence of the external dimension of Member States’ economic and social policy; asks the Commission in the same sense to encourage the Member States to conduct regular reviews that examine the implications of economic, financial and trade policies;
Amendment 10 #
2010/0325(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)
(ca) travel documents issued to other persons who do not hold the nationality of any country, and who reside in a Member State.
Amendment 11 #
2010/0325(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. Within one month after the communication of the list referred to in Article 2(1), Member States shall notify to the Commission their reasoned position on recognition or non-recognition of the travel documents.
Amendment 5 #
2009/2241(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Underlines also that the EU accession to the ECHR will imply a competence of the ECtHR on all aspects of EU law and legislation, in particular in the field of Justice and Home Affairs, including its external dimension;
Amendment 9 #
2009/2241(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that EU accession to the ECHR will provide the Union’s citizens with an additional mechanism for enforcing theirhuman rights, namely the possibility of lodging a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in relation to an act or failure to act by an EU institution or a Member State implementing EU law and falling at the same time within the remit of the ECHR. Stresses, however, that this does not alter the present system of jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ), and that the requirement that all domestic judicial remedies should have been exhausted will remain the condition for the eligibility of any application. Reminds that a complaint in certain cases may relate to acts performed or producing effect outside the Union's territory;
Amendment 14 #
2009/2241(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 – indent 1
Paragraph 7 – indent 1
- the fact that the scope of the accession should be precisely defined in the mandate; the EU should also accede, at the least, to all those Additional Protocols to the ECHR which complement the rights enshrined in the ECHR and which have already been ratified by all the EU Member States, thus forming part of the EU’s human rights corpus. Furthermore, the accession to the revised European Social Charter shouldare already enshrined by EU law, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and so applicable to the EU. In consequence, the accession to the revised European Social Charter and other relevant Council of Europe human rights treaties must be taken into consideration;
Amendment 179 #
2009/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls on the EU Member States to sign up to, and ratify without reservations, the core Council of Europe and United Nations human-rights conventions and the additional optional protocols: among others, the European Social Charter, the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; furthermore, suggests that, in the European legislative process, more account be taken of international documents and more reference made to them;
Amendment 240 #
2009/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 – indent 7 a (new)
Paragraph 35 – indent 7 a (new)
– protecting and promoting regional or minority languages,
Amendment 242 #
2009/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 – indent 7 b (new)
Paragraph 35 – indent 7 b (new)
– ensuring that stateless persons permanently resident in Member States are able to enjoy all fundamental rights, in particular, the right to vote in local elections,
Amendment 14 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Recital 4
(4) Therefore the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia [the latter twoMontenegro and Serbia meeting all the benchmarks by the date of adoption of the present Regulation], should be transferred to Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 539/2001. This visa waiver and Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina [as regards Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the exemption from the visa requirement should only apply to holders of biometric passports issued by each of the three countries concernedwithout delay immediately after the assessment by the Commission that each of those countries meets all the benchmarks set in the roadmap for visa liberalisation and a notice about the assessment is published in the Official Journal], should be transferred to Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 539/2001.
Amendment 23 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 - paragraph 2
Article 1 - paragraph 2
Regulation (EC) No 539/2001
Annex II - part 1
Annex II - part 1
2) In Annex II , Part 1, the following references shall be inserted: "Albania * Bosnia and Herzegovina * the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia * Montenegro * Serbia [excluding holders of Serbian passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate (in Serbian: Koordinaciona uprava) ]* ------------------- * The exemption from the visa requirement only applies to holders of biometric passports".shall apply without delay immediately after the assessment by the Commission that the country in question meets all the benchmarks set in the roadmap for visa liberalisation and after notice of the assessment is published in the Official Journal of the European Union."
