1070 Amendments of Victor BOŞTINARU
Amendment 1 #
2018/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
- having regard to the UN Disarmament Agenda (‘Securing our Common Future’)4a, _________________ 4a https://front.un- arm.org/documents/SG+disarmament+ag enda_1.pdf
Amendment 2 #
2018/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 b (new)
Citation 1 b (new)
- having regard to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDGs 1, 16 and 17, aiming at the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development4b, _________________ 4b https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/
Amendment 6 #
2018/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12
Citation 12
— having regard to the Council conclusions of 13 November 2017 and, 25 June 2018 and 19 November 2018 on security and defence in the context of the EU Global Strategy,
Amendment 8 #
2018/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the EU ambitions to be a global actor for peace, striving for the maintenance of international peace and security and respect for international humanitarian and human rights law;
Amendment 11 #
2018/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the challenging security environment surrounding the EU necessitates the provisions of instruments which enhance the EU’s ability to preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security; whereas it is acknowledged that secured and peaceful societies are a pre-requisite for lasting development;
Amendment 16 #
2018/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital 20 b (new)
Recital 20 b (new)
20b. whereas the EU is the world biggest provider of development and humanitarian aid, strengthening its security and development nexus towards achieving sustainable peace;
Amendment 19 #
2018/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU has found it challenging in the past to finance operations with defence implications; whereas Parliament has repeatedly emphasised the need for funding that is more flexible and efficient and expresses solidarity and determination; whereas additional instruments and tools are necessary to ensure that the EU can play its role as a global actor in the field of security; whereas any such instruments need to be subject to proper parliamentary control and EU legislation;
Amendment 29 #
2018/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas internal and external security are increasingly intertwined; whereas the EU has always prided itself on its soft power and will keep doing so; whereas an evolving reality that poses concerns, however, requires the EU not to remain an exclusively ‘civilian power’, but to extend its hard power, since soft and hard power go hand in hand; whereas development in third countries is not possible without security and peace; whereas the military plays a key role in this, especially in countries where civilian authorities are unable to fulfil their tasks in the light of the security situation; whereas the European Peace Facility (EPF or the Facility) will lead to a stronger engagement of the EU towards partner countries and will increase the effectiveness of EU external action;
Amendment 36 #
2018/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas support to partners’ military peace support operations has up to now been provided outside of the EU budget through the African Peace Facility (APF), established under and funded by the EDF; whereas the APF is currently limited to operations led by the African Union (AU) or by African regional organisations; whereas instability affects also other regions of the world, including the Eastern and Southern borders of the EU;
Amendment 39 #
2018/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas operations carried out under the Facility shall comply with the principles and values enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and respect for international humanitarian and Human Rights law; whereas operations which are not defined as ethically acceptable from the point of view of human safety, health and security, freedom, privacy, integrity and dignity, shall be thoroughly assessed and reconsidered;
Amendment 44 #
2018/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas as an off-budget mechanism financed through yearly contributions by Member States, based on a GNI distribution key, the EPF is expected to allow the EU to fund a higher proportion of the common costs (35-45 %) of military missions and operations, as is currently the case with the Athena mechanism; whereas the EPF is also expected to ensure that EU funding is available on a permanent basis, ensuring adequate programming for crisis preparedness and making rapid deployment easier and improving flexibility in case of rapid response; whereas the ambitious inclusion and expansion of the Athena mechanism for the common funding of CSDP missions and operations has been a long-standing demand of Parliament; whereas, however, the proposed Council Decision does not have the same binding character as the internal agreement of the APF, which means that Member States may opt out from funding EPF actions;
Amendment 48 #
2018/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas all military tasks under the Facility, such as joint disarmament operations, humanitarian and rescue tasks, military advice and assistance tasks, conflict prevention and peacekeeping tasks, tasks of combat forces in crisis management, including peacemaking and post-conflict stabilisation, the fight against terrorism, including by supporting third countries in combating terrorism in their territories, with full respect of human rights, fall within the remit of the CSDP; whereas the exception of Article 41(2) TEU applies to the operating expenditure arising from those military missions only; whereas all other operating expenditure arising from the CSDP, including expenditure arising from any other action referred to in Article 42 TEU, should be charged to the Union budget; whereas the administrative expenditure of the EPF should be charged to the Union budget;
Amendment 55 #
2018/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O a (new)
Recital O a (new)
Amendment 56 #
2018/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas the European Court of Auditors has published a special report on the African Peace and Security Architecture funded via the APF, which is proposed to be included and expanded in the EPF; whereas the Court finds that this support was poorly prioritised and had limited effect, which raises serious questions abereas the recommendations from the ECA shall be duly taken into account the proposed radicallyin view of the ambitious increased funding for the new Facility;
Amendment 71 #
2018/2237(INI)
(c) to provide Parliament with access to all information, including original documents, regarding the EPF annual budget, amending budgets, transfers, action programmes (including during the preparatory phase), implementation of assistance measures (including ad hoc measures), agreements with implementing actors, and reports on the implementation of revenue and expenditure, as well as the annual accounts, the financial statement, the evaluation report and the annual report by the Court of Auditors;
Amendment 39 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the implementation of the Minsk Agreements remains a precondition for closer cooperation with Russia;
Amendment 54 #
2018/2158(INI)
F. whereas new areas of tension between the EU and Russia have arisen since 2015, including: Russian intervention in Syria; large-scale military exercises (Zapad 2017) on the EU's and NATO's eastern borders; the militarisation of the Kerch Strait and the Azov Sea, with violations of international law and the deliberate act of aggression of Russia against Ukraine on 25 November 2018, including the capture of Ukrainian servicemen and the seizure of Ukrainian vessels; the militarisation and the deployment of A2/AD capabilities in the Black Sea; russian interference aimed at influencing elections and stoking tensions in European societies; restrictions on fundamental freedoms and extensive human rights violations in Russia, including the systemic targeting of human rights defenders and civil society in Russia, discrimination against the Tatar minority in occupied Crimea, and the politically motivated persecution of Alexei Navalny and many others; cyber attacks and assassinations on European soil carried out by Russian intelligence agents using chemical weapons; the intimidation, arrest and imprisonment of foreign citizens in Russia in breach of international law, including Oleg Sentsov and many others; the organisation of illegal and illegitimate elections in the Donbas; flawed presidential elections lacking any real choice and with restrictions on fundamental freedoms; violations of arms control agreements;
Amendment 113 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that Russia's direct and indirect involvement in armed conflicts, including in eastern Ukraine, and its illegal annexation of Crimea and, violation of the territorial integrity of Georgia, and warlike actions in the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov constitute a deliberate violation of international law, democratic principles and fundamental values; reiterates its commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders;
Amendment 201 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 208 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Reiterates that while the EU's stance is firm, coherent and concerted with respect to EU sanctions on Russia, and EU sanctions on Russia will be prolonged as long as Russian violations of international law continue, further coordination and coherence is required in ithe EU's foreign and security policy approach to Russia; calls, in this context, on Member States to end 'golden visa/passport' programmes;
Amendment 267 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Underlines that Russia and the EU will remain key economic partners in the foreseeable future, but Nord Stream 2 reinforces EU dependency on Russian gas supplies contrary to the need to find alternative sources and routes, threatens the EU internal market and is not in line with EU energy policy, and therefore needs to be stopped;
Amendment 274 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls on the VP/HR and on the Member States to strengthen their efforts towards a solution of the so-called "frozen conflicts" in the Eastern neighbourhood, in order to ensure more security and stability for the EU's Eastern partners;
Amendment 304 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for the EU institutions and Member States to make greater efforts to build resilience, particularly in the cyber and media fields, and to effectively counter Russian propaganda and disinformation; calls for EU-wide support for the European civilian and military cyber-security industry and a stronger engagement in research; encourages, in this context,strongly supports the work and the promotion of European values in Russian by East Stratcom, and calls for an increase of resources and staffing; stresses that the EU should provide the Eastern partners with adequate support to increase their resilience against the challenges posed by Russia;
Amendment 332 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls for a EU-wide mechanism allowing the screening of parties financing, and for consequent measures to be taken so as to avoid that some parties and movements are used to destabilise from the inside the European project;
Amendment 5 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the basic values on which the EU is founded – democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law, as well as the rules-based international system and European unity, are being increasingly challenged in an era of geopolitical turbulence and rapid degradation of the strategic environment;
Amendment 13 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU, in full cooperation with NATO, is a global strategic actor and a security provider, bearing responsibility for upholding peace and stability both internally and externally, and has a unique and wide array of policies, instruments and tools at its disposal to fulfil these ambitions;
Amendment 25 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas effective military mobility can only be achieved with the full involvement and commitment of all Member States, in a manner consistent with relevant EU-level initiatives; with the purpose of building an efficient European infrastructure for security needs through coherent and complementary projects covered by transnational protocols;
Amendment 27 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas effective military mobility can only be achieved with the full involvement and commitment of all Member States, in a manner consistent with relevant EU-level initiatives taking into account each Member State's available resources and needs;
Amendment 61 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas, despite all these institutional measures, the main effort will have to come from EU Member States, which need to adjustsupport the improvement of their national infrastructures and regulatory environments; whereas this will require a whole-of-government approach owing to the broad range of issues that need to be tackled;
Amendment 65 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
Recital M a (new)
Ma. whereas, this common effort will be implemented in full respect of the sovereignty, national decision-making processes and constitutional requirements of individual EU Member States, as well as in full respect of environmental rules and principles;
Amendment 85 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that achieving military mobility in Europe is an undertaking derived first and foremost from the expressed commitment and political will of Member States, while the EU should contribute by guiding the process by setting a framework for requirements, providing funding, drafting protocols to facilitate the efficient movement of technical equipment and human resources, fostering cooperation and providing fora for an exchange of best practices, information and experiences involving both civilian and military authorities; emphasises that effective military mobility will benefit all Member States by enhancing their connectivity in both military and civilian spheres;
Amendment 102 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Adds that humanitarian missions and natural disaster responses in the EU should also benefit from increased military mobility in a faster and more efficient manner;
Amendment 103 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Recognises the importance of a thorough analysis regarding which parts of the EU or Member States are more in need of military mobility investments and more exposed to the risk of external security threats;
Amendment 37 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Reminds the importance of EU- Turkey relations and encourages a constructive and open dialogue with Turkey on matters of common interest but also on issues on which the EU and Turkey have divergent views; reminds that a prosperous, democratic and stable Turkey is in the interest of both sides; underlines that Turkey is an important security partner; that we share a common region where we face common complex geopolitical challenges; thus, encourages the cooperation and further alignement of Turkey and the EU on foreign, defence and security issues, including counterterrorism;
Amendment 128 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Is deeply concerned at the situation in Turkey’s South-East and the serious allegations of human rights abuses, especially since the collapse of the Kurdish settlement process in 2015; reiterates its firm condemnation of the return to violence by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has been on the EU list of terrorist organisations since 2002; stresses the urgency of resuming a credible political process leading to a peaceful settlement of the Kurdish issue; calls on Turkey to promptly investigate serious allegations of human rights abuses and killings and to allow international observers to carry out an independent verification;
Amendment 197 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. BelievStresses that a door should be left the modernisation of the Customs Union will further strengthen the already strong economic ties between Turkey and the European for the modernisation andUnion and will keep Turkey economically anchored to the EU; believes that we should start the negotiations on the upgrading of the 1995 Customs Union between the EU and Turkey, to include relevant areas such as agriculture, services and public procurement, which currently are not covered; recalls and to address the current shortcomings; recalls that the EU is Turkey's main trading partner and that two thirds of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Turkey comes from EU Member States and that Turkey is an important growth market for the EU; believes that the upgrade would provide concrete benefits to citizens in Turkey and the EU Member States and is a valuable opportunity for democratic conditionality, positive leverage and the possibility of a roadmap where upgrading the Customs Union would go hand in hand with concrete commitments by Turkey on democratic reforms; believes further that the upgrading of the Customs Union would provide an important opportunity for policy dialogue on sustainable development, climate change as well as on labour rights in Turkey; underlines that the Customs Union requires Turkey to further align its legislation with the acquis communautaire and invites Turkey to engage in serious reforms; calls on the Commission to start preparatory work for the upgrading of the Customs Union as soon as the Turkish Government indicates its readiness for serious reforms;
Amendment 264 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. RCommends Turkey for the negotiation of the memorandum on Idlib; recalls the important role played by Turkey in responding to the migration crisis resulting from the war in Syria; takes the view that Turkey’s population has shown great hospitality by offering shelter to more than 3 million Syrian refugees; calls on the EU and its Member States to keep their promise regarding a large-scale resettlement, and to ensure adequate financial resources for the long-term support of Syrian refugees in Turkey;
Amendment 265 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Recalls the important role played by Turkey in responding to the migration crisis resulting from the war in Syria; takes the view that Turkey’ and its population has shown great hospitality by offering shelter to more than 34 million refugees including 3.5 million Syrian refugees; calls on the EU and its Member States to keep their promise regarding a large-scale resettlement, and to ensure adequate financial resources for the long-term support of Syrian refugees in Turkey;
Amendment 13 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas EU external action has a direct impact on our citizens’ lives, be it by supporting peace, security and stability in our neighbourhood or, preventing crises before they happen, or managing them to avoid negative spillover effects;
Amendment 36 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas almost one fourth of the world’s population live in fragile states or societies; whereas increasing inequalities and climate change are immediate challenges to stability, democracy and peace and should be tackle with priority;
Amendment 45 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the EU’s aspirational global leadership has been undermined as a result of the financial crisis, rising Euroscepticism, the management of the migration and refugees crisis, the proliferation of crises on our doorstep and rising scepticism of European public opinion on the projection of force abroad, which has given rise to a tendency to respond to events rather than to shape them;
Amendment 54 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas some Western democracies, including the United States, have become more protectionist and inward- looking, and are swinging to the extremes at a time when multilateral cooperation is the only way to respond to global challenges effectively; whereas this power vacuum is being filled by other powers such as China or Russia;
Amendment 59 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the JCPOA with Iran is a significant multilateral agreement and a diplomatic achievement that has the aim of ensuring a more stable and peaceful regional environment in the Middle East; whereas President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal and impose secondary sanctions on European companies doing business with Iran has shown the limits ofis undermining European eEconomic sovereignty;
Amendment 101 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Regrets the fact that the Member States all too often prioritise their national interests, regardless of the possible consequences at a European level, thereby undermining the EU’s unity and credibility as a global player; calls for a greater division of responsibilities and enhanced coordination between the EU and its Member States; believes that good cooperation among the Member States is essential to safeguard our democracy, our freedom, and our social and environmental standards;
Amendment 117 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – indent 1
Paragraph 5 – indent 1
- promoting and safeguarding European values such as peace, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights;
Amendment 134 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – indent 4 a (new)
Paragraph 5 – indent 4 a (new)
- ensuring strategic autonomy, including by enhancing its energy security thanks to the reduction of the dependence on oil and gas supplied by unreliable sources and the identification of alternative sources and routes;
Amendment 140 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that the EU should stay true to its principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law; emphasises the importance of assessing whether the promotion of these principles in third countries has been successful, and what is the space for further improvement;
Amendment 176 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the EEAS to invest in collective leadership and develop ‘issue- based coalitions’ with like-minded countries, to support a rules-based international order, multilateralism and free trade, and to pursue cooperative solutions to global challenges; calls on the EEAS to engage with emerging powers in the provision of global public goods such as peace and security, including by working together on crisis prevention and management operations around the world, climate change mitigation, financial stability, and clean air and water;
Amendment 180 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Is strongly concerned by the frequent deadlocks in the UN Security Council, and believes that the EU and its Member States should take with no delay all necessary action to support reforms in the composition and functioning of the Security Council;
Amendment 188 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the EU has played an important role in de-escalating and resolving foreign policy crises, namely when some Member States have taken the lead under the auspices of the Union overall, such as in the Normandy format or the EU3+3 negotiations with Iran; supports the establishment, where deemed appropriate and convenient by the EU, of ad hoc coalitions of Member States that can intervene to respond to international crises, making EU external action more flexible and responsive by reducing the pressure of having to achieve universal consensus among the Member States;
Amendment 194 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the EU’s increasing role in post-conflict reconstruction as a means of securing peacelong-standing peace; underlines, however, that such a role must be inter-twinned with the capability to provide and guarantee stability in the regions concerned;
Amendment 210 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that internal and external security are increasingly intertwined; supports the Commission and the VP/HR in further improving the EU’s resilience to terrorist attacks, illegal migration, cyberattacks, propaganda and disinformation campaigns, and other hybrid threats as part of a risk-reduction strategy; underlines the need to fight against radicalisation and extremism, including by cooperation with third countries; calls for increased intelligence sharing between Member States and with NATO and third countries;
Amendment 214 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Is concerned by the increasing security concerns generated by Russia, including the repeated use of military chemical weapons on the European soil, and the persistent interference - through propaganda, disinformation and cyberattacks - into national elections and referenda in EU Member States; believes that all possible measures should be taken to avoid any interference in the 2019 European Parliament elections;
Amendment 223 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Highlights that transatlantic relations arepartnership is facing an important number of challenges and disruptions in the short term but the long-term fundamentals remain strong and the cooperation between the EU and the US, as liked-minded partners, remains crucial and indispensable for the security and prosperity of both sides of the Atlantic; regrets the US’s progressive retreat from the multilateral, rules-based world order, namely its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement;
Amendment 228 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Recalls that the EU is determined to preserve the JCPOA with Iran as a key pillar of the international non- proliferation architecture, with relevance also for the North Korean case, calls on the EU to take all necessary measures to ensure tangible economic results to Iran and protect European companies investing against US sanctions as this constitutes an essential part of the deal; underlines that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had repeatedly confirmed that Iran is fully complying with the JCPOA requirements, reiterates the need to address more critically Iranian Activities related to Ballistic missiles, regional stability and involvement in Syria, that are separate from the JCPOA, in the relevant formats and forums;
Amendment 246 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to continue using the EU’s transformative power at its Eastern borders, using trade agreements and access to the single market as incentives to foster democratic reforms and the adoption of European rules and standards; underlines the necessity for the EU to provide all the necessary assistance to the Eastern Partnership countries on their EU-driven reform path, to support pro-European political forces, and to counter destabilising attempts from third countries, in particular Russia; highlights the need to help the Eastern partners increase their resilience and combat against fake news and disinformation, including by reinforcing the East StratCom Task Force;
Amendment 254 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Reiterates its commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and all other Eastern Partnership countries within their internationally recognised borders; calls on the VP/HR and the Council to play an effective role in solving the so-called frozen conflicts, thus ensuring the stability and security of the EU's Eastern partners; underlines that sanctions against Russia are strictly linked to the failure to implement the Minsk agreements and to the continuous violations of international law, and that they will be prolonged as long as such behaviour continues;
Amendment 269 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Recalls that the Mediterranean is one of the most unequal borders in the world; reiterates the urgent need to stimulate the economic development of the Southern Mediterranean basin and Sub- Saharan Africa under the principle of ownership, in order to create local economic opportunities in the countries of origin of migrants and allow their self- sufficiency at least in the medium term; welcomes, in this regard, Commission President Juncker’s proposal to build a new Alliance for Sustainable Investment and Jobs between Europe and Africa, and his initiative to develop the various European- African trade agreements into one continent-to- continent free trade agreement, as an economic partnership between equals; points out at the necessity of coordinating the EU’s development policy with the policies of other international investors, including China, in order to further maximize the investment effects;
Amendment 279 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Reaffirms the primacy of the UN- led Geneva process in the resolution of the Syrian conflict , in line with UN Security council resolution 2254, negotiated by the parties to the conflict and with the support of key international and regional actors; states its concern towards the Russian and Iranian support to the Assad regime and its war crimes and crimes against humanity and calls on the EU and its Member states should act firmly to do all efforts to put an end to the exactions against the Syrian People and the use of chemical weapons;
Amendment 296 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Believes that, despite their importance, soft power and institution building alone are not sufficient to exert influence in a world where power politics and hard power are increasingly significant; believes that the effectiveness of the EU’s foreign policy will ultimately depend, to a large extent, on the resources and capabilities that support it, and that only a combination of effective multilateralism, and joint soft and hard power can allow to confront challenges in an effective manner;
Amendment 303 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the steps taken to increase the EU’s military and strategic autonomy, namely the establishment of a European single command centre in Brussels for European military training missions, and removing obstacles to the deployment of EU Battlegroups; believes that the establishment of Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) on defence projects and the coordinated review of national defence budgets will help the Member States to spend their defence budgets more effectively;
Amendment 18 #
2018/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the cyber defence of Europe’s armed forces has become one of the critical issues in debates about defence modernisation and Europe’s common defence efforts; whereas the current vulnerability is mostly due to the fragmentation of our European defence strategies and capabilities;
Amendment 19 #
2018/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas EU Member States are often subject to cyber attacks conducted by state and non-state actors that represent a threat to their political, civil, economic and military security, and that are in some cases part of a hybrid warfare; whereas such attacks, no matter if they have military or civilian targets, are equally dangerous and consequently need a coordinated response at civil and military level; whereas it is essential to protect critical civilian and military infrastructure, and key institutions and entities;
Amendment 31 #
2018/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas we have a largely ungoverned and unregulated cyberspace and cyber attacks are targeting several countries and have a cross border impact, whereas several Member States have invested substantially in setting up well- staffed cyber commands to meet these new challenges but a lot remains to be done as it is more and more difficult to counter cyber attacks at the Member State level; whereas cyber defence is an activity that can best be tackled cooperatively at an European level and in coordination with our partners and allies as its operational domain recognises neither national nor organisational boundaries;
Amendment 43 #
2018/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas while cyber defence remains a core competence of the Member States, the EU has a vital role to play in ensuring that these new endeavours are closely coordinated from the start to avoid the inefficiencies that mark many traditional defence efforts; whereas awe need to do more then enhancing our cooperation and coordination; whereas we have to ensure effective prevention through steeping up the ability of the EU to detect, defend and deter in order to avoid that some states least prepared become an easy target of cyber attacks, whereas substantial cyber defence capability ishould be a necessary part of the Common Defence and Security Policy and the development of the European Defence Union;
Amendment 51 #
2018/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas an active and efficient cyberpolicy is one that allows deterring enemies as well as disrupting capabilities, pre-empting and degrading the ability to attack;
Amendment 56 #
2018/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas both Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and the European Defence Fund (EDF) are new initiatives with the necessary scope to facilitate cooperative projects in the cyber defence domain and will contribute to shape the regulatory and institutional framework;
Amendment 72 #
2018/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the EU and NATO are complementary partners in building their cyber resilience; whereas cyber security and defence is already one of the strongest pillars of cooperation between the two and a critical field where both have unique capacities and they should therefore step up cooperation, including through joint exercises; whereas the EU and NATO have agreed to a broad agenda of cooperation in the EU-NATO Joint Declaration of 8 July 2016;
Amendment 148 #
2018/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Strongly emphasises, therefore, that, in the framework of the emerging European Defence Union, cyber defence capabilities of Member States should be closely integrated from the start to ensure maximum efficiency; urges, therefore, the Member States to implement the short term measures that are available under the current institutional framework to identify the capabilities that should be developed urgently; also urges to cooperate closely in the development of their respective cyber commands and set a clear roadmap;
Amendment 153 #
2018/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Strongly believes effective prevention and forecasting would require big data, expertise and artificial intelligence to study patterns; Is of the opinion that we should develop an European Secure Network for critical information and infrastructure;
Amendment 219 #
2018/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for identifying new initiatives to further cooperation between EU and NATO, taking into account as well the possibilities of cooperating within the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and the NATO Communications and Information (NCI) Academy; welcomes the recent creation of the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats; believes that it is crucial to stimulate the exchange of cyber threat intelligence data, based on mutual trust, between EU Member States and with NATO;
Amendment 223 #
2018/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Is convinced that increased cooperation between EU and NATO is vital in the area of cyber defence to prevent, detect and deter cyber attacks; calls, therefore, on both organisations to increase their operational cooperation and coordination, and to expand their joint capacity-building efforts, in particular joint exercises and training for cyber defence staff;
Amendment 279 #
2018/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Emphasises the importance of the development of norms regarding privacy and security , regarding encryption , hate speech, disinformation and terrorism threats;
Amendment 284 #
2018/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Emphasises that the dual- use nature of cyber-technologies would need to integrate cybersecurity into the Common Defence and Security Policy and to promote synergies between military ad civilian efforts; Calls on all stakeholders to reinforce knowledge transfer partnerships, implement appropriate business models and develop trust between companies and defence and civilian end-users, as well as to improve the transfer of academic knowledge into practical solutions, in order to create synergies and port solutions between the civilian and military markets – in essence a single market for cybersecurity;
Amendment 36 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In order to improve the completion of missing links or allow for the reactivation of existing links which are out of order in cross-border transport projects in less developed parts of the network, a Cohesion Fund allocation shcould be transferred toenvisaged for the Programme to finance transport projects in the Member States eligible for financing from the Cohesion Fund. In an initial phase and within a limit of 70% of the transferred envelope, tThe selection of projects eligible for financing should respect the national allocations under the Cohesion Fund. The remaining 30% of the transferred envelope should be allocated on a competitive basis to projects located in the Member States eligible for financing from the Cohesion Fund with priority to cross- border links and missing links. The Commission should, and the Commission should offer maximum support to Member States eligible for financing from the Cohesion Fund in their efforts to develop an appropriate pipeline of projects, in particular by strengthening the institutional capacity of the public administrations concerned.
Amendment 40 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13a) It is necessary to underline that the envisaged transfer from the Cohesion Fund to the Connecting Europe Facility, is subject to the provisions of Regulation (EU) XXX [Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum and Migration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Border Management and Visa Instrument (‘CPR’)]. Should the CPR provide for no transfer from the Cohesion Fund to the Connecting Europe Facility, the implementation of the latter should in any case take into due consideration the need to undertake investments able to strengthen the economic, social and territorial cohesion of the Union and to complement those supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cohesion Fund.
Amendment 95 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
(ii) EUR 11,285,493,000XXX transferred from the Cohesion Fund to be spent in line with this Regulation exclusively in Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund;
Amendment 107 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 8
Article 4 – paragraph 8
8. As regards the amounts transferred from the Cohesion Fund, 30% of these amounts shall be made available immediately to all Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund to finance transport infrastructure projects in accordance with this Regulation, with priority to cross-border and missing links. Until 31 December 2023, the selection of projects eligible for financing shall respect the national allocations under the Cohesion Fund with regard to 70% of the resources transferred. As of 1 January 2024, resources transferred to the Programme which have not been committed to a transport infrastructure project shall be made available to all Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund to finance transport infrastructure projects in accordance with this Regulation to be spent exclusively in Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund, the selection of projects eligible for financing shall respect the national allocations under the Cohesion Fund.
Amendment 114 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 8 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. In Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund, which may experience difficulties in designing projects that are of sufficient maturity and/or quality and which have sufficient added value for the Union, maximum support shall be given to support programme support actions aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and the efficiency of public administrations in relation to the development and implementation of projects.
Amendment 115 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 9
Article 4 – paragraph 9
9. RWithout prejudice to Article 4(2)(a), resources allocated to Member States under shared management, with the exception of those under the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, may, at their request, be transferred to the Programme. The Commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with [point (a) of Article 62(1)] of the Financial Regulation or indirectly in accordance with point (c) of that Article. Where possible tThose resources shall be used only for the benefit of the Member State concerned.
Amendment 132 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i
(i) actions implementing the core network in accordance with Chapter III of Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013, including actions relating to urban nodes, maritime ports, inland ports, airports and rail-road terminals of the core network as defined at Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013. Actions implementing the core network may include related elements located on the comprehensive network when necessary to optimize the investment and according to modalities specified in the work programmes referred to in Article 19 of this Regulation;
Amendment 136 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – point iii
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – point iii
(iii) actions implementing sections of the comprehensive network located in border and outermost regions in accordance with Chapter II of Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013, including actions relating to the relevant urban nodes, maritime ports, inland ports and rail-road terminals of the comprehensive network as defined at Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013;
Amendment 171 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) as regards the amounts transferred from the Cohesion Fund, the maximum co- financing rates shall be those applicable to the Cohesion Fund as referred to in the Regulation (EU) XXX [CPR]. These co- financing rates may be increased to a maximum of 85%by up to 15 percentage points for actions relating to cross-border links under the conditions specified in point (c) of this paragraph;
Amendment 173 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) expenditure related to the purchase of land shall not be an eligible cost, except for funds transferred from the Cohesion Fund in the transport sector in accordance with Regulation (EU) XXX [Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum and Migration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Border Management and Visa Instrument (‘CPR’)];
Amendment 176 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) eligible costs shall not include value added tax ("VAT"). As regards the amount transferred from the Cohesion Fund to be spent in Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund, the eligibility rules concerning VAT shall be those applicable to the Cohesion Fund referred to in Regulation (EU) XXX [Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum and Migration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Border Management and Visa Instrument (‘CPR’)].
Amendment 203 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
Amendment 229 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
Amendment 256 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
Amendment 323 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 63
Recital 63
Amendment 459 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. However, the Commission shall implement the amount of support from the Cohesion Fund transferred to the Connecting Europe Facility ('CEF'), the European Urban Initiative, Interregional Innovative Investments, the amount of support transferred from the ESF+ to transnational cooperation, the amounts contributed to InvestEU37 and technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission under direct or indirect management in accordance with [points (a) and (c) of Article 62(1)] of the Financial Regulation. _________________ 37 [Regulation (EU) No […] on […] (OJ L […], […], p. […])].
Amendment 600 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
(iii) complementarities and synergies between the Funds and other Union instruments, including LIFE strategic integrated projects and strategic nature projects;
Amendment 668 #
Amendment 793 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Title 2 – chapter 3 – title
Title 2 – chapter 3 – title
Amendment 796 #
Amendment 1013 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2
Article 19 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall assess the amendment and its compliance with this Regulation and with the Fund-specific Regulations, including requirements at national level, and may make observations within threone months of the submission of the amended programme.
Amendment 1030 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4
Article 19 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall approve the amendment of a programme no later than sixthree months after its submission by the Member State.
Amendment 1081 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
1. Member States may request the transfer of up to 5 % of programme financial allocations from any of the Funds to any other Fund under shared management or to any instruthe European Regional Development Funder direct or indirect management or the Cohesion Fund.
Amendment 1087 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2
Article 21 – paragraph 2
2. Transferred resources shall be implemented in accordance with the rules of the Fund or the instrument to which the resources are transferred and, in the case of transfers to instruments under direct or indirect management, for the benefit of the Member State concerned.
Amendment 1230 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) for the ERDF support under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, and for the Cohesion Fund support: 2,54 %;
Amendment 1440 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 58 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 58 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) value added tax ('VAT'), except for operations the total cost of which is below EUR 5 000 000 or where VAT is non- recoverable under national VAT legislation.
Amendment 1621 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
The pre-financing for each Fund shall be paid in yearly instalments before 1 July of each year, subject to availability of funds, as follows:
Amendment 1630 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) 2021: 0.52 %;
Amendment 1658 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) 2022: 0.52 %;
Amendment 1673 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) 2023: 0.52 %;
Amendment 1697 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) 2024: 0.52 %;
Amendment 1714 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e
(e) 2025: 0.52 %;
Amendment 1736 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
(f) 2026: 0.52 %
Amendment 1759 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 87 – paragraph 1
Article 87 – paragraph 1
1. Subject to available funding, tThe Commission shall make interim payments no later than 60 days after the date on which a payment application is received by the Commission.
Amendment 1770 #
2018/0196(COD)
Amendment 1798 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 99 – paragraph 1
Article 99 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall decommit any amount in a programme which has not been used for pre-financing in accordance with Article 84 or for which a payment application has not been submitted in accordance with Articles 85 and 86 by 26 December of the seconthird calendar year following the year of the budget commitments for the years 2021 to 2026.
Amendment 1802 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 99 – paragraph 2
Article 99 – paragraph 2
Amendment 1806 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 99 – paragraph 3
Article 99 – paragraph 3
3. The part of commitments still open on 31 December 202930 shall be decommitted if the assurance package and the final performance report for programmes supported by the ESF+, the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund have not been submitted to the Commission by the time limit set out in Article 38(1).
Amendment 1858 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 104 – paragraph 4
Article 104 – paragraph 4
Amendment 1897 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 105 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 105 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) of not more than 15 % of the total allocations for less developed regions to transition regions or more developed regions and from transition regions to more developed regions;
Amendment 1911 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 106 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 106 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) 7085 % for the less developed regions;
Amendment 1925 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 106 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 106 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) 5560 % for the transition regions;
Amendment 1952 #
2018/0196(COD)
(c) 450 % for the more developed regions.
Amendment 1969 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 106 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
Article 106 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
The co-financing rate for the Cohesion Fund at the level of each priority shall not be higher than 7085 %.
Amendment 1994 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 106 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 106 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
The co-financing rate for Interreg programmes shall be no higher than 7085 %.
Amendment 7 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
Having regard to the resolution of the European Parliament of 25 October 2016, with recommendations to the Commission on the establishment of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights,
Amendment 18 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The identification of a generalised deficiency requires a qualtransparent and impartial assessment - at the initiative assessment by the Commission. That of the Commission in duly justified cases - by an independent panel of experts, the composition of which should follow the resolution of the European Parliament of 25 October 2016 with recommendations to the Commission on the establishment of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. The assessment cshould be based on the information from all available sources and recognized institutions, including judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union, reports of the Court of Auditors, and conclusions and recommendations of relevant international organisations and networks, such as the bodies of the Council of Europe and the European networks of supreme courts and councils for the judiciary.
Amendment 22 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The possible measures to be adopted in the event of generalised deficiencies and the procedure to be followed to adopt them should be determinedclear, and should ensure equal criteria and equal treatment among all Member States. Those measures should include the suspension of payments and of commitments, a reduction of funding under existing commitments, and a prohibition to conclude new commitments with recipients.
Amendment 28 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) In order to ensure uniform implementation of this Regulation and in view of the importance of the financial effects of measures being imposed pursuant to this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Council which should act on the basis of a Commission proposal. To facilita and after the adoption of decisions which are required to protect the financial interests of the Union, reversed qualified majority voting should be usedpproval of the proposal by the European Parliament.
Amendment 33 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Before proposing the adoption of any measure pursuant to this Regulation, the Commission should inform the Member State concerned of the outcome of the evaluation undertaken by the independent panel of experts, and why it considers that a generalised deficiency regarding the rule of law might exist in that Member State. The Member State should be allowed to submit its observations. The Commission, the Parliament and the Council should take those observations into account.
Amendment 37 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
Amendment 43 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) 'independent panel of experts' is to be considered as referred to in the resolution of the European Parliament of 25 October 2016 with recommendations to the Commission on the establishment of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights.
Amendment 67 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. One or more of tThe following appropriate measures may be adopted:
Amendment 70 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 86 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Amendment 90 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Where the Commission finds that it has reasonable grounds to believe that the conditions of Article 3 are fulfilled, it shall ask for an assessment by the independent panel of experts, and send a written notification to thate Member State concerned, setting out the grounds on which it based its finding. The Commission shall also inform the European Parliament and the Council of this notification.
Amendment 95 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The Commission shall provide all the necessary guarantees to ensure that the same criteria are applied to all Member States, in line with the principles of equal treatment and non- discrimination, in assessing the rule-of- law situation. It shall ensure that the same measures are taken in comparable cases.
Amendment 101 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. The Commissionindependent panel of experts may take into account all relevant information, including decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Union, reports of the Court of Auditors, and conclusions and recommendations of relevant international organisations.
Amendment 104 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission and the independent panel of experts may request any additional information required for its assessment, both before and after having made a finding pursuant to paragraph 1.
Amendment 106 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 5
Article 5 – paragraph 5
5. The Commission shall take into account the assessment by the independent panel of experts, the information received and any observations made by the Member State concerned, as well as the adequacy of any proposed remedial measures, when deciding whether or not to submit a proposal for a decision on the appropriate measures.
Amendment 109 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 6
Article 5 – paragraph 6
6. Where the Commission considers that the generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law is established, it shall submit a proposal for an implementing act onon the appropriate measures to the European Parliament. If the European Parliament, acting by majority of the votes cast, gives its consent to the appropriate measuresosal, the Commission shall submit a proposal for an implementing act to the Council.
Amendment 117 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 7
Article 5 – paragraph 7
7. The decision shall be deemed to have been adopted by the Council, unless it decides, by qualified majority, to reject the Commission proposal within one month of its adopttransmission by the Commission, or it shall be deemed to have been rejected.
Amendment 119 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 8
Article 5 – paragraph 8
Amendment 123 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall assessand the independent panel of experts shall assess within one month the situation in the Member State concerned. OnceIf the generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law which on the grounds of which the appropriate measures were adopted cease to exist in full or in part, the Commission shall submit to the Council a proposal for a decision lifting those measures in full or in part. The procedure set out in paragraphs 2, 4, 5, 6 and 75 of Article 5 shall apply. The decision shall be deemed to have been adopted by the Council, unless it decides, by qualified majority, to reject the Commission proposal within one month of its adoption by the Commission.
