235 Amendments of Andi CRISTEA
Amendment 56 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
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;
Amendment 93 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
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;
Amendment 95 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
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;
Amendment 1 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6
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*,
Amendment 4 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
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 sixeighth SAPC meeting of 13-14 SeptemberJune 20178,
Amendment 8 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15
Citation 15
– having regard to the seveneighth meeting of the Accession Conference with Serbia at Ministerial level held on 11 December25 June 20178,
Amendment 17 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas since the opening of negotiations with Serbia twelvefourteen chapters have been opened, two of which have been provisionally closed;
Amendment 33 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
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;
Amendment 38 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
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;
Amendment 44 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
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;
Amendment 86 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
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;
Amendment 106 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
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);
Amendment 121 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
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;
Amendment 135 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
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 salaries, 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;
Amendment 143 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
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;
Amendment 159 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
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;
Amendment 176 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
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;
Amendment 858 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1
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.
Amendment 891 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2
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.
Amendment 892 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 5
Article 18 – paragraph 5
Amendment 893 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 5 a (new)
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.
Amendment 894 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 5 b (new)
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].
Amendment 895 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 5 c (new)
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.
Amendment 896 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 5 d (new)
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].
Amendment 897 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 5 e (new)
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.
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 34 #
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 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;
Amendment 42 #
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 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 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 50 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
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;
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 13 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
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;
Amendment 16 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
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;
Amendment 17 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
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;
Amendment 45 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
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;
Amendment 51 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
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;
Amendment 52 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
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;
Amendment 53 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 d (new)
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;
Amendment 54 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 e (new)
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;
Amendment 64 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
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;
Amendment 68 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
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;
Amendment 71 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)
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;
Amendment 112 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
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;
Amendment 124 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
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;
Amendment 126 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. RecommendsCalls on the Commission to suspend funding for countries not fulfilling basic Copenhagen criteria and to enablinge 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 criteriacooperate on the instrument's general and specific objectives;
Amendment 133 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
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;
Amendment 136 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
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;
Amendment 138 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 c (new)
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;
Amendment 154 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
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;
Amendment 207 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
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;
Amendment 217 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. ReiterateConsiders that a reform of the current instrument architecture is required in order tocould provide more flexibility, efficiency, coherence and responsiveness, and wcould also increase cost-effectiveness, accountability, transparency and public oversight;
Amendment 231 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 a (new)
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;
Amendment 258 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
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 lessmore than 150 %) to be reserved for flexible and/or urgent action and thus to remain unprogrammed;
Amendment 275 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
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;
Amendment 167 #
2017/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3 a (new)
Subheading 3 a (new)
Amendment 165 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
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 conneccluding early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation;
Amendment 175 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
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;
Amendment 196 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
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;
Amendment 316 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Amendment 39 #
2017/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
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;
Amendment 45 #
2017/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
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;
Amendment 2 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Amendment 3 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
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;
Amendment 5 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
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;
Amendment 7 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
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 FTAand New Zealand are seeking to upgrade their trade agreements;
Amendment 11 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas New Zealand wais also a party to, and has ratified, the Trans- Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal and is involvedan active party in the negotiations for the Chinese-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP);
Amendment 13 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
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;
Amendment 15 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
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 toled 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;
Amendment 19 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
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;
Amendment 22 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
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;
Amendment 25 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P a (new)
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;
Amendment 29 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the conclusion of the Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation (PARC), which will provide a forward-looking political framework forwithin which EU-New Zealand relations and cooperation on a comprehensive range of issues for years to comewill develop even further for years to come to match new ambitions and aspirations;
Amendment 36 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Appreciates Prime Minister Bill English’s gesture of highlighting and reaffirming the commitment to special relations with Europe by visitingmaking 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;
Amendment 41 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
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;
Amendment 44 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes New Zealand’s long standing commitment to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and efforts to resolve ICC issues through constructive dialogucommends 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;
Amendment 45 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
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;
Amendment 16 #
2017/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
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;
Amendment 17 #
2017/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
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;
Amendment 45 #
2017/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
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;
Amendment 54 #
2017/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
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;
Amendment 60 #
2017/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
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;
Amendment 62 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
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.
Amendment 132 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
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, whenithin 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.
Amendment 175 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) to support and leverage thecollaboration 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;
Amendment 307 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
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.
Amendment 314 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
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.
Amendment 318 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 b (new)
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.
Amendment 333 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 3
Article 13 – paragraph 3
3. The work programme shall ensure that a credible proportiont 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.
Amendment 22 #
2017/0007(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 17
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.
Amendment 25 #
2017/0007(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 18
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.
Amendment 13 #
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;
Amendment 42 #
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;
Amendment 21 #
2016/2301(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
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;
Amendment 33 #
2016/2301(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
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;
Amendment 50 #
2016/2301(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
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;
Amendment 56 #
2016/2301(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
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.
