Activities of Norica NICOLAI
Plenary speeches (504)
Rule of law in Romania (debate) RO
Azerbaijan, notably the case of Mehman Huseynov RO
Azerbaijan, notably the case of Mehman Huseynov RO
Presentation of the programme of activities of the Romanian Presidency (debate) RO
Presentation of the programme of activities of the Romanian Presidency (debate) FR
Presentation of the programme of activities of the Romanian Presidency (debate) FR
The rule of law in Romania (B8-0522/2018) RO
Implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement - Implementation of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement (debate) RO
Multiannual plan for small pelagic stocks in the Adriatic Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks (debate) RO
The rule of law in Romania (debate) RO
The rule of law in Romania (debate)
Autonomous weapon systems (debate) RO
Debate with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, on the Future of Europe (debate)
State of play of recreational fisheries in the EU (short presentation) RO
Threats to the rule of law by the Romanian justice system reform (debate) RO
Enlargement and strengthening of the Schengen area: Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia (topical debate) RO
EU-New Zealand Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation (Consent) - EU-New Zealand Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation (Resolution) (debate) RO
Eastern Partnership: November 2017 Summit (debate) RO
Situation in Moldova RO
Corruption and human rights in third countries (A8-0246/2017 - Petras Auštrevičius) RO
Macro-financial assistance to the Republic of Moldova (debate) RO
The case of Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Mukhtarli RO
High-level UN Conference to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (UN Ocean Conference) (debate) RO
Situation in Moldova (debate) RO
Negotiations with the United Kingdom following its notification that it intends to withdraw from the European Union (RC-B8-0237/2017, B8-0237/2017, B8-0241/2017, B8-0242/2017, B8-0243/2017) RO
Democracy and justice in Romania (debate) RO
Order of business RO
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: Protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community (B8-1334/2016) RO
Support for Thalidomide victims (B8-1341/2016, B8-1343/2016) RO
Agreement on Operational and Strategic Cooperation between Georgia and Europol (A8-0343/2016 - Claude Moraes) RO
Normalisation of the accounts of railway undertakings (A8-0368/2016 - Merja Kyllönen) RO
Domestic passenger transport services by rail (A8-0373/2016 - Wim van de Camp) RO
Single European railway area (A8-0371/2016 - David-Maria Sassoli) RO
Market access to port services and financial transparency of ports (A8-0023/2016 - Knut Fleckenstein) RO
Annual Report on human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter 2015 (A8-0355/2016 - Josef Weidenholzer) RO
Implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (Article 36 TEU) (A8-0360/2016 - Elmar Brok) RO
CAP tools to reduce price volatility in agricultural markets (A8-0339/2016 - Angélique Delahaye) RO
North-East Atlantic: deep-sea stocks and fishing in international waters (A8-0369/2016 - Isabelle Thomas) RO
General revision of Parliament's Rules of Procedure (A8-0344/2016 - Richard Corbett) RO
Situation of fundamental rights in the European Union in 2015 (A8-0345/2016 - József Nagy) RO
A coherent EU policy for cultural and creative industries (A8-0357/2016 - Christian Ehler, Luigi Morgano) RO
Rights of women in the Eastern Partnership States (A8-0365/2016 - Mariya Gabriel) RO
US-EU Agreement on the protection of personal information relating to criminal offenses (A8-0354/2016 - Jan Philipp Albrecht) RO
Mobilisation of the Contingency Margin in 2016 (A8-0347/2016 - José Manuel Fernandes) RO
2017 budgetary procedure: joint text (A8-0353/2016 - Jens Geier, Indrek Tarand) RO
Situation in Italy after the earthquakes (B8-1284/2016, B8-1285/2016, B8-1285/2016, B8-1286/2016, B8-1288/2016, B8-1289/2016, B8-1291/2016, B8-1294/2016, B8-1296/2016) RO
Union Customs Code, as regards goods that have temporarily left the customs territory of the Union by sea or air (A8-0329/2016 - Maria Grapini) RO
Access to energy in developing countries (B8-1227/2016) RO
Macro-financial assistance to Jordan (A8-0296/2016 - Emmanuel Maurel) RO
Activities and supervision of institutions for occupational retirement provision (A8-0011/2016 - Brian Hayes) RO
Situation in Syria (B8-1123/2016, RC-B8-1249/2016, B8-1249/2016, B8-1250/2016, B8-1251/2016, B8-1252/2016, B8-1253/2016, B8-1254/2016, B8-1255/2016) RO
EU-Turkey relations (RC-B8-1276/2016, B8-1276/2016, B8-1277/2016, B8-1278/2016, B8-1279/2016, B8-1280/2016, B8-1281/2016, B8-1282/2016, B8-1283/2016) RO
EU accession to the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women (B8-1229/2016, B8-1235/2016) RO
Activities of the European Ombudsman in 2015 (A8-0331/2016 - Notis Marias) RO
Towards a definitive VAT system and fighting VAT fraud (A8-0307/2016 - Werner Langen) RO
EU action plan against wildlife trafficking (A8-0303/2016 - Catherine Bearder) RO
New opportunities for small transport businesses (A8-0304/2016 - Dominique Riquet) RO
Opinion from the Court of Justice on the compatibility with the Treaties of the proposed agreement between Canada and the European Union on a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) (B8-1220/2016) RO
Emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants (A8-0249/2015 - Julie Girling) RO
Implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy (A8-0317/2016 - Ioan Mircea Paşcu) RO
EU strategic communication to counteract anti-EU propaganda by third parties (A8-0290/2016 - Anna Elżbieta Fotyga) RO
Agreement on Operational and Strategic Cooperation between Ukraine and Europol (A8-0342/2016 - Mariya Gabriel) RO
Long-term plan for cod stocks and the fisheries exploiting those stocks (A8-0325/2016 - Diane Dodds) RO
Access to anti-money-laundering information by tax authorities (A8-0326/2016 - Emmanuel Maurel) RO
European Central Bank annual report for 2015 (A8-0302/2016 - Ramon Tremosa i Balcells) RO
Green Paper on Retail Financial Services (A8-0294/2016 - Olle Ludvigsson) RO
European Defence Union (A8-0316/2016 - Urmas Paet) RO
Unleashing the potential of waterborne passenger transport (A8-0306/2016 - Keith Taylor) RO
Increasing the effectiveness of development cooperation (A8-0322/2016 - Cristian Dan Preda) RO
Situation in Northern Iraq/Mosul (RC-B8-1159/2016, B8-1159/2016, B8-1160/2016, B8-1161/2016, B8-1164/2016, B8-1165/2016, B8-1166/2016, B8-1169/2016) RO
Situation of journalists in Turkey (B8-1158/2016, RC-B8-1162/2016, B8-1162/2016, B8-1163/2016, B8-1167/2016, B8-1168/2016, B8-1170/2016, B8-1171/2016, B8-1172/2016) RO
Nuclear security and non-proliferation (B8-1120/2016, RC-B8-1122/2016, B8-1122/2016, B8-1125/2016, B8-1129/2016, B8-1130/2016, B8-1131/2016, B8-1132/2016) RO
European Voluntary Service (B8-1126/2016, B8-1126/2016, B8-1127/2016, B8-1128/2016, B8-1133/2016, B8-1134/2016, B8-1135/2016) RO
EU Youth Strategy 2013-2015 (A8-0250/2016 - Andrea Bocskor) RO
How the CAP can improve job creation in rural areas (A8-0285/2016 - Eric Andrieu) RO
General budget of the European Union for 2017 - all sections (A8-0287/2016 - Jens Geier, Indrek Tarand) RO
The MFF mid-term revision (B8-1173/2016) RO
European Semester for economic policy coordination: implementation of 2016 priorities (A8-0309/2016 - Alfred Sant)
EU-China Agreement on short-stay visa waiver for holders of diplomatic passports (A8-0281/2016 - Bodil Valero) RO
Statistics of goods transport by inland waterways (delegated and implementing powers) (A8-0298/2016 - Bas Eickhout) RO
Union legal framework for customs infringements and sanctions (A8-0239/2016 - Kaja Kallas) RO
EU strategy towards Iran after the nuclear agreement (A8-0286/2016 - Richard Howitt) RO
Fight against corruption and follow-up of the CRIM resolution (A8-0284/2016 - Laura Ferrara) RO
Human rights and migration in third countries (A8-0245/2016 - Marie-Christine Vergiat) RO
EU strategy for liquefied natural gas and gas storage (A8-0278/2016 - András Gyürk) RO
How to make fisheries controls in Europe uniform (A8-0234/2016 - Isabelle Thomas) RO
Improving connection and accessibility of transport infrastructure in Central and Eastern Europe (A8-0282/2016 - Tomasz Piotr Poręba) RO
EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights (A8-0283/2016 - Sophia in 't Veld) RO
Global goals and EU commitments on nutrition and food security in the world (B8-1042/2016) RO
European Public Prosecutor's office and Eurojust (B8-1054/2016) RO
Need for a European reindustrialisation policy in light of the recent Caterpillar and Alstom cases (RC-B8-1051/2016, B8-1051/2016, B8-1052/2016, B8-1053/2016, B8-1055/2016, B8-1056/2016, B8-1057/2016, B8-1058/2016) RO
Conclusion on behalf of the EU of the Paris Agreement adopted under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (Giovanni La Via (A8-0280/2016)) RO
Legal aid for suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings and for requested persons in European arrest warrant proceedings (A8-0165/2015 - Dennis de Jong) RO
Trade in certain goods which could be used for capital punishment, torture or other treatment or punishment (A8-0267/2015 - Marietje Schaake)
Europol-China Agreement on Strategic Cooperation (A8-0265/2016 - Claude Moraes)
The future of ACP-EU relations beyond 2020 (A8-0263/2016 - Norbert Neuser) RO
Travel document for the return of illegally staying third-country nationals (A8-0201/2016 - Jussi Halla-aho)
Prospectus to be published when securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading (A8-0238/2016 - Petr Ježek) RO
Asylum: provisional measures in favour of Italy and Greece (A8-0236/2016 - Ska Keller) RO
Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (A8-0247/2016 - Laura Agea) RO
Application of the Postal Services Directive (A8-0254/2016 - Markus Ferber) RO
Access to finance for SMEs and increasing the diversity of SME funding in a Capital Markets Union (A8-0222/2016 - Othmar Karas)
How best to harness the job creation potential of SMEs? (A8-0248/2016 - Zdzisław Krasnodębski)
Application of the Employment Equality Directive (A8-0225/2016 - Renate Weber) RO
Activities, impact and added value of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund between 2007 and 2014 (A8-0227/2016 - Marian Harkin) RO
Sporazum o provedbi Konvencije o radu u ribolovu (B8-0976/2016) RO
European territorial cooperation - best practices and innovative measures (A8-0202/2016 - Iskra Mihaylova)
Statistics on natural gas and electricity prices (A8-0184/2016 - Barbara Kappel) RO
Towards a new energy market design (A8-0214/2016 - Werner Langen) RO
EU strategy on heating and cooling (A8-0232/2016 - Adam Gierek)
Enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs (A8-0162/2016 - Rosa D'Amato)
EU strategy for the Alpine region (A8-0226/2016 - Mercedes Bresso) RO
Creating labour market conditions favourable for work-life balance (A8-0253/2016 - Tatjana Ždanoka, Vilija Blinkevičiūtė) RO
71st session of the UN General Assembly (A8-0146/2016 - Andrey Kovatchev) RO
Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (A8-0203/2016 - Helga Stevens)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: Permitted health claims made on foods (B8-0842/2016) RO
Participation of Azerbaijan in Union programmes (A8-0210/2016 - Norica Nicolai) RO
High common level of security of network and information systems across the Union (A8-0211/2016 - Andreas Schwab) RO
Energy efficiency labelling (A8-0213/2016 - Dario Tamburrano) RO
European Border and Coast Guard (A8-0200/2016 - Artis Pabriks) RO
European Maritime Safety Agency (A8-0215/2016 - Michael Cramer) RO
Community Fisheries Control Agency (A8-0068/2016 - Alain Cadec) RO
Secretariat of the OLAF Supervisory Committee (A8-0188/2016 - Ingeborg Gräßle) RO
Preparation of the post-electoral revision of the MFF 2014-2020: Parliament's input ahead of the Commission's proposal (A8-0224/2016 - Jan Olbrycht, Isabelle Thomas) RO
Tax rulings and other measures similar in nature or effect (TAXE 2) (A8-0223/2016 - Jeppe Kofod, Michael Theurer) RO
Synergies between structural funds and Horizon 2020 (RC-B8-0851/2016, B8-0851/2016, B8-0852/2016, B8-0857/2016, B8-0858/2016, B8-0860/2016, B8-0861/2016)
Preparation of the Commission Work Programme 2017 (RC-B8-0885/2016, B8-0885/2016, B8-0886/2016, B8-0892/2016, B8-0893/2016, B8-0894/2016, B8-0895/2016, B8-0896/2016)
The fight against trafficking in human beings in the EU's external relations (A8-0205/2016 - Barbara Lochbihler) RO
European Maritime Safety Agency - Community Fisheries Control Agency (debate) RO
EU-Monaco agreement on the automatic exchange of financial account information (A8-0206/2016 - Andreas Schwab) RO
Multiannual recovery plan for Bluefin tuna (A8-0367/2015 - Gabriel Mato) RO
Multiannual plan for the stocks of cod, herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks RO
Jurisdiction, applicable law and the recognition and enforcement of decisions in matters of matrimonial property regimes (A8-0209/2016 - Jean-Marie Cavada) RO
Jurisdiction, applicable law and the recognition and enforcement of decisions in matters of the property consequences of registered partnerships (A8-0208/2016 - Jean-Marie Cavada) RO
Follow-up of the Strategic Framework for European cooperation in education and training (ET2020) (A8-0176/2016 - Zdzisław Krasnodębski)
Renewable energy progress report (A8-0196/2016 - Paloma López Bermejo) RO
Implementation report on the Energy Efficiency Directive (A8-0199/2016 - Markus Pieper) RO
Promoting free movement by simplifying the acceptance of certain public documents (A8-0156/2016 - Mady Delvaux) RO
Transfer to the General Court of jurisdiction at first instance in EU civil service cases (A8-0167/2016 - Mady Delvaux) RO
A regulation for an open, efficient and independent European Union administration (B8-0685/2016)
Competitiveness of the European rail supply industry (B8-0677/2016)
Setting up of a Committee of Inquiry to investigate alleged contraventions and maladministration in the application of Union law in relation to money laundering, tax avoidance and tax evasion, its powers, numerical strength and term of office (B8-0745/2016) RO
EU-Philippines Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation (resolution) (A8-0143/2016 - Elmar Brok)
Rules against certain tax avoidance practices (A8-0189/2016 - Hugues Bayet) RO
Follow-up to the resolution of Parliament of 11 February 2015 on the US Senate report on the use of torture by the CIA (B8-0580/2016, B8-0584/2016) RO
Situation in Venezuela (RC-B8-0700/2016, B8-0700/2016, B8-0723/2016, B8-0724/2016, B8-0725/2016, B8-0726/2016, B8-0728/2016, B8-0729/2016)
Markets in financial instruments (A8-0126/2016 - Markus Ferber)
2015 Report on policy coherence for development (A8-0165/2016 - Cristian Dan Preda) RO
The New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition (A8-0169/2016 - Maria Heubuch)
Peace Support Operations - EU engagement with the UN and the African Union (A8-0158/2016 - Geoffrey Van Orden)
Unfair trading practices in the food supply chain (A8-0173/2016 - Edward Czesak) RO
Technological solutions for sustainable agriculture (A8-0174/2016 - Anthea McIntyre) RO
Enhancing innovation and economic development in future European farm management (A8-0163/2016 - Jan Huitema) RO
Provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Sweden (A8-0170/2016 - Ska Keller)
Transatlantic data flows (B8-0622/2016, RC-B8-0623/2016, B8-0623/2016, B8-0633/2016, B8-0639/2016, B8-0642/2016, B8-0643/2016, B8-0644/2016) RO
Delivering a new deal for energy consumers (A8-0161/2016 - Theresa Griffin)
Poverty: a gender perspective (A8-0153/2016 - Maria Arena)
Non-tariff barriers in the Single Market (A8-0160/2016 - Daniel Dalton)
The Single Market strategy (A8-0171/2016 - Lara Comi)
Mandatory automatic exchange of information in the field of taxation (A8-0157/2016 - Dariusz Rosati) RO
China's market economy status (B8-0604/2016, B8-0605/2016, RC-B8-0607/2016, B8-0607/2016, B8-0608/2016, B8-0609/2016, B8-0610/2016, B8-0611/2016, B8-0612/2016) RO
Follow-up and state of play of the Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals (B8-0583/2016, B8-0587/2016) RO
Mandatory indication of the country of origin or place of provenance for certain foods (B8-0545/2016)
Framework Agreement on parental leave (A8-0076/2016 - Maria Arena)
Preventing and combating trafficking in human beings (A8-0144/2016 - Catherine Bearder)
Exemptions for commodity dealers (A8-0064/2016 - Sander Loones) RO
Entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, training, volunteering, pupil exchange and au pairing (A8-0166/2016 - Cecilia Wikström) RO
Protection against subsidised imports from countries not members of the EU (A8-0257/2015 - Heidi Hautala) RO
EU-Mauritania fisheries partnership agreement: fishing opportunities and financial contribution (A8-0147/2016 - Gabriel Mato) RO
Cooperation agreement on a civil Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) with Korea (A8-0065/2016 - Gianluca Buonanno) RO
New territorial development tools in cohesion policy 2014-2020 (A8-0032/2016 - Ruža Tomašić)
Statistics concerning balance of payments, international trade in services and foreign direct investment (A8-0227/2015 - Sven Giegold) RO
Cohesion policy in mountainous regions of the EU (A8-0074/2016 - Iliana Iotova)
Traceability of fishery and aquaculture products in restaurants and retail (debate) RO
EU-Mauritania fisheries partnership agreement: fishing opportunities and financial contribution - EU-Liberia sustainable fisheries partnership agreement (debate) RO
Discharge 2014: European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) (A8-0104/2016 - Derek Vaughan) RO
Discharge 2014: European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) (A8-0102/2016 - Derek Vaughan) RO
Discharge 2014: The European Union's Judicial Cooperation Unit (Eurojust) (A8-0099/2016 - Derek Vaughan) RO
Discharge 2014: European Police Office (Europol) (A8-0122/2016 - Derek Vaughan) RO
Attacks on hospitals and schools as violations of international humanitarian law (B8-0488/2016, B8-0488/2016, B8-0489/2016, B8-0490/2016, B8-0491/2016, B8-0492/2016, B8-0493/2016)
Public access to documents for the years 2014-2015 (A8-0141/2016 - Laura Ferrara) RO
Women domestic workers and carers in the EU (A8-0053/2016 - Kostadinka Kuneva)
Gender equality and empowering women in the digital age (A8-0048/2016 - Terry Reintke)
Use of Passenger Name Record data (EU PNR) (A8-0248/2015 - Timothy Kirkhope) RO
Protection of trade secrets against their unlawful acquisition, use and disclosure (A8-0199/2015 - Constance Le Grip) RO
2015 Report on Turkey (B8-0442/2016) RO
2015 Report on Albania (B8-0440/2016)
2015 Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina (B8-0441/2016)
Meeting the antipoverty target in the light of increasing household costs (A8-0040/2016 - Tamás Meszerics) RO
Private sector and development (A8-0043/2016 - Nirj Deva) RO
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: renewal of the approval of the active substance glyphosate (B8-0439/2016) RO
The EU in a changing global environment - a more connected, contested and complex world (A8-0069/2016 - Sandra Kalniete)
Implementation and review of the EU-Central Asia Strategy (A8-0051/2016 - Tamás Meszerics) RO
Zika virus outbreak (B8-0449/2016) RO
Situation in Poland (B8-0461/2016, B8-0463/2016, B8-0464/2016, B8-0465/2016) RO
Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh (debate) RO
Fisheries partnership agreement with Denmark and Greenland: fishing opportunities and financial contribution (A8-0067/2016 - Marco Affronte) RO
EU-Macao Agreement on certain aspects of air services (A8-0072/2016 - Dieter-Lebrecht Koch) RO
Minimum standard rate of VAT (A8-0063/2016 - Peter Simon) RO
Agreement on strategic cooperation between Brazil and Europol (A8-0070/2016 - Claude Moraes) RO
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea: fisheries aspects (A8-0042/2016 - Norica Nicolai) RO
The situation in the Mediterranean and the need for a holistic EU approach to migration (A8-0066/2016 - Roberta Metsola, Kashetu Kyenge) RO
Annual reports 2012-2013 on subsidiarity and proportionality (A8-0301/2015 - Sajjad Karim) RO
Towards improved single market regulation (A8-0278/2015 - Anneleen Van Bossuyt) RO
Learning EU at school (A8-0021/2016 - Damian Drăghici) RO
Erasmus+ and other tools to foster mobility in vocational education and training (A8-0049/2016 - Ernest Maragall) RO
The EU role in the framework of international financial, monetary and regulatory institutions and bodies (A8-0027/2016 - Sylvie Goulard) RO
Small-scale coastal fishing in regions dependent on fishing (A8-0044/2016 - Ruža Tomašić) RO
External dimension of the CFP, including fisheries agreements (A8-0052/2016 - Linnéa Engström) RO
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea: fisheries aspects (short presentation) RO
2015 Report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (B8-0310/2016)
2015 Report on Montenegro (B8-0309/2016)
Banking Union - Annual report 2015 (A8-0033/2016 - Roberto Gualtieri)
Procedural safeguards for children suspected or accused in criminal proceedings (A8-0020/2015 - Caterina Chinnici)
Guidelines for the 2017 Budget - Section III (A8-0036/2016 - Jens Geier) RO
Interinstitutional agreement on Better law-making (A8-0039/2016 - Danuta Maria Hübner) RO
Aid scheme for the supply of fruit and vegetables, bananas and milk in the educational establishments (A8-0006/2016 - Marc Tarabella)
Harmonised indices of consumer prices (A8-0313/2015 - Roberto Gualtieri)
Annual report 2014 on the Protection of the EU's financial interests - Fight against fraud (A8-0026/2016 - Benedek Jávor) RO
Gender mainstreaming in the work of the European Parliament (A8-0034/2016 - Angelika Mlinar)
The situation of women refugees and asylum seekers in the EU (A8-0024/2016 - Mary Honeyball)
EU-Moldova Association Agreement: safeguard clause and the anti-circumvention mechanism (A8-0364/2015 Helmut Scholz)
EU-Georgia Association Agreement: anti-circumvention mechanism (A8-0365/2015 - Gabrielius Landsbergis)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: Authorisation of genetically modified soybean FG72 (B8-0133/2016) RO
Objection pursuant to Rule 106 on emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 6) (B8-0040/2016) RO
Negotiations for the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) (A8-0009/2016 - Viviane Reding) RO
Rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (A8-0359/2015 - Heidi Hautala) RO
Establishment of a European Platform to enhance cooperation in the prevention and deterrence of undeclared work (A8-0172/2015 - Georgi Pirinski)
Mid-term review of the EU biodiversity strategy (A8-0003/2016 - Mark Demesmaeker)
EU-Kosovo Stabilisation and Association Agreement (A8-0372/2015 - Ulrike Lunacek) RO
Association Agreements / Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine (RC-B8-0068/2016, B8-0068/2016, B8-0069/2016, B8-0077/2016, B8-0078/2016, B8-0079/2016, B8-0080/2016) RO
Mutual defence clause (Article 42(7) TEU) (RC-B8-0043/2016, B8-0043/2016, B8-0045/2016, B8-0051/2016, B8-0057/2016, B8-0058/2016, B8-0059/2016, B8-0060/2016) RO
EU priorities for the UNHRC sessions in 2016 (RC-B8-0050/2016, B8-0050/2016, B8-0052/2016, B8-0056/2016, B8-0063/2016, B8-0064/2016, B8-0065/2016, B8-0066/2016) RO
Personal protective equipment (A8-0148/2015 - Vicky Ford) RO
Objection to delegated act on a scheme of generalised tariff preferences (B8-0044/2016) RO
Colombian peace process (RC-B8-0041/2016, B8-0041/2016, B8-0042/2016, B8-0053/2016, B8-0054/2016, B8-0055/2016, B8-0061/2016, B8-0062/2016) RO
Multiannual recovery plan for bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean (A8-0367/2015 - Gabriel Mato) RO
The role of intercultural dialogue, cultural diversity and education in promoting EU fundamental values (A8-0373/2015 - Julie Ward) RO
External factors that represent hurdles to European female entrepreneurship (A8-0369/2015 - Barbara Matera) RO
Skills policies for fighting youth unemployment (A8-0366/2015 - Marek Plura) RO
Annual report on human rights and democracy in the world 2014 and the EU policy on the matter (A8-0344/2015 - Cristian Dan Preda)
Arms export: implementation of the Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (A8-0338/2015 - Bodil Valero)
Towards a European Energy Union (A8-0341/2015 - Marek Józef Gróbarczyk) RO
Making Europe's electricity grid fit for 2020 (A8-0330/2015 - Peter Eriksson) RO
A new animal welfare strategy for 2016-2020 (B8-1278/2015, B8-1278/2015, B8-1279/2015, B8-1280/2015, B8-1281/2015, B8-1282/2015, B8-1283/2015)
Education for children in emergency situations and protracted crises (B8-1240/2015)
Towards simplification and performance orientation in cohesion policy for 2014-2020 (B8-1231/2015)
Mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument for immediate budgetary measures to address the refugee crisis (A8-0336/2015 - José Manuel Fernandes) RO
Prevention of radicalisation and recruitment of European citizens by terrorist organisations (A8-0316/2015 - Rachida Dati) RO
EU Strategic framework on health and safety at work 2014-2020 (A8-0312/2015 - Ole Christensen) RO
Repealing certain acts from the Schengen acquis (A8-0250/2015 - Claude Moraes)
Repealing certain acts from the Schengen acquis in the field of police cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal matters (A8-0251/2015 - Claude Moraes)
Repealing certain acts in the field of police cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal matters (A8-0252/2015 - Claude Moraes)
Accession to the Extended Commission of the Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (A8-0318/2015 - Carlos Iturgaiz) RO
Reducing inequalities with a special focus on child poverty (A8-0310/2015 - Inês Cristina Zuber) RO
Cohesion policy and marginalised communities (A8-0314/2015 - Terry Reintke) RO
The role of the EU within the UN (A8-0308/2015 - Paavo Väyrynen)
Follow-up to the European Parliament resolution of 12 March 2014 on the electronic mass surveillance of EU citizens (B8-1092/2015) RO
European Semester for economic policy coordination: implementation of 2015 priorities (A8-0307/2015 - Dariusz Rosati) RO
Council Recommendation on the integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market (B8-1093/2015) RO
New challenges and concepts for the promotion of tourism in Europe (A8-0258/2015 - Isabella De Monte) RO
EU strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region (A8-0279/2015 - Ivan Jakovčić) RO
Cohesion policy and review of the Europe 2020 strategy (A8-0277/2015 - Fernando Ruas) RO
European Structural and Investment Funds and sound economic governance (A8-0268/2015 - José Blanco López) RO
Draft general budget of the European Union for 2016 - all sections RO
Court of Justice of the European Union: number of judges at the General Court (A8-0296/2015 - António Marinho e Pinto) RO
Provisions for fishing in the GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean) Agreement area (A8-0295/2015 - Gabriel Mato) RO
Novel foods (A8-0046/2014 - James Nicholson) RO
Emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants (A8-0249/2015 - Julie Girling) RO
European Citizens' Initiative (A8-0284/2015 - György Schöpflin) RO
EU-Switzerland agreement on the automatic exchange of financial account information (A8-0271/2015 - Jeppe Kofod)
Taxation of savings income in the form of interest payments: repealing the Savings Directive (A8-0299/2015 - Molly Scott Cato)
Package travel and linked travel arrangements (A8-0297/2015 - Birgit Collin-Langen)
European single market for electronic communications (A8-0300/2015 - Pilar del Castillo Vera)
Trade in certain goods which could be used for capital punishment, torture or other treatment or punishment (A8-0267/2015 - Marietje Schaake)
Mandatory automatic exchange of information in the field of taxation (A8-0306/2015 - Markus Ferber)
Mortgage legislation and risky financial instruments in the EU: the case of Spain (B8-0987/2015) RO
The death penalty (B8-0998/2015, B8-0998/2015, B8-0999/2015, B8-1001/2015, B8-1005/2015, B8-1006/2015, B8-1007/2015, B8-1008/2015)
Lessons learned from the red mud disaster five years after the accident in Hungary (B8-0989/2015) RO
Renewal of the EU Plan of action on Gender equality and Women's empowerment in development (B8-0988/2015) RO
Equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (A8-0213/2015 - Anna Záborská) RO
European small claims procedure and European order for payment procedure (A8-0140/2015 - Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg)
Limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air (A8-0160/2015 - Andrzej Grzyb)
Financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (A8-0049/2015 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
ILO Forced Labour Convention: judicial cooperation in criminal matters (A8-0226/2015 - Helga Stevens) RO
Common provisions on European Structural and Investment Funds: specific measures for Greece (A8-0260/2015 - Iskra Mihaylova) RO
Investment for jobs and growth: promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion in the EU (A8-0173/2015 - Tamás Deutsch) RO
Assessment of the 2012 European Year for active ageing and solidarity between generations (A8-0241/2015 - Eduard Kukan) RO
Implementation of the 2011 White paper on transport (A8-0246/2015 - Wim van de Camp) RO
Women's careers in science and university (A8-0235/2015 - Elissavet Vozemberg) RO
Empowering girls through education in the EU (A8-0206/2015 - Liliana Rodrigues) RO
The EU's role in the Middle East peace process (RC-B8-0836/2015, B8-0836/2015, B8-0839/2015, B8-0840/2015, B8-0841/2015, B8-0843/2015, B8-0844/2015)
Situation in Belarus (RC-B8-0866/2015, B8-0866/2015, B8-0872/2015, B8-0874/2015, B8-0876/2015, B8-0878/2015, B8-0879/2015, B8-0880/2015)
Social entrepreneurship and social innovation in combatting unemployment (A8-0247/2015 - Verónica Lope Fontagné)
Fisheries partnership agreement with Guinea-Bissau: fishing opportunities and financial contribution (recommendation) (A8-0233/2015 - João Ferreira) RO
Fisheries partnership agreement with Guinea-Bissau: fishing opportunities and financial contribution (report) (A8-0236/2015 - João Ferreira) RO
Fisheries partnership agreement with Cape Verde: fishing opportunities and financial contribution (recommendation) (A8-0201/2015 - Peter van Dalen) RO
Fisheries partnership agreement with Cape Verde: fishing opportunities and financial contribution (report) (A8-0200/2015 - Peter van Dalen) RO
Fisheries partnership agreement with Madagascar: fishing opportunities and financial contribution (A8-0196/2015 - Ricardo Serrão Santos) RO
Urban dimension of EU policies (A8-0218/2015 - Kerstin Westphal) RO
ILO Forced Labour Convention: social policy (A8-0243/2015 - Patrick Le Hyaric) RO
Correct application of the law on customs and agricultural matters (A8-0234/2015 - Liisa Jaakonsaari) RO
Cloning of animals kept and reproduced for farming purposes (A8-0216/2015 - Giulia Moi, Renate Sommer) RO
Situation of fundamental rights in the EU (2013-2014) (A8-0230/2015 - Laura Ferrara) RO
Human rights and technology in third countries (A8-0178/2015 - Marietje Schaake) RO
Protecting the EU's financial interests: towards performance-based controls of the CAP (A8-0240/2015 - Petri Sarvamaa) RO
Family businesses in Europe (A8-0223/2015 - Angelika Niebler) RO
Research and innovation in the blue economy to create jobs and growth (A8-0214/2015 - João Ferreira) RO
Promoting youth entrepreneurship through education and training (A8-0239/2015 - Michaela Šojdrová) RO
Towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage for Europe (A8-0207/2015 - Mircea Diaconu) RO
Maximum permitted levels of radioactive contamination following a nuclear accident (A8-0176/2015 - Esther Herranz García)
Building a Capital markets union (B8-0655/2015)
European Agenda on Security (B8-0676/2015, B8-0679/2015)
Security challenges in the Middle East and North Africa and prospects for political stability (A8-0193/2015 - Vincent Peillon) RO
Review of the European neighbourhood policy (A8-0194/2015 - Eduard Kukan) RO
Harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights (A8-0209/2015 - Julia Reda) RO
Srebrenica commemoration (RC-B8-0716/2015, B8-0716/2015, B8-0717/2015, B8-0718/2015, B8-0719/2015, B8-0720/2015, B8-0721/2015, B8-0722/2015)
Negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) (A8-0175/2015 - Bernd Lange)
Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (protocol to take account of the accession of Croatia) (A8-0188/2015 - Ivo Vajgl)
Long-term shareholder engagement and corporate governance statement (A8-0158/2015 - Sergio Gaetano Cofferati)
Market stability reserve for the Union greenhouse gas emission trading scheme (A8-0029/2015 - Ivo Belet) RO
Seafarers (A8-0127/2015 - Elisabeth Morin-Chartier)
Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (A8-0205/2015 - Laura Agea)
Resource efficiency: moving towards a circular economy (A8-0215/2015 - Sirpa Pietikäinen)
Protection against injurious pricing of vessels (A8-0202/2015 - Jiří Maštálka) RO
Fishing opportunities in EU waters for fishing vessels flying the flag of Venezuela off the coast of French Guiana (A8-0195/2015 - João Ferreira) RO
Mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund: Floods in Romania, Bulgaria and Italy (A8-0211/2015 - Siegfried Mureşan)
Draft amending budget No 1/2015: European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) (A8-0221/2015 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
Draft amending budget No 5/2015 - Responding to migratory pressures (A8-0212/2015 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
Review of the implementation of the Dairy package (A8-0187/2015 - James Nicholson)
The fruit and vegetables sector since the 2007 reform (A8-0170/2015 - Nuno Melo) RO
Recent revelations of high-level corruption cases in FIFA (RC-B8-0548/2015, B8-0548/2015, B8-0549/2015, B8-0550/2015, B8-0571/2015, B8-0572/2015, B8-0573/2015, B8-0574/2015) RO
State of EU-Russia relations (A8-0162/2015 - Gabrielius Landsbergis)
European energy security strategy (A8-0164/2015 - Algirdas Saudargas) RO
Situation in Hungary (RC-B8-0532/2015, B8-0532/2015, B8-0533/2015, B8-0534/2015, B8-0535/2015, B8-0536/2015, B8-0537/2015)
2014 Progress Report on Turkey (B8-0455/2015)
Strategic military situation in the Black Sea Basin following the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia (debate) RO
EU Strategy for equality between women and men post 2015 (A8-0163/2015 - Maria Noichl)
Intellectual property rights: an EU action plan (A8-0169/2015 - Pavel Svoboda)
OLAF Supervisory Committee's annual report 2014 (debate) RO
Decision on the opening of, and mandate for, interinstitutional negotiations on Aid scheme for the supply of fruit and vegetables, bananas and milk in the educational establishments - 2014/0014(COD) (B8-0362/2015) RO
Implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy (A8-0054/2015 - Arnaud Danjean)
Financing the Common Security and Defence Policy (A8-0136/2015 - Eduard Kukan, Indrek Tarand)
Security and defence capabilities in Europe (A8-0159/2015 - Ana Gomes)
Prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing (A8-0153/2015 - Krišjānis Kariņš, Judith Sargentini) RO
Information accompanying transfers of funds (A8-0154/2015 - Timothy Kirkhope, Peter Simon) RO
Insolvency proceedings (A8-0155/2015 - Tadeusz Zwiefka) RO
Self-certification of importers of minerals and metals originating in conflict-affected and high-risk areas (A8-0141/2015 - Iuliu Winkler) RO
Maternity leave (B8-0453/2015) RO
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (B8-0460/2015) RO
Indices used as benchmarks in financial instruments and financial contracts (A8-0131/2015 - Cora van Nieuwenhuizen)
Financing for development (A8-0143/2015 - Pedro Silva Pereira)
Safer healthcare in Europe (A8-0142/2015 - Piernicola Pedicini)
Green growth opportunities for SMEs (A8-0135/2015 - Philippe De Backer)
Alcohol strategy (B8-0357/2015) RO
Persecution of the Christians around the world, in relation to the killing of students in Kenya by terror group Al-Shabaab (B8-0369/2015, RC-B8-0382/2015, B8-0382/2015, B8-0383/2015, B8-0385/2015, B8-0386/2015, B8-0387/2015, B8-0388/2015)
Destruction of cultural sites perpetrated by ISIS/Da'esh (B8-0375/2015, B8-0375/2015, B8-0389/2015, B8-0390/2015, B8-0391/2015, B8-0393/2015, B8-0403/2015, B8-0405/2015)
2014 Progress Report on Albania (B8-0358/2015)
2014 Progress Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina (B8-0359/2015) RO
Situation in Nigeria (B8-0128/2015, B8-0129/2015, RC-B8-0370/2015, B8-0370/2015, B8-0371/2015, B8-0374/2015, B8-0394/2015, B8-0396/2015, B8-0398/2015, B8-0400/2015) RO
European Public Prosecutor's Office (A8-0055/2015 - Monica Macovei) RO
Pre-financing of operational programmes supported by the Youth Employment Initiative (A8-0134/2015 - Elisabeth Morin-Chartier) RO
Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Albania (A8-0047/2015 - Andrzej Duda) RO
Stabilisation and Association Agreement and Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters with Bosnia and Herzegovina (A8-0017/2015 - Andrzej Duda) RO
Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (A8-0132/2015 - Andrzej Duda) RO
Discharge 2013: EU general budget - European Parliament (A8-0082/2015 - Gilles Pargneaux) RO
International Convention on standards for fishing vessel personnel (A8-0064/2015 - Sofia Ribeiro)
Fuel quality directive and renewable energy directive (A8-0025/2015 - Nils Torvalds)
Reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags (A8-0130/2015 - Margrete Auken)
A new EU Forest Strategy (A8-0126/2015 - Elisabeth Köstinger)
Landing obligation (debate) RO
Annual Tax report (A8-0040/2015 - Eva Kaili)
Sustainable exploitation of sea bass (debate) RO
Murder of the Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov and the state of democracy in Russia (RC-B8-0239/2015, B8-0239/2015, B8-0247/2015, B8-0248/2015, B8-0250/2015, B8-0251/2015, B8-0252/2015)
Annual report from the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to the European Parliament (A8-0039/2015 - Elmar Brok)
Annual report on human rights and democracy in the world 2013 and the EU policy on the matter (A8-0023/2015 - Pier Antonio Panzeri)
28th session of the UNHRC (RC-B8-0228/2015, B8-0228/2015, B8-0229/2015, B8-0230/2015, B8-0231/2015, B8-0232/2015, B8-0233/2015, B8-0234/2015)
Establishment of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (A8-0038/2015 - Gabriel Mato) RO
Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Montenegro (A8-0051/2014 - Andrzej Duda)
2014 Progress report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (B8-0212/2015)
European Semester for economic policy coordination: employment and social aspects in the Annual Growth Survey 2015 (A8-0043/2015 - Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto) RO
Fight against child sexual abuse on the Internet (RC-B8-0217/2015, B8-0217/2015, B8-0218/2015, B8-0219/2015, B8-0220/2015, B8-0226/2015, B8-0227/2015) RO
European long-term investment funds (debate) RO
Progress on equality between women and men in the EU in 2013 (A8-0015/2015 - Marc Tarabella)
Annual report on EU competition policy (A8-0019/2015 - Morten Messerschmidt)
Common rules for imports (A8-0040/2014 - Andrzej Duda) RO
Common rules for exports (A8-0035/2014 - Andrzej Duda) RO
Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EU and Senegal (A8-0010/2015 - Norica Nicolai) RO
US Senate report on the use of torture by the CIA (B8-0098/2015, RC-B8-0123/2015, B8-0123/2015, B8-0133/2015)
Anti-terrorism measures (B8-0100/2015, RC-B8-0122/2015, B8-0122/2015, B8-0124/2015, B8-0125/2015, B8-0126/2015, B8-0127/2015, B8-0132/2015)
Main aspects and basic choices of the common foreign and security policy and the common security and defence policy (Article 36 TEU) - EU comprehensive approach and coherence of EU external action (debate)
High common level of network and information security (debate)
2013 progress report on Bosnia and Herzegovina - 2013 progress report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - 2013 progress report on Montenegro (debate)
Undocumented women migrants in the European Union (short presentation)
2013 progress report on Serbia - European integration process of Kosovo (debate)
Situation in Sri Lanka (debate)
Implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy - European defence technological and industrial base (debate)
Main aspects and basic choices of the common foreign and security policy and the common security and defence policy (Article 36 TEU) - Annual report from the Council to the European Parliament on the common foreign and security policy in 2012 (debate)
European Neighbourhood Policy, working towards a stronger partnership: EP's position on the 2012 progress reports (debate)
Maritime dimension of the common security and defence policy - EU's military structures: state of play and future prospects (debate)
EU cybersecurity strategy: an open, safe and secure cyberspace - Digital agenda for growth, mobility and employment (debate)
US NSA surveillance programme, surveillance bodies in various Member States and impact on EU citizens' privacy (debate)
Attacks against information systems (debate)
Arms exports: implementation of Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (debate)
2012 progress report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (debate)
Situation of women in North Africa (A7-0047/2013 - Silvia Costa)
EU-China relations (debate)
Cooperation and verification mechanism: methodology, current application and its future (debate)
Cooperation and verification mechanism: methodology, current application and its future (debate)
Impact of the economic crisis on gender equality and women's rights (A7-0048/2013 - Elisabeth Morin-Chartier)
Eliminating gender stereotypes in the EU (A7-0401/2012 - Kartika Tamara Liotard)
Impact of the economic crisis on gender equality and women's rights - Eliminating gender stereotypes in the EU - Situation of women in North Africa (debate)
Common fisheries policy (A7-0008/2013 - Ulrike Rodust)
Elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls (B7-0049/2013)
EU-Iraq partnership and cooperation agreement (debate)
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Enlargement: policies, criteria and the EU’s strategic interests (debate)
Implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy - EU mutual defence and solidarity clauses: political and operational dimensions - Cyber security and defence - Role of the Common Security and Defence Policy in cases of climate-driven crises and natural disasters (debate)
Negotiations for an EU-Kazakhstan enhanced partnership and cooperation agreement (debate)
Elections in Georgia (debate)
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Azerbaijan: the case of Ramil Safarov
Explanations of vote
Political situation in Romania (debate)
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Breaches of Schengen rules (debate)
Situation in Georgia (debate)
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A new strategy for Afghanistan (debate)
Equal pay for male and female workers for equal work or work of equal value (debate)
Explanations of vote
Azerbaijan (debate)
Azerbaijan (debate)
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EU-USA agreement on the use and transfer of PNR to the US Department of Homeland Security (debate)
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Palestine: raids by Israeli forces on Palestinian TV stations
Human rights violations in Bahrain
Enlargement report for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (debate)
Enlargement report for Bosnia and Herzegovina (debate)
Enlargement report for Bosnia and Herzegovina (debate)
Outcome of the presidential elections in Russia (debate)
Kazakhstan (debate)
Situation in Belarus (debate)
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Daphne programme (short presentation)
Women’s situation in war (short presentation)
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Azerbaijan, notably the case of Rafiq Tagi
Situation of women in Afghanistan and Pakistan
Tunisia: the case of Zakaria Bouguira
Common security and defence policy (Article 36 TEU) - Impact of the financial crisis on the defence sector (debate)
Explanations of vote
Explanations of vote
State of play of the Maternity Leave Directive (debate)
Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries
2010 progress report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
EU policy framework to fight violence against women (debate)
EU approach towards Iran (debate)
16th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (Geneva, 28 February - 25 March 2011) (debate)
EC-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Agreement - Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the EC and Serbia (continuation of debate)
A new strategy for Afghanistan (debate)
Outcome of the NATO Summit in Lisbon (debate)
10th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women and peace and security (debate)
Security of gas supply (debate)
Election of a Vice-President of the European Parliament (vote)
The need for an EU strategy for the South Caucasus (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting (25-26 March 2010) (debate)
2008 annual report on the CFSP - The implementation of the European Security Strategy and the Common Security and Defence Policy - Non-proliferation Treaty (debate)
2009 progress report on Croatia - 2009 progress report on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - 2009 progress report on Turkey (debate)
Equality between women and men in the European Union — 2009 (debate)
New regulations on visas for Western Balkan countries (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia) (debate)
Reports (10)
RECOMMENDATION on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean PDF (164 KB) DOC (55 KB)
REPORT on the state of play of recreational fisheries in the European Union PDF (298 KB) DOC (64 KB)
REPORT on a European Parliament recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the negotiations on the EU-Azerbaijan Comprehensive Agreement PDF (523 KB) DOC (70 KB)
RECOMMENDATION on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of a Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius PDF (475 KB) DOC (64 KB)
RECOMMENDATION on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of a Protocol to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Azerbaijan, of the other part, on a Framework Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Azerbaijan on the general principles for the participation of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Union programmes PDF (314 KB) DOC (60 KB)
REPORT on Fisheries aspects within the international agreement on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea PDF (290 KB) DOC (100 KB)
RECOMMENDATION on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Senegal and the Implementation Protocol thereto PDF (182 KB) DOC (91 KB)
RECOMMENDATION on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Framework Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, on the one part, and the Republic of Korea, on the other part, with the exception of matters related to readmission PDF (171 KB) DOC (74 KB)
REPORT on undocumented women migrants in the European Union PDF (204 KB) DOC (105 KB)
REPORT on women’s situation in war PDF (228 KB) DOC (137 KB)
Shadow reports (27)
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on a multiannual recovery plan for Mediterranean swordfish and amending Regulations (EC) No 1967/2006 and (EU) 2017/2107 PDF (861 KB) DOC (105 KB)
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011 on certain provisions for fishing in the GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean) Agreement area PDF (583 KB) DOC (88 KB)
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a multi-annual plan for small pelagic stocks in the Adriatic Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks PDF (865 KB) DOC (129 KB)
REPORT containing a motion for a non-legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion on behalf of the Union of the Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and New Zealand, of the other part PDF (365 KB) DOC (55 KB)
RECOMMENDATION on the draft Council decision on the conclusion on behalf of the Union of the Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and New Zealand, of the other part PDF (435 KB) DOC (48 KB)
REPORT How to make fisheries controls in Europe uniform PDF (402 KB) DOC (117 KB)
REPORT on space capabilities for European security and defence PDF (359 KB) DOC (147 KB)
RECOMMENDATION on the draft Council decision on the conclusion on behalf of the European Union of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Liberia and the Implementation Protocol thereto PDF (397 KB) DOC (101 KB)
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulations (EC) No 850/98, (EC) No 2187/2005, (EC) No 1967/2006, (EC) No 1098/2007, No 254/2002, (EC) No 2347/2002 and (EC) No 1224/2009 and repealing (EC) No 1434/98 as regards the landing obligation PDF (705 KB) DOC (443 KB)
RECOMMENDATION on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of a Protocol to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia of the other part, on a Framework Agreement between the European Union and Georgia on the general principles for the participation of Georgia in Union programmes PDF (145 KB) DOC (60 KB)
REPORT on an anti-missile shield for Europe and its political and strategic implications PDF (141 KB) DOC (64 KB)
REPORT on the future of EU-ASEAN relations PDF (208 KB) DOC (108 KB)
REPORT on the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base PDF (275 KB) DOC (139 KB)
REPORT on gender aspects of the European Framework of National Roma Inclusion Strategies PDF (224 KB) DOC (123 KB)
REPORT on Gendercide: the missing women? PDF (214 KB) DOC (135 KB)
REPORT on the maritime dimension of the Common Security and Defence Policy PDF (236 KB) DOC (139 KB)
REPORT on EU’s military structures: state of play and future prospects PDF (181 KB) DOC (106 KB)
REPORT on women’s rights in the Balkan accession countries PDF (238 KB) DOC (149 KB)
REPORT on the situation of women in North Africa PDF (238 KB) DOC (146 KB)
REPORT on eliminating gender stereotypes in the EU PDF (208 KB) DOC (126 KB)
REPORT on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy (based on the Annual Report from the Council to the European Parliament on the Common Foreign and Security Policy) PDF (242 KB) DOC (165 KB)
REPORT on Cyber Security and Defence PDF (178 KB) DOC (107 KB)
REPORT on the Daphne programme: achievements and future prospects PDF (154 KB) DOC (88 KB)
REPORT on the impact of the financial crisis on the defence sector in the EU Member States PDF (242 KB) DOC (149 KB)
REPORT on the state of implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia PDF (272 KB) DOC (176 KB)
REPORT on women entrepreneurship in small and medium-sized enterprises PDF (194 KB) DOC (115 KB)
REPORT Report on the need for an EU strategy for the South Caucasus PDF (284 KB) DOC (225 KB)
Opinions (2)
OPINION on an EU strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing rules for the surveillance of the external sea borders in the context of operational cooperation coordinated by the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Members States of the European Union
Shadow opinions (43)
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council
OPINION on Lagging regions in the EU
OPINION on accelerating clean energy innovation
OPINION on the next MFF: preparing Parliament’s position on the MFF post-2020
OPINION on the economic policies of the euro area
OPINION on an agenda for the future of our oceans in the context of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals
OPINION on A Space Strategy for Europe
OPINION on a Space Strategy for Europe
OPINION on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Fisheries Control Agency for the financial year 2015
OPINION on the Annual Report 2015 on the Protection of the EU’s Financial Interests - Fight against fraud
OPINION on an Integrated European Union policy for the Arctic
OPINION on the EU action plan against wildlife trafficking
OPINION on access to finance for SMEs and increasing the diversity of SME funding in a Capital Markets Union
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Border and Coast Guard and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2007/2004, Regulation (EC) No 863/2007 and Council Decision 2005/267/EC
OPINION on the Annual Report 2014 on the Protection of the EU’s Financial Interests – Fight against fraud
OPINION on tapping the job creation and growth potential of research and innovation in the blue economy
OPINION on return management: cooperation with third countries, effective implementation of agreements and the practical implementation of the Return Directive
OPINION on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning measures to ensure a high common level of network and information security across the Union
OPINION on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council Establishing a space surveillance and tracking support programme
OPINION on Saudi Arabia, its relations with the EU and its role in the Middle East and North Africa
OPINION on The EU comprehensive approach and its implications for the coherence of EU external action
OPINION on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on measures facilitating the exercise of rights conferred on workers in the context of freedom of movement for workers
OPINION on the situation of human rights in the Sahel region
OPINION on the Cross-border collective bargaining and transnational social dialogue
OPINION on the mandate for the trialogue on the 2014 draft budget
OPINION on an agenda for adequate, safe and sustainable pensions
OPINION on 2011 discharge: EU general budget, Section III, Commission
OPINION on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Institute for Gender Equality for the financial year 2011
OPINION on the integration of migrants, its effects on the labour market and the external dimension of social security coordination
OPINION on the proposal for a Council Decision establishing the Specific Programme Implementing Horizon 2020 - The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)
OPINION on the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the rules for the participation and dissemination in ´Horizon 2020 - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)´
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing Horizon 2020 - The Framework Programme for Research and innovation (2014-2020)
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the implementation and exploitation of European satellite navigation systems
OPINION on the 28th annual report on monitoring the application of European Union Law (2010)
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a European Neighbourhood Instrument
OPINION on the proposal for a Council regulation on jurisdiction, applicable law and the recognition and enforcement of decisions in matters of matrimonial property regimes
OPINION on the European Union’s Internal Security Strategy
OPINION Opinion on the Statute for a European cooperative society with regard to the involvement of employees
OPINION on EU external policies in favour of democratisation
OPINION Final opinion on the Green Paper "Towards adequate, sustainable and safe European pension systems
OPINION Proposal for a Council decision concerning the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and Georgia on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation
OPINION Proposal for a Council decision concerning the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and Georgia on the facilitation of the issuance of visas
OPINION Opinion on developing the job potential of a new sustainable economy
Institutional motions (31)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on autonomous weapon systems PDF (274 KB) DOC (50 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on autonomous weapon systems PDF (251 KB) DOC (46 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Democratic Republic of the Congo PDF (161 KB) DOC (58 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Nigeria PDF (285 KB) DOC (54 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo PDF (357 KB) DOC (55 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Nigeria PDF (156 KB) DOC (53 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on El Salvador: the cases of women prosecuted for miscarriage PDF (374 KB) DOC (54 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Cambodia: notably the dissolution of CNRP Party PDF (283 KB) DOC (56 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on freedom of expression in Vietnam, notably the case of Nguyen Van Hoa PDF (280 KB) DOC (52 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Yemen PDF (294 KB) DOC (58 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Yemen PDF (191 KB) DOC (54 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in the Maldives PDF (287 KB) DOC (56 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the cases of Crimean Tatar leaders Akhtem Chiygoz, Ilmi Umerov and the journalist Mykola Semena PDF (284 KB) DOC (53 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation of persons with albinism in Africa, notably in Malawi PDF (287 KB) DOC (52 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Laos, notably the cases of Somphone Phimmasone, Lod Thammavong and Soukane Chaithad PDF (148 KB) DOC (54 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Gabon: repression of the opposition PDF (162 KB) DOC (52 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Cambodia, notably the case of Kem Sokha PDF (151 KB) DOC (57 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Italy after the earthquakes PDF (255 KB) DOC (52 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the humanitarian situation in Yemen PDF (159 KB) DOC (84 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the systematic mass murder of religious minorities by the so-called ‘ISIS/Daesh’ PDF (168 KB) DOC (94 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Libya PDF (162 KB) DOC (88 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Libya PDF (275 KB) DOC (71 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the systematic mass murder of religious minorities by ISIS PDF (269 KB) DOC (73 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the humanitarian situation in Yemen PDF (271 KB) DOC (71 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on North Korea PDF (159 KB) DOC (83 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Ethiopia PDF (166 KB) DOC (91 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Association Agreements / Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine PDF (166 KB) DOC (94 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the EU’s priorities for the UNHRC sessions in 2016 PDF (186 KB) DOC (124 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the mutual defence clause (Article 42(7) TEU) PDF (150 KB) DOC (76 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Commission delegated regulation of 19 August 2014 amending Annex III to Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences PDF (238 KB) DOC (59 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on delays in the start-up of cohesion policy for 2014-2020 PDF (132 KB) DOC (63 KB)
Oral questions (10)
Guardianship for people with intellectual disabilities PDF (197 KB) DOC (19 KB)
Recognition of school study periods abroad PDF (200 KB) DOC (19 KB)
Fight against trafficking of women and girls for sexual and labour exploitation in the EU PDF (204 KB) DOC (21 KB)
Guardianship for people with intellectual disabilities PDF (198 KB) DOC (20 KB)
Minor interpellation - VP/HR - The conclusion of EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities PDF (189 KB) DOC (17 KB)
Major interpellation - Follow-up to the Brazilian meat imports scandal PDF (195 KB) DOC (17 KB)
Situation in Italy after the earthquakes PDF (192 KB) DOC (19 KB)
According to Europol at least 10 000 refugee children are missing PDF (196 KB) DOC (25 KB)
According to Europol at least 10 000 refugee children are missing PDF (196 KB) DOC (25 KB)
Reasonable grounds for suspicion of irregularities on the part of the Norwegian child protection authority ('Barnevernet') PDF (100 KB) DOC (28 KB)
Written explanations (287)
Cross-border restitution claims of works of art and cultural goods looted in armed conflicts and wars (A8-0465/2018 - Pavel Svoboda) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că problema operelor de artă și a bunurilor furate pe perioada conflictelor armate și a războaielor reprezintă un subiect important pentru foarte mulți cetățeni europeni care așteaptă din partea Uniunii Europene susținere legislativă în ceea ce privește rezolvarea proceselor în care se află. Aspectul transnațional și internațional al acestor cereri și procese de recuperare și restituire reprezintă un impediment în concluzionarea acestora într-un timp rezonabil. Având în vedere angajamentele Uniunii Europene și ale statelor membre la nivel internațional în susținerea demersurilor de găsire și recuperare a bunurilor și operelor de artă furate în timpul conflictelor armate și al războaielor, doresc să subliniez importanța pe care o are implicarea tuturor instituțiilor naționale și europene vizate.
Protection of the Union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States (A8-0469/2018 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, Petri Sarvamaa) RO
Am votat împotriva acestui raport deoarece consider că atât propunerea Comisiei Europene, cât și amendamentele adoptate de către Parlamentul European încalcă Tratatul privind funcționarea Uniunii Europene, introduc măsuri arbitrare și politice de stopare a fondurilor europene pentru statele membre și pedepsesc cetățenii europeni pentru deciziile politice luate de către guverne. Țin să subliniez că aspectele privind sistemul judiciar și organizarea acestuia țin de subsidiaritate, iar prin adoptarea acestui raport se încalcă în mod direct Tratatul privind funcționarea Uniunii Europene și principiile acestuia. Faptul că nu există o listă clară a criteriilor de evaluare în funcție de care se vor lua aceste decizii va duce, cu siguranță, la măsuri subiective și arbitrare. În ceea ce privește evaluatorii, faptul că această analiză va fi făcută doar de către Comisia Europeană, instituție cu o conducere politică, și nu de către un număr de experți imparțiali reprezintă un alt semnal că această inițiativă se dorește a fi una pur politică. Desigur, înțeleg nevoia Comisiei de a redistribui fondurile europene după bunul plac și de a găsi soluții după retragerea Marii Britanii din UE, dar cred că acest proiect va duce la mult mai multă dezbinare și va spori neîncrederea în instituțiile UE.
Annual report on the financial activities of the European Investment Bank (A8-0415/2018 - Barbara Kappel) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că opiniile exprimate de către raportor sunt extrem de relevante în ceea ce privește raportul anual al activităților financiare ale BEI. Subliniez faptul că Banca Europeană de Investiții trebuie să continue să investească în IMM-uri, să sprijine sectoarele economice care nu s-au recuperat complet după criza financiară și să continue să susțină investițiile și proiectele din zonele defavorizate ale Uniunii Europene. Acest raport reliefează atât aspectele pozitive ale activității financiare a BEI, cât și acele aspecte ce trebuie îmbunătățite în perioada următoare, ceea ce va ajuta la o funcționare din ce în ce mai bună a BEI și va încuraja direcționarea fondurilor către proiectele și sectoarele financiare critice pentru dezvoltarea economică a statelor membre și a Uniunii Europene.
European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) (A8-0445/2018 - Maria Arena) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului referitor la propunerea de regulament al Parlamentului European și al Consiliului privind Fondul european de ajustare la globalizare (FEG), deoarece deschiderea pieței mondiale a devenit foarte strâns legată de investiții, de fluxurile de capital și de liberalizarea sectorului financiar, iar efectele comerciale s-au repercutat asupra chestiunilor legate de muncă, mediu și schimbările tehnologice. Chiar dacă rezultatele generale ale liberalizării comerțului sunt pozitive, unele sectoare sunt afectate negativ, ceea ce conduce la costuri de ajustare, la degradarea veniturilor și la pierderea locurilor de muncă. Prin urmare, practicile comerciale nereglementate și inechitabile au exacerbat inegalitățile sociale, economice și de mediu. Consider imperios ca UE nu doar să anticipeze efectele negative posibile ce decurg din acordurile comerciale, dar și să se asigure că beneficiile sunt distribuite în mod echitabil. În acest sens, subliniez necesitatea ca UE să își asume responsabilitatea pentru modificările și consecințele care decurg din acordurile sale comerciale și să își modifice abordarea față de politica comercială.
European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (A8-0461/2018 - Verónica Lope Fontagné) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului referitor la propunerea de regulament al Parlamentului European și al Consiliului privind Fondul social european Plus (FSE+) fiindcă Propunerea Comisiei Europene privind Fondul social european Plus (FSE+) pentru perioada 2021-2027 continuă să promoveze ocuparea forței de muncă și incluziunea socială, și propune, de asemenea, progrese clare în ceea ce privește consolidarea dimensiunii sociale europene. FSE+ este rezultatul fuziunii între actualul Fond social european, Inițiativa privind ocuparea forței de muncă în rândul tinerilor, Fondul european de ajutor pentru cele mai defavorizate persoane, Programul european pentru ocuparea forței de muncă și inovare socială (EaSI) și Programul european în domeniul sănătății. Consider că această fuziune răspunde necesității de a simplifica, flexibiliza și optimiza procedurile actuale, reducând, în același timp, barierele administrative, facilitând vizibilitatea și accesibilitatea beneficiarilor și a cetățenilor europeni. Totodată subliniez faptul că această fuziune nu trebuie să submineze obiectivele specifice ale fondurilor și programelor actuale.
Autonomous driving in European transport (A8-0425/2018 - Wim van de Camp) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport, deoarece consider că este extrem de important ca în contextul dezvoltării accelerate a tehnologiilor și digitalizării în domeniul transportului, Uniunea Europeană să stabilească o agendă de priorități în vederea armonizării și dezvoltării sistematice a acestor noi tehnologii. Cercetarea, dezvoltarea și implementarea de soluții-cheie în domeniul transportului autonom reprezintă un aspect extrem de important pentru toate statele membre și pentru toți investitorii din acest domeniu. Continuarea investițiilor în acest domeniu – al automobilelor autonome – și implementarea acestuia și în celelalte forme de transport necesită investiții în infrastructură din partea statelor membre și necesită o legislație europeană coerentă. În acest sens, principiile și obiectivele subliniate în acest raport sunt încurajatoare și merită susținute pentru a fi inclusive în viitoarele proiecte ale Uniunii Europene.
Gender mainstreaming in the European Parliament (A8-0429/2018 - Angelika Mlinar) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului referitor la integrarea dimensiunii de gen în Parlamentul European deoarece principiul egalității de gen este o valoare fundamentală a UE și este prevăzut de tratatele UE și de Carta drepturilor fundamentale. Egalitatea de gen este esențială pentru protecția drepturilor omului, funcționarea democrației, respectarea statului de drept, creșterea economică, incluziunea socială și sustenabilitate. Având în vedere că Uniunea Europeană, prin toate activitățile sale, urmărește să elimine inegalitățile, să promoveze egalitatea de gen și să combată discriminarea atunci când își definește și pune în aplicare politicile și activitățile, consider că este esențial ca Parlamentul European și celelalte instituții europene să fie un exemplu de integrare și combatere a inegalităților. În acest sens, salut inițiativele pozitive din administrația Parlamentului și de la nivel politic, care contribuie activ la egalitatea de gen și la egalitatea de șanse.
Gender equality and taxation policies in the EU (A8-0416/2018 - Marisa Matias, Ernest Urtasun) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului referitor la egalitatea de gen și politicile fiscale în UE întrucât efectul cumulativ al numeroaselor decalaje care afectează femeile contribuie în mod substanțial la diferența de remunerare între femei și bărbați și la decalajul de pensii între bărbați și femei, femeile făcând astfel obiectul unui risc mai mare de expunere la sărăcie și la excluziune socială. Statele membre, în calitate de semnatare ale Pactului internațional privind drepturile economice, sociale și culturale, s-au angajat să respecte obligația de a mobiliza resursele maxime disponibile pentru a dispune de fonduri în vederea asigurării respectării progresive a drepturilor economice, sociale și culturale. Subliniez faptul că absența unei perspective de gen în politicile fiscale ale Uniunii Europene și ale statelor membre accentuează actualele disparități de gen, descurajează femeile să intre și să rămână pe piața forței de muncă și reproduce rolurile tradiționale de gen și stereotipurile.
Expedited settlement of commercial disputes (A8-0396/2018 - Tadeusz Zwiefka) RO
Am votat pentru raportul conținând recomandări adresate Comisiei privind soluționarea accelerată a litigiilor comerciale fiindcă soluționarea litigiilor comerciale este mult prea lentă în UE.Banca Mondială estimează că, în mai multe state membre, executarea unui contract comercial poate dura până la 3-4 ani. Multe societăți comerciale sunt obligate prin lege să rezerve în registrele lor sumele aflate în litigiu, iar acest lucru se aplică, de exemplu, băncilor și societăților de asigurări. Însă, acest lucru nu se întâmplă numai în cazul celor obligați prin lege: multe alte întreprinderi fac același lucru.În consecință, în întreaga Europă există sume mari de capital neutilizat. Salut eliminarea procedurii de exequatur, deoarece aceasta eliminare a determinat o reducere a costurilor și o economie de timp atât pentru întreprinderile din UE, cât și pentru cetățeni.
Establishing the Digital Europe programme for the period 2021-2027 (A8-0408/2018 - Angelika Mlinar) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului referitor la propunerea de regulament al Parlamentului European și al Consiliului de instituire a programului Europa digitală pentru perioada 2021-2027 deoarece obiectivul general al programului propus de a sprijini transformarea digitală a economiei, industriei și societății europene este unul foarte important fiindcă va consolida capacitățile Europei în domenii-cheie ale tehnologiei digitale prin implementarea la scară largă și va permite extinderea difuzării și adoptării acesteia în domenii de interes public și în sectorul privat.Acesta este un pas important pentru consolidarea și îmbunătățirea poziției de lider a Europei, având în vedere faptul că această propunere reprezintă primul program digital paneuropean.
Blockchain: a forward-looking trade policy (A8-0407/2018 - Emma McClarkin) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului referitor la tehnologia blockchain: o politică comercială orientată spre viitor, întrucât tehnologia blockchain are un potențial semnificativ de îmbunătățire a transparenței și a trasabilității pe parcursul lanțului de aprovizionare, de a crește nivelul de încredere a participanților într-o anumită rețea și de a raționaliza controalele vamale și conformitatea cu reglementările.Întrucât beneficiile potențiale sunt însoțite de mai multe provocări, cum ar fi securitatea cibernetică, subliniez faptul că dezvoltarea tehnologiei blockchain ridică probleme în ceea ce privește protecția datelor, transparența și infracționalitatea financiară, deoarece, odată ce datele au fost introduse, ele sunt imuabile și sunt partajate cu toți participanții.
Draft amending budget No 6/2018: Reduction of payment and commitment appropriations (own resources) (A8-0399/2018 - Siegfried Mureşan) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece această rectificare bugetară reduce creditele de angajament și creditele de plată pentru liniile bugetare „Competitivitate pentru creștere și locuri de muncă” și „Creștere durabilă - resurse naturale” și prevede o revizuire a prognozelor referitoare la resursele proprii.De asemenea, este important de subliniat faptul că proiectul de buget rectificat propus de Comisia Europeană aduce corecții privind resursele alocate în favoarea Regatului Unit și finanțarea acestora, în contextul în care acest lucru va afecta repartizarea contribuțiilor către statele membre.
EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (resolution) (A8-0367/2018 - Pedro Silva Pereira) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că semnarea unui acord de parteneriat economic între UE și Japonia este în interesul ambelor părți. Faptul că împărtășim aceleași valori ale democrației, drepturilor omului și respectului față de dreptul și legislația internațională face ca acest acord bilateral să fie doar o consolidare a unui parteneriat deja existent.Impactul economic al acestui act bilateral va aduce avantaje producătorilor și consumatorilor de ambele părți, va ușura comerțul și va asigura respectarea unor standarde similare cu privire la produse și protecția consumatorului.
Establishing Horizon Europe – laying down its rules for participation and dissemination (A8-0401/2018 - Dan Nica) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului privind instituirea programului Orizont Europa deoarece consider că acesta, cel de-al nouălea program-cadru pentru cercetare și dezvoltare al Uniunii Europene, reprezintă un foarte bun instrument pentru toate sectoarele economice. Susținerea financiară pe care acest program o oferă este un motor pentru dezvoltarea și inovarea apărută în multe domenii de activitate, iar succesul precedentului program ne-a arătat cât de mare era nevoia pentru un astfel de program.În același timp, o analiză a punctelor bune și a celor mai puțin bune apărute în trecut a determinat o restructurare și o adaptare a programului la realitățile apărute. Acest program va ajuta la consolidarea bazelor științifice și tehnologice ale UE, ajutând astfel la găsirea de soluții pentru provocările pe care le întâmpinăm în acest secol.
Findings and recommendations of the Special Committee on Terrorism (A8-0374/2018 - Monika Hohlmeier, Helga Stevens) RO
Am susținut prin votul de astăzi acest raport deoarece consider că acesta face o analiză extrem de bună și de amănunțită cu privire la situația terorismului în UE și la provocările pe care le avem din exterior și interior. Este important de subliniat faptul că, pentru a combate terorismul, statele membre și sistemele noastre naționale trebuie să fie mai bine integrate și trebuie să existe o coordonare mai bună.De asemenea, un aspect esențial este acela al radicalizării atât în afara UE, cât și în interiorul statelor membre. Atacurile teroriste din ultimii ani, inclusiv cel de la Strasbourg din data de 11 decembrie, sunt fapte ale unor oameni care s-au radicalizat aici. Combaterea acestei probleme se face prin educație, prin integrare, prin sprijinirea comunităților în găsirea valorilor și a modelelor corecte de urmat în viață.Acestea sunt politici importante pe care atât Comisia Europeană cât și statele membre trebuie să le propună, să le adopte și să le implementeze cât mai curând.
Annual report on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (A8-0392/2018 - David McAllister) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că acesta reflectă realitățile și interesele UE în domeniul politicii externe și de securitate. Contextul internațional aflat în continuă schimbare determină o politică solidă și cât se poate de unitară a Uniunii și susținerea demersurilor diplomatice și de politică externă prin importanța economică și de piață a UE ajută foarte mult în negocierea unor standarde ridicate cu privire la respectarea dreptului internațional, a drepturilor omului și a principiilor democratice.În același timp, în contextul apariției unor situații de conflict chiar la granițele UE și al apariției provocărilor precum terorismul, Uniunea trebuie să își întărească capacitatea de răspuns, inclusiv militar, dacă acest lucru se impune.
Annual report on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy (A8-0375/2018 - Ioan Mircea Paşcu) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că UE trebuie să continue să își dezvolte capacități și politici de securitate și apărare comune pentru a face față provocărilor ce continuă să se înmulțească.Evenimentele de la granițele UE, evoluția geopolitică și schimbările importante apărute pe scena internațională fac ca securitatea Uniunii și a statelor membre să fie pusă la îndoială. În acest context, este nevoie de aplicarea politicii de securitate și apărare comune, este important să asigurăm autonomia UE în acest domeniu și trebuie să avem voința politică de a continua astfel de politici.În același timp, este important de subliniat faptul că această independență nu trebuie să dubleze sau să intre în competiție cu NATO. Este nevoie de o cooperare și de o coordonare a resurselor și a capacităților din NATO și ale politicii comune a UE astfel încât să existe o sinergie între cele două.
Education in the digital era: challenges, opportunities and lessons for EU policy design (A8-0400/2018 - Yana Toom) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului privind educația în era digitală deoarece consider că acest raport subliniază cât de important este ca statele membre și Uniunea, în ansamblul acesteia, să investească în dezvoltarea unei educații adaptate nevoilor actuale și viitoare.Având în vedere dezvoltarea tehnologică și importanța tot mai mare pe care piața digitală o are în economiile noastre, consider că este esențial ca educația să pregătească viitoarele generații pentru această realitate. Integrarea tot mai mare a digitalului în toate domeniile economice înseamnă că anumite competențe precum gândirea critică, competențele de comunicare socială și cele numerice vor continua să crească în importanță.
Establishing a European Labour Authority (A8-0391/2018 - Jeroen Lenaers) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că înființarea Autorității Europene a Muncii este un pas important în vederea îmbunătățirii aplicării legislației europene în domeniul muncii la nivelul Uniunii Europene.Consolidarea echității și a încrederii în piața unică, sprijinirea statelor membre în implementarea legislației în domeniul mobilității muncii, coordonarea sistemelor de securitate socială sunt elemente importante pentru toți cetățenii europeni. Acestea fac parte din aspectele esențiale pentru ca toți cetățenii europeni să fie liberi să trăiască, să muncească și să studieze oriunde doresc în Uniune. În acest sens, obiectivele acestei autorități sunt tocmai de a susține aceste elemente și de a coordona aplicarea lor în toate statele membre.
Establishing a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) (A8-0397/2018 - Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că programul LIFE pentru mediu și politici climatice, prin care se asigură finanțarea pentru dezvoltarea economiei circulare și decarbonizare, este un element important din proiectul Uniunii de a deveni lider mondial în economia durabilă și ocuparea forței de muncă.Pentru realizarea acestor proiecte și a obiectivului nostru de a dezvolta o economie durabilă, circulară, care să creeze locuri de muncă, este nevoie de o finanțare importantă. Programul LIFE are capacitatea și obiectivul de a face exact acest lucru - de a finanța și coordona prin proiecte dezvoltarea durabilă a Uniunii.
Protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work (A8-0142/2018 - Claude Rolin) RO
Am susținut prin votul de astăzi acest raport deoarece consider că protecția lucrătorilor împotriva riscurilor legate de expunerea la agenții cancerigeni trebuie să fie una dintre preocupările continue ale UE și ale statelor membre.Acest raport susține decizia de modificare a Directivei 2004/37/CE și încurajează Comisia Europeană să continue evaluarea și modificarea prevederilor, astfel încât acestea să ofere cel mai bun grad de siguranță și protecție posibil, în baza evaluărilor și analizelor experților de la Comitetul științific pentru stabilirea valorilor-limită de expunere profesională la agenți chimici și celor de la Comitetul consultativ pentru securitate și sănătate la locul de muncă. Cancerul este o boală devastatoare pentru societățile noastre și consider că orice modalitate de a proteja lucrătorii de posibilele riscuri de a dezvolta această boală trebuie adoptate și implementate în cel mai scurt timp.
Transparency and sustainability of the EU risk assessment in the food chain (A8-0417/2018 - Renate Sommer) RO
Am susținut prin votul de astăzi raportul privind adoptarea modificărilor și îmbunătățirea activității EFSA. Consider că această agenție, cu un rol extrem de important în evaluarea, analizarea și supravegherea riscului în cadrul lanțului alimentar, are nevoie de anumite modificări legislative care să îi permită să își atingă obiectivele stabilite.Astfel, prin propunerea Comisiei și prin acest raport se aduc modificări cu privire la înăsprirea normelor în materie de transparență a EFSA, o implicare mai profundă a statelor membre și creșterea atractivității acestei agenții pentru experți și oamenii de știință. De asemenea, pentru a face față noilor atribuții conferite agenției, Comisia a propus o creștere substanțială de buget, aspect ce ar trebui să ajute EFSA în recrutarea personalului științific necesar desfășurării activităților în grupurile științifice. Susțin, așadar, acest raport și demersul de reformare și creștere a bugetului acestei agenții.
European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) (A8-0273/2017 - Anne Sander) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece susține actualizarea și dezvoltarea Centrului European pentru Dezvoltarea Formării Profesionale, un centru cu o importanță extrem de mare pentru Uniunea Europeană și politicile publice propuse în ultimii ani.Analizele, evaluările și informațiile oferite de acest centru au stat la baza programelor precum „Noua agendă pentru competențe în Europa”, lansată în 2016, care a ajutat aproximativ 70 de milioane de europeni care au deficiențe cu cititul, scrisul, calculul și instrumentele digitale. În acest sens, consider că prezentul raport își atinge scopul de a armoniza regulamentul acestui centru cu legislația privind descentralizarea agențiilor și reușește să actualizeze obiectivele și misiunea Cedefop pentru a răspunde nevoilor pieței muncii.
Humanitarian Visas (A8-0423/2018 - Juan Fernando López Aguilar) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că înființarea unui sistem de vize umanitare, complementar celorlalte prevederi privind vizele și politicile privind imigrația, ar oferi statelor membre un instrument european prin care să gestioneze astfel de situații. Este extrem de clar că UE și statele membre sunt puse în situația de a găsi soluții pentru o gestionare cât mai corectă și mai rapidă a fluxurilor migrației, dar complexitatea acestei situații necesită dezvoltarea unor instrumente mai complexe și mai variate.Astfel, statele membre pot diferenția tipurile de cereri, tipurile de vize și procedurile aplicabile în fiecare dintre aceste situații. Această propunere a vizelor umanitare trebuie pusă în acord și adaptată sistemelor de vize ale UE, astfel încât să ajute la o mai bună procesare a informațiilor, altfel, riscă să complice și mai mult sistemul, îngreunând procedurile.
Visa Code (A8-0434/2018 - Juan Fernando López Aguilar) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport privind Codul de vize deoarece consider că modificările propuse, majoritatea tehnice, privind modul de depunere a cererilor, procedurile de examinare și statele membre care trebuie să facă această examinare și alte astfel de prevederi erau necesare. De asemenea, este important să ne asigurăm că, în ceea ce privește garantarea siguranței publice și prevenirea migrației neregulamentare, standardele vor fi respectate în toate statele membre.
Full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in Bulgaria and Romania (A8-0365/2018 - Sergei Stanishev) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestei rezoluții, așa cum am votat și în favoarea precedentelor rapoarte și rezoluții ale Parlamentului European pe acest subiect. Consider că textul acestui raport exprimă foarte clar faptul că România și Bulgaria au îndeplinit toate cerințele acquis-ului Schengen de foarte mult timp și continuarea acestei situații, în care celor două state le este blocat accesul în zona Schengen, este o încălcare a tratatelor și decredibilizează acțiunile Uniunii. Faptul că, astăzi, prin această rezoluție, Parlamentul European vorbește foarte clar despre pericolul reprezentat de aplicarea unui dublu standard față de statele membre și față de cetățenii acestora, faptul că această rezoluție subliniază că adăugarea de cerințe în plus față de cele exprimate în acquis este o rușine și faptul că alte mecanisme ale UE nu pot fi conectate cu zona Schengen constituie un nou semnal clar transmis Consiliului. Din păcate, unele state membre au ignorat toate mesajele transmise de către Parlamentul European și Comisia Europeană până în acest moment, dar acest lucru trebuie să se schimbe cât mai curând.
Military mobility (A8-0372/2018 - Tunne Kelam) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului privind mobilitatea militară deoarece consider că este esențial pentru UE să dezvolte și să integreze capacități militare de răspuns rapid și eficient în fața oricăror amenințări de securitate. În contextul evenimentelor politice și geostrategice la nivel mondial, dar mai ales la granițele Uniunii, lipsa unor astfel de capacități, integrate cu cele ale NATO, reprezintă o mare deficiență și scade credibilitatea noastră, a Uniunii, de a transmite mesaje politice și diplomatice clare.Dezvoltarea resurselor logistice și militare necesare pentru a asigura autonomia Uniunii Europene în situații de criză, deși nu trebuie să ducă la escaladarea unor tensiuni, trebuie să fie una clară și fermă, care să arate faptul că statele membre au capacitatea de a se apăra. Desigur, este important ca această dezvoltare să nu ducă la dublarea inutilă a capacităților alocate către NATO, ci trebuie făcută în completarea acestora și în cooperare cu ele.
New European Agenda for Culture (A8-0388/2018 - Giorgos Grammatikakis) RO
Am susținut prin votul de astăzi acest raport deoarece doresc ca UE să investească mai mult în cultură, în susținerea proiectelor de cultură și în dezvoltarea unui patrimoniu cultural european. Cultura reprezintă un punct esențial al identității noastre europene, specifice fiecărui stat membru, dar cu multe aspecte comune, care arată legăturile culturale și istorice dintre societățile noastre. Aceste lucruri trebuie să fie scoase în evidență, trebuie susținute, iar investițiile în cultură reprezintă o investiție în dezvoltarea noastră, a întregii Uniuni.Proiecte de acest gen, așa cum a fost și cel privind Anul european al patrimoniului cultural 2018, trebuie să continue, trebuie să primească sprijinul nostru politic. În același timp, trebuie să ne asigurăm că primesc sprijinul financiar de care au nevoie, altfel vom continua să ne rezumăm la susțineri declarative.
Role of the German Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) in cross-border family disputes (B8-0546/2018) RO
Am decis să mă abțin de la votul privind rolul Oficiului german de asistență socială pentru copii și tineret în litigiile familiei transfrontaliere deoarece consider că abordarea avută în acest document este una foarte intruzivă. Desigur, Comisia pentru petiții din cadrul Parlamentului European a primit un număr foarte mari de petiții cu privire la acțiunile autorităților germane și susțin dorința noastră, a Parlamentului European, de a ne asigura că este căutată o soluție pentru ca aceste cazuri să nu mai existe. Totuși, doresc să subliniez că autoritățile germane și-au prezentat punctul de vedere atunci când acest lucru le-a fost cerut. Consider că această situație trebuie în continuare analizată de către Comisia Europeană în dialog cu autoritățile din Germania, dar în același timp consider că textul acestei rezoluții este nepotrivit.
2018 Report on Serbia (A8-0331/2018 - David McAllister) RO
Am votat pentru raportul referitor evoluția Serbiei pe 2018 deoarece consider că aceasta a continuat să lucreze în favoarea normalizării relațiilor cu vecinii. Salut, în acest sens, contribuția Serbiei la consolidarea cooperării regionale și a relațiilor de bună vecinătate, precum și a păcii, a stabilității, a reconcilierii și a unui climat care facilitează abordarea problemelor bilaterale nerezolvate din trecut.
2018 Report on Kosovo (A8-0332/2018 - Igor Šoltes) RO
Am votat împotriva acestui raport deoarece consider că textul acestuia nu exprimă realitatea din cadrul UE. Având în vedere că în cadrul Uniunii Europene există state care încă așteaptă o soluționare a situației cu Republica Serbia, nu pot susține prin votul meu un raport care ar contrazice poziția unora dintre statele membre, printre care și România.
2018 Report on Albania (A8-0334/2018 - Knut Fleckenstein) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului privind evoluția Albaniei, deoarece extinderea UE reprezintă în continuare o investiție strategică în stabilitatea din Europa. Așa cum este prezentat și în acest raport, Albania a continuat să înregistreze în mod constant progrese în ceea ce privește îndeplinirea criteriilor politice și a celor cinci priorități majore pentru deschiderea negocierilor de aderare. Cooperarea regională și relațiile de bună vecinătate sunt esențiale pentru progresul Albaniei în direcția aderării la UE, prin urmare, salut faptul că Albania și-a intensificat eforturile în această privință.
2018 Report on Montenegro (A8-0339/2018 - Charles Tannock) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului privind evoluția Muntenegrului deoarece consider că efortul constant al acestui stat, aflat în negocieri avansate cu UE, trebuie să continue și să fie încurajat, având în acest moment 31 de capitole deschise din cele 35 de capitole din acquis-ul comunitar. Totodată, salut faptul că Muntenegru și-a menținut angajamentul față de crearea unei economii de piață funcționale și a continuat să pună în aplicare obligațiile prevăzute în Acordul de stabilizare și de asociere. Muntenegru trebuie să îmbunătățească planificarea, coordonarea și monitorizarea implementării noii legislații și a noilor politici. În acest sens, subliniez că o implementare și aplicare riguroase a reformelor rămân un indicator-cheie pentru un proces de integrare reușit.
Defence of academic freedom in the EU's external action (A8-0403/2018 - Wajid Khan) RO
M-am abținut de la votul privind acest raport deoarece am considerat că acesta, deși ar trebui să se refere la acțiunile externe ale UE privind libertatea universitară și susținerea dreptului la libera educație în toate statele lumii, textul acestui raport nu exprimă acțiuni îndeajuns de concrete. De asemenea, ambiguitatea și lipsa de claritate a afirmațiilor ar putea fi înțelese ca făcând referire la alte cazuri decât cele externe Uniunii. În acest context, deși susțin ideea de a face mai mult pentru libertatea universitară prin acțiunile externe ale UE, nu pot susține un text atât de ambiguu.
Rail passengers' rights and obligations (A8-0340/2018 - Bogusław Liberadzki) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului privind reformarea propunerii de regulament privind drepturile și obligațiile călătorilor din transportul feroviar, deoarece transportul feroviar ar trebui să devină mai atractiv pentru consumatori prin stabilirea unui standard cât mai înalt pentru transportatorii feroviari. De asemenea, este important că cerințele privind informațiile pentru întreprinderile feroviare sunt un aspect foarte important, deoarece acestea creează mai multă certitudine juridică pentru călători. În același timp, țin să subliniez importanța acordării de servicii specifice persoanelor cu handicap sau cu mobilitate redusă, transportul feroviar având în continuare nevoie de o îmbunătățire a accesului din acest punct de vedere. Salut propunerea de a introduce în gări mai mulți angajați și a unui sistem care permite urcarea în tren imediat după ajungerea la gară. De asemenea, subliniez necesitatea oferirii unor informații mai ușor de utilizat prin internet sau canale de distribuție gestionate de personal, cât și obligația întreprinderilor feroviare de a face informațiile privind întreruperea serviciilor direct disponibile în formate accesibile.
