Activities of Andi CRISTEA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Calls for the promotion of religious tolerance, respect for diversity and mutual understanding in order to create an environment conducive for exercising individuals' right to freedom of religion or belief;

2018/09/13
Committee: AFET

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Highlights the importance of interfaith dialogue and dialogue between cultures as a significant way to advance freedom of religion in the world;

2018/09/13
Committee: AFET

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)

8b. Calls for increased cooperation to prevent the persecution of religious minorities, create conditions for peaceful coexistence in diverse societies, and ensure ongoing dialogue between majority and minority churches and communities;

2018/09/13
Committee: AFET

2018/2146(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 6

– having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999), to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Advisory Opinion of 22 July 2010 on the accordance with international law of the unilateral declaration of independence in respect of Kosovo, and to UN General Assembly Resolution 64/298 of 9 September 2010, which acknowledged the content of the ICJ opinion and welcomed the EU’s readiness to facilitate dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo*,

2018/09/05
Committee: AFET

2018/2146(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8

– having regard to the declaration and recommendations adopted at the seventh EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC) meeting of 20-21 December 2017 and the ~~six~~eighth SAPC meeting of 13-14 ~~September~~June 20178,

2018/09/05
Committee: AFET

2018/2146(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 15

– having regard to the ~~seven~~eighth meeting of the Accession Conference with Serbia at Ministerial level held on ~~11 December~~25 June 20178,

2018/09/05
Committee: AFET

2018/2146(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas since the opening of negotiations with Serbia ~~twelve~~fourteen chapters have been opened, two of which have been provisionally closed;

2018/09/05
Committee: AFET

2018/2146(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas Serbia benefits from pre- accession assistance under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II), with a total indicative allocation of EUR 1.5 billion for 2014-2020; whereas a revised indicative allocation of IPA II for Serbia for the period of 2018-2020 is EUR 7228 million; whereas Serbia has been granted a mid-term performance reward;

2018/09/05
Committee: AFET

2018/2146(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the continued engagement of Serbia on the path of integration into the European Union; calls on the Serbia, as well as the European Commission to actively promote this strategic decision among the Serbian and EU public;

2018/09/05
Committee: AFET

2018/2146(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Underlines that the thorough implementation of reforms and policies remains a key indicator of a successful integration process; calls on Serbia to improve the planning, coordination and monitoring of the implementation of new legislation and policies; calls on European Commission in designing the new Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPAIII) to take into account the differences of accession progress and complexity of required reforms in EU candidate countries;

2018/09/05
Committee: AFET

2018/2146(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Urges Serbia to step up its reform efforts in the area of rule of law, and in particular to ensure the independence and overall efficiency of the judicial system; stresses that special focus should be put on implementing effective reform in this area; notes that while some progress has been made in reducing the backlog of old enforcement cases, and in putting in place measures to harmonise court practice, judicial independence in Serbia is not fully assured; calls on Serbia to strengthen the accountability, impartiality, professionalism and overall efficiency of the judiciary, and to establish a free legal aid system ensuring the broad range of free legal aid providers such as civil society organisations;

2018/09/05
Committee: AFET

2018/2146(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Acknowledges some progress has been made in the fight against organised crime and encourages Serbia to show a clear commitment to continuing this fight; calls on Serbia to establish a convincing track record of investigations, prosecutions and convictions in organised crime cases, including money laundering, based on proactive investigations; calls on Serbia to focus on the implementation of the action plan agreed with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF);

2018/09/05
Committee: AFET

2018/2146(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Stresses that the Serbian parliament still does not exercise effective oversight of the executive, and that the transparency, inclusiveness and quality of the legislative process need to be enhanced; welcomes the declining use of urgent procedures to adopt legislation; stresses, however, that the still- frequent use of urgent procedures undermines parliamentary and public scrutiny; stresses that actions that limit the ability of the Serbian parliament to conduct an effective debate on, and scrutiny of, legislation should be avoided; calls on Serbia to put in place additional measures to ensure cross-party dialogue and effective involvement of civil society; welcomes the Serbian parliament’s continued efforts to improve transparency through debates on Serbia’s negotiating positions on EU accession chapters, and through exchanges with the core negotiating team and with the National Convention on the European Union; stresses that the role of independent regulatory bodies, including the country’s Ombudsman, needs to be fully acknowledged and supported;