Amendment 14 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 29 a (new)
Citation 29 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 9 July 2015 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy,
Amendment 15 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 29 b (new)
Citation 29 b (new)
– having regard to the joint communication of the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) on the Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy JOIN(2015) 50 final,
Amendment 16 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 29 c (new)
Citation 29 c (new)
– having regard to the Council Conclusions of 14 December 2015 on the Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy,
Amendment 17 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 29 d (new)
Citation 29 d (new)
– whereas the Union's efforts to nurture societal resilience by deepening work on culture, education and youth foster pluralism, coexistence and respect,
Amendment 105 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the mutual advantages of working together: the EU is an arena in which all Member States join forces to play a stronger role in the field of international cultural relations; suggests that each Member State’'s rotating presidency could launch joint actions together with the EU, such as exhibitions, particularly for smaller states or those with no cultural representations abroad, including through EU delegations with specific human and financial resources made available to this end;
Amendment 149 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the impact of the cultural dimension in international relations by including the cultural dimension systematically in negotiations and in Association Agreements; underlines the need for the EU to set principles of conduct for cooperation partners in transnational projects and create a flexible framework for facilitating transnational cultural cooperation removing barriers;
Amendment 150 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Urges the European national institutes for culture or other cultural agencies and embassies to be more pro- active in setting up mechanisms to facilitate visa access for cultural professionals;
Amendment 156 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Highlights the importance of culture and human rights initiatives, which should aim at supporting cultural professionals in countries or regions where their rights are threatened; calls for such programmes to be jointly funded by the European Endowment for Democracy and the European Neighbourhood Instrument;
Amendment 175 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Highlights that Parliament should play an active role in promoting culture in the EU’'s external action, including through its information and liaison offices;
Amendment 183 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Highlights the role of EU delegations in sharing information and facilitating coordination and cooperation between European actors in third countries – including among national European diplomacies, to help European actors carry out cooperation projects between European and local partners and to find suitable local partners and support communication between European and non-European partners; notes that EU delegations could make use of the professional capabilities of cultural experts from local civil society given their local knowledge while the experts could, in turn, contribute to a strong connection and a regular dialogue between EU delegations and local civil society;
Amendment 201 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Emphasises the need to re-define the role of national cultural institutes in intercultural exchange having in mind that some of them have a long tradition and they have many contacts in third countries which could make them a solid foundation for cooperation and communication between the various European players;
Amendment 208 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Underlines the necessity to elaborate a European quality charter for external cultural relations that would reconcile diverging opinions about definitions, policy models and external cultural policy traditions;
Amendment 254 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Urges improved visibility and better dissemination of EU activities in the field of culture at international level, including by setting up common guidelines23 and reaching out to target audiences in their local language; __________________ 23 One suggestion could be the creation of ‘Ambassadors for Culture’ who are committed to and supportive of both European integration and international relations (in a similar manner to UN Goodwill Ambassadors). These could be artists, musicians, writers, etc.).
Amendment 256 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Calls for the creation of a network of European cultural ambassadors, assigning specific thematic mandates in any given region and acting as a catalyst for the youth, the media and the wider public promoting ongoing cultural initiatives, helping thus foster the image of Europe as a constructive, modern, globalised and flexible driver of change agent;
Amendment 265 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Encourages the EU to fully take advantage of the potential of multimedia research to understand the current challenges and opportunities in developing countries, including on matters related to culture and on the assessment of the role of culture in development and international cooperation;
Amendment 292 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Calls for targeted cultural and educational policies that can support key EU foreign and security policy objectives and contribute to reinforcing peace, democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights; underlines in this regard their role in conflict resolution with a special focus on countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy;
Amendment 303 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Acknowledges that the EU also operates in specific environments in which the political context and the legal frameworks for the fruition of cultural relations are hostile and repressive; recognises that in third countries the EU often suffers from the consequences of inaccurate, partial and subjective information and is the target of outright propaganda; calls for special measures and appropriate action in this regard;
Amendment 82 #
2016/2239(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Strongly encourages the EU to prepare and provide resources for the preparation of an Action Plan on the Fight against Impunity within Europe for crimes under international law with clear benchmarks for EU institutions and the Member States aiming to enhance the national investigations and prosecutions for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes;
Amendment 164 #
2016/2239(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Reaffirms, in this context, its strong condemnation of the heinous crimes and human rights violations committed by ‘ISIS/Daesh’ in Syria and Iraq, including killings, torture, rape, sexual slavery, recruitment of child soldiers, forced religious conversions and the systematic murder of religious minorities; believes that the prosecution of the perpetrators should be a priority for the international community;