Arms export: implementation of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (A8-0335/2018 - Sabine Lösing) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că este alarmant faptul că deși avem reguli comune la nivelul UE cu privire la exportul de armament, multe dintre statele membre nu aplică aceste reguli și standarde. Exportarea armelor fără a respecta standardele impuse la nivel comunitar și fără a ține cont de faptul că unele dintre aceste arme ar putea ajunge să fie folosite în abuzuri contra drepturilor omului și chiar în unele situații împotriva propriilor noastre trupe este o problemă de securitate a Uniunii în sine. În acest sens, am susținut propunerea făcută în acest raport de a avea un instrument care să asigure respectarea acestor standarde și reguli și care să poată chiar să sancționeze statele membre pentru astfel de acțiuni.
Implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement (A8-0320/2018 - Andrejs Mamikins) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport privind punerea în aplicare a Acordului de asociere UE-Georgia deoarece am considerat că acesta reflectă în mod obiectiv și echilibrat evoluțiile din Georgia. Progresul făcut de guvernul Georgiei de a ridica nivelul economic, de a aplica reformele democratice necesare și măsurile luate pentru combaterea șomajului sunt aspecte pași importanți făcuți atât de administrație cât și de către societate. Este important ca Georgia să rămână pe acest parcurs, să continue să fie un partener strategic-cheie și de încredere al UE în regiune, și să continue campaniile de informare, și măsurile luate în ultima perioadă. Este important de subliniat faptul că în rândul clasei politice din Georgia este important să continue să existe un consens și o stabilitate care să asigure continuitatea acestor reforme.
Energy efficiency (A8-0391/2017 - Miroslav Poche)
. ‒ In today’s Europe, battling climate change is a top priority for every Member State in the European Union. Together as a Union, we signed the Paris Agreement to help mitigate global warming for future generations, this Agreement helped reinforce Europe’s commitment to lead the way on reducing greenhouse emissions, protect the environment, and preventing future damage. The directive that we are voting on is not only tackling all of those issues, it also adds on energy security, poverty, and economic growth that can come from addressing the problem of climate change. I therefore support this directive because not only is it our duty as Europeans to leave the continent and world better for future generations, we also have to make sure we are not wasting our energy. Protecting the climate is not only an environmental issue but a social and economic one as well.
Minimum standards for minorities in the EU (A8-0353/2018 - József Nagy)
. ‒ Minorities in Europe are growing day by day, and the European Union as a whole must do everything within its power to make sure that, as individuals, these people feel they belong to the Member State they reside in. However, the Member State should act to allow these minorities to keep their own ethnic heritages, rather than forcing them to integrate right away and stripping them of their identity.This directive makes sure than minorities in the Member States are allowed to practice their faith freely, speak their mother language openly, and enjoy themselves like anyone else, whether as an individual or in a community. I voted in favour of this directive because, no matter who you are, what religion you practise, the colour of your skin, or what you language you speak, in Europe you have the ability to do it freely and under the protection of the law.
Digitalisation for development: reducing poverty through technology (A8-0338/2018 - Bogdan Brunon Wenta)
. ‒ Modern technology has proven itself as a job creator like no other. Yet, people across some countries in Europe and around the globe are still living without it. The Sustainable Development Goals recognise the challenges of bridging the digital divide in Europe and across the globe; however in a techno-centric world broadband access plays a central role in development policy. The goals set are to significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the least developed countries by 2020. I support this directive because no one in Europe or any developed country should go without internet access. The internet and broadband access affect so much of people’s lives, their education, jobs and relationships, that no one should go without it.
Protection of the EU’s financial interests - Recovery of money and assets from third-countries in fraud cases (A8-0298/2018 - Cătălin Sorin Ivan) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului privind protejarea intereselor financiare ale UE întrucât lipsește o legislație omogenă la nivel european în ceea ce privește combaterea crimei organizate deși protejarea intereselor financiare ale UE ar trebui să fie un element-cheie al politicii UE. Consider imperioasă recuperarea sumelor de bani și a activelor de la țările terțe în cazuri de fraudă, dat fiind faptul că Tratatul privind funcționarea Uniunii Europene prevede clar că „pentru a combate frauda care aduce atingere intereselor financiare ale Uniunii, statele membre adoptă aceleași măsuri pe care le adoptă pentru a combate frauda care aduce atingere propriilor lor interese financiare”.
Unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the food supply chain (A8-0309/2018 - Paolo De Castro) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului referitor la propunerea de directivă a Parlamentului European și a Consiliului privind practicile comerciale neloiale dintre întreprinderi în cadrul lanțului de aprovizionare cu alimente, deoarece practicile neloiale pot duce la pierderi economice și distorsionează piața liberă, anulând beneficiile pe care le obțin în urma subvențiilor PAC, care sunt din ce în ce mai mult condiționate de sustenabilitatea ecologică. Salut demersul Comisiei Europene de a introduce o legislație europeană în acest domeniu propunând dispoziții minime pentru toate statele membre. Consider absolut necesară abordarea de către Comisie a vânzărilor la prețuri inferioare costurilor, acesta fiind principalul subiect al plângerilor fermierilor în legătură cu anumite practici arbitrare de promovare a produselor perisabile aplicate de marii cumpărători ca acțiuni menite să atragă clienții.
Authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use (A8-0035/2016 - Claudiu Ciprian Tănăsescu) RO
Am votat pentru raportul privind această propunere de regulament deoarece prin aceasta se înfăptuiește alinierea la Tratatul de la Lisabona pentru a ține seama de nevoile specifice sectorului veterinar. Salut separarea autorizațiilor de comercializare pentru medicamentele de uz veterinar de cele pentru medicamentele de uz uman. Subliniez necesitatea menționării clare a trimiterii la noul Regulament privind medicamentele de uz veterinar și rolul Agenției Europene pentru Medicamente (AEM) în procesul de autorizare și supraveghere a produselor veterinare prin intermediul procedurii centralizate.
Manufacture, placing on the market and use of medicated feed (A8-0075/2016 - Clara Eugenia Aguilera García) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului referitor la propunerea de regulament privind fabricarea, introducerea pe piață și utilizarea furajelor medicamentate, deoarece furajele medicamentate reprezintă unul din mijloacele cele mai eficiente de administrare de medicamente de uz veterinar animalelor. Prin această propunere, Comisia are intenția de a armoniza standardele de producție a furajelor medicamentate în UE, asigurând totodată un nivel adecvat de siguranță. Trebuie avute în vedere măsurile de siguranță în acest domeniu, pentru a ține sub control utilizarea excesivă a acestor furaje medicamentate și pentru a le utiliza în cantitățile și condițiile necesare și testate. Totodată, salut faptul că regulamentul cuprinde în domeniul său de aplicare atât animalele destinate producției de produse alimentare, cât și animalele de la care nu se obțin produse alimentare.
Charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures (A8-0202/2018 - Christine Revault d'Allonnes Bonnefoy) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului referitor la aplicarea taxelor la vehiculele grele de marfă pentru utilizarea anumitor infrastructuri, deoarece prin aplicarea principiilor „poluatorul plătește” și „utilizatorul plătește” tuturor vehiculelor vom contribui la eliminarea discriminărilor între diferiții utilizatori ai drumurilor. Salut propunerea de instituire în fiecare stat membru a unei autorități independente de supraveghere a sistemelor de taxare și asigurarea unui nivel ridicat de informare a tuturor utilizatorilor privind utilizarea veniturilor.
Promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles (A8-0321/2018 - Andrzej Grzyb) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului privind promovarea vehiculelor de transport rutier nepoluante și eficiente din punct de vedere energetic, deoarece această propunere are ca scop sprijinirea tehnologiilor noi și nepoluante și a eforturilor de reducere, pe termen lung, a emisiilor de poluanți atmosferici și de CO2. Salut propunerea ca vehiculele de transport rutier fabricate de producători din țări terțe în care producătorii din UE nu au acces la procedurile de achiziții publice pentru cumpărarea, leasingul, închirierea sau închirierea cu opțiune de cumpărare de vehicule de transport rutier nu ar trebui luate în calcul pentru realizarea obiectivelor minime în materie de achiziții publice, fiindcă producătorii din UE trebuie să fie protejați de concurența neloială.În același timp, deși am susținut această directivă, sunt sceptică în ceea ce privește impactul zero pe care aceste vehicule îl au asupra mediului înconjurător. Totuși, doresc să subliniez faptul că susțin dezvoltarea acestor noi tehnologii și sper ca acestea să devină din ce în ce mai eficiente și să livreze rezultatele așteptate.
Multiannual plan for fish stocks in the Western Waters and adjacent waters, and for fisheries exploiting those stocks (A8-0310/2018 - Alain Cadec) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului privind propunerea de stabilire a unui plan multianual pentru stocurile de pește din apele occidentale și apele adiacente și pentru activitățile de pescuit care exploatează stocurile respective, și de stabilire a unui plan multianual pentru Marea Baltică, deoarece este important ca acestea să fie adaptate realităților stocurilor și a implicațiilor socioeconomice.De asemenea, este important ca pescuitul recreativ, în cazul în care acesta are un impact semnificativ asupra acestor stocuri, să fie luat în calcul și să se impună anumite limite proporționale și corecte, astfel încât să nu apară discriminări și inegalități privind utilizarea resurselor.
General budget of the European Union for 2019 - all sections (A8-0313/2018 - Daniele Viotti, Paul Rübig)
The EU budget proposal for 2019 helps guide the monetary funding for the future of the European Union. The budget sets out priorities that the EU has for next year, before the multiannual financial programme is decided. In this perspective, the budget for 2019 responds to problems like Brexit and migration flows, and continues to support growth and competitiveness and fight climate change. The EU must continue to work on these priorities, just as it has been doing in the last years, and therefore I supported this resolution. At the same time, I am waiting to see how the new multiannual financial framework will look like after negotiations and how it will tackle issues like these.
Support to structural reforms in Member States (A8-0316/2018 - Lambert van Nistelrooij, Constanze Krehl) RO
Am votat în favoarea respingerii propunerii Comisiei Europene privind sprijinul acordat reformelor structurale din statele membre fiindcă alegerea aplicării gestiunii directe pentru sprijinirea reformelor structurale utilizând fonduri care erau destinate politicii de coeziune ar încălca și principiul de cofinanțare al politicii de coeziune. În plus, Comisia nu definește în mod clar reformele structurale în propunerea sa, fapt care face ca realocarea fondurilor din rezerva de performanță să fie și neclară. Având în vedere toate acestea, am susținut respingerea propunerii, întrucât așteptăm din partea Comisiei o nouă propunere care să garanteze o modalitate mai bună de a garanta politica de coeziune și de eficientizare a acesteia.
Reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (A8-0317/2018 - Frédérique Ries)
. ‒ Today in the EU and across the world we have a ‘plastic problem’ that is deeply effecting our environment. Over the last 65 years, over eight billion tons of plastic has been produced, and with that, over six billion tons of plastic waste. Every year, 150 000 tons of plastic end up in the ocean from European waste and a total of over eight million tons of plastic products end up in the ocean every year. Europe has been a leader on environmental issues and handling plastic should be one of our top priorities. I voted in favour of this proposal because we, as a Union, must step up our work and handle the plastic ruining our oceans and environment as a whole because otherwise by 2050 we will have more plastic than fish in our oceans.
Establishment, operation and use of the Schengen Information System in the field of border checks (A8-0347/2017 - Carlos Coelho) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului referitor la propunerea de regulament al Parlamentului European și al Consiliului privind instituirea, funcționarea și utilizarea Sistemului de informații Schengen (SIS) în domeniul verificărilor la frontiere, deoarece având în vedere natura datelor conținute în SIS, securitatea datelor trebuie să constituie un obiectiv fundamental. Cazul atacului informatic asupra SIS prin rețeaua unui furnizor extern de servicii din Danemarca reprezintă un semnal de alarmă pentru nevoia de a intensifica eforturile în acest sens. De aceea, subliniez necesitatea noilor dispoziții propuse de Comisie în privința incidentelor legate de securitate, în special în ceea ce privește colaborarea dintre diferiții actori instituționali și statele membre.
Establishment, operation and use of the Schengen Information System in the field of police cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal matters (A8-0349/2017 - Carlos Coelho) RO
Am votat in favoarea raportului privind instituirea, funcționarea și utilizarea Sistemului de informații Schengen (SIS) în domeniul cooperării polițienești și al cooperării judiciare în materie penală, întrucât acestea consolidează și mai mult SIS, subliniindu-i caracterul european autentic, menținându-i caracteristicile principale și abordând câteva dintre carențele existente la nivel național. În prezent, spațiul Schengen se află într-o situație dificilă. Actele de terorism și migrația au dus la controale prelungite la frontierele interne, creând provocări noi, care trebuie să fie abordate fără întârziere. Subliniez necesitatea prevederii unui termen fix de implementare a noului cadru juridic, un an de la intrarea in vigoare, pentru a evita întârzierile similare apărute în cazul cadrului juridic al SIS II.
Harmonisation of the structures of excise duties on alcohol and alcoholic beverages (A8-0307/2018 - Miguel Viegas) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului privind propunerea de directivă privind armonizarea structurilor accizelor la alcool și băuturi alcoolice pentru că această directivă definește și clasifică diferitele tipuri de alcool și băuturi alcoolice în funcție de caracteristicele acestora și oferă un cadru legal pentru taxe reduse, scutiri și derogări în anumite sectoare. Subliniez necesitatea acestor modificări deoarece costurile administrative și de conformitate impuse operatorilor economici actualmente limitează participarea întreprinderilor mici și mijlocii la comerțul cu alcool și băuturi alcoolice în interiorul UE. De asemenea, susțin aceste modificări deoarece acestea aduc claritate și predictibilitate în ceea ce privește încadrarea și clasificarea tipurilor de alcool, ceea ce ușurează procedurile birocratice și ajută operatorii să evite confuziile cauzate de diferitele încadrări din fiecare stat membru.
Quality of water intended for human consumption (A8-0288/2018 - Michel Dantin)
. ‒ Currently EU citizen’s access to quality drinking water remains one of the most important issues. However, while there has been a directive enforced for nearly thirty years, there needs to be significant changes to the directive. The revisions to the directive allow every country to aim for quality water standards with the newest scientific data. As well, a further evaluation of the proposal shows the need of improvement in the information for the consumer on the water they drink, and if anything has encountered the water in the past. I therefore support the proposal because it is a fundamental right of every EU citizen to have access to and know about the quality of the drinking water they consume. The newest proposal offers measures that will make sure that no matter where you live in the EU you will have the same high quality standard of water consumption as any other EU citizens.
Resources for economic, social and territorial cohesion and resources for the investment for growth and jobs goal (A8-0282/2018 - Iskra Mihaylova) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului referitor la propunerea de modificare în ceea ce privește resursele pentru coeziunea economică, socială și teritorială, deoarece YEI face parte din Garanția pentru tineret, un sistem prin care statele membre pun în aplicare măsuri pentru a garanta că tinerii cu vârsta sub 25 de ani primesc o ofertă de angajare de bună calitate și beneficiază de educație continuă, de o ucenicie sau de un stagiu în termen de patru luni de la ieșirea din sistemul școlar sau de la intrarea în șomaj. Salut această propunere fiindcă YEI oferă sprijin tinerilor care trăiesc în regiuni în care șomajul în rândul acestora a fost mai mare de 25 % și, ca urmare, în 2017, fondurile au fost majorate pentru regiunile în care șomajul în rândul tinerilor a depășit acest procent în 2016.
Alignment of reporting obligations in the field of environment policy (A8-0324/2018 - Adina-Ioana Vălean)
The EU must do everything it can to enforce and align the obligations of environmental policy in the Member States. At the moment, the burden of research into many environmental policies falls on the individual administrations of both the Commission and the Member State governments. This type of policy means that reviews are less visible to the public, and at times, the two outcomes could be vastly different from one another. What is more, it administers a heavy cost to both the Commission and the Member States because of the vast technological differences and funding capacity. In addition, the outcomes of the research hold different weight in the eyes of the people, making it harder to have an honest and fact—based debate. Therefore, I support this proposal because making research results public through new technology and making it accessible to all areas will make debates and the understanding of different policies based on facts and research and not on distorted information. The EU must continue to be at the forefront of environmental policy, which means we should always have the objective of being more cost—efficient and have an easier reviewing policy when this is needed in order to move forward.
The role of employee financial participation in creating jobs and reactivating the unemployed (A8-0293/2018 - Renate Weber)
Economically, the EU has always been a leader in equal balance between employee and their employers. However, depending on the Member State in which you reside, that may not be the case. Employee financial participation in many states is extremely low or for some non-existent because there is no legislation promoting this. Over time, many countries have done research concluding that if employees have a strong role in the company it only helps the company to prosper. This research showed if the country has EFP, it stabilises both the Member State economy and the European economy, the employee receives better wages, unemployment is reduced in countries and, because of investment, the company is able to hire more people. I support this proposal because it offers employees the best chance of having a say in the company, and gives people who are unemployed the opportunity to get a job. Overall, many EU Member States should adhere to this proposal and promote EFP in their country to boost their economy.
Public procurement strategy package (A8-0229/2018 - Carlos Coelho) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport, deoarece acesta readuce în discuție pachetul de directive privind achizițiile publice adoptate în 2014. Acestea au ca scop modernizarea, digitalizarea și simplificarea procedurilor privind achizițiile publice, astfel încât statele membre să își poată adapta procedurile noilor realități și să poată lucra mai eficient.Din păcate, raportul din 2017 al Comisiei Europene privind aplicarea acestor directive arată că acestea au fost transpuse cu întârziere în multe dintre statele membre, fiind chiar nevoie de sancționarea unora dintre acestea pentru încălcarea drepturilor comunitare.Totuși, îmi exprim speranța că aceste directive vor fi aplicate în totalitate în cel mai scurt timp. România are nevoie de astfel de proceduri transparente, simplificate și mai puțin birocratice pentru achizițiile publice, păstrând exigențele privind controlul legalității acestor demersuri.
Fighting customs fraud and protecting EU own resources (B8-0400/2018) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestei rezoluții deoarece rapoartele OLAF au arătat în mai multe rânduri că există sume importante pe care UE le-a pierdut din cauza subevaluării produselor importante în UE. Această rezoluție cere Comisiei Europene să întreprindă acțiunile și măsurile necesare recuperării acestor sume. În opinia mea, întârzierea recuperării acestor sume este în detrimentul întregii Uniuni prin acumularea de pierderi anuale și prin prisma lipsei de reacții ferme din partea Comisiei Europene. Așadar, susțin această rezoluție și mă alătur solicitării către Comisie de a urgenta acțiunile și de a recupera fondurile identificate de OLAF.
Harmonising and simplifying certain rules in the VAT system (A8-0280/2018 - Jeppe Kofod) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului referitor la propunerea de directivă a Consiliului de modificare a Directivei 2006/112/CE, întrucât, potrivit evaluării de impact care însoțește activitatea de instituire a unui sistem de TVA definitiv, modificările propuse în această directivă reprezintă un pas esențial pentru a reduce cu peste 41 de miliarde EUR frauda transfrontalieră în domeniul TVA-ului și pentru a reduce, totodată, cu peste 1 miliard EUR costurile de asigurare a conformității pentru întreprinderi.Propunerea mai introduce modelul „operatorului economic autorizat”, conform căruia o întreprindere poate să devină o persoană impozabilă atestată dacă dovedește plata în mod regulat a impozitelor, efectuarea de controale interne și își demonstrează solvabilitatea.Subliniez necesitatea clarificării statutului de persoană impozabilă atestată și criteriile pentru dobândirea acestui statut.Salut propunerea de introducere a unui mecanism de notificare automată care să notifice automat contribuabililor modificările și actualizările cotelor de TVA aplicabile ale statelor membre.
VAT: period of application of the reverse charge mechanism and of the Quick Reaction Mechanism (A8-0283/2018 - Sirpa Pietikäinen) RO
Am susținut prin votul de astăzi adoptarea raportului privind extinderea perioadei de aplicare a Directivei 2006/112/CE privind sistemul comun al taxei pe valoarea adăugată, deoarece acesta dă posibilitatea statelor membre de a aplica mecanismul de taxare inversă pentru a combate frauda care afectează livrările de bunuri și servicii.De asemenea, în cazurile urgente în care un stat membru este obligat să adopte anumite derogări pentru a combate anumite forme de evaziune fiscală sau de evitare a obligațiilor fiscale, statul membru are la dispoziție posibilitatea de a recurge la mecanismul de reacție rapidă care prevede o procedură accelerată de adoptare a acestor derogări. Consider că este extrem de important ca statele membre să aibă instrumentele necesare combaterii evaziunii fiscale. În acest sens, extinderea perioadei de aplicare a acestor mecanisme este esențială pentru prevenirea și combaterea fraudei intracomunitare cu firme fantomă.
Administrative cooperation in the field of excise duties as regards the content of electronic register (A8-0285/2018 - Ivana Maletić) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului privind propunerea privind cooperarea administrativă în domeniul accizelor în ceea ce privește conținutul registrului electronic, deoarece aceasta stabilește baza juridică de cooperare administrativă între statele membre.Obiectivul propunerii este de a introduce obligația de înregistrare a operatorilor economici care deplasează mărfuri. Ea vizează automatizarea supravegherii deplasărilor de produse accizabile care au fost eliberate pentru consum într-un stat membru și care sunt deplasate către alt stat membru pentru a fi livrate în scopuri comerciale în acest alt stat.Consider propunerea necesară, deoarece absența acesteia ar face imposibilă automatizarea completă a circulației mărfurilor eliberate pentru consum. De asemenea, prezenta propunere respectă drepturile fundamentale, în special dreptul la viață privată, prin dispozițiile existente privind protecția datelor cuprinse.
Health technology assessment (A8-0289/2018 - Soledad Cabezón Ruiz) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului referitor la propunerea de regulament privind evaluarea tehnologiilor medicale (ETM), deoarece, prin introducerea unui sistem de cooperare consolidată pentru anumite activități legate de ETM, statele membre ale UE pot beneficia de niveluri sporite ale eficienței și pot să își utilizeze mai bine resursele, maximizând astfel valoarea adăugată la nivelul UE.Propunerea urmărește să sprijine adoptarea inovațiilor veritabile, astfel încât pacienții ale căror nevoi medicale nu pot fi rezolvate cu ajutorul medicamentelor uzuale să poată beneficia fără întârziere de noi medicamente inovatoare. Este esențial pentru mulți dintre pacienți să aibă acces la astfel de medicamente revoluționare deoarece bolile de care suferă nu pot fi tratate cu instrumentele uzuale aflate pe piață.
Rates of value added tax (A8-0279/2018 - Tibor Szanyi) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului referitor la propunerea de directivă a Consiliului de modificare a Directivei 2006/112/CE, deoarece fragmentarea sistemului de TVA a creat un obstacol important pentru buna funcționare a pieței unice. Consider că este absolut necesară reglementarea TVA la nivelul Uniunii, înlocuind mecanismele tranzitorii în vigoare și garantând tuturor statelor membre un tratament egal. Subliniez că aceste măsuri nu vor afecta flexibilitatea de care se bucură în prezent statele membre la stabilirea cotelor de TVA, ci normele armonizate și mai puțin restrictive vor permite tuturor statelor membre să aplice, pe lângă cele două cote reduse de minimum 5 %, și o scutire cu drept de deducere a TVA-ului achitat în etapa anterioară. Este important să se evidențieze faptul că aceste cote reduse și scutiri îi vor aduce beneficii consumatorului final și se vor aplica în vederea atingerii unui obiectiv de interes general, acordând prioritate bunurilor și serviciilor care au efecte pozitive de mediu și sociale.
Distributed ledger technologies and blockchains: building trust with disintermediation (B8-0397/2018) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestei rezoluții deoarece consider că este absolut necesară începerea analizării implicațiilor și importanței tehnologiei registrelor distribuite și a tehnologiei blockchain pentru UE. Aceste tehnologii sunt foarte nou intrate în viața cetățenilor din UE, dar au adus deja schimbări majore prin faptul că oferă posibilitatea transferului de valori între persoane, reducând costurile și asigurând o securitate sporită a acestor transferuri. De asemenea, această tehnologie își găsește aplicabilitatea în sectoare precum energia, educația, transportul, lanțurile de aprovizionare și multe altele.În acest sens, consider că este util să analizăm dezvoltarea acestor tehnologii, susținerea lor în viitor și aplicabilitatea acestora pentru sectorul public. De asemenea, doresc să subliniez că, și în acest caz, ca în cazul tuturor tehnologiilor noi apărute, dezbaterile și analizele succesive, împreună cu o supraveghere atentă a evoluției acestora sunt extrem de importante pentru a ne asigura că acestea nu scapă de sub control și nu ajung să reprezinte o vulnerabilitate pentru siguranța și apărarea statelor și a cetățenilor.
EU-Canada air transport agreement (A8-0254/2018 - Francisco Assis) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestei recomandări deoarece aceasta finalizează procesul de adoptare a acordului privind transportul aerian dintre UE și Canada pe care Comisia Europeană a fost mandatată să îl negocieze în numele statelor membre. Acest acord este unul benefic pentru companiile aeriene ale Uniunii și ale Canadei prin deschiderea pieței pentru efectuarea de zboruri fără restricții în ceea ce privește rutele de zbor, numărul de zboruri săptămânale și aeroporturile de pe care se poate decola. În același timp, acest acord cuprinde anumite etape de aplicare și înglobează o serie de teme precum oportunitățile de investiții, siguranța traficului aerian, interesele consumatorilor și mediul. În acest sens, consider că acest acord este unul de interes atât pentru companiile de zbor, cât și pentru cetățenii care doresc să zboare din și înspre Canada.
Amendment to the US-EU Memorandum of Cooperation (deployment of air traffic management systems) (A8-0214/2018 - Rolandas Paksas) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestei raport întrucât acesta vizează asigurarea unui transport aerian sigur și eficient. În acest sens, recomandarea de modificare a Memorandumului de cooperare nu face decât să asigure și să extindă cooperarea dintre Statele Unite și UE, pe teme de cercetare și dezvoltare, cu scopul modernizării aviației civile. De asemenea, sunt ferm convinsă de faptul că această inițiativă va avea un impact pozitiv, în afara celor amintite mai sus, și asupra creșterii economice și creării de noi locuri de muncă în sectorul aeronautic.
Controls on cash entering or leaving the Union (A8-0394/2017 - Mady Delvaux, Juan Fernando López Aguilar) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că actualizarea și îmbunătățirea regulamentului privind controlul fluxurilor de numerar care intră și ies din Uniunea Europeană sunt foarte importante în contextul luptei împotriva crimei organizate și a terorismului. Așa cum am văzut cu toții în ultimii ani, fluxul de numerar este un aspect extrem de important pentru organizațiile teroriste și cele de crimă organizată, ori tocmai acest flux trebuie să fie blocat printr-o coordonare și o colaborare mult mai bună între autoritățile de frontieră ale statelor membre și printr-o legislație mult mai strictă în domeniu.Acest raport aduce claritate și predictibilitate acestei propuneri de legislație prin distincții clare între tipurile de fluxuri de numerar, bunurile de valoare și includerea metalelor prețioase sub acest control. De asemenea, consider că este important ca autoritățile să aibă posibilitatea de a acționa în cazul fluxurilor de numerar suspecte, chiar dacă acestea nu depășesc pragul de 10 000 EUR.
Countering money laundering by criminal law (A8-0405/2017 - Ignazio Corrao) RO
Am acordat un vot favorabil acestui raport deoarece consider absolut necesar ca una dintre prioritățile Uniunii Europene să continue să fie combaterea fenomenului de spălare a banilor, atât de nociv bugetelor și securității statelor membre.Întrucât avem în vedere o problemă care afectează nu doar România, ci toate statele europene, am votat această propunere de directivă necesară pentru punerea în aplicare a obligațiilor internaționale privind spălarea, descoperirea, sechestrarea și confiscarea produselor rezultate din infracțiuni sau care vizează finanțarea terorismului.
The situation in Hungary (A8-0250/2018 - Judith Sargentini) RO
Am votat împotriva raportului deoarece consider că acesta atentează la suveranitatea unui stat membru și îngrădește dreptul unui guvern ales prin vot democratic de a acționa și legifera în acord cu planul de guvernare pentru care a fost votat. Desigur, anumite aspecte ce țin de conduita și pozițiile luate de lideri politici din Ungaria pot fi analizate și dezbătute, dar declanșarea unei proceduri de o asemenea amploare este, în opinia mea, o ingerință gravă în dreptul fiecărui stat membru de a legifera și o încălcare a principiilor subsidiarității înscrise în tratatele Uniunii Europene. Am mai spus-o și cred sincer în acest principiu: instituțiile europene nu ar trebui să influențeze jocurile politice din statele membre și ar trebui să ne folosim resursele și energia pentru rezolvarea problemelor grave privind direcția și viitorul Uniunii, respectând principiile din tratate. Din păcate, astfel de gesturi venite dinspre UE nu vor face altceva decât să alimenteze avântul euroscepticilor din statele membre, iar prima probă o vom avea extrem de curând, la alegerile din primăvară.
State of EU-US relations (A8-0251/2018 - Elmar Brok) RO
Am votat în favoarea rezoluției privind stadiul actual al relațiilor UE-SUA deoarece, deși este clar că acest parteneriat se confruntă cu un număr semnificativ de încercări și perturbări pe termen scurt, fundamentele pe termen lung rămân solide. Cooperarea dintre UE și SUA, ca parteneri ce împărtășesc aceleași valori ale libertății, democrației, promovării păcii și a drepturilor omului și principiile statului de drept, rămâne crucială pentru securitatea internațională, creșterea economică și dezvoltarea sustenabilă.Având în vedere că SUA este un partener esențial al UE în domeniul apărării și al securității, consider că un dialog structurat și strategic privind politica externă la nivel transatlantic, în care să fie implicate Parlamentul European și Congresul SUA, este fundamental pentru întărirea arhitecturii transatlantice.
State of EU-China relations (A8-0252/2018 - Bas Belder) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece există numeroase domenii în care cooperarea constructivă ar putea aduce beneficii reciproce, inclusiv în cadrul forurilor internaționale, cum ar fi ONU și G20. UE se așteaptă ca relația sa cu China să fie una care să aducă avantaje reciproce, atât din punct de vedere politic, cât și din punct de vedere economic. China are obligația să își asume responsabilități pe măsura impactului pe care îl are la nivel mondial și să sprijine ordinea internațională bazată pe reguli de pe urma cărora beneficiază la rândul său.De asemenea, consider absolut necesar un parteneriat veritabil UE-China pentru abordarea problemelor mondiale și regionale, cum ar fi securitatea, dezarmarea, neproliferarea armelor nucleare, combaterea terorismului și spațiul cibernetic. Trebuie subliniată importanța Chinei în ceea ce privește schimbările climatice, energia, utilizarea eficientă a resurselor, migrația, sănătatea globală și, nu în ultimul rând, dezvoltarea sustenabilă. În acest sens, consider că dezvoltarea acestui parteneriat este în interesul ambelor părți, dar și al celorlalte state ale planetei.
European Solidarity Corps (A8-0060/2018 - Helga Trüpel) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece susțin inițiativa Comisiei Europene de a înființa Corpul european de solidaritate în vederea sprijinirii tinerilor defavorizați în găsirea unor programe de voluntariat și chiar a angajării acestora.Această inițiativă este una ce vine în completarea celorlalte programe și inițiative pentru tineri, având ca obiectiv ajutarea și informarea celor defavorizați. Incluziunea tinerilor defavorizați trebuie să fie unul dintre obiectivele acestui corp european prin sprijinirea comunicării directe cu aceștia.În acest sens, acest raport aduce îmbunătățiri propunerii Comisiei Europene prin clarificarea obiectivelor Corpului european de solidaritate.
Structural Reform Support Programme: financial envelope and general objective (A8-0227/2018 - Ruža Tomašić) RO
Programul de sprijin pentru reforme structurale este menit să ajute statele membre în parcursul lor instituțional și administrativ, iar în acest sens propunerea Comisiei Europene are drept obiectiv satisfacerea numărului mare de cereri de finanțare.De asemenea, propunerea vizează și eficientizarea utilizării fondurilor. Am votat pentru acest raport deoarece sumele alocate pentru statele membre vor crește de la 142,8 milioane EUR la 222,8 milioane EUR, o parte din acești bani fiind destinați țărilor ce urmează a adera la zona euro, printre care și România.Trebuie subliniat faptul că acest program nu constă doar în acordarea de fonduri statelor membre, ci și în consiliere pe întregul proces de reformă.
Measures to prevent and combat mobbing and sexual harassment at the workplace, in public spaces, and in political life in the EU (A8-0265/2018 - Pina Picierno) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece legitimitatea femeilor în sfera politică este contestată uneori. Stereotipurile aplicate femeilor le descurajează să se implice în politică, un fenomen care se evidențiază în statele în care femeile sunt slab reprezentate în politică. Egalitatea de gen este o valoare fundamentală a UE, recunoscută în tratate și în Carta drepturilor fundamentale, iar violența de gen este generată de o relație inegală de putere și de responsabilități inegale între femei și bărbați. Având în vedere faptul că atât hărțuirea sexuală, cât și hărțuirea psihologică în mediul ocupațional sunt interzise la nivelul UE și întrucât toate statele membre au semnat Convenția de la Istanbul, consider ca fiind imperioasă ratificarea acesteia de către toate statele membre. Nu cred că putem continua să acceptăm ca în unele dintre statele membre aceste drepturi fundamentale să nu fie respectate sau să fie acceptate doar la nivel conversațional, fără a fi puse în practică în realitate.
Language equality in the digital age (A8-0228/2018 - Jill Evans) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului referitor la egalitatea limbilor în epoca digitală întrucât în Uniunea Europeană există 24 de limbi oficiale și peste 60 de limbi naționale, regionale și minoritare, pe lângă limbile migranților și diferitele limbaje ale semnelor recunoscute de stat. Totodată, multilingvismul reprezintă unul dintre principalele atuuri ale diversității culturale în Europa și, în același timp, una dintre cele mai importante provocări pentru crearea unei Uniuni Europene cu adevărat integrate. Dat fiind faptul că există un decalaj din ce în ce mai mare între limba engleză și alte limbi ale UE în domeniul tehnologiei, ceea ce duce la inegalități în accesul la informații între diferite grupe de vârstă, regiuni și între statele membre, consider că furnizarea de conținut în mai multe limbi ale UE ar ajuta la reducerea inegalităților.
Transparent and accountable management of natural resources in developing countries: the case of forests (A8-0249/2018 - Heidi Hautala) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului privind gestionarea transparentă și responsabilă a resurselor naturale în țările în curs de dezvoltare întrucât pădurile contribuie în mod substanțial la atenuarea efectelor schimbărilor climatice, la combaterea acumulării gazelor cu efect de seră și la conservarea biodiversității, prin împiedicarea degradării terenurilor, reducând astfel riscurile de inundații, alunecări de teren și secetă. Este știut faptul că pădurile sunt esențiale pentru agricultura durabilă și îmbunătățesc securitatea alimentară și calitatea nutriției.De aceea, salut propunerea raportorului de revizuire a domeniului de aplicare a EUTR, întrucât Regulamentul UE privind lemnul (EUTR) are obiectivul de a garanta că lemnul recoltat ilegal nu este introdus pe piața europeană. Este important de subliniat faptul că, în urma procesului de revizuire a Regulamentului UE privind lemnul din 2016, s-a concluzionat că punerea în aplicare a regulamentului și asigurarea respectării acestuia au fost incomplete.De asemenea, consider că garantarea drepturilor de proprietate funciară ale comunităților este primordială fiindcă permite reducerea despăduririlor și o gestionare mai durabilă a pădurilor.
Towards an EU external strategy against early and forced marriages (A8-0187/2018 - Charles Goerens)
Child marriages represent a clear violation of human rights, one that we must take active steps to abolish. The European Union, being as it is a Union of values, must take act not only to put an end to instances of child marriage within its own borders, but also to work with partner countries to stamp out this practice abroad. I voted in favour of this report because it exhorts the EU to take action, along with its partners, to ensure the tackling of this issue. This would include, among things, working to tackle the causes of child marriage, as well as ensuring the implementation of international human rights frameworks related to this matter. The abolition of child marriage is crucial to ensure a more just world based on human rights and gender equality.
The definition of SMEs (B8-0304/2018) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport întrucât reiterează importanța IMM-urilor, care reprezintă aproximativ 99 % din totalul întreprinderilor din UE. Întreprinderile mici și mijlocii reprezintă un instrument important în economia României, iar reevaluarea definiției IMM-urilor ar contribui la facilitarea creării de locuri de muncă de calitate. Acest raport subliniază clarificarea anumitor termeni și solicită actualizarea definiției, susținând oportunitățile de internaționalizare și competitivitatea internațională a IMM-urilor.
European Defence Industrial Development Programme (A8-0037/2018 - Françoise Grossetête)
. ‒ As global insecurity increases, and as new, hybrid threats appear and threaten our Union and our citizens, it is crucial that the European Union possesses the capacity and the means with which to defend itself. I voted in favour of this report because it builds upon the proposal of the Commission, and it will help ensure that Europe has a defence industry that is autonomous and competitive. More importantly, it will help us develop a defence industry that is better equipped to defend our citizens against emerging and existing threats. It is also of note that this report contains specific provisions regarding SMEs and innovation, which I believe to be very important to our defence sector. With the EDIDP, we will have a Europe that is better able to defend itself.
Measures to strengthen administrative cooperation in the field of value-added tax (A8-0215/2018 - Roberts Zīle) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că lupta împotriva fraudei în materie de TVA trebuie să fie una continuă, statele membre și autoritățile naționale și europene având nevoie de o mai bună colaborare și de mai multă claritate în legislație pentru a putea combate această problemă transnațională. Toate statele membre se confruntă cu această provocare și încearcă să își eficientizeze sistemele pentru a verifica și pentru a identifica situațiile de fraudă. Așadar, având în vedere caracterul transfrontalier al acestei probleme, o mai bună cooperare între instituțiile solicitante și cele solicitate și o mai mare claritate cu privire la atribuțiile Eurofisc sunt extrem de importante. În același timp, este necesar să găsim echilibrul între cererile de informații și analizarea acestora și dreptul la viață privată și protecția datelor. Consider că acest raport a reușit să sublinieze aceste lucruri și să aducă schimbările necesare identificării acestui echilibru.
Climate diplomacy (A8-0221/2018 - Arne Lietz, Jo Leinen) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport din proprie inițiativă deoarece consider că problema încălzirii globale este una care necesită toată atenția noastră, dacă dorim ca viitoarele generații să aibă o șansă de a repara daunele cauzate până în acest moment. De aceea, în completarea tuturor tratatelor și acordurilor internaționale semnate până acum, cum ar fi Acordul de la Paris, pentru care am luptat atât de mult și care are obiective atât de importante pentru noi toți, este important să dublăm acest efort prin diplomația pe care UE și statele membre o desfășoară. Toată munca depusă în UE pentru a reduce impactul asupra mediului și pentru a reduce emisiile de gaze cu efecte de seră sunt în zadar dacă acest lucru nu este sprijinit de o muncă diplomatică în toate forurile internaționale, pentru ca și alți actori internaționali să își înțeleagă și să își respecte angajamentele.
Decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations: Enforcement requirements and specific rules for posting drivers in the road transport sector (A8-0206/2018 - Merja Kyllönen) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport întrucât subliniază îmbunătățirea naturii echitabile și eficiența legislației rutiere existente și dorește să dezvolte responsabilitatea socială în domeniu. În momentul de față, actele legislative sunt interpretate în diverse moduri de statele membre, iar acest raport reiterează importanța predictibilității, a simplificării și armonizării juridice și a unui tratament egal al conductorilor auto prin o clarificare a actelor legislative.
Decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations: Amending Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 as regards on minimum requirements on maximum daily and weekly driving times, minimum breaks and daily and weekly rest periods and Regulation (EU) 165/2014 as regards positioning by means of tachographs (A8-0205/2018 - Wim van de Camp) RO
Am votat împotriva acestui raport deoarece consider că atât propunerile Comisiei Europene, cât și amendamentele votate în Comisia parlamentară pentru transport și turism, deși susțin că obiectivul acestei inițiative este de a încuraja concurența echitabilă și loială, în realitate conțin multe prevederi care afectează în mod direct activitatea companiilor de transport din anumite state, în mod special din România, Polonia și Bulgaria, și aduc avantaje companiilor din alte state membre. În acest sens, nu am putut susține un proiect legislativ care în fapt descurajează competiția pe o piață a serviciilor de transport pe care o dorim liberă și care aduce avantaje neloiale unor companii, în timp ce altele sunt în mod evident dezavantajate.
Objection to Commission delegated regulation amending delegated regulation (EU) 2017/118 establishing fisheries conservation measures for the protection of the marine environment in the North Sea (B8-0299/2018) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestei obiecții deoarece am considerat că regulamentul delegat propus de Comisia Europeană, deși prevede măsuri de conservare în domeniul pescuitului pentru protecția mediului marin în Marea Nordului, oferă o derogare interpretabilă cu privire la echipamentele de dragare și nu include prevederi pentru monitorizare și anulare în cazul nerespectării. În contextul în care Parlamentul European a votat pentru interzicerea pescuitului cu trauler electric, iar dosarul privind măsurile tehnice se află în negocieri în acest moment, adoptarea unui astfel de regulament delegat, care oferă posibilitatea utilizării traulerului electric, este inacceptabil.Asigurările oferite de guvernele statelor membre vizate că nu vor oferi licențe pentru acest tip de pescuit, deși Comisia Europeană a recunoscut că acest regulament ar oferi această posibilitate, nu sunt suficiente și consider că trebuie adoptate măsurile tehnice care vor explica foarte clar ce tip de echipamente vor putea fi folosite în viitor pentru toate vasele din UE.
Negotiations for a new EU-ACP Partnership Agreement (B8-0274/2018) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport întrucât acesta propune continuarea parteneriatului între Uniunea Europeană și grupul de țări din Africa, zona Caraibilor și Pacific. Acest raport reiterează importanța avansării către atingerea Obiectivelor de dezvoltare ale mileniului (ODM) și a dezvoltării durabile. În acest sens, este solicitată îmbunătățirea controlului în relația ACP-UE asupra programelor de dezvoltare regională.
Monitoring the application of EU law 2016 (A8-0197/2018 - Kostas Chrysogonos)
The transposition of European legislation into national law is a key aspect of our European democracy, and it ensures that the EU can truly benefit the lives of its citizens. The high number of infringement procedures against Member States over the correct transposition of EU legislation is indicative of a problem that must be solved. I voted in favour of this report because it clearly flags the areas where more work needs to be done to ensure the proper transposition of legislation and thereby the strengthening of the EU legal order.More transparency and efficiency, as well the inclusion of all relevant stakeholders, are key to ensuring that the process works. It is worth remembering that the proper transposition of EU legislation will enable Europe to properly resolve the issues facing us, such as climate change and gender inequality, and it is therefore in our collective interest to ensure it takes place.
Implementation of the remaining provisions of the Schengen acquis relating to the Schengen Information System in Bulgaria and Romania (A8-0192/2018 - Monica Macovei) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport întrucât reiterează aderarea imediată a României la spațiul Schengen. Raportul adoptat urmărește să elimine restricțiile rămase referitoare la utilizarea SIS de către România. Odată cu eliminarea acestora, România ar avea acces la datele din VIS în scopul consultării, sporind astfel nivelul de securitate în spațiul Schengen. Accesul la acest sistem va permite autorităților din România și Bulgaria să eficientizeze controalele și să ajute la lupta împotriva terorismului și a criminalității organizate.
Cohesion policy and the circular economy (A8-0184/2018 - Davor Škrlec) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că este în interesul nostru, al tuturor cetățenilor Uniunii Europene, ca strategia de dezvoltare a economiile noastre să fie una sustenabilă în viitor. În acest sens, trecerea de la o economie liniară, bazată pe extragere, fabricare și aruncare, la una circulară, în care resursele să fie refolosite ca materii prime pentru noi tipuri de afaceri, este esențială pentru un viitor sustenabil.Politica de coeziune este un factor extrem de important în dezvoltarea acestui tip de economie, deoarece această politică oferă libertatea necesară cooperării și utilizării fondurilor în baza deciziilor și strategiei locale. De asemenea, implicarea IMM-urilor în dezvoltarea acestui tip de economie circulară este un factor determinant, deoarece acestea cunosc specificul local și regional și pot dezvolta modele de afaceri potrivite pentru fiecare strategie și realitate în parte.
EU-NATO relations (A8-0188/2018 - Ioan Mircea Paşcu)
. ‒ In an environment where Europe faces a number of varied external threats, the cooperation between the EU and NATO is crucial to guaranteeing the protection of our citizens. I voted in favour of this report because it stresses the importance of this cooperation, while identifying a number of key areas in which cooperation can and should improve. These include, among other things, the need to increase cooperation between the two sides on strategic communication, as well as to enhance tactical and operational cooperation, as well as technological and industrial cooperation. The relationship between the EU and NATO should be one based on transparency and cooperation, focused on the creation of synergies and the avoidance of duplication, with a view to protecting our citizens from external threats.
Cyber defence (A8-0189/2018 - Urmas Paet)
. ‒ The increased digitalisation that marks life in the 21st century requires an equally increased focus on the security aspects that come with it. As such, cyber—defence is a topic of crucial concern, and one where more must be done to tackle the multiple and varied threats that exist in the cyber—domain. I voted in favour of this report because it clearly identifies the areas in which more must be done to improve cyber—defence. Among other things, it calls for an increase in cyber—defence capacities across the EU, including in the institutions. It also stresses the need to pay more attention to the cyber—defence aspect of CSDP missions, and for a more concerted effort on education and training to address the current lack of experts in the domain. Lastly, it stresses that PESCO can and should be used to strengthen our collective cyber—defence, and it calls for close and coordinated cooperation between the EU and NATO on this field.
Modernisation of education in the EU (A8-0173/2018 - Krystyna Łybacka)
The technological developments that mark the modern era are changes to which we must adapt. We must do so in every area of our lives, but particularly in the field of education, for it is here that the formation of our societies and of future generations takes place. I voted in favour of this report because it addresses the changes that need to be made in order to adapt our education systems to the modern era. Recognising the importance of education to our economy and the development of our society, the report identifies, among other things, the importance of improving the links between research and education, as well as of recognising non-formal and informal learning. The report also stresses the importance of equal access to quality inclusive education, and calls on Member States to take active steps in this regard.
Towards a sustainable and competitive European aquaculture sector (A8-0186/2018 - Carlos Iturgaiz) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că sectorul acvaculturii și pisciculturii din UE trebuie susținut și promovat mai activ, pentru a face față cererii în creștere de pe piața produselor de pescuit. Având în vedere că UE este cel mai mare importator de produse de pescuit din lume, cu o continuă creștere a consumului acestor produse, consider că piscicultura și acvacultura sustenabile din statele membre reprezintă unul dintre sectoarele cu un potențial de dezvoltare important. Din păcate, complexitatea regulamentelor, a avizelor și birocrația încetinesc și chiar blochează dezvoltarea și finanțarea acestui sector. Raportul de astăzi insistă asupra nevoii de simplificare a acestor proceduri, asupra importanței identificării unor soluții mai rapide pentru accesarea fondurilor europene și asupra campaniilor de promovare în rândul cetățenilor a produselor din pește. De asemenea, acest raport reamintește faptul că dezvoltarea sectorului acvaculturii și pisciculturii determină, în plus, susținerea economică a unor regiuni și comunități defavorizate. În plus, s-a observat faptul că piscicultura are potențialul de a atrage investiții, de a crea locuri de muncă și de a ajuta la dezvoltarea economică a unei regiuni, fără a avea un impact negativ asupra mediului.
Conformity of fisheries products with access criteria to the EU market (A8-0156/2018 - Linnéa Engström) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport de inițiativă deoarece consider că este foarte important ca produsele pescărești care ajung pe piața UE să provină din activități de pescuit corecte, cu standarde comparabile celor impuse flotelor Uniunii. Navele care pescuiesc sub pavilionul unui stat al UE sunt obligate să respecte un număr mare de reglementări privind sustenabilitatea, trasabilitatea, impactul scăzut asupra mediului, dreptul muncii, salarizarea, etc., toate acestea crescând costurile de operare.În acest context, pentru a asigura o competiție corectă pe piața UE, consider că standarde similare trebuie cerute și statelor care doresc să exporte produse pescărești pe piața UE. Desigur, nu putem impune aceleași standarde, dar putem cere ca produsele să aibă o trasabilitate completă, astfel încât să fim siguri că acestea nu provin din activități de pescuit INN (ilegal, nedeclarat și nereglementat).
The future of food and farming (A8-0178/2018 - Herbert Dorfmann) RO
Am decis să mă abțin în a vota acest raport întrucât acesta, deși propune o simplificarea și modernizarea PAC, puncte esențiale pentru implicarea cât mai multor persoane în domeniul agriculturii și pentru sprijinirea agriculturii sustenabile, acesta propune și o reducere a fondurilor pe agricultură, introduce condiționalități noi, pe care le consider a fi defavorabile în contextul actual. Reducerea acestor fonduri este, în opinia mea, o greșeală, deoarece va afecta statele în dezvoltare și agricultura din aceste state membre, printre care și România.
2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework and own resources (B8-0239/2018, B8-0240/2018, B8-0241/2018) RO
Am decis să mă abțin de la votul pentru rezoluția privind cadrul financiar multianual 2021-2027 și resursele proprii, deoarece consider că, deși acest text subliniază anumite evoluții și aspecte importante ale viitorului cadru financiar multianual, nu pot susține prevederile conform cărora acordarea fondurilor europene ar putea fi legată de valorile consacrate în articolul 2 din TUE.Consider că a condiționa fondurile europene în baza valorilor statului de drept este o încălcare a tratelor Uniunii Europene ce poate duce la abuzuri. De asemenea, consider că pedepsirea cetățenilor unui stat prin restricționarea fondurilor pe care le pot accesa, din cauza unor decizii pe care le adoptă sau nu le adoptă un guvern, este o abordare greșită și periculoasă cu posibile implicații sociale, economice și politice foarte grave.
Annual Report on the functioning of the Schengen area (A8-0160/2018 - Carlos Coelho) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport întrucât acesta reiterează foarte clar toate eforturile depuse de România pentru o aderare imediată la spațiul Schengen. Orice amânare în acest sens este o adevărată discriminare față de cetățenii români, cetățeni europeni, și este absolut nejustificabilă, având în vedere că toate criteriile pentru aderarea la spațiul Schengen au fost și sunt îndeplinite, fapt recunoscut și de raportul adoptat astăzi.
Minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime (A8-0168/2018 - Teresa Jiménez-Becerril Barrio, Angelika Mlinar)
With millions of instances of crimes taking place every year, an adequate framework must be in place to tackle this issue and to ensure that the victims of these crimes are adequately supported. I have voted in favour of this report because it represents a thorough assessment of the implementation of the relevant Commission directive, all the while flagging areas where more still needs to be done to ensure that victims of crime are supported. It outlines, for example, issues that currently undermine the directive, such as awareness-raising measures, financial support for service provision, as well as discrepancies and lack of coordination between Member States. All of this must be addressed in order to ensure the appropriate implementation of the directive, and thereby help those in need.
Annual report on the implementation of the Common Commercial Policy (A8-0166/2018 - Tokia Saïfi)
The changing international situation with relation to trade, the increase in protectionist policies by some countries, the rise of Asia and the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union are all phenomena which must be met with the appropriate response from the European Union, particularly in the context of the Common Commercial Policy.I voted in favour of this report because it not only represents a comprehensive assessment of the implementation of the Policy, but it also indicates crucial areas where improvements need to be made. Ensuring reciprocity and a level playing field in our trade policy, as well as ensuring that trade benefits all our citizens and that SMEs are not left behind, are issues that must be taken into account.
Fishing mortality ranges and safeguard levels for certain herring stocks in the Baltic Sea (A8-0149/2018 - Alain Cadec) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport, necesar în vederea adaptării planului multianual pentru Marea Baltică la noile avize științifice. Conform politicii comune în domeniul pescuitului (PCP), planurile multianuale au ca obiectiv atingerea producției maxime durabile pentru toate stocurile de pește. În cazul Mării Baltice, având în vedere că noile date științifice arată o schimbare a stocurilor și o fuziune a celor două stocuri de hering, cercetătorii au fost nevoiți să schimbe predicțiile privind evoluția acestora. În acest context, obiectivele de pescuit înscrise în planul multianual pentru Marea Baltică trebuie adaptate noilor date, în vederea atingerii obiectivelor înscrise în PCP.
Optimisation of the value chain in the EU fishing sector (A8-0163/2018 - Clara Eugenia Aguilera García) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport de inițiativă deoarece lanțul valoric în sectorul pescuitului din UE trebuie analizat și optimizat astfel încât cea mai mare parte a valorilor economice generate să fie păstrate de către pescarii și prelucrătorii din comunitățile locale.În contextul în care UE este cel mai mare comerciant de produse pescărești din lume, iar debarcările au atins cel mai mare nivel din ultimii șapte ani, este esențial ca pescarii și comunitățile pescărești să păstreze cea mai mare parte a valorilor generate, în mod contrar acestea având de suferit din punct de vedere economic, în opoziție cu creșterea volumelor debarcate și a cererii de pe piață.
Multiannual plan for demersal stocks in the North Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks (A8-0263/2017 - Ulrike Rodust) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului privind planul multianual pentru stocurile demersale din Marea Nordului, deoarece acestea fac parte din politica comună în domeniul pescuitului (PCP), fiind unul dintre instrumentele esențiale de gestionare a stocurilor.Este nevoie ca diferite instrumente de gestionare a stocurilor să fie adoptate în vederea protejării cantităților de pește disponibile și pentru asigurarea unei exploatări sustenabile în viitor. Aceste instrumente trebuie, de asemenea, adaptate specificului fiecăreia dintre regiuni și stocurilor vizate. În acest context, planul multianual pentru Marea Nordului este unul foarte asemănător celui din Marea Baltică și asigură o gestionare complexă a volumelor de pește disponibil care interacționează și sunt interdependente în această regiune.
Presidential elections in Venezuela (B8-0225/2018)
. ‒ The current political, social and economic situation in Venezuela is of great concern. I voted in favour of this resolution because the European Union cannot stand by idly in this situation. The report clearly states that the EU cannot accept the decision to hold early presidential elections due to the many irregularities that exist, not least of which is the banning and imprisonment of political opponents. Any elections that take place must meet the OAS criteria. The report also underlined the dire economic situation that is currently being felt in the country, and calls on the government and the opposition, along with international financial institutions, to carve out a macroeconomic stabilisation plan. Solving Venezuela’s economic and political woes will go a long way to fixing the dire situation in which Venezuela’s citizens find themselves.
Cohesion policy and thematic objective ‘promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures’ (A8-0136/2018 - Andrey Novakov)
. ‒ The transport sector is vital to the lives of all European citizens, and so the actions taken by the European Union to improve this sector are actions that have a positive impact on the lives of our citizens. I voted in favour of this report because it evaluates what has already been done through cohesion policy in terms of transport infrastructure investment, and points the way forward. It is important that the divergence gaps that still exist within the EU between Member States be closed, and that European citizens across our Union can have access to a good standard level of transportation. Future projects should seek to solve these problems, and do so, importantly, in a manner conducive to the achievement of our goals to reduce CO2.
Media pluralism and media freedom in the European Union (A8-0144/2018 - Barbara Spinelli)
. ‒ Freedom of expression and a free and pluralistic media form one of the basic building blocks of our European democracies. We must therefore ensure that this freedom and, by extension, our journalists are protected from those who wish to curtail it.I voted in favour of this report because it calls for action to be taken with regard to the various attempts to infringe on media freedom in Europe and abroad. Member States must ensure that they promote and protect media freedom and plurality, and should further develop policies to give their citizens access to information. The report, while flagging up a number of issues that have arisen with the development of the media and the digital environment, proposes measures in this area, particularly referencing a response to fake news.
Prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing (A8-0056/2017 - Krišjānis Kariņš, Judith Sargentini)
. ‒ One of the most effective ways to tackle money laundering or terrorist financing is to pass measures aimed at ensuring that the financial system does not facilitate such activities. I voted in favour of this report for this reason exactly. This report calls not only for a more transparent and comprehensive legal framework to tackle issues of money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities, but it also proposes a number of other measures to this end. This includes tackling organised crime, which is closely linked to the financing of terrorism, and closer cooperation with third countries on the matter. It is only by having a stronger and more transparent system in place, and in working more closely with our partners, that we will be able effectively to tackle these issues.
Organic production and labelling of organic products (A8-0311/2015 - Martin Häusling)
. ‒ When a market grows, it is important that legislation keeps up so as to ensure that irregularities do not take place, and that any issues that do appear are adequately addressed. I voted in favour of this report because it responds to the growth that we have witnessed in the market for organic foods, and ensures that an adequate system is in place to deal with what arises as a result. It is important, for example, that issues of control and missing data collection are addressed, and that communication between the Member States and the EU on this issue are improved. It is also important that we have a simplified and understandable regulatory framework, so that it does not represent a barrier to our producers. This report addresses these very important issues.
Protection of investigative journalists in Europe: the case of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová (B8-0186/2018)
A free and independent media is widely regarded as a central pillar for a functioning democracy. The media relies on the right of information and freedom of expression, and it works to protect all other fundamental freedoms. I believe that the murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his partner Martina Kušnírová was an egregious attack on the freedom of information and the rule of law, as this was the second murder of a journalist investigating the Panama Papers in the EU. I voted in favour of this motion as a fair and independent investigation into their murders should take place with all the resources necessary. In addition, this case points to the broader need to safeguard media pluralism. The media should be protected from the abuse of power and control from political bodies, individuals, or businesses in order to inform and protect the public.
Annual Report on Competition Policy (A8-0049/2018 - Ramon Tremosa i Balcells) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că o piață concurențială corectă este extrem de importantă pentru dezvoltarea sănătoasă a economiilor statelor membre și a Uniunii Europene în ansamblul acesteia. De asemenea, consider că este esențial să continuăm să sprijinim și să asigurăm independența autorităților naționale de concurență și a Comisiei Europene pentru ca acestea să poată continua să definească normele UE în domeniul concurenței. Acest lucru este esențial pentru piața unică europeană, pentru toți cetățenii UE și pentru toate firmele aflate în concurență.
Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism (A8-0131/2018 - Helga Stevens)
. ‒ In the face of the mounting number of threats to our societies, it is now more than ever imperative to take active steps to ensure that our citizens can lead their lives free from the scourge of terrorism. I voted in favour of this recommendation because it represents a step in the direction of greater protection for our citizens. While pushing for greater collaboration with third countries on this issue – something which is vital for stamping out terrorism – it also addresses more specific aspects of the problem, such as stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters to conflict zones. It also criminalises a number of acts, such as participating in groups related to terrorism, or facilitating such acts. With this in place, we are working to make our societies safer.
EU-Mauritius Fisheries Partnership Agreement: fishing opportunities and financial contribution (A8-0053/2018 - Norica Nicolai) RO
Ca raportor pe acest dosar am considerat că Acordul de parteneriat în domeniul pescuitului dintre UE și Republica Mauritius este unul echitabil pentru ambele părți. Este important pentru vasele statelor membre UE să poată obține licențe de pescuit din partea Republicii Mauritius, deoarece acestea pescuiesc în zonele adiacente acesteia. În acest sens, Acordul prevede ca UE să plătească 2,3 milioane de euro pentru 40 de licențe pentru bărci pentru ton și 45 de licențe pentru paragate și o limită a capturilor de 4 000 de tone de ton. O parte importantă a acestor fonduri va fi plătită exclusiv pentru dezvoltarea industriei de pescuit din Mauritius și îmbunătățirea capacității autorităților de a lupta împotriva pescuitului INN.
Energy performance of buildings (A8-0314/2017 - Bendt Bendtsen) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că îmbunătățirea eficienței energetice a clădirilor este un aspect important pentru viitorul Uniunii, atât din perspectiva securității energetice, cât și din perspectiva decarbonizării. În acest sens, consider că este important să ne asigurăm că noile construcții sunt proiectate și construite astfel încât să fie cât mai eficiente energetic și să aibă un impact cât mai mic asupra mediului. De asemenea, strategiile naționale privind renovarea locuințelor trebuie să continue și să fie finanțate în mod adecvat pentru a ridica performanțele energetice ale clădirilor vechi.
Empowering women and girls through the digital sector (B8-0183/2018)
As our society continues to rely on communication and information technologies, digital skills can greatly contribute to a more equal distribution of wealth and knowledge along gender lines. Compared with men, however, women engage in online services, markets, and business at lower rates around the world. I voted in favour of this motion to promote the participation of women in the digital world, which grants access to educational, labour, and even political opportunities. On the one hand, the European Union and Member States can cooperate to improve early digital education so that it is inclusive for girls, and to encourage women to study STEM fields. Just as importantly, training and education in e-skills should be available for women over the age of 55, women who are caregivers, and those who are re-entering the labour force, so that they can have equal access to, and opportunities in, the digitalised market.
Europass: framework for skills and qualifications (A8-0244/2017 - Thomas Mann, Svetoslav Hristov Malinov)
One of the great benefits that the European Union has brought to its citizens is the opening of borders so that citizens from across the Union can work freely in other EU Member States. For such a system to work properly, a framework needs to be put in place so that qualifications and skills are properly displayed and recognised in all Member States. I voted in favour of this resolution because the Europass system, properly adjusted, can do just that. Aside from improving the available framework, the resolution also calls for people who currently do not have access to the system to be given such access, and for the system to be adapted to the new training realities such as non-formal and informal learning.
Creative Europe Programme (2014 to 2020) (A8-0369/2017 - Silvia Costa)
Culture and cultural exchange are one of the glues that bind the European Union together. It is by encouraging cultural exchanges across borders that we can build a common and sustainable future for all Europeans. I voted in favour of this resolution because it is based on that fundamental principle, exemplified by the important work done by projects such as the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO). The resolution emphasises the importance of further supporting the EUYO through, for example, the Creative Europe programme, while at the same time calling for the project to find funding beyond the EU, given that this is the key to the sustainability not only of this specific project, but of cultural projects as a whole.
Location of the seat of the European Medicines Agency (A8-0063/2018 - Giovanni La Via)
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is responsible for overseeing the safety standards for medicines within the Union. Regrettably, the European Parliament was not properly consulted regarding the relocation of the agency from the UK to the Netherlands. I voted in favour of this report because in the future the procedure followed to find a new location for decentralised agencies, such as the EMA, must be reformed. The European Parliament must be closely involved in decisions regarding the location and relocation of agencies as a co-legislator under the ordinary legislative procedure. Furthermore, the relocation of the EMA continues the disparity between new and old Member States regarding the number of decentralised agencies within their borders.
Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (A8-0051/2018 - Alain Lamassoure)
A Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB) would move the European Union forward in implementing a true internal market and in fighting tax avoidance. A CCCTB would allow businesses to offset their losses in one Member State against profits in another Member State. I voted in favour of this report as a consolidated tax base would make it simpler and cheaper for businesses to operate within the European Union as well as increasing tax transparency. For taxes in individual Member States, consolidation would mean tax profits being shared among Member States where the company is active, yet a few considerations must be kept in mind. A CCCTB should be introduced at the same time as a common corporate tax rules are implemented to avoid confusion and increase effectiveness. Also, digital business and commercial value and personal data must be taken into account when finalising a CCCTB as the value created from these activities should be used to benefit the citizens of the countries where companies operate, especially in an increasingly globalised and digitalised world.
Common Corporate Tax Base (A8-0050/2018 - Paul Tang)
A Common Corporate Tax Base (CCTB) would create a set of rules for businesses to follow while ensuring the tax framework keeps up with the new technologies and business models of the 21st century. I voted in favour of this report because a CCTB would provide a fairer, more integrated market and serve as a tool to fight tax evasion and aggressive tax planning. The new CCTB must observe the role that the digital world plays in business, as a company can be active with their physical presence in a specific Member State. Clearly defining the concept of digital presence would strengthen the CCTB and avoid tax evasion. In addition, the Common Corporate Tax Base cannot exist without its partner legislation, the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB). Their relationship should be strengthened at institutional level and their implementation aligned by 2020. Finally, the principle of a minimum rate should be introduced into the CCTB to avoid the disparities between the tax rates for multinationals and small and medium-sized businesses.
Guidelines for the 2019 budget - Section III (A8-0062/2018 - Daniele Viotti)
The 2019 Union budget is especially important as it will be negotiated by the current parliament in parallel with the negotiations on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF). I voted in favour of this report because it sets important budgetary priorities for the parliament. The 2019 budget should focus on the creation of jobs and combating youth unemployment through educational and vocational training programmes as well as investment in innovation and infrastructure. On the topic of youth education, the Erasmus+ budget should be increased as it has continuously demonstrated its effectiveness in promoting European values and improving mobility within Member States. Finally, the continued economic growth of past years cannot continue without support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by enabling innovation and providing a competitive market environment through the funding of programmes like Horizon 2020 and the EU programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises(COSME).
Guidelines on the framework of future EU-UK relations (B8-0134/2018, B8-0135/2018)
Brexit is, and will continue to be, one of the most important issues facing Europe today. It is important not only because it will reshape relations between the Union and a soon-to-be former member state, but because this change will affect the lives of millions of citizens both in the EU and in the UK. I have voted in favour of this motion because not only does it clearly set out the framework within which future EU-UK relations are to be built, a framework strongly rooted in our European values, but also because it clearly stands up for the rights of EU citizens in the UK and for UK citizens in the EU. This motion clearly calls for more to be done on those issues that relate to citizens’ rights that remain outstanding, the resolution of which we must continue to push for.
Reform of the European Union’s system of own resources (A8-0041/2018 - Gérard Deprez, Janusz Lewandowski)
The added value that the European Union can bring to the lives of its citizens is intricately linked to the amount of resources it has at its disposal. The current system of Union resources, however, is by its nature problematic and must be reformed. I voted in favour of this report because it is crucial that the EU be given a system of own resources, one that is simple, transparent and democratic, and one that is not hostage to political and ideological considerations at a national level. This new system of own resources, which will emanate from such potential sources as VAT, corporate income tax and environmental taxes and levies will equip the Union with the necessary resources to truly work on improving the lives of citizens.
EU guarantee to the European Investment Bank against losses under financing operations supporting investment projects outside the Union (A8-0135/2017 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
The work of the European Investment Bank is vital to supporting integration and development in the Union and across the world. I voted for this report because it ensures that the EIB’s work continues to be of significance by aligning the EIB’s External Lending Mandate to a number of vital issues at home and abroad. It is important, for example, that more focus is placed on solving the root causes of migration, an area where the EIB can have significant positive impact. It is also key to take active steps to meet the sustainable development goals, and to address climate change, and here as well the EIB can contribute positively. An adjustment of the ELM, as called for in this report, will lead to the EIB having a greater positive impact outside the borders of the EU.
Annual report on the financial activities of the European Investment Bank (A8-0013/2018 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
The European Investment Bank has now, more than ever, in light of the recent economic crisis and the lagging public investment that still exists in many parts of the European Union, an important role to play to ensure the integration and development of our Union. I voted for the report because it recognises the many successes of the EIB, while at the same time calling for greater attention to be paid to those regions where public investment is low. It also calls for better communication of opportunities to SMEs, and for an investigation into the reasons as to why the majority of EIB investment goes into the five largest economies of the EU. European integration cannot successfully occur if the large disparities between Member States persist, and if the body that has been created to do away with them, only deepens them.
Current human rights situation in Turkey (B8-0079/2018, RC-B8-0082/2018, B8-0082/2018, B8-0084/2018, B8-0091/2018, B8-0092/2018, B8-0095/2018, B8-0097/2018, B8-0103/2018)
The European institutions deeply condemned the attempted coup against the Turkish Government on July of 2016. Yet, the government of Turkey has failed to lift the state of emergency enacted following the attempted coup, extending these measures beyond any necessary means to maintain national security. I voted in favor of this resolution because of the continued violation of human rights, the rule of law, democratic structures, and the right to a fair trial in the name of security. The government’s actions against opposition members of parliament by unconstitutionally waiving their immunity and prosecuting ten of them are unacceptable. The violent and arbitrary crackdown on political dissent is extremely troubling through forced closures of media and civil society organisations as well as the detention and prosecution of tens of thousands of civilians exercising their freedom of expression. The government in Ankara must end its repressive practices and work toward improving the lives of all its citizens.
Situation in Venezuela (RC-B8-0078/2018, B8-0078/2018, B8-0080/2018, B8-0081/2018, B8-0083/2018, B8-0087/2018, B8-0094/2018)
The political crisis in Venezuela continues to worsen with the recent decision of the National Constituent Assembly, a body not recognised internationally nor by the European Union, to call early elections. These actions completely disregard the Santo Domingo talk between the Venezuelan Government and the opposition, setting back any of the progress accomplished. I voted in favor of this resolution to support efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela. Elections must include all relevant actors and political parties by lifting the bans imposed on opposition candidates and parties and by ensuring the National Electoral Council remains impartial. In addition, the National Assembly must return to be the only legal parliament, with its full authority restored. Finally, the Venezuelan Government needs to allow humanitarian aid to reach its people and admit to the growing humanitarian crisis its citizens are enduring.
Composition of the European Parliament (A8-0007/2018 - Danuta Maria Hübner, Pedro Silva Pereira) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece era extrem de important să decidem cu privire la viitoarea componență a Parlamentului European, în condițiile în care, în urma ieșirii Marii Britanii din Uniune, va exista un număr de 73 de locuri de europarlamentari vacante în plenul Parlamentului European. În acest context, am susținut redistribuirea unui număr de 27 de locuri către statele membre care au pierdut din numărul de europarlamentari în urma intrării Croației în Uniune, printre care și România care va avea din nou 33 de europarlamentari. În acest fel, toate statele vor fi reprezentate în conformitate cu principiul proporționalității degresive și va exista și o reducere a numărului de europarlamentari, cel puțin pentru perioada 2019-2024, existând un număr de 46 de locuri libere ce vor putea fi folosite în cazul în care un nou stat va adera la Uniunea Europeană.
Revision of the Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission (A8-0006/2018 - Esteban González Pons)
The strengthening of European democracy should be, now more than ever, a key goal for European lawmakers. Recent development in our Union’s development have underlined the great need to close the gap between our citizens and their representatives. This is why I voted in favour of this report, where we reiterate the importance of the ‘Spitzenkandidaten’ process in the choosing the President of the Commission. It is important that the selection of the Commission President is done in conformity with the results of the European elections. In addition, this report welcomes the completion of the revision of the Code of Conduct for Members of the European Commission, done in accordance with the standards of transparency, impartiality and accountability required by our citizens.
Zero tolerance for female genital mutilation (B8-0068/2018)
. ‒ Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a violent and harmful practice that leads to pain and even death for millions of women and girls. While the percentage of women undergoing FGM has decreased in recent years, the number of women subjected to the practice is still a matter of great concern.I voted in favour of this motion, as it is necessary for Parliament to demonstrate its determination in the fight against gender-based violence as well as all other types of violence. As outlined in the motion, a successful campaign against FGM must involve local community and religious leaders as well as properly funded civil society groups working on the ground in countries where FGM is practised.The fight against FGM requires society to promote women’s equality in education, healthcare and the workplace, and in relation to reproductive rights, in order to eliminate the root causes of this damaging practice.
European Central Bank Annual Report for 2016 (A8-0383/2017 - Jonás Fernández)
As one of the seven institutions of the European Union, the European Central Bank (ECB) plays an integral role in maintaining financial stability and ensuring continued growth. The ECB, however, must remain accountable to the European Parliament and the citizens it represents. I voted in favour of this report as it outlines specific and detailed requests for further transparency. For instance, the disclosure of non-marketable assets and asset-backed securities adopted by central banks would increase the ability of the Parliament to assess the ECB’s performance. Further transparency on schemes such as the bank’s corporate sector purchase programme would increase the accountability of the ECB to the public. An increase in communication between the ECB, other European institutions, and the public will benefit the reputation of the institution as well as promote cooperation between Member States and their banks.
Implementation of the directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography (A8-0368/2017 - Anna Maria Corazza Bildt)
Sexual abuse and exploitation of children and child pornography remain a problem in current times and active steps need to be taken, particularly by the Member States and the Commission, to solve it. I voted for this report because it calls for the full and proper implementation of the aforementioned directive, including it transposition into national law, which will ensure that these crimes are properly dealt with. This remains a timely and ever-evolving issue, particularly in light of the new challenges brought about through the internet. Member States must ensure that they are properly equipped with the means to fight the abuse and exploitation of children in all its forms, with a focus both on prevention and on the assistance and protection of victims.
A European Strategy for Low-Emission Mobility (A8-0356/2017 - Bas Eickhout)
Man-made climate change remains one of the biggest challenges we face in modern times, and one which we must take active steps to meet and solve. One of the ways to do this is to emphasise and promote a shift towards low-emission mobility. I have voted in favour of this resolution because it sets out a strategy for this shift, one which is both ambitious and realistic, taking into account not only the needs of the environment but also of the people, as exemplified by its support for cross-border cooperation in the Black Sea region, as well as for the use of EIB funds where needed to help in the transition for ship owners. It is a strategy which rightly calls for the harnessing and development of new technology, with a focus on optimisation and efficiency, and more importantly on the empowerment of citizens, recognising that this shift cannot take place without their active involvement.
State of play of negotiations with the United Kingdom (B8-0676/2017, B8-0677/2017)
The ongoing negotiations surrounding the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union are of great importance, particularly to the around 3 million EU citizens who reside in the UK and the 1 million UK citizens who reside in the EU. It is for precisely this reason that the issue of citizens’ rights has been at the forefront of negotiations thus far. I have voted in favour of this motion because satisfactory progress has been made on this issue, particularly with guarantees from UK authorities as to the protections of citizens’ rights post-withdrawal, but with the notion, as stated in the motion, that more must be done to ensure the full reciprocal protection of these rights. These guarantees will help Romanian citizens to continue to work and live in the UK and I hope that the final form of this negotiation process will ensure and protect all the rights Romanians have as EU citizens.
Draft recommendation following the inquiry on money laundering, tax avoidance and tax evasion (B8-0660/2017) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece Uniunea Europeană trebuie să își intensifice preocupările și eforturile în combaterea fraudei și eludării fiscale, două practici ce generează fenomenul spălării de bani, atât de nociv bugetelor și economiilor statelor membre. Întrucât scandalul documentelor din Panama a dezvăluit publicului larg la ce stratageme apelează unele corporații pentru a-și ascunde banii de la plata taxelor cuvenite, raportul de astăzi stabilește o bază de plecare pentru măsurile necesare în scopul combaterii și prevenirii acestui fenomen.Consider de bun simț ca aceste măsuri să fie implementate unanim și neechivoc de toate statele membre, dar și de către toate instituțiile europene; altfel, eforturile mimate sau parțiale nu vor fi suficiente și aceste practici la limita legalității vor lua alte forme.
Annual report on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy (A8-0351/2017 - Michael Gahler)
Ever since the inception of the European project, common security and defence has been on the mind of Europe, but it has remained for many reasons out of our reach. The changing international situation, with an increasingly aggressive Russia and a US and UK that are redefining their position on the global stage, the EU needs to step up and take active steps to ensure the security of its citizens. I have voted for this report exactly for this reason. More needs to be done to improve the overall structure of the CSDP, and to ensure that initiatives such as PESCO are adequately funded, and that CSDP missions are adequately staffed. This development should take place without shirking our transatlantic partnership, which remains of vital importance to the EU.
Annual report on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (A8-0350/2017 - David McAllister)
The changing international scene is urging the EU to become a serious global player that takes active steps to help stabilise its neighbourhood and promotes its values worldwide. I voted in favour of this report because it underlined just that. It sets out three key milestones for EU CFSP: coordinated assessment of threats, enhanced EU capabilities, and cooperation with coalitions and institutions to deliver security.The report outlines our priorities across the key global areas, and places emphasis on the comprehensive approach, which has already proved a success of EU foreign policy. It stresses, in addition, the need to strengthen our cybersecurity and to fight against the spread of fake news, all the while calling for a strengthening of our transatlantic alliance.
Annual report on human rights and democracy in the world 2016 and the EU policy on the matter (A8-0365/2017 - Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că una dintre politicile primordiale ale Uniunii Europene trebuie să continue să fie promovarea și protejarea drepturilor omului atât în statele membre, cât și în restul lumii, în cadrul relațiilor bilaterale și multilaterale întreținute de Uniune.Respectarea dreptului la libertatea de exprimare și a celui privind identitatea religioasă este o misiune foarte importantă pentru Uniune, cu atât mai mult cu cât ele sunt amenințate din ce în ce mai des la nivel mondial.De asemenea, doresc să îmi exprim susținerea pentru ideea expusă în document, potrivit căreia cei care au luptat pentru gruparea teroristă Daesh să fie urmăriți penal și condamnați pentru uciderea sistemică a creștinilor, a yazidiților și a altor persoane reprezentând minoritățile religioase.
Sustainable management of external fishing fleets (A8-0374/2017 - Linnéa Engström) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece acest document finalizează procesul de adoptare a regulamentului privind gestionarea sustenabilă a flotelor de pescuit externe ale UE. Noul regulament este necesar funcționării flotelor europene ce își desfășoară activitatea în apele internaționale sau în zonele exclusive ale unor state terțe. Procesul de eliberare și gestionare a autorizațiilor pentru aceste vase trebuie să fie unul transparent și armonizat la nivelul întregii Uniuni, pentru a asigura o competiție loială și o piață liberă, așa cum stabilește noua formă a reglementării. De asemenea, adoptarea acestui nou regulament ajută la o mai bună monitorizare și o mai bună aplicare a PCP.
Activities of the European Ombudsman in 2016 (A8-0328/2017 - Marlene Mizzi) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece el aprobă activitatea Ombudsmanului European din anul 2016, subliniază importanța acestei instituții și activitatea întreprinsă de doamna Emily O’Reilly, atrăgând în același timp atenția cu privire la nevoia de eficientizare a timpului de soluționare a cererilor, fără a pierde din vedere calitatea activității. Raportul Ombudsmanului pentru activitatea din 2016 arată că a existat un număr considerabil de sesizări și petiții primite de instituție. Faptul că acestea au fost rezolvate în totalitate în anul 2016, majoritatea într-o perioadă de 10 luni, foarte puține dintre acestea necesitând o perioadă de 12 luni, demonstrează utilitatea acestei instituții și creșterea încrederii cetățenilor europeni în ea. De asemenea, doresc să subliniez importanța acordată de Ombudsmanul European transparenței și accesului public la informații și la documente, cele mai multe plângeri fiind făcute în acest sens. Acest lucru îndeamnă toate instituțiile UE, dar și autoritățile naționale, să își îmbunătățească comunicarea și transparența. De asemenea, doresc să salut buna colaborare dintre instituția Ombudsmanului European și Comisia parlamentară pentru petiții.
Environmental Implementation Review (EIR) (B8-0590/2017) RO
Am susținut prin vot acest raport deoarece consider că inițiativa Comisiei Europene de a introduce o evaluare privind punerea în aplicare a politicii de mediu (EIR) constituie un pas important în vederea atingerii obiectivelor UE în acest domeniu. Eficiența implementării diferitelor politici de mediu de către autoritățile statelor membre nu este una încurajatoare, deși, la nivelul Uniunii, avem o legislație de mediu foarte ambițioasă. În acest sens, Comisiei Europene i-a fost solicitat în mai multe rânduri să joace un rol mai activ în implementare prin îndrumarea, monitorizarea și sprijinirea autorităților din statele membre. Acest instrument de evaluare va ajuta Comisia Europeană și autoritățile să cunoască mai bine unde apar problemele de implementare și să crească susținerea politică necesară urgentării aplicării politicilor europene. Consider că acest instrument va crește eficiența la nivel european și astfel va ajuta la atingerea obiectivelor de mediu stabilite prin acordurile încheiate.
Combating inequalities as a lever to boost job creation and growth (A8-0340/2017 - Javi López)
Inequality, both in terms of income level and of opportunity, remains a big problem in the European Union, and it has since been aggravated by the financial crisis. Geographically, the inequality between the different regions of Europe remains huge. Demographically, there are particularly vulnerable groups that have not been adequately protected. I voted for this motion because, among other things, it calls for Member States, who are responsible for social policy, to ensure that vulnerable groups are not discriminated against. It also calls for the strengthening of the Youth Employment Initiative and of the Youth Guarantee, which are crucial as the youth have been most hard hit by the crisis. Finally, it is also important that it stresses the need for investment to be channelled to territorial cohesion. It is crucial that the EU and the Member States work hard to make the Union work for all our citizens, and this motion is a step in that direction.
Rule of law in Malta (B8-0596/2017, B8-0597/2017) RO
M-am abținut de la votul pe rezoluția referitoare la statul de drept din Malta deoarece consider primordială respectarea capacității de decizie și de acțiune a statelor membre în cazuri punctuale, cum este cel de față. Asasinarea jurnalistei Daphne Caruana Galizia este o adevărată tragedie și este șocant că încă mai avem jurnaliști omorâți în Uniunea Europeană, de aceea autorii acestei crime trebuie aduși în fața justiției în urma efectuării unei anchete profesioniste de către autoritățile competente, fără presiuni și ingerințe dinspre Bruxelles. Consider că trebuie să avem încredere în sistemele de justiție din statele membre, să nu ne lăsăm influențați de speculații, punând rapid etichete de corupție sau crimă organizată generalizată în documentele noastre oficiale fără a cunoaște mai bine un eveniment și circumstanțele care au dus la producerea lui.
Multilateral negotiations in view of the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference (B8-0593/2017)
In current times, as protectionism and unilateralism seem to be gaining ground in various places across the world, it is crucial to stand up not only for multilateralism, but also for international free trade, which brings with it many benefits to our societies. This is best done by supporting and enhancing the work of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). It is for this reason that I voted for this motion. It is of critical importance that we continue to promote a rules-based international trading system, to ensure that trading activities are truly beneficial to our societies, and that these rules be adapted to the ever changing reality of the world. Finally, it is crucial that a final meaningful declaration is reached at the upcoming Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires.
Action Plan for nature, people and the economy (B8-0589/2017)
This resolution reiterates the necessity of continued effort and progress in working to prevent and reverse the loss of biodiversity in Europe. The resolution urges actors, including Member States, the Commission, and actors at national, regional, and local levels, to place greater political precedence on preserving biodiversity. I support this resolution, because it emphasizes the importance of protecting shared natural environments in Europe for economic sectors and well-being, while simultaneously highlighting the need for concrete initiatives and enhancing links with other EU policies, like the CAP, to improve conservation. In doing so, this resolution effectively addresses the need for support of sustainable development of habitat management and conservation, green infrastructure, and monetary tools for agriculture, as well as, rural, and regional development. Ultimately, the resolution approaches the biodiversity conservation goals and policies subjectively and emphasises vital need of improvements to all biodiversity strategies.
The situation of the rule of law and democracy in Poland (B8-0594/2017, B8-0595/2017) RO
Am decis să mă abțin de la votul pe această rezoluție, deoarece consider că Parlamentul European trebuie să își respecte competențele atribuite prin tratate și să nu intervină în disputele politice interne ale unui stat membru. Desigur, susțin principiile Uniunii exprimate în această rezoluție și mereu voi susține principiile statului de drept.În același timp, așa cum am susținut și în cazul României, atunci când instituțiile europene au fost influențate să intervină în disputele politice și în procesul democratic din țara noastră, nu mereu pe înțelesul tuturor, susțin și de această dată că astfel de intervenții sunt ingerințe menite să influențeze deciziile interne ale unui stat membru, iar ele sunt absolut inacceptabile și împotriva tratatelor.Știm foarte bine, din experiențele avute, că inclusiv o astfel de rezoluție, care de altfel reiterează și reamintește valorile pe care se bazează UE, poate și este folosită ca armă politică în disputele pentru putere între partidele politice dintr-o țară. Astfel, am decis să mă abțin de la a vota un document ce depășește competențele acestei instituții și ce poate fi folosit partizan, pentru a legitima un anumit mesaj politic în lupta internă dintr-un stat membru.
Saving lives: boosting car safety in the EU (A8-0330/2017 - Dieter-Lebrecht Koch)
This resolution highlights the need for continued improvement of Europe’s roads to enhance safety, specifically by calling on Member States to apply safety mechanisms at three levels: the vehicle, infrastructure, and driver. By effectively implementing safety measures, like the separation of transport modes, increased checks on road traffic, and the installation of driver assistance systems, Member States are able to actively work towards reducing transport fatalities. I support this resolution, because it holistically addresses the need for improved road safety, as well as all the subsequent benefits in development and citizen welfare. It is very important that we continue to actively work towards reducing the road accidents throughout the EU and that we do everything we can to reduce the number of victims and fatalities on our roads. This is a goal for the whole EU and we need to evolve as a vision for the future of increased European prosperity and road transportation safety.