Amendment 126 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7
Article 7
Amendment 43 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the intervention logic behind EU transport infrastructure investment should remain a well-balanced construction of centrally managed and shared management sources in order to address policy and funding needs; recalls that the CEF aims to address centrally the EU-wide priority of TEN-T corridors, including safety and environmental aspects, with additional CF assistance for cohesion countries lagging significantly behind other Member States in terms of development and infrastructure; recalls also that the ERDF and CF havehas a strong regional dimension that responds to local demand and they support the connectivity to TEN- T and mobility through secondary and tertiary nodes and multimodal terminals; underlines, in this context, that the relevant budgetary envelopes for the three funding sources need to be strengthened in an even manner in order to avoid asymmetric distribution of investment between the levels;
Amendment 4 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10
Citation 10
— having regard to the outcome of the mission of the Committee on Foreign Affairs to Moldova on 3 and 4 MayApril 2018,
Amendment 17 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines the importance of the Association Agreement / Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (AA/DCFTA) in a highly polarised political landscape, and welcomes the progress achieved by Moldova to date despite the continuous challenges posed by the anti-European orientation of the President of Moldova; insists, however, that full implementation of the AA/DCFTA must be a top priority, enabling a further deepening of the country’s relations with the EU, for the benefit of all Moldovan citizens, as well as unlocking additional perspectives in line with the Eastern Partnership Plus (EaP+) policy advocated by Parliament;
Amendment 20 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Praises the courageous agents for positive changes in Moldova, notably those leadinge stabilisation of the economy and the efforts to reform the banking sector following the 2014 bank fraud; welcomes the July 2018 IMF successful evaluation of the implementation of the IMF-supported programme; calls on Moldovan politicians and the judiciary as a whole to join in with such efforts to reform the country and fight corruption in line with the AA commitments; in particular, calls on all political forces to engage in constructive dialogue in the interest of the country;
Amendment 25 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Expresses grave concern about backsliding in relation to democratic standards in Moldova, with core values, to which Moldova had subscribed as part of the AA, such as democracy – including fair and transparent elections respecting the will of the citizens – and the rule of law – including the independence of the judiciary – being undermined by the ruling political leaders colluding with business interests and unopposed by much of the political class and the judiciary; reiterates its determination to focus on the fulfilment of commitments to uphold common values rather than unconvincing so-called ‘geopolitical’ arguments, with all the necessary EU support;
Amendment 26 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Expresses grave concern about backsliding in relation to democratic standards in Moldova, with core values, to which Moldova had subscribed as part of the AA, such as democracy – including fair and transparent elections respecting the will of the citizens – and the rule of law – including the independence of the judiciary – being undermined by the ruling political leaders colluding with business interests and unopposed by much of the political class and the judiciary; reiterates its determination to focus on the fulfilment of commitments to uphold common values rather than unconvincing so-calledartificial ‘geopolitical’ arguments;
Amendment 33 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets that the non-fulfilment of the political conditions related to democratic standards in Moldova, in particular the recent changes in national electoral legislation as well as the removal of Dorin Chirtoacă from the Chișinău mayor’s office andwith the invalidation of the election of Andrei Năstase, has led leading to the suspension of the disbursement of Macro Financial Assistance (MFA) and of outstanding payments of EU budget support;
Amendment 46 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates its position that any decision on future MFA disbursement should only take place after the planned parliamentary elections and on condition that they are conducted in line with internationally recognised standards and assessed by specialised international bodies, and that the payment of all budget support programmes should remain on hold untilbe conditional to meaningful progress in democratic standards takes place; calls, in the meantime, on the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to continue reallocating funds to support civil society in Moldova, in particular to the free and independent media, as well as the private sector and local authorities, and to coordinate efforts with other organisations, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to ensure greater coherence in terms of financial assistance conditionality;
Amendment 47 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates its position that any decision on future MFA disbursement should only take place after the planned parliamentary elections and on condition that they are conducted in line with internationally recognised standards and assessed by specialised international bodies, and that the payment of all budget support programmes should remain on hold until meaningful progress in democratic standards takes place; calls, in the meantime, on the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to continue reallocating funds to support concrete development projects and civil society in Moldova, in particular to the free and independent media, as well as the private sector and local authorities, and to coordinate efforts with other organisations, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to ensure greater coherence in terms of financial assistance conditionality;
Amendment 53 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls the contents of Articles 2 and 455 of the AA, according to which respect for democratic principles constitutes an essential element of the AA, which, if violated, may also lead to the suspension of rights related to this agreement; also recalls the anti-corruption and anti-money laundering benchmarks related to the visa liberalisation policy;
Amendment 66 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Urges the Moldovan authorities to swiftly adopt and fully implementWelcomes the adoption of the new audiovisual code in line with European standards of media freedom and pluralism as recommended by the European Commission and the Venice Commission; emphasises the importance of genuine consultations with civil society and the independent media before the final adoption of the new audiovisual code, and the need to discard all aspects that may undermine media pluralism and calls for its swift and full implementation;
Amendment 73 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Urges the Moldovan authorities to swiftly adopt and fully implement the new audiovisual code in line with European standards of media freedom and pluralism as recommended by the European Commission and the Venice Commission; emphasises the importance of genuine consultations with civil society and the independent media before the final adoption of the new audiovisual code, and the need to discard all aspects that may undermine media pluralism; underlines the need to fight Russian hybrid threats, as well as propaganda and disinformation campaigns, including through technical assistance from the EU and through the activity of the East StratCom Task Force, which should be adequately strengthened;
Amendment 81 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the good and systematic cooperation on CFSP matters and the symbolic participation in common security and defence policy (CSDP) missions and operations; takes note of the progress in adopting a new Defence Strategy and Action Plan 2017-2021 following the withdrawal of the National Security Strategy by the President of Moldova;
Amendment 88 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Commends the Moldovan authorities for the incremental improvement of relations with Tiraspol notably with the opening of the Gura Bîcului-Bîcioc bridge and the signature of an additional six protocols, thus improving the lives of citizens on both sides of the Nistru river; encourages the authorities to further build on this level of engagement; calls on the Moldovan authorities to undertake additional efforts to ensure a swift and final adopfor the implementation of the Law of the Special Legal Status of Gagauzia;
Amendment 91 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Reiterates its support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova and the efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the Transnistrian issue;
Amendment 96 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Urges the authorities to ensure the independence and effectiveness of the judiciary and specialised anti-corruption institutions, including the Superior Council of Prosecutors, the National Integrity Authority and the Criminal Assets Recovery Agency, notably through maintaining the allocation of adequate resources and guaranteeing transparent selection procedures with the participation of independent expert recruiters;
Amendment 141 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Expresses concern about signs of a further shrinking of space for the country’s civil society, and calls on the authorities to immediately halt undue or disproportionate criminal proceedings against political opponents, their lawyers and/or their families; expresses specific concerns about proceedings that target human rights defenders, independent judges such as Domnica Manole and Gheorghe Balan, journalists and critics of the government or of the President of the Democratic Party of Moldova, journalists and critical voices;
Amendment 144 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Expresses concern about signs of a further shrinking of space for the country’s civil society, and calls on the authorities to immediately haltfor undue or disproportionate criminal proceedings against political opponents, their lawyers and/or their families to be stopped; expresses specific concerns about proceedings that target human rights defenders, independent judges such as Domnica Manole and Gheorghe Balan, journalists and critics of the government or of the President of the Democratic Party of Moldova;
Amendment 176 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Highlights the need for a more effective strategic communication of the reforms achieved so far and to be carried out in the framework of the AA/DCFTA, in order to raise awareness among the citizens of the benefits of a closer integration with the European Union;
Amendment 39 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers it crucial that cohesion policy should continue to cover all European regions and remain the European Union’s main investment instrument, with a budget; underlines that a budget comparable to the one for the 2014-2020 wouldn't allow to cope with the new challenges; calls therefore for the budget for the new programming period to be commensurate with the old and new challenges;
Amendment 149 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that social and fiscal convergence help to foster cohesion while improving the functioning of the single market; takes the view that divergent practices in this area may run counter to the objective of cohesion and are liable to cause further problems for territories which are laggfalling behind or are the most vulnerable to globalisation; considerspoints out that cohesion policy could contribute to theis geared to promotion ofng social and fiscal convergence by providing incentives, economic and territorial convergence; calls on the Commission to take better account of this aspect in the European Semester;
Amendment 170 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Supports a strong thematic concentration on a limited number of priorities linked to major European political objectives, leaving managing authorities the task of drawing up their territorial strategies on the basis of their needs; stresses that infrastructure, employment, innovation, support for SMEs, climate change and the circular economy should constitute priority areas for cohesion policy in future;
Amendment 187 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes that vulnerability to climate change varies widely from one region to another; considers that the ESI Funds should continue to be used as effectively as possible to help the EU meet its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement; in this regard, underlines the importance of continuing support for the energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy in buildings, as this represents a sector which can substantially help both in terms of reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy; insists that funding under the solidarity instruments for use in the event of natural disasters should be made available as rapidly as possible;
Amendment 216 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses that the 7th Cohesion Report highlights the need to take account of indicators complementary to per capita GDP for the purpose of allocating fundsGDP should continue to be the eligibility criterion to determine the national allocation; believes that additional indicators could be used at regional and sub-regional level, in line with the challenges and needs identified, including at sub-regional level; notes the importance of taking as a basis data which are of high quality, reliable and available; supports the use of social criteria, in particular the unemployment rate and the youth unemployment rate;
Amendment 228 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Emphasises that grants should remain the main cohesion policy funding instrument, but acknowledges that financial instruments can be an effective lever and that they should be promoted if they generate added value; stresses, however, that their effectiveness hinges on many factors (nature of the project, of the territory or of the risk) and that all regions, regardless of their level of development, must be free to determine the most appropriate method of financing; opposes any binding targets for the use of financial instruments;
Amendment 242 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Believes that it is both legitimate and necessary to establish a link between cohesion policy and the guarantee of an environment conducive to investment, effectiveness and the proper use of funds, while stressing that cohesion policy is not meant to be reduced to an instrument for serving priorities without reference to its objectives; expresses its support for a balanced link with economic governance where this helps to maximrules out any link between the ESI Funds and economic governance that might lead to the consequence of commitments or payments being suspended despite of the regularity of the action taken by beneficiaries; emphasises the impact of ESI Fundsat such situations necessarily jeopardise the very essence and objectives of the ESI Funds and significantly weaken their impact on the ground; calls on the Commission to overhaul the European Semester to strengthen its territorial dimension and take account of other factors which contribute to the achievement of cohesion objectives, such as real convergence;
Amendment 257 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls for the smart specialisation strategies to be continued, and acknowledges the importance of ex-ante conditionalities, which have proved their worth, but stresses that they have been a source of complexity and delays in the development and launching of programming; calls on the Commission to reduce the number of ex ante conditionalities and, in this field, to improve compliance withvise and rationalise the conditionality mechanism, applying the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity more strictly, making maximum use of existing strategic documents and selecting ex ante conditionalities which have a direct bearing on the effectiveness of the investments;
Amendment 265 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Notes that the quality and the stability of public administration is a decisive factor in regional growth and the effectiveness of ESI funds; emphasises the need to increase the administrative capacitiy of those who deal with ESI- funded projects at national, regional and local level; believes in the necessity for them to be incentivized, so that they remain in their post for a long period of time and ensure the completion of projects which are by definition long-term ones;
Amendment 306 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls for requirements in respect of the programming, implementation and monitoring of ESI Funds in future to be based on the principle of differentiationproportionality, in accordance with the amounts allocated to programmes, the risk profile, the quality of administration and the level of financing by recipients;
Amendment 308 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Regards it as essential that the relationship between the Commission and managing authorities should evolve towards a ‘contract of confidence’; calls on the Commission to build on the work already done in the area of sound public finance management, introducing the principle of a new label to reward managing authorities which have demonstrated their ability to comply with the rules; in relation to monitoring, calls for greater reliance on national and regional rules where their effectiveness has been verified and validated;
Amendment 320 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Is concerned at the Commission’s recent statements concerning the cuts to the cohesion policy budget that might be made under the next MFF and which would exclude certain regions from the scope of cohesion policy; wishes to see a budget commensurate with the institutional goals of Cohesion Policy and with the challenges facing the regions, and calls for cohesion policy not to be made an adjustment variable; points out that the coverage of all EU regions is a ‘red line’ for the European Parliament; stresses that the theory of ‘economic development clubs’ confirms the importance of differentiated support for all European regions, including regions with a very high income, which must remain competitive with their global competitors;
Amendment 346 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Calls for every effort to be made to avoid delays in programming for the new period; stresses the importance of submitting all documents relating to the future legal framework on time in all the official languages and of simplifying the formalities which managing authorities must complete before they can start the programming process (e.g. ex-ante conditionality, designation of the managing authority itself);
Amendment 97 #
2017/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas on 4 March a chemical attack took place in the UK, with the use of a nerve agent, that left 3 people seriously ill and exposed dozen others to a dramatic threat; whereas it was later ascertained that the agent used was a military-grade novichok of a type manufactured by Russia, and that Russia was therefore very likely behind the attack; whereas this led to a strong reaction, especially in the EU and the US, and the consequent expulsion of a number of Russian diplomats, as well as the recall of the EU Ambassador to Moscow;
Amendment 161 #
2017/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the need for working together on prevention, analysis and early warning by means of effective information and intelligence sharing aimed at countering emerging threats, including the use of chemical weapons, with common actions;
Amendment 10 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24
Citation 24
– having regard to the nex41st EP-China iInter-parliamentary mMeeting, which will taketook place in Beijing in May 2018,
Amendment 14 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
Amendment 19 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas in the current geopolitical context it acquires more importance than ever to promote multilateralism and a rules-based system, as opposed to nationalism and trade wars; whereas China has recently expressed on several occasions its opposition to protectionism;
Amendment 20 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the EU's vision for multilateral governance is one of a rules- based order and of universal values like democracy, human rights, rule of law, transparency and accountability;
Amendment 23 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, largely unnoticed in Europe, China has been rapidly and systematically increasing its global influence, notably through strategic infrastructure investments and new transport links and influencings actively gathering support from European political and economic decision- makers, media, academics and the wider public, by building up ‘networks’ of supportive European individuals across societies;
Amendment 31 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU's unity represents a key element for successful relations with the Chinese counterpart; whereas the so called 16+1 format between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEE) was established in 2012 in the aftermath of the financial crisis and as part of Chinese sub-regional diplomacy; whereas Chinese investments in those countries are wide-rangorder to foster wide-ranging cooperation and investments; whereas such format can help to further enhance EU-China relations and does not undermine in any way the EU's unity and stance towards Chinga;
Amendment 40 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is the most ambitious foreign policy initiative the country has ever adopted; whereas at the 16+1 summit held in late December 2017, China pledged to invest USD 3 billion in infrastructure in the 16 CEE countries as part of the BRI; whereas the Chinese infrastructure projects will create large debts for the European governments to Chinese state- owned banks and few jobs in Europe, and are often awarded without transparent tenders;
Amendment 46 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas cooperation between the EU and China in foreign policy, security and defence, and in the fight against terrorism is extremely important; whereas cooperation between the two sides was essential in reaching the Iranian nuclear deal; whereas China's stance played a key role in creating space for negotiations in the North Korean crisis;
Amendment 48 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas after the announcement of the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change the commitment of the EU and China towards reducing the carbon footprint is essential; whereas further cooperation and coordination between the two sides in this sector is needed, including in the field of research and the exchange of best practices; whereas China adopted a carbon emission trading scheme based on the EU's ETS;
Amendment 51 #
2017/2274(INI)
E. whereas on 11 March 2018 the National People’s Congress (NPC) voted with an overwhelming majority in favour of abrogating the limit of two consecutive terms for the posts of President and Vice- President of the People's Republic of China;
Amendment 63 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas in 2014, the State Council of China announced detailed plans to create a Social Credit System with the aim of rewarding behaviour that the government considers financially, economically and socio-politically responsible, while sanctioning non- compliance with its policies; whereas the project of social credit scoring will likely also have an impact on foreigners living and working in China, including EU citizens, and entail consequences for EU and other foreign companies operating in the country;
Amendment 79 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the situation in Tibet has deteriorated over the past few years despite the economic growth and the infrastructure development, with the Chinese Government curtailing a wide- range of human rights under the pretext of security and stability, and engaging in relentless attacks against Tibetan identity and culture; whereas access to the Tibet Autonomous Region today is more restricted than ever for foreigners, including EU citizens, particularly for journalists, diplomats and other independent observers, and even more difficult for EU citizens of a Tibetan background;
Amendment 92 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the contrasting political developments of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan, with an increasingly authoritarian and nationalist party-state regime on one side and a multi- party democracy on the other, raises the danger of an escalation of the cross-strait relations; whereas the EU adheres to its 'one China' policy as regards Taiwan, and supports the 'one country, two systems' principle as regards Hong Kong;
Amendment 98 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reasserts that the EU-China Strategic Partnership is one of the most important partnerships for the EU and that it still has much more potential for being deepened further and for cooperation in the international arena; underlines in this context the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination in the field of global governance and international institutions, notably at UN and G20 level, and to promote all necessary reforms in areas of common interest;
Amendment 126 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the EU Member States to urgently and decisively step up collaboration and unity on their China policies, with a view to speaking with one voice, and strongly suggests taking advantage of Europe’s much greater collective bargaining power with China, and that Europe defends its free democracies so as to better face up to China’s systematic efforts to influence its politicians and civil society, in order to shape an opinion more conducive to China’s strategic interests; is concerned that China is also attempting to influence educational and academic institutions and their curricula; proposes that the EU and the Member States foster high- quality European think tanks on China in order to ensure the availability of independent expert advice for strategic orientations and decision-making;
Amendment 131 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recalls the excellent cooperation between the EU and China in reaching the Iranian nuclear deal and the Paris agreement on combating climate change, and emphasises the common interest in defending such agreements in light of the change of attitude by the US; encourages further cooperation on issues of global relevance; welcomes in this regard China's contribution towards softening North Korea's position on its nuclear and ballistic missiles programme, and underlines that this complemented the EU's efforts for a diplomatic and negotiated solution of the crisis; emphasises in this respect that the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula is of absolute importance for both the EU and China;
Amendment 135 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the EU and its Member States to proactively promote its economic and political interests and to defend EU values and principles; stresses that multilateralism is one of the core EU values with regard to global governance and that it must be actively safeguarded when dealing with China;
Amendment 138 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Strongly believes that EU-China common efforts can bring mutually beneficial results in the field of security and defence, including cybersecurity and the fight against terrorism; welcomes in this regard the successful counter-piracy cooperation since 2011 in the Gulf of Aden;
Amendment 141 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Highlights that the EU and China are both committed to the development of the African continent; considers it essential to coordinate their development strategies and interventions, in order to maximize the scale of results; stresses that this will help addressing the root causes of migratory flows and of terrorism;
Amendment 143 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 154 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Conclusiders that the Chinese Government has in the BRI fEU should not see the BRI as a solely Chinese project, and that it shounld a very effective narrative framework for elements of its foreign policy and that EU public diplomacy efmake all possible efforts to coordinate actions with China so as to make the initiative equally beneficial for both sides and respond to the EU's strategic objectives, in particular in the fields of foreign policy, energy security and connectivity; welcomes in this regard the EU-China 'Connectivity Platform', and calls for its need to befurther strengthened in the light of this developing; believes that a similar coordination is essential with regard to China's participation to the European Fund for Strategic Investments; suggests that data on all Chinese infrastructure investments in EU Member States be shared with the EU and other Member States; recalls that such investments are part of an overall strategy to have Chinese state-controlled or - funded companies take control of supply chains;
Amendment 167 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Amendment 186 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Observes that while the Social Credit System is still under construction, blacklists of non-compliant individuals and legal entities, as well as ‘red lists’ for outstanding individuals and companies, form the core of the current stage of implementation, whereby the main focus is onthe intention of punishing "offenders on the blacklists and rewarding those on the red lists; firmly rejects the public naming and shaming of blacklisted persons as an integral part of the Social Credit System" and rewarding compliant behaviour is worrying; underlines the importance and necessity of a dialogue between the EU Institutions and their Chinese counterparts on all serious societal consequences of ththis matter, with a particular focus on possible negative present central planning and local experiments with the Social Credit Systempercussions on EU citizens and businesses in China;
Amendment 193 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that the institutional and financial strengthening of China’s diplomacy reflects the high priority given by Xi Jinping to foreign policy as part of his vision to turn China into a global power by 2049; underlines the fact that the establishment of the State International Development Cooperation Agency expresses the great importance that Xi’s leadership attaches to bolstering its global security interests through economic means; concludes, therefore, that over the next five years China will be more present and more engaged overseas, with diplomatic initiatives and hard cash and that the EU and its Member States must find common answers and strategies to Chinese initiatives;
Amendment 208 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Urges the High Representative and Member States to continue the dialogue with the Chinese government on international standards of human rights and the rule of law;
Amendment 234 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Stresses the importance of ensuring peace and security in the South and East China Seas, including through the peaceful settlement of disputes based on international law; underlines the importance of ensuring freedom and safety of navigation in the region;
Amendment 236 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Reminds that the "one country, two systems" principle has been the cornerstone of a very successful development of the Hong Kong SAR and that its long-term viability is of utmost importance; underlines that the people of Hong Kong have a legitimate right to continue to rely on a judiciary which is trusted, the prevalence of the rule of law and low levels of corruption, transparency, human rights, freedom of opinion, and high standards of public health and safety;
Amendment 249 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls for the EU and its Member States to do their utmost to urge the PRC to refrain from further military provocation towards Taiwan and endangering peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait; emphasises that all cross- strait disputes should be settled by peaceful means on the basis of international law; encourages the resumption of official dialogues between Beijing and Taipei; reiterates its consistent support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), where Taiwan’s continuous exclusion is not in line with the EU’s interests while respecting the EU's 'one China' policy;
Amendment 258 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the European External Action Service, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the accession and candidate countries, the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese National People’s Congress, the Taiwanese Government and the Taiwaneson Taiwan and the Legislative Yuan on Taiwan.
Amendment 70 #
2017/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Strongly welcomes the European Council’s demand towards the Commission to present by the first quarter of 2019 the proposal for a Strategy for long-term EU greenhouse gas emissions reduction in accordance with the Paris Agreement, laid down in the Council Conclusions from 23 March 2018;
Amendment 73 #
2017/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Underlines the importance of an ambitious EU climate policy in order for the EU to act as a credible and reliable partner vis-à-vis third states and calls on the Commission and the Member States to take an active and constructive role during the 2018 Talanoa Dialogue and COP24 as 2018 will be a crucial year for the implementation of the Paris Agreement; urges the Commission and the Member States to raise the ambition of the EU’s NDC before 2020 taking into account the outcome of the Talanoa Dialogue; believes that the stocktaking mechanisms every five years should inform the possible raising of ambition of EU climate commitments; calls on the EU to show commitment beyond its NDC through substantial contributions of finances and capacities like technology and knowledge, by seeking and announcing alliances and cooperation on climate finance instruments, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and shifting to an economy that is less harmful to the climate; stresses that a strong internal climate policy will help the EU to advocate for strong mitigation commitments of other countries and to find partners at the UNFCCC Conference of Parties;
Amendment 74 #
2017/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Welcomes the Commission’s Action Plan on sustainable finance, adopted on 8th March 2018, and the recommendations put forward by the High Level Expert Group On Sustainable Finance; believes that the financial system needs to contribute to the targets of the Paris Agreement as well as the SDGs; considers it necessary that investments and financial products are in line with climate policy and that they support the development towards a sustainable economy; is convinced that a true reform of the EU financial system to contribute to climate mitigation and incentivising investments in clean technologies and sustainable solutions will be a role model for other countries and help them to implement similar systems; underlines that a transformation towards a financial system in line with the Paris Agreement and the SDGs will reduce risks on the global financial system stemming from stranded fossil fuel assets;
Amendment 86 #
2017/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that mitigating climate change and moving towards a low- emission economy will contribute to enhanced peace and human security both within and outside of the EU as climate change often exacerbates existing instabilities and conflicts as well as deepening existing or creating new inequalities, even leading to increased - mainly internal - migration flows due to the scarcity of resources and lack of economic opportunities, a fragile governance structure, insufficient supply of water and food as well as a deterioration in living conditions;
Amendment 96 #
2017/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Reiterates that consequent and rapid climate action contributes essentially to the prevention of social, economic, but also security risks, the prevention of conflicts and instabilities and ultimately to the prevention of major political, social and economic costs;
Amendment 106 #
2017/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Underlines that due to melting polar caps and rising sea levels people living on the coast line or on small island states are in particular danger; urges the Commission and the Member States to protect and preserve these living spaces through facilitating ambitious climate change mitigation goals as well as multilateral coastal protection measures;
Amendment 108 #
2017/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Notes that the EU and its Member States are the largest provider of public climate finance; urges the Commission and the Member States to scale up their financial contributions to the collective goal to jointly mobilise USD 100 billion per year by 2020 through to 2025 for mitigation and adaptation purposes and to actively support the mobilisation of international climate finance through public sources by other countries as well as private sources; welcomes the announcements made at the ONE Planet Summit on 12 December 2017 that put an important focus on the need for financial support and the role of new instruments to trigger sustainable investments; recognises the Commission’s announcement of its new Action Plan for the Planet in this regard;
Amendment 120 #
2017/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Urges the Commission and the Member States to raise international awareness for climate change through coordinated communication strategies and activities to increase public and political support; calls to especially create an international understanding of the interconnection of climate change and social injustice, migration, famine and poverty and that global climate action can largely contribute to the solution of these issues;
Amendment 127 #
2017/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Commits itself to formulate an own position and recommendations for a new EU long-term mid-century strategy that shall be taken into account by the Commission and the Council before submitting the strategy to the UNFCCC;
Amendment 131 #
2017/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Commits itself to making better use of its international role and its membership of international parliamentary networks, to stepping up its climate activities within its work in its delegations as well as through delegation visits, especially of ENVI and AFET Committees, and during European and international interparliamentary meetings as well as in dialogue platforms with national parliaments and subnational actors/non-state actors and civil society; encourages the inclusion of members of the AFET Committee into the parliamentary delegations to the annual COP; intends to set off an exchange on NDC implementation and to address EU’s financial contributions and efforts in projects in the respective countries to trigger an exchange on successes and shortcomings of existing cooperation;
Amendment 161 #
2017/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on the EU to mediate between disagreeing parties and facilitate consensus in order to ensure an effective and successful summitry, thereby injecting strong political momentum into the global discourse on climate action; calls on the EU and the Member States to stronger place climate action on the agenda of G20 summits and meetings as well as on the agenda of bilateral meetings of G20 members; calls on the Member States to enhance their engagement in the framework of the Organization for Security and Co- operation in Europe (OSCE) in line with the targets of the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 190 #
2017/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Highlights the responsibility incumbent on the EU and other developedaffluent countries to show greater solidarity towards the vulnerable states and developing countries, many of them in the Global South, that are most affected by the impact of climate change and to ensure continuous support to help them recover from damage related to climate change, to improve adaptation measures and resilience through financial support and by means of capacity building; notes that vulnerable states are crucial partners for pushing for ambitious climate action internationally, due to the existential threat posed to them by climate change; calls on the Member States to support the efforts of developingless affluent countries to decrease dependence on fossil fuels and increase access to affordable renewable energy as well as to become low-carbon societies, especially by cooperating within NDC partnerships; highlights the opportunities offered by the EU External Investment Plan in stimulating climate-smart investments and supporting sustainable development;
Amendment 204 #
2017/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recommends that the EU deepens its strategic cooperation on state- and non- state levels through zero-carbon development dialogues and partnerships with emerging economies and other countries which have a major impact on global warming, but which are also decisive in terms of global climate action; notes against this backdrop that climate can be an entry point for diplomatic relations with partners with whom other agenda items are highly contested, thereby offering an opportunity to enhance stability and peace; calls on the EU to create dedicated panels to debate climate and sustainability policies during high-level ministerial meetings; calls on the EU to build up and support partnerships for carbon markets and other carbon pricing instruments beyond Europe;
Amendment 215 #
2017/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on the EU to be at the forefront of developing international and regional partnerships on carbon markets as set out by Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and by using its understanding in setting up, adjusting and operating the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) and its experience in linking the ETS with the Swiss carbon market; calls on the Commission and Member States to promote the development of carbon pricing mechanisms in third states and regions and to foster international cooperation with the aim to make them compatible to a large extent in the medium-term and to create an international carbon market in the long- term; emphasizes, in this regard, the successful cooperation of the past years between the EU and China enabling the launch of the nationwide emission trading system in China in December 2017 and urges the EU to continuously support China’s carbon trading ambition and enhance the future cooperation;
Amendment 249 #
2017/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the EU and its Member States to strengthen their ties with civil societyand support for civil society around the globe as agents for climate action, and to form alliances and build up synergies with the scientific community, non-governmental organisations, and non- traditional actors and the private sector; encourages the EU and its Member States to engage with the private sector, to enhance cooperation on how to reap the opportunities from the transition towards a zero-carbon economy, to develop export strategies for climate technologies for countries globally and to encourage technology transfer to and capacity- building in third countries;
Amendment 256 #
2017/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Underlines the importance of scientific research for climate political decision making; notes that transboundary scientific exchange is a fundamental component of international cooperation; urges the Commission and the Member States to continuously support scientific organisations that work on climate risk assessment and that aim on estimating the implications of climate change and that offer possible adaption measures for political authorities; urges the EU to use their own research capacities in order to contribute to global climate action;
Amendment 8 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU-US partnership is based on strong political, cultural, economic and historic links, on shared values such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and on common goals, such as prosperity, security, open and integrated economies, social progress and inclusiveness, sustainable development and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and whereas both the US and the EU are democracies under the rule of law with functioning systems of checks and balances; whereas this partnership is facing an important number of challenges and disruptions in the short term, the long term fundamentals remain strong and the cooperation between the EU and the US, as like-minded partners, remains crucial;
Amendment 11 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the EU and the US, building upon their strong foundation of common values and shared principles, should explore alternative ways to strengthened the transatlantic relationship and respond effectively to the important challenges we face, by using all available channels of communication; whereas as legislators, the Congress and the European Parliament play important and influential roles in our democracies and should use the full potential of their cooperation to preserve the democratic, liberal and multilateral order and promote stability and continuity on our continent and the world;
Amendment 19 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the transatlantic alliance in security is strong and indispensable and the EU and US remain fully committed to European security and this strategic partnership; whereas in a global, complex and increasingly multipolar world, the EU and the US should continue to play key constructive roles by strengthening international law and jointly addressing regional conflicts and global challenges;
Amendment 21 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the EU and the US are facing an era of geopolitical change and facing similar complex threats, both conventional and hybrid, generated by state and non-state actors coming from the South and from the East; whereas cyber-attacks are increasingly common and sophisticated and whereas the cooperation between the EU and the US through NATO can complement each other's efforts and protect critical government defence and other information infrastructure; whereas these threats require international cooperation to tackle them;
Amendment 27 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU remains fully committed to multilateralism, to a rules- based system and the promotion of shared values through indispensable international multilateral organisations like the United Nations;
Amendment 34 #
2017/2271(INI)
Ca. whereas the EU remains fully committed to a rules-based, open, non- discriminatory multilateral trading system; whereas the WTO is at the core of the global trade system as the only institution that can ensure a genuine level-playing field;
Amendment 57 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. HReaffirms that the EU-US relationship is strategic and genuine and that a strong transatlantic bond is in the interest of both sides and the world; highlights that the EU-USis relationship is the fundamental guarantor for global stability and has been the cornerstone of our efforts to ensure peace and stability for our societies since the end of the Second World War, and stronger multilateral economic cooperation and trade; believes that the ‘America first’ policy will harm the interests of both the EU and the US;
Amendment 102 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. UDeplores the uncertainty created in the international trading system by the US's reliance on instruments and policy tools existing before the creation of the WTO and its dispute settlement system; deeply regrets the decision of President Trump to impose punishing tariffs on steel and aluminium on its Allies, including the European Union; underlines the importance of the settlement process and the respect of WTO rules; underlines that the EU and the US are each other’s most important partners and that unilateral moves serve only to weaken the transatlantic partnership, which has to be a partnership of equals; calls on the European Commission to take balanced but firm counter-measures; underlines that it is essential for the European Union to act with unequivocal unity;
Amendment 107 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls for the EU and the US to pool resources to fight unfair trade policies and practices in accordance with WTO rules; calls on the EU and the US to work together to address trade barriers imposed by other countries, particularly China;
Amendment 112 #
2017/2271(INI)
7. Calls on the VP/HR, the Council, the Commission and the EU Member States to enhance their coordination of EU policy vis-à-vis the US administration, so as to send out a convincing message that the EU is a coherent and effective international player and cooperate further with the US Administration;
Amendment 162 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Takes note that other major world powers, such as RussiChina and ChinRussia, have robust political and economic strategies, many of which maywhich in particular in the case of the latter go against our values, and it is therefore essential to foster the EU-US partnership, and to continue to promoteing our common values, including compliance with; underlines also the necessity to promote the respect of international law, and to set up a joint sanctions policy towards Russia until it fully respects the Minsk Agreements; recalls the clear danger to our democracies posed by fake news, disinformation and notably the malign interference of Russian sources;
Amendment 213 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Welcomes the launch of the Permanent Structured Cooperation and stresses that it does not represent a competitor to NATO and that it is rather aimed to be a driver for further EU- NATO cooperation in capabilities development and to consolidate a EU pillar in NATO;
Amendment 215 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Reiterates the need for the EU and the US to enhance their cooperation in the field of cybersecurity and defence; is convinced that enhanced cooperation and information fusion are crucial in the area of cyber security and cyber defence and calls on the EU and the US to facilitate EU-NATO intelligence sharing efforts;
Amendment 227 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Underlines the need for a common approach to regulating digital platforms and to increasing their accountability; reiterates the need to work together to promote an open, interoperable and secure internet, governed by the multi stakeholders model which promotes human rights, democracy, rule of law, freedom of expression and allows economic prosperity and innovation while respecting privacy and guarding against deception, fraud and theft; calls on deploying joint effort to develop norms and regulations and promote the applicability of international law in the cyberspace;
Amendment 232 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Underlines the necessity for the EU and the US to fight tax evasion and other financial crimes and ensure transparency; calls on them to work together towards realigning taxation with economic substance, value creation and the fight against inequality in our societies;
Amendment 270 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Commends the strategic focus and invites the US to be involved in further joint efforts in the Western Balkans; invites the EU and the US to cooperate in the Western Balkans region in order to support democracy, rule of law, freedom of expression and prevent instability and the re-emergence of violence;
Amendment 286 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls on the EU and the US to play a more active and effective role in the resolution of the conflict on Ukraine’s territory and of the Russian occupation of Crimea, and to support all efforts for a lasting peaceful solution which respects the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine;
Amendment 296 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Recalls that the EU is determined to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA) with Iran is a significant multilateral agreement and a diplomatic achievement that has the aim of ensuring a more stable and peaceful regional environment in the Middle East and that the EU is determined to preserve the JCPOA as a key pillar of the international non-proliferation architecture, with relevance also for the North Korean question, and as a crucial element for the security and stability of the regioncalls on the EU to take all necessary measures to ensure tangible economic benefits to Iran as this is an essential part of the deal; underlines that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had repeatedly confirmed that Iran is fully complying with the JCPOA requirements; reiterates the need to address more critically Iranian activities related to ballistic missiles and regional stability that are separate from the JCPOA, in the relevant formats and forums; stresses that transatlantic cooperation in addressing this issue is key; criticises strongly President Trump's decision to leave the JCPOA unilaterally and to put extraterritorial measures on EU companies which are active in Iran;
Amendment 318 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. WUnderlines the work done by the EU for a negotiated solution of the North Korean (DPRK) crisis, and therefore welcomes the opening of new high-level dialogues with North Korea (DPRK) and recalls that these talks should aim at a peaceful resolution of the tensions and at the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, thus at promoting regional and global peace, security and stability; underlines that, at the same time, wethe EU, US, together with the international community, must maintain pressure on DPRK until it gives up its nuclear ambitions;
Amendment 332 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls for enhanced cooperation between the EU and the US on the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts and the proxy war in Syria as the lack of a common strategy could undermine the peaceful resolution of conflicts and invites all parties involved to refrain from actions that might aggravate the situation; reaffirms the primacy of the UN-led Geneva process in the resolution of the Syrian conflict, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, negotiated by the parties to the conflict and with the support of key international and regional actors; calls for the full implementation and respect of the UN Security Council Resolutions which are being violated by the countries of the Astana negotiations; underlines that the EU and the US are sharing their concern towards the Russian and Iranian support to the Assad regime and its war crimes and crimes against humanity and that the EU and the US should act together to guarantee full humanitarian access to the ones in need and put an end to the exactions against the Syrian People and to the use of chemical weapons;
Amendment 352 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Reiterates that we have shared interests in Africa where we must intensify our support for sustainable development, ownership, good governance, democracy, human rights and security issues;
Amendment 359 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Points to our common political, economic and security interests with regard to China and Russia andmajor international actors, in particular Russia; emphasises the interference of the latter in US and Member States elections, and underlines the need to jointly address the problem; recalls that joint efforts, including at the WTO, could be helpful to address imbalances in global trade deals with foreign ambitions, as on Ukraine and on the silk road;
Amendment 383 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. RDeplores the US disengagement on the protection of the environment and the fight against climate change; highlights the countries' vulnerability to climate change which underscored a need for immediate action; regrets the US’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement but praises the continued efforts of individuals, companies, cities and states within the US;
Amendment 167 #
2017/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3 a (new)
Subheading 3 a (new)
Amendment 21 #
2017/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the current legislative framework for cohesion policy does not mention the transition to a circular economy as an objective, and whereas sustainable development is a horizontal principle for the use of the ESI Funds, as defined in Article 8 of the Common Provisions Regulation as well as in the Common Strategic Framework (Annex I) of the Common Provisions Regulation;
Amendment 4 #
2017/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration guaranteed, and the 1990 Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR stipulates that Hong Kong will maintain the autonomy and independence of thethe National People's Congress authorizes the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to exercise a high degree of autonomy and enjoy executive, legislaturive and judiciaryindependent judicial power for 50 years after the handover of sovereignty;
Amendment 6 #
2017/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the European Union and the Parliament remain strong supportersadhere to the ‘One China’ policy and support the continued implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under China;
Amendment 31 #
2017/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
Amendment 41 #
2017/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) while adhering and respecting the EU's ‘One China’ policy, to stress with the authorities of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the People’s Republic of China thate importance of fully respecting the ‘One country, two systems’ principle is of key importance for the development of present and future relations with the EU;
Amendment 48 #
2017/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) to acknowledge that, over time, Hong Kong evolved into an open society in which citizens enjoy human rights, freedoms, high standards of public health and safety, transparency, have a judiciary which is trusted and where the rule of law and low levels of corruption prevail, and that the people of Hong Kong have a legitimate right to expect to continue enjoying their way of life and these rights and values under a high degree of autonomy, in line with the Basic Law;
Amendment 50 #
2017/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) to emphasise that respecting Hong Kong’s autonomy is essential for its further positive development and favourable relations with the mainland, and for the relations and the dialogue of the People’s Republic of China with Taiwan;
Amendment 52 #
2017/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) to commit fully to supporting Hong Kong’s autonomy, prosperity and the rights and freedoms of its people, and to express firm support for the start of a political reform process in compliance with international standards, the Basic Law which grant the people of the Special Administrative Region the right to elect and to be elected in thncourage the Hong Kong SAR and China’s central government to resume the electoral reform process in line with the Basic Law, as record turnouts in the Legislative Council (LegCo) and Election Committee selection process for top ls show that people are eadgership positions, and which reflects the majority view within Hong Kong public opinion to play an active role in political life and in deciding the future of the SAR;
Amendment 58 #
2017/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) to find ways to support the consolidation of Hong Kong’s democracy and its multi-party system and to express concern at the increasing harassment of opposition political parties and the refusal of the Companies Registry to register a number of pro-democracy groupsthe emergence of an increasing multi-party system, while stressing the importance of full compliance with the Basic Law, in order to preserve stability and the rule of law;
Amendment 60 #
2017/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) to call for the relewelcome the very positive findings of the last European Commission and EEAS's Hong Kong Annual Report as regards the independence of the judiciary and the full respect for the rule of law in Hong Kong; to express confidence that these high standards will result in fair findings in the case of the three leaders of the pro-democracy movement Joshua Wong, Alex Chow and Nathan Law recently sentenced to jail for between six and eight months for ‘unlawful assembly’, after having been sentenced last year to non-custodial penalties, including community service, for their participation in peaceful protests, and to urge the Hong Kong Government to revise the Public Order Ordinance to bring it in line with international human rights standardrotests;
Amendment 63 #
2017/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) to condemnall for investigations on the alleged threats to the personal safety of pro-democracy politicians, including abductions and physical violence, as reported by some lawmakers;
Amendment 65 #
2017/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j
Paragraph 1 – point j
(j) to point out to China that, even thoughwelcome the fact that the Basic Law, the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the ‘One country, two systems’ principle are largely respected, there are growing and widespread concerns that the agreedand to promote the continuation of the fulfilment of the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong, or the legal value, orin compliance with the Basic Law and the spirit of the Sino-British Joint Declaration have been called into question;
Amendment 67 #
2017/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
Amendment 12 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
Amendment 36 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the EU’s eastern partners remains under threat from unresolved regional conflicts, including some that arewere initiated and are still actively sustained by the Russian Federation in contradiction with its international commitments to uphold the international legal order;
Amendment 47 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the Eastern Partnership policy is based on the sovereign right of each partner to choose the level of ambition and the goals to which it aspires in its relations with the EU, but real progress can be made only by real commitment shown by the partners;
Amendment 48 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Amendment 88 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point i
(i) to commit to working jointly on increased mobility between the EU and partner countries; to support Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine in implementing the visa liberalisation agreement and to ensure that suspension mechanisms are not triggered in the future, notably through close cooperation in the areas of police and customs to safeguard against security threats, criminality and overstays; to open visa dialogues with Armenia, to encourage progress by Azerbaijan in the implementation of Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements (VFA/RA) with a view to opening a visa dialogue in the future, and to finalise negotiations on VFA/RA with Belarus for the benefit of its citizens, should these countries make significant progress in the area of fundamental values and meet the precise conditions defined in visa liberalisation roadmaps; to make, in the case of Armenia and Azerbaijan, these objectives conditional on the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict;
Amendment 99 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point n
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point n
(n) to improve both energy independence and efficiency through specific investments, strengthened cooperation in all priority areas covered by the EU Energy Union and by closer integration of the partners’ energy markets with the European energy market with a particular focus on interconnectivity and infrastructure, whilst scrutinising closely the consequences of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline; to ensure that all possible new offshore and onshore parts of pipeline infrastructure within the region, including the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, can only become a reality if they in no way undermine regional energy security and the Energy Union strategy as well as respect environmental rules and key principles enshrined in relevant EU legislation;
Amendment 120 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point p
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point p
(p) to ensure that the outcomes of the November 2017 Summit also address, where possible, the conflicts, frozen conflicts and the security threats that affect the sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and political, social and economic development of the partners and of the region as a whole;
Amendment 147 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point q
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point q
(q) to commit to sustaining the unity of action among EU Member States in maintaining collective pressure on Russia, in particular through strengthened targeted restrictive measures, to solving the conflict in Ukraine through genuine implementation of the Minsk agreements, to re-establishing Ukraine’s full sovereignty in Crimea, and that of Georgia in South Ossetia and Abkhazia and of Moldova in Transnistria, to avoiding that hostile military exercises such as the Russian-led Zapad 2017 in Belarus do not happen again in partner countries or with their participation, and to putting an end to the additional threats of state- sponsored assassinations, cyber warfare, disinformation and other types of destabilisation;
Amendment 216 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point ab