Amendment 113 #
2016/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 – indent 4 a (new)
– encouraging the important role of innovative technology by using digital birth registration programs in order to improve registration and archiving records;
Amendment 116 #
2016/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 5 a (new)
Paragraph 4 – indent 5 a (new)
– encouraging States in the region to address the needs of women, and issues related to sexual and gender-based violence, through human rights and community-based approaches, particularly for victims of trafficking;
Amendment 131 #
2016/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 10 a (new)
Paragraph 4 – indent 10 a (new)
– highlighting the necessity to empower regional human rights bodies in order for them to have a more active role in the identification and elimination of statelessness;
Amendment 49 #
2016/2060(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the necessity to promote women's entrepreneurship and access to finance, and more broadly women's participation in business, through the development of a strong women in business SME sector in the EaP countries, by facilitating access to finance and advice for women-led SMEs;
Amendment 60 #
2016/2060(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Eastern Partnership countries to encourage the media to pursue policies to promote equality between women and men and to combat gender stereotypes;
Amendment 89 #
2016/2060(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Eastern Partnership countries to design measures to ensure that the justice chain is gender-responsive and addresses the needs of the most disadvantaged women (poor, illiterate, from rural areas, minorities and disabled);
Amendment 62 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Deplores the fact that the current level of international co-operation on THB cases is insufficient, particularly when involving countries of origin and countries of transit, and that poses a major impediment to effectively combating THB;
Amendment 66 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Deplores the fact that the use of measures to collect, analyse and share financial information to support criminal investigations of THB remains limited and often creates difficulty in fully integrating financial investigations into THB cases;
Amendment 87 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Urges the governments to have the responsibility to enforce labour laws, treat all workers fairly, including lawfully present and irregular migrants, and root out corruption, all factors that can help to prevent trafficking; calls on for an international cooperation to strengthen labour migration policies and manage the increasing flows of migrant labour in order to reduce the number of people who fall victim to human traffickers; calls on governments to elaborate and implement a better regulation of private labour recruiters in order to protect workers;
Amendment 90 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Considers that governments can encourage multi-stakeholder dialogue and partnerships to bring together businesses and anti-trafficking experts to generate ideas and solutions and promote voluntary responsible business conduct initiatives; calls on governments to set clear expectations for businesses on human rights issues and adopt policies that promote greater transparency and better reporting on anti-trafficking efforts in supply chains;
Amendment 95 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the EU and its Member States to urge national and international companies to create clear and comprehensive anti-trafficking policies that address the common risks in their operations and supply chains, to ensure workers have the right to fair compensation;
Amendment 96 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Considers that the EU companies which operate in third countries should work with government officials, NGOs, and recruiters in those countries in order to gain a better understanding of workers' vulnerabilities and commit to making improvements where necessary;
Amendment 106 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on the EU and its Member States to increase cooperation with third countries to step up efforts and achieve better results in countering forced prostitution and sexual exploitation by improving and enforcing the legal framework effectively and also by requiring a consistent political will and adequate human and financial resources;
Amendment 109 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Urges the EU to make the necessary efforts at international level to prevent and suppress the slave trade, to bring about, progressively and as soon as possible, the complete abolition of slavery in all its forms;
Amendment 110 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15c. Stresses that the UN Palermo Protocol requires the criminalization of bonded labour as a form of trafficking; urges the governments to enforce the law and to ensure that those who profit from it are punished;
Amendment 114 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Calls on the EU to continue its effort to strengthen international cooperation by multilateral, regional and bilateral arrangements for the prevention, detection, investigation, prosecution and punishment of those responsible for acts involving the sale of children, child prostitution, child pornography and child sex tourism;
Amendment 118 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Urges the EU to call on third country governments to put in place measures to prevent future recruitment and use of child soldiers in armed conflicts, to support the development of child protection legislation including the criminalization of child recruitment and use and to mobilize resources to build resilience and strengthen protective environments for children;
Amendment 123 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Deplores the fact that current anti- trafficking legislation and law enforcement is not always clear when the health professionals are criminally liable and when not; highlights the necessity to pay more attention by law enforcement to the role of health professionals as accomplices in criminal trafficking networks; calls the EU and its Member States to set up stronger sanctions against health professionals who perform illegal transplants;
Amendment 125 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Calls on the EU to encourage European medical associations and transplant societies to develop a Code of Conduct for health professionals and transplant centres regarding the way of obtaining an organ transplant abroad and the procedure for post-transplant care;
Amendment 140 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Denounces worrying gaps between state obligations and the extent to which they are met in practice when it comes to victims’ rights; calls on the States, including countries of origin, transit and destination, to provide or facilitate access to remedies that are fair, adequate and appropriate to all trafficked persons within their respective territory and subject to their respective jurisdiction, including non-citizens;