Territorial typologies (A8-0231/2017 - Iskra Mihaylova)
It is common knowledge that the best way to develop policies across the different fields is to do so based on evidence. In the case of such policies as the cohesion policy, it is important that the evidence on which policymakers base their policies is not only as accurate as possible, but that it faithfully reflects the differences across the European Union. It is for this reason that I voted in favour of this report. The provisions in this report will not only allow for the aggregation of data based on typologies, but they will also ensure that the territorial typologies that have been developed acquire legal recognition for the purpose of statistics. By doing this, we are ensuring that we are working with more accurate statistics, and, as a result, enacting more efficient policies.
Recognition of professional qualifications in inland navigation (A8-0338/2016 - Gesine Meissner) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că recunoașterea calificărilor profesionale în domeniul navigației interioare este un aspect de mare interes atât pentru dezvoltarea economică a acestui sector, cât și pentru oportunitățile de carieră ale angajaților din domeniu.De asemenea, schimbarea principiului de acordare a calificărilor în navigație, de la unul bazat pe experiență la unul bazat pe competențe, va oferi șansa celor care au lucrat în alte domenii de a primi calificările necesare pentru a lucra pe vase ce traversează apele interioare ale UE.Cu o creștere a nivelului de navigație pe apele interioare, flotele statelor cu activitate în acest domeniu, precum Olanda, Germania, Franța și România, au nevoie să devină atractive pentru forța de muncă din UE. În același timp, creșterea vârstei medii din domeniu este un lucru alarmant pentru viitorul acestui sector și ocuparea locurilor de muncă disponibile.Astfel, consider că implementarea unor proceduri mai ușoare de obținere a calificărilor și recunoașterea acestora va ajuta la atragerea tinerilor către acest domeniu.
Cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws (A8-0077/2017 - Olga Sehnalová)
The formation of the internal market, the largest single market in the world, has been one of the greatest successes of the European Union. However, in order for the market to work smoothly and for the benefit of all of those involve, and as more and more cross-border activity occurs, there must be a mechanism in place adequately equipped to deal with the incidence of cross-border infringements. It is for this reason that I voted in favour of this report. The provisions included in this report, such as the identification of the powers needed by the relevant authorities, the specification and elaboration of definition, as well as new mechanisms, will allow for our consumers to be better protected and for the Union to crack down on illicit activity.
Deployment of cohesion policy instruments by regions to address demographic change (A8-0329/2017 - Iratxe García Pérez) RO
Am susținut prin vot acest raport deoarece am convingerea că schimbările demografice din Uniunea Europeană, evidențiate prin statisticile ce relevă în fiecare an scăderea numărului de locuitori, reprezintă o problemă reală și o provocare majoră pentru noi, toți cei care facem politici pentru viitor. Cu o speranță de viață în creștere, o natalitate redusă și o rată scăzută a fertilității, structura populației europene a fost modificată, în acest moment statele membre întâmpinând mari probleme în creionarea politicilor sociale pe următoarele decenii. În plus, suprapopularea zonelor urbane a cauzat o dezvoltare economică neuniformă. Doar luând în considerare situația României, schimbările demografice se reflectă în fiecare regiune a sa, cu consecințe dramatice în zonele rurale unde se observă o depopulare masivă. Din acest motiv, consider responsabile propunerile acestui document care susține utilizarea anumitor instrumente specifice politicii de coeziune în vederea reducerii disparităților regionale și a unei dezvoltări economice sustenabile și echilibrate.
Prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms (A8-0388/2016 - Othmar Karas)
Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms (COM(2015)0473 - C8-0289/2017 - 2015/0225(COD)).After years of economic crisis in the European Union, it is now more than ever crucial to take active steps to the completion and implementation of the Capital Markets Union, and to do so in a manner that takes into account the mistakes of the past. I have voted for this proposal for the reason that this is exactly what it represents. It would help to create an active playing field that would ensure that our financial systems works not only for the large corporations, but also for the small and medium-size enterprises who form the backbone of our economy. It would also ensure that our companies remain competitive on an international scale, thus prevent over-regulation from harming the activities of European business.
Respect for private life and the protection of personal data in electronic communications and repealing Directive 2002/58/EC (Regulation on Privacy and Electronic Communications) (A8-0324/2017 - Marju Lauristin) RO
Am votat împotriva acestui raport deoarece evaluările experților din zona media arată că această legislație va afecta în mod grav accesul la conținutul gratuit de pe internet prin diminuarea capacității de a finanța site-urile și aplicațiile prin intermediul publicității, ceea ce poate duce la închiderea multora dintre ele. Accesul la servicii și informații gratuite în mediul online presupune auto-susținerea financiară a acestora prin intermediul publicității, care, la rândul său, se bazează pe colectarea de date cu privire la interesele persoanelor care accesează o anumită platformă online.Prin interzicerea colectării de date, serviciile de publicitate nu-și vor mai putea adapta mesajele la specificul clienților fiecărei platforme online și, în consecință, vor reduce investițiile, lăsând site-urile și aplicațiile online gratuite fără finanțare. Acest lucru va însemna o îngrădire a accesului liber la informații prin taxare sau, pur și simplu, închidere.Foarte multe dintre paginile online care aduc în atenția publică subiecte și dovezi cu privire la comportamente abuzive sau imorale din domeniul politic și nu numai se autofinanțează tocmai prin vânzarea de spațiu publicitar, ori reducerea sau întreruperea acestor finanțări va însemna diminuarea sau chiar întreruperea accesului la astfel de informații vitale într-o democrație.
Combating sexual harassment and abuse in the EU (RC-B8-0576/2017, B8-0576/2017, B8-0577/2017, B8-0578/2017, B8-0579/2017, B8-0580/2017, B8-0581/2017, B8-0582/2017)
I voted in favour of this resolution because I consider as being unacceptable that we continue to have sexual harassment and all other types of abuses in working environments. The latest public debates have shown how big this problem is in our modern society and that too many women have been sexually harassed at the work, on the streets or during their careers. The EU is promoting and is deemed to have high standards in the respect of human rights and human dignity, unfortunately in our societies cases of sexual harassment and abuses are happening far too often. I think it is time we take action against these abuses and do everything we can legally and politically to stop them. In this perspective, I want to underline that education and examples are the best way of teaching our children that such behaviour is unacceptable.
Economic policies of the euro area (A8-0310/2017 - Gunnar Hökmark) RO
Am susținut prin vot astăzi acest raport deoarece consider că este un document echilibrat, care sintetizează corect principalele aspecte și provocări pe care UE le întâmpină în ceea ce privește politica monetară din zona euro. Am contribuit la forma finală a textului ca raportor alternativ în cadrul Comisiei pentru dezvoltare regională și mă bucur că recomandările exprimate de noi au fost incluse în forma finală a acestuia. Consider că este primordial pentru Uniune ca dimensiunea regională a politicilor economice să nu fie trecută cu vederea, iar politica de coeziune să rămână un pilon al politicii economice din zona euro. Pentru a avea o politică economică pe termen lung în zona euro, trebuie să luăm în calcul toate celelalte politici economice și de dezvoltare care includ statele care nu sunt membre ale acestei zone. Doar printr-o dezvoltare coerentă a tuturor statelor UE, zona euro poate să devină stabilă și, deci, mai puternică.
Negotiating mandate for trade negotiations with New Zealand (A8-0312/2017 - Daniel Caspary) RO
Am votat pentru acest raport referitor la mandatul de negociere a unui acord comercial cu Noua Zeelandă, deoarece consider că acesta este unul benefic pentru întreaga Uniune și pentru continuarea dezvoltării comerțului internațional în statele membre. În contextul aprofundării relațiilor dintre UE și regiunea Asia-Pacific, negocierea și finalizarea unui acord comercial cu Noua Zeelandă reprezintă un punct foarte important. Aprofundarea relațiilor economice cu această regiune este cu atât mai importantă cu cât Uniunea este în căutarea unor noi parteneri internaționali de viitor, alături de care să se poată dezvolta și să poată aborda probleme de interes pentru întreaga planetă, iar Noua Zeelandă, fără îndoială, este unul dintre ei.
Monitoring the application of EU law 2015 (A8-0265/2017 - Kostas Chrysogonos)
The European Union fashions itself as a Union strongly anchored in the rule of law. Despite this, the issue of non-transposition of EU law by national legislatures remains a big problem in our Union. Despite decreasing trends, Member States are not doing enough to transpose EU law, and the EU institutions are not doing enough to ensure enforcement.I voted in favour of this report because it is vitally important that EU legislation is transposed and respected by Member States. It is also important that Parliament has the ability to monitor both enforcement and transposition, and that all the relevant stakeholders, including civil society, are involved in reporting shortcomings with transposition of EU legislation.
Establishing an Entry/Exit System (EES) to register entry and exit data of third country nationals crossing the EU external borders (A8-0057/2017 - Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra) RO
Am votat împotriva acestui raport deoarece consider că acesta propune schimbări drastice și îngrijorătoare la principiile și limitele de la care a pornit regulamentul propus de Comisia Europeană. Din păcate, amendamentele aduse de Parlament acestui raport nu îmbunătățesc textul inițial, ci reduc limitele de siguranță stabilite la început. Faptul că, prin acest raport, se elimină condițiile în care autoritățile au acces la datele colectate prin acest sistem EES sau se elimină principiile proporționalității colectării acestor date, totul sub argumentul creșterii securității UE, este de neacceptat din punctul meu de vedere. Nu cred că acest sistem va crește securitatea UE în mod fundamental. Cred însă că el va crește gradul de colectare de date fără a avea motive de suspiciune evidente. De asemenea, prin nemenționarea sistemelor de control și a limitărilor până la care această colectare se face, oferim o carte în alb autorităților, se poate deschide calea către abuzuri și încălcarea drepturilor omului, pe care nimeni nu și le dorește într-un stat de drept.
Amendment of the Schengen Borders Code as regards the use of the Entry/Exit System (A8-0059/2017 - Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra) RO
Am votat împotriva acestui raport deoarece consider că această modificare a legislației privind frontierele UE, în special cele Schengen, demonstrează încă o dată cât de nedreptățite sunt România și Bulgaria în ceea ce privește accesul la spațiul Schengen. Creșterea securității granițelor Uniunii este un obiectiv pe care toate statele membre și-l doresc și pe care îl susțin. Absurdul situației face ca acest sistem de intrare/ieșire, prevăzut de noua legislație cu scopul protejării spațiului Schengen, să fie aplicat și de statele non-Schengen, precum România, fără a se acorda țării noastre sau Bulgariei accesul în zona Schengen și nicio garanție în acest sens. România este pregătită de ani de zile să fie parte a spațiului Schengen, își dorește acest lucru și colaborează cu toate statele membre, dar nu este normal să i se impună anumite condiții de protejare a unui spațiu unde i se refuză accesul. Orice obligație trebuie să vină cu un drept și acest drept îi este negat în mod nejustificat unei țări UE; prin urmare, refuz să votez un raport care instaurează o situație cu totul absurdă.
Fundamental rights aspects in Roma integration in the EU: fighting anti-Gypsyism (A8-0294/2017 - Soraya Post)
The European Union fashions itself as a union of values, one where the rights of each individual is protected by the law. Racism and discrimination are not to be tolerated in the EU. It is for this reason that I have voted in favour of this report. It is crucial that Europe takes active steps in putting an end to the systemic discrimination of Roma people that still exists to this day in all the Member States. This report not only puts forward concrete proposals, such as the creation of European and national truth commissions, as well as steps to involve and empower Roma people, but it also proposes measures to ensure that the EU measures already in place do in fact reach those Roma people who are most in need. The implementation of this report will ensure that we put European values into practice.
Criminal acts and penalties in the field of illicit drug trafficking (A8-0317/2017 - Teresa Jiménez-Becerril Barrio)
I support this recommendation because it finalises the adoption process, while it managed to incorporate the main points of the negotiation mandate given by the European Parliament. The importance of this legislation, which aims at improving at an EU level the fight against the threat posed by new psychoactive substances (NPS), meant that the inter-institutional negotiations were very long and very intense. In this perspective, this final agreement reflects a very important outcome and one that both co-legislators have agreed. I think it is very important we adopt and the Member States implement the directive as swiftly as possible because, after four years of negotiation, we need to speed up our fight against these substances.
CE marked fertilising products (A8-0270/2017 - Mihai Ţurcanu) RO
Am votat împotriva acestui raport, deoarece am considerat că forma sa finală, așa cum a fost modificat în urma votului de astăzi din cadrul ședinței plenare, nu este una acceptabilă. Pentru industria din România, adoptarea unei limite extrem de mici de cadmiu folosit la îngrășămintele fosfatice ar însemna o reducere drastică a producției, dacă nu chiar o blocare totală a acestui sector de activitate. În plus, argumentele științifice invocate nu au fost concludente. Din păcate, amendamentele care ar fi asigurat faptul că la nivelul UE vom avea o concurență corectă și egală între producătorii de îngrășământ au fost respinse, ceea ce va afecta în mod direct țări precum România, care vor fi nevoite să își crească importurile de îngrășăminte până la aproape 100 %, ceea ce nu este normal.
Common Fisheries Policy: implementation of the landing obligation (A8-0285/2017 - Alain Cadec) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport, deoarece este extrem de important ca Regulamentul (UE) nr. 1380/2013 să fie modificat în vederea conferirii Comisiei Europene o nouă perioadă de trei ani în care să poată adopta planuri privind aruncarea capturilor în mare. Conform politicii comune în domeniul pescuitului, planurile privind aruncarea capturilor în mare și aplicarea acestui regulament se vor face prin adoptarea de planuri multianuale, dar, având în vedere că adoptarea acestor planuri implică un proces foarte lung de negocieri interinstituționale, Comisia Europeană este împuternicită să adopte aceste planuri provizorii, ceea ce consider că este o chestiune coerentă.
Legitimate measures to protect whistle-blowers acting in the public interest (A8-0295/2017 - Virginie Rozière)
Recent developments, both in Europe and across the globe, have demonstrated that it is now more than ever crucial to defend those who wish to speak out in defence of the public interest. From the release of the Panama Papers, to the recent tragedy involving the assassination of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, the time has come for the European Union to take active steps to ensure the protection of those who seek to speak out against criminality, corruption or abuse of power. I voted in favour of this report because it contains concrete measures to this effect: among other things, it calls on the Commission to present a horizontal legislative proposal for a framework for the protection of whistle-blowers in both the public and private sectors. If we are going to tackle corruption in all its forms, we must ensure that those who speak out against it have all the necessary protection and support to do so freely.
Minimum income policies as a tool for fighting poverty (A8-0292/2017 - Laura Agea) RO
Am decis să mă abțin de la votul pe această propunere de rezoluție, deoarece consider că acest demers încalcă principiul subsidiarității înscris în tratatele UE. Combaterea sărăciei și asigurarea unui venit minim sunt obiective pe care ni le dorim cu toții și pentru care putem să facem mai mult, dar printr-o abordare corectă și rezonabilă. Politica de combatere a sărăciei are atâtea variabile sociale, culturale și economice, încât a fost lăsată în atribuția statelor membre și trebuie să rămână astfel, deoarece ar fi imposibil de aplicat o soluție generală, care să poată fi susținută de toate economiile statelor membre. Este greu de imaginat cum ar putea economia României să susțină un venit minim garantat stabilit după standardele și puterea economică a altor state membre, precum Germania sau Franța. În acest context, deși susțin că trebuie să facem mai mult pentru ridicarea nivelului de trai și asigurarea unui nivel decent, consider că acest lucru trebuie făcut prin politici coerente și realiste, iar documentele instituțiilor europene pe această temă rămân la stadiul bunelor intenții.
Enhanced cooperation: European Public Prosecutor's Office (A8-0290/2017 - Barbara Matera) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului privind recomandările Parlamentului European către Consiliu referitoare la propunerea de regulament de instituire a Parchetului European, deoarece consider că aceste recomandări ar trebui luate în considerare de către statele membre și legiuitorul european, dacă doresc să pună bazele de funcționare a acestei instituții. Realitatea de la care pornim este că sistemele legislative ale statelor membre sunt foarte diferite, împiedicând astfel crearea unui Parchet European cu atribuții extinse. Totuși, dacă statele care fac parte din cooperarea consolidată doresc să creeze și să facă funcțională această instituție, consider că trebuie să statuăm clar competențele Parchetului European, ceea ce se specifică și în documentul votat astăzi. Orice ambiguități în regulamentul noii instituții vor duce la încălcări ale competențelor statelor membre, la anchete paralele pe aceleași infracțiuni și riscă să pună în chestiune necesitatea acesteia.
Prison systems and conditions (A8-0251/2017 - Joëlle Bergeron) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece acesta sintetizează în mod obiectiv problemele grave din sistemul de penitenciare din UE și condițiile de detenție din statele membre, pe care noi, în România, le cunoaștem foarte bine și asupra cărora am avut deja dezbateri intense, mai ales în urma recentei decizii pilot a CEDO privind condițiile de detenție din țara noastră.Faptul că, la nivelul întregii UE, aproximativ 20% dintre deținuți se află în arest preventiv, deși acest tip de arest trebuie să fie unul excepțional, este o realitate îngrijorătoare și aduce atingere în fapt principiului fundamental al prezumției de nevinovăție. În acest sens, doresc să subliniez faptul că sunt în asentimentul textului raportului, ce menționează că măsurile alternative de detenție, precum arestul la domiciliu și controlul judiciar, trebuie să fie utilizate cu precădere, iar arestul preventiv să redevină, așa cum a fost inițial, o măsură dedicată infracțiunilor grave.Încălcarea drepturilor omului prin supraaglomerarea închisorilor și condițiile de detenție precare din statele membre reprezintă o problemă gravă în întreaga Uniune și îmi exprim speranța că raportul de astăzi este un punct de plecare pentru o reformă a întregului sistem, care trebuie să redevină unul corecțional, nu opresiv.
Schengen acquis provisions relating to the Visa Information System in Bulgaria and Romania (A8-0286/2017 - Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece am susținut și continui să susțin drumul României și al Bulgariei spre aderarea la spațiul Schengen. Consider că România și-a îndeplinit obligațiile înscrise în tratate în vederea aderării la Schengen, iar amânarea acestei proceduri, în baza unor altfel de motive decât cele tehnice, reprezintă o încălcare a acquis-ului.În acest sens, susțin propunerea Consiliului de a acorda României și Bulgariei un acces pasiv la Sistemul de informații privind vizele și susțin adoptarea acestui raport. De asemenea, îmi exprim speranța că acest acces pasiv este doar începutul procedurilor de aderare la spațiul Schengen pentru cele două state membre și că următorii pași vor fi făcuți în cel mai scurt timp, încheind astfel procesul de aderare pe toate planurile.Doresc să subliniez faptul că România și Bulgaria trebuie să fie parte a spațiului Schengen dacă ne dorim o Uniune Europeană unită, puternică și echitabilă pentru toate statele membre.
Safety rules and standards for passenger ships (A8-0167/2017 - Daniela Aiuto)
I support the report because it consists of numerous safety regulations, which take into consideration the diversity of circumstances encountered such as: materials, equipment, different sea areas, human resources and working conditions. Both the report and the directive have as their objective an increase in safety standards for passenger ships, which is beneficial to both passengers and crew-members. At the same time, I support the fact that the report is improving the initial proposal of the Commission, by clarifying certain aspects of vessels and safety measures.
Registration of persons sailing on board passenger ships operating to or from ports of the Member States (A8-0168/2017 - Izaskun Bilbao Barandica)
The aim of this report is to enhance the safety of maritime transport for passengers through the revision and clarification of ship safety rules and regulations. The legislative additions to the report construct a more comprehensive explanation of safety rules, specifically in regard to the required accessibility of digital passenger data for rescue services and the elimination of inspection loopholes for seafaring vehicles. I support this report, because it contributes to the continued efforts of the EU to create safer maritime travel, and provides greater security for individuals while maintaining compliance with EU data protection standards. Conclusively, the report effectively simplifies and enhances ship standards without sacrificing welfare.
System of inspections for the safe operation of ro-ro ferry and high-speed passenger craft in regular service (A8-0165/2017 - Dominique Riquet)
The need to simplify in a rational manner current EU legislation is felt across all areas, including in the governance and regulation of maritime issues. It is important that legal clarity is ensured in all legislation, and that administrative and financial consequences resulting from legislation are as small as possible so as to ensure the smooth continued functioning of activities on the ground while at the same time improving conditions for all. It is for this reason that I voted in favour of this proposal. The proposal positively contributes to the safety of the operation of ro-ro ferries and high-speed passenger craft. It does so by concentrating inspections on particular circumstances, and on ensuring more comprehensive types of inspections in the case of port State control.
Objection to an implementing measure: scientific criteria for the determination of endocrine disrupting properties (B8-0542/2017) RO
Am votat împotriva acestei rezoluții deoarece consider că propunerea Comisiei este una îndreptățită, are la bază susținerea majorității statelor membre și a comunității științifice din acestea și ar fi ajutat la clarificarea legislației și la o mai bună identificare a perturbatorilor sistemului endocrin. Adoptarea acestei rezoluții și, implicit, respingerea propunerii Comisiei, înseamnă tergiversarea acestei probleme și amânarea rezolvării acesteia. Nu am putut susține această rezoluție deoarece propunerea Comisiei este făcută în baza celor mai noi informații științifice și după consultarea comunității de specialitate din UE, inclusiv din România. În acest sens, consider că schimbările propuse aveau susținerea și expertiza necesară, iar respingerea lor reprezintă o greșeală.
Ending child marriage (B8-0535/2017) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestei propuneri de rezoluție care vine ca urmare a unei întrebări cu solicitare de răspuns oral a Parlamentului European și care sintetizează corect o problematică cu care ne confruntăm nu doar în țările terțe în curs de dezvoltare, ci și în unele dintre statele UE. Căsătoriile între copii, oricât de arhaice și crude ar părea pentru unii dintre noi, încă se practică, punând-le acestora în pericol sănătatea și integritatea, călcându-le în picioare orice drept garantat de tratatele internaționale.Pe bună dreptate, Convenția de la Istanbul privind combaterea violenței împotriva femeilor, pe care UE o va semna în curând, clasifică căsătoriile forțate drept o formă de violență împotriva femeilor, solicitând ca actul de forțare a unui copil de a încheia o căsătorie și actul de ademenire a unui copil în străinătate cu scopul de a-l forța să încheie o căsătorie să fie incriminate. Ca urmare, consider un lucru bun că UE se exprimă printr-o rezoluție pe această temă și sper ca ea să se regăsească în cât mai multe politici sociale ale Bruxelles-ului, dar și în prevederile tratatelor pe care instituțiile europene le negociază și semnează cu partenerii săi externi.
State of play of negotiations with the United Kingdom (B8-0538/2017, B8-0539/2017)
While the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union is regrettable, it is our duty as European representatives and lawmakers to ensure that the rights of all the citizens involved are safeguarded during the withdrawal process and after it is complete, and to push for the smooth continuation of negotiations between the two parties. I voted in favour of this resolution exactly because it is of vital importance that the rights of all Romanians resident in the UK, as well as the millions of EU citizens from other Member States in the UK, and the rights of UK citizens in the EU, are protected. The UK authorities have yet to give sufficient guarantees that this will be the case, be it in position papers, statements or in the negotiations themselves. The reciprocal protection of citizens’ rights is crucial to ensure a strong and amicable future relationship between the EU and the UK.
Management, conservation and control measures applicable in the ICCAT Convention area (A8-0173/2017 - Gabriel Mato) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece acesta aduce modificările necesare regulamentelor UE în vederea punerii acestora în acord cu legislația internațională adoptată de Comisia Internațională pentru Conservarea Tonului din Oceanul Atlantic (ICCAT). Măsurile au fost adoptate de ICCAT în anul 2008 și, din păcate, a fost nevoie de o perioadă de 9 ani pentru ca UE să le transpună în legislația comunitară.Consider că este inacceptabil ca această transpunere să dureze atât de mult și, așa cum am solicitat și în cadrul Comisiei PECH, sper ca această procedură să se desfășoare mult mai rapid în viitor. Raportul de astăzi încheie procedura de adoptare a măsurilor de gestionare și conservare propuse de ICCAT și ajută la asigurarea unei competiții egale între vasele statelor membre ale UE și celelalte flote internaționale.
Women’s economic empowerment in the private and public sectors in the EU (A8-0271/2017 - Anna Hedh)
As a leader of gender equality, it is imperative that the EU strives to increase women’s economic empowerment and participation in the labour market. To achieve this goal, obstacles in the private and public sectors, like the pay gap and unjust value of traditionally female work, must be eradicated in order to advance and develop gender economic equality. Developing a more equal labour market would provide women with economic empowerment, ultimately allowing for fair competition in society, as well as financially benefitting Member States. I support this resolution, because it emphasizes the EU’s stance of intolerance of inequality, explicitly states the responsibility of the public and private sectors to cease actions perpetuating economic inequity, and shows the positive impact of gender equality plans. It is important to promote gender equality, especially in regards to women’s economic empowerment and presence in the private and public sectors, because when women are included and supported, everyone benefits.
Addressing shrinking civil society space in developing countries (A8-0283/2017 - Teresa Jiménez-Becerril Barrio)
Civil society represents the third sector of a healthy and decent society, along with the public and private sectors. It also comprises non-governmental and non-profit organisations that have a presence in public life, expressing the interests and values of their members or others, based on the different considerations.The civil society plays a central role in supporting democracy, and in promoting transparency, accountability and good governance worldwide. In addition, it fight against corruption and violence and has direct impact on countries’ economic and human development, as well as on environmental sustainability.And the phenomenon of rapid and dramatic shrinking of civil society space in developing countries is part of a global authoritarian pushback against democracy and human rights.Therefore, I have voted in favour, due to its high role in countries development and to support and protect the civil society rights from unlawful infringement.
The fight against cybercrime (A8-0272/2017 - Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestei rezoluții care caută soluții actuale și eficiente unei probleme ce ne afectează pe cât mai mulți dintre noi. Trăim într-o eră în care dezvoltarea tehnologiei informatice ne transformă pozitiv societatea, expunându-ne în același timp la atacuri cibernetice la care este dificil să răspundem. Combaterea criminalității informatice este noua provocare a statelor lumii; de aceea, documentul adoptat astăzi invită Comisia Europeană să continue să identifice vulnerabilitățile securității rețelelor, să promoveze dezvoltarea unor sisteme de apărare, să evalueze situația combaterii criminalității informatice în UE, pentru a ajunge la o mai bună înțelegere a tendințelor și a evoluțiilor legate de infracțiunile din spațiul cibernetic.De asemenea, întrucât avem în vedere o problemă care afectează nu doar România, ci toate statele europene, am votat în favoarea acestei rezoluții, deoarece ea propune ameliorarea cooperării internaționale în lupta mondială împotriva criminalității informatice, inclusiv prin schimbul de bune practici între principalele instituții ce monitorizează acest domeniu, și anume realizarea de anchete comune, consolidarea capacităților și asistența judiciară reciprocă.
EU political relations with ASEAN (A8-0243/2017 - Reinhard Bütikofer) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece împlinirea, în acest an, a 40 de ani de când Uniunea Europeană a demarat oficial relațiile politice cu țările din Asia de Sud-Est (ASEAN) reprezintă o oportunitate excelentă de a evalua eficiența acestor relații și de a le aduce la zi, în concordanță cu noile realități sociale și economice. Luând în calcul faptul că regiunea Asiei de Sud-Est a cunoscut, în ultimii ani, o creștere economică semnificativă și că unele state europene derulează deja relații bilaterale stabile și corecte cu țările din această zonă, cred că Uniunea Europeană trebuie să îmbunătățească la rândul ei cadrul acestor relații.În acest context, raportul de astăzi propune extinderea cooperării în mai multe domenii, printre care conectivitatea, mediul, resursele naturale, siguranța maritimă, pirateria, terorismul, securitatea informatică și gestionarea crizelor. Nu în ultimul rând, am votat acest raport deoarece Uniunea Europeană are capacitatea și dorința de a aduce un aport important Asociației Națiunilor din Asia de Sud-Est (ASEAN), în domenii ca promovarea democrației și a drepturilor omului, educația sau libertatea presei.
Accessibility requirements for products and services (A8-0188/2017 - Morten Løkkegaard) RO
Am susținut prin votul de astăzi acest raport privind cerințele de accesibilitate aplicabile produselor și serviciilor, deoarece consider că raportorul, împreună cu întreaga Comisie pentru ocuparea forței de muncă și afaceri sociale și cea pentru transport și turism, a reușit să aducă îmbunătățirile necesare legislației propuse de Comisia Europeană. Este foarte important ca aceste cerințe să fie clare și să fie uniforme la nivel european dar, în același timp, ar fi contraproductiv dacă aceste cerințe le-ar înlocui pe cele adoptate cu puțin timp în urmă sau dacă s-ar adăuga acestora. Obiectivul acestei legislații este acela de a reduce birocrația și de a crește predictibilitatea și eficiența. În acest sens, amendamentele aduse de către cele două comisii reprezintă o îmbunătățire a textului inițial și vor ajuta la atingerea obiectivelor stabilite.
Establishing an instrument contributing to stability and peace (A8-0261/2017 - Arnaud Danjean)
The link between security and development is not only one that has already been shown to be very real, but it is also one that the European Union has actively endorsed through the comprehensive approach that it adopts in its common security and defence policy (CSDP) missions. However, despite this acknowledgement, the EU remains constrained in its ability to commit funds to peace and stability through traditional development programmes, and therefore its ability to fully contribute to the development of third countries is limited.I voted for this amendment to the regulation due to the fact that the consolidation of this link between security and development in the EU’s approach is necessary not only for the stabilisation of third countries, but also to ensure the proper security and defence of our continent.
The future of the Erasmus+ programme (B8-0495/2017)
An education is a public good which plays a key role in a person’s life and is one of the fundamental human rights which should be accessible to everybody. Erasmus is one of the successful EU programmes which supports and promotes activities regarding education and brings Europe close to its citizens, including in neighbouring and candidate countries. I supported the resolution, as it is oriented to future development and will encourage and help the young generation to become more successful and independent. I encourage the support of new programmes in order to create new possibilities for students and to offer them the chance of developing new skills.
A new skills agenda for Europe (A8-0276/2017 - Martina Dlabajová, Momchil Nekov) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport de inițiativă deoarece sunt de părere că este extrem de important ca, în contextul schimbărilor economice și al reorganizării economiilor noastre pe baza noilor tipuri de business, statele membre să fie proactive prin reformarea sistemelor de educație pentru a le adapta nevoilor viitoare. Până în 2025 aproximativ 49% din totalul locurilor de muncă vor necesita calificări la nivel înalt, iar schimbările majore din economie ne arată că este foarte greu de prezis cu exactitate care vor fi viitoarele competențe necesare. În acest sens, susțin o abordare în care educația, pe lângă aptitudinile de bază, să dezvolte capacitatea de adaptare și să predea competențe transferabile. Din păcate, în România avem o problemă majoră în ceea ce înseamnă sistemul educațional, dar consider că această agendă pentru competențe în Europa ne-ar putea ajuta în a demara un proces de reformă în perspectiva schimbărilor viitoare.
Multilateral Agreement on the establishment of a European Common Aviation Area (ECAA) (A8-0260/2017 - Roberts Zīle)
The aim of this Agreement is the creation of a European Common Aviation Area (ECAA), integrating the EU’s neighbours in South-East Europe in the EU’s internal aviation market. I support the agreement, as it creates a new framework accessible for European neighbour countries, which brings more integration into the European aviation community. At the same time, this agreement, covering 36 countries, will have an important impact on the aviation market, helping both travellers in receiving better prices, as well as the whole industry. In addition, the agreement sets high standards for safety and security for all the signatory states.
Arms export: implementation of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (A8-0264/2017 - Bodil Valero) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că este extrem de important ca Poziția comună din 2008 privind definirea normelor comune care reglementează controlul exporturilor de tehnologie și echipament militar să fie aplicată din toate punctele de vedere. La nivel mondial, vânzarea de echipamente militare a atins cele mai mari cote de la sfârșitul Războiului Rece și, în cadrul acestei piețe, statele membre UE reprezintă împreună al doilea cel mai mare exportator de arme după SUA. În acest context, consider că este foarte important pentru securitatea noastră să ne asigurăm că aceste arme nu ajung să fie folosite împotriva noastră și că statele care le utilizează respectă principiile și standardele UE în domeniul drepturilor omului și al securității internaționale.
EU political relations with Latin America (A8-0268/2017 - Javi López)
The historical, social and cultural ties between the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean gives the relationship between the European Union and this region a strategic value. Our cooperation with Latin America extends over many different areas, from economic, to scientific and to defence and security. I voted in favour of this report because having a continued and strengthened cooperation with Latin America is of great importance. It is crucial that cooperation, based as it should be on our shared values of respect for democracy and human rights, increases, for example, in the field of defence and security, in tackling tax avoidance and in the fight against man-made climate change. With the measures set out in the report, the EU and Latin America will also be able to take meaningful steps together to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and therefore improve the lives of all their citizens.
Implementation of the Mediation Directive (A8-0238/2017 - Kostas Chrysogonos) RO
Am susținut prin votul de astăzi acest raport de inițiativă deoarece consider că medierea, ca instrument juridic, este foarte importantă pentru ușurarea actului de justiție și ajută la decongestionarea instanțelor de judecată.Informațiile prezentate în acest raport arată că statele membre, cu doar câteva excepții, implementează și încurajează folosirea medierii în cât mai multe cazuri, de la cele în materie civilă și comercială, până la cele legate de familie, forță de muncă sau chiar vamale. Consider că este foarte important ca statele membre să continue informarea cu privire la opțiunea medierii și chiar să ceară avocaților prezentarea acestei opțiuni clienților lor.În același timp, este de subliniat faptul că la nivelul UE trebuie să existe un standard minim în ceea ce privește medierea. De asemenea, susțin solicitarea raportorului de a demara un studiu cu privire la obstacolele în calea medierii în cazurile transfrontaliere în interiorul UE.
A Space Strategy for Europe (A8-0250/2017 - Constanze Krehl)
Space exploration, and the development of space technologies and programmes, represents a development that benefits all Europeans across the continent. An investment in the development of space technology is, in turn, an investment in our common security and defence, which now more than ever, needs to be strengthened against a myriad of emerging threats. Space programmes are also vital to other key policy areas, such as fisheries and the fight against climate change. In light of these benefits, I voted in favour of this report, for which I was shadow rapporteur, because it has become crucial that our space programmes be developed, that our space budget increase, and that our governance of space become more simplified and efficient. We must now work towards strengthening Europe’s presence in this sector, towards strengthening our industrial base, and towards making sure that our space programmes ensure the security of our citizens and allow them to live better lives.
Promotion of internet connectivity in local communities (A8-0181/2017 - Carlos Zorrinho) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că asigurarea conectivității la internet gratuite pentru cât mai mulți dintre cetățenii europeni, indiferent de venituri și regiunea în care se află, este extrem de importantă în vederea dezvoltării acestora și a comunităților locale. Accesul la internet înseamnă o sursă de informare, este o parte din ce în ce mai mare din viața noastră și din educația viitoarelor generații. Accesul liber și gratuit către multiplele surse de informații este important pentru accesarea de materiale educaționale suplimentare celor oferite în școli și va ajuta la dezvoltarea de noi afaceri și la promovarea ideilor antreprenoriale la nivelul întregii Uniuni. De asemenea, este foarte important ca statele membre, instituțiile publice și cele comunitare să depună eforturi sporite în a comunica și a intra în contact cu cetățenii prin intermediul internetului, în vederea reducerii și înlesnirii procedurilor birocratice existente.
Measures to safeguard the security of gas supply (A8-0310/2016 - Jerzy Buzek) RO
Am susținut prin votul de astăzi acest raport, deoarece acesta reprezintă un pas important în vederea garantării independenței și securității energetice a UE.Crizele din anii 2006, 2009 și 2014 în asigurarea aprovizionării cu gaz a statelor membre au dovedit că este vital ca UE să întreprindă măsuri în a-și asigura diversificarea surselor de energie, obiectiv urmărit prin Regulamentul din 2010. Având în vedere evoluțiile politice și economice din UE și din regiunile care asigură energia necesară statelor membre, susțin inițiativa Comisiei de a revizui acel regulament și de a răspunde în mod eficient noilor provocări.Este important de înțeles faptul că asigurarea furnizării de gaze naturale la nivelul UE nu implică doar asigurarea de energie, ci are ramificații extrem de importante pentru populație și pentru economiile statelor noastre.
EU accession to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (A8-0266/2017 - Christine Revault d'Allonnes Bonnefoy, Anna Maria Corazza Bildt)
Gender equality is a core value of the EU. The right to equal treatment and non-discrimination is a fundamental right enshrined in the Treaties and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and should be fully respected, promoted and applied in legislation and in practice. As I worked in the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality in my previous mandate, I became familiar with many facts regarding violence against women, which constitutes a serious violation of their human rights and dignity. I support this resolution, as it will create a dedicated legal base for preventing violence against women and domestic violence. Gender-based violence should not be taken lightly because it affects over 250 million women and girls in the EU alone and has tremendous effects on society. It is important to promote and protect the right of all women and girls to live free from violence, whether physical or psychological, in both the public and the private spheres.
2016 Report on Turkey (A8-0234/2017 - Kati Piri) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că acesta este unul echilibrat, care subliniază importanța unei bune relații între UE și Turcia, dar, în același timp, atrage atenția în legătură măsurile extraordinare prelungite luate în urma tentativei de lovitură de stat din Turcia. Prelungirea acestor măsuri și efectele disproporționate pe care ele le-au provocat trebuie să fie ridicate și semnalate în relațiile diplomatice dintre reprezentanții Uniunii și cei ai Turciei, așa cum propune și raportul. Nu putem ignora, în același timp, faptul că Turcia se confruntă cu un flux mare de imigranți, pe care încearcă să îl gestioneze în colaborare cu statele membre ale UE, aflate sub presiunea atacurilor teroriste din ce în ce mai greu de prevenit. În acest context, consider că prezentul raport analizează în mod obiectiv punctele forte ale relațiilor cu Turcia, fără a ascunde „sub preș” acțiunile disproporționate întreprinse de administrația de la Ankara, pe care le condamnă ferm.
European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD) and establishing the EFSD Guarantee and the EFSD Guarantee Fund (A8-0170/2017 - Eduard Kukan, Doru-Claudian Frunzulică, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că aducerea sub aceeași administrare a două instrumente prin care UE sprijină dezvoltarea în Africa și vecinătatea estică va contribui la eficientizarea utilizării resurselor financiare europene și va aduce beneficii tuturor celor vizați de aceste fonduri. Sunt convinsă de faptul că existența unei platforme regionale de investiții, așa cum propune și documentul, va ajuta la o mai bună gestionare a fondurilor, în parteneriat cu BEI și BERD. Totodată, cred că mobilizarea unei sume de până la 44 de miliarde de euro pentru acest fond va oferi mai multă putere de acțiune UE în ceea ce privește investițiile pe care le angajează.
Permitted uses of certain works and other protected subject-matter for the benefit of persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled (A8-0097/2017 - Max Andersson) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport care pune în acord legislația UE cu cea prevăzută în cadrul Tratatului de la Marrakesh pentru facilitarea accesului la operele publicate al persoanelor nevăzătoare, cu deficiențe de vedere sau cu dificultăți de citire a materialelor imprimate. Consider că este un lucru lăudabil faptul că această armonizare a legislației impune părților să prevadă excepții de la drepturile de autor și drepturile conexe sau limitări ale acestora, în beneficiul persoanelor nevăzătoare, cu deficiențe de vedere și cu dificultăți de citire a materialelor imprimate. De asemenea, întrucât tratatul permite schimburile transfrontaliere de exemplare în format special de cărți, inclusiv cărți audio, și de alte materiale imprimate, între țările care sunt părți la tratat, proiectul de aviz încearcă să armonizeze terminologia utilizată în directiva europeană pentru a reflecta pe deplin Tratatul de la Marrakesh și UNCRDP. În acest sens, pentru garantarea respectării prevederilor legale, cred că este binevenită crearea unui mecanism de reclamații și despăgubiri de către statele membre, în cazurile în care beneficiarii sunt împiedicați să utilizeze excepțiile permise.
Double taxation dispute resolution mechanisms in the EU (A8-0225/2017 - Michael Theurer) RO
Am votat pentru acest raport care reiterează un principiu echitabil, acela că întreprinderile trebuie să își plătească impozitele în țara în care generează profit și că aceste sume se plătesc doar o singură dată, evitându-se dubla impozitare. După cum arată și raportul, în prezent, există aproximativ 900 de litigii privind dubla impunere în UE, toate acestea disputându-se asupra sumei de 10,5 miliarde de euro. Dubla impunere reprezintă unul dintre cele mai mari obstacole în calea evoluției pieței unice, creând blocaje ale investițiilor transfrontaliere și având un efect negativ asupra creșterii economice, pe termen lung. Analizele arată că actualele proceduri de soluționare a litigiilor, disponibile în UE, nu sunt destul de eficiente, astfel că unii contribuabili mai curând acceptă dubla impunere decât să cheltuiască bani și timp în proceduri legislative greoaie, care nu garantează mereu o decizie finală și obligatorie de eliminare a dublei impuneri. De aceea, salut propunerea raportorului de a înlocui comisia de arbitraj actuală cu un mecanism al UE de soluționare a litigiilor, care să conțină proceduri de acord reciproc mai rapide. De asemenea, consider că stabilirea unui termen clar pentru procedurile de soluționare a litigiilor este un element-cheie pentru a crește eficacitatea deciziilor luate.
Promoting cohesion and development in the outermost regions of the EU (A8-0226/2017 - Younous Omarjee) RO
Am votat în favoarea raportului privind promovarea coeziunii și a dezvoltării în regiunile ultraperiferice ale Uniunii deoarece acest subiect preocupă o mare parte a statelor membre cu zone geografice dificile, unde dezvoltarea socială este îngrădită de condițiile climatice sau de izolare. Deși aparent aceste regiuni sunt pe deplin integrate în Uniunea Europeană, situarea lor geografică specială le garantează, conform articolului 349 din TFUE, un statut specific și condiții favorabile de accesare a programelor de finanțare UE. Prin acest raport, Parlamentul dorește să facă un bilanț al punerii în aplicare a articolului 349, analizând modul în care politicile și legislația europeană în favoarea RUP pot fi adaptate pentru o mai bună integrare a acestor zone. Deseori, evaluările sau abordarea programelor UE vizavi de aceste regiuni nu sunt coerente, de aceea consider imperioasă impulsionarea armonizării și integrării abordării privind RUP la nivelul acestei instituții și cred că avem nevoie de analize mai realiste privind particularitățile acestora și nevoile lor specifice. De asemenea, consider că trebuie găsite soluții concrete și adaptări necesare pentru a garanta accesul RUP la toate programele orizontale europene, după cum este stipulat clar în articolul 349.
Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution to abate acidification, eutrophication and ground-level ozone (A8-0241/2017 - Adina-Ioana Vălean) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că suntem datori față de generațiile viitoare să mobilizăm cât mai multe dintre statele lumii să continue lupta cu reducerea poluării la nivel global. În acest sens, ratificarea modificărilor aduse Protocolului de la Göteborg, care propun noi valori-limită pentru poluare și stabilesc obiective mai ambițioase, este un pas important pentru UE și pentru poziționarea Uniunii ca principal actor în lupta cu poluarea globală. Este nevoie de o ratificare pentru ca, astfel, aceste noi prevederi ale Protocolului să devină obligatorii pentru statele membre și pentru a ne asigura că obiectivele pe care le stabilim la nivelul UE sunt atinse în următorii ani.
Memorandum of Understanding between the European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice and Eurojust (A8-0215/2017 - Claude Moraes) RO
Am votat pentru acest raport referitor la memorandumul de înțelegere între eu-LISA și Eurojust deoarece consider că este nevoie ca aceste două instituții să facă schimb de informații în vederea desfășurării activităților specifice. De asemenea, acest memorandum are avizele și întrunește condițiile legale privind schimbul de date și protecția datelor cu caracter personal. Scopul memorandumului este acela de a garanta un schimb de informații între cele două agenții, cooperarea privind dreptul Eurojust la sistemul SIS II și alte proiecte administrative specifice. În acest context, sper că acest aviz pozitiv din partea Parlamentului și punerea în aplicare cât mai rapidă a acestui memorandum vor ajuta la îmbunătățirea activității celor două instituții.
Fight against fraud to the Union's financial interests by means of criminal law (A8-0230/2017 - Ingeborg Gräßle, Juan Fernando López Aguilar) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că această formă a Directivei privind combaterea fraudelor îndreptate împotriva intereselor financiare ale Uniunii prin intermediul dreptului penal, așa cum a fost negociată cu reprezentanții Consiliului, reprezintă un pas înainte spre armonizarea legislației penale europene. Desigur, este obligatoriu ca aplicarea și eficiența acestei legislații să fie evaluate de către Comisia Europeană și consider că este necesară prezentarea unui raport în termen de trei ani, așa cum propune și documentul votat astăzi.Combaterea și descurajarea fraudei privind TVA este un obiectiv important pentru toate statele membre și armonizarea legislației în acest domeniu, stabilirea unor praguri și proceduri clare vor ajuta la îmbunătățirea cadrului legal prin predictibilitate și claritate. Acestea sunt aspecte fără de care nu putem spera să avem o legislație coerentă și corectă în scopul combaterii fraudelor.
Union legal framework for customs infringements and sanctions (A8-0239/2016 - Kaja Kallas) RO
Am susținut prin votul de astăzi acest raport deoarece consider că este un bun moment să începem a crea un cadru legislativ comun și echitabil în ceea ce privește încălcarea dispozițiilor vamale. Faptul că, în acest moment, avem norme egale privind legislația vamală, dar statele membre aplică sancțiuni diferite în cazul încălcării acestora, creează neîncredere între autoritățile statelor membre, o competiție inegală în economie și reprezintă o lipsă de predictibilitate în domeniul aplicării legii. De asemenea, doresc să subliniez faptul că această directivă și acest raport reprezintă un pas important în descurajarea încălcărilor dispozițiilor vamale, deoarece face o diferențiere clară între neglijență și acțiunile intenționate. Consider că definirea clară a celor două situații este esențială pentru asigurarea proporționalității sancțiunilor, în cazul în care acestea se impun. Sper că această abordare va duce la o mai onestă abordare în respectarea dispozițiilor vamale, va asigura predictibilitatea și egalitatea cetățenilor europeni în privința sancțiunilor aplicabile.
HIV, TB and HCV epidemics in Europe on the rise (B8-0436/2017) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestei rezoluții care trage un semnal de alarmă asupra răspândirii și contaminării cu bolile HIV/SIDA, tuberculoză și hepatita C, deoarece cifrele sunt îngrijorătoare: hepatita virală este una dintre amenințările majore la adresa sănătății publice la nivel mondial, afectând aproximativ 390 de milioane de persoane, iar OMS a calculat că aproximativ 122 000 dintre aceștia pierd lupta cu boala în fiecare an. De asemenea, după cum subliniază și documentul, este o realitate faptul că tuberculoza și tuberculoza multirezistentă, fiind boli transmise pe calea aerului, reprezintă amenințări transfrontaliere la adresa sănătății într-o lume globalizată, în care mobilitatea populației este greu de controlat. Documentul adoptat astăzi atrage atenția asupra faptului că rezistența antimicrobiană reprezintă o problemă medicală din ce în ce mai gravă în tratarea bolilor, iar situații de acest gen au fost revelate în nenumărate rânduri și de presa din Romania, unde spitalele se confruntă deseori cu această problemă. În acest sens, salut propunerea făcută statelor membre de a asigura nivelul de cheltuieli și de a mobiliza resursele necesare pentru realizarea obiectivului de dezvoltare durabilă, dar și de a utiliza fondurile structurale ale UE pentru a se putea acționa cu celeritate în prevenirea și combaterea răspândirii acestor boli.
2018 Budget - Mandate for the trilogue (A8-0249/2017 - Siegfried Mureşan) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport privind mandatul de negociere pentru trilog deoarece consider că, deși bugetul pentru anul 2018 este unul echilibrat, care în linii generale respectă angajamentele și sprijină îndeplinirea obiectivelor stabilite, în anumite puncte nu este unul îndeajuns de ambițios. În acest sens, susțin poziția Parlamentului și consider că este extrem de important ca prin bugetul din anul 2018 să fie continuată susținerea acordată IMM-urilor, pentru crearea de noi locuri de muncă, dar și pentru combaterea schimbărilor climatice. În același timp, sunt de părere că Fondul european pentru investiții strategice va continua să joace un rol important în ceea ce privește reducerea deficitului de investiții în întreaga UE și sper că extinderea propusă pentru acest fond, având în vedere absorbția rapidă din partea IMM-urilor, va ajuta la îndeplinirea obiectivelor stabilite.
Towards an EU strategy for international cultural relations (A8-0220/2017 - Elmar Brok, Silvia Costa) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece UE, în calitatea sa de actor esențial în politica internațională, joacă un rol hotărâtor în promovarea diversității culturale și lingvistice prin relațiile internaționale pe care le angajează. De aceea, este oportun ca, într-o Europă cu o diversitate culturală imensă, să vorbim despre o strategie de promovare a culturii noastre europene. Diplomația culturală trebuie să promoveze în primul rând, așa cum arată și raportul, diversitatea culturală și lingvistică, plecând de la ideea că ele constituie baza patrimoniului nostru cultural. Europa este, de altfel, tărâmul dialogului intercultural și interconfesional și cred că viziunea raportorului pe această temă este corectă. În același timp, nu putem să ignorăm că intensificarea dialogului dintre comunitățile religioase este esențială pentru promovarea toleranței și prevenirea extremismului, radicalizării și marginalizării. Nu în ultimul rând, când vorbim despre o cultură comună europeană, cred că accentul trebuie pus pe recunoașterea, înțelegerea și toleranța față de alte culturi, în baza unei etici globale obligatorii, întemeiate pe valorile universale și respectul reciproc. În acest sens, salut faptul că strategia globală a UE pune accentul, înainte de toate, pe încurajarea dialogului intercultural și interconfesional și consolidarea înțelegerii reciproce.
Recommendation to the Council on the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly (A8-0216/2017 - Andrey Kovatchev) RO
Am votat în favoarea Recomandării Parlamentului European adresate Consiliului privind cea de-a 72-a sesiune a Adunării Generale a Organizației Națiunilor Unite, deoarece prin acest document reiterăm angajamentul UE pentru o bună guvernanță globală, în sensul soluționării crizelor, problemelor și amenințărilor din zonele dificile ale lumii. Dat fiind faptul că mediul de securitate al UE este tot mai instabil și volatil, pus în dificultate de conflicte violente, terorism, criminalitate organizată, propagandă, război cibernetic, presiunea migrației și impactul acestora asupra schimbărilor climatice, aspecte imposibil de soluționat la nivel național, documentul votat astăzi subliniază importanța cooperării constructive a statelor membre în vederea oferirii de răspunsuri eficiente la nivel regional și mondial. Întrucât pacea și securitatea sunt aspecte esențiale pentru stabilitatea economică și socială a statelor membre și, implicit, a României, UE îndeamnă statele membre ale ONU să pună la dispoziție toate resursele financiare și umane necesare pentru a ajuta populațiile locale în conflictele armate și refugiații și să îndemne toate statele membre ale ONU să își îndeplinească angajamentele financiare față de această organizație, ceea ce consider a fi un îndemn onest.
Building an ambitious EU industrial strategy as a strategic priority for growth, employment and innovation in Europe (RC-B8-0440/2017, B8-0439/2017, B8-0440/2017, B8-0445/2017, B8-0446/2017, B8-0447/2017, B8-0448/2017, B8-0449/2017) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestei propuneri de rezoluție deoarece industria, un sector economic care a pus de altfel bazele Uniunii Europene, are un rol esențial în economia statelor membre UE și trebuie să continue să fie relevantă în competiția de pe piața internațională. În acest sens, consider că este vital ca în anii ce urmează să continuăm investițiile în acest sector economic și, adaptându-ne la lumea în care trăim, să încurajăm revitalizarea industriei pe baze moderne, digitale. Nu trebuie să uităm că acest sector economic asigură un număr important de locuri de muncă și reprezintă peste jumătate din exporturile UE, deși ponderea lui în economia UE a scăzut în ultimii ani. Având în vedere că scăderea puterii industriale a UE a fost resimțită în mod dramatic și în România, țara mea, prin închiderea de parcuri industriale și pierderea de locuri de muncă, cred că este extrem de binevenit un plan de acțiune la nivelul UE și al statelor membre pentru revitalizarea acestui sector. Trebuie ca acest sector economic să ajungă la o pondere de 20 % din PIB-ul UE până în 2020, așa cum s-a angajat Uniunea și, în acest context, cred că România are șansa să își reconstruiască industria pe baze economice noi, rentabile și durabile.
European standards for the 21st century (A8-0213/2017 - Marlene Mizzi) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport, deoarece consider că menținerea unui sistem european de standardizare este un instrument de lucru util pentru piața unică europeană și pentru consumatorii europeni, fără de care nu putem vorbi despre o concurență loială. Având în vedere că UE are ca obiectiv permanent creșterea standardelor de calitate a produselor aflate pe piață, este esențial să ne asigurăm că aceste standarde sunt respectate și de către produsele ce sunt importante din țările terțe. Am convingerea că, prin acest sistem european de standardizare și prin promovarea obiectivelor UE în cadrul sistemului internațional de standardizare, precum și în comerțul internațional, se încurajează de fapt inovarea la nivelul Uniunii și vom reuși, astfel, să ne menținem un rol-cheie pe piața mondială, acela de piață de desfacere cu standarde de calitate ridicate.
The role of fisheries-related tourism in the diversification of fisheries (A8-0221/2017 - Renata Briano) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport, deoarece, așa cum am susținut și în cadrul Comisiei PECH prin amendamentele pe care le-am depus, consider că este necesar să diversificăm activitățile legate de pescuit, pentru a încuraja turismul local. În acest sens, mă bucur că acest raport din proprie inițiativă abordează pescuitul recreativ și importanța acestuia pentru dezvoltarea zonelor costiere și a comunităților pescărești aflate în declin economic. Am insistat, prin amendamentele pe care le-am depus, pentru a întări rolul acestui tip de sport, pentru ca pescuitul recreativ să fie expres menționat pe lista activităților ce pot impulsiona turismul, gândindu-mă la potențialul pe care comunitățile izolate din Delta Dunării, de exemplu, îl au. Sper ca raportul de astăzi să atragă atenția autorităților din statale membre și să creeze proiecte și fonduri de dezvoltare prin care să reușim să impulsionăm turismul, să îl diversificăm prin includerea mai multor activități specifice pescuitului și, astfel, să dăm un impuls economic comunităților defavorizate sau izolate.
Limitation periods for traffic accidents (A8-0206/2017 - Pavel Svoboda) RO
Am votat acest raport, deoarece consider că problema termenelor diferite de prescripție aplicabile accidentelor rutiere din statele membre afectează din ce în ce mai mulți dintre cetățenii noștri. Libertatea de circulație de la un stat la altul trebuie să le garanteze și o legislație uniformă și clară în cazul unor nefericite accidente rutiere. Faptul că termenele de prescripție sunt considerabil diferite între statele membre duce, de multe ori, la situații în care cetățenilor unor state membre li se blochează accesul la justiție. Consider că această situație este îngrijorătoare și Comisia Europeană trebuie să propună o armonizare a acestor prevederi, astfel încât cetățenii să se poată bucura de drepturile lor în mod egal, pe tot teritoriul Uniunii. Lipsa predictibilității și a unei legislații armonizate în acest domeniu duce, inevitabil, la o îngrădire indirectă a dreptului la justiție, un drept fundamental pe care toți cetățenii europeni îl au.
Common minimum standards of civil procedure (A8-0210/2017 - Emil Radev) RO
Am susținut prin votul de astăzi acest raport, deoarece consider că una din valorile fundamentale ale Uniunii Europene este accesul cetățenilor noștri la o justiție corectă, egală și predictibilă. Din păcate, diferențele de standarde privind procedura civilă între statele membre îi afectează în mod special pe cetățenii care se deplasează peste frontiere sau care trăiesc în mai multe state membre. Având în vedere că numărul acestora este în continuă creștere la nivelul UE, cred că este extrem de important să abordăm subiectul interpretării unitare a unor standarde minime în procedura civilă. În acest sens, deciziile CJUE, deși sunt mai degrabă interpretări ale standardelor, ar trebui să ne indice principala cale de armonizare accelerată a acestora.Consider că acest raport deschide o dezbatere foarte importantă pentru UE, statele membre și, în special, pentru cetățenii europeni și ar trebui să începem să discutăm astfel despre echilibrul în asigurarea unor standarde minime în procedura civilă, între principiul subsidiarității și cel al dreptului statelor de a legifera.
Disclosure of income tax information by certain undertakings and branches (A8-0227/2017 - Hugues Bayet, Evelyn Regner) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport, deoarece acesta aduce amendamentele necesare Directivei privind comunicarea, de către anumite întreprinderi și sucursale, de informații privind impozitul pe profit. Consider că transparența în domeniul informațiilor fiscale și al profiturilor este esențială pentru combaterea evaziunii fiscale, dar și pentru evitarea dublei impozitări la nivelul UE. De asemenea, este foarte important să înțelegem că această Directivă nu are menirea de a descuraja întreprinderile multinaționale, ci aceea de a le asigura, prin transparență, un control echitabil. O standardizare a formatului în care se publică aceste date este, de asemenea, o propunere bună făcută în cadrul acestui raport și consider că acesta ar ajuta la armonizarea și coordonarea la nivelul UE a sistemelor de raportare. Nu în ultimul rând, trebuie subliniat faptul că toate aceste prevederi ajută economiile statelor membre, asigurând concurența corectă pe piața unică a Uniunii.
A longer lifetime for products: benefits for consumers and companies (A8-0214/2017 - Pascal Durand) RO
Ne întrebăm cu toții, de vreme bună, cum este posibil ca unele produse pe care le-am achiziționat acum 20 sau 30 de ani să fie încă funcționale sau să fi rezistat mai mult de 10 ani utilizării, în timp ce produsele recent achiziționate nu mai sunt funcționale, deseori, imediat după expirarea perioadei de garanție. Mă bucur că Parlamentul European a abordat acest subiect prin promovarea acestui raport de inițiativă, pe care l-am votat astăzi, considerând că promovarea și încurajarea de tehnologii care să extindă ciclul de viață al produselor este extrem de necesară, atât pentru consumatori, cât și pentru mediu și economie. Avantajele unui consum de produse cu cicluri de viață prelungite și cu posibilitate de reparare sau upgradare sunt o temă care trebuie să ne preocupe, iar presiunea trebuie făcută în special asupra producătorilor. Raportul scoate în evidență un aspect important privind promovarea acestui tip de consum: el sprijină micii întreprinzători și micile afaceri care au ca obiect de activitate reparațiile, producția și distribuția de piese de schimb, precum și inovarea de produse modulare. În ceea ce privește mediul, consider că economia circulară va ajuta la scăderea cantității de deșeuri provenite din economia de consum.
Addressing human rights violations in the context of war crimes, and crimes against humanity, including genocide (A8-0222/2017 - Cristian Dan Preda) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece UE, prin instituțiile sale, trebuie să continue să ia atitudine și să-și eficientizeze capacitatea de răspuns în fața crimelor de război, a genocidului sau a crimelor împotriva umanității. Orice acțiuni și încălcări ale drepturilor omului trebuie să fie combătute de către toate statele membre ONU și de către toate statele care au semnat Carta drepturilor omului. În plus, UE poate să își utilizeze capacitatea economică și politică pentru a încuraja și alte state ale lumii să fie mai eficiente în condamnarea acestor acțiuni. De asemenea, Uniunea trebuie să devină mai eficientă în răspunsurile date atunci când este sesizată în legătură cu încălcări ale drepturilor omului și să condamne mai ferm astfel de acțiuni.
Private security companies (A8-0191/2017 - Hilde Vautmans) RO
Am susținut prin votul de astăzi acest raport deoarece consider că funcționarea societăților de securitate private este un subiect foarte delicat, pe care statele membre UE trebuie să îl abordeze și să îl reglementeze cu foarte mare atenție. La nivel internațional și al UE sunt utilizate astfel de societăți pentru a completa capacitățile interne ale statelor, precum poliția, dar ele sunt de asemenea utile în vederea acoperirii lacunelor din capacitățile externe, fiind complementare armatelor naționale. Aceste practici aduc, desigur, anumite avantaje din punct de vedere economic statelor membre, dar aceste societăți trebuie să aibă un cadru legal și o posibilitate de acțiune clar definite, pentru că ele nu pot să înlocuiască autoritățile naționale. Susțin, de altfel, punctul de vedere al raportorului, care subliniază faptul că utilizarea acestor societăți în spațiul extern și cu precădere în zonele delicate, de reconstrucție a statelor, poate fi contraproductiv pentru politica externă a UE și pentru atingerea obiectivelor din respectivele regiuni.
Working conditions and precarious employment (A8-0224/2017 - Neoklis Sylikiotis) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui document deoarece susțin viziunea raportorului cu privire la diversificarea accelerată a tipurilor de locuri de muncă și de contracte. Deși multe dintre aceste noi categorii de locuri de muncă și de contracte sunt rezultatul schimbării și diversificării activităților noastre sociale și aș exemplifica ritmul accelerat de creștere a economiei digitale, nu toate aceste noi forme de contracte și locuri de muncă respectă standardele UE ale pieței muncii. Desigur, unele dintre aceste noi contracte aduc o libertate mai mare a angajatului, un timp de lucru mai flexibil și alte avantaje care îi permit o viață de familie și socială mai bună. Din păcate, în același timp, există foarte multe noi forme de muncă în care nu este respectată legislația muncii, există riscuri de sănătate sau de securitate foarte mari, remunerațiile nu reflectă volumul de muncă și nu oferă șansa unui nivel normal de trai. Acestea sunt doar câteva dintre motivele pentru care am considerat oportună intervenția Parlamentului European și faptul că prin acest document am tras un semnal de alarmă pe o temă de actualitate care îi privește pe mulți dintre cetățenii noștri.
Implementation of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (A8-0200/2017 - José Manuel Fernandes, Udo Bullmann) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că, în acest moment, este extrem de necesară o evaluare a punerii în aplicare a Fondului european pentru investiții strategice, în condițiile în care se dorește ajustarea acestuia în vederea atingerii obiectivelor stabilite inițial. Este îmbucurător faptul că evaluarea preliminară arată că multe dintre proiectele încheiate au avut rezultate peste așteptări. Totuși, așa cum subliniază și raportul, există îngrijorări cu privire la anumite acțiuni din partea BEI și a criteriilor de selecție a proiectelor. Susțin poziția exprimată în acest raport, deoarece consider că punerea în aplicare trebuie să fie în conformitate cu intențiile legiuitorului, în primul rând. Având în vedere că principalele probleme identificate se referă la relevanța proiectelor, la multiplicatorul și repartizarea geografică a acestora, consider că este extrem de important ca aceste aspecte să fie ajustate cât mai urgent.
2016 Report on Serbia (A8-0063/2017 - David McAllister) RO
Am susținut prin vot acest raport, întrucât cred că Uniunea Europeană trebuie să continue, în actualul context politic, relațiile bune cu partenerii săi externi din Est, cu care are, de altfel, aceleași priorități: asigurarea păcii, democrației, securității și dezvoltării acestei regiuni. În acest sens, raportul de astăzi își propune să treacă în revistă stadiul relațiilor, progresele, dar și regresele Serbiei, în vederea unei eventuale aderări la Uniunea Europeană. Serbia are deja stabilită o foaie de parcurs europeană, dar trebuie să persevereze în ceea ce privește independența și neutralitatea presei, presiunea politică asupra sistemului judiciar și drepturile minorităților. De asemenea, nu pot să nu subliniez că Serbia este un actor major în asigurarea stabilității în regiune și, prin urmare, apreciez menținerea și ameliorarea relațiilor acestei țări cu toți vecinii săi.
2016 Report on Kosovo (A8-0062/2017 - Ulrike Lunacek) RO
Am votat împotriva acestui raport, deoarece consider că trebuie să reamintim faptul că în Uniunea Europeană există state care încă așteaptă o soluționare a situației teritoriale a Serbiei. Din acest motiv, nu pot susține prin votul meu un raport care ar contrazice poziția de nerecunoaștere a Kosovo a unora dintre statele membre, printre care și România.
2016 Report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (A8-0055/2017 - Ivo Vajgl) RO
Am votat în favoare acestui raport, deoarece mă alătur astfel acțiunilor Uniunii Europene de a-i sprijini pe partenerii săi externi cu care împarte aceleași obiective. Astfel, raportul adoptat astăzi prezintă progresele și problemele încă existente în Macedonia, în vederea unei eventuale aderări la UE. Cunoscând îndeaproape dinamica acestei țări, apreciez reformele și progresele făcute în ultimul an, precum și accelerarea procesului de adoptare a standardelor, valorilor și principiilor Uniunii Europene. Înainte de toate însă, trebuie să reamintesc că stabilitatea și securitatea Europei de Sud-Est și, implicit, a Balcanilor de Vest sunt posibile doar cu condiția de a avea o Republică a Macedoniei democratică și dezvoltată economic și social, iar radiografia raportului de astăzi arată că drumul este unul bun.
Status of fish stocks and socio-economic situation of the fishing sector in the Mediterranean (A8-0179/2017 - Marco Affronte) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport, deoarece situația stocurilor de pește din Marea Mediterană continuă să fie critică și să se agraveze, iar, în acest moment, aproape toate (85-95%) stocurile de pește sunt exploatate excesiv sau aflate în pragul de a ajunge în această situație. În aceste condiții, fără o strategie și măsuri urgente de gestionare a pescuitului, foarte multe dintre cele 17 000 de specii de pește vor intra în colaps în perioada 2020-2030, cu efecte dezastruoase pentru economia și habitatul tuturor statelor membre din regiunea Mediteranei și din întreaga UE.Acest raport de inițiativă prevede câteva propuneri pentru o mai bună gestionare a situației din Marea Mediterană, printre care gestionarea multianuală a resurselor și selectivitatea, cooperarea cu țările terțe din regiune, închiderea zonelor de reproducere și repopularea stocurilor pescuite excesiv. Consider că este de datoria noastră să încercăm să găsim cele mai bune metode de a gestiona stocurile și de a le proteja, în vederea regenerării acestora, dar, în același timp, este normal să găsim echilibrul dintre sustenabilitatea mediului și cea economico-socială.
Uniform format for visas (A8-0028/2016 - Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufmann) RO
Am votat acest raport care propune realizarea unui nou model uniform de viză, cu scopul asigurării și ameliorării siguranței acestui document și prevenirii contrafacerii și falsificării lui.Vechiul model uniform de viză datează din 1995, iar în ultimii ani, odată cu avansul tehnologic, autocolantul de viză a devenit din ce în ce mai ușor de imitat, fiind găsite, în nenumărate state membre, un număr semnificativ de astfel de autocolante, falsificate.În acest sens, raportul adoptat astăzi se declară în favoarea introducerii unui nou model de viză, care să conțină toate informațiile necesare, să răspundă noilor standarde tehnice, să cuprindă elemente de securizare universal recunoscute și, nu în ultimul rând, să fie adecvat pentru a fi accesibil tuturor statele membre.
Digitising European industry (A8-0183/2017 - Reinhard Bütikofer) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece toate analizele ne arată faptul că susținerea procesului de digitalizare a statelor Uniunii Europene este esențială pentru dezvoltarea noastră economică.După cum se știe, piața digitală românească este una dintre cele mai competitive din Europa: dispunem atât de o conexiune la internet de calitate, cât și de tineri antreprenori talentați și inteligenți, ce produc un plus de valoare în acest domeniu.UE propune soluții pentru eficientizarea și finalizarea unei piețe digitale unice, încurajează deja investițiile în acest sector economic, iar în acest moment se poate observa că actorii în domeniul pieței digitale încep să asigure un procent din ce în ce mai semnificativ în PIB-ul statelor membre.În acest context, susțin acest raport și sper că o parte importantă din viitoarele investiții europene să fie atrase în Romania, pentru a da un impuls celor care activează și creează locuri de muncă în acest domeniu.
Combating anti-semitism (B8-0383/2017, B8-0388/2017) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece devine din ce în ce mai stringent ca Uniunea Europeană să răspundă cu o singură voce unei probleme încă existente în multe dintre comunitățile noastre.Combaterea antisemitismului, rasismului, xenofobiei și a altor forme de intoleranță trebuie să dispară din peisajul societății actuale, ele fiind total incompatibile cu valorile Uniunii Europene.În acest sens, raportul adoptat astăzi încurajează instituțiile europene și instituțiile statelor membre să acorde mai mult sprijin financiar activităților și proiectelor educaționale, să stabilească și să consolideze parteneriate cu instituțiile și comunitățile evreiești și să promoveze campanii de sensibilizare în acest sens.De asemenea, salut faptul că raportul încurajează colaborarea între Comisia Europeană și actori internaționali precum UNESCO, OSCE, Consiliul Europei pentru a combate antisemitismul nu numai la nivel european, dar și la nivel internațional.
Annual report 2015 on the protection of EU's financial interests - Fight against fraud (A8-0159/2017 - Julia Pitera) RO
Am susținut acest raport, pe care de altfell-am îmbunătățit din calitatea de raportor din umbră, întrucât este evident faptul că problema fraudei și a corupției afectează toate statele membre ale Uniunii Europene, nu numai România. Combaterea fraudei este primordială pentru întreaga Uniune deoarece, ignorată, ea poate avea un impact negativ asupra bugetelor naționale. Făcând din combaterea fraudei un obiectiv major al UE, facem, de fapt, pași importanți către asigurarea unui mediu economic transparent, diminuarea activităților de crimă organizată, creșterea încrederii cetățenilor în instituțiile publice, protejarea intereselor financiare ale UE și sporirea competitivității sale pe piața mondială. În acest sens, după cum s-a evidențiat și în acest raport, Comisia Europeană împreună cu OLAF și statele membre își propun să îmbunătățească controalele la nivel vamal și să dezvolte noi sisteme de monitorizare a activităților transfrontaliere ale comercianților. De asemenea, consider că elaborarea bugetului în funcție de performanțe și nu pe baza evaluărilor formale a programelor va permite și va crea un cadru favorabil dezvoltării economice a fiecărui stat membru.
Resource efficiency: reducing food waste, improving food safety (A8-0175/2017 - Biljana Borzan) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că trebuie să luăm atitudine și să acționăm de îndată în condițiile în care este extrem de evident că risipa produselor alimentare la nivelul UE și cantitățile imense de deșeuri provenite din această risipă au un impact negativ foarte mare asupra economiei și mediului înconjurător. Statisticile sunt îngrijorătoare: acestea ne arată că aproximativ 700 de milioane de oameni trăiesc la nivel mondial sub pragul sărăciei, iar în același timp, doar în UE, aproximativ 88 de milioane de tone de alimente sunt risipite anual. În plus, cantitățile de alimentele aruncate au un impact economic extrem de mare în agricultură și în bugetul consumatorilor, întrucât fermierii sunt nevoiți să includă estimarea pierderilor în prețul produselor. De asemenea, impactul asupra mediului pe care aceste deșeuri le au, aproximativ 170 de milioane de tone de CO2, este extrem de mare și intră în contradicție cu toate strategiile UE de reducere a emisiilor de CO2 și de eficientizare a economiilor. În acest sens, consider că apelul făcut prin acest raport, de a dezvolta strategii mai eficiente atât la nivelul UE cât și la nivelul statelor membre de a preveni risipa alimentară, este un îndemn la civism și o revenire la normalitate.
Evaluation of external aspects of customs performance and management as a tool to facilitate trade and fight illicit trade (A8-0162/2017 - Tiziana Beghin) RO
Am susținut prin votul de astăzi acest raport deoarece consider extrem de necesar ca sistemele de monitorizare și control în combaterea comerțului ilicit din toate statele membre să fie uniforme, coordonate și eficiente în ceea ce privește schimbul de informații, cu scopul descurajării acestor practici. UE este una dintre cele mai mari piețe din lume, iar piața unică reprezintă unul dintre principalii piloni ai Uniunii. Un control serios și unitar al serviciilor vamale oferă statelor membre și UE o poziție importantă în negocierile cu statele terțe și asigură puterea financiară a serviciilor comerciale europene la nivel mondial. Informațiile noastre arată că încercările de a intra pe piața unică în mod fraudulos sunt importante și acesta este, de fapt, principalul motiv pentru care consider că sistemele de integrare, control, monitorizare și schimb de informații dintre autoritățile statelor membre trebuie să fie îmbunătățite și adaptate pentru a face față tuturor schimbărilor. De asemenea, doresc să apreciez inițiativa raportorului pe acest dosar, care a evidențiat creșterea cu 15% a numărului capturilor de mărfuri ilegale la nivelul întregii Uniuni în perioada 2014-2015, recunoscând astfel munca depusă de toți cei implicați în această activitate.
European Year of Cultural Heritage (A8-0340/2016 - Mircea Diaconu) RO
Am votat acest raport care dorește să valorifice patrimoniul cultural european la adevărata sa valoare, cu scopul de a ne redefini și de a reitera identitatea noastră comună. Anul 2018 va fi Anul european al patrimoniului cultural și, prin acest raport, am hotărât alocarea unui buget de 8 milioane de euro pentru organizarea și desfășurarea acestuia, scopul fiind acela de a ne asigura că această inițiativă nu va avea un impact negativ asupra altor programe europene. De asemenea, raportul cere ca Parlamentul European să fie implicat în cadrul tuturor acțiunilor culturale care se vor desfășura. În contextul în care sentimentele antieuropene cresc în multe state ale UE și în contextul Brexitului, consider că este extrem de important să ne reamintim care sunt valorile Uniunii, care este patrimoniul cultural european și să demonstrăm faptul că statele membre reprezintă un spațiu de civilizație unitară, care beneficiază de un tezaur valoros și care se trage dintr-o istorie comună.
Union programme to support specific activities in the field of financial reporting and auditing (A8-0291/2016 - Theodor Dumitru Stolojan) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece el propune alocarea fondurilor necesare activității agențiilor de reglementare din domeniul auditului, IASB/IFRS Foundation, EFRAG și PIOB. Cele trei institute au ca obiect de activitate reglementarea internațională a legislației privind contabilitatea și auditul, legislație ce se aplică pe întreg teritoriul UE, oferind astfel un cadru legislativ clar, standardizat și comun tuturor statelor membre. Această legislație urmează a fi adoptată și de alte state terțe, ceea ce va facilita și mai mult colaborarea în domeniul financiar și contabil. De asemenea, raportul a cerut celor trei institute să sporească componența publică din bordul de conducere pentru a asigura o mai bună reprezentare a tuturor celor vizați de aceste regulamente, ceea ce consider a fi o prevedere utilă.
Union programme to enhance the involvement of consumers in financial services policy making (A8-0008/2017 - Philippe Lamberts) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că este momentul ca Uniunea Europeană să ia toate măsurile necesare asigurării unui sector al serviciilor financiare stabil și de încredere. În contextul crizei economice din 2007, multe dintre serviciile financiare au demonstrat deficiențe majore și o mare parte a consumatorilor și-a pierdut încrederea în această piață. Acesta este motivul pentru care Comisia Europeană, la cererea Parlamentului European, a lansat în anul 2011 un proiect-pilot privind înființarea unui centru de expertiză financiară în vederea implicării active a tuturor categoriilor de consumatori în procesul de elaborare a politicilor europene pentru sectorul financiar și bancar. Finanțarea celor două entități, Finance Watch și Better Finance, are un obiectiv extrem de important: creșterea implicării consumatorilor în procesul de adoptare a legislației europene în domeniul financiar-bancar și protejarea și reprezentarea intereselor acestora la toate nivelurile. Consider că este esențial ca aceste obiective să fie susținute la nivel legislativ pentru a evita construirea unui nou sistem financiar-bancar șubred.
Management of fishing fleets in the outermost regions (A8-0138/2017 - Ulrike Rodust) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece este cunoscut faptul că flotele de pescuit din zonele ultraperiferice ale Uniunii Europene se află într-o stare foarte gravă și trebuie să fie gestionate în mod special, așa cum prevăd și tratatele Uniunii. Starea avansată de degradare a acestor vase de pescuit pune în pericol viețile pescarilor și acestea riscă să fie inutilizabile în viitorul apropiat, lăsând comunități întregi fără posibilitatea de a-și câștiga existența. De asemenea, poluarea pe care aceste vase o produc în respectivele zone contravine tuturor normelor europene și strategiilor privind sustenabilitatea pescuitului și protejarea biodiversității marine. În acest context, am susținut prin votul meu amendamentul care dă voie statelor membre să utilizeze fonduri naționale sau europene pentru a moderniza această flotă fără a crește capacitatea de pescuit. Creșterea capacității de pescuit ar încălca legislația europeană și regulile politicii comune de pescuit, dar, dincolo de toate aceste prevederi, realitatea este că vasele din aceste zone și comunitățile respective au nevoie de un sprijin financiar pentru a-și putea continua activitățile economice.
European Solidarity Corps (B8-0238/2017)
The future of Europe is highly dependent on its youth and the younger generation. As the European Union it is our duty to encourage and promote initiatives that can help our young people achieve greatness. The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is a new European Union initiative, which creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects in their own country, or abroad that benefit communities and people in Europe. This is not only important but also a necessity in the journey to support and promote youth empowerment. I therefore support this resolution, as it will create a dedicated legal base for the European Solidarity Corps. It will among make sure that organisations have been checked and authorised to run European Solidarity Corps projects and that ESC must be based on shared EU values, as defined in the Treaties and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Moreover, with more than 21 000 young people already registered with the European Solidarity Corps it shows that there is a great interest from the young people to involve and embrace this opportunity. It further promotes a sense of community, solidarity and social responsibility in Europe while providing a meaningful and empowering volunteering experience.
Adequacy of the protection afforded by the EU-US privacy Shield (B8-0235/2017, B8-0244/2017)
With the recent revelations about surveillance activities conducted by a US electronic communications service provider at the request of the NSA and FBI in 2015. In addition, where new rules that from January 2017 allow the NSA to share vast amounts of private data, gathered without warrant, court orders or congressional authorisation, with 16 other agencies, including the FBI, has been worrying.Therefore, I support this resolution as it will ensure that the Privacy Shield doesn’t suffer from critical weakness, and to have a proper assessment and ensure that the EU-US Privacy Shield for data transferred for commercial purposes provides enough personal data protection for EU citizens to comply with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and new EU data protection rules.
Multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020 (Resolution) (A8-0117/2017 - Jan Olbrycht, Isabelle Thomas) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport întrucât sunt în total acord cu inițiativa Parlamentului și a Consiliului de a majora alocările bugetare pentru anumite programe, printre care și cele privind Inițiativa privind ocuparea forței de muncă în rândul tinerilor și Erasmus +. Desigur, aceste alocări trebuie evaluate de către autoritatea bugetară, care va stabili cu exactitate sumele posibile pentru aceste alocări, dar este important ca în cadrul financiar multianual să se acorde o atenție sporită programelor dedicate tinerilor și menite să încurajeze ocuparea forței de muncă în rândul acestora.
Mobilisation of the Contingency Margin (A8-0104/2017 - Jan Olbrycht, Isabelle Thomas) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport care susține compensarea sumei totale alocate în 2014 pentru creditele de plată, sume ce au fost mobilizate din cadrul marjei pentru situații neprevăzute, scăzând așadar capacitatea UE de finanțare în situații de criză. Compensarea acestor fonduri din fondurile alocate pentru anul 2017, care depășesc plafonul de plăți pentru acest an, va însemna o mai mare flexibilitate a cadrului financiar multianual în perioada următoare și o capacitate mai bună de a răspunde la posibilele crize viitoare.
Automatic exchange of data concerning vehicles registered in Finland, Slovenia, Romania, Poland, Sweden, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Hungary (A8-0095/2017 - Filiz Hyusmenova) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider cooperarea la nivel european prin schimbul de informații și intensificarea acțiunilor între state ca fiind un obiectiv de maximă importanță pentru Uniunea Europeană, mai ales în contextul actual, când evenimentele din ultimii ani ne-au demonstrat că deficiențele de comunicare au condus la incidente regretabile pe teritoriul Uniunii Europene.În acest sens, raportul adoptat astăzi aprobă schimbul automatizat de date în ceea ce privește datele privind înmatricularea vehiculelor în Finlanda, Slovenia, România, Polonia, Suedia, Lituania, Bulgaria, Slovacia și Ungaria și oferă garanția că aceste informații personale ale cetățenilor europeni vor fi folosite doar cu scopul pentru care au fost transmise. Schimbul de informații va permite intensificarea cooperării transfrontaliere în vederea prevenirii și combaterii terorismului și a criminalității în Uniunea Europeană.
Characteristics for fishing vessels (A8-0376/2016 - Werner Kuhn) RO
Am susținut prin votul de astăzi acest raport care susține propunerea Comisiei Europene de a schimba anumite definiții ale caracteristicilor vaselor de pescuit în vederea adaptării la progresele tehnologice.Este foarte important ca aceste caracteristici să fie clare și uniforme la nivelul întregii Uniuni pentru a putea evalua în mod corect capacitatea de pescuit a statelor membre, așa cum a fost stabilit în cadrul politicii comune în domeniul pescuitului. Depășirea capacităților prestabilite conduce la dezechilibre ale stocurilor de pește prin depășirea cotelor și la o competiție incorectă pe piața UE.Aceste situații trebuie evitate, iar în acest sens consider că votul de astăzi îl va ajuta pe raportor să adopte o poziție fermă în negocierile viitoare cu Consiliul.
Approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles (A8-0048/2017 - Daniel Dalton) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece Uniunea Europeană trebuie să continue să vegheze la protecția consumatorilor săi, mai ales în contextul actual, când comunitatea internațională și încrederea cetățenilor europeni au fost afectate dramatic de dezvăluirile cunoscute sub numele de „afacerea Dieselgate”.În acest sens, raportul adoptat astăzi urmărește să armonizeze procedurile de omologare a autovehiculelor în UE, dar își propune în același timp îmbunătățirea supravegherii pieței de mașini deja existente și în exploatare. Datorită acestor clarificări legislative, Uniunea Europeană și statele membre vor putea lua măsuri concrete și eficiente atunci când obligațiile producătorilor nu sunt în conformitate cu normele europene.
Women and their roles in rural areas (A8-0058/2017 - Marijana Petir, Maria Lidia Senra Rodríguez) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece sunt în total acord cu poziția exprimată de raportor pe această temă și cred că Parlamentul European trebuia să exprime susținerea lui pentru femeile ce își desfășoară activitatea și își trăiesc viața în mediul rural.Apreciez faptul că documentul evidențiază atât de multe implicații ale rolului pe care femeile îl au în zona rurală și solicită atât Comisiei Europene, cât și statelor membre să continue să încurajeze proiecte pentru susținerea lor. Oferind femeilor ce muncesc în condițiile dificile, specifice mediului rural, sprijinul și condițiile corecte pentru a-și desfășura activitatea, le garantăm de fapt egalitatea de șanse, un principiu european, dar în același timp susținem dezvoltarea economică și socială a satelor noastre.În acest sens, susțin propunerea exprimată în acest raport de a impune situația femeilor din mediul rural ca o prioritate a viitoarelor politici de dezvoltare rurală și de a continua programele dedicate lor în cadrul politicii agricole comune.
Draft recommendation following the inquiry into emission measurements in the automotive sector (B8-0177/2017) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestei recomandări care vine ca urmare a dezvăluirilor privind trucajele practicate de unii producători de mașini, deoarece consider că acest document subliniază multe dintre îngrijorările și cererile pe care cetățenii europeni le au cu privire la stabilirea corectă a emisiilor autovehiculelor și reducerea acestor emisii.Este un subiect cu implicații în ceea ce privește atât politica UE de protecție a mediului, cât și aceea de protecție a consumatorului, care are dreptul să fie corect informat despre produsele pe care le achiziționează. De aceea, salut faptul că documentul propune un număr important de acțiuni, esențiale pentru prevenirea pe viitor a acestor situații.Faptul că recomandarea subliniază nevoia, pentru omologarea mașinilor ce vor fi produse în viitor, a analizării emisiilor generate în condiții reale de conducere, și nu doar în laborator, este un pas înainte și reprezintă o garanție în plus că produsele pieței auto din UE vor respecta legislația existentă. În ceea ce privește amendarea companiilor care nu respectă legile UE în domeniul emisiilor reale ale autovehiculelor, consider că este o propunere mult așteptată. De asemenea, salut inițiativa de oferire de compensații din partea producătorilor pentru cetățenii care au cumpărat mașini trucate, o măsură absolut necesară.