2018/09/05
Committee: AFET

2018/2146(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Welcomes Serbia’s progress in reforming its public administration, notably through the adoption of several new laws on public service salaries and employment relations, on local government and salaries in autonomous province ~~salarie~~s, and on the national training academy; stresses that political influence on senior managerial appointments remains an issue of concern; welcomes the creation of a Ministry for European Integration, incorporating the structures of the former Serbian European Integration Office, which has continued to provide political guidance for European integration;

2018/09/05
Committee: AFET

2018/2146(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Underlines that the legislative and institutional framework for upholding human rights is in place; stresses that consistent and efficient implementation across the whole country is needed; calls on Serbia to adopt the new General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and the Data Protection Law Enforcement Directive (EU) 2016/680 in order to be in line with the EU standards for the protection of citizens' personal data; notes that further sustained efforts are necessary to improve the situation of persons belonging to vulnerable groups, including children, persons with disabilities, persons with HIV/AIDS, and LGBTI persons; calls on Serbia to actively pursue investigations, prosecutions and convictions of hate- motivated crimes;

2018/09/05
Committee: AFET

2018/2146(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Reiterates its concern that no progress has been made to improve the situation regarding freedom of expression and of the media; stresses that threats, violence and intimidation against journalists media outlets, including administrative harassment and intimidation through court practice, remain an issue of concern; notes, in this regard, that while several cases have been solved and some criminal charges have been filed, convictions are still rare; calls on the authorities to demonstrate full commitment to investigate and prosecute any cases of attacks against journalists and media outlets; calls for the full implementation of media laws and the strengthening of the independence of the country’s Regulatory Body for Electronic Media; welcomes the renewed efforts to adopt a media strategy to create a pluralistic media environment, and stresses, in this regard, the importance of a transparent and inclusive consultation with stakeholders; underlines the need for complete transparency in media ownership and funding;

2018/09/05
Committee: AFET

2018/2146(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Welcomes the adoption of an action plan for the realisation of the rights of national minorities, and the adoption of a decree establishing a fund for national minorities; calls for the full implementation of the action plan and for improved coordination and inclusion of stakeholders; notes that the fund for national minorities is functioning and that its funding has been increased; reiterates its call on Serbia to ensure full and consistent implementation of legislation on the protection of minorities, including in relation to education, the free use of as well as access to education in minority languages, representation in public administration and access to media and religious services in minority languages;

2018/09/05
Committee: AFET

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1

1. For partner countries listed in Annex I, priority areas for Union financing shall be mainly selected from those included in documents referred to in Article 12(3)(c), agreed between the Union and the partner countries in bilateral and multilateral formats, including, as relevant, within the Eastern Partnership and the southern dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy, and other regional cooperation frameworks such as the Northern Dimension and the Black Sea regional cooperation, in accordance with the areas of cooperation of the Neighbourhood area set out in Annex II.

2018/12/17
Committee: AFET DEVE

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2

2. The Neighbourhood area shall contribute to cross-border cooperation programmes referred to in paragraph 1 co- financed by the European Regional Development Fund in the framework of ETC Regulation81 and which will be implemented in shared management. Up to 45 % of the financial envelope for the Neighbourhood area shall be indicatively allocated to support those programmes. _________________ 81 COM(2018) 374 final Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments.

2018/12/17
Committee: AFET DEVE

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 5

5. Pre-financing for cross-border cooperation programmes shall be determined in the work programme in accordance with needs of the participating third countries and territories and may exceed the percentage referred to in Article 49 of ETC Regulation .deleted

2018/12/17
Committee: AFET DEVE

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 5 a (new)

5 a. Each financial year, once the Managing Authority has been notified of the annual commitment, it may request as prefinancing the transfer of up to 80 % of the Union contribution for the financial year in question. From the second financial year, requests for prefinancing shall be accompanied by the provisional budget detailing the Managing Authority's commitments and payments for the two accounting years following the latest audit opinion referred to in [Article 47(5)] of Regulation [new ETC]. After reviewing that provisional budget, assessing actual financing needs of the programme and verifying the availability of funds, the Commission shall proceed with the payment of all or part of the requested prefinancing no later than 60 days after the date on which the payment request is registered with the Commission.

