1064 Amendments of Eduard KUKAN
Amendment 4 #
2018/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas on 23 November 2018, the EU and Uzbekistan launched negotiations on a comprehensive Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), with a view to replacing the current EU- Uzbekistan PCA, aiming for enhanced and deeper cooperation in areas of mutual interest and based on the shared values of democracy, the rule of law, respect for fundamental freedoms and good governance, in order to promote international security and effectively tackle global challenges such as terrorism, climate change and organised crime;
Amendment 11 #
2018/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Point a a (new)
Point a a (new)
(aa) stress the strategic, political and economic interest of the EU in strengthening its relations with Uzbekistan, on the basis of common shared values;
Amendment 18 #
2018/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Point c
Point c
(c) recognise and support the ongoing reforms to improve the business climate, the judicial system and security services, labour conditions, and administrative accountability and efficiency; encourage Uzbekistan in its structural reform process; highlight that Uzbekistan’s comprehensive reform plan, the Development Strategy for 2017– 2021, must be backed up by measures facilitating external trade and improving the business environment;
Amendment 47 #
2018/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Point e a (new)
Point e a (new)
(ea) support the work of independent journalists, human rights defenders and legitimate opposition politicians;
Amendment 59 #
2018/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Point f
Point f
(f) welcome the progress made towards the eradication of child labour and the phasing-out of forced labour, as well as the recent visits to Uzbekistan by UN Special Rapporteurs and the reopening of the country to international non- governmental organisations in this field; encourage, in this respect, further cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO);
Amendment 69 #
2018/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Point g
Point g
(g) encourage the authorities to take advantage of the relatively high level of education among its young people in order to reduce unemployment in the country and strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises; welcome, in this regard, the extension of the Management Training Programme and encourage further training programs for entrepreneurs;
Amendment 120 #
2018/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Point t
Point t
(t) renew their commitment to the advancement of democratic standards, principles of good governance and the rule of law, and to respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 142 #
2018/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Point ac
Point ac
(ac) implement a public outreach campaign highlighting the expected positive outcomes of cooperation to the benefit of EU and Uzbek citizens, in order to also further boost people-to-people contacts;
Amendment 3 #
2018/2210(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes and encourages the cooperation amongst the Agencies within and beyond the framework of EU Agencies Network (EUAN), allowing to build synergies and to exchange ideas and best practices and aiming to achieve more balanced governance, improved efficiency, reduced costs and greater coherence between them;
Amendment 1 #
2018/2187(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes ETF's support and complementarity to the external policies, notably the Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policies, and the foreign policy instruments of the EU; welcomes the Foundation’s inputs to bilateral external assistance related to policy dialogue and Union reporting processes,; acknowledges its willingness to be better involved in VET issues contained in Union aid granted to third countries and encourages the Foundation’s availability to support Union aid to strengthen VET reform globally;
Amendment 4 #
2018/2187(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Welcomes the high achievement rate in 2017 (93 %) but notes that the trend in the previous years has been decreasing (94 % in 2016 and 96 % in 2015);
Amendment 5 #
2018/2187(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Welcomes support from the ETF to the EU candidate countries in areas such as work-based learning, continuing professional development of VET teachers and entrepreneurial learning; supports ETF's efforts in the Western Balkans aiming to modernise qualifications and qualifications systems; acknowledges the progress achieved with the development and implementation of national qualification frameworks at different levels as well as the validation of informal and non-formal learning (VINFIL); welcomes ETF’s report on "Tracking vocational graduates in the EU candidate countries";
Amendment 6 #
2018/2187(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Welcomes the activities and the support carried out in Central Asia with regards to monitoring EU technical assistance and budget support in these countries and on promoting regional cooperation aligned with the Central Asia Education Platform (CAEP); supports the continuous engagement of Central Asia in a system-wide policy analysis and monitoring progress exercise in VET through the Torino Process;
Amendment 7 #
2018/2187(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6 c. Encourages further ETF work in the countries of Eastern Partnership in both regional and country specific activities linked to enhance the quality of vocational schools, equipment and delivery;
Amendment 8 #
2018/2187(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6 d. Welcomes the cooperation with other EU agencies - in particularly Eurofound and Cedefop - on EU policies that contribute to development of human capital;
Amendment 2 #
2018/2183(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Appreciates the Agency’s sustained support to medium, small and micro enterprises, in form of practical tools and guidelines to enable them to comply with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) legislation; welcomes the finalisation of the project “Healthy Workplaces for All Ages” that promotes safe and healthy conditions throughout working life;
Amendment 6 #
2018/2183(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets that the carry overs for Title II (administrative expenditure) and Title III (operational expenditure) were high with 40 % for each title, which is in contradiction with the budgetary principle of annuality; notes that the ECA in its report did not find evidence that these carry-overs were related to expenditure planned during the budgeting process; recalls that such high carry overs also occurred in previous years and calls on the Agency to introduce without further delay differentiated budget appropriations to better reflect the multi- annual nature of operations;
Amendment 2 #
2018/2179(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Appreciates that Eurofound’s work in expanding and disseminating knowledge has contributed to the planning and establishment of better living and working conditions in the Union; recognises the Foundation’s active role as a contributor of information to the ongoing EU- initiatives, such as the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, work-life balance, access to social protection and improving working conditions; welcomes the Foundations analysis and policy input as regards trends in quality of life against a background of the changing social and economic profile in the Overview report of the fourth European Quality of Life Survey;
Amendment 1 #
2018/2178(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Appreciates Cedefop’s continued high-quality work, providing research, analysis and technical advice to assist the development of European lifelong learning and Vocational Education and Training (VET) policies; appreciates the Centre’s work on skills intelligence, the Skills Panorama, which has succeeded to reach its primary target groups policy-makers and experts; notes however with concern, the first report of the opinion survey on VET which shows that while VET has a positive image in Europe when compared to general education most respondents still continue to see the VET as a second choice for second rate students;
Amendment 5 #
2018/2178(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes Cedefop’s initiative on a new strand of work on digitalisation and the future of work and further welcomes the launch of Cedefop’s CareersNet, its new network for research and lifelong guidance and career development; recommends the agency to increase the use of the EPSO-portal for its vacancy postings;
Amendment 1 #
2018/2166(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with concern that the estimated error level in the area of ‘Competitiveness for growth and jobs’ is 4,2 % - which represents a slight increase compared to 2016 (4.1%) and that most of the errors were related to the reimbursement of ineligible personnel and other direct costs declared by beneficiaries of research projects, as well as ineligible projects/beneficiaries; stresses the need to take effective measures to reduce those sources of error while achieving a high performance; deplores the fact that, as it was the case in previous years, Member States had sufficient information available to prevent, or to detect and correct, a significant number of errors: had the Commission and the Member States made proper use of all information at itstheir disposal, the estimated level of error for this chapter would have been 1,5 percentage points lower;
Amendment 5 #
2018/2166(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Recalls that in its special report 22/2018 “Mobility under Erasmus+” the Court of Auditors found that, while the inclusion of VET in Erasmus+ brings the Programme closer to a greater variety of citizens, the VET-strand in the programme could be further improved for example through better continuity in its annual Work Programmes, reduced administrative procedures and more support from the Commission to VET institutions in finding partners;
Amendment 6 #
2018/2166(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Recalls that in its special report 06/2018 “Free Movement of Workers” the Court of Auditors found that better identification and monitoring of EU funds for labour mobility would help in ensuring coordination and complementarity of funds;
Amendment 7 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6
Citation 6
— having regard to UN Security Council resolutions 1325, 1820, 1888, 1889, 1960, 2106, 2122 and 2242on conflict prevention and mediation as well as on women, peace and security,
Amendment 12 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
Amendment 14 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9
Citation 9
Amendment 20 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12
Citation 12
— having regard to the joint staff working document of the Commission and the High RepresEuropean Parliament resolution of 31 May 2018 on the implementativeon of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 21 September 2015 entitledJoint Staff Working Document (SWD(2015)0182) ‘Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: Transforming the Lives of Girls and Women through EU External Relations 2016-2020’ (SWD(2015)0182),
Amendment 29 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the EU is one of the biggest donors in support of conflict prevention and peace building by employing its external assistance instruments;
Amendment 67 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
Amendment 70 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas it is essential to include and support the active and meaningful participation of local actors, especially women, minorities, indigenous peoples, women and youth, when promoting and facilitating capacity and confidence building in mediation, dialogue and reconciliation;
Amendment 75 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
Amendment 102 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the integrated approach to external conflicts and crises; calls for further institutionalisation of this approach, supports more coherent and holistic engagement by the EU to external conflicts and crises; calls for further institutionalisation of this approach and supports its aim to clarify EU responses at each stage of the conflict;
Amendment 145 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines the role of the Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group (DEG) and its lead MEPs as the operational body for coordinating mediation and dialogue initiatives and welcomes new initiatives such as the Jean Monnet Dialogue for peace and democracy and the Young Political Leaders’ programme, and recommends that these should be developed further; welcomes the decision of the DEG to build on the success of the Jean Monnet Dialogue process with the Macedonian Sobranie by extending the Jean Monnet dialogue's methodology throughout the Western Balkans countries;
Amendment 146 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Recognizes growing role of the European parliament in political mediation processes; highlights, in this respect, the joint initiative of the Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations and three mediators of the European Parliament, Mr Kukan, Mr Vajgl and Mr Fleckenstein in supporting the party leaders in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in overcoming the political crisis through the adoption of the 2015 Przino Agreement; confirms European parliament's readiness to build on this example of close inter-institutional cooperation with the European Commission and the EEAS by stepping up its engagement to strengthen political dialogues and reconciliation throughout the Western Balkans and wider Neighbourhood;
Amendment 4 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
- having regard to the 2018 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought awarded to the Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov,
Amendment 6 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 b (new)
Citation 5 b (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 25 October 2018 on the situation in the Sea of Azov,
Amendment 7 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 c (new)
Citation 5 c (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 14 June 2018 on Russia, notably the case of Ukrainian political prisoner Oleg Sentsov,
Amendment 8 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 d (new)
Citation 5 d (new)
– having regards to the European Parliament resolution of 14 June 2018 on Georgian occupied territories 10 years after the Russian invasion,
Amendment 9 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 e (new)
Citation 5 e (new)
– having regard to the OSCE/ODIHR Final Report on 18 March 2018 Presidential Elections in the Russian Federation,
Amendment 11 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU is a community based on a key set of common values that include peace, freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental and human rights;
Amendment 12 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas acknowledges that the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, the 1975 Helsinki Final Act and the 1990 OSCE Charter of Paris represent the cornerstones of a peaceful European continent;
Amendment 98 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas on 5 July 2018, the Council prolonged economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy until 31 January 2019;
Amendment 115 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. UDenounces, in the strongest terms, the illegal annexation of Crimea; underlines that Russia's direct and indirect involvement in armed conflicts and, its illegal annexation of Crimea and violation of the territorial integrity of both Ukraine and Georgia constitute a deliberate violation of democratic principles and fundamental values;
Amendment 135 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes therefore that the EU- Russia relationship requires a new framework of cooperation only in those areas that are necessary and in a common interest, and with a view to guaranteeing security in the EU’s nNeighbourhood and a European peace order; is of the view that the PCA should be discontinued, the Western Balkans and to support a European peace order;
Amendment 161 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Underlines the importance of cooperation between EU and Russia in the international rules based order and positive engagement in international and multilateral organisations that Russia is a member of, especially in the framework of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) with regards to the contentious issues and crises;
Amendment 170 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes, howStrongly condemns Russia's involvement in the so-called "Skripal case"; believers, that the Skripal case and cyber attacks orchestrated by the Russian intelligence services show an interest on thdemonstrate Russian sidresolve to further increase tensions in relations with the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 181 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises that increased mutual transparency in military and border guard activities is important in order to avoid further tensions; strongly denounces Russian violation of airspace of EU Member States; calls for a clear code of conduct concerning airspace used by military and civilian aircraft;
Amendment 210 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Reiterates that while the EU's stance is firm, coherent and concerted with respect to EU sanctions on Russia, further coordination and coherence is required in its foreign and security policy approach to Russia; calls, in this context, on Member States to end 'golden visa/passport' programmes; calls on the Member States to fully co-operate on the European level with regards to their policy to Russia;
Amendment 231 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Deplores the excessive actions of the Russian Federation in the Sea of Azov insofar as they breach international maritime law and Russia’s own international commitments;
Amendment 232 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Reaffirms its unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia; demands that the Russian Federation cease its occupation of the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia and fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia; stresses the need for the Russian Federation to unconditionally fulfil all the provisions of the ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008, in particular the commitment to withdrawing all its military forces from the territory of Georgia;
Amendment 236 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11c. Notes that the Presidential elections of March 18, 2018 where observed by the International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) of the ODIHR EOM and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA); notes that the ODIHR Election Observation Mission Final Report states that elections took place in an overly controlled legal and political environment marked by continued pressure on critical voices, restrictions on the fundamental freedoms of assembly, association and expression, as well as on candidate registration and therefore lacked genuine competition;
Amendment 247 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Reiterates its support for the five principles guiding the EU's policy towards Russia, and calls for further definition of the selective engagement principle; recommends that the focus be placedbilateral EU-Russia relations focus on issues relating to the MENA region, terrorism, non- proliferation, arms control and climate change; calls for a high-level dialogue between EU, EEU and AA/DCFTA countries; reiterates that while consultations between the EU and Russia on cyber terrorism and organised crime need to continue, Russia’s systematic hybrid threats directed at EU Member States require strong deterrence; calls, in this context, for the initiation of a high-level EU-EEU-China-Central Asia dialogue on Belt and Road Initiative and connectivity;
Amendment 260 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Underlines that Russia and the EU will remain key economic partners in the foreseeable future, but Nord Stream 2 reinforces EU dependency on Russian gas supplies, threatens the EU internal market and is not in line with EU energy policy, and therefore needs to be stopped;
Amendment 315 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls for a significant boost to the funding and operational strength of the East StratCom Force Task; expects effective and efficient execution of Task Force's addressing disinformation campaigns;
Amendment 4 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14
Citation 14
– having regard to the rEU EOM Final Reports ofn the EU election observation missions (EUEOMs)11 June 2017 legislative elections in Kosovo and to the Final Report on the Mayoral and Municipal Assembly Elections 2017 in Kosovo,
Amendment 42 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines the need for further strengthening the work of the Assembly, including the oversight of the executive; encourages cross-party cooperation and consensus on EU accession-related reforms;
Amendment 53 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Urges the Kosovar authorities to comprehensively deal with previously identified electoral shortcomings by enacting timely legislative and administrative measures to address the outstanding recommendations of EU and European Parliament observation missions well in advance of the next round of elections; recalls that many shortcomings need to be addressed in an urgent matter in order to fully align with international standards;
Amendment 60 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Expresses its concerns about widespread corruption, elements of state capture, undue political influence and issues of a lack of respect for fair trials and due process, including in the cases of extradition; underlines the importance of reform processes in rule of law, notably focusing on the independence, accountability, professionalism and efficiency of the judiciary;
Amendment 83 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for genuine judicial and police cooperation between the Kosovar and Serbian authorities; believes that Kosovar membership of Interpol and Europol would further improve the effectiveness of measures targeting transnational crime and supports Kosovo's Interpol membership bid; encourages, in the meanwhile, further cooperation in regards to fighting terrorism;
Amendment 93 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. CWelcomes that the European Commission confirmed the benchmarks for visa liberalisation have been fulfilled on 18 July 2018; considers it vital to grant visa liberalisation to Kosovo without undue delay; takes the view that visa liberalisation will improve stability and bring Kosovo closer to the EU by improving the ease of travelling and doing business, while helping to counter people smuggling and corruption;
Amendment 114 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Regrets reluctance to handle war crimes cases; underlines the importance of clear political commitment to prosecution of these cases; urges the Kosovar authorities to demonstrate their firm and sustained commitment to the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor Office in the Hague; underlines the need to fully comply with international obligations regarding the Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor's Office; expresses its deep concern about attempts by members of the Kosovo Assembly to abrogate the Law on the Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office in December 2017; deeply regrets the fact that these attempts resulted in a failure to adopt joint recommendations following the postponement of the fourth meeting of the EU-Kosovo Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC) to 17-18 January 2018; calls for a constructive approach to EU-Kosovo SAPC and thus enhancing parliamentary cooperation;
Amendment 122 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Amendment 172 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Urges of the need to ensure the editorial freedom, financial sustainability and independence of the Kosovar public broadcaster, and to guarantee transparency of private media ownership; calls for improvements to multilingual broadcasting and to the quality of information offered to all Kosovar communities; regrets the attacks against journalists have increased in 2017; urges the Kosovar authorities to actively engage in investigations of these cases;
Amendment 193 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Regrets the fact that many of the agreements signed hitherto have not been implemented or have been delayed, such as those on energy and on the association of Serb majority municipalities; calls onurges both parties to implement all the agreements in full and in good faith; urges the European External Action Service (EEAS) to produce an annual report on the state of implementation of the agreements so as to address all their shortcomings;
Amendment 200 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Expresses its deep concern at the rising number of inter-ethnic incidents; condemns all acts of intimidation and violence; urges the Kosovar authorities to immediately distance themselves from such acts and calls for the perpetrators to be identified and brought to justice; regrets that intimidation was reported during the 2017 election cycles in Kosovo Serb communities and calls for investigation of these allegations;
Amendment 230 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Notes the need to move away from the use of lignite for unsustainable energy generation and stresses the urgency of decommissioning Kosovo A Power Station and of ensuring additional sustainable generation and import capacity; notes partial progress on the Third Energy Package and stresses the need to ensure the independence of the Kosovar energy regulator; calls for stronger efforts in energy efficiency and energy saving, particularly in the construction sector; notes that while the first reading the draft law on Energy Efficiency was adopted, energy efficiency is hampered by the lack of implementation of the Energy Agreement between Kosovo and Serbia;
Amendment 25 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the submission of BiH’s answers to the Commission’s questionnaire; calls onurges BiH to respond to the follow-up questions in a timely manner in order to contribute to the Commission’s opinion on the application for EU membership;
Amendment 34 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is concerned about the marked slowdown in the pace of reforms due to disagreements between parties and the highly polarised pre- electoral campaign that started very early; stresses that the declared commitment of the BiH authorities to the European path must be matched by consistent implementation of reforms stemming from the Reform Agenda and translated into concrete results, to the benefit of citizens; regrets that, apart from the adoption of the countrywide strategies in the field of the environment and rural development, and of some important reform measures, such as the Law on Excise Duties, no substantial progress has been achieved;
Amendment 61 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Deplores the fact that delegates from BiH have still been unable to agree on the rules of procedure for the SAPC, which has consequently not met for three years; regrets the failure to cooperate with the European Parliament and recalls that this is a clear breach of the obligations stemming from the SAA; notes that functioning democratic institutions, including the parliament, are a prerequisite for advancing in the EU integration process;
Amendment 99 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for more effective measures to combat all forms of discrimination, in particular by adopting country-wide human rights and anti-discrimination strategies; regrets that there was no progress in further addressing the ‘two schools under one roof’ issue; urges that decisive action be taken at all levels in order to find systemic solutions that will ensure inclusive and non-discriminatory education for all children; applauds high school students from Municipality of Jajce for winning the 2018 Max van der Stoel award for outstanding courage and inspiration activism; calls for more effective implementation of the legal provisions regarding equality between men and women; urges that progress be made towards ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are respected, in particular by swiftly addressing the relevant UN recommendations; acknowledges the steps taken towards the legal protection of LGBTI persons but stresses that more needs to be done in order to prosecute violence and hate crimes against them, as well as to promote their social inclusion; is concerned that lack of coordination between different levels of authority and lack of funding continue to hamper effective protection of minorities and vulnerable groups, in particular Roma people;
Amendment 108 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Notes that BiH remains a country of origin, transit and destination for trafficking in human beings; calls for improving border management and strengthening the specialised human trafficking investigation units in order to effectively fight against smugglers;
Amendment 126 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes efforts aiming at promoting reconciliation, mutual respect and religious tolerance in the country; praises and supports those who fight for freedom of expression, against hate- speech, against religious hatred and who promote inclusion; deplores continued cases of discrimination on religious grounds, as well as incidents targeting religious sites, and calls on the authorities to react promptly and consistently in these cases;
Amendment 152 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Reiterates its support for the initiative to establish the Regional commission for the establishment of facts about war crimes and other serious violations of human rights committed in the former Yugoslavia (RECOM); stresses the importance of BiH leaders to be seriously involved on its establishment; underlines the importance of this process and the active engagement of all regional political leaders in order for it to start its work without further delay; calls attention to the Coalition of RECOM’s Proposal of the Action Plan with clear dates and benchmarks;
Amendment 157 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Acknowledges that some progress has been achieved in the implementation of Annex VII to the Dayton Peace Agreement on refugees and internally displaced persons; notes the importance of collecting data on returnees; notes that the success of returnee policy in BiH is instrumental for reconciliation; denounces cases of attacks against properties of returnees; calls again for significant attention to be devoted to damages compensation for property that cannot be returned, access to healthcare and employment, social protection, safety and education;
Amendment 181 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Welcomes the Strategy of Foreign Policy of BiH for the period 2018-2023 adopted by the Presidency of BiH; welcomes that this document clearly states that EU membership is one of the main strategic objectives of BiH; calls for substantial improvement in alignment with EU's CFSP, which currently stands at 61%;
Amendment 185 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Welcomes BiH's constructive and stable bilateral relations with its neighbours; welcomes the signing of a number of bilateral agreements with its neighbours;
Amendment 18 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the rule of law is a fundamental value on which the EU is founded and which is at the heart of both the Enlargement Process and the Stabilisation and Association Process, and whereas reforms are needed to tackle the important remaining challenges in this area, notably in ensuring an independent, impartial, accountable and efficient judiciary, and in the fight against corruption and organised crime, as well as in the protection of fundamental rights;
Amendment 32 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls the need to strengthen the Albanian Parliament’s oversight capacities, including in the EU accession process; welcomescalls on more efficient use of the inquiry committees and better use of the various oversight mechanisms and institutions in order to hold the government to account; welcomes the increase in transparency of the parliamentary process and adoption of the Albanian Parliament’s Code of Conduct that will enhance the integrity and transparency of, and public trust in, the institution; underlines the need for an enforcement mechanism, including sanctions, to make the code effective; underlines the central role of the Committee on EU Integration and the responsibility of the National Council for European Integration as a forum for consultation on accession preparations; calls for further use of cooperation with the Parliament of Albania within the framework of the European Parliament support programme for parliaments of the enlargement countries, in order to enhance its capacity to produce quality legislation in line with the EU acquis and exercise its oversight role;
Amendment 39 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. CallUrges for action addressing the outstanding recommendations of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE/ODIHR) as regards electoral reform with a view to increasing public trust in the electoral process; calls on addressing the OSCE/ODHIR recommendation as a priority through legislative and administrative measures; welcomes the work by the Ad-hoc Committee on Electoral Reform of the Albanian Parliament related to independence and depoliticisation of the election administration, transparency in campaign finance, voter registration, vote buying, the use of new voting technologies and out-of- country voting, and urges it to reach consensus on, and adoption of, the necessary reforms in due time before the 2019 local elections;
Amendment 41 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes Albania’s revised law on political party financing; urges the public prosecutor to investigate cases of illegal and undeclared funding of the political parties; reiterates its calls on the country’s political parties to fulfil their obligation to ensure the exclusion of criminal offenders from public office at all branches and levels of government and the Parliament;
Amendment 46 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Reiterates that constructive political dialogue, willingness to compromise, sustainable cross-party cooperation and the maintenance of unwavering commitment to the implementation and consolidation of the reforms across all five key priorities are essential to the effort to advance the EU accession process; reiterates its strong believe that political dialogue should take place within the democratic institutions;
Amendment 52 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the progress made in justice reform aimed at increasing the independence, accountability, professionalism and efficiency of judicial institutions; regrets that the administration of justice continues to be slow and inefficient; calls on the Albanian authorities to speed upwelcomes finalisation of the first phase of the vetting of members of judicial system on1 August 2018, however calls on the Albanian authorities to proceed in a timely and efficient manner with the vetting process, without compromising on quality or fairness; takes note of first dismissals and voluntary resignations of candidates prior to their hearings; notes some delays in the periodic evaluations of judges;
Amendment 78 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Reiterates its call on the Albanian authorities to effectively ensure the enforcement and progress towards the protection of property rights, while at the same time taking into account property registration, restitution and compensation; calls on making necessary progress on the digitalising and mapping of property; urges the Albanian authorities to adequately inform citizens about their rights and possibilities for enforcement of their claims; underlines the importance of an effective property rights regime for guaranteeing the rule of law and an attractive business environment;
Amendment 88 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the additional steps taken to reinforce the protection of human rights, minority rights and anti- discrimination policies; welcomes the adoption of a framework Law on Minorities, which abolished the differentiation between national minorities and ethno-linguistic communities and introduced the principle of self-identification; insists that measures be taken to further improve the education, health, employment rates and living conditions for Roma, Egyptians and other ethnic minorities;
Amendment 94 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Welcomes reinforcement of the legislative framework on rights of children through the adoption of the Law for the Protection of Children’s Rights, the Criminal Justice for Children Code and the ‘Children’s Agenda 2020’; recalls that institutional mechanisms to protect children’s rights still needs to be improved, urges the authorities to implement secondary legislation on protection of children rights and juvenile justice and calls for a significant increase in financial allocations for the child protection system, in particular child protection units (CPU) at local and regional level;
Amendment 115 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Reiterates the critical importance of professional and independent private and public service media; notes the partial progress made in increasing the independence of the country’s audio-visual media authority and public broadcaster; calls for measures to improve the financial transparency of state advertising in the media; calls as well for measures to strengthen the protection of the labour and social rights of journalists; welcomes the setting-up of the Albanian Media Council, and underlines its role in establishing ethical and professional standards for the media;
Amendment 116 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Welcomes the setting-up of the Albanian Media Council and underlines its role in establishing high ethical and professional standards for the journalists and the media while promoting their independence and freedom; welcomes adoption of revised Journalistic Code of Ethics as well as the Ethical Guidelines for Online Media and calls for reinforcement of its principles in order to maintain public trust, truthfulness, fairness, integrity, independence and accountability;
Amendment 127 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Fears possible negative impacts on employment and social policy-making following the dismantling of Albania’s LabourSocial Welfare Ministry as a result of governmental restructuring; encourages the Albanian authorities to foster cooperation with trade unions; calls on them to take effective measures to address the high unemployment rate, especially among young people, and to further improve the quality of education;
Amendment 137 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Expresses concern over economic activity that has led to grave environmental damage in protected areas, especially such as the hydropower plants along the Vjosa and Valbona rivers; expresses doubts about quality of strategic environmental assessments and environmental impact assessments urges the authorities to step up environmental impact assessments and public consultations on such projects; calls on exploring investments in renewable energy projects other than hydropower need to be further explored;
Amendment 152 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Expresses concern that Albania remains the Western Balkan country from which are made the highest number of illegal entries and stays, and unfounded asylum claims, in Member States; calls for Albanian authorities to establish systems to assist the effective transition of families and children upon their return in the country;
Amendment 156 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Welcomes the steps made for the agreement on operational cooperation between the European Border and Coast Guard Agency and Albania, the first country in the region with which such an agreement was concluded and encourages further cooperation on the operational level;
Amendment 164 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Welcomes Albania’s participation in the Berlin Process, the Western Balkans Six initiative and other regional initiatives, and its contribution to strengthening the profile of the Regional Cooperation Council; welcomes Albania’s proactive role in promoting regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations with other enlargement countries and with neighbouring Member States; welcomes the establishment of the Albania-Serbia Joint Chamber of Commerce in Tirana and encourages strengthening of the trade and business cooperation in the region; welcomes official launching of the Western Balkans Fund, which should promote common values and develop regional cooperation between citizens, civil society and institutions of the Western Balkans region;
Amendment 169 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31 a. Reiterates its support for the initiative to establish the Regional commission for the establishment of facts about war crimes and other serious violations of human rights committed in the former Yugoslavia (RECOM); urges the government of Albania to take the lead on its establishment; underlines the importance of this process and the active engagement of all regional political leaders in order for it to start its work without further delay; calls attention to the Coalition of RECOM’s Proposal of the Action Plan with clear dates and benchmarks;
Amendment 173 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Commends Albania on its continued full alignment with all EU positions and declarations made in the context of the Common Foreign and Security Policy; calls on Albania to align itself with the EU common position on the integrity of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and to renounce its bilateral immunity agreement with the United States; commends Albania’s active participation in military crisis management missions under the common security and defence policy, as well as its contribution to NATO missions of strategic importance to the EU;
Amendment 5 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
– having regard to the declaration and recommendations adopted at the seventheight EU- Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC) meeting of 20-21 December13-14 June 20178 and the sixth eventh SAPC meeting of 13-14 Sept20-21 December 2017,
Amendment 6 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15
Citation 15
– having regard to the seventheight meeting of the Accession Conference with Serbia at Ministerial level held on 11 December25 June 20178,
Amendment 10 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
– having regard to the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption body GRECO report on Serbia from July 2015 and GRECO’s Fourth Evaluation Round dealing with “Corruption prevention in respect of members of parliament, judges and prosecutors” adopted on 16-20 October 2017,
Amendment 11 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16
Citation 16
Amendment 13 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
– having regard to the Venice Commission’s "Opinion on the draft amendments to the constitutional provisions on the judiciary of 25 June 2018",
Amendment 19 #
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 27 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas rule of law is a fundamental value on which the EU is founded and which is at the heart of both the Enlargement Process and the Stabilisation and Association Process, and whereas reforms are needed to tackle the important remaining challenges in this area, notably in ensuring an independent, impartial, accountable and efficient judiciary, and in the fight against corruption and organised crime, as well as in the protection of fundamental rights;
Amendment 30 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the situation regarding the freedom of expression and the independence of media remains a particularly serious concern, which needs to be addressed in a determined and effective way as a matter of priority;
Amendment 54 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the progress made by Serbia in developing a functioning market economy, ensuring economic growth and preserving macroeconomic and monetary stability; stresses that Serbia has made good progress in addressing some of the policy weaknesses that have been an issue in the past, in particular through budget consolidation; underlines that the restructuring and privatisation of state- owned enterprises has partially advanced; stresses the paramount importance to Serbia’s economy of small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs); supports Serbia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO);
Amendment 66 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Takes note of the presidential elections on 2 April 2017; welcomes the general conduct of the elections; calls on the authorities to fully address and implement the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission; including those related to the transparency and integrity of the election process; reminds Serbia that legislation needs to bring forward amendments in order to assure presence of both domestic observers and international observers in line with OSCE standards; furthermore encourage the authorities to engage in dialogue with domestic election observers and calls for clearly defined rules allowing observers access to all stages of the process;
Amendment 92 #
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 and the scope for political influence over judiciary remains a concern; calls on Serbia to strengthen the accountability, impartiality, professionalism and overall efficiency of the judiciary, and tolso through establishing a free legal aid system and random allocation of cases in all courts;
Amendment 98 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Reiterates the importance of intensifying the fight against corruption and urges Serbia to show a clear commitment to tackle this issue; welcomes the adoption of the amendments made in the economic crimes section of the country’s criminal code; calls to step up implementation of the national anti- corruption strategy and the action plan; reiterates its call to swiftly adopt a new law on the Anti- Corruption Agency to improve the planning, coordination and monitoring of the implementation of new legislation and policies; stresses that it is critical that the Agency receives and maintains the human and financial resources it needs to carry out its mandate in an independent manner; calls on the authorities to fill all open positions in the Agency; calls on Serbia to further improve its track record on investigations, indictments and final convictions in high-level corruption cases;
Amendment 102 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Notes that Serbia has not implemented in a satisfactory manner any of the thirteen recommendations provided by the Council of Europe’s anti- corruption body GRECO (Group of States against Corruption) on July 2015; calls on the Serbian authorities to swiftly review and implement the GRECO recommendations;
Amendment 107 #
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 welcomes Serbia’s active role in international and regional police and judicial cooperation; 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 112 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Noted with concern, the controversial events in Belgrade’s Savamala district, with regard in particular to the demolition of private property; called for their resolution and full co-operation with the judicial authorities in the investigations to bring perpetrators to justice;
Amendment 118 #
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; underlined that the parliament’s oversight function is highly important; notes that continuous cooperation with independent Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) can additionally strengthen its work; calls on the Serbian Parliament to address recommendations of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), in particular with regard to corruption prevention and conflicts of interest, and to adopt the Code of Conduct; 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 124 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls to further improve transparency of the parliamentary process, including through ensuring adequate timelines for submitting amendments and using the urgent procedure as an exception and not as a rule; calls on taking more determined approach in adoption of a code of conduct and ethics and introduction of rules for members of Parliament on interaction with lobbyists and other third parties; calls on thorough review of the parliamentary Rules of Procedure to guarantee enhanced planning and efficiency of the legislative procedures in the Parliament;
Amendment 132 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the presentation of the draft constitutional reform of the country’s judiciary submitted to the Venice Commission for opinion; stresses the importance of fully implementing the recommendations of the Venice Commission; notes that Serbian authorities and stakeholders need to enter into a broad, inclusive and meaningful public debate conducted in a constructive manner in order to raise awareness of the constitutional reform process in the country; calls for a comprehensive public consultation before the final draft is submitted to the Serbian parliament where it should be duly debated under normal procedures;
Amendment 133 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Repeats its call for proper reform of the offense of abuse of office and abuse of responsible position, such as to prevent possible misuse; calls on responsible authorities to either abolish, or sufficiently define the offense of abuse of responsible position in order to prevent its possible misuse in private sector; calls once again for an independent and through review of reclassified cases related to abuse of responsible positions so that long-standing unjust prosecutions can be dropped immediately;
Amendment 165 #
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 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 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; notes, with respect to the 2017 Presidential Elections, that OSCE/ODIHR priority recommendations call for refraining from interference in the activities of media and journalists;
Amendment 170 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Condemns negative campaigns against certain CSOs; recalled it unacceptable that partnership with the government is needed in order for CSOs’ applications for IPA funds to be successful;
Amendment 183 #
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 consistent implementation of legislation on the protection of minorities, including in relation to education, the use of languages, representation in public administration and access to media and religious services in minority languages; acknowledges the active participation of the country’s national minorities in the election cycles and the good practice of establishing polling boards with equitable representation of national minorities; regrets, however, that certain minorities are subject to coercion during electoral campaigns;
Amendment 203 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the fact that Serbia remains committed to constructive bilateral relations with other enlargement countries and neighbouring Member States; takes positive note of the fact that Serbia has maintained its engagement in a number of regional cooperation initiatives such as the South-East European Cooperation Process, the Regional Cooperation Council, the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, the European Union Macro-Regional Strategies for the Danube Region (EUSDR), the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), the Brdo-Brijuni process, the Western Balkan Six initiative and its connectivity agenda, and the Berlin process; reiterates its call on Serbia to implement the connectivity reform measures associated with the connectivity agenda; recalls that the EU is determined to strengthen and intensify its engagement to support the region's political, economic and social transformation, including through increased assistance based on tangible progress in the rule of law, as well as in socio-economic reforms, by the Western Balkan partners; stresses that outstanding bilateral disputes should not have a detrimental effect on the accession process;
Amendment 206 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Expresses further support for increased regional cooperation under the “Berlin Process”; welcomed the results of the WB6 process so far and called for the further development of the Regional Economic Area (REA); welcomed the unequivocal support to the European perspective of the Western Balkans reaffirmed at the Sofia Summit on 17 May 2018; strongly supports the Western Balkans partners pledge to continue strengthening good neighbourly relations, regional stability and mutual cooperation;
Amendment 214 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the adoption of a national strategy for the investigation and prosecution of war crimes; notes the adoption of a prosecutorial strategy for investigation and prosecution of war crimes and calls on Serbia to implement decisively all foreseen activities; welcomes the appointment in May 2017 of a new war crimes prosecutor; reiterates its call for theefficient and dedicated implementation of this strategy, in particular by means of bringing forward indictments, and for the adoption of an operational prosecutorial strategy; ; calls for effective investigation of high-profile war crimes cases; calls on Serbia to cooperate fully with its regional partners in war crime cases; calls on Serbia to again cooperate fully with the current Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals; urges the Serbian authorities to continue working on the issue of the fate of missing persons including opening state archives related to the war period and calls on Serbia to cooperate fully with its regional partners in war crime cases, inter alia also through cooperation between the War Crimes Prosecutors' offices in the region; urges Serbia to prepare a reparations scheme for victims and their families as an important precondition for reconciliation; points out that a new law on civilian victims should be adopted without any undue delay; highlights the importance of the work carried out by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) and its local branches in promoting reconciliation among the youth;
Amendment 218 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Reiterates its support for the initiative to establish the Regional commission for the establishment of facts about war crimes and other serious violations of human rights committed in the former Yugoslavia (RECOM); urges the government of Serbia to take the lead on its establishment; underlines the importance of this process and the active engagement of all regional political leaders in order for it to start its work without further delay; calls attention to the Coalition of RECOM’s Proposal of the Action Plan with clear dates and benchmarks;
Amendment 58 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Takes note of the referendum set to take place on 30 September 2018, posing the question 'Are you in favour of NATO and EU membership by accepting the agreement between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Greece?'; calls on all sides to encourage the citizens to go to the polls and exercise their democratic right to vote on the future of their country;
Amendment 61 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Welcomes the formal invitation from NATO on 11 July 2018 to the country to begin the membership negotiations joining the North Atlantic alliance;
Amendment 89 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the steps taken towards reinstating checks and balances and increasing inclusion through measures improving the environment in which independent oversight institutions, the media and civil society organisations operate; stresses the importance to strengthen democratic processes and rule of law; recalls that internal reform processes are crucial for credibility and progress in the EU integration process; emphasises that the undergoing fundamental changes should be made in an inclusive and open political atmosphere;
Amendment 91 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Appreciates the government’s efforts to prevent backsliding and eliminate the remaining elements of state capture and encourages intensifying these efforts; recalls that the country was a frontrunner in the accession process in the 2000s;
Amendment 99 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the launch of the Jean Monnet Dialogue process in Ohrid on 17 and 18 May 2018 and the resulting adoption by unanimous cross-party support of the Code of Ethics; encourages the Working Group on Reforms and Functioning of the Sobranie to review the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament and put forward proposals for amendments and timelines for adoption in the priority areas outlined in the conclusions in Ohrid; encourages all political actors to continue in strengthening the culture of compromise among the Members of the Parliament;
Amendment 105 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Recommends that the country’s Parliament make full use of its oversight and legislative functions and strictly limit the use of urgency procedures; calls on all parties to refrain from any obstruction in regard to the effective functioning of the parliament;
Amendment 108 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on to effectively start implementing the public administration reform strategy and to establish clear lines of accountability; underlines the importance of merit-based recruitment and open competition for all recruitments and calls on increasing the capacity in human resources management; calls on enhanced measures to elevate the sector and financial planning capabilities across the public administration;
Amendment 113 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for sustained efforts in increasing transparency, accountability and inclusiveness of the decision-making process and improving interinstitutional coordination; Stresses citizens´ right to access public information and calls on further efforts to advance this; calls on further progress in digitalizing the availability of public information and encourages to find innovative e-solutions to further enhance transparency and easy access to public information;
Amendment 143 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls for further improvements in the asylum system and migration management; encourages the country to step up regional cooperation and partnership with Frontex under a new status agreement with a view to dismantling human trafficking networks; acknowledges the efforts to address the challenges managing the European migration and refugee routes and encourages to further deepen this cooperation;
Amendment 178 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Welcomes the substantial improvement in the operational environment for, and the consultations with, civil society organisations (CSOs) and stresses the need to enhance the legal, financial and policy framework, including through laws on foundations and donations and the structural involvement of CSOs;
Amendment 180 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Reiterates its support for the initiative to establish the Regional commission for the establishment of facts about war crimes and other serious violations of human rights committed in the former Yugoslavia (RECOM); urges the government to take the lead on its establishment; underlines the importance of this process and the active engagement of all regional political leaders in order for it to start its work without further delay; calls attention to the Coalition of RECOM’s Proposal of the Action Plan with clear dates and benchmarks;
Amendment 188 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Underlines the crucial role of independent media for a democratic and enabling environment; Notes modest improvements in the media environment and conditions for independent reporting; calls for initiatives to create a climate that is favourable to investigative journalism; welcomes the termination of state- sponsored advertising in the media as an important measure to foster a level playing field in the sector and calls for further safeguards against politicisation of the media; stresses the need to strengthen the independence and capacity of the media regulator and the public service broadcaster; calls for measures to increase the protection of the labour and social rights of journalists that would also contribute minimizing the prevalent self- censorship among the journalists;
Amendment 193 #
2018/2145(INI)
27. Welcomes improvements in ensuring access to information; stresses the need to update regulations on media services and access to public information; stresses the need to effectively follow up on threats and intimidation against journalists; condemns any form of hate speech, inflammatory language and populist rhetoric; calls on effective measures to counter hate speech and violation of journalistic code of ethics online;
Amendment 200 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Calls on the government to make digitalisation as one of its crosscutting core priorities; urges to develop without further delay a long-term digital agenda, among others a e-governance strategy, ICT Strategy and a national Cyber Security Strategy; underlines that a comprehensive digital agenda will enhance the economic environment and performance, increase transparency and efficiency of the public administration and services;
Amendment 202 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 b (new)
Paragraph 29 b (new)
29b. Urges the government to tackle the long-term unemployment, youth unemployment and low participation rate of women on the employment market in a comprehensive and innovative manner; calls on urgent reforms in education to ensure that skills acquired match with the needs on the labour market and prevent the brain drain; encourages to come up with the digital skills strategy and to increase the digital literacy among the population;
Amendment 209 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls upon the authorities to focus on energy market reforms, while ensuring security of supply and diversification of energy sources; welcomes the adoption of the new Energy Law in May 2018, transposing the Third Energy Package and making it fully compatible with the Energy Community Treaty;
Amendment 214 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Welcomes the government’s positive approach to regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations and active participation in regional initiatives such as the South East European Cooperation Process, the Regional Cooperation Council, CEFTA, the Western Balkans Six, the Energy Community Treaty, the European Common Aviation Area Agreement, the Central European Initiative, the Regional Initiative for Migration and Asylum and the "Brdo- Brijuni process";
Amendment 17 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes theCalls on Montenegro’s political leadership to focus on remaining challenges in tackling problems with the rule of law, media freedom, corruption, money laundering, organised crime and its associated violence as Montenegro’s democracy continues to maturend to approach these issues as a matter of priority;
Amendment 20 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that fundamental freedoms were respected in the April 2018 presidential elections; calls for shortcomings identified by the OSCE ODIHR, as well as the ODIHR Election Observation Mission Priority Recommendations to be comprehensively addressed in order to improve public trust in the electoral process; takes positive note of the willingness to engage in electoral reform, but underlines the need to support further efforts to fully comply with international obligations and standards for democratic elections;
Amendment 50 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Encourages Montenegro to work in closer cooperation with Frontex in order to improve border management, address irregular migration and disrupt migrant smuggling networks; calls for intensified efforts and cross-border cooperation to prevent and dismantle organised criminal networks related to human trafficking, as well as drug and tobacco smuggling; emphasises the persistent concerns related to illicit tobacco trade in Montenegro, particularly that linked to its free trade zones, such as in the Port of Bar and in Podgorica; highlights the OECD findings about how free trade zones contribute to increased levels of illicit trade; calls on the Commission to continue to support Montenegro controlling its free trade zones and avoiding illicit trade;
Amendment 55 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Is increasingly concerned about the state of freedom of expression and media freedom, in which three successive Commission reports have noted ‘no progress’; recalls that the related Chapter 23 was opened in December 2013 and that progress in this chapter and in Chapter 24 determine the overall pace of negotiations; condemns in the strongest terms intimidation, smear campaigns and verbal and physical attacks against journalists; notes that there were seven reported cases of attacks against journalists in 2017;
Amendment 59 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Condemns in the strongest terms intimidation, smear campaigns and verbal and physical attacks against journalists; calls on authorities to clearly and firmly condemn attacks on journalists; notes that there were seven reported cases of attacks against journalists in 2017; encourages a systematic data collection on threats against journalists;
Amendment 63 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Is particularly concerned by the attack on 8 May 2018 against Vijesti journalist Olivera Lakić, as well as the car bomb explosion on 1 April 2018 outside the home of TV Vijesti journalist Sead Sadiković, which has been described as a ‘targeted threat’; notes that both journalists have been seeking to uncover stories related to corruption and organised crime, and calls for full investigations into both cases; recalls that there have not been any new developments in regards to investigations of old violent cases against journalists;
Amendment 66 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Deplores the ongoing financial and editorial pressure placed on Montenegro’s public broadcaster (RTCG) and the Agency for Electronic Media; urges that safeguards against undue political and business influences be put in place, and that full transparency in matters of state advertising in the media be ensured while securing financial autonomy of both RTCG and AEM; regrets the change in composition of the RTCG council and the dismissal of the Director-General of RTCG, Ms Andrijana Kadija;
Amendment 68 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Underlines the role of the Agency for Electronic Media and effective self- regulation in ensuring the highest ethical standards in the Montenegrin media and in reducing the number of defamation cases; notes that the precarious situation of journalists undermines the quality and professionalism of the media; notes that autonomy and independence of RTCG and AEM are crucial for a solid media environment during electoral campaigns;
Amendment 126 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Welcomes Montenegro’s continued efforts for constructive regional cooperation and good bilateral neighbourly relations, including through participation in regional initiatives; reiterates its support for the initiative to establish the Regional commission for the establishment of facts about war crimes and other serious violations of human rights committed in the former Yugoslavia (RECOM); underlines the importance of this process and the active engagement of all regional political leaders; welcomes Prime Minister Markovic’s public support to RECOM;
Amendment 135 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Commends Montenegro on another year of full alignment with all EU positions and declarations made in the context of the Common Foreign and Security Policy and welcomes active participation in CSDP missions; appreciates the conduct of Montenegro's foreign policy; calls on Montenegro to align itself with the EU common position on the integrity of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and with EU guiding principles on bilateral immunity agreements;
Amendment 23 #
2018/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) to enhance provisions related to trade and economic relations, improving the investment climate and contributing to the diversification of the Kyrgyz economy; to strengthen legal certainty, regulatory transparency, good governance, a functioning judiciary, cutting red tape and promoting economic development; to enhance EU-Kyrgyz economic relations further with regards to the GSP+ status and to call on Kyrgyzstan to implement the international commitments stemming from this status;
Amendment 44 #
2018/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) to pursue efforts to consolidate a functioning parliamentary democracy with a genuine multi-party system and constitutional checks and balances; to ensure parliamentary oversight of the executive branch; to relay its concern about the constitutional amendments of 2016;
Amendment 47 #
2018/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
Paragraph 1 – point t
(t) to reaffirm the importance of working systematically to promote the values of democracy and human rights, including freedom of expression, association and assembly and the independence of the judiciary; to encourage a favourable environment for media freedom;
Amendment 16 #
2018/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas in the case of EUSRs appointed with mandates for specific countries, their ‘double-hatting’ with the Head of the EU Delegation there has contributed to the coherence and efficiency of the EU’s presence abroad; whereas, however, the deployment of further country-specific EUSRs now appears obsoleteeeds to be consistent with the EU external action strategies, given the strengthening of the EU Delegations via the Lisbon Treaty, through which they acquired responsibility for coordination of all EU action on the ground, including CFSP policies;
Amendment 18 #
2018/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas EUSRs proved to be useful especially in conducting high-level political dialogues and capacity to reach high-level partners in very sensitive political environments;
Amendment 19 #
2018/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas EUSR's are selected from within individuals previously holding senior diplomatic or political office in their country or within international organisations, they enjoy a substantial degree of flexibility and discretion in how their mandate is executed, which can be conducive to reaching set goals, implementing strategies and providing added value to EU;
Amendment 21 #
2018/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the key role of EUSR's is to contribute to the unity, consistency, coherence and effectiveness of EU external action and representation; they demonstrate the EU's interest in a given country, region or thematic area and strengthen its visibility, and contribute to the implementation of a given EU strategy or policy towards the mandated country, region or thematic issue;
Amendment 28 #
2018/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
b. to ensure that EUSRs are only appointed if there is a clear added value in using this instrument, i.e. if their tasks cannot be efficiently fulfilled by existing structures within the EEAS, including by EU Delegations, or within the Commission; also to ensure that EUSRs are primarily used to step up EU efforts in conflict prevention and resolution and implementation of the EU country or regional strategies, or to advance EU policy objectives in specific thematic fields within the remit of external relations; and to avoid a proliferation of EUSRs and fragmentation of their mandates;
Amendment 39 #
2018/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
d. to reinforce the assets that constitute the added value of the EUSR – legitimacy built on the backing of the VP/HR and the Member States, country/regional/thematic responsibilities, political weight, flexibility and providing a face for EU diplomatic action;
Amendment 42 #
2018/2116(INI)
e. to permit an adequate length of mandate that creates a perspective enabling the hiring of qualified senior staff and allows for implementation of the mandate as well as confidence-building with partners, establishing networks and influencing processes; to ensure regular review in line with developments in the country/region or subject concerned and also allow for prolongation of the mandate if required by circumstances;
Amendment 43 #
2018/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Point e a (new)
Point e a (new)
ea. to contribute to implementation of an EU policy or strategy towards the mandated area and contribute to the formulation or revision of strategies or policies;
Amendment 64 #
2018/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Point j a (new)
Point j a (new)
ja. to provide more openly accessible information and justification on selected candidates;
Amendment 72 #
2018/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Point l
Point l
Amendment 94 #
2018/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Point p
Point p
p. taking into consideration that the European Parliament is co-legislator of the civilian part of the CFSP budget, which is administered by FPI, to reinforce ties with the European Parliament by sharing information on a regular basis about the EUSRs’ work and achievements and the challenges they face, through regular meetings and exchanges of views between EUSRs and the EP and by systematic sharing with the EP of reports sent by EUSRs to the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and the EEAS;
Amendment 284 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 e (new)
Paragraph 17 e (new)
17e. Emphasises that strengthening regional security in the Indo-Pacific is of critical importance to the interests of the EU and its Member States; stresses that all disputes should be settled through peaceful means based on international laws; takes note that official dialogue between China and Taiwan has been frozen over the past two years; encourages a quick resumption of bilateral talks to de-escalate tensions between the two sides and maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait; reiterates its firm support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organisations, mechanisms and activities;
Amendment 60 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 35 a (new)
Recital 35 a (new)
(35 a) The External Lending Mandate Plus (ELM+) is established as a budgetary guarantee managed indirectly by the EIB, providing commercial and political risk cover for financially sustainable projects in the public sector and political risk cover for financially sustainable projects in the private sector, each worldwide outside the Union. The support of the ELM+ shall not be extended to sovereign investment operations that involve on- lending to the private sector or lending to, or for the benefit of, sub-sovereign entities that can access sub-sovereign financing without sovereign guarantees.