Amendment 143 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Deplores the inadequate attention given to victims in criminal proceedings; calls for trafficked persons not to be detained and not to be put at risk of being punished for offences committed in the context of their situation as victim of THB; calls on the States to respect the non-criminalization principle;
Amendment 148 #
2015/2340(INI)
24. Urges that the criminal justice response guarantees access to justice for victims and information about their legal rights; calls on all states to comply with their international obligation to uphold the rights of victims under their jurisdiction, and to ensure full support for victims independent of their willingness to cooperate in criminal proceedings and to have access to relevant information on court and administrative proceedings in the victim's own language;
Amendment 152 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Affirms that victims of trafficking have the right to an effectivan international legal right to adequate and appropriate remedyies, including access to justiequal and effective access to justice and legal assistance, recognition of legal identity and citizenship, return of property, adequate reparation as well as medical and psychological care, legal and social services, and long-term (re)integration support, including economic support;
Amendment 153 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Emphasises the necessity to reintegrate in the society the victims of trafficking in human beings and to the right to protection in order to provide them an adequate standard of living, emergency medical and psychological care, translation and interpretation services, counselling and information services in a language that victim can understand on legal rights and services available, assistance in defending rights and interests, access to education; calls on the states for adoption of programmes for social assistance or social reintegration;
Amendment 164 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Emphasises the necessity to promote social inclusion in both destination and source countries and to provide assistance through a collaborative effort among international organizations, governmental bodies and agencies as well as NGOs from both destination and source countries, particularly in situations where victims return to their home countries;
Amendment 167 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Calls for effective cooperation on the issue of trafficking in persons in global supply chains in which States and businesses should join forces to contribute to combating and preventing this form of human trafficking;
Amendment 176 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Urges the EU to strengthen its cooperation with NGOs and other relevant international organisations in order to increase the exchange of best practices, the development of policies, implementation, and to increase research, including with local actors; and to ensure necessary funding and coordinated assistance and protection measures;;
Amendment 178 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Calls on the EU to support third countries for the efficiency and impact of the cooperation actions in the area of trafficking in human being based on a regional approach, concentrating on the "trafficking routes" in order to offer specific responses to the different regions which are adapted to the type of exploitation;
Amendment 179 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30b. Calls on the EU to re-evaluate the effectiveness and strategic importance of its relations with partners working in the field of trafficking in human beings; urges the necessity to reinforce the short term and longer term partnership priorities with states (USA, Russia), regional and international organizations committed to fight human trafficking; underlines the necessity to establish the exchange programmes for professionals in trafficking in human beings area;
Amendment 191 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Urges the EEAS to have a leading role in improving the systematic exchange of information and raise trafficking in political dialogues with third countries, within multilateral and regional fora, and at the level of cooperation programmes, such as in development;
Amendment 197 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Underlines the necessity of preparatory work and training for international civilian police missions as well as the training of diplomats, liaison officers and consular and development cooperation officers in order to improve the identification of victims of human trafficking; considers necessary the training for these groups, because they are often the first contact point for victims of trafficking and to take action in order to ensure that these officials have access to adequate material to inform persons at risk of becoming victims of trafficking;
Amendment 207 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Calls on the EU to promote programmes supporting the inclusion of migrants and refugees with the involvement of key actors from third countries, and also of cultural mediators, to be helpful in raising the level of awareness of communities on trafficking and making them more resilient to the penetration of organised crime;
Amendment 213 #
2015/2340(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Amendment 160 #
2015/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Underlines the necessity to recognize the right of all migrants, including those in an irregular situation, to form and join organizations, including trade unions, and recognize these structures;
Amendment 164 #
2015/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Encourages the implementation by business enterprises of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, in order to avoid causing, or contributing to, adverse human rights impacts through their own activities, and to address any such an impact when it occurs, and seek to prevent or mitigate any adverse human rights impact that is directly linked to their operations;
Amendment 182 #
2015/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Considers that all workers should receive a contract in a language they understand, and that they are protected against contract substitution; emphasises that bilateral agreements between countries of origin and destination should strengthen human rights protection, and include a model contract which sets out the rights of the worker, including working conditions and salary;
Amendment 184 #
2015/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Considers important to establish coherent and comprehensive gender- sensitive national migration policies addressing all stages of the migration process, coordinated across government and developed in widespread consultation with national human rights institutions, the private sector, employers' and workers' organizations, civil society and migrants themselves, and with the support of international organizations;
Amendment 192 #