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point ab
(ab) to highlight the importance of communicating policies related to the Eastern Partnership coherently and effectively, internally as well as externally, and of providing communication activities tailored to specific regions; to address the challenge of better information about the concrete benefits and goals of the Eastern Partnership, as well as to target disinformation, in cooperation with the East StratCom Task Force, through fact- based and accessible quality information in all languages of the partner countries and ensuring full respect for the freedom of expression;
Amendment 12 #
2017/2123(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that the rules-based international order and the values defended by liberalWestern democracies, and the peace, prosperity and freedoms which this order guarantees and which correspond to the foundations on which the European Union is built, are facing an unprecedented challengnumber of conventional and hybrid challenges needing a united and coordinated response; emphasizes, in this regard, the need for the EU to complement its already existing soft power with credible and effective hard power, and to strengthen cooperation with international and regional organisations, including the UN, NATO, the OSCE, the African Union, and the League of Arab States;
Amendment 18 #
2017/2123(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Stresses that no single Member State alone can tackle any of the complex security challenges we are facing today and in order for the EU to be able to respond to this internal and external challenges it needs to step up its efforts towards concrete strong cooperation in the context of CFSP/CSDP, be an effective global player, which implies speaking with one voice and acting together, and focus its resources on strategic priorities;takes the view that it is necessary to tackle the root causes of instability, namely poverty and raising inequality, bad governance, state collapse and climate change;
Amendment 22 #
2017/2123(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Deplores the fact that terrorist and criminal organisations are proliferating and instability is spreading in the South, as fragile and disintegrating states such as Libya throw up large ungoverned spaces; stresses that in the East Russia’s war against Ukraine and illegal annexation of Crimeaand fortification of Crimea with anti-access and area denial systems continue; is deeply concerned that hybrid tactics, including cyberterrorism and information warfare, are destabilising the Eastern Partnership countries and the wWestern Balkans, as well as targeting Western democracies and increasing tensions within them; is concerned that the security environment surrounding the EU will remain highly volatile for years to come; Reiterates the strategic importance of the Western Balkans for the security and stability of the EU and the need to focus and strengthen the EU's political engagement towards the region, including by streghtening the mandate of our CSDP missions;
Amendment 36 #
2017/2123(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Believes that terrorism represents today one of the key challenges to the security of EU citizens, requiring swift, firm and coordinated action, both at internal and external level, in order to prevent further terrorist attacks and fight its root causes;points out, in particular, at the need to prevent radicalisation, to block any source of financial resources to terrorist organisations, to tackle terrorist propaganda and avoid the use of the Internet and of social networks for this purpose including through an automated removal service, and to improve intelligence sharing between Member States as well as with third countries, NATO, and other relevant partner organisations;believes that the mandate of our CSDP missions should include the fight against terrorism in order to contribute more consequently to deradicalisation programmes, notably EULEX in Kosovo and EUFOR ALTHEA in Bosnia Herzegovina, countries that are confronted with an important number of foreign fighters returns;
Amendment 42 #
2017/2123(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is concernedBelieves that in a challenging security environment, and at a moment when the EU and NATO are endeavouring to broaden and deepen their cooperation, twoit is important that a key players in the field of security and defence, the US and the UK, are redefining their positions with regard to both organis such as the US reconfirmed its commitment towards both organisations; stresses the importance of continuing close defence cooperation between the EU and the UK post-Brexit , including in, but not limited to, the areas of intelligence sharing and counterterrorism; considers that the UK could also participate in CSDP missions as part of a new EU-UK defence cooperation relationship; stresses that wethe EU stands firmly committed to the transatlantic community of common values and interests;
Amendment 55 #
2017/2123(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes strongly that wthenever necessary, the European Union needs to take its destiny into its ow European Union needs to take its security into its own hands and protect the European citizens; regrets that the lack of a common approach makes the EU's action uncoordinated and fragmented, allows multiple duplications and inefficiency and as a result makes the Union hands its Member states vulnerable; stresses that the framing of a common defence policy referred to in Article 42 TEU has the objective of establishing common defence and endowing the Union with strategic autonomy and freedom of action in promoting peace, security, stability and progress in Europe and in the world;
Amendment 81 #
2017/2123(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights that the Commission and an increasing number of Member States have committed themselves to launching the European Defence Union and that there is a strong support from the European public opinion; underlines that this corresponds to Parliament’s long- standing demand and to numerous appeals expressed in its previous resolutions;
Amendment 122 #
2017/2123(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission, the Council and the VP/HR to engage together with the European Parliament in an interinstitutional dialogue on the progressive framing of a common defence policy; stresses that under the next MFF a fully-fledged EU defence budget should be established, and that a doctrine for its implementation should be developed within the remit of the Lisbon Treaty; underlines the need for a revision of the Athena mechanism, in order to widen the range of operations considered as a common cost and incentivize the participation in CSDP missions and operations;
Amendment 137 #
2017/2123(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the willingness of Member States to implement Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), and calls for its swift establishment by the Council; underlines that the desired inclusiveness of participation must not compromise either full commitment to the CSDP or a high level of ambition and binding commitments among Member States; points out at the necessity to set clear participation criteria, leaving the possibility for other Member States to join also at a later stage;
Amendment 147 #
2017/2123(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that PESCO should benefit from effective Union support, in full respect of Member States’ competences in defence; renews its call for appropriate PESCO funding to be provided from the Union budget; considers that participation in all Union agencies and bodies falling under the CSDP, including the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), should be made a requirement under PESCO; renews its call for the EU Battle Group System to be brought under PESCO and made eligible for EU funding as far as possibleconsidered as a common cost under the revised Athena mechanism;
Amendment 165 #
2017/2123(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for the evaluation, in close coordination with the VP/HR, of the opportunity of setting-up of a Directorate- General for defence within the Commission (DG Defence), which shwould drive the Union’s actions to support, coordinate or supplement the actions of the Member States aimed at the progressive framing of a common defence policy, as foreseen by Article 2 TFEU;
Amendment 192 #
2017/2123(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the establishment of the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) process; considers that CARD should aim at bringing the armed forces into line with each othhelp synchronising investments and capabilities of the national armed forces in an efficient and effective manner, ensuring the Union’s strategic autonomy, and allowing Member States to invest more and better in defence together; welcomes the proposal to launch a trial run in 2017;
Amendment 220 #
2017/2123(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes the presentation of the first annual report on the CSDP by the VP/HR; regretbelieves, however, that this report ishould not be of quantitative nature only, describing achievements with statistical data and detailed information rather tha, but also focus in the future on evaluating the political impact of CSDP activities in improving the security of our citizens;
Amendment 243 #
2017/2123(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Believes in the need of further contributing to crisis management and prevention and the need to provide assistance to the reconstruction and stabilisation of Iraq;welcomes the decision to launch a new civilian CSDP mission in support of security sector reform in Iraq;
Amendment 261 #
2017/2123(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Believes that in the current context the strategic partnership between the EU and NATO is fundamental to address the security challenges in Europe and in the neighbourhood; emphasises that the EU- NATO Joint Declaration has the potential to move cooperation and complementarity to a higher level; welcomes the common set of 42 proposals aimed at strengthening both cooperation and coordination between the two organisations and points out at the excellent cooperation and complementarity of the EU's Operation Sophia and NATO's Operation Sea Guardian; also welcomes the first joint implementation report by the two organisations published in June 2017;
Amendment 276 #
2017/2123(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Considers that the EU needs to increase its efforts to act as a regional security provider, and to become a strong European pillar of NATO through the European Defence Union; is of the opinion that the security and protection of Europe will increasingly depend on both organisations, within their remits; calls for improving cooperation, inter alia concerning countering hybrid threats, including through the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats, and in the exchange of information and intelligence;
Amendment 18 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that Member States must change their mentality from a national to a European perspective, as the most effective solution to protect Europe from increased threats is common EU action; stresses that no single Member State alone can tackle any of the complex security challenges we are facing today, and in order for the EU to be able to respond to these unprecedented internal and external challenges it needs to step up its efforts towards concrete strong cooperation in the context of CFSP/CSDP; is concerned about the EU’s security architecture, which remains fragile in the face of continued and fresh challenges every day and in which a ‘hybrid peace’ has become an unsatisfactory reality; urges the Member States to take action and fulfil the wishes of those European citizens who have repeatedly stressed that EU foreign and security policy is one of the most important and most necessary of all EU policies;
Amendment 21 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls that the European Union is one of the greatest European achievements and it has brought peace, stability and prosperity to its citizens and exerted its transformative power in its neighbourhood, with many states becoming EU Member States; recalls therefore that Enlargement policy is one of the EU's most successful policies and that it is important it remains credible for the candidate and future candidate countries; emphasises that the EU is one of the largest economic powers, the biggest donor of humanitarian and development assistance and a strong actor and defender of global multilateral diplomacy on issues such as climate change, international justice and human rights;
Amendment 30 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Takes the view that, in order for the EU to succeed in addressing the challenges it faces, and in particular security threats, it needs to both be an effective global player, what implies speaking with one voice and acting together, and focus its resources on strategic priorities;
Amendment 79 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is of the view that, in an international environment that is increasingly conflict-ridden and unstable, only a joint soft powersoft power must be coupled with credible hard power canin order to confront major security challenges, notably the refugee crisis, terrorism,errorism, important migration flows, cyber-attacks and energy insecurity, interstate and intrastate conflicts in the Eastern and Southern neighbourhoods, proxy wars and hybrid warfare, and challenging assertive behaviour by Russia and Chinain violation of international law; takes the view that it is necessary to tackle the root causes of instability and of forced and irregular migration, namely poverty and raising inequality, the lack of economic opportunities, armed conflicts, bad governance, state collapse and climate change;
Amendment 104 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines the need to intensify the fight against Islamist terrorism, radicalisation and their root causes in the Southern neighbourhood and among the neighbours of our neighbours; urges the need for concerted diplomatic efforts on the part of the EU, the US and other international allies, to convince players in the region, such as Turkey, the Gulf states and Iran, of the need for a common strategy to address this global challengeto abstain from fuelling any further sectarian and ethnic tensions and of the need for a common strategy to address this global challenge while ensuring the full respect of international humanitarian and human rights law; believes that these diplomatic efforts should be accompanied by the wide range of other tools and instruments at the EU’s disposal;
Amendment 115 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that a sustainable political solution to the Syrian crisis can only be achieved under the existing UN-agreed framework and needs to be based on an inclusive, Syrian-led political settlement involving all relevant national and international stakeholders; supports the call of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria on the ceasefire guarantor states to undertake urgent efforts to uphold the ceasefire regime; calls on all parties involved, inside and outside Libya, to support both the Libyan political agreement signed on 17 December 2015 and its rescalls on the EU, its Member States and its allies to use their leverage over key actors involved on the field, such as Iran, the Gulf States, Turkey and Russia, to ensure that they refrain from contributing to a further escalation of the conflict and assist in committing war crimes and crimes against humanity; supports the call of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria on the ceasefire guarantor states to undertake urgent efforts to uphold the ceasefire regime; welcomes the EU strategy on Syria adopted last April and the extending of sanctions to 16 other persons in July 2017 for their role in the development and use of chemical weapons against the civilian populating Presidential Council, which ison; expresses great concern about the conly authority recognised by the international community and by the UN; underlines that solving the Libyflict still unfolding after more than 6 years, the indiscriminate targeting of civilians from all sides and mass and widespread violations of international humanitarian and human crisis is a prerequisite for stability in the Mediterranean; ghts law; praises Syria's neighbours for the hosting of millions of refugees;
Amendment 130 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Expresses strong concern over the continuing high instability and tensions in Libya, and calls on all parties involved, inside and outside Libya, to support both the Libyan political agreement signed on 17 December 2015 and its resulting Presidential Council, which is the only authority recognised by the international community and by the UN; believes that further coordination among the European Union, the UN, the African Union and the League of Arab States is essential for a swift and stable solution of the crisis; stresses its commitment to the territorial integrity and national unity of Libya, and underlines that solving the Libyan crisis is a prerequisite for stability in all neighbouring countries and in the Mediterranean more in general;
Amendment 140 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Calls on the EU institutions, EU's Member States and the US to take urgent steps to protect the viability of the two- state solution to the conflict in the Middle East and to create positive dynamic towards peace negotiations; condemns terrorism and violence and stresses that respect for international human rights and humanitarian law by all parties and in all circumstances remains essential for achieving a just and lasting peace;
Amendment 177 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recognises the importance ofDeplores Russia's multiple violations of international law and its hybrid warfare; recognises, however, where there is a clear EU interest, the possibility of reasoned selective engagement and, where possible, dialogue with Russia so as to ensure accountability and to maintain the possibility of future cooperation on resolving global crises where there is a clear EU interest;
Amendment 196 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates the need for a strategic refocus on the Western Balkansstrategic importance of the Western Balkans for the security and stability of the EU and the need to refocus and strengthen the EU's political engagement towards the region, giving a fresh impetus to EU enlargement policy and strengthening the rule of law and the resilience of state institutions; is convinced that regional reconciliation and integration through the transatlantic institutional architecture is the best means to address the dangers stemming from destabilising foreign interference, organised crime, disinformation and hybrid threats;
Amendment 232 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recommends an updated strategy for EU-Asia relations; voices support in this context for stronger cooperation within the framework of the Asia-Europe Meetings, including in terms of its parliamentary dimension; encourages support for closer regional cooperation and trust-building measures in South Asia with a view to reducing tensions between India and Pakistan; recommends continued support for EU peace mediation in the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process; recommends developing an updated EU strategy for the North-East Asia region in the light of the continued military build-up by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK); condemns the continued military build-up, tests and provocations by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), and its multiple violations of UN Security Council Resolutions and of its international obligations; stresses that such actions pose high risks to international peace and security; in this regard, recommends developing an updated EU strategy for the North-East Asia region and urges the VP/HR, the Commission and Member States to make use of the EU's diplomatic power and leverage, in cooperation with all relevant partners and actors, to put further pressure on the DPRK, including through autonomous sanctions;
Amendment 245 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Underlines the key importance of EU-China relations, and the need to further engage constructively on issues of common interest, such as peace and security including the DPRK issue, climate change, counter-terrorism, counter-piracy, stability in Asia including Afghanistan; reminds the excellent cooperation on the Iranian deal, and counts on the resolutive role of China also in the case of the DPRK;
Amendment 313 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses the role of independent media in promoting cultural diversity and intercultural competences, and the need to strengthen such media as a source of credible information, especially in the EU and its neighbourhood, and to further strengthen the EU’s capacity of the EU and of its partner countries to fight fake news and disinformation; highlights in this context the need to develop stronger resilience at EU level against such information spread over the Internet; calls on the Commission to coordinate better with the EEAS on those issues;
Amendment 330 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Believes that Europe should increase defence cooperationfurther strengthen cooperation on common defence with European security priorities in mind, including strategic autonomy, territorial integrity, the link between external and internal security, and risk control in the periphery of Europe; welcomes in this context the Implementation Plan on Security and Defence; considers that the European Defence Agency (EDA) capabilities and, permanent structured cooperation (PESCO) and the EU battlegroups should be used to their full potential;
Amendment 345 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Cunderlines that it is in the EU's strategic interest to preserve and deepen its transatlantic relations; calls for the EU to continue to deepen the transatlantic partnership, while focusing on creating own capabilities to better address regional and international conflicts that have an impact on the EU; recognizes that the EU is the most important economic partner of the US and vice versa as well as a strong ally when it comes to the collective defence and multilateral diplomacy; encourages the EU and its Member States to ensure the continuation of this relationship on the basis of shared values; believes that the EU and US should focus on adapting transatlantic structures to today’s challenges, such as defending human rights, combating international terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and countering third- party countries’ efforts to destabilise the EU and NATO;
Amendment 371 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls for increased interinstitutional intelligence sharing and coordination between the EU and NATO, and insists that the EU and NATO must continue to cooperate as closely as possible in a complementary manner; acknowledges that information sharing and coordinated action between the EU and NATO will produce results in areas such as terrorism, response to hybrid threats, situational awareness, resilience building, strategic communications, cybersecurity and capacity building vis-à- vis the EU’s partners; believes that further coordination and closer cooperation with other existing multilateral entities such as Eurocorps is needed in order to increase the EU’s security;
Amendment 16 #
2017/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is aware of the fact that cohesion policy funding, which represents EUR 454 billion at current prices for the 2014-2020 period (32.5 % of the EU budget), is aimed mainly at reducing development gaps among European regions by promoting investment, employment and growth, and is one of the most important and comprehensive policies for strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion;
Amendment 26 #
2017/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Believes that EU cohesion policy is the best tool for contributing to both competitiveness and solidarity throughout the EU regions, and it is therefore essential to continue itwhich makes it essential today as well as beyond 2020, in order to combat the disparities that, especially bearing in mind that they have increased following to the economic and financial crisis;
Amendment 32 #
2017/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Underlines that, bearing in mind the objectives, structure, and fundamental importance of cohesion policy for the EU regions, it is unacceptable to link it to the macroeconomic performance of central governments; strongly believes therefore, that macroeconomic conditionalities should under no condition be part of post- 2020 cohesion policy;
Amendment 69 #
2017/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recognises that the EU needs to address new, serious challenges, and that cohesion policy could be a very important source of financial support for various issues, such as the integration of migrants, education, employment, housing and combating discrimination; points out, however, that in order to be able to face challenges additional to today's ones, cohesion policy's financial resources should be adapted upwards accordingly;
Amendment 83 #
2017/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Believes that different sources of financing must be coordinated by strengthening and creating new synergies for a better use of money throughout all existing instruments, such as the European Fund for Strategic Investments and Horizon 2020; emphasises, however, the full independence of cohesion policy from the EFSI, both in terms of objectives and resources;
Amendment 88 #
2017/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is convinced that cohesion policy , while retaining its fundamental importance, should become more flexible, use more efficient tools, reduce gold plating, be more result-oriented, and become simpler and more efficient in order to ensure effectivincreased effectiveness in the use of money and better results in the forthcoming post-2020 period.
Amendment 10 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas regional cohesion policy is one of the EU’s core policies, reducing development gaps, bringing Europe together and strengthening its economy based on the principle of solidarity, and it is therefore key that sufficient funding for cohesion policy is provided for in the MFF;
Amendment 28 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. States that cohesion policy should remain the EU’s main investment policy, but that more needs to be done to highlight the major and indispensable role of cohesion policy in achieving the EU’s political objectives;
Amendment 37 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls, therefore, for the MFF to provide for sufficientcontinue to provide for the current share of funds for cohesion policy post-2020, striking a good balance between investments in citizens and investments for citizens and ensuring that the EU’s political goals can be reached; underlines that a special focus must continue to be kept on less developed regions;
Amendment 58 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Reiterates its opposition to macroeconomic conditionalities and stresses that the relationship between cohesion policy and European Semester economic governance processes must be balanced, reciprocal, and non-punitive towards all stakeholders;
Amendment 64 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that a 5+5 year MFF period might be preferableny solution meaning a short-term MFF is unacceptable, as it impedes long-term planning and the predictability of policies such as Cohesion Policy; believes that the only alternative to the current duration is a 5+5 year MFF period, with a mid-term review;
Amendment 21 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas cohesion policy remains the main and most successful EU-wide investment policy forsupporting growth, development and sustainable job creation after 2020, especially against the backdrop of a sharp decline in public and private investments in many Member States and the implications of globalisation;
Amendment 28 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the late adoption of the legislative package for the current programming period led to delays in the start of its effective implementation; whereas this should serve as a lesson, and the new legislative framework should be adopted in due time so as to allow a swift and effective start of the next programming period;
Amendment 37 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas cohesion policy already addresses a very wide range of challenges and cannot be expected to tackle all new challenges the EU may face with the same – or an even smaller – budgetout a budgetary increase;
Amendment 42 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
–1. Strongly opposes any scenario for the EU27 by 2025, as contained in the White Paper on the Future of Europe, which would scale down the EU's efforts in relation to cohesion policy. On the contrary, invites the Commission to present a comprehensive legislative proposal for a strong and effective Cohesion Policy post-2020;
Amendment 72 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that although cohesion policy has mitigated the impact of the crisis, regional disparities and social inequalities remain high; calls for continuousstrengthened action to reduce disparities, particularly in less developed regions, while maintaining support for transition and for more developed regions so as to facilitate ownership of the policy in all regions;
Amendment 99 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that the current categorisation of regions, the thematic objectives and the performance framework have demonstrated the value of cohesion policy and should be consolidated; asks the Commission to present ideas for greater flexibility, such as an unallocated reserve or a simplification of re-programming, in order to adapt ESIF investments to unforeseen events and to the specific needs of each region; in addition, it considers useful to create a reserve for unforeseen events that may arise during the programming period;
Amendment 108 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Believes that Cohesion Policy should remain stable and predictable in order to avoid a negative impact on the strategic orientation and on the stability of multiannual operational programmes;
Amendment 125 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. OStrongly opposes macro-economic conditionalities and highlights that the link between cohesion policy and economic governance processes should be reciprocal and that a greater recognition of the territorial dimension would be beneficial for the European Semester;
Amendment 131 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Points out that increasing the administrative and institutional capacities for programming, implementation and evaluation of operational programmes in the Member States and regions is crucial for timely and successful cohesion policy performance;
Amendment 142 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Highlights the need to simplify the cohesion policy’s management system at all governance levels in order to make it more accessible and effective; in this context, emphasizes the importance of combatting the so-called phenomenon of gold-plating in the Member States, and supports the conclusions and recommendations hitherto adopted by the ‘High Level Group monitoring simplification for beneficiaries of ESI Funds’;
Amendment 175 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Believes that grants should remain the basis of the financing of cohesion policy; notes, however, the gradual shift from grants to, especially in less developed regions; notes, however, the importance of financial instruments; points out that the replacement of grants by loans, equity or guarantees must be carried out with caution, and only wheren such financial instruments demonstrate an added value, taking into account regional disparities and the diversity of practices and experiences; stresses the importance of assistance to local and regional authorities on the innovative financial instruments through platforms such as fi-compass;
Amendment 202 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. InviNotes the Commission to reflect on the development of alternative indicators to the GDP indicator, which remains the legitimate method for allocating ESI Funds fairly; such alternative indicatorsat GDP remains the only reliable and legitimate method for allocating ESI Funds fairly; believes, however, that alternative indicators should be evaluated, which may include a demographic indicator or dynamic indicators based on social and employment aspects, to be used in the future whenever their reliability will be ensured; stresses, furthermore, the relevance of outcome indicators to strengthen the result and performance orientation of the policy;
Amendment 215 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Points out that purely statistical effects, such as those which would arise from the United Kingdom leaving the EU, should not lead to any EU27 region losing its classification as a less -developed or transition region, as the socio-economic situation in these regions remains unchanged in reality. The European Commission should therefore include adequate "safety net" proposals in its regulations governing ESIF post 2020;
Amendment 245 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Endorses the EU’s commitments under the Paris climate change agreement, and underlines that the ESI Funds shouldplay a key role in this direction and should continue to be used as effectively as possible for climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as for green economies and renewable energies;
Amendment 258 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Highlights the fact that in order to improve the visibility of ESI Funds, greater focus must be placed on participation by stakeholders and recipients; urges, furthermore, the Commission, Member States, regions and cities to communicate in a more efficient way on both the achievements of cohesion policy and the lessons to be learned; underlines the need of a better cooperation of all actors in order to strengthen the trust between the Commission, other EU Institutions and Member States on the one hand, and between the citizens and EU Institutions on the other;
Amendment 271 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Highlights the need for appropriate and effective communication of the results and socio-economic impact of Cohesion Policy in the Member States and in the regions;
Amendment 272 #
2016/2326(INI)
22. Reiterates that it is high time to prepare the post-2020 EU cohesion policy in order to launch it effectively at the very start of the new programming periodadopt the new legislative framework in due time, and avoid delays at the beginning of the new programming period, such as those which occurred in the current one; in this respect, underlines the importance that national, regional, and local authorities are able to prepare a project pipeline already before the beginning of the new programming period, in order to launch the implementation phase timely and effectively;
Amendment 295 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Is convinced ofUnderlines the need for an adequately increased budget for cohesion policy after 2020, which takes into account the complex internal and external challenges that the policy will have to address;
Amendment 299 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Calls on the UK and the EU to agree that UK regions and local authorities be allowed to continue to participate in European Territorial Cooperation and other EU-wide programmes in a similar way that non-EU Member States such as Norway or Iceland do;
Amendment 47 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that 2016 was a difficult year for Turkey’s population as a result of the continuing war in Syria, the high numbers of refugees, a string of heinous terror attacks, and a violent coup attempt in which 248 people were killed; reiterates its strong condemnation of the coup attempt of 15 July and expresses its solidarity with the people of Turkey; recognises the right and the responsibility of the Turkish government to take action in bringing the perpetrators to justice; recognizes the right and the responsibility of the Turkish government to countering terrorism; praises Turkey for its significant effort in welcoming an important number of the Syrian refugees;
Amendment 82 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the strategic importance of good EU-Turkey relations for both sides; recognises that both Turkey and the EU have gone through their own internal transformation processes since the accession negotiations were opened in 2004; regrets that the accession instruments have not been used to the fullest extent and that, over the years, Turkey’s full integration into the EU has lost public support on both sides; underlines that none of the alternative scenarios for cooperation provide the same leverage for the EU or the same opportunities for Turkey; remains committed to cooperating and maintaining an open dialogue with the Turkish Government, in order to address common challenges and common priorities such as the regional stability, the situation in Syria, migration and security; recommends that the Council urgently invite the Turkish Government to a summit to discuss the obvious crisis in EU-Turkey relations that we are faced with;
Amendment 224 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the deepening of EU- Turkey relations in key areas of joint interest, such as counter-terrorism, migration, energy, the economy and trade; believes EU-Turkey cooperation in these areas to be an investment in the stability and prosperity of both Turkey and the EU and that the weakening of their cooperation is a strategic disadvantage for both sides;
Amendment 4 #
2016/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes the view that excellence and competitiveness should remain the underlying principles of the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, while the ESI Funds should target regional growth and cohesion; is therefore opposed to any criteria or quotas in the new Framework Programme which aim to influence geographic distribution or cohesionpursuing the objective of widening the participation of researchers from all Member states, while the ESI Funds should target regional growth and cohesion; considers important to ensure a geographically balanced development of research activities across the European Union as well as equal opportunities for all EU researchers;
Amendment 19 #
2016/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the divergences in aims and focuneed to enhance synergies between the Framework Programme and the ESI Funds; takes the view, howevrecalls in particular the difficulties due to the different state-aid rules which are applied depending on whether, that efforts must be made to maximise synergies at programme levele Union funding is centrally managed or not; recommends that the same state-aid rules are applied for all EU funding for RDI, whatever the sources of funding;
Amendment 41 #
2016/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Takes the view that effective investments in R&I from the ESI Funds can only take place if Member States have their framework conditions in order; calls, therefore, for a closer linkage between country-specific recommendations for structural reformsrelated to R&I, and investments in R&Ithis field;
Amendment 70 #
2016/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Welcomes the simplification initiatives introduced for the implementation measures; however, points out that Horizon 2020 is still too complex, and strongly recommends further improvements to simplify the future FP and to ensure a uniform implementation. In the next Framework Programme specific attention should be given to achieve a simple, clear and explainable structure of the FP and of all the initiatives it can support.
Amendment 4 #
2016/2064(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges the initial results of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) to mobilise private investments, but underlines that the current situation is well below expectations and that given that EFSI investments are very uneven across Member States a proper geographical balance should be ensured; recalls that the EFSI must also contribute to economic, social and territorial cohesion and that efforts are needed to enhance synergies and complementarity between the EFSI and European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIFs); underlines the importance of ensuring additionality of the EFSI with respect to other EIB initiatives and EU- funded programs;
Amendment 22 #
2016/2064(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the publication of the Commission’s new guidelines of 22 of February 2016 on combining ESIFs and the EFSI; takes note, however, that the number of existing synergies between EFSI and ESIFs funds is still extremely low and calls on the Commission, the EIB, the national promotional banks and institutions (NPBI) and the managing authorities to accelerate the design and implementation of further synergies; emphasizes that the ESIFs are and must continue to be the key and essential EU investment policy aiming at developing all regions of the European Union with a special focus on the less developed ones in order to reduce gaps, and that synergies between the ESIFs and EFSI are extremely important to better serve the objectives of the ESIFs;
Amendment 3 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls for an effective post-Cotonou framework adapted to global challenges, based on ownership by the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals; highlights that the post-Cotonou framework must be defined in close cooperation with ACP states, including civil society, and drawn on the lessons learnt from the Cotonou Partnership Agreement; stresses that a revised general framework agreement, with legal binding value, together with the regional Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and other trade instruments, namely the "Everything But Arms", must support fair and sustainable trade and, ultimately, sustainable development and poverty reduction;
Amendment 19 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. SNotes that trade is one of the three pillars of the Cotonou agreement and stresses that the post-Cotonou process should offer a framework within which to discuss trade issues of common concern with all the ACP countries; calls for a post-Cotonou Agreement as a political umbrella agreement under which binding minimum requirements for the EPAs are set, including structured civil society monitoring mechanisms; calls for a strengthening of trade cooperation, but with a values-driven approach and improved Policy Coherence for Development; believes that inclusive growth, job creation, the development of the private sector and regional integration must b as proposed in the "Trade for All" Communication; calls for a post- Cotonou framework that takes into consideration the gender dimension of trade; believes that inclusive growth, job creation, the development of the private sector, sustainable agricultural development, regional integration, the diversification of industries and the promotion of infant industries are central in a future economic partnership;
Amendment 33 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for strong, legally binding sustainable development provisions; asks for theStresses that the post-Cotonou framework must promote sustainable development, human rights and good governance, including by tackling corruption and illicit financial flows; calls for strong, legally binding sustainable development provisions, and a proper framework for corporate social responsibility; asks, in particular, for human rights 'essential elements' clause to remain in the future agreement, so that the linkage clauses in the EPAs - especially the non-execution clauses - continue to function after 2020;
Amendment 56 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls the Financing for Development commitments; calls for of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda; notes the importance of trade capacity building as industrialisation and diversification of ACP economies remains limited; asks the EU to ensure more and effective funding for Aid for Trade and trade-related matters in order to support the ACP countries’' efforts to move up the global value chain. implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and to move up the global and regional value chains, while financial aid has to be intertwined with concrete cooperative projects directed at improving infrastructure, educational and social systems in the ACP countries.
Amendment 1 #
2016/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Believes that COP21 has highlighted the key role of cities and regEmphasises the key role of Cohesion Policy and of cities and regions in achieving the objectives of the Renewable Energy Directive and of the Energy Unions, in thelping the low-carbon energy transition, and theirin contributiong to climate change mitigation;
Amendment 6 #
2016/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers, given the specific features of renewable energy sources and the need to apply them on every scale and to all sectors of activity and systems, from the smallest to the largest, that European regions, their cities, and their urban, peri-urban, and rural areas are the nerve-centres of the transformation to clean low-carbon societies; underlines that the increase in the use of renewable energy sources also serves the objective of making them more affordable and of creating more jobs in the green sector;
Amendment 9 #
2016/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund ought to do muchcan significantly contribute to meeting the targets set by Directive 2009/28/EC and by the 2030 Framework for Climate and Energy, especially in light of the prominent role of the thematic objective "Supporting the shift towards a low-carbon economy in all sectors"; reminds the common provisions in the two Funds supporting the eligibility of projects related to energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources in private households, public buildings and enterprises;
Amendment 15 #
2016/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Points out at the Cohesion Fund support for district heating, and welcomes the fact that renewable energy is increasingly being used in this sector as an alternative to fossil fuels;
Amendment 20 #
2016/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers it unfortunate that in some Member States which are still far short of meeting the targets under the directive, the mobilisation of the ERDFESI funds to develop renewable energy sources remains relatively modest; encourages the national, regional and local authorities, particularly in these Member States, to make full use of the potential offered by the ESI funds, and in this regard underlines the importance of exchanging best practices;
Amendment 22 #
2016/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Encourages Member States to increase their cooperation in order to achieve their targets, in particular by making use of the cooperation mechanisms set up under the Renewable Energy Directive;
Amendment 29 #
2016/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Encourages European regions to continuincrease with the measures already taken or devised to move towards clean transportand with additional efforts their endeavours towards clean transport, as the progress towards the 10% objective in renewable energy share is not fully satisfactory; considers that investment in electrical charging point systems, conceived on a regional scale, should constitute a priority for all European regions, based on their specificities and needs;
Amendment 36 #
2016/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission, by taking measurements in quantitative terms and in relation to the ESI funding to be mobilised for the transport sector (EUR 39.7 billion), to gauge the real impact that the Funds will have on greenhouse gas emission reduction and modal shift in the transport sector;
Amendment 43 #
2016/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission, for the purposes of the new directive that will set the targets to be reached by 2030, to devise national and regional assessment indicators and lay down provisions on what should be the minimum thresholds to be achieved by all regionsMember States and regions, based on their specificities, in order to achieve the EU target.
Amendment 37 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU is now surrounded by an arc of instability, as large parts of the Middle East and North Africa are engulfed in ethno-religious conflicts and proxy wars and terrorist groups such as ISIS and the Jabhat al-Nusra Front proliferate throughout the region, while an aggressive, revisionist Russia continues to violate its neighbours’ sovereignty and openly challenges the European and global peace and security order;
Amendment 58 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the recent terrorist acts in European cities committed by radical jihadists linked to ISIS are part of that group’s comprehensive strategy, complementing a land war in Syria and Iraq, Iraq and Libya, an economic war aimed at the tourism industry in North Africa, as well as online propaganda and cyber-attacks;
Amendment 95 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that the current crisis is also an opportunity for the EU if it is used to make the EU work better; recalls that European citizens see an effective common foreign and security policy as a priority area of action for the EU and that this is one of the areas where European cooperation can yield most value added; emphasises, therefore, that Member States must change their mentality since nowadays thinking about foreign policy and security in a narrow minded national perspective is obsolete; is convinced that no single Member State alone is able to tackle any of the challenges we face today; urges Member States to finally show sufficient levels of unity and political will and trust in one another to make it possible to use the tools at hand in a concerted manner in order to pursue our interests and values; reiterates that the EU can only be a strong global player on an equal footing with other major powers if all Member States speak with one voice and act together in the framework of a strong EU foreign policy;
Amendment 159 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Emphasises that the EU must strengthen its security and defence capabilities, as it can only use its full potential as a global power if it combines its unrivalled soft power with hard power; recalls that stronger civilian and military capacities are key elements for the EU to fully respond to crises, build the resilience of partners and protect Europe; notes that since power politics is again dominating international relations, defence and deterrence capabilities are critical for our leverage in diplomatic talks; in this regard, reiterates that the Common Security and Defence Policy needs to be strengthened, as the only realistic way to strengthen our defence capabilities in a time of budgetary constraints is to increase synergies by stepping up defence cooperation based on the needs of all Member States and targeting investments with the ultimate goal of building a true and fully fledged EU single army;
Amendment 246 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recognises the increasing interdependence between internal and external security, and takes the view that the current security challenges require a profound overhaul of our security policies with a view to creating a consistent and unified policy covering both internal and external dimensions, including aspects such as counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, energy security, hybrid threats, strategic communication, and critical infrastructures; urges Member States’ security services to enhance coordination, and calls on all Member States to comply with their legal obligation to share intelligence with Europol and Eurojust in the fight against terrorism and organised crime; urges the EU to further strengthen its cooperation and intelligence sharing with third countries in the fight against terrorism;
Amendment 296 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Takes the view that it is time to define a new, more realistic strategy for the EU’s relations with Russia, based on credible deterrence but also on dialogue in areas of common interest; stresses that sanctions have proven to be the most effective means for deterring Russian aggression; recalls that the full implementation of the Minsk agreements is a prerequisite for the suspension of sanctions; insists that the EU should consider imposing further sanctions in case Russia continues to violate international law; believes it is in the common interest of the EU and Russia to achieve a better relationship, provided international law is applied; condemns once again the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia in violation of international law, and underlines its commitment for the territorial integrity of Ukraine; underlines the invalidity of elections held in the occupied territories of Crimea;
Amendment 314 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Believes it is important to engage in dialogue with Russia in order to identify measures aimed at reducing the risk of dangerous misunderstandings and miscalculations; underlines the importance of increased mutual transparency in military activities in order to avoid air and maritime incidents with Russia and the need to develop common standards for the management of possible accidents and incidents;
Amendment 325 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Urges the EU to step up its cooperation with its Eastern partners in order to strengthen their resilience and independence; points out that visa liberalisation is subject to clearly defined criteria, and it should be awarded to Georgia and Ukraine once such criteria are duly met;
Amendment 387 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines also the need to intensify the fight against Islamist terrorism, whichincluding its root causes, as it affects ever larger parts of the Middle East and North Africa and has also been creeping into Europe; urges the EU to undertake concerted diplomatic efforts, together with the US and other international allies, to convince partners in the region, such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iran, of the need for a common strategy towards this global challenge;
Amendment 413 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Highlights the importance of finding a sustainable solution to the conflict in Syria; supports the UN-led efforts to facilitate negotiations between all parties to the Syrian conflict on an inclusive political settlement; calls on the EU to use its leverage over key actors such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and Russia to ensure that they take a constructive position; emphasises that the use of sanctions should be considered in case some of the actors involved could be responsible of war crimes and do not deliver on their commitments;
Amendment 465 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Stresses the need for close cooperation with other global and regional powers on global threats and challenges; emphasises in particular the crucial importance of the transatlantic relationship, which is based on common interests and values, and the cooperation with China including advancing negotiations for a Bilateral Investment Agreement;
Amendment 4 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A (new)
Recital A (new)
Aa. whereas Turkey is a candidate country since 2005, but in the framework of the accession process the opening of eight negotiating chapters has been blocked due to the non-application of the Additional Protocol of the Ankara Association Agreement to one Member State, Cyprus;
Amendment 6 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Customs Union has shown that it clearly fails to meet the requirements of trade relations between the parties; whereas there are various interdependencies and high potentials for a further enhanced partnership in terms of economy, trade, energy , politics and security, between the parties;
Amendment 14 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas Turkey has been implementing an ever increasing number of tariff and non-tariff barriers over time; whereas the Customs union offered to Turkey powerful tools to reform its economy;
Amendment 21 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas sectors that are currently excluded from the customs union, such as agriculture, services and public procurement, are important and their exclusion currently hinder the circulation of goods covered by the Custom Union;
Amendment 23 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas sectors that are currently excluded from the customs union, such as agriculture, services and public procurement, are importantcould offer new opportunities for both parties;
Amendment 29 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. having regard that the current framework of interaction between the two countries is over twenty years old; having regard to the will of the parties to expand and improve trade relations and the decision to launch negotiations to modernise the Customs Union and extend its scope;
Amendment 60 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
(ii) the strengthening of trade relations between the EU and Turkey should be set against the background of the common will of the parties to share the set of values and principles laid down in the EU's founding treaties, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and to work together to implement them fully and comprehensively; in this respect, a suspension clause on human rights and fundamental freedoms should be included in the upgraded customs union between Turkey and the EU;
Amendment 71 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point iv
Paragraph 1 – point a – point iv
(iv) the current structure of the Ankara agreement should be considered inadequate in terms of the evolution of the EU’s trade policy, in that: (a) it does not consider specific issues such as sustainable development, protection of social rights and labour, child labour, gender equality, protection of food safety and health, SMEs or the protection of foreign investmentsand environmental standards, to which specific chapters and provisions should be dedicated; (b) it does not take account of the specific role of the European Parliament and of the national parliaments; (c) the provisions concerning the settlement of disputes reflect the political nature of the agreement and have made the mechanism de facto ineffective;
Amendment 99 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
Paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
(iii) the fight against counterfeiting, piracy, the trade in wild animals and food fraud are importantfundamental aspects of the Customs Union to safeguard consumers and companies;
Amendment 104 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point iv
Paragraph 1 – point b – point iv
(iv) the harmonisation of customs systems is vital for the development of trade between the EU and Turkey; to that end, the Commission should strengthen customs cooperation and the exchange of information between the Member States and Turkey; takes note that Turkey has harmonized its product standards for industrial products and its technical legislation with the European ones, established quality infrastructure comparable to the EU's, and developed a market surveillance and import control system as in the EU;
Amendment 110 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point v
Paragraph 1 – point b – point v
(v) it is important to introduce an effective dispute settlement mechanism that is able to operate within a framework of impartiality and legal certainty in keeping with the rules and practice of the WTO;
Amendment 115 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vi
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vi
(vi) in order to enable Turkey to become more involved in the decision- making process related to the EU's trade policy, and provided there is significant progress in terms of convergence and legislative harmonisation, where appropriate, it would be helpful to allow Turkey access as an observer in technical meetings and working committees;
Amendment 120 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vii
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vii
(vii) in relation to the negotiation of trade agreements between the EU and third countries in which Turkey does not participate, methods of involvement that respect the sovereignty and negotiating independence of the EU need to be considered as well as the means to foster the parallel conclusion of trade agreements between Turkey and such third countries;
Amendment 135 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
Paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
(ii) the liberalisation of the sectors that are not currently included in the Customs Union should take place in a progressive and binding manner, by measuring its impact on businesses, particularly SMEs, workers, consumers and the environment. To that end, parliamentary institutions, both at EU level and nationally, can play an active role in liaising and holding talks with stakeholders and civil society;
Amendment 139 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point iii
Paragraph 1 – point c – point iii
(iii) negotiations shouldmust focus on the active promotion of decent work for all and the effective fight against national practices which seek to undermine the social and environmental substance of work for the purpose of promoting domestic production and attracting foreign investment by means of a specific chapter on sustainable development that includes binding provisions and a sanctions based mechanism;
Amendment 148 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point iv
Paragraph 1 – point c – point iv
(iv) the liberalisation of agricultural products should be conditional upon reform of Turkish legislation on grants and export subsidies in order to avoid distortionary effects on the CAP systemagri-food markets. Special consideration should be given to the impact on small-scale farmers regarding those categories of product that are vulnerable to competition;
Amendment 157 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point vi
Paragraph 1 – point c – point vi
(vi) owing to its importance and impact, the services sector should be liberalised preferably on the basis of a positive list approach and of stringent transparency criteria, full reciprocity, non-discrimination and legislative harmonisation, with the exclusion in the negotiating mandate of audiovisual services and services of general economic interest;
Amendment 167 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point vii
Paragraph 1 – point c – point vii
(vii) in areas such as the digital economy, telecommunications, postal services and financial services, great attention shouldhas to be paid to aspects relating to data protection; in the transport sector, the current quota system should be maintained;
Amendment 174 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point viii a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point c – point viii a (new)
(viiia) being the European public procurement market largely open, negotiations should aim at obtaining full reciprocity at all levels of government, restoring thus a level playing field, and further alignment and approximation of Turkish legislation to the acquis communautaire in that sector;
Amendment 175 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point viii b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point c – point viii b (new)
(viii b) on rules, it will be important to negotiate specific provisions for SMEs, binding and enforceable provisions on sustainable development and a proper protection of European GIs;
Amendment 132 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point a
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point a
“(c) an estimate of additional public and private resources to be potentially raised by the financial instrument down to the level of the final recipient (expected leverage effect), including as appropriate an assessment of the need for, and levelextent of, differentiated treatment to attract counterpart resources from private investors and/or a description of the mechanisms which will be used to establish the need for, and extent of, such differentiated treatment, such as a competitive or appropriately independent assessment process;”
Amendment 138 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii
(iii) a publicly-owned bank or financial institution, established as a legal entity carrying out financial activities on a professional basis, which fulfils all the following conditions:
Amendment 141 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 1a
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 1a
– does not conduct retail banking transactions on a commercial basis which can direct benefit from this direct entrustment;
Amendment 143 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 2
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 2
– operates under a public policy mandate given by the relevant authority of a Member State at national or regional level, towhich should include carrying out economic development activities contributing to the objectives of the ESI Funds;
Amendment 144 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
– carries out its activities including development activities in regions, policy areas andor sectors for which access to funding from market sources is not generally available or sufficient;
Amendment 145 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 3
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 3
– carries out its economic development activities contributing to the objectives of the ESI Funds in regions, policy areas and sectors for which access to funding from market sources is not generally available or sufficient;
Amendment 148 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 4
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 4
– operates on a non-profit maximisation basiwithout primarily focus on maximising profits in order to ensure a long-term financial sustainability;
Amendment 153 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 6
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 6
– is subject to the supervision of an independent authority in accordance with nationalapplicable law.