Amendment 61 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 35 b (new)
Recital 35 b (new)
(35 b) The EIB shall indirectly manage and implement the ELM+, provide all strategic banking and risk management competences required by the Commission, including those related to the operational management of the EFSD+ guarantee, provide a writing opinion on banking related matters to accompany each Commission proposal for investment windows under the EFSD+ guarantee, be an eligible counterpart for managing and implementing activities under EFSD+ and shall take any other role of the EIB as part of the implementation of the External Investment Framework in line with the Statute of the relevant EIB entity and role under the Treaty.
Amendment 62 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) An External Action Guarantee should be established building on the existing EFSD Guarantee, the External Lending Mandate and the Guarantee Fund for external actions. The External Action Guarantee should support the EFSD+ and ELM+ operations covered by budgetary guarantees, macro-financial assistance and loans to third countries on the basis of Council Decision 77/270/Euratom71 . These operations should be supported by appropriations under this Regulation, together with those under Regulation (EU) No …/… (IPA III) and Regulation (EU) No …/… (EINS), which should also cover the provisioning and liabilities arising from macro-financial assistance loans and loans to third countries referred to in Article 10(2) of Regulation EINS, respectively. When funding EFSD+ operations, priority should be given to those which have a high impact on job creation and whose cost- benefit ratio enhances the sustainability of investment. The operations supported with the External Action Guarantee should be accompanied by an in-depth ex ante assessment of environmental, financial and social aspects, as appropriate and in line with the better regulation requirements. The External Action Guarantee should not be used to provide essential public services, which remains a government responsibility. _________________ 71 Council decision 77/270/EURATOM of 29 March 1977 empowering the Commission to issue Euratom loans for the purpose of contributing to the financing of nuclear power stations (OJ L 88, 6.4.1977, p. 9).
Amendment 63 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 3
It also establishes the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (the ‘EFSD+’), the External Lending Mandate Plus (ELM+) and an External Action Guarantee.
Amendment 67 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 25 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. By way of further derogation from Article 209(3) of the Financial Regulation, repayments and revenues generated by investments under the existing endowments of the ACP Investment Facility shall be considered as revolving assets intended for investment in the sectors and regions covered by the ACP Investment Facility and shall continue to be managed by the EIB. If at any point the Commission or the Council propose for all such assets and liabilities to be transferred to the Union in accordance with Article 25 of the Financial Regulation, the legislative acts concerning the future functioning of the ACP Investment Facility shall be prepared in close dialogue with the EIB, in particular taking into account the ElB's contractual obligations to lend that might be existing at that time.
Amendment 72 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The financial envelope referred to in Article (6)(2)(a) shall finance the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+)EFSD+, ELM+ and the External Action Guarantee.
Amendment 73 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The purpose of the EFSD+ as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of implementation set up in Article 23(1)(a), (e), (f) and (g), shall be to support investments and increase access to financing, in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote the socio-economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the, eradication of poverty, sustainable and inclusive growth, the creation of decent jobs, economic opportunities, skills and entrepreneurship, socioeconomic sectors, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration, in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents. Special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict, Least Developed Countries and heavily indebted poor countries. The ELM+ is established as a budgetary guarantee managed indirectly by the EIB, providing commercial and political risk cover for financially sustainable projects in the public sector and political risk cover for financially sustainable projects in the private sector, each worldwide outside the Union. The support of the ELM+ shall not be extended to sovereign investment operations that involve on- lending to the private sector or lending to, or for the benefit of, sub-sovereign entities that can access sub-sovereign financing without sovereign guarantees.
Amendment 76 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
The provisioning rate shall range between 9% and 50% depending on the type of operations. A maximum amount of EUR 10 billion shall be provisioned from the EU budget through a specific budget line in the framework of the annual budgetary procedure or through a budget transfer. Within this envelope of EUR 10 billion, the Union shall grant the EIB a budgetary guarantee of EUR 5 billion to be utilised in accordance with Article 26(1). The guarantees can cover up to 50% of the total financing amount of the project.
Amendment 77 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 6
Article 26 – paragraph 6
6. The EFSD+, the ELM+ and the External Action Guarantee may support financing and investment operations in partner countries in the geographical areas referred to in Article 4(2). The provisioning of the External Action Guarantee shall be financed from the budget of the relevant geographic programmes established by Article 6(2)(a) and shall be transferred into the common provisioning fund. The EFSD+ and the External Action Guarantee may also support operations in beneficiaries listed in Annex I of Regulation IPA III. The funding for these operations under the EFSD+ and for the provisioning of the External Action Guarantee shall be financed from the Regulation IPA. The provisioning of the External Action Guarantee for loans to third countries referred to in Article 10 (2) of Regulation EINS shall be financed from Regulation EINS.
Amendment 79 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 a (new)
Article 26 a (new)
Article 26 a The EIB shall, under chapter IV of this regulation, Inter alia: a. indirectly manage and implement the ELM+; b. provide all strategic banking and risk management competences required by the Commission, including those related to the operational management of the EFSD+ guarantee, c. provide a written opinion on banking related matters to accompany each Commission proposal for investment windows under the EFSD+ guarantee; d. be an eligible counterpart for managing and implementing activities under EFSD+. Notwithstanding the above, the Commission and the EIB may agree on any other role of the EIB as part of the implementation of the External Investment Framework in line with the Statute of the relevant EIB entity and role under the Treaty.
Amendment 563 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 48
Recital 48
(48) The references to Union instruments in Article 9 of Council Decision 2010/427/EU79 , which are replaced by this Regulation, should be read as references to this Regulation and the Commission should ensure that this Regulation is implemented in accordance with the role and competencies of the EEAS as provided in that Decision. _________________ 79 Council Decision 2010/427/EU of 26 July 2010 establishing the organisation and functioning of the European External Action Service (OJ L 201, 3.8.2010, p. 30).
Amendment 573 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8
(8) “contributor” shall mean a Member State, an international finance institution, or a public institution of a Member State, a public agency or other public or private entities contributing in cash or in guarantees to the common provisioning fund.
Amendment 574 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 a (new)
(8a) 'additionality’ means the principle ensuring that the External Action Guarantee support contributes to sustainable development by operations which could not have been carried out without the Guarantee, or which achieve positive results above and beyond what could have been achieved without it. Additionality also means crowding in private sector funding and addressing market failures or sub-optimal investment situations as well as improving the quality, sustainability, impact or scale of an investment. The principle also ensures that External Action Guarantee operations do not replace the support of a Member State, private funding or another Union or international financial intervention, and avoid crowding out other public or private investments. Projects supported by the Guarantee typically have a higher risk profile than the portfolio of investments supported by the eligible counterparts under their normal investment policies without the External Action Guarantee.
Amendment 585 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Funding under this regulation shall comply with the Union´s values and principles, as well as with the Union´s commitments under international law, taking into account relevant Union policies and positions.
Amendment 595 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) at global level, to consolidate and support democracy, rule of law and human rights, support civil society organisations, and local authorities, prevent conflicts and promote further stability and peace and address other global challenges including migration and mobilityand regional challenges;
Amendment 614 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3
3. At least 920% of the expenditure under this Regulation shall fulfil the criteria for Official Development Assistance, established by the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Amendment 658 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The Union and the Member States shall coordinate their respective support programmes with the aim of increasing effectiveness and efficiency of their delivery and preventing overlapping of funding.
Amendment 696 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
The association agreements, partnership and cooperation agreements, multilateral agreements, and other existing or future agreements that establish a legally binding relationship with partner countries, as well as, European Council conclusions and Council conclusions, summit declarations or conclusions of high-level meetings with partner countries, relevant European Parliament resolutions, communications of the Commission or Joint communications of the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, shall constitute the overall policy framework for the implementation of this Regulation.
Amendment 714 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Cooperation between the Union and the Member States, on the one hand, and partner countries, on the other hand, shall be based on and shall promote the development effectiveness principles, only where applicable, namely: ownership of development priorities by partner countries, a focus on results, inclusive development partnerships, transparency and mutual accountability. The Union shall promote effective and efficient resource mobilisation and use.
Amendment 786 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) the Union shall also consult at an early stage of and throughout the programming process other donors and actors, including representatives of civil society and local authorities, wherefunds and programmes, private and political foundations and other non-Union donors, whenever relevant;
Amendment 875 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. IndicativelyAt least 10 % of the financial envelope set out in Article 4(2)(a) to supplement the country financial allocations referred to in Article 12 shall be allocated to partner countries listed in Annex I in order to implement the performance-based approach. The performance-based allocations shall be decided on the basis of their progress towards consolidating democracy, human rights, rule of law, cgooperation on migration, economic governance and reformd governance and implementation of agreed political, economic and social reforms objectives. The progress of partner countries shall be assessed annually.
Amendment 883 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. 1 (a) A specific "Eastern partnership plus" envelope shall be set up to grant additional support to partner countries that have made substantial progress in the implementation of their bilateral agreements with the EU, and to support the implementation of further projects of bilateral cooperation.
Amendment 884 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. The performance-based support may be reconsidered in the event of serious or persistent regression.
Amendment 934 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 23 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) grants, where appropriate without the need for co-financing, to finance actions in the most difficult conditions where the publication of a call for proposals would be inappropriate including situations where there is a serious lack of fundamental freedoms, threats to democratic institutions, where human security is most at risk or where human rights organisations and defenders operate under the most difficult conditions. Such grants shall not exceed EUR 1 000 000 and shall have a duration of up to 18 months, which may be extended by a further 12 months in the event of objective and unforeseen obstacles to their implementation;
Amendment 978 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The purpose of the EFSD+ as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of implementation set up in Article 23(1)(a), (e), (f) and (g), shall be to support investments and increase access to financing, in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote the socio-economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the, eradication of poverty, sustainable and inclusive growth, the creation of decent jobs, economic opportunities, skills and entrepreneurship, socioeconomic sectors, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration and contributing to the sustainable reintegration of returned migrants in their countries of origin, while maximising additionality, in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents. Special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict, Least Developed Countries and heavily indebted poor countries.
Amendment 986 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 6
Article 26 – paragraph 6
6. The EFSD+ and the External Action Guarantee may support financing and investment operations in partner countries in the geographical areas referred to in Article 4(2) (a) (b). The provisioning of the External Action Guarantee shall be financed from the budget of the relevant geographic programmes established by Article 6(2)(a) and shall be transferred into the common provisioning fund. The EFSD+ and the External Action Guarantee may also support operations in beneficiaries listed in Annex I of Regulation IPA III. The funding for these operations under the EFSD+ and for the provisioning of the External Action Guarantee shall be financed from the Regulation IPA. The provisioning of the External Action Guarantee for loans to third countries referred to in Article 10 (2) of Regulation EINS shall be financed from Regulation EINS.
Amendment 991 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1
Article 27 – paragraph 1
1. The financing and investment operations eligible for support through the External Action Guarantee shall be consistent and aligned with Union policies, in particular its development policy and the European Neighbourhood Policy, as well as with the partner countries’ strategies and policies. They shall in particular support the objectives, general principles and policy framework of this Regulation and the relevant indicative programming documents, with due regard to the priority areas laid down in Annex V.
Amendment 995 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(a a) provide additionality;
Amendment 997 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) are technically viable and are sustainable from an environmental and socialo-economic point of view.
Amendment 1001 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(c a) provide adequate risk sharing by the respective eligible counterpart and other prospective partners;
Amendment 1006 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point c b (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point c b (new)
(c b) maximize, wherever relevant, the mobilisation of private sector capital;
Amendment 1013 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. The eligible counterparts may provide the instruments listed in paragraph 1 under an investment window or individual project administered by an eligible counterpart. They may be provided for the benefit of partner countries, including countries experiencing fragility or conflict or countries facing challenges in reconstruction and post-conflict recovery, for the benefit of those partner countries’ institutions, including their public national and private local banks and financial institutions, as well as for the benefit of private sector entities of those partner countries. In countries experiencing fragility or conflict, and other countries, where justified, support may be provided to public sector investments that have relevant effects on private sector development.
Amendment 1016 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 3
Article 27 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 3
The Commission shall ensure fair treatment and equal access to funding for all eligible counterparts and shall ensure that conflicts of interest are avoided throughout the implementation period of the EFSD+. In order to ensure complementarity, the Commission may request any relevant information from eligible counterparts about their non- EFSD+ operations.
Amendment 1019 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
Article 27 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
The Commission shallaking due account of the advice provided by the strategic board, the Commission shall, after consulting the operational boards and informing the European Parliament and the Council, set up investment windows for specific regions, specific partner countries or both, for specific sectors, or for specific projects, specific categories of final beneficiaries or both, which are to be funded by this Regulation, to be covered by the External action Guarantee up to a fixed amount. The Commission shall inform the European Parliament and the Council on how the investment windows comply with this Article and their detailed funding priorities. All requests for financial support within investment windows shall be made to the Commission.
Amendment 1027 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 29 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. 4.The Commission, when concluding External Action Guarantee agreements with eligible counterparts, shall take due account of: (a) the advice and guidance of the strategic and regional operational boards; (b) the objectives of the investment window; (c) the experience and operational, financial and risk management capacity of the eligible counterpart; (d) the amount of own resources, as well as private sector co-financing, that the eligible counterpart is ready to mobilise for the investment window.
Amendment 1356 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) contribute to sustainable development in its economic, social and environmental dimensions, and to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and, where appropriate, the European Neighbourhood Policy, with a particular focus on the eradication of poverty, the creation of decent jobs, economic opportunities, skills and entrepreneurship, promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and young people, while pursuing and strengthening the rule of law, good governance and human rights;
Amendment 92 #
2018/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) protecting and promoting the rights of the child, the rights of seniors, the rights of people with disabilities, Union citizenship rights and the right to the protection of personal data.
Amendment 5 #
2018/0166R(APP)
1. Stresses the need to substantially increase appropriations for EU external action under the new multiannual financial framework (MFF) while preserving the EU’s values-based foreign policy; welcomes the modest real-term funding increase proposed by the Commission and calls for a further relative increase in external action commitments, which needs to be preserved in the interinstitutional negotiations;
Amendment 14 #
2018/0166R(APP)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Welcomes the proposal for a consolidation of the European Development Fund into the EU budget, and calls for a reinforcement of the scrutiny powers of the European Parliament;
Amendment 19 #
2018/0166R(APP)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates that reform of the current architecture of external financing instruments should take into account the strategic priorities of the EU, enhance accountability, transparency, efficiency and coherence; stresses that these objectives cannot be achieved without a solid governance structure that allows for political control, is strategy-driven, inclusive and accountable, and includes clear objectives, benchmarks and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms; regrets that the Commission’s proposal for the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) contains virtually no such provisions on governance aspects;
Amendment 28 #
2018/0166R(APP)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses the need for more democratic debate on EU external assistance also through a stronger involvement of the European Parliament in strategic political steering of the EU’s external action instruments;
Amendment 4 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital –A (new)
Recital –A (new)
-A. whereas the European Union remains the world´s biggest provider of external assistance;
Amendment 6 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas external financing instruments are the main mechanism to support the EU´s action on the global scene and whereas the EU external action has an increasing importance to European citizens;
Amendment 11 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the EU has been facing numerous challenges in its close neighbourhood but also on the global scene;
Amendment 12 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas due to limited resources the external financing instruments have been often stretched to their limits;
Amendment 24 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is concerned, however, about a variety of other findings, including the lack of political guidance and overarching vision, inconsistent implementation of EU values and partnership principles, the absence of evaluation mechanisms and the lack oflimited flexibility;
Amendment 30 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is concerned that the EU and its instruments face significant challenges, including political trade-offs between the promotion of values and rights and short- term security interests, volatility in the close neighbourhood, numerous violent global conflicts, new security challenges and a decline in trans- Atlantic consensus;
Amendment 38 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Notes the IPA II assistance led to limited results in steering reforms, especially in the areas of rule of law, public administration, fight against corruption;
Amendment 41 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Notes remaining weaknesses in the quality of indicators in country programmes and action documents;
Amendment 44 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets the current systemic and political inability to suspend or reroute IPA II funds in cases where countries do not meet their commitments or exhibit severe political backsliding;
Amendment 59 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Notes discrepancies between objectives, the EU particular interests and financial resources available;
Amendment 62 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is concerned that ENI funding in politically sensitive contexts might remains challenging, especially with regard to promotion of the shared values of democracy and human rights;
Amendment 121 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Recommends a stronger emphasis on democratisation, strengthening the rule of law and improving respect for universal human rights; calls for more support for reforms in the sectors relevant for the accession process, as well as stimulation of the regional cooperation;
Amendment 125 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Recommends enabling the transfer of funds to civil society when state authorities are unwilling to meet the EU’s stated objectives and calls on the Commission to suspend funding for countries not fulfilling the basic Copenhagen criteria; calls for easing the administrative burden related to recipients from civil society organisations; calls on the Commission to propose modifications in funding in case of serious breaches of the EU fundamental values;
Amendment 147 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Underlines the need to take into account the link between support for democratisation, stabilisation, conflict prevention, respect for human rights and socioeconomic development;
Amendment 150 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Calls for making full use of conditionality and an incentivised approach related to reforms and strategic objectives;
Amendment 151 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Calls on improvements in donors’ coordination; especially in pairing with funds from other EU instruments, fellow donors and international financial institutions to underpin economic transition and stability in partner countries;
Amendment 209 #
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; reiterates that EU external actions also serve the common interests of EU citizens; calls for more strategic political guidance in preparing and implementing the new external financing instruments;
Amendment 223 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
Amendment 244 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Stresses that a singlthe new architecture of the instruments cannot exist without the inclusion of clear and dedicated envelopes for the various thematic goals, and objectives and, as well as geo-political priorities of EU external action, including democracy, human rights, the rule of law, support to civil society, conflict resolution, fragile states, development policy, economic and social development, and support to countries in various stages of the EU accession and the countries of the EU neighbourhood;
Amendment 262 #
2017/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Recalls the difficulties that beneficiaries currently experience in securing funding under the instruments; calls for simplified procedures, easing administrative burden, the establishment of a one-stop-shop for organisations applying for EU funding and the use of digital solutions where possible to streamline and reduce bureaucratic burdens;
Amendment 178 #
2017/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the re-affirmation of US commitment to NATO and European security; recalls that the EU and the United States are key international partners and that this partnership is also through NATO; underlines the value of bilateral relations between EU Member States and the US; strongly believes that strengthening EU- NATO cooperation reinforces the transatlantic bond; notes that the US, which generally encouraged and welcomed the substantive developments in EU defence, still needs convincing to renounce their remaining reservations;
Amendment 200 #
2017/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Recalls that it is in the interest of both the European Union and NATO to address security issues in both the Western Balkans and in EU´s Neighbourhood and cooperate in certain particular areas;
Amendment 201 #
2017/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Underlines that cooperation between EU and NATO and the Western Balkan countries is pivotal in addressing the security threats to all of the continent;
Amendment 147 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on those Member States participating in the 16+1 format to carry out sound analysis and scrutiny of suggested infrastructure projects and to ensure not to compromise national and European interests for short-term financial support and long-term commitments to Chinese involvement in strategic infrastructure projects and potentially greater political influence, which would undermine the EU’s common positions on China; is aware of China's increasing influence on infrastructure and markets of the EU candidate countries;
Amendment 161 #
2017/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Concludes that the Chinese Government has in the BRI found a very effective narrative framework for elements of its foreign policy and that EU public diplomacy efforts need to be strengthened in the light of this development; suggests that data on all Chinese infrastructure investments in EU Member States and countries in process of the EU accession negotiations, be shared with the EU and other Member States; recalls that such investments are part of an overall strategy to have Chinese state-controlled or -funded companies take control of supply chains;
Amendment 44 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls and insists that the longstanding EU-US partnership is based on sharing and promoting together common values including freedom, rule of law, peace, democracy, equality, market economy, social justice and respect for human rights, including minority rights, as well as collective security; stresses that the EU-US partnership is one of the main axes of cooperation in a globalised world;
Amendment 56 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that the EU-US relationship is the fundamental guarantor for global stability and has been the cornerstone of our efforts to ensure peace and stability for our societies since the end of the Second World War, and stronger multilateral economic cooperation and trade; believes that the ‘America first’ policy willcould harm the interests of both the EU and the USand undermine cooperation between the EU and the US, as could protectionist measures in common trade; recalls EU's interest to cultivate long lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships based on shared understanding of values and principles, which prevail over short-term transactional gains;
Amendment 71 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is concerned about the diverging views on addressing global issues and regional conflicts that have appeared since the election of President Trump; seeks clarity as to whether the transatlantic relationship, which was defined over decades, still has the samerecent years; expresses strong conviction on the importance of the transatlantic relationship and its present- day relevance today; stresses that the values-based overarching framework of our partnership is essential to securing the architecture of the global economy and security;
Amendment 93 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls the high potential and the strategic interest of this partnership for both the US and the EU in aiming to achieve mutual prosperity and security and to strengthen a rules-based global order; calls for the fostering of our dialogue and engagement on all aspects of this partnership; highlights that our decisions and actions have an impact on the global economy and security architecture and therefore should lead by example, and the interests of both partners;
Amendment 117 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the VP/HR, the Council, the Commission and the EU Member States to enhance their cooperation and coordination of EU policy vis-à-vis the US administration, so as to send out a convincing message that the EU is a coherent and effective international player;
Amendment 123 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Insists that a structured dialogue on foreign policy at transatlantic level, involving also the EP and the US Congress, is key to the transatlantic architecture and calls for an expansion of the foreign policy scope of the EU-US dialogue; underlines the importance of continued and intensified engagement of both the US Senate and House of Representatives and the European Parliament;
Amendment 129 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the ongoing and uninterrupted work of the TLD in fostering EU-US relations through parliamentary dialogue and coordination on issues of common interest, such as global security, international trade, rule of law in third countries;
Amendment 134 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Recalls that both in the EU and the US, our societies are strong because they are built on a plurality of actors, including among others our governments, parliaments, various political institutions, civil society organisations, media and religious groups; highlights that we should foster links across the Atlantic to promote the merits and importance of our transatlantic partnership, including by allocating appropriate funding, at different levels and not only focusing onthroughout both the EastU and West Coaststhe US;
Amendment 135 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Recalls that both in the EU and the US, our societies are strong because they are, anchored in liberal democracy, built on a plurality of actors, including among others our governments, parliaments, various political institutions, civil society organisations, media and religious groups; highlights that we should foster links across the Atlantic to promote the merits of our transatlantic partnership, including by allocating appropriate funding, at different levels and not only focusing on the East and West Coasts;
Amendment 157 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Insists that the EU and the US should continue playing key constructive roles by jointly addressing regional conflicts and global challenges; recalls the importance of multilateralism in tackling global issues and insists that these should be addressed in the relevant international forums; is therefore concerned that recent unilateral decisions of the US – disengagement from key international agreements, disenrollment from international forums and the fomenting of trade tensions – may diverge from these common values and put strain on the relationship;
Amendment 240 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Emphasises that an important part of strengthening EU-US counter-terrorism efforts includes the protection of critical infrastructure as well as a comprehensive approach to fighting terrorism, also via coordination in global forums and explore the option to strengthen the cooperation in data exchange;
Amendment 261 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses that the EU is committed to strengthening the prosperity, stability, resilience and security of its neighbours first hand through non-military means, notably through the implementation of association agreements in the EU Neighbourhood; calls for coordinated approach and support to the reform processes in this countries;
Amendment 269 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Commends the strategic focus and invites the US to be involved in further joint efforts in the Western Balkans; acknowledges the support of the US to the enlargement process, which is coupled with substantive reforms in the candidate and potential candidate countries; calls on enhanced cooperation on security issues in the region;
Amendment 283 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. CRecalls that both the EU and the US are observing sanctions against Russia; calls on the EU and the US to play a more active and effective role in the resolution of the conflict on Ukraine’s territory and to support all efforts for a lasting peaceful solution which respects the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine;
Amendment 291 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Recalls that the international order is based on respecting international agreements; reiterates its commitment to international laws and universal values, and in particular nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful resolution of disputes; underlines that the consistency of our nuclear non-proliferation strategy is key for our credibility as a key global player and negotiator;
Amendment 355 #
2017/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Reiterates that we have shared interests in Africa where we must intensify our support for good governance, democracy, human rights, economic governance and security issues;
Amendment 95 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas illicit trade in counterfeit goods, firearms, oil, drugs, cigarettes and cultural objects, as well as trafficking in human beings, racketeering and extortion have become ways for terrorist groups to obtain funding, whereas the increasing links between organised crime and terrorist groups constitute a growing security threat to the Union;
Amendment 240 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Stresses that preserving peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region is of substantial interest to the EU and its member states; calls for all parties concerned in the region to solve differences through peaceful means and to refrain from taking unilateral actions to change the status quo, including in the East and South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, in order to safeguard regional security; acknowledges the continued good will and flexibility shown by the government of Taiwan in maintaining cross-Strait relations and encourages the resumption of bilateral dialogues, which will be conducive to regional peace and stability; reiterates its commitment to supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and activities;
Amendment 7 #
2017/2089(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas all EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies have the obligation to safeguard fundamental rights during the execution of their mandates and to fully comply with the Charter; whereas systematic application of the Charter in all policy fields is important;
Amendment 27 #
2017/2089(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that EU institutions and agencies need to further raise awareness of the Charter at both national and EU level, by enhancing communication on fundamental rights, values and freedoms with a special focus on employment and social policies; underlines the importance of further promoting of fundamental rights and freedoms to citizens; calls for the EU institutions and agencies to better align their practices with regard to Charter implementation; regrets that the full potential of the Charter has not yet been fully exploited;
Amendment 29 #
2017/2089(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses the important role of the European Ombudsman in holding EU's institutions accountable as well as promoting EU's good administration practice; welcomes the work carried out by the European Ombudsman;
Amendment 31 #
2017/2089(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Welcomes the European Commission's work in the area of fundamental rights and its annual reports on the application of the fundamental rights and freedoms in the Charter of Fundamental Rights;
Amendment 32 #
2017/2089(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Welcomes the work of the Fundamental Rights Agency; encourages the FRA to continue advising and supporting EU institutions and Member States on improving the fundamental rights culture across the Union; welcomes the recently adopted FRA Strategy 2018 - 2022;
Amendment 33 #
2017/2089(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Welcomes EU's increased focus on rights of elderly citizens and encourages further advances in a right-based approach to ageing; stresses the importance of fighting ageism;
Amendment 9 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that the EU is faced with multiple challenges that affect global stability and security and that can only be tackled with long-term and holistic external actions; recalls the ambition of EU leaders as expressed in the Rome Declaration to strive towards a Union that is ‘big on big issues and small on small ones’; calls for the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) to make this a reality by substantially increasing external action appropriations (Heading 4), thereby making common foreign policy a core EU function;
Amendment 16 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that increased funding is needed for an effective European response to modern challenges and to tackle Europe’s new priorities, which are reflected in the EU Global Strategy and the renewed European Neighbourhood policy, including development aid, human rights violations, bagood governance, security threats and armed conflicts, and natural disasters and climate change as well as the refugee and migratory challenges caused by these issues; stresses that the EU also needs to boost its institutional capacity in order to have greater influence in foreign and security policy;
Amendment 30 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls the importance of enhanced flexibility that allows for the mobilisation of additional resources to respond to unforeseen situations and use of uncommitted resources in following years; stresses, however, that increased flexibility should not be achieved at the expense of long-term policy objectives; calls for a considerable strengthening of the flexibility mechanisms (‘special instruments’) under the MFF while at the same time strengthening the strategic political guidelines;
Amendment 39 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. TSupports use of innovative forms of financial cooperation, such as blending grants and loans from international and European financing institutions, including the European Investment Bank; takes the view that the existing EU Trust Funds should also prove their added value in their ability to mobilise additional funding; notes that a simple relabeling or restructuring of existing EU funding for political purposes does not represent increases per se, and creates an additional layer of complexity in terms of democratic oversight and budgetary scrutiny; emphasises the need for increased parliamentary scrutiny of activities under EU Trust Funds and the EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey;
Amendment 50 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Maintains that EU external financing instruments are essential for effective EU external action in particular in the European Neighbourhood (European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI)) and pre- accession countries (Instrument for Pre- accession Assistance II); calls for enhancing coherence and coordination between the external financing instruments; points out that the ENI should take account of the increased emphasis on democratisation, stabilisation, peace processes, post-crisis reconstruction and resilience;
Amendment 54 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls for closing the gap between the EU strategic political priorities and the external financing instruments;
Amendment 23 #
2017/2044(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls for significant new resources to counter disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks, which are increasingly used to undermine democratic order in countries in the Union's neighbourhood, as well as in the Union itself;
Amendment 4 #
2017/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EPCA should constitute an important step in the deepening ofand strengthening of the political and economic ties between the two parties for the benefit of the people of both Kazakhstan and the EU;
Amendment 12 #
2017/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the high importance of enhancing political and economic relations of the EU with Kazakhstan, which should be based on shared commitments to international values such as human rights, the rule of law, good governance and guided by mutual interest;
Amendment 30 #
2017/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the ambition expressed in the EPCA to enhance cooperation in diverse areas of concern and common interest; encourages both sides to actively fulfil their commitments;
Amendment 34 #
2017/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Acknowledges that the EPCA introduced the possibility of negotiating a visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Kazakhstan in parallel with possible negotiation of an agreement regulating the specific obligations on readmissions;
Amendment 48 #
2017/2035(INI)
10. Welcomes Kazakhstan’s constructive cooperation in international relations and its multi-vector foreign policy; encourages Kazakhstan to continue to engage and play a constructive role on the international stage; in this regard welcomes a “Manifesto: The World. The 21 Century” released by President Nazarbayev, which calls for the gradual eradication of armed conflict through nuclear non- proliferation and disarmament, and to initiate the Universal Declaration for a Nuclear- Weapons - Free World;
Amendment 54 #
2017/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Welcomes Kazakhstan’s third modernisation strategy announced in January 2017, with the goal of becoming among the 30 most developed countries in the world;
Amendment 61 #
2017/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point 1
Paragraph 13 – point 1
– to ensure that Kazakhstanboth sides abides by the essential elements of the EPCA, because failure to observe them would lead to either a dispute settlement (Article 278 or even suspension in the event of serious violations (Article 279);
Amendment 64 #
2017/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Encourages Kazakhstan to take pro- active and concrete steps on political and democratic reforms, including a clearer separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches, and introducing further checks and balances within the constitutional system, in line with the country’s international commitments under various UN, OSCE and Council of Europe instruments; recognises the ‘100-step programme’ as an attempt to address urgent reforms in the country;
Amendment 73 #
2017/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Takes note ofWelcomes the current administrative reforms and recommends further reforms guaranteeing a genuinely independent and impartial judiciary and more efficient efforts in fighting corruption at all levels;
Amendment 83 #
2017/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes the multi-ethnic character of Kazakhstan and stresses the need for a protection of minorities and their rights, in particular with regard to the use of religion, languages, non-discrimination and equal opportunities; welcomes the peaceful co-existence of different communities in Kazakhstan;
Amendment 105 #
2017/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. RecommendsCalls for closer cooperation on countering violent extremism and terrorism, including addressing the root causes of radicalisation; notes that Article 13 of the EPCA focuses on counter - terrorism measures and plays a crucial role especially in the current international environment;
Amendment 113 #
2017/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Notes with concern that adoption of recent anti-terrorism laws, including a bill proposing withdrawal of citizenship for terrorist suspects could lead to the suppression of peaceful and legitimate political opposition; urges the Kazakh authorities to avoid abusing this legislation with the aimpossible effect ofn restricting freedom of speech, the independence of the judiciary or banning opposition activity;
Amendment 118 #
2017/2035(INI)
33. Voices understanding for the country’s multi-vector foreign policy, including building good neighbourly relations with Russia and China and other partners;
Amendment 129 #
2017/2035(INI)
35a. Recognises that Kazakhstan is a leading power in the Central Asian region; urges Kazakhstan to use this position for positive engagement with its regional neighbours and take steps to move forward in regional cooperation;
Amendment 131 #
2017/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Welcomes the enhanced chapter on raw materials and energy cooperation, which holds great potential for contributing to EU energy security; recalls that Kazakhstan plays an important role as an energy supplier to the EU;
Amendment 136 #
2017/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Recalls that the EU is the country’s first trade and investment partner; highlights that trade and human rights can positively reinforce each other when operating in a rule of law environment; recalls that the business community has an important role to play in offering positive incentives in terms of promoting human rights, democracy, and corporate responsibility; points out that global value chains contribute to enhancing international core labour, environmental, social and human rights standards, including establishment and enforcement of occupational health and safety measures, educational opportunities, impartial institutions, and corruption reduction;
Amendment 7 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21
Citation 21
— having regard to the 28thand 29th ASEAN Summits held in Vientiane, Laos on 6-7 September 2016 and 30th ASEAN Summit held in Manila, Philippines on 26 – 29 April 2017,
Amendment 9 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 a (new)
Citation 23 a (new)
- having regard to the 24th ASEAN- EU Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting held in Jakarta on 2 March 2017,
Amendment 30 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas from 2014-2020, the EU has significantly increased its development cooperation funds; whereas more than €170 million has been earmarked to fund the on-going and post- 2015 ASEAN regional integration agenda; whereas in addition the EU has pledged over €3 billion to reduce poverty and address development gaps in low- income ASEAN countries;
Amendment 35 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas both regions have attained a considerable level of interaction, considering that with bilateral trade in goods worth more than 200 billion euros per year, ASEAN is the EU’s third trading partner and the EU ASEAN’s second;
Amendment 41 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the EU experience has in the past served as a source of inspiration for other regional integration processes; whereas the ASEAN countries, however, have been waiting to see whether the EU will be able to overcome its problems and divisions;
Amendment 72 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Congratulates the ASEAN member states on the 50th anniversary of ASEAN and fully supports all efforts for regional integration; expresses equally its appreciation for 40 years of EU-ASEAN relations and reiterates its recommendation that relations should be upgraded into a Strategic Partnership; underlines that the EU has compelling economic, sectoral and political interests in enhancing its cooperation with this pivotal player in a region of strategic importance;
Amendment 80 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the political value of strong trade and investment relations between ASEAN and the EU and exhorts both partners to strengthen economic relations; stresses that there is significant potential for EU-ASEAN trade relations to grow; highlights that the EU is the top foreign investor in ASEAN; highlights also the opportunities for cooperation on implementing the SDGs; emphasises the pursuit of a high level of EU-ASEAN cooperation in multilateral institutions such as the UN;
Amendment 85 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Commends the VP/HR and the Commission for adopting a Joint Communication setting out a roadmap for deepening the partnership in political, security and economic matters, and in connectivity, the environment, natural resources and other domains; stresses the importance to strengthen political dialogue between the EU and ASEAN;
Amendment 87 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Welcomes the appointment of a EU Head of Delegation to ASEAN and the opening of an EU Mission to ASEAN in 2015, which recognises the importance of the relationship between the EU and ASEAN;
Amendment 90 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Calls to continue active support of the ASEAN Member States and institutions in their efforts to deepen regional integration; stresses that the EU, as a major development partner for ASEAN, provides technical assistance and capacity building in creating an internal market;
Amendment 104 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Supports EU-ASEAN cooperation on a host of non-conventional security issuessecurity issues; underlines that ASEAN values the opportunity of enhancing cooperation with the EU on security; supports greater EU involvement in the ARF; stresses that the EU was instrumental and assumed leadership with ASEAN Member States' support in moving forward the ARF agenda from Confidence Building Measures to Preventive Diplomacy and Mediation; notes that in 2016, the EU participated, for the first time, in the multinational naval exercise hosted by Indonesia;
Amendment 108 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Supports EU-ASEAN cooperation on a host of non-conventional security issues; calls for the EU to step-up its cooperation with ASEAN in counter- terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief through an increased contribution to the ASEAN Regional Forum and the Asia Europe Meeting; believes that the EU and ASEAN can share experiences for a greater regional cooperation and resource-pooling;
Amendment 115 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines the EU’s particular experience in institution building, the single market, regulatory convergence, conflict and crisis management, maritime security, mediation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and the EU’s willingness to share such experience where useful; highlights the EU-ASEAN Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement (CATA) negotiations and the broader connectivity agenda; notes that in 2014- 2012 the EU devotes half of its financial assistance to ASEAN to supporting ASEAN's connectivity;
Amendment 117 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Welcomes the 3rd ASEAN-EU High Level Dialogue on Maritime Security Cooperation in Thailand on 15 and 16 September 2016, which identified and proposed future areas of concrete cooperation between ASEAN and the EU in the domain of maritime security and preventive diplomacy; looks forward to the convening of the 4th ASEAN-EU High Level Dialogue on Maritime Security Cooperation to be held in 2017 in the Philippines;
Amendment 118 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Highlights the need to engage at the multilateral level with other jurisdictions in the region, such as ASEAN observers, Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste, as well as China, Japan and Taiwan;
Amendment 122 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Believes that negotiations on a regional EU-ASEAN free trade agreement should be re-launched; in order to pursue the final objective of a region to region agreement; calls for the EU and ASEAN to seize the opportunity of the setting-up of the ASEAN Economic Community to advance the free trade agreement agenda;
Amendment 123 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Believes that negotiations on a regional EU-ASEAN free trade agreement should be re-launched; notes that at the annual EU-ASEAN ministerial consultations held in Manila on 10 March 2017 it was agreed to take new steps towards resuming free trade talks between the EU and ASEAN;
Amendment 145 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is deeply concerned about the erosion of democracy and human rights in certain countries in the region and the restrictions on space for civil society, particularly for environmental and labour rights activists and media worker, academics, researchers and media workers; calls ASEAN to dedicate adequate resources to its Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and facilitate its decision-making processes; hopes that specific and verifiable targets and measures will be included in the AICHR’s five-year work plan and that human rights violations will be actively monitored, investigated and prosecuted; urges all ASEAN member states to ratify further UN human rights conventions and the Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC);
Amendment 155 #
2017/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Stresses that the EU supports the ASEAN bodies in developing their human rights policies; welcomes the EU-ASEAN Policy Dialogue on Human Rights held in 2015, which allowed for open and constructive exchanges on themes of common interest; supports the work of the Regional EU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument Human Rights Facility office that promotes human rights in ASEAN with the aim to publicize human rights issues and actions and increase awareness about human rights;
Amendment 1 #
2017/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the collaborative economy offers many opportunities for growth and jobs, especially for people who are distant from the labour market, such as young people, students, women and seniors, and provides innovative new services for citizens and consumers;
Amendment 3 #
2017/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Commission communication entitled ‘A European Agenda for the collaborative economy’ stresses the increasing significance of the platform economy, its important contribution to growth and jobs by providing new opportunities for citizens and innovative entrepreneurs, and its impact on economic and employment policies;
Amendment 99 #
2017/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls for Member States to adapt their education and training policies to the new skills requested in the collaborative economy; Encourages Member States to include digital trainings in their school programs, from primary school; underlines the need to develop lifelong learning programs to be able to acquire new skills related to technological developments all along the professional career;
Amendment 104 #
2017/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Underlines that the collaborative economy fosters entrepreneurship; Stresses the need to adapt training mechanisms to this new kind of businesses;
Amendment 26 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU remains committed to BiH’s EU perspective, to its territorial integrity, sovereignty and unity; whereas progress has been achieved on the EU integration path; whereas the Council asked the Commission to prepare its opinion on BiH’s application for membership;