EU priorities for the UN Human Rights Council sessions in 2017 (RC-B8-0183/2017, B8-0183/2017, B8-0184/2017, B8-0185/2017, B8-0186/2017, B8-0187/2017, B8-0188/2017, B8-0189/2017)
As the European Union we are strongly committed to the United Nations Human Rights system and will actively engage at the UN Human Rights Council and the Third Committee of the General Assembly to defend and promote the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of human rights. I support this resolution as it is important to consistently draw the attention of these fora to human rights violations and abuses worldwide. As the European Union, it is important to continue dialogue and cooperation with partners from all regions to ensure that the UN bodies pursue and address the gravest human rights situations around the world, clearly condemning in the strongest terms human rights violations and abuses, including violence and discrimination.
Supply chain due diligence by importers of minerals and metals originating in conflict-affected and high-risk areas (A8-0141/2015 - Iuliu Winkler) RO
Am votat acest raport care propune măsuri concrete cu scopul întreruperii legăturii extrem de periculoase între exploatarea ilegală a minereurilor și conflictele care decurg din această activitate. După părerea mea, reglementarea strictă a acestui gen de situații este esențială și este o formă de sprijin indirect pentru guvernele din țările în care există acest gen de comerț. Uniunea Europeană trebuie să instituie o conduită și să pună astfel bazele unui mecanism de autocertificare obligatorie în ceea ce privește rafinăriile și importatorii de metale rare precum tantalul, tungstenul sau staniumul, precum și celelalte minereuri care provin din zone cu risc ridicat sau din zone de conflict. În opinia mea, raportul de față nu trebuie privit doar ca un instrument autonom de politică comercială, ci mai degrabă dintr-o perspectivă internațională care aduce o mai mare cooperare pentru dezvoltare în cadrul Uniunii Europene.
Union framework for the collection, management and use of data in the fisheries sector (A8-0150/2016 - Marco Affronte) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport ce își propune să creeze condițiile necesare gestionării, colectării și utilizării de date de bună calitate în ceea ce privește obligația de debarcare, cu scopul realizării unei baze de date coerente și eficiente. Astfel, după cum arată și raportul, este necesară stabilirea unei strategii pe termen scurt și mediu pentru a permite utilizarea eficientă și integrală a instrumentelor de control și monitorizare în ceea ce privește obligația de debarcare. Un alt punct pozitiv al raportului este cel referitor la consolidarea cooperării regionale în conformitate cu regionalizarea PCP, prin intermediul grupurilor de coordonare regională. În acest sens, sunt de părere că este necesar să se ajungă la un consens cu privire la colectarea și analizarea datelor și înaintarea acestora către utilizatorii finali, între toate regiunile marine ale Uniunii Europene. Nu în ultimul rând, este important să se garanteze, atât cât este posibil, că se efectuează suficiente studii științifice în domeniul piscicol, care să servească drept fundament pentru evaluarea celor mai bune forme de gestionare pentru fiecare zonă în parte.
Constitutional, legal and institutional implications of a Common Security and Defence Policy: possibilities offered by the Lisbon Treaty (A8-0042/2017 - Esteban González Pons, Michael Gahler)
The emergence of new geopolitical and geostrategic circumstances demonstrates that the EU Member States cannot face up to the new risks alone; therefore a joint response is needed. The need to increase the operability and effectiveness of European security policy can bring a real improvement in Europe’s security, which can be possible by making use of the Lisbon Treaty to its full extent. I support this report as it is crucial to have democratic scrutiny and supervision of the European Defence Union, the role of the European Parliament. This report clarifies the legal and institutional implications for a common security and defence. It is of the utmost importance to establish a defence culture that helps ensure EU citizens have a clear idea of the role that defence plays in our society and the contribution it makes to stability, peacekeeping and international security.
An integrated EU policy for the Arctic (A8-0032/2017 - Urmas Paet, Sirpa Pietikäinen) RO
Am decis să mă abțin de la votul pe acest raport deoarece consider că acesta nu cuprinde temerile extrem de importante pe care Comisia parlamentară pentru pescuit le-a exprimat în avizul său. Susțin, desigur, existența unei strategii a UE privind zona arctică, dar este extrem de important să înțelegem că această zonă, cu foarte puține exploatări în acest moment, este o zonă fragilă din punctul de vedere al ecosistemelor. De asemenea, consider că, în cazul acesteia, UE trebuie să fie foarte clară în ceea ce privește respectarea tratatelor internaționale privind dreptul mărilor. Așa cum a fost exprimat și în raportul adoptat în cadrul Comisiei pentru pescuit, extinderea activităților pescuitului în zona arctică, spre exemplu, trebuie făcută doar respectând dreptul internațional, cu foarte multă grijă în privința impactului asupra sustenabilității și doar în contextul unor evaluări socioeconomice.
e-Democracy in the EU: potential and challenges (A8-0041/2017 - Ramón Jáuregui Atondo) RO
Raportul pe care l-am votat astăzi reprezintă un mesaj pe care Parlamentul European îl dă, dar și un angajament: politicile publice și guvernarea de azi trebuie să utilizeze toate mijloacele moderne pentru a ajunge la cetățean. Vorbim cu toții, ne plângem sau ne îngrijorăm în legătură cu lipsa de participare cetățenească, de civism, în legătură cu faptul că mesajele noastre, instituții sau politicieni, nu ajung la cei vizați. Noile tehnologii informaționale, cu toate aplicațiile și inovațiile cu care vin, pot schimba felul de a face politică și pot aduce un plus de democrație societăților în care trăim. Raportul extrem de curajos al Parlamentului European despre e-democrație reprezintă viziunea noastră, a parlamentarilor europeni, în legătură cu funcționarea unui societăți moderne, a unor popoare informate și dinamice, deci puternice; spune, de altfel, că putem folosi tehnologia ca pe o cale sigură către dialog, toleranță și pace socială.
Obstacles to EU citizens’ freedom to move and work in the Internal Market (B8-0179/2017)
A fundamental European right is the freedom of movement for EU citizens, that allows them to travel, live and work in other EU countries. This is a highly prioritised [aim] and success of the Union. However, there have been some concerns raised by citizens that addressed breaches of citizens’ freedom to move and work in the Union. I therefore support this resolution, as it should be every EU citizen’s right to move and reside freely within the EU Member States. This resolution will among other things help implement and recognise professional qualifications across the EU with simpler rules and faster procedures for qualified professionals who wish to work in another Member State, which are essential for the Single Market.
Guidelines for the 2018 budget - Section III (A8-0060/2017 - Siegfried Mureşan) RO
Am votat acest raport care stabilește orientările politicii regionale în 2018, cel mai important instrument de investiții al Uniunii Europene. După cum știm deja, politica de coeziune generează locuri de muncă și creștere economică în toate statele membre. Raportul stabilește ca obiective principale infrastructura, creșterea competitivității UE, fondurile pentru cercetare și fondurile pentru dezvoltarea competențelor angajaților, pe care le consider corecte. Nu în ultimul rând, am votat acest raport deoarece acesta reiterează faptul că IMM-urile sunt în continuare coloana vertebrală a economiei europene, drept pentru care este nevoie să li se asigure un acces adecvat la finanțare.
Control of the acquisition and possession of weapons (A8-0251/2016 - Vicky Ford) RO
Am votat împotriva acestui raport care își propune interzicerea deținerii a zeci de mii de arme pe teritoriul UE, majoritatea dintre ele fiind achiziționate și deținute cu respectarea prevederilor legale. Sunt de acord că noile condiții de securitate din Europa ne îndeamnă la vigilență. Raportul face referire la standarde de dezactivare sigure, reguli mai clare în ceea ce privește eliberarea de autorizații, prin marcare și urmărire, dar nu cred că este corect ca deținătorii de bună credință să intre în ilegalitate în baza unor reguli ce se aplică retroactiv. De asemenea, consider important ca orice directivă pe care lucrăm și care va deveni legislație europeană să se bazeze pe date concrete despre situația actuală și pe o evaluare a viitorului impact, ceea ce a lipsit în negocierile dintre Parlament și Comisie pe baza prevederilor acestui document.
End-of-life vehicles, waste batteries and accumulators and waste electrical and electronic equipment (A8-0013/2017 - Simona Bonafè) RO
Am votat pentru acest raport care își propune să reglementeze mai clar, din punctul de vedere al protecției mediului, situația vehiculelor scoase din uz și a deșeurilor echipamentelor electrice. După cum arată și documentul redactat de raportor, aceste deșeuri sunt extrem de nocive pentru mediu, dar, în același timp, corect colectate, pot constitui o sursă de materii prime valoroase și rare. Sunt de părere că, dacă Uniunea Europeană dorește cu adevărat să ia în considerare trecerea către o economie circulară, este absolut necesar să se creeze o infrastructură coerentă și o piață deschisă pentru colectarea, transportul și gestionarea tuturor tipurilor de deșeuri. În același timp, sunt de părere că introducerea unui ghișeu unic pentru procedurile administrative legate de gestionarea deșeurilor ar fi utilă, deoarece va simplifica și clarifica sarcinile administrative ale tuturor celor implicați în acest proces.
Packaging and packaging waste (A8-0029/2017 - Simona Bonafè) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport care propune ambiții mai mari ale statelor membre în ceea ce privește reciclarea ambalajelor. Sunt obiective necesare pentru a proteja, a îmbunătăți și conserva calitatea mediului, pentru sănătatea oamenilor, pentru a promova principiile economiei circulare și pentru a încuraja crearea de energie din surse regenerabile.Sunt de părere că, pentru a avea o economie complet circulară în cadrul Uniunii Europene, este absolut necesar să se adopte măsuri suplimentare cu privire la producția și consumul de anumite materii prime, axate pe întregul ciclu de viață al produselor, într-un mod eficient, care să conserve resursele. De asemenea, un punct forte al raportului este că nu impune obiective imposibile, fiind în favoarea unei flexibilități în ceea ce privește calendarul pentru atingerea țintelor stabilite.
Equality between women and men in the EU in 2014-2015 (A8-0046/2017 - Ernest Urtasun)
In 2017 we are still facing problems with gender inequality in Europe. Even though there have been some improvements, EU remains only halfway towards achieving gender equality, where the overall score since 2005 only have risen from 51.3 to 52.9 out of 100; whereas faster progress is needed if the EU is to meet the targets of Europe 2020. I support this resolution as much still remains to be done. This resolution will focus on policies that will among other take comprehensive steps to reduce pay gaps, effort to combat violence against women, agree on maternity leave proposals and safeguard abortion, all which is important to the values of EU on gender equality.
Equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services (A8-0043/2017 - Agnieszka Kozłowska-Rajewicz)
In order to implement equal treatment of men and women with a view to extending the principle of equal treatment beyond the sphere of the employment market and professional life to other areas of everyday life, this directive establishes a framework for combating all gender discrimination in access and supply of goods and services, in both the public and private sectors. I support this resolution as it will offer solid tools for safeguarding the principle for equality between women and men, and propose a tailored gender-mainstreaming recommendations across relevant sectors to which its regulations apply.
EU funds for gender equality (A8-0033/2017 - Clare Moody)
Equality between women and men is a fundamental value of the European Union protected in the Treaties where the Union shall aim to eliminate inequalities, and to promote equality, between men and women. Unfortunately, the gender issues are usually addressed in soft policy areas, such as human resources development rather than in hard ones, such as infrastructure and ICT, which receive higher financial support. This is also visible in the budget allocations and spending decisions in EU policy areas of a gender budgeting methodology, where gender equality and gender mainstreaming is not reflected in the budget. I support this resolution as it is important to commit EU institutions on budgeting to be used much more proactively to deliver on the goal of gender equality that has been central to the EU’s work from the beginning.
Fundamental rights implications of big data (A8-0044/2017 - Ana Gomes) RO
Am votat pentru acest raport, care are ca obiectiv îmbunătățirea dreptului UE privitor la datele cu caracter personal și protecția vieții private, dreptul la nediscriminare și egalitate, dar și dreptul indivizilor de a primi informații legate de logica implicată în procesul decizional automatizat și în crearea de profiluri atunci când utilizarea datelor fără caracter personal ar putea afecta viața privată a persoanelor sau anumite drepturi și libertăți.Un alt argument care m-a determinat să votez acest raport este faptul că acesta clarifică faptul că scopul intrinsec al megadatelor este acela de a obține corelări comparabile cu cât mai puține date cu caracter personal posibil, iar comunitățile publice, de afaceri sau științifice trebuie să aducă inovări în domeniul anonimizării datelor.Nu în ultimul rând, raportul consideră că publicarea datelor cu caracter personal de către autorități din motive de interes public poate fi permisă în cadrul unei societăți democratice doar cu condiția ca datele să fie divulgate strict în termenii prevăzuți de lege, iar respectiva publicare să fie necesară cu scopul vizat și proporțională cu acesta, ceea ce consider că este un principiu corect și necesar.
Minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits (A8-0011/2017 - Stefan Eck) RO
Am votat acest raport care statuează că întreaga cantitate de carne de iepure aflată pe piața UE trebuie să respecte standardele în ceea ce privește siguranța și calitatea alimentelor, dar și criteriile de calitate a vieții animalelor și atrage atenția asupra cărnii de iepure importate din țări terțe. De asemenea, raportul ia act de faptul că iepurii pot fi afectați de o mare varietate de probleme de calitate a vieții și de alte boli cauzate de condițiile inadecvate de creștere. Un alt punct important al acestui raport este faptul că el atrage atenția asupra utilizării în exces a antibioticelor în cazul iepurilor de fermă, care poate avea efecte negative precum creșterea rezistenței animalelor la tratament, dar și afectarea sănătății consumatorilor.
Information exchange mechanism with regard to intergovernmental agreements and non-binding instruments in the field of energy (A8-0305/2016 - Zdzisław Krasnodębski) RO
Am votat acest raport care prevede instituirea unui mecanism de schimb de informații privitoare la acordurile interguvernamentale și instrumentele fără caracter juridic obligatoriu în domeniul energiei, deoarece el oferă condițiile creării unui cadru juridic necesar investițiilor europene mari de capital în acest domeniu.Trebuie să remarc faptul că, deși discutăm pe acest subiect de mai mult de zece ani, termenul de ,,securitate energetică” nu este definit nicăieri în legislația Uniunii Europene. Un mecanism de examinare al contractelor și instrumentelor, propus în textul acestui raport, va împiedica părțile de la eludarea normelor la negocierea și încheierea contractelor. Nu în ultimul rând, un control normativ mai bine coordonat va contribui la crearea unei piețe interne funcționale și va asigura o concurență loială între producători și furnizori.
Obligations in the field of visa reciprocity (B8-0173/2017) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestei rezoluții deoarece consider că era momentul ca Parlamentul European să atragă atenția Comisiei Europene că evită să își îndeplinească obligațiile legale în ceea ce privește sistemul de reciprocitate a vizelor între statele membre și țările terțe.Dacă ne dorim o Europă în care cetățenii să se bucure de aceleași drepturi în mod egal, cred că toți cetățenii statelor membre trebuie să fie tratați în același fel în ceea ce privește condițiile de călătorie în afara spațiului european.Trebuie să nu uităm faptul că neaplicarea unitară a principiului reciprocității vizelor afectează cel puțin 14% dintre cetățenii UE, și anume cetățenii din România, Bulgaria, Croația, Cipru și Polonia, precum și pe cetățenii cu dublă cetățenie din UE.
Options for improving access to medicines (A8-0040/2017 - Soledad Cabezón Ruiz)
. ‒ In today’s Europe it is crucial to have auniversal access to health care, this is one of the fundamental rights of every European citizen. But unfortunately the health systems in the EU are facing challenges. Factors such as an ageing population, the emergence of new and expensive technologies and the threat posed by the economic crisis to the sustainability of health-care systems are a reality. The prices of new medicines have increased during the past few decades to the point where they are unaffordable for many EU citizens, and this creates an unsustainable situation for health-care systems.Therefore, I support this draft report, as it calls for a much needed initiative to raise awareness about the prices, accessibility, acceptability, affordability, availability, pharmaceutical competition and transparency of medicines in the EU.
Combating terrorism (A8-0228/2016 - Monika Hohlmeier)
. ‒ In recent years, we have unfortunately witnessed the terrorist threat growing and rapidly evolving. The fight against terrorism remains primarily a matter for Member States. The terrorist attacks in Europe in 2015 and 2016 have shown the need for coordinated action on the part of the Member States to combat terrorism and address the threat that foreign fighters pose within the Union. I support this proposal, which highlights the importance for the Member States of strengthening the security forces, law enforcement agencies and justice institutions. In addition, I support legislation to establish minimum rules on the definition of terrorist offences, offences related to terrorist activities, or a terrorist group, and penalties in this area. Updating the EU legal framework on combating terrorism and terrorist networks by transposing the directive into Member States’ legal systems strengthens the EU’s tools against terrorism by criminalising acts such as receiving training for terrorism or travelling for terrorist purposes. This is not only important in itself but will also give the EU countries a much-needed harmonised judicial approach to the threat we are facing.
Possible evolutions of and adjustments to the current institutional set-up of the European Union (A8-0390/2016 - Guy Verhofstadt) RO
Am votat împotriva acestui raport deoarece am interpretat sensul anumitor prevederi ca fiind o formă de reorganizare a UE pe doua sau mai multe niveluri, contrar oricărui principiu fondator ce prevede egalitatea între parteneri.Sunt de acord cu faptul că Uniunea trece printr-o succesiune de crize și susțin întru totul că răspunsul la aceste crize trebuie să fie mai eficient, dar această eficiență nu poate acționa împotriva intereselor statelor și cetățenilor lor. Nu pot susține prin votul de astăzi propuneri care ar face din România sau din orice altă țară un stat neluat în seamă, care ar reduce drastic votul anumitor țări în Consiliu sau al anumitor europarlamentari.În opinia mea, astfel de propuneri care implică o diferențiere între statele membre asupra deciziilor ce pot fi luate și care propun proceduri ce reduc capacitatea reprezentanților cetățenilor de a influența decizia la nivelul UE vor duce la sporirea numărului țărilor antieuropene și la încurajarea spiritelor naționalist-protecționiste.Proiectul unei Uniuni cu două viteze, în care unele state se află în centru, iar altele sunt în cercurile doi sau trei, va duce la dezinteresul acestora din urmă pentru problemele majore ale UE, la creșterea inegalităților și la o diferențiere nedreaptă între cetățenii europeni.
Improving the functioning of the European Union building on the potential of the Lisbon Treaty (A8-0386/2016 - Mercedes Bresso, Elmar Brok) RO
Am votat împotriva acestui raport deoarece nu sunt de acord cu abordarea sa. Nu voi susține niciodată schimbări ale tratatelor sau ale procedurilor care vor scădea importanța votului țării mele în cadrul Consiliului și al Parlamentului European.De asemenea, diferențierea statelor membre între state din zona euro și cele non-euro va însemna, de facto, instalarea unei Uniuni Europene cu două viteze, în care unele state membre sunt mai puțin importante și, deci, nu contează în luarea deciziilor.În concluzie, nu pot susține acest raport care, deși identifică necesitatea de schimbare la nivelul UE în ceea ce privește viteza de răspuns la noile provocări, propune soluții care vor exclude din ce în ce mai mult România sau alte țări de la masa deciziilor importante, crescând nivelul de euroscepticism și sentimentul de diferențiere între statele membre.
Budgetary capacity for the Eurozone (A8-0038/2017 - Reimer Böge, Pervenche Berès) RO
Am decis să votez împotriva acestui raport, deoarece nu susțin cele mai multe dintre punctele de vedere exprimate în cadrul acestuia.În opinia mea, anumite propuneri privind convergența măsurilor economice ar trebui să rămână în atribuțiile statelor membre, deoarece diferențele sociale și cele privind nivelul de trai presupun și o abordare diferită. Cu o astfel de abordare de tip uniform riscăm să adâncim diferențele deja existente între cetățenii diferitelor state membre.
Civil Law Rules on Robotics (A8-0005/2017 - Mady Delvaux) RO
Am votat împotriva acestui raport deoarece îl consider insuficient documentat, nu a venit cu o abordare coerentă și realistă în ceea ce privește noile provocări de ordin economic și social al noilor tehnologii.Propunând o agenție europeană fără o evaluare prealabilă, adică o nouă instituție europeană, nu este responsabil, iar ideea de a da personalitate juridică roboților nu are nicio acoperire din punct de vedere legal.În condițiile în care viața noastră depinde din ce în ce mai mult de tehnologie, preocupările noastre ca parlamentari europeni ar trebui să fie în sensul abordării unor subiecte ca viața privată a consumatorilor, protecția și siguranța datelor celor care folosesc noile tehnologii, protecția pieței muncii și a oamenilor ce își pierd locurile de muncă ca urmare a tehnologizării producției și, mai nou, a serviciilor.De asemenea, consider că propunerea de a introduce o taxă pe roboți nu este deloc benefică pentru inovație și pentru interesul economic din Uniunea Europeană.
European Cloud Initiative (A8-0006/2017 - Jerzy Buzek)
Despite Europe being the largest producer of scientific data in the world, we still have insufficient and fragmented infrastructure. Unfortunately, this means that our big data is not being exploited to its full potential. I therefore support this resolution that will create a new European Open Science Cloud that will offer Europe’s 1.7 million researchers and 70 million science and technology professionals a virtual environment to store, share and re-use their data across disciplines and borders. This will make the European Union a potential centre for global research, and attract world-leading research. It will further give the possibility for the EU to become the most competitive knowledge-based economy in the world by also having an openness towards international researchers, thereby attracting international investments, which is of utmost importance.
Investing in jobs and growth - maximising the contribution of European Structural and Investment Funds (A8-0385/2016 - Lambert van Nistelrooij)
The ESI Funds are an important investment in the EU, especially considering that national and regional investments are declining. This new regulation introduces new key reforms that ensure a more strategic and complementary use of the funds in order to exploit their full potential in reaching the EU goals of growth and job creation over the next decade. I therefore support this report, as it has multilayered purposes such as research and innovation, where it will give support to small businesses in Europe, contribute to investments in energy and environment, support social inclusion, education and training, and employment. All these are very important reforms to ensure economic growth and employment for our citizens.
Aviation Strategy for Europe (A8-0021/2017 - Pavel Telička) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport privind strategia europeană în domeniul aviației deoarece consider că avem în vedere un sector economic european de maxim interes pentru UE, cu o mare acceptare a politicilor în domeniu la nivelul statelor membre și cu rezultate economice foarte importante pentru întreaga Uniune. Nivelul de interconectare, de siguranță și de competitivitate al sectorului aviației aduce beneficii tuturor cetățenilor europeni.În același timp, trebuie subliniat faptul că acest sector, pentru a face față competiției mai mult sau mai puțin loiale ale unor companii din state terțe, trebuie susținut prin politici concurențiale adecvate, care să nu favorizeze competiția neloială și prin politici care să încurajeze investițiile și dezvoltarea.În acest sens, consider că propunerile exprimate în cadrul acestui raport vor ajuta sectorul aviației să se dezvolte și să continue interconectarea diferitelor zone ale Uniunii Europene spre beneficiul cetățenilor noștri.
Delayed implementation of ESI Funds operational programmes - impact on cohesion policy and the way forward (B8-0149/2017) RO
Am susținut acest raport întrucât este evident că implementarea cu întârziere a programelor operaționale din cadrul fondurilor structurale și de investiții europene stă în calea societăților noastre ce aspiră la dezvoltare și la îmbunătățirea coeziunii sociale, economice și teritoriale.În acest sens, salut prevederile acestui raport, care invită Comisia Europeană să simplifice în mare măsură normele privind ajutorul de stat și să se asigure că acestea sunt în acord cu prevederile politicii de coeziune. Aceste recomandări sunt necesare pentru asigurarea unei politici de coeziune coerente și eficace.De asemenea, susțin recomandarea din acest document care este în favoarea unei creșteri a ratei de absorbție și a calității acțiunilor în cadrul politicii de coeziune, unei mai bune comunicări între Comisie și statele membre, precum și cu autoritățile naționale sau regionale.
EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (A8-0009/2017 - Artis Pabriks)
The new CETA agreement between Canada and Europe will be one of the most modern free trade agreements that the EU has ever negotiated. With agreements on sustainable development, labour and environmental protection, the agreement ensures the participation of businesses, unions, civil society organizations and citizens in the implementation of the social and environmental provisions and of the agreement overall. I support this resolution, as our best interests lie not only in the fact that Canada is a strategic partner with which we share a history based on common values and interests, but also in the fact that Canada opens up its tenders more widely to EU companies than to any of its other trading partners. This agreement will help generate much-needed growth and jobs while fully upholding Europe’s high standards in areas such as food safety, environmental protection and labour rights. It also ensures that European companies will receive the best treatment that Canada has offered to any trading partner, thus levelling the playing field for EU companies on the Canadian market. This agreement is of geopolitical importance, as it will strengthen relations between the EU and one of our closest allies and demonstrate our ability to shape global norms and standards.
Conclusion of the EU-Canada CETA (B8-0141/2017, B8-0142/2017, B8-0143/2017, B8-0144/2017, B8-0145/2017, B8-0146/2017)
In a time when multilateral trade agreements are difficult to achieve, bilateral agreements play an important role for our goal for economic growth and employment. I support this resolution, as it will not only have economic benefits such as cutting tariffs, but it will also provide other measures such as a guarantee on the right of EU governments to regulate in the interest of their citizens while still encouraging foreign investors by protecting their investments. It further shapes global standards in order to provide benefits for citizens through jobs and growth for our economy and help sustain a prosperous future. It is important that the EU works together with like-minded countries to strengthen the global rules-based system, and in this perspective, Canada is a crucial partner and ally, with shared values and common beliefs such as open, democratic and liberal society, as well as importance of rules-based trade.
EU-Canada Strategic Partnership Agreement (A8-0028/2017 - Charles Tannock)
Canada has been a Strategic Partner to the EU since 1996 and is an important ally because it has shown to be one of the most consistent contributors since the beginning of ESDP.As Canada and the EU share a strong commitment to democracy, fundamental freedoms, the protection of human rights, and open trade and multilateralism, the Strategic Partnership agreement aims to intensify this bilateral cooperation. I therefore support this resolution, as it will promote a strong cooperation in areas such as foreign and security policy, counter-terrorism, the fight against organised crime, sustainable development, and research and culture. Together with CETA, this agreement will further allow EU-Canadian relations to become even stronger, encourage closer cooperation and increase people-to-people contacts for the shared benefit of citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.
Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft (Product Coverage Annex) (A8-0007/2017 - Inmaculada Rodríguez-Piñero Fernández) RO
În anul 2007 a fost modificat sistemul armonizat de denumire și codificare a mărfurilor elaborat de Organizația Mondială a Vămilor, sistem ce stă la baza clasificării produselor din aviația civilă ce urmează a fi scutite de taxe, conform Acordului privind comerțul cu aeronave civile (ACAC). Am votat în favoarea acestui raport, deoarece el aprobă modificările tehnice necesare armonizării legislației UE cu modificările din anul 2007 și transpune, astfel, aspectele comerciale din protocolul adoptat de comisie în 2010.
Cost-effective emission reductions and low-carbon investments (A8-0003/2017) RO
Am susținut acest raport deoarece am considerat că amendamentele adoptate înaintea votului final au ameliorat forma inițială a textului, oferind o viziune rezonabilă pentru reducerea emisiilor de dioxid de carbon în perioada următoare. În acest sens, am susținut amendamentul cu privire la includerea energiei produse din gazele reziduale în calcularea valorilor de referință pentru industrii, ceea ce nu va bloca industria siderurgică din UE și din România. De asemenea, consider că plafonarea de principiu a reducerii la 2,2%, cu o posibilitate de revizuire la 2,4%, reprezintă un nivel de ambiție echilibrat, care impune obiective realistice statelor membre, fără a le împovăra cu prevederi nerealizabile. În acest context, consider că forma finală a acestui raport este una echilibrată, care va ajuta la îndeplinirea obiectivelor stabilite de statele membre, fără a pune în pericol existența industriilor din țările noastre.
2016 Report on Albania (A8-0023/2017 - Knut Fleckenstein)
This report stresses the importance of establishing a dialogue within the Albanian government, sustainable political cooperation, and a willingness to compromise. What is essential to this success is firstly the exclusion of criminal offenders from government office. Which is why I strongly support this report and its view regarding the reform of the justice system, including the law on re-evaluation of judges, prosecutors and legal advisors, all which entail draft laws needed to implement reform in the justice system. If successful, it will result in restoring the Albanian citizen’s trust in their representatives and public institutions. In addition, the report urges the need to strengthen cooperation between the EU and Albania. Which will improve the legal framework for determining international protection status for refugees; in effect protecting their rights in line with international standards and the fundamental values of the EU.
2016 Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina (A8-0026/2017 - Cristian Dan Preda)
This report stresses the importance of guaranteeing equality and democratic representation for all constituents, which can be reached by transforming BiH into a fully effective and functional state based on rule of law. I support this report which prioritizes the need for continued and effective concentration on social and economic reforms, as well as the concern for reforming the judiciary branch by increasing overall efficiency, transparency, and objectivity for the process of selecting new judges and prosecutors. Most importantly to me, the report stresses the need to enhance public participation in the decision-making process and engage its citizens in a more effective manner in the EU accession process.
European Semester for Economic Policy Coordination: Annual Growth Survey 2017 (A8-0039/2017 - Gunnar Hökmark) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport privind semestrul european pentru coordonarea politicilor economice, deoarece susțin în totalitate faptul că o creștere economică sustenabilă poate fi realizată doar prin găsirea unui echilibru între investițiile publice și private, reformele structurale eficiente și echitabile și politicile financiare responsabile. În acest sens, susțin îngrijorarea exprimată în acest raport cu privire la sustenabilitatea pe termen lung a unei creșteri economice bazate pe politici monetare și financiare, mai ales în contextul Brexitului și al politicilor protecționiste anunțate în SUA.
European Semester for Economic Policy Coordination: employment and social aspects in the Annual Growth Survey 2017 (A8-0037/2017 - Yana Toom) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că este extrem de important ca în cadrul analizei anuale a creșterii pentru anul 2017 să fie incluse aspectele legate de ocuparea forței de muncă, iar accentul să fie pus pe nevoia de echitate socială. În acest sens, remarc preocuparea privind evoluția șomajului în rândul tinerilor și susțin poziția raportorului care cere atât Comisiei, cât și statelor membre, să continue și să îmbunătățească politicile de combatere a acestui fenomen. De asemenea, având în vedere că egalitatea de gen nu este încă o realitate în toate statele membre, susțin solicitarea către Comisie și Consiliu de a ameliora strategiile și măsurile în vederea atingerii acestui obiectiv.
Single Market Governance within the European Semester 2017 (A8-0016/2017 - Antonio López-Istúriz White)
This report highlights the changing climate that the EU is undergoing, specifically including the recent motion towards Brexit and its implications. It goes on to stress the importance of the EU needing to change and adapt to any current and future obstacles. Therefore, I support this report which highlights the importance of the single market pillar within the European Semester. This allows for a regular evaluation of the governance of the single market by performing systematic checks on national legislation and detecting, among other issues, non-compliances. In effect, this will result in the ability to redesign, apply, and enforce the single market regulatory framework, delivering concrete results to the citizens.
Banking Union - Annual Report 2016 (A8-0019/2017 - Danuta Maria Hübner) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că sintetizează foarte bine problemele întâmpinate de uniunea bancară în anul precedent, dar ne oferă, în același timp, o imagine a reformelor necesare în vederea îmbunătățirii eficacității de funcționare a acestui sistem. Astfel, consider extrem de necesară propunerea de ameliorare a securității cibernetice și de protejare a datelor consumatorilor ce accesează servicii financiare electronice, fiind convinsă că un sector bancar sigur este condiția de bază pentru asigurarea stabilității economice europene. De asemenea, consider că încheierea unei înțelegeri între BCE și MUR cu privire la cooperare și schimbul de informații este una benefică UE, asigurând o gestionare corespunzătoare a crizelor prin schimbul rapid și eficace de informații. Nu în ultimul rând, salut acest document care atrage atenția Comisiei Europene că unul din rolurile sale este garantarea condițiilor echitabile pentru întreaga uniune bancară și că ar trebui să prevină orice fel de fragmentare pe piața comună.
EU-Cook Islands sustainable fisheries partnership agreement (A8-0010/2017 - João Ferreira) RO
Am susținut prin votul de astăzi raportul privind acordul de parteneriat în domeniul pescuitului sustenabil între UE și guvernul Insulelor Cook, deoarece aceste colaborări se înscriu în obiectivele și abordarea pe care UE o are în legătură cu țările terțe în domeniul pescuitului. Așa cum și raportorul a evidențiat în documentul votat, acest acord este unul benefic pentru ambele părți. Evaluarea ex ante a arătat faptul că, pentru vasele sub pavilionul unui stat membru UE, posibilitatea de a pescui în apele Insulelor Cook este foarte importantă. În ceea ce privește sumele plătite de către Uniune în schimbul acestor licențe, ponderea lor în bugetul general pentru dezvoltarea pescuitului este foarte mare. În acest sens, printr-o monitorizare și aplicare corectă a strategiilor guvernului Insulelor Cook în domeniul pescuitului, aceste sume vor fi direcționate către dezvoltarea rapidă a capacităților de monitorizare și combatere a pescuitului INN. Această viziune se înscrie de altfel în obiectivele acestor acorduri, urmând liniile generale stabilite în cadrul politicii comune pentru pescuit.
EU-Cook Islands sustainable fisheries partnership agreement (Resolution) (A8-0015/2017 - João Ferreira) RO
Sprijin prin votul de astăzi această rezoluție privind acordul de parteneriat în domeniul pescuitului sustenabil între UE și guvernul Insulelor Cook deoarece consider că aceste acorduri sunt în total acord cu obiectivele propuse în cadrul politicii comune pentru pescuit. În acest sens, consider că este important ca acordul să fie unul care să promoveze și să asigure un pescuit sustenabil pentru flota UE și să ajute la dezvoltarea reală a sectorului pescuitului în Insulele Cook. Sumele pe care UE le va plăti în cadrul acestui acord trebuie să fie folosite în vederea combaterii pescuitului INN. De asemenea, este foarte important ca înțelegerile pe care guvernul Insulelor Cook le are cu alte țări care nu au o politică orientată către exploatarea sustenabilă a resurselor să nu zădărnicească obiectivele stabilite prin acest parteneriat.
Control of the Register and composition of the Commission's expert groups (A8-0002/2017 - Dennis de Jong) RO
Am susținut prin votul de astăzi acest raport deoarece consider că acesta prezintă o analiză echilibrată și obiectivă a deciziilor Comisiei cu privire la registrul, componența și regulile grupurilor de experți. În acest sens, susțin îngrijorarea raportorului cu privire la procesul de consultare publică și lipsa de transparență din cadrul acestuia. Având în vedere scăderea încrederii cetățenilor UE în instituțiile Uniunii, cred că toate aceste procese instituționale și interinstituționale trebuie să fie cât mai accesibile societății civile și cetățenilor pentru a evita o creștere a neîncrederii. În același timp, este de subliniat faptul că noile reguli adoptate de Comisie răspund majorității preocupărilor exprimate de Parlament, fapt reliefat și de prezentul raport.
The role of whistleblowers in the protection of EU´s financial interests (A8-0004/2017 - Dennis de Jong)
In today’s Europe, mental health conditions and mental wellbeing are often ignored or overlooked due to stigma, lack of awareness and resources, where almost 9 out of 10 people that suffer from mental health problems have been affected by stigma and discrimination. When 27% of the adult population of both men and women in the EU have experienced at least one episode of mental illness, it is concerning that mental health and research is not prioritised enough. It is further disturbing that women are underrepresented in biomedical research, where research in mental health is heavily gendered. I support this report because it stresses the importance of promoting special attention to the most vulnerable or disadvantaged groups in our society. This is not only crucial for improving the quality of life of European citizens, but by promoting information and initiatives that raise public awareness of mental health and gender equality in research, we will foster social inclusion and ensure economic and cultural development in the Union.
Revision of the European Consensus on Development (A8-0020/2017 - Bogdan Brunon Wenta, Norbert Neuser)
Developing countries struggle with the protection and promotion of fundamental human rights, which are key in furthering their country’s human development. Combating these issues of discrimination, inequality and poverty will help these further their development. Therefore, I support this report, which encourages the strengthening of education in health and, more specifically, sexual and reproductive health for young women, which I find as being of utmost important in a developing society. In addition, it calls for the support of Member States in promoting the formerly mentioned elements, and prioritising their support to the least developed and low-income countries, where these problems are an unfortunate reality. The main driver of EU development policy should be developmental effectiveness entailing the promotion of democratic values, safeguarding against corruption and the existence of effective institutions following the rule of law.
Annual report on EU competition policy (A8-0001/2017 - Tibor Szanyi)
A strong and effective European competition policy has created a climate that stimulates market growth and innovation, which creates greater potential in promoting higher environmental and social standards. In effect it addresses some political priorities such as lowering unemployment, boosting job quality, and promoting sustainable growth and development, all while protecting consumer and human health. Therefore, I voted in favour of this report, which highlights and supports the importance of fair competition and the protection of consumer interests, which I believe are vital in ensuring fair competition, stimulating innovation and economic growth, and making companies more resilient, further strengthening the European market.
Promoting gender equality in mental health and clinical research (A8-0380/2016 - Beatriz Becerra Basterrechea)
In a full—functioning democracy, transparency is one of the most important pillars. Whistle-blowers therefore play an important role in conveying breaches of integrity and misuse of power that can threaten or violate the rule of law at European and national levels. It is therefore alarming that not all Member States have implemented protection of whistle-blowers, especially considering that the Trade Secrets Directive limits the rights of whistle-blowers. I therefore support this report, as it is vital to ensure the protection of whistle-blowers at Member States level. This will not only encourage those who want to report irregularities in the context of Union funding and provide Parliament with information on irregularities, but it will also strengthen democratic quality in the Union in promoting the protection of whistle-blowers.
Priorities for the 61th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (A8-0018/2017 - Constance Le Grip, Maria Arena) RO
Am activat timp de cinci ani de zile în cadrul Comisiei pentru drepturile femeilor și egalitatea de gen din Parlamentul European și cunosc în detaliu problematicile specifice politicilor cu privire la drepturile femeii. Întrucât acest raport își dorește să fie ambițios, el abordează un număr prea mare de probleme, fără a intra în detalii. Având în vedere că foarte multe dintre subiectele abordate în acest raport sunt exprimate doar sub forma unor teme generale, nedefinite clar, în timp ce altele nu își găsesc locul aici, am decis să mă abțin de la votul de astăzi.
Cross-border aspects of adoptions (A8-0370/2016 - Tadeusz Zwiefka)
Social integration and increased economic mobility is a reality for many families across Europe. However, being a family with an adopted child and moving to another Member State, the parents may be obliged to go through specific national recognition procedures, in some cases even to re-adopt the child. This puts at risk the rights of the children to a stable and permanent family. Therefore, I support this resolution because it stresses the importance of Member States adopting legislation that will grant automatic recognition of a domestic adoption. This is not only crucial for the adopted child’s right to a stable and legal life, but also to prevent cross-border trafficking of children for the purpose of adoption. The resolution will further support and create a mutual trust between the Member States, which is of fundamental importance to Union law.
Sustainable management of external fishing fleets (A8-0377/2016 - Linnéa Engström) RO
Am votat în favoarea acestui raport deoarece consider că acesta aduce schimbările necesare în legislația privind gestionarea flotelor de pescuit externe ale UE. Avem nevoie de această legislație pentru a ne asigura că principiile și obiectivele stabilite în PCP sunt respectate de flotele UE și în apele teritoriale ale altor state non-UE. Flotele de pescuit ale statelor membre își desfășoară activitatea atât în apele Uniunii, cât și în apele internaționale și în cele ale altor state non-UE. În acest sens, consider că este onest ca standardele stabilite pentru desfășurarea activității de pescuit în apele Uniunii să fie respectate și în cazul celor care pescuiesc în alte zone ale planetei.
Third countries whose nationals are subject to or exempt from a visa requirement: Georgia (A8-0260/2016 - Mariya Gabriel) RO
Am votat în favoarea liberalizării regimului de vize pentru cetățenii Georgiei pentru că lucrez de mult timp cu autoritățile din această țară, știu că împărtășim aceleași valori europene și cunosc atașamentul lor față de Uniunea Europeană. Cetățenii Georgiei nu pot fi ținuți la poarta Europei și au dreptul de a se bucura, la rândul lor, de spațiul de circulație liber european. UE trebuie să rămână un teritoriu deschis, acordând, atunci când sunt oferite garanții suficiente, privilegiul libertății de circulație cetățenilor țărilor din afara spațiului european. Liberalizarea vizelor va contribui la ameliorarea dialogului dintre UE și Georgia, va oferi oportunități de schimburi de experiență culturale și educative pentru studenți, cadre universitare, profesori și oameni de afaceri și va contribui la dezvoltarea economică a UE, dar și a Georgiei. Acest vot copleșitor în favoarea liberalizării regimului de vize pentru georgieni reprezintă, în fapt, o declarație de sprijin a Uniunii Europene pentru Georgia.
Implementation of Erasmus + (A8-0389/2016 - Milan Zver) RO
Am votat acest raport deoarece acesta face referire la Erasmus+, un program care joacă un rol vital în promovarea identității și integrării europene, a coeziunii sociale și a mobilității forței de muncă tinere, contribuind astfel la îmbunătățirea sistemelor europene din domeniul educației, formării și învățării pe tot parcursul vieții. De asemenea, programul Erasmus+ contribuie la educația informală și non-formală a lucrătorilor și studenților tineri și îi încurajează pe aceștia să participe la diverse activități cu scopul de a stimula dezvoltarea de competențe sociale, civice și interculturale, dezvoltând astfel capitalul uman și social al acestora. Un alt punct forte al acestui raport este faptul că acesta propune sprijinirea întreprinderilor mici și mijlocii care asigură formarea profesională în cadrul programului Erasmus+, atât prin finanțări, cât și prin facilități fiscale.
Major interpellations (2)
VP/HR - Recent state-terror activities by Iran in the EU PDF (53 KB) DOC (18 KB)
Follow-up to the Brazilian meat imports scandal PDF (195 KB) DOC (17 KB)
Written questions (41)
The need for updated legislative provisions regarding advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs) PDF (190 KB) DOC (20 KB)
Modification of Austria's Family Law Compensation Act PDF (102 KB) DOC (18 KB)
Future of the 'Europe for Citizens' programme PDF (102 KB) DOC (18 KB)
VP/HR - Dissolution of the CNRP, Cambodia's main opposition party PDF (193 KB) DOC (16 KB)
Application of Relocation Decisions 2015/1523 and 2015/1601 ahead of their expiration date (26 September 2017) PDF (196 KB) DOC (21 KB)
Cambodia: Kem Sokha, upholding democracy and freedom of the press, EU election observation mission as a pre-requisite for funding PDF (192 KB) DOC (22 KB)
Disparities in cancer indicators between Member States PDF (94 KB) DOC (16 KB)
VP/HR - Follow up to question E-001165/2017 - observation mission for next year's national elections in Cambodia and guarantees for opposition leader PDF (192 KB) DOC (17 KB)
Actions against foie gras PDF (194 KB) DOC (16 KB)
Payments for Horizon 2020 researchers PDF (103 KB) DOC (16 KB)
Sums allocated to Jordan for the Syrian refugee crisis PDF (5 KB) DOC (16 KB)
European solidarity and the fires in southern Europe PDF (6 KB) DOC (17 KB)
Teacher exchange program - continuing professional development for teachers PDF (101 KB) DOC (15 KB)
Obstacles to labour mobility of Romanians within the EU PDF (5 KB) DOC (15 KB)
The Rules of Procedure of the General Court and secret evidence PDF (192 KB) DOC (17 KB)
Promoting the role of women in combating radicalisation and violent extremism PDF (196 KB) DOC (16 KB)
LIFE programme funds and the Black Sea Sturgeon PDF (102 KB) DOC (17 KB)
Access to treatment for haemophiliacs in the EU PDF (5 KB) DOC (15 KB)
Situation of social rights in Greece PDF (103 KB) DOC (24 KB)
Equal opportunities and rewards for sportspeople with disabilities PDF (5 KB) DOC (24 KB)
European Migrant Smuggling Centre PDF (101 KB) DOC (24 KB)
Deteriorating position of Crimean Tatars in Crimea PDF (5 KB) DOC (23 KB)
Media freedom and pluralism PDF (5 KB) DOC (15 KB)
VP/HR - Crimes against minorities in the Middle East PDF (104 KB) DOC (24 KB)
Follow-up Directive Women on Board PDF (105 KB) DOC (26 KB)
Small hydropower plants in Natura 2000 sites PDF (5 KB) DOC (23 KB)
Request for access to Commission documents underpinning a change in policy direction on the Renewable Energy Directive that has caused Romania to lose significant inward investment PDF (101 KB) DOC (25 KB)
Commission monitoring of alleged impacts of EU biofuel policy on third countries PDF (100 KB) DOC (24 KB)
Conflict of interest vis-à-vis Commission staff serving in the Romanian Government PDF (101 KB) DOC (25 KB)
Car manufacturers falsifying emission tests PDF (5 KB) DOC (24 KB)
Erection of walls in Europe PDF (5 KB) DOC (23 KB)
Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Black Sea PDF (98 KB) DOC (23 KB)
Banking fraud in Moldova PDF (5 KB) DOC (24 KB)
On the impact of EU use of bio-ethanol on third countries PDF (103 KB) DOC (24 KB)
Sea bass management PDF (105 KB) DOC (24 KB)
Progress made in the implementation of the Recommendation on a Quality Framework for Traineeships PDF (198 KB) DOC (30 KB)
Labelling of fishery products PDF (6 KB) DOC (25 KB)
Total ban on the use of languages other than the official language of Bulgaria during election campaigns PDF (197 KB) DOC (29 KB)
Access to cooperation and verification mechanism PDF (5 KB) DOC (24 KB)
VP/HR - Protection of the Romanian minority in Ukraine PDF (5 KB) DOC (24 KB)
Effective application of freedom of movement and unjustified barriers in access to the labour market in the EU PDF (6 KB) DOC (24 KB)
Written declarations (11)
Amendments (2210)
Amendment 231 #
2018/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph v a (new)
Paragraph v a (new)
va) to develop proper communication strategies aiming to prevent incidents when EU citizens including prominent politicians and experts are consistently lured into illegal trips to occupied territories within EaP countries being unaware of possible political and legal consequences;
Amendment 322 #
2018/2103(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on the European Commission to abolish the use of the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) applied only to two Member States, as it is a discriminatory tool that is often abusively used for political purposes rather than acting as a European mechanism to safeguard and promote the rule of law;
Amendment 257 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)
Paragraph 16 c (new)
16c. Condemns the fact that EaP countries still suffer from aggressive foreign occupation, protracted conflicts as well as hybrid challenges which undermine their independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within their internationally recognized borders; calls for stronger EU stance advocating unacceptability of changing international borders in EaP countries through use of force;
Amendment 258 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 d (new)
Paragraph 16 d (new)
16d. Recalls that millions of displaced people in EaP countries live in protracted displacement as a result of foreign occupation and EU should develop better support to conflict affected residents of these countries through making use of all available foreign policy instruments;
Amendment 34 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In the last years, the Union has adopted ambitious strategies to complete the Single Market and to stimulate sustainable growth and jobs, such as the Capital Markets Union, the Digital Single Market Strategy, the Clean Energy for all Europeans package, the Union Action Plan for the Circular Economy, the Low- Emission Mobility Strategy, the Defence and the Space Strategy for Europe. The InvestEU Fund should exploit and reinforce synergies between those mutually reinforcing strategies through providing support to investment and access to financing in all regions, especially in regions where such access is structurally constrained.
Amendment 38 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) At Union level, the European Semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. Member States develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities. The strategies should be presented alongside the yearly National Reform Programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national or Union funding, or by both. They should also serve to use Union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the European Structural and Investment Funds, the European Investment Stabilisation Function and the InvestEU Fund, where relevant.
Amendment 42 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The InvestEU Fund should support investments in tangible and intangible assets to foster growth, investment and employment, and thereby contributing to the reduction of disparities between regions, improved well-being and, fairer income distribution in the Union and the Union’s economic, social and territorial cohesion. Intervention through the InvestEU Fund should complement Union support delivered through grants.
Amendment 71 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) EachThe policy window should be composed of two compartments, that is to say an EU compartment and a Member State compartment. The EU compartments should address Union-wide market failures or sub-optimal investment situations in a proportionate manner; supported actions should have a clear European added value. The Member State compartment should give Member States the possibility to contribute a share of their resources of Funds under shared management to the provisioning of the EU guarantee to use the EU guarantee for financing or investment operations to address specific market failures or sub-optimal investment situations in their own territory, including in vulnerable and remote areas such as the outermost regions of the Union, to deliver objectives of the Fund under shared management. Actions supported from the InvestEU Fund through either EU or Member State compartmentsActions supported from the InvestEU Fund should not duplicate or crowd out private financing or distort competition in the internal market.
Amendment 76 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
Amendment 89 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) In selecting implementing partners for the deployment of the InvestEU Fund, the Commission should consider the counterpart’s capacity to fulfil the objectives of the InvestEU Fund and contribute its own resources, in order to ensure adequate geographical coverage and diversification, to crowd-in private investors and to provide sufficient risk diversification as well as new solutions to address market failures and sub-optimal investment situations. Given its role under the Treaties, its capacity to operate in all Member States and the existing experience under the current financial instruments and the EFSI, the European Investment Bank (‘EIB’) Group should remain a privileged implementing partner under the InvestEU Fund’s EU compartment. In addition to the EIB Group, national promotional banks or institutions should be able to offer a complementary financial product range given that their experience and capabilities at regional level could be beneficial for the maximisation of the impact of public funds on the territory of the Union. Moreover, it should be possible to have other international financial institutions as implementing partners, in particular when they present a comparative advantage in terms of specific expertise and experience in certain Member States. It should also be possible for other entities fulfilling the criteria laid down in the Financial Regulation to act as implementing partners.
Amendment 93 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) In order to ensure that interventions under the EU compartment of the InvestEU Fund focus on market failures and sub-optimal investment situations at Union level, but, at the same time, satisfy the objectives of best possible geographic outreach, the EU guarantee should be allocated to implementing partners, which alone or together with other implementing partners, can cover at least three Member States. However, it is expected that around 75 % of the EU guarantee under the EU compartment would be allocated to implementing partner or partners that can offer financial products under the InvestEU Fund in all Member States.
Amendment 94 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
Amendment 101 #
2018/0229(COD)
(37) In the context of the InvestEU Fund, there is a need for capacity building support to develop the organisational capacities and market making activities needed to originate quality projects. Moreover, the aim is to create the conditions for the expansion of the potential number of eligible recipients in nascent market segments, in particular where the small size of individual projects raises considerably the transaction cost at the project level, such as for the social finance ecosystem. The capacity building support should therefore be complementary and additional to actions undertaken under other Union programmes that cover a specific policy area. Particular effort should also be made to support the capacity building of potential project promoters, in particular local and regional service provider organisations and authorities.
Amendment 103 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) A solid monitoring framework, based on output, outcome and impact indicators should be implemented to track progress towards the Union’s objectives. In order to ensure accountability to European citizens, the Commission should report annually to the European Parliament and the Council on the progress, impact and operations of the InvestEU Programme, and on the coordination, complementarity and consistency with other Union policies and instruments, especially the funds under shared management.
Amendment 130 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Amendment 134 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Financing and investment operations covered by the EU guarantee under the Member State Compartment which form part of blending operation combining support under this Regulation with support provided under one or more other Union programmes can be implemented under shared management.
Amendment 138 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) sustainable infrastructure policy window: comprises sustainable investment in the areas of transport, energy, digital connectivity, supply and processing of raw materials, space, oceans and water, waste, nature and other environment infrastructure, equipment, mobile assets and deployment of innovative technologies that contribute to the environmental or social sustainability objectives of the Union, or to both, or meet the environmental or social sustainability standards of the Unionas well as to the long- term sustainable development of the region in which the operation is taking place;
Amendment 159 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Article 7 – paragraph 4
4. Implementing partners shall provide the information necessary to allow the tracking of investment that contributes to meeting the Union objectives on climate and environment, as well as on the European Pillar of Social Rights, based on guidance to be provided by the Commission.
Amendment 186 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 211 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
The experts shall have a high level of relevant market experience in project structuring and financing orin the field of regional development and of financing of SMEs or corporates.
Amendment 224 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) supporting actions and leveraging local and regional knowledge to facilitate the use of the InvestEU Fund support across the Union and contributing actively where possible to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the InvestEU Fund by supporting the implementing partners in originating and developing potential financing and investment operations;
Amendment 229 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. The InvestEU Advisory Hub shall be in contact with local, regional or national authorities managing European Structural and Investment Funds to guide project promoters to those projects, which could be supported with funds under shared management.
Amendment 76 #
2018/0228(COD)
1. The Programme has the general objective to develop and modernise the trans-European networks in the fields of transport, energy and digital and, to facilitate cross-border cooperation and create cross border links in the field of renewable energy, taking into account the long-term decarbonisation commitments and with emphasis on synergies among sectors.
Amendment 83 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i
(i) to contribute to the development of projects of common and cross border interest relating to efficient and interconnected networks and infrastructure for smart, sustainable, inclusive, safe and secure mobility;
Amendment 94 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
(ii) EUR 11,285,4930,000,000,000 transferred from the Cohesion Fund to be spent in line with this Regulation exclusively in Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund;
Amendment 101 #
2018/0228(COD)
4. The amount referred to in paragraph 1 may be also used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the Programme and the sector-specific guidelines, such as preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities including corporate information and technology systems. This amount may also be used to finance accompanying measures to support the preparation of projects.
Amendment 108 #
2018/0228(COD)
8. As regards the amounts transferred from the Cohesion Fund, 3100% of these amounts shall be made available immediately to all Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund to finance transport infrastructure projects in accordance with this Regulation, with priority to cross-border and missing links. Until 31 December 2023, the selection of projects eligible for financing shall respect the national allocations under the Cohesion Fund with regard to 70% of the resources transferred. As of 1 January 2024, resources transferred to the Programme which have not been committed to a transport infrastructure project shall be made available to all Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund to finance transport infrastructure projects in accordance with this Regulation.
Amendment 117 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 9
Article 4 – paragraph 9
9. Resources allocated to Member States under shared management may, at their request, be transferred to the Programme. The Commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with [point (a) of Article 62(1)] of the Financial Regulation or indirectly in accordance with point (c) of that Article. WThere possible transfer of those resources shall be used for the benefit ofhave a voluntary basis and shall exclusively be used in the Member State concerned.
Amendment 118 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 9
Article 4 – paragraph 9
9. Resources allocated to Member States under shared management may, at their request, be transferred to the Programme. The Commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with [point (a) of Article 62(1)] of the Financial Regulation or indirectly in accordance with point (c) of that Article. WThere possible transfer of those resources shall be used for the benefit ofhave a voluntary basis and shall exclusively be used in the Member State concerned.
Amendment 125 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Amendment 129 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – point b
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – point b
Amendment 175 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) expenditure related to the purchase of land shall not be an eligible cost; with the exception of the resources transferred from the Cohesion Fund.
Amendment 177 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) eligible costs shall not include value added tax ("VAT") according with art 126.3.C of EU, Euratom Regulation No 996/2012 for the cost categories when the relevant national authority declares them as eligible within the project application and when the VAT is not eligible according to the national VAT legislation or when it is paid by another beneficiary than the relevant entity according to the definition of directive2006/112/CE of 26 November 2006 art 13.1.
Amendment 180 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) For the amount transferred from the Cohesion Fund, projects initiated and not finalised within the period 2014-2020 and not paid within that period are considered eligible expenditures;
Amendment 181 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 a (new)
Article 15 a (new)
Article 15a Conditions for actions which are implemented in two implementation periods. (1) EU Contribution from the Cohesion Fund can be allocated to an action which is implemented over two periods and initiated according to the Regulation EC No. 1316/2013 if the following conditions are fulfilled: (a) the action which has been selected within Regulation CE no 1316/2013 has two phases which can be clearly identified. (b) The expenditures declared in a payment claimed are not included in another claim within the second implementation phase. (c) In the second phase the actions is eligible according to this regulation. (d) The current Regulation is applicable to the second phase.
Amendment 194 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – part III – point 1 a (new)
Annex I – part III – point 1 a (new)
1a. Add to Core network corridor "Orient/East-Med" at Cross Border -Craiova-Vidin ( Road Transport ) -Belgrade-Resita-Deva-Petrosani ( Road Transport and Rail )
Amendment 59 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) It should be possible for the EMFF to support the promotion and the sustainable development of aquaculture, including freshwater aquaculture, for the farming of aquatic animals and plants for the production of food and other raw material. Complex administrative procedures in some Member States remain in place, such as difficult access to space and burdensome licensing procedures, which make it difficult for the sector to improve the image and competitiveness of farmed products. Support should be consistent with the multiannual national strategic plans for aquaculture developed on the basis of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. In particular, support for environmental sustainability, productive investments, innovation, acquisition of professional skills, improvement of working conditions, compensatory measures providing critical land and nature management services should be eligible. Public health actions, aquaculture stock insurance schemes and animal health and welfare actions should also be eligible. However, in the case of productive investments support should be provided only through financial instruments and through InvestEU, which offer a higher leverage on markets and are therefore more relevant than grants to address the financing challenges of the sector. These complex and burdensome procedures should be addressed and reduced, without prejudice to all the standards required for such farms.
Amendment 60 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33 a (new)
Recital 33 a (new)
(33 a) Considering the European Parliament Resolution from 4 of December 2008 on a 'European Cormorant Management Plan' and the Resolution from17 of June 2010 on a new impetus for the Strategy for the Sustainable Development of European Aquaculture, EMFF should support scientific research and data collection on the impact of migratory birds on the aquaculture sector and on the relevant EU fish stocks.
Amendment 61 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33 b (new)
Recital 33 b (new)
(33 b) Considering the need for a growing aquaculture sector and the important losses of fish stocks they are encountering due to migratory birds, EMFF should include certain compensations for these losses until a European Management plan is put in place
Amendment 85 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4
4. At least 1520% of the Union financial support allocated per Member State shall be allocated to the areas of support referred to in Articles 19 and 20. Member States with no access to Union waters may apply a lower percentage with regard to the extent of their control and data collection tasks.
Amendment 91 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) It is necessary to establish a European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) for the 2021-2027 period. That fund should aim to target funding from the Union budget to support the full and timely implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), the Union's maritime policy and the Union's international commitments in the field of ocean governance. Such funding is a, combined with responsible fisheries policies, one of the key enablers for sustainable fisheries and the conservation of marine biological resources, for food security through the supply of seafood products, for the growth of a sustainable blue economy and for healthy, safe, secure, clean and sustainably managed seas and oceans.
Amendment 105 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Under direct management, the EMFF should develop synergies and complementarities with other relevant Union funds and programmes as well as synergies between members states and regions. It should also allow financing in the form of financial instruments within blending operations implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) xx/xx of the European Parliament and of the Council [Regulation on InvestEU]5 . _________________ 5 OJ C […], […], p. […].
Amendment 121 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The multiannual financial framework set out in Regulation (EU) xx/xx6 provides that the Union budget must continue to support fisheries and maritime policies. The EMFF budget should amount, in current prices, to EUR 6 140 000 000. EMFF resources should be split between shared, direct and indirect management. EUR 5 311 000 000 should be allocated to support under shared management and EUR 829 000 000 to support under direct and indirect management. In order to ensure stability in particular with regard to the timely achievement of the objectives of the CFP, the definition of national allocations under shared management for the 2021- 2027 programming period should be based on the EMFF 2014-2020 shares. Specific amounts should be reserved for the outermost regions, control and enforcement and collection and processing of data for fisheries management and scientific purposes, while amounts for permanent cessation and extraordinary cessation of fishing activities should be capped. _________________ 6 OJ C […], […], p. […].
Amendment 134 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The EMFF should be based on four priorities that are fully in line with the objectives CFP: fostering sustainable fisheries and the conservation of marine biological resources; contributing to food security in the Union through competitive and sustainable aquaculture and markets; enabling the growth of a sustainable blue economy and fostering prosperous coastal communities; strengthening international ocean governance and enabling safe, secure, clean and sustainably managed seas and oceans. Those priorities should be pursued through shared, direct and indirect management.
Amendment 140 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) The priorities could be specified with specific EU objectives to give further clarity on what the fund can be used for and to increase the efficiency of the fund
Amendment 159 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Support granted per producer organisation per year under this Article shall not exceed 3 % of the average annual value of the production placed on the market by that producer organisation during the preceding three calendar years or of the production placed on the market by the members of that organisation during the same period. For any newly recognised producer organisation, that support shall not exceed 3% of the average annual value of the production placed on the market by the members of that organisation during the preceding three calendar years.
Amendment 164 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 25 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. 1.The EMFF may support compensation to recognised aquaculture producer organisations and associations of aquaculture producers organisations which store live aquaculture products for and during the cold months of the year to be placed on the market for human consumption during those months under the following conditions. (a) the amount of the storage aid does not exceed the amount of the technical and financial costs of the actions required for the storage of the products in question; (b) the quantities eligible for storage aid do not exceed 30% of the annual quantities of the products concerned put up for sale by the aquaculture producer organisation or association of aquaculture producers organisations, respectively; (c) the financial support per year does not exceed 15% of the average annual value of the production placed on the market by the members of the producer organisation in the period 2016-2018.For the purposes of this point, where a member of the producer organisation did not have any production placed on the market in the period 2016 to 2018, the average annual value of production placed on the market in the first three years of production of that member shall be taken into account. 2.The support referred to in paragraph 1 shall only be granted once the products are released for human consumption. 3.Member States shall fix the amount of the technical and financial costs applicable in their territories as follows: (a) technical costs shall be calculated each year on the basis of direct costs relating to the actions required in order to store the products in question alive, during the cold months of the year; (b) financial costs shall be calculated each year using the interest rate set annually in each Member State;those technical and financial costs shall be made publicly available. 4. Member States shall carry out controls to ensure that the products benefiting from storage aid fulfil the conditions laid down in this Article. For the purposes of such controls, beneficiaries of storage aid shall keep stock records for each category of aquaculture products stored during the cold months and the quantities put on the market for human consumption.
Amendment 166 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 a (new)
Article 25 a (new)
Amendment 166 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) In order to address the specific conditions of the CFP referred to in Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and to contribute to the full compliance with the rules of the CFP, provisions additional to the rules on interruption, suspension and financial corrections as set out in Regulation (EU) No [Regulation laying down Common Provisions] should be laid down. Where a Member State or a beneficiary has failed to comply with its obligations under the CFP, or where the Commission has evidence that suggests such a lack of compliance, the Commission should, as a precautionary measure, be allowed to interrupt payment deadlines. In addition to the possibility of interruption of the payment deadline, and in order to avoid an evident risk of paying out ineligible expenditure, the Commission should be allowed to suspend payments and impose financial corrections in cases of serious non- compliance with rules of the CFP by a Member State.
Amendment 167 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 b (new)
Article 25 b (new)
Article 25 b Financial compensation for aquaculture losses 1. Based on the results and the recommendations referred to in Article 25b paragraph 1, EMFF should include financial compensation for the aquaculture sector, of no more than 60% of the total losses for each aquaculture farm, for each year. 2. The financial compensation shall be calculated based on the average annual market price of the fish species for which the compensation is given. 3. The financial compensation shall be given yearly, based on the annual results of the data collected in accordance to Article 25b of this Regulation.
Amendment 168 #
2018/0210(COD)
i) increase the available reliable data on recreational fishing catches.
Amendment 168 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) MuchSteps hasve been achievedtaken over the last few years by the CFP intowards bringing fish stocks back to healthy levels, in increasing the profitability of the Union's fishing industry and in conserving marine ecosystems. However, substantial challenges remain to fully achieve the socio- economic and environmental objectives of CFP, including the legal obligation to restore and maintain all populations of fish stocks above biomass levels capable of producing maximum sustainable yield. This requires continued support beyond 2020, notably in sea basins where progress has been slower.
Amendment 171 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 1
Article 32 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall apply a maximum aid intensity rate of 750% of the total eligible expenditure of the operation.
Amendment 176 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Fisheries are vital to the livelihood and cultural heritage of many coastal and island communities in the Union, in particular where small-scale coastal fishing plays an important role. With the average age in many fishing communities being over 50, generational renewal and diversification of activities remain a challenge.
Amendment 178 #
Amendment 178 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) The EMFF should aimcontribute to achieveing the environmental, economic, social and employment objectives of the CFP, as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. Such support should ensure that fishing activities are environmentally sustainable in the long- term and managed in a way that is consistent with the objectives set out in Article 2.2 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/201, which will contribute tof achieving economic, social and employment benefits, and of contributing to the availability of food supplies.
Amendment 179 #
Amendment 180 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – Article 25 a (new) – Row 12 a (new) – Columns 1-4
Annex II – Article 25 a (new) – Row 12 a (new) – Columns 1-4
Priority: 2 Area of support: Article 25 a Financial compensation for aquaculture losses Type of area of support: X Maximum co-financing rate: 100%
Amendment 181 #
Amendment 182 #
Amendment 182 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) Support from the EMFF should aim to achieve and maintain sustainable fishing based on thecontribute to the timely achievement of the legal obligation to restore and maintain populations of all fish stocks above biomass levels capable of producing maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and to minimise, and where possible eliminate, the negative impacts of fishing activities on the marine ecosystem. That support should include innovation and investments in low- impact, climate resilient and low-carbon fishing practices and techniques.
Amendment 183 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Article 22 a (new) – Row 10 a (new) – Columns 1- 4
Annex IV – Article 22 a (new) – Row 10 a (new) – Columns 1- 4
Amendment 184 #
Amendment 185 #
Amendment 190 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) The landing obligation is a legal obligation and one of the main challenges of the CFP. It has implied significthe end of the environmentally unacceptable practise of discarding as well as significant important changes in fishing practices for the sector, sometimes with an important financial cost. ItThe members states should therefore be possible foruse the EMFF to support innovation and investments that contribute to the full and timely implementation of the landing obligation, with a higher aid intensity rate than the one that applies to other operations, like investments in selective fishing gears, in the improvement of port infrastructures and in the marketing of unwanted catches. It should also grant a maximum aid intensity rate of 100% to the design, development, monitoring, evaluation and management of transparent systems for exchanging fishing opportunities between Member States ('quota swaps'), in order to mitigate the 'choke species' effect caused by the landing obligation.
Amendment 202 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) Fisheries control is of utmost importanceessential for the full implementation of the CFP. Therefore, the EMFF should support under shared management the development and implementation of a Union fisheries control system as specified in Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 ('Control Regulation')8 . Certain obligations foreseen bypotentially included in the revision of the Control Regulation may justify a specific support from the EMFF, i.e. the compulsory vessel tracking and electronic reporting systems in the case of small-scale coastalfor more types of fishing vessels, the compulsory remote electronic monitoring systems and the compulsory continuous measurement and recording of propulsive engine power. In addition, investments by Member States in control assets could also be used for the purpose of maritime surveillance and cooperation on coastguard functions. _________________ 8 Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 of 20 November 2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy, amending Regulations (EC) No 847/96, (EC) No 2371/2002, (EC) No 811/2004, (EC) No 768/2005, (EC) No 2115/2005, (EC) No 2166/2005, (EC) No 388/2006, (EC) No 509/2007, (EC) No 676/2007, (EC) No 1098/2007, (EC) No 1300/2008, (EC) No 1342/2008 and repealing Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1627/94 and (EC) No 1966/2006 (OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1).
Amendment 235 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) Small-scale coastal fishing is carried out by fishing vessels below 12 metres and not using towed fishing gears. That sector represents nearly 75% of all fishing vessels registered in the Union and nearly half of all employment in the fishery sector. Operators from small-scale coastal fisheries are particularly dependant on healthy fish stocks for their main source of income. The EMFF should therefore give them a preferential treatment through a 100% aid intensity rate, including for operations related to control and enforcement, with the aim of encouraging sustainable fishing practices in line with the CFP objectives. In addition, certain areas of support should be reserved for small-scale fishing in fleet segment where the fishing capacity is balanced with the available fishing opportunities, i.e. support for the acquisition of a second- hand vessel and for engine replacement or modernisation as well as for young fishermen. Furthermore, Member States should include in their programme an action plan for small-scale coastal fishing, which should be monitored on the basis of indicators for which milestones and targets should be set.
Amendment 259 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) Fisheries and sustainable aquaculture contribute to food security and nutrition. However, the Union currently imports more than 60% of its supply of fishery products and is therefore highly dependent on third countries. An important challenge is to encourage the consumption of fish protein produced in the Union with high quality standards and available for consumers at affordable prices.
Amendment 267 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) It should be possible for the EMFF to support the promotion and the sustainable development of aquaculture, including freshwater aquaculture, for the farming of aquatic animals and plants for the production of food and other raw material. Complex administrative procedures in some Member States remain in place, such as difficult access to space and burdensome licensing procedures, which make it difficult for the sector to improve the image and competitiveness of farmed products. These complex and burdensome procedures should be addressed and reduced, without prejudice to all the standards required for such farms. Support should be consistent with the multiannual national strategic plans for aquaculture developed on the basis of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. In particular, support for environmental sustainability, productive investments, innovation, acquisition of professional skills, improvement of working conditions, compensatory measures providing critical land and nature management services should be eligible. Public health actions, aquaculture stock insurance schemes and animal health and welfare actions should also be eligible. However, in the case of productive investments support should be provided only through financial instruments and through InvestEU, which offer a higher leverage on markets and are therefore more relevant than grants to address the financing challenges of the sector.
Amendment 270 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) It should be possible for the EMFF to support the promotion and the sustainable development of aquaculture, including freshwater aquaculture, for the farming of aquatic animals and plants for the production of food and other raw material. Complex administrative procedures in some Member States remain in place, such as difficult access to space and burdensome licensing procedures, which make it difficult for the sector to improve the image and competitiveness of farmed products. Support should be consistent with the multiannual national strategic plans for aquaculture developed on the basis of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. In particular, support for environmental sustainability, productive investments, innovation, acquisition of professional skills, improvement of working conditions, compensatory measures providing critical land and nature management services should be eligible. Public health actions, aquaculture stock insurance schemes and animal health and welfare actions should also be eligible. However, in the case of productive investments support should mostly be provided only through financial instruments and through InvestEU, which offer a higher leverage on markets and are therefore more relevant than grants to address the financing challenges of the sector.
Amendment 280 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33 a (new)
Recital 33 a (new)
(33a) Considering the European Parliament Resolution from 4 of December 2008 on a 'European Cormorant Management Plan' and the Resolution from17 of June 2010 on a new impetus for the Strategy for the Sustainable Development of European Aquaculture, EMFF should support scientific research and data collection on the impact of migratory birds on the aquaculture sector and on the relevant EU fish stocks.
Amendment 281 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33 b (new)
Recital 33 b (new)
(33b) Considering the need for a growing aquaculture sector and the important losses of fish stocks they are encountering due to migratory birds, EMFF should include certain compensations for these losses until a European Management plan is put in place
Amendment 287 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34 a (new)
Recital 34 a (new)
(34a) Apart from the eligible measures already mentioned, other areas related to fisheries and aquaculture should be possible for the EMFF to support including the support for protective hunting or nuisance wildlife management of species that endanger sustainable levels of fish stocks, notably seals and cormorants
Amendment 288 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34 b (new)
Recital 34 b (new)
(34b) Apart from the eligible measures already mentioned, other areas related to fisheries and aquaculture should be possible for the EMFF to support including the compensation for damage to catches caused by mammals and birds protected by EU legislation, notably seals and cormorants
Amendment 293 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 35
Recital 35
(35) Job creation in coastal regions and islands often relies on a locally driven development of a sustainable blue economy that revives the social fabric of those regions. Ocean industries and services are likely to outperform the growth of the global economy and make an important contribution to employment and growth by 2030. To be sustainable, blue growth depends on innovation and investment in new maritime businesses and in the bio- economy, including sustainable tourism models, ocean-based renewable energy, innovative high-end shipbuilding and new port service, which can create jobs and at the same time enhance local development. Whilst public investment in the sustainable blue economy should be mainstreamed throughout the Union budget, the EMFF should specifically concentrate on enabling conditions for the development of the sustainable blue economy and on removing bottlenecks to facilitate investment and the development of new markets and technologies or services. Support for the development of the sustainable blue economy should be delivered through shared, direct and indirect management.
Amendment 314 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) As a global actor, the Union is strongly committed to promoting international ocean governance, in accordance with the Joint Communication to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 10 November 2016 entitled 'International Ocean Governance: and agenda for the future of our oceans'17 . The Union's ocean governance policy is a new policy that covers the oceans in an integrated manner. International ocean governance is not only core to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and in particular Sustainable Development Goal 14 ('Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development'), but also to guarantee safe, secure, clean and sustainably managed seas and oceans for future generations. The Union needs to deliver on those international commitments and be a driving and leading force for better international ocean governance at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels, including to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, to improve the international ocean governance framework, to reduce pressures on oceans and seas, to create the conditions for a sustainable blue economy and to strengthen international ocean research and data. _________________ 17 JOIN(2016) 49 JOIN(2016) 49
Amendment 437 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4
4. At least 1520% of the Union financial support allocated per Member State shall be allocated to the areas of support referred to in Articles 19 and 20. Member States with no access to Union waters may apply a lower percentage with regard to the extent of their control and data collection tasks.
Amendment 438 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. At least 20% of the Union financial support allocated per Member State shall be allocated to the areas of support referred to in Article 22 and Article 27.
Amendment 439 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Any funding that is not spent under Articles 19 and 20 on control and data collection may be reallocated to the European Fisheries Control Agency
Amendment 467 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 9 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) a strategy for the sustainable exploitation of fisheries and, the development of sustainable blue economy sectors including the actions necessary to achieve the sustainability of coastal communities, as well as a strategy on the contribution of EMFF to achieving good environmental status, including through the Natura 2000 prioritised action frameworks;
Amendment 489 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 6 – point e
Article 9 – paragraph 6 – point e
(e) the most recent evidence on the balance between the environmental priorities and the socio-economic performance of the sustainable blue economy, and in particular the fishery and aquaculture sector;
Amendment 523 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 a (new)
Article 12 a (new)
Article 12 a Eligible operations A variety of operations identified by the Member States in their programmes may be supported by the EMFF, provided that they are covered by one or more of the priorities identified in this Regulation and is not among those deemed as ineligible
Amendment 648 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2
Article 16 – paragraph 2
2. The vessels referred to in paragraph 1 shall be equipped for sea fishing and be between 5 and 30 years old.
Amendment 661 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) the engine power of the fishing vessel shall have been physically inspected by the Member State to ensure that it does not exceed the engine power stated in the fishing license, if the vessel is over 10 meters of length.
Amendment 763 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
The reference to the number of days at sea in this paragraph shall not apply to eel fisheries and vessels under 10 meters.
Amendment 814 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(b a) protecting gear and catches from mammals and birds protected by Directives 92/43/EEC or 2009/147/EC, provided that it does not undermine the selectivity of the fishing gear.
Amendment 821 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
(f a) Schemes for compensation for damage to catches caused by mammals and birds protected by Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC
Amendment 825 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point f b (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point f b (new)
(f b) Support for protective hunting or nuisance wildlife management of species that endanger sustainable levels of fish stocks
Amendment 830 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 a (new)
Article 22 a (new)
Article 22 a Scientific research and data collection on migratory birds impact 1. The EMFF may support, based on the multiannual national strategic plans, the establishment of national or cross border scientific research and data collection projects with the aim of better understanding the impact of the migratory birds on the aquaculture sector and other relevant EU fish stocks. These projects should publish their results on an early basis and make recommendations regarding better management. 2. In order to be eligible, a national scientific research and data collection project has to include at least one national or EU recognised institute. 3. In order to be eligible, a cross-border scientific research and data collection project has to include at least one institute from at least two different member states.
Amendment 844 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1
Article 23 – paragraph 1
1. The EMFF may support the promotion of a sustainable aquaculture, including aquaculture with closed water recirculating systems; as provided for in Article 34(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. It may also support animal health and welfare in aquaculture in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council32 and Regulation (EU) No 652/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council33 . _________________ 32 Regulation (EU) No 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health ('Animal Health Law') (OJ L 84, 31.03.2016, p. 1). 33 Regulation (EU) No 652/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 laying down provisions for the management of expenditure relating to the food chain, animal health and animal welfare, and relating to plant health and plant reproductive material, amending Council Directives 98/56/EC, 2000/29/EC and 2008/90/EC, Regulations (EC) No 178/2002, (EC) No 882/2004 and (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Decisions 66/399/EEC, 76/894/EEC and 2009/470/EC (OJ L 189, 27.06.2014, p. 1).
Amendment 857 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The support referred to in paragraph 1 may cover: (a) actions to achieve or maintain a good environmental status in the marine environment, as set out in Article 1(1) of Directive 2008/56/EC and a good ecological status in the body of surface water, as set out in Article 4 of Directive 2000/60/EC; (b) the implementation of spatial protection measures established pursuant to Article 13(4) of Directive 2008/56/EC; (c) the management, restoration and monitoring of Natura 2000 areas, in accordance with the prioritised action frameworks established pursuant to Article 8 of Directive 92/43/EEC; (d) the protection of species under Directive 92/43/EEC and Directive 2009/147/EC, in accordance with the prioritised action frameworks established pursuant to Article 8 of Directive 92/43/EEC.
Amendment 868 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Support granted per producer organisation per year under this Article shall not exceed 3 % of the average annual value of the production placed on the market by that producer organisation during the preceding three calendar years or of the production placed on the market by the members of that organisation during the same period. For any newly recognised producer organisation, that support shall not exceed 3 % of the average annual value of the production placed on the market by the members of that organisation during the preceding three calendar years.
Amendment 885 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 a (new)
Article 25 a (new)
Article 25 a Cold months storage aid 1. The EMFF may support compensation to recognised aquaculture producer organisations and associations of aquaculture producers organisations which store live aquaculture products for and during the cold months of the year to be placed on the market for human consumption during those months under the following conditions: (a) the amount of the storage aid does not exceed the amount of the technical and financial costs of the actions required for the storage of the products in question; (b) the quantities eligible for storage aid do not exceed 30% of the annual quantities of the products concerned put up for sale by the aquaculture producer organisation or association of aquaculture producers organisations, respectively; (c) the financial support per year does not exceed 15% of the average annual value of the production placed on the market by the members of the producer organisation in the period 2016-2018. For the purposes of this point, where a member of the producer organisation did not have any production placed on the market in the period 2016 to 2018, the average annual value of production placed on the market in the first three years of production of that member shall be taken into account. 2. The support referred to in paragraph 1 shall only be granted once the products are released for human consumption. 3. Member States shall fix the amount of the technical and financial costs applicable in their territories as follows: (a) technical costs shall be calculated each year on the basis of direct costs relating to the actions required in order to store the products in question alive, during the cold months of the year; (b) financial costs shall be calculated each year using the interest rate set annually in each Member State; those technical and financial costs shall be made publicly available. 4. Member States shall carry out controls to ensure that the products benefiting from storage aid fulfil the conditions laid down in this Article. For the purposes of such controls, beneficiaries of storage aid shall keep stock records for each category of aquaculture products stored during the cold months and the quantities put on the market for human consumption.
Amendment 886 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 b (new)
Article 25 b (new)
Article 25 b Financial compensation for aquaculture losses 1. Based on the results and the recommendations referred to in Article 25b paragraph 1, EMFF should include financial compensation for the aquaculture sector, of no more than 60% of the total losses for each aquaculture farm, for each year. 2. The financial compensation shall be calculated based on the average annual market price of the fish species for which the compensation is given. 3. The financial compensation shall be given yearly, based on the annual results of the data collected in accordance to Article 25b of this Regulation.
Amendment 913 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) increase the available reliable data on recreational fishing catches.
Amendment 923 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 1
Article 32 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall apply a maximum aid intensity rate of 750% of the total eligible expenditure of the operation.
Amendment 940 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 38 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 38 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Each Member State shall publish the report referred to in paragraph 1 in both the original language and in one of the working languages of the European Commission.
Amendment 941 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 38 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 38 – paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. The report referred to in paragraph 1 shall be routinely published on the website of the European Commission.
Amendment 942 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 38 – paragraph 3 c (new)
Article 38 – paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Each Member State and the Commission shall publish reports on best practices on their respective websites.
Amendment 944 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 38 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 38 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The Commission shall publish all relevant documents related to the adoption of the implementing acts referred to in paragraph 7.
Amendment 1003 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II –row 3
Annex II –row 3
Amendment 1005 #
Amendment 1008 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – row 13 a (new)
Annex II – row 13 a (new)
2 Article 25a (new) X 100% Financial compensation for aquaculture losses
Amendment 1014 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – row 2
Annex III – row 2
1 Article 16 350% Investments in small-scale coastal fishing vessels
Amendment 1023 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – row 9
Annex IV – row 9
Article 20 1.3 0% 450% Collection and processing of data for fisheries management and scientific purposes
Amendment 1025 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – row 12 a (new)
Annex IV – row 12 a (new)
Article 22a Scientific 2.1 0% 100% research and data collection on migratory birds impact on aquaculture
Amendment 1026 #
Amendment 1027 #
2018/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – row 14
Annex IV – row 14
Amendment 63 #
2018/0202(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
The EGF shall contribute to a better distribution of the benefits of globalisation and technological advance by helping displaced workers adapt to structural change in order to find a new employment. As such, the EGF shall contribute to the implementation of the principles defined under the European Pillar of Social Rights and enhance social and economic cohesion among regions and Member States and be complementary to measures financed by the Structural Support Reform Programme and European Social Fund.
Amendment 70 #
2018/0202(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The general objective of the programme is to demonstrate solidarity with and offer support tofinancial support for re- employment measures of displaced workers and self-employed persons whosonly if the activity has ceased in the course of unexpected major restructuring events, referred to in Article 5.
Amendment 78 #
2018/0202(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. The specific objective of the EGF is to offer assistance in case of unexpected major restructuring events, particularonly those caused by globalisation-related challenges, such as changes in world trade patterns, unexpected trade disputes, financial or economic c between the EU and third countrises, the transition to low- carbon economy or as a consequence of digitisation or automationfinancial or economic crises. Particular emphasis shall lie on measures that help the most disadvantaged groups.
Amendment 100 #
2018/0202(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
4. The EGF may not be mobilised when workers are dismissed as a result of budget cuts taken by a Member State, which affect sectors that depend on public financing or due to the companies management and business strategies decisions or when their is a failure of Structural reforms of the Member States in the sector concerned.
Amendment 210 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – point iii a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – point iii a (new)
(iii a) exchange of experience concerning the identification, transfer and dissemination of good practices in relation to sustainable urban development, including urban-rural linkages;
Amendment 357 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) In justified cases, where the Interreg programme cannot be implemented as planned due to serious problems in relations between the participating countries.
Amendment 368 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
The co-financing rate at the level of each Interreg programme shall be not higher than 7085 %, unless, with regard to external cross-border or component 3 Interreg programmes, a higher percentage is fixed in Regulations (EU) [IPA III], [NDICI] or Council Decision (EU) [OCTP] respectively or in any act adopted thereunder.
Amendment 399 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 5
Article 14 – paragraph 5
5. Under external cross-border and component 2 and 3 Interreg programmes the ERDF and, where applicable, the external financing instruments of the Union shallmay also contribute to the external Interreg-specific objective 'a safer and more secure Europe', in particular by actions in the fields of border crossing management and mobility and migration management, including the protection of migrants.
Amendment 427 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
The Member State hosting the prospective managing authority, shall submit anone or more Interreg programmes to the Commission by [date of entry into force plus nintwelve months;] on behalf of all participating Member States and, where applicable, third countries, partner countries or OCTs.
Amendment 432 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 16 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
However, an Interreg programme covering support from an external financing instrument of the Union shall be submitted by the Member State hosting the prospective managing authority no later than sixtwelve months after the adoption by the Commission of the relevant strategic programming document under Article 10(1) or where required under the respective basic act of one or more of an external financing instrument of the Union.
