Activities of Helmut SCHOLZ related to 2023/2114(INI)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on deepening EU integration in view of future enlargement
Amendments (80)
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
– having regard to Article 48 of the Treaty on European Union,
Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2
Citation 2
– having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU),
Amendment 6 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
– having regard to the Manifesto of Ventotene1a, _________________ 1a https://www.cvce.eu/content/publication/1 997/10/13/316aa96c-e7ff-4b9e-b43a- 958e96afbecc/publishable_en.pdf
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 b (new)
Citation 2 b (new)
– having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union ('the. Charter'),
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 c (new)
Citation 2 c (new)
– having regard to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR),
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 d (new)
Citation 2 d (new)
– having regard to United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/70/1 of 25 September 2015 on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 e (new)
Citation 2 e (new)
– having regard to the report of 9 May 2022 on the final outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe2a, _________________ 2a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/resources /library/media/20220509RES29121/20220 509RES29121.pdf
Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
– having regard to the report of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs on proposals of the European Parliament for the amendment of the Treaties (A9- 0337/2023),
Amendment 24 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)
Citation 4 b (new)
– having regard to the report of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs on the implementation of the principle of primacy of EU law (A9-0341/2023),
Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
– having regard to the European Council conclusions of 23-24 June 2022, and 29-30 June 2023, 26-27 October 2023, and 14-15 December 2023,
Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission’s 2022 Enlargement package of 12 October 2022,
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
– having regard to the Commission's 2023 Enlargement package of 8 November 2023,
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 c (new)
Citation 8 c (new)
– having regard to the Committee of the Regions' opinion of 5-6 July 2022 on the Commission's Enlargement Package 2022,
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 d (new)
Citation 8 d (new)
– having regard to the President of the Committee of the Region's statement of 8 November 2023 on the Commission's 2023 Enlargement package,
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 e (new)
Citation 8 e (new)
– having regard to the Jacques Delors Centre's report of 19 September 2023 on Reforming and Enlarging the EU for the 21st Century3a, _________________ 3a https://www.auswaertiges- amt.de/blob/2617206/4d0e0010ffcd8c0079 e21329bbbb3332/230919-rfaa-deu-fra- bericht-data.pdf
Amendment 47 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 f (new)
Citation 8 f (new)
– having regard to its amendments of 17 October 2023 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing the Ukraine Facility (P9_TA(2023)0363),
Amendment 48 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 g (new)
Citation 8 g (new)
– having regard to the Committee of the Regions' report of 2022 on Challenges and opportunities of LRAs’ involvement in the reconstruction of Ukraine,
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 h (new)
Citation 8 h (new)
– having regard to the Committee of the Regions' report of 2018 on EU financial assistance available to local and regional authorities in the candidate and potential candidate countries for EU enlargement,
Amendment 50 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 i (new)
Citation 8 i (new)
– having regard to the Commission’s report of 9 February 2022 on cohesion in Europe towards 2050,
Amendment 51 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 j (new)
Citation 8 j (new)
– having regards to the #CohesionAlliance's joint declaration of October 2022 on the debate on the Future of Cohesion Policy5a, _________________ 5a https://cor.europa.eu/en/engage/Documen ts/2022%20CohesionAlliance_Declaratio n.pdf
Amendment 52 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 k (new)
Citation 8 k (new)
– having regard to the European Economic and Social Committee's opinion of 10 July 2014 on enhancing the transparency and inclusiveness of the EU accession process (REX/401-EESC-2014- 1609),
Amendment 53 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 l (new)
Citation 8 l (new)
– having regard to Directive (EU) 2022/2041 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on adequate minimum wages in the European Union,
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 m (new)
Citation 8 m (new)
– having regards to its amendments of 3 October 2023 on the proposal for a regulation establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market (P9_TA(2023)0336),
Amendment 57 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
– -having regard to the European Council conclusions of 19 and 20 June 2003 and the Thessaloniki Agenda for the Western Balkans
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 b (new)
Citation 10 b (new)
– - having regard to the Commission communication of 5 February 2020 entitled ‘Enhancing the accession process – A credible EU perspective for the Western Balkans’ (COM(2020)0057),
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas eight out of the ten countries currently aspiring to join the EU have candidate status, some of them since many years ago; whereas those candidate countries find themselves at various stages of the accession process and negotiations; whereas the countries of the Western Balkans have for decades stated their determination to join the EU; whereas significant progress has been made in the countries of the Western Balkans and in particular North Macedonia and Albania; whereas candidate status has also recently been granted to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova;