Amendment 59 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the consideration of BiH’s EU membership application by the Council and looks forward to the Commission’s opinion on the merits of the application for membership; calls on competent BiH authorities at all levels to cooperate and coordinate in participating in the Commission’s Opinion process by providing a single set of replies to the Commission’s inquiries; reiterates that the EU accession process is an inclusive process involving all public stakeholders;
Amendment 94 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets that the Rules of Procedure of the SAPC have still not been adopted and it therefore could not be properly constituted; recalls that the SAA requires the adoption of the Rules of Procedure and failing to do so is in direct breach of the SAA implementation; in this respect, urges the Bosnian delegation to adopt of the Rules of Procedure at the next meeting of the SAPC without delay;
Amendment 116 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Is concerned about the continued fragmentation and politicisation of public administration, which hampers institutional and legislative reforms and makes the delivery of public service to citizens cumbersome and expensive; calls, as a matter of urgency, for a more harmonised approach to policy development and coordination between all levels of government, and better medium-term planning; recalls that a professional, effective and merit-based public administration is a backbone of the integration process for any country that aspires to become an EU member;
Amendment 225 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Deplores the fact that BiH is still in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights for not implementing the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the Sejdić-Finci, Zornić and Pilav cases; strongly callurges for progress to be made in this regard in order to advance the country’s EU perspective; reiterates that failing to implement these rulings enables overt discrimination of citizens in BiH;
Amendment 257 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes measures to modernise labour legislation, to improve the business environment and to address weaknesses in the financial sector within the framework of the Reform Agenda; welcomes the 3- year Extended Fund Facility programme agreed with the IMF, which is expected to further improve the business climate, to reduce the size of government and to safeguard the financial sector; continues to regret the absence of a unified single economic area, which hampers the business environment and, foreign direct investments and SMEs; calls to address these issues through harmonised and coordinated country-wide industrial and SME policies; calls, as a matter of urgency, for the competent authorities to outline coordinated measures with a view to strengthening the rule of law, simplifying contract enforcement procedures and combating corruption in the economy;
Amendment 283 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes BiH’s continued constructive and pro-active role in promoting bilateral and regional cooperation; stresses the need for a unified foreign policy of BiH; calls for further efforts to resolve outstanding bilateral issues, including on border demarcation with Serbia and Croatia; commends BiH for further increasing its alignment with relevant EU statements and decisions under the Common Foreign and Security Policy from 62 % to 77 %; considers it important to coordinate BiH foreign policy with EU foreign policy and that the EU remain actively engaged in preserving safety and security in BiH;
Amendment 2 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
- having regard to the General Affairs Council conclusions of 13 December 2016,
Amendment 4 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
- having regard to the OCSE report Monitoring of Administrative Trials 2015,
Amendment 9 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Albania has made steady progress in its EU accession procesprogress towards meeting the political criteria for membership and steady progress in the five key priorities for the opening of accession negotiations; whereas further implementation of, inter alia, the judicial reform package, electoral reform and the so-called decriminalisation law is importantare indispensable in strengthening citizens’ trust in their public institutions and political representatives;
Amendment 20 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas judicial reform remained key for moving forward with Albania's EU accession process;
Amendment 22 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. whereas constructive and sustainable political dialogue between political forces on EU-related reforms is essential for making further progress in the EU accession process;
Amendment 23 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
B c. whereas there is a political consensus and wide public support for the EU accession process in Albania;
Amendment 37 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes Albania’s continuous progress on EU-related reforms, in particular the consensual adoption of constitutional amendments paving the way for a comprehensive judicial reform; stresses that not only consistent adoption but also full and timely implementation of reforms and sustained political commitment are essential in order to further advance the EU accession process;
Amendment 46 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. FWelcomes the Commission's recommendation for opening accession negotiations with Albania; fully supports Albania’s accession to the EU, and calls for the accession negotiations to be opened as soon as there is credible progress in the implementation of comprehensive judicial reform, in order to keep the reform momentum; expects Albania to consolidate the progress achieved and to maintain the pace of progress on implementation of all key priorities;
Amendment 57 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Commends the consensual adoption of the constitutional amendments for judicial reform and thes well as adoption of laws on the institutional re-organisation of the judiciary; welcomes the Venice Commission's amicus curiae followed by the Constitutional Court's ruling concerning the vetting law, calls for the swift adoption and implementation of all relevant accompanying laws and by-laws, in particularespecially the law on the re-evaluation (vetting) of judges, prosecutors and legal advisors; notes that the application of the vetting and package of draft law has bneen suspended by the Constitutional Court, and that the latter has requested the opinion of the Venice Commission on its constitutionalityded for the implementation of the justice system reform; reiterates that a comprehensive judicial reform is a major demand by Albania’'s citizens forto re- establishing trust in their political representatives and public institutions, and that the credibility and effectiveness of the overall reform process, including the fight against corruption and organised crime, depend on the success of the vetting process and judicial reform;
Amendment 71 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the new justice reform strategy 2017-2020 and its action plan, as well as the increased budgetary means for implementation; calls for any shortcomings in the functioning of the judicial system to be further addressed, including lack of independence from other branches of power, selective justice, limited accountability, ineffective oversight mechanisms, corruption, the overall length of judicial proceedings and enforcements; calls on further engagement in the area of administrative justice, addressing issues such effective access to the courts and allocating resources to enable efficient work of these courts;
Amendment 76 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Ad-Hoc Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform to finalise swiftly its review of the electoral code while addressing all previous OSCE/ODIHR recommendations and strengthening transparency of the party financing and integrity of the electoral processes; calls on the competent authorities to ensure implementation in due time before the upcoming parliamentary elections of June 2017; recalls that all political parties arhave responsible for ensuring thatility for the conduct of democratic elections are conducted in compliance with international standards; recalls on Albania’s political parties to respect the law, in spirit and in letter, on the exclusion of criminal offenders from public office when drawing up their candidate listthat free and fair elections are crucial for progressing in the EU integration process;
Amendment 84 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls on Albania's political parties to respect the law on the exclusion of criminal offenders from public office in spirit and in letter when drawing their candidates lists; calls on the full implementation and enforcement this law;
Amendment 88 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes improved transparency and inclusivity of parliamentary activities and calls for the observance of the rule of procedures, but calls for parliamentary capacities to be enhanced in order to monitor the implementation of reforms and their compliance with EU standards and to make better use of the various oversight mechanisms and institutions in order to hold the government to account; calls for the parliamentary code of ethics to be approved and for the rules of procedure to reflect the law on the role of parliament in the EU integration process; offers to explore ways for closer cooperation with the Parliament of Albania within the framework of the European Parliament support programme for parliaments of the enlargement countries in order to enhance its capacity to produce quality legislation in line with the EU acquis and to exercise its oversight role in the implementation of reforms;
Amendment 101 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the adoption of key pieces of anti-corruption legislation, including on the protection of whistle- blowers; is concerned, however, that key anti-corruption institutions continue to be subject to political interference and have limited administrative capacities; recalls that corruption remains a serious problem and recognizes that corruption is not merely a financial issue, but a key factor undermining human development, democracy and the rule of law; stresses the need for a more adequate legal framework for conflicts of interest, the regulatingon of lobbying and better inter- institutional cooperation, especially between police and prosecutioncurement services, with a view in order to improvinge their track record as regardson investigation, prosecution and conviction, including i also on high level cases; in view of thewith a view to upcoming parliamentary elections, calls forurges to establish effective oversight and transparency of political party financing;
Amendment 108 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the continuedNotes implementation of the strategy and action plan on the fight against organised crime and intensified international police cooperation; welcomes including with neighbouring countries on fight against drug cultivation and trafficking; and while welcoming the recent operations against drugcannabis plantations;, calls also foron stepping up measures to eradicate drug cultivation in Albania and related networks of organiszed crime networks to be dismantled and for; calls for a more transparent accountability - including of police forces and authorities monitoring potential plantation areas around the country; calls for also dismantling organised crime networks and increasing the number of final convictions in organised crime cases to be increased, by enhancing cooperation between police, international organisations and prosecution services and by strengthening institutional and operational capacities; underlines the need to step up efforts to prevention of human trafficking, in particular as regards unaccompanied children and child victims of trafficking;
Amendment 135 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Urges the competent authorities to continue improving the climate of inclusion and tolerance for all minorities in the country, including by enhancing the role of the State Committee on Minorities; as regardswelcomes the initial steps aiming to improve the legal framework drafting the comprehensive law for the protection of minorities; notes the broad consultation process involving independent institutions, minorities associations and civil society; calls on finalizing the draft law and its swift adoption and implementation; concerning Roma and Egyptians, calls for continued efforts in improving their access to employment, education, health, social housing and legal aid; is concerned that, despite improvements, the inclusion of Roma children in the education system remains the lowest in the region;
Amendment 148 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Commends the efforts of the Ombudsman office in improving human rights legislation especially in the framework of the reform of judiciary; welcomes active promotion of the rights of vulnerable groups and principles of human dignity, freedom, equality and rule of law; regrets that the work of the Ombudsman's Office continued to be limited by lack of funding and personnel;
Amendment 157 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. Regrets that competent authorities failed so far to conduct an effective criminal investigation into the loss of life at the demonstration on 21 January 2011, invites the authorities to proceed without undue delay to deliver justice for the victims of the events of 21 January 2011;
Amendment 171 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Regrets that no progress was made in the area of freedom of expression last year; reiterates the critical importance of professional and independent private and public service media; is concerned about political influence in the media and widespread self-censorship among journalists; notes the slow implementation of the law on audiovisual media and the delays in filling vacancies inat the method of electing members is not free of political influence and does not guarantee full independence of the Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA); calls for measures to raise the professional and ethical standards of and prevalencethe - availability of regular work contracts ofor journalists, to enhance the transparency of government advertising in the media and to ensure the independence, impartiality and accountability of the regulatory authority and the public broadcaster; reiterates the need to finalise and adopt public service broadcaster RTSH's internal statute as a matter of urgency and finalise the delayed digital broadcasting switchover process;
Amendment 176 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes improvements in fiscal consolidation, better scores in doing business, and efforts to fight the informal economy; still notes, however, still shortcomings in the rule of law and a cumbersome regulatory environment, which deter investments; urges the competent authorities to take measures for improved enforcement of contracts and, better tax collection, and to continue implementing judicial reform with a view to improving the business environmenthe justice reform in order to improve the business environment; is concerned about the high level of direct procurements and non-competitive bidding and the awarding of long term outsourcing and PPP contracts with questionable impact regarding the public interest;
Amendment 181 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Notes with concern limited administrative capacities in enforcement of environmental law and poor waste management and water management, which often leads to environmental crime threatening Albania's economic resources and constituting barrier towards a resource-efficient economy; highlights that the environmental impact of hydropower plants is often not properly assessed and adherence to EU legislation is not assured; reiterates its call to reconsider plans for building hydropower plants in protected areas of Vjosa river;
Amendment 186 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls forUrges to complete the process of property registration, restitution and compensation to be completed, and forand to update and effectively implement the 2012-2020 strategy on property rights to be implemented effectively; calls on improving transparency, legal certainty and equality of treatment related to the law on compensation for property confiscated during the communist time; calls on appointing national coordinator for property rights and accelerating the process of property registration and mapping, including the property digitalization;
Amendment 221 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation in the EU integration process; welcomes Albania's constructive and proactive role in several regional initiatives, such as the South East Europe Cooperation Process, the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region, the Central European Initiative, the Western Balkans Six and the Regional Initiative for Migration and Asylum, as well as Albania's constructive attitude in developing bilateral relations with other enlargement countries and neighbouring EU Member States;
Amendment 44 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the opening of negotiations on Chapters 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) and 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security) as the key chapters in the EU approach to enlargement based on the rule of law; welcomes the opening of Chapters 32 (Financial Control) and 35 (Other Issues), the opening of negotiations on Chapter 5 (Public Procurement) and the opening and provisional closure of Chapter 25 (Science and Research); calls on the Council to open Chapter 26 (Education and Culture) as well as opening those chapters that has been technically prepared;
Amendment 55 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the continued engagement of Serbia on the path of integration into the EU and its constructive and well-prepared approach to the negotiations, which is a clear sign of determination and political will; calls on Serbia to actively promote this strategic decision among the Serbian population; notes improvement in public consultations with relevant stakeholders and civil society, encourage to enhance further transparency in the process of accession negotiations;
Amendment 72 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 80 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the progress made by Serbia in developing a functioning market economy and the improvement of the overall economic situation in the country; stresses that Serbia has made good progress in addressing some of its policy weaknesses, in particular with regard to the budget deficit which is now below Maastricht criteria; highlights that growth prospects have improved and domestic and external imbalances have been reduced; underlines that the restructuring of publicly owned enterprises has advanced; notes the paramount importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to Serbia's economy;
Amendment 87 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the conduct of the parliamentary elections on 24 April 2016 which were assessed positively by the international observers; calls on the authorities to fully address the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission; calls on Serbian authorities to improve conditions for election monitoring by local NGOs; notes lack of transparency in the financing of political parties and electoral campaigns; stresses that the funding of political parties needs to be transparent and in accordance with international standards;
Amendment 97 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on Serbia to align its foreign and security policy with that of the EU, including its policy on Russia; is convinced that trade policies with foreign policy implications need to be aligned to those of the EU as well; notes Serbia's steps towards further integration with the Eurasian Economic Union; strongly encourages and supports Serbia in negotiating WTO accession; welcomes Serbia’s important contribution to and continued participation in international peacekeeping operations;
Amendment 145 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Repeats its call for proper reform of the offense of abuse of office and abuse of responsible position, such as to prevent possible misuse; notes that neither of previous reforms have addressed these calls and that the new wording of offense of abuse of a responsible position (article 227) still leaves room for arbitrary interpretation; calls on responsible authorities to either abolish, or sufficiently define the offense of abuse of responsible position in order to prevent its possible misuse in private sector; calls once again on independent and through review of reclassified cases related to abuse of responsible positions so that long-standing unjust prosecutions can be dropped immediately;
Amendment 155 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the progress made in the fight against organised crime and the adoption of Serbia’s first national serious and organise crime threat assessment (SOCTA); calls on Serbia to step up efforts to investigate wider criminal networks, improve financial investigations and intelligence-led policing and develop a solid track record of final convictions; calls on authorities to address numerous cases of excessive use of power by police against citizens; has taken note of the controversial events in Belgrade’s Savamala district and calls for their swift resolution;
Amendment 170 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the measures taken to improve transparency and the consultation process within the parliament, including public hearings and regular meetings and consultations with the National Convent on European Integration, especially as being important part of negotiation procedures; remains concerned about the extensive use of urgent procedures in adopting legislation; stresses that the frequent use of urgent procedures undermines parliamentary effectiveness; underlines that the parliament’'s oversight of the executive needs to be strengthened; calls for the adoption of parliament’'s code of conduct; regrets that, due to disruption, the Head of Mission of the EU Delegation to Serbia was not able to present the Commission’'s report in the European Integrations Committee of the Serbian Parliament;
Amendment 186 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates the importance of independent regulatory bodies, including the Ombudsman, in ensuring oversight and accountability of the executive; calls on the authorities to provide the Ombudsman with full political and administrative support for his work; state authorities, such as the Ombudsman, the Commissioner for Information of Public Importance, State Audit Institution and others in ensuring oversight and accountability of the executive; calls on the authorities to protect the independence of these offices, fully cooperate with them when exercise their powers and provide them with full political and administrative support for their institutional work; stresses that their recommendations need to receive proper follow-up;
Amendment 195 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Recognizes unfavourable demographic situation since Serbia is ranked among the countries with highest negative population growth rate ( -5.4 per 1000 inhabitants in 2015 ) while also facing massive brain drain, especially among youngsters; calls on the authorities to introduce the national programs focused on higher youth employment and take appropriate measures to stimulate birth rate;
Amendment 213 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Reiterates its concern that no progress has been made to improve the situation regarding freedom of expression and of the media; stresses that political interference, threats, violence and intimidation against journalists including physical assaults, verbal and written threats and attacks on property remain an issue of concern; calls on the authorities to investigate any cases of attacks against journalists and media outlets; is concern that civil defamation lawsuits are disproportionately targeting critical media outlets and journalists; calls for the full implementation of media laws; underlines the need for complete transparency in media ownership and funding of media and encourages the government to guarantee the independence and the financial sustainability of both public service media organisations; recalls the need for a functioning Regulatory Body for Electronic Media;
Amendment 246 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes that Vojvodina’'s culturmultietnical, multicultural and multiconfessional diversity also contributes to Serbia’'s identity; underlines that Vojvodina has maintained a high degree of protection for minorities and that the inter-ethnic situation has remained good; stresses that the autonomy of Vojvodina should not be weakened and that the law on Vojvodina’'s resources should be adopted without further delay, as prescribed by the constitution; welcomes the achievement of Serbian city Novi Sad to became a first city among candidate countries selected to be the European capital of Culture in 2021;
Amendment 252 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the adoption of the new Roma social inclusion strategy 2016-2025, which covers education, health, housing and, employment, social protection, anti- discrimination and gender equality; calls for the full implementation of the new strategy for Roma inclusion;
Amendment 266 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
Amendment 2 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
— having regard to the European Council’s decision of 16 December 2005 to grant the country the status of candidate for EU membership, to the European Council conclusions of June 2008, and to the conclusions of 13 December 2016, which received the support of the overwhelming majority of delegations and reiterated its unequivocal commitment to the EU accession process of the Republic of Macedonia,
Amendment 8 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
- having regard to the Recommendations of the Senior Experts' Group on Systematic Rule of Law issues relating to the communications interception revealed in Spring 2015,
Amendment 21 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas early parliamentary elections held in Macedonia had a very high turnout;
Amendment 31 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas reforms and accession preparations are being hampered by political polarisation; whereas backsliding in some important areas can be continuously observed;
Amendment 40 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas a serious commitment by all political forces is required for the country to return to its EU integration path; whereas a new government needs to adopt and implement robust reformsrobust reforms marked by tangible results in order to maintain the country on its EU integration and Euro-Atlantic path;
Amendment 46 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas EU the accession process is a major incentive for further reforms, particularly with regard to the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and the fight against corruption;
Amendment 54 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas on 20 July and 31 August 2016, leaders of the four main political parties reached an agreement on the implementation of the Pržino Agreement, including on 11 December 2016 as the date for early parliamentary elections and declaring their support to the work of the Special Prosecutor; whereas they also reiterated their commitment to implement the 'Urgent Reform Priorities';
Amendment 63 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas bilateral disputes should be duly addressed in compliance with EU and UN standards and should not represent an obstacle to the opening of accession negotinot be used to obstruct the EU accession process and should not represent an obstacle to the opening of accession negotiations, but be duly addressed in a constructive spirit and compliance with EU and UN standards as early as possible in the accession process; whereas all efforts should be done to maintain good neighbourly and inter-ethnic relations;
Amendment 137 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets the backsliding in the reform of the judiciary; deplores recurrent political interference in its work including in the appointment and promotion of judges and prosecutors, as well as the cases of selective justice; urges once again that the political will be demonstratede responsible authorities to address effectively the underlying issues as identified in the 'Urgent Reform Priorities', and demonstrate political will to progress in judicial reform including by improving transparency in the appointment and promotion procedures and by reducing the length of court proceedings; calls on the authorities to ensure the professionalism of the Judicial Council;
Amendment 143 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets the continuing backsliding in the reform of the judiciary; deplores recurrent political interference in its work including in the appointment and promotion of judges and prosecutors, as well as the cases of selective justice; urges once again that the political will be demonstrated to progress in judicial reform including by improving transparency in the appointment and promotion procedures and by reducing the length of court proceedings; calls on the authorities to ensure the professionalism of the Judicial Council;
Amendment 152 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the Special Prosecutor has raised the first criminal indictments concerning wrongdoings arising from the wiretaps; is concerned about attacks and obstruction against ther work of the Special Prosecutor's Office (SPO) and the lack of cooperation from other institutions; considers it essential for the democratic process to enable the Special Prosecutor’s Office to carry out thorough investigations in full autonomy;
Amendment 160 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Remains concerned that combating corruption is being undermined by political interference and continues to be a serious problem; stresses the need to strengthen the independence of the police, the prosecution and the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (SCPC); calls for improving transparency in the selection and appointment of SCPC members; calls, as a matter of urgency, for efforts to be made to ensure the effective prevention and punishment of conflicts of interest and to establish a credible track record on high- level corruption cases;
Amendment 166 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the fact that the legislative framework and strategies for fighting organised crime are in place; encourages further improvement of cooperation between law enforcement agencies both within the country and with neighbouring countries and the strengthening of the powers and resources of the courts; considers it important to further develop the law enforcement capacity to investigate financial crimes and confiscate assets;
Amendment 169 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Appreciates the continued efforts to fight Islamic radicaliszation and foreign terrorist fighters; welcomes the adoption of the 2013-2019 strategy to fight terrorism, which also defines the concepts of violent extremism, radicalisation, prevention and reintegration; calls for its implementation by a new national counter terrorism coordinator who should be appointed as soon as possible and who should foresee more cooperation between security agencies and civil society organisations (CSOs) and, local communities and other state institutions in education heals and social services; further calls for continued monitoring of returning foreign fighters by security services;
Amendment 184 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Is convinced that civil society plays an important role in supporting democratic processes and ensuring checks and balances; is concerned about signals coming from civil society organizations referring to deterioration of the climate in which they operate, limited government commitment to dialogue, as well as, public attacks by politicians and selected media;
Amendment 226 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Is concerned over freedom of expression and the media, the use of hate speech, political interference and pressure, including through government advertising; calls for inclusive media interest representation bodies and calls on the government to ensure that intimidation or violence against journalists is investigated and that those responsible be brought to justice; underlines the need for the sustainability and autonomy of the public service broadcast;
Amendment 241 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the maintenance of macro-economic stability but is concerned about the sustainability of public debt and that unemployment remains high with very low labour market participation, especially among youth and women; further urges competent authorities to tackle long-term and structural unemployment, to promote economic policy cooperation, to better align education with labour market demands and to develop a targeted strategy on how to better integrate young people and women into the labour market; is concerned about the outflow of highly educated young professionals; strongly calls on the government to dedicate particular attention to improving the perspectives of youth;
Amendment 278 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Commends the country for constructive cooperation in addressing the migration crisis thus substantially contributing to the security and stability of the European Union; recommends further actions to ensure capacities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling; calls for the respect of international humanitarian law;
Amendment 46 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Commends the competent authorities for holding parliamentary elections on 16 October 2016 in an orderly manner in which fundamental freedoms were generally respected; encourages further alignment with international standards; welcomes the revised legal framework under which the elections took place, but notes the persistence of some administrative deficiencies, including on the part of the State Election Commission (SEC), as well as concerns about the accuracy of the electoral register and politicisation; expects that the alleged procedural irregularities, including alleged abuses of state funds and abuse of office, and any other reported shortcomings, will be investigated fully and addressed effectively by the competent authorities; notes with regret that part of the opposition has not recognised the results of the elections; recognises the attempts by external actors to discredit the electoral process and the difficulties this has caused; regrets the closure of two mobile Internet communication platforms on election day and expects investigation of these events;
Amendment 146 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Remains concerned about the state of media freedom in Montenegro; urges again the competent authorities to resolve the long-pending cases of violence against, intimidation of and threats made to journalists, to take measures to protect media professionals and to create a safe environment for free and investigative journalism; insists on transparent state advertising in private media, on the amendment of the Montenegrin criminal code and on the introduction of new criminal offenses aimed at preventing and punishing attacks on journalists discharging their professional duties; acknowledges the legal measures taken to provide greater financial independence and sustainability for the public service broadcaster RTCG, and calls for further steps to ensure its independence, including editorial independence;
Amendment 147 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Notes, in respect to the 2016 elections, that the SEC (State Election Commission) limited media access; calls for implementing the recommendations regarding media put forward by the Final Report of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission on Parliamentary Elections 2016;
Amendment 163 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Notes the modest decline in unemployment; welcomes the new 2016- 2020 national strategy for employment and human resources development and the accompanying 2016 action plan; continues to be concerned about high youth unemployment and poor labour mobility; calls for proactive labour market measures to increase employment and to support women, the vulnerable populations, people with disabilities and young people through education, career guidance, training and employment;
Amendment 164 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. While some progress was made in developing transport infrastructure including through the South East Europe Transport Observatory, a lack of cross- border roads are hindering trade and tourism; welcomes efforts carried out so far in the interest of liberalizing the railway sector in Montenegro; calls on the need to coordinate with neighbouring countries on the issues of connectivity and allow it to become part of the planning process for infrastructure projects;
Amendment 167 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16 b. Stresses the importance of strengthening the SME sector and providing support through better legislation, financing, implementation of industrial policy and reducing the informal economy as well as speeding up electronic registration of companies nation-wide;
Amendment 185 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes Montenegro’s proactive participation and constructive role in regional and international cooperation and encourages further cooperation in this regard; commends Montenegro for continuing fully to align its foreign policy with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy; encourages it to continue to address, in a constructive and neighbourly spirit,welcomes Montenegro's participation in the EU's CSDP's missions; encourages it to continue to address outstanding bilateral issues with its neighbours, including the unresolved border demarcation issues with Serbia and Croatia; welcomes the border demarcation agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina; positively notes Montenegro's ratification of the border demarcation agreement with Kosovo; commends cooperation with neighbouring countries under the Sarajevo Declaration Process;
Amendment 54 #
2016/2307(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the long-term unemployment rate (relating to unemployment of more than one year) fell by 0.7 % in the year to the first quarter of 2016, to 4.2 % of the labour force; whereas the very long-term unemployment rate (relating to unemployment of more than two years) fell to 2.6 % of the labour force; whereas the number of long-term unemployed remains high, at around 10 million; whereas long-term unemployment is particularly a problem for younger and older jobseekers, with 30% of 15-24 and 64% of 55-64 year-olds being jobseekers for more than one year; whereas many older workers who are inactive are not included in unemployment statistics;
Amendment 144 #
2016/2307(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the increase in the employment rate; encourages the Member States to make further efforts in order to reach the Europe 2020 employment rate target of 75 %; with special focus on groups with low labour market participation such as older workers;
Amendment 159 #
2016/2307(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that the integration of long-term unemployed individuals through individually tailored measures is a key factor for fighting poverty and social exclusion and contributing to the sustainability of national social security systems; highlights, in this context, the importance of skills and competences acquired in non-formal and informal learning environments, of skills validation and certification and of access to life-long learning; highlights the importance of the commitments and benchmarks of the Strategic Framework on Education and Training 2020;
Amendment 204 #
2016/2307(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that insufficient investment in education, and especially in digital skills, may undermine Europe’'s competitive position and the employability of its workforce, particularly of those at risk of long-term unemployment; calls on the Member States to prioritise comprehensive training in digital skills for people of all ages and to take into account the shift towards the digital economy in the context of upskilling and retraining;
Amendment 276 #
2016/2307(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Points out to the Member States, in view of the ageing of Europe’s citizens, the need to ensure the sustainability, safety, adequacy and effectiveness of social security systems over the coming decades; encourages the Member States, therefore, to develop strategies to ensure that more people can continue to be active participants in society; urges especially the Commission and Member States to adapt labour markets for older workers through age-friendly working conditions to enable them to work up to statutory retirement age; underlines the need to combat age stereotypes that are still pervasive in labour markets;
Amendment 289 #
2016/2307(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Notes that an increased effort is required in many Member States to educate the workforce, including adult education and vocational training opportunities as well as initiatives aiming to enhance the participation rate of older workers in life- long learning , as this group currently has the lowest participation rate;
Amendment 322 #
2016/2307(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the involvement in the European Semester process of the social partners, the national parliaments and other relevant stakeholders from civil society; reiterates that social dialogue and dialogue with civil society must be pursued in all phases of the Semester;
Amendment 36 #
2016/2238(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the array of services provided by PSCs is extremely broad, ranging from logistical services to actual combat support, providing military technology and participation in post- conflict reconstruction;
Amendment 124 #
2016/2238(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Underlines the importance of parliamentary oversight over state use of PSCs by Member States;
Amendment 130 #
2016/2238(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the EU makes use of Private Security Companies abroad to guard its delegations and staff and to support its civilian and military CSDP missions; notes that their use thus directly contributes to the EU's reputation and perception by third parties; stresses that their services fill capacity gaps that the EU would otherwise have difficulties in tackling; demands that the Commission and the Council produce an overview of where, when and for what reason Private Security Companies have been employed in support of EU missions;
Amendment 151 #
2016/2238(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recommends, therefore, that the Commission propose common PSC contracting guidelines that clearly spell out the requirements for international and local PSCs to qualify for EU contracts, with the goal of replacing the current patchwork of approaches and thus offering greater legal clarity; these guidelines should be based both on international best practices in relation to PSC conduct and management, such as the ICoC, and take into account the need for particular care to be taken when selecting local PSCs in a complex post- crisis context; urges the Commission and the EEAS to give clear preference to ICoC- certified providers ;
Amendment 208 #
2016/2238(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes, however, that the evaluation of the performance of PSCs is hampered by the lack of consistent reporting about their use by both EU institutions and Member States’' governments; encourages Member States and EU institutions to provide this information more consistently and in a transparent manner to allow for a proper assessment of the use of PSCs by their respective budgetary authorities;
Amendment 213 #
2016/2238(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that the transnational nature of PCSCs and, in particular, their activities in areas of the world affected by crisis often leads to jurisdictional gaps that could make it difficult to hold the companies or their employees to account for their actions; notes that the national regulation of Private Security Companies often does not have extraterritorial application; calls for a clear legal framework which defines the area of activity of PSCs;
Amendment 219 #
2016/2238(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Urges, therefore, that the EU and its Member States use their status in the Montreux Document Forum to insist upon regular reviews of the state of implementation of the Montreux Document’'s recommendations for good practice by its participants; urges the Member States that have not yet done so to join the Montreux document as soon as possible; encourages Member States to engage in sharing best practices;
Amendment 1 #
2016/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Points out that the textile sector, in particular cotton production, is the main area of trade between the EU and Uzbekistan; stresses, in this regard, that the EU should make full use of the extension of the PCA in order to step up presensure onthat the Uzbek authorities to ensure that theare engaged in a transition process following the sudden death of the president that leads to democratic reforms and a substantial improvement of the human rights situation;
Amendment 3 #
2016/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is convinced thatWelcomes the substantial progress made since 2013 oachieved in the question of child labour in Uzbekistan is mainly the result of the diplomatic efforts of the EU and, in particular, of Parliament’s resolution of 2011 that put the agreement on hold and led to the active involvement ofsince 2013, including the adoption of laws which prohibit the use of child labour; encourages the authorities to further engage in a country-wide campaign raising awareness in order to completely eradicate child labour; welcomes the active involvement of the Uzbek authorities with the European Parliament, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the World Bank (WB);
Amendment 6 #
2016/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. TRecognises that further engagement with the Government of Uzbekistan is needed in order to contribute to continuous reduction in forced labour; reserves the right to call on the Commission and the Council to activate Articles 2 and 95 of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement so as to take all necessary general and specific measures if the commitment to the abolition of forced labour is not lived up to; takes the view that although progress has been made in terms of a reduction of forced labour in general, the trend has been irregular; underlines that more indirect and subtle ways of involuntary work seem to prevail;
Amendment 11 #
2016/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that reports by independent monitors (not allowed by the Uzbek regime) and by media on pre-harvest work in 2016 indicate a massiveIs concerned about the reported state- led mobilisation of citizens, involving as well the forced labour of public employees and students, in the 2016 pre-harvest work;
Amendment 14 #
2016/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Looks forward to the ILO reportWelcomes the authorisation of the Uzbek government to grant the ILO access to monitoring onf the 2016 cotton harvest in Uzbekistan; considers, furthermore, that observing this changeover period would also give Parliament an overall pictureand to engage in broad cooperation with ILO through a Decent Work Country Programme; looks forward to the ILO reporting ofn the transition proc2016 cotton harvesst in Uzbekistan;
Amendment 19 #
2016/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is of the opinion that giving consent without concrete and verified data would be misleading and premature, undermining the pressure that has helped brshould go hand in hand with concrete and verified data bringing about the progress that Uzbekistan has achieved so far, and weakening the EU’s common commercial policy objectives, which must respect EU valuesshould contribute to deepening bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union, including in trade;
Amendment 27 #
2016/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Deplores the factNotes that, despite the commitments made relating to the protection of human rights, Uzbekistan has faced virtually no consequences for its persistent refusal to acknowledge the existence of anyfurther progress must be achieved in regards to individuals imprisoned on politically motivated charges, release them from prison, improve their treatment in custody or end the cycle of crackdowns, arrests and convictions, nor has the government paid any real cost for its systematic failure to cooperate; encourages the Uzbek government to step up its involvement with international institutions, including in eleven special procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
Amendment 1 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights the need to rebuildadapt and strengthen the EU-ACP relationship on fresh foundations as a fair partnership between equals, respecting countries’ heterogeneity and sovereignty; stresses that the partnership must have as its, taking account of the new challenges posed by and the new characteristics of the international environment, in particular globalisation and regionalisation; stresses that meeting the objectives of the United Nations SDGs, the meeting of basic needs and respect for human right should be at the heart of the partnership; stresses that the new SDG approach can help us to get past the donor-receiver paradigm in ACP-EU relations;
Amendment 14 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Draws attention to the vital importance of consistency between the Union’s external policies and of consistency between the objectives of its internal and external policies, in particular in the areas of trade, agriculture, the environment, energy, security and migration; adds that it is still important that the countries in the ACP group should take full ownership of the ACP-EU partnership and that the review should give the partnership fresh political impetus, over and above any technical or institutional adjustments required;
Amendment 23 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises the negative effects ofat the association agreements on the economies of ACP countries; takes the view that the new partnership will need to be based on developing the countries’ productive capacities, completing the most advantageous regional integration processes, protecting traditional agriculture, and combating land grabbing, the privatisation of national natural resources and public services, and over-exploitationwith ACP countries contribute to regional integration processes, to achieving development objectives and to promoting human rights, the rule of law and good governance; calls, therefore, for human rights clauses to be incorporated into these agreements; stresses the importance of ensuring that there is greater transparency in the negotiations on these agreements and proper monitoring of their implementation, so that they can contribute effectively to meeting development objectives;
Amendment 35 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Is convinced that the review of the ACP-EU partnership should take account of the growing importance of regionalisation in order to avoid simply imposing a Union political framework; emphasises that it is crucial that the countries which make up the ACP group should play a full part, as a group and as regions, in the review process; emphasises, in that connection, the role of regional organisations, such as the African Union or the African regional economic communities;
Amendment 42 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b.Calls for the political dimension of the ACP-EU partnership to be strengthened, in particular with a view to carrying out joint actions and exerting greater influence in international forums;
Amendment 52 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Invites ACP countries to audit their debts with a view to their complete elimination, and invites them to claim reparations for the spoliation of natural resources by foreign multinationals, and for the wars that have been sparked; supports the United Nations working group on an international framework for sovereign debt restructuring; supports the United Nations working group on an international framework for sovereign debt restructuring; stresses that eradicating poverty requires the emergence of a dynamic private sector that will foster sustainable economic development; points out that, without respect for the rule of law and functioning political institutions, the private sector will not be able to achieve this goal;
Amendment 65 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the universality of the human rights enshrined in international law,ACP-EU cooperation should be stepped up in areas of common interest such as security, conflict prevention including intern relational law on migrants and refugees, must be respected, along with the Geneva Convention; urge to reducing hunger and the effects of climate change, human rights, the rule of law and democracy; points countries to ratify the United Nations Convention on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their familiest in this connection that the possibilities for political dialogue within the framework of Articles 8 and 96 of the Cotonou agreement have not been fully exploited by either the EU or the ACP side; highlights the important role of the ACP- EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in this context;
Amendment 74 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 84 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls for the inclusion of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the review of the ACP-EU cooperation framework as a single, universal set of development goals applicable to all; believes that the joint ACP-EU Council should give concrete recommendations on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in the framework of the ACP-EU cooperation;
Amendment 85 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 21 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the European Union faces unprecedented internal and external challenges which calls for decisive action and joint response; whereas the EU will be able to respond effectively to the new challenges only if its structures and its Member States work together in a common and truly coordinated effort in the context of the CFSP/CSDP;
Amendment 168 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is convinced that in view of an already underfinanced EU budget, additional efforts for operations, administrative costs, preparatory actions and pilot projects under the Common Security and Defence Policy, additional funding from the Member States is also needed; believes thatcalls on the Commission and the Member States shouldto seize the opportunity of the current revision/review of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) to that endaddress the budgetary needs for the growing security challenges; stress the need for critical review the external financial in line with current goals and ambitions of the EU external actions;
Amendment 242 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recognises the increasing interdependence between internal and external security, and takes the view that the current security challenges require a profound overhaul of our security policies with a view to creating a consistent and unified policy covering both internal and external dimensions, including aspects such as counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, energy security, hybrid threats, strategic communication, and critical infrastructures; urges Member States’' security services to enhance coordination, and cooperation, increase exchange of intelligence and information and calls on all Member States to comply with their legal obligation to share intelligence with Europol and Eurojust in the fight against terrorism and organised crime; urges the EU to further strengthen its cooperation with third countries in the fight against terrorism and organised crime;
Amendment 259 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. WBelieves that EU-NATO cooperation should be further strengthened, welcomes the Warsaw Summit Declaration, particularly the Joint Declaration on NATO-EU cooperation; fully supports deepened cooperation between NATO and the EU in the areas of cybersecurity, migration, and the response to hybrid threats; invites the VP/HR to present specific proposals for the follow-up to the Warsaw Joint Declaration by the end of 2016; is convinced that NATO is crucial for the collective security of Europe; emphasise that EU should make best use of the security and defence resources available and avoid possible duplication;
Amendment 315 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Stresses the need to step up cooperation between the EU and the candidate and potential candidate countries on issues such as migration, security, fight against terrorism and organized crime and fight against human trafficking; calls on the candidate countries to make all efforts in aligning with the EU CFSP/CSDP;
Amendment 477 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Calls on accelerating efforts in working towards a strategic partnership between ASEAN and the EU, two leading examples of regional integration in the world and deepen cooperation on a wide range economic, political, and security- related issues;
Amendment 480 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 b (new)
Paragraph 28 b (new)
28b. Reconfirms the EU commitment to continue developing its relations with Taiwan, supports constructive development of cross-Strait relations and Taiwan's participation in international organizations, such as WHO, ICAO, UNFCCC, and INTERPOL;
Amendment 75 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The Union's ambitious External Investment Plan (EIP) is needed to support investments starting in Africa and the Union's Neighbourhood as a means to promote the sustainable development goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ('the 2030 Agenda'), in particular poverty eradication, as well as the commitments under the recently revised European Neighbourhood Policy thus addressing root causes of migrationand the New Partnership Framework with Third Countries under the European Agenda on Migration thus addressing root causes of migration and migratory pressures stemming from poverty, underdevelopment, inequality, demographic growth, lack of employment and economic opportunities as well as climate change. It should also contribute to the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (COP 21).