Amendment 16 #
2008/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to revise its 'Europe for Citizens' Programme to improve communication with the average EU citizen and to ensure broad dissemination; notes that while structural support for Brussels-based think-tanks and research institutes is important, such organisations do little to inform individuals other than those who are already informed; calls on the Commission refocus its funding on non-Brussels based regional and local civil society organisations and to introduce, in the future, programmes similar to very successful "Youth in Action Programme 2007-2013" to help local and regional governmental authorities to inform their residents of their rights as EU citizens; since proposals for multilingualism should not be limited to the main official/ Member State languages, calls on the Member States to disseminate information about EU citizenship also in regional and minority languages;
Amendment 23 #
2008/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Believes that in the long term, EU citizenship should be based on domicile on the territory of the Union for a certain period of time;
Amendment 25 #
2008/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that stateless persons permanently resident in Member States are in a unique position in the European Union; is concerned that some Member States impose unwarranted demands on them or demands which may not be strictly necessary in order to obtain citizenship; in this regard calls on those Member States to systematically bring about just solutions, based on the recommendations of international organisations; believes that stateless persons permanently resident in the Member States should have the right to vote in local and European elections, as well as the right to diplomatic and consular protection in third countries;
Amendment 31 #
2008/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that problems of language or communication skills should not be used as grounds to deny access to economic and social rights to which an individual maybe entitled as a resident of a Member State, including the right toaccess to employment and social benefits granted by a national or local authorities;
Amendment 72 #
2008/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that Member States must implement the Directive 2004/38/EC without discrimination between Union citizens and their family members on grounds of sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic characteristics, language, sexual orientation, religion or beliefs, political or other opinion, membership of an ethnic minority, property, birth, disability or age;
Amendment 73 #
2008/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Notes that measures taken on grounds of public policy or public security shall comply with the principle of proportionality and shall be based exclusively on the personal conduct of the individual concerned; such personal conduct must represent a genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat affecting one of the fundamental interests of society; calls in this respect on Member States to review systematically national alerts for the purpose of refusing entry issued for Union citizens and their family members;
Amendment 86 #
2008/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on the Commission and Member States in the implementation of the Directive 2004/38/EC to consider the potential discriminatory effects of social security regulations and access to services of general interest which could constitute barriers to free movement;
Amendment 58 #
2008/2160(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point k a (new)
Paragraph 1 - point k a (new)
ka) call on the Member States to ensure that remote searches, if provided for by national law, are conducted on the basis of a valid search warrant issued by the competent judicial authorities; note that simplified procedures for conducting remote searches in comparison with direct searches are unacceptable, as they infringe the rule of law and the right to privacy;
Amendment 4 #
2008/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital 7
Recital 7
– having regard to Article 4 of the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and to the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms,
Amendment 5 #
2008/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
- having regard to the 1995 Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities,
Amendment 6 #
2008/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A a (new)
Recital -A a (new)
-Aa. whereas the Roma community is the largest minority group in the EU, is characterised as a diverse community and suffers from multiple discrimination as well as a higher poverty rate and lower living standards than the average citizen of the Union,
Amendment 11 #
2008/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas, following the enlargements of 2004 and 2007 and in the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy, it is important to meet new challeng the specific situation of the Roma needs to be addressed following the enlargements of 2004 and 2007 as large parts of the Roma community live in the new Member States and whereas it is righimportant that the European Parliament should therefore concentrate particularly on their situation in Eastern and Central European countries,
Amendment 50 #
2008/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph - 1 a (new)
Paragraph - 1 a (new)
-1a. Considers there to be a need for a coordinated approach to improving the working and living conditions of the Roma community that aims at the following three objectives: - increasing economic opportunities for the Roma; - building human capital, and; - strengthening social capital and community development;
Amendment 51 #
2008/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph - 1 b (new)
Paragraph - 1 b (new)
-1b. Points to the fact that policies targeting the Roma have in a number of cases not improved their situation; requests that, in all Community and Member State actions where Roma are especially affected, the stakeholders of the Roma community participate as decision- makers, so that their capacity and responsibility for organising themselves is respected;
Amendment 56 #
2008/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the policies of the Union institutions and the Member States geared to improving access to employment can only be based on the recognition that the economic reform in Eastern and Central Europe has made millions of former workers unemployed or kept them inactiveand created major social problems, which are mirrored in the Roma community;
Amendment 67 #
2008/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that education systems are selective and that although Member States are spending substantial sums on overcoming segregation, innumerable seemingly ineluctable systems accelerate the rise of the elite from the middle class and accentuate disparities in opportunities for the poor who find themselves on a downward spiral, particularly the Roma; stresses therefore the need for targeted education policies which address Roma families and encourage active participation;
Amendment 72 #
2008/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that, although the proportion of Roma young people in secondary and higher education has increased, their level of qualifications still remains far below the European average; observes that, as a result of this, the Member States' economies often draw labour from third countries to make good labour shortagepoints to the gap between labour shortages on one side and a high unemployment rate linked with the low skill levels of Roma on the other side; demands therefore serious commitment on the part of the Member States and the EU to support Roma to increasing their qualifications;