Amendment 154 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point ii
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point ii
“When implementing the financial instrument, the bodies referred to in points (a) to (d) of the first subparagraph shall ensure compliancecomply with applicable law, including rules covering the ESI Funds, State aid, public procurement and relevant standards and applicable legislation on the prevention of money laundering, the fight against terrorism, tax fraud and tax evasion. Those bodies shall not make use of or engage in tax avoidance structures, in particular aggressive tax planning schemes or practices not complying with EU tax good governance cpriterianciples, as set out in EUthe Union legislation including Commission recommendations and communications or or any formal notice by the latter. In this context, the bodies implementing financial instruments shall take the utmost account of the policies of the Union. They shall not be established and, in relation to the implementation of the financial operationinstruments shall not maintain business relations with entities incorporated in jurisdictions that do not co-operate with the Union in relation to the application of the internationally agreed tax standards on transparency and exchange of information. Those bodies may, under their responsibility, conclude agreements with financial intermediaries for the implementation of financial operationinstruments. They shall transpose requirements referred to in this paragraph in their contracts with the financial intermediaries selected to participate in the execution of financial operationinstruments under such agreements.”
Amendment 157 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point d a (new)
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point d a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 38 – paragraph 9 a (new)
Article 38 – paragraph 9 a (new)
(da) The following paragraph 9a is added: “9a. Notwithstanding Articles 70 and 93(1), contributions pursuant to paragraph 1 of this Article may be used for the purpose of giving rise to new debt and equity finance in the entire territory of the Member State without regard to the categories of region, unless otherwise provided for in the funding agreement.”
Amendment 167 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 39a – paragraph 2
Article 39a – paragraph 2
2. The contribution referred to in paragraph 1 shall not exceed 25 % of the total support provided to final recipients. In the less developed regions referred to in point (b) of Article 120(3), the financial contribution may exceed 25% where duly justified by the ex-ante assessments in either Article 37(2) or paragraph 3 of this Article, but shall not exceed 50%. The total support referred to in this paragraph shall comprise the total amount of new loans and guaranteed loans as well as equity and quasi-equity investments provided to final recipients. The guaranteed loans referred to in this paragraph shall only be taken into account to the extent that ESI Funds resources are committed for guarantee contracts calculated on the basis of a prudent ex ante risk assessment covering a multiple amount of new loans.
Amendment 170 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 39a – paragraph 4
Article 39a – paragraph 4
4. Reporting by managing authorities under Article 46 on operations comprising financial instruments under this Article shall be based on the information kept by the EIB for the purposes of its reporting pursuant to Article 16(1) and (2) of the EFSI Regulation, supplemented by the additional information required under Article 46(2). Requirements under this paragraph shall allow for uniform reporting conditions in accordance with Article 46(3) of this Regulation.
Amendment 171 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 39a – paragraph 5 – point b
Article 39a – paragraph 5 – point b
(b) entrust implementation tasks to a financial institutionbody, which shall either open a fiduciary account in its name and on behalf of the managing authority or set up a separate block of finance within the financial institution for programme contribution. In the case of a separate block of finance, an accounting distinction shall be made between programme resources invested in the financial instrument and the other resources available in the financial institution. The assets held on fiduciary accounts and such separate blocks of finance shall be managed in accordance with the principle of sound financial management following appropriate prudential rules and shall have appropriate liquidity.
Amendment 172 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 39a – paragraph 6
Article 39a – paragraph 6
6. When implementing financial instruments under point (c) of Article 38(1), the bodies referred to in paragraph 25 of this article shall ensure compliancecomply with applicable law, including rules covering the ESI Funds, State aid, public procurement and relevant standards and applicable legislation on the prevention of money laundering, the fight against terrorism, tax fraud and tax evasion. Those bodies shall not make use of or engage in tax avoidance structures, in particular aggressive tax planning schemes or practices not complying with EU tax good governance cpriterianciples, as set out in EUthe Union legislation including Commission recommendations and communications or any formal notice by the latter. In this context, the bodies implementing financial instruments shall take the utmost account of the policies of the Union. They shall not be established and, in relation to the implementation of the financial operationinstruments shall not maintain business relations with entities incorporated in jurisdictions that do not co- operate with the Union in relation to the application of the internationally agreed tax standards on transparency and exchange of information. Those bodies may, under their responsibility, conclude agreements with financial intermediaries for the implementation of financial operationinstruments. They shall transpose requirements referred to in this paragraph in their contracts with the financial intermediaries selected to participate in the execution of financial operationinstruments under such agreements.
Amendment 180 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 39a – paragraph 8
Article 39a – paragraph 8
8. Where, for the purpose of implementing financial instruments referred to under point (c) of Article 38(1), managing authorities contribute ESI Funds programme resources to an existing instrument under point (c) of Article 38(1), the fund manager of which has already been selected by the EIB, international financial institutions in which a Member State is a shareholder, or a publicly-owned bank or financial institution, established as a legal entity carrying out financial activities on a professional basis and fulfilling the conditions set out under Article 38(4)(b)(iii), they shall entrust implementation tasks to this fund manager through the award of a direct contract.
Amendment 184 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The authorities designated in accordance with Article 124 of this Regulation and with Article 65 of the EAFRD Regulation shall not carry out on-the-spot verifications at the level of the EIB or other international financial institutions in which a Member State is a shareholder, for financial instruments implemented by them.
Amendment 185 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
However, the designated authorities shall, taking into account the risks identified, shall consider whether to carry out verifications in accordance with Article 125(5) at the level of other bodies implementing the financial instruments referred to in Article 39 in the jurisdiction of their respective Member State and, where necessary, at the level of the final recipient.
Amendment 187 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a
The Commission shall be empowered to adopt an implementing act concerning the models for the control reports and the annual audit reports of the firstthird sub- paragraph of this paragraph.
Amendment 188 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 40 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 40 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
The bodies responsible for the audit of the programmes shall, taking into account the risks identified, shall consider whether to carry out audits of operations and of management and control systems at the level of other bodies implementing the financial instruments referred to in Article 39 in their respective Member States and at the level of the final recipients when conditions of Article 40 (3) are fulfilled.
Amendment 191 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point b
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point b
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 40 – paragraph 5a – point b
Article 40 – paragraph 5a – point b
(b) where the irregularity that gives rise to the cancellation of the contribution is detected at the level of the financial intermediary within a fund of funds, the contribution cancelled may be reused only for otor at the level of the body implementing financial instruments where financial intermediaries or for other final recipients within the same financial instrumentstrument is implemented through a structure without a fund of funds, the contribution cancelled may be reused only for other financial intermediaries.
Amendment 197 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 15 d (new)
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 15 d (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 41 – paragraph 2
Article 41 – paragraph 2
15d. In Article 41, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: “2. As regards financial instruments referred to in point (b) of Article 38(1) implemented in accordance with point (cd) of Article 38(4), the applications for interim payments and for payment of the final balance shall include the total amount of the payments effected by the managing authority for investments in final recipients as referred to in points (a) and (b) of Article 42(1).”
Amendment 209 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 43a – paragraph 1
Article 43a – paragraph 1
1. Support from the ESI Funds to financial instruments invested in final recipients and gains and other earnings or yields, such as interest, guarantee fees, dividends, capital gains or any other income generated by those investments, which are attributable to the support from the ESI Funds, may be used for differentiated treatment of privatemarket economy investors, as well as the EIB when using the EU guarantee pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/1017. Such differentiated treatment shall be justified by the need to attract private counterpart resources.
Amendment 210 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 43a – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 43a – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The assessments referred to in Article 37(2) and Article 39a(3) shall include, as appropriate, an assessment of the need for, and the extent of, differentiated treatment as referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article and/or a description of the mechanism which will be used to establish the need for, and extent of, such differentiated treatment.
Amendment 217 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 43a – paragraph 3
Article 43a – paragraph 3
3. The differentiated treatment shall not exceed what is necessary to create the incentives for attracting private counterpart resources. It shall not over-compensate privatemarket economy investors, and the EIB when using the EU guarantee according to Regulation (EU) 2015/1017. The alignment of interest shall be ensured through an appropriate sharing of risk and profit.
Amendment 218 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 43a – paragraph 4
Article 43a – paragraph 4
4. Differentiated treatment of privatemarket economy investors shall be without prejudice to the Union State aid rules.
Amendment 221 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 18 a (new)
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 18 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 46 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 46 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a a (new)
18a. In Article 46, in paragraph 2, point aa is added: (aa) identification of the bodies implementing financial instruments, and the bodies implementing funds of funds where applicable, as referred to under point (a), (b) and (c) of Article 38(1);”
Amendment 222 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 19 – introductory part
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 19 – introductory part
19. in Article 46, in paragraph 2, in the first subparagraph, points (c), points (g) and (h) are replaced by the following:
Amendment 232 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 24 – point a
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 24 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 61 – paragraph 3 – point aa
Article 61 – paragraph 3 – point aa
“application of a flat rate net revenue percentage established by a Member State for a sector or sub-sector not covered under point (a). Before the application of the flat rate the responsible audit authority shall satisfy itself that the flat rate has been established according to a fair, equitable and verifiable method based on historical data or objective criteria.;”;
Amendment 261 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 57
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 57
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 140 – paragraph 3
Article 140 – paragraph 3
“Where documents are kept on commonly accepted data carriers in accordance with the procedure laid down in paragraph 5, no originals shall be required, except at least for the cases where fraud suspicions exist.”
Amendment 20 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The EFSI, implemented and co- sponsored by the EIB Group, is firmly on trackhopes to deliver the objective of mobilising at least EUR 315 billion in additional investments in the real economy by mid- 2018. However, investments have been very uneven among the different Member States, what constitutes an important shortcoming of the EFSI which needs to be rapidly addressed. The market absorption has been particularly quick under the SME Window where the EFSI is delivering well beyond expectations. In July 2016 the SME Window was thus scaled-up by EUR 500 million within the existing parameters of Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017. A larger share of financing to be geared towards SMEs given the exceptional market demand for SME financing under the EFSI: 40% of the increased risk bearing capacity of the EFSI should be geared towards increasing access to financing for SMEs.
Amendment 23 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
Amendment 28 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) For the period after 2020, the Commission intends to put forward the necessary proposals to ensure that strategic investment will continue at a sustainable level, in particular through the ESI Funds which will continue to represent the key funds to support cohesion and investments in all Member States and regions, aiming at promoting growth and jobs and reducing development gaps among EU regions.
Amendment 50 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) In orderWith a view to reinforceing the take-up of the EFSI in less-developed and transition regions, the scope of the general objectives eligible for EFSI support should be enlarged. In order to fully fulfil the objectives of the EFSI, adequate measures should be put in place to ensure a geographical balance of the projects.
Amendment 61 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
Amendment 90 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 6 - paragraph 1 - introductory words
Article 6 - paragraph 1 - introductory words
The EFSI Agreement shall provide that the EFSI is to support geographically balanced projects which address market failures or sub-optimal investment situations and which:;
Amendment 97 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point d
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Paragraph 12 - subparagraph 2 - subparagraph 2
Paragraph 12 - subparagraph 2 - subparagraph 2
Decisions approving the use of the EU guarantee shall be public and accessible, and include the rationale for the decision, with particular focus on compliance with the additionality and geographical balance criteriona. The publication shall not contain commercially sensitive information. In reaching its decision, the Investment Committee shall be supported by the documentation provided by the EIB.;
Amendment 102 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point c
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 9 - paragraph 3
Article 9 - paragraph 3
Amendment 109 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 11
Article 11
Amendment 111 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point c
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 12 - paragraphs 8, 9 and 10
Article 12 - paragraphs 8, 9 and 10
Amendment 119 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point b – point i
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point b – point i
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 14 - paragraph 2 - point c
Article 14 - paragraph 2 - point c
(c) leveraging local knowledge to facilitate EFSI support across the Union and contributing where possible to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the EFSI referred to in Section 8 of Annex II by supporting the EIB to originate operations;;
Amendment 134 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 18 - paragraph 6
Article 18 - paragraph 6
6. By 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2020, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council a report containing an independent evaluation of the application of this Regulation, and of the way a geographical balance of the projects has been ensured.;
Amendment 137 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 23 - paragraph 2 - subparagraph 1 - first and the second sentences
Article 23 - paragraph 2 - subparagraph 1 - first and the second sentences
Amendment 75 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Almost twenty years after its adoption, it is necessary to assess whether important to ensure that the Posting of Workers Directive stillcontinues to strikes the right balance between the need to promote the freedom to provide services and the need to protect the rights of posted workers. The complete transposition of the Directive 2014/67/EU is essential to the protection of the rights of the posted workers.
Amendment 87 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
Amendment 95 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The Rome I Regulation generally permits employers and employees to choose the law applicable to the employment contract. However, the employee must not be deprived of the protection of the mandatory rules of the law of the country in which or, failing that, from which the employee habitually carries out his work. In the absence of choice, the contract is governed by the law of the country in which or, failing that, from which the employee habitually carries out his work in performance of the contract.
Amendment 117 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In view of the long duration of certain posting assignmecase of posting assignments lasting for periods longer than 24 months, it is necessary to provide that, in case of posting lasting for periods higher than 24 months, the host Member State is deemed to be the country in whichthe host Member State becomes the country in which the work is carried out, with the possibility to extend this period based on a prior request submitted to the competent authority in the Member State whose legislation the person concerned wishes to apply to him/her, and based on an agreement between the twork is carried out Member States (host and sending). In accordance with the principle of Rome I Regulation, the law of the host Member Sates therefore applies to the employment contract of such posted workers if no other choice of law was made by the parties. In case a different choice was made, it cannot, however, have the result of depriving the employee of the protection afforded to him by provisions that cannot be derogated from by agreement under the law of the host Member State. This should apply from the start of the posting assignment whenever it is envisaged for more than 24 months and from the first day subsequent to the 24 months when it effectively exceeds this duration. This rule does not affect the right of undertakings posting workers to the territory of another Member State to invoke the freedom to provide services in circumstances also where the posting exceeds 24 months. The purpose is merely to create legal certainty in the application of the Rome I Regulation to a specific situation, without amending that Regulation in any way. The employee will in particular enjoy the protection and benefits pursuant to the Rome I Regulation.
Amendment 174 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) In a competitive internal market, service providers compete not only on the basis of a labour costs but also on factors such as cost, productivity and efficiency, or the quality and innovation of their goods and services.
Amendment 197 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) It is within Member States' competence to set rules on remunerationates of pay in accordance with their law and practice. However, national rules on remunerationates of pay applied to posted workers must be justified by the need to protect posted workers and must not disproportionately restrict the cross-border provision of services by enabling unfair competition.
Amendment 207 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The elements of remunerationates of pay under national law or universally applicable collective agreements should be clear and transparent to all service providers. It is therefore justified to impose on Member States the obligation to publish the constituent elements of remunerationand should therefore be mandatory for them to publish the constituent elements of rates of pay including all the bonuses and allowances in accordance with point (c), on the single website provided for by Article 5 of the Enforcement Directive.
Amendment 239 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Laws, regulations, administrative provisions or collective agreements applicable in Member States may ensure that subcontracting does not confer on undertakings the possibility to avoid rules guaranteeing certain terms and conditions of employment covering remunerationates of pay. Where such rules on remunerationates of pay exist at national level, the Member State may apply them in a non-discriminatory manner to undertakings posting workers to its territory provided that they do not disproportionately restrict the cross-border provision of services.
Amendment 253 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) In accordance with the Joint Political Declaration of 28 September 2011 of Member States and the Commission on explanatory documents6, Member States have undertaken to accompany, in justified cases, the notification of their transposition measures with one or more documents explaining the relationship between the components of a directive and the corresponding parts of national transposition instruments. With regard to this Directive, the legislator considers the transmission of such documents to be justified, _________________ 6 OJ C 369, 17.12.2011, p. 14.
Amendment 290 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 2a – paragraph 1
Article 2a – paragraph 1
1. When the anticipated or the effective duration of posting exceeds twenty-four months, the Member State to whose territory a worker is posted shall be deemed to be the country in which his or her work is habitually carried out. When it can be foreseen (or becomes clear after the posting period has already commenced) that the activity will take more than 24 months, the employer or the person concerned can submit, without delay, a request to the competent authority in the Member State whose legislation will continue to be applied to the posted worker. Based on an agreement reached between the posting State and State/s of employment, the duration of the posting can be extended. The undertakings shall include in the request for extension of the posting, reasoned grounds justifying that the nature of the service provided still remains temporary after the lapse of the initial 24 months, as well as specify the time frame to which these reasoned grounds apply.
Amendment 363 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – indent 2 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – indent 2 – point b
Amendment 369 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 2 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 2 – point c
(c) remunerationates of pay, including overtime rates, minimum paid annual leave, bonuses for dirty, heavy or dangerous work, board and lodging allowances; this point does not apply to supplementary occupational retirement pension schemes;
Amendment 393 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
For the purpose of this Directive, remuneration means all the elements of remuneration rendered mandatory by national law, regulation or administrative provision, collective agreements or arbitration awards which have been declared universally applicable and/or, in the absence of a system for declaring collective agreements or arbitration awards to be of universal application, other collective agreements or arbitates of pay are defined by the national law and/or praction awards within the meaning of paragraph 8 second subparagraph, ince of the Member State to whose territory the worker is posted.
Amendment 426 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Member States shallmust publish without delay in the single official national website referred to in Article 5 of Directive 2014/67/EU the constituent elements of remuneration in accordance with point (c)ates of pay, including all the bonuses and allowances in accordance with point (c), as established by national law, regulation or administrative provision, collective agreements or arbitration awards which have been declared universally applicable and/or, in the absence of a system for declaring collective agreements or arbitration awards to be of universal application, other collective agreements or arbitration awards within the meaning of paragraph 8 second subparagraph.
Amendment 472 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c a (new)
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 1 b a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 b a (new)
(ca) the following paragraph is added: 1ba. The undertakings must inform the temporary employment agency, in a clear, transparent and unambiguous manner, on the working conditions, rates of pay, including various allowances and bonuses, which they apply.
Amendment 47 #
2016/0030(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) A major disruption of the gas supply can affect all Member States, the Union as a whole and Contracting Parties to the Treaty establishing the Energy Community, signed in Athens on 25 October 2005. It can also severely damage the Union economy and security and can have a major social impact, particularly on vulnerable groups of customers. It is therefore fundamental to diversify energy sources, suppliers and routes to prevent such situations in the first place, and to minimize the effects of unavoidable disruptions.
Amendment 61 #
2016/0030(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The Commission Communication ‘Framework Strategy for a Resilient Energy Union with a Forward-Looking Climate Change Policy’14 from February 2015, highlights the fact that the Energy Union rests on solidarity and trust, which are necessary features of energy security. This regulation should aim to boost solidarity and trust, trust and interconnections between the Member States and should put in place the measures needed to achieve these aims, thus paving the way for implementing the Energy Union. __________________ 14 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank, COM(2015) 80 final.
Amendment 67 #
2016/0030(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) So far, the potential for more efficient and less costly measures through regional cooperation has not been fully exploited. This has to do not only with b, and an open concept of regional cooperation is needed, with the possibility of reconfiguring cooperation formats on the basis of consultations with the Member States, taking account of the energy dynamic. Better coordination of national mitigation actions in emergency situations, but also is recommended, as well as of national preventive measures, such as national storage or policies related to liquefied natural gas (LNG), which can be strategically important in certain regions.
Amendment 95 #
2016/0030(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) To ensure maximum preparedness, so as to avoid a supply disruption and mitigate its effects should it nevertheless occur, the competent authorities of a given region must draw up preventive action plans and emergency, after consulting stakeholders. Regional plans should take account of the specific characteristics of each Member State. They should also clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the natural gas undertakings and the competent authorities. National measures to be designed should take fully account of the regional measures set out in the preventive action plan and emergency plan. They should be so designed as to address national risks in a way that takes full advantage of the opportunities provided by regional cooperation. The plans should be technical and operational in nature, their function being to help prevent the occurrence or escalation of an emergency and, to mitigate its effects and to avoid the emergence of unfair costs for consumers. The plans should take the security of electricity systems into account and be consistent with the Energy Union’s strategic planning and reporting tools.
Amendment 100 #
2016/0030(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) In the event of a supply crisis, market players should be given sufficient opportunity to respond to the situation with market-based measures. Where market measures have not been timely, or have been exhausted and they are still insufficient, Member States and their competent authorities should take measures to remove or mitigate the effects of the supply crisis.
Amendment 128 #
2016/0030(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. The competent authorities shall study the possibility of using the opportunities offered by the CEF ‘Energy’ and ESI funds in general to develop energy infrastructure in the regions and adequate interconnections for those regions.
Amendment 143 #
2016/0030(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) arrangements for sharing costs between Member States where a customer in one Member State is adversely affected by a disruption in gas consumption and is forced to move to other fuels (from gas to oil in the case of power plants), owing to protected supplies to customers in the other Member State.
Amendment 6 #
2015/2347(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges the Member States in Central and Eastern Europe to ensure coordination and synergy between the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds, the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), Horizon 2020, the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) and EIB and EBRD resources when implementing projects aimed at improving the connection and accessibility of the transport infrastructure in the region; reminds that EUR 11.305.500.000 were transferred from the Cohesion Fund to the CEF to be spent in the transport sector in Member States benefitting from Cohesion Fund's support; underlines that the use of all this readily available funding should be given priority, especially in the context of the current absorption rate, over investment participation by third parties in cases where this investment is driven by political considerations rather than business interests;
Amendment 3 #
2015/2317(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that trade and finance is one of the five priority areas of policy coherence for development, a concept enshrined in article 208 TFEU; recalls that all EU external policies, including trade and investment, must be aligned with Article 21 of the TEU and must not undermine sustainable development goals, human rights and gender equality; recalls the principles mentioned in article 24, paragraph 2 of the Council Regulation No 260/2009;
Amendment 11 #
2015/2317(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that trade liberalisation is not positive, per se, in terms of reducing poverty and could have negative effects on sustainable development if it is not accompanied by re-distribution through fair and progressive tax systemshe final outcome of the Addis Ababa conference and the SDG agenda describes trade as an important means of implementing the global sustainable development goals (SDGs); recalls that fair trade can play a positive role in reducing poverty and inequality; urges the EU to work towards the reinforcement of international fiscal cooperation as agreed by the G20 and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda;
Amendment 15 #
2015/2317(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Welcomes that the Commission, in its recent communication "Trade for All", reaffirms the principle of policy coherence for development and aims at 'a more responsible' trade and investment policy, namely by contributing to the SDGs and the inclusive growth in developing countries;
Amendment 18 #
2015/2317(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Urges the Commission to align all EU trade-related instruments to the SDGs: free trade agreements, in particular the Economic Partnership Agreement with African countries, plurilateral and multilateral agreements under the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), Aid for Trade, EU Regulations, as well as international standards and code of conducts;
Amendment 25 #
2015/2317(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. CRecalls on the Commission to take measures to prevent the potential negative effects of mega trade deals, such as the Transatlantic Tthat fair and properly regulated trade if aligned with SDGs could have potentialities for development; calls on the Commission to include strong and comprehensive sustainable development chapters, which are effectively implemented and enforced, in EU's trade and Iinvestment Partnership (TTIP) and the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA), on developing countrieagreements; calls on the Commission to propose measures to ensure that the potential benefits of trade agreements trickle down to developing countries; welcomes the commitment of the Commission in the communication "Trade for All" to undertake in-depth analysis of the potential effects of new FTAs on LDCs;
Amendment 32 #
2015/2317(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Recalls the European Commission's commitment to carry out Sustainability Impact Assessments (SIAs) on all trade negotiations; regrets that SIAs have not been carried out in a timely fashion; calls on the Commission to deliver on its commitment and to ensure that the impact of potential trade agreements on developing countries is properly taken into account;
Amendment 35 #
2015/2317(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Welcomes the progress made since the establishment of the Bangladesh Sustainability Compact while acknowledges that important challenges remain and need to be addressed; calls on the Commission to expand binding frameworks to other sectors; urges, in this regard, the Commission to go beyond corporate social responsibility and propose a mandatory legal framework for due diligence initiatives that complement the existing EU timber regulation, for other sectors, thereby ensuring the EU and its traders and operators live up to the obligation to respect human rights and the highest social and environmental standards;
Amendment 37 #
2015/2317(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Calls the EU and its Member States to commit to increase Aid for Trade (AfT) support for developing countries, particularly least developed countries (LDCs), while addressing fair and ethical trade in the upcoming revision of its Aid for Trade strategy, as announced in the communication "Trade for All"; calls EU Aid for Trade and technical assistance to empower poor producers, micro and small enterprises, women-led enterprises and cooperatives in order to boost their benefits from trading in local and regional markets;
Amendment 47 #
2015/2317(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Recalls that EU investment policy, especially when involving public money, must contribute to the realisation of the SDGs; recalls the need to enhance transparency and accountability of development finance institutions (DFIs), and public-private partnerships (PPPs) to effectively track and monitor the money flows, debt sustainability and the added value for sustainable development of their projects;
Amendment 51 #
2015/2317(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the importance of participation through broad and transparent consultations of civil society organisations and trade unions, both from the European Union member states and from third countries, in the negotiation, implementation and monitoring of EU trade and investment agreements and policies;
Amendment 65 #
2015/2317(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the EU and its Member States to promote the multilateral debate on investment treaties, to take into account UNCTAD´s Investment Policy Framework for Sustainable Development recommendations to stimulate more responsible, transparent and accountable investments, as well as to actively engage with the UN Human Rights Council in its work towards an international treaty that would hold transnational corporations accountable for human rights abuses.
Amendment 2 #
2015/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that the Council’s decision to lift all nuclear-related sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran as a result of implementation of its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action providedallows a reengagement with Iran and will create opportunities and benefits for both sides, by providing the potential to reopen the Iranian market for European businesses; recalls that Iran has a large, relatively highly educated population, needs investment and is a potential market for high-quality European goods;
Amendment 9 #
2015/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that while several EU delegations to Iran have focused on trade and economic ties, the delegation from the Commission did not include the Tradelatest comprising EU High Representative/Vice President and seven Commissioners;
Amendment 10 #
2015/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses that while implementing the JCPOA and while enhancing our trade and investment relations with Iran we have to take into consideration the regional dimension, to stimulate cooperation between countries in the region and play a constructive role to decrease perpetual rivalries between them;
Amendment 13 #
2015/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that trade and renewed access to the global rules-based trading system is a potential way to bincreakse Iran’'s self-chosen isolationintegration as a responsible member of the international community and the global economy;
Amendment 20 #
2015/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Expresses concern about the high levels of corruption and trade- circumventing sanctions, which have lead to a grey economy and represent a risk to European investments ; stresses, therefore, the need to fight corruption, to implement a credible banking system, with an independent central bank, to ensure the protection of the invested capital in compliance with FATF recommendations, in particular in relation to intellectual property rights and increase transparency, and for a truly private sector to developexpand in Iran;
Amendment 29 #
2015/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises that a potential renewal of trade ties between the EU and Iran must go hand in hand with substantial improvements in respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Iran, and that the EU must use its position as an economic bloc as leverage to improve the living conditions and wellbeing of the Iranian people;
Amendment 33 #
2015/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that some sectors of the Iranian economy are heavily controlled by the regime, potentially creating probstate. Ask the Commission to present the European Parliament a report after two years of the lifting of the sanctions on potential obstaclems for EU companies operating in Iran, and that increased trade could strengthen the economic, military and political power of certain unelece impact this trade relations might have on the transparency and functioning of stated individualstitutions;
Amendment 37 #
2015/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Emphasises that Iran faces many environmental challenges, including water scarcity and land degradation and that while taking advantage of the full potential of business cooperation, the EU should engage with Iran to enhance the protection of environment and promote environmentally sustainable development;
Amendment 38 #
2015/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Notes that the current EU mandate for negotiations of a Trade and Cooperation Agreement with Iran is outdated; calls on the Commission to explore options for strengthening trade and investment ties with the aim to bring Iran closer to the WTO rules and protect European investments; stresses that a formal negotiation framework would allow the EU to fully use its leverage as the largest integrated market and economic bloc and create a forum for exchange and dialogue;
Amendment 41 #
2015/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the EU to explsupporet the possibility of restarting Iran’s accession talks with the World Trade Organisation, as membership of the WTO would bring a further liberalisation of Iran’s economy to drive growth, will provide technical assistance on tariff structures, on public procurement, health and safety standards, rules of origin and intellectual properties rights, embed the country in the global rules-based system and provide a mechanism to hold the regime to account on commitments madesupport necessary economic reforms within Iran and drive growth;
Amendment 49 #
2015/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Regrets that the American sanctions still in place restrict EU policy space, obstructing EU companies with US business activities doing business in IranEU companies with US business activities are reluctant to do business in Iran due to remaining American sanctions; calls on the US Government to provide legal certainty and predictability, including by granting waivers, and asks the Commission to increasand the EEAS to continue dialogue and cooperation with the US; including by granting waivers on a temporary basis until a final permanent solution is agreed on;
Amendment 53 #
2015/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Notes that EU is aiming to a diversification of energy resources and that Iran is a key player on the international energy market and therefore supports further cooperation with Iran in this field ; encourages Iranian oil and gas exports to Europe and enhancing the cooperation for the development of new technological solutions, renewable energies and energy efficiency;
Amendment 270 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Believes that the nuclear deal opens the possibility for cooperation in resolving the region’s security crisis; believes that Iran can and should play a stabilisation role in the region; believes that the whole region can benefit from a normalisation of relations with Iran; nonetheless, condemns Iran's repeated ballistic missile tests in contravention of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and insists that Iran cease all activities that put into question its commitment to the JCPOA;
Amendment 312 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Welcomes Iran’s readiness to support the current efforts to bring stability to Iraq, and calls for additional efforts to bring all the militias operating in the country under the authority of the Iraqi army; welcomes Iran’s contribution to the fight against ISIS/Da’esh; notes the agreement between Iran and Australia to share intelligence on the fight against ISIS/Da’esh; nevertheless, is still very concerned by Iran's support for other terrorist groups in the region, in particular for its proxy, Hezbollah;
Amendment 6 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
— having regard to the recommendations of the EU-Tunisia Association Council of 17 March 2015 for the implementation of the EU-Tunisia Action Plan (2013-2017), and to the joint statement of the EU-Tunisia Association Council of 18 April 2016;
Amendment 20 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the peaceful democratic transition process in Tunisia represents a successful example in the Arab world and its consolidation is paramount for the stability of the entire region and as a direct consequence for the security of Europe;
Amendment 22 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas Tunisia currently faces a difficult socio-economic situation but also security challenges mostly deriving from the situation in Libya; whereas tourism, which represents a key element of the Tunisian economy, is severely affected by these circumstances and by the terrorist attacks which targeted the country;
Amendment 41 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas Tunisia played an important role in facilitating the conclusion of an agreement between the conflicting sides in Libya;
Amendment 53 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Urges the concrete mobilisation of substantial resources forto support Tunisia; underlines that without stability and good governance in the region, any prospect of reform will be put at risk;
Amendment 138 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. WTakes note of the serious socio- economic situation currently faced by Tunisia, and therefore welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a macro- financial assistance of EUR 500 million and calls for a swift adoption by the Council and Parliament;
Amendment 151 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls for an increase in EU aid to Tunisia through the ENI and for the coordination of international aid to Tunisia; encourages partnerships with other interested global and regional donor countries and organisations, and in particular, measures promoting investment in the manufacturing sector which would boost employment; notes that the tourism sector has been dramatically impacted by the attacks in 2014 and, considering the measures implemented since then by the Tunisian authorities, calls on the Member States to reassess the security situation as quickly as possible and to relaunch Tunisia as a destination;
Amendment 189 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls for the conversion of Tunisian debt into investment projects especially for building strategic infrastructures and reducing regional disparities, and for the assessment of possible ways to make Tunisian debt more sustainable in light of the situation in the country, without prejudice to the access of Tunisia to the financial markets;
Amendment 238 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls therefore for a better social inclusion of young people to prevent the recruitment of new fighters; recommends using the expertise gathered through the initiative of international organisations such as Hedayah to develop local and regional strategies for countering violent extremism; calls for awareness raising about these existing networks or similar initiatives in Tunisia;
Amendment 10 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that persons with disabilities face a variety of challenges in fulfilling their rights, especially in the areas of employment, housing and mobility; Notes that persons with disabilities make a valuable contribution to society as a whole, and that this contribution can be even greater if the (working) environment is properly adapted, for which ESI Funds are needed;
Amendment 31 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is of the opinion that ESI funding should be used to support deinstitutionalisation and services and living arrangements for persons with disabilities in local communities; calls for national plans for deinstitutionalization to include specific targets for establishing community-based care, provided by adequately qualified and trained people;
Amendment 43 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Favours proactive measures to support employment of persons with disabilities, and encourages public institutions to set an example. Such as strengthening of vocational training and effective enforcement of the implementation of the quota for persons with disabilities; offering stronger tax incentives for employers; increasing the accessibility for persons with disabilities to public places etc.;
Amendment 46 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Calls to use the ESI Funds in such a way that minimum standards of accessibility, mobility and housing for persons with disabilities are secured as well as that quality teaching adapted to the needs of children with disabilities in schools is assured;
Amendment 22 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the TiSA negotiations arshould be aimed at achieving better international regulation, not lower domestic regulation;
Amendment 38 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas any trade agreement must provide more rights, contribute to sustainable development and lower prices to European consumers and level the playing field for European companies;
Amendment 45 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas any trade agreement must be a market opener for our companies abroad and a safety net for our citizens at home, while being an instrument for promoting corporate social responsibility globally;
Amendment 71 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas trade in services ismust be an engine for jobs and growth in the EU;
Amendment 83 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas numerousunnecessary barriers to trade in services, which if translated into equivalent tariffs amount to 15 % for Canada, 16 % for Japan, 25 % for South Korea, 44 % for Turkey and 68 % for China, continue to prevent European companies from reaping the full benefits of their competitiveness; whereas the EU, where the tariff equivalent of services restrictions is only 6 %, is substantially more open than most of its partners;
Amendment 88 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas non-tariff barriers, which on average represent more than 50 % of the cost of cross-border services, disproportionately affect small and medium-sized enterprises, which often lack the human and financial resources necessary to overcome those obstacles; whereas the elimination of unnecessary barriers would facilitate their internationalisation as long as these barriers can be removed without jeopardizing the public policy objectives underpinning them;
Amendment 125 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas TiSA is currently being negotiated as a plurilateral agreement outside the remits of the WTO; whereas this implies that WTO institutions would not be available to settle disputes arising within TiSA;
Amendment 142 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point i
Paragraph 1 – point a – point i
i. to consider the TiSA negotiations as a stepping-stone towards renewed ambitions at WTO level and therefore to secure the commitment of all TiSA participants to multilateralising the outcome of the negotiations; to present a concrete plan to achieve multilateralisation to the European Parliament before the conclusion of the TiSA negotiations;
Amendment 149 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point i a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a – point i a (new)
ia. to reflect on the recent withdrawal of Uruguay from the TiSA negotiations; to ensure that special attention is paid to developing countries in this regard, and that TISA includes the provisions contained in GATS article IV;
Amendment 249 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point iv
Paragraph 1 – point b – point iv
iv. to acknowledge thatreject the inclusion of any standstill and ratchet clauses do not apply to market access commiton any of the disciplines contained in the agreements;
Amendment 257 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point iv a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point b – point iv a (new)
iva. to use positive listing for all market access and national treatment commitments;
Amendment 291 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point ix
Paragraph 1 – point b – point ix
ix. to exclude, in line with Articles 14 and 106 of the TFEU as well as protocol 26 to the TFEU, current and future Services of General Interest as well as Services of General Economic Interest from EU commitments the scope of the agreement through a carve-out located in its core text (including but not limited to water, waste management, health, social services, social security systems and education);, as the only means to ensure that European, national and local authorities retain the full right to introduce, adopt, maintain or repeal any measures with regard to the commissioning, organisation, funding and provision of public services; to apply this exclusion, irrespective of how the public services are provided and funded; to acknowledge that social security systems are excluded from the negotiations;
Amendment 301 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point x
Paragraph 1 – point b – point x
x. to introduce an unequivocal ‘gold standard’ clause, which could be included in all trade agreements and would clarifyensure that the public utilities clause applies to all modes of supply and to, any services considered as public services by European, national or regional authorities in any sector and irrespective of the service's monopoly status;
Amendment 383 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point viii
Paragraph 1 – point c – point viii
viii. to strongly support provisions on international mobile roaming; to increase publicly available information regarding retail rates in the short run; to make the case for maximum caps in the long run; to push for online consumer protection, in particular vis-à-vis unsolicited commercial electronic messages; to include provisions directly aimed at lowering the cost of international calls and messages and to provide for effective means of redress for consumers;
Amendment 393 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d – point i c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point d – point i c (new)
i c. to guarantee full compliance with the principle of equal remuneration for equal work in TISA; to ensure that all workers, irrespective of their home country must, as a minimum, enjoy the same rights, conditions of employment and salaries as nationals in the place of work;
Amendment 420 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d – point vi a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point d – point vi a (new)
via. to present detailed information on the number and type of service providers currently operating in the EU under Mode 4, including the duration of their stay;
Amendment 426 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e – point i
Paragraph 1 – point e – point i
i. to aim at reinforcing financial stability, ensuring adequate protection for consumers, including their data privacy, and guaranteeing fair competition between financial services providers;
Amendment 445 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e – point iv
Paragraph 1 – point e – point iv
iv. to ensure that this agreement does not limit the EU’s ability to ban certain financial products in line with its regulatory framework or to adopt any measure it deems necessary to regulate financial markets;
Amendment 451 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e – point v
Paragraph 1 – point e – point v
v. while stressing the need to increase worldwide access to financial services, to exclude cross-border financial services from the EU’s commitments until there is convergence in financial regulation at the highest level, except in very limited and justified caseto exclude cross-border financial services from the EU’s commitments;
Amendment 487 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g – point i
Paragraph 1 – point g – point i
i. to fully preasservet that European, national and local authorities’ have the right to regulate to adopt policies in the public interest and that this should not be subject to additional necessity tests beyond those foreseen in GATS article VI; provisions on domestic regulations should not be more restrictive than the general proportionality obligation enshrined in the EU Treaties;
Amendment 496 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g – point ii
Paragraph 1 – point g – point ii
ii. to promote good governance and foster good practices in administrative and lregisulativeory processes, by encouraging the wide take-up of measures that strengthen the independence of decision-makers, and increase the transparency of decisions, and reduce red tape; to stress that consumerand democratic accountability of decisions; to stress that consumer, health and environmental protection and safety and labour rights must be at the centre of regulatory endeavours;
Amendment 518 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g – point v
Paragraph 1 – point g – point v
v. to request and publish a legal opinion prior to Parliament’s vote on the final agreement, with a view to thoroughly assessing the two Annexes on domestic regulation and transparency in light of EU law, EU principles and international jurisprudence, and to assess whether the legal obligations set in these chapters are already respected in the EU, and whether necessity tests limit public authorities' right to regulate;
Amendment 534 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g – point x a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g – point x a (new)
xa. to reject the inclusion of a Most Favoured Nation Clause (MFN) in TiSA;
Amendment 543 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h – point i b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h – point i b (new)
ib. to include a dispute settlement mechanism in TiSA to be used until the agreement is multilateralised and the WTO dispute settlement mechanisms become available;
Amendment 546 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h – point ii
Paragraph 1 – point h – point ii
ii. to endeavour to include a regulatory chapter on government procurement with a view to maximising the participation of European companies in foreign tenders and to safeguard the ability of public authorities in the EU to discriminate on the basis of environmental and social criteria; to deplore the lack of transparency regarding non-European calls for tenders and to denounce the lack of reciprocity in this area, as illustrated by the preferential treatment granted to domestic companies in several countries; to encourage the ratification and implementation of the WTO Government Procurement Agreement and its 2011 revision; to call upon the Member States to reinvigorate discussions on the proposed international public procurement instrument;
Amendment 567 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i – point ii
Paragraph 1 – point i – point ii
ii. to ensure that the members of Parliament’s Committee on International Trade receive all the negotiating documents related to TiSA as well as Commission internal assessments including briefing documents, minutes and summaries of negotiating rounds;
Amendment 30 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas reaching a common understanding of democracy, the rule of law and human rights is a basic prerequisiten important element for deeper cooperation between the EU and the five countries of Central Asia in areas of mutual interest, in the very meaning of the term ‘partnership’ as vested in the Partnership Cooperation Agreements; whereas the overall situation of democracy and human rights in the region remains to various degrees poor and deeply worrying;
Amendment 62 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates the EU’s strong interest in a peaceful, democratic, stable and economically and environmentally sustainable and prosperous Central Asian region, as stated in the strategy of 2007; believes synergies between the European Fund for Strategic Investments and China's One Belt One Road initiative will be an important tool to bring about economic and social development in the region;
Amendment 64 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recalls the need for the EU to enhance its energy policy by diversifying sources and routes; underlines, from this point of view, the important role the entire Central Asia region can play, and calls for all possible ways of cooperation in terms of energy supply to the EU to be further explored and implemented;
Amendment 83 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points ouWelcomes the fact that the review is rather ambitious given that the region is not a geopolitical priority for the EU and its Member States, butand concurs with the Council’s designation of the region as strategically important, and with the condisideration that democratic transformation shouldcan lead to improved and stronger political, diplomatic and trade relations; in this context, welcomes the 56 % increase in and more specific focusing of EU development assistance to the region in period 2014-2020 as compared with the previous period;
Amendment 208 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Is of the opinion that economic and trade relations with the countries of Central Asia must in no way develop at the expense oftake into due consideration the rule of law, democracy, and human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 221 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Recalls the importance for the EU to have a secure, stable and affordable energy supply, in line with its Energy Union and also in light of the relevance this has for the overall security of the Union; consequently, underlines the need for energy supply and diversification to be a key element of the EU-Central Asia strategy, including through the possibility of expanding the Southern Gas Corridor to Central Asia;
Amendment 280 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Believes the EU should encourage regional cooperation, in particular with regard to common issues and common challenges, and that common interest should prevail over the heterogeneity of the countries concerned;
Amendment 301 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Supports the EU’s long-term goal of transforming the nascent EU-Central Asia High Level Security Dialogue into a genuine cooperative forum aimed at cooperation in addressing common security challenges and encourages the development of new programs in countering terrorism and violent extremism, including strengthening cooperation across the border;
Amendment 2 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
– having regard to its recommendations to the Commission for the negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and the Trade in Services Agreement of 8 July 2015 and 3 February 2016 respectively,
Amendment 10 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
– having regard to the opinion of the Committee on International Trade to the report on Transparency, accountability and integrity in the EU institutions,
Amendment 11 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
– having regard to Article 24 § 2 of the EU regulation 2015/478 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2015 on common rules for imports,
Amendment 12 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15
Citation 15
– having regard to the principle of policy coherence for development as stated in the TFEU,
Amendment 16 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas openness to trade is a necessity for the European economy as most of the global wealth will be created elsewhere in the future but this must go hand in hand with a robust framework at home that ensures trade delivers for citizens consisting of effective trade defence and social flanking policies;
Amendment 19 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris agreement are of the highest importance for global sustainable development and EU trade policy has to contribute to the fulfilment of their key elements;
Amendment 20 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the common commercial policy (CCP) has undergone a profound change since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in December 2009; whereas trade does not operate in isolation, but rather is linked to and dependent on many other polices; whereas negotiations on trade and investment agreements have changed and evolved over time; must go beyond simply cutting tariffs as complex challenges lie today in regulatory matters and convergence on international standards;
Amendment 25 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas, in times of low economic growth, the contribution of foreign trade to the recovery of the European economy is of key importance in delivering concrete and measurable results and contributing to decent jobs and sustainable economic growth and equality in Europe and beyond;
Amendment 26 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas trade can be a tool to increase potential economic output by permitting businesses to increase their supply to satisfy a growing external demand and without increasing public spending;
Amendment 28 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas new-generation trade policy needs to respond to people’'s concerns; whereas trade can help fighting poverty and improve the living and working conditions of the people in Europe and in our trading partner countries whereby a fair and equitable wealth distribution in society is indispensable;
Amendment 38 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas on-going trade negotiations such as ACTA, TTIP, CETA and TiSA have brought European trade policy increasingly to the public’'s attention, and whereas more and more citizens are worried that European regulation and standards could be undermined by the CCP;
Amendment 40 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the European Commission made a clear pledge that no trade agreement will ever lower levels of regulatory protection, that any change to levels of protection can only be upward and that the right to regulate will always be protected;
Amendment 51 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas by 2050 the EU-28 will account for only 15 % of the world’'s GDP, down from 23.7 % in 2013, and whereas by 2015 90 % of world economic growth will be generated outside Europe;
Amendment 79 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to regularly update its trade and investment strategy and to publicly present a detailed annualmid-term implementation report to Parliament to ensure it delivers on its promises;
Amendment 83 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Urges the Commission to expedite its procedures so that negotiated trade agreements can be referred to Parliament within a shorter period of time and can therefore be provisionally applied or enter into force more swiftly;
Amendment 84 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Stresses that enhanced cooperation between regulators is key to facilitate trade and investment through the identification of technical barriers to trade and duplicated or redundant administrative burdens and formalities, which disproportionately affect SMEs, while not compromising the technical procedures linked to fundamental standards and regulations or procedures serving a public policy objective, preserving European standards on health, safety, consumer, labour, social and environmental legislation and cultural diversity and fully respecting the regulatory autonomy of national, regional and local authorities;
Amendment 90 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the Commission’'s attempts to increased transparency and openness at all stages of trade negotiations, such aand supports the Commission’'s TTIP transparency initiative; acknowledges that, after a number of requests from Parliament, the Commission enhanced the transparency of negotiations by providing all Members of the European Parliament and of the national parliaments access to classified negotiating documents and providing more information to stakeholders; recalls that enlarged access to classified information by Members of Parliament in the TTIP negotiations has strengthened parliamentary scrutiny, thereby allowing Parliament to assume its responsibility under the CCP even better; calls therefore for a widening of the Commission’'s transparency initiative to extend its key elements to all ongoing trade negotiations;
Amendment 94 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Council to publish all existingpreviously adopted and future negotiating mandates as soon as they are adoptedwithout delay;
Amendment 96 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that the involvement of civil society and stakeholdocial partners, including through appropriate public online consultations and communication campaigns, is crucial in order to strengthen the legitimacy of trade policy and to improve its content;
Amendment 97 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses that, where possible, EU institutions documents should be published. Reminds that where confidential information is beyond the reach of public access it must be available to parliamentarians who scrutinise trade policy on behalf of citizens; considers that there should be clear criteria for classifying documents to avoid ambiguity and arbitrary decisions; notes that the case law of the ECJ makes it clear that where a document originating in an EU institution is covered by an exception to the right to public access, the institution must clearly explain why access to this document could specifically and effectively undermine the interest protected by the exception, and that this risk must be reasonably foreseeable and not purely hypothetical; calls on the Commission to implement the recommendations of the European Ombudsman of July 2015 with particular regard to access to documents for all negotiations;
Amendment 100 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Asks the Commission to where possible, conduct negotiations with no less transparency than those organised in the World Trade Organisation (WTO); stresses, however, that the Commission must also persuade negotiating partners to increase transparency at their end to make sure that this is a reciprocal process in which the EU's negotiating position is not compromised and to include the aspired level of transparency in its scoping exercises with potential negotiating partners; stresses that meaningful transparency can strengthen global support for rules-based trade;
Amendment 102 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the CCP is to be conducted in the context of the principles and objectives of the Union’'s external action as set out in Article 21 TEU; recalls that the EU’'s trade and investment policy must be consistent with other external policies, such as development policy; stresses that the EU has a legal obligation to respect human rights, and should foster the sustainable economic, social and environmental development of trading countries; points out that in some cases trade and investment agreements may have negative effects contrary to the EU’'s external objectives as enshrined in the Treaties; is of the opinion that the EU has a responsibility to help tackle any negative impact caused by its CCP; recalls that only fair and properly regulated trade, if aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), could have potentialities for development and reduce inequality;
Amendment 107 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the CCP is to be conducted in the context of the principles and objectives of the Union’s external action as set out in Article 21 TEU; recalls that the EU’s trade and investment policy must be consistent with other external policies; stresses that the EU has a legal obligation to respect human rights, and should foster the sustainable economic, social and environmental development of trading countries; points out that in some cases trade and investment agreements may have negative effects contrary to the EU’s external objectives as enshrined in the Treaties; is of the opinion that the EU has a responsibility to help tacklemake all necessary efforts to foreseen and prevent any negative impact caused by its CCP;
Amendment 111 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses the co-legislator role played by the Parliament and therefore calls on the Commission to build upon and improve its cooperation with the Parliament and to enhance its efforts in order to constructively work with the other Institutions prior to taking decisions;
Amendment 112 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Urges the Commission to develop a comprehensive 'access to medicines- policy' across the policy areas such as trade, development, research and innovation and public health, which supports the effective implementation and realisation of Sustainable Development Goal 3;
Amendment 113 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Welcomes the Commission's support of the extension request for pharmaceutical intellectual property by LDCs until these countries no longer are considered LDCs; regrets the final WTO TRIPS Council decision to grant only a time limited extension of 17 years; asks the Commission follow through on its initial position by supporting all developing countries in making full and effective use of all flexibilities built into the TRIPS Agreement and recognised by the TRIPS Agreement and affirmed by the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS agreement and Public Health adopted on 14 November 2001, in order to be able to provide affordable medicines under their domestic public health programmes;
Amendment 114 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recognises the Commission’'s efforts to strengthen sustainable development and promote human rights, labour and social standards and environmental sustainability worldwide through its trade and investment agreements but urges determined efforts to fully implement and enforce the corresponding chapters in practice; shares the Commission’'s view that the EU has a special social responsibility as regards the impact of its trade policies on least- developed countries (LDCs); calls on the Commission to adopt accompanying measures in trade agreements with developing countries;
Amendment 121 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Considers that in particular for partner countries undergoing an economic crisis above all the objective of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTA) must be tangible and sustainable improvements to the living conditions of ordinary people;
Amendment 122 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that provisions on human rights and social and environmental standards, and a binding chapter on labour rights based on the ILO’'s core labour rights and corporate social responsibility (CSR), including the OECD principles for multinational companies and the UN Principles on Business and Human rights, must form an essential part of EU trade agreements9 [9]; calls on the Commission to include sustainable development chapters that are not only legally binding but also enforceable in all EU trade and investment agreements; points out that labour and environmental standards are not limited to Trade and Sustainable Development Chapters but must be effective throughout all areas of trade agreements; calls on the EEAS to systematically include dedicated labour attachés in its delegations abroad; [9] OJ C 99E, 3.4.2012, p. 31. __________________ 9 OJ C 99E, 3.4.2012, p. 31.