Amendment 108 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) Involvement of the private sector in the Union's cooperation with partner countries through the EFSD should yield additional development impact, without distorting the market and should be cost- effective, based on mutual accountability, risk and costs sharing; and build on a commitment to internationally agreed guidelines and principles, including the Principles for Responsible Investment and UN's Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
Amendment 114 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) Actions under the EFSD Regulation should be designed, so as to fulfil the criteria for development finance established by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the OECD taking into account the specificities of private sector development.
Amendment 117 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 c (new)
Recital 4 c (new)
(4c) Technical assistance to partner countries should constitute the second pillar of the EIP. In this context, the Commission should step up assistance in order to help partner countries to attract investment by better preparing and promoting projects, developing a higher number of bankable projects and making them known to the international investor community. A project web-portal should be established, which shall constitute a publicly accessible and user-friendly project database, providing relevant information for each project.
Amendment 118 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 c (new)
Recital 4 c (new)
(4c) Improving the investment climate and overall policy environment in partner countries should constitute the third pillar of the EIP. In the context of the Union's existing political relations with partner countries, the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (High Representative) should maintain policy dialogues aimed at developing legal frameworks, policies and institutions that promote economic stability, sustainable investment and inclusive growth. These policy dialogues should cover, among other issues, the fight against corruption and organised crime and illicit financial flows, good governance, the inclusion of local markets, the boosting of entrepreneurship as well as local business settings, the respect for human rights and the rule of law as well as gender- responsive policies.
Amendment 129 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) The Commission and EIB should conclude an agreement specifying the conditions of their cooperation in the management of the EFSD guarantee and should present the agreement to the strategic board.
Amendment 137 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) The EFSD should address bottlenecks to private investment and deploy innovative instruments to facilitate access to finance from domestic and foreign investors, in particular for local and European companies as well as for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
Amendment 149 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) In order to increase the impact of the EFSD Guarantee in view of the needs in the regions concerned, Member States and EFTA countries should have the possibility of providing contributions in the form of a guarantee or cash. Those contributions could be earmarked by countries, region, sector or investment window.
Amendment 150 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) In order to increase the impact of the EFSD Guarantee in view of the needs in the regions concerned, Member States should have the possibility of providing contributions in the form of a guarantee or cash. Those contributions could be earmarked by region, country, sector or investment window.
Amendment 153 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
(15a) As the funds of the European Neighbourhood Instrument, established by Regulation (EU) No 232/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a, are to be used, a minimum of EUR 200 000 000 of EFSD Guarantee coverage should be allocated for investments in Neighbourhood partner countries throughout the implementation period of the EFSD Guarantee. __________________ 1aRegulation (EU) No 232/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing a European Neighbourhood Instrument (OJ L 77, 15.3.2014, p. 27).
Amendment 171 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19 a (new)
Recital 19 a (new)
(19a) In order to reflect political developments and needs for Union action in the world, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of amendments to the Annex of this Regulation listing the regions eligible for support through EFSD Guarantee. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making 1a. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts. __________________ 1a OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 1
Amendment 210 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The strategic board shall lay down its rules of procedure during the first meeting, which will include details on the number of meetings to be held by year, voting rights of board members and progress reports to be issued by the Commission.
Amendment 213 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. The strategic board shall be composed of representatives of the Commission and of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (High Representative), of the contributing Member States and of the EIB. The Commission may invite other contributors to become members of the strategic board having regard where appropriate to the view of the board. Partner CThe European Parliament shall have observer status. Observers designated by Parliament shall have the right to contribute to the deliberations without the right to vote. Partner countries and relevant regional organisations, and the eligible counterparts and the European Parliament may be given observer status, where appropriate. The strategic board shall be co-chaired by the Commission and the High Representative.
Amendment 222 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5a Regional operational boards 1. Each regional investment platform shall have an operational board. 2. Those operational boards shall support the Commission in defining regional and sectoral investment goals and regional, sectoral and thematic investment windows and shall formulate opinions on blending operations and on the use of the EFSD Guarantee. They shall, in particular, provide guidance on future financing proposals, monitor and review the pipeline of projects, examine project-related results and monitor the portfolio of approved projects. 3. The operational boards shall be chaired by the Commission and be composed of representatives of the Commission, of the High Representative and of the Member States as voting members, and, when appropriate, of the eligible counterparts as observers. The European Parliament shall be granted observer status. 4. The Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security (High Representative) shall ensure the intensive involvement of the European Union Delegations and of the eligible counterparts in preparing the work of the operational boards.
Amendment 228 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The EFSD Guarantee shall support financing and investment operations in partner countries in the regions included in the Annex to this Regulation. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 20a concerning amendments to the Annex.
Amendment 233 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The financing and investment operations eligible for support through the EFSD Guarantee shall be in line with the purpose of the EFSD as described in Article 3. They shall be consistent and aligned with Union policies, in particular development and neighbourhood policies of the Union, as well as the partner countries' strategies and policies. Operations shall take into account other EU and international support to ensure complementarity with other initiatives and aim at supporting the following general objectives:
Amendment 257 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) provide finance in favourial support to private sector development with a particular focus ofn micro- , small- and medium-sized enterprises, with a particular focus on private sector developmenthile addressing market failures and limiting market distortions;
Amendment 261 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) provide finance in favour of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises with a particular focus on private sector developmentsupport private sector development, with a particular focus on local and European companies as well as micro, small and medium-sized enterprises;
Amendment 268 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) provide financial instruments, including in local currency, aimed at addressing the bottlenecks to private investments, including first loss guarantees to portfolios guarantees to private sector projects such as loan guarantees for small and medium-sized enterprises and guarantees for specific risks for infrastructure projects and other risk capital;
Amendment 270 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) maximise private sector leverage, with a particular focus on micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises by addressing bottlenecks to investment.
Amendment 300 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Article 8 – paragraph 4
4. TAfter consultation with the strategic board, the Commission mayshall define investment windows for specific regions or partner countries or for both, for specific sectors, for specific projects or for specific categories of final beneficiaries or for both to be funded by instruments referred to in Article 9 to be covered by the EFSD Guarantee up to a fixed amount. All requests for financial support within investment windows shall be made to the Commission.
Amendment 304 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) loans, including local currency loans;
Amendment 317 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Member States and EFTA countries may contribute to the EFSD Guarantee Fund in the form of guarantees or cash. Subject to Commission approval, other contributors may contribute, in the form of cash.
Amendment 323 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. At least EUR 200 000 000 of EFSD Guarantee coverage shall be allocated for investments in the partner countries from the Eastern and Southern Neighbourhood, in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 232/2014.
Amendment 330 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point c
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point c
(c) the amount of own resources as well as private sector co-financing that the counterpart is ready to mobilise for the investment window.
Amendment 338 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) possible contributions from Member States, EFTA-countries and other contributors;
Amendment 352 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) an assessment of the additionality and added value, the mobilisation of private sector resources, the estimated and actual outputs and the outcomes and impact of the financing and investment operations covered by the EFSD Guarantee on an aggregated basis, including the impact on employment creationdecent job creation, climate change, the eradication of poverty and on the way in which the root causes of migration are addressed;
Amendment 354 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) an assessment of the additionality and added value of financing and investment operations of the eligible counterparts, and of the aggregate risk associated with those operations;
Amendment 356 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(ha) an assessment of the actions developed under the second and third pillar of the EIP and the synergies between them and the operations covered by the EFSD Guarantee, with particular regard to progress made in the fight against corruption and organised crime and illicit financial flows, good governance, the inclusion of local markets, the boosting of entrepreneurship as well as local business settings, respect for human rights and the rule of law as well as gender-responsive policies.
Amendment 362 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. By 31 December 202019, the Commission shall evaluate the functioning of the EFSD and its effective contribution to the purpose and objectives of this Regulation. The Commission shall submit its evaluation report to the European Parliament and the Council, containing an independentexternal evaluation of the application of this Regulation. This report shall be submitted without delay by the Commission in the event that , accompanied by a reasoned proposal with a view to reviewing or amending this Regulation, as appropriate, in particular withe approved financing and view to extending the initial investment operations absorb in full the amount of the EFSD Guarantee available before 30 June 2020iod referred to in Article 7(2).
Amendment 371 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
In accordance with its transparency policies and general Union principUnion rules on access to documents and information and data protection, the eligible counterparts shall proactively and systematically make publicly available on their websites information relating to all financing and investment operations covered by the EFSD Guarantee under this Regulation, relating in particular to the manner in which those operations contribute to the objectives and requirements of this Regulation.
Amendment 385 #
2016/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 a (new)
Article 20 a (new)
Article 20a Exercise of the delegation 1. The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article. 2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 6 shall be conferred on the Commission from the date of entry into force of this Regulation until 31 December 2020. 3. The delegation of power referred to in Article 6 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force. 4. Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making. 5. As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council. 6. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 6 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.
Amendment 8 #
2016/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 480/2009
Article 8 - paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 8 - paragraph 2 a (new)
As of 31 May 2018 the annual report shall also include information about the financial management and performance, the risk of the Guarantee Fund and an assessment on the adequacy of the 9% target and of the 10% threshold/ceiling for the Fund.'
Amendment 2 #
2016/0205(NLE)
Draft opinion
Article 1
Article 1
The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs calls on the Committee on International Trade, as the committee responsible, to recommend that Parliament decline to give its consent to the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada, of the one part, and the European Union and its Member States, of the other part;.
Amendment 11 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Citation 1
Citation 1
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 53(1), 56 and 62 thereof,
Amendment 18 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Citation 3
Citation 3
After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments and following the 11 reasoned opinions by national parliaments objecting the Commission proposal,
Amendment 25 #
2016/0070(COD)
Draft legislative resolution
Citation 2
Citation 2
– having regard to Article 294(2) and Articles 53(1), 56 and 62 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C8- 0114-2016),
Amendment 27 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The freedom to provide services includes the right of undertakings to provide services in another Member State, to which they may post their own workers temporarily in order to provide those services there. The Treaty provides that restrictions on the freedom to provide services are prohibited.
Amendment 32 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Citation 2
Citation 2
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 53(1), 56 and 62 thereof,
Amendment 34 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Almost twenty years after its adoption, it is necessary to assess whetherenforce the rules and confirm that the Posting of Workers Directive still strikes the right balance between the need to promote the freedom to provide services and the need to protect the rights of posted workers.
Amendment 37 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Citation 3
Citation 3
After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments and following the 11 reasoned opinions by national parliaments objecting the Commission proposal,
Amendment 52 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7 a) The ECJ case-law has established that posted workers do not in any way gain access to the host country´s labour market if they return to their country of origin after completion of their work.
Amendment 54 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The free movement of workers, freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services are fundamental principles of the internal market in the Union enshrined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The implementation of those principles is further developed by the Union aimed at guaranteeing a level playing field for businesses, fighting illegal practices and respect for the rights of workers.
Amendment 55 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 b (new)
Recital 7 b (new)
(7 b) One of the aims of Directive 2014/67/EU is also to identify genuine posting and prevent abuse and circumvention.
Amendment 65 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The freedom to provide services includes the right of undertakings to provide services in another Member State, to which they may post their own workers temporarily in order to provide those services there. The Treaty provides that restrictions on the freedom to provide services are prohibited.
Amendment 66 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In view of the long duration of certain posting assignments, it is necessary to provide that, in case of posting lasting for periods higher than 24 uninterrupted months, the host Member State is deemed to be the country in which the work is carried out. In accordance with the principle of Rome I Regulation, the law of the host Member Sates therefore applies to the employment contract of such posted workers if no other choice of law was made by the parties. In case a different choice was made, it cannot, however, have the result of depriving the employee of the protection afforded to him by provisions that cannot be derogated from by agreement under the law of the host Member State. This should apply from the start of the posting assignment whenever it is envisaged for more than 24 uninterrupted months and from the first day subsequent to the 24 uninterrupted months when it effectively exceeds this duration. This rule does not affect the right of undertakings posting workers to the territory of another Member State to invoke the freedom to provide services in circumstances also where the posting exceeds 24 uninterrupted months. The purpose is merely to create legal certainty in the application of the Rome I Regulation to a specific situation, without amending that Regulation in any way. The employee will in particular enjoy the protection and benefits pursuant to the Rome I Regulation.
Amendment 76 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9 a) Directive 2014/67/EU on the enforcement of Directive 96/71/EC provides a number of provisions to make sure that rules on posting of workers are enforced and are respected by all service providers. Article 4 of the enforcement directive provides a list of elements that should be assessed in order to identify the genuine posting and prevent abuse and circumvention.
Amendment 81 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Almost twenty years after its adoption, it is necessary to assess whetherenforce the rules and confirm that the Posting of Workers Directive still strikes the right balance between the need to promote the freedom to provide services and the need to protect the rights of posted workers.
Amendment 86 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Because of the highly mobile nature of work in international road transport, the implementation of the posting of workers directive raises particular legal questions and difficulties (especially where the link with the concerned Member State is insufficient). It would be most suitTherefore transport services such as transit, international transport and linked cabotage are excluded forom these challenges to scope of this Directive and should be addressed through sector-specific legislation together with other EU initiatives aimed at improving the functioning of the internal road transport market.
Amendment 103 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) The ECJ case-law has established that posted workers do not in any way gain access to the host country´s labour market if they return to their country of origin after completion of their work.
Amendment 103 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) It is within Member States' competence to set rules on remuneration in accordance with their law and practice and in compliance with article 56 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. However, national rules on remuneration applied to posted workers must be justified by the need to protect posted workers and must not disproportionately restrict the cross-border provision of services.
Amendment 105 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 b (new)
Recital 7 b (new)
(7b) The aim of Directive 2014/67/EU is also to identify genuine posting and prevent abuse and circumvention.
Amendment 114 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The elements of remuneration under national law or universally applicable collective agreements should be clear and transparent to all service providers and posted workers. It is therefore justified to impose on Member States the obligation to publish the constituent elements of remuneration on the single website provided for by Article 5 of the Enforcement Directive as transparency and access to information are crucial for both service providers and posted workers. A single information point established by the Member State shall provide information on national labour laws pertaining to posting companies. This single information point shall be ready to assist by email or personal support in several EU languages in order to support and encourage free movement of services across the EU.
Amendment 123 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In view of the long duration of certain posting assignments, it is necessary to provide that, in case of posting lasting for periods higher than 24 uninterrupted months, the host Member State is deemed to be the country in which the work is carried out. In accordance with the principle of Rome I Regulation, the law of the host Member Sates therefore applies to the employment contract of such posted workers if no other choice of law was made by the parties. In case a different choice was made, it cannot, however, have the result of depriving the employee of the protection afforded to him by provisions that cannot be derogated from by agreement under the law of the host Member State. This should apply from the start of the posting assignment whenever it is envisaged for more than 24 uninterrupted months and from the first day subsequent to the 24 uninterrupted months when it effectively exceeds this duration. This rule does not affect the right of undertakings posting workers to the territory of another Member State to invoke the freedom to provide services in circumstances also where the posting exceeds 24 uninterrupted months. The purpose is merely to create legal certainty in the application of the Rome I Regulation to a specific situation, without amending that Regulation in any way. The employee will in particular enjoy the protection and benefits pursuant to the Rome I Regulation.
Amendment 141 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) Directive 2014/67/EU on the enforcement of Directive 96/71/EC provides a number of provisions to make sure that rules on posting of workers are enforced and are respected by all service providers. Article 4 of the enforcement directive provides a list of elements that should be assessed in order to identify the genuine posting and prevent abuse and circumvention.
Amendment 150 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Because of the highly mobile nature of work in international road transport, the implementation of the posting of workers directive raises particular legal questions and difficulties (especially where the link with the concerned Member State is insufficient). It would be most suited for these challenges to be addressed through sector-specific legislation together with other EU inwhich should be addressed through sector-specific legislation. Accordingly, this directive should apply to international road transport in a way that would not hinder internal road transport market nor compromise the principles of sincere cooperation and solidarity between Member States, while some non- posting categories of international road transport such as international haulage, transit or linked cabotage should be considered as being out of the scope of the directive. Member States are also obliged to refrain from imposing excessive requirements on carriers in posting sitiuatives aimed at improving the functioning of the internal road transport maons, namely refrain from requirements likely to render posting legally uncertain for posted workers and undertakings, and thus compromise the protection of worketrs.
Amendment 159 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 2a – paragraph 1
Article 2a – paragraph 1
1. When the anticipated or the effective duration of posting exceeds twenty-four uninterrupted months, the Member State to whose territory a worker is posted shall be deemed to be the country in which his or her work is habitually carried out.
Amendment 166 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 2a – paragraph 2
Article 2a – paragraph 2
2. For the purpose of paragraph 1, in case of replacement of posted workers performing the same task at the same place, the cumulative duration of the posting periods of the workers concerned shall be taken into account, with regard to workers that are posted for an effective duration of at least sixeight months.
Amendment 173 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
- by collective agreements or arbitration awards which have been declared universally applicable within the meaning of paragraph 8 as long as they are published on the single official national website referred to in Article 5 of Directive 2014/67/EU:
Amendment 176 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 1– indent 2 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 1– indent 2 – point b
(b) minimum paid annual holidaysleave
Amendment 189 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
The subparagraph of paragraph 1(b) and (c) shall not apply if the period of posting does not exceed eight days.
Amendment 204 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
Member States shall establish single information points providing information and advice for posting companies on their national labour law.
Amendment 209 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 1a
Article 3 – paragraph 1a
Amendment 217 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The elements of remuneration under national law or universally applicable collective agreements should be clear and transparent to all service providers and posted workers. It is therefore justified to impose on Member States the obligation to publish the constituent elements of remuneration on the single website provided for by Article 5 of the Enforcement Directive as transparency and access to information are crucial for both service providers and posted workers. A single information point established by the Member State shall provide information on national labour laws pertaining to posting companies. This single information point shall be ready to assist by email or personal support in several EU languages in order to support and encourage free movement of services across the EU.
Amendment 333 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 2a – paragraph 2
Article 2a – paragraph 2
2. For the purpose of paragraph 1, in case of replacement of posted workers performing the same task at the same place, the cumulative duration of the posting periods of the workers concerned shall be taken into account, with regard to workers that are posted for an effective duration of at least sixeight months.
Amendment 358 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
– by collective agreements or arbitration awards which have been declared universally applicable within the meaning of paragraph 8 as long as they are published on the single official national website referred to in Article 5 of Directive 2014/67/EU:
Amendment 364 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 2 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 2 – point b
(b) minimum paid annual holidaysleave
Amendment 377 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 2 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 2 – point c
(c) total amount of remuneration, including overtime rates; this point does not apply to supplementary occupational retirement pension schemes;
Amendment 389 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
The subparagraph of paragraph 1(b) and (c) shall not apply if the period of posting does not exceed eight days.
Amendment 402 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
For the purpose of this Directive, remuneration means all the elemethe total amounts of remuneration rendeferred mandatory by national law, regulation or administrative provision, collective agreements or arbitration awards which have been declared universally applicable and/or, in the absence of a system for declaring collective agreements or arbitration awards to be of universal application, other collective agreements or arbitration awards within the meaning of paragraph 8 second subparagraph, into in paragraph 1(c), including its obligatory elements, shall be determined by the national law and practice of the Member State to whose territory the worker is posted.
Amendment 417 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
When the total amount of remuneration in home Member State is equal or above total amount of remuneration as set by the hosting state, all required elements are considered to be covered.
Amendment 441 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
Member States shall establish single information points providing information and advice for posting companies on their national labour law.
Amendment 451 #
2016/0070(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Directive 96/71/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 1a
Article 3 – paragraph 1a
Amendment 15 #
2016/0031(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) During the negotiations the Commission should have the possibility to advice on how to avoid incompatibility with Union law. In particular, the Commission cshould develop, together with Member States, optional model clauses or guidelines. The Commission should have the possibility to draw attention to the Union’s energy policy objectives including energy security objectives and the principle of solidarity between Member States and Union policy positions adopted in Council or European Council conclusions.
Amendment 19 #
2016/0031(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) In order to ensure compliance with Union law, Member States should notify the draft intergovernmental agreement to the Commission before it becomes legally binding for the parties (ex-ante). In a spirit of cooperation, the Commission should support the Member State in identifying compliance issues of the draft intergovernmental agreement or amendment. The respective Member State would then be better prepared to conclude a Union law compliant agreement. The Commission should have sufficient time for such an assessment in order to provide for as much legal certainty as possible while avoiding undue delays. In order to fully benefit from the Commission's support Member States should refrain from concluding an intergovernmental agreement until the Commission has informed the Member State of its assessment. The Member States should take all necessary steps toWhere the Commission finds that draft international agreement does not comply with Union law, the Member State(s) concerned should find a suitable solution to eliminate the incompatibility identified.
Amendment 23 #
2016/0031(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Member States establish relations to third countries not only by concluding intergovernmental agreements, but also in the form of non-binding instruments. Even if legally non-binding, such instruments can be used to set out a detailed framework for energy infrastructure and energy supply. In this respect non-binding instruments can have similar impacts on the internal energy market as intergovernmental agreements as their implementation might result in a violation of Union law. In order to ensure greater transparency regarding all measures applied by Member States that can have an impact on the internal energy market and energy security, Member States should therefore submit to the Commission, ex post, also the respective non-binding instruments. The Commission should assess the submitted non-binding instruments and, if appropriate, inform the Member State accordingly.
Amendment 25 #
2016/0031(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) A permanent exchange of information on intergovernmental agreements at Union level should enable best practices to be developed. On the basis of those best practices, the Commission, where appropriate in cooperation with the European External Action Service as regards the Union’'s external policies, should develop optional model clauses to be used in intergovernmental agreements between Member States and third countries. The use of such model clauses should aim to avoid conflicts of intergovernmental agreements with Union law, in particular internal energy market rules and competition law, and conflicts with international agreements concluded by the Union. The Commission should also provide guidelines to avoid incompatibility of intergovernmental agreements with Union's energy security objectives. Their use should be optional, and it should be possible to adapt their content to any particular circumstance.
Amendment 27 #
2016/0031(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3
(3) ‘non-binding instrument’ means a legally non-binding arrangement between one or more Member States and one or more third countries, such as a memorandum of understanding, joint declaration, ministerial joint declaration, joint action or joint code of conduct, which contains interpretation of Union law, sets the conditions for energy supply (such as volumes and prices) or the development or operation of energy infrastructures;
Amendment 31 #
2016/0031(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. Where the Commission participates in the negotiations as an observer, it may provide the Member State concerned with advice on how to avoid the incompatibility of the intergovernmental agreement or amendment under negotiation with Union law and Union's energy security objectives.
Amendment 33 #
2016/0031(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 35 #
2016/0031(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 322 #
2016/0023(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – part 1 – point a
Annex III – part 1 – point a
(a) from 1 January 20198: acetaldehyde productionwhere mercury is used as a catalyst
Amendment 325 #
2016/0023(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – part 1 – point b
Annex III – part 1 – point b
(b) from 1 January 2019: vinyl chloride monomer production1 December 2017 where mercury is used as an electrode or from 11 December 2020 where Article 15 (4) of Directive 2010/75/EU is applied
Amendment 329 #
2016/0023(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – part 1 – point b a (new)
Annex III – part 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) Point (b) shall apply for the production of potassium methylate and ethylate and for vinyl chlorid monomer only from 1 January 2021.