Amendment 445 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point e – point i
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point e – point i
(i) the related types of actions, including a list of planned operations of strategic importance, and their expected contribution to those specific objectives and to macro-regional strategies and sea- basin strategies, where appropriate, respectively the set of criteria and the corresponding transparent selection criteria for such operation;
Amendment 474 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
The Member State may transfer during the programming period an amount of up to 510% of the initial allocation of a priority and no more than 35% of the programme budget to another priority of the same Interreg programme.
Amendment 541 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Amendment 560 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 6
Article 27 – paragraph 6
6. The managing authority shall publish the rules of procedures of the monitoring committee and all the summary of data and information shared with the monitoring committee on the website referred to in Article 35(2).
Amendment 590 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the values of output and result indicators for selected Interreg operations and values achieved by finalized Interreg operations.
Amendment 616 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 38 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 38 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) as a flat rate in accordance with Article [50(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR]direct staff costs of an operation may be calculated at a flat rate of up to 20 % of the direct costs other than the direct staff costs of that operation, without there being a requirement for the Member State to perform a calculation to determine the applicable rate.
Amendment 620 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 39 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 39 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Office and administrative costs shall be limited to the following elements: and will be reimbursed as a flat rate in accordance with Article 49 of Regulation (EU) ) [new CPR];
Amendment 635 #
Amendment 639 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 44 – paragraph 4
Article 44 – paragraph 4
4. Member States and, where applicable, third countries, partner countries and OCTs participating in an Interreg programme may identify an EGTC or relevant body at national level as managing authority of that programme.
Amendment 648 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 – paragraph 1
Article 45 – paragraph 1
1. The managing authority of an Interreg programme shall carry out the functions laid down in Articles [66], [68] and [69] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] with the exception of the task of selecting operations referred to in point (a) of Article 66(1) and Article 67 and of payments to beneficiaries referred to in point (b) of Article 68(1). Those functions shall be carried out in the whole of the territory covered by that programme, subject to derogations set out under Chapter VIII of this Regulation. By way of derogation from Article 68(4) of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], the management verifications may be carried out by bodies or persons responsible for such verifications in relation to beneficiaries on its territory (the “controller(s)”). The managing authority shall satisfy itself that the expenditure of each beneficiary participating in an operation has been verified by a designated controller.”
Amendment 660 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 – paragraph 3
Article 45 – paragraph 3
3. By way of derogation from [point (c) of Article 70(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], expenditure paid in another currency shall be converted into euro by each partner using the monthly accounting exchange rate of the Commission in the month during which that expenditure was submitted for verification to the managing authority or the controllers in accordance with [point (a) of Article 68(1)] of that Regulation. The method chosen shall be set out in the cooperation programme and shall be applicable to all beneficiaries. The use of the conversion rate as set by the programme shall be verified by the managing authority or by the controller in the Member State or third country in which the beneficiary is located.
Amendment 666 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 47 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 47 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
However, a participating Member State may specify when the audit authority is to be accompanied by an auditors from that participating Member State.
Amendment 669 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 47 – paragraph 9
Article 47 – paragraph 9
9. The Commission and the audit authority shall meet on a regular basis and at least once a year, unless otherwise agreed, to examine the audit strategy, the annual control report and the audit opinion, to coordinate their audit plans and methods and to exchange views on issues relating to the improvement of management and control systems. The Managing Authority will also be invited.
Amendment 727 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 52 – paragraph 3
Article 52 – paragraph 3
3. Third countries, partner countries and OCTs participating in an Interreg programme shall delegate staff to the joint secretariat of that programme or shall set set up a branch office in its respective territory, or shall do both.
Amendment 742 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 54 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
By way of derogation from Article [57(2)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] expenditure shall be eligible for a contribution from external financing instruments of the Union if it has been incurred by a partner or the private partner of PPP operations in the preparation and implementation of Interreg operations from 1 January 2021 and paid after the date when the financing agreement with the respective third country, partner country or OCT was concludedand paid after the submission of the programme to Commission or 1 January 2021, whichever is earlier.
Amendment 747 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 56 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 56 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 755 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 58 – paragraph 3
Article 58 – paragraph 3
3. Where an Interreg programme involves more than one third country, partner country or OCT, at least one financing agreement shall be signed by both parties before that date. The other third countries, partner countries or OCTs may sign their respective financing agreements at the latest oin 30 June of the second year following the year when the first budget commitment was madeone year after the respective Financing Agreement has been sent by the Commission to third countries, partner countries or OCTs. .
Amendment 764 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 59 a (new)
Article 59 a (new)
Article 59 a By way of derogation from Article 99 of the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum and Migration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Border Management and Visa Instrument, the rules regarding decommitment with regard to cross border component of NDICI are fixed in the Regulation [NDICI] or in Council Decision (EU) [OCTP], respectively or in any act adopted thereunder.
Amendment 212 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
(a) 'a smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic development and transformation' ('PO 1') by:
Amendment 215 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
(i) enhancing research and innovationSupporting the development and enhancement of innovation and research, infrastructure capacities and the uptake of advanced and technologies;
Amendment 220 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Amendment 227 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
(iii) enhancingSupporting technological change, retechnologisation, support for running capital, enhancing digitisation, growth and competitiveness of SMEs;
Amendment 238 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iv
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iv
(iv) developing skillSMEs s for smart specialisation, industrial transition and entrepreneurshipIndustry 4.0;
Amendment 250 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
(b) 'a greenersustainable, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, urban mobility, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management ('PO 2') by:
Amendment 257 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
(i) promoting energy efficiency measures in housing, public buildings and SMEs;
Amendment 264 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii
(ii) promoting renewable energy in housing, public buildings and SMEs;
Amendment 266 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
Amendment 277 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv
(iv) promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention and, disaster resilience and management;
Amendment 279 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point v
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point v
(v) promoting sustainable water management and access to drinking water;
Amendment 283 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vi
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vi
(vi) promoting the transition to a circular economy and resource efficiency;
Amendment 290 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii
(vii) enhancing biodiversity, green infrastructure in the urban environment,and urban-rural area, zero emission urban mobility and reducing pollution;
Amendment 308 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii a (new)
(vii a) Promoting Industry 4.0;
Amendment 314 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – introductory part
(c) 'a more connected Europe by enhancing mobility, energy security and regional ICT connectivity' ('PO 3') by:
Amendment 326 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
(ii) developing a sustainable, climate resilient , intelligent, secure and intermodal road and railway TEN-T and the road and railway regional and local links to TEN-T;
Amendment 331 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iii
(iii) developing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to road and railway TEN-T and cross-border mobility;
Amendment 338 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv
(iv) promoting sustainable multimodal urban mobility; and road and railway infrastructure;
Amendment 340 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv a (new)
(iv a) developing smart energy systems, grids and storage at local level
Amendment 343 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) Promoting energy security
Amendment 344 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – introductory part
(d) 'a more social Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights' ('PO 4')healthier and educated Europe by:
Amendment 349 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point ii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point ii
Amendment 356 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iii
Amendment 381 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iv a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iv a (new)
(iv a) Ensuring equal access to education through developing state of the art education infrastructures.
Amendment 404 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point i
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point i
(i) fostering the integrated social, economic, tourism and environmental development, cultural heritage and security in urban areas;
Amendment 415 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point ii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point ii
(ii) fostering the integrated social, economic, tourism and environmental local development, cultural heritage and security, including for urban, rural and coastal areas also through community-led local development.
Amendment 430 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
2. The Cohesion Fund shall support PO1, PO 2 and specific obejctives under PO 3 set out in points (ii), (iii) and (iv) of paragraph 1(c)PO 3.
Amendment 431 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 3
Article 2 – paragraph 3
Amendment 477 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) Member States of group 1 shall allocate at least 850 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1 and PO 2, and at least 640 % to PO 1;100% of energy efficiency and renewable energy and 80% of support to enterprises through financial instruments
Amendment 491 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point b
(b) Member States of group 2 shall allocate at least 45 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2;, 80% of energy efficiency and renewable energy and 40% of support to enterprises through financial instruments.
Amendment 502 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point c
(c) Member States of group 3 shall allocate at least 35 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2., 60% of energy efficiency and renewable energy and 30% of support to enterprises through financial instruments.
Amendment 524 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) investments in all type of infrastructure, including capital repair investments in the railway sector, plus ERTMS, by considering them as new investment objectives;;
Amendment 534 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Amendment 536 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) productive investments in SMEs;investments in SMEs which contributes to creating and safeguarding sustainable jobs, through direct aid for investment, running capital and productive investments.
Amendment 543 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) equipment, software, tangible and intangible assets;
Amendment 545 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point e
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point e
(e) information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experience and activities involving clusters;
Amendment 550 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Amendment 551 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point f a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point f a (new)
(f a) Financial instruments.
Amendment 552 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experience, technical assistance shall be financed for within ESF for ERDF related type of Investment.
Amendment 556 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
In addition, productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs can be supported when they involve cooperation with SMEs in research and innovation activities supported under point (a)(i) of Article 2 (1) where SMEs involvement represent 80% of the budget..
Amendment 566 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
In order to contribute to the specific objective under PO 1 set out in point (a) (iv) of Article 2(1), the ERDSF shall also support training, life long learning and education activities.
Amendment 567 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
Amendment 569 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
Amendment 574 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) investments in the environment, circular economy, including investments related to sustainable development and energy presenting environmental benefitsin accordance with the investment and infrastructure needs specific to each Member State;
Amendment 578 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) investments in road and railway TEN-T including regional and local links with broad and railway TEN-T;
Amendment 583 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Amendment 585 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) Financial instruments where minimum 10% of cohesion fund should be allocated through Financial instruments.
Amendment 589 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
The capital repair investments in the railway sector, including their equipment - ERTMS, by considering them as new investment objectives.
Amendment 591 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Member States shall ensure an appropriate balance between investments under points (a) and (b) taking into account the investment needs of Member States.
Amendment 597 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. The amount of the Cohesion Fund transferred to the Connecting Europe Facility23 shall be used for TEN-T projectroad and railway TEN-T projects taking into account the investment needs of Member States. _________________ 23 Reference Reference
Amendment 613 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) investment in airport infrastructure except for less developed and outermost regions;
Amendment 623 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) investment in disposal of waste in landfill except waste to energy related investments;
Amendment 648 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point i
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point i
(i) investment in broadband infrastructure in areas in which there are at least two broadband networks of equivalent category;.
Amendment 654 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point j
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point j
Amendment 670 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Measures financed by the ESF.
Amendment 701 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. 1. The ERDF shall support integrated territorial development based on territorial strategies in accordance with Article [23] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR] focused on urban areas ('sustainable urban development') within programmes under both goals referred to in Article 4(2) of that Regulationsustainable urban development through functional urban areas and urban rural areas strategies that set out integrated actions to tackle the functional urban area challenges , while taking into account the need to promote urban-rural linkages.
Amendment 705 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
At least 612% of the ERDF resources at national level under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, other than for technical assistance, shall be allocated to sustainable urban development in the form of community-led local development, at least 9% through integrated territorial investments directly managed by the relevant urban or sub-regional authorities as an intermediary body or another territorial tool under PO5.
Amendment 723 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point 1 (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point 1 (new)
(1) A Member States can decide to support a project on its territory which was highly scored but not received the financing from Urban Innovative Action by transferring the ERDF or Cohesion Fund resources to the Urban Innovative Action programme
Amendment 727 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
This initiative shall cover all urban areafunctional areas including rural urban links and shall support the Urban Agenda of the Union.
Amendment 729 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
The European Urban Initiative shall consist of the following three strands, all with regard to sustainable urban development:supporting innovative actions.
Amendment 730 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Amendment 734 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Amendment 737 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Amendment 743 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 307 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 48 a (new)
Recital 48 a (new)
(48a) To support the effective use of the Funds, the significant EIB Group's expertise in implementing and advising on project preparation and implementation, as well as on financial instruments and investment platforms should continue to be utilized, for the benefit of all Managing Authorities wishing to implement such instruments. This would include awareness raising and capacity building actions, as well as project identification and implementation support, funded either at Union level or by Member States as appropriate.
Amendment 372 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 16
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 16
(16) 'financial product' means equity or quasi equity investments, loans and guarantees or other risk-sharing instruments as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) [...] ('the Financial Regulation'), as well as financial leases;
Amendment 375 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 20
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 20
(20) 'holding fund' means a fund set up byunder the responsibility of a managing authority under one or more programmes, to implement financial instruments through one or more specific funds;
Amendment 376 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 21
(21) 'specific fund' means a fund, set-up by through which a managing authority or a holding fund, to provides financial products to final recipients;
Amendment 382 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
‘EIB’ means the European Investment Bank, the European Investment Fund or any subsidiary of the European Investment Bank.
Amendment 404 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) a smarter Europe by promoting competitiveness, innovative and smart economic transformation;
Amendment 410 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) a greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fairLow-carbon and circular Europe economy by promoting zero emission energy transition, greelow carbon and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management;
Amendment 427 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) a more social Europe iImplementing the European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 484 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Each Member State shall organise a partnership with theall relevant and competent regional and local authorities. That partnership shall include at least the following partners:
Amendment 492 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) urban and other public authorities and associations of local and regional authorities;
Amendment 500 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) economic, research institutions, universities and social partners;
Amendment 546 #
2018/0196(COD)
Amendment 547 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – title
Article 7 – title
Preparation and submission of the Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy
Amendment 548 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Each Member State shall prepare a Partnership Agreementn Investment Strategy which sets out arrangements for using the Funds in an effective and efficient way to achieve the objectives of the Funds and fill in the Investment gap at local, regional and national level for the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2027.
Amendment 553 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2
2. The Member State shall submit the Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy to the Commission before or at the same time as the submission of the first programme.
Amendment 559 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. The Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy may be submitted together with the relevant annual National Reform Programme.
Amendment 560 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Article 7 – paragraph 4
4. The Member State shall draw up the Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy in accordance with the template set out in Annex II. It may include the Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy in one of its programmes.
Amendment 562 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 5
Article 7 – paragraph 5
5. Interreg programmes may be submitted to the Commission before the submission of the Partnership Agreement.Investment Strategies
Amendment 565 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – title
Article 8 – title
Content of the Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy
Amendment 566 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy shall contain the following elements and cannot exceed 15 pages:
Amendment 567 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy shall contain the following elements:
Amendment 575 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) tThe selected policy objectives indicating by which of the Funds and programmes they will be pursulist of investment needs at national, regional and local level specifying the link with the Funds objectives, Invest EU or other centralised mand a justification thereto, and where relevant, a justification for using the delivery mode of the InvestEU, taking into account relevant country-specific recommendations;aged Funds as well as other sources of financing for those outside finance outside cohesion policy. The link with country-specific recommendations should be mentioned where relevant.
Amendment 618 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) a summary of the actions which the Member State concerned shall take to reinforce its administrative capacity of the implementation of the Fundmanagement and control system of the Funds as well as a summary of the actions for simplifying the procedures for beneficiaries.
Amendment 634 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
With regard to the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg), the Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy shall only contain the list ofcross border investment needs and planned programmes.
Amendment 636 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 a (new)
Article 8 a (new)
Article 8 a Upon request of a Member State, the EIB shall contribute to the preparation of elements (b), (c), (e), (f) and (g) above.
Amendment 637 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – title
Article 9 – title
Approval of the Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy
Amendment 648 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall assess the Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy and its compliance with this Regulation and with the Fund- specific rules. In its assessment, the Commission shall, in particular, take into account relevant country-specific recommendations where relevant.
Amendment 652 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission may make observations within threone months of the date of submission by the Member State of the Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy.
Amendment 656 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 4
Article 9 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall adopt a decision by means of an implementing act approving the Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy no later than fourone months after the date of submission of that Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy by the Member State concerned. The Partnership Agreement shall not be amended.
Amendment 663 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 5
Article 9 – paragraph 5
5. If, pursuant to Article 7(4), the Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy is included in a programme, the Commission shall adopt a decision by means of an implementing act approving that programme no later than sixtwo months after the date of submission of that programme by the Member State concerned.
Amendment 677 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. Member States may allocate, in the Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy or in the request for an amendment of a programme, the amount of ERDF, the ESF+, the Cohesion Fund and the EMFF to be contributed to InvestEU and delivered through budgetary guarantees. The amount to be contributed to InvestEU shall not exceed 510 % of the total allocation of each Fund, except in duly justified cases. Such contributions shall not constitute transfers of resources under Article 21 and shall be governed by the rules of InvestEU.
Amendment 683 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. For the Partnership Agreement, resources of the current and future calendar yearswhole programming period may be allocated. For the request for an amendment of a programme, only resources of future calendar yearswhich have not been subject to a budgetary commitment may be allocated.
Amendment 684 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. For the Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy, resources of the current and future calendar years may be allocated. For the request for an amendment of a programme, only resources of future calendar years may be allocated.
Amendment 688 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Where a contribution agreement, as set out in Article [9] of the [InvestEU Regulation], has not been concluded by 31 December 20213 for an amount referred to in paragraph 1 allocated in the Partnership Agreement, the Member State shall submit a request for amendment of a programme or programmes to use the corresponding amount including as set out in paragraph 1.
Amendment 691 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
The contribution agreement for an amount referred to in paragraph 1 allocated in the request of the amendment of a programme shall be concluded or amended as the case may be, simultaneously with the adoption of the decision amending the programme.
Amendment 693 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 5
Article 10 – paragraph 5
5. Where a guarantee agreement, as set out inpursuant to Article [9](4) of the [InvestEU Regulation], has not beenthere are contributions to the common provisioning fund as a provisioning which are unused as a consequence of a guarantee agreement not being concluded within nineeighteen months from the approval of the contribution agreement, the respective amounts paid into the common provisioning fund as a provisioningor an amendment to it or the amount of the contribution agreement not being fully committed through one or more guarantee agreements, such amounts shall be transferred back to a programme or programmes and the Member State shall submit a corresponding request for a programme amendment.
Amendment 697 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 6
Article 10 – paragraph 6
6. Where a guarantee agreement, as set out inpursuant to Article [9] (5) (a) of the [InvestEU Regulation], has not been fully implemented within four years from the signature of the guarantee agreement, the Member State may request that amounts committed in the guarantee agreement but not covering underlying loans or other risk bearing instrumethere is a surplus of provisions, the Member State may request that such amounts shall be treated in accordance with paragraph 5.
Amendment 698 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 7
Article 10 – paragraph 7
7. Resources generated by or attributable to the amounts contributed to InvestEU and delivered through budgetary guarantees shall be, at the Member State’s request, be re-used under the InvestEU or made available to the Member State and shall, in this case, be used for support under the same objective or objectives in the form of financial instruments or budgetary guarantees.
Amendment 708 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. When preparing a programme or introducing a new specific objective as part of a programme amendment, the Member State shall assess whether the enabling conditions linked to the selected specific objective are fulfilled. An enabling condition is fulfilled where all the related criteria are met. The Member State shall identify in each programme or in the programme amendment the fulfilled and non-fulfilled enabling conditions and where it considers that an enabling condition is fulfilled, it shall provide justification. Upon request of a Member State, the EIB shall contribute to the assessments of actions needed to fulfil the enabling conditions linked to the selected specific objective.
Amendment 714 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
The Commission shall, within threone months of receipt of the information referred to in paragraph 3, perform an assessment and inform the Member State where it agrees with the fulfilment.
Amendment 737 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 7
Article 11 – paragraph 7
Amendment 745 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point a
(a) the output and resultquantitative and qualitative indicators linked to specific objectives set in the Fund-specific Regulations;
Amendment 746 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point b
(b) milestones to be achieved by the end of the year 2024 for outputquantitative and qualitative indicators; and
Amendment 747 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point c
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point c
(c) targets to be achieved by the end of the year 2029 for output and resultqualitative and quantitative indicators.
Amendment 749 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2
Article 13 – paragraph 2
2. The Member State shall makepublish those methodologies available upon request by the Commissionon the relevant national website and the Commission should make it available in a working language on its website.
Amendment 760 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the challenges identified in relevant country-specific recommendations adopted in 2024, where relevant;
Amendment 868 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2
Article 16 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall submit programmes to the Commission no later than 3one months after the submission of the Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy.
Amendment 872 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. Each programme shall set out a strategy fortate the programme's contribution to the policy objectives and the communication of its results.
Amendment 878 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a – introductory part
(a) a summary of the main challenges, taking into account:
Amendment 879 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a – point i
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a – point i
Amendment 885 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a – point ii
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a – point ii
(ii) market failures, investment needs at national regional and local level, and complementarity with other forms of support;
Amendment 899 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a – point iv
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a – point iv
(iv) challenges in administrative capacity and governance and simplification measures;
Amendment 902 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a – point v
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a – point v
(v) lessons learnt from past experience in terms of simplification of procedures for beneficiaries;
Amendment 904 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a – point vi
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a – point vi
(vi) if relevant, macro-regional strategies and sea- basin strategies where Member States and regions participate in such strategies;
Amendment 912 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) a justification for the selected policy objectives, corresponding priorities, specific objectives and the forms of supportcorresponding forms of support to finance investment needs at national, regional and local level;
Amendment 913 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Amendment 918 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point d – point i
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point d – point i
(i) the related types of actions, including a list of planned operations of strategic importance, and their expected contribution to those specific objectives and to macro-regional strategies and sea- basin strategies, where appropriate;
Amendment 923 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point d – point ii
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point d – point ii
(ii) output indicators and resultqualitative and quantitative indicators with the corresponding milestones and targets;
Amendment 977 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall assess the programme andcompliance of the programme with the investment needs at national, regional and local level, its compliance with this Regulation and with the Fund-specific Regulations, as well as its consistency with the Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy and the simplification measures proposed. In its assessment, the Commission shall, in particular, also take into account relevant country-specific recommendations.
Amendment 987 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission may make observations within threone months of the date of submission of the programme by the Member State.
Amendment 995 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 3
Article 18 – paragraph 3
3. The Member State shall review the programme within one month, taking into account the observations made by the Commission.
Amendment 998 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 4
Article 18 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall adopt a decision by means of an implementing act approving the programme no later than sixone months after the date of submission of the programme by the Member State.
Amendment 1007 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. The Member State may submit at any time a motivated request for an amendment of a programme together with the amended programme setting out the expected impact of that amendment on the achievement of the objectives.
Amendment 1010 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2
Article 19 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall assess the amendment and its compliance with this Regulation and with the Fund-specific Regulations, including requirements at national level, and may make observations within threone months of the submission of the amended programme.
Amendment 1022 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4
Article 19 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall approve the amendment of a programme no later than sixone months after its submission by the Member State.
Amendment 1052 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 1053 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 1067 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2
Article 20 – paragraph 2
2. The ERDF and the ESF+ may finance, in a complementary manner and subject to a limit of 10 % of support from those Funds for each priority of a programme, all or part of an operation for which the costs are eligible for support from the other Fund on the basis of eligibility rules applied to that Fund, provided that such costs are necessary for the implementation.
Amendment 1074 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
1. Taking into account the socio- economic specificities of the Member States and regions concerned, Member States may request the transfer of up to 50 % of programme financial allocations from any of the Funds to any other Fund under shared management or, and up to 10% to any instrument under direct or indirect management.
Amendment 1077 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
1. Member States may request the transfer of up to 5 % of programme financial allocations from any of the Funds to any other Fund under shared management or to any instrument under direct or indirect management. The contribution transferred in accordance with this article shall not be taken into account for the purpose of Article 10(1).
Amendment 1090 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 3
Article 21 – paragraph 3
Amendment 1093 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 4
Article 21 – paragraph 4
Amendment 1097 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 5
Article 21 – paragraph 5
Amendment 1124 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2
Article 23 – paragraph 2
2. Territorial strategies shall be drawn up under the responsibility of the relevant urban, local or other territorial authorities or bodies, and in particular to address the urban rural linkages.
Amendment 1137 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 4
Article 23 – paragraph 4
4. WThere an urban, local or other territorial authority or body carries out tasks falling under the responsibility of the managing authority other than the selection of operations, the authoritwhich implements the territorial strategy shall be identified by theas a managing authority as and intermediate bodymplement all operations related to this function.
Amendment 1155 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1
Article 25 – paragraph 1
1. The ERDF, the ESF+ and the EMFF mayshall support community-led local development.
Amendment 1156 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 25 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) focused on subregionalmaximum NUTS III areas;
Amendment 1158 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 25 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) led by local action groups composed of representatives of public and private local socio-economic interests, without the participation of local authorities in which no single interest group controls the decision-making;
Amendment 1164 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 25 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(da) based on priorities established following a bottom-up approach.
Amendment 1183 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Amendment 1223 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) for the ERDF support under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, and for the Cohesion Fund support: 2,5 %;
Amendment 1265 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 3
Article 33 – paragraph 3
3. The monitoring committee shall meet at least once a yearmonth and shall review all issues that affect the programme's progress towards achieving its objectives.
Amendment 1268 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 5
Article 33 – paragraph 5
Amendment 1274 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 2
Article 34 – paragraph 2
2. Representatives of the Commission, European Investment Bank or European Investment Fund shall participate in the work of the monitoring committee in an advisory capacity.
Amendment 1276 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 34 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Representatives of the EIB may participate in the work of the monitoring committee in an advisory capacity.
Amendment 1277 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) the procedures for accessing the funds, application guides, relevant national legislation, and proposals for simplification measures for beneficiaries;
Amendment 1289 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 35 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) the application guides;
Amendment 1323 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 39 – paragraph 1
Article 39 – paragraph 1
1. The managing authorityMember States and the Commission shall carry out evaluations of the programme. Each evaluation shall assess the programme's effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added value with the aim to improve the quality of the design and implementation of programmes. The authority which carries out the evaluations should be independent of the managing authority and not under the responsibility of the same ministry. The Commission shall assess the independence of the authority carries out the evaluation.
Amendment 1331 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 39 – paragraph 2
Article 39 – paragraph 2
2. In addition, the managing authorityMember States shall carry out an evaluation for each programme to assess its impact by 30 June 2029.
Amendment 1333 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 39 – paragraph 3
Article 39 – paragraph 3
3. The managing authorityMember State shall entrust evaluations to functionally independent experts.
Amendment 1334 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 39 – paragraph 4
Article 39 – paragraph 4
4. The managing authority or the Member State shall ensure the necessary procedures to produce and collect the data necessary for evaluations.
Amendment 1336 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 39 – paragraph 5
Article 39 – paragraph 5
5. The managing authority or the Member State shall draw up an evaluation plan. That evaluation plan may cover more than one programme. For the AMIF, the ISF and the BMVI, that plan shall include a mid-term evaluation to be completed by 31 March 2024.
Amendment 1337 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 39 – paragraph 6
Article 39 – paragraph 6
6. The managing authorityMember State shall submit the evaluation plan to the monitoring committee no later than one year after the approval of the programme.
Amendment 1338 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 39 – paragraph 7
Article 39 – paragraph 7
7. The managing authorityMember State shall publish all evaluations on the website referred to in Article 44(1).
Amendment 1359 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 45 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Beneficiaries other thand bodies implementing financial instruments shall acknowledge support from the Funds, including resources reused in accordance with Article 56, to the operation by:
Amendment 1366 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 45 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
For small project funds, the beneficiary shall ensurequire that final recipients comply with the requirements set out in paragraph 1.
Amendment 1368 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 45 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
For financial instruments, the beneficiary shall ensure that final recipients comply with the requirements set out in point (c) of paragraph 1requirements set out in paragraph 1 shall not apply.
Amendment 1372 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 48 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 48 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) flat-rate financing or repayable assistance;
Amendment 1377 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 49 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 49 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) a flat rate of up to 710 % of eligible direct costs, in which case the Member State shall not be required to perform a calculation to determine the applicable rate;
Amendment 1378 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 49 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 49 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) a flat rate of up to 1530 % of eligible direct staff costs in which case the Member State shall not be required to perform a calculation to determine the applicable rate;
Amendment 1380 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 49 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 49 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) a flat rate of up to 235 % of eligible direct costs, provided that the rate is calculated in accordance with Article 48(2)(a).
Amendment 1382 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 50 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Direct staff costs of an operation may be calculated at a flat rate of up to 230 % of the direct costs other than the direct staff costs of that operation, without there being a requirement for the Member State to perform a calculation to determine the applicable rate, provided that the direct costs of the operation do not include public works contracts or supply or service contracts which exceed in value the thresholds set out in Article 4 of Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council46 or in Article 15 of Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council47 . _________________ 46 Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65). 47 Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and repealing Directive 2004/17/EC (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 243).
Amendment 1388 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 50 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
For less developed regions, the real employment cost can be replaced by a theoretical cost equivalent to the real cost in a more developed region of the EU. For single associate SMEs, the employment cost should be set based on Member State and SME practice.
Amendment 1390 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 3
Article 50 – paragraph 3
Amendment 1391 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 1
Article 51 – paragraph 1
1. A flat rate of up to 450 % of eligible direct staff costs may be used in order to cover the remaining eligible costs of an operation. The Member State shall not be required to perform a calculation to determine the applicable rate.
Amendment 1396 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 52 – paragraph 2
Article 52 – paragraph 2
2. Financial instruments shall provide support to final recipients only for newand their investments expected to be financially viable, such as generating revenues or savings, and which do not find sufficient funding from market sources. Such support may target investments in both tangible and intangible assets as well as working capital, in compliance with applicable Union state aid rules. Investments to be supported through financial instruments are those not physically completed or fully implemented at the date of the investment decision.
Amendment 1402 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 52 – paragraph 5
Article 52 – paragraph 5
5. Financial instruments may be combined with ancillary programme support in the form of grants as a single financial instrument operation, within a single funding agreement, where both distinct forms of support shall be provided by the body implementing the financial instrument. In such case the rules applicable to financial instruments shall apply to that singleWhere the amount of the programme support in the form of grant is less than the amount of programme support in the form of a financial instrument, the rules applicable to financial instrument operations shall apply.
Amendment 1406 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 53 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
The managing authority shall select the body implementing a financial instrument, including by directly awarding a contract to the EIB.
Amendment 1409 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 53 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
When the body selected by the managing authority implements a holding fund, that body may further select other bodies to implement a specific funddirectly or indirectly implement financial instruments. The body selected to implement a holding fund may further decide on sharing the management of the same, or certain thematic areas, with an IFI only in the cases of strengthening its capacity for implementation of financial instruments. This is to be executed through appropriate shared management arrangements to be also approved by the management authorities.
Amendment 1410 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 4
Article 53 – paragraph 4
4. The financial liability of the managing authorityunder a Fund shall not exceed the amount committed by the managing authority to the financial instrument under the relevant funding agreements.
Amendment 1411 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 5
Article 53 – paragraph 5
5. TExcept where the financial instrument is implemented through a holding fund, the bodies implementing the financial instrumentsspecific fund concerned, or in the context of guarantees, the body providing the underlying loans or other risk-sharing instruments, shall select final recipients , taking due account of the programme objectives and the potential for the financial viability of the investment or final recipient, as relevant, as justified in the business plan or an equivalent document prepared pursuant to their internal rules. The selection process of final recipients shall be transparent, justified by the nature of the action and shall not give rise to a conflict of interest.
Amendment 1414 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 1
Article 54 – paragraph 1
1. Support from the Funds paid to financial instruments shall be placed in interest-bearing accounts in financial institutions domiciled within Member States and shall be managed in line with active treasury management and sound financial management.
Amendment 1416 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 2
Article 54 – paragraph 2
2. Interest and other gains attributable to support from the Funds paid to financial instruments supported by the Fund shall be used under the same objective or objectives, including the reimbursement of management costs and payment of fees, as the initial support from the Funds, either within the same financial instrument; or, following the winding up of the financial instrumentwhere this is not practicable, in other financial instruments or other forms of support, until the end of the eligibility period.
Amendment 1419 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 55 – paragraph 1
Article 55 – paragraph 1
1. Support from the Funds to financial instruments invested in final recipients as well as any type of income generated by those investments, which are attributable to the support from the Funds, may be used for differentiated treatment of investors operating under the market economy principle or of other forms of Union support, through an appropriate sharing of risks and profits.
Amendment 1422 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 55 – paragraph 2
Article 55 – paragraph 2
2. The level of such differentiated treatment shall not exceed what is necessary to create incentives for attracting private resourcesincreasing the leverage effect, established by either a competitive process or an independentspecific assessment.
Amendment 1426 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 56 – paragraph 1
Article 56 – paragraph 1
1. Resources paid back, before the end of the eligibility period, to financial instruments from investments in final recipients or from the release of resources set aside as agreed in guarantee contracts, including capital repayments and any type of generated income that is attributable to the support from the Funds, shall be re- used in the same or other financial instruments for further investments in final recipients, under the same specific objective or objectives andor for any management costs and fees associated to such further investments.
Amendment 1429 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 56 – paragraph 2
Article 56 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall adopt the necessary measures to ensure that the resources referred to in paragraph 1 and paid back to financial instruments during a period of at least eight years after the end of the eligibility period, are re-used in accordance with the policy objectives of the programme or programmes under which they were set up, either within the same financial instrument or, following the exit of those resources from the financial instrumentincluding for any management costs and fees or, where this is not practicable, in other financial instruments or in other forms of support.
Amendment 1438 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 58 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 58 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) the purchase of land for an amount exceeding 10 % of the total eligible expenditure for the operation concerned; for derelict sites and for those formerly in industrial use which comprise buildings, that limit shall be increased to 15 %; for guarantees those percentages shall apply to the amount of the underlying loan or other risk-sharing instrument;
Amendment 1447 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 58 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 58 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Point c) shall not apply to financial instruments.
Amendment 1451 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 59 – paragraph 3
Article 59 – paragraph 3
3. Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to contribution to or by financial instruments or any operation which undergoes cessation of a productive activity due to a non- fraudulent bankruptcy.
Amendment 1453 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 60 – paragraph 1
Article 60 – paragraph 1
1. Expenditure supporting relocation as defined in Article 2(26) shall notonly be eligible for a contribution from the Funds in line with state aid rules.
Amendment 1456 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 62 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 62 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) resources set aside as agreed in guarantee contracts, whether outstanding or having already come to maturity, in order to honour possible guarantee calls for losses, calculated based on a multiplier ratio covering a multiple amount of underlying disbursed new loans, equity or quasi- equity investments inor other risk-sharing instruments in final recipients , as well as financial leases to final recipients;
Amendment 1457 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 62 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 62 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) for funding agreements establishing specific funds implementing equity investments which have been entered into and are in full force and effect at the latest on 31 December 2026, amounts committed to such specific funds and which are to be used for the purpose of the payment after the end of the eligibility period of management fees, and follow-on investments into final recipients in which an initial investment took place during the eligibility period. Prior to the end of the eligibility period, the implementing body shall agree with the managing authority the amounts required for such payments, which shall relate to a period not exceeding 6 years after the end of the eligibility period and shall not exceed 35 % of the total amount committed to the specific fund.
Amendment 1458 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 62 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 62 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
For point (d) of paragraph 1, management fees shall beinclude a performance basedelement disbursed to final recipients in loans, equity or quasi-equity investments or set aside as agreed in guarantee contracts committed to such bodies. Where bodies implementing a holding fund and/or specific funds, pursuant to Article 53(32), are selected through a direct award of contract, the amount of management cost and fees paid to each of those bodies that can be declared as eligible expenditure shall be subject to a threshold of up to 5determined as follows: – in recognition of the fact that setting up financial instruments implies costs not linked to disbursements to final recipients, a base fee subject to a threshold of up to 1 % per annum of the total amount of programme contributions paid to the holding fund and/or specific funds; plus – with a view to incentivising performance of the financial instruments, a performance fee to be determined between the parties, subject to an overall threshold of up to 6 % of the total amount of programme contributions disbursed to final recipients in loans, equity or quasi- equity investments or set aside as agreed in guarantee contracts. That threshold is not mandatory: (a) where the selection of bodies implementing financial instruments is made through a competitive selection process in accordance with the applicable law and the competitive process establishes the need for a higher level of management costs and fees; and (b) where the management cost or fee is paid in relation to the use of resources paid back before the end of the eligibility period under Article 56(1).
Amendment 1466 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 63 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 63 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Member States and the Commission shall ensure that the procedures for accessing the funds are simple for beneficiaries.
Amendment 1473 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 63 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Article 63 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Member Stated shall make arrangements for ensuring the effective examination of complaints and questions concerning the Funds. They shall, upon request by the Commission, examine complaints and questions submitted to the Commission falling within the scope of their programmes and shall inform the Commission of the results of those examinations.
Amendment 1476 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 63 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
Article 63 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
Member States shall ensure that all exchanges of information between beneficiaries and the programme authorities are carried out by means of simple, user-friendly, efficient and rapid electronic data exchange systems in accordance with Annex XII. The Member States and the Commission shall ensure that no administrative burden is put on beneficiaries.
Amendment 1485 #
2018/0196(COD)
11. The Commission shall adopt an implementing act delegated act, no later than one month after the entry into force of the present regulation, setting out the format to be used for reporting of irregularities in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 109(2) in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Article.
Amendment 1489 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 64 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 64 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The Commission shall satisfy itself that Member States have management and control systems that comply with this Regulation and that those systems function effectively during the implementation of the programmes. The Commission shall draw up for all Member States an audit strategy and an audit plan which shall be based on a risk-assessment.
Amendment 1490 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 64 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 64 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
The Commission and Audit Authority shall undertake performance audits in order to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of operations, as well as simplification audits in order to identify simplification measures to support beneficiaries' access to financing.
Amendment 1491 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 64 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 b (new)
Article 64 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 b (new)
The Commission shall set out by means of a delegated act, no later than one month after the entry into force of this regulation, guidelines for assessing the compliance with state aid and developing state aid schemes for auditors, managing authorities and beneficiaries, in cooperation with the European Court of Auditors.
Amendment 1492 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 64 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 64 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The Commission, the European Court of Auditors and the audit authorities shall coordinate their audit plans.
Amendment 1498 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 64 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 64 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) the Commission shall transmit the preliminary audit findings, in at least one of the official languages of the Union, no later than 3one months after the last day of the audit, to the competent Member State authority.
Amendment 1501 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 64 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 64 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) the Commission shall transmit the audit report, in at least one of the official languages of the Union, no later than 3one months from the date of receiving a complete reply from the competent Member State authority to the preliminary audit findings.
Amendment 1503 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 64 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 64 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 1514 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 66 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 66 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Ensure simplified procedures for beneficiaries in applying, contracting, and accessing financing, and managing the projects.
Amendment 1515 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 66 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 66 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. The managing authority shall not be responsible for the state aid assessment for SMEs.
Amendment 1582 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 71 – paragraph 1
Article 71 – paragraph 1
1. The audit authority shall be responsible for carrying out system audits, audits on operations and audits of accounts in order to provide independent assurance to the Commission regarding the effective functioning of the management and control systems and the legality and regularity of the expenditure included in the accounts submitted to the Commission. The audit authority shall not be responsible for audit state aid for SMEs.
Amendment 1591 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 72 – paragraph 1
Article 72 – paragraph 1
1. The audit authority shall prepare an audit strategy based on a risk assessment, taking account of the management and control system description provided for in Article 63(9), covering system audits and audits of operation, financial and performance audits of operations as well as audits to identify simplification measures to be implemented for beneficiaries. The audit strategy shall include system audits of newly identified managing authorities and authorities in charge of the accounting function within nine months following their first year of functioning. The audit strategy shall be prepared in accordance with the template set out in Annex XVIII and shall be updated annually following the first annual control report and audit opinion provided to the Commission. It may cover one or more programmes.
Amendment 1593 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 73 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 73 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
The statistical sample may cover one or more programmes receiving support from the ERDF, the Cohesion Fund and the ESF+ and, subject to stratification where appropriate, one or more programming periods according to the professional judgerisk assessment of the audit authority.
Amendment 1596 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 73 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 73 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
The ERDF and ESF+ Regulation may set out specific provisions for programmes under Article [4(1)(c)(vii)] of the ESF+ Regulation.
Amendment 1605 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 75 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 75 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
The managing authority shall not carry out on-the-spot verifications at the level of the European Investment Bank (‘EIB’), European Investment Fund or other international financial institutions in which a Member State is a shareholder.
Amendment 1606 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 75 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 75 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 1609 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 75 – paragraph 3
Article 75 – paragraph 3
3. The audit authority shall carry out system audits and audits of operations in accordance with Articles 71, 73 or 77 at the level of bodies implementing the financial instrument and, in the context of guarantee funds, at the level of bodies delivering the underlying new loans or other risk-sharing instruments.
Amendment 1610 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 75 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 75 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
The audit authority shall not carry out audits at the level of the EIB,EIF or other international financial institutions in which a Member State is a shareholder, for financial instruments implemented by them.
Amendment 1612 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 75 – paragraph 5
Article 75 – paragraph 5
5. The EIB, EIF or other international financial institutions shall provide to the programme authorities all the reasonably necessary documents to enable them to fulfil their obligations.
Amendment 1613 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 75 – paragraph 5
Article 75 – paragraph 5
5. The EIB, EIF or other international financial institutions shall provide to the programme authorities all the necessary documents to enable them to fulfil their obligations.
Amendment 1636 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) 2021: 0.52 %;
Amendment 1659 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) 2022: 0.52 %;
Amendment 1678 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) 2023: 0.52 %;
Amendment 1691 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) 2024: 0.52 %;
Amendment 1693 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) 2024: 0.52 %;
Amendment 1709 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e
(e) 2025: 0.52 %;
Amendment 1731 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
(f) 2026: 0.52 %
Amendment 1753 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 86 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 86 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Where financial instruments are implemented in accordance with Article 53(32), payment applications that include expenditure for financial instruments shall be submitted in accordance with the following conditions:
Amendment 1755 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 86 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 86 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the amount included in the first payment application shall haveexpected to been paid to the financial instruments and may be up to 25 % of the total amount of programme contributions committed to the financial instruments under the relevant funding agreement, in accordance with the relevant priority and category of region, if applicable;
Amendment 1760 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 88 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point a – point ii
Article 88 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point a – point ii
(ii) verified historical data where applicable;
Amendment 1773 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 91 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 91 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The Commission shall ensure it has a coherent procedure which is similarly applied to all Member States.
Amendment 1778 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 97 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 97 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Where a programme is subject to financial correction, corrections shall not be applied to beneficiaries which have implemented the projects without errors.
Amendment 1779 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 97 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Article 97 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
The bodies implementing financial instrument shall reimburse to Member States programme contributions affected bycancelled as a result of irregularities, together with interest and any other gains generated by those contributions.
Amendment 1780 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 97 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2 – introductory part
Article 97 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2 – introductory part
The bodies implementing financial instruments shall not reimburse to Member States the amounts referred to in the first subparagraph provided that those bodies demonstrate for a given irregularity that the following cumulative conditions are fulfilled:if the irregularity occurred at a different level and was outside of their control.
Amendment 1781 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 97 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Article 97 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Amendment 1782 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 97 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Article 97 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Amendment 1783 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 97 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2 – point c
Article 97 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2 – point c
Amendment 1849 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 104 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 104 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The amount of resources available for the ESF+ under the Investment for jobs and growth goal shall be EUR 88 646 194 590decided at Member State level, taking into account the socio economic situation at national, regional and local level as well as the investment needs of Member States and regions.
Amendment 1859 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 104 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 104 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
The amount of support from the Cohesion Fund to be transferred to the CEF shall be EUR 10 000 000 000. It shall be spent for transport infrastructure projects, taking into account the investment infrastructure needs of Member States and regions by launching specific calls in accordance with Regulation (EU) [number of new CEF Regulation] exclusively in Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund.
Amendment 1861 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 104 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 104 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
The Commission shall adopt an implementing delegated act, setting out the amount to be transferred from each Member State’s Cohesion Fund allocation to the CEF, which amount shall be determined on a pro rata basis for the whole period.
Amendment 1870 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 104 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 6
Article 104 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 6
Rules applicable for the transport sector under Regulation (EU) [new CEF Regulation] shall apply to the specific calls referred to in the first subparagraph. Until 31 December 20235, the selection of projects eligible for financing shall respect the national allocations under the Cohesion Fund with regard to 70% of the resources transferred to the CEF.
Amendment 1874 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 104 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 7
Article 104 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 7
As of 1 January 20246, resources transferred to the CEF which have not been committed to a transport infrastructure project shall be made available to all Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund to finance transport infrastructure projects in accordance with Regulation (EU) [the new CEF Regulation].
Amendment 1891 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 105 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 105 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Commission may accept a proposal by a Member State in its submission of the Partnership AgreementInvestment Strategy or in the context of the mid-term review, for a transfer:
Amendment 1918 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 106 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 106 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) 705 % for the less developed regions;
Amendment 1937 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 106 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 106 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) 5560 % for the transition regions;
Amendment 1953 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 106 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 106 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) 405 % for the more developed regions.
Amendment 1978 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 106 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
Article 106 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
The co-financing rate for the Cohesion Fund at the level of each priority shall not be higher than 705 %.
Amendment 2004 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 111 a (new)
Article 111 a (new)
Article 111 a State Aid Rules The operational programmes related to the policy objective Smarter Europe, when providing financial support to SMEs, shall not be subject to State Aid rules in order to ensure common rules with Horizon programme.
Amendment 179 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) Considering the increasing economic activity of “charter vessels”, used to bring recreational fishers at sea to fish, a definition of such vessels should be included in the Regulation.
Amendment 202 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) The absence of catch reporting obligations by masters of vessels less than 10 metres'’ length led to incomplete and unreliable data for such vessels as the data collection for those vessels was based on sampling plans. Therefore it is important to require reporting of catches for all fishing vessels without regard to their size. In this way the rules will also be simplified and compliance and controls will be improved.
Amendment 204 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17a) For vessels under 10 metres’ length , taking into consideration that in many cases the crew in these vessels is composed of only one person on board, the reporting of catches should not imply a disproportionate burden for the operator sand reporting should take place after landing. Member States should enable the use of electronic devices and methods for reporting, such as electronic logbooks, electronic scaling and reporting devices installed in ports, or other such methods.
Amendment 221 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) Provisions concerning the verification of the tonnage of fishing vessels for the purposes of fishing capacity controls should be simplified and provisions concerning the verification of engine power should be clarified. If fishing vessels equipped with active fishing gears operate, in waters under fishing effort management, with engines that exceed the engine power stated in their registration, it is impossible to ensure compliance with the capacity ceilings laid down in Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013and reach the objectives of the management plans. Therefore it is important to effectively control the engine power of fishing vessels equipped with active fishing gears, using devices which continuously monitor the engine power.
Amendment 230 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31 a (new)
Recital 31 a (new)
(31a) Member States should give priority to electronic registration or licensing and catches data collection systems for recreational fishing.
Amendment 246 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 55
Recital 55
(55) The data collected by Member States is also of great value for scientific purposes. It should be clarified that scientific bodies of Member States and Union scientific bodies may be provided access to the data collected in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 , in particular to vessel position data and fishing activity data. Finally, the fishing activity data collected by Member States is also of value for the statistical office of the European Union (Eurostat) who can use it. The data provided to the scientific bodies should be limited to vessel position data and fishing activity data, and should not include, under no circumstances, any personal data regarding the legal or natural person. Finally, the same data provided to scientific bodies regarding fishing activity may also be shared with Eurostat in order to provide statistics on European Union fisheries.
Amendment 251 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 68 – introductory part
Recital 68 – introductory part
(68) It should be ensured that the obligations concerning personal data protection laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/XX are respected by the AgencyEFCA in the framework of data processing and exchange. Representatives of Union institutions should take part in the meeting of the Administrative Board of the Agency. Two representatives of the European Parliament, appointed in line with the principle of gender equality, should take part in the meeting of the Administrative Board of the EFCA, in particular when the Board is approving the budget. Those representatives are to be appointed in accordance with procedures laid down by Parliament.
Amendment 252 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 68 – subparagraph 2
Recital 68 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 270 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point i a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point i a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 4 – point 28 a (new)
Article 4 – point 28 a (new)
28a. “recreational fishing charter vessels” means a skippered boat or vessel taking passengers at sea to fish recreationally’
Amendment 287 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 9 – paragraph 3
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. By way of derogation from paragraph 2, masters of Union fishing vessels below 120 metres’ length overall may carry on board a mobile device which allows the vessel to be automatically located and identified by a vessel monitoring system through recording and transmitting vessel position data at regular intervals. In case the device is not within reach of a mobile network, the vessel position data shall be recorded during that period of time and shall be transmitted as soon as the vessel is in reach of such network and at the latest before entering port.
Amendment 296 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 9 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 297 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 9 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Member States shall use funds provided through the EMFF to facilitate the implementation of the obligations laid down in paragraph 3.
Amendment 350 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 14 – paragraph 5 – point b – point iv
Article 14 – paragraph 5 – point b – point iv
(iv) the date and time of the completion of fishing operations using the static gear, which will be calculated as the moment all the gear is retracted into the boat;
Amendment 351 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
1. Masters of Union catching vessels of 120 metres’ length overall or more shall submit by electronic means the information referred to in Article 14 to the competent authority of their flag Member State:
Amendment 363 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. Masters of Union catching vessels of less than 120 metres’ length overall shall submit by electronic means the information referred to in Article 14, to the competent authority of their flag Member State after the last fishing operation has been completed and before entering portnding.
Amendment 374 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 15 – paragraph 2 c (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. The obligation expressed in paragraph 2 shall apply from four years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation.
Amendment 376 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 15 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Member States shall use the funds provided through the EMFF to facilitate the implementation of electronic catch reporting devices and methods.
Amendment 426 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 21 – paragraph 2
Article 21 – paragraph 2
2. The electronic transhipment declaration referred to in paragraph 1 shall contain at least the following information:
Amendment 435 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 23 – paragraph 2
Article 23 – paragraph 2
2. The electronic landing declaration referred to in paragraph 1 shall contain at least the following information:
Amendment 455 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 23
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 23
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 25 a – paragraph 1
Article 25 a – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure effective control of the landing obligation. For this purpose a minimum percentage of fishing vessels fishing for species subject to the landing obligation and flying their flag established in accordance with paragraph 2,, the Member States shall deploy observers on board vessels, above 10 metres’ length, flying their flag to monitor compliance with the landing obligation. The cost of such deployment shall not be borne by the operators. As an alternative to the deployment of observers, the Member States may, on the same shcall be equipped with continuously recording Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systemse, require the use of electronic monitoring systems, such as fishing activity sensors or catch-mass estimation sensors, inc orporating data storageder to estimate the difference between the weight of the catch and the weight of the products landed.
Amendment 472 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 23
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 23
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 25 a – paragraph 3
Article 25 a – paragraph 3
3. In addition to the CCTV systemoptions referred to in paragraph 1, Member States may require the use of other electronic monitoring systems for the purpose of controlling the landing obligation, including CCTV cameras.
Amendment 476 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 23
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 23
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 25 a – paragraph 4
Article 25 a – paragraph 4
4. The Commission may, by means of implementingdelegated acts, lay down detailed rules on the requirements, technical specifications, installation and functioning of the electronic monitoring systems for the control of the landing obligation, including continuously recording CCTV systems.
Amendment 480 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 23
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 23
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 25 a – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 25 a – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The data recorded under a CCTV system is owned by the legal or natural person holding the fishing licence and shall be available for at least 12 months.
Amendment 486 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 27
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 27
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 33 – paragraph 6
Article 33 – paragraph 6
6. Catches taken in the framework of scientific research which arshall not be marketed and sold including, where appropriate, those below the applicable minimum conservation reference size, shall be recorded by the Member States and the data on such catches shall be submitted to the Commission. They shall be counted against the quota applicable to the flag Member State insofar as they exceed 2 % of the quotas concerned. This paragraph shall not apply to catches taken during research surveys at sea as referred to in Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (*).
Amendment 488 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 27
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 27
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 33 – paragraph 6 b (new)
Article 33 – paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Catches taken in the framework of scientific research may be donated to social projects including providing food for homeless people.
Amendment 494 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 31 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 31 – point b
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 37 – paragraph 4
Article 37 – paragraph 4
“4. The Commission shall lay down, by means of implementingdelegated acts :
Amendment 496 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 33
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 33
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 38 – paragraph 1
Article 38 – paragraph 1
“1. For fish stocks under fishing effort management plans, Member States shall be responsible for carrying out the necessary checks in order to ensure that the total capacity corresponding to the fishing licences issued by a Member State, in GT and in kW, shall at any moment not be higher than the maximum capacity levels for that Member State established in accordance with Article 22 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.
Amendment 497 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 33
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 33
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 38 – paragraph 2a (new)
Article 38 – paragraph 2a (new)
2a. Member States shall inform the EFCA and the Commission as part of the report referred to in article 118 of the check methods used, together with the names and addresses of the bodies responsible for carrying out the verifications referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article.
Amendment 501 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 35
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 35
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 39a – paragraph 1
Article 39a – paragraph 1
1. For fish stocks under fishing effort management plans, Member States shall ensure that vessels using the following active fishing gears: trawls, seines and surrounding nets, are equipped with permanently installed devices that measure and record engine power in cases where:
Amendment 512 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 36
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 36
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 40 – paragraph 6
Article 40 – paragraph 6
Amendment 513 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 37
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 37
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 41 – paragraph 1
Article 41 – paragraph 1
Amendment 538 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 44
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 44
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 55 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Article 55 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point b
(b) collect data on catches from such fisheries through catch reporting or other data collection mechanisms, giving priority to electronic reporting, based on a methodology which shall be notified to the Commission.
Amendment 550 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 44
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 44
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 55 – paragraph 2a (new)
Article 55 – paragraph 2a (new)
2a. With regard to paragraphs 1 and 2, licencing or registration should be done by Member States free of charge or, where applicable, the funds should be used for improving data collection on the social-economic impact and stock impact of recreational fishing.
Amendment 555 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 44
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 44
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 55 – paragraph 5
Article 55 – paragraph 5
5. TAs regards stocks, groups of stocks and species that are subject to Union conservation measures applicable to recreational fisheries the Commission may, by way of implementingdelegated acts, adopt detailed rules concerning:
Amendment 564 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 44
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 44
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 55 – paragraph 5 – point d
Article 55 – paragraph 5 – point d
(d) the control and marking of gears, except rods, used for recreational fisheries.
Amendment 585 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 46
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 46
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 57 – paragraph 3
Article 57 – paragraph 3
3. Operators at all stages of the supply chain responsible for purchasing, selling, stocking or transporting lots of fishery and aquaculture products shall be able to prove that the products comply with the minimumcommon marketing standards.
Amendment 650 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 50
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 50
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 60a – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 60a – paragraph 2 – point b
Amendment 654 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 50
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 50
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 60a – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 60a – paragraph 2 – point f
Amendment 656 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 50
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 50
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 60a – paragraph 2 – point g
Article 60a – paragraph 2 – point g
Amendment 674 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 59 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 59 – point c
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 73 – paragraph 9
Article 73 – paragraph 9
9. The Commission, isn concert with the EFCA, shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 119a concerning:
Amendment 676 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 59 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 59 – point c
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 73 – paragraph 9 – point f a (new)
Article 73 – paragraph 9 – point f a (new)
(fa) the training material, training format and training standards for control observers from all Member States
Amendment 689 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 60
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 60
1. Officials shall draw up an inspection report after each inspection and a copy shall be handed to the master at the time of the inspection and the original shall forward it to their competent authorities. Data contained in this report shall be recorded and transmitted by electronic means. In the case of the inspection of a fishing vessel flying the flag of another Member State, a copy of the inspection report shall be sent by electronic means and without delay to the flag Member State.
Amendment 695 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 60
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 60
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 76 – paragraph 3
Article 76 – paragraph 3
3. A copy of the inspection report shall be sent as soon as possible to the operator or to the master, and in any case no later than 15 working days after the completion of the inspection.
Amendment 712 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 69
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 69
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 90 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 90 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) obstructing the work of officials or observersnot allowing the officials or observers to check all the elements described in Article 74, paragraph 3 of this Regulation, in the exercise of their duties; or
Amendment 720 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 69
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 69
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 90 – paragraph 2 – point q
Article 90 – paragraph 2 – point q
(q) for vessels fishing for stocks under fishing effort management plans, manipulating an engine or continuous engine power monitoring devices with the aim of increasing the power of the vessel beyond the maximum continuous engine power according to the engine certificate.
Amendment 749 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 69
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 69
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 92–paragraph 1
Article 92–paragraph 1
1. Member States shall apply a point system for infringements referred to in Article 90, except for serious infringements referred to in paragraph 1(2) points (k) and (p) and in paragraph (23) points (g) and (h) of that Article.
Amendment 764 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 69
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 69
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 92 – paragraph 8
Article 92 – paragraph 8
8. If the holder of a fishing licence or the master does not commit a serious infringement within threewo years from the date of the committing of the last serious confirmed infringement, all points shall be deleted.
Amendment 771 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 69
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 69
Amendment 780 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 69
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 69
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 92 – paragraph 14
Article 92 – paragraph 14
The Commission shall, by means of implementingdelegated acts, lay down detailed rules concerning:
Amendment 781 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 69
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 69
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 92 – paragraph 14 – point b
Article 92 – paragraph 14 – point b
Amendment 801 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 77 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 77 – point b
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 109 – paragraph 5
Article 109 – paragraph 5
5. If an inconsistency in the data has been identified, the Member State concerned shall undertake and document the necessary investigations, analyses and cross-checks. The results of the investigations and corresponding documentation shall be transmitted to the Commission on request. If there are reasons to suspect that an infringement has been committed, the Member State shall carry out investigations and, if the results of the investigation proves an infringement has occurred in accordance with Article 90 of this Regulation, take the necessary immediate measures in accordance with Articles 85 and 91.
Amendment 811 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 80
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 80
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 112 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 112 – paragraph 2 – point f
Amendment 812 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 80
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 80
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 112 – paragraph 2 – point g
Article 112 – paragraph 2 – point g
Amendment 813 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 80
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 80
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Article 112 – paragraph 2 – point h
Article 112 – paragraph 2 – point h
Amendment 839 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – paragraph 1
Annex 1 – paragraph 1
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Annex IV – table – row 1 – column 2 – indent 1 (criteria)
Annex IV – table – row 1 – column 2 – indent 1 (criteria)
- the catches related to the suspected infringement occurred: in a closed area; or beyond a closed depth;
Amendment 841 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – paragraph 1
Annex 1 – paragraph 1
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Annex IV – table – row 1 – column 2 – indent 2 (criteria)
Annex IV – table – row 1 – column 2 – indent 2 (criteria)
- the infringement is the seconthird one detected in the preceding twelve months;
Amendment 843 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – paragraph 1
Annex 1 – paragraph 1
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Annex IV – table – row 2 – column 2 – indent 1 (criteria)
Annex IV – table – row 2 – column 2 – indent 1 (criteria)
- the suspected infringement is a seconthird one detected in the preceding twelve months;
Amendment 844 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – paragraph 1
Annex 1 – paragraph 1
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Annex IV – table – row 3 – column 2 – indent 1 (criteria)
Annex IV – table – row 3 – column 2 – indent 1 (criteria)
- the catches related to the suspected infringement occurred: in a closed area; or beyond a closed depth;
Amendment 847 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – paragraph 1
Annex 1 – paragraph 1
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Annex IV – table – row 3 – column 2 – indent 4 (criteria)
Annex IV – table – row 3 – column 2 – indent 4 (criteria)
- the suspected infringement is a seconthird one detected in the preceding twelve months;
Amendment 848 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – paragraph 1
Annex 1 – paragraph 1
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Annex IV – table – row 4 – column 2 – indent 1 (criteria)
Annex IV – table – row 4 – column 2 – indent 1 (criteria)
- the catches related to the suspected infringement occurred: in a closed area; or in a closed area; or beyond a closed depth;
Amendment 850 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – paragraph 1
Annex 1 – paragraph 1
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Annex IV – table – row 4 – column 2 – indent 2 (criteria)
Annex IV – table – row 4 – column 2 – indent 2 (criteria)
- the suspected infringement is the third one detected in the preceding sixtwelve months;
Amendment 851 #
2018/0193(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – paragraph 1
Annex 1 – paragraph 1
Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009
Annex IV – table – row 5 – column 2 (criteria)
Annex IV – table – row 5 – column 2 (criteria)
The number of simultaneous infringements which are not considered individually serious infringements exceeds 34.
Amendment 46 #
2018/0166R(APP)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that lower EU co-financing rates might result in difficulties for beneficiaries in the regions to access EU funding; as well as for the public budgets of the Member States that have to observe the Stability and Growth Pact;
Amendment 52 #
2018/0166R(APP)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 9 – point 1 (new)
(1) Records that the provisions should ensure an adequate balance/equilibrium in the share of funds at national level or as an alternative option to extend the scope of fund where the case may be;
Amendment 56 #
2018/0166R(APP)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. The decommitment rules should be in line with the complexity of programmes focused on the long term investments and should not create additional burden in ensuring an effective budgetary implementation oriented towards achieving the Single Market objectives and reducing disparities;
Amendment 61 #
2018/0166R(APP)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Considers that the new provisions related to thematic concentration should be more tailored to Member States/ regional needs promoting a real internal cohesion in social, economic and territorial terms.
Amendment 64 #
2018/0166R(APP)
Amendment 6 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Title 1
Title 1
Amendment 10 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The rule of law is one of the essential values upon which the Union is founded. It shall have a common definition and shall be understood similarly in all Member States. As recalled by Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, these values are common to the Member States.
Amendment 12 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The rule of law must be defined in detail. It generally requires that all public powers act within the constraints set out by law, in accordance with the values of democracy and fundamental rights, and under the control of independent and impartial courts. It requires, in particular, that the principles of legality7 , legal certainty8 , prohibition of arbitrariness of the executive powers9 , separation of powers10 , and effective judicial protection by independent courts11 are respected12 . _________________ 7 Judgment of the Court of Justice of 29 April 2004, CAS Succhi di Frutta, C- 496/99 PECLI:EU:C:2004:236, paragraph 63. 8 Judgment of the Court of Justice of 12 November 1981, Amministrazione delle finanze dello Stato v Srl Meridionale Industria Salumi and others Ditta Italo Orlandi & Figlio and Ditta Vincenzo Divella v Amministrazione delle finanze dello Stato. Joined cases 212 to 217/80, ECLI:EU:C:1981:270, paragraph 10. 9 Judgment of the Court of Justice of 21 September 1989, Hoechst, Joined cases 46/87 and 227/88, ECLI:EU:C:1989:337, paragraph 19. 10 Judgment of the Court of Justice of 10 November 2016, Kovalkovas, C-477/16, ECLI:EU:C:2016:861, paragraph 36; Judgment of the Court of Justice of 10 November 2016, PPU Poltorak, C-452/16, ECLI:EU:C:2016:858, paragraph 35; and Judgment of the Court of Justice of 22 December 2010, DEB,C-279/09, ECLI:EU:C:2010:811, paragraph 58. 11 Judgment of the Court of Justice of 27 February 2018, Associação Sindical dos Juízes Portugueses v Tribunal de Contas C- 64/16, ECLI:EU:C:2018:117, paragraphs 31, 40-41. 12 Communication from the Commission "A new EU Framework to strengthen the Rule of Law", COM(2014) 158 final, Annex I.
Amendment 15 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The rule of law is a prerequisite for the protection of the other fundamental values on which the Union is founded, such as freedom, democracy, equality and respect for human rights as well as non- discrimination of its citizens and its Member States. Respect for the rule of law is intrinsically linked to respect for democracy and for fundamental rights: there can be no democracy and respect for fundamental rights without respect for the rule of law and vice versa.
Amendment 20 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The identification of a potential generalised deficiency requires a qualitative assessment by the Commissionn impartial, transparent, qualitative assessment at the initiative of the Commission, under the same conditions applicable to all Member States. That assessment cshould be based onfactor in all the information from all available sources and recognizsed institutions, including judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union, which is the only institution that can rule on fulfilment or otherwise of the conditions set out in the EU treaties, reports of the Court of Auditors, and conclusions and recommendations of relevant international organisations and networks, such as the bodies of the Council of Europe and the European networks of supreme courts and councils for the judiciary.
Amendment 31 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Before proposing the adoption of any measure pursuant to this Regulation is proposed for adoption, the European Court of Justice should have ruled on the situation regarding breach of the rule of law. However, the Commission shouldmust inform the Member State concerned why it considers that a generalised deficiency regarding the rule of law might exist in that Member State. The Member State shouldmust be allowed to submit its observations. The Commission, Parliament and the Council should take those observations into account.
Amendment 40 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) 'generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law' means a widespread or recurrent practice or omission, or measure by public authorities which affects the rule of law, with this situation being confirmed by a ruling by the European Court of Justice, which is the only authority empowered to rule on matters concerning respect for the rule of law;
Amendment 48 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 72 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 1
Amendment 74 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 2
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 2
Amendment 76 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 3
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 3
Amendment 80 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 4
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 4
Amendment 91 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Where, based on a ruling of the European Court of Justice, the Commission finds that it hasere are reasonable grounds to believe that the conditions of Article 3 are fulfilled, it shall send a written notification to thate Member State concerned, setting out the grounds on which it based its findings, but only after first informing Parliament and the Council.
Amendment 94 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Where the Commission finds that it has reasonableproved and clearly identified grounds to believe that the conditions of Article 3 are fulfilled, it shall send a written notification to that Member State, setting out the grounds on which it based its finding
Amendment 96 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The Commission shall ensure equal treatment by concomitantly adopting similar and non-discriminatory measures applicable to all Member States.
Amendment 100 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission mayshall take into account all relevant proved information, including from governmental entities, decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Union, reports of the Court of Auditors, and conclusions and recommendations of relevant international organisations.
Amendment 103 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission may, based on a ruling of the European Court of Justice, request any additional information required for its assessment, both before and after having made a finding pursuant to paragraph 1.
Amendment 105 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
4. The Member State concerned shall provide all required information and may make observations within a reasonable time limit specified by the Commission, which shall not be less than 1 month from the date of notification of the finding. In its observations, the Member State may propose the adoption of remedial measures.
Amendment 111 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 6
Article 5 – paragraph 6
6. Where the Commission considers that the generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law is established, it shall submit a proposal for an implementing delegated act on the appropriate measures to the Council.
Amendment 116 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 7
Article 5 – paragraph 7
7. The decision shall be deemed to have been adopted by the Council, unless it and the Parliament according to the rules on delegated acts. The Council may decides, by qualified majority, to reject the Commission proposal within one month of its adoption by the Commission. The European Parliament may also decide to reject the Commission proposal.
Amendment 58 #
2018/0109(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2
2. By way of derogation from paragraph 1, additional 2 500 replacement unrigged hooks shall be allowed on board fishing vessels for trips longer than 2 days., these will be stored in lower decks so that they may not readily be used
Amendment 81 #
2018/0109(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2
Article 20 – paragraph 2
2. Each Member State concerned shall ensure that national scientific observers are deployed on at least 205% of pelagic longline vessels targeting Mediterranean swordfish. The percentage coverage will be measured in fishing days, number of sets or trips.
Amendment 90 #
2018/0109(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1
Article 25 – paragraph 1
Amendment 92 #
2018/0109(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 2
Article 35 – paragraph 2
2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 34 shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of fivthree years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power no later than nine months before the end of the fivthree-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension no later than three months before the end of each period.
Amendment 21 #
2018/0069(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011
Article 14 a – paragraph 2
Article 14 a – paragraph 2
2. Member States may designate, after consulting the Black Sea Advisory Council, additional spatial/temporal restrictions in which fishing activities shall be banned or restricted in order to protect aggregation areas of juveniles of turbot.’
Amendment 25 #
2018/0069(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011
Article 22 o – paragraph 1
Article 22 o – paragraph 1
1. By 30 NovDecember each year, each Member State shall send to the Commission, through the accustomed data- processing support, an updated list of the vessels using bottom-set gillnets authorized to fish turbot in the Black Sea (GFCM geographical subarea 29, as defined in Annex I), if any changes have been made to that list.
Amendment 26 #
2018/0069(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011
Article 22 p – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 22 p – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The national plans and all its elements shall be communicated to the fishing associations and shall be made public for all fishermen.
Amendment 43 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the intervention logic behind EU transport infrastructure investment should remain a well-balanced construction of centrally managed and shared management sources in order to address policy and funding needs; recalls that the CEF aims to address centrally the EU-wide priority of TEN-T corridors, including safety and environmental aspects, with additional CF assistance for cohesion countries lagging significantly behind other Member States in terms of development and infrastructure; recalls also that the ERDF and CF havehas a strong regional dimension that responds to local demand and they support the connectivity to TEN- T and mobility through secondary and tertiary nodes and multimodal terminals; underlines, in this context, that the relevant budgetary envelopes for the three funding sources need to be strengthened in an even manner in order to avoid asymmetric distribution of investment between the levels;
Amendment 60 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that infrastructure requires objective quantification of demand prior to setting the budget and the delivery methods; underlines that it should be possible for the ERDF and CF eligibility criteria to consider existing demand at NUTS 3 level;
Amendment 82 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Expresses the view that the less developed regions with negative demographic trends or remote ones with low accessibility should be targeted more intensively by ERDF and CF transport infrastructure investments, while additional sources and delivery methods should be expanded in the transition and more developed regions;
Amendment 117 #
2017/2283(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes Ukraine’s intentionExpresses grave concerns in relation to fundamental freedoms in Ukraine, with core values, to which Ukraine had subscribed, namely the European Charter for Regional or Minority Language (Preamble Part 3, Art.7, Part 4), the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (Art.12, Part 3 and Art.14, Part 2) and the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement (Art.2, Part 2.e.); reiterates that the new Law on Education in Ukraine deprives ethnic minorities of their constitutional rights to freely choose the language of education; Urges the Ukrainian authorities to amend the law on education in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission;
Amendment 19 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Warmly welcomes the sustained reform track and progress made in implementing the Association Agreement and, which has positioned Georgia as a key strategic partner of EU in the region; calls on the Georgian authorities to keep up the momentum and tocontinue ensureing stability, further democratic reforms and economic improvements as a key factor in winning hearts and minds on the path towards re-establishing Georgia’s sovereignty over the whole ofconciliation of the societies divided by the war and conflict, while reaffirming EU`s strong support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised territoryborders;
Amendment 27 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes with satisfaction that Georgia’s European agenda continues to garner cross-party consensus and the support of a majority of Georgian citizens; points out that pursuant to Article 49 of the TEU and in line with the Rome Declaration of 25 March 2017, any European state may apply to become a member of the EU, provided that it upholds the Copenhagen criteria; recalls, in the meantime, the proposal of an ‘Eastern Partnership Plus’ (EaP+) policy advocated by Parliament in order to unlock additional perspectives; welcomes ambitious initiative of the Georgian Government to draft the EU Integration Road Map aiming at achieving higher degree of integration with the European Union;
Amendment 34 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes Georgia’s high absorption capacity of the EU assistance and encourages the European Commission to further enhance its assistance and align its budgetary instruments to the political ambitions of the EU-Georgia partnership;
Amendment 69 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Supports the democratic strengthening of Georgia’s political institutions and is dedicated to assisting in this area, notably through the capacity- building programme for; Underlines that Georgia is among the few countries where all branches of power are involved in the Open Governance Partnership; expresses satisfaction that accountability and transparency of the AA implementation remains a top priority for Georgian authorities demonstrated through the engagement of civil society and effective parliamentary oversight; In this respect, welcomes that Parliamentary Association Committee plays an important role in effective monitoring over implementation of the EU-Georgian Parlia Association Agreement;
Amendment 80 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. TWelcomes the effective implementation of the visa free regime for Georgian citizens since 27 March 2017; takes note of Georgia’s compliance with visa liberalisation benchmarks and encourages regular monitoring thereof in order ensure continued compliance; calls on EU Member States to recognise Georgia as a safe country of origin; pointommends Georgia on measures taken to address promptly the violations outf the need to further address the rise in the number of asylum seekers travelling to the Schengen zone and the disproportionate representation of Georgian citizens in organised criminal groups across the EUvisa-free regime requirements to mitigate migratory trends to the Schengen zone and points out the need for keeping up effective law enforcement cooperation;
Amendment 91 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Supports Georgia in its pursuit of a policy of peaceful conflict resolution, reconciliation and engagement and its constructive participation in the Geneva International Discussions; praises the initiative entitled ‘A Step towards a Better Future’, presented on 4 April 2018, aimed at improving humanitarian and socio- economic conditions of population residing in Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia and fostering people-to-people contact and confidence building between divided communities;
Amendment 133 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the progress of the judicial reform; calls for more transparency of the judicial appointment and addressing the issues of disciplinary proceedings and high case load of judges system and for further improvements to its independence;
Amendment 164 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. CWelcomes Georgia’s recent ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention) and calls on the Georgian authorities to take further steps to uphold fundamental freedoms, notably for vulnerable groups, by fighting hate speech and discrimination, including on the labour market through an amended Labour Code, against LGBTQI people, disabled people and minorities;
Amendment 202 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 c (new)
Paragraph 21 c (new)
21c. Notes that the EU is Georgia’s largest trade partner, representing almost a third of total trade, and the most significant donor, and that the EU is also responsible for the highest proportion of foreign direct investment in the country. Welcomes progress in DCFTA implementation and Georgia’s efforts to develop quality infrastructure;
Amendment 213 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Welcomes Georgia’s membership of the Energy Community and welcomes the progress towards the integration of Georgia’s energy market with that of the EU through regulatory convergence, in accordance with the Association Agreement and the Energy Community Treaty;
Amendment 24 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Expresses grave concern about backsliding in relation to democratic standards in Moldova, with core values, to which Moldova had subscribed as part of the AA, such as democracy – including fair and transparent elections respecting the will of the citizens – and the rule of law – including the independence of the judiciary – being undermined by the ruling political leaders colluding with business interests and unopposed by much of the political class and the judiciary; reiterates its determination to focus on the fulfilment of commitments to uphold common values rather than unconvincing so-called ‘geopolitical’ arguments;
Amendment 32 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets that the non-fulfilment of the political conditions related to democratic standards in Moldova, in particular the recent changes in national electoral legislation as well as the removal of Dorin Chirtoacă from the Chișinău mayor’s office and the invalidation of the election of Andrei Năstase, has led to the suspension of the disbursement of Macro Financial Assistance (MFA) and of outstanding payments of EU budget supportinvalidation of the election of Andrei Năstase, has led to the suspension of the disbursement of Macro Financial Assistance (MFA); welcomes the creation of a cross-party parliamentary commission to analyse the Chisinau election crisis and with the objective of proposing legislation to ensure the situation cannot be repeated;
Amendment 43 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates its position that any decision on future MFA disbursement should only take place after the planned parliamentary elections and on condition that they are conducted in line with internationally recognised standards and assessed by specialised international bodies, and that the payment of all budget support programmes should remain on hold until meaningful progress in democratic standards takes place; calls, in the meantime, on the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to continue reallocating funds to support structural development projects, the civil society in Moldova, in particular to the free and independent media, as well as the private sector and local authorities, and to coordinate efforts with other organisations, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to ensure greater coherence in terms of financial assistance conditionality;
Amendment 52 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls the contents of Articles 2 and 455 of the AA, according to which respect for democratic principles constitutes an essential element of the AA, which, if violated, may also lead to the suspension of rights related to this agreement; also recalls the anti-corruption and anti-money laundering benchmarks related to the visa liberalisation policy;
Amendment 54 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Welcomes the effective implementation of the short term visa-free regime, underlining that a significant number of Moldovan citizens have benefited of the enhanced possibilities for people-to-people contacts since its entry into force; recalls that further special attention needs to be paid to the continuous fulfilment of the anti- corruption and anti-money laundering benchmarks;
Amendment 67 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. UrgNotes the Moldovan authorities to swiftly adopt and fullyat will follow with attention the implementation of the new aAudiovisual codeMedia Service Code (adopted on the 26 of July 2018) in line with European standards of media freedom and pluralism as recommended by the European Commission and the Venice Commission; emphasises the importance of genuine consultations with civil society and the independent media before the final adoption of the new audiovisual code, and the need to discard all aspects that may undermine media pluralism;
Amendment 79 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the good cooperation on CFSP matters and the symbolicnotably the high rate of alignment to the CFSP Declarations and the participation in common security and defence policy (CSDP) missions and operations; takes note of the progress in adopting a new Defence Strategy and Action Plan 2017-2021 following the withdrawal of the National Security Strategy by the President of Moldova;
Amendment 84 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Welcomes and further encourages the good cooperation on mitigating and countering hybrid threats; welcomes the entry into force of the EU-Moldova Agreement on the exchange of classified information and looks forward to swift completion of the remaining procedures in order to make this Agreement operational;
Amendment 87 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Commends the Moldovan authorities for the incremental improvement of relations with Tiraspol notably with the opening of the Gura Bîcului-Bîcioc bridge and the signature of an additional six protocols, thus improving the lives of citizens on both sides of the Nistru river; encourages the authorities to further build on this level of engagement; calls on the Moldovan authorities to undertake additional efforts to ensure a swift and final adopfor the implementation of the Law of the Special Legal Status of Gagauzia;
Amendment 95 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Urges theSupports the Moldovan authorities toin ensureing the independence and effectiveness of the judiciary and specialised anti-corruption institutions, including the Superior Council of Prosecutors, the National Integrity Authority and the Criminal Assets Recovery Agency, notably through maintaining the allocation of adequate resources and guaranteeing transparent and inclusive selection procedures with the participation of independent expert recruiters;
Amendment 106 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Welcomes legislative amendments adopted in July 2018 meant to strengthen merit based selection and promotion of judges, as well as their accountability;
Amendment 110 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its calls, based on the findings and recommendations of the first and second Kroll reports, for a swift prosecution of all those responsible for the USD 1 billion bank fraud unveiled in 2014, as well as the recovery of stolen assets; takes note of the Strategy on asset recovery adopted by the Moldovan authorities and calls on the relevant EU Member States to provide necessary international judicial assistance for its successful implementation;
Amendment 129 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 131 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the adoption of the 2018-2020 National Strategy for Development of the Civil Society and the Action Plan regarding its implementation; Calls on the Moldovan authorities to respect international principles and uphold best practices that guarantee an enabling environment for civil society; expects, in particular, that no future legislation will curb fair and transparent funding for Moldovan NGOs;
Amendment 143 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Expresses concern about signs of a further shrinking of space forReaffirms support for the development of the country’s civil society, and calls on the authorities to immediately halt undue or disproportionatereassess criminal proceedings against political opponentfigures, their lawyers and/or their families; expresses specific concerns about proceedings that target human rights defenders, independent judges such as Domnica Manole and Gheorghe Balan, journalists and critics of the government or of the President of the Democratic Party of Moldovaand journalists;
Amendment 48 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises that cohesion policy investments provide European added value by contributing to European public goods and to the Treaty objective of reducing disparities; takes the view that divergent practices in this area may run counter to the objective of cohesion and are liable to cause further problems for regions that are falling behind or are the most vulnerable to globalisation; considers that cohesion policy could contribute to the promotion of social and fiscal convergence by providing incentives; calls on the Commission to take better account of this aspect in the European Semester;
Amendment 70 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates its commitment tofirm support for shared management and the principles of partnership and subsidiarity, which contribute to the added value generated by cohesion policy; stresses that the added value of this policy stems primarily from its ability to take account of the needs and specificities of each territory and to bring the European Union closer to its citizens;
Amendment 139 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that social and fiscal convergence help to foster cohesion while improving the functioning of the single market; takes the view that divergent practices in this area may run counter to the objective of cohesion and are liable to cause further problems for territories which are lagging behind or are the most vulnerable to globalisation; considers that cohesion policy could contribute to the promotion of social and fiscal convergence by providing incentives; calls on the Commission to take better account of this aspect in the European Semestercohesion policy is vital to implement policies that ensure the functioning of the single market, backed by appropriate structural reforms that ensure a healthy investment environment;
Amendment 153 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Supports a strong thematic concentration on a limited number of priorities linked to major European political objectives, leaving managing authorities the task of drawing up their territorial strategies on the basis of their needs and the achievement of fundamental European objectives under the Treaties, leaving national managing authorities the task of tailoring their growth strategies to regional requirements, as well as ensuring that cohesion policy can offer integrated and differentiated solutions at local level; stresses that employment, innovation, support for SMEs, climate change and the circular economy should constitute priority areas for cohesion policy in future, while infrastructural development remains a priority for Eastern and Central European countries;
Amendment 210 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses that the 7th Cohesion Report highlights the need to take account of indicators complementary to per capita GDP for the purpose of allocating funds, in line with the challenges and needs identified, including at sub-regional level, while continuing to give priority to GDP per capita indicators, taking into account the need to reduce existing disparities at European level; notes the importance of taking as a basis data which are of high quality, reliable and available; supports the use of social criteria, in particular the long- term unemployment rate and the youth unemployment rate, as well as life expectancy;
Amendment 226 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Emphasises that financial instruments can be an effective lever and that they should be promoted if they generate added value; notes, however, that the use of financial instruments must not become an end in itself or a substitute for grants; stresses, however, that their effectiveness hinges on many factors (nature of the project, of the territory or of the risk) and that all regions, regardless of their level of development, must be free to determine the most appropriate method of financing; opposes any binding targets for the use of financial instruments;
Amendment 236 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls for the conditions governing the use of financial instruments to be simplified and for the coordination of these instruments with grants to be facilitated/non-reimbursable resources to be facilitated and the provisions of future regulations to be sufficiently flexible and to establish operational procedures allowing combination with grants for the same project; emphasises the importance of the complementary role played by national development banks and institutions in implementing financial instruments tailored to local needs; regards it as essential to harmonise the rules on financial instruments, however they are managed;
Amendment 256 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls for the smart specialisation strategies to be continued, and acknowledges the importance of ex-ante conditionalities, which have proved their worth, but stresses that they have been a source of complexity and delays in the development and launching of programming; calls on the Commission to reduce the number of ex ante conditionalities and, in this field, to improve compliance with the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity, making maximum use of existing strategic documents; notes at the same time that the conditionalities must be well defined, geared towards the investments most closely tailored to the growth and jobs agenda and accompanied by clear performance evaluation indicators to ensure equal treatment for all Member States.
Amendment 283 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Calls on the Commission to take account of the recommendations of the High-Level Group on Simplification in its future legislative proposals, so as to ensure a balance between performance, simplification and safety objectives for management authorities and the beneficiaries;
Amendment 305 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls for requirements in respect of the programming, implementation and monitoring of ESI Funds in future to be based on the principle of differentiationproportionality, in accordance with the amounts allocated to programmes, the risk profile, the quality of administration and the level of financing by recipients;
Amendment 326 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Considers that cohesion policy can help to meet new challenges, such as security or the integration of refugees under international protection, with due regard for the sovereignty of the Member States; stresses, however, that cohesion policy cannot be the solution to all crises, and opposes the use of cohesion policy funds to cover short-term financing needs outside its scope, which relates to medium and long-term social end economic development in the European Union;
Amendment 352 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Calls for measures to raise the public profile of cohesion policy; calls on the Commission to enhance the role of the managing authorities and of project promoters who employ innovative local communication methods to inform people about the use of the funds in the territories; emphasises the need to improve information and communication not only downstream (ESI Funds achievements), but also upstream (financing possibilities), particularly in relation to small project organisers;
Amendment 6 #
2017/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas local and regional authorities are the most conversant with local and regional issues and are at the forefront of the transition to a circular economy and whereas their contribution is key to the achievement of this shift;
Amendment 10 #
2017/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the transition to a stronger, more circular economy is a challenge for all European regions, but also represents key opportunities for those regions; to improve their trade balances and industrial competitiveness, and to create new jobs;
Amendment 49 #
2017/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Emphasises the importance of applying waste hierarchy as a prerequisite for achieving a circular economy, as well as the need for greater transparency in the supply chain, so that end-of-life products and materials can be monitored and recovered efficiently; furthermore recognises a negative trend of investment of ESI Funds into lower levels of the waste hierarchy, in particular mechanical biological treatment (MBT) facilities and incineration, which can lead to overcapacities and long-term technological lock-in, thus jeopardising the achievement of EU recycling targets;
Amendment 115 #
2017/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Commission, for the next programming period, to implement a relevant tracking methodology for highly successful projects that can provide examples of good practices, so as to allow accurate monitoring of the contribution of cohesion policy to the achievement of a circular economy;
Amendment 29 #
2017/2208(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas recreational fishing and the tourism linked to this activity has an important economic impact and could bring economic diversification to these regions;
Amendment 31 #
2017/2208(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas the EU blue economy strategy encourages and supports sustainable economic development in coastal area;
Amendment 67 #
2017/2208(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Encourages the Commission and the Member States to support the use of different EU funds, together with the EMFF, in order to develop fishery tourism and fish processing in these areas and thus diversify the income sources.
Amendment 69 #
2017/2208(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Encourages the Commission and the Member States to implement a more simplified and faster procedure for using the EMFF for these regions.