Amendment 79 #
2008/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers it a fact that the Roma community in some Member States particularly influences demographic processes; notes that, for instance,Notes that the proportion of Roma children in the population is high, while their life expectancy at birth is a full 10 years less than that of people belonging to the majority nationalities;
Amendment 88 #
2008/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that the Member States have used substantial European Union and Member-State resources to help thea large proportion of the Roma community is affected by long- term unemployed find work, but these have typically set in stone the existing situation; stresses that the number of long-term unemployed people and their marginalisation have grown since enlargement and that existing programmes have sometimes not led to improvements; requests therefore that both the EU and the Member States change their policy – as has been recommended by researchers – to an integrated approach that addresses all aspects of their deprivation and focuses on empowerment;
Amendment 104 #
2008/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Draws it to the attention of the Member States that this social dichotomy compels many Roma job-seekers to transfer from the legal economy to the black market, and that a European effort is needed to bring that market into the legitimate spherecreate legal work opportunities for all jobseekers, including the Roma;
Amendment 133 #
2008/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Observes that the low level of employment of Roma women is linked to the traditional Roma family model, the family role and the division of labour; considers that, in view of the particular traditions at issue, sexual equality need not absolutely entail full employment of Roma women, but rather the free choice of a strategy for lifeRoma women are traditionally actors in the hidden economy and have a very low employment rate; considers that, in order to overcome multiple discrimination, high unemployment and poverty, targeted policies should focus on offering choice and create options for Roma women as well as non-discriminatory access to the labour market;
Amendment 176 #
2008/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Considers that, as the Roma are Europe's largest minority, preserving their language and culture is a European value; does not, however, endorse the idea of a stateless 'European nation', because this would absolve Member States of responsibility and call into question the possibility of integrcalls on the Member States to recognise the Roma as a traditional national minority and to guarantee their fundamental rights without discrimination;
Amendment 189 #
2008/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Calls on the Commission, in accordance with Article 192 of the EC Treaty, to assess the prospects of a directive based on Article 13(1) aimed at improving the situation of the Roma population;
Amendment 190 #
2008/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30b. Recommends that multiple discrimination – as experienced by the Roma – be included within the scope of the new antidiscrimination directive;
Amendment 193 #
2008/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Criticises the four Member States that have not yet ratified the 1995 Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities; calls on these four Member States, France, Greece, Belgium and Luxemburg, to do so urgently; calls on Member States to withdraw restrictive declarations under the Framework Convention affecting the recognition of the Roma as a national minority.
Amendment 10 #
2008/0078(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11A a (new)
Article 11A a (new)
Amendment 11 #
2008/0078(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12
Article 12
This Regulation shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. It shall expire on the date to be fixed by the Council, acting in accordance with Article 55(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1987/2006, and in any event no later than on 30 June 2010..
Amendment 10 #
2008/0077(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Article 11A a (new)
Article 11A a (new)
Amendment 11 #
2008/0077(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Article 12
Article 12
This Decision shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. It shall expire on the date to be fixed by the Council, acting in accordance with Article 71(2) of Council Decision 2007/533/JHA, and in any event no later than on 30 June 2010.
Amendment 3 #
2008/0041(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 1 – point 1
Article 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 562/2006
Article 7 – paragraph 3 – point a a
Article 7 – paragraph 3 – point a a
(aa) if the third country national holds a visa referred to in Article 5(1)(b), the thorough checks on entry shall also comprise verification of the identity of the holder of the visa and of the authenticity of the visa, by consulting; if necessary, such verification may include consultation of the Visa Information System (VIS) in accordance with Article 18 of Regulation (EC) No xx/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The need to consult the VIS shall be assessed without there being any discrimination in accordance with Article 6(2);
Amendment 14 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that if the constitutional traditions common to the Member States and the Charter of Fundamental Rights can be drawn on by the Court of Justice as a source of inspiration in the framing of its judicial doctrine on fundamental rights, the Member States cannot use the argument that the Charter would provide a lower level of protection of certain rights than the guarantees offered under their own constitutions as a pretext for watering down those guarantees;
Amendment 30 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Takes the view that, although the European Union is never a party as such, if all its Member States have acceded to conventions or other international legal instruments in the area of the protection of fundamental rights this imposes on the Union an obligation to abide by their provisions and, where appropriate, the recommendations which the bodies they set up issue, provided that Union law does not offer an equivalent or higher level of protection; calls on the Court of Justice to endorse that approach through its rulings;
Amendment 36 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Expresses concern at the fact that international cooperation in the fight against terrorism has often served to diminish the level of protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and takes the view that the EU should act with greater resolve at international level to promote a genuine strategy based on full compliance with international standards and obligations in the area of human rights and of protection of privacy, in particular, personal data; takes the view that a strategy such as this must take account of the need for effective judicial control of the intelligence services so as to avoid use of information obtained by torture, ill- treatment or other methods not meeting international human rights standards as evidence in judicial procedures, including at the investigative stage;