Amendment 337 #
2016/0023(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – part 2 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Annex III – part 2 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
The production of sodium or potassium methylate or ethylate and vinyl chlorid monomer shall be carried out in accordance with point (b) of Part I and the following requirements:
Amendment 4 #
2015/2342(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to the conclusions of the Bratislava summit of 16 September 2016,
Amendment 382 #
2015/2342(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the new Partnership Framework with third countries as a signal of real political action; stresses that the success of the approach outlined in the communication of June 2016 depends on the EU’'s capacity to offer real, commonly agreed incentives to third countries and is concerned by the limited offer mainlyof transit and origin; supports focused onffers of border management or Assisted Voluntary Return schemes, which –however, is aware that while essential and needed – they constitute only a partial response to the situation; highlights the need to balance and complement this response, focusing on the development of local economies, qualification and regional mobility and improved levels of protection in countries of transit and origin;
Amendment 387 #
2015/2342(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Stresses the need for building close partnership with the EU candidate and potential candidate countries from Western Balkans region on issues of migration and providing necessary support and cooperation in managing migration flows in the region;
Amendment 106 #
2015/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 155 #
2015/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Reiterates that economic, social and cultural rights, and in particular the rights to health and education, are fundamental rights which migrants should be able to enjoy in the same way as nationals of the country concerned; is concerned over breaches in labour law with reference to migrants;
Amendment 242 #
2015/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Wishes to see the rights of migrants and refugees included as a separate item on the agenda of all and any dialogue with the relevant third countries, and for funding to protect people in vulnerable situations, NGOs, human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers active in defence of migrants’ rights to be made a priority;
Amendment 262 #
2015/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses the importance of consulting civil society in all the EU’s external policies relating to migration and calls for migrants to be involved in this;
Amendment 289 #
2015/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls for safe legal access routes to be developed for migrants and asylum seekers, for resettlement programmes to be stepped up, humanitarian visas to be granted and visas, including airport transit visas, to be suspended for people fleeing conflict zones;
Amendment 18 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
– having regard to the EU Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy; having regard to the EU Annual reports on Human Rights,
Amendment 20 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 b (new)
Citation 3 b (new)
– having regard to its previous resolutions on EU Annual reports on Human Rights; having regard to its resolution of 8 October 2015 on death penalty,
Amendment 105 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recognises that differences exist between the EU and Iran on the use of the death penalty; nevertheless believes cooperation on anti-narcotics programmes andCondemns Iran on the continuous and frequent use of the death penalty, especially death penalty against juveniles; sees ending the application of death penalty as one of the core objectives, especially on the question of juvenile executions, in line with Iran’'s own commitments, could provide a common agenda for addressing this question;
Amendment 144 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Takes note of Iran’s stated objective of achieving a yearly growth rate of 8 %; believes that European investments are key for Iran to achieve this goal; stresses that for Iran to realise its economic potential, it will have to take steps to create a transparent economic environment conducive to international investment and take anti-corruption measures, particularly regarding compliance with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force; calls on the EU to fully support Iran’s efforts in this process via, in particular, support for work towards forging a bilateral investment treaty between the EU and Iran; calls for the EU to develop economic cooperation with Ir, and to guarantee that financial flows to terrorists and terrorist groupings are prevented, detected and halted; calls on the EU to support Iran’s efforts in this process; calls for the EU to develop economic cooperation with Iran once the FATF has concluded after its twelve months review confirming that Iran would have had implemented the Action Plan; takes note that Iran is the world’s largest economy outside the WTO; supports, in this regard, Iran’s bid to join the WTO after it has been removed from the FATF black list;
Amendment 169 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls the impact that extraterritorial US sanctions, in particular US-related sanctions on banks, have on businesses willing to invest in Iran; insists on the need to address this and other financial matters in line with FATF recommendations to create the necessary conditions for businesses to prosper in Iran and contribute to Iranians feeling relief from sanctions in their everyday lives;
Amendment 275 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. BelievNotes that the nuclear deal could opens the possibility for cooperation in resolving the region’s security crisis; believes that Iran can and should play a stabilisation role in the region; believes that the whole region can benefit from a normalisation of relations with Iran;
Amendment 319 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Welcomes Iran’s readiness to support the current efforts to bring stability to Iraq, this should include withdrawing its military forces from Iraq, and calls for additional efforts to bring all the militias operating in the country under the authority of the Iraqi army; welcomes Iran’s contribution to the fight against ISIS/Da’esh; notes the agreement between Iran and Australia to share intelligence on the fight against ISIS/Da’esh;
Amendment 384 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Notes with concern that Iran has the highest level of death-penalty executions per capita in the world; is alarmed by reports that the number of executions have continued to rise since the beginning of the nuclear negotiations with almost 1000 people hanged during 2015; stresses that eliminating the death penalty for drug- related offences wcould dramaticallyhelp to decrease the number of executions; welcomes, in this regard, the possibility that the newly- elected Majlis is considering legislation to exclude some drug-related offences from the list of crimes punishable with the death penalty;
Amendment 403 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Welcomes the fact that the adoption of the 2013 Islamic Penal Code and Iran’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child prohibits child executions and allows all juvenile offenders sentenced to death prior to 2013 to seek retrial; calls on Iran to ensure this prohibition is fully implemented and that all relevant offenders are made aware of this right; notes with concern that Iran still remains a leading executioner of juvenile offenders; calls on Iran to declare a moratorium on the death penalty, at least for juvenile offenders;
Amendment 417 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 b (new)
Paragraph 28 b (new)
28b. Believes that EU should use its improving relations with Iran to urge the country to grant access to the UN special rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran to visit Iran;
Amendment 220 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Recalls that the ENP reflects a strong security component; stresses that the European Union should support Tunisia in building proper state structures to deal with security issues;
Amendment 41 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges a comprehensive and cross- cutting review of EU legislation and funding programmes with a view to complying fully with the CRPD by constructively involving disability organisations and the members of the EU Framework for the CRPD (hereinafter the ‘EU Framework’); calls on the European Commission and the Member States to take the necessary measures to mainstream disability in all legislation, policies and strategies, including those on ageing and older persons
Amendment 66 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls for better military-civilian synergies where appropriate, notably in the areas of and in particular to take into account at the beginning of the planning processes, notably in the areas of premises, medical services, logistics, transport and the security of missions, while respecting the different chains of command and the different nature of civilian and military missions;
Amendment 79 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the ‘'Train & Equip’' initiative that would ensure the capacity building of partners, as part of a transition or exit strategy, by facilitating the financing of various forms of hardware and non-lethal equipment for security and defence forces of third countries and supports a joint approach by the EEAS and the Commission on the matter; supports a systematic use of project cells, in which interested Member States or third countries can contribute; welcomes the fact that the Commission is considering a more permanent financial support for this initiativehich helps ensuring quick delivery and buy-in of security needs for host countries by providing project support and takes the view that they should be used systematically;
Amendment 82 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Deplores the fact that the Council has still not adopted the 2008 proposal for a directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation; reiterates its call on the Council to do so as soon as possible;
Amendment 104 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Supports initiatives to explore the possibility of attracting and managing financial contributions from third countries or international organisations within Athena, but warns against any contribution by the EU budget which risks having a detrimental effect on the financing of civilian missions; also supports the option of ‘joint financing’, whereby a smaller number of participating countries would finance some operational costs of the missions, under the condition that their contributions are managed by Athena and supplement rather than replace the common costs;
Amendment 152 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for the development of human rights-based indicators and comparable disaggregated disability data; underlines the need to disaggregate data by gender, age, rural or urban population and impairment type; calls on the Commission to fund research and data collection on violence, abuse and exploitation of all persons with all types of disabilities in the community and in institutions;
Amendment 6 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
- having regard to Articles 151 and 153 of TFEU as well as Article 9 TFEU guaranteeing adequate social protection,
Amendment 15 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
- having regard to the recently adopted decision on Establishing the European Platform to enhance cooperation in the prevention and deterrence of Undeclared Work,
Amendment 34 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. having regard to the increased trend towardsexisting phenomena of undeclared work, and bogus self- employment, outsourcing and subcontracting, which leading to an increase in precarious jobs and deterioratinge levels of worker protection,; having regard to an increasing trend towards outsourcing and subcontracting which may create possibilities to abuse existing labour and social law;
Amendment 69 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Court of Justice of the European Union in its judgment in case C- 341/05 Laval of 18 December 200710 highlighted on one hand the legitimacy of the struggle against social dumping, and delimitation of respective actions based on the provisions of the Treaty on the other; __________________ 10 http://curia.europa.eu/juris/showPdf.jsf?te xt=&docid=71925&pageIndex=0&doclang =EN&mode=lst&dir=&occ=first&part=1& cid=498309
Amendment 77 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. having regard to the fact that there is no legal definition of social dumping which may create confusion with respect to respective recommendations and their application;
Amendment 84 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. having regard that to the fact that there are different ways on how "social dumping" is being interpreted and that for the purpose for this report social dumping should be considered as "the intended abuse or circumvention of existing European and national laws in order to gain competitive advantage while unlawfully minimising labour and operational costs and not respecting workers' rights;
Amendment 88 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. having regard to the distinction in the EU law of rules governing the free movement of workers, the right of establishment and the freedom to provide services;
Amendment 92 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. having regard to the importance of the principle of 'equal pay and social protectioArticle 45 of TFEU stipulating that freedom of movement shall entail the abolition of any discrimination based on nationality between fwor the same work at the same place' for all European workers,kers of the Member States as regards employment, remuneration and other conditions of work and employment;
Amendment 121 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. having regard to the fact that one of the main principles of EU policies is a social cohesion, which means a constant and ongoing approximation of wages and social security protection guaranteed to all workers, be it local or mobile;
Amendment 171 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on Member States to increase thsecure appropriate staffing levels and resources ofor their labour inspectorates and their liaison offices, in particular for interpretation and translation and to make sure that inspections are proportionate, justified and non- discriminatory;
Amendment 186 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Calls on the Member State to swiftly finalise the implementation of the Enforcement Directive on Posting of workers 2014/67/EU and calls on the Commission to closely monitor the transposition and exercise of corresponding national laws in practice;
Amendment 191 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the creation of a European body of cross-border labour inspectors to carry obetter and more efficient cooperation and exchange of information between Member States' administrations responsible for labour inspections and for distribution of social security contribut ion-the-spot checks in suspected cases of social dumping, including by identifying 'letterbox companies', which body woulds in order to detect in a timely and efficient ways cases of breach of labour and social law; calls on Member States to use all possibilities given by the Enforcement Directive on the posting of workers 2014/67/EU in order to identify and penalise 'letterbox companies'; recommends to the Commission to consider changing the Eurodetachement projects into a permanent platform of exchange, common training and collaboration for labour inspectors and public officials of liaison offices on Posting involved in control and monitoring, which could be included or work in coordination with the platform against undeclared work in order to limit the financial burden involved;
Amendment 236 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to submit a proposal for a directive based on ILO Convention No. 189 concerning decent work for domestic workMember States to establish legal frameworks allowing for lawful employment of domestic workers and carers, in order to provide legal certainty for both the workers and their potential employers;
Amendment 268 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Requests that information on postings should not be retroactive and should be entered in a European electronic register; stresses that the competent authorities of the host Member State should be able to revise form A1 in the event of serious doubts about whether a posting is genuineCalls on Member States to exchange information in a timely and efficient manner especially in cases where competent authorities of the host Member State may have serious doubts about whether a posting is genuine and about the reliability of A1 forms provided; stresses that the improved access to information for workers, employers and labour inspectors such as single national website is a key tool in the fight against abuses of rules;
Amendment 284 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls its appeal forInvites the Commission to consider evaluating the feasibility of the creation of 'a forgery-proof European social security card (...)or other EU-wide electronic document on which could be stored all the data needed to verify the bearer’'s social security status based on an employment relationship'11 [1]; wishes all the necessary information associated with the worker's postings to feature on this card; __________________ 11 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDo c.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P7-TA- 2014-0012+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN
Amendment 310 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Stresses the need to complement the action against the breaches of social rights with a fight against tax fraud and tax evasion, in order to guarantee a fair competition and a level playing field for the enterprises;
Amendment 329 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission to combat the phenomenon of letterbox companies by applying more generally the principle that each company should have a single corporate headquarterarefully monitor the implementation of the Enforcement Directive on the posting of workers in terms of its effectiveness in combating the phenomenon of letterbox companies; recalls the rejection by the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs of the proposal for a directive on single-person limited liability companies as some of the provisions suggested could facilitate creation of this kind of entities;
Amendment 381 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Notes the intention of the European Commission to publish the Labour Mobility Package which will allegedly contain certain provisions with regards to posting of workers; calls on the European Commission to make sure new proposals continue to facilitate the freedom to provide services, while protecting workers' rights and are clear, proportionate, non- discriminatory and justified;
Amendment 409 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Notes that due to differences in Member States labour laws it is difficulty to make a clear distinction between employees and self- employed workers at EU level; thus in order to combat bogus self- employment calls on the Commission to propose specific recommendations based on indicators of the existence of an employment relationship according to the ILO Convention 198 on Employment Relationship Recommendation;
Amendment 419 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Calls on the Commission to face new challenges with respect to social protection of workers in digital and sharing economy and to draw up proposals where necessary;
Amendment 421 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13c. Calls on all Member States to secure equal treatment of EU migrant workers with regards to their terms and conditions of employment in the host Member State;
Amendment 431 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls for increasedmore efficient controls on the implementation of working time and rest times in transport; calls for the introduction of automatic digital records and the development of 'smart tachographs' for all means of transport, including inland waterway transport; recalls the desire expressed in its resolution of 3 July 2012 on road transport that 'by 2020 all vehicles which are not exempted from the application of this Regulation in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3 shall be fitted with a smart tachograph'12 on a swift implementation of the Regulation No 165/2014 on the tachographs in the road transport; __________________ 12 www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do? type=TA&reference=P7-TA-2012- 0271&language=EN&ring=A7-2012- 0195#BKMD-7
Amendment 493 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Believes that the rules on cabotage are not sufficiently precise, which facilitates the practice of some road operators of engaging in permanent cabotage; wishes cabotage operations to be subject to mandatory prior notification; calls for clarity in this respect in order to make sure which terms and conditions of employment and administrative requirements should apply;
Amendment 542 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
Amendment 565 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
Amendment 658 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Supports the development of unemployment benefit arrangements as a mechanism ft Member States level and their por tabsorbing asymmetric social shocks within the euro areaility under the EU social security coordination;
Amendment 672 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. CRecalls on the Commission to propose a legal instrument to address the cross- border dimensions of outsourcing, extending the joint and several liability of the payer to include all economic sectors athat Member States can set up, in consultation with the concerned social partners, "joint and several liability" mechanisms at national level applicable towards local and foreign companies in order to enable local and foreign workers to execute their rights; reminds the entire subcontracting chainat such a possibility was confirmed by the Enforcement Directive on the Posting of workers;
Amendment 676 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Recognizes the risks related to long chains of subcontracting; calls on the Commission to carefully monitor the application of the obligation put on Member States in the Enforcement Directive to provide for measures ensuring that in the construction sector in subcontracting chains posted workers can hold the contractor of which the employer is a direct subcontractor liable for the respect of their workers' rights;
Amendment 699 #
2015/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Considers that Directive 96/71/EC and the rules coordinating social security systems must be revianalysed before any trade agreement including provisions relating to 'Mode 4' can be concluded;
Amendment 165 #
2015/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Recalls that the EU committed itself to placing human rights and democracy at the centre of its relations with third countries; stresses, therefore, that the advancement of human rights and democratic principles needs to be supported through all EU policies appropriate financial instruments which have an external dimension, such as the enlargement and neighbourhood policy, the Common Security and Defence Policy, and the development, trade, justice and home affairs policies;
Amendment 169 #
2015/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Considers the EU's external financial instruments an important tool for promoting and defending values of democracy and human rights abroad; reiterates its calls for improvements in coherence of different thematic and geographical instruments;
Amendment 176 #
2015/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Expresses concern at the deterioration of freedom of expression and media in certain enlargement countries; emphasises the urgent need to reinforce independence and transparency of ownership of the media in those countries and to tackle the political and economic pressures on journalists, which often lead to self- censorship; calls on the Commission to continue monitoring and prioritising respect for freedom of expression and for the media in the accession negotiation process;
Amendment 192 #
2015/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Stresses that the EU should continue to actively support democratic and effective human rights institutions and the civil society of neighbouring countries in their efforts to promote democratisation and respect for human rights; considers support for democracy, the rule of law, good governance, state-building and fundamental freedoms to be central to countries of the neighbourhood; positively notes in this context the European Endowment for Democracy’s consistent engagement in the Eastern and Southern neighbourhood of the EU in favour of democracy promotion and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms; strongly encourages the EU and its Member States to offer incentives and know-how from transition processes to support democratic reform processes in its neighbourhood;
Amendment 13 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 a (new)
Citation 27 a (new)
– having regard to Council conclusions on the EU Strategy for Central Asia of 22 June 2015,
Amendment 19 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU-Central Asia Strategy was adopted in a context of growing importance of the region and increased EU engagement in neighbouring Afghanistan, the extension of the European Neighbourhood Policy to the Caspian region, ongoing EU support for reform and modernisation of post-Soviet societies, and EU energy security interests; whereas it also recognised the security threats and challenges that require cooperation between Central Asia and the EU as well as its Member States;
Amendment 27 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas reaching a common understanding of democracy, the rule of law and human rights is a basic prerequisite for deeper cooperation between the EU and the five countries of Central Asia in areas of mutual interest, in the very meaning of the term ‘partnership’ as vested in the Partnership Cooperation Agreements; whereas the reforms to prevent torture and steps towards eradication of the child labour were launched, the overall situation of democracy and human rights in the region remains to various degrees poor and deeply worrying;
Amendment 35 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the level of development aid was increased from EUR 750 million in 2007-2013 to EUR 1 028 mbillion in 2014- 2020, i.e. by 56 % compared to programming period 2007- 2013;
Amendment 42 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas trade and energy links enhance the EU – Central Asia relations and promote common values such as rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights; whereas GSP system aims at the diversification of the Central Asian economies;
Amendment 44 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas education plays a crucial role in fostering the stable, secure and sustainable development of the region;
Amendment 46 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) represents an important financing tool aiming to support civil society organisations and democratisation;
Amendment 56 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the strong political and economic interest of the EU in strengthening its bilateral and multilateral relations with all the Central Asian countries, on the basis of common shared values as stated in the existing Partnership and Cooperation Agreements between the EU and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and in the agreement not yet in force with Turkmenistan; welcomes, on the other hand, the initialisation of the EU- Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement;
Amendment 67 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the Review of the EU-Central Asia strategy conducted by the EEAS, the Commission and the Council in 2015; takes the view, nevertheless, that the priorities, objectives and targets should be better defined and accompanied by benchmarks and indicators in a credible timeframe, in order to identify and correct eventual shortfallstaking into account the differences between and uniqueness of the countries in the region;
Amendment 68 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the Review of the EU-Central Asia strategy conducted by the EEAS, the Commission and the Council in 2015; takes the view, nevertheless, that the priorities, objectives and targets should be better defined through individual country tailor-made action plans and accompanied by benchmarks and indicators in a credible timeframe, in order to identify and correct eventual shortfalls;
Amendment 76 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Agrees that the Strategy adopted in 2007 and the long-term priority areas defined therein (human rights and the rule of law; youth and education; trade and investment; energy and transport; the environment and water; common security threats and challenges; and intercultural dialogue) remain relevant and provide the basis for a concrete and potentially fruitful European engagement in the region, in line with the objectives set in the EU strategy;
Amendment 84 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that the review is rather ambitious given that the region is not a geopolitical priority for the EU and its Member States, butTakes positive note of rather ambitious Strategy review and concurs with the Council’'s designation of the region as strategically important, with the condition provided that democratic transformation should lead to improved and stronger political, diplomatic and trade relations; in this context, welcomes the 56 % increase in and more specific focusing of EU development assistance to the region in period 2014- 2020 as compared with the previous period;
Amendment 97 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses that the enhanced regional cooperation would improve both economic and security situation in the region; given the fact that the Central Asia has weak interregional links, invites the EEAS and the European Commission to develop projects that would foster such cooperation for those countries interested in enhancing these links;
Amendment 98 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that the disbursement of EU funds should be conditionality- and incentives- based, along the lines of the principles agreed for the European Neighbourhood Policy, rewarding performanceincentive and performance based, observing achievements on a number of benchmarks to be established for each country, and depending on measurable progress with regard, in particular, to the fields of democratisation, corruption prevention, free and fair elections, human rights, good governance, the rule of law, development, human security and good neighbourly relations;
Amendment 109 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. UReiterates the need for a higher political EU visibility in the Central Asian region; urges the EU and its Member States to speak with one voice fostering foreign policy coherence and coordination in this region, and to introduce joint programming of aid and projects with Member States in order to achieve a full impact and synergy; welcomes closer involvement and ownership on the part of Member States in terms of implementing the strategy;
Amendment 114 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Takes note ofWelcomes the re-establishment of the post of EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia after a year-long gap, and expects the newly appointed EUSR to make an important contribution to the implementation of the strategy for Central Asian countries by ensuring consistency of the external actions of the Union in the region and communicating the EU positions to the political leaders in Central Asia;
Amendment 119 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission to ensure synergies, coherence and consistency among the different EU external financing instruments used in the region, such as the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI), the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (ISP), the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), and the Partnership Instrument (PI), as well as to step up coordination with the EBRD and the EIB; in this regard highlights the importance of enhanced partnerships notably with the UN, the OSCE and the Council of Europe;
Amendment 130 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Urges the Council, the EEAS and the Commission to prioritise the promotion of democratic transformation, thereby providing a stronger bulwark againstthe best practices to face internal political, security and economic pressures and challenges;
Amendment 133 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Regrets that the legal obligations vested in the PCAs to uphold democracy and the rule of law have not been observed in most casesproperly implemented, with the exception of limited and fragilsome progress made in Kyrgyzstan;
Amendment 140 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Deeply rRegrets that overall respect for democratic standards, human rights and fundamental freedoms has further deteriorated during the reporting period; regrets that the human rights situation overall remains worrying, despite limited positive developments in some countries of the region, including legislative reforms, increased efforts to prevent torture, and steps towards the eradication of the use of child labour and forced labour;
Amendment 146 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Highlights the added value and further potential of the Rule of Law Platform, coordinated by Germany and France with active support from Finland and Latvia;
Amendment 155 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Expresses its deep concern at the growing trend towards clampdown on civil society on the pretext of security and stabiand opposition parties on the pretext of stability; reminds the partner countries that a fully functioning parliamentary democracy must observe freedom of expression and media plurality;
Amendment 163 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Is concerned at the waveincreasing number of legislation in the region restricting freedom of the media, expression, assembly and association, aimed against civil society funding (the ‘'foreign agents laws’'), and the LGBTI community (the so- called ‘'LGBTI propaganda laws’'); welcomes the fact that Kyrgyzstan withdrew the restrictive draft legislation on foreign agents and LGBTI;
Amendment 169 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the establishment of Human Rights Dialogues with all five countries of Central Asia; points out, however, the lack of transparency of the process, and calls on the VP/HR to review the role, mandate, objectives and follow-up of the Human Rights Dialogues with the countries of the region, and in particular to involve all stakeholders and introduce systematic human rights monitoring mechanisms in countries with which the EU has entered into legally binding agreementsorder to improve their effectiveness; notes that the Human Rights Dialogues are important EU's tools of engagement with the Central Asian countries enabling to implement smart strategies and therefore should be adequately taken use of;
Amendment 184 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes the commitment of Latvia, with the help ofLatvia's initiative to organise the 1st EU-Central Asia ministerial meeting on education and the commitment of Latvia and Poland, to lead the regional programme on education; regards investment in education as the best way to gradually improve the socio- economic situation of the region; calls on all relevant stakeholders on the EU level as well as the EU Member States to evaluate and develop further the existing mechanisms of the study/scholarships programs between the EU and the Central Asian region;
Amendment 194 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Notes that EU's positive role in the region should be advanced via education and people-to-people contacts; commends that the EU has budgeted EUR 115 million for the Erasmus+ educational cooperation programme in the region;
Amendment 199 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Welcomes that all five Central Asian countries have been closely following the Bologna Process driving many national reforms in recent years;
Amendment 207 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Is of the opinion that economic and trade relations with the countries of Central Asia must in no way develop at the expense of the rule of law, democracy, and human rights and fundamdemocracy, rule of law, governance and anti-corruption measures could also be addressed through economic cooperation with Central freedomsAsia;
Amendment 212 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Is of the opinion that development aid should be disbursed only in countries with a genuine interest ingo hand in hand with the alleviation of poverty and equal and sustainable socio- economic progress, and that those countries must demonstrate efficient anti- corruption policies and allow the EU to monitor implementation; questions, in this respect, the rationale fhighlights the impor tand cost- effectiveness of the aid to Turkmenistan which will graduate from bilateral aid in 2017, and of that to Uzbekistan; requests that the policy be reviewed should improvements occurce of development aid as a mean of engagement and effective best practice sharing; encourages the VP/HR to help foster progress in this field;
Amendment 224 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Encourages the mainstreaming of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the EU's development agenda in the region; reiterates that including the SDGs will result in a more comprehensive sustainable development in the Central Asian region;
Amendment 227 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Recognises the possible positive impact of a new impulse in economic cooperation between the EU and Central Asia on modernisation and democratisation in the region;
Amendment 245 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Notes with concern that in addition to increasing climate change impacts, multiple alarming environmental challenges inherited from the Soviet period persist, such as those relating to cleaning up nuclear testing sites, industrial and mining activities, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, land degradation, air pollution, desertification, and, above all, continued catastrophic water mismanagement; urges the Commission, in this respect, to step up technical assistance, re-cultivation investments, and provide European know- how and best practice as to how to deal with these problems;
Amendment 250 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Reiterates the EU readiness to offer its experience and know-how to promote the adoption of safety, security and environmental standards in all transport modes and to facilitate links along the Europe – Caucasus – Central Asia transport corridor;
Amendment 270 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Recognises that the main threats and challenges identified in the Strategy for Central Asia remain relevant; is, however, acutely aware of the additional external pressures stemming from the current security challenges in Afghanistan, as well as the opaque foreign policy of Russia aimed at reintegration of former Soviet space, triggered by the crisis in Ukraine;
Amendment 303 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Supports the EU’'s long-term goal of transforming the nascent EU-Central Asia High Level Security Dialogue into a genuine cooperative forum aimed at cooperation in addressing common security challenges in the region and beyond its borders;
Amendment 305 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Welcomes the project "Cross-border Cooperation for Sustainable Peace and Development" sponsored by Switzerland and UNDP aiming to create a more conductive environment of sustainable peace and development in cross-border areas between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan;
Amendment 313 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Is seriously concerned about the increasing radicalisation of young population, including the emergence of "foreign fighters" joining ISIL, resulting in border security threats in the region; calls on the EU and UN to provide all necessary tools to ensure peace and sustainable development in the region;
Amendment 316 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Asks the Member States to refrain from arms deliveries to Central Asia, in line with the eight criteria laid down in the 2008 EU common position on arms export controls; in this respect, raises concern over the export of 300 US armoured vehicles to Uzbekistan in 2014-2015Highlights the eight criteria laid down in the 2008 EU common position on arms export controls and calls on the Member States for a more uniform interpretation and implementation of the common position;
Amendment 323 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Regrets that despite the urgent need for Security Sector Reform (SSR) in Central Asian countries, the EU has not been able to integrate it in its strategy; reiterates the EU´s determination to further develop both regional and bilateral security dialogues with Central Asian countries ensuring stronger involvement of Afghanistan in cooperation with regional partners involved, in particular UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia;
Amendment 334 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Emphasises that deeper political and economic relations must be based on shared values and correspond to an active and concrete engagement by Kazakhstan on political and democratic reforms, stemming from its international obligations and commitments; recognizes the '100- step programme' as an attempt to address urgent reforms in the country;
Amendment 348 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Regrets, in this regard,Is concerned with the increasing deterioration in the fields of freedom of the media, freedom of expression, and freedom of association and assembly;
Amendment 351 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Welcomes that Kazakhstan has reached the final stage of its WTO accession process by 2014;
Amendment 357 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. PCommends Kyrgyzstan on the progress which was demonstrated by the recent parliamentary elections; recognizes the peaceful conduct and significant improvements of transparency at the parliamentary elections on 4 October 2015 as confirmed by OSCE/ODIHR in its final report; points out that further efforts are needed to develop a fully functioning parliamentary democracy, despite the initial encouraging signs shown by Kyrgyzstan regarding pursuing democratic reforms and shifting towards a genuine multi-party system, as one of the pilot countries for EU democracy support;
Amendment 364 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Welcomes Kyrgyzstan's successful election into the UN Human Rights Council during 2016-2018 and invites Kyrgyzstan to constructively use its upcoming membership to address human rights issues;
Amendment 369 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Regrets the lack of genuine internal reconciliation in Tajikistan following the civil war of 1992-1997; expresses, in this regard, its deepestExpresses, its concern at the decision to ban the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan, following a worrying trend aimed at suppressing legitimate political forces and silencing critical voices; calls on the Tajik authorities to follow the commitments of the 1997 Peace Agreement and to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee freedom of expression, pluralism and a free and open political environment;
Amendment 373 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Welcomes the Tajikistan accession to WTO in March 2013;
Amendment 377 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Stresses that the main international indexes give Turkmenistan a very low ranking as regards respect for human rights and fundamental freedomsTurkmenistan is a party to most major international agreements and therefore under the obligation to respect and protect human rights under all circumstances; expresses its readiness to increase EU support in the field of democratic principles and human rights, in particular by making full use of the European Instrument of Democracy and Human Rights and other means to support the reform process in the country; in this context, calls on the VP/HR to honour the agreement reached with her predecessor regarding a monitoring mechanism, allowing Parliament to be properly informed by the EEAS about the implementation of the PCA, once it enters into force;
Amendment 380 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37a. Welcomes the recently strengthened engagement of Turkmenistan with the EU in areas of mutual concerns; took note of the country's presence at the 2015 OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting and the high-level presence on the Turkmen side at the 15th annual Joint Committee meeting under the Interim Trade Agreement in October 2015;
Amendment 387 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Urges the VP/HR and the Commission to makengage wit clear toh the Turkmen authorities that EU engagement is conditional onin terms of EU approach requiring concrete steps aimed at improving the human rights situation and the rule of law, and firmly to as stipulated in Article 21 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU); further calls to continue raiseing human rights concerns at all levels in addition to the on-going human rights dialogue; points out, in this regard, the importance of setting up an EU Delegation in Turkmenistan, in particular forregrets that Turkmenistan remains the only country in Central Asia where the European Union does not have a full-fledged European Delegation; in this regard reiterates its call on the EEAS to upgrade the Liaison Office in Ashgabat into a full – fledged EU Delegation in Turkmenistan as quickly as possible to, inter-alia, interaction with civil society and monitoring of the human rights situation;
Amendment 389 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38a. Recognises that the entry into force of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Turkmenistan would help to develop the full potential of established relationship;
Amendment 394 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Regrets the EU’'s lack of effective pursuit of democratisation in Uzbekistan, as proven by the government’s refusal to engage in any meaningful reform, and reiterates its expectation that the VP/HR should develop a policy of criticalonstructive, conditional and coherent EuropeanU engagement with non-aligned Uzbekistan;
Amendment 397 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. Notes that the country has achieved progress in eliminating child labour and recognises the need to eliminate use of forced labour during the annual cotton harvest; while encouraging further commitment by the government to continue concrete efforts, e.g. action plan, to eradicate forced labour along with the recommendations from ILO and the World Bank;
Amendment 64 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Council to break the deadlock and speed up the adoption of the horizontal anti-discrimination directive proposed by the Commission in 2008 without further delay;
Amendment 157 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines the importance of having elderly in the workplace who can pass on their knowledge and experience to younger workers, and regrets the fact that age is the first grounds for employment discrimination; considers it regrettable that older people are still often exposed to stereotypes and barriers on the job market;
Amendment 167 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Recalls that EU legislation concerning ageing policies must be effectively implemented in order to combat and prevent age discrimination;
Amendment 191 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Stresses the importance of accessible technologies for ageing European societies and calls on the Commission to develop an inclusive Digital Single Market strategy by ensuring that accessibility is mainstreamed throughout the strategy and linked with the promotion of the 'silver economy' in Europe;
Amendment 2 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A (new)
Recital A (new)
A. whereas upon its entry into force, the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) will replace the Interim Trade Agreement between the EU and Turkmenistan concluded in 2009, currently governing relations between the European Communities and the Republic of Turkmenistan (hereinafter referred to as Turkmenistan);
Amendment 3 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A (new)
Recital A (new)
A. whereas the PCA contains a clause legally binding on both sides to respect human rights and democracy (Article 2) and providing for the possibility of taking appropriate measures in case of failure to attain these principles (Article 94, (2));
Amendment 6 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B (new)
Recital B (new)
B. whereas the PCA, once fully ratified, will be concluded for an initial period of 10 years, then renewed annually;
Amendment 7 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B (new)
Recital B (new)
B. whereas economic and trade relations are of vital importance in improving the democratic, social and economic situation of citizens of Turkmenistan;
Amendment 8 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C (new)
Recital C (new)
C. whereas Turkmenistan plays an important role in the region as an exporter of gas, with the potential to become a significant importer into the EU;
Amendment 9 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D (new)
Recital D (new)
D. whereas Turkmenistan has been undergoing a process of cautious reforms since 2006;
Amendment 10 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E (new)
Recital E (new)
E. whereas Turkmenistan adopted in 2015 a National Action Plan on Human Rights for 2016-2020 (NAPHR), prepared with the assistance of the UNDP in 2013;
Amendment 17 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recommends that the EU’s approach to Turkmenistan strike a balance between the promotion of human rights and democracy and the pursuit of EU’s strategic interests; underlines that the ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) will contribute to the achievement of EU objectives in these areas;
Amendment 38 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the reinstatement of the position of EU Special Representative for Central Asia, non-existent since early 2014; welcomes the active engagement expressed by the HR/VP regarding the EU involvement in region and Turkmenistan;
Amendment 40 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Council and the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR), to proceed towards the setting up of a full- fledged EU Delegation in Ashgabat, as announced by her predecessor, thus replacing the current EU Liaison Office run from the EU Delegation to Turkey, accredited also to Turkmenistan; emphasises that the new Delegation could monitor the situation and enable diplomacy on the ground, as well as manage projects under the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI) and the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) in a better way;
Amendment 49 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recognises the timid legal, political, social and economic reforms introduced by the current government since 2012 as an encouraging sign of a renewed climate of openness, most notably with regard to prison reform, laws on internet, public assembly and public association; notes that the state of democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms remain weak in Turkmenistan; notes that implementation of laws remains meagre; in this regard, encourages the Turkmenistan authorities to launch its human rights projects provided by the NAPHR, including those dedicated to the internet access;
Amendment 52 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Welcomes, as a positive sign of cooperation facilitating Parliament's consent to the PCA, the last year adoption of the NAPHR for 2016-2020 , prepared with the assistance of the UNDP in 2013, which contains the recommendations made during Turkmenistan's appearance before the Universal Periodic Review process at the UN Human Rights Council in 2013 and having as main objective protecting, promoting and ensuring human rights by defining them in public policy, developing specific programmes, allocating sufficient resources for the implementation of these programmes and further involvement of all relevant government bodies and civil society;
Amendment 62 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Takes note of the constitutional reform announced for this year2016, possibly including a strengthening of the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judiciary branches, and reinforcing the role of Mejlis, and the creation of an office with the function of Ombudsman; welcomes that one of the tasks provided by the NAPHR is the adoption of Law on the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) in accordance with the Paris Principles and recommendation of the UN treaty bodies, having the implementation term in 2016-2017;
Amendment 74 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that Turkmenistan is party to most major international agreements and therefore under the obligation to respect and protect human rights under all circumstances; expresses its readiness to increase EU support in the field of democratic principles and human rights, in particular by making full use of the European Instrument of Democracy and Human Rights and other means to support the reform process in the country;
Amendment 83 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Underlines the need for the European Parliament to closely follow and monitor developments in Turkmenistan and the implementation of the PCA in coming years; calls, in this context, on the VP/HR to honour the agreement reached with her predecessor regarding a on the VP/HR to implement a PCA monitoring mechanism, for allowing Parliament to be properly informed by the EEAS about the implementation of the PCA, once it enters into force, and, in particular, of its objectives and of compliance with its Article 2;
Amendment 91 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that the EU has held seven rounds of Human Rights Dialogue with Turkmenistan since 2008, and that while the last round in SeptemberJune 20145 was held in a constructive and open atmosphere, it has, disappointingly, so far had very scant results; recommends for the 2016 dialogue to address the tasks and activities on human rights progress provided by the NAPHR, including those regarding the political prisoners, the monitoring and visits of detention facilities and the improvements in civil liberties for persons and NGOs; encourages the Turkmen authorities to actively cooperate with the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC);
Amendment 101 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the invitation to Turkmenistan of a UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion in 2008, the first UN special rapporteur to visit the country; calls, at the same time, on the Turkmen authorities to allow entry to the remaining nine rapporteurs, all of whom have asked to visit the country; as indicated in the NAPHR for 2016-2020; welcomes that the NAPHR includes permission for the Special Rapporteur procedures on the situation of human rights defenders and the independence of judges and lawyers;
Amendment 116 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Takes note of some limited improvements regarding freedom of the media, including a new law adopted in 2013; nevertheless, it is concerned about the situation of repressive media environment; calls on the Turkmen authorities to fully guarantee freedom of speech, to lift any state controls on print and electronic media and to allow foreign media outlets access to the country and to information;
Amendment 119 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Points out that the NAPHR contains three main tasks regarding the media: carrying out an analysis of situation concerning the rights of journalists, development of a module on freedom of expression for the faculties of journalism and conducting training sessions for judicial officers, lawyers, media professionals on the rights and obligations of journalists; calls on the Turkmen Government to allow journalists to freely operate in the country; calls on Turkmen authorities to grant access to international journalists to the country;
Amendment 121 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes the recent lowering of the membership threshold for registration of religious communities and groups from 2004, as well as the overall changes aimed at protecting the rights of minorities;
Amendment 122 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Welcomes that the NAPHR contains the ensuring of equal participation of representatives of national minorities in decision-making process, creation of favourable conditions for children of ethnic minorities to learn their mother tongue and obtain knowledge about their history and culture of their people, joint activities dedicated to national holidays of national and ethnic minorities and the creation of a mechanism of consultation with representatives of national minorities;
Amendment 126 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes the modest improvements introduced in the new law on public associations adopted in 2014; calls on the Turkmen authorities to remove restrictions on civil society organisations and to permit the development of a genuinely independent civil society; free from harassment and persecution; nevertheless, it is concerned that unregistered public associations are still banned and that international NGOs are not allowed to operate in the country; welcomes that the NAPHR for 2016-2020 incudes the creation of favourable conditions for registration, operation and development of non-governmental organisations and the carrying out of an analysis of existing legal and regulatory acts on non- governmental organisations and their improvements;
Amendment 140 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls on the Turkmen authorities urgently to address the problem of rampant corruption; welcomes the provisions of NAPHR regarding the improvement of anti-corruption legislation; calls on the European Commission to give full assistance to the Turkmen authorities in the implementation of their action plan against corruption;
Amendment 150 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Notes that a major component of the PCA is the further development of trade relations and considers that the Turkmenistan - EU trading relation could be enhanced, taking in account the location of Turkmenistan as an East- West/North-South crossroads;
Amendment 165 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Underlines the importance of diversification of Turkmenistan economy, in order to enhance its competitiveness;
Amendment 175 #
2015/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Supports Turkmenistan's continued participation in the BOMCA (Border Management in Central Asia) programme which finances also the Central Asia Border Security Initiative (CABSI) Initiative contributing to a sustainable integrated regional border management, and CADAP (Central Asia Drug Action Programme) programme;
Amendment 1 #
2015/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) brought significant benefits to trade between both parties, contributing to the economic development, opening new business opportunities and creating new and sustainable jobs, both in the EU and in the Republic of Korea;
Amendment 2 #
2015/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital -A a (new)
Recital -A a (new)
-Aa. whereas the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement opens new trade opportunities in the fast growing east Asian market;
Amendment 4 #
2015/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas, under Chapter 13 of its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU, Korea has undertaken to respect, promote and realise, in its law and practices, core international standards laid down among others in International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions;
Amendment 8 #
2015/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU-Korea FTA is the first of a new generation of FTAs concluded by the EU, in that its scope is wider than that of any previous agreements and includes commitments on labour rights, a follow-up system and the involvement of the social partners and civil society;
Amendment 11 #
2015/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Welcomes steps taken by the European Commission in trade relations with the Republic of Korea to promote sustainable development, particularly in the field of employment and occupation;
Amendment 12 #
2015/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
Amendment 25 #
2015/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. CallEncourages fKor the swift ratification by Korea of allea to ratify remaining ILO fundamental ILO conventions that it has not yet ratified;
Amendment 30 #
2015/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls the commitment of the EU and Korea to the promotion of decent work, freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining, the eradication of all forms of forced or compulsory labour, the effective abolition of child labour and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation;
Amendment 31 #
2015/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that high labour standards should not be regarded asconstitute non-tariff trade barriers but rather should raise living standards, promote economic growth and stability, create new employment opportunities and improve general welfarecontribute to ensuring an adequate protection of employers' and employees' interests, raise living standards, promote economic growth and stability;
Amendment 36 #
2015/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Expects that parties of the agreement towill respect workers’ fundamental rights and to reflect international core labour standards;
Amendment 38 #
2015/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to monitor closely the impact of the agreement on the European labour market and specific economic sectors. in the Member States of the European Union;
Amendment 39 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas large parts of the neighbourhood continue to be affected by armed or frozen conflicts and crises;
Amendment 64 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas ENP includes different "neighbourhoods", encompassing countries with different interests, ambitions and capabilities;
Amendment 132 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes in the continued value of its initially stated objective of creating an area of stability, prosperity and good neighbourliness, based on the founding values and principles of the Union, through a deep structural transformation in the neighbouring countries; stresses therefore the need to go back to basics and bring this objective back to the top of the agenda;
Amendment 140 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines the strategic importance of the ENP, as a policy creating multi- layered relations and strong inter- dependence between the EU and its partners in the neighbourhood; considers that the ENP should become stronger, more political and more effective policy, also by reinforcing its positive elements, such as a greater focus on the partnership with the societies, differentiation and more for more approach;
Amendment 162 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the renewed policy must be more strategic, focused and flexible, with a real political vision, and politically driven; calls for special envoys to be appointed for the East and the South, with the task of politically coordinating the revised policy;
Amendment 196 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises that local ownership, mutual accountability and inclusiveness should be key aspects of the new approach so as to ensure that the benefits of the ENP reach all levels of society throughout the country;
Amendment 238 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on the Commission to ensure efficient mechanisms of monitoring and oversight of spending of the EU support in the ENP countries, including through the scrutiny by the civil society;
Amendment 245 #
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 flexible; calls furthermore for more coherence and consistency between various EU external financial instruments;
Amendment 256 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the need to reshape the ENP in order to build strong, lasting partnerships with the ENP countries based on preserving the EU values and promoting mutual interests; calls for the technical aspects of the policy to be underpinned by a clear political vision;
Amendment 337 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Considers that revised ENP should strengthen the promotion of fundamental freedoms in the ENP countries by fostering freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly as an enabling right for realisation of economic, social and cultural rights;
Amendment 350 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Emphasises that the approach based on "Partnership with Societies" should be strengthened and promoted; urges that the common interests and goals of the Policy are defined in consultation with all stakeholders from the societies, not only with the authorities;
Amendment 435 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines the need for an overarching political strategy to restore the European political order while ensuring full compliance with international law and commitments, as laid down in the Helsinki Final Act of 1975, based on respect for human rights, minority rights and fundamental freedoms, independence, sovereignty and the territorial integrity of states, inviolability of borders and peaceful resolution of conflicts; notes that the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), as the biggest regional organisation responsible for security, can play an important role in this regard;
Amendment 453 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Reiterates its support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the partner countries; takes the view that ENP should contribute to and be supportive of these principles in practice; recalls its position that occupation of territory of partner country violates the fundamental principles and objectives of the Eastern Partnership and the ENP; emphasizes the need for the earliest peaceful settlement of the frozen conflicts on the basis of the norms and principles of international law, namely territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of the internationally recognized borders;
Amendment 510 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Underlines the importance of the role of multilateral assemblies, such as EuroNest and PA-UfM, as fora for political dialogue and a tool for fostering ownership of the Neighbourhood Policy; emphasizes that the development of regional civil society platforms such as Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum and similar initiative for the South strengthens a multi-stakeholder engagement driving the democratisation and economic reform agenda in the Neighbourhood;
Amendment 514 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Highlights the added value of parliamentary diplomacy and of the regular bilateral interparliamentary meetings the EP holds with the counterparts from the Neighbourhood as a tool for exchanging experiences and evaluating the status of the individual countries' relation with the EU; encourages the Member States national parliaments to carry out their bilateral interparliamentary meetings within the framework of the ENP, as a way to ensure a coherent approach;
Amendment 518 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Commends the activities of the Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean; calls on the EU to support its role as "Trusted third party" to foster regional integration by developing projects of a regional dimension; calls on the European commission to establish a fund for the Union for the Mediterranean to enable the Secretariat to qualify for calls for expression of interest of cooperation projects launched by the EU; invites the Member States and the Southern partners to express their support by committing to its resources;
Amendment 618 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Acknowledge importance of cultural relations between the EU and the Neighbouring countries, in areas such as conflict prevention and peace-building, the development of creative industries, the reinforcement of the dialogue with the civil society and the intercultural and interreligious dialogues, strengthening of the freedom of expression, and the support of social and economic development; calls for strengthening framework for cultural relations, allowing for the development of programmes of mobility, training and capacity-building and exchanges in the fields of culture and education;
Amendment 634 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Emphasises that the action plans, established in close partnership with the authorities of the partner countries and in consultation with CSOs, should focus on a limited number of priorities to be implemented and that their implementation should be assessed on a regular basis, with policy options which could be commonly agreed;
Amendment 656 #
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; as well as to support its neighbours who are targets of such foreign propaganda when they chose approximation to EU values and standards;
Amendment 107 #
2015/0310(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) ‘external borders’ means the land and sea borders of the Member States and their airports and seaports, to which the provisions of Title II of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council 38 apply; and land and sea borders of Member States with third countries to which the provisions do not yet apply. __________________ 38 Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (OJ L 105, 13.4.2006, p. 1).
Amendment 162 #
2015/0310(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point r
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point r
(r) assist Member States and third countries in the context of operationaltheir cooperation between them in the fields of external border management and return.
Amendment 177 #
2015/0310(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3
Article 10 – paragraph 3
3. The risk analysis prepared by the Agency shall cover all aspects relevant to the European integrated border management, in particular border control, return, irregular secondary movements of third-country nationals within the Union, the prevention of cross-border crime including facilitation of irregular immigration, trafficking in human being and terrorism, as well as the situation in neighbouring third countries and countries of origin and transit for irregular migration with a view to developing a pre- warning mechanism which analyses the migratory flows towards the Union.
Amendment 246 #
2015/0310(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) coordinate at technical and operational level the return activities of the Member States, including voluntary returns, to achieve an integrated system of return management among competent authorities of the Member States, with the participation of relevant authorities of third countries and other relevant stakeholders;
Amendment 247 #
2015/0310(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) cooperate with third countries in order to facilitate the return activities of the Member States;
Amendment 320 #
2015/0310(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 53 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 321 #
2015/0310(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 53 – paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. The Commission, shall draw up a model Status Agreement for actions on the territory of third countries.
Amendment 338 #
2015/0310(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 1
Article 54 – paragraph 1
1. The Agency may deploy experts of its own staff as liaison officers, who should enjoy the highest possible protection to carry out their duties, in third countries. They shall form part of the local or regional cooperation networks of immigration liaison officers and security experts of the Union and of the Member States, including. The Agency shall coordinate and ensure the proper functioning of the network set up pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 377/2004.49 __________________ 49 Council Regulation (EC) No 377/2004 of 19 February 2004 on the creation of an immigration liaison officers network (OJ L 64, 2.3.2004, p. 1).
Amendment 112 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) It should be specified in this Directive that the activities of a dealer include not only the manufacturing but also the modification or conversion a firearm, such as the shortening of a complete firearm, and in addition the commercial modification or conversion of parts of firearms and of ammunition, and that, therefore, only authorised dealers should be permitted to engage in those activities. This Directive should not apply to reloading of ammunition for personal use or making legal modifications and conversions to a firearm for which a person has an authorization.
Amendment 152 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) BCollectors and bodies concerned with the cultural and historical aspects of weapons and recognised as such by the Member State in whose territory they are established and shoulding in their possession firearms classified in category A acquired before the date of entry into force of this Directive should be able to keep those firearms in their possession subject to authorisation by the Member State concerned and provided that those firearms have been deactivat be able to keep and acquire firearms classified in category A subject to authorisation by the Member State concerned.
Amendment 172 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
Amendment 220 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
Amendment 279 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Furthermore, the risk of alarm weapons and other types of blank firing weapons being converted to real firearms is high, and in some of the terrorist acts converted arms were used. It is therefore essential to address the problem of converted firearms being used in criminal offences, notably by including them in the scope of the Directive. Technical specifications for alarm and signal weapons as well as for salute and acoustic weapons should be adopted in order to ensure that they cannot be converted into firearms.
Amendment 316 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 1 – point a
Article 1 – point 1 – point a
Directive 91/477/EEC
Article 1 – paragraph 1b
Article 1 – paragraph 1b
1b. For the purposes of this Directive, "essential component" shall mean the barrel, frame, receiver, slide or cylinder, bolt or breaech block and any device designed or adapted to diminish the sound caused by firing a firearm which, being separate objects, are included in the category of the firearms on which they are or are intended to be mounted.
Amendment 330 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 1 – point b
Article 1 – point 1 – point b
Directive 91/477/EEC
Article 1 –paragraph 1e
Article 1 –paragraph 1e
1e. For the purposes of this Directive, "broker" shall mean any natural or legal person, other than a dealer whose trade or business consists wholly or partly in buying, selling or arranging the transfer within a Member State, from one Member State to another Member State or exporting to a third country or importing into a Member State from a third country fully assembled firearms, their parts and ammunition.
Amendment 361 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 1 – point c
Article 1 – point 1 – point c
Directive 91/477/EEC
Article 1 – paragraph 1h
Article 1 – paragraph 1h
Amendment 406 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Directive 91/477/EEC
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
2. This Directive shall not apply to the acquisition or possession of weapons and ammunition, in accordance with national law, by the armed forces, the police, the public authorities or by collectors and bodies concerned with the cultural and historical aspects of weapons and recognised as such by the Member State in whose territory they are established. Nor shall it apply to commercial transfers of weapons and ammunition of warproducts of the defence industry.
Amendment 434 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 3
Article 1 – point 3
Directive 91/477/EEC
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that any firearm or parand any essential component placed on the market has been marked and registered in compliance with this Directive.
Amendment 452 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 3
Article 1 – point 3
Directive 91/477/EEC
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
For the purposes of identifying and tracing each assembled firearm, Member States shall, at the time of manufacture of each firearm or at the time of import into the Union or as soon as possible thereafter, require a unique marking including the name of the manufacturer, the country or place of manufacture, the serial number and the year of manufacture, if not already part of the serial number. This shall be without prejudice to the affixing of the manufacturer's trademark.
Amendment 460 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 3
Article 1 – point 3
Directive 91/477/EEC
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 519 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 91/477/EEC
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 536 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Directive 91/477/EEC
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The acquisition and possession of firearms shall only be permitted if, inter alia, there is good cause. Member States, whilst not being under any obligation in that regard, may decide that the acquisition and possession of firearms for the purpose of, for example, hunting, target shooting, self-defence, reservist training, various scientific, technical and testing activities and re-enactment of historical events, filmmaking or historical study constitutes good cause.
Amendment 549 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 91/477/EEC
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Member States shall provide for standard medical tests for issuing or renewing authorisations as referred to in paragraph 1 and shall withdraw authorisations if any of the conditions on the basis of which it wasthey were granted is no longer met.
Amendment 578 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 91/477/EEC
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. This Directive is without prejudice to the ownership of firearms and ammunition acquired through inheritance. Member States shall prohibit the possession of such firearms by owners who are not duly authorised.
Amendment 590 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 91/477/EEC
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Member States shall take all appropriate steps to prohibit the acquisition and the possession of the firearms and ammunition classified in category A and to destroy those. In exceptional and duly reasoned cases, the competent authorities may grant authorisations for the acquisition and possession of such firearms and ammunition wheld in violation of this provison and seizedre this is not contrary to public security or public order.
Amendment 620 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 91/477/EEC
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Member States may authorise persons or bodies concerned with the cultural and historical aspects of weapons and recognised as such by the Member State in whose territory they are established to keep in theiracquire and possession firearms classified in category A acquired before [the date of entry into force of this Directive] provided they have been deactivated in accordance with the provisions that implement Article 10(b)when this is not contrary to public security or public order.