Amendment 68 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas eight out of the ten countries currently aspiring to join the EU have candidate status, some of them since many years ago; whereas those candidate countries find themselves at various stages of the accession process and negotiations; whereas the countries of the Western Balkans have for decades stated their determination to join the EU; whereas candidate status has also recently been granted tothe Commission has recommended to start accession negotiations with Ukraine and, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to grant candidate status to Georgia;
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has given new geostrategic meaning to the enlargement of the European Union; whereas enlargement is a strategic geopolitical investment in the future, which can be mutually beneficial for both existing and future Member States if the proper conditions are meta direct impact on all aspects of the enlargement issue within the broader context of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP); whereas enlargement should become a strategic investment in the future, which can be mutually beneficial for both existing and future Member States if the proper conditions are met; whereas enlargement should go hand in hand with the EU’s approach to addressing global challenges; whereas the enlarged internal market would have a deep impact on the economies of both old and new Member States, and has to support the urgent and necessary transformations of the latter; whereas this necessitates the integration of democratic, political, economic and societal changes;
Amendment 93 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the enlargement process should not be directed against any specific country or group of countries and should not be seen as a component of a geopolitical struggle;
Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas accession to the EU must always be a merit-based procedure whereby each applicant is assessed on their own merit in fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria, in particular those of ensuring full respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law; whereas the 2023 Commission Communication on Enlargement Policy has underscored the enduring obstacles to accession in candidate countries, encompassing critical issues such as the continual improvement of the judicial and administrative capacity, the ongoing battle against corruption, the combat against organised crime, the imperative for ‘de- oligarchisation,’, and the safeguarding of minority rights; whereas positive outcomes should be sought as quickly as possible, while avoiding fast-tracking or counterproductive fixed deadlines;
Amendment 108 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union should be fully implemented within the process of accession to the EU in order to safeguard and strengthen the fundamental rights and the material living standards of the accession country’s citizens;
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
Amendment 142 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the EU should step up considerably its conditional technical and financial support for fundamental reforms, the resolution of bilateral disputes, the overcoming of economic inequality and regional economic integration in accession countries;
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the strengthening of the role of the European Parliament should be strengthen throughout, including the introduction of the parliamentary right of legislative initiative, is one of the preconditions for guaranteeing the democratic legitimacy and the enffectirve enlargement processfunctioning of an enlarged Union;
Amendment 155 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas the plenary of the Conference on the Future of Europe has recommended to “offer a credible accession perspective for candidate and potential candidate countries to foster peace and stability in Europe and bring prosperity to millions of Europeans” and to consider “any necessary legal avenues, including Treaty changes (...) to punish breaches of the rule of law”; whereas several other recommendations of the Conference on the Future of Europe, including the call for qualified majority voting as the standard way of decision- making in the Council, require amendments to the Treaties; whereas the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission have committed to following up effectively on the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe;
Amendment 157 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
G b. whereas addressing the aforementioned challenges requires significant changes in the EU’s institutional framework, including to decision-making procedures as well as in the area of social policy, including the anchoring of the European Social Pillar into the EU’s primary law; whereas in order to achieve this, the EU should make use of the ordinary treaty revision procedure and the implementation of a Convention in line with Article 48 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) while allowing representatives of candidate countries to participate in the Convention;
Amendment 165 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas under the current institutional framework, the EU already faces considerable challenges in crisis management and strategic decision- making; whereas unanimity in the Council has become one of the biggest impediments to undertaking the necessary actions to address pressing issues; whereas it is clear that the EU institutions and decision-making mechanisms were not designed for a Union that could be composed of up to 37 Member States so that an enlargement without the proper institutional and social reforms would severely hurt the Union’s legitimacy and ability to act; whereas before the next enlargement takes place, significant pre- enlargement reforms are needed to guarantee that the EU is able to absorb new members and to promote their successful integration; whereas this implies significant changes in the EU’s institutional framework, including to decision-making procedures, and the possible introduction of differentiated integration solutions; whereas in order to achieve this, the EU should take full advantage of the flexibility afforded by the Treaty of Lisbon and consider the possibility of treaty change, including via adaptations introduced by the accession treaties;7a _________________ 7a (We propose to put this paragraph before the current paragraph G.)