Amendment 71 #
2017/2208(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6 c. Supports the Member States in establishing a preferential fiscal regime for these area, as to encourage investments and combat poverty
Amendment 75 #
2017/2208(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Encourages Member States and local authorities to support blue economy projects in order to help the people in the lagging regions to develop environmental sustainable income sources.
Amendment 37 #
2017/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas indigenous peoples face alarming poverty, disease and illiteracy rates, insufficient access to health care, education, civil rights, including political participation and representation; whereas there is a lack of awareness and understanding for indigenous peoples, and their cultures, languages, beliefs and symbols; whereas they face on-going disrespect and often find themselves seriously threatened; whereas indigenous communities, particularly indigenous youth, have higher rates of substance abuse and suicide;
Amendment 39 #
2017/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas women in indigenous communities are particularly marginalized by a lack of access to health, social services and economic opportunities; whereas indigenous women are discriminated due to their gender, ethnicity and socio-economic backgrounds leading to higher mortality rates; whereas indigenous communities are faced with violence women experience distinct gender-based violence and femicide;
Amendment 51 #
2017/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas illicit drug trafficking disproportionately affects indigenous communities as demand for drugs continues to rise and illicit drug producers increasingly push indigenous communities from their traditional land; whereas indigenous people are often physically or economically forced to participate in the drug trade, particularly in transport operations; whereas armed conflicts increase the militarization of indigenous lands and lead to human rights abuses and excess force on indigenous communities;
Amendment 182 #
2017/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Calls the EU and its partner states to provide culturally competent mental health services in partnership with indigenous communities in order to prevent substance abuse and suicide; stresses the importance to support organizations of indigenous women in order to empower women and increase their ability to engage in civil society;
Amendment 186 #
2017/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Calls the EU and its partner states to enhance cooperation with indigenous communities in discussions of drug policies; reiterates that strategizing against the illicit drug market is necessary in order to protect indigenous people and lands; Calls the EU and its partner states to ensure that security measures aimed to combat the drug trade respect the rights of indigenous communities and to avoid the casualties of innocent parties in the conflict;
Amendment 40 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas the occupation of territories belonging to a third country is a violation of international law and is contrary to the founding principles of the European Neighbourhood Policy, thereby endangering the whole Eastern Partnership project;
Amendment 44 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
Ib. whereas the EU should play a more active role in the peaceful resolution conflicts, including frozen conflicts, which currently constitute an insurmountable obstacle to the full development of good-neighbourly relations;
Amendment 55 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) to ensure that the outcomes of the November 2017 Summit will, as a first priority, provide the basis for upholding the core values of the European Union, in particular respect for democracy, fundamental freedoms, human rights, the rule of law and, non-discrimination and gender equality, on which the Eastern Partnership is based, underlining that these values are at the heart of the Association Agreements and recognising the commitment of the partners concerned to implement and promote these values;
Amendment 89 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point j
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point j
(j) to further increase opportunities for closer cooperation in the fields of education, research and innovation, notably through facilitating the participation to programmes such as Erasmus+ and EU4Innovation as well as the provision of loan guarantees by the European Investment Bank Group as part of its InnovFin programme;
Amendment 90 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point k
(k) to ensure that the outcomes of the November 2017 Summit will also provide a renewed impetus to boost sustainable economic growth, modernisation and diversification of existing sectors, trade and investment opportunities, including intra-regional opportunities and with a particular emphasis on entrepreneurship and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs);
Amendment 107 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point n
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point n
(n) to improve both energy independence and efficiency through specific investments and diversification of energy sources, strengthened cooperation in all priority areas covered by the EU Energy Union and by closer integration of the partners’ energy markets with the European energy market with a particular focus on interconnectivity and infrastructure, whilst scrutinising closely the consequences of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline;
Amendment 127 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point p
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point p
(p) to ensure that the outcomes of the November 2017 Summit also address, where possible, the security threats that affect the sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and political, social and economic development of the partners and of the region as a whole, as well as to improve security cooperation;
Amendment 130 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point p a (new)
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point p a (new)
(pa) to support 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 the occupation of territory of a partner country violates the fundamental principles and objectives of ENP; emphasises the need for the earliest peaceful settlement of the frozen conflicts on basis of the norms and principles of international law;
Amendment 156 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point r
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point r
(r) to call for an immediate end to military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan which unnecessarily claim the lives of civilians and soldiers whilst hampering socioeconomic development; to reaffirm support to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries as well as to the OSCE Minsk Group co-Chairs’ efforts to solve; the resolution of the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict should comply with UN Security Council resolutions 822, 853, 884, as well as with the OSCE Minsk Group and to their 2009 Basic Principles; to call on Armenia and Azerbaijan to re- launch negotiations in good faith with a view to implementing these principles to solve the conflict; to make the ratification of new agreements between the EU and each of the parties conditional on meaningful commitments to solving the conflict through maintaining the ceasefire and supporting the implementation of the 2009 Basic Principles;
Amendment 23 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21
Citation 21
— having regard to the EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World in 20165,
Amendment 36 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Article 21 of the TEU commits the EU to developing a common foreign and security policy (CFSP) guided by the principles of democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principle of equality and solidarity, including women's rights and gender equality and compliance with the UN Charter, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and international law;
Amendment 38 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas today’s worldwide abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocides, necessitate determined efforts on the part of the whole international community;
Amendment 47 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas an increasing number of human rights violations amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity, including genocide, are being committed by state and non-state actors;
Amendment 48 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas children and women face increasing threats, discrimination and violence, especially in war zones and authoritarian regimes;
Amendment 49 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas gender equality is at the core of European values and enshrined within the EU’s legal and political framework;whereas violence and discrimination against women and girls has dramatically increased during the recent years;
Amendment 52 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, as well as the right to apostasy and the right to adopt atheistic views must be enhanced unconditionally through interreligious and intercultural dialogue;
Amendment 58 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas Article 207 of the TFEU stipulates that the EU’s commercial policy is to be based on the principles and objectives of the Union’s external action; whereas trade and human rights reinforce each other, and whereas the business community has an important role to play in offering positive incentives in terms of promoting human rights, democracy and corporate responsibility;
Amendment 66 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas in fragile, conflict-prone or oppressive societies, elections can at times trigger widespread political violence;
Amendment 76 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
Recital M a (new)
M a. whereas human rights and democracy support policies should be mainstreamed across all other EU policies with an external dimension, such as development, migration, security, counter- terrorism, women’s rights and gender equality, enlargement and trade in particular through the implementation of human rights conditionality;
Amendment 92 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its firm belief that the EU and its Member States must actively pursue the principle of mainstreaming human rights and democracy in all EU policies, including those with an external dimension, such as development, migration, security, counter-terrorism, enlargement and trade, in particular through the implementation of human rights conditionality; reiterates, in this regard, the crucial importance of ensuring increased coherence between the EU’s internal and external policies;
Amendment 104 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 107 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 114 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Expresses grave concern about the increasing number of attacks against religious minorities, in particular Christians, which are often committed by non-state actors such as ISIS/Daesh; deplores the attempts of state actors to limit freedom of religion and belief and freedom of expression by adopting and implementing blasphemy laws; calls for the EU and its Member States to step up their efforts to enhance respect for freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief and to promote interreligious dialogue when engaging with third countries; requests concrete action towards the effective implementation of the EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief, including by ensuring the systematic and consistent training of EU staff at headquarters and in delegations; supports fully the EU practice of taking the lead on thematic resolutions on freedom of religion and belief at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the UN General Assembly (UNGA); supports fully the work of the EU Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the EU, Mr Ján Figel;
Amendment 132 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is deeply concerned that civil society is increasingly under attack worldwide, through, inter alia, a growing number of repressive laws adopted throughout the world, under the pretext of combating terrorism or disclosing "foreign agents"; recalls that independent civil society plays an essential role in the defence and advancement of human rights and in the functioning of democratic societies; deeply regrets the fact that human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists are victims of harassment, intimidation and killings; calls for the EU and its Member States to constantly monitor and raise cases of violations of freedom of assembly and association, including the various forms of bans and limitations on civil society organisations (CSOs) and their activities, such as laws aiming at shrinking civil society space or the promotion of NGOs sponsored by governments (GONGOs) which mimic a functioning and free civil society space; calls, in addition, for the EU and its Member States to use all available means, such as human rights dialogues, political dialogues and public diplomacy, to systematically raise individual cases of human rights defenders (HRDs) and civil society activists at risk, particularly those in prison;
Amendment 141 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Calls for the establishment of a system to effectively monitor civil society space with clear benchmarks and indicators, to fill in the gaps in the overall framework under which the EU deals with the issue of civil society space, notably as regards the use and definition of terms around the enabling, conducive, legal environment for civil society;
Amendment 152 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Considers it deeply regrettable that torture, ill-treatment and the death penalty continue all over the world, and calls for the EU to intensify its efforts to eradicate these serious human rights violationsm; urges the EEAS and the VP/HR to engage more strongly in the fight against torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, including the death penalty, through increased diplomatic efforts and more systematic public positioning; recommends that the EEAS, the EU delegations and the Member States use all existing instruments, such as the EU Guidelines on Torture, to their full potential; welcomes the fact that the UN’s resolution on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty was adopted by the UNGA in December 2016 with the support of 117 countries; calls on countries that still retain this practice to adopt a moratorium and abolish the death penalty;
Amendment 172 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Condemns the fact that women’s sexual and reproductive rights are frequently violated;emphasises that proper, affordable health care and universal respect for and access to sexual and reproductive rights and education should be ensured to all women;
Amendment 176 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Reaffirms the urgent need for the universal ratification and effective implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocols; underlines that children are often exposed to specific abuses, such as child marriages or genital mutilation, and therefore are in need of enhanced protection; requests that the EU systematically consult relevant local and international child rights organisations, and raise, in its political and human rights dialogues with third countries, States Parties’ obligations to implement the Convention; welcomes the Council of Europe Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2016-2021); requests that the EU continue to promote the EU-UNICEF Child Rights Toolkit for integrating child rights in development cooperation through its external delegations, and to train the EU delegation staff adequately in this field; reiterates its request for the Commission to propose a comprehensive children’s rights strategy and action plan for the next five years, in order to prioritise children’s rights within EU external policies; welcomes the fact that under the 2016 Development Cooperation Instrument, resources were allocated to support UN agencies in carrying out measures targeted to children’s rights;
Amendment 218 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Reaffirms the fact that the activities of all companies, including European ones, operating in third countries should be in full compliance with international human rights standards; reaffirms, moreover, the importance of promoting corporate social responsibility and of European enterprises playing a leading role in promoting international standards on business and human rights; acknowledges that global value chains contribute to enhancing international core labour, environmental and social standards, and represent an opportunity for sustainable progress, especially in developing countries; outlines, however, that in case of business-related human rights abuses, the effective access to remedies for victims should be ensured;
Amendment 240 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Strongly condemns the heinous crimes and human rights violations committed by state actors, as well as non- state actors such as Boko Haram in Nigeria and, ISIS/Daesh in Syria and Iraq and Houthi in Yemen, among others; is horrified at the vast range of crimes committed, including murder, torture, rape as a weapon of war, enslavement and sexual slavery, the recruitment of child soldiers, forced religious conversions and the systematic killing of religious minorities, including Christians, Yazidis and others; emphasises that the EU and its Member States should support the prosecution of state actors, as well as members of non-state groups such as ISIS/Daesh by seeking a consensus within the UN Security Council to confer jurisdiction to the International Criminal Court (ICC);
Amendment 270 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Expresses profound concern at and solidarity with the large number of refugees and migrants who suffer grave human rights violations as the victims of conflicts, persecution, governance failures and illegal migration, trafficking and smuggling networks; stresses the urgent need to tackle the root causes of migration flows and therefore to address the external dimension of the refugee crisis, including by finding sustainable solutions to conflicts in our neighbourhood by developing, among others, cooperation and partnerships with the third countries concerned; underlines the need for a comprehensive human-rights-based approach to migration and calls for the EU to collaborate further with the UN, regional organisations, governments and NGOs;
Amendment 325 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Welcomes the adoption of the EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2015; cConsiders that the Annual Report is an indispensable tool for scrutiny, communication and debate on the EU’s policy on human rights and democracy in the world;
Amendment 339 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Acknowledges that Human Rights Dialogues with third countries can be an efficient tool for bilateral engagement and cooperation in the promotion and protection of human rights; welcomes the establishment of Human Rights Dialogues with a growing number of countries; urges the EEAS to ensure that women’s rights are included in all agendas and to systematically hold consultation meetings with civil society, including local civil society, before and after each Dialogue; praises and further encourages the involvement of civil society in preparatory dialogues; reiterates its call for the development of a comprehensive mechanism for monitoring and reviewing the functioning of Human Rights Dialogues;
Amendment 5 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas it is important to understand the difference between recreational fisheries and semi-subsistence fishing, because the two should be evaluated and regulated separately and it should be made clear that recreational fishing is not semi-subsistence fishing;
Amendment 8 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the EU legislation only operates with two fisheries categories, recreational and commercial fisheries. Semi-subsistence fishing and semi- commercial fishing are not recognised by EU legislation;
Amendment 11 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas sport fishing is different from the leisure recreational fishing and should thus be differently identified in the EU definition and regulation;
Amendment 13 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas without a clear legal distinction between recreational fisheries and semi-subsistence fishing, certain illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing may go undetected by falling under those two categoriesnot being counted or properly regulated;
Amendment 14 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas there is not one agreed upon, clear, definition of recreational fishing at an EU level, which makes it very difficult to control, collect data, and assess the impact of recreational fishing on the fish stocks, environment, and its economy importance;
Amendment 31 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas it is important to evaluate the impact of all fisheries on a specific stock, as well as its economic value, in order to adopt management measures that help achieve both the environmental objective, as well as the economic one, while being fair and proportionally divided between the different types of fisheries targeting that species;
Amendment 43 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
Recital M a (new)
Ma. whereas recreational maritime tourism fishing, as well as other tourism fishing, is shown to be very important for the economy of many regions and countries, and should thus be analysed in order to better assess its value, impact and development potential;
Amendment 44 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M b (new)
Recital M b (new)
Mb. whereas all types of recreational fishing have more economic and social impact at a local and regional level than on the national level by supporting local and coastal communities through tourism, production, retail and renting of equipment and other recreational fishing related services;
Amendment 47 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N a (new)
Recital N a (new)
Na. whereas it is important to evaluate individually the different recreational fishing methods, or segments described in the ICES 2013 definition;
Amendment 50 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas the evaluation of the impact of recreational fisheries on fish stocks includes the retention of catches and the mortality rates of released fish; whereas the survival rate of fish caught by rod and line (catch and release fishing), in most instances is higher than equivalent rates for fish caught with other gear and by other practices and should thus be taken into consideration;
Amendment 51 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O a (new)
Recital O a (new)
Oa. whereas recreational fishing includes a variety of gears and techniques with different stock, and environmental impact, and should thus be evaluated and regulated accordingly;
Amendment 60 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q a (new)
Recital Q a (new)
Qa. whereas the highest estimated environmental impact of recreational fishing is associated to the use of live bait and the possibility of introducing non- indigenous species in the ecosystem;
Amendment 62 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q b (new)
Recital Q b (new)
Qb. whereas there are other types of environmental impacts of the recreational fishing, apart from the fish removal, but the lack of clear data is making it difficult to separate them from other anthropogenic sources;
Amendment 63 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R a (new)
Recital R a (new)
Ra. whereas recreational fishing has many social and public health contributions by increases participants’ life quality, encouraging interaction among young people and educating in regard the environment and the importance of its sustainability;
Amendment 71 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 79 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls upon the Commission to conduct an impact assessment on the recreational fishing in the EU; the assessment of the management plans which include recreational fishing provisions should also be embedded in the Commission’s final report on the impact assessment;
Amendment 114 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to propose a comprehensive regulation on maritime recreational fisheries, as well as a definition for the activity at EU level, to be included in the future CFP, so that both types of maritime fishing – commercial and recreational – can be managed in a balanced, fair and sustainable manner with a view to achieving the desired objectidefinition for recreational fishing at EU levesl;
Amendment 119 #
2017/2120(INI)
7a. Based on the data and the impact assessment report, the Commission should evaluate the role of recreational fisheries in the future CFP, so that both types of maritime fishing – commercial and recreational – could be managed in a balanced, fair and sustainable manner with a view to achieving the desired objectives;
Amendment 125 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Reminds that the EMFF provides funds for data collection, including recreational fisheries; calls upon the Commission to widen the future scope of the EMFF in order to provide financial support for research and analysis of the data collected;
Amendment 126 #
2017/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Reminds that traceability is the best tool in determining and controlling when recreational fishing becomes semi- subsistence fishing;
Amendment 24 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas aquaculture should be seen and treated as a form of agriculture, especially in the case of pond farm;
Amendment 28 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas aquaculture and pond farms are different from region to region and should thus be encouraged and regulated at a regional level;
Amendment 38 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the most complex procedures are those related to environmental requirements (impact studies and surveillance procedures), but, paradoxically, the slowness and complexity of these administrative procedures do not always ensure environmental protection, indeed on the contrary sometimes making it difficult to establish sustainable aquaculture farms;
Amendment 46 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the unavailability of locations, in conjunction with competition with other economic activities, has a considerable effect on the development of EU aquaculture in some regions, since the aquaculture sector has little weight compared with ‘powerful’ activities such as tourism, oil and gas extraction, windmills, etc;
Amendment 55 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the EU environmental legislation is based on directives (the Marine Strategy Directive, the Birds and Habitats Directives, the Water Framework Directive), and it is therefore left to Member States and to local and regional administrations to apply it at their discretion; whereas, consequently, there is no uniform implementation throughout the EU and this leads to legal uncertainty for enterprises and farms and creates an uneven playing field;
Amendment 58 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
J a. whereas different national or regional legal frameworks for aquaculture can lead to businesses having different legal requirements even if they are active in the same sea basin, which in turn risks distorting competition
Amendment 108 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital T
Recital T
T. whereas although there is always room for improvement through better practices, the bad image of this activity is not always due to real problems (environmental, quality or safety aspects,) but to the preconceived idea that consumers have of aquaculture; whereas a significant part of this situation is due to the belief that the real impacts of aquaculture in some third countries (developing countries) are also encountered in the EU, which is not true;
Amendment 130 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Z a (new)
Recital Z a (new)
Z a. Whereas a mix of commercial fisheries and aquaculture is important and a developed aquaculture sector can never be seen as a reason to continue overfishing;
Amendment 134 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital AA
Recital AA
AA. whereas available data show a growing gap – estimated at 8 million tonnes – between the level of consumption of seafood in the EU and the volume of captures from fisheries; whereas sustainable aquaculture can together with sustainable fisheries contribute to guaranteeing long-term food and nutrition security, including food supplies, as well as growth and employment for Union citizens, and contribute to meeting the growing world demand for aquatic food; whereas it can thus contribute to the overall objective of filling the gap between consumption and production of seafood in the EU;
Amendment 143 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital AB a (new)
Recital AB a (new)
AB a. whereas young people are less interested in working in the aquaculture sector or investing and developing it due to poor communication and lack of financial prospects and stability, which makes it unattractive to younger generations;
Amendment 147 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital AB b (new)
Recital AB b (new)
AB b. whereas research and innovation are crucial parts of more sustainability and competitivity for the aquaculture sector on the EU market;
Amendment 157 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Believes that the EU needs to increase its production in the aquaculture sector, in particular with the aim of reducing pressure on natural fishing grounds; taking quality, sustainability and environmental aspects into account and being a role model in this regard;
Amendment 159 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Takes positive note of new initiatives with land based aquaculture, especially in sensitive seas and EU areas with closed waters
Amendment 160 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Believes that stronger measures are needed to make aquaculture a more efficient, economically viable, socially responsible and environmentally friendly sector, fulfilling a greater share of the European demand for fish and reducing Europe's dependence on imports.
Amendment 164 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Stresses that freshwater aquaculture is still an insufficiently explored opportunity for improving food security and developing rural areas.
Amendment 170 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses that freshwater aquaculture plays an important social role, by providing rural employment in the poorest areas, as well as playing an environmental role in maintaining valuable wetlands and providing a wide range of ecosystem services, which go far beyond its economic value.
Amendment 185 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that any sustainable European aquaculture policy must take account of the characteristics and different needs and challenges of the various types of aquaculture production (saltwater fish, freshwater fish, molluscs, crustaceans, seaweed and echinoderms), and develop tailor-made measures that also account for geographic differences and the potential effects of climate change;
Amendment 196 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises the vital role of local and regional authorities in the development of European aquaculture, and specificallyincluding in implementing the multiannual strategic plans drawn up by the Member States;
Amendment 199 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 – introductory part
Paragraph 10 – introductory part
10. Stresses that the sustainable growth of aquaculture needs to be based on business certainty, which can be created through for example:
Amendment 203 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 – point a
Paragraph 10 – point a
a) simplification of administrative procedures - less red tape, on EU, national and regional level;
Amendment 209 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 – point d
Paragraph 10 – point d
d) fast, clear and transparent licensing procedures accompanied by limited timelines for agreement, so as not to discourage investors;
Amendment 211 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 – point f a (new)
Paragraph 10 – point f a (new)
f a) A coordinated legal framework between different regions and Member States sharing the same waters in order to ensure fair competition and efficient environmental policies
Amendment 212 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 – point g
Paragraph 10 – point g
g) close cooperation between the Commission and the competent authorities (national, but also local and regional) in the implementation of EU legislation (mainly environmental) as well as supporting coordination of national or regional legislation where necessary;
Amendment 221 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Suggests, with regard to the administrative system, the use of a ‘one- stop shop’Urges the creation of the ‘one-stop shop’ as an administrative system, , which would take on and exercise all responsibilities, allowing relevant documents to be submitted to a single administrative body; believes this would significantly improve the relationship between the end-user and the different levels of public administration;
Amendment 230 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Underlines the need for more clarity and predictability in regulations and administrative decisions in regard spatial planning and access to water sources;
Amendment 231 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13 b. Suggests to support a more active and important role and implication of the aquaculture organisations and FLAGs in the decision making process, through regionalisation, in order to ensure the best approach for each specific region;
Amendment 239 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Underlines that pond farms are a branch of agriculture, competing for the same spatial planning, thus it should be recognised as such and be supported and treated equally;
Amendment 260 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Highlights the current situation of European pond farmers as they are struggling with substantial losses of their entire stock due to predators like otter, heron and cormorant; underlines that those predators also kill the spawn of Zander and Carp and as a result limit significantly the breeding and reproduction of freshwater fish; therefore calls on the Member States to apply to existing derogations in the case of heron and cormorant and calls on the Commission to do a revision regarding the conservation status of the otter and to allow where needed to remove and control those predators;
Amendment 268 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Points out that the EU should export its sustainability standards and know-how; believes this is especially relevant in the case of neighbouring regions that produce similar species to those produced in the EU (e.g. North Africa and the Middle East)and especially with third countries sharing the same waters as the EU;
Amendment 282 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Insists on a stricfull and completer implementation of the EU legislation on labelling and consumer information, both in fish markets and in the hotel, restaurant and catering sector (HORECA); believes this is important for all fisheries products (and not only aquaculture products), both imported and EU-produced; considers that the Control Regulation should be adapted and reinforced to this end;
Amendment 338 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37 a. Underlines that encouraging cooperation between the aquaculture sector research and innovation and specific University programmes will bring new ideas and boost the interest in this economic sector;
Amendment 344 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38 a. Points out that education and good communication will attract young people in this sector and ensure its future and its the competitiveness, as well as bring new technology and innovation in its development;
Amendment 365 #
2017/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43 a. Calls on the Commission to allocate more financing to environmentally responsible aquaculture production methods such as closed- containment aquaculture systems in the sea (CCS) and land-based recirculation systems (RASs) in order to reduce the negative impact of aquaculture on habitats, wild fish populations and water quality
Amendment 52 #
2017/2084(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Recommends to promote bio- economy, especially young entrepreneurs in this sector; investments and market instruments must be appropriate to the early stage and economic risk profile of the technologies involved;
Amendment 56 #
2017/2084(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Underlines the need to extend, as much as possible, the investment plan for Europe to SMEs funding and adapted it to their requirements;
Amendment 58 #
2017/2084(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Expresses its concern regarding urban green areas; recommends the priority of inclusion of urban green areas, having in regards the irreversibility of their disappearance;
Amendment 60 #
2017/2084(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Stresses the need to identify and to combat the bureaucracy and unfair market practices; highlights that this is important whereas it has a negative impact in the emerging phase of revolutionary technologies;
Amendment 62 #
2017/2084(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 d (new)
Paragraph 8 d (new)
8d. Recommends increasing efforts to support and to harmonise the technological education among children and young people in the E.U.; stresses that education is indispensable to innovation;
Amendment 3 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
– having regard to United Nations Security Council resolutions 882, 853, 874 and 884,
Amendment 5 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 b (new)
Citation 1 b (new)
– having regard to the key principles enshrined in The Global Strategy for the EU’s Foreign and Security Policy of June 2016, particularly those pertaining to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders of states are equally respected by all participating states,
Amendment 7 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 c (new)
Citation 1 c (new)
– having regard to the Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership between EU and Azerbaijan in the field of energy of 7 November 2006,
Amendment 9 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 d (new)
Citation 1 d (new)
– having regard to the Joint Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit (Brussels, 24 November 2017) where European Union and Member States confirm their commitment to support to the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of all their partners,
Amendment 12 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2013 on European Neighbourhood Policy as well as resolution of 9 July 2015 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy,
Amendment 14 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 b (new)
Citation 5 b (new)
– having regard to its Annual report on the implementation of CFSP of 13 December 2017,
Amendment 25 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A (new)
Recital A (new)
A. whereas the Eastern Partnership is based on a shared commitment between Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and the European Union to deepen their relations and adhere to international law and core values, including democracy, the rule of law, good governance, the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 28 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B (new)
Recital B (new)
B. whereas the European Parliament favours a deepening of relations with all Eastern Partnership members insofar as they respect these core values; whereas, within the EaP policy, the attractive longer-term ‘EaP+’ model proposed by the European Parliament in its 15 November 2017 resolution on the Eastern Partnership, that could eventually lead to joining the customs union, energy union, digital union and Schengen area among others, should also be open to countries that do not have an association agreement with the EU - such as Azerbaijan - once they are ready for such enhanced commitments and have made significant progress towards implementing mutually agreed reforms;
Amendment 29 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C (new)
Recital C (new)
C. whereas Azerbaijan is an important partner for the EU; whereas the EU and Azerbaijan are strong economic partners, with bilateral trade amounting to approximately EUR 16billion; whereas the EU is Azerbaijan's first trading partner and its biggest export and import market; whereas Azerbaijan is a strategic energy partner for the EU, allowing for a diversification of the EU’s energy sources;
Amendment 34 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D (new)
Recital D (new)
D. whereas the geographic situation of Azerbaijan between Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East and neighbouring regional powers, notably Russia, Iran and Turkey, is both strategic and challenging; whereas protracted conflicts in the South Caucasus, affecting also Armenia and Georgia pose a major threat to all partners’ independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity; whereas the Nagorno Karabakh conflict can only be solved peacefully in line with the OSCE 2009 Basic Principles, notably through the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs;
Amendment 35 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E (new)
Recital E (new)
E. whereas the EU and Azerbaijan underlined in the Joint Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit of 24 November 2017 that “in a differentiated way, the EU will continue to jointly discuss with each of the partner countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus, attractive and realistic options to strengthen mutual trade and encourage investment to reflect common interests, the reformed investment policy as regards investment protection, as well as international trade rules and trade-related international standards, including in the area of intellectual property, and contribute to the modernisation and diversification of economies”;
Amendment 36 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F (new)
Recital F (new)
F. whereas the negotiations on the new agreement are progressing positively, at a steady pace and have made good progress; whereas the new agreement is expected to have a positive impact on Azerbaijan in terms of promoting democratic standards, growth and economic development; whereby such prospects are particularly important for Azerbaijan's youth in view of fostering a new generation of educated Azerbaijani, to uphold our core values and aim for the modernisation of the country;
Amendment 47 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) to remind the Azerbaijani authorities about the European Parliament’s position as expressed in its resolution of 15 November 2017 on the Eastern Partnership, which unambiguously states that no comprehensive agreement will be ratified with a country that does not respect EU valuethat call for overall compliance of the country with its international commitments, in particular with regard to the non-implementation of decisions by the European Court of Human Rights aend theof harassment, intimidation and persecution of human rights defenders, NGOs and journalists; to ensure that significant steps are taken as regards the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Azerbaijan before any new EU-Azerbaijan agreement; to ensure a dedicated suspension mechanism related to human rights and fundamental freedoms is included in the neware key requirements / incentives for swift ratification of any new EU-Azerbaijan agreement;
Amendment 56 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) to remind the Azerbaijani authorities about the European Parliament position expressed in the sameprevious resolutions according to which the ratification of new agreements between the EU and each of the parties to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict must be made conditional on meaningful commitments to and substantial progress towards solving the conflict, such as maintaining the ceasefire and supporting the implementation of the OSCE 2009 Basic Principles andmeaningful commitments by both sides to and substantial progress towards settlement of Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs;
Amendment 100 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) to ensure that high priority is given to dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to an enhanced EU participation in peacefully solving the Nagorno Karabakh conflict in line with the OSCE 2009 Basic Principles and notably with the support of the OSCE Minsk Group Co- Chairs, promoting all initiatives conducive to peace-building such as high- level talks, genuine confidence-building measures and exchanges between Armenian and Azerbaijani civil society;
Amendment 114 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k g (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k g (new)
(kg) to call for the withdrawal of Armenian forces from occupied territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh and their return to Azerbaijani control;
Amendment 117 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k h (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k h (new)
(kh) recalls its position that the occupation by one country of the Eastern Partnership of the territory of another violates the fundamental principles and objectives of the Eastern Partnership and that the resolution of the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict should comply with UN Security Council resolutions822, 853, 874 and 884 of 1993 and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group Basic Principles;
Amendment 119 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k j (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k j (new)
(kj) to call for immediate withdrawal of Armenian forces from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan to restore its territorial integrity, and to end the on- going conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan which unnecessarily claim the lives of civilians and soldiers whilst depriving hundreds of thousands IDPs of the right to return to their homelands, and hampering socioeconomic development;
Amendment 120 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k k (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k k (new)
(kk) to underline that the on-going occupation of the Azerbaijani territories is a violation of international law and is contrary to the founding principles of the European Neighbourhood Policy, thereby jeopardising the whole Eastern Partnership project;
Amendment 121 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k l (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k l (new)
(kl) to reiterate deep concerns on illegal activities exercised by Armenian troops on the occupied Azerbaijani territories, namely regular military manoeuvres, renewal of military hardware and personnel and the deepening of defensive echelons;
Amendment 122 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k m (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k m (new)
(km) recalls the EP position expressed in the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy of 9 July 2015 that the occupation of territory of a partner country violates the fundamental principles and objectives of the ENP;
Amendment 123 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k n (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k n (new)
(kn) to reaffirm EU’s commitment to support Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within internationally recognised borders;
Amendment 135 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) to put in place specific provisions to support the authorities’ important efforts in aiding the large number of refugees and internally displaced persons resulting from the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenian forces, as recognized by relevant UNSC resolutions as well as UNGA resolution of 2008 and to support civilians living in conflict areas within Azerbaijan’s internationally recognised borders; to contribute in particular to upholding their right to return to their homes and property and to be awarded compensation in line with the rulings of the ECHR;
Amendment 138 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
(la) to assist Azerbaijan in dealing with problems that the country has been facing as a result of massive forced internal displacement from Nagorno-Karabakh conflict area, and to act resolutely for the protection and restoration of the rights of displaced people, including their rights to return, property rights and the right to personal security;
Amendment 140 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point l b (new)
(lb) to express concerns that hundreds of thousands of refugees and IDPs who fled their homes during or in connection with the Nagorno-Karabakh war remain displaced and denied their rights, including the right to return, property rights and the right to personal security; calls on all parties to unambiguously and unconditionally recognise these rights, the need for their prompt realisation and for a prompt solution to this problem that respects the principles of international law; demands, in this regard, the withdrawal of Armenian forces from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan, accompanied by deployment of international forces to be organised with respect of the UN Charter in order to provide the necessary security guarantees in a period of transition, which will ensure the security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh and allow the displaced persons to return to their homes and further conflicts caused by homelessness to be prevented; calls on the Armenian and Azerbaijani authorities and leaders of relevant communities to demonstrate their commitment to the creation of peaceful inter-ethnic relations through practical preparations for the return of displaced persons; considers that the situation of the IDPs and refugees should be dealt with according to international standards, including with regard to the recent PACE Recommendation 1877(2009), ‘Europe’s forgotten people: protecting the human rights of long-term displaced persons’;
Amendment 141 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point l c (new)
(lc) to reiterate its serious concern that hundreds of thousands of IDPs and refugees who fled their native lands in connection with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remain displaced and to reaffirm the right of all IDPs and refugees to return to their places of origin in safety and dignity;
Amendment 193 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r
Paragraph 1 – point r
(r) to ensure, before the conclusion of the negotiations, that Azerbaijan takes significant steps as regards the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience which, in 2017, exceeded 150 persons, including, among the most emblematic cases, Ilgar Mammadov, Afgan Mukhtarli, Mehman Huseynov, Ilkin Rustamzada, Seymur Hazi, Rashad Ramazanov, Elchin Ismayilli, Giyas Ibrahimov, Beyram Mammadov, Asif Yusifli, Fuad Gahramanli and Aziz Orujov, the lifting of their travel bans once released, including those of Khadija Ismayilova and Intigam Aliyev; to secure the release and improvement of the situation of these individuals via the judiciary and the application of the rule of law;
Amendment 260 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ab a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ab a (new)
(aba) to take also appropriate steps towards opening a visa dialogue with Azerbaijan in line with the progress made in the implementation of Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements;
Amendment 262 #
2017/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ab b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ab b (new)
(abb) to seek possibilities to initiate Visa Liberalisation Dialogue between EU and Azerbaijan as stated in the Joint Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit of 2017;
Amendment 4 #
2017/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that the fisheries sector has tremendous importance as one of the main human activities carried out in the marine environment, making it an essential element of the Integrated Maritime Policy; points out that fisheries is the sector most affected by the many uses and activities taking place on the seas, such as maritime transport and tourism, urban and coastal development and the exploitations of renewable energies, as well as by environmental problems such as marine pollution and climate changepollution (plastics, discarded fishing nets, oil spills, noise pollution, ballast water discharges, etc.) and climate change (rising sea level, increasing sea surface temperature, coastal flooding, ocean acidity, etc.);
Amendment 15 #
2017/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines that the EU should promote and ensure that fishery aspects are an important part of the future legally binding instrument under UNCLOS on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction;
Amendment 21 #
2017/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the Common Fisheries Policy shall ensure that fishing mortality rates are set at levels that should allow fish stocks to recover above levels that are capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) in order to protect marine resources and avoid overexploitation;
Amendment 25 #
2017/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Considering that the EU is the world's largest importer of seafood and that some of the fish is being imported from areas that have far less sustainable fishing compared to the EU, encourages the use of this position in promoting an increase in sustainability in all sea basins;
Amendment 29 #
2017/2055(INI)
4. Notes that the EU regulation to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing has made advancements, but that implementation should be improvin all member states and third countries should be improved and that more coordination is needed in order to ensure that no illegal fish enter the EU market;
Amendment 33 #
2017/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Reminds that in order to effectively fight against IUU fishing it is crucial to ensure that all types of seafood coming from these activities will not get on the markets; encourages the EU to promote, through all its partnerships and in all international fora, the ban of IUU seafood from as many markets as possible, thus decreasing the profitability of such activities;
Amendment 34 #
2017/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Underlines the importance of continuing and expanding the bilateral partnerships if the fight against IUU and overexploitation is to be affective, otherwise EU's actions might have limited impact on the current situation;
Amendment 35 #
2017/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Insists on more coordination and a stronger partnership between the different bodies in order to ensure a good ocean governance;
Amendment 36 #
2017/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Suggests more agreements with third countries in order to conserve fish stocks and improve cooperation;
Amendment 49 #
2017/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 – point b a (new)
Paragraph 6 – point b a (new)
(ba) the need to make sure the Advisory Councils' opinions are integrated into the final decisions and actions;
Amendment 55 #
2017/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 – point d
Paragraph 6 – point d
(d) the need to take the lead in strengthening regional fisheries management organisations in order to improve their performance, including through independent bodies to ensure that their recommendations are fully implemented and that sustainability is assured;
Amendment 65 #
2017/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Urges for more investments in scientific research in order to have a better understanding of our oceans. As of yet, 95 percent of this realm still remains unexplored;
Amendment 68 #
2017/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Supports the continuation of the 2013 Galway Statement and encourages the establishment of such cooperation with other countries;
Amendment 69 #
2017/2055(INI)
7c. Underlines the importance of sharing the research and data resulting from marine science and technology with scientific communities from other countries; promoting further investments in marine science in other third countries, as well as the establishment of international networks where results and information can be shared, is highly important for the development of more sustainable fishing, better marine management and for tackling common ocean problems;
Amendment 72 #
2017/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Is of the opinion that securing a level playing field for the EU fishing fleet is of utmost importance, especially considering EU's high environmental standards and sustainability regulations these vessels have to apply;
Amendment 73 #
2017/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Insists on the fact that the EU should promote the same environmental standards for fishing in international fora and all bilateral cooperation as not to put our fleet at an economic sustainability disadvantage;
Amendment 74 #
2017/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Notes the significance of biodiversity in the world's oceans. It forms the cornerstone of our oceans and plays a vital role in maintaining the productivity and functionality of marine ecosystems;
Amendment 30 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the conclusion of the Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation (PARC), which will provide a forward-looking political framework for EU-New Zealand relations and cooperation on a sustainable development and a comprehensive range of issues for years to come;
Amendment 33 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Supports the imminent launch of the EU-New Zealand free trade agreement negotiations; stresses that this is important to strength the political dialogue and improve cooperation on economic growth, job creation, trade and investment;
Amendment 37 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines the European Union’s cooperation with New Zealand on peace, security, regional stability in the Asia- Pacific region, agriculture, fisheries and maritime affaires, transport, humanitarian aid, sanitary measures, energy, the environment and climate change;
Amendment 39 #
2017/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Underlines the European Union`s cooperation with New Zealand on strengthening environmental and ocean governance, necessary to achieve the conservation and the sustainable use of resources;
Amendment 6 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
– having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to the UN human rights conventions and the optional protocols thereto,
Amendment 9 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 b (new)
Citation 5 b (new)
– having regard to the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on the participation of the European Union in the work of the United Nations , which grants the EU the right to intervene in the UN General Assembly, to present proposals and amendments orally which will be put to a vote at the request of a Member State, and to exercise the right to reply,
Amendment 17 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU’s commitment to effective multilateralism and good global governance, with the UN at its core, is an integral part of the EU’s external policy and is rooted in the conviction that a multilateral system founded on universal rules and values is best suited to addressing global crises, challenges and threats;
Amendment 21 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU should play a proactive part in building a United Nations that can contribute effectively to global solutions, peace and security, human rights, sustainable development, democracy and a rule-of-law-based international order; whereas EU Member States need to make every effort to coordinate their action in the organs and bodies of the United Nations system in accordance with the mandate contained in Article 34(1) TEU;
Amendment 29 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU and its Member States remain collectively the single largest financial contributor to the UN system, providing almost 50% of all contributions to the UN, with the EU Member States contributing around 40% of the UN’s regular budgetprimary aims of eradicating poverty, promoting long-term peace and stability, and combating social inequalities, and provides humanitarian assistance to populations, countries and regions that are confronted with all types of crises, whether natural or human- made; whereas EU contributions to the UN should be more visible;
Amendment 33 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the EU works for environmental sustainability, notably in the fight against climate change by promoting international measures and actions to preserve and improve the quality of the environment and the sustainable management of natural resources;
Amendment 35 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the EU is one of the most dedicated defenders and promoters of human rights, fundamental freedoms, cultural values and diversity, democracy and the rule of law;
Amendment 39 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the EU’s security environment is increasingly unstable and volatile owing to a large number of longstanding or newly emerging internal and external challenges, including violent conflicts, terrorism, organised crime, unprecedented waves of migration and climate change, which are impossible to address at national level and require regional and global responses;
Amendment 51 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph a
Paragraph a
(a) to continue to call for the full respect of internationally recognised borders and the territorial integrity of all Eastern European and South Caucasus countries, including Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, in light of the violations of international law in these areas; to support and reinvigorate diplomatic efforts for a peaceful settlement of theseall ongoing and frozen conflictsprotracted conflicts, including the conflict in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh; to urge the international community to implement fully the policy of non- recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea; to actively increase pressure on Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, in order to resolve the conflict in Ukraine;
Amendment 55 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph b
Paragraph b
(b) to push for stronger multilateral commitments to find sustainable political and peaceful solutions to current conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly in Syria, Yemen and Libya; to continue to support UN special envoys’ work, actions and initiatives aimed at solving these conflicts; to call for continued humanitarian, financial and political assistance from the international community in order to address the humanitarian situation and to work towards the immediate cessation of violence; to urge all UN Member States to make all necessary financial and human resources available to assist the population in conflict areas; to support efforts deployed by the UN to find a sustainable resolution to the conflict in Syria and to continue to back the EU’s role in the humanitarian field and the EU’s regional initiative; to strongly condemn the widespread human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law in Syria; to support the UN peace plan initiative in Yemen and to tackle the ongoing humanitarian crisis as a matter of urgency; to call for stronger support for the UN-backed government in Libyaon all parties to respect the human rights and freedoms of all Yemeni citizens, and to stress the importance of improving the security of all those working on peace and humanitarian missions in the country; to call for stronger support for the UN-backed government in Libya and to play a central role in the stabilisation of Libya under the framework of the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA); to reiterate the urgent need to unite all armed forces under the control of the legitimate civilian authorities as set out in the LPA and to work for stability and preservation of the country's unity and territorial integrity;
Amendment 70 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph c
Paragraph c
(c) to call for a stronger empowerment of Iraqi institutions and for the need to work towards a more inclusive society and the reintegration of all the ethnic and religious minorities that have been displaced; to reiterate the critical importance of sustained protection of civilians and respect of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) during the military strategies in Iraq, in particular in the outgoing West Mosul operation;
Amendment 78 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph e
Paragraph e
(e) to work with the international community as a whole to solve security crises threatening the African continent, in particular in Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Mali and Nigeria, Nigeria, Burundi and the Great Lakes Area in general; to encourage UN Member States to step up support for increasing the role and own capacities of the African Union in mediation and crisis management, while striving for complementarities with the efforts of the UN Peace- Building Support Office;
Amendment 93 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph j
Paragraph j
(j) to increase Member State support for UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations that include a human rights component and clear exit strategies, in particular by contributing personnel and equipment, and to enhance the EU’s role as a facilitator in this respect; to ensure better visibility for this support and contribution; to further develop procedures for the use of EU Common Security and Defence Policy in support of UN operations while paying sufficient attention to the several dimensions of complex crisis management, such as human rights, sustainable development, and the root causes of mass migration;
Amendment 108 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph k
Paragraph k
(k) to continue to support the efforts to further operationalise R2P and to support the UN in continuing to play a critical role in assisting countries in the implementation of R2P in order to uphold the rule of law and of international humanitarian law;
Amendment 123 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph m
Paragraph m
(m) to support the UN in making counter-terrorism a key element of its prevention agenda in line with the EU’s engagement in preventive measures to combat terrorism and counter violent extremism; to strengthen joint EU-UN efforts in combating the root causes of terrorism, particularly in countering hybrid threats and developing research and capacity-building in cyber defence; to promote education as a main tool for preventing violent extremism and to rely on the existing initiatives set up by local partners to devise, implement, and develop approaches to counter radicalisation and terrorist recruitment;
Amendment 138 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph p
Paragraph p
(p) to support UN efforts to prevent non-state actors and terrorist groups from developing, manufacturing, acquiring or transferring weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems; to insist on full compliance with the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention and to actively take steps towards global disarmament;
Amendment 152 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph t
Paragraph t
(t) to promote greater support for the work of UNHCR in implementing its international mandate to protect refugees; to stress the substantial funding gap between UNHCR’s budgetary needs and funds received and to demand greater global solidarity; to call for political engagement, funding and concrete acts of solidarity in support of the NY Declaration for refugees and migrants;
Amendment 159 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph t a (new)
Paragraph t a (new)
(ta) to call for a strengthening of the child protection systems and to support concrete measures in the best interests of the child refugees and migrants, based on the Convention on the rights of the child;
Amendment 168 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph v a (new)
Paragraph v a (new)
(va) to demand greater protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in every dimension of their expression, including in the context of new technologies; to call for protection of all persons in all countries from any human rights violations, in accordance with international human rights conventions promoting universality, impartiality, objectivity, non-selectivity, constructive dialogue and cooperation;
Amendment 178 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph w
Paragraph w
(w) to continue to advocate freedom of religion or belief; to call for greater efforts to protect the rights of religious and other minorities; to call for greater protection of religious and ethnic minorities against persecution and violence; to call for the repeal of laws criminalising blasphemy or apostasy, which serve as a pretext for the persecution of religious minorities and non-believers; to support the work of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief; to actively work for UN recognition of the genocide of religious and other minorities committed by ISIL/Daesh, and for referral to the ICC of cases of suspected crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide; to support the work of UN against torture and other cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment or punishment, mass executions, executions including for drug- related offences;
Amendment 181 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph w a (new)
Paragraph w a (new)
(wa) to continue promote equality and non-discrimination between women and men and to actively support further actions against violation of LGBTI rights;
Amendment 182 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph w b (new)
Paragraph w b (new)
(wb) to reiterate its unequivocal condemnation of any act of violence, harassment, intimidation or persecution of human rights defenders, whistle- blowers, journalists or bloggers; to advocate for the appointment of a Special Representative to the United Nations Secretary-General for the safety of journalists;
Amendment 184 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph x
Paragraph x
(x) to recall the obligation of the General Assembly, when electing the membership of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), to take into account the respect of candidates for the promotion and protection of human rights, the rule of law and democracy; to call for the establishment of clear human rights performance-based criteria for membership of the UNHRC;
Amendment 189 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph y
Paragraph y
(y) to strengthen the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the international criminal justice system in order to promote accountability and to end impunity; to call on all UN member states to join the International Criminal Court (ICC) by ratifying the Rome Statute and to promote the ratification of the Kampala amendments;
Amendment 202 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph aa
Paragraph aa
(aa) to underline the leading role of the EU in the process that led to the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Agenda 2030) and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the General Assembly in September 2015; to urge countries to fully implement Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development in their policies in order to reach the SDGs; to take concrete steps to ensure the efficient implementation of Agenda 2030 and the 17 SDGs as important instruments for prevention and development;
Amendment 211 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph aa a (new)
Paragraph aa a (new)
(aaa) to work determinedly for eradicating poverty and to promote ecologically, economically and socially sustainable development all over the world; to fight against social inequalities and to provide humanitarian assistance to populations, countries and regions that are confronted with all types of crises, whether natural or human-made;
Amendment 234 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph ad
Paragraph ad
(ad) to support actively a comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council on the basis of a broad consensus; in order to better reflect the new world reality and to more effectively meet present and future security challenges; to promote the structural and functional reform of the economic and social council and to develop it into a body capable to enhance sustainable global development in a comprehensive and coordinated way; to promote the revitalisation of the work of the General Assembly, and improved coordination and coherence of the action of all UN institutions, which should enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, legitimacy, transparency, accountability, capacity and representativeness of the system;
Amendment 56 #
2017/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Demands the strict application of the Common Position 2008/944/CFSP regarding EU arms production permits for non-EU producers, producing outside EU territory;
Amendment 70 #
2017/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes the extreme security liability for the Union arising from the absence of a stronger support and commitment from the European Union on the decommissioning of the many arms stockpiles still existing in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania or Ukraine;
Amendment 113 #
2017/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3 a (new)
Subheading 3 a (new)
Ensuring a harmonised approach and application of the Common Criteria
Amendment 114 #
2017/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Notes the lack of provisions on sanctions for Member States that fail to comply with the eight Criteria when granting licences; calls in this regard for an update of the Common Position whereby a sanctioning mechanism is introduced;
Amendment 115 #
2017/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Notes the lack of a common approach concerning sanctions on individuals or companies that have failed to fulfil the provisions of the Common Criteria (false exports);calls on Members States to provide for effective sanctions to be imposed on said individuals or companies that fail to comply with any of the provisions set out in the eight criteria;
Amendment 116 #
2017/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15c. Considers that, in order for the sanctions to be effective, these should include both an economic dimension and a temporary suspension from being granted licenses for a certain period of time; stresses that, in the case of companies, the sanctions should be extended to any other entity that is participated by the concerned company, either through stock owners or through a parent company;
Amendment 117 #
2017/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 d (new)
Paragraph 15 d (new)
15d. Strongly recommends countries in the process of attaining candidate status, or countries otherwise wishing to engage themselves on the path of EU adhesion, to apply the provisions of the Common Position and to exercise an effective control over their arms deposits;
Amendment 118 #
2017/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 e (new)
Paragraph 15 e (new)
15e. Stresses the importance of effectively limiting arms exports to private security companies as an end user, and that any such licence be granted only when, after thorough diligence checks, it is determined the private security company in question has not participated in human rights violations; accountability mechanisms shall be put in place in order to ensure the responsible use or arms by private security companies;
Amendment 119 #
2017/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 f (new)
Paragraph 15 f (new)
15f. Calls on the EU and its Members States to work towards fostering a European industrial and technological base that is competitive and innovative, that contributes to overcoming the current lack of efficiency in defence-spending among the EU members due to duplicities, fragmentation, lack of interoperability, technological gaps and economies of scale for both industry and production in field of key importance to Europe, thus allowing the EU to become a global security provider and enabling more and better control of arms exports, by preventing national export expansive policies;
Amendment 3 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
- having regard to the report of the European Investment Bank (EIB) entitled ´Policy on preventing and deterring prohibited conduct in European Investment Bank activities' ("EIB Anti- Fraud Policy") adopted on 8 November 20131a, _________________ 1a http://www.eib.org/attachments/strategies/ anti_fraud_policy_20130917_en.pdf
Amendment 4 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
- having regard to the Council conclusions on business and human rights of 20 June 20162a, _________________ 2a http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/ press-releases/2016/06/20-fac-business- human-rights-conclusions/
Amendment 5 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2013 on organised crime, corruption, and money laundering: recommendations on action and initiatives to be taken3a, _________________ 3a Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0245.
Amendment 7 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 11 June 2015 on recent revelations of high-level corruption cases in FIFA4a, _________________ 4a Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0233.
Amendment 8 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 b (new)
Citation 9 b (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2016 on the fight against corruption and follow up of the CRIM resolution5a, _________________ 5a Texts adopted, P8_TA(2016)0403.
Amendment 11 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 c (new)
Citation 9 c (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2016 on corporate liability for serious human rights abuses in third countries1a, _________________ 1a Texts adopted, P8_TA(2016)0405.
Amendment 31 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas in many countries corruption not only constitutes a significant systemic obstacle to the realisation of all human rights, — civil, political, economic, social and cultural but may also cause many human rights violations; whereas corruption is one of the most neglected human rights violations of our times as it fuels injustice, inequality and deprivation;
Amendment 38 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas corruption, far from being an abstract crime, has specific negative impacts on the enjoyment of human rights affecting individuals, targeted groups such as women, children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, the poor, indigenous people or people belonging to minorities, or society at large, notably as regards financial and economic resources and the realisation of democracy and the rule of law;
Amendment 44 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas corruption directly affects social programmes addressed to improve the lives of vast sectors of the population, in particular those in need of basic services such as healthcare, education, and housing;
Amendment 59 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas according to the World Bank about 1 trillion dollars is paid each year in bribes around the world and the total economic loss from corruption is estimated to be many times that number;
Amendment 69 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas acts of corruption and human rights violations typically involve the misuse of power, lack of accountability and the institutionalisation of various forms of discrimination; whereas corruption shows strong correlation with deficiencies in the rule of law, and whereas corruption often undermines the effectiveness of the institutions and entities which are entrusted to ensure checks and balances and respect for democratic principles and human rights, such as parliaments, law enforcement authorities, the judiciary and civil society;
Amendment 79 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas practices such as electoral fraud, illicit funding of political parties or the perceived disproportionate influence of money in politics erode confidence and create social dissatisfaction in elected representatives and governments, undermine democratic legitimacy and may significantly weaken civil and political rights; whereas inadequate regulation of political financing can create opportunities for organized criminals to influence and interfere in the conduct of public affairs; whereas corruption can also be used as a political instrument in order to discredit the reputation of politicians;
Amendment 80 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas corruption in the judicial sector breaches the principles of non- discrimination, access to justice and the right to a fair trial and to an effective remedy and makes people become disempowered, as they lose their ability to seek justice in court or hold politicians to account; whereas the absence of an independent judiciary and public administration fosters distrust in public institutions, undermining the rule of law and occasionally fuelling violence;
Amendment 87 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas it is difficult to measure corruption as it usually involves illegal practices that are deliberately covered up, although some mechanisms to identify, monitor, measure and combat corruption have been developed and implemented;
Amendment 89 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas strengthening the protection of human rights, and the principle of non-discrimination in particular, is a valuable instrument in combating corruption; whereas fighting corruption through criminal law and private law means taking repressive and remedial measures; whereas there is a direct link between the promotion and strengthening of human rights and corruption prevention;
Amendment 94 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
K a. whereas existing international obligations are good mechanisms to take appropriate and reasonable measures in order to prevent or punish corruption in public and private sectors, in particular under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and other relevant human rights instruments;
Amendment 106 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas the absence of free media both online and offline creates favourable conditions for opaque practices to flourish; whereas media play an important role in increasing public awareness of corruption and human rights violations; whereas defamation laws are in place in several countries;
Amendment 118 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P a (new)
Recital P a (new)
P a. whereas the EU funds to third countries, including in the emergency situations, need to be properly monitored with clear checks and balances in the beneficiary countries in order to prevent the opportunities for corruption that might emerge;
Amendment 129 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls for collective action to be taken at international level to prevent and combat corruption, given that corruption spreads across borders and that cooperation between countries and between regions needs to be encouraged; calls on States to actively engage within international fora to discuss and reach joint decisions on good practices and policies suited to the specific situation in each region, with a view to tackling corruption as an interlinked complex phenomenon obstructing political, economic and social development;
Amendment 138 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is concerned about the implementation and enforcement of the existing international anti-corruption instruments - such as the UN Convention against Corruption, the Council of Europe´s Criminal Law Convention on Corruption and the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention; calls on the signatory countries to apply them in full in order to better protect their citizens;
Amendment 141 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Is concerned over the harassment, threats, intimidation and reprisals suffered by members of civil society organisations, including anticorruption associations and human rights movements, journalists, bloggers and whistle-blowers that expose and denounce corruption cases; calls on the authorities to take all the necessary measures to guarantee their physical and psychological integrity and to ensure immediate, thorough and impartial investigations in order to bring those responsible to justice in accordance with international standards;
Amendment 148 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that States are bound to fulfil their human rights obligations; underlines that States are responsible for reacting to any negative impact of corruption occurring in their territory; recalls the responsibilities of business operators to respect human rights and tackle corruption; stresses the need to integrate a human rights perspective into anti-corruption strategies; in order that the implementation of preventive policies relating to matters such as transparency, laws on access to public information and external controls become an obligation;
Amendment 159 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the need to mainstream the principle of local and democratic ownership of projects financed under EU assistance programmes; highlights the need to establish and operationalise conditionality and incentives of EU external financial instruments based on anti-corruption norms and commitments made by partner countries; recalls the need of permanent monitoring of the EU funded projects and holding recipient country authorities accountable if the EU funds are not used appropriately;
Amendment 173 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls on the EU to promote effective mechanisms for public participation and public accountability, including the right to access to information and open data in all relevant human rights dialogues and consultations with third countries and to finance projects that aim the establishment, implementation and enforcement of these practices;
Amendment 177 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Welcomes persistent efforts under the Development Cooperation Instrument and the Neighbourhood Programming Instrument to establish and consolidate independent and effective anti-corruption institutions;
Amendment 183 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to channel further funds to assist with enacting and implementing protection programmes targeting civil society organisations’ members, including anti- corruption associations and human rights movements, journalists, bloggers and whistle-blowers that expose and denounce corruption cases and human rights violations; insists that any future update of the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders or any guidance note on their implementation should make explicit references to the protection of these people; welcomes the Commission’s recently launched consultation process on whistle-blower protection; stresses that human rights focal points in EU delegations should also pay special attention to these targeted groups;
Amendment 185 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Calls on EU delegations to make use of local demarches and public diplomacy to denounce cases of corruption and impunity, in particular when they lead to serious human rights violations;
Amendment 192 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Recommends that the European Endowment for Democracy and the EU´s comprehensive HRD´s mechanism (protectdefenders.eu) should focus specific programmes to protect anti- corruption activists who also contribute to upholding human rights;
Amendment 194 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Encourages EU Member States to consider adopting legislation providing for the possibility of the freezing of assets and visa restrictions targetingReiterates its call from the previous resolutions, that the EU should bring the Magnitsky sanctions list against the 32 Russian state officials responsible for the death of Russian whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky as soon as possible to the Council for its adoption and impose targeted sanctions against them such as an EU-wide visa ban and a freezing of their financial assets that they hold inside the European Union; encourages EU Member States to consider adopting a legislation which would establish a clear criteria allowing for black listing and imposition of similar sanctions against third country individuals who have been involved in serious human rights violations against other individuals or corruption;
Amendment 207 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Is convinced that an ambitious anti- corruption policy in EU external relations is only credible if underpinned by an effective anti-corruption strategy within the EU; regrets in this context that the Commission decided not to follow up its 2014 EU anti-corruption report, which would have also reinforced the EU’s credibility to promote an ambitious anti- corruption agenda in its external policies; stresses that the European Commission and other EU institutions should undertake regular, ambitious and rigorous reporting and self-assessment in line with the provisions of the UN Convention against Corruption;
Amendment 213 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Emphasises the need to step up national and international communication and awareness-raising campaigns targeting citizens participation in order to highlight the fact that corruption has negative impact on human rights and leads among others to social inequalities, lack of social justice and increased levels of poverty; stresses that education is key in building strong individuals in our society based on respect for the rule of law;
Amendment 225 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Calls on the EU and its Member States to continue supporting anti- corruption institutions established in third countries as it is the case of the Guatemalan International Commission against Impunity (CICIG); urges these countries to provide the institutions with all the necessary tools, including the investigating power, in order to be effective in their work;
Amendment 231 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Encourages all EU Member States to fully implement the UN Guiding Principles on business and human rights and to include specific commitments on anti-corruption measures in their national action plan on human rights (as required under the EU´s Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy) or to enact specific anti-bribery legislation;
Amendment 235 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the revised Accounting Directive on disclosure of non-financial and diversity information (2014/95/EU) regarding reporting requirements of large companies and groups, including on their efforts related to human rights and anti- corruption; encourages companies to disclose all relevant information in line with the forthcoming guidance note to be issued by the Commission;
Amendment 236 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Renews its call to all states including the EU to engage actively and constructively in the on-going work of the UN´s open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights with the view to reach a legally binding instrument in order to prevent, investigate, redress and have access to remedy when human rights violations, including those as a result of corruption, occur;
Amendment 241 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19 b. Recommends that the EU steps up support to international instruments to increase transparency in economic sectors most prone to human rights abuses and corruption;
Amendment 242 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
19 c. Welcomes that some EU Member States' National Action Plans make references to corruption but suggests specific measures to prevent and punish corrupt practices and bribery that may lead to human rights violations;
Amendment 243 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 d (new)
Paragraph 19 d (new)
19 d. Is of the view that misuse of public funds, illicit enrichment or bribery should be punishable by specific sanctions under criminal law if they directly lead to human rights violations, caused by the act of corruption;
Amendment 244 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Emphasises that one of the objectives of the fight against corruption should be to put an end to grave abuses that distort political processes and to promote an independent, impartial and effective judiciary; calls for political parties to be strengthened in their role as channels of democratic representation and political participation by being equipped in efficient ways; in this sense the regulation of political financing including the identification of donors and other financial sources are therefore central to the preservation of democracy;
Amendment 247 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes with concern that electoral fraud and corruption linked to electoral processes and the functioning of elected representative bodies and assemblies seriously undermine trust in democratic institutions and weaken civil and political rights by preventing equal and fair representation; notes the positive role of the election observation missions and support to electoral law reform; encourages further cooperation with specialized international bodies such as the Council of Europe or the OSCE in this field;
Amendment 252 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines the specific need to uphold the highest possible ethical standards and transparency in the functioning of international organisations and regional assemblies in charge of protecting and promoting democracy, human rights and the rule of law; underlines the need to promote transparent practices by elaborating codes of conduct and specific transparency measures to prevent and investigate any fraud or misconduct;
Amendment 100 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) As the Programme aims at enhancing the competitiveness of the Union's defence industry, only entities established in the Union and effectively controlled by Member States or their nationals should be eligible for support, as direct beneficiaries or subcontractors. Additionally, in order to ensure the protection of essential security interests of the Union and its Member States, the infrastructure, facilities, assets and resources used by the beneficiaries and subcontractors in actions funded under the Programme, shall not be located on the territory of non-Member States.
Amendment 104 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13 a) The international nature of the value and supply chains in the defence industry is a reality that must be honed rather than suppressed, done so in a way that guarantees Europe’s security interests.Whereas the security interests of the European Union are indelibly connected to its non-EU partners on the continent.As such, an undertaking for which the participation of an SME subcontractor or third party originating in an EFTA member state remains eligible to receive funding under the Programme, provided that participants show that the goods and/or services provided by these subcontractors or third parties are vital to the completion of a project, that these same good and/or services cannot be obtained in an EU member state, and that the EU’s security interests are defended.
Amendment 122 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The promotion of innovation and technological development in the Union defence industry should take place in a manner coherent with the security interests of the Union. Accordingly, the action's contribution to those interests and to the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States should serve as an award criterion. Within the Union, common defence capability priorities are identified notably through the Capability Development Plan. Other Union processes such as the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) and the Permanent Structured Cooperation will support the implementation of relevant priorities through enhanced cooperation. Where appropriate regional or intcoopernational cooperativeve capability initiatives, such as in the NATO context, and serving the Union security and defence interest, may also be taken into account.
Amendment 133 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) The financial assistance of the Union under the Programme should not exceed 2035% of the total eligible cost of the action when it relates to prototyping which is often the most costly action in the development phase. The totality of the eligible costs should however be covered for other actions in the development phase by Member States or by private sources.
Amendment 143 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) The Commission should establish a multiannual work programme in line with the objectives of the Programme. The Commission should be assisted in the establishment of the work programme by a committee of Member Stateswithin the meaning of Regulation (EU) 182/2011 (hereinafter referred to as Programme Committee). In light of the Union policy on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as key to ensuring economic growth, innovation, job creation, and social integration in the Union and the fact that the supported actions will typically require trans-national collaboration, it is of importance that the work programme will reflect and enable such cross-border participation of SMEs and that therefore a proportion of the overall budget will benefit such action.
Amendment 183 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) to support the creation of a common definition of technical specifications;
Amendment 185 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) To foster better exploitation of the results of defence research and contribute tothus closing the gaps between research and development, by encouraging the production of the researched products and technologies.
Amendment 201 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point –a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point –a (new)
(-a) studies such as feasibility studies and other accompanying measures;
Amendment 202 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the design of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology as well as the technical specifications on which such design has been developed which may include partial tests for risk reduction in an industrial or representative environment;
Amendment 209 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point f
Amendment 211 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(f a) development of technologies or assets increasing efficiency across the life cycle of defence products and technologies.
Amendment 218 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. The action shall be undertaken in a cooperation of at least three different undertakings which are established in at least two different Member States. The undertakings which are beneficiaries shall not effectively be controlled, directly or indirectly, by the same entity or shall not control each other.
Amendment 227 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Consortia as defined in Article 9(1) shall offer proof of viability via a demonstration that the remaining costs of the eligible action which are not covered by the EU support will be covered by other means of financing such as Member States’ contributions.
Amendment 228 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4
4. When it relates to actions defined underFor actions described in points (b) to (f) of the first paragraph, the action must be based on common technical specificationsconsortia shall prove their contribution to the competitiveness of the European defence industry through the demonstration that at least two Member States intend to jointly procure the final product or use the technology in a coordinated way, including joint procurement where applicable.
Amendment 245 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Beneficiaries shall be undertakings established in the Union, in which Member States and/or nationals of Member States own more than 50% of the undertaking and effectively control it within the meaning of Article 6(3), whether directly or indirectly through one or more intermediate undertakings. In addition, all infrastructure, facilities, assets and resources used by the participants, including subcontractors and other third parties, in actions funded under the Programme shall not be located on the territory of non-Member States during the entire duration of the action or the production.
Amendment 251 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. By derogation from paragraph 1, an undertaking that includes the participation of an SME subcontractor or third party originating in an EFTA Member State is eligible under the following conditions: a) That the participants show that the goods and/or services provided by these SME subcontractors or third parties are vital to the completion of a project; b) That these same good and/or services cannot be obtained in an EU Member State; c)That the Member State in which the undertaking is located provides sufficient assurances, in accordance with national procedures, that this would not contravene the security and defence interests of the Union and its Member States as established in the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy in accordance with Title V of the TEU.
Amendment 262 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. For the purposes of the actions funded under the Programme, thebeneficiaries and their subcontractors shall not be subject to control bynon-EU States or by non-EU entities.
Amendment 263 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Member States, in cooperation with the European Defence Agency and the External Action Service, should ensure that information about the Programme is adequately distributed to ensure that SMEs have access to information related to the Programme.
Amendment 265 #
Amendment 268 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph –1 (new)
Article 9 – paragraph –1 (new)
-1. A consortium for the purpose of the Regulation is a group of undertakings as defined in Article 6(2) wishing to participate in an action under the Programme, and that meet the eligibility criteria laid down in this Regulation.The beneficiaries that will receive funding pursuant to the award procedure in Article 14 shall also be considered a consortium for the purpose of this Regulation.
Amendment 271 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. The members of a consortium participating in an action shall be considered beneficiaries as defined in Article 7(1).
Amendment 279 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) excellencecontribution to excellence in particular by showing that the proposed work goes beyond the state of the art by showing significant advantages over existing products or technologies;
Amendment 282 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) contribution to innovation in particular by showing that the proposed actions include ground-breaking or novel concepts and approaches, new promising future technological improvements or the application of technologies or concepts previously not applied in defence sector;
Amendment 284 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) contribution to the innovation and technological development ofdustrial autonomy of the European defence industriesy and thus to fostering the industrial autonomy of the Union in the field of defence technologies; and,o the security and defence interests of the Union in line with defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the Union and, where appropriate, regional and international cooperative agreements;
Amendment 291 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) contribution to the unification of technical specifications;and
Amendment 292 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) viability notably via a demonstration by the beneficiaries that the remaining costs of the eligible action are covered by other means of financing such as Member States’ contributions and private sources of funding; and
Amendment 297 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) for actions described in points (b) to (ef) of Article 6(1), the contribution to the competitivenessfurther integration of the European defence industrysector through the demonstration by the beneficiaries that Member States have commitintend to jointly produce and procureuse, own or maintain the final product or technology in a coordinated way, including joint procurement where applicable.
Amendment 300 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(e a) the proportion of the overall budget of the action to be allocated to the participation of SMEs established in the European Union bringing added value, either as members of the consortium, as subcontractors or as other undertakings in the supply chain, and in particular to SMEs which are established in the Member States other than those where the undertakings in the consortium which are not SMEs are established;
Amendment 302 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
(e b) Non-fulfilment of any of these criteria shall not be considered eliminatory.
Amendment 309 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. The financial assistance of the Union provided under the Programme may not exceed 2035% of the total cost of the action where it relates to prototyping. In all the other cases, the assistance may cover up to the total cost of the action.
Amendment 316 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. If a consortium is developing an action related to the items as defined in Article 5(1), in the context of Permanent Structured Cooperation, it may benefit from a funding rate increased by an additional 10 percentage points.
Amendment 320 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. If a consortium is developing an action as defined in Article 5(1) and commits to allocate at least 5% of the of the eligible cost of the action to SMEs which are established in the EU, it may benefit from a funding rate increased by percentage points equivalent to the percentage of the cost of the action allocated to SMEs but not exceeding 8 percentage points.
Amendment 330 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. The work programme shall set out in detail the categories of projects to be funded under the Programme, the type of financing and the allocated budget, including the maximum funding rates, and the desired categories of eligible actions as defined in Article 5(1), including where appropriate the evaluation methodology including weightings and minimum thresholds for the fulfilment of the award criteria.
Amendment 338 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. The work programme shall ensure that at least10% of the overall budget will benefit the cross-border participation of SMEs;in addition, a specific category of projects dedicated to SMEs shall be established by the work programme.
Amendment 343 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2
2. The proposals submitted following the call for proposals shall be evaluated by the Commission assisted by independent experts on the basis of the award criteria of Articleto be validated upon request by Member States, on the basis of the eligibility and award criteria set out in Articles 6, 7, 8and 10.
Amendment 346 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee. That committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. The European Defence Agency shall be invited as observerto provide its views and recommendations. The EEAS shall also be invited to attend the Programme Committee.
Amendment 358 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The Commission shall provide an interim report, halfway through the implementation of the Programme, that will include an assessment of the governance of the Programme, implementation rates, project award results including SMEs and Mid-caps involvement and the degree of their cross- border participation, and funding granted in accordance with Article 190 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1268/12 as set out in Article 14(1), by 30 July 2019.
Amendment 63 #
2017/0043(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) The management plans implemented and the technical measures introduced in 2016 are due to produce effects on the stocks and have to be analysed and taken into consideration when establishing the multi-annual plan for the pelagic stocks in the region.
Amendment 69 #
2017/0043(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) The Adriatic Sea small pelagic fishery, especially in the Geographical sub-areas 17 and 18, has a very important socio-economic impact for the Member States’ coastal community’s livelihood and future.
Amendment 72 #
2017/0043(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 b (new)
Recital 6 b (new)
(6b) In line with the principles and objective of the CFP, regionalisation should be used in order to adopt and implement measures that are adapted to the specificities of the area.
Amendment 83 #
2017/0043(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) A multiannual plan should always find a balance between the achievable result, considering the timeframe, and the socio-economic impact.
Amendment 100 #
2017/0043(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) In order to enable the implementation of the landing obligation established by Article 15(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, the plan should provide for additional management measures, in particular measures to gradually eliminate discards, to count undersized fish and to minimise, and where possible eliminate, the negative impacts of fishing activities on the marine environment. Such measures should be laid down by means of delegated acts.
Amendment 139 #
2017/0043(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The multiannual plan shall contribute to the achievement of all the objectives of the common fisheries policy listed in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, in particular by applying the precautionary approach to fisheries management, and shall aim to ensure that exploitation of living marine biological resources restores and maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce MSY.
Amendment 142 #
2017/0043(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The multiannual plan shall take into account the socio-economic aspects when being developed or changed, in accordance with Article 2(5) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.
Amendment 212 #
2017/0043(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. For the purpose of paragraph 1 of this Article, Member States having direct management interest may submit joint recommendations in accordance with Article 18(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 for the first time not later than twelve months after the entry into force of this Regulation and thereafter twelve months after each submission of the evaluation of the multiannual plan in accordance with Article 14 to this Regulation. They may also submit such recommendations when deemed necessary by them, in particular in the event of an abrupt change in the situation for either of the stocks to which this Regulation applies. Joint recommendations in respect of measures concerning a given calendar year shall be submitted no later than 1 June of the previous year. The Commission shall require the STECF to assess the joint recommendations. Any deviation by the Commission from the joint recommendations shall be presented to the European Parliament and to the Council for scrutiny.
Amendment 228 #
2017/0043(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Amendment 231 #
2017/0043(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Articles 6 and 7 shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of fivthree years from the date of the entry into force of this Regulation. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the fivthree year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period.