Amendment 660 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 7
Article 1 – point 7
Directive 91/477/EEC
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2 (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2 (new)
Amendment 731 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 12
Article 1 – point 12
Directive 91/477/EEC
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
The Commission shall submit every five years submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the application of this Directive, including a fitness check of the new provisions, accompanied, if appropriate, by proposals in particular as regards the categories of firearms of Annex I and the issues related to new technologies such as 3D printing. The first report shall be submitted by ... [two years after the date of entry into force of this Amending Directive].
Amendment 748 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 13 – point a – point i
Article 1 – point 13 – point a – point i
Directive 91/477/EEC
Annex I – part II – point A – category A – point 6
Annex I – part II – point A – category A – point 6
Amendment 751 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 13 – point a – point i
Article 1 – point 13 – point a – point i
Directive 91/477/EEC
Annex I – part II – point A – category A – point 6
Annex I – part II – point A – category A – point 6
6. Automatic firearms which have been converted into semi-automatic firearms; which have not been authorised in accordance with Article 10ba, with the exception of firearms converted prior to ... [the date of entry into force of this Amending Directive1a]; __________________ 1a In this case, Article 10ba shall be amended as follows: "Member States shall take measures to ensure that long semi-automatic firearms which have been converted from originally automatic firearms cannot be reconverted into automatic firearms. Mechanical design of any particular type of long semi- automatic firearms including conversions of any particular type of originally automatic firearms into semi-automatic firearms must be authorised for civilian use by a competent public authority before being placed on the market."
Amendment 755 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 13 – point a – point i
Article 1 – point 13 – point a – point i
Directive 91/477/EEC
Annex I – part II – point A – category A – point 6
Annex I – part II – point A – category A – point 6
6. AComponents with which a semi- automatic firearms which have can been converted into semi-an automatic firearm without sophisticated skills and tools;
Amendment 762 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 13 – point a – point i
Article 1 – point 13 – point a – point i
Directive 91/477/EEC
Annex I – part II – point A – category A – point 7
Annex I – part II – point A – category A – point 7
Amendment 778 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 13 – point a – point i
Article 1 – point 13 – point a – point i
Directive 91/477/EEC
Annex I – part II – point A – category A – point 8
Annex I – part II – point A – category A – point 8
Amendment 811 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 13 – point a – point iii
Article 1 – point 13 – point a – point iii
Directive 91/477/EEC
Annex I – part II – point A – category C – point 5
Annex I – part II – point A – category C – point 5
5. Alarm and signal weaponsFirearms under categories A, B and points 1 to 4 of category C, after having been converted to alarm, signal, salute and, acoustic weapons as well as replicas;, gas, paintball or airsoft, Flobert, or percussion lock weapons.
Amendment 822 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 13 – point a – point iii
Article 1 – point 13 – point a – point iii
Directive 91/477/EEC
Annex I – part II – point A – category C – point 6
Annex I – part II – point A – category C – point 6
Amendment 830 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 14 – point a
Article 1 – point 14 – point a
Directive 91/477/EEC
Annex I – part III – point a
Annex I – part III – point a
Amendment 838 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 14 – point c
Article 1 – point 14 – point c
Directive 91/477/EEC
Annex I – part III – paragraph 2
Annex I – part III – paragraph 2
Amendment 843 #
2015/0269(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive [36 months after publication toin the OJ]. They shall forthwith communicate to the Commission the text of those provisions.
Amendment 4 #
2014/2816(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
- having regard to the regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a European Neighbourhood Instrument¹, Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0567.
Amendment 54 #
2014/2816(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. SReiterates that justice sector reform in Georgia remains a priority for both Georgia and the European Union; stresses the importance of strengthening the stability, independence and effectiveness of institutions responsible for guaranteeing democracy (particularly that of the judiciary), the rule of law and good governance, and of consolidating the system of protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms; reiterates the importance of assuring that all three branches of power remain separated; calls for an effective use of the checks and balances system accompanied by oversight mechanisms;
Amendment 89 #
2014/2816(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Georgian Government to promote free media,create a favourable environment for free media, which promotes the freedom of expression and media pluralism, and to allow the media to report independently and objectively without political or economic pressure;
Amendment 110 #
2014/2816(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Believes that all the provisions of the cease-fire agreement of 12 August 2008 between Russia and Georgia shouldhave to be fully respected by both sides, particularly the provision which states that Russia must guarantee the EUMM full, unlimited access to the breakaway territories of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia;
Amendment 1 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
– having regard to the EU Charter of Fundamental rights, notably article 25 on the rights of older people,
Amendment 4 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission report of 'The 2015 Ageing Report. Economic and budgetary projections for the 28 EU Member States (2013-2060)' (European Economy 3|2015)
Amendment 26 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the success of active ageing policies is strongly linked to the effectiveness of a range of social inclusionnon- discrimination, social protection, social inclusion and public health policies developed throughout the active lives of EU citizens and workers;
Amendment 44 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recognises that EY 2012 provided important political momentum which helped to open a discussion of the challenges of active ageing and intergenerational solidarity in Europe;
Amendment 62 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers it regrettable that the relatively late approval of EY 2012 resulted in contracting and implementation delays, as a result of which certain events –, such as the Seniorforce Day initiative –, did not realise their full potential; notes the smaller budget allocated to the EY 2012, compared to previous EYs and the consequently scarcer resources to implement the EY 2012's objectives;
Amendment 65 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls that active ageing is the process of optimising opportunities for health and for participation in society in order to enhance quality of life as people age and should not be considered solely as an instrument to maintain the employability of older workers; takes the view that active ageing policies should increase people's potential for physical, social and mental well-being through the course of their lives so as to allow better social inclusion and greater participation in society; highlights the fact that active ageing does not simply mean better conditions to enable older people to work longer, but alsoalso means better access to health and social services and to lifelong learning, the elimination of age discrimination and stereotypes, action to combat age discrimination, poverty and social exclusion, and greater awareness of the value of active ageing;
Amendment 98 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to study the worrying problem of unemployment among people over the age of 50 and, in conjunction with the Member States, to develop effective tools for reintegrating such workers into the labour market, offering opportunities for life-long learning, and promoting intergenerational trainings and transfers of knowledge at work;
Amendment 128 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Considers it essential to support older people in living independently for as long as possible, and to develop and maintain people-oriented and demand-driven support and care services; calls therefore on the European Commission to implement the Social Investment Package and keep healthy ageing and the adequacy and quality of long-term care high on the political agenda;
Amendment 139 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Reiterates the need to develop the ‘sSilver eEconomy', which caters to the needs of the ageing population on the basis of the economic opportunities arising from the public and consumer expenditure related to population ageing and from specific products, services, innovative solutions and needs, resulting in new jobs and growth; welcomes the Commission plan to work on an EU Silver Economy Strategy;
Amendment 167 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the Active Ageing Index, which aims to capture the untapped potential of older people for more active participation in employment and social life and for independent living, together with the ongoing follow-up project being conducted by the Commission in conjunction with the UN Economic Committee for Europe; encourages the Member States to set targets based on the iActive Ageing Index which are to be achieved through comprehensive active ageing strategies, and to monitor progress towards those targets;
Amendment 172 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Calls on the Commission to adopt an EU Strategy on Demographic Change to coordinate EU action in various areas in order to ensure synergies and maximise their positive impact on Europe's citizens, economy and job creation, as well as protect the human rights of older persons in all EU policies;
Amendment 174 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Calls on the Commission to adopt an Action Plan on elder abuse, taking stock of the European Quality Framework for Long-Term Care developed by the WeDO Partnership and addressing the issue of the rights of older persons in need of care and assistance;
Amendment 176 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Calls on the Commission to release the long-awaited European Accessibility Act to ensure that transport, housing and ICT-based products and services, including the ones offered with the Silver Economy, are accessible to older persons;
Amendment 177 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 d (new)
Paragraph 20 d (new)
20d. Calls on the Commission to issue country-specific recommendations addressing the adequacy, sustainability and fairness of economic reforms in the field of employment, pensions, social inclusion and long-term care within the European Semester framework; calls on the Commission to better assess the social impact of economic reforms, notably in the context of population ageing;
Amendment 274 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the EEAS and the Commission to continue to encourage democratic reforms within the EU neighbouring countries; stresses the importance of maintaining the ‘two- thirds/one third' principle for the allocation of ENP funding; calls on the Commission, the EEAS, the Council and the Member States to develop a political and strategic ENP dimension; welcomes the launch by the HR/VP and the Commission of broad consultation on ENP renewal;
Amendment 81 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that this agreement should be accompanied by a deepening of transatlanticand intensifying transatlantic political cooperation including its parliamentary cooperatdimension, and that the strengthening of trade and investment links through the TTIP should lead in the future to an enhanced political framework to improve global cooperation between the EU and the US;
Amendment 59 #
2014/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Takes note that the most recent civilian and military operations under the CSDP have continued to be dogged by structural shortcomings evident now for several years: lengthy and inflexible decision- making processes, mission mandates unsuited to the operational environment, budgetary constraints, the problem of ‘force generation’ and logistical and financial inertia;
Amendment 75 #
2014/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Considers that part of the successful mission is its adequate and qualified staff in terms of training, skills, leadership;
Amendment 81 #
2014/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes that since June 2013 a warehouse facility has existed for the rapid deployment of resources for CSDP civilian missions; considers that if this facility is to be used effectively it should be placed at the service of the relevant heads of mission to meet the needs they identify, rather than operating on the basis ofand operate in close cooperation with the Commission decisions; calls for annual activity reports to be prepared in respect of this warehouse so that the added value it offers in terms of speeding the deployment of civilian missions can be properly assessed;
Amendment 83 #
2014/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Welcomes the research being conducted with a view to the establishment of a shared services centre to pool resources for CSDP civilian missions; and make more efficient deployment of the missions; calls for establishment of the shared services centre, considers that the most effective solution would be to have a single institutional structure inside the EEAS centralising and rationalising services for civilian missions (human resources, IT, logistics etc.), which are currently dispersed within the respective missions;
Amendment 5 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
- Whereas the European Union needs to strengthen its Common Foreign and Security Policy and speak with one voice when tackling the external political and security challenges;
Amendment 6 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 b (new)
Citation 7 b (new)
- Whereas the EU should improve its tools and response mechanisms especially in case of rapid political changes in its neighbourhood;
Amendment 7 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 c (new)
Citation 7 c (new)
- Whereas the political and security situation in the EU eastern neighbourhood is volatile, with an armed conflict in the eastern part of Ukraine that has resulted in thousands of military and civilian casualties;
Amendment 8 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 d (new)
Citation 7 d (new)
- Whereas the illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula by Russia was the first case of a forcible incorporation of a part of one country into another in Europe since World War II, and is in violation of international law, including the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and the 1994 Budapest Agreement;
Amendment 40 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 3
Paragraph 3 – indent 3
– supporting security, stabilisation and the rule of law in the EU’s southern neighbourhood,
Amendment 58 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 5
Paragraph 3 – indent 5
– improving the EU’'s internal structures and working methods in order to strengthen ithe EU's resilience and allow itbility to effectively defend itself and to unleash its full potential as a global player;
Amendment 90 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that the external financial assistance deployed by the EU and its Member States needs to be refocused and used more efficiently in line with the jointly agreed strategic priorities; calls for more measures to be taken by the EU in order to increase the visibility and effectiveness of EU assistance;
Amendment 116 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes, in this connection, the organisation of the new Commission in clusters, which enables the HR/VP to coordinate all relevant Commission policies with an external dimension; supports the HR/VP in her efforts to fully assume her role as Vice- President of the Commission; encourages the HR/VP at the same time to use her role as Chair of the Foreign Affairs Council to bring initiatives into the Council that advance common pro- active policies beyond the least common denominator, using the whole toolbox of CFSP and the EU’s external policies;
Amendment 146 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Underlines the vital importance of collective defence guaranteed by NATO for its members; urges the Member States, as a matter of urgency, to step up their ability to contribute to territorial defence, commit more resources and political will to cooperate more closely to build synergies; stresses that all the Member States must enjoy the same level of security, in line with Article 42(7) TEU; stresses that a credible EU foreign policy needs to be underpinned by adequate defence capabilities in the Member States and an effective Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP); takes the view that the CSDP is an important component of European defence and can contribute to it in many ways, including by fostering defence cooperation, enhancing interoperability and increasing efficiency; welcomes the HR/VP’s commitment to actively engage on defence matters, including by chairing meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council in the Defence Ministers configuration;
Amendment 155 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – introductory part
Paragraph 16 – introductory part
16. Welcomes the impetus given to the CSDP by the European Council on Defence in December 2013, calls for the further implementation of the decisions taken and looks forward to the forthcoming debate in June 2015; calls for further ambitious decisions to be taken at this summit, in particular:
Amendment 172 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – indent 3
Paragraph 16 – indent 3
– implementing the Lisbon Treaty in full, in particular as regards permanent structured cooperation, the possibility of entrusting special tasks and missions to a group of Member States and the; in the context of rapid response, improving the performance and efficiency in planning and organization of the missions, especially by establishment of a start-up fund for CSDP operations;
Amendment 190 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – indent 6
Paragraph 16 – indent 6
– addressing existing problems in the areas of the planning and conduct of military operations, including by establishing a permanent operational headquarters and Shared Service Centre;
Amendment 222 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Points out that energy is increasingly being used as a foreign policy tool and recalls that energy cooperation lies at the foundation of European integration; calls for increased coherence and coordination between foreign policy and energy policy; takes the view that energy security should be part of the comprehensive approach to the EU’s external action and believes that energy policy must be in line with the Union’s other priority policies, including its security, foreign anwelcomes the establishment of the post of Vice-President for the Energy Union and the Commission's Communication on European Energy Security Strategy; calls on the Commission and Member States to intensify cooperation in order to implement short and long term actions listed in this strategy; urges further reflection on the compatibility of energy security goals with other objectives pursued by the EU; is of the opinion that a solidarity mechanism should be put in place in order to deal with possible energy disruption or crises; believes that an interconnected eneighbourhood, trade, and development policies, as well as its policies in defence of human rightrgy infrastructure should be developed and that efforts to diversify the EU's energy and energy resources supply need to be accelerated in order to strengthen energy independence of EU Member States;
Amendment 259 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Underlines the need to consolidate the EU and to strengthen its integration capacity, which is one of the Copenhagen criteria; reiterates the enlargement perspective for the countries of the Western Balkans, based on fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria; supports, in this connection, the Commission’s approach, which consists in addressing fundamental reforms in the area of the rule of law, public administration and economic governance early in the enlargement process; underlines the importance of cooperation with the candidate countries in field of external policy and highlights significance of their alignment with the CSFP;
Amendment 334 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Insists on the need to substantially revise the EU´s policy towards its southern neighbourhood, and to develop a comprehensive strategy focusing the EU’s instruments and scarce budgetary resources on support for the building of functioning and inclusive democratic states capable of delivering security for their citizens, confronting religious extremism and enhancing the rule of law, which is a key precondition for investment and economic development; points to the unused potential of cross- border trade within the region; insists on close cooperation on managing migration flows, while respecting human rights;
Amendment 418 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 39 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Stresses that the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region, in the areas of the East and South China Sea in particular, is of substantial importance to the EU; urges all parties concerned in the region to solve differences in a peaceful way, in line with international law, and to cooperate with each other to exploit natural and marine resources; takes the view that the EU has a substantial interest in East Asia's continued growth and prosperity; underlines the need to strengthen the EU's economic partnership with Asia-Pacific countries in an inclusive manner so as to maintain sustainable peace, stability and prosperity; welcomes the encouraging improvements in cross- Strait relations over the past six years and calls upon to take further measures to facilitate their peaceful development; urges the HR/VP and the Council to continue its cooperation with all stakeholders in the region, on a broad range of global issues.
Amendment 11 #
2014/2214(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is of the view that good and stable, stable and transparent governance mechanisms are crucial in order to provide strategic direction, take key decisions and oversee effective implementation of EUSAIR; supports the strengthening of the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, in and private businesses, in the implementation process; considers it important to ensure adequate visibility of EUSAIR on all levels; calls for close cooperation with relevant European organisations and programmes with regard to migration challenges affecting the region, including the South East Europe 2020 Strategy, and for the duplication or overlapping of activities to be avoided; reiterates the importance of avoiding the overlapping and duplicating of activities;
Amendment 24 #
2014/2214(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers it essential that EUSAIR contribute to the EU accession process of the South East Europe countries by addressing common regional challenges; calls for these countries to be fully and effectively involved in all steps of EUSAIR's implementation and for them to improve their connectivity among themselves and with the rest of the EU, including the Adriatic-Ionian Corridor; welcomes the regular Western Balkans Six Prime Ministers meetings and encourages their coordinated action on regional issues; calls for their significant disparities and deficits in infrastructure to be tackled, in particular as regards road and rail networks, intermodal connections and traffic management systems; encourages the development of synergies and coordinated policies between the EU, the relevant Member States and the South East Europe countries;
Amendment 1 #
2014/2205(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that, under Article 208 TFEU, the primary objective of EU development cooperation is to reduce and eradicate poverty; highlights the fact that development cooperation must be guided by that objective and not by geostrategic or economic interests; refuses to accept that development cooperation should be subordinate to external and security policydevelopment cooperation shall be conducted within the framework of the principles and objectives of the Union's external action, with the primary objective to reduce and in the long term eradicate poverty; highlights the fact that development cooperation should be guided by that objectives;
Amendment 11 #
2014/2205(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Stress the potential of the private sector's contribution to long term sustainable development and underlines possible EU added value in partnering with private sector in achieving development goals;
Amendment 20 #
2014/2205(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 40 #
2014/2205(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is dismayed that because of public procurement contract awards and debt servicing, inter alia, 61 % of official development assistance goes back to donor countries1 ; cCalls for an increase in real aid and for sustainable building of regional/local value chains; __________________ 1 ActionAid. ActionAid.
Amendment 49 #
2014/2205(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is concerned at the devastating consequences of land grabbing, inter alia, for human rights, the economy and the environment; calls for binding international rules for firms on compliance with human rights, labour law and environmental standards;
Amendment 4 #
2014/2153(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that energy policy must be an integral part ofmainstreamed in the EU’s overall external policy, and that further efforts are needed to ensure better synergies between energy objectives and foreign policy; underlines that energy security concerns the whole EU despite various vulnerability of the particular Member states; calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) and the European External Action Service to coordinate closely the relevant foreign policy tools and instruments of the Member States and the EU institutions;
Amendment 15 #
2014/2153(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that, in view of the EU’s high dependence on energy imports and the current dominance of a single gas supplier, it is urgent to diversify energy supply sources and energy routes and support alternative gas supply infrastructure projects;
Amendment 47 #
2014/2153(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates that energy cooperation must take into account the EU’s core values, such as the respect for human rights and democracy; calls on all actors of EU external policy to advocate the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency in all contacts with third countries; calls on the VP/HR and the Commission to address the control of nuclear infrastructure within the EU by non-EU entities, and to closely monitor nuclear safety standards in the EU’s neighbourhood, as well as the management of European nuclear waste.
Amendment 10 #
2014/2086(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the vital importance of setting-up a Shared Services Centre (SSC) that would result in important cost savings by providing centralized logistical, procurement and administrative support to the CSDP missions and to the EU Special Representatives and their offices; deplores the long delay in setting up the centre and urges all stakeholders involved to strive to reach as a matter of urgency an agreement on an ambitious SSC, capable of efficiently supporting missions, especially at their start-up, of standardizing work processes and of delivering faster and more cost-effective procurement;
Amendment 5 #
2014/2075(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses the vital importance of setting-up a Shared Services Centre (SSC) that would result in important cost savings by providing centralized logistical, procurement and administrative support to the CSDP missions and to the EU Special Representatives and their offices; deplores the long delay in setting up the centre and urges all stakeholders involved to strive to reach as a matter of urgency an agreement on an ambitious SSC, capable of efficiently supporting missions, especially at their start-up, of standardizing work processes and of delivering faster and more cost-effective procurement;
Amendment 36 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
Citation 17 a (new)
- whereas Turkey continues to be actively involved in its wider neighbourhood and is an important regional player,
Amendment 70 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. StressWelcomes the importance of achieving a common understanding between Turkey and the EU on the relevance for bothsignature of the EU and- Turkey of the readmission agreement and the launch of the roadmap leading to visa liberalisation; recalls that Turkey is one of the key transit countries for irregular migration to the EU and therefore calls on Turkey to sign and implement the readmission agreement without further delay; calls on the Commission in parallel to take further steps towards visa liberalisation and stresses the clear benefits of facilitating access to the EU for business people, academics, students and representatives of civil society;
Amendment 307 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Notes that Turkey continues to be the EU’s sixth biggest trading partner and that the EU is Turkey’s biggest with 38% of Turkey’s total trade going to the EU and almost 71% of FDI coming from the EU; welcomes the ongoing Commission evaluation of the EU-Turkey Customs Union with the aim of assessing its impact on both parties and ways to update it and urges Turkey to remove remaining restrictions on the free movement of goods;
Amendment 61 #
2013/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recognises that EU institutions and all Member States have to exercise a firm and coherent approach to human rights abuses worldwide; considers that when faced with cases of persistent human rights violations the EU should speak up with one voice and ensure its message is heard; calls on the EU Foreign Affairs Council to hold an annual public debate on human rights;
Amendment 220 #
2013/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Remains deeply concerned about thecontinuous crisis in Syria; strongly deplores thedeplores in strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons and excessive use of force and violence against the civilian population in the country, and abhors the scale of state abuses that may constitute crimes against humanity; calls on all armed factions to put an immediate end to violence in the country; expresses grave concern at the on-going humanitarian crisis and the implications for neighbouring countries; believes that the key to solving the conflict lies in political mechanisms and diplomatic processes;
Amendment 275 #
2013/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 56
Paragraph 56
56. WStresses the importance to follow up on reports and recommendations from the Election Observation Missions, welcomes the initiative of the Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group (DEG) to strengthen the follow-up to EOM recommendations by using them as part of the ‘road map for democracy’ in the country concerned, and to charge the Chief Observer with a special role to ensure follow-up of the recommendations with the support of Parliament's standing bodies;
Amendment 299 #
2013/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 68 a (new)
Paragraph 68 a (new)
68a. Calls on the EU and its Member States to increase their efforts to fight impunity within the EU's own borders, encourages them in this respect to take under consideration the recommendations by the European Network of contact points in respect of persons responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes;
Amendment 7 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
- having regard to a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a European Neighbourhood Instrument 2014-2020,
Amendment 19 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), in particular the Eastern Partnership (EaP), aims to should strengthen the partnership between the EU and the countries and societies of the neighbourhood and extend the EU values and ideas tof the fcounders of the EUtries in order to contribute to building and consolidating healthy democracies, pursuing sustainable economic growth and managing cross-border links;
Amendment 25 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the EaP is based on shared commitment to international law and fundamental values - democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms - and to the market economy, sustainable development and good governance; whereas, at the Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit all the participants reconfirmed their commitment to these principles;
Amendment 28 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius demonstrated a need to reflect on the EU policies towards the Eastern partners;
Amendment 31 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EaP is directed at European countries and is a response toshould support democratic transitions and the European aspirations of the societies of the partner countries;
Amendment 36 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
Amendment 51 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the European Neighbourhood Instrument is the main tool of delivery of Union's support and assistance to the Eastern Partnership countries; whereas it reflects differentiation and the "more for more" approach and provides for significant financial incentives to those neighbouring countries undertaking democratic reforms;
Amendment 85 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recognises that the EaP project needs a reflection, new impetus and a clear vision for the way forward, focusing not onequally on the political cooperation, but aiming to anchor and partnership with the societies of the EaP to the EU, thus urges the EU to focus particularly on establishing visa-free regimes, on investing in youth and future leaders, and on the energy sectorcountries;
Amendment 100 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to reflect lessons drawn from the recent evolutions of the Eastern Partnership in the definition of bilateral and multilateral priorities of Union as well as funding under the ENI;
Amendment 101 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Considers democratic transition processes based on rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the key for building the strong and lasting partnership with the EaP countries;
Amendment 102 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Emphasizes the important role played by civil society in transition and reform processes and political dialogue in the EaP counties, calls on the EU to strengthen cooperation with the civil society and provide it with support through a range of different funding instruments;
Amendment 110 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that more progress can be made on the establishment of the visa-free regime; notes, in this connection, that visa liberalisation is only one of a number of processes aimed at bringing the societies closer together, and that more efforts are required in this area, particularly with regard to advancing cooperation in the field of education and culture; considers that greater emphasis should be placed on the fact that the EaP project is directed at societies rather than authoriprimarily at societies;
Amendment 116 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 144 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for aWelcomes more individualised approach to the partner countries, implementingbased on the principle of differentiation and "more for more", evaluating the progress of each partner country based on the basis of clear benchmarks and on its own merits, but with overall coordination;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes the significant and ongoing changes in the geopolitical environment characterised by multidimensional and asymmetric threats, by the rise of emerging powers and a strategic shift in attention by the US towards the Pacific region, by increased instability in the EU's southern neighbourhood, by challenges in energy security, by maritime challenges, by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, by threats posed by transnational terrorism, and by a severe and long- lasting financial and economic crisis with a major impact on the GDP of many EU Member States and, consequently, on national defence budgets on both sides of the Atlantic; notes that no single member of the EU is able to overcome these multifaceted challenges by itself;
Amendment 51 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Believes that the introduction of a mutual defence clause and a solidarity clause by the Treaties (Article 42.7 TEU and Article 222 TFEU) reinforces the sense of common idesntinty among European citizens ; calls on the Heads of States and Governments to reaffirm their commitment to mutual political solidarity;
Amendment 60 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Asks that the functional problems of civilian CSDP missions, notably regarding the speed of deployment, be tackled by reviewing their legal and financial framework, which often complicates the decision-making process and leads to delays; calls for an increase in the number of qualified and politically independent strategic planners, which is too small in comparison to the number of missions; further asks Member States to create a ‘'civilian reserve corps’' that could be deployed quickly if needed; welcomes in this regard the recently established permanent CSDP warehouse;
Amendment 96 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. IReiterates the growing importance of tackling cyber security threats; invites the European Council to develop guidelines for the implementation of the EU Cyber Security Strategy and to take concrete measures regarding the protection of cyber infrastructure, and investing in enhancing an EU- wide cooperation on crisis management procedures, cyber exercises, training and education;
Amendment 98 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Asks the European Council to reaffirm the significance of access to energy resources and the security of Europe's energy supply;Europe's energy supply and a diversified and sustainable access to energy resources; notes that some Member States lack the capacity to diversify their energy supplies and thus become increasingly vulnerable; in this respect, strongly supports collaborative efforts of Member States in crisis situations; stresses that the protection of critical infrastructure in Europe should activate the mutual defence and/or solidarity clause; furthermore, notes that operation ATALANTA is already performing an energy security role by combating pirates who have hijacked a number of oil tankers since 2008; believes, therefore, that these aspects need to be part of the necessary strategic approach; emphasises in this context that energy supply is a crucial factor for successful CSDP missions and operations; notes that the protection of critical infrastructure in Europe could activate the mutual defence and/or solidarity clause;
Amendment 103 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls for stronger cooperation between the EU and NATO structures through a complementary approach; is convinced that strengthening the CSDP does no harm to, and indeed reinforces, collective security and transatlantic links; asserts that the development of defence capabilities within an EU context also benefits NATO; considers that coordination and cooperation between the EU and NATO structures remains unsatisfactory due to the implications of the unresolved Cyprus issue; hopes that the Republic of Cyprus's intention to join NATO's Partnership for Peace Programme can be a game changer and urges Turkey to adopt an equally constructive attitude; urges the development of a comprehensive framework for EU-NATO cooperation and the deepening of political dialogue with full respect for the decision-making of each party;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the world's financial crisis and the growing assertiveness of new emerging economies are unleashingpose major political, economic social and environmental challenges, including internal problems, for all parties and takes the view that addressing such challenges requires collective action and the forging of alliances in order to promote peace, security, social progress and prosperity, along with democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights;
Amendment 21 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that this is the world the EU needs to understand today, and on the basis of which it should frame a new EU foreign policy to face these challengese EU needs to establish a new and credible foreign policy in response to the current challenges in the world; believes that in order to preserve and promote its values and its position on the global stage, the EU needs not only to be coherent and consistent in its external action, but, first and foremost, to clearly define and implement its strategic objectives, making full use of the opportunities provided by the Lisbon Treaty; demands that the instrument of enhanced cooperation be used to secure greater capacity to act, and to overcome the serious problem of the veto principle within the Council;
Amendment 37 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Urges the Member States to play a constructive role in the Union's foreign policy, in particular in coordinationg effectively between their respective capitals and Brussels concerning the positions they adopt in multilateral fora; stresses the need, during a period characterised by economic constraints, to improve the Union's effectiveness as a cohesive global actor; notes in particular that the Member States also have an important role to play in the effective implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) by making available civilian and military capabilities; expects this role to be reinforced following the discussion on defence at the December 2013 European Council;
Amendment 60 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Reiterates its support for the VP/HR's leadership, under difficult circumstances, of negotiations with Iran and congratulates her on her success in bringing the parties together in the EU-facilitated dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia; considers that these examples of leadership and priority- setting should be applied bothfurther in the EU's candidate and potential candidate countries, neighbourhood and in response to an arc of strategic challenges stretching from Central Asia to the Middle East and from the Horn of Africa across the Sahel; expresses its willingness to support this process;
Amendment 81 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls on the Council and the VP/HR, when drawing up future Annual Reports on the CFSP, to engage with the Committee on Foreign Affairs at an early stage in order to discuss foreign policy objectives for the coming years and provide EU citizens with a clear statement concerning the evolution, priorities and progress of the Union's foreign policy, thus reassessing and demonstrating her role as a leader in EU's Foreign Policy;
Amendment 95 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Takes the view that the EU and the USA need to cooperate closely with regard to the peaceful resolution of crises such as those in Iran and the Middle East;
Amendment 103 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Welcomes the announcement concerning the launch of negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, which could give the European and US economies an important boost and stimulate progress on other international agreements; recalls the need to set up a Transatlantic Political Council; notes that, in the meantime, continuing the practice of holding annual EU-US summits would provide an opportunity to identify common objectives and, coordinate strategies in relation to threats and challenges of global relevance and the development of a common approach to emerging powers, and exchange best practices;
Amendment 134 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Underlines the EU's willingness to contribute to the Partnership for Modernisation and to any successor to the current partnership and cooperation agreement that is linked to Russia's progress as regards human rights, the rule of law, free, fair and competitive elections and pluralist democracy;
Amendment 165 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Emphasises that EU membership provides stabilitybenefits in terms peace, stability, prosperity and democratic development in the swiftly changing international environment, and that belonging to the European Union continues to offer the perspective of socio-economic development; takes the view that enlargement is in the EU's long-term strategic interest, which cannot necessarily be measured in terms of short-term balance sheets and needs to take into account the EU's capacity as well as the genuine commitment of those countries on the path to EU accession to take up their responsibilities and address outstanding concerns;
Amendment 173 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Notes that the European Neighbourhood Policy is in crisis, given the developments in numerous countries; stresses that the EU needs to give greater priority to this policy believes, therefore, that, for reasons of solidarity and on account of our interest in peaceful, democratic and free development, the EU must strongly focus its instruments, inter alia by strengthening multilateral approaches in the region; stresses that the EU needs to give greater priority tomake a strong link between its policy and financial instruments in order to achieve main objectives of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP);
Amendment 177 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41 a. Calls for the principles underlying the new ENP approach, as set out by the VP/HR and the Commission in the relevant joint communications 1, in particular the 'more-for-more', differentiation and mutual accountability principles and the 'partnership with society', to be fully operational and for Union assistance to be fully aligned to this new approach;
Amendment 210 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
Amendment 269 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 57
Paragraph 57
57. NoteInsists that preparations for the Fourth EU-Africa Summit in 2014 afford an opportunity to move beyond institutional capacity-building at continental level and towards the establishment of a political partnership for peace, security and socio- economic development, including at the regional and sub-regional level;
Amendment 54 #
2013/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the European Commission in partnership with UNOCHA, UNICEF and UNHCR and the WFP among others launched the AGIR-Sahel initiative aspiring to increase inter-organisational cooperation, part of the EU's Comprehensive Approach, in dealing with the food crisis in the Sahel, the partners identified a minimum investment of €750 million to provide a social safety net to protect the most vulnerable if and when drought hits again in the future;
Amendment 171 #
2013/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Supports the UN Security Council resolution commitment to assist the transitional authorities of Mali to implement the road map towards the full restoration of constitutional order, democratic governance and national unity; considers it essential to create conditions conducive to the holding of credible elections, in keeping with international standards; stresses the need to overcome challenges related to the voting arrangements in the IDP and refugee camps, to avoid further political marginalisation; calls for immediate action on this issue by the Malian Government and its international partners; emphasises the need to ensure the safe participation of women in the electoral process, considers further that the elections should not be held during celebration of religious holidays, therefore calls on the government to take under consideration the concerns raised by the Azawad community in the northern parts of the country and postpone the elections until the conclusion of religious fasting;
Amendment 198 #
2013/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Emphasize the pressing issues of famines, draughts, persistent hunger, and the inability of the national government to provide for basic food security which are driving forces for local disillusionment; reaffirms the need to improve the national government's ability to provide for food security through increased funding and political support for the AGIR-Sahel initiative also as a regional and Comprehensive Approach to tackle the root cause of food security;
Amendment 194 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12a (new)
Paragraph 12a (new)
12a. Reiterates its concern about continuous practice of bringing criminal prosecutions against human rights defenders, activists and journalists who communicate evidence of human rights violations;
Amendment 2 #
2012/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the European Commission to monitor and report on women’s rights thoroughly and as a prioritand its implementation thoroughly in progress reports;
Amendment 11 #
2012/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Strongly supports activities aiming at empowerment of women and strengthening their position in the societies, however, does not consider the mandatory quotas for women as the best solution to this end;
Amendment 18 #
2012/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Notes with concern that employment rate of women in countries of Western Balkans remains very low;
Amendment 28 #
2012/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Stresses the importance of improving situation of women in rural areas especially vis-à-vis discriminatory customs and stereotypes;
Amendment 65 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital S a (new)
Recital S a (new)
S a. whereas European Parliament oversight over the EEAS is essential if European external action is to be better understood and supported by EU citizens; whereas the parliamentary scrutiny enhances the legitimacy of the external action;
Amendment 103 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. to adopt a coherent approach as regards the chairing of working groups of the Council and towhere appropriate end the rotating presidency of those groups;
Amendment 109 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. to ensure better visibility of the Service in the Member States and outside the EU, while actively promoting priorities of the CFSP and coherence of external action within all policy domains;
Amendment 142 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. to seriously develop the opportunities opened up by the EEAS Decision and by the TEU, notably by enhancing the coordinating role of delegations, especially in crisis situations, and by enabling them to provide consular protection to EU citizens from Member States who are not represented in a given country; to ensure any additional tasks do not take resources away from existing policies and priorities, unless there is a reorientation and redeployment of staff is to take up these new challenges;
Amendment 190 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. in order to develop a truly European esprit de corps and to ensure that the Service only serves common European interests, to oppose all attempts by the Member States to dominaterfere with the recruitment process of EEAS staff; once the transition period is over, to ensure that the EEAS can develop its own and independent recruitment procedure, open to officials from all EU institutions and to candidates from the outside through open competitions;
Amendment 68 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls the political, strategic and symbolic importance of the EU engagement in the Western Balkans, which remains a credibility test for the Union; calls on the High Representative / Vice- President of the Commission and the Council to reassess the EU's security contribution in the region;
Amendment 73 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the positivSupports the role played by the EULEX Kosovo mission, which is operating in a difficult political environment, to help this country establish the rule of law and aindependent judicial, police and customs apparatus free from all political interference, in line with internationally recognized, as well as European, best practices; recognizes, however, that much remains to be done if EULEX is to fully accomplish the missions assigned to it and enjoy the full confidence of theKosovo population, especially the Kosovo Serb community; calls on the mission; calls on the mission to strengthen its activities on the north of Kosovo, to engage more thoroughly in investigation and prosecution of high level corruption cases and to answer with the greatest care and rigour the questions raised by the Council of Europe report on the veracity of allegations of organ trafficking and to implement, with the States concerned, a witness protection programme so that rigorous judicial proceedings can establish the facts;
Amendment 5 #
2012/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the European Parliament has repeatedly called for the appointment of an EU Special Representative for Human Rights (EUSR for HR), as set out in the European Parliament resolution of 16 December 20120 on the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World 2009 and the European Union's policy on the matter;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the implementation of the mandate and its consistency with other contributions from the Union in this domain should be kept under regular review; the EUSR should provide the Council, the High Representative, Parliament and the Commission with an annual progress report and a comprehensive implementation report on the mandate at the end thereof;
Amendment 5 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 c (new)
Citation 4 c (new)
Amendment 20 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the cumulative effect of these policies has resulted in a piecemeal approach whereby the principle of coherence and consistency between the different areas of EU external action and between these and other policies has not been duly integrated; whereas these different instruments have consequently become stand-alone elements and do not serve either the legal obligation to monitor the implementation of human rights clauses or the associated policy goal, so there is a need for harmonisation and synergies should be created between them;
Amendment 21 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas several elements prevent the implementation of an effective EU policy on human rights and democracy and the joint communication of December 2011 entitled ‘Human Rights and Democracy at the Heart of EU External Action – Towards a more effective approach’ addressed ineither this weakness nor other fundamental flawffectively these elements, such as the lack of an integrated approach based on a linkage between all EU external instruments and the adequate incorporation of country priority objectives into all such instruments, the development of incomplete instruments which do not adequately contribute to improving human rights or which cannot be implemented fully, the absence of a standard benchmarking policy for all instruments (including geographical policies and strategies) which should be able to measure and monitor respect for human rights and democratic principles based on specific, transparent, measurable, achievable and time-bound indicators, and the isolationweakness of human rights dialogues, which should be enshrined in the wider political dialogue at the highest level and regarded as a form of leverage in the context of bilateral relations; whereas all these elements prevent the faithful implementation of the Treaty and consequently, the implementation of an effective EU policy on human rights and democracy;
Amendment 25 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the events of the ‘Arab Spring’ as well as experience gained with countries of the Eastern Partnership both during and in pre-transition period have demonstrated the need to reshape the Neighbourhood Policy in order to give higher priority to dialogue with societies, which is indispensable to democratisation and transition processes; whereas this renewed policy should aim at further engaging partner countries in deeper democratic reforms and respect for fundamental rights on the basis of the ‘more for more’ approach and of mutual accountability between partner countries, the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 64 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the pivotal role of the human rights country strategies, which were a long-standing request from Parliament, and the fact that they have been developed as an inclusive process encompassing EU delegations, heads of mission and the COHOM; deems it essential to organise broad consultation, especially with local civil society organisations, human rights defenders and other social and environmental stakeholders; considers that country- specific identification of priorities, realistic objectives and forms of political leverage is essential to more effective EU action and measurable achievements;
Amendment 102 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses that human rights and democracy objectives necessarily require specific, measurable, achievable, time- bound criteria aimed at assessing the level of respect for fundamental freedoms, human rights and rule of law; considers, in this connection, that the EU should make full use of the relevant instruments and expertise of the UN and of the Council of Europe and should clearly differentiate its political conclusions from a legal and technical evaluation;
Amendment 111 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Recalls the policy lessons learned from the Arab Spring, including the need to reverse previous policies focused mainly on relations with authorities and to establish an effective partnership between the EU and the governments and civil societies of partner countries; stresses the importance of creating programmes and supporting projects that allow for contact between civil societies in the EU and in third countries; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to use the model of an institutionalised civil society consultation mechanism set out in the EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement as a starting-point for the development of even more inclusive mechanisms for all agreements; understands the core of the EU's new approach as strengthening societies by means of active domestic accountability so as to supp as to strengthen societies by means of active domestic accountability that should become a central pillar of the external financial instruments currently under review; suggests the creation of exchange programmes ort their capacity to take part in public decision-making and democratic governance processes; believ opening up of European programmes thato this domestic accountability should become a central pillar of the external financial instruments currently under reviewrd country youth;
Amendment 115 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
Amendment 125 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Insists that the High Representative and the Commission implement with conviction the renewed European Neighbourhood Policy by applying with equal attention the ‘more for more’ and ‘less for less’ principles; believes that countries clearly assessed as not making progress on deep democracy should see the Union's support reduced in line with the aims of this policy; is concerned about the perpetuation of past attitudes whereby excessive political reward is given for steps taken by partner governments which do not contribute to the direct achievement of the objectives;
Amendment 142 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Recommends that Parliament improve its own procedures in relation to human rights issues, including through the revision of its Guidelines for EP Interparliamentary Delegations on promoting human rights and democracy; is of the opinion that each standing delegation of Parliament should have a Member, selected among its Chair and Vice-Chairs, specifically tasked with monitoring the human rights portfolio on the region or country concerned, and that the persons designated should report regularly to Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights; stresses the need for a revision of the model for the plenary debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in order to allow for more frequent debates with broader participation by Members, a greater degree of responsiveness to human rights violations and other unforeseen events on the ground, and greater potential for follow-up to past debates and resolutions; stresses the need for better utilisation of the potential of the Sakharov Prize Network by the EP and other EU institutions;
Amendment 102 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Supports the EU's strategies towards the Western Balkans promoting democratization, stabilisation and socio- economic modernisation of both individual countries and the region as a whole; notes with concern that political instability, institutional weaknesses and unresolved bilateral issues are hampering further progress of some countries towards EU integration; calls on the EU to maintaiaddress these issues more vigorously in the integration process, strengthen its central role in the region and to consider it a top priority;
Amendment 137 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Recalls that the Southern Neighbourhood is of vital importance to the European Union, stresses the need to strengthen the partnership between the EU and countries and societies of the neighbourhood in building and consolidating democracies and urges that a better balance be struck between pursuing market-oriented, on the one hand, and human and social approaches on the other in the EU's response to the Arab Spring; calls, therefore, for a greater focus on employment, education, training and regional development in order to help alleviate the current social and economic crisis in these countries, and to provide the assistance needed to support the ongoing political reforms and social and economic development; underlines the importance of supporting institutional capacity-building, including for the parliaments of these countries, an independent judicial system, the strengthening of civil-society organisations and the formation of pluralist political parties within a secular system;
Amendment 300 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 55
Paragraph 55
55. Calls for the EU to be more active in South Asia and South East Asia in support of democratic developments and improvement in the area of governance and the rule of law; welcomes, therefore, the commitment to a democratic and secular Pakistan; calls on the EU to seek closer cooperation with India, free from reciprocal post-colonial prejudices and aiming at the promotion of common values in the region and in multilateral fora;
Amendment 15 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the policy of integration over the past decade has shown that enlargement benefits the EU as a whole and allows it to be better positioned to address global challenges;
Amendment 17 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas enlargement has been a success storyful process for the EU and Europe as a whole, in helping to overcome the division of the Cold War, contributing to peace, stability and prosperity throughout Europe, stimulating reforms and consolidating liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, as well as the market economy;
Amendment 24 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas 20 years after the Copenhagen summit the moment has come for a general re-evaluation of the accession criteria, ofthe Copenhagen criteria, which define the eligibility of a country for EU membership, lie in the centre of the EU enlargement policy; whereas the established procedures and of enlargement policy as a wholestrategy should be regularly reviewed; whereas Parliament contributes to improving the transparency and accountability of enlargement and thereby increasing public support for this process;
Amendment 39 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the prospect of accession has a significant transformative impact on the socio-political, socio-economic and cultural landscape of the countries wishing to join, and acts as a powerful incentive for pursuing the necessary political, economic and legislative reforms and the strengthening of peace, stability and, reconciliation based onand good neighbourly relations; whereas this makes enlargement the essence of the EU's soft power and an important element of its external action;
Amendment 44 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas, commitment, conditionality and credibility have been situated at the core of the accession process;
Amendment 47 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas each country aspiring to EU membership has to be judged on its own merits in fulfilling the same set of criteria; whereas the pace of the accession process should be dictated by effective compliance with the accession criteria, as well as fulfilment of the priorities of the Accession Partnership and the negotiating framework; whereas the degree of compliance with the requirements for membership has to be assessed in the most fair and transparent fashion;
Amendment 63 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Strongly believes that enlargement needs to continue to beremain a credible policy; considers it,underlines therefore, the important for the EUce to fulfil the promisecommitments already made towards candidate and potential candidate countries and to create the conditions for ensuring that future enlargements are successful;
Amendment 74 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. ConsiderStresses that the Copenhagen criteria continue to represent a valuable basis and should remain at the heart of enlargement policy; underlines, however, the need to keep the economic subcriteria up to date in line with recent developments in the sphere of economic governance, while taking due account of their social implications for the candidate and potential candidate countriesneed to be at the heart of the enlargement policy;
Amendment 84 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 106 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. TBelieves that the pace at which each country advances towards membership depends mainly on its performance in meeting the established criteria and conditions; takes the view that the principle of strict conditionality requires that the progress of a countryin adopting and implementing the criteria is effectively assessed at every stage of the process, and that countries wishing to join the EU should proceed from one stage to the next only once all the conditions have been met at each stage; notes, however, certain tendencies to exaggeration, and recommends avoiding requiring of candidate and potential candidate countries higher standards than those applying in the EU; stresses the importance of setting transparent and fair benchmarks throughout the process; furthermore stresses the importance of setting transparent and fair benchmarks throughout the process, which should translate the general membership criteria into concrete steps towards the accession, while not creating additional conditions for the candidate and potential candidate countries;
Amendment 125 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to maintain and further develop a toolbox that draws on conditionality and experience from previous enlargements, and to intensify its monitoring of progress in the accession process, so as to ensure that candidate and potential candidate countries achieve a high degree of preparedness which will benefit both them and the EU;
Amendment 171 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Encourages greater and meaningful participation by civil society and non-state actors in the accession process; stresses that civil society can work as an important engine of approximation with the EU and create bottom-up pressure for the implementation of the European agenda; calls for additional financial support, inter alia via the Civil Society Facility;
Amendment 196 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its position that bilateral issues should not represent or be used as an obstacle in the accession process, but should be addressed in a constructive spirit and as early as possibleas early as possible in the accession process in a constructive and good neighbourly spirit, taking account of the EU's overall interests and its values; stresses that the accession negotiations should not be used to pre-empt the final settlement of such issues, notwithstanding the obligation to fully comply with the acquis and respect the principles on which the EU itself is founded;
Amendment 210 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the EU to support efforts to resolve outstanding disputes, including border disputes, before accession; in line with the provisions of the UN Chareiterates its call on the Commission and the Council to start developing, in accordance with the EU Treaties, a generally applicable arbitration mechanism aimed at solving bilateral disputes between enlargement countries and Member States; furthermore, encourages all parties to disputes whose continuation is likely to endanger the preservation of international peace and security to engage constructively in their peaceful resolution in line with the provisions of international law and the UN Charter and, in case of proven inability to reach a bilateral agreement, to refer the matter to the International Court of Justice or to commit themselves to a binding arbitration mechanism of their choice;
Amendment 241 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Supports the Commission's commitment to improving the quality of the accession process by making it more merit based, benchmark-driven and transparent; takes the view that this will make the process fairer and more objectively measurable, thus further enhancing its credibility; in this context, recommends that the progress reports should be more assertive and clearer in their demands; stresses that the benchmarks should not set additional conditions for the candidate and potential candidate countries, but should translate the general membership criteria into concrete steps towards accession;
Amendment 250 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Is of the opinion that, in order to maintain the support of the EU's citizens for further enlargement and the commitment of the citizens of the candidate and potential candidate countries to continue with reforms, it is crucial to present them with clear and comprehensive information on the political, socio- economic and cultural benefits of enlargement; considers it essential, in particular, to explain to the public how the pursuing of enlargement policy has brought in its wake new investment and export opportunities for the older Member States, and how it can help attain the EU's objectives in terms of tackling the economic crisis, creating jobs, protecting the environment and mitigating the effects of climate change, and enhancing security and safety, while at the same time accelerating the reform agenda and improving living conditions in the enlargement countries for the benefit of all European citizens; stresses the need to target, as a priority in this regard, young people and trade union all parts of societies, as well as key opinion-formers such as journalists, representatives of civil society and socio- economic actors;
Amendment 259 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Strongly believes that the EU can still attain great strategic benefits through enlargement policy; emphasises that EU membership represents a stable anchor in the swiftly changing international environment, and that ‘belonging to the club’ continues to offer hope for stability and prosperity, despite the ongoing economic crisis; is of the opinion that enlargement is a long-term strategic concept, which cannot necessarily be measured in terms of short-term balance sheets; considers it important to take due account of its value as representing soft but nevertheless essential power for the EU;
Amendment 2 #
2012/0309(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The imposition of the visa requirement on the nationals of Dominica, Grenada, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu is no longer justified. These countries do not present any risk of illegal immigration or a threat to public policy for the Union in accordance with the criteria set out in recital 5 of Regulation (EC) N° 539/2001. Consequently, nationals of those countries should be exempt from the visa requirement for stays of no more than three months in all and references to those countries should be transferred to Annex II.