Amendment 177 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
Amendment 189 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. The new strategic enlargement of the EU, which is jeopardised by the 'enlargement fatigue' that has arised, must not be allowed to downplay and undermine the urgent need for further deepening but, on the contrary, the Union's institutions must work and speed up the process of deepening so that the Union can meet the expectations of its citizens.
Amendment 194 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the effectiveness and uniformity of EU law can only be ensured if it takes precedence over diverging national law in areas where EU law is applicable; whereas the mechanism to ensure compliance with the EU’s fundamental principles and values and the acquis communautaire must also be strengthened in parallel with the next enlargement;
Amendment 196 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the mechanism to ensure compliance with the EU’s fundamental principles and values and the acquis communautaire must also be strengthened in parallel with the next enlargement; whereas the implementation of the acquis should be thoroughly and objectively monitored for each candidate state
Amendment 201 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas enlargement is also a major challenge for EU’s financial sustainability, in particular regarding cohesion and agriculture policies; whereas the current and the next multiannual financial frameworks should be strengthened considerably to enable EU enlargement; whereas this financial groundwork must be in place before enlargement takes placee joint determination and establishment of the financial foundation should progress concurrently with the accession negotiations; whereas Article 311 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) stipulates that the Union shall equip itself with the necessary resources to achieve its objectives and implement its policies, and that, in accordance with the same article, the Union’s budget shall be fully financed from own resources, notwithstanding other revenue sources; whereas contributions based on Gross National Income (GNI) constitute only 75% of the Union’s budget, and therefore, the Union’s political strategies may be contingent on Member States’ budgetary decisions; whereas it is further noted that the Union’s budget is financed by genuine own resources, namely tariffs and value- added tax, despite Member States often regarding these funds as their national contributions to the Union’s budget; whereas European citizens have proposed strengthening the Union’s budget through new own resources at the Conference on the Future of Europe, as well as stated that Parliament should have a say in the Union’s budget, in line with the rights of national parliaments; whereas according to the Court of Justice, “exercise by the Parliament of its budgetary powers in plenary sitting constitutes a fundamental event in the democratic life of the European Union”;
Amendment 213 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
K a. whereas in recent years, structural adjustment programs imposed on states have entailed measures such as wage cuts, reductions in social spending, the cessation of gas subsidies, restrictions on trade unions’ ability to represent their members, the ending of moratoriums on land sales, and the creation of land markets, leading to a concentration of land in the hands of economic private stakeholders, with diverse impacts on the citizens of the respective countries; whereas a recurring trend involves large landholders securing substantial financing from Western financial institutions, juxtaposed with minimal support extended to smallholder farmers;
Amendment 218 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital K b (new)
Recital K b (new)
K b. whereas a notable portion of the world’s ‘black earth’ is concentrated within specific candidate countries; whereas historically, specific candidate countries have been major global producers of commodities such as sunflower meal, oil, and seed, while also serving as significant exporters of corn and wheat; whereas enlargement without due consideration of agricultural implications may challenge the competitiveness and functioning of the CAP, and jeopardise the wellbeing and prosperity of small-scale and traditional farmers in old Member States, particularly given the significant agricultural production and export potential wielded by certain candidate countries; whereas this requires a thorough reassessment and restructuring of the EU’s agricultural policy and the CAP to advance food sovereignty, agroecology, and small-scale sustainable farming;
Amendment 219 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital K c (new)
Recital K c (new)
K c. whereas there exists a considerable concentration of land under the control of oligarchs and large agribusinesses, exceeding a substantial percentage of arable land, in many candidate countries; whereas the economic stability and long-term sovereignty of these nations are intricately linked to preventing the potential takeover of agricultural land by multinational enterprises (MNEs) and investment entities; whereas the heightened involvement of investment companies opens the door for speculation on agricultural goods, leading to increased market volatility, distorted pricing mechanisms, and a potential disconnect between market values and the actual agricultural production and demand; whereas such conditions pose risks of destabilising local and global food markets, threatening food security, and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations who may face higher prices and reduced access to essential food items; whereas the preservation of these crucial assets is imperative for the collective benefit of the people in these candidate countries; whereas calls from civil society, academics, and farmers have advocated for the reevaluation of land- related legislation and transactions, aiming for an agricultural model devoid of oligarchic or foreign influence and corruption;
Amendment 220 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital K d (new)
Recital K d (new)