2015/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Highlights the necessity to work towards the elimination of child labour, particularly in the case of migrant children; considers that migrant children should have access to education on the basis of equal treatment with nationals, and they are registered upon birth, regardless of the migration status of the parents;
Amendment 241 #
2015/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Considers necessary to improve the coherence of the Global Approach to Migration and Mobility, integrate rigorous human rights, monitoring and oversight mechanisms into all external agreements and prioritize projects in countries of origin and transit that will improve the human rights of migrants;
Amendment 244 #
2015/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Emphasises the necessity to strengthen cooperation with third countries in the prevention and fight against smuggling of migrants and human trafficking, by reinforcing training, capacity building actions and information sharing mechanisms, including an evaluation of the impact of ILOs networks and the cooperation they establish with third countries, by promoting cooperation on criminal matters and by encouraging ratification of the Palermo Protocols in this field;
Amendment 253 #
2015/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53 a (new)
Paragraph 53 a (new)
53a. Calls on the EU to provide humanitarian aid and ensure that the refugees' most basic needs are covered and their human rights respected; stresses that the humanitarian response to the refugee crisis should be part of a longer- term plan that includes humanitarian aid and support for the countries neighbouring the refugees' countries of origin, strengthens their early recovery and protection capacities, reinforces the role of UN-related agencies and improves the political, social, human rights and economic situation in developing countries of origin and transit;
Amendment 267 #
2015/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53 n (new)
Paragraph 53 n (new)
53n. Emphasizes the necessity to have a worldwide campaign during international sports events to inform and educate the general public, and particularly sports men and women, sports fans and supporters, about the scale of the problem of forced prostitution and trafficking in human beings and, most importantly, to seek to curb demand by raising awareness among potential clients;
Amendment 286 #
2015/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59 a (new)
Paragraph 59 a (new)
59a. Emphasizes the responsibility of all States to put an end to impunity and to prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, including those relating to sexual violence, such as rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, enforced pregnancy, enforced sterilisation and any other form of sexual violence of comparable seriousness and to recognize and condemn these crimes as a crime against humanity and a war crime;
Amendment 316 #
2015/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 64 a (new)
Paragraph 64 a (new)
64a. Calls on the EU to encourage a consistent and constructive dialogue to raise awareness through public education and public campaigns to persuade countries that still retain the death penalty to abolish or at least to introduce a moratorium as a first step in this direction;
Amendment 317 #
2015/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 64 b (new)
Paragraph 64 b (new)
64b. Underlines that there are countries which failed to take steps to address the urgent need for fully resourced plans to tackle prison conditions; notices that very little progress was made in ensuring that prison facilities complied with international human rights standards and that prisoners' rights to life, physical integrity and dignity were protected; emphasizes the necessity to improve the detention conditions in order to respect human rights and the fact that incarcerated persons should not be subject to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;
Amendment 360 #
2015/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 70 a (new)
Paragraph 70 a (new)
70a. Calls on the Commission in the Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy and in the fields of development cooperation, trade and diplomatic relations, to work for the introduction of a standard that reaffirms that women's rights are human rights, and makes their respect mandatory and part of structured dialogues in all EU partnerships and bilateral negotiations;
Amendment 367 #
2015/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 72 a (new)
Paragraph 72 a (new)
72a. Recalls the principles of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and especially the rights of the child, in the case of sexual exploitation of minors all over the world;
Amendment 368 #
2015/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 72 b (new)
Paragraph 72 b (new)
72b. Denounces the sexual exploitation of minors as a crime 'erga omnes' and an attack on the fundamental rights of children which must be fought at all levels;
Amendment 369 #
2015/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 72 c (new)
Paragraph 72 c (new)
72c. Calls on the EU Member States to act together in the fight against organised crime and trafficking in human beings, especially trafficking in minors;
Amendment 17 #
2015/2051(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Encourages the global actors to incorporate the humanitarian responses into human rights monitoring and reporting mechanisms;
Amendment 21 #
2015/2051(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that, especially in protracted conflicts and crises where civilians are displaced for long periods of time, humanitarian action can play a crucial role in the empowerment of the affected populations, by providing them with a stronger voice and recognising their rights and capabilities, including creating a more active role for local actors in humanitarian action; Calls for easy access for humanitarian actors to affected communities in disaster settings, as well as the guarantee of their security;
Amendment 27 #
2015/2051(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines the necessity to provide nutrition, water, shelter, sanitation and medical treatment, these representing the utmost significance in humanitarian aid; calls for minimum humanitarian standards that should be maintained throughout intervention;
Amendment 33 #
2015/2051(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for serious attention aimed at effectively ensuring the right to education in protracted humanitarian crises, the lack of which threatens to endanger the future of children and the further development of the society;
Amendment 39 #
2015/2051(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses the necessity to promote easily accessible health services;
Amendment 49 #
2015/2051(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the importance of curbing the exploitation, the abuse of power, and sexual violence against civilians in disaster settings;
Amendment 2 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation -1 a (new)
Citation -1 a (new)
– having regard to Articles 2, 3 (5), 8, and 21 of the Treaty on European Union,
Amendment 4 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
– having regard to the Council conclusions on the European Neighbourhood Policy of February 20085 and April 2015, __________________ 5 External relations Council conclusions of 18 February 2008, http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cm s_data/docs/pressdata/en/gena/98818.pdf