Amendment 21 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas cohesion policy remains the main and most successful EU-wide investment policy forsupporting growth, development and sustainable job creation after 2020, especially against the backdrop of a sharp decline in public and private investments in many Member States and the implications of globalisation;
Amendment 99 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that the current categorisation of regions, the thematic objectives and the performance framework have demonstrated the value of cohesion policy and should be consolidated; asks the Commission to present ideas for greater flexibility, such as an unallocated reserve or a simplification of re-programming, in order to adapt ESIF investments to unforeseen events and to the specific needs of each region; in addition, it considers useful to create a reserve for unforeseen events that may arise during the programming period;
Amendment 108 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Believes that Cohesion Policy should remain stable and predictable in order to avoid a negative impact on the strategic orientation and on the stability of multiannual operational programmes;
Amendment 258 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Highlights the fact that in order to improve the visibility of ESI Funds, greater focus must be placed on participation by stakeholders and recipients; urges, furthermore, the Commission, Member States, regions and cities to communicate in a more efficient way on both the achievements of cohesion policy and the lessons to be learned; underlines the need of a better cooperation of all actors in order to strengthen the trust between the Commission, other EU Institutions and Member States on the one hand, and between the citizens and EU Institutions on the other;
Amendment 271 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Highlights the need for appropriate and effective communication of the results and socio-economic impact of Cohesion Policy in the Member States and in the regions;
Amendment 1 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A (new)
Recital A (new)
A. whereas the 1998 Baveno Manifesto created the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security with the objective to determine Europe's global monitoring role in the field of the environment and security. Since 2012 this initiative is named Copernicus;
Amendment 2 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B (new)
Recital B (new)
B. whereas political decisions made by the European Parliament and the Council in 2007 resulted in the allocation of a budget for the European satellite navigation programs EGNOS and Galileo and provided for an agreement on the governance structure of the programs;
Amendment 3 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Underlines the vital importance space capabilities play in the fight against terrorism and terrorist organization; believes that monitoring and tracking military developments in conflict areas where there is a lack of clear and reliable information is essential in the decision- making process;
Amendment 3 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C (new)
Recital C (new)
C. whereas Galileo is going to be part of the COSPAS-SARSAT search and rescue satellite system;
Amendment 4 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Underlines the importance the EU's space strategy and future actions are playing in helping the Union become a world leader in this field; encourages investments in order to speed up the development of new space capacities and technology;
Amendment 4 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D (new)
Recital D (new)
D. whereas fishing is a high-risk job, where accidents can always happen and the life of fisherman usually depends on receiving medical attention as fast as possible;
Amendment 5 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital E (new)
Recital E (new)
E. whereas in order to have a better analysis of the stocks and of the marine environment more and faster data is needed;
Amendment 6 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Draws attention to the vulnerability of space-based technologies to interference or attack from state and non-state actors, as well as the risk of space debris or satellite collision and the consequent risks that such actions pose to global security; supports the Commission's objectives of better securing the space-based technologies from these threats and developing new synergies between civil and defence aspects;
Amendment 7 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Space Strategy for Europe, which is of great importance for marine and maritime issues and fishing activities;
Amendment 10 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls the attention for the lack of mention of the relation between Air and Sea, as the absence of the words "ocean" and "marine" demonstrate;
Amendment 11 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Expresses concern that EU cooperation with Russia, for example in the launch of the Galileo and Copernicus satellites, could undermine the security of sensitive space-based systems; underlines the importance of the continues investments and development of launching capacities for EU's space independence and security;
Amendment 14 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes pre-existing bilateral relationships between European countries and the United States should be utilised where appropriate in order to strengthen shared security and defence interests, and to enhance vital capabilities to detect, deter, and respond to, emerging threats in space; reminds that although the United States is our partner, the EU should continue to invest and develop it's own space capacity in order to secure it's independence in this field;
Amendment 14 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recognises that space technologies, data and space based services ‘already contribute to a number of public policies and economic sectors’ including control of fishing activities, forecast and monitoring of shipping routes and detection and monitoring of oil spills;
Amendment 15 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recognises that allowing public authorities to benefit from more permanent and more responsive space- based ocean surveillance capacities will allow them to respond more quickly and to make substantial savings by better targeting their actions and especially while fighting against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing;
Amendment 16 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Underlines the importance of using the newest technology and to encourage the development of new systems to better monitor and combat IUU;
Amendment 17 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Emphasises the importance of Galileo and EGNOS on maritime security and navigation strengthening and improving other international systems and contributing to Europe technological independence;
Amendment 18 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Recalls the Commission for the importance of better coordination between Galileo and EGNOS and the related Copernicus services also concerning safety;
Amendment 19 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3e. Recognises the necessity to develop secure satellite communication systems to meet existing and future needs within the European maritime community, including maritime surveillance based upon Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, which depend heavily on satellite communications;
Amendment 20 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3f. Welcomes the Governmental Satellite Communications initiative of the European Commission (GOVSATCOM);
Amendment 21 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 g (new)
Paragraph 3 g (new)
3g. Emphasises the importance of Copernicus to fully understand climate and meteorology, ocean natural biological processes and anthropogenic aggressions, all crucial issues for fisheries;
Amendment 22 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 h (new)
Paragraph 3 h (new)
3h. Welcomes the recent launch of the Copernicus Marine Service "Ocean State Report" an effort of 80 European scientific experts from more than 25 institutions is a step forward into the development of regular annual reporting on the state and health of the Global Ocean and European Seas based;
Amendment 23 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises the need to make imagery data easily available to different industries, including ocean surface temperature charts for fisheries. Copernicus Marine Environmental Monitoring System, provided by Mercator Ocean, Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring System and Copernicus Climate Change Service, provided by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts should have specific tools for European fisherman and available in relevant European languages;
Amendment 24 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Encourages renewedUrges the EU and the Member States to intensify their efforts at the United Nations to reach agreement on the proposed Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities, promoting international principles for responsible, transparent and, peaceful behaviour in space and prevent a weaponisation of space, given the rapid growth in space activities over recent years with over 70 countries owning satellites and nine countries possessing orbital launch capability;
Amendment 25 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises the need to make imagery data easily available to different industries, including ocean surface temperature charts for fisheries and on the on marine environment;
Amendment 26 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Emphasises the need to substantially reinforce educational and training tools that allow full use of the benefits created by space related tools;
Amendment 28 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Considers that the Space Strategy for Europe needs more ambition with regards to climate change and its impact on marine environment
Amendment 29 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Draws attention to the possibility of dual-use systems to have a breaching risk through hacking; encourages the Commission to emphasise on providing systems with highly secured separations between public and non-public use;
Amendment 29 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Recognises the importance of the Copernicus Relay and Copernicus Academy networks in fostering stakeholder engagement, bringing the regional user dimension to the table and increasing the reach of promotion of Copernicus data and services uptake;
Amendment 30 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4e. Recognises that faster and more precise provision of data will bring increased productivity of fish farmers thanks to the monitoring of harmful algal bloom
Amendment 32 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Agrees that Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus are not yet fully explored and recognises potential on the alliance between public and private sector over space strategy;
Amendment 33 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Reminds that investments in space capabilities research and development have a very high economic return and produce high quality by-products for non- space commercial and public use;
Amendment 35 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises that space technology as well as its in situ components requires large budgets and that it is essential to allocate the necessary resources to this sector in the EU budget;
Amendment 38 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Notes that the Commission proposes to "encourage the uptake of space solutions", in particular by providing technical support in using innovative and cross-border procurement for space solutions;
Amendment 39 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Stresses the importance of improving constantly the search and rescue capabilities and thus encourages the further integration of the Galileo satellite into these type of systems;
Amendment 40 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6e. Considers that the consolidation of existing and future capacities into a real European space-based maritime surveillance system - which will benefit a number of institutional users and whose services could be commercially exploited for export - could be a textbook case for the Commission's innovative ambitions in the space sector;
Amendment 41 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 f (new)
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6f. Supports the development of high speed reliable satellite connection for medical equipment, both for vessels and for the search and rescue teams, who should be able to communicate, send and receive medical data to hospitals in order to decide upon the best course of action as fast as possible;
Amendment 43 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories give an extraordinary dimension and geographic possibilities to Europe, allowing for the development of deployment stations, monitoring facilities and ground-truthing systems all around the globe, and regrets that Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories are not mentioned in the Strategy;
Amendment 44 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Emphasises that priorities on public use of space, including observation, should be related to the legislative needs of European initiatives such as the "Marine Strategy" Framework-Directive;
Amendment 45 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Acknowledges the potential offered by space infrastructures and derived services to efficiently contribute to the objectives of an international ocean governance, e.g. to implement the COP21 agreement and mitigate impact of climate change on oceans, coastlines and ecosystems, to fight marine litter or to promote maritime spatial planning (MSP) at global level;
Amendment 47 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls the importance of ensuring ‘the needs of various EU agencies’, such as the European Maritime Safety Agency and the European Fisheries Control Agency, and emphasises that these institutions will also contribute to the fulfilment of the objectives of the Space Strategy for Europe, and emphasises that these institutions shall also contribute for the fulfilment of the objectives of the Space Strategy for Europe;
Amendment 50 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Recalls that one of the major assets for private sector on the Space Exploration is the development of patents and proprietary information, which should be emphasised in the development of the Space Strategy for Europe;
Amendment 52 #
2016/2325(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Alerts for the rapid development of new technologies that rely on augmented intelligence, cognitive computing and neural systems, none of those items are mentioned in the Space Strategy for Europe;
Amendment 46 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas there are still 74 000 internally displaced persons and a significant number of refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina in neighbouring countries, whole Europe and world-wide, as well as 6 808 missing persons;
Amendment 56 #
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; deems unacceptable that the Government of the Republika Srpska is trying to establish parallel channels of communication by adopting provisions on direct reporting to the European Commission;
Amendment 78 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the progress on the implementation of the 2015-2018 Reform Agenda, as well as the country’s determination to pursue further institutional and socio-economic reforms; stresses that harmonised implementation of the Reform Agenda is needed to achieve real change across the country and to improve the lives of all BiH citizens; calls for the reform momentum to be maintained in order to transform BiH into a fully effective, inclusive and functional state; regrets that common reform efforts often continue to be hampered by ethnic and political divisions, and through further politicization of public administrations; considers it essential to maintain consensus on EU integration and to advance in a concerted manner on the rule of law, including the fight against corruption and organised crime, the reform of the judiciary and public administration;
Amendment 95 #
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, due to the attempts to introduce ethnic blocking into the SAPC's voting rules, and it therefore could not be properly constituted; urges all actors to agree to and accept Rules and procedures of the SAPC based on the recommendation of the European Parliament's opinion on the subject;
Amendment 99 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the local elections of 2 October 2016 have been broadly conducted in an orderly manner; regrets that the citizens of Mostar have again been deprived of their democratic rights to elect their local representatives owing to continued disagreements between political leaders, and urges swift implementation of the Constitutional Court ruling on Mostar; condemns the unacceptable incident in Stolac and calls on all sides to resolve the situation by respecting the rule of law; reiterates that all acts of violence or election irregularities should be investigated and condemned in the clearest possible terms, and any unlawful activities prosecuted;
Amendment 105 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets that the declared political commitment to combat corruption did not translate into tangible results; underlines that there is a lack of track record of high profile cases and that legal and institutional framework for combating systemic corruption like political party finance, public procurement, conflict of interest, and assets declaration is weak and inadequate; acknowledges progress in adopting anti- corruption action plans and setting up corruption prevention bodies at various levels of governance; notes with concern that fragmentation and weak inter- agency cooperation hamper the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures; calls for greater professional specialisation within the police and the judiciary by means of appropriate coordination channels; stresses the need to establish a track record of effective scrutiny of political party and electoral campaign financing;
Amendment 123 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Reiterates its concern about the continued fragmentation into four different legal systems; stresses the needcalls for adoption of the principles of judicial independence and prosecutorial autonomy in Bosnia and Herzegovina constitution in order to strengthen judicial independence, including from political pressure, and to fight corruption in the judiciary; urges the rapid adoption of the action plan for the implementation of the 2014-2018 justice sector reform; welcomes the adoption of the law on free legal aid at state level and the introduction by the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of guidelines on prevention of conflict of interest, the drafting of integrity plans and disciplinary measures; notes the important role of the Structured Dialogue on Justice in addressing the shortcomings in the BiH judiciary; is concerned by the continuous financial and human resource difficulties of the Ombudsperson's Offices and calls for the fast adoption of the law on the reform of the Ombudsperson;
Amendment 130 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Strongly condemns the still effective Law on Order in RS which undermines the fundamental democratic rights of the freedom of assembly, freedom of association and freedom of media, as well as the provision on the death penalty in the RS; urges the full implementation of the Freedom of Access of Information Act; urges the authorities to swiftly implement the additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime concerning the criminalisation of acts of a racist and xenophobic nature committed through computer systems;
Amendment 137 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Regrets that a high number of constitutional court decisions are not being implemented, including in particular those related to the election system, including the Sejdić- Finci ruling, the decision on the RS day, which was contested in the referendum held on 25 September 2016 and the decision concerning the respect of the basic democratic rights of the citizens of Mostar to vote in local elections; calls for constitutional and legislative changes in order to achieve equality of all constitutive peoples and citizens of BiH, as well as to establish a functioning state and democratic society; emphasises that respect for the rule of law and the country’s functioning constitutional framework is of paramount importance for advancing on the EU path;
Amendment 148 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes satisfactory cooperation on war crimes cases with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and encourages more regional cooperation with regard to processing war crimes cases; welcomes the fact that the backlog of domestic war crimes cases is being tackled and that some further progress was achieved in the successful prosecution of war crimes involving sexual violence; reminds all political leaders and institutions in BiH that they have a responsibility to assess war-time events objectively, in the interests of truth, reconciliation and a peaceful future, and to avoid misuse of judiciary for political purposes; strongly condemns the decision of the RS National Assembly in October 2016 to express appreciation to former leaders of the RS convicted of war crimes, as well as entity- wide glorification of persons convicted for the gravest crimes against humanity; calls, as a matter of urgency, for respect for victims of war crimes and for reconciliation to be promoted;
Amendment 153 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes some progress with regard to refugees and internally displaced persons in terms of repossession of property and occupancy rights as well as the reconstruction of houses; calls on the competent authorities to facilitate their access to healthcare, employment, social protection and education, including damage compensation for property that cannot be returned to victims; notes that there are still 74 000 internally displaced persons (7 500 still accommodated in 45 collective centres) and a huge number of refugees; is concerned with persistently high number of missing persons and slow progress in that respect; calls on the authorities to embark on intensive cooperation between the two entities, and strengthen the efforts to find the 6808 persons still missing as a result of the war, including full sharing of all relevant military and intelligence data;
Amendment 167 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes some progress in fighting organised crime; is concerned, however, about the absence of a consistent approach in tackling organised crime owing to the numerous action plans by the various law enforcement agencies at different levels; highlights the need to strengthen the framework for inter-agency cooperation; welcomes joint investigations but calls for more coordinated operations and better exchange of information; calls for enhancing capacities of law enforcement bodies including on counter-terrorism; welcomes the signing of the operational and strategic cooperation agreement with Europol aimed at combating cross-border criminality; calls on the Federation entity to make swift changes to the criminal code that would ban all forms of human trafficking, whose victims are 80% women and girls;
Amendment 171 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls for strengthening mechanisms for collecting, sharing and analysing data on migration as statistics show an increasing trend of people coming to BiH from the high-migratory- risk countries (in 2015 the number was 293 943 individuals); calls on the authorities to integrate these communities into the wider society; draws attention to the fact that there are unintegrated, often undocumented, people living in isolated pockets across BiH, who don't pay taxes and don't respect the country's secular background;
Amendment 179 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls for boosting efforts to combat radicalisation and further measures to identify, prevent and disrupt the flow of foreign fighters as well as channels of untraceable money intended for further radicalization, including by close cooperation with relevant services of the Member States and countries in the region; calls for the introduction of programmes on de-radicalisation and preventing youth radicalisation; is of the opinion that linking various central institutions with local actors would enable early detection of radicalism; calls on the authorities to defend the country's secular Constitution;
Amendment 193 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Deems it essential to enhance public participation in decision-making and to better engage citizens in the EU accession process; notes that civil society is fragmented, institutionally and financially weak; calls for better cooperation mechanisms between government and civil society organisations, including the developing of a strategic framework for cooperation; condemns repeated smear campaigns and violent attacks on CSO representatives and human rights defenders;
Amendment 208 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines the need for a substantial improvement in the strategic, legal, institutional and policy frameworks on the observance of human rights; calls for the adoption of a countrywide strategy on human rights and non-discrimination; is concerned about continued discrimination against persons with disabilities in the fields of employment, education and access to health care; calls for developing a comprehensive and integrated approach to the social inclusion of Roma, and the introduction of programmes on de- radicalisation and the prevention of the radicalisation of Roma population; welcomes the fact that some governments and parliaments have begun discussing LGBTI rights and drawing up specific measures for their protection; welcomes changes to the BiH anti-discrimination law extending the listed grounds for discrimination to age, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity;
Amendment 214 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for efforts to increase the participation of women in political life and employment, to improve their socio- economic situation and to strengthen women’s rights on the whole; notes that legal provisions providing equality between women and men are broadly in place but their implementation continues to be ineffective; is concerned about lack of systematic recording of gender-based violence and calls for urgent harmonisation of adopted laws in that regard (free legal aid, court representation, protective measures, support to victims); is extremely worried about underfunding of safe houses and continuation of work of safe house in Mostar, which closed in early 2016 due to the absence of official financial support, and is now only reopened thanks to donations of international NGOs;
Amendment 223 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Calls on the Government to harmonise legislation and public policies with the Istanbul Convention: to inform women survivors of violence about the available forms of support and assistance, to establish crisis centres for victims of rape or other forms of sexual violence, to criminalise offences of stalking, forced marriage and genital mutilation;
Amendment 252 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Remains concerned by the continued fragmentation, inefficiency and complexity of the education system; calls for countrywide common core curricula and better coordination between the different levels of education governance; continues to be concerned about high proportion of early leavers from education and training, especially males, and the persistently high school-drop-out rates of Roma pupils; regrets the slow progress in addressing and resolving the issue of ‘two schools under one roof’ and other forms of segregation and discrimination in schools;
Amendment 267 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Welcomes the slight reduction in unemployment; remains concerned, however, that unemployment continues to be largely of a structural nature and that youth unemployment continues to be high, resulting in very high levels of brain drain; calls on the competent authorities to introduce active labour market policies targeting in particular the youth, women and the long-term unemployed as well as reinforcing the capacities of the employment services; underlines how market conditions remain adverse for women, with lingering maternity-related discrimination;
Amendment 273 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Commends the adoption of the country-wide Framework transport strategy and action plan in July 2016; calls on the authorities to align the legal framework on transport with the relevant EU legislation to provide the functional transport chains and remove the bottlenecks on corridor Vc;
Amendment 275 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22 b. Welcomes the participation of BiH in "Western Balkans six initiative" and EU Strategy for Adriatic-Ionian region; highlights that agreed EU priority electricity and gas transmission interconnection projects with neighbouring countries are stalled due to lack of political agreement on a country- wide energy strategy; in this regard urges the adoption of country-wide sector strategy on energy, as well as missing strategies on environment and agricultures as they are a key requirement for Bosnia and Herzegovina to benefit fully from IPA funding;
Amendment 277 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 c (new)
Paragraph 22 c (new)
22 c. Notes active engagement of the Joint Parliamentary Committee for Security and Defence in ensuring democratic control over the armed forces of BiH; is concerned by the widespread presence of weapons held illegally by the population and still large stockpiles of ammunition and weapons under the responsibility of the armed forces; urges a comprehensive approach to address the remaining challenges of clearing the country of mines by 2019; calls on the Commission and HR/VP to enhance its aid in these activities;
Amendment 281 #
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; 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 BiHnotes with disappointment that BiH did not align itself with Council decisions introducing EU restrictive measures in the context of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and events in eastern Ukraine; 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; welcomes the continued presence of Operation Althea, which retains the capability to contribute to the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities' deterrence capacity if the situation so requires while focusing on capacity building and training;
Amendment 11 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Albania has made steady and constant progress in its EU accession process; whereas further implementation of, inter alia, the judicial reform package, in particular the vetting law, electoral reform and the so-called decriminalisation law is important in strengthening citizens’ trust in their public institutions and political representatives;
Amendment 14 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas challenges still persist and need to be addressed swiftly and efficiently in a spirit of dialogue, cooperation and compromise between government and opposition in order to make further progress on its path to EU accession;
Amendment 19 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the EU has highlighted the need to strengthen economic governance, the rule of law and public administration capacities in all of the Western Balkan countries;
Amendment 38 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes Albania’s continuous progress on EU-related reforms, in particular the adoption of constitutional amendments paving the way for a deep and 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 47 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Fully supports Albania’s accession to the EU, and calls for the accession negotiations to be opened as soon as there is credible and sustainable progress in the implementation of judicial reform, fight against organized crime and corruption 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 52 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates that a constructive dialogue, sustainable political cooperation and a willingness to compromise is crucial for the success of the reforms and for; underlines that lack of political cooperation and polarisation undermine the entire EU accession process;
Amendment 60 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Commends the consensual adoption of the constitutional amendments for judicial reform and the adoption of laws on the institutional reorganisation of the judiciary in close cooperation with the Venice Commission; calls for the swift adoption and implementation of all relevant accompanying laws and by-laws, in particular the law on the re-evaluation (vetting) of judges, prosecutors and legal advisors as an important instrument to fight corruption in Albania; notes that the application of the vetting law has been suspended by the Constitutional Court, and that the latter has requested the opinion of the Venice Commission on its constitutionality; reiterates that a comprehensive judicial reform is a major demand by Albania’s citizens for 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 70 #
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; stresses that administration of justice continue to be slow and inefficient; notes the lack of progress in the filling of vacancies at the High Court and the administrative courts and the effective use of the unified case management system; 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;
Amendment 77 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Ad-Hoc Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform to finalise its review of the electoral code while addressing all previous OSCE/ODIHR recommendations; calls on the competent authorities to ensure implementation in due time before the upcoming parliamentary elections of June 2017; recalls that all political parties are responsible for in order to address the lack of impartiality and professionalism in the electoral administration; calls on all political actors that ensuring thatfair and democratic elections are conducted in compliance with international standards is an important precondition to further advance the EU accession process; calls 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 lists; calls on the authorities to encourage CSOs to actively participate in the overview of the whole electoral process;
Amendment 83 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Stresses the fact that around 2 million citizens of Albania living abroad are not able to cast their vote in the upcoming elections which is a basic constitutional right; calls on authorities to make further efforts that allows for the adoption and implementation of the necessary reforms in order to provide voting right for Albanians who live abroad;
Amendment 95 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes the efforts towards a more citizen-friendly public administration and steady progress in the implementation of public administration reform; calls for further progress in strengthening the application of the Civil Service Law and the Law on Administrative Procedures, in order to safeguard the independence of regulatory bodies, improve recruitment procedures based on merit and performance, and enhance institutional and human resource capacities, with a view to ensuring efficient conduct of EU accession negotiations; calls for enhancing the authority, autonomy, efficiency and resources of human rights structures, such as the office of the Ombudsman; commends the National Council for European Integration on its initiatives to enhance the capacities of public administration and civil society in monitoring the implementation of accession-related reforms;
Amendment 99 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Takes notes of the implementation of the territorial reform; stresses that substantial efforts are needed to increase the financial and administrative capacity of the newly created local government units; calls for the establishment of a consultative council between the central and local governments;
Amendment 104 #
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 corruption remains prevalent in many areas and key anti-corruption institutions continue to be subject to political interference and have limited administrative capacities; notes that poor interinstitutional cooperation and exchange of information continue to hamper proactive investigation and effective prosecution of corruption; stresses the need for a more adequate legal framework for conflicts of interest, regulating lobbying and better interinstitutional cooperation, especially between police and prosecution services, with a view to improving their track record as regards investigation, prosecution and conviction, including in high level cases; in view of the upcoming parliamentary elections, calls for effective oversight of political party financing;
Amendment 114 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the continued implementation of the strategy and action plan on the fight against organised crime and intensified international police cooperation; welcomes recent operations against drug plantations; notes, however, that police and prosecution fail to identify criminal gangs behind drug cultivation; calls also for organised crime networks to be dismantled and for the number of final convictions in organised crime cases to be increased, by enhancing cooperation between police and prosecution services and by strengthening institutional and operational capacities; underlines the need to step up efforts to prevent human trafficking, in particular as regards unaccompanied children and child victims of trafficking;
Amendment 127 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes the improving EU-related cooperation between state institutions and civil society organisations (CSOs), including their participation in meetings of the National Council on European Integration (NCEI); stressesnotes that an empowered civil society is a crucial component of any democratic system; stresses, therefore, the need for even closer coordination at all levels of government, including at local level, with CSOs; calls for the effective implementation of the right to information and public consultation and for better regulation of the fiscal framework affecting CSOs;
Amendment 136 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Urges the competent authorities to actively promote respect of human rights and continue improving the climate of inclusion and tolerance for all minorities and other vulnerable groups in the country, including by enhancing the role of the State Committee on Minorities; as regardsunderlines the need to improve the living conditions for 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 147 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Recalls that institutional mechanisms to protect the rights of the child and to tackle gender-based violence remain poor; calls for better policy implementation and better inter- institutional cooperation in order to tackle social exclusion and discrimination effectively; stresses the need for additional efforts in order to develop a track record of anti-discrimination cases;
Amendment 164 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Commends religious tolerance and good cooperation among religious communities; encourages the competent authorities and religious communities to cooperate in preserving and fostering religious harmony; notes that Albania has been affected by the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters and a number of unauthorized mosques in the country present risks of radicalisation; considers it essential to prevent Islamic radicalisation, including through disengagement and reintegration of returning foreign fighters, to counter violent extremism in cooperation with CSOs and religious communities, and to intensify regional and international cooperation in this area;
Amendment 173 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. 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 in the Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA); with a view to upcoming parliamentary elections, calls for additional efforts to fully guarantee the independence of the Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA) and of the public broadcaster; calls for measures to raise the professional and ethical standards of and prevalence of regular work contracts for journalists, to enhance the transparency of government advertising in the media and to ensure the independence of the regulatory authority and the public broadcaster;
Amendment 182 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Commends that according to the Institute of Statistic in Albania (INSTAT) the level of unemployment in Albania decreased at the lowest level during the last three years; stresses the need to rise the quality of education at all levels in order to better equip people with skills and knowledge in line with labour market needs;
Amendment 40 #
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) and stresses its importance in the process of promoting European values among the young generation;
Amendment 126 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls on the Commission to continue the work on migration related issues with all the countries of the Western Balkans, in order to ensure that European and international norms and standards are followed; welcomes the work done so far and underlines that adequate IPA funding should be set aside to this end;
Amendment 129 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that, while some progress has been made in the area relating to the judiciary, in particular by taking steps to harmonise jurisprudence and further promoting a merit-based recruitment system, judicial independence is not assured in practice; regrets that the constitutional and legislative framework is not yet in line with European standards thus leaving scope for undue political influence in the recruitment and appointment of judges; stresses that the quality and efficiency of the judiciary and access to justice remain undermined by an uneven distribution of the workload, a burdensome case backlog and the lack of a free legal aid system;
Amendment 146 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Notes that public enterprises remain particularly vulnerable to corruption; urges the further development of independent supervision for the detection of potential cases of conflicts of interest in the management of state-owned companies, in privatization procedures, public-private partnerships and in relation to strategic investment partnerships; stresses that the excessive recourse to the provision on abuse of office in the private sector in the criminal code is harmful to the business climate and hampers legal certainty;
Amendment 149 #
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; has taken note of the controversial events in Belgrade’s Savamala district and calls for calls for the implementation of the February 2016 law on the police, which provides for better separation of tasks between the police and the Ministry of Interior; urges the alignment with EU rules of the law on the confiscation of criminal assets, notably as regards their swift resolutiond-party confiscation, extended confiscation and precautionary freezing of assets;
Amendment 160 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Expresses concern over the failure of the authorities to bring to justice the organizers and perpetrators of the unlawful demolition of properties in the Belgrade Savamala district on 24 April 2016; underlines that the authorities must carry out thorough investigations and bring those responsible to justice;
Amendment 163 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Recalls that Serbia criminalised already in 2014 the activity of foreign fighters in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2178(2014); urges the adoption of the national strategy to prevent and fight terrorism finalised in March 2016;
Amendment 165 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the continued initiatives by the Government Office for Cooperation with Civil Society aimed at improving cooperation between the state and the civil sector and at enhancing the legal, financial and institutional framework for the development of civil society; welcomes the measures taken to improve transparency and the consultation process within the parliament in the area of EU negotiations, including public hearings and regular meetings and consultations witthrough the National Convent on European Integration; stresses that further efforts are needed to ensure the systematic inclusion of civil society in policy dialogue; underlines, in this regard, that civil society should not be considered as a disturbing element of political and public life but as a tool to improve the standards of democratic governance; 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 EU Delegation was not able to present the Commission’s report in the European Integrations Committee of the Serbian Parliament;
Amendment 178 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Calls on the authorities to ensure fair and free elections in April 2017 and, in this respect, to swiftly implement the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations following the elections in 2014 and 2016; is particularly concerned about smear campaigns against some opposition figures and presidential candidates, which have undermined democratic standards and procedures;
Amendment 191 #
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; notes with regret that the Ombudsman is constantly exposed to severe verbal attacks by leading government officials;
Amendment 201 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines that the legislative and institutional framework for observance of international human rights law is in place; stresses that consistent implementation across the whole country is needed; notes that further sustained efforts are needed to improve the situation of persons belonging to vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, persons with HIV/AIDS and; underlines the need for the Serbian authorities and all political parties and public figures to facilitate the emergence of a climate of tolerance and inclusion in Serbia, notably as regards LGBTI persons;
Amendment 218 #
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 threats, violence and intimidation against journalists remain an issue of concern; calls on the authorities to fully investigate any cases of attacks against journalists and media outlephysical attacks, attacks on property and threats against journalists and media outlets; calls on the authorities to swiftly bring to justice those responsible for such actions and to ensure final judicial rulings on the unresolved cases of murdered journalists; calls for the full implementation of media laws; underlines the need for complete transparency in media ownership and funding of media;
Amendment 257 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes the fact that SerbiaIs seriously concerned with recent rising tensions in the region and the deterioration of Serbia´s relations with its neighbors; insists that regional reconciliation and the European integration process are in the best political and economic interest of Serbia and its neighbors; calls in this respect on Serbia to remains constructively committed to bilateral relations with other enlargement countries and neighbouring EU Member States; has taken positive note of the fact that Serbia has shown an increasinglyencourages Serbia to maintain its constructive engagement in regional cooperation initiatives such as the South- East Europe Cooperation Process, the Regional Cooperation Council, the Central European Free Trade Agreement, the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, the Brdo process, the Western Balkan Six initiative and its connectivity agenda and the Berlin process; calls on Serbia to implement the connectivity reform measures associated with the connectivity agenda; underlines that outstanding bilateral disputes should not have a detrimental effect on the accession process; welcomes the adoption of a national strategy for the investigation and prosecution of war crimes; notes that the mandate of the former War Crimes Prosecutor expired in December 2015; stresses that the appointment of his successor is a matter of serious concern; calls for the implementation of this strategy and the adoption of an operational prosecutorial strategy; calls for full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY); urges the authorities to continue working on the issue of the fate of missing persons; regrets the hostile rhetoric and controversial statements directed at Serbia´s neighbors coming from top government officials;
Amendment 307 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Regrets the presence of the President of Serbia, along with other senior government officials, at the so called "Republika Srpska Day", a celebration which has been declared unconstitutional by BiH´s Supreme Court; calls on the Serbian authorities to support constitutional reforms in BiH in order to strengthen the country´s capacity to function and carry out EU accession talks; underlines that the unequivocal and principled condemnation of war crimes committed in the region is the cornerstone of regional stability and essential for EU integration; reiterates its call on government officials to refrain from gestures such as publicly endorsing individuals convicted for war crimes;
Amendment 312 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22 b. Notes that a non-authorized train, covered with Serbian political and religious symbols and launched by the director of Serbia´s 'Office for Kosovo and Metohija', was scheduled to travel from Belgrade to Kosovska Mitrovica on 14 January 2017 and was stopped by Kosovar authorities; expresses deep concern over this incident and over the inflammatory rhetoric of Serbia´s highest ranking politicians linked thereto; underlines that similar gestures cannot be justified by the upcoming elections in Serbia and can seriously jeopardize the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina; urges both the Serbian and Kosovar authorities to refrain from hostile actions and statements which could hamper the normalisation process;
Amendment 20 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
- having regard to the decision of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on 24 April 2017 to reopen the monitoring procedure in respect of Turkey over serious concerns about respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law,
Amendment 30 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
- having regard to the fact that Turkey is assessed as being in 155th place in the World Press Freedom Index, published on 26 April 2017, ranked lower than ever before and as one of the countries where journalists suffered the most threats, physical attacks, judicial harassment, including detention and prison sentences,
Amendment 40 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
- having regard to the fact that Turkey has been admirably hospitable to the large number of refugees living in the country,
Amendment 85 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the strategic importance of good EU-Turkey relations for both sides; recognises that both Turkey and the EU have gone through their own internal transformation processes since the accession negotiations were opened in 2004; regrets that the accession instruments have not been used to the fullest extent and that, over the years, Turkey’s full integration into the EU has lost public support on both sides; remains committed to cooperating and maintaining an open dialogue with the Turkish Government, in order to address common challenges; recommends that the Council urgently invite the Turkish Government to a summit to discuss the obvious crisis in EU-Turkey relations that we are faced with;
Amendment 120 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to suspformally end the accession talks with Turkey if the constitutional package is implemented unchanged, as Turkey no longer meets the Copenhagen political criteria as regards democracy, rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities;
Amendment 122 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls for the current stalled accession negotiation process to be replaced with a renewed political engagement between the EU and Turkey on economic cooperation, including issues such as deepening the Customs Union and visa free travel but also on shared geopolitical challenges such as the ongoing civil war in Syria and the fight against Daesh, and refugee and migration related issues; underlines that the new EU-Turkey relations could be established on the basis of a new Association Agreement and should contain conditionality provisions on respect for democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, but also aim at increasing people-to-people contacts, such as student exchanges, scientific and university cooperation and visa liberalisation;
Amendment 130 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Points out that Turkey must abide by its commitments as a member of the Council of Europe and that any deepening of the EU's contractual relationship with Turkey will be impossible, if the death penalty is re- introduced; calls on Turkey to remain in compliance with its Council of Europe commitments and to implement constitutional and judicial changes and reforms in cooperation with the Venice Commission;
Amendment 131 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Underlines that if a referendum on the introduction of capital punishment is organised in Turkey, no voting should be allowed to be organised in EU Member States, stresses that there is no place for campaigning events or big rallies in favour of the death penalty to be organised inside the European Union;
Amendment 139 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that measures undertaken following the declaration of the state of emergency have targeted alleged members/supporters of the Gülen movement, dissent in general and political parties of the opposition in particular; strongly condemns the imprisonment of 13 MPs belonging to the People’s Democratic Party (HDP), including its co-chairs, and of 90 Kurdish municipal mayors; urges the Turkish Government to lift the state of emergency immediately; underlines that the reintroduction of the death penalty would violate Turkey’s international commitments and lead to an immediate end to the EU accession talks;
Amendment 181 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Underline that the Turkish Grand National Assembly should be the central institution in Turkish democracy, and represent all citizens on equal terms, regrets the high electoral threshold as a distortion of true political representativity;
Amendment 225 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. WelcomesCalls for the deepening of EU- Turkey relations in key areas of joint interest, such as counter-terrorism, migration, energy, the economy and trade; believes EU-Turkey cooperation in these areas towill be an investment in the stability and prosperity of both Turkey and the EU;
Amendment 277 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to take into account the latest developments in Turkey wpresent a plan on how to replace then conducting the mid-term review of theurrent Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) funds in 2017, and to suspend all pre-accession funds if Turkey no longer sufficiently complies with the EU’s Copenhagen criteria; calls on the Commission to use those funds to support Turkish civil societyby a more targeted and tailor- made fund for the support of Turkish civil society, the rule of law, democracy and judicial reforms and to invest more in people-to-people exchange programmes, such as Erasmus+ for students;
Amendment 338 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Calls for a closer cooperation and coordination and strategic alignment of foreign policy challenges between the EU and Turkey; is of the opinion that the Turkish Foreign Minister should be invited to attend foreign affairs Council meetings on a case by case basis given Turkey's geostrategic position;
Amendment 343 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18 b. Recalls Turkey's strategic importance for EU's energy security as a key transit country, particularly considering the EU's strained relations with Russia, which is the EU's main gas provider; points to the three Southern Gas Corridor projects approved at the end of 2013, which will enhance the security of gas supply for Turkey and access to the EU as the main energy market; takes the view that in a context of increasingly competing energy markets and the need for diversified energy sources, Turkey, with its high potential of renewables, could provide an important contribution to the EU's energy security and its ambitions regarding energy diversification;
Amendment 13 #
2016/2305(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the considerable amount of investment needed to secure a gigabit society and the challenges this poses for investors, operators and service providers; points out that in the next decade an additional EUR 155 billion is required to deliver gigabit connectivity for the Digital Single Market, which will contribute to economic growth, job creation, competitiveness and cohesion in Europe; acknowledges the critical importance of further investment to lower unit prices for consumers;
Amendment 20 #
2016/2305(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses that all EU regions should benefit from the advantages of the gigabit society, which would make a significant contribution to boosting regional competitiveness and open up access to high-tech investment;
Amendment 34 #
2016/2305(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to ensure that Member States, local authorities and other partners are able to engage with the complex range of grants, financial instruments and public-private partnerships that are available for connectivity projects; takes the view that better cooperation at local and regional level is needed to extend fixed networks and guarantee gigabit connectivity in order to offer beneficiaries competitive offers and attractive prices with the aim of driving new investments; acknowledges the establishment of the Broadband Fund but urges the EIB and the Commission to focus efforts on improving existing programmes that support the IT sector, such as Horizon 2020, rather than creating new ones;
Amendment 35 #
2016/2305(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to ensure that Member States, local authorities and other partners are able to engage with the complex range of grants, financial instruments and public-private partnerships that are available for connectivity projects; acknowledges the establishment of the Broadband Fund but urges the EIB and the Commission to focus efforts on improving existing programmes that support the IT sector, such as Horizon 2020, rather than creating new ones; calls on Member State authorities to make efforts to inform end- users of the advantages of broadband and 5G internet;
Amendment 9 #
2016/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas there is space for improving the monitoring and evaluation of technical assistance despite the fact that there is more result orientation in the 2014- 2020 programming period and that almost half of this period has elapsed;
Amendment 26 #
2016/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Takes note of the establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP), and recognises its potential benefits for cohesion policy, among other areas; considers, however, that in case of a possible prolongation of the programme, resources should not be taken away from ESI Funds technical assistance; calls on the Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, to ensure maximum coordination between the actions financed by the SRSP and the technical assistance provided under the ESI Funds;
Amendment 49 #
2016/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Highlights that the 2019 performance review wille need for an intermediate performance review, followed by a programme review in 2019, to shed some light on the results of the use of technical assistance in the 2014-2020 programming period buand ensure that these willdo not come too late for the discussions on the post 2020-period;
Amendment 53 #
2016/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Is concerned that in certain Member States technical assistance does not reach the local and regional authorities in an effective way; highlights that it is crucial toeir need for suitable information campaigns and the establishment of sound communication channels between the different levels of governance in order to successfully implement the ESI Funds, but also to restore trust in the effective functioning of the EU and its policies in the eyes of the public and the competent authorities;
Amendment 3 #
2016/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas climate change will make the Arctic region accessible to commercial fisheries in the next years, which, given the very sensitive nature of the region, must be developed with the greatest care;
Amendment 6 #
2016/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas there are 633 fish species in the Arctic Ocean and Adjacent Seas (AOAS), of which only 58 are currently exploited because of environmental restrains, but more might be added in the near future, which would increase the pressure on the environment;
Amendment 10 #
2016/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the Arctic region has a particular biodiversity ecosystem and a great variety of habitats, which without further analysis and studies we cannot fully understand; whereas there are species which have been studied too little to fully understand how the stocks adapt to climate change and recover for commercial fisheries;
Amendment 12 #
2016/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas exploitation in a region as the Arctic should be done in a sustainable manner based on the precautionary approach;
Amendment 14 #
2016/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the Arctic countries should consider creating, in the future, a specific RFMO and MPAs following the models already in place;
Amendment 16 #
2016/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
Ec. whereas the indigenous population of the Arctic has the right to use the natural resources in their area and should thus be part of any future plans for commercial fishing;
Amendment 17 #
2016/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Ed. whereas the development of a framework regarding marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction under the UNCLOS would and should include the Arctic region;
Amendment 25 #
2016/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Commission to support and encourage the Arctic countries to further work on extending the information and analysis available regarding all the stocks in the region;
Amendment 35 #
2016/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Supports that any development of commercial fishing to be done in compliance with all international agreements, including the UNCLOS and the UNFSA;
Amendment 1 #
2016/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes the view that excellence and competitiveness should remain the underlying principles of the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, while the ESI Funds should target regional growth and cohesion; is therefore opposed to any criteria or quotas in the new Framework Programme which aim to influence geographic distribution or cohesion;aking into consideration the objective to widen the participation of researchers from all Member states. The ESI Funds should target regional growth and cohesion; considers important to avoid any discriminatory effect of the Programmes’ implementation and to ensure a balanced development of research activities across the European Union as well as equal opportunities for all EU researchers.
Amendment 3 #
2016/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes the view that excellence and competitiveness should remain the underlying principles of the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, while the ESI Funds should target regional growth and cohesion; is therefore opposed to any criteria or quotas in the new Framework Programme which aim to influence geographic distribution or cohesion; nevertheless the selection of Project should be based on objective criteria and not on subjective criteria related with the perception of the graphical development of a Member State.
Amendment 18 #
2016/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the divergences in aims and focuneed to enhance synergies between the Framework Programme and the ESI Funds; takes the view, howevrecalls in particular the difficulties due to the different state-aid rules which are applied depending on whether, that efforts must be made to maximise synergies at programme level;e Union funding is centrally managed or not; recommends that the same state-aid controlled rules are applied for all EU funding for RDI, whatever the sources of funding
Amendment 43 #
2016/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Takes the view that effective investments in R&I from the ESI Funds can only take place if Member States have their framework conditions in order; calls, therefore, for a closer linkage between country-specific recommendations for structural reformsconcerning R&I and investments in R&I;
Amendment 53 #
2016/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Recognises that the ceilings of the researchers’ salaries are a barrier for Cohesion countries to apply for Horizon 2020 projects and calls on the Commission to eliminate the difference in ceilings of salaries of European researchers and eliminate the current brain drain.
Amendment 69 #
2016/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. For example, there should be identical rules regarding cost reporting/eligibility of costs for the priority area “innovation and research” in ESI funds and for FP9. The approximation of rules regarding the use of ESI funds and of the Framework Programme would lead to considerable simplification. Regarding project implementation, the Participant Portal of the Framework Programme should also be used for R&I projects funded by ESI funds, since the research community is already used to it.
Amendment 75 #
2016/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Welcomes the simplification initiatives introduced for the implementation measures; however, it points out that Horizon 2020 is still too complex and strongly recommends further improvements to simplify the future FP and to ensure a uniform implementation of it. In the next Framework Programme specific attention should be given to achieve a simple, clear and explainable structure of the FP and of all the initiatives funded by it; it should comprise a clear and easy to comprehend structure and a single set of instruments.
Amendment 3 #
2016/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Annual Report of the Commission and recalls that the goal of enhancing regional cohesion should always be accompanied by the protection of the EU’s financial interests; stresses that the fight against fraud is a joint responsibility of the Member States and the European Commission; notes that the fight against fraudulent or non-fraudulent irregularities also increases the general effectiveness of EU fund management;
Amendment 15 #
2016/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to enhance the harmonisation of classification, detection and reporting of irregularities between Member States; stresses the importance of having a standard definition of errors in the Member States and of establishing the difference between errors and fraud; welcomes, however, the preventive and corrective measures taken by the Commission to avoid fraudulent or not fraudulent irregularities; stresses the need to step up efforts aimed at the early detection of errors and to set up a working group to correct irregularities;
Amendment 21 #
2016/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Welcomes the Member States’ initiatives to adopt a joint anti-fraud strategy, and calls on the Commission to step up efforts to extend the strategy to all the Member States;
Amendment 25 #
2016/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Appreciates the efforts made by the Member States to detect, evaluate and report irregularities and to implement effective and proportionate anti-fraud measures; stresses that action to combat fraud should not be an obstacle to development; calls on the Commission also to use technical assistance in order to help strengthen the technical and administrative capacity of managing authorities to ensure effective control systems able to reduce the risks of fraud; invites the Member States to identify ways of guaranteeing investments with a view to recovering losses caused by fraud;
Amendment 38 #
2016/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recommends that steps be taken to improve the uptake of simplification measures for 2014-2020 with a view to the post-2020 regulatory framework for ESI Funds as a tool to reduce the risk of irregularities caused by errors; asks the Member States to remedy the problems linked to the late reporting of irregularities; stresses that the detection of minor errors should not lead to the suspension of funding programmes;
Amendment 44 #
2016/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Points out that the bureaucratic burden and lack of consistency between EU and Member State legislation are contributing to the increase in the number of errors; regrets that strict rules and complex procedures are making financing from EU funds less attractive;
Amendment 48 #
2016/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the need to conduct communication campaigns and take awareness-raising measures to inform citizens of the effectiveness of the anti- fraud measures put in place so as to avoid misconceptions regarding error rates and the number of frauds committed, also taking into account examples of communication best practices in the Member States; recommends improving transparency and facilitating access to information on irregularities; stresses the importance of a more efficient exchange of information between Member States.
Amendment 54 #
2016/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Expresses its concern regarding the ability of cooperation between all the control structures in Member States; calls on the Commission and Member States to support initiatives to strengthen the capacity of coordination between control structures, especially those that act in the first line of control in relationship with the beneficiaries.
Amendment 56 #
2016/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Considers disturbing the poor communication between Member States and OLAF; Invites the Commission and Member States to promote initiatives that lead to improved communication between public structures but also of civil society in EU Member States and OLAF; stresses that this is important for combating corruption in the Member States.
Amendment 57 #
2016/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Underlines the need to conduct campaigns to strengthen the public confidence in OLAF. Calls on the Commission and Member States to promote the actions of OLAF; stresses that this is important to strength OLAF capacity to cope with the increased number of investigations in order to combat fraud in the EU.
Amendment 58 #
2016/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Recommends to improve transparency at all levels of management on projects implemented with external funds; highlights that this is important to protect the EU budget.
Amendment 59 #
2016/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6e. Expresses its concern regarding the disparity between the information received by OLAF from the Member States, from public sources and private sources; calls on the European Commission to support initiatives aimed to increase the collection of public information and calls on Member States to increase the quality of data provided.
Amendment 60 #
2016/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 f (new)
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6f. Recalls that the simplification of procedures for the beneficiaries in order to access ESI funds is required; call on the European Commission to support initiatives to simplify these procedures; stresses that this is crucial for preventing irregularities as fraud and corruption.
Amendment 18 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas coastal communities throughout the Mediterranean Member States are highly dependent on fisheries and especially on small scale fisheries and are thus endangered by the lack of sustainability of the fish stocks;
Amendment 35 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Stresses that without the awareness, full support and implication of the coastal communities, who have to be informed about the dangers of depleting stocks and species for their economic and social future, the management measures and regulations will not reach their full potential;
Amendment 45 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Notes that recreational fishing has a high economic revenue for the local communities, through activities like tourism, and has a small environmental impact and should thus be encouraged;
Amendment 51 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that, according to the FAO, a precautionary approach to the conservation, management and exploitation of living marine resources should be applied, in order to protect and preserve the marine environment as a whole and to highlight that the lack of scientific information must not be an excuse to postpone conservation and management measures, or to make them fail; at the same time, it underlines the importance of socio-economic impact assessments for local communities when conservation management measures are put in place;
Amendment 63 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Reminds that coastal communities have a big influence on the efficiency of measures targeting the prevention, detection and identification of IUU fishing;
Amendment 111 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls on Member States and the Commission to support, give all possible assistance and work together with third countries to better fight IUU in the whole Mediterranean;
Amendment 123 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Considers that the Commission should issue guidelines on how best to use funding from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and the European Neighbourhood Instrument; is of the view that the Commission should do its best to assist both Member States and non-EU states in using all available funds in the most efficient way;
Amendment 137 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Observes that, despite the recent improvements, the number of stocks without a real assessment of their status remains high and that the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) deplores the fact that we have witnessed an actual reduction in the number of assessments, from 44 in 2012 to a mere 15 in 2014; underlines the importance of encouraging and supporting an increase in the number of studies and an increase in the species covered by them;
Amendment 146 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Stresses out that a better understanding of the economic and social impact of different type of fisheries, especially small scale and recreational would help in determining the best management measures;
Amendment 5 #
2016/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Reminds the Commission that aquatic species illegal trafficking also affects the economic development of coastal communities and the environment suitability of our waters;
Amendment 9 #
2016/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Reminds the Commission that many aquatic species are also in danger of being extinct, which will affect the sustainability of many ecosystems;
Amendment 13 #
2016/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Commission to include in the new action plan cooperation mechanism between the fight against IUU fishing and the strategies developed for fighting wildlife trafficking;
Amendment 27 #
2016/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Amendment 32 #
2016/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Suggest that the system of issuing yellow and red cards to third countries who are not cooperating in the fight against IUU fishing, might also be used as a mechanism for combating wildlife trafficking;
Amendment 36 #
2016/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Stresses the importance of traceability in determining the origin and the routes of wildlife trafficking in the EU in order to better combat it;
Amendment 52 #
2016/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Reminds that awareness-raising among the citizen regarding the impact of wildlife trafficking and the importance of the traceability of the products is essential in combating illegal activities by reducing their market;
Amendment 13 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers that while strong political alliances based on common interests and shared values should continue to be the basis of the ACP partnership, a further cooperation on global issues should be strengthened and the adequate mechanisms created so as to effectively tackle better the global challenges of today, such as climate change and water, energy, food security, migration flows, terrorism, extremism, international criminality, biodiversity, health and financial issues among others;
Amendment 26 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises the negative effects of 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, completingBelieves that the future EU-ACP relations should as far as possible, be based on the most advantageous regional integration processes, protecting traditional agriculture, and combating land grabbing, the privatisation of national natural resources and public services, and over- exploitation;
Amendment 37 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Highlights that the future partnership framework should allow for a comprehensive approach to peace and security and that, in this regard, sufficient planning and coordination should be established so as to avoid existing and possible duplications between regional and national support by the EU member states and ACP countries;
Amendment 39 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Considers that EU-ACP partnership should try to engage further with other partners at the global level (such as AU or UN) and other international powers wherever possible, and work on an enhanced coordination and cooperation, without duplicating work or missions in order to tackle the challenges of wars, internal conflicts, insecurity, fragility and transition;
Amendment 44 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Believes that the provisions on peace and security should be strengthened further and that the future partnership should provide for a more effective joint action on conflict prevention, including early warning and mediation, peace- building and tackling transnational security challenges in order to confront the current trans-regional security threats related to terrorism and violent extremisms, all forms of trafficking, including of human beings, of weapons and of drugs, as well as piracy by which EU and ACP countries are affected;
Amendment 46 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Recalls that the respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law, good governance as well as other essential elements that figure in article 9 of the Cotonou Agreement constitute the foundation of the ACP-EU partnership; highlights the necessity of the respect of human rights and the importance of part 2 of article 9 of the current Cotonou Agreement and the democratic clause in it established and further developed in article 96; reminds of the importance of fully implementing those articles when necessary;
Amendment 48 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 e (new)
Paragraph 2 e (new)
2e. Stresses that different CPA mechanisms such as political dialogue, financial support, appropriate measures, suspension of development cooperation, among others should be further enhanced in order to effectively contribute to the improvement of human rights, democracy, rule of law and good governance, especially the fight against corruption;
Amendment 50 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 88 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 13 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas in recent years the security situation in and around Europe has significantly worsened and has created arduous challenges that no single country or organisation is able to face alone; whereas Europe is experiencing the threat of terrorism in its territory more than ever, while terrorism and a constant violence plague in North Africa and the Middle East continue to expand; whereas solidarity and resilience requires the EU to stand and to act together, and to do so in concert with our allies; whereas the fight against terrorism is a priority for the EU and should be engaged within as well as outside the EU’'s borders;
Amendment 24 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas terrorism, hybrid threats, economic volatility, cyber and energy insecurity, organized crime and climate change constitute the bigger security threats of an everyday more complex and interconnected world in which the EU should do its best and search the means in order to guarantee security and deliver prosperity and democracy.
Amendment 27 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas internal and external security are increasingly blurred; whereas especial attention should be brought to preventing conflict, addressing the root causes of instability and assuring human security;
Amendment 28 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas HR/VP MOGHERINI has outlined The Security of the Union as one of its top 5 priorities in its Global strategy for the European Union's Foreign and Security Policy published last June;
Amendment 31 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the security and defence building capacity enshrined in the Treaties has yet to be accomplished; whereas it is the responsibility of the Member States to build a European Security and Defence Union; whereas Member States have so far shown a lack of will to build it fearing that such European Security and Defence Union would become a threat to their national sovereignty;
Amendment 62 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas EU battle groups, which reached full operational capability in 2007, and which are designed to be used for military tasks of a humanitarian, peacekeeping and peacemaking nature, have not yet been used; highlights that this represents a missed opportunity of strengthening the EU's role as an important global player for stability and peace;
Amendment 69 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas except for the creation of the European Defence Agency (EDA), none of the other missing elements of the EU common security and defence policy have so far been conceived, decided or implemented; whereas the EDA still needs to be harnessed to develop its full potential; encourages all Member States to participate and commit to the EDA in order to realise this goal;
Amendment 76 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy requires that the EU systematically encourage defence cooperation, over the full spectrum of capabilities, in order to respond to external crises, help build our partners’ capacities, to guarantee Europe’s safety, and to create a solid European defence industry, which is critical for Europe’s autonomy of decision and action;
Amendment 122 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Believes that a strengthened European defence cooperation would lead to a higher effectiveness, unity, efficiency as well as an increase of EU assets, EU capabilities and positive potential effects on defence research and industrial matters. Highlights that only through such deeper cooperation that should gradually develop into a real European Defence Union, the EU and its member States would acquire the technological and industrial capabilities necessary to enable to act quicker, autonomously, effectively and addressing today's threats in a responsive and efficient manner;
Amendment 124 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Believes that the EDU should be based in a strong financial cooperation and support and therefore the financial rules at EU level should be revised in order to accomplish this purpose;
Amendment 137 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that the Member States which are willingEncourages all Member States to make more binding commitments to one another shouldby establishing permanent structured cooperation within the Union framework; encourages those Member States to establish multinational forces within the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and make these forces available to the common security and defence policy; believes that the Council should normally entrust the implementation of a peace-keeping, conflict prevention and strengthening international security task to those multinational forces; is convinced that the EU battle group system should be further developed to that end; underlines that PESCO is open to all Member States;
Amendment 196 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the joint declaration by the presidents of the European Council and the Commission, and the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization of 8 July 2016; emphasises the need for stronger cooperation between the EU and NATO in the area of security and defence; is convinced that EU-NATO cooperation should involve building resilience together in the east and the south as well as defence investment; considers that cooperation on capabilities offers the prospect of improving compatibility and synergy between both frameworks; is convinced that this would also strengthen NATO’'s role in security and defence policy, and in collective defence; However, insists that while NATO's role to protect its mainly European members from any external attack, the EU should aspire to be truly able to defend itself and act autonomously if necessary, taking a greater responsibility in this by improving equipment, training and organization;
Amendment 203 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the joint declaration by the presidents of the European Council and the Commission, and the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization of 8 July 2016; emphasises the need for stronger cooperation between the EU and NATO in the area of security and defence; is convinced that EU-NATO cooperation should involve building resilience together in the east and the south as well as defence investment; considers that cooperation on technological, industrial and military capabilities offers the prospect of improving compatibility and synergy between both frameworks ensuring greater efficiency of resources; is convinced that this would also strengthen NATO’'s role in security and defence policy, and in collective defence;
Amendment 247 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Takes the view that the white book should take the form of an interinstitutional agreement of a binding nature which would set out all Union initiatives, investments, measures and programmes over the respective multiannual political and financial framework of the EU; is convinced that the Member States, partners and allies can take this interinstitutional agreement into account in their own security and defence planning, with a view to being mutually consistent and complementary;
Amendment 250 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – indent -1 (new)
Paragraph 16 – indent -1 (new)
- a strategy outlining the steps to take to realise the establishment and implementation of the European Defence Union;
Amendment 257 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – indent 2
Paragraph 16 – indent 2
- a subsequent and, more ambitious and strategic defence research programme, bridging the gap to the next MFF;
Amendment 287 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – indent 6
Paragraph 16 – indent 6
- a reflection processthe development of a strategy on foreign direct investment in defence and security critical industries and service providers with a view to developing EU- level legislation;
Amendment 291 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – indent 7
Paragraph 16 – indent 7
- a reflection process on dual-use standardisation with a view to developing EU -level legislation;
Amendment 304 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – indent 10
Paragraph 16 – indent 10
- initial EU-NATO projectsstrategy on countering and preventing hybrid threats and on building resilience, on operational cooperation including at sea, and on migration, on cyber security and defence, on defence capabilities, on strengthening the defence technological and industrial base, on exercises, and on building the defence and security capacity of our partners in the East and South;
Amendment 306 #
2016/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – indent 10 a (new)
Paragraph 16 – indent 10 a (new)
- considering the creation of a permanent Defence Minister Council.
Amendment 25 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU is now surrounded by an arc of instability, as large parts of the Middle East and North Africa are engulfed in ethno-religious conflicts and proxy wars and terrorist groups such as ISIS and the Jabhat al-Nusra Front proliferate throughout the region, while an aggressive, revisionist Russia continues to violate its neighbours’ sovereignty and openly challenges the European security orderproliferate throughout the region;
Amendment 39 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas terrorism, hybrid threats, economic volatility, cyber and energy insecurity, organized crime and climate change constitute the bigger security threats of an everyday more complex and interconnected world in which the EU should do its best and search the means in order to guarantee security and deliver prosperity and democracy;
Amendment 43 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas internal and external security are increasingly blurred; whereas especial attention should be brought to preventing conflict, addressing the root causes of instability and assuring human security;
Amendment 51 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas these conflicts have direct and serious consequences for the security and well-being of European citizens, as they increasingly spill over into the EU, be it in the form of terrorism, massive refugee flows, or disinformation campaigns aimed at dividing our societieothers;
Amendment 57 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas Europe is experiencing the threat of terrorism in its territory; while terrorism and a constant violence plague in North Africa and the Middle East continue to expand; whereas the recent terrorist acts in European cities committed by radical jihadists linked to ISIS are part of that group’s comprehensive strategy, complementing a land war in Syria, Libya and Iraq, an economic war aimed at the tourism industry in North Africa, as well as online propaganda and cyber-attacks;
Amendment 92 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that the current crisis is also an opportunity for the EU if it is used to make the EU work better; considers that the current challenges demand a reform to make the EU better and more democratic, and able to deliver what citizens expect; recalls that European citizens see an effective common foreign and security policy as a priority area of action for the EU and that this is one of the areas where European cooperation can yield most value added; emphasises, therefore, that Member States must change their mentality since nowadays thinking about foreign policy and security in a narrow minded national perspective is obsolete; is convinced that no single Member State alone is able to tackle any of the challenges we face today; urges Member States to finally show sufficient levels of political will and trust in one another to make it possible to use the tools at hand in a concerted manner in order to pursue our interests and values; reiterates that the EU can only be a strong global player on an equal footing with other major powers if all Member States speak with one voice and act together in the framework of a strong EU foreign policy;
Amendment 125 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Believes that a strengthened European security and defence cooperation would lead to a higher effectiveness, unity, efficiency as well as an increase of EU assets, EU capabilities and positive potential effects on defence research and industrial matters. Highlights that only through such deeper cooperation that should gradually develop into a real European Defence Union, the EU and its member States would acquire the technological and industrial capabilities necessary to enable to act quicker, autonomously, effectively and addressing today's threats in a responsive and efficient manner;
Amendment 291 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Takes the view that it is time to define a new, more realistic strategy for the EU’s relations with Russia, based on credible deterrence but also on dialogue in areas of common interest; stresses that sanctions have proven to be the most effective means for deterring Russian aggression; recalls that the full implementation of the Minsk agreement is a prerequisite for the suspension of sanctions; insists that the EU should consider imposing further sanctions in case Russia continues to violate international law; believes it is in the common interest of the EU and Russia to achieve a better relationship, provided international law is applied;
Amendment 340 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Believes that a deepening of the relationship with the US and Canada is of strategic interest to the EU, while at the same time it is important for the EU to strengthen its relationship with Central and South AmericaLatin American countries;
Amendment 389 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines also the need to intensify the fight against Islamist terrorism, which affects ever larger parts of the Middle East and North Africa and has also been creeping into Europe; urges the EU to undertake concerted diplomatic efforts, together with the US and other international allies, to convince partners in the region, such as Turkey, Saudi Arabiathe Gulf States and Iran, of the need for a common strategy towards this global challenge;
Amendment 404 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Highlights the importance of finding a sustainable solution to the conflict in Syria; supports the UN-led efforts to facilitate negotiations between all parties to the Syrian conflict on an inclusive political settlement; calls on the EU to use its leverage over key actors such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and Russia to ensure that they take a constructive position; emphasises that the use of sanctions should be considered in case some of the actors involved do not deliver on their commitments;
Amendment 425 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recognises Turkey’s role as an important partner in solving the Syrian conflict and the fight against Da’esh; strongly condemns the attempted military coup against the democratically elected government of Turkey; encouragedemands the Turkish government to protect the constitutional order, while underlining the importance of respect for the rule of law and independence of the judiciary in the aftermath of the coup, in cooperation with the Council of Europe;
Amendment 434 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Highlights the fragility of the security situation in the Sahel region; recalls that the current turmoil could bear very serious consequences for the entire region as well as the EU, as it is expanding both to the North and the South; stresses that a real answer needs to be given to this security situation by the EU not only economically but also politically and militarily. Europe must provide a common answer and should stop laying its responsibility on the shoulders of one solitary Member State: France;
Amendment 436 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. As the half century occupation cannot continue indefinitely, highlights the need of achieving a two-state solution to the conflict in the Middle East - based on parameters set out in the Council Conclusions of July 2014 - that meets Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, ends the occupation that began in 1967, and resolves all permanent status issues in order to end the conflict;
Amendment 466 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Stresses the need for close cooperation with other global and regional powers on global threats and challenges; emphasises in particular the crucial importance of the transatlantic relationship, which ishould be always based on common interests and values in all different areas of cooperation and relationship;
Amendment 488 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Reminds of the importance of the so-called "human rights clause" included since the early 90's in all framework agreements signed with third countries; recalls the importance of the provision of a "non-execution clause" in it included and highlights the need of implementing the "appropriate measures" (including the suspension of the agreement) in case of violation by a third country of an essential element of the clause such as respect for democratic principles and fundamental rights as a tool for enforcing EU polices;
Amendment 69 #
2016/2032(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Recommends the appointment by the Commission of the High Level Group Monitoring Simplification for Beneficiaries of ESI Funds as an important step towards reducing the administrative burden of SMEs in accessing EU funding opportunities;
Amendment 70 #
2016/2032(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Highlights the Enterprise Europe Network as an important source of information for SMEs and start-ups on how to tap into EU funding opportunities;
Amendment 71 #
2016/2032(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Supports the Commission's call for evidence on whether current financial legislation is synergised and effective;
Amendment 72 #
2016/2032(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Notes that the bank sector is a vital source of funding for SMEs; reiterates however the importance of developing an SME economy that is not entirely dependent on the economic performance of the banking sector; stresses in this regard that the needs of SMEs vary and that a diverse plethora of ways to access finance is therefore crucial; highlights FinTech as an innovative financial technology which could increase access to finance for SMEs by allowing investors and SMEs alike to better navigate and identify more targeted and beneficial partnerships;
Amendment 73 #
2016/2032(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5e. Calls on the Member States to foster a risk-taking and capital market culture; reiterates that financial education for SMEs is key to increasing the use and acceptance of capital market solutions, allowing for a better assessment of costs, benefits and the associated risks; calls on the Member States to enhance the financial literacy of SMEs and to develop entrepreneurship-focussed education in schools and universities;
Amendment 74 #
2016/2032(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 f (new)
Paragraph 5 f (new)
5f. Emphasises the importance of the transparency, standardisation and public availability of SME financing information for investors, supervisors and other stakeholders in order to understand the risk profile and make informed decisions; welcomes the Commission's SME information strategy;
Amendment 75 #
2016/2032(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 g (new)
Paragraph 5 g (new)
5g. Underlines the importance of corporate and income taxation for the internal financing capacity of SMEs and considers there to be positive implications for lowering taxes for start-ups;
Amendment 132 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point a
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point a
“(c) an estimate of additional public and private resources to be potentially raised by the financial instrument down to the level of the final recipient (expected leverage effect), including as appropriate an assessment of the need for, and levelextent of, differentiated treatment to attract counterpart resources from private investors and/or a description of the mechanisms which will be used to establish the need for, and extent of, such differentiated treatment, such as a competitive or appropriately independent assessment process;”
Amendment 138 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii
(iii) a publicly-owned bank or financial institution, established as a legal entity carrying out financial activities on a professional basis, which fulfils all the following conditions:
Amendment 141 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 1a
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 1a
– does not conduct retail banking transactions on a commercial basis which can direct benefit from this direct entrustment;
Amendment 143 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 2
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 2
– operates under a public policy mandate given by the relevant authority of a Member State at national or regional level, towhich should include carrying out economic development activities contributing to the objectives of the ESI Funds;
Amendment 144 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
– carries out its activities including development activities in regions, policy areas andor sectors for which access to funding from market sources is not generally available or sufficient;
Amendment 145 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 3
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 3
– carries out its economic development activities contributing to the objectives of the ESI Funds in regions, policy areas and sectors for which access to funding from market sources is not generally available or sufficient;
Amendment 148 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 4
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 4
– operates on a non-profit maximisation basiwithout primarily focus on maximising profits in order to ensure a long-term financial sustainability;
Amendment 153 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point i
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 6
Article 38 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 6
– is subject to the supervision of an independent authority in accordance with nationalapplicable law.
Amendment 154 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point ii
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b – point ii
“When implementing the financial instrument, the bodies referred to in points (a) to (d) of the first subparagraph shall ensure compliancecomply with applicable law, including rules covering the ESI Funds, State aid, public procurement and relevant standards and applicable legislation on the prevention of money laundering, the fight against terrorism, tax fraud and tax evasion. Those bodies shall not make use of or engage in tax avoidance structures, in particular aggressive tax planning schemes or practices not complying with EU tax good governance cpriterianciples, as set out in EUthe Union legislation including Commission recommendations and communications or or any formal notice by the latter. In this context, the bodies implementing financial instruments shall take the utmost account of the policies of the Union. They shall not be established and, in relation to the implementation of the financial operationinstruments shall not maintain business relations with entities incorporated in jurisdictions that do not co-operate with the Union in relation to the application of the internationally agreed tax standards on transparency and exchange of information. Those bodies may, under their responsibility, conclude agreements with financial intermediaries for the implementation of financial operationinstruments. They shall transpose requirements referred to in this paragraph in their contracts with the financial intermediaries selected to participate in the execution of financial operationinstruments under such agreements.”
Amendment 157 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point d a (new)
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point d a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 38 – paragraph 9 a (new)
Article 38 – paragraph 9 a (new)
(da) The following paragraph 9a is added: “9a. Notwithstanding Articles 70 and 93(1), contributions pursuant to paragraph 1 of this Article may be used for the purpose of giving rise to new debt and equity finance in the entire territory of the Member State without regard to the categories of region, unless otherwise provided for in the funding agreement.”
Amendment 167 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 39a – paragraph 2
Article 39a – paragraph 2
2. The contribution referred to in paragraph 1 shall not exceed 25 % of the total support provided to final recipients. In the less developed regions referred to in point (b) of Article 120(3), the financial contribution may exceed 25% where duly justified by the ex-ante assessments in either Article 37(2) or paragraph 3 of this Article, but shall not exceed 50%. The total support referred to in this paragraph shall comprise the total amount of new loans and guaranteed loans as well as equity and quasi-equity investments provided to final recipients. The guaranteed loans referred to in this paragraph shall only be taken into account to the extent that ESI Funds resources are committed for guarantee contracts calculated on the basis of a prudent ex ante risk assessment covering a multiple amount of new loans.
Amendment 170 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 39a – paragraph 4
Article 39a – paragraph 4
4. Reporting by managing authorities under Article 46 on operations comprising financial instruments under this Article shall be based on the information kept by the EIB for the purposes of its reporting pursuant to Article 16(1) and (2) of the EFSI Regulation, supplemented by the additional information required under Article 46(2). Requirements under this paragraph shall allow for uniform reporting conditions in accordance with Article 46(3) of this Regulation.
Amendment 171 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 39a – paragraph 5 – point b
Article 39a – paragraph 5 – point b
(b) entrust implementation tasks to a financial institutionbody, which shall either open a fiduciary account in its name and on behalf of the managing authority or set up a separate block of finance within the financial institution for programme contribution. In the case of a separate block of finance, an accounting distinction shall be made between programme resources invested in the financial instrument and the other resources available in the financial institution. The assets held on fiduciary accounts and such separate blocks of finance shall be managed in accordance with the principle of sound financial management following appropriate prudential rules and shall have appropriate liquidity.
Amendment 172 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 39a – paragraph 6
Article 39a – paragraph 6
6. When implementing financial instruments under point (c) of Article 38(1), the bodies referred to in paragraph 25 of this article shall ensure compliancecomply with applicable law, including rules covering the ESI Funds, State aid, public procurement and relevant standards and applicable legislation on the prevention of money laundering, the fight against terrorism, tax fraud and tax evasion. Those bodies shall not make use of or engage in tax avoidance structures, in particular aggressive tax planning schemes or practices not complying with EU tax good governance cpriterianciples, as set out in EUthe Union legislation including Commission recommendations and communications or any formal notice by the latter. In this context, the bodies implementing financial instruments shall take the utmost account of the policies of the Union. They shall not be established and, in relation to the implementation of the financial operationinstruments shall not maintain business relations with entities incorporated in jurisdictions that do not co- operate with the Union in relation to the application of the internationally agreed tax standards on transparency and exchange of information. Those bodies may, under their responsibility, conclude agreements with financial intermediaries for the implementation of financial operationinstruments. They shall transpose requirements referred to in this paragraph in their contracts with the financial intermediaries selected to participate in the execution of financial operationinstruments under such agreements.
Amendment 180 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 39a – paragraph 8
Article 39a – paragraph 8
8. Where, for the purpose of implementing financial instruments referred to under point (c) of Article 38(1), managing authorities contribute ESI Funds programme resources to an existing instrument under point (c) of Article 38(1), the fund manager of which has already been selected by the EIB, international financial institutions in which a Member State is a shareholder, or a publicly-owned bank or financial institution, established as a legal entity carrying out financial activities on a professional basis and fulfilling the conditions set out under Article 38(4)(b)(iii), they shall entrust implementation tasks to this fund manager through the award of a direct contract.
Amendment 184 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The authorities designated in accordance with Article 124 of this Regulation and with Article 65 of the EAFRD Regulation shall not carry out on-the-spot verifications at the level of the EIB or other international financial institutions in which a Member State is a shareholder, for financial instruments implemented by them.
Amendment 185 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
However, the designated authorities shall, taking into account the risks identified, shall consider whether to carry out verifications in accordance with Article 125(5) at the level of other bodies implementing the financial instruments referred to in Article 39 in the jurisdiction of their respective Member State and, where necessary, at the level of the final recipient.
Amendment 187 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a
The Commission shall be empowered to adopt an implementing act concerning the models for the control reports and the annual audit reports of the firstthird sub- paragraph of this paragraph.
Amendment 188 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 40 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 40 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
The bodies responsible for the audit of the programmes shall, taking into account the risks identified, shall consider whether to carry out audits of operations and of management and control systems at the level of other bodies implementing the financial instruments referred to in Article 39 in their respective Member States and at the level of the final recipients when conditions of Article 40 (3) are fulfilled.
Amendment 191 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point b
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point b
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 40 – paragraph 5a – point b
Article 40 – paragraph 5a – point b
(b) where the irregularity that gives rise to the cancellation of the contribution is detected at the level of the financial intermediary within a fund of funds, the contribution cancelled may be reused only for otor at the level of the body implementing financial instruments where financial intermediaries or for other final recipients within the same financial instrumentstrument is implemented through a structure without a fund of funds, the contribution cancelled may be reused only for other financial intermediaries.
Amendment 193 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 15 a (new)
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 15 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 41 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 41 – paragraph 1 – point b
15a. In Article 41, paragraph 1, point b is replaced by the following: “(b) each application for interim payment referred to in point (a) of this paragraph may include up to 25 % or up to 50% in case of multiple financial intermediaries fund if duly justified, of the total amount of the national co-financing as referred to in Article 38(9) expected to be paid to the financial instrument, or at the level of final recipients for expenditure in the meaning of points (a), (b) and (d) of Article 42(1), within the eligibility period; ” Or. en (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/?qid=1489051089459&uri=CELEX:32013R1303)
Amendment 195 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 15 b (new)
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 15 b (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 41 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
Article 41 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
Amendment 196 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 15 c (new)
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 15 c (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 41 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
Article 41 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
15c. In Article 41, paragraph 1, point c, point ii is replaced by the following: “(ii) for the third and subsequent applications for interim payment, when at least 85 % or at least 60 % and in case of multiple financial intermediaries fund if duly justified of the amounts included in the previous applications for interim payments have been spent as eligible expenditure within the meaning of points (a), (b) and (d) of Article 42(1);” Or. en (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/?qid=1489051089459&uri=CELEX:32013R1303)
Amendment 197 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 15 d (new)
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 15 d (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 41 – paragraph 2
Article 41 – paragraph 2
15d. In Article 41, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: “2. As regards financial instruments referred to in point (b) of Article 38(1) implemented in accordance with point (cd) of Article 38(4), the applications for interim payments and for payment of the final balance shall include the total amount of the payments effected by the managing authority for investments in final recipients as referred to in points (a) and (b) of Article 42(1).”
Amendment 209 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 43a – paragraph 1
Article 43a – paragraph 1
1. Support from the ESI Funds to financial instruments invested in final recipients and gains and other earnings or yields, such as interest, guarantee fees, dividends, capital gains or any other income generated by those investments, which are attributable to the support from the ESI Funds, may be used for differentiated treatment of privatemarket economy investors, as well as the EIB when using the EU guarantee pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/1017. Such differentiated treatment shall be justified by the need to attract private counterpart resources.
Amendment 210 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 43a – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 43a – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The assessments referred to in Article 37(2) and Article 39a(3) shall include, as appropriate, an assessment of the need for, and the extent of, differentiated treatment as referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article and/or a description of the mechanism which will be used to establish the need for, and extent of, such differentiated treatment.
Amendment 217 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 43a – paragraph 3
Article 43a – paragraph 3
3. The differentiated treatment shall not exceed what is necessary to create the incentives for attracting private counterpart resources. It shall not over-compensate privatemarket economy investors, and the EIB when using the EU guarantee according to Regulation (EU) 2015/1017. The alignment of interest shall be ensured through an appropriate sharing of risk and profit.
Amendment 218 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 43a – paragraph 4
Article 43a – paragraph 4
4. Differentiated treatment of privatemarket economy investors shall be without prejudice to the Union State aid rules.
Amendment 221 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 18 a (new)
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 18 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 46 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 46 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a a (new)
18a. In Article 46, in paragraph 2, point aa is added: (aa) identification of the bodies implementing financial instruments, and the bodies implementing funds of funds where applicable, as referred to under point (a), (b) and (c) of Article 38(1);”
Amendment 222 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 19 – introductory part
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 19 – introductory part
19. in Article 46, in paragraph 2, in the first subparagraph, points (c), points (g) and (h) are replaced by the following:
Amendment 232 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 24 – point a
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 24 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 61 – paragraph 3 – point aa
Article 61 – paragraph 3 – point aa
“application of a flat rate net revenue percentage established by a Member State for a sector or sub-sector not covered under point (a). Before the application of the flat rate the responsible audit authority shall satisfy itself that the flat rate has been established according to a fair, equitable and verifiable method based on historical data or objective criteria.;”;
Amendment 261 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 57
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 57
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 140 – paragraph 3
Article 140 – paragraph 3
“Where documents are kept on commonly accepted data carriers in accordance with the procedure laid down in paragraph 5, no originals shall be required, except at least for the cases where fraud suspicions exist.”
Amendment 72 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4 a) In accordance with Article 2(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, the maximum sustainable yield exploitation rate is to be achieved by 2015 where possible and, on a progressive, incremental basis at the latest by 2020 for all stocks.
Amendment 73 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) For the achievement of the objectives of the CFP, a number of conservation measures are to be adopted as appropriate in any combination thereof, such as multi-annual plans, technical measures, fixing and allocation of fishing opportunities in full accordance with the best available scientific advice.
Amendment 83 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The objective of this plan should be to contribute to the achievement ofachieve the objectives of the CFP, and especially reachstoring and maintaining MSY for the stocks concernedall populations of fish stocks to which this Regulation applies above levels capable of producing MSY, contributing to the implementation of the landing obligation for demersal stocks subject to catch limits and contributing to the implementation of the ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management.
Amendment 91 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) It is appropriate to establish the target fishing mortality (F) that corresponds to the objective of reaching and maintaining MSY as ranges of values which are consistent with achieving maximum sustainable yield (FMSY). Those ranges, based on scientific advice, are necessary in order to provide flexibility to take account of developments in the scientific advice, to contribute to the implementation of the landing obligation and to take into account the characteristics of mixed fisheries. The FMSY ranges have been calculated by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and are derived to deliver no more than a 5% reduction in long-term yield compared to MSY40 . The upper limit of the range is capped, so that the probability of the stock falling below Blim or Abundancelimit is no more than 5%. That upper limit also conforms to the ICES “advice rule”41 , which indicates that when the spawning biomass or abundance is in a poor state, F be reduced to a value that does not exceed an upper limit equal to the FMSY point value multiplied by the spawning biomass or abundance in the TAC year divided by MSY Btrigger or Abundancelimit. ICES uses these considerations and advice rule in its provision of scientific advice on fishing mortality and catch options. _________________ 40EU request to ICES to provide FMSY ranges for selected North Sea and Baltic Sea stocks 41General context of ICES advice, July 2015maximum sustainable yield exploitation rate should be the upper limit for exploitation.
Amendment 94 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
Amendment 97 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Where the targets relating to MSY are not available, the precautionary approach should applymeasures should be based on the precautionary approach to fisheries management as defined in point 8 of Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 in order to guarantee a degree of conservation at least comparable to exploitation rates with the maximum sustainable yield.
Amendment 156 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10
(10) “MSY Btrigger” means the spawning stock biomass reference point below which additional specific and appropriate management action is to be taken to ensure that exploitation rates in combination with natural variations rebuild stocks above levels capable of producing MSY in the long term.
Amendment 158 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10 a (new)
(10a) “Best available scientific advice” means the most up-to-date data available that meet all the requirements set out in Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, in particular Article 25 thereof.
Amendment 161 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The plan shall contribute to the achievement ofachieve the objectives of the common fisheries policy listed in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, in particular by applying the precautionary approach to fisheries management, and shall aim to ensure that exploitation of living marine biological resources restores and maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce the maximum sustainable yield. The maximum sustainable yield exploitation rate shall be achieved by 2015 where possible and, on a progressive, incremental basis at the latest by 2020 for all stocks, and shall be maintained thereafter.
Amendment 185 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The target fishing mortality shall be achieved as soon as possible, and on a progressive, incremental basis by 2020 for the stocks of Groups 1 and 2all harvested stocks, and shall be maintained thereafter within the ranges set out in Annex I.
Amendment 189 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. In accordance with Article 16(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, fishing opportunities shall comply with the target fishing mortality ranges set out in Annex I, column A to this Regulation.
Amendment 190 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. Notwithstanding paragraphs 1 and 2, fishing opportunities may be fixed at levels corresponding to lower levels of fishing mortality than those set out in Annex I, column A.
Amendment 192 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Amendment 215 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Fishing opportunities for the stocks of Groups 3 and 4 shall be consistent with best available scientific advice related to maximum sustainable yield.
Amendment 220 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. In the absence of scientific advice on fishing mortality rate consistent with maximum sustainable yield, fishing opportunities and measures shall be consistent with best available scientific advice to ensure the sustainability of the stocks in line with the precautionary approach.
Amendment 235 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Stocks of Group 5 shall be managed based on the precautionary approach and in line with best available scientific advice in order to guarantee a degree of conservation at least comparable to exploitation rates with the maximum sustainable yield.
Amendment 259 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
When scientific advice indicates that remediadditional action is required for the conservation of any of the demersal stocks of Groups 3 to 7, or when the spawning biomass of any of the stocks in Group 1 or abundance of any of the functional units in Group 2 for a given year is below the conservation reference points set out in Annex II, column A to this Regulation, the Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 18 of this Regulation and Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013to ensure that any of the fisheries to which this Regulation applies is managed in accordance with Article 3 of this Regulation, the Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 18 of this Regulation and Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. Notwithstanding Article 18(1) and (3) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, the Commission may adopt delegated acts in the absence of a joint recommendation referred to in those paragraphs. These delegated acts shall include measures regarding:
Amendment 266 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. When allocating quotas, Member States shall take into account objective and transparent criteria pursuant to Article 17 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, including the impact of fishing on the environment, the history of compliance, the contribution to the local economy and historic catch levels.
Amendment 277 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) exemptions from the application of the landing obligation for species for which the best available scientific evidenadvice demonstrates high survival rates, taking into account the characteristics of the gear, of the fishing practices and of the ecosystem, to facilitate the implementation of the landing obligation; and
Amendment 279 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) specific provisions on documentation of catches, in particular for the purpose of monitoring the implementation ofand controlling in order to ensure a level playing field by ensuring full compliance with the landing obligation ; and
Amendment 315 #
Amendment 319 #
2016/0238(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I a (new)
Annex I a (new)
Annex Ia Target fishing mortality (as referred to in Article 4) 1. Group 1 Target fishing mortality range consistent with achieving maximum sustainable yield (FMSY) North Sea cod FMSY lower – FMSY Haddock FMSY lower – FMSY North Sea plaice FMSY lower – FMSY Saithe FMSY lower – FMSY North Sea sole FMSY lower – FMSY Kattegat sole FMSY lower – FMSY North Sea whiting Not defined 2. Group 2 Norway lobster functional unit (FU) Target fishing mortality range consistent with achieving maximum sustainable yield (FMSY) (as harvest rate) Division IIIa FU 3 and 4 FMSY lower - FMSY Farn Deeps FU 6 FMSYl ower - FMSY Fladen Ground FU 7 FMSY lower - FMSY Firth of Forth FU 8 FMSY lower - FMSY Moray Firth FU 9 FMSY lower - FMSY
Amendment 231 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2 a) Simplification of the existing rules is necessary for a better understanding and compliance by operators, national authorities and stakeholders; the consultation process of the Advisory Council should be respected in line with Regulation (EU) 1380/2013;attention should be paid to ensure that all objectives on conservation and sustainability are fully respected.
Amendment 241 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6 a) The fish caught by recreational anglers (hook and line fishing) are released with a high survival rate, until otherwise proven by scientific evidence.
Amendment 243 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Technical measures should contribute to achieving the CFP objectives to fish atso as to restore and maintain fish stocks at levels capable of producing maximum sustainable yield levels, reduce unwanted catches and eliminate discards and to contribute to the achievement of good environmental status (GES) as set out in Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council18 . _________________ 18 Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p.19).
Amendment 250 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8 a) In order to achieve the objectives set out in Regulation (EU) 1380/2013, technical measures must be based on a result based management approach. Quantifiable targets are needed to develop such a successful result based management. Member States must monitor the progress towards achieving these targets.
Amendment 252 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 b (new)
Recital 8 b (new)
(8 b) The incidental catching of protected species should be addressed in a comprehensive manner across all fisheries and gear types in view of the strict level of protection they are afforded under Directive 92/43/EEC, their high level of vulnerability and the obligation to achieve a good environmental status by 2020.
Amendment 254 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) To evaluate the effectiveness of technical measures, targets relating to the levels of unwanted catches; to the levelelimination of bycatches of sensitive species and to the extent of seabed habitats adversely affected by fishing; should be established that reflect the objectives of the CFP, Union environmental legislation (in particular Council Directive 92/43, Directive 2009/147/EC and Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council21 ), and international best practices. _________________ 21 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p.1.
Amendment 265 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) For certain rare fish species, such as species of sharks and rays that are rare or whose biological characteristics make them especially vulnerable to overexploitation, even limited fishing activity could result in a serious risk to their conservation. To protect such species a general prohibition on fishing for them should be introduced.
Amendment 268 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In order to assist the catching sector implement and to ensure a level playing field by having full compliance with the landing obligation, Member States should put in place measures to facilitate the storage and the finding of outlets for marine species which are below the minimum conservation reference size. These measures should include support for investment in the construction and adaptation of landing sites and shelters or support for investment to add value to fishery products.
Amendment 269 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In cases where scientific advice indicates that there are significant unwanted catches of species which are not subject to catch limits and therefore not subject to the application of the landing obligation, Member States should carry out pilot projects with the aim of exploring ways to reduce such catches and with a view to introducing appropriate technical measures to achieve this aim.
Amendment 273 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Member States in conjunction with stakeholders canshould develop joint recommendations for appropriate and sustainable technical measures based on the best available scientific advice that deviate from the baselines in accordance with the regionalisation process set out in the CFP, even if there is no multiannual plan.
Amendment 275 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25 a (new)
Recital 25 a (new)
(25 a) When no multiannual plans are in place or are applicable and when needed for the conservation of stocks or of the marine environment, the Commission may adopt technical measures for specific regions by way of delegated acts.
Amendment 278 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) Such regional technical measures should be sustainable and as a minimum be equivalent in terms of exploitation patterns and protection for sensitive species and habitats as the baseline standards. The adoption of any regional technical measure should be based on the best available scientific advice.
Amendment 282 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26 a (new)
Recital 26 a (new)
(26 a) Decisions taken by regional groups of Member States under regionalisation should meet the same standards of democratic oversight as those in the concerned Member States.
Amendment 287 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) In developing joint recommendations to amend or establish minimum conservation reference sizes in multiannual plans, regional groups of Member States should ensure the objectives of the CFP are not jeopardisachieved by ensuring that the protection of juveniles of marine species should beis fully respected while ensuring that no distortion is introduced into the market and that no market for fish below minimum conservation reference sizes is created.
Amendment 298 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) In order to minimisze and, where possible, eliminate the bycatches of sensitive species and impacts of fishing gears on sensitive habitats, regional groups of Member States should develop additional mitigation measures to reduce the impacts of fishing on sensitive species and habitats. Where scientific evidence shows that there is a serious threat to the conservation status of such species and habitats then Member States should introduce additional restrictions on the construction and operation of certain fishing gears or even the introduction of a total prohibition on their use in that region. In particular such provisions could be applied to the use of driftnets which in certain areas has resulted in significant catches of cetaceans and seabirds.
Amendment 302 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) Where available scientific advice indicates that immediate action is required to protect marine species, the Commission should be able in duly justified cases to adopt immediately applicable delegated acts, in line with the procedures laid down in Article 12 of Regulation (EU) 1380/2013, establishing technical measures to alleviate such threats, in addition to or by way of derogation to this Regulation or technical measures otherwise fixed in accordance with Union law. Those measures should be designed in particular to address unexpected changes in stock patterns as a result of high or low levels of recruitment of juveniles into a stock, to provide protection for spawning fish or shellfish when stocks are at very low levels or other changes in the conservation status of fish stocks which may threaten the status of a stock. They could include restrictions on the use of towed or static gears or on fishing activities in certain areas or during certain periods.
Amendment 304 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) The power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty should be delegated to the Commission to update the list of fish and shellfish for which directed fishing is prohibited; to update the list of sensitive areas where fishing should be restricted; to adopt technical measures as part of multiannual plans or outside the framework of a multiannual plan if needed; and to adopt technical measures as part of temporary discard plans. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level and based on STECF assessment. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council.
Amendment 307 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) By the end of 2020 and every third year thereafter the Commission should is to report to the European Parliament and to the Council on the implementation of this Regulation, on the basis of information supplied by Member States and the relevant Advisory Councils and following evaluation by the STECF. This report should assess the extent to which technical measures both regionally and at Union level have contributed to achieving the objectives and in reaching the targets of this Regulation. On the basis of that report, where at regional level there is evidence that the objectives and targets have not been met, Member States within that region should submit a plan setting out the corrective actions to be taken to ensure those objectives and targets can be met. The Commission should also propose to the European Parliament and to the Council any necessary amendments to this Regulation on the basis of that report.
Amendment 310 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation shall apply to activities pursued by Union fishing vessels and nationals of Member States, without prejudice to the primary responsibility of the flag State, in the fishing zones referred to in Article 5, in waters of third countries and high seas as well as by fishing vessels flying the flag of, and registered in, third countries when fishing in Union waters, without prejudice to existing rules applicable in third country waters or RFMOs.
Amendment 317 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The landing obligation shall not apply to recreational fishing with a high release survival rate.
Amendment 318 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. As tools to support the implementationconservation of fishery resources and the protection of marine ecosystems as part of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), technical measures shall contribute to the objectives of the CFP set out in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and in particular in paragraphs 2, 3 and 5(a) and (j) of that Article.
Amendment 320 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) optimisensure sustainable exploitation patterns to provide protectionhat guarantee the conservation of fisheries resources and protect the sensitive sizes and ages, in particular for juveniles and spawning aggregations of marine species;
Amendment 324 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(a a) support the achievement of Descriptors 1, 3, 4 and 6, laid down in Annex I of 2008/56/EC.
Amendment 331 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) contribute to having inensure that place fisheries management measures for the purposes of complying with the obligations under Directives 92/43/EEC, 2009/147/EC, 2008/56/EC and 2000/60/EC.
Amendment 334 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Technical measures shall aim to achieve the following targets:
Amendment 337 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) ensure that catches of marine species below minimum conservation reference sizes do not exceed 5% by volumethe levels defined in accordance with Article 2(2)18a, and that contribute to achieving the objectives established in Article 152(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.
Amendment 343 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) ensure that byrestriction of incidental catches of marine mammals, marine reptiles, seabirds and other non-commercially exploited species do not exceedunder the levels provided for in current Union lregisulations and international agreements ratified by the Union.
Amendment 354 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) ensure that by-catches of unwanted fish are progressively and gradually eliminated with the aim of ensuring that the criteria provided for Descriptors 1, 3 and 4, laid down in Part B of the Annex to the Commission Decision 2010/477/EU, are fulfilled.
Amendment 359 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall monitor the effectiveness of technical measures in achieving these targets. The extent to which these targets have been achieved shall be reviewed as part of the reporting process set out in Article 34.
Amendment 368 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) ‘exploitation pattern’ means how fishing pressure is distributed across the age and size profile of a stock;
Amendment 372 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3
(3) ‘selective fishing’ means a fishing method’s ability to target and capture fish or shellfish by size and species type during the fishing operation allowing non-target species and juveniles of regulated species to be avoided or released unharmed;
Amendment 383 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 7
(7) ‘sensitive species’ means a species whose conservation status, including its habitat, distribution, population size andor population condition is adversely affected by pressures arising from human activities, including fishing activities. Sensitive species, in particular, include species listed in Annexes II and IV of Directive 92/43/EEC, species covered by Directive 2009/147/EC and species whose protection is necessary to achieve good environmental status under Directive 2008/56/EC;
Amendment 389 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 10
(10) ‘Advisory Councils’ means stakeholder groups established under the CFPin accordance with Articles 43 to 45 of Regulation No 1380/2013 to promote a balanced representation of all stakeholders and to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the CFP;
Amendment 392 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 10
(10) ‘Advisory Councils’ means stakeholder groups established under the CFP to promote a balanced representation of all stakeholders and to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the CFPArticle 43 and conducting their activity according to Article 44 and 45 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/201;
Amendment 411 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 42
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 42
(42) ‘high grading’ means the practice of discarding low priced fish that are subject to catch limits, even though they cshould have been legally landed, so as to maximise the total economic or monetary value of the fish brought back to harbour.
Amendment 413 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 45 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 45 a (new)
(45 a) ‘full documentation’ means an accounting system that gives comprehensive, complete and reliable documentation of all catches and discards at sea, which may include, but not exclusively, the use of logbooks, on-board observers and/or electronic monitoring.
Amendment 414 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 45 b (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 45 b (new)
(45 b) ‘metier’ means a group of fishing operations targeting a similar assemblage of species, using similar gear, during the same period of the year and/or within the same area and which are characterised by a similar exploitation pattern.
Amendment 424 #
2016/0074(COD)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 2, this Article shall apply to waters on the high seas and to the waters of third countries.
Amendment 441 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Notwithstanding paragraph 10(3) of this regulation, national or regional authorities may grant exceptions to the ban for small scale costal fisheries fishing within the area of four nautical miles measured from the baselines.
Amendment 453 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 3
Article 11 – paragraph 3
3. When caught as bycatches, species referred to in paragraph 1 and 2 shall not be harmed and specimens shall be promptly released back into the sea. Such catches shall be recorded in line with Article 25 of Regulation (EU) 1380/2013.
Amendment 455 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 4
Article 11 – paragraph 4
4. Where the best available scientific advice indicates that an amendment of the list in Annex I is necessary through the addition of new species which require protection, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt such amendments by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 32.
Amendment 456 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 5
Article 11 – paragraph 5
5. Measures adopted pursuant to paragraph 4 of this Article shall aim at achieving the targets set out in Article 4(1)(b).
Amendment 460 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 2
2. When caught as bycatch, species referred to in paragraph 1 shall not be harmed and specimens shall be promptly released as well as recorded in accordance with Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1251.
Amendment 466 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 5
Article 12 – paragraph 5
5. Measures adopted pursuant to in paragraph 4 of this Article shall aim at achieving the targets set out in Article 4(1)(b).
Amendment 475 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 4
Article 13 – paragraph 4
4. Measures adopted pursuant to paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article shall aim at achieving the targets set out in Article 4(1)(c).
Amendment 485 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – title
Article 17 – title
Amendment 487 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. Member States mayshould conduct pilot projects with the aim of exploring methods for the avoidance, minimisation and elimination of unwanted catches of the species not subject to catch limits. Those pilot projects shall take account of the opinions of the relevant Advisory Councils and be based on best available scientific advice.
Amendment 489 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 2
2. Where the results of those pilot studies or other scientific advice indicate that unwanted catches of species which are not subject to catch limits are significant, Member States mayshould establish technical measures to avoid or as far as possible reduce those unwanted catches in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 19 of Regulation (EU) 1380/2013 or in Article 18 and 19 of this Regulation. Those technical measures shall apply solely to fishing vessels flying the flag of that Member State.
Amendment 497 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
2. In accordance with the procedure set out in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 Member States may submit joint recommendations defining appropriate technical measures at the regional level that deviate from the measures set out in paragraph 1. The Commission shall make these joint recommendations public immediately after their submission by the Member States and shall make public any scientific assessment carried out to ensure their compliance with the provisions of Article 18 (5) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.
Amendment 501 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Notwithstanding paragraph 2, the Commission may adopt technical measures at regional level by means of delegated acts in the absence of a joint recommendation referred to in that paragraph.
Amendment 504 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 a (new)
Article 18 a (new)
Article 18 a Levels of catches of marine species below minimum conservation reference sizes 1.In accordance with the procedure set out in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, Member States may submit joint recommendations defining the levels referred to in Article 4(1)(a) and the implementing methods for measuring the compliance with these levels. 2.The levels referred to in paragraph 1 shall be defined within a range from 0 to 10% for each fishery and each metier and shall aim at reducing the level of catches of marine species below minimum conservation reference sizes, on the basis of the best available scientific data. 3.Where no joint recommendation is submitted by [1 January 2019], the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts defining the elements referred to in paragraph 1, in accordance with Article 32 of this Regulation.
Amendment 505 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 a (new)
Article 18 a (new)
Amendment 506 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – title
Article 19 – title
Amendment 509 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall be empowered to establish technical measures at regional level with the aim of achieving objectives of multiannual plans referred to in Articles 9 and 10 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. Such measures shall be established by means of delegated acts adopted in accordance with Article 32 of this Regulation and Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. Notwithstanding Article 18(1) and (3) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, the Commission may adopt such delegated acts also in the absence of a joint recommendation referred thereto.
Amendment 510 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) derogate from the measures set out in Annexes V to XI for a specific area or time period, provided it can be demonstrated based on the best available scientific advice that those measures have no conservation benefit in that area or period or that the alternative measures achieve the same objectives.