2018/12/17
Committee: AFET DEVE

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 5 b (new)

5 b. In the course of the financial year, the Managing Authority may ask for the transfer of all or part of the funds already committed, as additional prefinancing. In support of its request, the Managing Authority shall submit an interim financial report showing that the expenditure actually incurred or likely to be incurred before the end of the financial year exceeds the amount of prefinancing already paid. Such subsequent transfers shall constitute additional prefinancing provided they are not supported by an audit opinion referred to in [Article 47(5)] of Regulation [new ETC].

2018/12/17
Committee: AFET DEVE

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 5 c (new)

5 c. Each financial year of the programme's implementation, the Commission shall clear previous prefinancing payments on the basis of eligible expenditure actually incurred, supported by the audit opinion referred to in [Article 47(5)] of Regulation [new ETC]. following the acceptance of accounts as described in Article 93 of Regulation [new CPR]. On the basis of the results of this clearance, the Commission may proceed with the necessary financial adjustments.

2018/12/17
Committee: AFET DEVE

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 5 d (new)

5 d. By 15 February 2031 the Managing Authority shall submit the payment request of the final balance accompanied by the documents referred to in [Article 32] of Regulation [new ETC].

2018/12/17
Committee: AFET DEVE

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 5 e (new)

5 e. The final balance shall be paid no later than three months after the date of clearance of accounts of the final accounting year or one month after the date of acceptance of the final implementation report, whichever date is later.

2018/12/17
Committee: AFET DEVE

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 10

— having regard to the outcome of the mission of the Committee on Foreign Affairs to Moldova on 3 and 4 ~~May~~April 2018,

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
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;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Praises the ~~courageous agents for~~ positive changes in Moldova, notably th~~ose leading~~e 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;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
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;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
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~~artificial ‘geopolitical’ arguments;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Knut FLECKENSTEIN, Andi CRISTEA

Motion for a resolution
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 and~~with 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;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
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 and the invalidation of the election of Andrei Năstase, and that it has led to the suspension of the disbursement of Macro Financial Assistance (MFA) and of outstanding payments of EU budget support; recalls that the type of electoral system Moldova choses for itself is a sovereign choice and that the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission's remit should extend to recommendations on proper implementation of the electoral law in full respect of democratic standards rather than the electoral system itself; reiterates the great importance it attaches to those recommendations;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Knut FLECKENSTEIN, Andi CRISTEA

Motion for a resolution
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 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;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
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~~be 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;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Knut FLECKENSTEIN, Andi CRISTEA

Motion for a resolution
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;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Calls on the EEAS and the Commission to fully operationalise the political conditionality attached to Union assistance by way of clear, verifiable and transparent reform benchmarks and to communicate them publically;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
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;~~

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Urges the Moldovan authorities to swiftly adopt and fully implement~~Welcomes 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;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
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;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
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;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
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 adop~~for the implementation of the Law of the Special Legal Status of Gagauzia;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
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;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
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~~;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
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;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Expresses concern about signs of ~~a fur~~ther shrinking of space for the country’s civil society, and calls ~~on the authorities to immediately halt~~for 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;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2281(INI)

Motion for a resolution
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;

2018/09/11
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

D a. whereas there is an urgent need to enhance the visibility of EU assistance targeting both the citizens of partner countries and those of the European Union in order to better communicate the benefits of EU support; whereas investing in favour of concrete and tangible projects the visibility of which is more easily accessible by the wider public, while developing a comprehensive, effective and systematic communication strategy within each instrument can be of significant value in this regard;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)

D b. whereas strategic communication is often confronted with external challenges including misinformation campaigns against the EU and its Member States requiring further efforts; whereas promoting objective, independent and impartial information while also addressing the legal aspects of the media environment where EU instruments and actions operate are therefore of fundamental importance;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)

D c. whereas current administrative procedures often entail excessive bureaucratic burden for potential recipient candidates making it difficult for smaller civil society organisations and social partner organisations to get involved in project design and implementation as they often lack the know-how and administrative capacity to bring forward eligible and successful proposals;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6 a. Welcomes that, compared to its predecessor, IPA II has become more strategic, focusing increasingly on the promotion of key reforms targeting priority areas including the rule of law, public administration and economic governance; notes, however, that IPA II funding has also been used to react to emerging crisis situations, notably the refugee crisis and extensive floods in the Western Balkans; reminds that funding should be used in accordance with the specific objectives pertaining to the instrument and that the main focus of the IPA II should be to support the compliance of the beneficiary countries with the Union's values as well as the Union's rules, standards, policies and practices with a view to Union membership and not ad hoc dealing with unpredictable crises;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6 b. Notes that the indirect management of IPA II funding by beneficiaries has produced a positive impact in terms of ownership; stresses, however, the lack of transparency with regard to absorption capacity as well as longer delays in implementation;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)