Amendment 26 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas 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;
Amendment 81 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the ENP has contributed to the articulation of an EU single voice in the neighbourhood as a whole; whereas the EU Member States should play an important role in the European neighbourhood by aligning their efforts and supporting a single EU voice;
Amendment 108 #
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 also putting forward a long-term, strategic vision for developing relations with the neighbouring countries;
Amendment 154 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that respect for the universal fundamental values of human rights, rule of law and democracy on which the EU is founded must remain at the core of the revised policy; underlines the role of the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights and the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) in this regard;
Amendment 166 #
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; calls for special envoyrepresentatives to be appointed for the East and the South, with the task of politically coordinating the revised policy;
Amendment 241 #
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 of the revised policy, and that the ENI should therefore reflect the ambition of making the ENP more flexibleefficient and flexible; expresses doubts that the current level of EU budget is capable of sustaining a high level of ambition in this respect;
Amendment 294 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses that enlargement and neighbourhood policies are separate policies with different objectives; reiterates, however, that European countries within the ENP can apply for membership if they satisfy the criteria and conditions of eligibility and admission under Article 49 TEU; underlines, taking due account of an increasing divergence of aspirations and differing leverage, the need to make additional efforts and take all necessary steps to support further countries which have a clear European perspective and have expressed evident European aspirations and ambitions;
Amendment 308 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Considers support for democracy, the rule of law and human rights to be central to the ENP; stresses that the EU should be willing to offer incentives and know-how to help overcome the social challengobstacles and economic costs of undertaking democratic reforms;
Amendment 335 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Highlights the importance of developing the social dimension of the ENP, by engaging with partners in the fight against poverty and exclusion, stimulating employment and fair growth, facilitating healthy labour relations and promoting education, decent work and European social standards in the neighbourhood, thus also tackling the root causes of irregular migration and avoiding social dumping;
Amendment 369 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses the need to implement conditionality in relation to reform processes and underlines the need for a more coherent approach between conditionality in financial allocations and the public political stand; emphasises that the EU cannot compromise its fundamental values and should avoid creating double standards; reiterates the relevance of the "more for more" concept and stresses that countries that are making progress in implementing reforms and following European policyadvancing on convergence with the Union's laws and standards should be granted more substantial support;
Amendment 420 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls for closer coordination between the ENP and wider Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and, the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) activities and development policy, addressing different aspects of the security of ENP countries and of the EU as well as the root causes of the challenges thereof; underlines in this regard the necessity to create a strong link between the review of the ENP and the Strategic Review;
Amendment 427 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls for sustained commitment to conflict prevention, management and resolution in the neighbourhood and for a more pro-active engagement of the EU, through its HR/VP, in diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution of conflicts;
Amendment 495 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses the importance of the regional dimension of the ENP and the need to promote and contribute to regional synergies and integration by means of regional cooperation programmes;
Amendment 526 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Emphasises the need to build strong partnerships with neighbouring countries; stresses the importance of ensuring that the ENP is part of the EU's broader external policy and of taking into account the other strategic players that have influence on the neighbourhood – the ‘neighbours of neighbours' – as well as international and regional organisations by, inter alia, addressing issues of common interest and mutual concern including regional and global security through existing bilateral frameworks or multilateral dialogue when deemed appropriate and relevant;
Amendment 537 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Reiterates its conviction that the DCFTA provisions do not represent any commercial challenges for the Russian Federation and that the Association Agreements should not be seen as an impediment to good relations of eastern partners with any of their neighbours; calls on the Commission to explore the modalities of EU cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union in close cooperation with partner countries and in line with the WTO rules and commitments; firmly rejects the idea of a new partition of Europe according to spheres of influence;
Amendment 620 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Takes the view that the parliamentary dimension of the policy needs to be reinforced by enhancing the effectiveness of the interparliamentary meetings and parliamentary assemblies; welcomes, in this context, the new approach that Parliament has adopted to parliamentary democracy support and encourages the strengthening of its monitoring capacity;
Amendment 639 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Stresses that progress reports should focus on the implementation of the priorities identified in the action plans and reflect the level of engagement of the partner country; takes the view that, in order to foster a truly equal partnership and a genuine spirit of ownership and commitment, given the political, policy and media impact of progress reports, joint reporting should be considered for the upcoming period; reiterates its call for the data contained in the reports to be put into perspective by bearing in mind the national context and by including trends from the previous years;