K d. whereas the escalating debt burden faced by specific candidate countries presents a substantial challenge, already exploited by financial institutions to propel additional privatisation and liberalisation in various sectors, including agriculture; whereas the Commission and candidate countries should exercise due consideration to the debt issue, given its implications for the incorporation of the acquis communautaire, debt relief, and the new Member States’ integration into the EU Single Market, and prevent any potential debt-trap scenarios;
Amendment 221 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital K e (new)
Recital K e (new)
K e. whereas the burden of additional costs from the enlargement process should not fall upon the shoulders of Europe’s most vulnerable individuals and communities, which therefore requires that the financial or economic implications of enlargement are distributed fairly and equitably, preventing the exacerbation of existing disparities and further marginalisation of those who are already facing hardships;
Amendment 222 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital K f (new)
Recital K f (new)
K f. whereas regional and local administrations as well as civil society organisations and experts should play an important role by fully participating in the design and scrutiny of the enlargement process; whereas peer-to-peer cooperation and programmes embedded in partnerships between cities and regions in the Union and those in candidate countries have already achieved tangible results and thus provide a basis to enrich and accelerate the enlargement process; whereas the Union should recognise and support the multiple roles played by the local and regional authorities and civil society actors as promoters of a territorial and inclusive approach to local and regional development, including decentralisation processes, participation and accountability, which should be developed with the introduction of a public legal entity for municipalities, and further enhance its support for local and regional authorities’ capacity building, as well as the provision of expertise necessary for the implementation of projects related to the enlargement;
Amendment 223 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital K g (new)
Recital K g (new)
K g. whereas enlargement should be based on sustainable development, and achieved through the effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals at local and regional levels; whereas enlargement should not contribute to environmental degradation or cause harm to the environment or climate, in accordance with the Paris Agreement and other relevant multilateral agreements; whereas enlargement should be coherent with the objectives to limit the temperature increase to 1,5°C, increase the ability of Member States to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change and foster climate resilience, and support biodiversity conservation, circular economy and zero-pollution; whereas particular attention should be given to actions that create cobenefits and meet multiple objectives, including for climate, biodiversity and the environment;
Amendment 224 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital K h (new)
Recital K h (new)
K h. whereas the enlargement process should safeguard and strengthen the right to freedom of expression and information, as well as media freedom and pluralism, as enshrined in Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (the ‘Charter’) and Article 10 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, in the candidate countries;
Amendment 232 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the interest and the political will to join the EU shown by so many countries and their citizens, and acknowledges the serious efforts made by candidate countries to meet the requirements for membership; underlines that the integration process should be multidimensional and therefore observed in all sectors of the candidate countries;
Amendment 257 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that enlargement is of the utmost strategic importance for the EU, and all the more so in the face of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; stresses that an enhanced enlargement policy has become the strongest geopolitical tool at the EU’s disposal; points out that enlargement is a strategic investment inits citizens, points out that enlargement should contribute to the promotion and realisation of peace, security, and prosperity, as well as a driver fordisarmament, wellbeing and prosperity, democracy and European values on the continent as well as the tackling of climate change and the protection of biodiversity;
Amendment 261 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Emphasises that the foundation for EU enlargement rests on the widespread anticipation of embedding democratic principles in the political, economic, and social fabric of accession countries, necessitating a comprehensive discussion on all facets of prospective membership throughout the negotiation process; consequently calls for the inclusive provision of information and citizen participation at every stage and in all final decisions; further demands that the outcomes of the negotiations be subjected to a referendum in each relevant candidate country; therefore, calls on the Commission to develop an inclusive multilingual digital platform that creates transparency by outlining the accession steps and current progress, and allows all citizens and stakeholders to actively observe and engage in discussions on the ongoing accession process;
Amendment 274 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Acknowledges the historic challenge facing the EU of meeting its commitments to the countries and societies in the Western Balkans and to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia; underlines that starting accession negotiations and granting candidate status is accompanied by great expectations among the respective candidate countries' citizens that should be responded to during the accession negotiations;
Amendment 294 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that accession to the EU must always be a merit-based procedure and that each applicant must be assessed on their own merit in fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria and in ensuring full respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law; stresses that while positive outcomes should be sought as quickly as possible, there should be no fast-track or fixed deadlines for membership; underscores that there can be no short-cuts on fundamental values; points out that alignment with the common foreign and security policy is also a way of showing full adherence to the EU’s fundamental principles and, which are an important indicator for sustainable future membership;