6 c. Takes note that the complementarity of IPA II with actions of other Instruments, notably the EIDHR and the IcSP, has increased; notes, however, that the coordination during both the planning and programming phases has not been sufficient;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 d (new)

6 d. Underlines that IPA II, as the main EU funding instrument for pre- accession support, finances actions required not only for aligning with the EU acquis, but also to promote the social, economic and institutional development of beneficiaries; strongly believes that overall funding available under IPA II must be ambitious and forward looking and must match the actual needs, obligations and aspirations linked to the accession process and EU membership;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 e (new)

6 e. Acknowledges that IPA II provides crucial support to local civil society organisations (CSOs), including through a dedicated Civil Society Facility; emphasises, however, that support to CSOs is in many instances limited compared to the real needs on the ground and calls for additional efforts to successfully address this deficit;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9 a. Stresses that ENI remains a relevant and important instrument for promoting the interests of the Union in the neighbourhood and has contributed to the articulation of an EU single voice in the neighbourhood as a whole; underlines that EU values and principles including democracy, rule of law, human rights and efficient, accountable and transparent public institutions are in the interest of neighbouring societies as much as of our own in terms of stability, security and prosperity; considers that the implementation of the principle of differentiation has allowed the EU to adapt its support to partner countries’ needs and ambitions;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)

9 b. Reiterates that the neighbourhood has been confronted with unprecedented challenges since 2014 due to the increasing number of long-standing and newly emerging challenges, such as the illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula by the Russian Federation and the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, the Syrian crisis, the stabilisation of Libya, radicalisation and terrorism, unsustainable youth unemployment and the challenge of migration, and is, as a result, less stable and considerably less secure than ever before thus hampering political, social and economic transformation as well as regional cooperation, stability and security; stresses that the financial capacity of this instrument has been stretched to the limit and notes that the response brought under ENI has not been proportionate to the needs and challenges of the neighbourhood;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)

9 c. Underlines the need for stronger coordination between regional and bilateral programmes and investment facilities to better support and foster private-sector development;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20 a. Stresses the need to provide additional financial resources and training support to CSOs; insists that urgent measures are required to further diminish the bureaucratic burden and procedural obstacles encountered by civil society organisations, especially by local CSOs; calls for specific budget lines devoted to capacity building for CSOs in order to enhance their ability to access funding;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. RSupports the principles enlisted in Article 21 TEU and recommends a stronger emphasis on democratisation, strengthening the rule of law and improving respect for universal human rights;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. ~~Recommends~~Calls on the Commission to suspend funding for countries not fulfilling basic Copenhagen criteria and to enabl~~ing~~e the transfer of those funds to civil society when state authorities are unwilling to ~~meet the EU’s stated objectives and calls on the Commission to suspend funding for countries not fulfilling the basic Copenhagen criteria~~cooperate on the instrument's general and specific objectives;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23 a. Calls for appropriate targeted communication and information campaigns by means of national, regional and local media outlets or any other as it may be deemed appropriate, with minimum requirements and the monitoring thereof defined by the Commission in close cooperation with beneficiaries;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)

23 b. Considers that flexibility and the use of funding to address specific crisis situations must be in line with the instrument's key priorities and the fundamentals of the enlargement strategy and the accession process, which have to remain the main focus of IPA II;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 c (new)

23 c. Calls for better coordination and additional synergies during the planning and programming phases of IPA II with the actions of other instruments, namely the EIDHR and the IcSP, in order to ensure coherence and enhance complementarity both internally amongst its own set of objectives and programmes and vis-à-vis other EFIs;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)

27 a. Underlines that the specificity of challenges in the neighbourhood requires an integrated and comprehensive approach including synergies with other EFIs and across policies of the Union; stresses, in this context, the need to continue focusing on democracy, human rights and civil society in a coherent and persistent manner;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38

38. Calls for funding of an external relations instrument to reflect ambitious external actions, based on values and fundamental rights and principles; underlines that in the event of the United Kingdom withdrawing from the European Union, the current budget ratio destined to external action should be increased or at least maintained at current levels with the same rationale being applied to existing instruments, policies and priorities; reiterates that EU external actions also serve the common interests of EU citizens;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39