Amendment 645 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Considers that the visibility of EU assistance should be enhanced in order to make clear to the populations of the partner countries and the EU Member States the benefits of EU support; underlines on the one hand the need to enhance efforts towards concrete and tangible projects whose visibility is more easily accessible by the wider public and on the other to develop a comprehensive, effective and systematic communication strategy within the ENP;
Amendment 661 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Calls on the EU to strengthen its capacity to counter misinformation and propaganda campaigns against the EU and its Member States; underlines the importance of promoting objective, independent and impartial information while also addressing the legal aspects of the media environment where the ENP operates;
Amendment 18 #
2014/2816(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas in the last few years Georgia has made significant progress in reforms and in strengthening relations with the EU; whereas the signing of the Association Agreement constitutes a strong recognition of such progress while also acknowledging Georgia's ambition and commitment to a European path;
Amendment 21 #
2014/2816(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the signing of the Association Agreements between the European Union and Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine took place on 27 June 2014 on the occasion of the European Council meeting in Brussels; whereas the ratification by the European Parliament of the Association Agreement with Georgia, following the ratification of the Agreement with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, finalises a process while opening a new chapter in relation to their desire and determination to come closer to the European Union;
Amendment 25 #
2014/2816(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas regional frameworks, including the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly and the EU Black Sea Synergy, constitute an additional forum to share experience, information and best practice on the implementation of the Association Agenda;
Amendment 30 #
2014/2816(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the provisional application of the Association Agreement, starting on 1 September 2014, contributes to a swifter implementation of the Association Agenda;
Amendment 39 #
2014/2816(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Warmly welcomes the signature of the Association Agreement as constituting a significant step forward in EU-Georgia relations and embodying a commitment to the path of political association and economic integration; stresses that the ratification of the Agreement is not the final goal in itself and that full implementation thereof is key; calls on the Member States to proceed swiftly with the ratification;
Amendment 58 #
2014/2816(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Highlights that the presidential elections of October 2013 were considered largely positive and the best in Georgia's post-independence history by the election observation mission of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), building on the encouraging steps of the 2012 parliamentary elections; notes, in this regard, the participation of the European Parliament's Election Observation Delegation;
Amendment 67 #
2014/2816(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Welcomes the additional assistance made available by the Commission through the 'More for More' mechanism in 2014 to acknowledge progress and reforms in priority areas;
Amendment 103 #
2014/2816(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Reaffirms its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and calls for the EU to ensure the applicability of the Agreement to the whole territory of Georgia; calls, in this connection, for the EU to continue to engage actively in conflict resolution, through the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia and through the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM); welcomes the genuine and positive steps of the Georgian authorities with regard to conflict settlement and encourages more decisive efforts on the revision of the restrictive aspects of the law on occupied territories in order to maximise the benefits of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area;
Amendment 58 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the implementation of the conditions, benchmarks and reporting procedures in order to ensure that the EU financial and technical support to the development of new technologies in third countries is not used in a way that infringes human rights;
Amendment 97 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the Commission to take necessary measures in order to control the commercialization of surveillance technologies, paying particular attention to research, development, trade, export and use of these technologies considering their ability to facilitate systematic human rights violations;
Amendment 140 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Calls on the Commission to pay particular attention to human rights aspects in the public procurement processes for technological equipment, especially in countries with unreliable practises in this domain;
Amendment 82 #
2014/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Calls on the Member States to pursue with the financial assistance to the Russian civil society and media through the European Endowment for Democracy; points out that recent developments such as the restrictions imposed on civil society organisations, the repression of the political opposition and aggressive targeted disinformation campaigns by state-controlled media seem to serve the purpose of deliberately building up breeding grounds for an extremely nationalistic political climate marked by anti-democratic rhetoric, repression and hate speech;
Amendment 158 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. - Points out that all EU external actions should combine a political dimension which supports pluralism, democracy and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, and a development dimension which focuses on socio-economic progress, including eradication of poverty, the fight against inequality and the basic need for food; underlines the necessity that EU development aid programmes should include concrete reforms to ensure respect for human rights, transparency, gender equality and the fight against corruption in beneficiary countries; notes that stricter conditionality and suspension of aid should be applied in beneficiary countries which manifestly disregard on basic human rights and freedoms and which fail to enact legislation that fulfils international obligations;
Amendment 160 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21b. Considers that the performance- driven 'more for more' approach should lead the relations of the EU with all third countries, that the EU should only grant partner countries advanced status if clear human rights and democracy requirements are met, and that it should not hesitate to freeze this status if these requirements are no longer fulfilled;