Amendment 4 #
2012/0309(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Exemption from the visa requirement for nationals of Dominica, Grenada, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu should not come into force until bilateral agreements on visa waiver between the Union and the countries concerned have been concluded in order to ensure full reciprocity.
Amendment 6 #
2012/0309(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 1 – point a
Article 1 – point 1 – point a
(a) in point 1, the references to Dominica, Grenada, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu are deleted and a reference to South-Sudan is inserted;
Amendment 7 #
2012/0309(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2 – point a – two last references
Article 1 – point 2 – point a – two last references
"Tuvalu*", "United Arab Emirates*" and "Vanuatu*"
Amendment 3 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 14 December 2011 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy,
Amendment 4 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
– having regard to the Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions on the European Neighbourhood Policy adopted on June 20th, 2011 at its 3101st meeting,
Amendment 5 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
– having regard to the Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions on the European Endowment for Democracy adopted on December 1st 2011, at its 3130th meeting,
Amendment 6 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
– having regard to the letter of support to the establishment of the EED to EP President Jerzy Buzek and HR/VP Catherine Ashton dated November 25, 2011,
Amendment 11 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the European Parliament welcomed the initiative of establishment of the European Endowment for Democracy in the report by Véronique De Keyser, on behalf of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, on EU external policies in favour of democratisation (2011/2032(INI));
Amendment 12 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the establishment of the EED was supported in the letter to EP President Jerzy Buzek and HR/VP Catherine Ashton by several high profile human rights defenders including Sakharov Prize laureates Aung San Suu Kyi and Alaksandr Milinkievic;
Amendment 15 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the events of the ‘Arab Spring’ demonstrated the need for a more informed and strategic engagement on the part of the EU with countries striving for democratic reforms, based on a new approach designed to restore credibility; whereas setting up the European Endowment for Democracy could be one of the most tangible responses of the EU to the challenges of democratisation in our neighbourhood and beyond;
Amendment 25 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas political parties, eminent political persons (such as dissidents, opposition figures, young leaders), social movements, representatives of civil society and the media (including journalists, bloggers, social media activists, etc.) with clear agenda seeking to improve democracy continue to play a central role in each democracy and democratisation process, and whereas, owing to a lack of resources, a restricted mandate and lengthy EIDHR procedures, support for these actors has in the past been limited;
Amendment 29 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the Foreign Affairs Council has endorsed the initiative of creating an European Endowment for Democracy (EED); whereas work is proceeding swiftly towards its establishment and there is urgent need to reach agreement on the detailed operational questions;
Amendment 31 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) ascertain whether the EED will generate a more strategic and political EU approach to democracy support by providing context-specific, flexible, timely and bottom-up assistance with rapid reprogramming where this is needed to help facilitateing democratic transition in partner countries;
Amendment 41 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) ensure that the EED fosters andwhile encouragesing ‘deep and sustainable democracy’ in pre- transition, transition and post- transition countries, with a primary, although not exclusive, focus on the European Neighbourhoodll receive a focused mandate allowing it to complement democracy support measures of other instruments and underlining the added- value of the new entity;
Amendment 51 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point b b (new)
(bb) enable the EED to develop effective ways to deal with pre-transition, transition, and post transition countries;
Amendment 57 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) ensure that the EED plays a role which complements and does not curtail the activities of existing funding instruments, particularly the EIDHR and the Civil Society Facility; where appropriate, the EED should launch projects which can later be continued by the EIDHR, creating an interface with the EIDHR so as to ensure coherence and sustainability in the longer term;
Amendment 63 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) enable the EED to act in the early stages ofree stages: pre-transition, transition and post transition, to kick-start projects which thus far could not be supported by the EU owing to bureaucratic restrictions; and model the EED in such a way that it is less risk-averse while respecting the financial regulations and legal restrictions of its donors;
Amendment 71 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) address, in the early stages of funding in a specific country, a wide group of potential beneficiaries, including key political players (emerging political actors, fledgling political parties, grassroots movements and non-registered NGOs, trade unions), watchdogs, whistleblowers, individual dissidents, politically involved artists, media outlets and think tanks, etc., in order to enable the EED to support a wide variety of actors striving for democratic reforms; provide support to the above-mentioned in a pluralist manner, while at the same time avoiding any direct political party funding;
Amendment 77 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) address, in the early stages of funding in a specific country, a wide group of potential beneficiaries, including key political players (emerging political actors, fledgling political parties, grassroots movements and non-registered NGOs, trade unions), watchdogs, whistleblowers, individual dissidents, media outlets including online media and think tanks, in order to enable the EED to support a wide variety of actors striving for democratic reforms and transformation of their countries into a well-governed and free societies;
Amendment 79 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(fa) To ensure that enough focus is placed, at all stages of operation of the EED, to the engagement of women and youth, as well as to innovative ways to use and render available social media;
Amendment 84 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) enable the EED to award grants directly in non discriminatory manner to the intended beneficiaries and re-grant financial resources through non-profit entities, such as foundations and NGOs; particularly at the beginning, re-granting will be an effective mechanism to enable the EED to work with partners on the ground that have the requisite knowledge and local infrastructure and enjoy the trust of local people;
Amendment 98 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j
Paragraph 1 – point j
(j) ensure that the EED has robust links and consults regularly with beneficiary groups, but without having regional offices, relying instead on local organisations or independent experts and practitioners;
Amendment 120 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
(ma) allow for sufficient space of the European Parliament to share its creative power and transnational experience from European Member States in support to democratisation processes beyond Europe's borders;
Amendment 130 #
2011/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) review after one year of activities the impact and performance of the EED and its complementary and added-value to EU instruments and their new set-up in the forthcoming financial period;
Amendment 1 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
– having regard to the Presidency Conclusions of the Thessaloniki European Council of 19-20 June 2003 on the Western Balkan countries,
Amendment 106 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls for progress in the resolution of outstanding bilateral issues with some neighbouring countries, in particular as regards border demarcation, missing persons, property restitution and refugees, and strongly believes that open issues of a bilateral nature must not halt the process of EU accession of candidate and potential candidate countries in the Western Balkans, but should be settled in general before the accession;
Amendment 3 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
- having regard to the Council Conclusions on intolerance, discrimination and violence on the basis of religion or belief in its 3069th Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, 21 February 2011,
Amendment 7 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
- having regard to the Partnership agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 and its latter revisions in February 2005 and June 2010,
Amendment 10 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
- having regard to the Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions on the European Neighbourhood Policy adopted on 20 June 2011 at its 3101st meeting,
Amendment 11 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 b (new)
Citation 13 b (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 26 October 2011 on Tibet, in particular self- immolation by nuns and monks1, _______________ 1 Texts adopted, P7_TA_PROV(2011)0474.
Amendment 12 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
- having regard to the Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions on the European Endowment for Democracy adopted on 1 December 2011 at its 3130th meeting and the Declaration on the establishment of a European Endowment for Democracy agreed in COREPER on 15 December 2011,
Amendment 27 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas lessons must be learned from the European Union's past failures in promoting transition in countries with authoritarian regimes in particular where stability and security concerns have compromised a principled policy of promoting democracy and human rights, showing the need to redefine current EU instruments on the matter and establishing new tools like the European Endowment for Democracy - an expert, proactive, lightly structured and thus cost- , decision- and response-effective tool at EU arm's length, capable of utilising in- depth knowledge and insights on the local situation in the countries of impact, through direct cooperation with local partners and twinning European and local partners, utilising directly or through re-granting resources of the EU, Member States and beyond, to support civil society capacity for democratic opposition and political actors striving for democratic change in non-democratic countries and countries in transition, in a mutually safe, deniable if necessary, manner;
Amendment 59 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises the crucial role played by civil society in the protection and promotion of democracy and human rights; welcomes the establishment of the European Endowment for Democracy as a means to effectively support development of civil society and its capacity for democratic opposition in non- democratic and in-transition countries; encourages the EEAS and the EED Working Group established under its auspices in cooperation with Member States and EU institutions, to intensify efforts to finalize a legal framework for the EED during the 2012 Danish presidency and to develop its operational readiness; stresses that EU contacts with civil society should be built on a genuine partnership, including systematic and regular dialogue on an equal footing;
Amendment 60 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises the crucial role played by civil society in the protection and promotion of democracy and human rights; stresses that EU contacts with civil society should be built on a genuine partnership, including systematic and regular dialogue on an equal footing; in this respect welcomes initiatives such as, for example, the Eastern Partnership-Civil Society Forum set up to promote contacts among civil society organisations and facilitate their dialogue with public authorities, and encourages EU institutions to take greater advantage of the recommendations and declarations developed during the first 2009 EP-CSF in Brussels, Belgium, 2010 in Berlin, Germany and 2011 in Poznań, Poland;
Amendment 64 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Stresses the need for consistency and avoidance of double standards, combining this approach with the challenge of developing the human rights Country Strategy Papers and implementing action plans, which must also cover democratisation, reflecting the specificity of each country as regards the impact and making full use of the EU's relevant instruments;
Amendment 69 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Regrets the largely descriptive nature of the Annual Report and the excessive focus on one-off actions; reiterates its request that a more systematic approach be provided, including the development of a single catalogue of Human Rights and Democracy benchmarks shared throughout all EU institutions to be used as a point of reference on the matter not only in Annual Reports but in all EU documents and agreements, use of indices and benchmarks for individual countries, and that performance against these targets be analysed in the Annual Report, in order to facilitate a substantiated assessment of performance;
Amendment 80 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Warmly welcomes the HR/VP's statement to Parliament on 13 December 2011 following up on Parliament's long- standing call for the creation of an EU Special Representative on Human Rights; endorses her view that this would ‘act as a catalyst and raise our profile internationally’, and urges the creation of this function forthwith; calls for the post- holder to be an expert inwith European and worldwide authority to ensure that the transfer of HR issues into the newly created portfolio of the EU Special Representative on Human Rights does not create the risk of diminishing the importance given to HR issues by the EU but quite the contrary, and represent the HR/VP in relation to, international humanitarian law and international justice;
Amendment 98 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that the mainstreaming of international justice must include systematically taking account of the fight against impunity in the broader context of trade, development and rule-of-law assistance; stresses that victims must be the central concern; highlights the importance of establishing constitutional structures, including an efficient legal system, the separation of powers and a recognized and independent judiciary in order to strengthen the promotion of human rights in any country; recommends that the Rome Statute of the ICC be added to the package of international treaties on good governance and the rule of law to be ratified by third countries admitted to the System of Generalised Preferences Plus (GSP+); recommends the consistent inclusion of ICC clauses in EU agreements with third countries;
Amendment 126 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its conviction that all EU external actions must combine a development dimension which focuses on socio-economic progress for all based on sustainable development, including the basic need for food, and a political dimension which supports pluralism, democracy rule of law and respect for human rights;
Amendment 136 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Takes note of the plans to establish a European Endowment for Democracy (EED); underlines the Endowment's potential function as a flexible and expert tool to support actors striving for democratic change in non-democratic countries and countries in transitionWelcomes the political decision to establish a European Endowment for Democracy (EED) expressed in the Joint Communication of HR/VP and Commission, Council Conclusions of 3101st and 3130th meeting, leading to the Declaration On The Establishment of A European Endowment For Democracy agreed in COREPER on 15 December 2011, together with the efforts undertaken by an European Endowment for Democracy Working Group established under the auspices of the EEAS in cooperation with Member States and EU institutions, hoping it will be able to finalise a legal framework for the EED during the 2012 Danish presidency and develop its operational readiness; underlines the Endowment's potential function as a flexible, expert, proactive, lightly structured and thus cost-, decision- and response-effective tool at EU arm's length, capable of utilising in-depth knowledge and insights on the local situation in the countries of impact, through direct cooperation with local partners and twinning European and local partners, utilising directly or through re-granting resources of the EU, Member States and beyond, to support actors striving for democratic change in non-democratic countries and countries in transition, in a mutually safe, deniable if necessary, manner; focusing on organized groups with a well-conceived political agenda; urges the Council to ensure that any such tool among its other external actions complements the activities of existing instruments, in particular the EIDHR; stresses that the EU's contribution to the EED budget must be genuinely additionalreflect the involvement of other donors and must be delivered in full conformity with financial rules, respecting the right of the budgetary authority to monitor and scrutinise, respecting the sensitivity of data and the security of beneficiaries;
Amendment 152 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Stresses the importance, at the end of each election observation mission, of drawing up realistic and achievable recommendations in cooperation with other international actors, with the dissemination and monitoring of these recommendations to be carried out by EU Delegations; considers that Parliament's standing delegations and the joint parliamentary assemblies should play an enhanced role in following up these recommendations and analysing progress with regard to human rights and democracy; supports therefore the promotion of a sustainable and regular dialogue with these third country parliaments;
Amendment 157 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32 a. Stresses the importance and urgency of improving the modalities and substance of these dialogues in consultation with civil society; reiterates that dialogues can be constructive and can have real impact on the ground only if followed up with concrete steps taking account of the EU's objectives and the EU Guidelines on human rights dialogues with third countries, as well as if corrective measures are put in place;
Amendment 158 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 b (new)
Paragraph 32 b (new)
32 b. Recalls that the EU should use these dialogues as an instrument to raise individual cases of human rights violations in third countries, such as cases of political prisoners and detainees as for example in Vietnam and China, imprisoned for the peaceful exercise of basic rights, such as freedom of expression, assembly, association and religion; furthermore calls on the EU to make regular use of this opportunity and follow up responses to individual cases it has raised, monitor these cases, and closely coordinate with human rights organisations involved as well as other countries having human rights dialogues with the country in question;
Amendment 162 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Calls for all contractual relationships with third countries, both industrialised and developing, and including sectoral agreements, trade and technical or financial aid agreements, to include clearly worded clauses on human rights and democracy, without exception; in order to give an unambiguous point of reference for the clauses, reiterates the need to develop a single catalogue of Human Rights and Democracy benchmarks shared throughout all EU institutions, to be used in a descriptive manner but also for evaluation purposes and to programme future expectations in all EU documents and agreements with third countries;
Amendment 177 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Considers that the ‘Arab Spring’ has served to demonstrate the inadequacy of the EU's policies hitherto to effectively support people's strong desire for accountable and representative government in countries where this is denied; welcomes therefore the Joint Communications by the Commission and the HR/VP on ‘A new response to a changing Neighbourhood’ and ‘A partnership for democracy and shared prosperity with the Southern Mediterranean’, and the approach taken of shared commitments and mutual accountability, stronger as regards the universal values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, stronger incentive-based conditionality, differentiation of policies, the advancing of multilateral and sub- regional cooperation and the principle of further involving civil society; at the same time reiterates the fact that the EU's partnership in democratization processes and economic prosperity in the South needs to run in parallel with its engagements in the Eastern neighbourhood;
Amendment 183 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38 a. Welcomes the new approach to the ENP aiming for greater support for partners engaged in building deep and sustainable democracy, support for inclusive economic development, and strengthening the two regional dimensions of the European Neighbourhood Policy;
Amendment 184 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Reiterates its view thatSupports a performance- based ‘more for more’ approach also implies ‘less for less’in line with the new vision of the ENP; insists that differentiation should be based on clearly defined criteria and regularly monitored benchmarks and proposes that the benchmarks laid down in the Communications be considered as objectives, to be complemented by more specific, measurable, achievable, time- bound benchmarks; calls on the EEAS and the Commission to provide a clear and adequate methodology to assess the record of the ENP countries concerning respect for and promotion of democracy and human rights, to deliver regular reports to form the basis for the allocation of funds under the ‘more for more’ approach, and to include these evaluations in the annual progress reports; stresses that the funds that are not able to be allocated or transferred due to a negative evaluation, should be redistributed to other projects undertaken in European Neighbourhood partner countries, both in the Southern and Eastern dimension;
Amendment 188 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Emphasises the crucial importance of active civil society participation considering all parts of society, in and contribution to processes of governance, and insists that, in future, civil society must be engaged so as to contribute directly through an institutionalised ‘civil society monitoring mechanism’;
Amendment 193 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Welcomes the Commission's Communication on an Agenda for Change and its emphasis on the intertwined nature of the objectives of development, democracy, human rights, good governance and security; welcomes the enhanced focus on partner countries' commitments in determining the mix of instruments and modalities at country level; simultaneously stresses the need to eliminate current and avoid future double standards; welcomes the translation of this policy into the Commission's Communication on The Future Approach to Budget Support to Third Countries, which states that general budget support will only be provided when partner countries commit to meeting international human rights and democracy standards; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to translate this policy framework into concrete, operational, time-bound and measurable activities, mainstreamed throughout the different areas of cooperation and accompanied by the necessary strengthening of institutional frameworks and administrative capacities;
Amendment 195 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Notes that, in order to maximise coherence and effectiveness, a strategic bottom-up approach is needed to combining different geographic and thematic instruments to protect and promote human rights, highlighting that one of the basic conditions for any political engagement is guaranteed food security ideally through local food production, based on a solid analysis of the local context; welcomes, in this respect, the commitment given in the 12 December 2011 Joint Communication on Human Rights and Democracy at the Heart of EU External Action: Towards a More Effective Approach to take the human rights country strategies into account in the programming and implementing cycles of the EU's assistance, and invites the HR/VP to draw up a more detailed methodology to implement this commitment;
Amendment 200 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Welcomes the successful result of UN General Assembly resolution 65/206 of 21 December 2010 on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty and, indicating the strengthening of global support towards abolition, and a growing awareness among activists, judges, politicians and people in general; further welcomes the important role played by the EU in securing this victory; looks forward to a strong partnership with Member States and the EEAS on the 2012 General Assembly resolution;
Amendment 202 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48 a (new)
Paragraph 48 a (new)
48 a. 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; concerning countries where the death penalty still exists, further calls on the EU to do its outmost for a progressive restriction leading to abolition, as well as for executions to be carried out according to international minimum standards, 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 203 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48 b (new)
Paragraph 48 b (new)
48 b. 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 218 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53
Paragraph 53
53. Welcomes the EU's political commitment to supporting human rights defenders, as a long-established component of the EU's human rights external relations policy, and the many positive examples of demarches, trial observations, prison visits, and other concrete actions undertaken by EU missions and delegations, but remains concerned at the lack of implementation of the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders in some third countries; considers that the HR/VP should make recommendations for enhanced action to those missions where implementation has been noticeably weak;
Amendment 220 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53 a (new)
Paragraph 53 a (new)
53 a. Urges the EU and its Member States to encourage EU missions and delegations to show their support and solidarity for the work undertaken by HRDs and their organizations, by regularly meeting and proactively engaging with them and incorporating their contributions into the development of the specific country strategies on human rights and democracy, and regularly engaging with the European Parliament;
Amendment 221 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53 b (new)
Paragraph 53 b (new)
53 b. Reiterates its call on the EU to systematically raise individual cases of HRDs in the on-going human rights dialogues it has with those third countries where human rights defenders continue to suffer harassment and attacks;
Amendment 223 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 55
Paragraph 55
55. Reiterates its call for greater inter- institutional cooperation on human rights defenders; considers that the EU's response capacity and the coherence between the actions of the different institutions on urgent crises for human rights defenders would be well served by a shared alert system based on focal points, and encourages the Council and Commission to explore this avenue further; stresses the important role of the Sakharov Prize Network in this and other areas; welcomes the initiative to move the idea of the Network further through, among other activities, the Sakharov Network Conference organised in the European Parliament on 23 November 2011; calls on all EU institutions to exercise greater involvement and cooperation;
Amendment 252 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63
Paragraph 63
63. UCondemns severely any persecution based on religion or belief, paying special attention to the situation of Christians in the world; urges the Council and Commission to develop a toolkit on the advancement of the right to freedom of religion or belief in the EU's external policy, including mechanisms to identify infringements, and to involve civil society organisations in its preparation; welcomes the EU's action in various UN forums against intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief and its unwavering and principled stance against the resolutions on combating defamation of religions; highlights the fact that freedom of religion as a universal human right applies to all kinds of faith and this freedom implies that everyone can publicly profess and promote their faith, possibly change it and confess to having no faith; stresses in particular the importance of engaging in a constructive dialogue with the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) on this issue;
Amendment 261 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63 a (new)
Paragraph 63 a (new)
63 a. Is convinced that the right to freedom of religion or belief is one of the fundamental principles of all modern democracies and contributes to creating the conditions required for peace, democratisation and development and for the promotion of other human rights; in this light remains deeply concerned that discrimination based on religion or belief still exists in all regions of the world, and that persons belonging to particular religious communities, including religious minorities, continue to be denied their human rights in many countries such as North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the Maldives, Yemen, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Laos, Pakistan, Eritrea, Egypt, and Nigeria; remains deeply concerned about legislation on defamation of religion and blasphemy laws that limits freedom of expression and are particularly used against religious minorities; in this respect welcomes the increased attention given to the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief, the Council's confirmation of its conclusions on freedom of Religion or Belief in 2009, and the EU's promise to enhance action to promote and protect this right in its external policy;
Amendment 267 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63 c (new)
Paragraph 63 c (new)
63 c. Calls on the EU Fundamental Rights Agency to provide Parliament with accurate and reliable data on infringements of freedom of religion or belief in the European Union, and to advise as to how these could be tackled;
Amendment 275 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 66
Paragraph 66
66. Calls on the EU to encourage governments of developing countries to commit to land reform where relevant in order to secure the land titles of indigenous people, nomadic populations especially women, and to prevent land-grabbing practices by corporations; stresses that it is necessary to protect the land, tenancy and land use rights of small local farmers and the access of local communities to natural resources, in order to prevent further land takeovers; highlights in this regard the importance of securing income for small farmers in order to empower them to contribute to the socio-economic and democratic development of these countries; urges the EU to assert the right of access to natural resources, in particular for native and indigenous peoples, in the negotiation of trade agreements;
Amendment 289 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 69
Paragraph 69
69. Notes that the Internet has become one of the most important vehicles through which individuals exercise their right to freedom of opinion and expression, and that it has played a crucial role in promoting human rights, democratic participation, accountability, transparency and economic development; bearing in mind that not all parts of society, in particular the elderly and rural population, have access to the Internet;
Amendment 325 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 84
Paragraph 84
84. Acknowledges, in the wake of the Arab Spring, the focus on ‘bottom up’ tailor- made approaches and the need to move respect for human rights to the centre of EU foreign policy; therefore stresses that the EU needs to support and involve the governments, parliaments and civil society in the process of respecting and monitoring human rights; considers that the EU must learn from past mistakes epitomised by the fact that right up to the outbreak of civil war in Libya, negotiations were underway on a framework agreement with Libya, despite evidence of the murder of 1 200 prisoners over a decade before and a litany of torture, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions;
Amendment 91 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the proposal for a European Endowment for Democracy, which is a timely response to the clamour for democracy by the populations of our neighbouring countries; underlines that it should be based on the principles of transparency and flexibility and should complement already-existing EU Instruments and the exemplary work of longstanding European political or non- political foundations, bearing in mind that tangible results should be an objective of this initiative; stresses that its scope and organisation should be clearly defined and that its structures and procedures should be light and straightforward; calls for a truly political steering committee to be established with the participation of the European Parliament, which should also be involved in the ex-post control mechanisms;
Amendment 139 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that human rights situations should be continuously monitored and that an annual assessment of the situation could be included in the annex to the annual progress report of each partner country with a clear mechanism to reconsider and progressively limit bilateral cooperation if human rights violations are confirmed; underlines that approach towards various partner countries regarding the human rights situation has to be credible and cannot be based on double standards;
Amendment 164 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Strongly supports the promotion of sub-regional cooperation and stresses the importance of developing partner-to- partner bilateral and multilateral economic cooperation, which would bring tangible benefits for citizens and improve the political climate in the region; considers that improvements in such cooperation among the partners would be a signal of commitment towards the European values of good neighbourhood relations and mutually beneficial partnerships;
Amendment 90 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) to promote good governance and respect for rule of law as fundamental principles in relations between the EU and Ukraine and priorities of the Association Agreement;
Amendment 135 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
(oa) to reinforce cooperation in integrated border management using best European standards and building up capacities for better fighting of cross-border crime, illegal migration, human trafficking and illicit trade;
Amendment 139 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point o b (new)
(ob) to support convergence on regional and international issues, conflict prevention and crisis management and strengthen coordination in combating security threats;
Amendment 4 #
2011/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7
Citation 7
– having regard to the Action Plan of 4 February 20049 currently undergoing revand Action Plan to follow up on the Decision aton the COJUR ICCInternational Criminal Court from 12 July 2011,
Amendment 25 #
2011/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas ICC plays a key role in promotion of international justice and thus contributing to security, justice and rule of law as well as to preservation of peace and strengthening of international security,
Amendment 84 #
2011/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages the Polish PresidencyWelcomes the revision of the EU Action Plan related to ICC and encourages the Polish Presidency together with the Commission and EEAS to prioritise the revisimplementation of the EU Action Plan relating to the ICC, in the hope that the plan will outline effective and concrete measures to be taken by the EU, calls on the Member States and the EU institutions to step up the coordination and cooperation with the ICC and take concrete measures with a view to deepening its future support for the Court;
Amendment 106 #
2011/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Strongly encourages the EU and its Member States to takuse every diplomatic opportunity and diplomatic instruments to press for effective cooperation with the ICC, in particular with regard to the execution of pending arrest warrants;
Amendment 143 #
2011/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recognises the role of the EU in promoting the universality of the Rome Statute and of the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities of the Court (APIC) and welcomes the recent accessions to/ratifications of the Rome Statute by Tunisia, Granada, Moldova, St Lucia and, the Seychelles and Philippines, which brought the total number of States Parties to 1167;
Amendment 150 #
2011/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Calls on the Commission and EEAS to pursue more systematically the inclusion of an ICC clause in negotiating mandates and agreements with third countries;
Amendment 164 #
2011/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Encourages Turkey, the only official EU candidate who has not yet done so, to become a State Party to the Rome Statute and to the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities (APIC) as soon as possible, stressing the need for any future candidate countries and potential candidate countries as well as the partner countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) to do the same;
Amendment 75 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) remain vigilant on the requirements that the EU intends to set as regards respect for democratic principles and human rights, and consider this respect as an absolute prerequisite for the signature of a EU- Russia Agreement;
Amendment 2 #
2011/2033(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates the importance of an independent judiciary, of the protection and promotion of fundamental rights and of an efficient fight against corruption in strengthening the rule of law and democracy; welcomes the EU's new negotiating approach, which firmly anchors these core fieldareas at the heart of the accession process and includes an early opening of Chapters 23 and 24 on the basis of clear and detailed action plans, stimulating the establishment of the necessary legislation, institutions and solid track records of implementation; stresses the need for setting transparent and fair benchmarks throughout the process, which translate the criteria into concrete steps towards accession;
Amendment 5 #
2011/2033(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers it an essential enlargement policy and funding concto link the EU financial assistance more closely to the priorities of the enlargement policy, especially in relation to the rule of law, in ordern to improve the independence, accountability, impartiality, professionalism, transparency and efficiency of the judiciaryl systems; stresses the need for sustainable measures in judicial reformat predictable and sufficient funding is a key pre-condition for sustainable judicial reforms; underlines the importance of continuous professional training for judges, prosecutors and clerks; calls for further financial assistance forand engagement with relevant civil society actors in buildingorder to enhance transparency in judiciary and improve their long-term capacities;
Amendment 9 #
2011/2033(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets the fact that IPA-I funding levels still appearunder IPA-I appears to be limited when set against the importance of these areas; considers it essential in the future financobserves, however, weak absorption capacity of IPA-I in the areas of rule of law in some candidate and potential candidate countries; considers it essential to improve the management of pre- accession funding ofin these areas under IPA-II and underlines that progress in meeting specific objectives on an independent and efficient judiciary, the rule of law and combating corruption, including their implementation, should be monitored and assessed on the basis of measurable indicators.
Amendment 5 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
– having regard to Articles 2, 6 and 21 of the Treaty on European Union,
Amendment 11 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 a (new)
Citation 21 a (new)
– having regard to the conclusions of the Copenhagen European Council of 22 June 1993,
Amendment 17 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas democracy is the best safeguard of human rights and fundamental freedoms, tolerance of all groups in society and equality of opportunity for each person,
Amendment 18 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas democratic systems may vary in forms and shape and whereas democracy has evolved into a universal value,
Amendment 19 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas two United Nations General Assembly resolutions16 define the essential elements of democracy, including human rights and fundamental freedoms, inter alia, freedom of association and peaceful assembly and of expression of opinion, and the right to take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives, to vote and to be elected at genuine periodic free elections by universal and equal suffrage and by secret ballot guaranteeing the free expression of the will of the people, as well as a pluralistic system of political parties and organizations, respect for the rule of law, the separation of powers, the independence of the judiciary, transparency and accountability in public administration; and free, independent and pluralistic media,
Amendment 26 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas it is now clear that civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights are interdependent and mutually reinforcing, and whereas democratic governance is the best means of guaranteeing those rights and working to combat poverty,
Amendment 29 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas, in the EU Agenda for Action on Democracy Support in EU External Relations adopted by the Council, the Union stated that it wished to improve the coherence and the effectiveness of its support, but whereas littlemited progress has been made when it comes to implementation,
Amendment 32 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the Union has at its disposal a wide range of instruments for supporting democracy and human rights (including: political, economic and trade agreements, which contain clauses on human rights and democracy; the special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance (GSP+); political dialogues; CFSP actions; ESDP missions; financing instruments; and election observation missions), but whereas it is essential to develop areinforce a more coherent and more effective set of instruments tailored to the situation in each country, with particular attention to the specific needs of fragile and post-conflict situations,
Amendment 38 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the EU should intensify its efforts to promote democracy-related norms and elements through its activities within international organizations and continue to promote the effective implementation of the commitments and obligations undertaken within and through the fora in which EU Member States participate,
Amendment 51 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the Union has a genuine policy of incentives in this area with a view to providing leverage for reform, but whereas the full potential of those incentives has not been exploited for political reasons; whereas in theory there is no structural impediment to using external financing instruments to support democratisation,
Amendment 53 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the EIDHR finances EU election observation missions, which are a crucial tool for interaction in the area of democracytic consolidation, but whereas in many cases their recommendations have not been adequately followed up or implemented,
Amendment 64 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Believes that only flourishingconsolidation of democracy in third countries can lay the foundations for balanced, legitimate and equal partnerships with the Union that are in keeping with the needs and interesbring benefits tof both parties;
Amendment 67 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that partnerships based on dialogue and consultation enhance ownership of democracy-building processes and elements of democratic governance; calls on all EU institutions to make more efforts to use these different dialogues in a more coherent, consistent and coordinated manner;
Amendment 73 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the events unfolding on the southern shore of the Mediterranean have demonstrated the limitations of a focus on security and stability, which has failed to stamp out poverty and social injustice; believes that, although there has been economic growth, its benefits have not been distributed fairly; highlights the need for a paradigm shift aimed at the genuine consolidation of democracy on the basis of endogenous,internal and locally owned democratization processes and sustainable development that benefits the population;
Amendment 91 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that priority is now being given to making greater and more vigorous practical use of the Union's existing range of instruments and incentives, and to the eliminatingon of inconsistencies and double standards in their implementation, which could undermine perceptions of Europe and ithe latter's ability to implement a strong, consistent external policy;
Amendment 99 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recommends that international agreements, country strategy papers, action plans, the GSP+ programme and all other sources of reciprocal undertakings by the Union and third countries be tightened up by means of more clearly worded clauses on human rights and democracy, conditionality, specific mechanisms in the event of non- compliance (based, at the very least, on those set out in the Cotonou Agreement), commitments coupled with detailed criteria for assessing the progress made, and a specific timetable for implementation;
Amendment 112 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that monitoring of the human rights situation in each country derives its legitimacy wholprimarily from the United Nations framework; calls on the Union, nevertheless, to present regular, comprehensive reports on third countries' implementation of commitments relating to democracy and human rights that are specifically included in agreements with the Union;
Amendment 123 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recommends, in the case of the most problematic partnerships, that the UnionCalls for stronger emphasis on promoting democracy in partnership and neighbourhood policies; recommends refraining from isolating the countries concerned, instead conductmost problematic countries, suggests maintaining relations with them on the basis of appropriate and effective conditionality serving as a genuinen incentive to democratic reform, and that it verify that such cooperation genuinely benefits the populations; endorses the ‘more for more’ approach outlined in the communication entitled ‘A partnership for democracy and shared prosperity with the southern Mediterranean’; believes that, by the same token, the Union should not hesitate to reassign funds previously earmarked for countries whose governments fail to honour their commitments in the area of democratic governance;
Amendment 154 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls for improvements in the mainstreaming of human rights, democracy, democratic governance and the rule of law in all EU external relations activities in line with existing and new commitments, both from an institutional perspective and in policy and geographical/thematic instruments;
Amendment 162 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Acknowledges the efforts made by the Union, in many cases via the EIDHR, to support certain playegroups of actors working to effectwards democratic reforms, including among others human rights defenders, democratic activists and independent media; stresses, however, the need to strengthen the organisation of political parties without taking sides; calls for systematic support for new, democratically elected parliaments, especially in countries in transition and those to which the EU has sent election observation missions;
Amendment 167 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Welcomes the Instrument for Stability's effective, immediate and integrated response to situations of crisis and instability in third countries, and its assistance in establishing the necessary conditions for the implementation of the policies supported by the other instruments: the Instrument for Pre- Accession Assistance, the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument, the Development Cooperation Instrument and the Economic Cooperation Instrument;
Amendment 184 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the Union's decision to develop country strategies in the area of human rights, hop; stresses that these willshould also cover aspects of democratisation, and calls for their prompt implementation so that the Union can rapidly prepare a joint analysis of the situation and needs in each country, together with an action plan stating how the full use of EU instruments will complement these strategies;
Amendment 193 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for the development of a genuine political strategy in relation to EU election observation missions, including submission of the political blueprint associated with each mission; demands that, two years after each mission, an assessment of the democratic progress made and those aspects needing further improvement be submitted during Parliament's annual human rights debate with the High Representative/Vice-President;
Amendment 197 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses the importance of choosing priority countries for election observation missions, on the basis of a mission's realtheir potential to impact on the Union's relations with the country in question; calls on the EEAS to adopt a highly selective approach to choosing such countries, and points out that the Election Observation Coordination Group, which is consulted about the Union's annual programme of election observation missions, has laid down detailed criteria in this area;
Amendment 201 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
Amendment 206 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on all EU institutions and Member States to support the implementation of the recommendations drafted by the election observation missions;
Amendment 209 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 215 #
Amendment 218 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Proposes developing a more open and active policy of supporting social movements and those encouraging civic participation, such as trade unions, mutual societies, women's groups, youth associations, farmers' organisations, indigenous movements, NGOs and social networks, along with individuals promoting reform, including human rights defenders and emerging leaderscivil society and social movements that encourages democratization and civic participation; suggests fostering the influence of such movements and individuals by means of specific programmes and by incorporating this concept into existing programmes;
Amendment 224 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls for support to the broad participation of all stakeholders in countries’ development and encourages all parts of society to take part in democracy-building; acknowledges the vital role played by NGOs and other non- state actors in the promotion of democracy, social justice and human rights;
Amendment 225 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Supports the established practice of looking for innovative ways to involve civil society, political parties, the media and other non- governmental political players in the EU's dialogues with third countries;
Amendment 226 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)
Paragraph 17 c (new)
17c. Supports funding for civil society through EIDHR, and allocating funds to local projects by NGOs; suggests allocating progressively more funds, if the situation in the country is such that there is a civil society and democracy on the road to success;
Amendment 3 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the sustainable development of any country is possible only if democratic values and institutions, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, as well as good governance and a strong civil society, are ensured,
Amendment 24 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the level and nature of the EU’s engagement must be differentiated and conditional, depending on measurable progress in the fields of human rights, democratization, good governance, sustainable development, the rule of law and the fight against corruption, following lines similar to the principles of the EU’s neighbourhood policy;
Amendment 65 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for a strengthening of the human rights dialogues in order to make them more effective and result-oriented; urges the Council and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to assess impact of the previous dialogues and issue benchmarks for the progress made by the states of the region in the field of human rights and the rule of law, and of the effectiveness of EU measures and assistance projects towards this aim;
Amendment 75 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Regards the Rule of Law Initiative as a key component of cooperation with the states of Central Asia, and approves of the exemplary interaction between the EU and its Member States in implementing assistance projects; expects the Rule of Law Platform project to include clear objectives and a, underlines the need for transparent assessment of its implementation and results while avoiding any reinforcement of the repressive components of security forces;
Amendment 133 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Calls on Kazakh authorities to uphold its international obligations and commitments, including those undertaken within OSCE human dimension;
Amendment 137 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes the aspirations of Kazakhstan towards closer and enhanced relations with the EU and takes note of the recent launching of negotiations on a new enhanced EU-Kazakhstan PCA but stresses that economic cooperation must go hand in hand with political cooperation and be based on the political will to implement and uphold common values; looks forward, in this context, to tangible progress in the fields of freedom of the media, freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly, and to improvements in the conduct of the electoral process in the upcoming legislative elections in 2012;
Amendment 199 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 3
Article 2 – paragraph 3
3. The achievement of these specific objectives shall be measured using notably the relevant EU periodic reports on the implementation of the policy, and for paragraphs 2(a), (d) and (e), the relevantpredefined, clear, transparent and measurable indicators, while avoiding the creation of any unnecessary additional administrative burdens. The list of those indicators shall be established by international organisatthe Commissions and other relevant bodies; for paragraphs 2(b), (c) and (d) the uptake of the EU regulatory framework by the partner countries as relevant; for paragraphs 2(c) and (f), the number of relevant agreements and cooperation actions. The indicators will include, among others, adequately monitored democratic elections, level of corruption, trade flows, indicators enabling measuring internal economic disparities, including employment levelscommunicated to the European Council and the European Parliament within one year after entering into force of the Regulation.