Amendment 315 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for a robust monitoring mechanism for the reforms and progress made by the candidate countries; urges, in particular, the setting up of a specific and effective monitoring mechanism for protecting fundamental values and the financial interests of the Union in the context of accession procedures; reiterates in this regard its calls to include candidate countries in the EU rule of law mechanism and its annual reporting exercise, automatically activating pre- accession cooperation and verification mechanisms;
Amendment 330 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that there is a need for stronger and responsible parliamentary oversight of the EU’s enlargement policy through the European Parliament as well as the Member States' and in particular the respective candidates countries' national parliaments; insists on strengthening the role of Parliament throughout the entire accession process, including allowing it to scrutinise fully the progress made by the candidate countries across policy fields; underlines that regular dialogue and cooperation between the European Parliament and the national parliaments of candidate countries should be encouraged and implemented in a transparent manner;
Amendment 350 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Believes that the challenge of a bigger Union requires an enhanced enlargement policy putting in place a clear incremental pathway towards EU membership, including gradual integration into common policies; notes that this pathway should be accompanied by increased technical and conditional financial assistance with a special focus on the implementation and enforcement of laws under negotiating chapters 2319, 24, 303 and 3127; invites the Commission to present detailed proposals on the incremental accession methodology; underlines that the phasing-in of candidate countries into selected policy areas is by no means an alternative to fully-fledged membership;
Amendment 355 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that European institutional and financial reforms to promote good governance, functionality, democratic accountability and sustainability are needed to ensure the EU’s capacity to absorb new members and to promote their successful integration; calls for a stronger role for national parliaments and the European Parliament in the EU’s economic governance framework and highlights the importance of holding Economic Dialogues with Member States’ governments; underlines the need for the European Central Bank to be able to react flexibly to support Member States and the Union in times of crisis and in the social and ecological transition; calls for the removal of the prohibitions in Article 123 TFEU in order to extend the ECB’s mandate to act as a lender of last resort for public finances and to fulfil its stabilisation function;
Amendment 360 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Calls for a timely and precise revision of the cohesion policies; stresses that the ongoing debate on cohesion policy post-2027 needs to already take into account the potential impact of enlargement and the interests of structurally poor regions in the candidate countries; points out the necessity to increase the EU’s financial support towards regions with carbon intensive industries in order to implement a just transition towards a ‘net-zero emissions’ economy and the role that candidate countries will play for the EU to reach this goal;
Amendment 368 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Points out that European institutional reforms must include simplified decision-making procedures, moving away from unanimity and replacing it with qualified majority voting provisions in areas such as the protection of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, sanctions and relevant foreign policy decisions;deleted 6a _________________ 6a (Parts of the paragraph's content have been merged into our new version of paragraph 14.)
Amendment 383 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for the mechanism to protect the rule of law and the EU’s fundamental principles and values, and the monitoring capacity to ensure compliance, to be strengthened ahead of the next enlargement; proposes to strengthen and reform the procedure in Article 7 TEU with regard to the protection of the rule of law by ending unanimity, introducing a clear timeframe, and by making the Court of Justice the arbiter of violations;
Amendment 395 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 410 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls for the full use of the flexibility provided for in the Treaty of Lisbon ahead of a more in-depth reform in the context of a possible revision of the treaties; recalls that a number of flexibility solutions, such as passerelle clauses, enhanced cooperation, Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and opt- out mechanisms are already possible under the current EU legal framework, as the experience of the Schengen area and the euro area clearly shows; recalls that phasing-in solutions, temporary derogations and transition periods can be negotiated in the context of accession procedures; points out that the use of these flexibility mechanisms should not prevent constructive discussions on treaty revision, as proposed by Parliament;
Amendment 416 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that institutional pre- enlargement reforms must also address the implications of enlargement on the political governance of the EU, including the composition of Parliament; recalls that the European Parliament is already one of the largest parliaments in the world and underlines that in any case it must rema, as the only directly elected institution representing EU citizens and one of the largest parliaments in the world, must not only remain workable but ensure sufficient democratic representation for all EU citizens in order to guarantee the legitimacy of the EU’s institutional framework; stresses in that regard the paramount importance of safeguarding at a workable scalend promoting the broadest diversity of political representation among new and old Member States through an electoral system without thresholds; points out, however, that a reasonable increase in the size of Parliament cannot be ruled out in order to ensure sufficient democratic representativeness; insists on a new system for seat allocation based on a permanent mathematical formula;