Amendment 223 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Calls on the EU to continue using cooperation and diplomacy towards the abolition of the death penalty in all possible forums worldwide, in line with the EU Guidelines on the Death Penalty, and also to ensure that the right to a fair trial is fully respected for each and every person facing execution, without the use of torture and other ill-treatment used to extract confessions;
Amendment 231 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38a. Stresses the importance for the EU to continue monitoring the conditions under which executions are carried out in those countries that still retain the death penalty, and to support legal and constitutional reform towards full and total abolition;
Amendment 240 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 a (new)
Paragraph 40 a (new)
40a. Underlines that the EU and its Member States should ensure that their own internal practices are in line with their recommendations for third countries, in accordance with the wider EU and Member States' engagement on ensuring greater internal-external coherence on human rights;
Amendment 245 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 b (new)
Paragraph 40 b (new)
40b. Calls on the EU to continue to fully support the work of relevant NGOs to combat torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment and maintain a continuous dialogue with them;
Amendment 246 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 c (new)
Paragraph 40 c (new)
40c. Encourages the EU to continue to fund projects undertaken to improve training of personnel and conditions in places of detention and to carry on its support for rehabilitation centres for victims of torture across the world;
Amendment 247 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 d (new)
Paragraph 40 d (new)
40d. Underlines the necessity for the EU to strengthen its laws to allow Member States to ban the trade in new devices and technologies that have no practical use other than to torture, apply ill-treatments or execute individuals;
Amendment 270 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43a. Notes that globalisation, along with its many advantages, has also brought increased insecurity, uncertainty, and outsourcing of jobs and the possibility of working across borders under different laws in each environment; calls for ensuring that workers are protected and treated fairly, having recognition and an effective implementation of international labour standards on freedom of association, equality, and forced and child labour; stresses the necessity to ensure that workers' rights should become a guidance point for global industry and good governance by preventing competitive social dumping and ensuring equal treatment, responsibility and respect for labour laws;
Amendment 303 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51 a (new)
Paragraph 51 a (new)
51a. Stresses that EU contacts with civil society should be built on a real partnership, including systematic and regular dialogue, which should guarantee the active participation of civil society actors in the process of good governance; underlines the necessity to improve information sharing between the different actors involved in the defence of human rights across the world, in order to allow them to gain a better understanding of the activities and actions carried out, particularly with regard to specific cases, as well as the difficulties encountered; stresses that a civil society monitoring mechanism should be set up to ensure that civil society is systematically involved in the implementation of agreements and programmes;
Amendment 335 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 56 a (new)
Paragraph 56 a (new)
56a. Calls on the Council to include the issue of "gender-selected" abortion in the EU guidelines on violence against women and girls; encourages the Commission and the Council to develop data-gathering methods and indicators on this phenomena, and encourages the EEAS to include this issue in the development and implementation of the human rights country strategies;
Amendment 413 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 72 a (new)
Paragraph 72 a (new)
72a. Notes that the Convention on the Rights of the Child calls for legislative, administrative, social and educational measures on child labour, recognizing the need for a multi-dimensional approach; calls for the necessity that, for effective application, laws should be accompanied by policy interventions that provide alternatives in the form of education and vocational training, as well as social protection measures that benefit children and families;
Amendment 414 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 72 b (new)
Paragraph 72 b (new)
72b. Calls on the EU to continue to promote an enabling environment to prevent and eliminate child labour, a social dialogue as well as concerted action between the public and private sectors around the eradication of child labour; stresses the need to provide support to and build capacities in conflict and post conflict countries to combat child labour;
Amendment 461 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 76 a (new)
Paragraph 76 a (new)
76a. Urges the EU to undertake additional efforts, mainstream more effectively human rights and democracy in the framework of the development cooperation and ensure that EU development programmes contribute to the fulfilment by partner countries of their international human rights obligations; calls for human rights and democracy to be integrated into programmes linking relief, rehabilitation and development, because of their importance in the process of transition from humanitarian emergency to development;
Amendment 466 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 76 b (new)
Paragraph 76 b (new)
76b. Encourages the EU to continue to focus its development assistance on strengthening institution-building and civil society development of recipient countries, these elements being crucial for good governance; calls for a strengthening of the human rights and conditionality clauses in EU supported programmes; calls on the European External Action Service and the Commission to further improve and seek new ways to ensure better linkages between dialogues on human rights with partner countries and development cooperation;
Amendment 469 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 76 c (new)
Paragraph 76 c (new)
76c. Emphasises the interdependence between extreme poverty and the lack of human rights, and highlights the need to develop a set of principles on the application of standards and criteria relating to human rights in the fight against extreme poverty;
Amendment 470 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 76 d (new)
Paragraph 76 d (new)
76d. Notes that around 70% of the world's poor live in rural areas and depend directly on biological diversity for their livelihoods; calls on the EU to defend access for populations to the natural and vital resources of their countries, access to land, water and food security as a fundamental right; deplores the fact that a significant number of people do not have basic commodities such as water; draws attention to the rights set out in the UN Social Responsibility Pact, such as the rights to appropriate nutrition, minimum social standards, education, health care, fair and favourable working conditions and participation in cultural life, which should all be treated equally;