Amendment 129 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Stresses that Everything But Arms (EBA), the General System of Preferences (GSP) and the GSP+ schemes are tools which enable fundamental values to be upheld; insists on the importance of their effective implementation and monitoring and welcomes the Commission's commitment to strengthening cooperation with beneficiary countries in this regard;
Amendment 131 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Calls on the Commission to develop legislation with the aim of forbidding imports of goods produced with any form of forced labour or modern slavery and in the meantime, strengthen import and supply chain controls on ethical grounds;
Amendment 136 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on the Commission to establish a structured and depoliticised process whereby consultations with a partner for suspected violations of obligations under trade and sustainable development chapters have to be launched according to clear criteria;
Amendment 137 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the importance of Domestic Advisory Groups (DAGs) and the involvement of civil society in joint fora under the free trade agreements (FTAs) that monitor and comment on the agreements' implementation and the parties respect for their commitments and obligations on human rights, labour standards and environmental protection; calls for the further strengthening of the work of DAGs; stresses that they should be fully independent; calls on the Commission to take measures to improve the work of DAGs such as providing financial resources, prior information and the possibility of using more advanced media in order to facilitate civil society participation; and to thoroughly take into account the Domestic Advisory Group's recommendations; calls on the EU to reinforce its monitoring capacity in the EPAs dedicated to sustainable development and human rights that ensure the proper and transparent involvement of civil society organisations;
Amendment 142 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Notes with concern that there has been little interest on the EU side so far among civil society to participate in certain EU civil society advisory groups provided for under the Agreements and calls on the Commission to draw appropriate conclusions to invigorate these mechanisms and ensuring their representative character in line with recommendations from the European Economic and Social Committee;
Amendment 143 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that the ILO estimates that 865 million women around the world, if better supported, could contribute more robustly to economic growth; notes that women-owned businesses represent an underutilised lever to boost competitiveness, accelerate business and sustain growth; states that trade policy can have differing gender impacts across the various sectors of the economy; and that more data on gender and trade is needed regrets that the Commission does not address the gender dimension of trade agreements in its ‘'Trade for All’' communication; calls on the Commission to step up its efforts to use trade negotiations as a tool to promote gender equality worldwide, as well as to ensure that both women and men can take advantage of the benefits of trade liberalisation and be protected from its negative effects; to this aim, the Commission should make sure that the gender perspective is included, horizontally, in all future trade agreements and also, as an essential part of the EU mainstreaming strategy and proposes, the Commission should guarantee a thorough monitoring and evaluation of the gender impact of the trade agreements in force;
Amendment 151 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls on the Commission to make its trade and investment policy fully aligned with the ILO Decent Work Agenda;
Amendment 154 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Stresses that given the increased importance of animal welfare for EU citizens in terms both of public morals and consumers informed choice and its implications for the competitiveness of EU producers, animal welfare provisions should be strengthened in our free trade agreements;
Amendment 160 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Acknowledges that the internationalisation of the world’'s production system has resulted in new openings for economic development and an employment-based path out of poverty for hundreds of millions of people; recalls that, according to the ILO, around 780 million active women and men are not earning enough to be lifted out of poverty; underlines that the expansion of GVCs has created job opportunities but also propelled some supplier firms to ignore labour laws, engage workers in unsafe and unacceptable conditions, demand exhaustive working hours and deny workers their fundamental rights; recalls that these practices create unfair competition for suppliers that are compliant with labour laws and international labour standards and for governments that want to improve wages and living standards; concludes therefore that mutual respect for labour and environmental standards is an indispensable tool to ensure there is no race to the bottom; calls on the Commission to improve conditions in GVC in close cooperation with the ILOs; emphasises that the EU’'s further integration into GVCs must be driven by the dual principles of safeguarding the European social and regulatory model and securing and creating sustainable and equitable growth and decent jobs in the EU and for its partners;
Amendment 165 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Underlines that the emergence of GVCs has also led to a substantial increase of imported components in exports; consequently there are less incentives for countries to levy high tariffs as trade policy should not just open up exports, but also facilitate imports in order to stabilise value chains without prejudice to the legitimate use of trade defence instruments;
Amendment 167 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Believes that trade policy must ensure a transparent production process throughout the value chain, as well as compliance with fundamental environment, animal welfare, social and safety standards; stresses the need for mandatory due diligence throughout the supply chain; welcomes the Commission’'s desire to work closely with the ILO and the OECD to develop a global approach to improving working conditions especially in the garment sector; underlines the importance of identifying and assessing new sectoral or geographic opportunities for additional responsible supply chain partnerships; looks forward to the Commission’'s upcoming communication on CSR; and calls on the Commission to move from voluntary initiatives to binding obligations;
Amendment 187 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Commission not to request provisional application of trade agreements, including trade chapters of association agreements, before European Parliament gives its consent; recalls that it cwould seriously undermine Parliament’'s rights and create potential legal uncertainty vis-à- vis the agreement’'s other signatory and the economic operators concerned; recalls and welcomes the Trade Commissioner's commitments in this regard but strongly urges to formalise this arrangement in the new inter-institutional agreement;
Amendment 190 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Considers that in the case of mixed agreements the already tested practice whereby an agreement is only applied provisionally after the European Parliament has granted consent while awaiting national parliaments' ratification is the best balance of democratic oversight and efficiency;
Amendment 192 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Insists that the monitoring, evaluation and follow-up of existing agreements become a key priority of the CCP; calls on the Commission to reallocate resources in order to enable DG Trade to better monitor trade agreements which need to be implemented considering the growing negotiating agenda;
Amendment 195 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission to improve the quality and accuracy of both ex-ante and ex- post assessments and to review their methodology; stresses the need to always submit a deep sustainability impact assessment, including on human, social and environmental rights, for any trade policy initiative, in particular in light of the recent Ombudsman's recommendation in complaint 1409/2014/JN on the EU-Vietnam FTA; welcomes the commitment of the Commission to undertake in-depth analysis of the potential effects of new FTAs on LDCs and calls on the Commission to put forward measures to ensure that the benefits of trade accrue to developing countries; expresses its concern at the lack of interim and ex-post assessments and that the quality of the existing ones is very low, as demonstrated in the European Court of Auditors Special Report 02/2014; insists that high-quality interim and ex-post evaluations be carried out in respect of all trade agreements in order to allow policymakers, stakeholders and European taxpayers to assess whether trade agreements have achieved the intended results; asks the Commission to provide data on the impact of the trade agreements which have been concluded with special regard to SMEs and the creation of decent jobs;
Amendment 201 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission to improve the quality of both ex-ante and ex- post assessments; stresses the need to always submit a deep sustainability impact assessment, including on human, social and environmental rights, for any trade policy initiative; expresses its concern at the lack of interim and ex-post assessments and that the quality of some of the existing ones is very low, as demonstrated in the European Court of Auditors Special Report 02/2014; insists that high-quality interim and ex-post evaluations be carried out in respect of all trade agreements in order to allow policymakers, stakeholders and European taxpayers tocitizens to better assess wthether impact of trade agreements have achieved the intended results; asks the Commission to provide additional data on the impact of the trade agreements which have been concluded with special regard to SMEs and the creation of jobs;
Amendment 209 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Notes that limited improvements were achieved at the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi in 2015; recognises the differences among WTO members on how to proceed as regards the Doha Round, including the need to consider new approaches to solve outstanding issues; welcomes the interest of some WTO members in starting to address new negotiating areas; believes that the outcome of the Nairobi Ministerial Conference provides an opportunity to give new life to the WTO’'s negotiating function; urges the Commission to take the initiative in reforming and strengthening the WTO in order to ensure greater effectiveness, transparency and accountability including by strengthening coordination with the ILO and other Environment and Human rights related UN Agencies;
Amendment 213 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Believes that it is vital to conclude the longstanding Doha Round with its developing mandates fulfilled; recalls the crucial role of Aid for Trade (AfT) in trade-related capacity building and technical assistance to developing countries and LDCs; in this regard, calls on the EU and its Member States to commit to increase AfT, enabling developing countries to benefit from a bigger share of the value added in GVCs; calls on the Commission to address fair and ethical trade in the upcoming revision of Aid for Trade strategy; welcomes the EU engagement of targeting EUR 400 million in funding over 5 years to support and provide technical assistance to developing countries, especially LDCs, in their efforts to implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement;
Amendment 217 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Considers plurilateral negotiations within the WTO such as the Information Technology Agreement and the Environmental Goods Agreements to be the second-best option; emphasises that trade policy should also be used as a tool for increasing the competiveness of environmentally beneficial products; stresses the importance of maintaining an open door of any plurilateral initiative so interested WTO members can join and of multilateralising the ‘'green goods’' initiative and of considering whether bilateral or unilateral trade agreements could provide premium preferences for environmental goods;
Amendment 223 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls for a strong and effective parliamentary dimension of the WTO in order to enhance the transparency of the organisation and to strengthen the democratic legitimacy of global trade policy; urges the WTO to make full use of the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO, ensuring that parliamentarians have access to all the information they need to carry out their oversight role effectively and contribute meaningfully to trade policies;
Amendment 225 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Commission to focus in a balanced way on the conclusion of the on-going trade negotiations while being mindful of their cumulative effects, in particular via the different rules of origin, and finding an appropriate balance between protecting sensitive agricultural sectors and the offensive interests of the Union as one of the biggest agri-food exporters , and to show the potential benefits of the concluded trade agreements before launching new FTA negotiations; reminds the Commission to carry out a thorough, impartial and unprejudiced ex- ante evaluation of European interests before deciding on future FTA partners and negotiation mandates;
Amendment 232 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Commission to focus in a balanced washow transparency oin the conclusion of the ongoing trade negotiations, and to showbetter communicate the potential benefits of the concluded trade agreements before launching new FTA negotiations; remind; encourages the Commission to carry out a thorough, impartial and unprejudiced ex- ante evaluation of European interests and potential effects on its trade partners before deciding on future FTA partners and negotiation mandates;
Amendment 252 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Underlines, in the context of the current talks on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and the EU- Japan FTA, the high importance of focusing on core soffensitive issuenterests such as the protection of geographical indications (GIs) and public procurement when negotiating FTAs as part of ambitious, balanced and comprehensive packages;
Amendment 265 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Insists that trade negotiations follow a tailor-made regional trade strategy, in particular vis-à-viswithin Asia, Africa and Latin America, which have been identified by the Commission as crucial regions for European economic interests; recalls that Europe and Latin America are natural allies with a combined population of one billion people generating a quarter of global GNP; points out that the potential of this partnership has been insufficiently exploited; welcomes the fact that the Commission’'s new trade and investment strategy puts a key focus on Latin America;
Amendment 274 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Calls on the Commission to start negotiations for an investment agreement with Taiwan in parallel with the one with China; uUnderlines that, in the context of the migration challenges, special focus should be put on the post-Cotonou framework; asks for further impetus to be given to negotiating FTAs with both Australia and New Zealand;
Amendment 275 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Calls on the Commission to start negotiations for an investment agreement with Taiwan in parallel with the one with China; underlines that, in the context of the migration challenges, special focus should be put on the post-Cotonou framework and regrets that this aspect was not mentioned in the communication; asks for further impetus to be given to negotiating FTAs with both Australia and New Zealand;
Amendment 278 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Stresses the importance of deepening and redefining the EU's relationships with its partners on the African continent and in the Caribbean and Pacific region; regrets that the communication "Trade for All" does not make any reference to the Cotonou Agreement, which expires in 2020, and stresses that the human rights clauses in the EPAs and trade agreements with a link to the Cotonou Agreement should not lose their effect after the 2020 expiration date; calls on the EU to engage in a broad consultation and dialogue process, including with ACP countries, about the post-Cotonou framework;
Amendment 282 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 8
Subheading 8
Opposition to the automatic granting of Market Economic Status (MES) to China and the need for effective trade defence instruments (TDIs)
Amendment 287 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Stresses that further trade liberalisation measures require the EU to be able to respond even more effectively to unfair trading practices and ensure a level playing field; underlines that TDIs must remain an indispensable component of the EU’'s trade strategy; recalls that the current EU trade defence legislation dates back to 1995; stresses that the Union’'s trade defence system needs to be modernised urgently; points out that EU trade defence law must be more effective, adapted to today’'s challenges and trade patterns, investigations must be shorter, and also increase transparency and predictability; regdeplorets that the TDI modernisation proposal is blocked in the CouncilCouncil has been unable to deliver on this essential piece of legislation; regrets that the Commission does not refer at all to the need for TDI modernisation in its ‘'Trade for All’' communication; calls on the Council to boost its effortsreak the stalemate regarding TDI modernisation urgently on the basis of the European Parliament's position, especially at a time when China is firmly requesting recognition of MES, and asks the Commission to present a new proposal;
Amendment 292 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Calls on the Commission to quicken the pace of investigations in order to accelerate the adoption of provisional and definitive trade defence measures, to open investigations "ex officio" and to impose measures on the ground of the "threat of injury" where the evidence justifies this, to eliminate the lesser duty rule which is not an obligation under WTO law, and to allow all European social partners, including not only business leaders but also trade unions, to urge the Commission to open anti-dumping investigations;
Amendment 299 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Strongly opposes the granting of MES to China, as it is not fulfilling, for the time being, the EU’s five technical criteria for defining a market economyOpposes any unilateral concession to China on MES in 2016 in the current circumstances ; underlines the importance of defining a common European strategy to reinvigorate and apply the anti-dumping procedures on various products suffering from the strong trade distortion caused by Chinese exporting companies;
Amendment 303 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls on the Commission not to take any measures without a prior deep and comprehensive impact assessment tackling all the possible effects and consequences on employment, growth and the environment; recalls that it is fundamental that the Commission coordinates closely with other WTO partners on the issue;
Amendment 305 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Regrets that not enough hasConsiders that more needs to been done to comprehensively address European industries’' needs and that the EU manufacturing sector is too often placed behind the services and financial sectors; emphasises that trade policy must ensure a level playing field for European industry, provide access to new and emerging markets and facilitate upward convergence on standards while reducing double certification; calls on the Commission to ensure coherence between the EU’'s trade and industrial policies and to promote the development and competitiveness of European industry with particular reference to the reindustrialisation strategy;
Amendment 309 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Recalls the importance of GIs in promoting traditional European agri-food products, protecting them from harmful free-riding practices, guaranteeing consumers´ rights and conscious choices, and safeguarding rural producers and farmers, with particular reference to SMEs;
Amendment 310 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 b (new)
Paragraph 33 b (new)
33b. Acknowledges the success story of GIs in protecting European workers and producers from unfair practices and therefore calls on the Commission to extend GIs to non-agri products;
Amendment 313 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Recalls that the EU plays a leading role in the services sector; stresses that the opening up of new market opportunities must be an essential element of the EU’'s international trade strategy; stresses that including services in trade agreements is of the utmost importance, as it gives opportunities to European companies and domestic employees; while also excluding, in line with Articles 14 and 106 TFEU and Protocol 26, current and future services of general interest and services of general economic interest from the scope of application of any agreement; fully reiterates its recommendations for the negotiations of a Trade in Services Agreement in this regard with the emphasis on the ultimate goal of a multilateral agreement;
Amendment 324 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Shares the Commission’s viewConsiders that the temporary movement of professionals has become essentialis a factor to increasing business internationally; stresses that a labour mobility chapter should be included in all EU trade and investment agreements; recalls however that Mode 4 commitments must only apply to the movement of highly skilled professionals for a specific purpose, for a limited period of time and under precise conditions stipulated by the domestic legislation of the country where the service is performed and by a contract respecting such domestic legislation while ensuring that nothing will prevent the EU and its Member States from maintaining and improving labour standards and collective agreements";
Amendment 329 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Welcomes the Commission’'s intention to use trade policy to tackle new forms of digital protectionism and to set rules for e-commerce and cross-border data flows in compliance with EU data protection and privacy law and safeguarding fundamental rights; believes that much more needs to be done to create a climate favourable to e-commerce and entrepreneurship within the EU; stresses that ensuring regulatory cooperation, reducing online fraud, mutual recognition and harmonisation of standards in the digital trade sector is vital;
Amendment 338 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Is aware that the inclusion of provisions relating to financial services in trade agreements has raised concerns regarding their potential negative effects where money laundering, tax evasion and avoidance are concerned; supports the Commission in its fight against corruption; insists that clauses on corruption, money laundering and tax fraud be included in all trade and investmentthe Commission and Member States address anti money laundering, anti-corruption and anti-tax evasion and tax avoidance rules, including country-by- country reporting obligations and automatic exchange of information in appropriate international agreements;
Amendment 345 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Emphasises that a forward-looking trade policy must pay greater attention to the specific needs of SMEs and ensure that they can fully benefit from trade and investment agreements; recalls that only a small share of European SMEs are able to identify and exploit the opportunities that globalisation and trade liberalisation offer; notes that only 13 % of European SMEs have been internationally active outside the EU but recognises that SMEs already account for one third of EU exports; supports initiatives to facilitate the internationalisation of European SMEs , therefore insists on the benefits of a Chapter on SMEs in all future FTAs, also, but believes that new ways need to be explored on how to better assist SMEs in their sale of goods and services abroad; stresses that SMEs need more tailor-made support, starting in Member States;
Amendment 347 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38a. Asks the Commission to better support the internationalisation of SMEs by developing specific and clear guidebooks for SMEs about the opportunities and benefits offered by each trade agreement concluded by the EU;
Amendment 351 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. Reminds with regard to regulatory cooperation that the corresponding mechanisms must be based on enhanced information exchange and improved adoption and implementation of international instruments and lead to increased convergence on international technical standards whilst under no circumstances undermining or delaying the democratically legitimised decision- making procedures of any trading partner;
Amendment 354 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Calls on the Commission to assess and improve the existing tools regarding subsidiarity, non-duplication and complementarity in relation to respective Member State programmes and European value-added before developing further instrumentstand-alone actions to support the internationalisation of SMEs; stresses that the Commission should submit an independent evaluation of all the existing programmes to Parliament;
Amendment 359 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Stresses the importance of further debate with stakeholders and Parliament on the Commission’'s proposal for the Investment Court System in order to better clarify its impact on the ‘'right to regulate’', the annual costs for the EU budget and its compliance with the EU legal order, the power of the EU courts in particular, and more specifically the EU competition rules; shares the ambition of establishing in the medium term a multilateral solution to investment disputes and calls on this to be built-in to all on-going bilateral negotiations; regrets that the ICS proposal does not include an investors' obligation provision;
Amendment 370 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43a. Emphasizes that the EU investment policy has to tackle broader issues than merely investment protection but addressing also investment facilitation and governance, thus, ensuring foreign direct investment serves the recently adopted Sustainable Development Goals; considers investor obligations based on inter alia the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Corporate Social responsibility and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights an indispensable part if a such an investment policy; urges Member States to work towards progress within the UN on the elaboration of a legally binding instrument on business and human rights;
Amendment 373 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 b (new)
Paragraph 43 b (new)
43b. Considers the connection between trade and investment agreements and double taxation treaties to be seriously underexplored and calls on the Commission to study closely any effects such tools may have on each other and on wider policy coherence in the fight against tax evasion;
Amendment 375 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Calls for the elimination of the current imbalances as regards the degree of openness of public procurement markets between the EU and other trading partners; calls on the Commission to go even further in seeking an ambitious and reciprocal opening up of international public procurement markets, while guaranteeing the exclusion of services of general economic interests and making sure states remain free to adopt qualitative rules for their procurement procedures including social and environmental criteria; stresses that European economic operators, but especially European SMEs, need better access to public contracts in third countries;
Amendment 382 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Welcomes the Commission’'s amended proposal for a regulation on the access of third-country goods and services to the Union’'s internal market in public procurement, which is an important tool for ensuring a level playing field in the market access of third countries and strongly regrets that Member States governments have been holding up the original proposal; calls on the Commission to achieve reciprocity in access to public procurement markets with all trading partners;
Amendment 390 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 a (new)
Paragraph 46 a (new)
46a. Is of the opinion that trade and investment policies should be part of our common strategy to address challenges such as migration or terrorism by supporting and investing in sustainability, jobs creation and growth in our neighbourhood, therefore welcomes the opening of negotiations for a DCFTA with Tunisia and encourages the starting of negotiations for a DCFTA with Jordan; stresses the need for assistance and financial support to all the countries of the Southern Mediterranean; encourages the modernisation of the customs union with Turkey;
Amendment 392 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. BelievEmphasises that better harmonized and more efficient customs procedures in Europe and abroad could help to facilitate trade, to meet respective trade facilitation requirements, and to fight against forgeries, illegal and counterfeiting of goods entering in the single market, which distortundermines EU economic growth and seriously exposes EU consumers; welcomes the Commission’'s intention to enhance cooperation between customs authorities; calls once more on the Commission and the Members States to set up a unified EU customs service for a more effective application of customs rules and procedures throughout the customs territory of the EU;
Amendment 394 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Underlines that trade agreements and the decline in tariff rates that follows expose customs to greater security and protection concerns; emphasises that adequate communication and strong coordination is essential; Customs agencies should treat trade transactions involving non-cooperative tax jurisdictions with the highest level of scrutiny;
Amendment 404 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
Paragraph 50
50. Shares the OECD’'s view that open trade and investment policies need a range of effective flanking policies in order to maximise the gains and minimise the losses; urges the Members States and the Commission to do much more to complement trade opening by a range of supporting measures in order to ensure inclusive growth – such as education, active labour market policies, public investment, supporting research and development, infrastructure development and social protection;
Amendment 410 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51
Paragraph 51
51. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to conduct thorough ex ante and ex post analysis on the basis of sector-by-sector and regional impact assessments for all trade agreements and relevant legislative files to anticipate negative effects on the labour market within the Union and to find more sophisticated ways of introducing mitigating measures to redevelop industries and regions that lose out, with a view to achieving a more equitable distribution of and ensuring broad-based gains from trade; emphasises that in this respect the European Structural and Investment Funds, and in particular both the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund, can play an outstanding role; points out that the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund could also be an important instrument if reformed and shaped in a way that it is adequately funded;
Amendment 413 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51 a (new)
Paragraph 51 a (new)
51a. Points out that the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund could also be an important instrument; believes however that the current use of the EGF to tame the adverse impacts in some sectors resulting from increased international competition is not satisfactory; stresses that this instrument should be reformed and adequately funded whereby it proactively anticipates risks and adaptation of sectorial, regional and national production structures in cases in which the sustainable impact assessment indicates that these might be endangered as a consequence of trade agreements;
Amendment 35 #
2015/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the EU enhances economic sustainability by stimulating the integration of all countries into the world economy, including through the progressive abolition of restrictionmotion of common high standards oin international trade;
Amendment 315 #
2015/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Is of the opinion that the European Parliament must be in position to address these challenges in the same comprehensive and overarching way, and organize its work accordingly; considers that the Committee on Foreign Affairs must be entrusted the coordinashould closely cooperate with the other Committees in order to insure a coherent position ofin all policy fields relevant to the external action of the EU, with other Committees being requested to express their opinion;
Amendment 47 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that macroeconomic conditionality must only be used to contribute to a more focused and result- driven implementation of the ESI Funds and that it should not jeopardize their proper use;
Amendment 102 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Asks the Commission to applyinterpret Article 23 CPR in line with the principle of proportionality, by properly taking into account the real situation of those Member States and regions which are facing socio- economic difficulties and where ESI Funds represent a significant share of investment;
Amendment 116 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Considers that the involvement of Parliament in line with Article 23(15) CPR should be formalised, by way of a clear procedure allowing Parliament to be informconsulted at all stages as regards the adoption of reprogramming requests or of any proposals and decisions on suspension of commitments or payments;
Amendment 1 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
– having regard to the 167th EU-China Summit, which took place in Beijing on 21 Novemberrussels on 29 June 20135, and to the joint press communiquésummit declaration issued at the conclusion thereof,
Amendment 17 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20
Citation 20
– having regard to the EU-China Partnership on Climate Change agreed, and the Joint DeclarationJoint Statement on Climate Change issued, at the 817th EU-China Summit in SeptemberJune 20015,
Amendment 49 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
Amendment 76 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas President Xi Jinping launched the ‘Chinese Dream’ initiative, which is aimed at revitalising the Chinese nation inside and outside the PRC by strengthening the power monopoly of the CPC, re- ideologising the party, the state and society and increasing the authority of the party leaderand at China becoming a fully developed nation by 2049;
Amendment 80 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
Amendment 94 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas environmental degradation in China has taken dramatic proportions and requian even mores powerful and targeted government action is necessary;
Amendment 135 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas the Chinese Government acknowledges the importance and even the universality of human rights, but preferlacks to present this aangible results ain aspiration rather than a binding norm for the presentimproving its human rights record;
Amendment 149 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R
Recital R
Amendment 163 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the EU and China as a source of inspiration to strengthen the Strategic Partnership and to speed up the ongoing negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement;
Amendment 169 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Welcomes the outcome of the 17th EU-China Summit held in Brussels on 29th June 2015 lifting the bilateral relations to a new level and giving a signal for closer political cooperation going beyond mere trade relations and towards a coordinated approach to tackling global challenges;
Amendment 173 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls for enhanced coordination between the EU and China in areas such as G20, security and defence, terrorism, nuclear non-proliferation, urbanisation, development and aid programmes, sustainable development; emphasises the importance of cooperation in the field of regional development, and of dialogue and exchanges with regard to the Europe 2020 Strategy and the forthcoming China’s thirteenth Five-Year Plan;
Amendment 175 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Believes that cooperation and coordination between the EU and China are essential to have concrete results in the fight against climate change; considers the EU-China Statement on Climate Change agreed after the 2015 summit a milestone towards a binding climate agreement at the UN Climate Conference in Paris (COP21); urges all parties to the conference to build on the momentum built by the EU-China and US-China climate change statements;
Amendment 177 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Welcomes the fact that during the last decades a considerable number of Chinese citizens have been lifted out of extreme poverty due to substantial economic growth and a gradual opening of the Chinese economy; voices nonetheless its concern that these economic improvements often cause environmental problems and great inequalities;
Amendment 184 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the need for EU Member States to speak with one voice to the Chinese Government, particularly in view of Beijing’s present diplomatic dynamism; deplorbelieves the lack of profound debate and close coordination at EU level regarding Member States’ membership of the AIIBestablishment of the AIIB and of the so-called ‘New Silk Road’ are important initiatives for further developing the bilateral cooperation and economic development of the EU and China;
Amendment 193 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Expresses its concern that the EU institutions are lacking a coordinated response and approach towards the initiatives started by the Chinese Government to build up new multilateral institutions;
Amendment 206 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Welcomes a number of positive developments in Chinese human rights policy, including more openness in the framework of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue;
Amendment 212 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Welcomes the participation of several Member States in the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank (AIIB); Deplores nonetheless the lack of profound debate and close coordination at EU level in reaction to this initiative; urges the European institutions and Member States to see this as a wake-up call in order to avoid a similar lack of coordination in the future;
Amendment 216 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Expresses its concern that the building up of alternative multilateral institutions under Chinese leadership shows a lack of inclusion, cooperation, and legitimacy within existing multilateral institutions; calls on those institutions and their members to actively pursue reform processes in order to strengthen their legitimacy and effectiveness; urges the European institutions and Member States to play a leading role in those processes;
Amendment 218 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 e (new)
Paragraph 2 e (new)
2e. Welcomes the common statement agreed at the 7th EU-China Summit to build up a connectivity platform as a true common project and considers this as a model for coming cooperation initiatives; particularly commends the EU’s readiness to start this project on the European level; urges both parties to seize the opportunities given by closely interconnecting both partners;
Amendment 220 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 f (new)
Paragraph 2 f (new)
2f. Recognises the opportunities arising from Chinese investment in Europe in the framework of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI); underlines that the Fund is open to investment by a number of actors but that it should nonetheless that remain under EU governance;
Amendment 221 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 g (new)
Paragraph 2 g (new)
2g. Emphasises the importance of the Bilateral Investment Agreement between the EU and China currently under negotiation; points out at the necessity to advance and conclude such negotiations, in order to allow for a substantial increase in reciprocal investments and to benefit the two economies;
Amendment 230 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines the Chinese interest in strategic infrastructure investments in Europe; concludes, with regard to Beijing's demand for ISDS procedures as an essential element of a BIT, that Brusselsthe European Union should reciprocally demand that provisions be included in the BIT that guarantee better access for and fairer treatment of EU companies on the Chinese market;
Amendment 233 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Strongly supports "one country, two systems" as a basis for good relations between the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao and Mainland China.
Amendment 237 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Recognizes the standards concerning the rule of law, independence of the judicial system, respect of human rights and the freedom of speech as well as press freedom that have been the norm in Hong Kong for the last decades; expresses its support for those standards to be maintained in the future.
Amendment 238 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. deplores that the reform of the electoral law for the appointment of the Chief Executive in Hong Kong could not be brought to an end; expresses its hope that a new reform process can be started in the near future with the aim of giving the people of Hong Kong the right to universal suffrage with a genuine choice amongst diverse candidates; calls on the Chinese Government to play a constructive role in the electoral reform process.