39. ~~Reiterate~~Considers that a reform of the current instrument architecture ~~is required in order to~~could provide more flexibility, efficiency, coherence and responsiveness, and wcould also increase cost-effectiveness, accountability, transparency and public oversight;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 a (new)

40 a. Believes that a simplified architecture of the EFIs, achieved through their consolidation and the merits of which are yet to be ascertained, would have to be accompanied by a new oversight model of governance and parliamentary scrutiny ensuring full accountability throughout the programming and implementation phases; stresses furthermore that such streamlined architecture should lead to increased transparency and the incorporation of trust funds and facilities; believes that the Instrument for Pre– accession Assistance, due to its specificities in terms of objectives and implementation, should maintain its current form and should not be affected by such changes;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43

43. Reiterates that flexibility is reliant on the ability to transfer funds between envelopes; recalls that funds destined for external action objectives cannot be rerouted to serve other objectives, including migration management and internal security; calls for a dedicated proportion of the total external action instrument budget (no ~~less~~more than 150 %) to be reserved for flexible and/or urgent action and thus to remain unprogrammed;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2280(INI)

Emilian PAVEL, Maria Gabriela ZOANĂ, Andi CRISTEA, Maria GRAPINI, Doru-Claudian FRUNZULICĂ, Daciana Octavia SÂRBU, Răzvan POPA, Dan NICA, Damian DRĂGHICI, Claudiu Ciprian TĂNĂSESCU, Ioan Mircea PAŞCU, Victor BOŞTINARU, Claudia ȚAPARDEL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50

50. Stresses that a simplified structure calls for proper checks and balances, transparency, the right of scrutiny of implementation, including enhanced strategic policy input and scrutiny of implementation by Parliament, the use of delegated acts for the revision of thematic priorities, if contained in annexes to legislative acts, and the adoption of substantial additional elements such as strategic and multi-annual programming documents;

2018/02/13
Committee: AFET

2017/2256(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3 a (new)

Enlargement of the Schengen Area 1. Recalls that Romania and Bulgaria’s readiness for joining the Schengen Area was announced on several occasions by the President of the European Commission, and it has also been stated by the European Parliament in its resolution of 8 June 2011, by the Council in its conclusions of 9 and 10 June 2011 and 25 and 26 October 2012, and in the 3rd, 4th, 5th,6th, 7th and 8th bi-annual reports on the functioning of the Schengen Area; 2. Notes that in the European Council of 1 and 2 March 2012, the Heads of State and Government reiterated that all legal conditions had been met for the decision on Romania’s and Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen Area to be taken, and asked the Justice and Home Affairs Council to adopt its decision in September 2012. However, no decision has been taken until this moment, with postponements on many occasions; 3. We remind that Romania and Bulgaria have successfully fulfilled already in 2011 all relevant criteria and prerequisites, as set by the Schengen evaluation procedures; we believe that additional criteria cannot be imposed on the two Member States; 4. Urges the Council to take the decision concerning the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area, in line with the Schengen acquis.

2018/03/14
Committee: LIBE

2017/2122(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Welcomes the adoption of the EU Gender Action Plan 2016-2020 which sets out a comprehensive list of measures to improve the situation of women in terms of equal rights and empowerment; emphasises the importance of ensuring its effective implementation; welcomes, in addition, the adoption of the Strategic Engagement for Gender Equality 2016-2019, which promotes gender equality and women’s rights worldwide; requests that the Commission, the EEAS and the VP/HR step up their fulfilment of the obligations and commitments in the area of women’s rights under the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); believes that the EU should continue mainstreaming support for women within common security and defence policy (CSDP) operations, conflict prevention and post- conflict reconstruction; recalls that the 2016 Sakharov Prize was awarded to Nadia Murad and Lamiya Aji Bashar, survivors of sexual enslavement perpetrated by ISIS/Daesh; strongly condemns all forms of abuse and violence against women and girls, in ~~this connec~~cluding early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation;