Amendment 430 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Points out that the functioning of the Council should also be reviewedStresses the need for a revision of the Council’s decision-making process in view of enlargement,; proposes to review in particular the system of rotating presidencies of the Council of the European Union; notes that the calculation of qualified majority voting thresholds should also be reconsideredcalls for moving away from unanimity and replacing it with qualified majority voting provisions in areas such as the protection of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and certain foreign policy decisions; notes that an exception to this principle should be provided for decisions authorising military missions or operations with executive mandate;
Amendment 447 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that enlargement is a major financial challenge for the EU, in particular regarding cohesion and agriculture policies; point out that this challenge cannot be met without a larger EU budget and sufficient own resources; notes that this adds to growing demands on EU funding in the fields of financial stability, health, energy, decarbonisation, digital, research and defence and security;, social equity, and environmental justice underlines that such financial reforms must be discussed in parallel with the ongoing accession negotiations and adopted before enlargement takes place; defends its position that the current and future multiannual financial frameworks should be strengthened considerably to enable EU enlargement, and that this financial groundwork must be in place before enlargement takes place; points out that current taxation rules allow MNEs and superrich individuals to avoid paying their fair share and that the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive of 2016 has proven ineffective to curb illegal tax avoidance; insists on the need for a common offensive against tax evasion, tax avoidance and tax havens; calls for bold approaches, including excess profit taxes, a financial transaction tax as well as a European wealth tax to contribute to the bridging of the EU’s funding gap;
Amendment 456 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Underlines that new genuine own resources (also known as ‘fresh income’) are urgently needed in order to make the Union budget more resilient and autonomous so as to allow the Union to deliver on its policies and to ensure its standing as a credible and smart debt issuer with increased flexibility and as a truly sovereign entity, also in the framework of an enlarged Union;
Amendment 459 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16 b. Stresses that enlargement of the EU holds immense potential for both current and future Member States, but that it is equally vital that this process does not inadvertently harm the very citizens the EU aims to uplift; emphasises the imperative to enhance the EU’s capacity to contribute effectively to overcoming inequalities; therefore, calls on the Commission to conduct a timely and precise review of cohesion policies in the new Member States, recognising that this may entail a profound transformation in the dynamics of net receivers and contributors;
Amendment 460 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)
Paragraph 16 c (new)
16 c. Other issues
Amendment 461 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 d (new)
Paragraph 16 d (new)
16 d. Underlines the need to address cross-border wage dumping, which undermines fair competition and the well- being of workers and results in lower wages, reduced job security, and precarious working conditions; insists on the need for effective measures, including the enforcement of fair labour practices, ensuring compliance with the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages, and adherence to the laws the Member States in which companies operate, with regard to employee compensation; calls on the Commission and candidate countries to provide support and opportunities for individuals and communities who may face challenges during this transition, which may include targeted social and economic development programs, training initiatives, and investments in infrastructure that benefit marginalised regions;
Amendment 462 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 e (new)
Paragraph 16 e (new)
16 e. Calls on the Commission and candidate countries to guarantee the particular role of SMEs as a main pillar to strengthen industrial policies and enhance the countries’ ability to realise the just transition and adapt to technological challenges towards an inclusive digital transition;
Amendment 463 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 f (new)
Paragraph 16 f (new)
16 f. Underlines the need to address the potential environmental challenges arising from enlargement, recognising that it may lead to ecological degradation, increased carbon emissions, and a strain on natural resources, endangering the well-being of both citizens and the planet; insists on the need to take effective measures to integrate robust environmental considerations into the enlargement process, which includes enforcing and reinforcing environmental protection standards, sustainable development practices, and compliance with international environmental agreements within all Member States; stresses that the enlargement shall not exacerbate existing disparities and environmental inequalities, recognising that marginalised regions are often more susceptible to the adverse effects of ecological degradation, including biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, air and water pollution, and soil erosion; stresses the need for adequate capacity building to allow regulatory agencies to enforce and implement EU environmental regulations effectively and thereby prevent regulatory gaps; calls on the Commission and candidate countries to provide support and opportunities for individuals and communities who may face environmental challenges during this transition, such as targeted green economic development programs, educational initiatives for sustainable practices, and investments in eco-friendly infrastructure that benefit both citizens and the environment;