Amendment 242 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that President Xi Jinping is trying to give a new attractive face to Chinese politics through an attitude of openness and to impress world leaders by projecting both accessibility and powerful self- confidence; points out, however, that President Xi is not the new attractive face of Chinese politics for the country'under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government is showing a growing assertiveness both internally and externally; points out, however, that this new assertiveness is often accompanied by a repression wave towards civil rights activists, lawyers, journalists, bloggers and academics, who find their freedom curbed in a way not seen since decades;
Amendment 266 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. ObservesExpresses its concern that, although the targets of the anti-corruption campaign extend tolaunched by the Chighest political level, these seem to be limited to the allies of President Xi's main rivals in the CPC; considers that this fierce ongoing anti-corruption campaign is, at the same time, serving to win back popular trust in the CPC, to discipline bureaucracy and to eliminate rivals insidenese leadership is a commendable effort to foster citizens' trust in the government, it is characterized by a lack of transparency and in most cases not following the rule of law; observes that in some cases, the campaign is being misused for internal fights and to foster the role and power of the CPC;
Amendment 280 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 295 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines the urgency of further environmental protection measures, bearing in mind, for example, that in 2014 only eight out of 74 major cities reached the national standard of PM 2.5 air pollution concentrations; warns that the double water crisis (massive pollution combined with increased water usage) could cause major political and social instability; welcomes the fact that under the new environmental protection law local cadres are accountable, also retroactively, for environmental damage caused during their tenure;
Amendment 310 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Observes that in recent years China's anti-terrorism policy has evolved rapidly from a somewhat reactive ‘defence against terror' approach to a proactive ‘war on terror', along with permanent ‘crisis management' entailing action to an unprecedented extent in affected regions and in society;
Amendment 317 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. DeploresIs concerned by the fact that Xinjiang is caught in a vicious circle, given that, on the one hand, there are violent separatist and extremist groups among the Turkic- speaking Muslim Uyghurs, who do not, however, represent the vast majority, and that, on the other hand, Beijing for the sake of stability is increasingly responding to social unrest with repression, heightening the presence of its security apparatus in the region, alienating many Uyghurs from Beijing and nourishing anti-Han-Chinese sentiments among the Uyghur population;
Amendment 341 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes the priority given by President Xi's presidency to the relationship with the US, given his proposal for a ‘new type of major power relationship' between China and the US; stresses that, if this view is perceived as a code word for dividing the Pacific into two spheres of influence, other countries in the region will be greatly concernedcalls on the EU to be more active in Asia, and to cooperate with China and the US for more stability in the region;
Amendment 349 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Emphasises that the recent White Paper on China's military strategy highlights Beijing's intentions to further expand the Chinese navy and extend the range of its operations, shifting from ‘offshore waters defence' to ‘open seas protection'; expects this to increase the currentcalls for a balanced attitude to avoid worries of China's neighbours, to create and more tensions in the Pacific and Indian Ocean, and to endangerguarantee Europe's crucial interest in freedom of navigation on the seas;
Amendment 365 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Welcomes the cooperation between the EU and China on security and defence, including the anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, and calls for further combined efforts to tackle global security and defence issues, such as terrorism;
Amendment 371 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Urges the Chinese Government to use all its levers of influence to ensure stability in the Korean Peninsula and to induce North Korea to return to credible denuclearisation talks and to take concrete steps to denuclearise;
Amendment 377 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 389 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Underlines the importance of mutual trust and cooperation between China and the EU and the other key international actors to tackle global security issues; hopes that China will offer its support to the EU and US-led initiatives aiming at ending the breaches of international law causing the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, and at restoring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine after Russia's aggression;
Amendment 403 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Urges the European Union to continue pressing for an improvement of the Human Rights situation in China whenever dialogues are held at any level and to include Human Rights clauses in any bilateral treaty agreed with China;
Amendment 454 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Urges European companies investing in China to respect international labour standards and to make commitments to go beyond Chinese labour rights, if these do not meet internationally agreed standards;
Amendment 470 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
Amendment 479 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Welcomes the momentum in the relations between mainland China and Taiwan; believes that the EU should strictly adhere to its one-China policy and avoid any steps which could destabilise its relations with the PRC, such as the negotiation of a bilateral investment agreement with Taiwan;
Amendment 482 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Commends the acceptance by the Chinese government of Taiwan's participation in some UN organisations (WHO, ICAO) and expresses its hope that China will continue in this pragmatic and flexible approach towards Taiwan's involvement in international organisations;
Amendment 12 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) is an important instrument and was created to strengthen the European Union's (EU) partnerships with neighbouring countries in order to develop an area of shared stability, security and prosperity and whereas peace and stability in the European neighbourhood is of utmost importance for EU's own security;
Amendment 101 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the importance and timeliness of the review of the ENP; emphasises that the revised ENP should be able to provide a quick and adequate response to the situation on the ground, while alsoin parallel with putting forward a long-term vision for developing relations with the neighbouring countries;
Amendment 122 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes in the continued value of its initially stated objective of creating an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness, stability and security, based on the founding values and principles of the Union, through a deep structural dialogue and cooperation transformation within the neighbouring countries and the promotion of regional cooperation and integration; stresses therefore the need to go back to basics and bring this objective back to the top of the agenda, adapting it to the new reality and respecting the peculiarities of the individual neighbouring countries and the democratic will of their people;
Amendment 170 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the renewed policy must be more strategic, with a real political vision, and politically driven; emphasises that it must contemplate and be coordinated with the key European policies, such as the energy policy, and with key issues, such as migration; calls for special envoys to be appointed for the East and the South, with the task of politically coordinating the revised policy;
Amendment 200 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises that local ownership and inclusiveness should be key aspects of the new approach so as to ensure that the benefits of the ENP reach all levels of society throughout the different countryies;
Amendment 231 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the EU to improve its coordination with other donors and international financial institutions and calls for joint programming with its Member States; considers that better the coordination and the alignment with of the individual Member States with the revised ENP, areis necessary key in order to achieve a common, coherent and effective approach to the short- and medium-term goals of the EU's cooperation with neighbouring countries;
Amendment 243 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that the mid-term review of the external financial instruments should take into account the review as well as the requirements of the revised policy, and that the ENI should therefore also reflect the ambition of making the ENP more flexible;
Amendment 439 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines the need for an overarching political strategy to restore the European political order while ensuring full compliance with international law and commitments, as laid down in the Helsinki Final Act of 1975, based on respect for human rights, minority rights and fundamental freedoms, independence, sovereignty and the territorial integrity of states, and peaceful resolution of conflicts; notes that the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), as the biggest regional organisation responsible for security, can play an important role in this regard; also, stresses the need for an enhanced collaboration with The North- Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) on the security policy and their frameworks of cooperation with partners;
Amendment 440 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls for the revised policy to support partner countries in building proper state structures to deal with security issues including terrorism and organised crime, such as effective law enforcement, intelligence and security, which should be accompanied by propersharing, and strengthened security standards, which should be properly monitored by parliamentary oversight; stresses that the EU should engage in areas such as security sector reform, through institutional support, trainings and sharing of best practices;
Amendment 540 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls on the EU to take advantage of the expertise of the regional organisations to which the neighbours belong, such as the Council of Europe, the OSCE, the African Union and the League of Arab States, whichand to actively involve and cooperate with them in order to address regional conflicts; reminds that they are important fora in which to engage partners in carrying out reforms, to address concerns on human rights and to foster democratisation;
Amendment 281 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Commends the solidarity and the unity demonstrated by the Member States in the context of Russia’s undeclared war against Ukraine, allowing the adoption and further extension of responsive measures; calls on the Member States to consider as an absolute priority the preservation of this unity; reiterates that unity and solidarity amongst the Member States, as well as between the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries, is essential for ensuring the effectiveness of the EU’s policies and its ability to withstand external challenges and pressures; stresses that EU Member States should refrain from bilateral agreements with Russia like providing naval or air bases to Russian military or deals on nuclear power plants while the EU sanctions against Russia are still in place;
Amendment 74 #
2015/0310(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6 a) Th European Border and Coast Guard is intended to replace Frontex in order to ensure a European integrated border management at the external borders with a view to managing migration effectively and ensuring a high level of internal security within the Union, while safeguarding the free movement of persons therein. In accordance with the Treaties and their Protocols, the Member States to which provisions of the Schengen acquis on lifting border controls are yet to apply should be able to participate in and/or benefit from all the actions under this Regulation.
Amendment 105 #
2015/0310(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) ‘external borders’ means the land and sea borders of the Member States and their airports and seaports, to which the provisions of Title II of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council 38 apply, including those Member States to which provisions of the Schengen acquis on lifting internal borders are yet to apply; __________________ 38 Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (OJ L 105, 13.4.2006, p. 1).
Amendment 142 #
2015/0310(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. To ensure a coherent European integrated border management at all external borders, the Agency shall facilitate and render more effective the application of existing and future Union measures relating to the management of external borders, in particularcluding the Schengen Borders Code established by Regulation (EC) No 562/2006.
Amendment 101 #
2015/0281(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The offenses related to public provocation to commit a terrorist offence act comprise, inter alia, the glorification and justification of terrorism or the dissemination of messages or images including those related to the victims of terrorism as a way to gain publicity for the terrorists cause or seriously intimidating the population, provided that such behaviour causes a danger that terrorist acts may be committed. Websites containing public incitements to commit criminal acts of terrorism should be penalised accordingly.
Amendment 115 #
2015/0281(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Criminalisation of the receiving training for terrorism, including the acquisition of documentation, complements the existing offence of providing training and specifically addresses the threats resulting from those actively preparing for the commission of terrorist offences, including those ultimately acting alone.
Amendment 116 #
2015/0281(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) Cybernetic attacks carried out for terrorist purposes or by a terrorist organisation should be punishable in the Member States.
Amendment 117 #
2015/0281(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Terrorist financing should be punishable in the Member States and cover the financing of terrorist acts, the financing of a terrorist group, as well as other offences related to provision of funding for all preparatory activities for a terrorist activitiesttack, such as the recruitment and training, or travel for terrorist purposes, in the European Union or elsewhere, with a view to disrupting the support structures facilitating the commission of terrorist offences. Aiding and abetting or attempting terrorist financing should also be punishable.
Amendment 136 #
2015/0281(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The attempt to travel abroadoutside or inside the Union for terrorist purposes, should be punishable, as well as the attempt to provide training, funding and recruitment for terrorism.
Amendment 230 #
2015/0281(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) manufacture, possession, acquisition, transport, supply or use of weapons, explosives or of radiological, nuclear, biological or chemical weapons, as well as research into, and development of, biological and chemical weapons;
Amendment 233 #
2015/0281(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point h
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point h
(h) interfering with or disrupting the supply of water, power or any other fundamental natural resource through cybernetic or other forms of attack the effect of which is to endanger human life;
Amendment 253 #
2015/0281(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the distribution, online display or otherwise making available, of a message to the public, with the intent to incite the commission of one of the offences listed in points (a) to (h) of Article 3(2), where such conduct, whether or not directly advocating terrorist offences, causes a danger that one or more such offences may be committed, is punishable as a criminal offence when committed intentionally.
Amendment 274 #
2015/0281(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that to receive instruction, from another person or to obtain documentation giving instruction in the making or use of explosives, firearms or other weapons or noxious or hazardous substances, or in other specific methods or techniques, for the purpose of committing of or contributing to the commission of one of the offences listed in points (a) to (h) of Article 3(2) is punishable as a criminal offence when committed intentionally.
Amendment 342 #
2015/0281(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
(b) provides the administrative or judicialcompetent authorities with information which they would not otherwise have been able to obtain, helping them to:
Amendment 23 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that cohesion policy investments have cushioned, while pursuing their institutional objectives of reducing development gaps and promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion, have also significantly cushioned the negative effects of the economic and financial crisis and hasve given stability to regions by ensuring the flow of funding when national and regional public and private investments fell sharply;
Amendment 40 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Expresses its serious concern about the significant delay in the implementation of cohesion policy 2014-2020, including the delay in adoption of Operational Programmes, with only just over 100 Operational Programmes adopted at the end of 2014 and a small number adopted in 2015 through the carry-over procedure, as well as a backlog in payments amounting to ca EUR 25 billion for the 2007-2013 programming period; stresses that these delays are undermining the credibility of cohesion policy, effectiveness and sustainability, challenging national, regional and local authorities’ capacity to plan effectively and implement the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) for the 2014- 2020 period; calls on the Commission to make use of all its resources, to make sure that all remaining Operational Programmes are adopted with no further delay once the MFF revision necessary to use unallocated 2014 resources, and the accompanying Draft Amending Budget are adopted;
Amendment 47 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines that the aforementioned backlog under Heading 1b of the EU budget is in fact the most important immediate factor endangering the implementation of cohesion policy, both in the previous and, prospectively, in the current 2014-2020 programming period; reiterates that the impact of this backlog is felt forcefully by the cohesion policy actors on the ground, sometimes to the extreme; calls, therefore, on the Commission to elaborate a roadmap, envisaging a specific timeline of concrete, step-by-step policy actions, backed up by singled-out budgetary means, in order to reduce, and then eliminate, the backlog; hopes the Council will finally realize the seriousness and unsustainability of the situation, and be ready to actively contribute to a stable solution of the problem; is convinced that the first objective of these actions ought to be making 2015 the year in which this backlog reduction is felt in a tangible manner;
Amendment 49 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that it is imperative to start the implementation of the Operational Programmes as soon as they are adopted, in order to maximise the results of the investments, boost job creation and raise productivity growth, and that the Commission and the Member States should do their utmost to speed up their adoption; demands that the Commission – while keeping a high focus on quality and the need to keep up the fight against fraud – analyses all possible ways of streamlining its internal procedures in order to ensure that Operational Programmes resubmitted after the deadline of 24 November 2014 are also taken into consideration; is awarespeed up procedures based on thate two scenarios are envisaged for the adoption of Operational Programmes, both implyingto avoid any further delays as regardsin the start of implementation;
Amendment 77 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Warns, however, that the EFSI should not undermine the strategic coherence and long-term perspective of cohesion policy programming; stresses that a re-direction of Structural Funds would be counterproductive, putting and can therefore not be accepted, as it would put their effectiveness – and the development of the regions – at risk; points out that the financial allocations to Member States agreed on under Heading 1b in the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014- 2020 cannot be modified in response to potential needs of the EFSI; emphasises that the replacement of grants by loans, equity or guarantees, while having certain advantages, must be carried out with caution, taking into account regional disparities; points out that the regions most in need of investment stimuli often have low administrative and absorption capacities;
Amendment 97 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Emphasises, in this context, Parliament’s responsibility to controlbe fully involved and to control and scrutinize; demands that the Commission and the Council provide full, transparent and timely information on the criteria for, and on the entire procedure that could trigger, a suspension of commitments or payments of the ESIF in accordance with in Article 23(15) of the Common Provisions Regulation;
Amendment 118 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Warns that the alarming rates of youth unemployment threaten to bring about the loss of an entire generation; insists that advancing the integration of young people into the job market must remain a top priority, to the attainment of which the integrated use of the ESF, ERDF and the ERDFCohesion Fund can make a major contribution; considers that a more results- oriented approach should be taken in this regard to ensure the most effective use of available resources;
Amendment 127 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses the importance of the European Social Fund with the Youth Guarantee and the Youth Employment Initiative, which must sustain as many viable job-creation projects as possible, in the form of business initiatives for example;
Amendment 133 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Emphasises that cohesion policy needs to be conducted within the spirit of properly functioning multi-level governance, combined with an effective set-up for responding to the requests of the public and businesses, and with transparent and innovative public procurement, all of which is crucial to enhancing the policy’s impact; stresses, in this regard, that, notwithstanding the importance of decisions taken at EU and Member State levels, local and regional authorities often have primary administrative responsibility for public investment, and that cohesion policy is a vital tool enabling these authorities to boost development in their territories, and therefore play a key role in the EU; stresses that this level of responsibility should be taken into consideration, in keeping with the partnership principle;
Amendment 143 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Is convinced that the Code of Conduct on Partnership will strengthen participation in programming in the regions, in form and substance, and must be fully implemented as it has a fundamental role to play in boosting the effects of cohesion policy and consolidating its impact;
Amendment 151 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Stresses the importance of macroregional strategies, which allow regions facing a common issue to address them in a more strategic and coordinated way, favouring the achievement of Cohesion Policy objectives in the most appropriate and targeted way; points out on the important results already achieved by macroregional strategies, and encourages increased attention and support towards them;
Amendment 90 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the European Union will only gain real influence on the international scene if it is able to speak with one voice; calls on the VP/HR accordingly to appoint representatives at the highest level, i.e. EU foreign ministers or very senior political figures acting on her instructions and together with her, to ensure a constant dialogue with the countries of the region;
Amendment 99 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. RStresses that the stability and security of the MENA region is fundamental for the security of the Union; recalls that the emergence of ISIS is a symptom of the economic, political, social and cultural crisis afflicting the region; calls on the EU, together with the Arab world, to assess the root causes and adopt a global approach through an approach based on security, political, economic, social and cultural considerations;
Amendment 114 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes the allocation of EUR one billion under the EU strategy entitled 'Elements of an EU Regional Strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the Da'esh threat' , under which EUR 400 million has been earmarked for humanitarian aid; emphasizes the strategic importance of a significant and efficient EU humanitarian assistance in order to limit as much as possible the effects of the conflict on the civilians; calls for special attention to be given to Jordan and Lebanon which are facing an unprecedented wave of refugees; is concerned that, as a result of extreme poverty and deprivation, refugee camps may become a hotbed of radicalisation; welcomes the funds for host populations under the new strategy and under the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP);
Amendment 146 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses also the importance of regional dialogue with Turkey and Iran; stresses the need to reintegrate Iran into the international community once it has provided definitive assurances and cast- iron guarantees of its intention to develop nuclear energy for civilian purposes only; stresses the role of Turkey in the fight against ISIS and in the stabilisation of the entire region; notes that Turkey has become the country with the largest refugee community; stresses the need to step up the counter-terrorism cooperation with Turkey;
Amendment 242 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Expresses its deep concern at the deteriorating situation in Libya; stresses the absolute need to maintain its territorial integrity and national unity; stresses that the Libyan crisis can only be resolved by means of dialogue that is as inclusive as possible; points out to the necessity that the EU, as well as regional actors, facilitate by all means the mediation of the United Nations Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, and provide all necessary assistance for institutions building;
Amendment 276 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the EEAS and the Commission to continue to encourage democratic reforms within the EU neighbouring countries; believes in the importance of ownership of these reforms, and points out at the positive democratic example of transition offered by Tunisia; stresses the importance of maintaining the ‘two- thirds/one third' principle for the allocation of ENP funding; calls on the Commission, the EEAS, the Council and the Member States to develop a political and strategic ENP dimension; welcomes the launch by the HR/VP and the Commission of broad consultation on ENP renewal;
Amendment 40 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas an ambitious and balanced agreement with the US may support the reindustrialisation of Europe and help achieve the 2020 target for an increase of the EU’'s GDP generated by industry from 15 % to 20 %; whereas it has the potential to create opportunities especially for SMEs, micro enterprises, according to the definition of Recommendation COM 2003/361/CE, clusters and enterprises networks which suffer more from non- tariff barriers (NTBs) than larger companies; whereas an agreement between the two biggest economic blocs in the world has the potential to create standards, norms and rules which will be adopted at a global level, which would serve to the advantage of third countries as well;
Amendment 112 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas many economic impact studies on TTIP should be taken with caution as they are built on computable general equilibrium economic models with very optimistic predictions about the capacity of the EU and the US to reduce regulatory barriers to trade; whereas the TTIP alone will not resolve economic problems in the EU and no false hopes and expectations should be raised in that respectthe real impact of TTIP on both EU and US economies is difficult to assess and hard to predict while negotiations are still ongoing; whereas there are contradictory economic impact studies on TTIP and they should be taken with caution as regards the capacity of the EU and the US to reduce regulatory barriers, unnecessary or unjustified, to trade and to support economic growth and job creation; whereas the TTIP alone will not resolve economic problems in the EU and no false hopes and expectations should be raised in that respect; whereas hopes and expectations on TTIP should be commensurate to the level of ambition that will be reached sector by sector in the negotiation;
Amendment 243 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point i
Paragraph 1 – point a – point i
(i) to ensure that TTIP negotiations lead to a deep, comprehensive, ambitious, balanced and high-standard trade and investment agreement that would promote sustainable growth with shared benefits across EU Member States, support the creation of high-quality jobs for European workers, directly benefit European consumers by ensuring a high level of existing and future labour, social and environmental standards, fight tax evasion, tax avoidance and tax havens, increase international competitiveness, and open up new opportunities for EU companies, in particular SMEsmicro and SMEs, and contribute to attracting more foreign investments in the EU; the content of the agreement is more important than the speed of the negotiations, which should in any case take into account the developments in the global international arena;
Amendment 260 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
(ii) to emphasise that while the TTIP negotiations consist of negotiations on three main areas – ambitiously improving reciprocal market access (for goods, services, investment and public procurement at all levels of government), reducing NTBs and enhancing the compatibility of regulatory regimes, and developing common rules to address shared global trade challenges and opportunities – all these areas are equally important to be included in a comprehensive package; TTIP should be ambitious and binding on all levels of government on both sides of the Atlantic, the agreement should lead to lasting, fair, genuine market openness on a reciprocal basis and trade facilitation on the ground, and should pay particular attention to structural means of achieving greater transatlantic cooperation while upholding regulatory standards and preventing social and environmental dumping, including through a structured system of pre and post impact assessment and evaluation procedures, including a precise gender assessment;
Amendment 307 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Paragraph 1 – point b – point i
(i) to ensure that the market access offers in the different areas are equally ambitious and reflect both parties’' expectations, as market access for industrial goods, raw materials, energy, agricultural products, services and public procurement is equally important in all cases and a balance is needed between the different proposals for these areas;
Amendment 397 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vi
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vi
(vi) to ensure an adequate carve-out of sexplicit exclusion of public services from the scope of application of TTIP as referred to in article 14 TFEU, through the introduction of an extensitive services such as public services and public utiliticarve-out in the core text of the agreement of all public services, current and future, covering all non-economic Services of General Interest as well as Services of General Economic Interest (including water, healthbut not limited to water, health, social services, social security systems and education) allowing, to ensure that national and local authorities enough room for manoeuvre to legislate in retain the full ability to introduce, adopt, maintain or repeal any measures with regards to the commissioning, organisation, funding and provision of public services as provided in article 106 TFEU and Protocol 26 TFEU; this exclusion should apply whether the services in question are organised as a monopoly, operating under exclusive rights or otherwise, and whether public interest; aly and privately funded and/or organised; notes the joint declaration reflecting negotiators’' clear commitment to exclude these sectors from the negotiations would be very helpful in this regard; ;
Amendment 453 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point viii a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point b – point viii a (new)
(viiia) to aim at the mutual recognition of professional qualifications in order to enable EU and US professionals to practice on either side of the Atlantic and to facilitate mobility of investors, professionals, high-skilled workers and technicians between the EU and the US in sectors covered by TTIP;
Amendment 472 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point x
Paragraph 1 – point b – point x
(x) to keep in mind that, as specified in the mandate, the agreement shouldall not riskcontain any provisions that prejudicinge the Union’'s cultural and linguistic diversity, including in; to therefore ensure that the audiovisual and cultural services sector, and thats well as existing and future provisions and policies in support of the cultural sector, in particular in the digital world, are kept out of the scope of the negotiations in accordance with the principle of technological neutrality, are kept out of the scope of the negotiations; to exclude subsidies or government support to audiovisual, educational and cultural services and its industries, including "digital products", from any commitments taken in chapters related to telecommunication, investment or e- commerce;
Amendment 489 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point xi
Paragraph 1 – point b – point xi
(xi) to ensurake an ambitious approach to the tchat account is taken of the discrepancies in thepter on public procurement, with a view to remedying, in line with the principle of reciprocity, the major disparity currently existing in the degree of openness of the two public procurement markets on both sides of the Atlantic andand to significantly opening up the US market, still ruled under the Buy American Act of 1933 on the basis of the international undertakings entered into under the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) and of the removal of the restrictions currently applying at federal, state and administrative level alike in the United States; emphasises, in particular, the need to guarantee that undertakings entered into by the US federal authorities will be honoured at all political and administrative levels; to ensure that account is taken of the huge interest on the part of European companies in obtaining, notably SMEs, in obtaining non- discriminatory access to public contracts in the US both at federal and state level, for example for construction services, traffic infrastructure and goods and services while respecting sustainability criteria for procurement on both sides, inter alia; to ensure the compliance of the chapter with the new EU public procurement and concession package entering into force in 2016directives, notably as regards the definition of public-cooperation, exclusions, SMEs access and the use of the MEAT criteria;
Amendment 593 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point iii
Paragraph 1 – point c – point iii
(iii) with regard to the horizontal regulatory cooperation chapter, to give priority to fostering bilateral cooperation between regulatory bodies through enhanced information exchange and to promote the adoption, strengthening and timely implementation of international instruments, on the basis of successful international experiences such as, for instance, ISO standards or under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe’'s (UNECE) World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29); to establish that the prior impact assessment for the regulatory act, as defined in the horizontal provisions on regulatory cooperation, should also measure and prioritise the impact on consumers and, the environment next toand gender relations over its impact on trade and investment; to handle the possibility of promoting regulatory compatibility with great care and only without compromising legitimate regulatory and policy objectives;
Amendment 610 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point v
Paragraph 1 – point c – point v
(v) to fully respect the established regulatory systems on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as the European Parliament’'s role within the EU’'s decision-making process and its democratic scrutiny over EU regulatory processes when creating the framework for future cooperation while at the same time being vigilant about a balanced involvement of stakeholders within the consultations included in the development of a regulatory proposal; in order to avoid that neither Party exercise any veto power before any regulatory proposal has been officially tabled by the other Party; to specify the role, the composition and the legal quality of the Regulatory Cooperation Council, taking into consideration that any direct and compulsory application of its recommendations would imply a breach of the law-making procedures laid down in the Treaties; to also oversee that it fully preserve the capacity of national, regional and local authorities to legislate their own policies, in particular social and environmental policies;
Amendment 745 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d – point xiii
Paragraph 1 – point d – point xiii
(xiii) to ensure that investment protection provisions are limited to post- establishment provisions and focus on non- discrimination and fair and equitable treatment; standards of protection and definitions of investor and investment should be drawn up in a precise manner; stresses that substantive provisions shall, inter alia, protect the right to regulate in the public interest, clarify the meaning of indirect expropriation and prevent unfounded or frivolous claims; free transfer of capital should be in line with the EU treaty provisions and should include a prudential carve-out in the case of financial crises;
Amendment 763 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d – point xiv
Paragraph 1 – point d – point xiv
(xiv) to ensure that foreign investors are treated in a non-discriminatory fashion and have a fair opportunity to seek and achieve redress of grievances, which can be achieved without the inclusion of an ISDS mechanism; such a mechanism is not necessary in TTIP given the EU’'s and the US’' developed legal systems; a state-to- state dispute settlement system and the use of national courts are the most appropriate tools to address investment disputes; should ISDS provisions be included in the TTIP, negotiations must avoid any rushed, methodologically unsound investor-to-state mechanism in TTIP;
Amendment 860 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e – point iv a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point e – point iv a (new)
(iva) to fully involve National Parliaments and keep them regularly informed on the negotiations, especially since, given the scope of the ambition for the agreement, it is likely TTIP will be considered a 'mixed- type' agreement and thus require a ratification process in EU Member States including, in some cases, at the regional level;
Amendment 37 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 3
Paragraph 3 – indent 3
– enhancing EU's capabilities to supporting security, stabilisation and the rule of law in the EU’s southern neighbourhood,
Amendment 85 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Insists that the political, economic, financial and defence resources of the EU and its Member States must be combined to maximise the EU’s influence in the world, produce synergies and ensure peace and stability in Europe and worldwide;
Amendment 102 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Encourages the EU institutions and the Member States to fully use the toolbox of the Lisbon Treaty to move from what has so far been a mostly reactive approach to a pro-active, unitary, coherent EU foreign and security policy, deployed in the shared European interest;
Amendment 109 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 – introductory part
Paragraph 9 – introductory part
9. Takes the view that the Council and the Commission, with the active cooperation of the Member States, need to ensure the coherence and consistency of:
Amendment 224 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Points out that energy is increasingly being used as a foreigncome an important tool of the foreign and security policy tool and recalls that energy cooperation lies at the foundation of European integration; calls foremphasizes the importance of building an European Energy Union which should increased coherence and coordination between foreign policy and energy policy; takes the view, should diminish EU's dependency on a single energy supplier by enhancing EU's energy sustainable production, and by diversifying energy routes and sources; highlights that energy security should be part of the comprehensive approach to the EU’'s external action; considers the energy resources to have a critical impact on security aspects and believes that energy policy must be in line with the Union’'s other priority policies, including its securityCSDP, foreign and neighbourhood, trade, and development policies, as well as its policies in defence of human right; recalls the necessary cooperation between the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Member States and the High Representative in order to achieve these strategic goals;
Amendment 242 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Takes the view that a solidarity mechanism should be put in placeart of an European Energy Union in order to deal with possible energy disruptions; believes that an interconnected energy infrastructure should be further developed and that efforts to diversify the EU’s energy supply should be accelerated in order to strengthen the energy independence of Member States;
Amendment 258 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Underlines the need to consolidate the EU and to strengthen its integration capacity, which is one of the Copenhagen criteria; reiterates the enlargement perspective for the countries of the Western Balkanimportance of the enlargement process for the European Union and supports the continuation of the enlargement negotiations with all candidate countries, based on fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria; supports, in this connection, the Commission’s approach, which consists in addressing fundamental reforms in the area of the rule of law, public administration and economic governance early in the enlargement process;
Amendment 269 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Emphasizes the need for a coherent European approach upon the misleading anti-European messages disseminated by third countries; condemns the financial support offered by third countries to political parties in the Member States with the purpose to undermine core European values and EU integrity; calls on the HR/VP and the European Commission to prepare and present a communication strategy to counter the anti-EU propaganda and to develop instruments that would allow to address this issue at European and national level;
Amendment 274 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Takes the view that a new approach to the EU’s relations with its eastern neighbours is needed; believes that supporting those countries that want and show readiness to draw closer to the EU must be a top priority for EU foreign policy; is committed, in accordance with Article 49 TEU, to the European perspective for the EU´s eastern European neighbours;
Amendment 306 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Urges Russia to honour its commitments and obligations, including those enshrined in the UN Charter, the OSCE Helsinki Final Act and the Budapest Memorandum; strongly condemns Russia´s military intervention and hybrid war against Ukraine, as well as the illegal annexation of Crimea; urges Russia to de- escalate and, to withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory and to re-establish the pre-annexation status quo; calls for the immediate and full implementation of the Minsk Protocol;
Amendment 328 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Insists on the need to substantially revise the EU´s policy towards its southern neighbourhood, and to developwhich should be characterized by adequate budgetary resources and the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy focusing the EU’s instruments and scarce budgetary resources on support for the building of functioning and inclusive states capable of delivering security for their citizens, confronting religious extremism and enhancing the rule of law, which is a key precondition for investment and, economic development and for granting wealth and social rights to the citizens; points to the unused potential of cross-border trade within the region; insists on close cooperation with the authorities of the countries concerned on managing migration flows, while respecting human rights;
Amendment 356 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Urges the EU leadership to develop, in close coordination with the US and involving other major powers (e.g. Russia and China), a strategy encouraging regional actors (including Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Gulf Cooperation Council governments, Iran, the Arab League and Kurdish forces) to unite in order to put an end to proxy wars and halt financial support to fundamentalists, and to develop a solution for peace and stability in the region; supports the engagement of all parties involved in the Middle East peace process in finding a comprehensive, constructive and sustainable solution to the Middle East conflict; emphasises the need to preserve the territorial integrity and national unity of Libya and urges the HR/VP to provide impetus for a stronger engagement of regional actors on mediation and conflict resolution;
Amendment 362 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Urges the EU leadership to develop, in close coordination with the US and involving major powers (e.g. Russia and China), a strategy encouraging regional actors (including Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Gulf Cooperation Council governments, Iran, the Arab League and Kurdish forces) to unite in order to put an end to proxy wars and halt financial support to fundamentalists, and to develop a solution for peace and stability in the region; supports the engagement of the High Representative and all regionall parties involved in the Middle East peace process in finding a comprehensive, constructive and sustainable solution to the Middle East conflict; emphasises the need to preserve the territorial integrity and national unity of Libya and urges the HR/VP to provide impetus for a stronger engagement of regional actors on mediation and conflict resolution;
Amendment 376 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Takes the view that the criminal activities and barbaric violence by terrorist jihadists engaged in and associated with the so-called Islamic State (IS) represent a major threat to the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and potentially to global peace and stability; supports the global coalition against IS and its efforts to combat IS militarily, and welcomes the contributions of EU Member States in this context; urges the stepping-up of resolute global regulatory pressure to deprive jihadists of oil revenues and to apply strict global sanctions against financial transactions in their favour; points to the urgent need to systematically disable jihadists from using the internet for propaganda through enhancing cooperation between the regional states, the EU and other concerned states ; insist on the need to step up international cooperation focused on preventing extremists from traveling to Syria and Iraq to join the jihadist fight, therefore reminds the need for a closer cooperation and coordination between Turkey and EU;
Amendment 387 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. UEmphasizes the importance of Jordan as a stable partner in the Middle East and the risk of destabilisation and radicalisation of Lebanon ; recalls that this two countries are facing an increasing wave of refugees which poses huge socio-economic challenges ; praises Turkey for its continued assistance of the estimated 1,6 million refugees from Iraq and Syria and for maintaining an open border policy for humanitarian purposes; urges the EU leadership to initiate a global effort, including on the part of regional powers, to massively increase humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by the conflict in Syria and by IS violence, in particular with a view to supporting refugees and providing direct financial support to countries in the region which host refugees;
Amendment 414 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Underlines the need for a strategy, in coordination with the US, on how to draw Russia, China and otherall major powers into responsibility for the peace and the stability of the global political and economic order; to this end, urges the HR/VP and the Council to re- think strategic partnerships;
Amendment 21 #
2014/2153(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that trade plays a key role in energy security, and that strong energy partnerships, reinforced by energy chapters included in the EU’s trade agreements, are essential tools; considers it of key importance to reduce dependency on imported energy; considers that EU’s trade agreements, including TTIP, should include energy chapters and serve the clear needs and objectives of a European Energy strategy; considers it of key importance to reduce dependency on imported energy and to enhance the EU’s energy diversification to avoid being dependent on one single supplier;
Amendment 28 #
2014/2153(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses the need for a strong coordination of the European trade policy with energy policy , foreign policy and CSDP in order to ensure the effectiveness of the European Energy strategy and a better coherence in our external action;
Amendment 51 #
2014/2153(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines the fact that the energy security strategy should strive to alleviate tensions between countries and reduce market inefficiencies, both of which factors that counteract the benefits of trade; stresses the need to promote democratic global governance structures for energy and raw materials and to foresee clear and effective obligations and penalties clauses to ensure that energy supply is not affected by events such as political ones;
Amendment 60 #
2014/2153(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the so called ‘winter package’ of USD 4.6 billion was agreed on 30 October 2014 and is being implemented, securing gas supply for Ukraine and also for EU Member States but only for a limited time;
Amendment 61 #
2014/2153(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is of the opinion that the EU should help the most vulnerable countries diversify their sources and supply routesdiversify its sources and supply routes and also help the most vulnerable countries to do the same, including through reverse flows, with an emphasis on renewable energies and related storage facilities, in order to increase energy efficiency worldwide, and should help eradicate energy poverty, contribute to global sustainable development and support the global effort to tackle climate change;
Amendment 382 #
2014/2153(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considers that any sustainable energy source that might contribute to energy security in the Union should be taken into account and developed in full compliance with environmental requirements;
Amendment 548 #
2014/2153(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to make full use, for the purposes of increased energy security and the transition to a low-carbon economy, of the possibilities allowed for financing energy projects through state aid, as well as the financial instruments available through the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, Horizon 2020, the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument, and the investment facilities of the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and public and private intermediaries;
Amendment 643 #
2014/2153(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Emphasises that acceleration of the implementation of strategic infrastructure projects is highly necessary, and therefore encouragescalls on the Commission to participate more actively indo all the necessary efforts to speed up thise process;
Amendment 658 #
2014/2153(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Calls for the Projects of Common Interest (PCI) adopted in 2013 to be executed without delay and in full respect of the deadlines;
Amendment 699 #
2014/2153(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Stresses that the EU’s energy diversification must prioritise those projects that diversify not only routes but also sources and must meet all requirements of EU law; emphasises that the diversification of routes must be directed towards reliable suppliers, and that supply agreements should in any case foresee clear, effective and easily applicable obligations and penalty clauses to ensure that energy supply is not affected by events such as political ones;
Amendment 780 #
2014/2153(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 a (new)
Paragraph 45 a (new)
45 a. Stresses the need for a strong coordination of the energy policy with the foreign policy and the CSDP for a better coherence of the external actions and an appropriate strategic assessment of the Energy Union's impact from a security point of view;
Amendment 818 #
2014/2153(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51
Paragraph 51
51. Stresses that a regular review of the implementation of the European Energy Security Strategy must be ensured, and that the annual progress assessment of the Strategy must be carried out considering its impact to the CSDP and having regard to the relevant challenges to energy security; calls on the Commission to submit annual reports on the state of play of the European Energy Security Strategy;
Amendment 6 #
2014/2075(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the Court detected serious errors in public procurement (39 % of estimated error rate), a high frequency of non-compliance with state aid rules (17 % of the estimated error rate), as well as extremely low rates of disbursement of financial engineering instruments to final recipients in 2013; stresses the importance of preventive measures to reduce errors and the need to simplify and diminish the administrative workload, so long as this does not affect the quality of the controls;
Amendment 35 #
2014/2075(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Draws attention to differences in control criteria and proposes that consideration be given to ways of harmonising controls, so as to focus on results.
Amendment 37 #
2014/2075(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Underlines the need in future to consider and assess project results, investment returns and real added value for the economy, employment and regional development.
Amendment 12 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Lisbon Treaty safeguards and strengthens political, economic and social freedoms of EU citizens and whereas all Member States have committed to respect the commonly agreed EU rules on free movement, non- discrimination and the common values of the European Union, notably the respect for fundamental rights, including the rights of people belonging to minorities; whereas the body of law in some European countries at present does not permit equal access to freedom of movement and whereas strict adherence to the Schengen criteria does not seem to justify this constraint;
Amendment 20 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas public confidence in the European Union has fallen to historically low levelthe European Union and its citizens are living through a difficult period caused by a severe economic and social crisis; 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 atrepresent an opportunity to strengthening public trust in the political system and creatinge a European public sphere;
Amendment 23 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the European Union, through its Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, champions a Europe of rights and democratic values, of freedom, solidarity and security and guarantees EU citizens better protection;
Amendment 24 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas citizens are directly represented at Union level in the European Parliament and have a democratic right to stand and vote in the European elections, even when residing in a Member State other than their own; whereas the right of EU citizens resident in a Member State other than their own to vote in European and local elections is not sufficiently facilitated and promoted in all Member States;
Amendment 38 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. AcknowledgStresses the vital role played by the Member States in correctly implementing European legislation; believes that enhanced cooperation with local and national authorities canprogress still remains to be made and that enhanced cooperation between the EU institutions and local and national authorities is needed; considers that increased cooperation would be an efficientective means of informally resolving problems, in particular impediments of an administrative nature;
Amendment 52 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to regularly monitor the way in which the administrative formalities related to entry and residence are processed in the Member States; calls on the Commission to play an active role in ensuring that procedures implemented by Member States fully comply with the values and human rights recognised in the EU Treaties;
Amendment 56 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Asks the Commission to check that all Member States have the financial and human resources to cope with influxes of refugees, whilst bearing in mind that some border states are more affected than others;
Amendment 59 #
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; recommends that the Member States take all steps to effectively help and assist citizens who wish to vote or stand as candidates in states other than their own;
Amendment 74 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the Member States to better inform EU citizens as to their rights and duties and to facilitate entitlement to these rights being respected equally both in their country of origin and in any other Member State;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2017(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is concerned that the uncertainty linked to the adoption of the MFF constitutes an obstacle for any serious budgetary planning, which is quite worrying as 2104 is the start of the new programming period and affects Cohesion Policy ins particularly affected;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2017(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Points out that the idea of creating a Connecting Europe Facility is not viable without the adoption of the new MFF, and that its link with the Cohesion Fund would only be realistic if sufficient resources are made available and adequate requirements are in place;
Amendment 6 #
2013/2017(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Expresses its concern that suspensions of payments exerted by the Commission might in some cases be linked to the shortfall in available resources, with the consequent application of stricter criteria;
Amendment 40 #
2012/2308(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph C
Paragraph C
C. whereas since 2006 attempts by the Petitions Committee to consider this issue on a parliamentary level have repeatedly been obstructed despite the widespreadsome MEPs have taken a serious interest in the issue amongst MEPs;
Amendment 64 #
2012/2308(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. WelcomNotes the decision by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs to draw up a report on the location of the seats of the European Union’s institutions;
Amendment 84 #
2012/2308(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Agrees with the principle that the European Parliament would be more effective, cost-efficient and respectful of the environment if it were located in a single placeRecognises that the regular journeys to Strasbourg are liable to engender additional costs; and notes that the continuation of the monthly migrationse journeys between Brussels and Strasbourg has become a symbolic negative issue amongst most EU citizens which is detrimental to Parliament’s reputationis a topic of debate within the European Parliament;
Amendment 115 #
2012/2308(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Respects the historic reasons for the location of its plenary sessions in Strasbourg and the Treaty requirements that necessitate the two-seat system; nevertheless insists that such an arrangement cannot continue in perpetuity and that Parliament itself must be ableremains convinced that the European Parliament should be able, if it deems this necessary, to state aits preference for its futureas to the future of this system;
Amendment 13 #
2012/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the Commission's proposals for a regulation laying down common provisions (COM(2012)0496), a regulation on specific provisions concerning the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (COM(2011)0614), a regulation on the Cohesion Fund (CF) (COM(2011)0612), and a regulation on the European Social Fund (ESF) (COM(2011)0607 final/2), which make full provision for priority investment in energy- efficiency improvements, the promotion of renewable energy sources, integrated sustainable urban development measures and action to combat exclusion by providing marginalised communities with access to high-quality housing and social services at affordable prices;
Amendment 24 #
2012/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Encourages the Member States to cooperate with local and regional authorities, in accordance with the principle of multi-level governance, to establish priorities and methods of using – on a joint basis, wherever possible – the ERDF, the CF, the ESF, and, in the case of social housing in rural areas and small and medium-sized towns, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD); considers that greater integration of the Structural and Investment Funds could encourage the sustainable development of disadvantaged areas, thus avoiding the pernicious effects of segregation and promoting social homogeneity and cohesion; hopes that technical assistance programmes and specialised funds will be maintained and extended;
Amendment 32 #
2012/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that investment in social housing plays a part in more far-reaching policies and has a beneficial impact on the local economy in terms of job creation, social inclusion, wealth, support for local SMEs, public health and environmental protection; points out that energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in social housing can also play a fundamental role in achieving the EU 2020 goals;
Amendment 1 #
2012/2259(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Maintains that investment in, and the exploitation of, renewable energy will promote economic development, new innovations, and sustainable growth in the EU's regions and, moreover; moreover, this will ensure the diversification of energy supply and contribute to energy security, whille createing new jobs;
Amendment 30 #
2012/2259(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Underlines that investments in the field of renewable energy sources are essential to allow their price become more competitive and comparable against traditional energy sources;
Amendment 32 #
2012/2259(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Deems essential that investments in renewable energy sources are complemented by investments in a smart and interconnected distribution network, including smart grids;
Amendment 48 #
2012/2259(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points to the importance of self- sufficiency in energy and to the major role of European renewable energy sources, including slowly renewable sources, for regional economies; points out that the efforts to replace fossil and imported energy with locally produced European renewable energy are important in the long already in the short-medium term in order to meet the targets set in the Energy Roadmap 2050 and the Europe 2020 strategy;
Amendment 18 #
2012/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Iinvites Member States to pay particular attention to long life learning and retraining programs in order to avoid, in the following decades, a shortage of manpower in areas of interest;
Amendment 1 #
2012/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
2. Urges the Member States to balance the needs of a healtake all the measures required to safeguard thye economy with those of the environnvironment and encourage sustainable development; emphasises that local communities must have a strong say in deciding the best balance between the needs of people and the needs of wildlife;
Amendment 7 #
2012/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Believes that, since citizens and residents of Member States are best placed to judge the most appropriate priorities for their local neighbourhoods, the subsidiarity principle should be applied to environmental issues wherever possible and that consideration should be given to consulting the citizens concerned before any political decision is taken which would have an impact on their immediate environment;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 14 #
2012/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the overwhelming need to develop new clean energy production capacities in the EU; recognises that this cannot be done without some impact on the environment, and urges the Union and the Member States to prioritise good landscaping post-production;
Amendment 22 #
2012/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Applauds the introduction of environmental impact assessments; nevertheless, urges that they be developed in full coherence with more traditional impact assessments, in particular with respect to their effect on the needs of small businesses and residents, as well as on flora and fauna and calls on the Member States to ensure that the relevant legislation is implemented more effectively, taking better account of the needs of small businesses and residents and of flora and fauna; expresses concern at the slowness with which Member States often carry out such assessments and calls, in the context of the future revision of the directive, for guarantees to be introduced concerning their impartiality and objectivity;
Amendment 2 #
2012/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the European Energy Policy should also ensure safety of the energy resources, diversification of the supplies, and affordable prices for the end user;
Amendment 4 #
2012/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the commonprimary objectives of the EU cohesion policy are the economic, social and territorial cohesion of Europe's regions through investment in growth and jobs;
Amendment 7 #
2012/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the cohesion policy investments in the area of energy cshould contribute to the realisation of the objectives of both policies byand promotinge growth in underdeveloped regionsregions lagging behind and local jobs creation, andwhile ensuring security of energy supply across the whole EU;
Amendment 25 #
2012/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises, in viewas a consequence of the crisis' negative effect of increasing local and regional disparities in Europe, the need for strong EU support for cohesion; believes that European energy projects could contribute to regional development through investments in decentralised energy sources, energy efficiency and other measures which result in supporting growth and jobs;
Amendment 39 #
2012/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Believes that the regions of Europe should be able to focus on those energy sources which are best suited to the local conditions and that the EU should start measurimplementing European energy objectives on an EU-wide scale;
Amendment 54 #
2012/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points out, with regard to large-scale energy projects, the possible capacity deficiencies of various regional and local authorities, which might seriously hamper implementation; believes, therefore, not only that JESSICA, ELENA and IEE- MLEI should be strengthened, but that any energy allocations within the cohesion policy should be reviewed by 2018 in light of their absorption rateother support programmes should be envisaged;
Amendment 59 #
2012/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses, while supporting new financial instruments for energy projects, that this should be in addition to direct grants and co-financing of energy projects and not a replacement for them; draws the attention of the Member States and the Commission to the fact that individuals, small and medium-sized towns and rural communities should be eligible for direct funding aid for energy efficiency, use of renewable energies and building renovation projects as they are likely to lack the administrative capacity to use other financial instruments fully;
Amendment 82 #
2012/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes that, while Member States are changing their energy mixes in accordance with the EU's climate goals, many regions are dependent on fossil fuels; believes, therefore, that not only low-carbon, but all low-emission sources of energy, such as shale gasincluding those of a transitional nature, ought to be accepted, including those of a transitional naturef they are proved not to have side-effects or negative consequences on the territories and people where they are produced or used;
Amendment 89 #
2012/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Commission to provide, on the basis of in-depth studies and case- analysis, on whether the production of natural gas from shale should be allowed and under which conditions. Believes that until when EU specific legislation is in place, such activity should be avoided;
Amendment 91 #
2012/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Stresses the necessity to support research and innovation in the energy sector, as a tool to ensure secure, safe, competitive and sustainable new energy sources; underlines the important role Cohesion Policy can play in this field;
Amendment 103 #
2012/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Believes that excluding projects which might come under Directive 2003/87/EC from the ERDF and the CF support is likely to have a disproportional effect on less developed regions and delay their transition to low- emission regions; asks the Commission to further clarify and define which energy sectors would not be eligible for cohesion policy funding and to withdraw this exclusion from projects located in convergence regions;
Amendment 104 #
2012/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Notes that district heating and cogeneration plants are widely present especially in Central-Eastern Europe; believes that their upgrade and the one of their distribution network, and where necessary the creation of high efficiency new plants, would have a positive environmental impact and should therefore be encouraged and supported by Cohesion Policy;
Amendment 109 #
2012/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Agrees that energy efficiency is vital to the EU's energy goals and should be promoted above all within the thematic concentration structure; believes that EU measures should support energy efficiency in both energy consumption and productionthe production, distribution and consumption phases;
Amendment 116 #
2012/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses that any EU energy policy requires the development of an integrated and interconnected energy system, and of local and regional smart distribution and transmission networks for electricity and gas, together with gas storage facilities; believes that the energy thematic concentration should support grid creation and renovation;
Amendment 53 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) It is necessary to amend Directive 2011/92/EU in order to strengthen the quality of the environmental assessment procedure, streamline the various steps of the procedure and enhance coherence and synergies with other Union legislation and policies, as well as strategies and policies developed by Member States in areas of national competence. The ultimate purpose of amending this Directive is to bring about more effective implementation at Member State level.