Amendment 48 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls on the Commission to continue its work with a view to submitting a proposal for a legislative package including the proposal, deferred to date, to extend the scope of Directive 2000/43/EC to all other forms of discrimination, thus implementing Article 21 of the Charter, which provides greater leeway than Article 13 of the Treaty establishing the European Community in that it makes reference to further forms of discrimination: colour, social origin, genetic features, language, political or other opinions, membership of a minority, property and birth; stresses once more that the effect of granting preferential treatment in legislation to particular forms of discrimination is to introduce a kind of hierarchy between them, which should not be the case; , welcomes therefore the Commission's proposal for an horizontal antidiscrimination Directive that includes all grounds of discrimination mentioned in Art 13;
Amendment 58 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. SConsiders that implementation of minority rights sometimes requires positive measures and specific rights for persons belonging to minorities, in particular, in the field of education and language use; calls on all Member States that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages and the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, as well as withdraw reservations and restrictive declarations made earlier; stresses that there is no common criterion for national minorities’ rights in Community policy and that there is no common EU definition either of membership of a national minority; recommends that such a definition be laid down at European level on the basis of Council of Europe Recommendation 1201 (1998);
Amendment 65 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Considers that stateless persons permanently resident in Member States are in a unique position in the European Union, given that some Member States impose unwarranted demands on them or demands which are not strictly necessary, thus discriminating against them by comparison with citizens belonging to the majority community; calls therefore on all Member States concerned to ratify the United Nations Convention as relating to the status of stateless persons and on the reduction of statelessness (1954, 1961); calls on the Member States which gained or regained a new sovereignty in the 1990s to treat all persons previously resident in their territory in the same way as the majority communitieswithout any discrimination, and calls on them to systematically bring about just solutions, based on the recommendations of international organisations, to the problems encountered by all victims of discriminatory practices;
Amendment 121 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 60
Paragraph 60
60. Presses the Council and Commission, and the various levels of local, regional and national government in the Member States, to coordinate their measures to combat anti-Semitism and attacks against minority groups, including the Roma and third- country nationals in Member States, so as to enforce the principles of tolerance and non-discrimination and to foster social, economic and political integration; calls on all Member States that have not yet done so to declare the competence of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider individual communications under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination;
Amendment 125 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 62
Paragraph 62
62. Calls on the social partners to make a substantial effort to eliminate discrimination on grounds of disability or age and to radically improve access for the elderly and disabled to the labour market and to training programmes; calls on all Member States that have not yet done so to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol;
Amendment 143 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 69
Paragraph 69
69. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to introduce realistic, long- term legal migration policies, such policies should include a more open visa policy and effective access to the EU territory and more flexible rules governing asylum seekers, including a genuine access to the procedure rather than focusing all their efforts on preventing illegal immigration, deploying to that end a growing range of frontier checks which lack the mechanisms needed to identify potential asylum seekers at Europe’s borders, a shortcoming which leads to violations of the principle of non- refoulement, as enshrined in the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees;
Amendment 164 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 85
Paragraph 85
85. Considers that the most urgent need of minorities of immigrant origin is to integrate as soon as possible into the society of the country in which they are resident, while ensuring that this takes place in a spirit of reciprocity; considers that it is equally important to recognise the right of each person who is born and lives in a Member State to have access to civil rights concerning citizenship, even in instances where an individual is unable or unwilling to become naturalised; believes that the right of long-term residents to participate in European and local elections would promote the social and political integration;
Amendment 183 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 100
Paragraph 100
100. Stresses the need to ensure that all policies, at both EU and national level, take account of eliminating child labour in all its forms; takes the view that full-time education is the best way of solving the problem, both in terms of preventing such abuse and of breaking the vicious circle of illiteracy and poverty in the future; believes that at least secondary education free of charge must be guaranteed by all Member States;
Amendment 195 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 117
Paragraph 117
117. Stresses that there is a set of indivisible, interdependent fundamental rights which all human beings must be guaranteed; calls upon elaboration of common EU standards in the field of social rights;
Amendment 197 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 118
Paragraph 118
118. Calls on those Member States which have not yet ratified the European Social Charter as revised by the Council of Europe to do so without delay and to consider themselves bound by a maximum number of articles and numbered paragraphs thereof;
Amendment 232 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 139
Paragraph 139
139. Notes that housing is increasingly becoming a marketable commodity in Europe, causing constant, disproportionate price rises and thus excluding many people from the property market and violating their right to decent housing; reminds that restitution of property rights to confiscated houses in some Member States created a great number of social problems, some of which have not been resolved as yet;
Amendment 24 #
2007/0216(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No 2252/2004
Article 1 – paragraph 2 a
Article 1 – paragraph 2 a
(2) the followingIn Article 1, paragraph 2a ishall be inserted after paragraph 2: "2a. The following persons shall be exempt from the requirement to give fingerprints: (a) children under the age of 612; (b) persons, where fingerprinting is physically impossible."