Amendment 213 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. Union support provided under this Regulation to each partner country shall beunder point (a) of Article 6(1) of this Regulation shall be incentive-based and differentiated in form and amounts according to the needs and the absorption capacities of the partner country's commitment to reforms and its progress in implementing these reforms. Such differentiationncerned and the potential impact of the Union support. Such differentiation shall be in line with the principle of mutual accountability and shall reflect the level of ambition of the country' to develop its partnership with the Union, its progress in building deep and sustainable democracy, its progress in implementing agreed reform objectives, the country's needs and capacities, and the potential impact of Union support and to achieve commonly agreed reform objectives. This support will be reflected in the multi- annual programming documents specified in Article 7.
Amendment 219 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Enhanced support in form and amounts according to ´more for more´ principle will be made available to the partner country committed to and demonstrating progress in: - undertaking significant reforms aimed at building or consolidating democracy; - implementing agreed political, economic and social reform objectives.
Amendment 256 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 4
Article 10 – paragraph 4
4. Within one year of approval of the programming document referred to in Article 9, the participating countries shall jointly submit proposals for joint operational programmes to the Commission. The Commission shall adopt each joint operational programme after assessing its consistency with this regulation, the programming document and the implementing rules within three months after its submission by the participating countries.
Amendment 268 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17
Article 17
Without prejudice to the provisions on the suspension of aid in partnership and cooperation agreements and association agreements with partner countries and regions, where a partner country fails to observe the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the Union shall invite the country concerned to hold consultations in view of finding a solution acceptable to both parties, except in cases of special urgency. Where consultation with the country concerned does not lead to a solution acceptable to both parties, or if consultations are refused or in case of special urgency, the Council may take appropriate measures in accordance with Article 215(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which may include full or partial suspension of Union support or in duly justified cases its reallocation to non-state actors aiming to fulfil specific objectives of this Regulation mentioned in Article 2(2). The European Parliament shall be fully and promptly informed of any decisions and measures taken by the Council in this respect. Any consequent revision of relevant strategic programming documents shall be done in accordance with the urgency procedure provided for in Article 14a.
Amendment 276 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
The funding will be made available through 2 multiannual allocations only covering the first 4 years and the remaining 3 years respectively. This fundinge allocations will be reflectbased ion the multiannual indicativestrategic programming documents of these instruments, in line with the identified needs and priorities of the partner countries concerned. The Commission shall include in its report on the implementation of the Instrument a list of all "Erasmus for All" actions financed under funding made available from this Instrument and their compliance with the objectives and principles as set out in articles 1 and 2 of this Regulation. The allocations can be revised in case of major unforeseen circumstances or important political changes in line with the EU external priorities, in accordance with the procedures provided for in Article 14a of this Regulation.
Amendment 98 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12a) In order to ensure the visibility of the Union's assistance towards the citizens of the beneficiary countries and those of the Union, there should, where appropriate, be proper, targeted communication by adequate means. Appropriate minimum requirements should be defined in this regard by the Commission in close cooperation with beneficiaries, and respect of those requirements should be monitored.
Amendment 122 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
(iii). the fight against corruption and, organised crime and cross-border police cooperation;
Amendment 201 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
The funding will be made available through 2 multiannual allocations only covering the first 4 years and the remaining 3 years respectively. This fundinge allocations will be reflectbased ion the multiannual indicative programming of these instruments, in line with the identified needs and priorities of the partner countries concerned. The Commission shall include in its report on the implementation of the Instrument a list of all "Erasmus for All" actions financed under funding made available from this Instrument and their compliance with the objectives and principles as set out in articles 1 and 2 of this Regulation. The allocations can be revised in case of major unforeseen circumstances or important political changes in line with the EU external priorities, in accordance with the procedures provided for in article 14(a) of this Regulation.
Amendment 18 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) The amount of the appropriations allocated to the Programmes, as well as the programming period and distribution amongst the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice programmes may be reviewed based on the results of the mid-term and the final evaluation report, respecting that the highest safety standards and steady process of decommissioning in accordance with respective decommissioning plans will not be endangered.
Amendment 33 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point c
(c) EUR [114 815 000] for the Bohunice Programme for the period 2014 to 2017.
Amendment 52 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) The amount of the appropriations allocated to the Programmes, as well as the programming period and distribution amongst the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice programmes may be reviewed based on the results of the mid-term and the final evaluation report, respecting that the highest safety standards and steady process of decommissioning in accordance with respective decommissioning plans will not be endangered.
Amendment 53 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall carry out ex-post evaluation in close cooperation with the beneficiary Member States and beneficiaries. The ex- post evaluation shall examine the effectiveness and efficiency of the Programme and its impact on decommissioning.
Amendment 96 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2014 to 2020 shall be EUR [552 947 000] in current prices.
Amendment 108 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point c
(c) EUR [114 815 000] for the Bohunice Programme for the period 2014 to 2017.
Amendment 115 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission will review the performance of the Programme and assess the progress of the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes against the milestones and target dates referred to in Art 2.3 by the end of 20157 within the framework of the interim evaluation referred to in Art. 8. Based on the results of this assessment, the Commission may review the amount of the appropriations allocated to the Programme, as well as the programming period and distribution amongst the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes.
Amendment 156 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. No later than end 20157, an evaluation report shall be established by the Commission on the achievement of the objectives of all the measures, at the level of results and impacts, the efficiency of the use of resources and its Union added value, in view of a decision amending or suspending the measures. The evaluation shall additionally address the scope for simplification, its internal and external coherence, the continued relevance of all objectives. It shall take into account evaluation results on the long-term impact of the predecessor measures.
Amendment 166 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall carry out ex-post evaluation in close cooperation with the beneficiary Member States and beneficiaries. The ex- post evaluation shall examine the effectiveness and efficiency of the Programme and its impact on decommissioning.
Amendment 24 #
2011/0177(APP)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5a (new)
Paragraph 5a (new)
5a. Stresses the importance of allocating sufficient level of funds for the Member States that in the context of the negotiations for accession to the European Union, took the commitment to close and subsequently decommission nuclear reactors units, recognising that this early closure represented an exceptional financial burden for the concerned Member States;
Amendment 10 #
2010/2298(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the processes of globalisation reveal alarming systemic failurecarry new policy challenges and threats such as in financial markets and, energy security or climate change policy; whereas global threats and challengesthese require worldwide cooperation and collective action to tackle them as well as effective institutions and legitimate rules; recalling that if international organisations are to be legitimate and effective, they will have to reflect today's world,
Amendment 19 #
2010/2298(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Treaty of Lisbon enhances the EU's capacity to participate in all kinds of international organizations and provides the EU with a clearer andn opportunity to stroengerthen its voice in the world and encourages all types of mutually beneficial EU cooperation with relevant international and regional organisationplayers and whereas it enables the Union to organise itself in such a way as to be able to become an effective global player,
Amendment 26 #
2010/2298(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas new permanent structures were created by the Treaty of Lisbon for the EU's external representation, providing for the new EU representatives to take over functions previously carried out by the rotating Presidency of the EU, and whereas the creation of the EEAS provides an opportunity to lead efficient multilateral diplomacy,
Amendment 32 #
2010/2298(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the representation of the EU and its Member States in multilateral organisations, informal summits and international regimes is fragmented, often ineffective, and still varies considerably; whereas the Union's external representation has developed in a dispersed, inconsistent and rather ad hoc manner; whereas a highly fragmented external representation is likely to undermine the EU's commitment to effective multilateralism and global governance and whereas weak EU competences and ineffective coordination mechanisms may prevent the EU from speaking with a single voice in the international arena; whereas the EU's status in international organizations often lags behind the development of the EU's competences,
Amendment 49 #
2010/2298(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the current dramatic demographic changes will have consequences for multilateralism, as new realities willcould create pressure to adapt membership, seats and voting rights in multilateral organisations accordingly; whereas the EU should demand a commitment from the emerging economies to constructive behaviour inbe prepared to explore and make the mfultilateral system in exchange for rebalancing the representation, which will inevitably hit EU countries the hardestl use of its diplomatic instruments to face this new reality; whereas the EU's participation in emerging structures for global governance and the negotiation of new rules and principles will require compromises with those countries and new actors pushing for their voices to be heard on the international scene,
Amendment 57 #
2010/2298(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the EU's mechanisms for building consensus and taking concerted action make it a role model for a rule- based global world order and therefore stresses the need to champion an international environment that will enable the EU to promote its agenda; considers essential, with regard to the EU's aspiration to be a global actor and to safeguard its position, the ability to shape multilateral cooperation or lead collective action in addressing international challenges;
Amendment 65 #
2010/2298(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the Union – by enhancing cooperation, improving institutions and engaging all stakeholders – should takplay an active and leading role in global governance reform to make international institutions more legitimate and conducive to shared responsibility, while promoting its own interests in the process; insists that the EU should evaluate its contribution to global governance reform and how it can take advantage of reforms to identify a stronger role for itselfstrengthening its position and promoting its priorities and interests in the process;
Amendment 81 #
2010/2298(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that in the current times of fiscal austerity and budget cuts European cooperation is not an option but a necessity;it a priority to have efficient European cooperation on international fora, welcomes economies of scale aimed at upgrading, rationalising and concentrating Member States' collective diplomacy through the EEAS, the Commission and EU Delegations with the objective of eliminating unnecessary procedural complications and expensive duplication of presences in many international foras; considers it essential, in this regard, to gain the support for this endeavour of other members of multilateral organisations, which requires careful preparations;
Amendment 92 #
2010/2298(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Points out that EU Delegations servicing clusters of international organisations, i.e. in New York, Geneva, Rome, Vienna and Nairobi, need particularly substantial reinforcement in terms of skilled human resources, without prejudice to other EU Delegations, in order to successfully and efficiently represent EU interests;
Amendment 111 #
2010/2298(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council by building, on the basis of a first-ever negotiation text and widespread support for UNSC reform, a more cohesive position among EU Member States on the issues of legitimacy, composition, effectiveness and regional representation; reiterates the view that an EU seat in an enlarged UNSC remains a goal of the European Union; invites EU Member States on the UN Security Council to keep other EU Member States adequately informed of their positions and activities and share information about developments in the UNSC with other EU Member States in accordance with the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty; welcomes the newly established practice whereby a representative of the EU is generally invited to attend most scheduled UNSC deliberations and participate with some limited right to speak at the UNSC; stresses the need for prior coordination of positions in the Council and encourages the VP/HR and the EEAS to play a more active role in this respect;
Amendment 132 #
2010/2298(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considering that regular meetings take place already on all levels, permanent military liaison arrangements have already been established and occasional joint meetings are organised between the EU's Political and Security Committee (PSC) and NATO's North Atlantic Council (NAC), calls on the EU and NATO to redouble their efforts towards the establishment of a framework for integrated cooperation including permanent structures for cooperation; proposes that mutual observer status should be established at the level of the NAC and the PSC in order to improve cooperative arrangements in the spirit of the Treaty of Lisbon and following the adoption by NATO of its new strategic concept as well as due to the ambition to develop an EU- NATO strategic partnership; welcomes in this respect the existing cooperation with the European Parliament and its participation in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly;
Amendment 138 #
2010/2298(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. In the context of a formal agreement between the EU and the OSCE, calls for serious reflection on how the EU can take on greater responsibilities and participate more efficiently in achieving joint objectives, for which implementing a system of permanent dialogue, agreeing on joint initiatives and coordinating local activities may be appropriate instruments; calls on the EU and its Member States and the OSCE Permanent Council to jointly develop a mechanism aimed at enhancing cooperation, coordination and consultations between the two organisations; considering also that Article 220(1) TFEU explicitly added the OSCE to the list of international organisations with which ‘appropriate forms of cooperation’ are to be established, emphasises the need for the VPC/HR to represent the EU as an observer at the OSCE and to take the lead as spokesperson and coordinator of the position of EU Member States on OSCE matters; emphasises the need to establish effective cooperation mechanisms in the field of election missions between the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the European Parliament with a view to overcoming some of the shortcomings that have arisen on certain occasions;
Amendment 147 #
2010/2298(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Underlines that, in order to increase its effectiveness in the field of human rights at the pan European level, the EU should also accede to other CoE bodies such as the Committee on the Prevention of Torture (CPT), the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) and the European Commission on the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ);
Amendment 7 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14
Citation 14
- having regard to its resolutions of 1 February 2007 and 26 April 2007 on the initiative for a universal moratorium on the death penalty; resolution of 7 October 2010 on the World day against the death penalty and to United Nations General Assembly Resolution 62/149 of 18 December 2007 on a moratorium on the use of death penalty,
Amendment 12 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19a (new)
Citation 19a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 21 January 2010 on human rights violations in China, notably the case Liu Xiaobo,
Amendment 55 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the HR/VP to keep to her commitments on mainstreaming human rights throughout the EU’s external action, so that they will be reflected in the structure of, and the resources made available within, the EEAS; , so the new Service can ensure that the human rights issues are reflected in all areas of external action, including CSDP, Development and Trade;
Amendment 70 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Insists on the necessity to enhance transparency and unrestricted access to documents between EU institutions in order to develop more effective interinstitutional cooperation;
Amendment 83 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Council and Commission to make greater efforts to disseminate the EU annual report on human rights and democracy and to ensure that it reaches as wide a readership as possible; recognises that in the current edition an improvement has been made in terms of clearer presentation, although the longer reporting period makes it difficult to use;
Amendment 90 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Reiterates its call for a regular assessment of the use and the results of European Union policies, instruments and, initiatives and dialogues on human rights in non-EU countries and for the results to be fully shared with Parliament; calls on the Council and the Commission to develop specific quantifiable indices and benchmarks in order to measure the effectiveness of those policies;
Amendment 137 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls for enhanced cooperation between the Council of Europe and the European Union in the field of promoting minority rightrights of persons belonging to minorities and protecting regional and minority languages, using the legal tools of non- discrimination to advocate diversity and tolerance;
Amendment 151 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls that in 2011 the UNHRC will undergo a major review of its procedures, and therefore calls for the EU to prepare and actively for, and participate in, this review;
Amendment 154 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Notes that, as the Annual Report points out, EU Member States are in a minority in the UNHRC; calls on the EU institutions and the Member States to take concerted action in developing appropriate alliances with those countries and non-state actors that are continuing to defend the universal and indivisible nature of human rights;
Amendment 177 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Urges the Iranian leaders to enact a law unequivocally banning stoning as a legal punishment; condemns the fact that the Iranian regime still sentences to death and executes juvenile offenders; condemns the Iranian regime’s use of the death penalty, which places Iran in second position, just after China, in the league table of countries with the highest number of executions; strongly condemns the increased number of executions following the peaceful demonstrations after presidential elections in Iran in June 2009; is concerned that China still carries out the greatest number of executions worldwide; welcomes the positive action of the Belarusian authorities in setting up a Working Group to draft proposals on imposing a moratorium on the death penalty; remains concerned that executions are still carried out in Belarus, which is the only country in Europe that continues to use the death penalty;
Amendment 183 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38a (new)
Paragraph 38a (new)
38a (new). Is concern that executions are still carried out in Belarus, which is the only country in Europe that continues to use the death penalty; supports the authorities in setting up a Working Group to draft proposals on imposing a moratorium on the death penalty;
Amendment 261 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 58a (new)
Paragraph 58a (new)
58a (new). Welcomes the decision of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee to award Liu Xiaobo with 2010 Nobel Peace Prize for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights and freedoms in China; urges Beijing government for immediate and unconditional release of Liu Xiaobo from detention and to lift restrictions on is wife Liu Xia.
Amendment 386 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 82
Paragraph 82
82. Notes that in April 2009 the parliament of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) revised the country’s constitution to include, among other things, a provision that North Korea ‘respects and protects human rights’, calls onurges the North Korean authorities to make clear positivoncrete and tangible steps towards improving human rights conditions, in this respect calls on the authorities to allow inspection of all types of detention facilities by independent international experts and allow UN Special Reporters to visit the country; stresses that not only constitutional provisions, but also constructivbove all the application of concrete measures, shouldhave to be taken into account when evaluating the human rights situation in the country; calls on the EU to support the establishment of UN Commission of Inquiry to assess human rights violations in North Korea; expresses the hope that North Korea will show an interest in engaging constructively in human rights dialogues with the EU;
Amendment 43 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that coherence will need to be sought between the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Member States and the Commission, synergies improved between the EU and the national level and coordination enhanced between institutional actors, with a view to better integrating all relevant instruments and policies and delivering a single EU message on key political issues; considers cooperation at all levels between the EEAS and the relevant services in the Commission to be essential with a view to shaping a strategic approach to our neighbourhood and to candidate and partners countries with membership prospects, as well as to policy areas such as trade, development, energy security and justice and home affairs and human rights;
Amendment 155 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Draws attention toConfirms the EU membership prospects of all the Western Balkan countries and underlines the importance of a continuous commitment to the process from both the countries of the region and the EU;
Amendment 157 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Recognizes progress achieved by all countries of the region on their path towards the EU, notes however that political instability and institutional weaknesses, together with unresolved bilateral issues are hampering further progress of some countries in the EU integration; stresses that the Union needs a clear and common vision towards the region, calls on the VP/HR and the Commission to actively engage in solving the persistent problems;
Amendment 168 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. WelcomNotes the fact that the situation in Kosovo remains stable and peaceful, but is concerned at the serious problems and breaches of electoral law which occurred in several municipalities during the recent elections; stresses the importance of fair elections as part of Kosovo's ongoing democratic transition; urges the Government of Kosovo to improve future electoral processes in order to secure the democratic rights of Kosovo citizens and to strengthen the country's European perspectivfragile; calls for the planned talks between Kosovo and Serbia to start without delay, under the sponsorship of the EU, and stresses that they have vast potential to contribute to stability in Kosovo and to improving the situation for local people, including as regards upholdnot only in Kosovo but ing the rule of law in the north of the country;whole region, reiterates the need for the EULEX Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo to ensure that it can function effectively throughout the entire territory of Kosovo, by stepping up its activities in the north of the country, and to enjoy the trust and support of the entire population;
Amendment 203 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Calls on the VP/HR to intensify talks with Russia to assure the unconditional fulfilment of all the provisions of the agreement of 2008 between Russia, the European Union and Georgia; takes the view Russia that should, in particular, guarantee full unlimited access of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) to Abkhazia and South Ossetia; underlines the necessity to provide stability in aforementioned Georgian regions;
Amendment 5 #
2010/2001(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reaffirms its support for the enlargement process and strongly disagrees with the decreases in operational appropriations relating to the Instrument for Pre- Accession introduced by the Council, at a time when the credibility of the EU's commitment towards the European future of the region is essential for the implementation of further reforms in the candidate and potential candidate countries;
Amendment 3 #
2010/0323(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
The Committee on Foreign Affairs calls on the Committee on International Trade, as the committee responsible, to recommend that Parliament decline to give its consent to the draft Council decision on the conclusion of a Protocol to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement establishing a partnership between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, of the other part, amending the Agreement in order to extend the provisions of the Agreement to bilateral trade in textiles, taking account of the expiry of the bilateral textiles Agreement.
Amendment 24 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas an impasse has been reached in Afghanistan: a coalition of occupying powers in place but unable to defeat the Talibanit is difficult to see an obvious end in sight, with an international coalition unable to defeat the Taliban through military means only, and an insurgency movement unable to prevail against these military forces; and whereas there is no obvious end in sight,
Amendment 38 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas extremist groups have failed to obstruct the election process and numerous Afghans went to vote for their members of parliament on 18 September 2010, showing their courage and commitment to democracy-building in their country,
Amendment 103 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Commends, in this regard, the progress accomplished in the elections held on 18 September 2010, such as the good technical preparation of the polls by the independent electoral commission, the increased role of the Afghan authorities, decreased violence and a higher participation rate (estimated at 40%) compared to last year's presidential election, as well as a higher number of candidates than in previous legislative elections;
Amendment 114 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Strongly believes that women's rights are part of the security solution – it is impossible to achieve stability in Afghanistan without women enjoying their full rights in political, social and economic life; calls on the Afghan authorities to include women in every stage of the peace talks and reconciliation/reintegration efforts;
Amendment 138 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 147 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 182 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Recognises the potential for local corruption but believes that this will be outweighed by the strengthened legitimacyand affirms that one of the goals of the international involvement is that the Afghan State will gain by beingbe responsible for implementing aid and by ensuring that aide effectiveness indicators andof the aid; notes that this is to take place through effective monitoring mechanisms, agreed upon by both donors and the Afghan Government, are in place;
Amendment 188 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Advocates a policy of increasing procurement within Afghanistan itself wherever possible rather than importing goods or services; commends General Petraeus' new guidelines aiming at using the purchasing power of coalition forces as a tool in the fight against the insurgency; hopes this change of orientation in contracting policy will be implemented quickly;
Amendment 191 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Notes that, as widely reported in the press and in the US House of Representatives report "Warlord, Inc.", the US military in Afghanistan has outsourced most of its logistics to private contractors, who in turn subcontract the protection of military convoys to local Afghan security providers, with disastrous consequences;
Amendment 198 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
Amendment 222 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Fears that these errors have fuelled the resurgence of the Taliban in over halcertain parts of the country, exacerbating the deterioration in security;
Amendment 252 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Believes, too, that all other that when the Afghan State has shown capacity to take responsibility for the entire country and when stability and prosperity have been consolidated, more and more issues should be left to the will and capacity of the Afghan people themselves;
Amendment 279 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Calls on the EU to support the peace process unreservedly, allowing the Karzai Government full autonomenough flexibility in its choice of dialogue partners, but insisting that the Afghan Constitution and respect for fundamental human rights form the overall legal and political framework for the peace process;
Amendment 313 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Stresses that Afghanistan must be provided with a police force capable of ensuring a minimal standard of security able to permit a subsequent withdrawal of the foreign military presence fromsustainable security and the rule of law throughout the country;
Amendment 317 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Draws attention to the many different police training missions present on the ground, and to the funding being invested in police training, with little to show for it; ; calls on all relevant actors to closely coordinate in order to avoid unnecessary duplication and to fulfill complementary tasks at strategic and operational levels;
Amendment 2 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
– having regard to the ENP Action Plans adopted with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia in November 2006 and to the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI), closely linked to the implementation of the ENP Action Plans, 1 P7_TA(2009)0120Or. en
Amendment 3 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6
Citation 6
– having regard to the Country Strategy Papers 2007-2013 and the National Indicative Programmes 2007-2010 under ENPI agreed upon withfor Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia,
Amendment 4 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
Amendment 6 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas as a result of the August 2008 war in Georgia, of the EU’s successful intervention to achieve a Ceasefire Agreement and of the great need for further engagement that followed from these developments,in order to secure its full implementation the EU became a significant security actor in the region, through the deployment of the EU Monitoring Mission, the launch of a major post-war assistance programme and the start of a fact-finding mission on the causes and course of the war,
Amendment 18 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas guaranteeing peace, security and stability in the region is essential fora peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and of Georgia's internal conflicts in Abkazia and South Ossetia is essential for the stability in the EU neighbourhood, as well as for the economic and social development of the South Caucasus region, the improvement of the standard of living, for the achievement of democratic standards and respect for human rights for all, and to maximise regional and macro- regional development opportunities,
Amendment 23 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the Eastern Partnership aims at accelerating reforms, legal approximation and economic integration, is based on the principles of conditionality, differentiation and joint ownership and envisages the negotiation of new Association Agreements, which will require the assent of the European Parliament,
Amendment 25 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the challenges for the EUsituation in the South Caucasus and its engagement in this region are such that a ma-region calls for an increasingly repro-active and impromptu policy has become a non-optpolicy in the EU-engagement in this region and whereas the launch of the Eastern Partnership and the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty provide a good opportunity to devise an EU strategy towards the South Caucasus,
Amendment 30 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the EU needs to play a more active political role and develop a strategy to assist the transformation of the South Caucasus into a region of sustainable peace, stability and prosperity and to use fully use its potential to contribute to the prevention and peaceful resolution of the conflicts in the region by combining its soft power with a firm approachand to participate in post-conflict rehabilitation;
Amendment 36 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises that for each of the conflicts in the region, the status quo is unacceptable and unsustainablethe conflicts in the region are completely unacceptable and unsustainable and finding a peaceful resolution is the key to achieving political stability and economic development in the South Caucasus, as well as in an extended regional context; underlines the fact that the EU has an important role to play in contributing to the culture of dialogue and understanding in the region; advocates the use of cross-border programmes and dialogue among civil societies as tools for conflict transformation and confidence-building across the division lines; fully supports the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Mr Peter Semneby;
Amendment 40 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that conflict management and conflict resolution necessitate inter alia the recognition of the rights and legitimate interests of all relevant parties and communities, openness to review perceptions of past events, serious willingness to overcome hatred and fear, preparedness to gihave up maximalistmore constructive ambitions, and interest in innovative approaches, including to the exercise of sovereign to be able to consolidate stability, and readiness to make real concessionsprosperity;
Amendment 46 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to continue to provide financial support for the efforts of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia to deal with the situation of refugees and displaced persons, by helping to renovate buildings and build roads, water and electricity supply infrastructure, hospitals and schools, so as to enable these communities to be more effectively integrated;
Amendment 49 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the responsibility of external actors to use their power and influence in ways that are fully consistent with international law, including human rights law; believes that reduction of the competition between external actors in the region should be pursued, but cannot come at the price of effectively accepting any actor’s claim to have ‘privileged interests’; is of the opinion that introducing conditions for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the South Caucasus states is unacceptable;
Amendment 94 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that security for all is an indispensable element of any settlement; recognises the importance of robust peace- keeping arrangements; welcomes the fact that six meetings between the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents took place in 2009; calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to intensify their efforts in the Minsk Co- chairs-led talks on the principles for a settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the coming months;
Amendment 135 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. ConsidersStresses that respect for democratisation, good governance and respect for, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rights of minorities and the rule of law to be basic principles is of paramount importance for determining Armenia, Azerbaijans and Georgia's future relations with the EU; calls for renewed efforts by the countries to implement in full the ENP Action Plan and on the Commission to continue to assist them in such efforts and of peaceful and stable democratic stateCouncil of Europe recommendations in this regard; is concerned by the limited progress made by the countries in the South Caucasus- region on this area, as shown in the Commission 2009 progress reports;
Amendment 142 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Highlights the importance of engaging in democratic reforms and the essential role of political dialogue and cooperation as the key to developing national consensus; welcomstresses the adoption of significant legislation related to the judiciary in Armenia and calls on the authorities to ensure the effective implementation thereof; welcomes the progress in Azerbaijan in the field of reform of the judiciary and calls on the authorities to work on the independence of judges; welcomes the announcement by the Georgian President regarding a ‘new wave of democratic reforms’, calls for such reforms to be effectively adopted and implemented, such as strengthening parliamentary control over the executive and increasing independence of the judiciary, and considers that democratic reforms need to be pursued and democratic institutions consolidatedimportance of strengthening more independent, transparent and stronger democratic institutions, to support and empower civil society and developing people-to-people contacts in promoting democracy and the rule of law; encourages the Commission to make full use of the opportunities offered by the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights for, inter alia , monitoring the implementation of the ENP closely;
Amendment 147 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Welcomes the efforts of the authorities of Armenia to conduct judiciary reform and calls on the authorities to strengthen the independence of judiciary; notes that despite commitments, the dynamics of democratisation is hardly progressing, especially within the field of human rights, tortures, freedom of expression, NGO status and equality between men and women;
Amendment 151 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Points to the still widespread corruption in the region and calls on the authorities to step up the measures to fight it, as it threatens the economic growth and social and economic development of the countries concerned; greater attention should be paid to the fight against monopolies, the importance of the oligarchs and the relationship between politicians and major contractors, as well as to recruitment in public services, including the police and education;
Amendment 155 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Underscorlines the importance of free and fair elections to be held in accordance with international commitments and standards; notes that the last presidential elections held in Armenia in February 2008 were once again violent and that repercussions of the internal crisis in their aftermath are still being felt; takes note of the municipal elections held in a peaceful manner in Azerbaijan on 23 December 2009 and awaits the report of the Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities observation delegation thereon; calls on the Georgian authorities to ensure that the local elections scheduled for 30 May 2010 take place in accordance with international standards and that the electoral law is amended accordingly, and reaffirms that securing direct election of mayors is crucial; confirms its and the EU’s position that elections and referenda in breakaway regions are illegitimate; defends the political rights of displaced persstresses the essential role for the EU to help to support, organize and monitor elections;
Amendment 167 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)
Paragraph 17 c (new)
17c. Calls on the Georgian authorities to ensure that the local elections scheduled for 30 May 2010 take place in accordance with international standards and that the electoral law is amended accordingly, and reaffirms that securing direct election of mayors is crucial; requests the presence of organizations that monitor the election closely; confirms its own and the EU’s position that the EU does not recognize the constitutional and legal framework in which the elections in South Ossetia and Abkhazia have taken place and defends the political rights of displaced persons;
Amendment 168 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considers freedom of expression to be a fundamental right and principle and, that the role of the media is essential, is disturbed by the limitations on freedom of expression and the lack of media pluralism in the countries of the South Caucasus and calls on the authorities to ensure both; is preoccupied about attacks on journalists in Armenia and in particular about the continued detention of opposition journalist Nikol Pashinian, despite the welcomed amnesty of 18 June 2009 leading to the release of a number of imprisoned opposition activists; is concerned about the deterioration of the media climate in Azerbaijan with cases of harassment and intimidation of media professionals and deplores the detention and sentencing of the two youth activists and bloggers, Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade; accordingly calls for their release following the appeal procedure in accordance with international standards and with respect for the principles of a fair trial as set out in Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rightsand that the media must be free and independent, is bothered by the restrictions on freedom of expression and the lack of media pluralism in the countries of the South Caucasus and calls on the authorities to ensure both;
Amendment 181 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Takes the view that freedom of assembly must be guaranteed, as it is instrumessential to the development of a free, democratic and vibrant civil society; is worried about the difficulties, direct and indirect, which civil society faces in organising itself and disturbed by the adoption of laws and practices that might indirectly limit freedom of assembly, including through administrative harassment, such as the intensified checks by the fiscal authorities in Armenia; is concerned about the lack of any serious investigation into the events following the presidential elections of February 2008 when 10 people were killed and which led to the imposition of a state of emergency and restriction of a number of freedoms and rights; calls on the authorities in Azerbaijan, including the local authorities, to implement in a non-restrictive manner the legislation on freedom of assembly which, as amended, meets most international standards; is concerned that in Georgia the 2009 amendments to the Law on Assembly and Manifestations may limit freedom of assembly and curtail the ability of the opposition to mobilise; underlines the important role of civil society for the peace and reconciliation processes in the region;
Amendment 191 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
19c. Is concerned that in Georgia the 2009 amendments to the Law on Assembly and Manifestations may limit freedom of assembly and curtail the ability of the opposition to mobilise; underlines the important role of civil society for the peace and reconciliation processes in the region;
Amendment 209 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Notes the strategic geopolitical location of the South Caucasus and its increasing importance as an energy, transport and communications corridor connecting the Caspian region and Central Asia with Europe; considers it of the utmost importance, therefore, that EU- cooperation with the South Caucasus be given the highest priority, not least in matters relating to energy;
Amendment 219 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Underscorlines the importance of investing in renewable energy sources and ensuring that environmental concerns are catered for; welcomesrecognises that generating diversity of supply is vital and can only be attained through enhanced cooperation with neighbouring states, welcomes therefore the establishment of the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus; considers the plans proclaimed by Azerbaijan to make the development of alternative energy sources a government priority praiseworthy and encourages the pursuit of such objectives; is glad to take note ofwelcomes the decision of Armenia to decommission the nuclear plant in Medzamor, but regrets that a new nuclear plant will be built in the same seismic area and towards finding viable alternative solutions for energy supply, as requested by the EU;
Amendment 226 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Considers that promoting social cohesion and social dialogue, investing in education and health and builddeveloping human capital, ensuring adequate standards of living, are essential in order to build vibrant democratic societies; takes positive note of the adoption by the three countries of their respective programmes on poverty reduction and encourages their thorough implementation;
Amendment 233 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Considers that the ENP Action Plans and the implementation thereof constitute an essential basis for evaluating respect for commitments, in accordance with the principle of conditionality, for evaluating and the progress of bilateral relationships with the EU and for considering upgrading of agreementcontractual relations with the countries concerned; takes the view that the European Parliament should be involved in this process; notes the differenat progress made bydiffers among the three countries in the implementation of the respective ENP Action Plans; believes that negotiations on the new association agreements should take into account this diversityese differences and the different objectives but at the same time that the process of negotiation should preferably move at the same pace for allas well as the regional dimension and that three countries, taking into account th must be tregional dimensionated equally;
Amendment 262 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls on the Commission to grant substantial financial and technical support to measures building confidence and promoting trust between and among the populations and to participate in rehabilitation and reconstruction in the region, such as income-generating projeconflicts and projects on socio-economic integration of IDPs and returnees, on the rehabilitation of housing and aiming at dialogue and mediationffected regions once a political solution is found;
Amendment 266 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Supports EU funding and assistance to the region to promote these principles and processes and considers that such EU assistance should take place within the framework of political conditionality, such as reform of the judiciary and progress inprogress in political dialogue and reform and democratisation processes; warns against the misuse of conflicts by governmenpossibility for governments to misuse conflicts to distract the interest of the international community from domestic issues;
Amendment 270 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Welcomes the work of the EU High Level EU Advisory Group to Armenia; bwelievcomes thate possibility of increased financial assistance within the framework of the Eastern Partnership and, including for the preparation for the negotiation of new association agreements with the EU has the opportunity to offer technical assistance and calls on the Commission to study the possibility of offering suchtailor-made assistance also to Azerbaijan and Georgia;
Amendment 273 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Recognises the potential role of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum as the spaceforum to foster the development of a genuine civil society and strengthen its entrenchment in the states of the region, and calls on the Commission to ensure that the Forum receives sufficient financial and technical support; draws attention to the importance of financing civil society projects and the role that the EU Delegations in the region play in selecting these, and the significance that the projects can have in promoting contacts at regional level;
Amendment 284 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Considers that the EU should continue to support economic development, trade and investment in the region, and believes that the negotiation and establishment of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade AgreementsArea plays a very important role in this respect; calls on the Commission to consider possible ways to assist the countries in the region to prepare them and enable them toin their preparation, negotiateion and then implement andation in the future, including sustaining the commitments provided for in possiblderiving from the future DCFTAs;
Amendment 292 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Reiterates the significance of people- to-people contacts and mobility programmes, especially aimed at youth; calls on the Council and Commission to make progress towards visa facilitation with thewelcomes the conclusion of the visa facilitation and readmission agreements with Georgia and calls on three cCountries and welcomes the initialling of thecil and Commission to make progress towards visa facilitation and readmission agreements with GeorgiaArmenia and Azerbaijan;
Amendment 7 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The visa liberalisation dialogue initiated by the Commission with a regional approach and a European perspective, includes countries of the Western Balkans, namely Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia on an equal footing and without any discrimination. The composition of the lists of third countries in Annexes I and II to Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 should be, and should remain, consistent with the criteria laid down in recital (5) thereto. Some third countries, for which the situation has changed as regards these criteria, should be transferred from one Annex to the otherThe same criteria laid down in the roadmaps for visa liberalisation should be applied to all countries concerned.
Amendment 8 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) All of the Western Balkan countries that have met the benchmarks should be admitted to the visa-free travel regime from the beginning of 2010. Those countries that, despite having made substantial progress, have not fully met the benchmarks should be granted the same privilege as soon as they meet the benchmarks as set out in the corresponding roadmaps for visa liberalisation.
Amendment 11 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) With the aim of furthering the implementation of the Thessaloniki agenda and as part of its regional approach, the Commission should start a visa dialogue with Kosovo and establish a tailor-made roadmap for visa facilitation and liberalisation similar to those established with other Western Balkan countries. This should be without prejudice to Member States' competence as regards the recognition of Kosovo as an independent state.
Amendment 15 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) As regards Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Commission should, without delay and not later than in the spring of 2010, present its report on the achievements made by those two countries in meeting all the benchmarks set in the roadmap.
Amendment 16 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 b (new)
Recital 4 b (new)
Amendment 17 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 c (new)
Recital 4 c (new)
(4c) The Council, while commending the relevant recent progress achieved by Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina towards meeting the benchmarks, calls on the relevant Albanian and Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities to adopt, without delay, the necessary reforms to fully meet the benchmarks.
Amendment 18 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 d (new)
Recital 4 d (new)
(4d) The Council asks the Commission to assist the relevant authorities of Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina in this respect.
Amendment 21 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 - paragraph 1 - point a a (new)
Article 1 - paragraph 1 - point a a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 539/2001
Annex I - part 1
Annex I - part 1
(aa) in Part 1, the references to Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina are replaced by the following: "Albania**, Bosnia and Herzegovina ** ------------------- ** The exemption from the visa requirement granted to holders of biometric passports will apply in accordance with Community law"