Amendment 58 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Over the last decade, environmental issues, such as resource efficiency, biodiversity, climate change, and and sustainability, biodiversity protection, combating climate change, and natural and man-made disaster risks, have become more important in policy making and. They should therefore also constitute critical elements in the assessment and decision- making processes for any public or private project likely to have a significant impact on the environment, especially for infrastructure projects.
Amendment 62 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) In its Communication entitled ‘Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe’, the Commission committed itself to including broader resource efficiency and sustainability considerations in the context of the revision of Directive 2011/92/EU.
Amendment 63 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity ("the Convention"), to which the European Union is party, requires assessment, as far as possible and as appropriate, of the significant adverse effects of projects on biological diversity, which is defined in Article 2 of the Convention, with a view to avoiding or minimising such effects. This prior assessment of impacts should contribute to attaining the Union headline target adopted on 2010 of halting biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystem services by 2020 and restoring them where feasible.
Amendment 65 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The measures taken to avoid, reduce and, if possible, offset significant adverse effects on the environment should contribute to avoiding any deterioration in the quality of the environment and any net loss of biodiversity, in accordance with the Union’s commitments in the context of the Convention and the objectives and actions of the Union Biodiversity Strategy up to 2020.
Amendment 68 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Climate change will continue to cause damage to the environment and compromise economic development. Accordingly, the environmental, social and economic resilience of the Union should be promoted so as to deal with climate change throughout the Union’s territory in an efficient manner. Climate change adaptation and mitigation responses need to be addressed now across many of the sectors of Union legislation.
Amendment 70 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Experience has shown that in cases of civil emergency compliance with the provisions of Directive 2011/92/EU may have adverse effects, and provision should therefore be made to authorise Member States not to apply that Directive in appropriate but strictly defined and limited cases.
Amendment 74 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) When determining whether significant environmental effects are likely to be caused, the competent authorities should identifmust define clearly and strictly the most relevant criteria to be considered and use the additional information that may be available following other assessments required by Union legislation in order to apply the screening procedure effectively and transparently. In this regard, it is appropriate to specify the content of the screening decision, in particular where no environmental assessment is required.
Amendment 78 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) The environmental report of a project to be provided by the developer should include an assessment of all reasonable alternatives relevant to the proposed project, including the likely evolution of the existing state of the environment without implementation of the project (baseline scenario), as a means to improve quality of the assessment process and to allow integrating environmental considerations at an early stage in the project’s design.
Amendment 83 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) With a view to ensuring transparency and accountability, the competent authority should be required to substantiate comprehensively and in detail its decision to grant development consent in respect of a project, indicating that it has taken into consideration the results of the consultations carried out and the relevant information gatheredwith the public concerned and all the relevant information gathered. Should that condition not be met, the public concerned should have the right to appeal against the decision.
Amendment 92 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
2011/92/EU
Article 1, paragraph 2, point g
Article 1, paragraph 2, point g
"environmental impact assessment" shall mean the process of preparing an environmental report on a public or private project, drawn up by an expert who is independent of both the competent authority and the project manager, carrying out mandatory consultations (including with the public concerned and the environmental authorities), the assessment by the competent authority, taking into account the environmental report and the results of the consultations in the development consent procedure as well as the provision of information on the decision in accordance with Articles 5 to 10.
Amendment 105 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
2011/92/EU
Article 3 – point d
Article 3 – point d
(d) the interaction between the factors referred to in points (a), (b) and (c) and the cumulative and cross-border effects of these factors;
Amendment 107 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a a (new)
2011/92/EU
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
(aa) The following paragraph is inserted after paragraph 2: ‘2a. In setting the thresholds and criteria referred to in paragraph 2, the Member States shall endeavour to set flexible minimum thresholds and criteria so as not to exclude any public or private project that may have a significant impact on the environment;'
Amendment 110 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
2011/92/EU
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
4. When a case-by-case examination is carried out or thresholds or criteria are set for the purpose of paragraph 2, the competent authority shall take account of selection criteria related to the characteristics and location of the project and its potential impact on the environment. The results of this examination must be published, and the public concerned must be able to appeal. The detailed list of selection criteria to be used is specified in Annex III.
Amendment 113 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b
2011/92/EU
Article 4 – paragraph 5 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 5 – point c
(c) include a description of the measures envisaged to avoid, prevent and preducevent any significant effects on the environment, where it is decided that no environmental impact assessment needs to be carried out pursuant to Articles 5 to 10;
Amendment 117 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
2011/92/EU
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
‘1. Where an environmental impact assessment must be carried out in accordance with Articles 5 to 10, the developer shall make use of the services of an accredited independent expert to prepare an environmental report. The environmental report shall be based on the determination pursuant to paragraph 2 of this Article and include the information that may reasonably be required for making informed decisions on the environmental impacts of the proposed project, taking into account current knowledge and methods of assessment, the characteristics, technical capacity and location of the project, the characteristics of the potential impact, alternatives to the proposed project and the extent to which certain matters (including the evaluation of alternatives) are more appropriately assessed at different levels including the planning level, or on the basis of other assessment requirements. The detailed list of information to be provided in the environmental report is specified in Annex IV.
Amendment 125 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
2011/92/EU
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
The competent authority may also seek assistance fromust ensure that the report has been drafted or verified by accredited and technically competent experts referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article. Subsequent requests to the developer for additional information may only be made if these are justified by new circumstances and duly explained by the competent authority.
Amendment 131 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
2011/92/EU
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
The detailed arrangements for the use and selection of accredited and technically competent experts (for example qualifications required, assignment of evaluation, licensing, and disqualification), shall be determined by the Member States. The Commission reserves the right to verify the independence of such experts and ensure that the selection process is carried out properly.
Amendment 136 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point b
2011/92/EU
Article 6 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Amendment 137 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
2011/92/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) a summary of the comments, opinions, questions and answers received pursuant to Articles 6 and 7;
Amendment 138 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
2011/92/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
For projects likely to have significant adverse transboundary effects, the competent authority shall provide information for not having taken into account comments received by the affected Member State during the consultations carried out pursuant to Article 7.
Amendment 148 #
2012/0297(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point a
2011/92/EU
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) the public concerned must be able to challenge the information provided, and the Member State must ensure that there is an effective procedure for appealing against the decision made;
Amendment 10 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Committee on Petitions has the duty to constantly review and, where possible, to enhance its role, notably with regard to the development of democratic principles,; increased citizen participation in the EU decision-making process, improving transparency and accountability and whereas in its regular activity the Committee works closely with the Commission acting as the ‘Guardian of the Treaty’ which defines the Commission's role and prevents it from intervening in matters not covered by EU legislation;
Amendment 20 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the number of submissions by citizens to the European Parliament continues to increase, 998 petitions were declared admissible and 416 inadmissible, and whereas the Committee on Petitions should remain the main point of contact within the European Parliament regarding allegations of infringement of individual and collective rights;
Amendment 28 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas petitions alleging a breach of fundamental rights lead the petitions league table, athead of the environment and the internal market, and whereas it is noteworthy thatse rights being an important concern for European citizens as, using the crisis as a pretext, such rights are being increasingly neglected by the Member States, and whereas petitions regarding economic and monetary affairs have seen a sharp increase, which correlates with thea similar increase in petitions expressing the acute concern of citizens generally with the present economic and financial crisis; concerning the present economic and financial crisis; the environment and the internal market remain key concerns;
Amendment 30 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. bearing in mind that the EIA Directive is presently under review and that the report by the Committee on Petitions on waste issues exposes serious shortcomings in several Member States; however, the implementation of this Directive remains insufficient and this problem will not be solved by the review but by more effective control by the European Commission;
Amendment 34 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas in 2011 there were 70 petitions outstanding relating to the Spanish Ley de Costas; and whereas petitions relating to the Ley de Costas concerned specific regions of Spain as follows: Valencia 23, Andalusia 11, Catalonia 10, Balearic and Canary Islands 9 each, Asturias and Cantabria 3 each, Galicia and Basque Country 2 each, and Murcia 1, with 51 identifiable as coming from Spanish citizens or groups of Spanish citizens; while 19 came from other nationalities as follows: 3 from miscellaneous nationalities, 11 from German citizens, 3 from French citizens, 2 from British citizens;
Amendment 38 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas the shortcomings and problems faced by people as a result of the malfunctioning of the internal market, as illustrated by petitions, are confirmed by the European Citizenship Report 20108 , in particular as regards free movement of EU citizens and their family members, access to social security entitlements, mutual recognition of qualifications, obstacles faced by the disabled, family law issues including same-sex couples and their children and mass expulsions on the basis of ethnic or national origin such as those affecting the Roma, including also double- taxation issues;
Amendment 42 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
Amendment 49 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Confirms the key role of the Committee on Petitions in identifying non-judicial remedies for citizens, in providing a reality check on the way in which EU legislation is transposed by the Member States and the way in which the European Union is seen by the people of Europe, and as a reflection of citizens’ views regarding whether European legislation actually delivers the expected result and responds to what people expect of the Union;
Amendment 53 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes, therefore, that this role and responsibility should lead Parliament to consider ways of revitalising this fundamental part of parliamentary work both in terms of its visibility, accountability and transparency and in terms of improving its ability to raise issues of importance to European citizens in plenary, as well as by reinforcing its competence to call witnesses and investigate more independently issues raised by citizens;
Amendment 61 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes Parliament's decision to develop a much more practical and visible petitions portal on its website, which will facilitate access for citizens to the petitions process, provide them with information and allow them to submit petitions in a more user-friendly environment; considers that this portal should also provide practical links to other forms of redress which are available at European and national or regional level as well as a comprehensive overview of the competence of the Petitions Committee;
Amendment 64 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Confirms its determination to continue to promote and defend citizens’ fundamental rights by making use of its political influence regarding such admissible cases as may be raised with the committee, in close cooperation with the relevant authorities within the Member States of the Union and with the European Commission;
Amendment 72 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Reiterates its numerous calls on the Member States to comply with their obligations under the Free Movement Directive 2004/38/EC on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the EU; reminds Member States of their obligation to facilitate entry and residence without any discrimination including for same-sex couples and their children, Roma and other minority groups;
Amendment 76 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 84 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Continues to support the efforts of petitioners to put pressure on the Spanish Government and local authorities to resolve the problems surrounding the Ley de Costas and its applicationapplication of the Ley de Costas; to this end supports the decision of the Petitions Committee to establish a working group at political level to consider the issue;
Amendment 86 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 94 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Urges the Spanish Government to revise the Ley de Costas in such a way as to guarantee title to those who have properly and in good faith acquired property within the reach of the jurisdiction of the Ley de Costas; in particular, calls for a reform of the Ley de Costas which ensures due process, a right of appeal, propersatisfactory compensation, and the right to reliable information and which protects against retroactive or discriminatory actions;
Amendment 103 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
Amendment 129 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Sees macroregional strategies as affording a major opportunity to harness forms of trans-regional potential and adopt a joint approach to challenges stemming from the natural environment, e.g. in relation to environmental protectionwards common challenges, thus permitting a more efficient, balanced and sustainable development; considers that better coordination of existing support mechanisms can create scope for more targeted use of the EU Structural Funds;
Amendment 335 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
Amendment 391 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Points out that the exchange of best practices between the regions must be further strengthened, in consideration of the fact that it helps pursuing the objectives of a better and more efficient use of the funds; calls for the creation and timely implementation of programmes favouring this type of exchange, following the example of the Erasmus for elected local and regional representatives, for which requests that it is swiftly put into effects;
Amendment 402 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Calls for the funding under investment partnerships to be made conditional on the implementation of reforms by the Member Stateto be linked to conditionalities set out in the development and investment partnership contracts, requesting Member States to undertake reforms, in order to ensure that it isfunds are used efficiently in areas directly related to cohesion policy; considers it fair for such conditions to include, in particular, full implementation of existing EU legislation (e.g. on price regulation, tendering procedures, transport, the environment and health) in order to prevent irregularities and ensure effectiveness; rejects, however, the imposition of conditions requiring Member States to undertake fundamental social and economic reform;
Amendment 432 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Considers that the maximum level of support must not exceed 75%, otherwise applications will be driven less by the case for the projects than by the prospect of the funding they can attractalls on the Commission to examine and to establish the most appropriate maximum level of support on the basis of a thorough analysis of the development situation and the specific needs of the regions in the framework of each objective, in order to ensure that applications will respond to the real needs of each region and will aim to sustainable results in a long-term perspective; calls for it to be made easier for regions to use private co- financing and market-oriented credit options to cover their share of project financing;
Amendment 473 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 a (new)
Paragraph 46 a (new)
46a. Supports the creation of a flexibility reserve established on the basis of appropriations automatically de- committed during the programming period, and aimed at triggering the Structural Funds in an economic, social or environmental crisis in conjunction with the Globalisation Adjustment Fund and the European Union Solidarity Fund;
Amendment 517 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53
Paragraph 53
53. Envisages thatCalls for the Commission will, in future, haveto have, already in the next programming period, a greater responsibility for the improvement of national administrative procedures; takes the view, therefore, that it will be incumbent on the Commission to implement accreditation procedures for national or federal-state administrative and auditing bodies; envisages linkage between, on the one hand,considers, that a successful accreditation and a reduction in the error rate and, on the other,should lead to the entitlement to simplified and less frequent reporting;
Amendment 3 #
2011/2034(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that the upgrading and renewal of energy infrastructure are essential factors for achieving the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy; points out, in particular, the need to focus on renewable energies infrastructure, in order to reduce dependence over fossil fuels and reduce polluting emissions; notes that regional and local authorities play the most important role in the authorisation processes as well as in promoting EIPs to the general population;
Amendment 15 #
2011/2034(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses the need for a thorough environmental impact assessment of energy infrastructure projects, and the importance of preparing adequate reaction plans for the event of emergencies related to energy infrastructure, in particular to avoid environmental disasters. emphasizes that the reaction plans should foresee the way to deal with these events from the technical and economic point of view.
Amendment 26 #
2011/2034(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasiszes that cooperation between regions in the Member States and in the EU is a necessary component for successful implementation of EIPs and takes the view that macro-regional strategies can serve as cooperation platforms for cross-border projects; in this regard, underlines the importance that infrastructure projects are well coordinated, so as to guarantee the best possible cost-benefit ratio, and the maximum efficiency of the EU funds expenditure;
Amendment 65 #
2011/2034(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to ensure that financing of infrastructure investments is market-based and that unjustified fluctuations between Member States are therefore avoided, provided, however, that public interest – especially at local and regional level – is also safeguarded.
Amendment 7 #
2011/2020(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Encourages the Ombudsman to continue the good cooperation with the Committee on Petitions as well as with SOLVIT and the national ombudsmen with a view to sending complaints that do not fall within his remit rapidly and efficiently to the appropriate authority so as to best defend the rights of European citizens;
Amendment 26 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) A fully functioning single market depends on modern, integrated, highly performing infrastructure connecting Europe particularly in the areas of transport, energy and telecommunications. These growth enhancing connections would provide better access to the internal market and consequently contribute to a more competitive market economy in line with Europe 2020 Strategy's objectives and targets.
Amendment 38 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Experience with the current financial framework shows that manysome Member States, which are eligible to the Cohesion Fund, are facing significant obstacles in delivering on time complex cross-border transport infrastructure projects with a high Union added value. Therefore, in order to improve the delivery of transport projects, in particular cross-border ones, with a high Union added value, part of the Cohesion Fund allocation (EUR 10 billion22 ) should be transfshould be allocated, upon prior agreement between the Commission and the Member States concerrned, to finance transport projects on the transport core network in the Member States eligible to the Cohesion Fund under the Connecting Europe Facility. The Commission should support Member States eligible to the Cohesion Fund to develop an adequate pipeline of projects in order to give greatest possible priority to the national allocations under the Cohesion Fundd implement agreed projects.
Amendment 42 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13a) Institutional and administrative capacity are essential prerequisites for an effective delivery of the objectives of the Connecting Europe Facility. The Commission should ensure that they are always at a sufficient level to design and implement projects, and wherever necessary it should offer appropriate means to the Member State concerned.
Amendment 49 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 44
Recital 44
(44) On the basis of the sector specific guidelines laid down in separate Regulations, a list of priority areas for which this Regulation should apply has been drawn up and should be included in the Annex. In order to take into account possible changes in political priorities and technological capabilities, as well as traffic flows, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of adopting amendments to the Annex. It is of particular importance that tThe Commission should carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing-up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council.
Amendment 61 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
(i) removing bottlenecks and bridging missing links both within transport infrastructure and at the connecting points at cross-border level, to be measured by the number of new and improved cross-border connections and removed bottlenecks on transport routes which have benefited from the Connecting Europe Facility;
Amendment 76 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Connecting Europe Facility for the period 2014 to 2020 shall be EUR 50 000 000 00043XXX. That amount shall be distributed among the sectors referred to in Article 3 as follows:
Amendment 77 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) transport: EUR 31 694 000 000XXX, out of which EUR 10 000 000 000 shall be transferredXXX shall be made available from the Cohesion Fund to be spent in line with this Regulation, with Regulation (EU) No [...]/2012 [CPR], and with Regulation (EU) No [...]/2012 [Cohesion Fund], in Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund;
Amendment 81 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) energy: EUR 9 121 000 000XXX;
Amendment 82 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) telecommunications: EUR 9 185 000 000XXX.
Amendment 83 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. Following the mid-term evaluation according to Article 26(1), the Commission may transfer appropriations between the sectors of the allocation set out in paragraph 1 up to a maximum of 10% per sector, with the exception of the EUR 10 000 000 000 transferredXXX made available from the Cohesion Fund to finance transport sector projects in the Cohesion Fund eligible Member States.
Amendment 92 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
The Commission shall stimulate and facilitate the achievement of the agreement referred to in the previous subparagraph, and shall report every year to the Parliament on the cases where problems are encountered, and on the nature of the difficulties.
Amendment 94 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 7
Article 8 – paragraph 7
7. Not recoverable VAT shall not be an eligible cost.
Amendment 99 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b – point i
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b – point i
(i) rail and inland waterways: the amount of Union financial aid shall not exceed 20% of the eligible cost; the funding rate may be increased to 30% for actions addressing bottlenecks; the funding rate may be increased to 40% for actions concerning cross-border sections; 20% of the funding under the CEF shall be earmarked for programmes on border crossing points;
Amendment 112 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – title
Article 11 – title
Amendment 113 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. As regards the EUR 10 000 000 000 transferred from the Cohesion Fund [Regulation XXX Article XX] to be spentXXX made available from the Cohesion Fund to be spent for projects implementing the core network exclusively in Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund, specific calls shall be launched for projects implementing the core network exclusively in Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fundthe Commission shall adopt a decision by implementing act after a prior agreement with the Member State concerned, setting out the amount to be allocated and the transport infrastructure projects of European added value that will be carried out by each Member State.
Amendment 115 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Amendment 121 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. By the way of derogation from Article 10, and as regards the EUR 10 000 000 000 transferredXXX made available from the Cohesion Fund [Regulation XXX Article XX] to be spent in Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund, the maximum funding rates shall be those applicable to the Cohesion Fund referred to in Article 22 and Article 110(3) of Regulation (EU) No XXX/2012 [Regulation laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund covered by the Common Strategic Framework and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006]45 for the following actions:
Amendment 130 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. To ensure the highest possible absorption of the funds made available from the Cohesion Fund for Member States eligible to the Cohesion Fund, particular support shall be given to programme support actions under the Connecting Europe Facility aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and the efficiency of public administrations and public services related to the development and implementation of projects referred to in paragraph 1.
Amendment 132 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. The resources of the Cohesion Fund used to finance for transport sector projects in the Cohesion Fund eligible Member States shall not count against the Cohesion Policy's capping system.
Amendment 133 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) following an evaluation of the progress of the project, in particular in the event of major delays in the implementation of the action resulting from direct responsibility of the beneficiaries.
Amendment 134 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
1. Actions supported by means of financial instruments shall be selected on a first come first served basis and shall seek sectoral diversification in accordance with Articles 3 and 4 as well as gradualensure geographical diversification across the Member States.
Amendment 136 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2
Article 21 – paragraph 2
Member States shall for projects related to transport and, energy and telecommunications sectors, undertake the technical monitoring and financial control of actions in close cooperation with the Commission and shall certify the reality and the conformity of the expenditure incurred in respect of projects or parts of projects. The Member States may request the participation of the Commission during on-the-spot checks.
Amendment 137 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 3
Article 21 – paragraph 3
In the field of telecommunications in particular, the national regulatory authorities shall also make every effort to ensure the required legal certainty and investment conditions facilitating the implementation of the projects receiving Union financial aid under this Regulation.
Amendment 138 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1
Article 23 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall take appropriate measures ensuring that, when actions financed under this Regulation are implemented, the financial interests of the Union are protected by ensuring that costs are not disproportionate for infrastructure of the same type in the different Member States taking into due consideration local prices, by the application of preventive measures against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks and, if irregularities are detected, by the recovery of the amounts wrongly paid and, where appropriate, by effective, proportional and deterrent penalties.
Amendment 196 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) The European Union and most Member States are party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities while the remaining Member States are in the process of ratifying it. It is important in the implementation of the relevant projects that accessibility for persons with disabilities as mentioned in article 9 of the Convention is considered in the specification of the projects.
Amendment 235 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
Amendment 464 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 8 – paragraph 2
Part 2 – article 8 – paragraph 2
The Member States and the Commission shall, based on existing environmental legislation, ensure that environmental protection requirements, resource efficiency, biodiversity and ecosystem protection, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and ecosystem-based disaster resilience and risk prevention and management are promoted in the preparation and implementation of Partnership Contracts and programmes. Member States shall provide information on the support for climate change and biodiversity objectives using the methodology adopted by the Commission. The Commission shall adopt this methodology by means of an implementing act. The implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 143(3).
Amendment 498 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Part 2 – article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 9
(9) promoting social inclusion and, combating poverty and fighting against discrimination;
Amendment 686 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 17 – paragraph 5
Part 2 – article 17 – paragraph 5
5. The Commission shall assess the information provided on the fulfilment of ex ante conditionalities in the framework of its assessment of the Partnership Contract and programmes. It may decide, when adopting a programme, to suspend all or part of interim payments to the programme pending the satisfactory completion of actions to fulfil an ex ante conditionality which is instrumental to the objectives of the programme. The failure to complete actions to fulfil an ex ante conditionality by the deadline set out in the programme shall constitute a basis for suspending payments by the Commission.
Amendment 1291 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 84 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Part 3 – article 84 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
The support from the Cohesion Fund for transport infrastructure under the Connecting Europe Facility shall be EUR 10 000 000 000XX. This amount shall be used only for projects to be implemented in Member States eligible for funding under the Cohesion Fund, and the applicable co- financing rate shall be the one foreseen by Article 110(3).
Amendment 1298 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 84 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 4
Part 3 – article 84 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 4
Support from the Cohesion Fund under the Connecting Europe Facility shall be implemented in accordance with Article [131] of Regulation (EU) […]/2012 on establishing the Connecting Europe Facility35 in respect of projects listed in Annex 1 to that Regulation, giving greatest possible priority to projects respecting the national allocations under the Cohesion Fund. By way of exception, until 31 December 2016 the selection of projects eligible for financing shall be done respecting the national allocations transferred from the Cohesion Fund to the Connecting Europe Facility.
Amendment 1398 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 2 – point f – point ii
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 2 – point f – point ii
(ii) an assessment of the administrative burden for beneficiaries and the actions planned to achieve a reduction accompanied by targets and deadlines;
Amendment 1401 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 2 – point f – point iii
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 2 – point f – point iii
(iii) an indicative list of major projects for which the estimated start date for the execution of the main works is before 1 January 2018;
Amendment 1611 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 110 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Part 3 – article 110 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
The co-financing rate at the level of each priority axis of operational programmes under the European territorial cooperation goal shall be no higher than 785%.
Amendment 1643 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 111 a (new)
Part 3 – article 111 a (new)
Article 111a Maximum level of transfers from the Funds In order to contribute to the objectives of adequately concentrating cohesion funding on the least developed regions and Member States and reducing disparities in average per capita aid intensities resulting from capping, the maximum level of transfer from the Funds to each individual Member State pursuant to this Regulation will be as follows: — for Member States whose average XXXX to XXXX GNI per capita (PPS) is under 40 % of the EU-27 average: 3,7893 % of their GDP — for Member States whose average XXXX to XXXX GNI per capita (PPS) is equal to or above 40 % and below 50 % of the EU-27 average: 3,7135 % of their GDP — for Member States whose average XXXX to XXXX GNI per capita (PPS) is equal to or above 50 % and below 55 % of the EU-27 average: 3,6188 % of their GDP — for Member States whose average XXXX to XXXX GNI per capita (PPS) is equal to or above 55 % and below 60 % of the EU-27 average: 3,5240 % of their GDP — for Member States whose average XXXX to XXXX GNI per capita (PPS) is equal to or above 60 % and below 65 % of the EU-27 average: 3,4293 % of their GDP — for Member States whose average XXXX to XXXX GNI per capita (PPS) is equal to or above 65 % and below 70 % of the EU-27 average: 3,3346 % of their GDP — for Member States whose average XXXX to XXXX GNI per capita (PPS) is equal to or above 70 % and below 75 % of the EU-27 average: 3,2398 % of their GDP — thereafter, the maximum level of transfer is reduced by 0,09 percentage points of GDP for each increment of 5 percentage points of average XXXX to XXXX per capita GNI (PPS) as compared to the EU-27 average.
Amendment 1887 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex -I (new) – Part 1 – Section 1.1 – Paragraph 1.1.4
Annex -I (new) – Part 1 – Section 1.1 – Paragraph 1.1.4
1.1.4 At all stages of the implementation of the Funds covered by the CPR, partnership must be organised so as to directly involve regional and local authorities in the preparation and eventual modification of Partnership Contracts, and also in the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes. Social and economic partners, other public authorities, as well as bodies representing civil society, including environmental partners, non-governmental organisations and bodies responsible for promoting equality and non-discrimination must also be included in all phases mentioned above in order to ensure partnership in all phases of policy implementation.
Amendment 1894 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex -I (new) – Part 1 – Section 1.2 – Paragraph 1.2.2
Annex -I (new) – Part 1 – Section 1.2 – Paragraph 1.2.2
1.2.2 Sustainable Development considerations as well as the polluter pays principle must, therefore, be an integral part of every plan, from design to delivery, and monitoring to evaluation. Non- application of the polluter pays principle may be permitted only in exceptional cases foreseen by EU's primary legislation and provided that clear mitigating measures are in place.
Amendment 1924 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex -I (new) – Part 1 – Section 1.4 – Paragraph 1.4.3 a (new)
Annex -I (new) – Part 1 – Section 1.4 – Paragraph 1.4.3 a (new)
1.4.3a Member States and region should take appropriate steps to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities during the preparation and implementation of programmes and operations co-financed by the Funds covered by the CPR, and put in place positive actions to be supported by the Funds covered by the CPR to promote equal opportunities.
Amendment 1931 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex -I (new) – Part 1 – Section 1.5 – Paragraph 1.5.4
Annex -I (new) – Part 1 – Section 1.5 – Paragraph 1.5.4
Amendment 1940 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex -I (new) – Part 1 – Section 1.6 – Paragraph 1.6.3
Annex -I (new) – Part 1 – Section 1.6 – Paragraph 1.6.3
1.6.3 When developing their strategies and programmes with a view to identifying the most appropriate interventions, Member States and regions must pay particular attention to predominant territorial, structural and institutional features, such as mobility within the region, the employment patterns and labour structure; local potential for energy savings, sustainable use of resources and of renewable energies, biodiversity protection; rural- urban linkages; the local interdependencies between different sectors; cultural heritage; ageing and demographic shifts,; etc.
Amendment 1966 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex -I (new) – Part 2 – Section 2.3 – Paragraph 2.3.4
Annex -I (new) – Part 2 – Section 2.3 – Paragraph 2.3.4
2.3.4 The use of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Sustainability Impact Assessments (SIAs), Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) and other relevant instruments must be enhanced in order to prevent and take account of biodiversity loss and of the effects of climate change in territorial planning (including macro-regional strategies) and regional and local decision-making.
Amendment 1970 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex -I (new) – Part 2 – Section 2.3 – Paragraph 2.3.5
Annex -I (new) – Part 2 – Section 2.3 – Paragraph 2.3.5
2.3.5 Member States and regions must promote green infrastructure, eco- innovation, ecosystem based solutions and the adoption of innovative technologies in order to create a greener economy.
Amendment 1985 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex -I (new) – Part 2 – Section 2.5 – Paragraph 2.5.1
Annex -I (new) – Part 2 – Section 2.5 – Paragraph 2.5.1
2.5.1 In order to maximise European added value, complementarity and coordination must be ensured, in the common fields of intervention, between the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, Trans-European Networks and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), so as to ensure that optimal links of different types of infrastructure (in Transport, Energy and Telecommunications) at local, regional and national levels, and across the Union are provided for. Maximum leverage of funds must be ensured for projects with a European and Single Market dimension, in particular priority transport, energy and digital networks.
Amendment 1990 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex -I (new) – Part 2 – Section 2.5 – Paragraph 2.5.4
Annex -I (new) – Part 2 – Section 2.5 – Paragraph 2.5.4
2.5.4. The white Paper on Transport sets out a vision for a competitive and resource-efficient transport system, highlighting that a 60% reduction in greenhouse gases is required from the transport sector by 2050 compared to 1990 figures. (...) The identified investments should be prioritised according to their contribution to mobility, sustainability, reduced environmental impact especially, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and the Single European Transport Area.
Amendment 1995 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex -I (new) – Part 2 – Section 2.5 – Paragraph 2.5.6
Annex -I (new) – Part 2 – Section 2.5 – Paragraph 2.5.6
2.5.6. With regards to maritime transport, ports should be developed as efficient entry points through full integration with land infrastructure. Priority should be given to projects concerning port access and hinterland connections. The development of inland waterways should asses their environmental impact while reinforcing their contribution to sustainable European freight transport networks.
Amendment 1996 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex -I (new) – Part 2 – Section 2.5 – Paragraph 2.5.7
Annex -I (new) – Part 2 – Section 2.5 – Paragraph 2.5.7
2.5.7 In particular, complementarity must be sought between infrastructure investments by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, under shared management, and by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), which is a centrally managed facility with competitive project selection. The CEF will fund projects mostly on the core network (the strategically most important parts of the comprehensive network) that have the highest European added-value and appear to be the most complex with regard to the TEN-T in terms of implementation: cross-border missing links, key bottlenecks and interconnection of transport modes. The Cohesion Fund will concentrate on high European added- value projects in transport networks by supporting TEN-T infrastructure, for both the core and the comprehensive network.
Amendment 225 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
In more developed regions, the ERDF shall not support investments in infrastructure providing basic services to citizens in the areas of environment, transport, and ICT, but shall be open to innovative solutions in the fields of ecosystem services, biodiversity, smart and green infrastructures, environmental friendly transport solutions and green ICT.
Amendment 242 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 333 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
(a) enhancing research and innovation infrastructure (R&I) and capacities to develop R&I excellence and promoting centres of competence, in particular those of European interest;
Amendment 336 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) promoting centres of of competence, in particular those of European interest;
Amendment 484 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point e a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point e a (new)
(e a) promoting high efficiency cogeneration and district heating and cooling and supporting their distribution network;
Amendment 535 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point e
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point e
(e) action to improve the urban and rural environment, including regeneration of brownfield sites and reduction of air pollution;
Amendment 568 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point c
(c) developing environment-friendly and low-carbon transport systems and promoting sustainable urbanand accessible public mobility;
Amendment 578 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point d
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point d
(d) developing comprehensive, high quality , accessible and interoperable railway system;
Amendment 624 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – introductory part
(9) promoting social inclusion and, combating poverty and fighting against discrimination:
Amendment 1 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3b (new)
Recital 3b (new)
(3b) It should be recalled that where measures based on Article 192(1) of the Treaty involve costs deemed disproportionate for the public authorities of a Member State and financial support from the Cohesion Fund is provided in accordance with Article 192(5), the polluter pays principle shall nevertheless apply.
Amendment 2 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In order to address the specific needs of the Cohesion Fund, and in line with the Europe 2020 strategy that cohesion policy should support the need to deliver smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, it is necessary to set out investment priorities within the scope of the thematic objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) No […]/20123 [CPR]. These investment priorities should set out detailed objectives, which are not mutually exclusive, to which the Cohesion Fund shall contribute. These investment priorities should form the basis for the definition of specific objectives within operational programmes that take into account the needs and characteristics of the programme area. In order to increase flexibility and reduce administrative burden by allowing joint implementation, the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund investment priorities under the corresponding thematic objectives should be aligned.
Amendment 3 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – point c – introductory part
Article 3 – point c – introductory part
(c) preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency bythrough:
Amendment 4 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – point e
Article 3 – point e
(e) enhancing institutional capacity of public authorities and stakeholders and an efficient public administration by strengthening of institutional capacity and the efficiency of public administrations and public services related to implementation of the Cohesion Fund.
Amendment 5 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex – heading 2 – subheading 2 - row 2
Annex – heading 2 – subheading 2 - row 2
UNIT NAME kWh/year Decrease of annual primary energy consumption of public buildings
Amendment 6 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex – heading 2 – subheading 3
Annex – heading 2 – subheading 3
UNIT NAME GHG reduction tons of Estimated annual decrease of GHG CO2eq in CO2 equivalentsof GHG
Amendment 23 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) A common set of indicatorsIn order to assess progress of programme implementation should be set out before the Member States draft their operational programmes. These, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission in respect of a common set of indicators. Those 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 powers1. Common indicators should be complemented by programme-specific indicators. _________________ 1 OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13.
Amendment 54 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Article 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) provides that the Union shouldis to develop and pursue its actions leading to the strengthening of its economic, social and territorial cohesion. The Cohesion Fund which is established by this Regulation should therefore provide a financial contribution to projects in the field of the environment and to trans- European networks in the area of transport infrastructure.
Amendment 55 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) In order to accelerate the development of infrastructure in transport across the Union, the Cohesion Fund should support transport infrastructure projects of European added value provided for by Regulation (EU) No [...]/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of [...] establishing the Connecting Europe Facility (hereinafter referred to as the "CEF Regulation"), for a total amount of EUR XXX. Support to be allocated from the Cohesion Fund should follow the rules established by Article [84 (4)] of Regulation (EU) No [...]/2013 [CPR]. In accordance with the CEF Regulation, support should be available to Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund only, with the co-financing rates applicable to this Fund.
Amendment 56 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
Amendment 57 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) A common set of output indicators to assess progress of programmethe aggregated progress at Union level of implementation of programmes should be set out before the Member States draft their operational programmes. These indicators should be complemented by programme-specificin this Regulation. These should correspond to the investment priority and type of action supported in accordance with this Regulation and the relevant provisions of Regulation (EU) No [...]/2013 [CPR]. These indicators should be complemented by programme-specific result indicators and, where relevant, by programme-specific output indicators.
Amendment 58 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. A Cohesion Fund is hereby established for the purpose of strengthening the economic, social and territorial cohesion of the Union in the interests of promoting sustainable development. This Regulation establishes the tasks of the Cohesion Fund and the scope of its support with regard to the Investment for growth and jobs goal referred to in Article 81 of Regulation (EU) No [ ]/20123 [CPR].
Amendment 59 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The Cohesion Fund shall be governed by Regulation (EU) No [… ]/2013 [CPR] and by this Regulation.
Amendment 60 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 a (new)
Article 2 a (new)
Article 2a Support from the Cohesion Fund to transport infrastructure projects under the Connecting Europe Facility The Cohesion Fund shall support transport infrastructure projects of European added value provided for by Regulation (EU) No[...]/2013 [establishing the Connecting Europe Facility] for an amount of EUR XXX in accordance with Article [84 (4)] of Regulation (EU) No [...]/2013 [CPR].
Amendment 61 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) investment in airport infrastructure unless related to environmental protection or accompanied by investments necessary to mitigate or reduce its negative environmental impact.
Amendment 62 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
In accordance with Article 16 of Regulation (EU) No […...]/20123 [CPR], the Cohesion Fund shall support the following investment priorities within the thematic objectives set out in Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No […...]/20123 [CPR] taking into account the needs and potentials described in the Partnership Agreement referred to in Article 14(1)(a)(i) of that Regulation:
Amendment 63 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
(ii) promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in small and medium-sized enterprises;
Amendment 94 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. CThe Commission shall adopt a list of common indicators, as set out in the Annex to this Regulation, shall be used where relevant and in accordance with Article 24(3) of Regulation (EU) No […]/2012 [CPR]referred to in Article 24(3) of Regulation (EU) No [...]/2012 [CPR] by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 5 a(2). For common indicators, baselines shall be set at zero and cumulative targets shall be set for 2022.