2017/09/15
Committee: AFET

2017/2122(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Reaffirms the urgent need for the universal ratification and effective implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocols; requests that the EU systematically consult relevant local and international child rights organisations, and raise, in its political and human rights dialogues with third countries, States Parties’ obligations to implement the Convention; welcomes the Council of Europe Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2016-2021); requests that the EU continue to promote the EU-UNICEF Child Rights Toolkit for integrating child rights in development cooperation through its external delegations, and to train the EU delegation staff adequately in this field; reiterates its request for the Commission to propose a comprehensive children’s rights strategy and action plan for the next five years, in order to prioritise children’s rights within EU external policies, specifically targeting developing countries in strengthening their health systems to enable better access to good quality and responsive healthcare, as well as access to a decent education and to an adequate standard of living including the right to water and sanitation; welcomes the fact that under the 2016 Development Cooperation Instrument, resources were allocated to support UN agencies in carrying out measures targeted to children’s rights;

2017/09/15
Committee: AFET

2017/2122(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14 a. Stresses that the EU should continue applying immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, combating modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour including the recruitment and use of child soldiers;

2017/09/15
Committee: AFET

2017/2122(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)

30a. Stresses that peacebuilding involves efforts to prevent and reduce conflict and strengthen the resilience of political, socioeconomic, and security institutions, in order to lay the foundation for sustainable peace and development in the long term; underlines that the promotion of the rule of law, good governance and human rights is fundamental to sustaining peace;

2017/09/15
Committee: AFET

2017/2086(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Believes that climate change requires a rights-based response with effective participation of women in decision-making at all levels, including international climate negotiations, with a view to developing gender-sensitive and rights-based approaches in order to address underlying inequalities; stresses the necessity to provide systematic funding for women’s participation in international processes;

2017/10/16
Committee: AFET

2017/2086(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Stresses the necessity for women to be involved in the implementation and execution of environmental policy at national and local level, taking into consideration that the knowledge and experience of local women can be used to ensure policy effectiveness;

2017/10/16
Committee: AFET

2017/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)

Ea. whereas New Zealand, a member of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), is a valued development partner and a key aid provider in terms of Official Development Assistance (ODA) as a percentage of GNI, contributing to sustainable development and poverty reduction in developing countries for a fairer, more secure and more prosperous planet;

2017/06/01
Committee: AFET

2017/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)

Ga. whereas an integrated Asia-Pacific region where New Zealand plays a prominent role contributes to a global value- and rule-based system and thus to the Union’s own security;

2017/06/01
Committee: AFET

2017/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H

H. whereas ~~ASEAN also has a strategic partnership with~~ New Zealand ~~and~~ is a founding member of the ~~Regional~~ Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and has a strategic partnership with ASEAN;

2017/06/01
Committee: AFET

2017/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I

I. whereas New Zealand has concluded bilateral free trade agreements with Australia, Singapore, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia and South Korea, as well as the multilateral trade agreements of the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement with Singapore, Chile and Brunei, the ASEAN- Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and the New Zealand Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement; whereas China ~~is seeking to upgrade its trade agreement with New Zealand and Mexico is seeking to launch negotiations for an FTA~~and New Zealand are seeking to upgrade their trade agreements;

2017/06/01
Committee: AFET

2017/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital J

J. whereas New Zealand wais also a party to, and has ratified, the Trans- Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal and is ~~involved~~an active party in the negotiations for the ~~Chinese-led~~ Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP);

2017/06/01
Committee: AFET

2017/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital K

K. whereas New Zealand was a non- permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term from 2015 to 2016, during which time, with strong leadership and vision, it held the UNSC presidency on two occasions~~, for a total of two months~~;

2017/06/01
Committee: AFET

2017/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital M

M. whereas New Zealand has also contributed to UN peacekeeping operations, including in Bosnia, Kosovo and Sierra Leone, ~~has carried out police training missions in Afghanistan since 2005, and continues to~~led a provincial reconstruction team in the Bamyan province in Afghanistan as well as training missions to help develop the Afghan National Army and contributed to the EUPOL missions in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2012;

2017/06/01
Committee: AFET

2017/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital N

N. whereas New Zealand has deployed a non-combat training mission to Iraq since 2015 with the aim of training ~~tens of thousands of~~ Iraqi security forces personnel operating in the fight against Daesh;

2017/06/01
Committee: AFET

2017/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital P

P. whereas New Zealand is a proponent of green production, particularly food, and has been promoting comprehensive global climate agreements within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the implementation of the COP21 Paris agreement and effective mitigation action by all developed countries and major emitting developing countries including through pioneering the establishment of a national emissions trading scheme;

2017/06/01
Committee: AFET

2017/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital P a (new)