Amendment 464 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 g (new)
Paragraph 16 g (new)
16 g. Stresses that the enlargement process shall not inadvertently perpetuate or exacerbate gender disparities, recognising the importance of addressing gender equality issues as a fundamental component of a just and equitable enlargement; calls on the Commission and candidate countries to incorporate measures that promote and ensure gender equality within the enlargement process, which may include advocating for policies that eliminate gender-based discrimination, increasing women’s participation in decision-making processes, and advancing gender balance in the political, economic, and social spheres; calls on the Commission and candidate countries to actively monitor and assess progress toward gender equality in the newly-enlarged regions, as well as to take effective measures to combat gender-based violence, close gender pay gaps, and promote work-life balance and equal opportunities for all;
Amendment 465 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 h (new)
Paragraph 16 h (new)
16 h. Underlines that the enlargement process shall not inadvertently perpetuate or exacerbate disparities based on sexual orientation and gender identity; urges the Commission and candidate countries to integrate measures within the enlargement process that actively promote and ensure the rights of LGBTIQ individuals, such as developing policies that eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, enhancing LGBTIQ participation in decision-making processes, and fostering inclusivity in the political, economic, and social spheres through education and awareness-raising activities; calls on the Commission and candidate countries to duly monitor and evaluate the status of LGBTIQ rights in candidate countries;
Amendment 466 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 i (new)
Paragraph 16 i (new)
16 i. Insists that the enlargement process does not inadvertently leave behind or neglect the younger generation, recognising the importance of investing in youth and education as a cornerstone of a just and prosperous enlargement; underlines the need to prioritise youth development and education within the enlargement process, which includes advocating for initiatives that support access to quality education, vocational training, and life-long learning opportunities for all, ensuring that the younger generation is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving world; therefore, calls on the Commission to increase the scope and resources allocated to youth- centred EU initiatives such as Erasmus+, EURES, #SHEU LEADS, or the European Solidarity Corps; calls on the Commission and candidate countries to further establishing programs that foster youth participation in decision-making processes, such as the EU Youth Dialogue, engaging them in community development, and encouraging their active involvement in shaping the future of both new and old Member States;
Amendment 467 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 j (new)
Paragraph 16 j (new)
16 j. Urges the vigorous promotion and defence of the fundamental right to freedom of expression and information, as enshrined in Article 11 of the Charter, in all candidate countries, emphasises the imperative to actively support and defend media freedom and pluralism, free from interference by public authorities and across borders, in alignment with the principles articulated in Article 10 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms; insists on the need for continuous efforts in fostering media pluralism, defending the rights of journalists, and ensuring freedom of expression in all candidate countries; cautions against the imposition of censorship and restrictions on individuals’ freedom of expression, particularly when done under the pretext of combating misinformation and disinformation; calls on candidate countries to adopt and implement policies and legal frameworks that reinforce media freedom and independence in adherence to international human rights standards; calls on the Commission and candidate countries to conduct regular evaluations and reporting on the state of media freedom and pluralism in the enlargement process, with corrective actions taken promptly when needed;
Amendment 468 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 k (new)
Paragraph 16 k (new)
16 k. Stresses the importance of promoting culture and advancing the Creative Europe flagship programme with a specific focus on cultural diversity, innovation and European cohesion; underlines the enlargement’s potential to further enrich the EU’s cultural landscape; calls on the Commission and candidate countries to increase their investment into cultural programmes, such as the framework of the EU funding programmes 2021-2027 in culture, media, education, youth, and sports;
Amendment 469 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Points out that the reconstruction and post-war recovery of Ukraine is an, the strengthening of diplomatic efforts to contribute to the de-escalation of military conflicts around the world, and the ongoing efforts to diminish the global effects and security risks caused by the climate crisis are additional financial challenges to be addressed in the wider context of an international effort; underscores the need to prevent the takeover of agricultural land and industry by MNEs and multinational investment entities, ensuring that these vital resources remain under the control of the people of the respective candidate countries and are utilised for their benefit, thereby safeguarding the countries’ financial stability and long-term economic sovereignty; calls on the Commission and candidate countries to proactively adopt measures to shield candidate countries’ agricultural land and industry from oligarchic or foreign takeovers;
Amendment 475 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Points out that integration does not only happen at the institutional level of nation states; stresses the need to promote the integration of the civil societies of Member states and candidate countries by fostering non-governmental institutions, town twinning and cultural exchanges; underlines in that regard the importance of including the Committee of the Regions as well as the European Economic Social Committee into this process;