Amendment 96 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5 a Committee procedure 1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Coordination Committee of the Funds. That committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. 2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.
Amendment 97 #
Amendment 236 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – title
Article 10 – title
Amendment 241 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall support transnatcross- border, transnational and interegional cooperation with the aim of promoting mutual learning and thereby increasing the effectiveness of policies supported by the ESF. Transnational cooperation shall involve partners from at least two Member States.
Amendment 245 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. Member States may select themes for transnatcross-border, transnational and interregional co-operation from a list proposed by the Commission and endorsed by the ESF Committee.
Amendment 250 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3
Article 10 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall facilitate transnatcross- border, transnational and interegional cooperation on the themes referred to in paragraph 2 through mutual learning and coordinated or joint action. In particular, the Commission shall operate an EU-level platform to facilitate the exchange of experience, capacity building and networking, as well as dissemination of the relevant outcomes. In addition, the Commission shall develop a coordinated implementation framework, including common eligibility criteria, types and timing of actions, and common methodological approaches for monitoring and evaluation, with a view to facilitating transnationalhe cooperation.
Amendment 251 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation supported by the ESF should be aligned with Regulation (EU) No [...] [ETC] in order to ensure coordination between the funds as provided for in that Regulation.
Amendment 179 #
2011/0195(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – title 1 a (new)
Annex III – table – title 1 a (new)
Black Sea Area of competence – GFCM geographical sub-area as defined in resolution GFCM/33/2009/2
Amendment 2 #
2010/2305(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas absorption capacity is the extent to which a Member State is able to spend the financial resources allocated from the Structural and Cohesion Funds in an effective and efficient manner, and whereas this capacity is necessary for making a maximum contribution to the economic and soc, social and territorial cohesion with the resources available from the EU funds,
Amendment 16 #
2010/2305(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas administrative capacity, especially in terms of projects planning and implementation, is a key issue for the absorption capacity and needs to be strengthened, with particular emphasis on those Member States lagging behind and with low absorption rates,
Amendment 61 #
2010/2305(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the paramount importance of timely adoption of the multiannual financial framework and clear and definitive rules and guidance for the Member States in order to avoid start-up difficulties at the beginning of the next programming period; underlines that the duration of the multiannual financial framework is a key issue for Cohesion Policy and for the absorption capacity, because a too short MFF creates obstacles to those projects that are at the same time the ones of longer duration and the most substantial ones from the development point of view;
Amendment 67 #
2010/2305(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Underlines the importance that certain reforms can have in some Member States to increase the absorption capacity, and therefore the need that they are negotiated between the Commission and the Member States concerned when defining the development and investment partnership contract, so as to make them a binding condition for the states; in particular, points out the importance of decentralisation, and of the empowerment of regional and local authorities;
Amendment 69 #
2010/2305(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Member States to make further efforts to attract, well train and retain qualified staff to manage EU funds, and to avoid any replacement of the staff done simply on a political basis;
Amendment 74 #
2010/2305(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the Commission to enhance its assistance to those Member States whose absorption rates, being under the EU's average, show a lack in terms of absorption capacity; believes that such enhanced assistance and close cooperation should continue at least until the countries concerned reach a level of expertise sufficient to produce results without external special aid;
Amendment 16 #
2010/2295(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses, however, that, in spite of the large number of petitions concerning the rights contained in the Charter, the Commission consistently refuses, owing to a lack of legal instruments, to take action to prevent flagrant breaches of fundamental rights in the Member States;
Amendment 24 #
2010/2295(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Considers that the Commission should monitor compliance with and implementation of European environmental legislation more strictly at every point in the proceedings, and not only when a final ruling has been given;
Amendment 25 #
2010/2295(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Considers that, tohe Commission should ensure correct implementation of the EIA, SEIA, Habitats and Birds Directives, by there is a need for stricter guidelin Member States, based on recommendations from Parliament’s own competent committee, with which the Committee on Petitions will readily work to ensure that citizens’ concerns are better reflected in future environmental action;
Amendment 26 #
2010/2295(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Points out that, in many instances, petitions have uncovered problems related to the transposition and enforcement of European law and recognises that launching infringement proceedings does not necessarily provide citizens with immediate solutions to their problems; notes, however, that there are other means of monitoring and applying pressure that could be used;
Amendment 27 #
2010/2295(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses that closerthe participation and the close and systematic cooperation withof the Member States is extremely important for the work of the Petitions Committee; encourages Member States to play a proactive role in responding to petitions related to the implementation and enforcement of European law, and considers the presence of Member State representatives at Petitions Committee meetings to be of the utmost importance;
Amendment 31 #
2010/2295(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses the need to bring greater transparency to the management of petitions: internally by giving Members direct access to petition files via the E- petition application, by simplifying the internal procedure and by close cooperation between the members, the chair and the secretariat of the Committee on Petitions, and externally by establishing an interactive Web portal for petitioners;
Amendment 4 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recognises that Roma communities continue to be victims of persistent discrimination in many Member States and that this situation is exacerbated by the current economic and financial crisis; calls on thoseall Member States which, and particularly the ones that the EU Fundamental Rights Agency identified as having severe problems, to fully exploitcooperate with the EU and representatives of the Roma population for the setting up of integrated policies that, while making use of all the EU resources available under the Structural Funds, and in particular the ERDF and ESF, should guarantee the sustainable inclusion of Roma communities and their protection against discrimination;
Amendment 11 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Denounces the discriminatory measures taken by some Member States, and in particular by France, against the Roma population on the sole basis of their ethnic origins; calls on the Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, to take prompt and severe measures should similar cases occur again in the future;
Amendment 20 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recognises that, in times of demographic change, the Roma population, which has been part of our common heritage for centuries and is the largest ethnic minority in the EU, should be given the means through good quality education, decent housing and job opportunities to fully integrate the work place and contribute to economic development as foreseen in the EU 2020 strategy; calls on the Member States, therefore, to increase their efforts now, by reinforcing their effective strategies for addressing the specific circumstances (deep poverty, lack of education and social services, poor health conditions) of marginalised communities, in order to ensure their social and economic integration;
Amendment 25 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Believes that for a successful establishment and implementation of the above-mentioned policies and strategies, it is necessary to improve awareness and full understanding of the problem at the level of national, regional and local authorities; in this regard, considers the technical assistance funds to be the right tool; emphasises, however, that policies and strategies for the Roma population should, at least in the long run, be mainstreamed into general policies, in order to ensure effectiveness, real inclusion, and sustainability;
Amendment 10 #
2010/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Takes the view that cohesion policy is an important compon key component for the accomplishment of the EU 2020 strategy and that a sound cohesion policy is the prerequisite for successful joint action by the EU;
Amendment 98 #
2010/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Underscores the considerable European added value of the act of solidarity represented by cohesion policy; stresses that solidarity is not a one-way process, and therefore emphasises thatat even though efforts must continue to be concentrated on the most disadvantaged regions in order to reduce disparities, all EU regions must have access to cohesion policy measures;
Amendment 40 #
2010/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for fundprojects for territorial cooperation no longer to be allocated by Member State, but at EU level and on a programme-by-programme basis, on the basis of the criteria laid down in Annex 2, paragraph 5 of the basic regulationto be coordinated at EU level, so as to provide a strategic, integrated response to the needs of eachthe territoryies or areas involved; invites the Commission to consider other relevant, strategic and measurable criteria that could reflect the needs of territories and reduce the emphasis on the most important criterion: demography;
Amendment 69 #
2010/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Points out that the concept of macro- regions, a Council initiative, came into being as an experimental, logical way of coordinating common projects covering a very large territory, with a view to exploiting the advantages of an integrated and multisectoral approach based on common strategic actions receiving support from existing funds; points out that these strategies must neitherare not generateing additional expenditure for the EU budget, nor necessitatand do not foresee the establishment of new institutions or the application of new rules;
Amendment 84 #
2010/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Points out that territorial cooperation concerns both the EU's internal and external borders; asks the Commission to consider how to create more effective synergies between initiatives under the ERDF, the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) and the European Development Fund (EDF); calls for a simplification and harmonization of the rules governing the access to the different sources of financing, in order to ensure compatibility and facilitate their use by beneficiaries;
Amendment 76 #
2010/2139(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Considers that good practices in policy implementation must be highlighted and their exchange promoted, in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness and avoid repeating past mistakes;
Amendment 87 #
2010/2139(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Believes that simplification of provisions and procedures at EU and national level should continue without creating major difficulties for beneficiaries and should contribute to increased efficiency; regrets that, due to superfluous bureaucracy, overcomplicated rules subject to frequent changes, and a lack of harmonised procedures, many funds remain unused;
Amendment 6 #
2010/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovesRegards positively the Commission’s proposal to makereflect upon a set of indicators – in addition to GDP figures – to be made available for EU policies with a view to improving both the circumstances in which decisions are taken and the response to the concerns of citizens in Europe’s various regions; to that end, supports Eurostat’s activities; acknowledges, however, that at scientific level no additional criteria have until now proved to be as reliable as GDP;
Amendment 10 #
2010/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 30 #
2010/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. IBelieves that in the light of the ever closer degree of interdependence between economic, social and environmental issues, takes the view that focusing onfurther studies should be conducted aiming at identifying additional parameters to complement GDP, alone is likely to provide an incomplete impression that takes no account of the actual situations in the regions, and could result in poor choices being made and inappropriate decisions being takennd able to give a more complete picture of the actual situations in the regions, and in particular of the added value produced by EU policies;
Amendment 39 #
2010/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 58 #
2010/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. CallIs onf the Commissopinion, therefoat Member States should be fre,e to introduce, as a matter of priority and urgencyt national level, indicators in addition to GDP forin order to take into account environmental and social issues, with a view to establishing a more comprehensive picture of regional cohesion policies, at the latest by the start of the 2014-2020 programming periodhen implementing EU policies;
Amendment 77 #
2010/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. ProposStrongly believes that the criteriaon governing regions’ eligibility for EU funding should be considered in the light of the set of indicators thcontinue to be GDP, at least until when the studies conducted and the scientific evidence will prove the ability of additional criteria to GDP to sat is brought in; calls for environmental and social indicators to be given the same status as GDP whefy the need for other social and environmental aspects to be taken into consideration iat comes to classifying the regionsEU policies level.
Amendment 1 #
2010/2087(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers the Black Sea region to be a strategically crucial area and deems an EU Strategy for the Black Sea essential to its sustainable and coordinated development, as well as to the stability and security of the region and of the whole EU;
Amendment 14 #
2010/2087(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Encourages the development, in the context of the Strategy, of an integrated approach and the use of the well- established principles of the EU's Cohesion Policy, which can help deliver effective results while facilitating the capacity building process for the regions lagging behind; in particular, believes that cross- border cooperation between regions should be promoted, in order to exchange best practices and tackle common problems through coordinated action;
Amendment 20 #
2010/2087(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 37 #
2010/2087(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Given that the Black Sea is highly polluted, and that pollution knows no frontiers, calls for a joint solution to be found to the problem through the use of all existing instruments and on the basis of EU standards, with the aim of tackling and reducing pollution, as well as further safeguarding the environment through prevention.
Amendment 6 #
2010/2010(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. considers that EU cohesion policy plays a crucial role in developing the job potential of a sustainable economy, as it helps eliminate regional differences, boost the economy and create a society with full employment; stresses that the potential of the European Structural Funds can encourage the regions to take initiatives to create new, sustainable jobsd of the Cohesion Fund for the creation of new and sustainable jobs should be exploited;
Amendment 12 #
2010/2010(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 33 #
2010/2010(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. stresses the importance of the geographical mobility of workers in accordance with the Treaties; recognises that an improvement in mobility through good local transport increases access to job opportunities; therefore encourages the regions to use resources from the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund for infrastructure measures;
Amendment 46 #
2010/2010(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. reiterates its support for the pilot project ‘Erasmus for elected local and regional representatives’, which could help local and regional authorities to exchange best- practice models and could also have a multiplier effect in the area of labour market policy; calls on the Commission to accelerate the process for the implementation of this pilot project;
Amendment 106 #
2010/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The European Parliament shall organise a public hearing, if possible during the first month after the submission of the initiative to the Commission, at which the organisers shall have the opportunity to explain in detail the matters raised by the initiative. To that end, the Commission shall cooperate with the European Parliament and ensure appropriate representation at the hearing.
Amendment 44 #
2009/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Endorses the views expressed in the Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion on the main factors in territorial cohesion; makes specific reference to respect for regional diversity and the development of regional potential and competitiveness, emphasising the importance of accessibility through public services and suitable infrastructure, and; calls on the Commission to bring forward concrete proposals for the definition and consequent implementingation of the objective of territorial cohesion;
Amendment 71 #
2009/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Takes the view that the key indicator in deciding which areas are eligible for EU financial assistance should continue to be the level of GDP, and that the introduction of other indicators canshould only be admitted for the purpose of ex post evaluation of Cohesion Policy results and added value, after studies have been conducted on their relevance and on the way in which that information is collected and processed;
Amendment 83 #
2009/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Emphasises the decisive role of regional development and territorial cohesion in enhancing the economic competitiveness of the EU and meeting the EU 2020 targets, with the place-based approach being one of the main ways of achieving economic balance; stresses on the importance of an adequately financed post-2013 Cohesion Policy, with a budget at least equivalent to the current one, both in absolute and relative terms;
Amendment 15 #
2009/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises the need for an environmental impact assessment of the Northern Gas Pipeline and other similar projects as well as the need to ensure that the construction of the pipeline does not affect, the results of which must be communicated without further delay to the European Parliament; calls on the European Commission for the design of an adequate reaction plan for technical accidents and any other possible catastrophes, providing also for the way to deal with these events from the economic point of view; underlines that the same approach must be taken for any future similar project, so that safety, environment and shipping conditions adverselyre not endangered;
Amendment 36 #
2009/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Draws attention to the significant economic disproportion that exists in the Baltic Sea Region and in terms of economy and innovation, and to the necessity to increase the potential of highly developed areas and eliminate inequality in order to create a permanentof eliminating this disparity; believes that in order to reach this aim, it is necessary to increase and exploit the potential of all areas, including the more developed ones, as they can help pulling the less advantageous regions, thus creating a durable area of common prosperity with a high level of competitiveness, which is crucial in the face of an aging population;
Amendment 42 #
2009/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for the renewal and deepening of relations as par, in the context of the Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region between the European Union and neighbouring countries not belonging to the Union whose territories are part of the functional spaces of a given macro-region or affectas well as of the future macro-regional strategies, of the relations between the European Union and the non-EU states whose territories are part of the functional spaces in question, so that they can be adequately involved and consequently contribute towards a full achievement of the objectives of those spaces directlytrategies;
Amendment 49 #
2009/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Believes that in order to achieve an effective protection of the environment and of biodiversity, agreements should be reached with the non-EU states that are part of the functional areas interested by the strategies, so that they can share the same values, rights and duties contained in the relevant European Union legislation;
Amendment 89 #
2009/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Considers that the idea of macro- regions combines the considerable potential for optimising the response to the challenges and problems appearing in a given region with that of usingan effective and efficient use of the resources available;
Amendment 96 #
2009/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. For the benefit of future macro-regional strategies, draws attention to the need for the European Commission to remake sure it solves the issue of its own appropriatehaving adequate internal human and financial resources, in order to be able to fulfil its duties, including the supervision of the implementation of the strategies;
Amendment 1 #
2009/2151(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the crucial role played by regional and local authorities in the disaster management cycle; strongly believes that active involvement of those authorities in the design and implementation of disaster prevention strategies is the best way to ensure that the most effective and functional solutions are devised; stresses also the importance of consulting and involving public and private stakeholders, including voluntary organizations, in this process;
Amendment 19 #
2009/2151(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3a (new)
Paragraph 3a (new)
3a. Is of the opinion that adequate education and training of the population in the kind of behaviour to adopt in the event of disasters are essential for life- saving purposes; attaches, therefore, great importance to the creation and implementation of Community guidelines for the various possible calamities; considers a thorough awareness on the part of EU citizens of the European Emergency Number 112 to be extremely relevant;
Amendment 24 #
2009/2151(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4a (new)
Paragraph 4a (new)
4a. Notes that climate change is progressively worsening natural calamities, including floods and hydrology-related disasters, for which adequate and well-coordinated prevention is essential; calls for research in these fields and the exchange of experiences between all the local, regional, and national actors involved in the disaster management cycle, so that the best possible prevention measures are adopted;
Amendment 9 #
2009/2138(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Supports, furthermore, the development of a common website of the European institutions designed to assist citizens and refer them directly to the institution or body competent to handle their complaint.
Amendment 24 #
2009/2096(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5a (new)
Paragraph 5a (new)
5a. Highlights the need for adequate research in the field of transport innovation, with the aim of, among other things, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable energies;
Amendment 1 #
2008/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A (new)
Recital A (new)
A. whereas knowledge of the European Union and its policies and functioning, but also of the rights enshrined in the Treaties, will be the foundation for restoring citizens' confidence in the European institutions,
Amendment 2 #
2008/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a(new)
Recital A a(new)
Aa. whereas a democratic and transparent European Union will require an enhanced dialogue between citizens and the European institutions, including Parliament, but also an ongoing debate on Europe at European, national and local level,
Amendment 7 #
2008/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Points out that the right of petition is a vital democratic instrument offered by the European Union to its citizens so that they can defend their rights, and that ensuring its efficiency and encouraging its use must be among the priorities of any common communications policy;
Amendment 8 #
2008/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that Parliament, through the Committee on Petitions is the only political body that receives input and feedback from citizens relating to their daily concerns, receives direct complaints from citizens concerning the violation by national authorities of rights deriving from the Treaties and secondary law; suggests, therefore, that the EU give a proactive message to its citizens by emphasising the importance of the work of the Committee on Petitions;
Amendment 11 #
2008/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Proposes that, in order for this to be done, increased resources be given to the already overworked Secretariat of the Committee on Petitions, so that the handling of petitions provides swift and tangible solutions so as to sends a clear message about Europe through actions and communication is improvoptimised through action;
Amendment 13 #
2008/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recommends further improvements in communicationthat the procedure for dealing with cpetitizeons by the Committee on Petitions by strongly encouraginge improved by strongly encouraging institutionalised cooperation with the official representatives of the Member States’ governments to participate in the work of the Committee where appropriate, specifically from the outset, when this is deemed necessary by the Committee on pPetitions concerning a particular Member State;
Amendment 5 #
2008/2218(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. is of the opinion that Member States should commit themselves to long-term network planning and infrastructure development programming, ensuring faster and more certain delivery of projects that enables better involvement of the private sector in order to facilitate the creation of jobs;
Amendment 6 #
2008/2218(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. believes that the Commission should launch an integrated project on infrastructure to increase domestic construction in order to counter the economic crisis, while assisting the development of an interconnected infrastructure system;
Amendment 25 #
2008/2218(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. reminds the European Commission to renew efforts to secure the energy needs by designing, and investing in, new and existing pipeline networks, building new storage facilities and creating alternative routes for supply.
Amendment 2 #
2008/2074(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital Aa (new)
Recital Aa (new)
Aa. whereas issues relating to water scarcity and droughts in the European Union are more pronounced in certain regions and the regional dimension is central in all policy considerations; whereas only measures which are based on regional conditions and regional socio- economic contexts can deal effectively with the challenges posed by water scarcity and droughts,
Amendment 3 #
2008/2074(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital Ab (new)
Recital Ab (new)
Ab. whereas the impact of water scarcity and droughts is most strongly felt in the poorest regions and the rural areas within these regions, hindering significantly their social and economic development; whereas droughts in the poorest regions are more likely to lead to land abandonment, forest fires and soil degradation; whereas the economic effects of water scarcity and droughts, due to their regional nature, constitute a challenge in view of the Lisbon targets as set within EU Cohesion Policy,
Amendment 4 #
2008/2074(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital Ac (new)
Recital Ac (new)
Ac. whereas EU Structural Funds can play an important role as regards water resources and priority should be given to increasing water efficiency rather than supply; whereas EU Structural Funds can contribute to increased water efficiency and better water management by means of research, technology development, awareness raising, agriculture and industry education and training as well as better infrastructure including water treatment and reserve plants,
Amendment 10 #
2008/2074(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1a (new)
Paragraph 1a (new)
1a. Acknowledges that water scarcity and droughts have direct effects on economic, social and territorial cohesion; maintains that this aspect should be adequately considered in future cohesion policy development with all necessary budgetary and instrumental measures made available to this end;
Amendment 11 #
2008/2074(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1b (new)
Paragraph 1b (new)
1b. Stresses that the cross-regional and trans-border nature of river basins harbours potential risks of tension between upstream and downstream regions, and that a European approach ensuring sustainable and fair use of water resources is needed; considers that the specificity of the water scarcity and droughts issue requires coordinated action at EU and Member State level as well as regional and local government level;
Amendment 29 #
2008/2074(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5a (new)
Paragraph 5a (new)
5a. Emphasises that national data should be complemented by standard regional and local seasonal information on precipitation and cross-sector consumption to enhance sound and strategic decision-making;
Amendment 4 #
2008/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas student mobility forms new cultural, social and academic values, promotes diversity and dialogue and creates opportunities for personal growth and, better social inclusion and increased European awareness while also enhancing employability on the national and international level,
Amendment 6 #
2008/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas mobility fosters innovation, creative thinking and the promotion of best practices,
Amendment 10 #
2008/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas particular attention should be paid to the appropriate funding of students' learning, living costs and mobility and whereas the economic burden of mobility is considerably higher for most of the Member States which acceded to the EU in 2004 and 2007,
Amendment 12 #
2008/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas mobility encourages foreign language learning and the improvement of overall communication skills,
Amendment 14 #
2008/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the quality of teaching is as important as the quality of research and whereas these two dimensions are closely linked,
Amendment 18 #
2008/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas mobility can be hindered by both the failure to give full and proper recognition for courses attended and the lack of equivalence of grades obtained,
Amendment 30 #
2008/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Emphasises that in order for the Bologna Process to fulfil its objectives, reciprocity in terms of the flow of students and scholars is necessary; underlines the disproportion in current trends and in particular the poor mobility towards the Member States which acceded to the EU in 2004 and 2007;
Amendment 33 #
2008/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses theat importance ofroved command of languages is a considerable asset and one of the reasons for student mobility, that it is important for intensive language courses beingto be offered to incoming students, either before, and/or during Erasmus study periods and that consideration should be given to allocating a minimum number of credits without discrimination in order to promote these courses;
Amendment 43 #
2008/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Member States and the competent authorities to guarantee an equal and universal access to mobility by simple, flexible and transparent grant awarding procedures and by additional financial support for high cost destinations; considers it essential for students to receive this support before their departure to avoid placing an excessive financial burden on them;
Amendment 54 #
2008/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to encourage universities to propose graduate and postgraduate courses which do not require knowledge that could only have been obtained through the national education system, such as on history or national law, so as to prevent any discrimination between national and foreign students, even in specific areas such as law;
Amendment 58 #
2008/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Emphasises that the full recognition of diplomas and an effective credit transfer system should be accompanied by the full recognition of courses attended and full equivalence of grades obtained in European universities by means of coherent and non-discriminatory criteria;
Amendment 4 #
2008/2068(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the quality of teaching is a critical factor in contributing to the European Union's social and economic cohesion as well as its job creation, competitiveness and growth potential in a globalising world,
Amendment 5 #
2008/2068(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the European Social Fund can play an important role in education and training development contributing to better teacher education,
Amendment 11 #
2008/2068(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the quality of teacher education can affect early school leaving levels and older students' reading skills,
Amendment 12 #
2008/2068(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas common European teaching principles and standards can have a positive impact on mobility,
Amendment 26 #
2008/2068(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Points out that teacher training programmes must address specific learning and training needs and must meet high quality demands and standards in terms of content; stresses that the efficiency of teacher training programmes cannot be guaranteed unless followed by concrete implementation of the newly acquired knowledge in the classroom;
Amendment 27 #
2008/2068(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on Member States to promote and support high-quality, consistent training programmes at all stages of teacher education, starting at initial teacher training level; emphasises that there should be a strong correlation and balance between academic acquisitions and school-based teaching practice, so that the tasks required of the teaching profession at all stages of professional development can be carried out successfully;
Amendment 30 #
2008/2068(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Draws attention to the role of the media and its impact on the profession's perception and status in society in relation to the recruiting of the best graduates and candidates;
Amendment 36 #
2008/2068(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Highlights the marked differences between teachers’ average wages, not only between different Member States, but also in relation to average national incomes and GDP per capita; calls for teachers to benefit from good remuneration packages which reflect their importance to society, and which address the 'brain-drain' of top teachers to better-paid private sector posts, in the home country or abroad, particularly in the areas of science and technology;
Amendment 39 #
2008/2068(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Underlines that teacher mobility , by promoting cooperation and team work, fosters creativity and innovation through the production of new content;
Amendment 47 #
2008/2068(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Strongly supports the role of mobility programmes at micro level, notably that of the Comenius programme; calls on Member States, especially those which joined the EU in 2004 and 2007, to better promote the role of this instrument and to take all necessary measures to this end; emphasises the extremely beneficial impact of the Comenius programme on teachers, such as increases in quality, self-esteem and motivation, on pupils and pupil attainment, as well as at the level of small communities, especially in socially and economically deprived areas, by promoting inclusion and greater awareness of the European dimension in education;
Amendment 27 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Ia (new)
Recital Ia (new)
Ia. whereas weak public services with poor accessibility may lead to low public confidence, hindering participation and inclusiveness as well as their impact,
Amendment 30 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Ja (new)
Recital Ja (new)
Ja. whereas adequate communication structures and strategies at all policy, implementation and evaluation stages, designed in close co-operation with regional and local authorities, by promoting the spread of information to all sections of society, foster transparency, inclusive participation and full ownership,
Amendment 31 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Jb (new)
Recital Jb (new)
Jb. whereas increased administrative and bureaucratic obligations can lead to excessively complex structures and terminology, affecting public debates and the involvement of civil society, while also hindering strategic reflection and the use of funds,
Amendment 32 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Jc (new)
Recital Jc (new)
Amendment 33 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Jd (new)
Recital Jd (new)
Jd. whereas an enhanced partnership with universities and institutes of tertiary or technological education, as well as private sector involvement, can be beneficial to strategies within the framework of the Lisbon Agenda -,
Amendment 34 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Je (new)
Recital Je (new)
Je. whereas the potential benefits deriving from Public Private Partnerships are still largely under exploited;
Amendment 35 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Jf (new)
Recital Jf (new)
Jf. whereas partnership means taking account of all national communities and groups and their representatives,
Amendment 58 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission and the Member States, working together with regional and local authorities, to examine immediately the issue of the simplification of the procedures for implementing cohesion policy with a view to reducing the bureaucratic burden on, and the training needs of, the individuals and bodies involved; also notes that fully transparent processes and the establishment of standard and clear procedures are factors in good governance;
Amendment 68 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7a (new)
Paragraph 7a (new)
7a. Considers that more complex decision-making processes and administrative structures can place excessive demands on social partners and relevant NGOs;
Amendment 91 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Member States and managing authorities to involve the partners more closely and in due course in all the phases of Structural Fund programming, including assessment and at meetings of the monitoring committees for the Operational Programmes, as well as during the drafting of tender documents, project selection and project appraisal;
Amendment 104 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13a (new)
Paragraph 13a (new)
13a. Emphasises that regional and local administrative capacity as well as its stability and continuity constitute a precondition for the efficient absorption of funds and to ensure their maximum impact ; calls on Member States to ensure adequate administrative structures and human capital in terms of recruitment, remuneration, training, resources, procedures, transparency and accessibility;
Amendment 108 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Urges the Member States to delegate responsibility for managing the Structural Funds to regional and local authorities with a view to involving them more closely and by means of formal co-ordination structures in the work of drafting and implementing the operational programmes, or, at the very least, to award them grants which enable them to play a full role in the multi-level governance arrangements;
Amendment 121 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20a
Paragraph 20a
20a. Calls on Member States to facilitate direct channels of communication between the Commission and sub- national governments;
Amendment 130 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23a (new)
Paragraph 23a (new)
23a. Calls on Member States and the managing authorities to put more emphasis on the dimension of policy learning, including the evaluation phase and lessons learnt, and to appraise it in terms of the strategic policy value it represents rather than its bureaucratic use; considers that a strategic follow-up at European level, with structured identification of best practice, could contribute to better policy and implementation;
Amendment 5 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Council and Commission to define more precisely, together with Parliament, the objective of territorial cohesion and, bearing in mind that definits well as the indicators, methodology, budgetary implications and instruments of territorial cohesion and the recipients of funding under that policy and, bearing in mind the objective of territorial cohesion, take better account of the territorial impact of all EU policies having a strong territorial dimension; notes the important role that the Committee on Regional Development will play in defining this objective;
Amendment 10 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3a (new)
Paragraph 3a (new)
3a. Stresses that pursuing the objective of territorial cohesion should not lead to an increase in the support provided for the achievement of other EU objectives; emphasises that cohesion policy constitutes an objective in itself and that the tendency to increase the scope of that objective, due to its horizontal nature, weakens rather than strengthens the concept and the EU's ability to achieve the objective;
Amendment 11 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3b (new)
Paragraph 3b (new)
3b. Reiterates that addressing disparities between the more prosperous and the least developed regions remains the objective of cohesion policy; emphasises that the inclusion of the objective of territorial cohesion complements this primary objective;
Amendment 35 #
2008/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 − indent 4 a (new)
Paragraph 1 − indent 4 a (new)
- to facilitate access to funds through closer cooperation with national governments to reduce processing time.
Amendment 36 #
2008/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 − indent 4 b (new)
Paragraph 1 − indent 4 b (new)
- prepare a timetable to take active steps to remove obstacles and improve the accessibility to funds.
Amendment 2 #
2008/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas this report should not merely list the Committee on Petitions' activities in 2007 but should serve as a benchmark identifying weakness during the year and the guidelines to be followed in order to improve its efficiency and better meet the expectations of European citizens,
Amendment 4 #
2008/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas, nevertheless, efforts to promote and provide information on the public right to petition the European Parliament remain vital at national level, so as to awaken public interest and, in particular, prevent confusion over the various complaints procedures,
Amendment 5 #
2008/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas management perceived as inadequate by petitioners may lead to sentiments of frustration and disaffection towards EU institutions,
Amendment 8 #
2008/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the Committee on Petitions, as the responsible committee, has a duty not only to respond to individual petitions but also to seek to provide viable solutions to the concerns expressed by petitioners within an adequate time frame, and whereas this constitutes the main objective of its work,
Amendment 11 #
2008/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L a (new)
Recital L a (new)
La. whereas enhanced inter-institutional coordination with automatic redirection of inadmissible petitions to relevant national authorities, including equivalent parliamentary committees and Ombudsman, would better address the questions raised by European citizens,
Amendment 13 #
2008/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Ra (new)
Recital Ra (new)
Ra. whereas, moreover, this undermines citizens' confidence in the European institutions' ability to meet their expectations,
Amendment 15 #
2008/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital W
Recital W
W. whereas the priority areas of concern to European citizens, as expressed in the petitions process, focus on the following issues: the environment and its protection, including the weakness of Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, the Water Framework Directive, the Drinking Water Directive, the Waste Directives, the Habitats Directive, the Birds Directive, the Money Laundering Directive and others, and including general concerns about pollution and climate change, individual and private property rights, financial services, free movement and rights of workers including pension rights and other social provisions, free movement of goods and taxation, recognition of professional qualifications, freedom of establishment and allegations of discrimination on grounds of nationality, gender or membership of a minority,
Amendment 20 #
2008/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes, in this regard, that the introduction of an Advisory Board of Legal Experts to contribute to the process of pre-selection of admissible petitions would ensure legal consistency while also providing the necessary conditions for independent investigation;
Amendment 21 #
2008/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1a. Stresses that the legal scope of the Charter of Fundamental Rights will be recognised after ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, which will formally enshrine its independent binding character, and points out that specific measures will have to be envisaged to determine what effect this will have on citizens' rights and, as a consequence, on the work and competences of the Committee on Petitions;
Amendment 25 #
2008/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses, however, that the 'introduction of deadlines and a closer partnership between the latter are vital so as not to lengthen response times to petitioners;
Amendment 26 #
2008/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Considers it necessary, given the number of inadmissible petitions, to establish inter-institutional coordination with competent authorities at a national level for automatic redirection and informed procedure development;
Amendment 27 #
2008/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Supports the enhancement of formal cooperation structures between the Committee on Petitions and relevant authorities at a national level, including pertinent parliamentary committees and Ombudsman, providing an institutionalised channel of communication as well as a forum within the framework of which to address selected petitions as well as Community and national law inconsistencies;
Amendment 28 #
2008/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Considers that, in the context of the reinforcement of the Committee on Petitions secretariat, the introduction of an IT facility for online tracking destined to petitioners would contribute to a more transparent and efficient process by means of, inter alia, regular status updates and calls for additional information; notes that such a measure would better meet the expectations of European citizens while also fostering an enhanced execution of the institutional responsibilities falling upon the European Parliament and the Committee;
Amendment 29 #
2008/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Reiterates in this connection the representative nature of the Committee as well as its institutional role and duty before European citizens and residents;
Amendment 12 #
2008/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas community media foster active volunteer participation in media production rather than passive media consumption,
Amendment 15 #
2008/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas community media fulfil a broad, yet largely unacknowledged role in the media landscape, particularly as a source of local content,
Amendment 16 #
2008/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas community media encourage innovation, creativity and diversity of content,
Amendment 17 #
2008/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the introduction of a code of practice, in addition to legal recognition, would clarify sector status, procedures and role, contributing to sector certainty while also ensuring independence and preventing misconduct,
Amendment 19 #
2008/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas funded audience surveys would be useful to both the community media sector and policy-makers,
Amendment 29 #
2008/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Points out that community media can play a significant role in training programs involving external organisations, including universities, and unskilled community members as a valuable hub for work experience;
Amendment 30 #
2008/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Points out that, in light of the withdrawal or non existence of public and commercial media in some areas, including remote areas, and the tendency by commercial media to reduce local content, community media may provide the only source of local news and information and the only voice of local communities;
Amendment 35 #
2008/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Acknowledges that additional funding and digital adaptation would enable the community media sector to extend its innovation profile and to provide new and vital services bringing added value to the existing analogue offerings;
Amendment 48 #
2008/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on Member States, and with particular emphasis those which acceded to the EU in 2004 and 2007, for more active support of community media to ensure media pluralism;
Amendment 51 #
2008/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Asks Member States to make television and radio frequency spectrum, both analogue and digital, available bearing in mind that the service provided by community media is not to be assessed in terms of opportunity cost or justification of the cost of spectrum allocation but the social value it represents;
Amendment 52 #
2008/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Calls on Member States to establish regular audience surveys in order for the community media and policy-makers to assess programs, content, social impact and the attainment of social objectives;
Amendment 54 #
2008/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Encourages Member States to promote knowledge exchange between local, regional and national tiers of government;
Amendment 63 #
2008/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Considers that the creation of a European Community Media Association would foster best practices exchange, including management and fund-raising skills, contribute to a better representation of the sector's interests before the EU institutions as well as promote EU legislation development in this field;
Amendment 44 #
2008/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Acknowledges that coastal regions have a strategic importance for Europe as a whole; notes that the future prosperity of these regions and the competitiveness of their maritime industries are highly susceptible to, and endangered by, spoilt coastal areas, crowded coastal waters, climate system change and the deterioration of the marine environment; proposes, given the extent to which regions are affected by maritime activities and policies, the development of EU standards that ensure long-term environmental sustainability;
Amendment 45 #
2008/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Calls for additional measures, including further restrictions and penalties, to ensure safe and secure shipping; notes that maintaining a high level of maritime safety is a precondition for the protection of the economic, social and environmental prosperity of coastal regions;
Amendment 31 #
2007/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas concentration of ownership is generating increased dependency of media professionals on large media enterprises' owners,
Amendment 47 #
2007/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas large media enterprises have built substantial and often dominant positions in the markets of the Member States which acceded to the EU in 2004 and 2007, jeopardising, inter alia, the existence on the media market of small and medium businesses as well as regional and local media enterprises,
Amendment 64 #
2007/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas media enterprises constitute an irreplaceable entity as regards media pluralism and the preservation of democracy and should thus be more actively concerned with practices relating to business ethics and social responsibility,
Amendment 70 #
2007/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas an increasing proportion of journalists find themselves employed under precarious conditions, lacking social guarantees common on the normal job market and being more susceptible to political pressure and corruption, and whereas these conditions are more likely to occur in the new Member States,
Amendment 97 #
2007/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q
Recital Q
Q. whereas the public service media has a noticeable market presence only in the audiovisual and non-linear areas and whereas often the public service media of the EU Member States suffers from both inadequate funding and political pressure, affecting the quality as well as the objective and neutral character of the information presented,
Amendment 165 #
2007/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. proposes the establishment of regular fact-finding missions to monitor the current situation in the Member States which acceded in 2004 and 2007, including issues affecting media pluralism; in this regard, calls on this Committee to identify the exact scope and all other details as it deems appropriate and to make all necessary arrangements for the deployment of fact-finding missions,
Amendment 10 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas entire countries still face considerable challenges to their development and convergence is unlikely to occur within the current framework 2007-2013,
Amendment 11 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas addressing social, economic and territorial disparities between more prosperous and poorest regions remains the underlying objective of cohesion policy,
Amendment 12 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas current instruments and budgetary resources do not constitute an adequate basis for addressing intra- regional disparities, and whereas vulnerable communities and groups and the inter-regional primary objective of cohesion policy should not be affected by the introduction of new instruments and recipients,
Amendment 38 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that the territorial concentration of vulnerable communities and groups and the strong geographic influencmost underdeveloped territories could be affectinged by social segregation in the most underdeveloped territoriesexclusion, which is an increasing challenge for the cohesion of EU territories;
Amendment 41 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Commission to carry out a detailed study on the issue in order to adequately address the problems faced by vulnerable communities and groups;
Amendment 52 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises in this connection that horizontal actions are not sufficient to overcome the problems of territorsocial exclusion and recommends therefore that the Member States apply a holistic territorial development strategy, putting the cross-sector integrated approach into practice and focusing on the potential of these territories while also taking into consideration their geographical handicapall EU territories;
Amendment 58 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out the need to address through a territorially basedn integrated approach the shortcomings in terms of equal opportunities and the potential concentration of social conflicts arising from the concentration of segregated vulnerable groups in specificin underdeveloped areas;
Amendment 67 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to allocate resources between developed cities and excluded rural territories in a balanced way and to establish tailor-made long-term programmes for specific vulnerable communities and groups with the participation of local authorities, relevant social and economic partners and representatives of the target groups in the decision-making process and implementation in order to best address their needs and bring genuine solutions to overcome exclusion and generational unemployment;
Amendment 73 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to make available comparable micro-regionalStresses the need for comparable statistical data for all regions of the EU , with special regard to social indicators, in order to identify clearly the most underdeveloped territories below traditional NUTS 2 level and to highlight the scale of growing intra-regional disparitiesvulnerable communities and groups and the problems they face;
Amendment 84 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. In this connection takes the view that new quantifiable development and social indicators other than GDP per capita should be used in order to indicate intra- regional disparities, evaluate implementation and policy efficiency and be used as guidance for development planningcarefully investigated in order to identify and address the problems of vulnerable communities and groups;
Amendment 85 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 100 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 7 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Baltic Sea is a basin bordered by as many as eight European Union Member States, and 80% of its shore is European Union Territory; whereas OAO Gazprom is the majority shareholder of Nord Stream AG,
Amendment 19 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas the lifetime of the gas transmission pipeline is estimated at 50 years and the magnitude of the work involved in decommissioning the pipeline system will be similar in scale to that of the planned installation; whereas this aspect should be weighed against the time necessary for the complete restoration of flora and fauna to its original state when considering the environmental and economic impact of the project,
Amendment 20 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Hb. whereas exposure to heavy metals, contaminants and other harmful substances entails health risks and food- chain implications that need to be examined,
Amendment 34 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. having regard to the increased traffic in terms of seafarers and oil tankers in the Baltic Sea and the potential fire hazard and, the risk of loss of buoyancy and the sinking of vessels resulting from a breakdown of the gas pipeline during its construction, installation and operation, and the potential human, economic and environmental impact thereof,
Amendment 41 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P a (new)
Recital P a (new)
Pa. whereas fishing, tourism and shipping will be adversely affected by the construction, installation and operation of the project, resulting in a substantial threat to the economy of coastal regions,
Amendment 76 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Expresses its conviction that projects of this kindtype or scale, including, inter alia, South Stream and Nabucco, should be subjects of common interest and concern for the whole European Union;
Amendment 125 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Notes that the prosperity of coastal regions and the competitiveness of their economies are highly susceptible to, and endangered by, spoilt coastal areas and the deterioration of the marine environment; points out that, given the extent to which coastal regions are affected by maritime activities and policies, long-term environmental sustainability is a precondition for the protection of their economic, social and environmental prosperity;
Amendment 127 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Points out the absence of any strategy to address structural failure and external threats to the security of the pipeline; emphasises the need to clearly define all aspects related to security and emergency response, including financial resources, actors, roles and procedures;
Amendment 156 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16.: Regrets the fact that, notwithstanding the advancement of the North European Gas Pipeline project and the development of similar projects, including the South Stream Gas Pipeline, the Green Paper "Towards a future Maritime Policy for the Union" pays no attention to the problem of large-scale projects such as subsea pipelines;