Pa. whereas New Zealand and the European Union cooperate in the promotion of sustainable development as well as resilience and mitigation to address impact of climate change in the Asia-Pacific region, especially by fostering the systematic use of renewable energy;

2017/06/01
Committee: AFET

2017/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the conclusion of the Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation (PARC), which will provide a forward-looking political framework ~~for~~within which EU-New Zealand relations and cooperation on a comprehensive range of issues ~~for years to come~~will develop even further for years to come to match new ambitions and aspirations;

2017/06/01
Committee: AFET

2017/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Appreciates Prime Minister Bill English’s gesture of highlighting and reaffirming the commitment to special relations with Europe by ~~visiting~~making his first official foreign visit to the European Union, the European Parliament, London and Berlin in January 2017, only one month after his appointment as Prime Minister;

2017/06/01
Committee: AFET

2017/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Highlights New Zealand’s participation to EU crisis management operations to promote international peace and security and its contribution to EUNAVFOR Atalanta anti- piracy operations off the Horn of Africa and to EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina;

2017/06/01
Committee: AFET

2017/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Welcomes New Zealand’s long standing commitment to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and ~~efforts to resolve ICC issues through constructive dialogu~~commends its efforts in favour of, and constructive contribution to, the development and effectiveness of the ICC as a means to strengthen peace and international justice;

2017/06/01
Committee: AFET

2017/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Welcomes New Zealand’s ratification of the COP21 climate agreement and positively notes that ~~60-70~~ more than 80% of its electricity comes from renewable energy sources;

2017/06/01
Committee: AFET

2017/2012(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Calls on the EU to pay closer attention to the qualitative aspects in its assessments, including improvements in women's and girls' self-esteem and confidence, shifts in gender power relations within the household, workplace and community, and indicators to capture the non-countable aspects of social, economic and political change and women’s and girls’ empowerment;

2017/11/27
Committee: AFET

2017/2012(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)

2b. Notes that women and men are affected differently by fragile state in terms of human rights violations, access to justice, extreme poverty and discriminatory politics/regimes and that gender roles and relations are important to understanding opportunities and obstacles to state building; stresses that GAP II should embed gender equality more broadly across the human rights spectrum and the good governance context and practice;

2017/11/27
Committee: AFET

2017/2012(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Stresses that the civic participation of women in politics should not only be limited to campaigns in favour of the electoral participation of women but also effective participation of women in politics as candidates; underlines the necessity to ensure women’s fair access to political spheres, as voters, candidates, elected officials and civil service members; calls for providing training for women political candidates to help build their capacities and offer voter and civic education and awareness campaigns on gender equality;

2017/11/27
Committee: AFET

2017/2012(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Notes that the role of women in peace negotiations and mediation as taken into consideration in GAP II is not sufficient; recalls the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 for the active participation of women in all stages of conflict prevention and conflict management; underlines that women prevent violence and provide security and when they influence decisions about war and peace and take the lead against extremism in their communities, it is more likely crises will be resolved without recourse to violence;

2017/11/27
Committee: AFET

2017/2012(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)

8b. Highlights the important role of women to promote dialogue and build trust, build coalitions for peace and bring different perspectives on what peace and security mean and how they can be realized, contributing to a more holistic understanding of peace that addresses long-term needs as well as short-term security;

2017/11/27
Committee: AFET

2017/0125(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) The Programme should be implemented in full compliance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council6 . Funding may take in particular the form of grants. Financial instruments or public procurement may be used where appropriate. _________________ 6 Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1) and public procurement for the provision of studies. Financial instruments could also be used in the future based on the experience of this Programme, notably for the post 2020 European Defence Fund capability window. The Commission will start the preparatory work, assessment and relevant proposals as soon as possible.

2017/11/24
Committee: AFET

2017/0125(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19

(19) The financial assistance of the Union under the Programme should not exceed 230% of the ~~total~~ eligible cost including part of the indirect cost of the action, w~~hen~~ithin the meaning of Article 126 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012, where it relates to system prototyping which is often the ~~most~~ costlyiest action in the development phase. The totality of the eligible costs shcould however be covered for other actions in the development phase.

2017/11/24
Committee: AFET

2017/0125(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) to support and leverage ~~the~~collaboration between Member States and cross-border cooperation between undertakings throughout the Union, including small and medium-sized enterprises and Middle Capitalisation Companies (Mid-caps), in the development of technologies or products in line with defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the Union, while improving the agility of supply chains;

2017/11/24
Committee: AFET

2017/0125(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1

1. The financial assistance of the Union provided under the Programme may not exceed 230% of the total cost of the action where it relates to prototyping. In all the other cases, the assistance may cover up to the total cost of the action.

2017/11/24
Committee: AFET

2017/0125(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. If a consortium is developing an action as defined in Article 5(1) and commits to allocate atl east 5% of the of the eligible cost of the action to SMEs which are established in the EU, it may benefit from a funding rate increased by percentage points equivalent to the percentage of the cost of the action allocated to SMEs but not exceeding 10 percentage points.

2017/11/24
Committee: AFET

2017/0125(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 b (new)

2 b. If a consortium is developing an action as defined in Article 5(1) and commits to allocate at least 5% of the of the eligible cost of the action to Mid-caps which are established in the EU, it may benefit from a funding rate increased by percentage points equivalent to the percentage of the cost of the action allocated to Mid-caps but not exceeding 10 percentage points.This funding rate can only be applied once the Commission establishes a working definition for a "Mid-cap" in the work programme.

2017/11/24
Committee: AFET

2017/0125(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 3

3. The work programme shall ensure that a ~~credible proportion~~t least 10% of the overall budget will benefit ~~actions enabling~~ the cross-border participation of SMEs and/or Mid-caps; in addition, a specific category of projects dedicated to SMEs and/or Mid-caps shall be established by the work programme.

2017/11/24
Committee: AFET

2017/0007(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 17

(17) The Union's macro-financial assistance should support Moldova's commitment to values shared with the Union, including democracy, the rule of law, good governance, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of the media and media pluralism, the independence of the judiciary and the impartiality and effectiveness of law enforcement bodies, an accountable, transparent and professional civil service, sustainable development and poverty reduction, as well as its commitment to the principles of open, rules-based and fair trade.

2017/03/17
Committee: AFET

2017/0007(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 18

(18) A pre-condition for granting the Union's macro-financial assistance should be that Moldova respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi-party parliamentary system – and the rule of law, and guarantees respect for human rights. In addition, the specific objectives of the Union's macro-financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems, the governance and supervision of the financial and banking sector in Moldova, enhance the fight against corruption and money laundering and promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth, employment creation and fiscal consolidation. The Union's macro- financial assistance should also include measures to support the implementation of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement, including the DCFTA. Both the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the Commission and the European External Action Service. Conditionality for disbursement should be fully implemented in order to strengthen incentive-based funds allocation by laying down, inter alia, clear and relevant conditions and performance indicators, as well as a more stringent application of the existing methodology to better assess the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of the objectives.

2017/03/17
Committee: AFET

2016/2324(INI)

1 a. Calls on the EU to acknowledge the necessity of providing guidance to governments, political parties, parliaments and administrations in beneficiary countries in developing strategies aimed at establishing the appropriate legal, administrative and political environment to enable the efficient work of CSOs;

2017/06/01
Committee: AFET

2016/2324(INI)

4 a. Considers that it is necessary to promote tripartite dialogues between government, EU and CSOs, including on difficult issues such as security and migration;

2017/06/01
Committee: AFET

2016/2301(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Calls on the Commission to further promote the ratification and effective implementation of the core ILO conventions, with a special focus on the eradication of child labour and forced labour, on combating human trafficking, on the promotion of gender equality, non- discrimination and freedom of association, as well as full compliance by EU companies with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises; recommends strengthening the role of OECD National Contact Points and their cooperation with independent national and regional human rights institutions with a view to improving the governance of global value chains;

2017/05/12
Committee: AFET

2016/2301(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Calls on the Member States to protect individuals from companies violations of international law, improve the legal framework, create monitoring mechanisms and drive the improvement of domestic regulation of human rights as well as ensuring policy coherence;

2017/05/12
Committee: AFET

2016/2301(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Calls on the EU Delegations in partner countries and local civil society actors in particular, human rights organisations and defenders to raise understanding of the challenges companies face when operating in countries where the state fails to meet its duty to protect human rights;

2017/05/12
Committee: AFET

2016/2301(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Stresses the need for binding contractual agreements on human rights between companies and their suppliers along the entire value chain; underlines the importance of effective enforcement by judicial means, including access to adequate and appropriate remedies for victims.

2017/05/12
Committee: AFET

2016/2240(INI)