Amendment 511 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4 – point c
Article 19 – paragraph 4 – point c
(c) provide incentives to fishing vessels deploying selective fishing gear or using fishing techniques with reduced environmental impact through the allocation of fishing opportunities in line with Article 17 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.
Amendment 513 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5
Article 19 – paragraph 5
5. Where Member States submit joint recommendations for the establishment of technical measures as referred to in paragraph 1, they shall provide scientific evidence to support the adoption of those measures. The Commission shall make these joint recommendations public immediately after their submission by the Member States.
Amendment 514 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 6
Article 19 – paragraph 6
6. The Commission mayshall, in accordance with Article 26 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, require the STECF to assess the joint recommendations referred to in paragraph 5 and these assessments shall be made public.
Amendment 515 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 6
Article 19 – paragraph 6
6. The Commission mayshall require the STECF to assess the joint recommendations referred to in paragraph 5 and shall make this assessment public.
Amendment 518 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. When Member States submit joint recommendations in accordance with Article 18 and Article 19 to define size selective and species selective gears, they shall provide evidence demonstrating that those gears meet at least one of the following criteria:
Amendment 524 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 21 – paragraph 1 a (new)
If Member States do not adopt joint recommendations, the Commission may adopt delegated acts establishing closed or restricted areas on the basis of the best available scientific advice.
Amendment 526 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1
Article 22 – paragraph 1
When Member States submit joint recommendations in accordance with Article 19 to amend or establish minimum conservation reference sizes listed in Part A of Annexes V to X they shall respect the objective of ensuring the protection of juveniles of marine species. Joint recommendations shall be based on the best available scientific advice and shall not put control and enforcement measures at risk.
Amendment 530 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
When Member States submit joint recommendations in accordance with Article 19 to allow for the creation of real- time closures and moving on provisions with the aim of ensuring the protection of aggregations of juveniles or spawning fish or shellfish species or other sensitive species, they shall include the following elements:
Amendment 544 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Joint recommendations submitted by Member States in accordance with Article 19 to allow for the use of nature conservation measures to protect sensitive species and habitats mayshall in particular:
Amendment 546 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
- develop lists of sensitive species and habitats most at risk from fishing activities within the relevant region based on best available scientific advice;
Amendment 552 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. When Member States submit joint recommendations for the establishment of technical measures in temporary discard plans referred to in Article 15(6) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, they mayshall contain the following elements:
Amendment 553 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Article 26 – paragraph 2
2. The measures referred to in paragraph 1 shall aim at achieving the objectives set out in Article 3 of this Regulation and Article 2 (5) (a) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and in particular for the protection of aggregations of juveniles or spawning fish or shellfish species. The measures shall be at least as stringent as technical measures applicable under Union law.
Amendment 555 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 a (new)
Article 26 a (new)
Article 26 a Results-based management of fisheries 1.In accordance with the procedure set out in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, Member States may submit joint recommendations defining pilot projects that develop a system of full documentation of catches and discards based on measurable targets and objectives, for the purpose of a results- based management of fisheries. 2.The pilot projects referred to in paragraph 1 may derogate from the measures set out in Annexes V to XI for a specific area and for a maximum period of one year, provided that it can be demonstrated that such pilot projects aim at achieving the objectives set out in Article 3 and reaching the targets set out in Article 4.This one-year period may be extended to one more year under the same conditions. 3.Where Member States submit joint recommendations for the establishment of pilot projects as referred to in paragraph 1, they shall provide scientific evidence to support their adoption. The Commission shall require the STEFC to assess these joint recommendations and shall make this assessment public. 4.Where the pilot projects referred to in paragraph 1 can demonstrate that they successfully achieved the objectives set out in Article 3 and reached the targets set out in Article 4, the Commission may expand or convert them to full scale programmes by means of delegated acts adopted in accordance with Article 32 of this Regulation, on the basis of scientific evidence assessed by the STECF.
Amendment 704 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex X – Part C
Annex X – Part C
Amendment 705 #
2016/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex X – Part D
Annex X – Part D
Amendment 67 #
2016/0030(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) So far, the potential for more efficient and less costly measures through regional cooperation has not been fully exploited. This has to do not only with b, and an open concept of regional cooperation is needed, with the possibility of reconfiguring cooperation formats on the basis of consultations with the Member States, taking account of the energy dynamic. Better coordination of national mitigation actions in emergency situations, but also is recommended, as well as of national preventive measures, such as national storage or policies related to liquefied natural gas (LNG), which can be strategically important in certain regions.
Amendment 71 #
2016/0030(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) In a spirit of solidarity, regional cooperation, involving both public authorities and natural gas undertakings, shouldmust be the guiding principle of this Regulation, to identify the relevant risks in each region, based on relevant analyses, and to optimise the benefits of coordinated measures to mitigate themat local, regional and cross- border level, in order to mitigate them and consolidate the security of the gas supply, and to implement the most cost-effective measures for Union consumers, defined by common accord with the Member States.
Amendment 95 #
2016/0030(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) To ensure maximum preparedness, so as to avoid a supply disruption and mitigate its effects should it nevertheless occur, the competent authorities of a given region must draw up preventive action plans and emergency, after consulting stakeholders. Regional plans should take account of the specific characteristics of each Member State. They should also clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the natural gas undertakings and the competent authorities. National measures to be designed should take fully account of the regional measures set out in the preventive action plan and emergency plan. They should be so designed as to address national risks in a way that takes full advantage of the opportunities provided by regional cooperation. The plans should be technical and operational in nature, their function being to help prevent the occurrence or escalation of an emergency and, to mitigate its effects and to avoid the emergence of unfair costs for consumers. The plans should take the security of electricity systems into account and be consistent with the Energy Union’s strategic planning and reporting tools.
Amendment 108 #
2016/0030(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) As demonstrated by the October 2014 stress test, solidarity based on regional cooperation is needed to ensure security of supply across the Union and to keep overall costs to a minimum. This solidarity should/could be defined on three levels of action – bilateral or regional, interregional and European – and it should not be left to an individual regional group alone if a consistent and uniform approach at EU level is needed. If an emergency is declared in any Member State, a two-step approach should be applied to strengthen solidarity. Firstly, all Member States which have introduced a higher supply standard should reduce it to default values to make the gas market more liquid. Secondly, if the first step fails to provide the necessary supply, further measures by neighbouring Member States, even if not in an emergency situation, should be triggered to ensure the supply to households, essential social services and district heating installations in the Member State experiencing the emergency. Member States should identify and describe the details of these solidarity measures in their emergency plans, ensuring fair and equitable compensation of the natural gas undertakings.
Amendment 128 #
2016/0030(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. The competent authorities shall study the possibility of using the opportunities offered by the CEF ‘Energy’ and ESI funds in general to develop energy infrastructure in the regions and adequate interconnections for those regions.
Amendment 143 #
2016/0030(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) arrangements for sharing costs between Member States where a customer in one Member State is adversely affected by a disruption in gas consumption and is forced to move to other fuels (from gas to oil in the case of power plants), owing to protected supplies to customers in the other Member State.
Amendment 13 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the increasingly dangerous and challenging security environment within and outside the Union, characterised by terrorist attacks and mass murder which no Member State can cope with alone, calls for the strengthening of the EU’s security and dthrough the continued development and support of the EU Common Security and Defence pPolicy, to make it a more effective policy instrument and a real guarantee of the safety of EU citizens and the promotion of European interests and protection of its values;
Amendment 19 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU needs to increase its role as a security provider at home and abroad, ensuring stability in its neighbourhood and globally; whereas the Union needs to contribute to the fight against terrorism at home and abroad, including by supporting third countries in combating terrorism; whereas the Union needs to make its external borders more secure;
Amendment 23 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the EU and the Member States have shown in the past their high dependency on US satellite communication and capability in times of crisis and for military applications, as it was the case of Libya;
Amendment 27 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Union needs to strengthen its resilience through cooperation and coordination with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, with the United Nations and with its neighbours and regional partners, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the African Union, and other neighbours and regional partners, while increasing its independence;
Amendment 32 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas satellite capabilities could be used to better assess and identify the flow of illegal immigrants, their routes and, in the case of those coming from the Northern Africa, to identify the ship boarding areas in order to engage them faster and save more lives;
Amendment 34 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the European Council of June 2015, which focused on defence, called for the fostering of greater and more systematic European defence cooperation with a view to delivering key capabilities, including through the coherent and efficient use of EU funds;
Amendment 39 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas space capabilities for European security and defence are appropriateimportant and, in some cases, even vital for a range of situations, ranging from day-to- day peacetime use to crisis management and even full-scale warfare; whereas the development of such capabilities is a long- term venture; whereas the development of future capabilities needs to be programmed when current capabilities are being deployed;
Amendment 51 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas developing and sustaining space capabilities for security and defence in Europe requirnecessitates effective cooperation and synergy among Member States and with the European and transatlantic institutions;
Amendment 53 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas EU's space capabilities should be compatible with the capabilities of NATO and the US so it can be fully used as a network in the case of crisis;
Amendment 54 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
Ib. whereas protecting the existing and future space capabilities against all threats is as important as developing them; whereas the further development and implementation of the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) is vital for such an objective and should thus be part of all future EU space strategies;
Amendment 55 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
Ic. whereas Research and Development in space technology is a sector with high investment return that also produces high quality software and hardware by- products with various commercial use;
Amendment 56 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Underlines that the use of space capabilities in the war against terrorism and terrorist organizations, through the ability of locating and monitoring their training camps, is vital;
Amendment 65 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that the Union should improve space-based satellite communication, space situational awareness, precision navigation and Earth observation capabilities, and ensure European non- dependence as regards critical space technologies and access to space; recognises that in order to achieve this goal sufficient financial investment is needed;
Amendment 90 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that cooperation between the Commission, the European External Action Service, the European Defence Agency, the European Space Agency and the Member States is crucial to improving European space capabilities and services; takes the view that the Union should coordinate, facilitate and support such cooperation in the area of space security and defence trough a specific operational coordination centre;
Amendment 115 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Believes that the EU should continue to facilitate the establishment of an international code of conduct on outer space activities to protect space infrastructure while preventing a weaponisation of space; considers that the development of the SSA programme is vital to this; calls for the Union to work towards this objective in cooperation with the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and other relevant partners;
Amendment 132 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. CAcknowledges that commercial satellite telecommunications constitute so- called soft targets and that their increasing use for military and infrastructure purposes put them at risk of cyber-attack; considers that the protection of space- based capabilities and services for security and defence against cyber-attacks and other harmful interference offers prospects for strengthened EU-NATO cooperation; invites the VP/HR to advance EU-NATO cooperation in this area and to inform Parliament as it evolves;
Amendment 136 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Draws attention to the danger posed by such capabilities, or the date made available by them, to be controlled and misused by any hacker or organisation, thus reminds about the need for a clear separation between public and non-public access to these capabilities;
Amendment 162 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Believes that the EU should lead and implement initiatives that make European space capabilities and services more robust, resilient and responsive; is convinced that a rapid reaction capability to replace or restore damaged or degraded assets in space as a crisis unfolds can only be developed effectively at the European levelshould be developed at the European level; commends ESA's work on developing a Space Situational Awareness (SSA) programme to detect and predict space debris or satellite collision; calls for the Commission and the Council to continue the funding of this project after 2016 in order to secure EU non-independence to space;
Amendment 165 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Commends ESA's work on developing a Space Situational Awareness (SSA) programme to detect and predict space debris or satellite collision; calls for the Commission and the Council to continue the funding of this project after 2016 in order to secure EU non- independence to space;
Amendment 169 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Believes that further financial and political support for the development and use of the EU launchers and of the Programme for Reusable In-orbit Demonstrator in Europe (PRIDE) is of strategic importance as it is more cost- efficient and it provides independence in space access, as well as a plan for space crisis management;
Amendment 179 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considers that the Union should encourage all actors in the technology and know-how supply chains to turn their attention to space-based capabilities and services for security and defence, and should promote the development of innovative applications and new business ideas in this area, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized companies and on developing entrepreneurship in this sector; notes that continued financial investment is needed to sustain technological research and development; calls for a plan for the use of dual-use space technologies in the space sector, aimed at contributing to the development of the European military and defence industry and to greater competition;
Amendment 187 #
2015/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Is convinced that sustained EU-level investments in security and defence capabilities foster greater and more systematic European defence cooperation with a view to delivering key capabilities; welcomes, therefore, the European Council conclusions of June 2015; urges the Council, the VP/HR and the Commission to develop the necessary framework for EU-level funding;
Amendment 92 #
2015/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the EU and its Member States, as well as on other members of the international community, to assist with training (and its pertinent evaluations), equipment, logistic support, financial assistance and development of rules of engagement (RoE), encouraging and facilitating African states in full and continuing their commitment to the ASF; urges, in this regard, more active advocacy of the ASF in African capitals by Member State embassies and EU delegations;
Amendment 99 #
2015/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Insists that the EU, in supporting PSOs, should not act in isolation but should, rather, take full account of the contributions of other international actors, improve coordination with them and rapidity of response, and focus its efforts on certain priority countries, using the most appropriate and experienced Member and African States as lead nations;
Amendment 1 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1
Citation 1
Amendment 15 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
- having regard to the final report of the EU Electoral observation mission for the legislative and presidential elections in Tunisia in 2014;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 b (new)
Citation 6 b (new)
- having regard to its resolution of March 10 2016, introducing emergency autonomous trade measures for Tunisia (COM(2015)0460 – C8-0273/2015 – 2015/0218(COD))
Amendment 30 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Tunisia currently hosts over a millionmore than 200.000 displaced Libyans, fleeing instability and violence in Libya, thereby putting a strain on the internal situation and infrastructures and leading displaced people to use the premises of former refugees camps such as Choucha, without any basic services being provided;
Amendment 38 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas Tunisia has suffered several terrorist attacks in the last year; whereas Tunisia is an essential partner of the European Union in the fight against terrorism;
Amendment 51 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Urges the mobilisation and better coordination of substantial resources for support Tunisia; underlines that without increasing Tunisia's absorption capacity, its stability and good governance in the region, any prospect of reform will be put at risk;
Amendment 56 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on participants of the Deauville Partnership to fulfil pledge commitments; considers that the situation in Tunisia justifies the launch of a real ‘Marshall Plan’ with appropriatebetter coordination of focused funding to support the consolidation of the democratic transition and foster investment and development in all sectors of the economy, in a comprehensive way; also calls upon the authorities of Tunisia to increase its efforts to enhance its absorption capacity for the financial assistance and consolidation efforts;
Amendment 90 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for the continuation of technical and capacity-building support for civil society groups, since these have proven to be of fundamental importance for democratic transition and overall development, government accountability, and monitoring of respect for human rights, including the protection of women; whereas civil society organisations have a crucial role to play in Tunisia;
Amendment 97 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Deems it necessary that the Commission and the EEAS provide support for local elections (scheduled in October 2016) and an EU and EP monitoring mission, should it be requested by the Tunisian Government as it was already the case for the legislative and presidential elections in 2014; calls for strengthened support for municipalities in the framework of Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM), and by fostering the development of twinning projects in coordination with the Member States;
Amendment 128 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Whereas freedom of expression online and offline and freedom of assembly are indispensable pillars of a democratic and pluralistic society; whereas freedom of the press and media are vital elements for democracy and an open society;
Amendment 145 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Welcomes the start of the negotiations on an ambitious Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Tunisia; underlines that international trade is essential for the Tunisian economic, social and political development and stability;
Amendment 147 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. CWelcomes the adoption of the emergency autonomous trade measures for the Republic of Tunisia as a concrete step to support the Tunisian economy; calls for an increase in EU aid to Tunisia through the ENI and for the coordination of international aid to Tunisia; encourages partnerships with other interested global and regional donor countries and organisations, and in particular, measures promoting investment in the manufacturing sector which would boost employment; notes that the tourism sector has been dramatically impacted by the attacks in 2014 and, considering the measures implemented since then by the Tunisian authorities, calls on the Member States to reassess the security situation as quickly as possible;
Amendment 169 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. WelcomesEncourages the early adoption of the Tunisian Strategic Plan for Development 2016-2020 and calls for its swift implementation with the adoption of regulatory frameworks aimed at facilitating the absorption of European support and of all international financial institutions; welcomes the adoption of the new investment code, which should create regulatory stability and facilitate investments, and the tax reforms; calls for the modernisation of the public administration, which should operate in an efficient and transparent way, thus greatly facilitating the implementation of projects and the better use of funds;
Amendment 209 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Recognises that Tunisian security is weakened among other reasons by the current internal situation in Libya; notes the building of a wall at the border with Libya; expresses concerns at the high number of Tunisian foreign fighters joining Daesh and other terrorist groups; underlines the necessity to reform the country’s intelligence services while respecting the rule of law and human rights conventions;
Amendment 222 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Calls for an increase in support for security sector reform in Tunisia and calls for swift implementation of the programmes currently in place; strongly calls on the Tunisian Ministry of the Interior, to support the reform of the security sector and also calls for the establishment of a national security adviser in Tunisia; calls for the Member States to share best practices in the security field in Tunisia;
Amendment 229 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28 a. Welcomes the enhanced political dialogue between the EU and Tunisia in the fight against terrorism; reminds the importance of protecting human rights in the context of counter-terrorism measures.
Amendment 248 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Welcomes the EU and the Tunisia Mobility Partnership signed in March 2014 and calls for its rapid implementation; calls for the signature of a visa waiver forwift negotiation of a readmission agreement between the EU and Tunisia; and notes that though mobility partnerships rely on national competences, they are included in the EU proposal within the ENP and recommends that Member States show their solidarity with Tunisia by facilitating visas for entrepreneurs, students, researchers etc.;
Amendment 93 #
2015/2224(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Expresses concern about the lack of intercommunication between local actors; local authorities in different regions; central authorities and the European Commission; invites the Commission, in cooperation with Member States, to encourage and support initiatives aimed at increasing information exchange; stressing that this is important in order to facilitate training of local actors and local authorities in accessing ITI funds;
Amendment 167 #
2015/2224(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Encourages the Commission and Member States, through coordination with the competent local authorities, to monitor the use of ITI funds, these being quantitatively more important than before because of their amalgamation; stresses that this is important for reducing the possibility of corruption in Member States;
Amendment 33 #
2015/2128(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that the Common Provisions Regulation requires managing authorities to put in place effective and proportionate anti-fraud measures which should be embedded in the anti-fraud national strategies; calls on the Commission to reinforce preventive action, in particular by strengthening the technical and administrative capacities of managing authorities to ensure more robust control systems able to reduce the risks of fraud and increase detection capacity in particular for less developed regions;
Amendment 45 #
2015/2128(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Appreciates the Commission’s decision to carry out a mid-term assessment in 2018 in order to establish whether the new regulatory architecture for the cohesion policy prevents fraud and reduces the risk of irregularities including fraud; calls on the Council to endorse the proposal for a directive on the fight against fraud to the EU’s financial interests by means of criminal law.
Amendment 49 #
2015/2128(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Expresses its concern regarding the discrepancy between the information collected in Member States from public and private sources, calls on the Commission to support initiatives aimed at increasing the collection of public information, stresses that this is important for combating corruption in the Member States.
Amendment 51 #
2015/2128(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Considers that the highly uneven financial recovery is a cause for concern; calls on the Commission to support initiatives aiming at increasing the effective and useful recovery of the damages (structural funds, cohesion funds); stresses that this is important for the financing of new European projects.
Amendment 11 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the ocean plays an integral role in many of the Earth's systems including climate and weather and is the place where a wide range of human activities are developed as fishing, energy, transport, trade;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas protected ecosystems covered, in 2014, 15.2 % cent of land and only 8.4 % of marine areas worldwide;
Amendment 19 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas conservation of marine biodiversity and its sustainable use are directly connected to long-term sustainable development and therefore have a social, economic and environmental relevance for all countries and territories;
Amendment 22 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the existing relevant legal framework for areas beyond national jurisdiction, developed more than 30 years ago, based on the doctrine of the freedom of the high seas, is no longer up to date as far as the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond jurisdiction is concerned;
Amendment 24 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the number of activities developed in the marine environment has increased in the last decades; whereas we acknowledge the dynamics between the different activities that take place in the high seas and how they affect the marine biodiversity;
Amendment 25 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas we acknowledge the interactions and cumulative effects of different activities that take place in the high seas and they have impact in marine biodiversity;
Amendment 29 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas, in the outcome document from Rio+20, heads of state and government committed to address, on an urgent basis, building on the work of the Working Group, and before the end of the 69th session of the General Assembly, the issue of the conversation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction, including by taking a decision on the development of an international instrument under the Convention on the Law of the Sea;
Amendment 32 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas fishing, alonesingly and in conjunction with other human marine activities, hasmay result in a great impact on marine biological diversity, and thus should be covered by all maritime conservation and management measures, in order to avoid or minimize such impacts;
Amendment 43 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L a (new)
Recital L a (new)
La. whereas fisheries are a very important activity that takes place both in national jurisdiction areas and in those beyond this jurisdiction;
Amendment 54 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas the UNFSA provides a framework for the application of the precautionary approach, conservation and management measures, cooperation for conservation and management, and the sub-regional and regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) and arrangements, there are continuing concerns about its effective implementation;
Amendment 63 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R a (new)
Recital R a (new)
Ra. whereas Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) are in place and some have work towards establishing marine protected areas in order to conserve and restore fish stock to a sustainable level;
Amendment 65 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital S a (new)
Recital S a (new)
Sa. whereas the need of gathering and sharing of scientific data and knowledge is of utmost importance in order to take decisions in good faith and based on the best available scientific advice;
Amendment 69 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital T a (new)
Recital T a (new)
Ta. whereas the European Union actively develops and encourages best practices in order to accomplish a sustainable use of fish stocks, and through its programs like Horizon 2020 encourages and finances data collection, research and sustainable development;
Amendment 70 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital T b (new)
Recital T b (new)
Tb. whereas the EU encourages the sustainable development and use of the potential of the blue economy and blue growth, which could also be seen as a valid development path for the nowadays developing countries;
Amendment 72 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the decision taken by the UNGA to start working towardsdevelop a new international instrument under the UNCLOS framework regardingon the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in ABNJ in order to address the current shortcomings;
Amendment 76 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights the vision, the opportunity and the consequence for the good relationship of the states and for the sustainable exploitation of the resources of the UN Law of the Sea, while recognizing that the new pressures and opportunities require that adjustments be made;
Amendment 78 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the importance of the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and seas and of their resources; calls on the EU and the international community to promote conservation and sustainable use of marine resources by implementing, among other measures, modern concepts of fisheries management, including science-based marine governance, maintaining stocks toabove levels capable of producing maximum sustainable yield, ecosystem-based management and conservation of marine biodiversity and the precautionary approach;
Amendment 85 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Acknowledges the in-depth work done by the Ad Hoc Open-ended Informal Working Group, regardless of the opposition encountered throughout these years;
Amendment 91 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Encourages the Commission to further promote fisheries aspects to be included in this new international agreement in order to improve the current legal framework by ensuring coherence and consistency;
Amendment 95 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Urges the Commission to continue supporting and promoting a holistic and comprehensive approach with regard to marine protected areas (MPAs) because no genuine coordination and cooperation of conservation efforts is possible without the participation of the widest possible circle of stakeholders involved in a comprehensive variety of human marine activities in oceans and seas;;
Amendment 97 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Encourages and stresses the Commission and member countries to promote the designation and implementation of EBSA in ABNJ
Amendment 112 #
2015/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Stresses that the impacts of fisheries on marine biodiversity in ABNJ will need to be part of the RFMOs mandate;
Amendment 28 #
2015/2093(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the techniques and equipment used for fishing have changed and have evolved, and the systems and techniques used for monitoring need to be also updated in order to be efficient; reminds that the EMFF could be used in this sense;
Amendment 33 #
2015/2093(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas Member States have different legal systems, and that the gathered evidence have to be admissible and usable in these different systems, specific to each Member State that does the prosecution;
Amendment 34 #
2015/2093(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
Ec. whereas the best ally for implementing the control regulation are well trained, encouraged fishermen, who understand the benefits of these controls and actively respect them;
Amendment 35 #
2015/2093(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Stresses the importance of ensuring effective control of fisheries activities in order to guarantee sustainable exploitation of marine living resources and maintain a level playing field among EU fleets; calls on Member States to ensure effective implementation of the control regulation;
Amendment 36 #
2015/2093(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a. Underlines that EU ambitious fight against IUU all over the world should be matched by an effective application of the control regulation in our own waters;
Amendment 48 #
2015/2093(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Urges Member States to fully and properly implement the control regulation, in order to have a clear view of which parts need to be improved in the upcoming revision and thus to ensure a functional and easy applicable control regulation for the future as well;
Amendment 61 #
2015/2093(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Notes that the lack of trust and transparency between Member States is one of the key issues for the lack of data sharing regarding regulation; encourages the overcome of this situation in order to ensure and prove an equal level playing field among all fishermen;
Amendment 64 #
2015/2093(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that the implementation by the EFCA of a ‘core curriculum’ for the training of fisheries inspectors is one startingan essential point for the standardisation of inspector training and control procedures; notes that Member States do not have, unless it is voluntarily so, the same training standards, which means that the content of qualifications, recruitment and objectives are different;
Amendment 66 #
2015/2093(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that fishermen are trained and informed differently and that no tool simplifying or granting easier access to the ‘control’ regulation has been put in place; is of the view that this situation is a disincentive to the uniform application of this legislation; strongly encourages the implementation of these tools as soon as possible in order to avoid this disincentive to the revised regulation;
Amendment 102 #
2015/2093(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Considers that a uniform and predictable application of the different types of possible inspections, through a full definition, harmonization and explanation of these inspections, would help ensure the necessary level playing field among all EU fisheries;
Amendment 114 #
2015/2093(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Encourages the Commission to develop control regulation application trainings for the national authorities, and underlines that Members States should make full use of these training programs;
Amendment 120 #
2015/2093(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Reminds the importance of having the capacity to share data in real time, especially during control operation done by the Agency in conjunction with the Member States and coordinated by the Agency through joint deployment plans;
Amendment 145 #
2015/2093(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Encourages the Commission and the Member States to consider the development of a harmonised minimum level penalty, applicable to serious infringements and/or repetitive illegal behaviour;
Amendment 151 #
2015/2093(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Is of the view that the capacity ofEncourages the actors to invest in modern technologiesy and equipment, compatible with each other willone another and easily updateable, in order to make controls more efficient;
Amendment 164 #
2015/2093(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Supports the inclusion of the recreational fisheries impact in the revised control regulation;
Amendment 22 #
2015/2092(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the principle of regionalization includes the consultation of the Advisory Councils with the purpose of bringing the stakeholders closer to the decision making process and better evaluating the possible socio-economic impacts of the decisions;
Amendment 186 #
2015/2092(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers it necessary to assess the suitability, effectiveness and socio- economic implications for EU fleets and for the local communities of specific regulations based on technical measures, such as those concerning driftnets, incidental cetacean catches, the ban on on- board shark finning or deep-sea fishing;
Amendment 10 #
2015/0310(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) The European Border and Coast Guard Agency should have the necessary equipment and staff at its disposal to be deployed in joint operations or rapid border interventions. To this end, when launching rapid border interventions at the request of a Member State or in the context of a situation requiring urgent action, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency should be able to deploy European Border and Coast Guard Teams from a rapid reserve pool which should be a standing corps composed of a small percentage of the total number of border guards in the Member States, which should amount to a minimum of 1 500. Those teams should also include in their staff translators or fluent speakers of both the host Member State's language and the language mostly spoken by those they need to address. The deployment of the European Border and Coast Guard Teams from the rapid reserve pool should be immediately complemented by additional European Border and Coast Guard Teams as appropriate.
Amendment 11 #
2015/0310(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) The European Border and Coast Guard Agency should monitor and contribute to the developments in research relevant for the control of the external borders, including the use of advanced surveillance technology, and it should disseminate this information to the Member States and to the Commission, the Commission and all other agencies involved, including the European Fisheries Control Agency.
Amendment 12 #
2015/0310(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27 a (new)
Recital 27 a (new)
(27a) Strengthening the cooperation through, among others, data and information sharing between the Member States' authorities, the EU Agencies, and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency would increase the workload of the staff in all the EU Agencies. This should be properly addressed by the Commission and the European Parliament through budgetary increase for the agencies and through an increase of staff members trained for the new tasks.
Amendment 13 #
2015/0310(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
(ra) coordinate the information, equipment and all other capabilities of the European Fisheries Control Agency and of the European Maritime Safety Agency, if their support is needed in order to perform specific tasks like, but not limited to, search and rescue.
Amendment 14 #
2015/0310(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 36 – paragraph 1
Article 36 – paragraph 1
1. The Agency shall proactively monitor and contribute to research and innovation activities relevant for the control of the external borders, including the use of advanced surveillance technology such as remotely piloted aircraft systems, and for return. The Agency shall disseminate the results of that research to the Commission and the Member States and to all other agencies involved, including the European Fisheries Control Agency. It may use those results as appropriate in joint operations, rapid border interventions, return operations and return interventions.
Amendment 15 #
2015/0310(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 52 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 52 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The European Fisheries Control Agency and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency shall have bidirectional information sharing in order for the European Fisheries Control Agency to ensure the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy.
Amendment 95 #
2015/0263(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Support under the Programme should be provided by the Commission upon request by a Member State, in areas such as regional and urban policy, budget and taxation, public function, institutional and administrative reforms, the justice system, anti-fraud, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering, business environment, private sector development, investment, competition, public procurement, privatization processes, access to finance, investment, trade, sustainable development, innovation, education and training, labour policies, public health, asylum, migration policies, agriculture and rural development and financial sector policies.
Amendment 160 #
2015/0263(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24 a (new)
Recital 24 a (new)
(24a) Member States that request support from the Programme might contribute with additional funds to the financial envelope of the Programme. Currently, Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 limits the possibility of a transfer of resources dedicated to technical assistance at the initiative of a Member State to those Member States which face temporary budgetary difficulties. Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 should therefore be amended in order to allow all Member States to participate financially to the Programme. The resources transferred to the Union budget should be used for supporting actions contributing to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth or Fund-specific purposes in the Member States concerned. The transfer of the additional funds from the Member States' technical assistance, mentioned above, should be approved by means of a delegated act.
Amendment 174 #
2015/0263(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
The general objective of the Programme shall be to contribute to institutional, administrative and structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions, governance, administration, economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness, of EU enterprises, in particular SMEs and their access to finances, economic growth, jobs, creation and investment, in particular in the context of economic governance processes, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds.
Amendment 248 #
2015/0263(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 a (new)
Article 10 a (new)
Amendment 259 #
2015/0263(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 a (new)
Article 17 a (new)
Amendment 3 #
2014/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. UnderlinAcknowledges that the economic crisis and the austerity measures have greatly increased economic and social disparities, worsening the differences between (and within) Member States, financial and sovereign debt crisis has increased economic and social disparities, between (and within) Member States; calls for the continuation of growth-friendly fiscal consolidation and structural reforms, which can decrease the overall public deficit in the EU and lead to renewed economic growth; believes that more needs to be done to modernise EU economies and strengthen competitiveness to make the EU more attractive to growth enhancing investment creating jobs and growth;
Amendment 41 #
2014/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 52 #
2014/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 79 #
2014/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights the importance of better inclusion of the social partners at regional, local level and of civil society organisations and of promoting public- private programmes for social entrepreneurship.
Amendment 64 #
2014/2240(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Insists that the Commission guarantee that the findings of research that it has funded stay in the public domain, while at the same time ensuring that all interested parties have easy and open access to that information free of charge;
Amendment 11 #
2014/2214(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas according to the Commission, the EU will be co-financing the projects together with the Members States;
Amendment 14 #
2014/2214(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the strategy is as good as the projects financed and supported by the Member States;
Amendment 15 #
2014/2214(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Amendment 16 #
2014/2214(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D d (new)
Recital D d (new)
Dd. whereas all the countries wish to achieve economic growth and development;
Amendment 17 #
2014/2214(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D e (new)
Recital D e (new)
De. whereas long term growth and development can only be achieved through sustainable development;
Amendment 18 #
2014/2214(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D f (new)
Recital D f (new)
Df. whereas the blue growth, which is part of this strategy and of the action plan accompanying it, is a platform for sustainable development projects especially for these types of regions;
Amendment 19 #
2014/2214(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D g (new)
Recital D g (new)
Dg. whereas fisheries, although one of the most important sectors in the this region, does not have a specific part of the strategy dedicated to it, but it's aspects are rather split between almost all other pillars;
Amendment 20 #
2014/2214(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D h (new)
Recital D h (new)
Dh. whereas an increase in maritime transport and in the cruise tourism industry are part of the strategy and of the action plan as a way for achieving development and economic growth;
Amendment 21 #
2014/2214(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D i (new)
Recital D i (new)
Di. whereas an increase in maritime activity could damage the already endangered fish stocks in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas;
Amendment 26 #
2014/2214(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Commission to ensure, to the best of its abilities, that the fishery industry, the fish stocks, the maritime environment and all other aspects related to this sector are coordinated and managed in a sustainable way among all pillars, and are in accordance with values and objectives of the CFP;
Amendment 40 #
2014/2214(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission to encourage and support projects that offer a real and sustainable development for the small remote communities that live on islands and secure their day to day income through small scale fisheries;
Amendment 45 #
2014/2214(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on the Commission to ensure the necessary funds for the data collections, analysis and evaluations needed for a clear perspective of the status-quo and for reaching the full sustainable development potential of the region;
Amendment 1 #
2014/0238(NLE)
Draft legislative resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to submitend to Parliament and to the Council, within the last year of application of the protocol and before the opening of negotiations for its renewal, a full report on its implementationbefore the present Agreement expires and as negotiations begin for a future one, detailed information in the form of an ex- post report on the costs and benefits of the Agreement;
Amendment 2 #
2014/0238(NLE)
Draft legislative resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Commission to submit to Parliament yearly reports on the implementation of the Agreement, concerning in particular the multiannual programme mentioned in Article 4 of the Implementation Protocol to the Agreement, as well as detailing the way funds provided pursuant to the Agreement are used;
Amendment 3 #
2014/0238(NLE)
5a. Calls on the Commission to focus in particular on the promotion of local management and accountability, as well as to facilitate the provision of adequate information to all local actors interested in the Agreement and its implementation;
Amendment 23 #
Amendment 102 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3 a) Since the proposal of the High-level Expert Group on reforming the structure of the Union’s banking sector, the Union has adopted a large amount of legislation (EMIR, MIFID2, CRR, CRD4, DGS, BRRD among others) reducing systemic risk, increasing capital requirements, safeguarding depositors and improving the tools for dealing with bank crises across the Union. As a result of these new rules and of new structures for supervision, the legal framework has been reinforced and the single rulebook in banking has created a new basis for financial markets in the Union, facilitating a single financial market and a working Capital Markets Union.
Amendment 111 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
Amendment 120 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12 a) Through a risk-based approach, this Regulation should aim at providing financial stability, reducing systemic risk and maintaining a competitive European banking sector able to finance the economy.
Amendment 134 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) It is difficult to distinguish proprietary trading from market making. To overcome this difficulty, the prohibition of proprietary trading should be limited to desks, units, divisions or individual traders specifically dedicated to proprietary tradingre should be enhanced rules regarding the definition of trading mandates with risk limits and improved permanent monitoring under the control of the competent authorities to ensure the consistency of transactions with the trading mandates and risk limits. Banks should not be able to circumvent the prohibition by running or benefiting from investments in non-bank entities engaging in proprietary trading.
Amendment 147 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) The management body of the entities subject to the prohibition of proprietary trading should ensure compliance with this prohibition. The permanent control should assess the consistency of profit and loss, risk and activity (including turnover) results with the appetite for risk of the institution, the internal risk limits and the trading mandates.
Amendment 159 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) If, when assessing the trading activities, the competent authority concludes that they exceed certain metrics in terms of relative size, leverage, complexity, profitability, associated market risk, as well as interconnectedness, and further deems that there is a threat to the financial stability of the core credit institution or to the whole or part of the Union financial system, taking into account the objectives of this Regulation, it should require their separation from the core credit institution unless the core credit institution can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the competent authority that those trading activities do not pose a threat to the financial stability of the core credit institution or to the Union financial system as a whole, taking into account the objectives set out in this Regulation.
Amendment 178 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) Irrespective of separation, the core credit institution should still be able to manage its own risk. Certain trading activities should therefore be allowed to the extent that they are aimed at the prudent management of the core credit institution's capital, liquidity and funding and do not pose concerns to its financial stability. Similarly, the core credit institutions needs to be able to provide certain necessary risk management services to its clients. However, that should be done without exposing the core credit institution to unnecessary risk and without posing concerns to its financial stability. Hedging activities eligible for the purpose of prudently managing own risk and for the provision of risk management services to clients can, but does not have to, qualify as hedge accounting under the International Financial Reporting Standards. Irrespective of a decision to separate, the competent authority shall have the power conferred by Article 104(1)(a) of Directive 2013/36/EU to impose an own funds requirement when the volume of risks and trading activities exceeds certain levels, in order to incentivise an institution not to take unnecessary risks for its financial stability or the financial stability of the Union in whole or in part.
Amendment 185 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32 a (new)
Recital 32 a (new)
(32 a) In accordance with Article 1(5) and Article 22(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority (European Banking Authority), EBA shall pay particular attention to any systemic risk posed by financial institutions, the failure of which may impair the operation of the financial system or the real economy. EBA shall therefore develop guidance on the quantitative and the qualitative parameters.
Amendment 191 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37 a (new)
Recital 37 a (new)
(37 a) For the purpose of carrying out its exclusive tasks, including the duties specified in this Regulation, the ECB has the sanctioning powers specified in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No 1024/2013. For the purpose of carrying out its exclusive tasks, including the duties specified in this Regulation, the ECB has the sanctioning powers specified in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No 1024/2013.
Amendment 200 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 44 a (new)
Recital 44 a (new)
(44 a) The conferral of supervisory tasks implies a significant responsibility for the ECB to safeguard financial stability in the Union, and to use its supervisory powers in the most effective and proportionate way. Any shift of supervisory powers from the Member State to the Union level should be balanced by appropriate transparency and accountability requirements. The ECB should therefore be accountable for the exercise of those tasks towards the European Parliament and the Council as democratically legitimised institutions representing the citizens of the Union and the Member States. That should include regular reporting, and responding to questions by the European Parliament in accordance with its rules of procedure, and by the Eurogroup in accordance with its procedures. Any reporting obligations should be subject to the relevant professional secrecy requirements.
Amendment 203 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 47 a (new)
Recital 47 a (new)
(47 a) As stated in the Liikanen report, "attention should be paid to the governance and control mechanisms of all banks". More attention should indeed be given by the competent authorities to the ability of management and boards to run and monitor large and complex banks as well as smaller ones as the crisis has shown that small banks represent a risk too. Complementary supervisory tools should be developed such as fit-and- proper tests applied when evaluating the suitability of management and board candidates.
Amendment 204 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
This Regulation aims atconfers on the competent authorities specific tasks concerning policies relating to the prudential supervision with the aim of preventing systemic risk, financial stress or failure of, in particular, large, complex and interconnected entities in the financial system, in particular credit institucredit institutions by mandating competent authorities to assess the trading activities and if an excessive risk occurs across the different legal entities of a banking group imposing the separation in a trading entity of those activities from the rest of the banking group, where they represent a threat to the solvency of the institution or to financial stability. In exercising this Regulations, and at meetingthe competent authorities will have to pay particular attention to the following objectivedimensions:
Amendment 229 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
This Regulation lays down rules onfor a framework for the competent authorities' supervisory processes to properly assess the need for:
Amendment 247 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
(b) any of the following entities that for a period of three consecutive years has total assets amounting at least to EUR 30 billion and has trading activities amounting at least to EUR 70 billion or 10 per cent of its total assets:
Amendment 259 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) any entity that the competent authority may, on its own initiative, consider to be of significant relevance on grounds of preventing systemic risk, financial stress or failure.
Amendment 279 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 4
4. ‘proprietary trading’ means using own capital or borrowed money to take positions in reaction to and with the motivation of exploiting actual or expected movements in market valuations, in any type of transaction to purchase, sell or otherwise acquire or dispose of any financial instrument or commodities for the sole purpose of making a profit for own account, and without any connection to actual or anticipated client activity or for the purpose of hedging the entity’s risk as result of actual or anticipated client activity, through the use of desks, units, divisions or individual tra. This definition includers specifically dedicated to such position taking and profit making, including through dedicated web-based proprietary trading platformsany such transaction undertaken with the aim of making profit, irrespective of whether such profit would be realised in the short term or in the longer term, or is in fact realised;
Amendment 287 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 12
12. ‘market making’ means a financial institution's commitment to provide market liquidity on a regular and on-going basis, by posting two-way quotes with regard to a certain financial instrument, or as part of its usual business, by fulfilling orders initiated by clients or in response to clients’ requests to trade, butor in both cases without bereasonable anticipation of potential client activity, and by hedging exposed to material market riitions arising from the fulfilment of these tasks;
Amendment 297 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 22 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 22 a (new)
22 a. "concentration" means a concentration as determined in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004.
Amendment 304 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Entities referred to in Article 3 shall not unless via a separate trading entity which satisfies the conditions set in Articles 13, 14 and whose process of creation satisfies Article 18:
Amendment 312 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
(i) acquire or retain units or shares of substantially leveraged AIFs as defined by Article 4(1)(a) of Directive 2011/61/EU;
Amendment 316 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii
(ii) invest in derivatives, certificates, indices or any other financial instrument the performance of which is linked to shares or units of substantially leveraged AIFs;
Amendment 321 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
(iii) hold any units or shares in an entity that engages in proprietary trading or acquires units or shares in substantially leveraged AIFs.
Amendment 325 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notwithstanding paragraph 1(b)(i), entities referred to in Article 3 may: - provide seed capital to substantially leveraged AIFs up to 3% over a period of one year extendable twice from the date of their commitment; or - retain at least one share of contractual funds.
Amendment 330 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
Amendment 352 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4
4. The management body of each entity referred to in Article 3 shall ensure that the requirements set out in paragraph 1 are complied with. In particular, the credit institution or the EU parent must report qualitative and quantitative information to the competent authority and have in place appropriate procedures, reasonably designed to achieve compliance with the requirements set out in paragraph 1. Procedures shall include inter alia: - identifying, defining and monitoring activities within the credit institution; - establishing appropriate risk limits unit by unit for trading activities; - computing a comprehensive profit and loss attribution for each unit engaged in trading; - reviewing on a regular basis the compliance program; - aligning the remuneration of the staff with a prudent management of the risks involved.
Amendment 364 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Chapter 3 – title
Chapter 3 – title
Amendment 399 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. The requirements of this Chapter shall apply to all entities referred to in Article 3 paragraph (b) that for a period of three consecutive years have total trading activities amounting to at least EUR 70 billion or 10 per cent of the entity's total assets.
Amendment 405 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Amendment 427 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Even when trading activities are separated from the rest of the group, as a result of national measures referred to in Article 1, as a result of the decision laid down in Article 10 or as a choice of the institution, the competent authority shall assess these trading activities with a view, where necessary, to implement intra- group large exposure limits referred to in Article 14 or further requirements such as additional capital surcharges and risk limits.
Amendment 434 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. When performing the assessment referred to in paragraph 1, the competent authority shall use the following metricsqualitative and quantitative parameters, inter alia:
Amendment 463 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h a (new)
(h a) the cartography of trading activities, including methods for assessing the need to build up inventories in order to meet anticipated client demand;
Amendment 468 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h b (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h b (new)
(h b) the compliance framework implementing this regulation;
Amendment 470 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h d (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h d (new)
(h d) the remuneration schemes;
Amendment 472 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h c (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h c (new)
Amendment 476 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h e (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h e (new)
(h e) the risk management policy;
Amendment 477 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h f (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h f (new)
(h f) the risk disclosure management;
Amendment 478 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h g (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h g (new)
(h g) the policy to fight aggressive tax planning and tax havens;
Amendment 479 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
This assessment by the competent authority shall be carried out at a detailed level up to the desk where deemed relevant, and cover all trading activities, including market making.
Amendment 481 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The competent authority may require all quantitative and qualitative information it deems relevant for the assessment of trading activities under paragraph 1.
Amendment 501 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. Where the competent authority concludes that, following the assessment referred to in Article 9(1), the limits and conditions linked to the metrics referred to in points (a) to (h) of Article 9(2) and specified in the delegated act referred to in paragraph 5 are met, and it therefore deems that there ispart or all of the trading activities represent a threat to the financial stability of the core credit institution or to the whole or part of the Union financial system as a whole, taking into account the objectives referred to in Article 1, it shall, no later than two months after the finalisation of that assessment, start the procedure leading to a decision as referredrequire the institution to take measures to mitigate excessive risk taking. The institution shall submit a report to in the second subparagraph of paragraph 3competent authorities outlining the measures that it has taken or intends to take to efficiently address those risks.
Amendment 507 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Amendment 512 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The competent authority shall notify its conclusions referred to in paragraphs 1 or 2 to the core credit institution and provide the core credit institution with the opportunity to submit written comments within two months from the date of the notification.
Amendment 525 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 532 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
Amendment 535 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 4
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 4
Amendment 545 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 4
Article 10 – paragraph 4
4. The decisions referred to in the second subparagraph of paragraph 3 will be subject to review by the competent authority every 5 yearsat least every year in the context of the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process that competent authorities shall carry out under Article 97 of Directive 2013/36/EU.
Amendment 551 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
5. The Commission shall, [OP insert the correct date by 6 months of publication of this Regulation] adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 35 to:EBA shall develop and submit guidance on the parameters to the competent authority. In order to properly assess the risk, the EBA shall review regularly the guidance.
Amendment 552 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 5 – point a
Article 10 – paragraph 5 – point a
Amendment 556 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 5 – point b
Article 10 – paragraph 5 – point b
Amendment 567 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 594 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Amendment 596 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Amendment 600 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Amendment 646 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Amendment 653 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16
Article 16
Amendment 676 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1a (new)
A finding by the relevant resolution authority that there are no substantive impediments to resolvability shall not in itself be deemed sufficient indication that the conclusions referred to in Article 10(3) are not justified, as primary objectives of this Regulation focus on financial stability at large and not only on resolvability. Likewise, the competent authority shall not take a decision referred to in Article 10(3) for resolvability purposes, since the powers to change banking groups' structure, including by requiring a "holding company" structure are entrusted to the resolution authority in accordance with Article 17(5)(g) of Directive 2014/59/EU.
Amendment 680 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1a (new)
In particular, the competent authority shall provide the resolution authority with all relevant information resulting from its risk assessment of trading activities so as to facilitate the update of resolution plans by the resolution authority.
Amendment 703 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – title
Article 21 – title
Amendment 707 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. At the request of a Member State, the Commission may grant a derogation from the requirements of this Chapter to aThis Regulation shall not prevent Member States from implementing national bank structural reforms that apply at individual level to credit institutions authorized in their territory with the view of isolating core credit institutions or taking deposits from individuals and SMEs that are subject to national primary legislation adopted before 29 January 2014macro-prudential measures, with the prior consent of the competent authorities and resolution authorities. Competent authorities and resolution authorities shall not authorise those national measures whenre the national legislation complies with the following requirements:credit institution is subject to a resolution regime equipped with resolution financing arrangements that prevent the use of tax payer money by establishing ex ante funding in a resolution fund separate from Member States' general budget.
Amendment 709 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 712 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 716 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point c
Amendment 721 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 723 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 727 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Amendment 732 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 4
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 4
Amendment 736 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 5
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 5
Amendment 740 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 6
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 6
Amendment 752 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 22 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
By [OP insert the correct date by 12 months of publication of this Regulation], the competent authority shall annually identify credit institutions and groups that are subject to this Regulation in accordance with Article 3 and notify them immediately to the EBA.
Amendment 767 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. For the purpose of Article 3(1)(b), the calculation of thresholds for entities that have effected a concentration during the previous year shall for the two years prior to the concentration be based on the combined accounts of the merged entities.
Amendment 775 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 778 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 26 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 786 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 a (new)
Article 26 a (new)
Article 26 a Accountability and reporting 1. When acting as a competent authority in the framework of this regulation, the ECB shall be accountable to the European Parliament and to the Council for the implementation of this Regulation. The ECB shall be subject to the same accountability provisions laid down in Article 20 of Council regulation (EU) No 1024/2013 of 15 October 2013 conferring specific tasks on the European Central Bank concerning policies relating to the prudential supervision of credit institutions. This implies inter alia that at the request of the European Parliament, the Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB shall participate in a hearing on the execution of its supervisory tasks by the competent committees of the European Parliament. 2. The ECB shall report on the execution of the tasks conferred on it by this Regulation in the framework of the annual report it is due to submit to the European Parliament, to the Council, to the Commission and to the euro Group referred to in article 20 of Council regulation (EU) No 1024/2013 of 15 October 2013 conferring specific tasks on the European Central Bank concerning policies relating to the prudential supervision of credit institutions. 3. The other competent authorities shall report, on a regular basis, to the Commission and the EBA on the implementation of this Regulation. 4. The competent committee of the European Parliament may invite the other competent authorities to participate in an exchange of views.
Amendment 796 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) the disgorgement of the profits gained or losses avoided due to the breach in so far as they can be determinedwhich the competent authority estimates to have been gained or avoided due to the breach ;
Amendment 797 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) withdrawal or suspension of the authorisation;
Amendment 800 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point g
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point g
(g) maximum administrative pecuniary sanctions of at least three times the amount of the profits gained or losses avoided because ofpenalties of up to twice the amount of the benefit derived from the breach where thoseat benefit can be determined;
Amendment 804 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point h
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point h
(h) in respectthe case of a natural person, a maximum administrative pecuniary sanction of at leastpenalties of up to EUR 5 000 000 or, in the Member States whose currency is not the euro, the corresponding value in the national currency on the date of entry into force of this Regulation;
Amendment 805 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point i
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point i
(i) in respectthe case of a legal persons, maximum administrative pecuniary sanctions of at leastpenalties of up to 10 per cent of the total annual net turnover of the legal person according to the last available accounts approved by the management body; where the legal person is a parent undertaking or a subsidiary of the parent undertaking which has to prepare consolidated financial accounts according to Directive 2013/34/EU, the relevant total annual turnover shall be the total annual turnover or the corresponding type of income according to the relevant accounting regime according to the last available consolidated accounts approved by the management body of the ultimate parent undertakingincluding the gross income consisting of interest receivable and similar income, income from shares and other variable or fixed-yield securities, and commissions or fees receivable in accordance with Article 316 of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the undertaking in the preceding business year.
Amendment 807 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 28 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. In the event of a breach referred to in paragraph 1, the ECB, as a competent authority, may impose the sanctions laid down in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No 1024/2013.
Amendment 811 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) the importance of the profits gained or losses which the competent authority estimates to have been gained or avoided by the person responsible for the breach, insofar as they can be determined;
Amendment 828 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 1
Article 34 – paragraph 1
The CommissionEBA shall, on a regular basis, monitor the effect of rules laid down in this Regulation in respect of the achievement of the objectives referred to in Article 1 and on the stability of the Union financial system as a whole, taking into account market structure developments as well as the development and activities of the entities regulated by this Regulation, and make any appropriate proposals. The review shall in particular focus on the appropriateness and the application of the thresholds referred to in Article 3, the application and effectiveness of the prohibition foreseen in Article 6, including the exemptions to the prohibition provided in the same Article, the scope of activities referred to in Article 8 and the suitability of the metrics set out in Article 9. By 1 January 2020 and on a regular basis thereafter, the Commission shall, after taking into account the views of the competent authorities, submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a report, including the issues mentioned above, if appropriate accompanied by a legislative proposaland qualitative information set out in Article 9.
Amendment 829 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 34 – paragraph 1 a (new)
By*, the Commission, after consulting the ESRB, the EBA and the competent authorities, shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the potential threats to financial stability, to the Single Market and to the competitiveness of the EU, covering inter alia: - the calibration of sovereign debt; - the governance and control mechanisms of the banks; - misaligned fiscal incentives, notably the preferential fiscal treatment of debt ; - the level of competition both inside the EU and at global level. If appropriate, the report should be accompanied by legislative proposals. * within 12 months of publication of this Regulation in the OJ.
Amendment 830 #
2014/0020(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 34 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Based on the EBA review referred to in paragraph 1, by 1 January 2020 and on a regular basis thereafter, the Commission shall, after taking into account the views of the competent authorities, submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a report, including the issues mentioned above, if appropriate accompanied by a legislative proposal.
Amendment 3 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the issue of anti-missile defence (AMD) was already raised in the past but has become more topical in recent years in view of the multiplication of threats stemming from nuclear proliferation to which the EU and its allies must be able to respond effectively technology has a long history but only recently has reached the needed degree of interception needed to ensure the functioning of such a system;
Amendment 8 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas a number of states, such as the USA and Israel have functioning AMD and short-range missile defence systems in place;
Amendment 12 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas AMD is not only a leading symbol of the USA’s commitment to the EU and to its Eastern European Mthe USA has bilaterally and multilaterally implicated a number of EU member Sstates but also of allied solidarity, even if the system is not specifically intended to shield the particular country in which it is basedin AMD projects which might have a significance for other parts of the Union as well given the range of defence aimed by the projects;
Amendment 17 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the global character of current challenges and the spread of technological knowledge require broader cooperation between the EU and its neighbours, as well as a more accurately defined risk assessment between allieNATO has had several rounds of talks with the Russian Federation, inviting it to be a partner of the AMD projects;
Amendment 19 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the main purported reason for an AMD system in Europe would be to defend from the threat of so-called rogue states, with a number of countries currently under UN sanctions having or being suspected of having significant missile technology able to target countries in the EU;
Amendment 20 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the new deal signed in November 2013 in Geneva between various countries and Iran, one brokered by the HR/VP of the European Union ensures no further nuclear threat posed by Iran;
Amendment 21 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas from EU member states, only Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania and Bulgaria have been in direct talks with the trans-Atlantic partners for the implementation of an AMD project, with several installations being already in place in Romania;
Amendment 22 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas the USA have stated repeatedly in Congressional hearings and State Department documents that the primary goal of an AMD system in Europe would be to ensure the safety of USA and NATO assets in that territory with any other reasons coming as secondary;
Amendment 23 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that nuclear proliferation poses a grave danger to the survival of humankind. Even a nuclear strike confined to a to specific area would be constitute a global catastrophe, resulting in a major system shock at global level. The cost of such an event, both human and financial, would be extremely highWelcomes the prospect of a European territory defensible from ballistic missiles, nuclear or kinetic, while noting the highly fragmented state of current projects and a need to involve all major parties of the EU in its implementation and range of potential defence;
Amendment 26 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers that AMD technology has the potential to destabilise current deterrent arrangements in place in Europe and the world and calls for a higher level of coordination between Member States, with the help of the Council, EEAS and European Defence Agency, in order to avoid possible duplications of costs and differences in national foreign policies;
Amendment 28 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the latest phase in the deployment of NATO’s anti-missile shield (AMS), which aims to annihilate ballistic missiles before they reach their targets in the final stage of at current technological restrictions do not make any potential AMD system, especially the one envisaged by NATO in Europe, neitheir trajectory upon re- entry into the atmosphere, will face greater restrictions than was previously anticipated. It will provide protection to key NATO assets, but contrary to previous plans, it will not, in its current form, provide sufficient coverage infallible nor able to offer full defence range to all EU countries and limited in the number of missiles it could intercept; stresses therefore the whole European population from the limited number of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in existence. This unforeseen development has raised support for a European AMS which would supplement NATO’s systemat the only sure mean to ensure peace and defence is a high degree of international cooperation and dialogue;
Amendment 33 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. StressNotes that, due to the financial crisis and budget cuts, not enough resources are being used to maintain sufficient defence capabilities, thereby leading to the reduction of the EU’s military capabilities and industrial capacity; both the current and any future AMD project in Europe would be affected by the financial crisis and wide- ranging defence spending cuts in Europe, therefore making its implementation dependent on the foreign policy of external actors like the USA; considers that this gives the EU member states limited options and calls for more trans- border and multilateral dialogue between Union countries on AMD projects; considers that the current form of AMD projects in Europe limits the EU means of interacting and affecting this issue; calls therefore for more Union engagement with the member states and international partners and notes the possibility for the HR/VP to intermediate a deal between the USA and the Russian Federation for a joint approach to AMD;
Amendment 35 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Argues that the legitimate grounds for an anti-missile shield originate in the threat of a nuclear attack potentially orchestrated by actors who do not subscribe to traditional understandings of rationality. In real terms, certain ‘rogue’ states or state-like actors could be prepared to attack, eAMD system issue from a new form of deterrence from ballistic missile attacks, either of a nuclear or kinetic nature, with its main limitation being that ballistic missiles are not the only means for delivering nuclear or kinetic payloads; stresses however the potential positiven in cases where doing so would ultimately result in their inevitable self-destructionmpact of an AMD project as a deterrent for any ballistic projects being developed by rogue states;
Amendment 43 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that convincing evidence exists that a number of ‘rogue’ states are attempting to acquire nuclear weapons; notes, furthermore, some of these states have stated their preparedness to use these weapons should their interests be jeopardised; recalls, in this connection, the vast arsenal of nuclear weapons already in the possession of highly unstable states; welcomes that fact that most such states are not in the immediate vicinity of the EU and well outside most ballistic missile ranges;
Amendment 48 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights that it is extremely difficult to evaluate the current and future risks of such developments, and that even if some of these countries have the capacity to develop a nuclear bomb, this does not necessarilyNotes that in the current dynamic international state of affairs, long term projects such as an AMD systems for Europe are hard to justify in spending and calls for the European Commission to issue an analysis of the potential need for such a tool, as well as means that they are capable of developing ICBMs in the near futureo cooperate at an EU level for a realistic and useful implementation;
Amendment 51 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 54 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 59 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Draws attention to the approximation that the AMS is likely to be an extremely costly project and that it is unlikely that it would fall within the scope of standard EU financing schemes; underlines, furthermore, that maintenance will increase costs in the long run; notes that the EU is expected to be called upon to substantially contribute to the infrastructure, operations and maintany current arrangements do not involve the EU as a financer of the project and that any involvement of the Union should also mean an enhanced costsverage of the AMSD system;
Amendment 61 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls therefore for a thorough and transparent cost-benefit analysis to be carried out regarding AMS by the European Commission and European Defence Agency; points out that this analysis should be conducted by an independent panel and should evaluate the cost of the AMS in relation to the potential risk of a ‘rogue’ state orchestrating an attack using ICBMs;
Amendment 64 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 68 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 77 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Notes that developing a new technology such as the AMD systems in Europe could have a highly beneficial impact on the European Defence Industry, providing for jobs and research; calls therefore on the member states to find ways to promote European companies as well in the development of AMD;
Amendment 81 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recalls that NATO has announced its intention to actively seek cooperation on missile defence with Russia (and other Euro-Atlantic partners), thereby paving the way for greater transparency on nuclear issues and short-range nuclear weaponsConsiders that any viable AMD project being developed at an European level should involve European states outside of the EU as well, notably the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Turkey;
Amendment 86 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
Amendment 89 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Amendment 96 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Argues that Europeanan EU-wide anti-missile defence would require complex institutional arrangements that are currently not in existence; calls forthe Commission report on AMD to have a credible plan for an institutional framework in which the EU, NATO and non-NATO countries and Russia could work together;
Amendment 99 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
Amendment 1 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
- having regard to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women,
Amendment 4 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
- having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,
Amendment 5 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
- having regard to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,
Amendment 16 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
Ae. whereas understanding of people´s cultures and religions can help foster tolerance and reconciliation in post- conflict situations;
Amendment 28 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the balance between the promotion of European values and the respect for cultural sensitivities of third countries is a basic factor of good cooperation in the Union’s foreign affairs;
Amendment 36 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Whereas the necessity to combat extremism remains a condition forConsiders that the priority for the EU’s foreign affairs policy is the necessity to combat extremism, but only in a multilateral international environment that fully involves and takes input from all other external actors leading to the successful construction of a new international order based on widely shared universal values;
Amendment 41 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its conviction that the EU must defend its own global interests inhave a determined, and unified mannerforeign policy, while always basing its policies on the promotion of the fundamental values upon which the Union is founded (namely, respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights) and on respect for other countries’ cultural dynamics;
Amendment 47 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Insists in particular on the promotion of women’s rights and their empowerment as well as the fight against any sort of discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation; notes that gender equality is a fundamental principle of international law, to which all countries adhere;
Amendment 50 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for the EU to promote the ratification and implementation of the key international human rights treaties, including all non-discrimination agreements, core labour rights conventions, as well as regional human rights instruments;
Amendment 72 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that the notion of cultural and religious differences has, until now, been used repeatedly as a pretext for blatant violations of human rights by state and non-state actors, as well as many authoritarian and radical regimes;
Amendment 77 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Underlines that the respect of cultural and religious traits and practices should be a fundament of Union foreign policy, in a tolerant manner, without prejudice to international human rights agreements;
Amendment 87 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses that inclusive education should play a prominent role in development policy, crisis-management and post-conflict stabilisation;
Amendment 93 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Emphasises the importance of cultural diplomacy and cultural cooperation in communicating the values that make up European culturepromoting the principles which are at the base of both the UN and the EU and in advancing the common interests of the EU’s and, its Member States and all other countries in the world; stresses the need for the EU to act as a world player with a global perspective and global responsibility;
Amendment 96 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Recognises that the internet and communication technologies are a key enabler in facilitating freedom of expression, pluralism, exchange of information, education, human rights, development, freedom of assembly, democracy and intercultural and interreligious interaction and inclusion, thereby fostering tolerance and understanding; Urges the Commission, therefore, to implement the recommendations set out in the Report on a Digital Freedom Strategy in EU Foreign policy;
Amendment 109 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 116 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Calls for the EU to fully engage diplomatically with all states from all religious backgrounds, for the goal of fighting against any kind of radical or violent religious interpretation;
Amendment 120 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Expects that in their political statements EU representatives should make clear the fact that fundamentalist, exclusivist interpretations of religion are incompatible with the EU’s values and must be opposed with the same assertiveness as would be any repressive political regime;
Amendment 122 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considers that the EU should be more assertive in its support of the promotion of human rights, social and political rights by civil society, as well as of more liberal interpretations of religious dogma in those countries the governments of which promote fundamentalist and exclusivist views of religion;
Amendment 140 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses the importance of the EU taking action throughout the world to promote respect for freedom of expression, freedom of the press and freedom of access to media and new information technologies, and to actively protect and promote people´s digital freedoms;
Amendment 143 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls on the EU to make culture an even stronger part of political dialogue with partner countries and regions around the world, promoting cultural exchanges and systematically integrating culture into development programmes and projects; Stresses, in this respect, the need for streamlining of internal operations in the Commission in the various DGs which focus on external relations (foreign policy, enlargement, trade and development), education, culture and the digital agenda;
Amendment 19 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the standard of living of most Europeans continues to decline, particularly for women, for whom the unemployment rate in the EU27 stood at 10.8 % in the last quarter of 201213 .; whereas it is necessary to improve female labour participation in order to ensure sustained, long-term growth;
Amendment 45 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU is currently facing the most significant economic and financial crisis since the Great Depression in the 1930s; whereas this crisis has been exacerbated by so-called austerity measures imposed on the Member States by the EU institutions within the framework of economic governance policies (Stability and Growth Pact, European Semester, Euro-Plus Pact, Budgetary Treaty) and ‘financial aid’ programmese fiscal consolidation policies undertaken by Member States which frequently involve personnel cuts and the freezing of wages, mainly affect the public sector which is female- dominated;
Amendment 53 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
Amendment 62 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. Wwhereas women are particularly affected by precarious employment, suffer wage discrimination and armore likely to be employed in part-time mwore likely to be in part-time work, meaning that they alsok (32.1 % in 2012, up from 30.8 % in 200714) and consequently earn lower wages, enjoy lessrisk lower social protection and find it harder to become economically independent and pursue a career than men domore difficult to achieve financial independence;
Amendment 66 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas theausterity policies applied in the name of the crisis have a particularly harsh impact on vulnerable people andhave taken a disproportionally hard toll on women in particularly women, who feel the impact both directly – through loss of employment, wage, pension and benefit cuts, and loss of job security – and indirectly through budget cuts in public services and social care;
Amendment 72 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas several factors have led to a reduction in women’s incomes, with wage inequality standing at 16.2 % in the EU in 2011, and over 20 % in Estonia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany and Greece;; whereas in 2011 78 % of women said that they carried out 'domestic work' every day (as did 37 % of men16 )
Amendment 80 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
Amendment 109 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas there has been little progress over the past decade regarding correcting the gender balance in political decision- making, with the EU average improving by just 4 percentage points, 22% in 2003 to 26% in 20121; __________________ 1 European Commission Report on Progress on equality between men and women 2012 http://ec.europa.eu/justice/gender- equality/files/swd_2013_171_en.pdf
Amendment 214 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Member States to increase their child support budgets in order to expand the public netwStresses the importance for women to be awarded the possibility of balancing work and family life in order to participate morke of day care, nurseries and public servn the labour market; therefore calls on the Member States to elaborate policies providing extracurricular activities for childrenmixing flexible work arrangements, encouraging parental leave for fathers as a viable option, and increasing the availability of affordable and qualitative childcare facilities;
Amendment 236 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Emphasises that in order to promote the participation of women in decision- making, measures need to be set in motion to combat stereotypes and prejudices about the rolStresses the fact a gender-balanced representation at the political decision- making level is crucial in order to achieve a democratic representation of EU citizens; emphasizes the need to encourage more women to run in regional and local elections as well as in national ones; points out the importance of wcomen,batting gender stereotypes along with specific policies to support equal rights and opportunities in economic, social, political and cultural life (to combat irregular and unforeseeable working hours, applying fair remuneration and equal pay and expand public childcare, nursery and school networks,) with the positive effect ofgender mainstreaming in all decision-making processes, but especially in the ‘male- dominated’ ones such as energy and research and development in order to strengthening women’s participation in all levels of social and political life;
Amendment 272 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Observes that increasing poverty and marginalisation, owing to so-called austerity policies, have led to an increase in female trafficking, sexual exploitation and prostitution and that there are signs thaNotes with worry the increase in all forms of violence against dwomestic violence is on the rise, as social tensions within families also increase, and that women now find themselves more economically dependent on their aggressorsn, including domestic, sexual violence and human trafficking;
Amendment 294 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes with concern that – according to data from the Review of the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States: Violence against Women, Victim support (2012), from the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) – professional training and the sustainability of funding for public services, associations and NGOs providing services to women in situations of domestic violence is clearly being affected by the so-called austerity measures, threatening the continued existence of such services, and that this is a shameful step backwards in civilizational terms; recalls that tremendous inequality exists among the Member States in terms of access to support services, with secure and sufficient state funding existing in Denmark, the Netherlands and Austriahas been negatively affected by budgetary constraints under austerity measures;
Amendment 306 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Points out that the Commission must continue its efforts to include gender equality in all negotiations with third countries and in its country progress reports; emphasizes the European Parliament’s important role in providing criticism and keeping tabs on the implementation of gender equality measures in country strategies and reports;
Amendment 6 #
2013/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. Whereas ASEAN is at the present one of the most important emerging regional organizations in the world, both in terms of economic development and geopolitical dynamics;
Amendment 24 #
2013/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes the view that ASEAN, as a major regional and global economic actor, notwithstanding its internal differences, canshould play an important role to promote a peaceful, multilateral world order; wishes to see ASEAN's institutional and political capacities further develop in line with international treaties and the UN Charter, as well as in the spirit of free international economic cooperation;
Amendment 28 #
2013/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Strongly encourages ASEAN to continue its integration path, notably the ambitious ASEAN plan for an Economic Community by 2015, including the liberalisation of its internal labour market, which would be highly beneficial for all countries involved as well as for the numerous migrant workers living in precarious conditions in the area;
Amendment 32 #
2013/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that the EU and ASEAN have common political and economic interests, which should continue to be developed with high priority; Suggestscalls on the HR/VP, in recognition of the importance of this relationship, to appoint an EU Head of Delegation to ASEAN; equally requests that the presence of the EU and its Member States be increased in the region and its fora and increased coordination between their various embassies in the area;
Amendment 37 #
2013/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Warmly welcomes the negotiations of seven Partnership and Cooperation Agreements between the EU and individual ASEAN member states, which will be the cornerstones for deepening mutual relations and underlines the need for accelerated negotiations with the remaining ASEAN members; urges the Member States to push forward the ratification process of the agreements already signed and underlines that early implementation is not an option in most ASEAN countries in the absence of EU ratification;
Amendment 45 #
2013/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that establishing a formal Euro-ASEAN parliamentary assembly would further enhance exchanges between parliamentarians; also suggests the creation of links between the Parliament Sub- Committee on Human Rights and the ASEAN Intergovernmental Human Rights Commission (AIHRC);respective sub bodies of the European Parliament and ASEAN Assembly, Believes that the Office for the Promotion of Parliamentary Democracy could provide capacity-building assistance to the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA); Stresses that the Asia- Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP) and the Asia-Europe People's Forum (AEPF) in connection with the ASEM summits, should be further enhanced;
Amendment 51 #
2013/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Is concerned at the recent developments in the South China Sea and considers ASEAN to be the most important platform for finding a peaceful and mutually beneficial solution to the maritime border dispute in the area, where the EU has the potential to help the resolution of the issue between China and the ASEAN states involved;
Amendment 57 #
2013/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Welcomes the relevant chapters in the Agreements signed with ASEAN states on fighting international and trans-border criminal activities but points that a deeper cooperation is needed, in particular targeted at sources of cybercrime and attacks, leading to identification and prosecution of culprits;
Amendment 58 #
2013/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Notes the efforts made on counter- piracy measures by ASEAN states and welcomes the positive reports so far; underlines the critical and complex nature of maritime shipping routes in the area for the world economy and their vulnerability and considers that this should be a permanent concern in the efforts of the EU in the region;
Amendment 60 #
2013/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Encourages supporting cross-regional visits of cultural performers and urges the Member States to encourage broader coverage of a broadening and deepening of cultural ties withe ASEAN region in state- run media and educationcountries;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2146(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the EEAS to increase its capacity in order to ensure a gender balance when making proposals for positions as Heads of Delegation;
Amendment 7 #
2013/2146(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
(4a) Emphasizes the importance of including women in all phases of peace- keeping negotiations.
Amendment 3 #
2013/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls that a strong European defence industry has the added advantage of providing jobs, boosting economic growth and fostering innovation, key features for European stability and security;
Amendment 57 #
2013/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls on the EDA and the Member States to support more innovative joint programmes, such as the Air to Air Refuelling and the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems ones, with a need to focus on highly cost effective, new generation technologies which are sorely lacking in the majority of EU Member States;
Amendment 66 #
2013/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Calls on the Member States to give preference, when exploring large scale defence technology acquisitions, to intra- EU projects or joint schemes, or European based new technologies, which can both foster more European trade, increased cooperation and at the same time competition on the quality and prices of the global defence market;
Amendment 27 #
2013/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas employed undocumented migrant women hardly have a remedy to claim fair working conditions, or fair wages; whereas because of their economic and social isolation, ignorance of their basic rights and fear of deportation;
Amendment 35 #
2013/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Encourages the Member States to apply the Facilitation Directive in a manner that does not curtail the possibility of undocumented migrants renting housing on the free market, in order to reduce the risk of exploitative or abusive situations; ones which female migrants are especially vulnerable to; encourages the Commission to revise the Facilitation Directive to prohibit the penalisation of actions committed with a humanitarian aim;
Amendment 50 #
2013/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Urges all Member States to ratify the Istanbul Convention on Preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence and apply its provisions correctly, particularly Art. 59 which clearly states that Parties should take the necessary measures to suspend expulsion proceedings and/or to grant an autonomous residence permit in the event of a dissolution of marriage to those women migrants whose residence status depended on their spouse;
Amendment 56 #
2013/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Underlines the fact that the detection policies of immigration enforcement policies must never undermine human dignity and fundamental rights or place women in an environment of increased risk of violence and abuse; therefore calls on the European Commission to amend the Returns Directive in order to ensure respect for human rights of irregular migrants, especially that of pregnant women and children;
Amendment 57 #
2013/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls that in accordance with the Returns Directive, Member States are under an obligation to treat third-country nationals in detention centres in a ‘humane and dignified manner’ which fully respects the detainees' basic human rights; deplores reports of violence against women in detention centres; calls, therefore, on the Member States to investigate any claims of physical abuse directed at detainees;
Amendment 66 #
2013/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the European Commission and the Member States to develop EU- wide awareness campaigns to educate undocumented migrant women on their rights;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
– having regard to the conclusions of the inter-parliamentary conference for the CFSP and the CSDP of 4-6 September 2013 in Vilnius,
Amendment 15 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that reassessing and strengthening Europe's role in the world constitutes one of the major challenges of the 21st century and that the time has come for the Member States of the Union to decide whether the EU should beshow the political will needed for making the EU a relevant global actor and security provider with strategic autonomy; considers that a change of mindset is required in order to anchor a European approach to security and defence;
Amendment 36 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that the main asset of the European Union is the availability of various policies and instruments, combined through the so-calleda ‘comprehensive approach’, and that it is possible to achieve bettersubstantial results at all levels by better integrating the CSDP into this approach; welcomes in this respect the review of the organisation and functioning of the EEAS published by the HR/VP in July 2013, which recognises the problems of coordination and those related to the speed and effectiveness of decision- making in the area of the CSDP; looks forward to specific decisions being taken at the December Summit and expects the further integration of the CSDP to be analysed thoroughly in the upcoming joint Communication by the HR/VP and the Commission on the implementation of the comprehensive approach;
Amendment 55 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes with concern that the number and timeliness of CSDP missions and operations, and the development of civilian and especially military means for the CSDP, fall short of what is required, given the EU's increasingly insecurewould be desirable, in regard of certain regional conflicts in the EU's neighbourhood; deplores, in particular, the limited overall scope of the CSDP missions related to the crises in Libya and Mali; calls for greater ambition and serious efforts to improve the design of future CSDP missions and operations under a ‘lessons learned process’ and to develop appropriate exit strategies;
Amendment 67 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Highlights the fact that successful military operations require a clear command and control function; reiterates therefore its call for the establishment of a permanent military operational headquarters; notes with regret the lack of progress on this issue and the strong resistance by some Member States and suggests that the December 2013 Summit can be an opportunity to address this issue, including the chance to explore new potential locations or a rotational command system that could satisfy reticent Members; stresses further that an effective CSDP requires adequate early warning and intelligence support; considers, therefore, that these headquarters should include cells for intelligence gathering and for early warning/situational awareness;
Amendment 73 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Deplores the fact that EU battlegroups have never yet been deployed in EU military operations; stresses nonetheless that they constitute an important tool for timely force generation and rapid reaction; welcomes the decision to address this issue during the December Summit; is convinced that the EU should dispose of high- readiness standing battle forces, with land, air, naval and special forces components and a high level of ambition and that more effort should be made to integrate at an EU level such initiatives such as the Eurocorps or the European Air Group; favours a more flexible and targeted approach to enhance the response and adaptability to different crisis situations, and to improve modularity in order to close gaps during the initial phases of the launch of CSDP operations without, however, compromising the operational capacity of the battlegroup as a whole;
Amendment 87 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Invites Member States to exploit the possibilities offered by PESCO and to start implementing this Treaty provision in order to tackle the prevailing ‘CSDP fatigue’ and deepen military cooperation and integration; calls on the European Council to deliver clear guidelines for its implementation and invites Member States that are not interested to act constructively; stresses that the possibility of joining at a later stage should be left open in order to ensure flexibility and to avoid a two-speed Europe;
Amendment 94 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. 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 EU- wide cooperation on crisis management procedures, cyber exercises, training and education; call on all Member States to develop or finalize the development of their respective national Cyber Security Strategies and to aim for a greater degree of synchronisation at union level;
Amendment 118 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Stresses the opportunity for Member States to enjoy the full benefits of working closer together to generate military efficiency and to decide to optimise and spend scarce resources in a better and smarter way, avoiding redundancy and unnecessary duplicationby a coordinated reduction of unnecessary duplication, redundant and obsolete capabilities;
Amendment 134 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Welcomes the Commission Communication entitled ‘Towards a more competitive and efficient defence and security sector’, which brings forward some fresh ideas and proposals; fully supports the Commission's efforts to deepen the internal defence and security market and to develop a defence industrial policy, providing adequate support for SMEs which play a key role in innovation, R&D and, job creation and economic growth, in line with the Europe 2020 Strategy;
Amendment 144 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Calls on the European Council to take action in these areas and to reverse the tendency to cut R&D expenditurethrough a sound financing of R&D, including at Union level; supports the development of effective and cost-efficient cooperation between civilian security and defence research activities; stresses, however, the continued need for an effective dual-use export regime;
Amendment 146 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Calls on the European Council, as well as policymakers at all levels in the Member States of the Union, to show greater ambition and courage in launching a public debate, this being even more important in times of economic austerity; stresses the need to invest morebetter allocate the budget and step up cooperation in the area of security and defence, and to explain the causal nexus between security and defence on the one hand, and freedom, democracy, rule of law and prosperity on the other;
Amendment 29 #
2013/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that the efficiency of the EU Framework for National Roma Inclusion Strategies could be significantly increased by an enhanced involvement of the Commission, based on its potential to improve the quality of regulation and other instruments, encourage greater policy coherence and promote the overarching goals of the Framework;
Amendment 32 #
2013/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls on the Commission to present a 'flow chart' of the EU Roma inclusion process, about the achievements, the required objectives and the specific measures realizing them, the momentary state of play of the implementation measures and the next steps to be taken;
Amendment 34 #
2013/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Calls on the Commission to specify the institutional division of tasks and responsibilities among involved organizations, forums and bodies, and to clearly define the role of these actors - such as the EC Roma Task Force, the Network of National Contact Points, the European Roma Platform, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and its ad-hoc working group on Roma inclusion - in the supervision, control and coordination of the EU Framework for National Roma Inclusion Strategies;
Amendment 36 #
2013/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Calls on the Commission to support National Roma Inclusion Strategies by seeking common, comparable and reliable indicators and developing a Dashboard of EU Roma Inclusion Indicators in order to present clear and unambiguous outputs against which progress can be measured as well as to meet the requirement of effective monitoring;
Amendment 38 #
2013/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1e. Calls on the Commission to urge Member States to present outcome indicators, baselines and numerical headline targets in their national strategies for the main priority areas, against which progress can be measured;
Amendment 40 #
2013/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 f (new)
Paragraph 1 f (new)
1f. Calls on Member States to match their national policy commitments with allocating proper financial resources for the implementation of National Roma Inclusion Strategies, as well as to reflect their inclusion strategies in the national budgetary policies;
Amendment 42 #
2013/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 g (new)
Paragraph 1 g (new)
1g. Calls on the Commission and Member States to establish a proper framework for consultation, peer learning and the sharing of experience among policy- makers and Roma organizations as well as to launch structured dialogue to include Roma organizations and NGOs in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of European, national and local Roma inclusion strategies;
Amendment 44 #
2013/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 h (new)
Paragraph 1 h (new)
1h. Calls on the Commission and Member States to include the instruments of Integrated Territorial Investment and Community-led Local Development in their Partnership Contracts, to mobilize them for underdeveloped micro-regions and deprived territories as well as to include Community-led Local Development in the set of operational programmes to be developed;
Amendment 46 #
2013/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 i (new)
Paragraph 1 i (new)
1i. Calls on Member States to place greater emphasis on the territoriality of social inclusion in their national strategies, and to target the most deprived micro-regions through complex and integrated development programs;
Amendment 47 #
2013/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 j (new)
Paragraph 1 j (new)
1j. Calls on Member States to focus also on the urban dimension of cohesion policy, with special regard to cities that are unevenly affected by social imbalances - such as unemployment, social exclusion and polarization - and assist them in developing their infrastructure in order to exploit their potential contribution to economic growth as well as to strengthen the links between urban and rural areas with a view to promoting inclusive development;
Amendment 102 #
2013/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls on Member States to ratify and implement the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings as well as to fully transpose the provisions of Directive 2011/36 EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims,1 in particular in strengthening the identification, protection and assistance to victims and with a special emphasis on children; 1 JO L 101, 15.4.2011, p.1.
Amendment 31 #
2013/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Urges the Commission, the EEAS and partner countries to prioritize the issue of impunity during peace negotiations and to ensure that perpetrators of crimes of sexual violence are brought to justice;
Amendment 35 #
2013/0124(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The free movement of workers is also a key element to the development of a genuine Union labour market, allowing workers to move from high unemployment areas to areas where there are labour shortagto areas offering more employment opportunities, helping more people find posts better suited to their skills and overcoming bottlenecks in the labour market.
Amendment 48 #
2013/0124(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) Member States should make information about employment terms and, conditions, and benefits more widely available and accessible in the relevant languages to workers from other Member States, to employers and to other interested parties.
Amendment 14 #
2013/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1 a) Particular attention should be given to sea areas which constitute natural maritime borders of the EU but, because of their geographic location, pose specific security challenges and require, therefore, strategically comprehensive measures. This is particularly the case of the Black Sea and Baltic Sea maritime regions, where not only criminal activities such as illegal crossing and smuggling but also movements of non-allied fleets and the proximity of frozen conflict areas can raise serious security concerns.
Amendment 22 #
2013/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 a (new)
Recital 18 a (new)
(18 a) As regards those countries which are candidates to the Schengen Area, namely Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania and which are either members and cooperating with the Agency, or have already implemented all standards for inclusion in the Area programs and actions, provisions should be made for their inevitable joining of the Schengen zone to the Agency planning and budgeting, taking into account the high level of standards for implementing the acquis and their bordering maritime areas of particular problematic nature for the security of the European Union.
Amendment 68 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) This Regulation should therefore integrate the provisions of Regulation 765/2008, Directive 2001/95/EC and several sector-specific acts of Union harmonisation legislation relating to market surveillance into a single regulation which covers products in both the harmonised and non-harmonised areas of the Union legislation, regardless whether they are intended for use, or are likely to be used, by consumers or professionals and whether they are sold offline or online.
Amendment 74 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) In order to facilitate the work of market surveillance authorities, economic operators should make available all the documentation and information necessary to such authorities for the purpose of carrying out their activities. Market surveillance authorities should only require documentation and information that the relevant economic operator can be expected to possess according to their role in the supply chain.
Amendment 82 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) There should be effective, speedy and accurate exchange of information among the Member States and between the Member States and the Commission. It is therefore necessary to provide for effective tools for such exchange. The Union rapid information system (RAPEX) has proved its effectiveness and efficiency. RAPEX enables measures to be taken across the Union in relation to products that present a serious risk beyond the territory of a single Member State. To avoid unnecessary duplication, this system should be used for all alert notifications required by this Regulation relating to products presenting a serious risk.
Amendment 86 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) Member States should lay down rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this Regulation and ensure that they are implemented. Those penalties must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive. The level thereof should be set as a proportion of the value of sales of the products concerned during the last full year of the infringement, depending on its seriousness, duration and intentional or recurring character of the infringement. In any case, penalties should not exceed 10% of the company's total turnover in the preceding accounting year. Where possible under national law, Member States should be encouraged to allocate the revenue from such penalties to market surveillance activities.
Amendment 95 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
This Regulation lays down a framework for verifying that products available on the market, either online or offline, meet requirements which safeguard, at a high level, the health and safety of persons in general, health and safety in the workplace, consumer protection, the environment, public security, the level-playing field among market operators and other public interests.
Amendment 102 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
(7a) 'intermediary service providers' means any natural or legal person who enables the placing or making available on the market of a product via electronic means, such as by operating e-commerce platforms or hosting websites;
Amendment 103 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 8
(8) ‘'economic operators’' means the manufacturer, the authorised representative, the importer and the distributo, the distributor and the intermediary service provider;
Amendment 167 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point c
(c) follow and keep up to date with developments in scientific and technical knowledge concerning the safety of productsand compliance of products with Union harmonised legislation.
Amendment 172 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point c e (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point c e (new)
(ce) participate, where possible and relevant, in activities of standardisation organisations for the purposes of the development or revision of standards in accordance with Regulation (EU) No. 1025/2010.
Amendment 180 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) the levels and modalities of calculation of fees applicable to economic operators pursuant to Articles 10 and 16 of this Regulation;
Amendment 182 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. The general and sector-specific programmes and their updates shall be drawn up after consultation with relevant stakeholders and shall be communicated to the other Member States and the Commission and, s. Subject to Article 6(6), they shall be made accessible to the public electronically and, where appropriate, by other means.
Amendment 186 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. OnFurther to a reasoned request, economic operators and, where applicable, conformity assessment bodies, shall make available to market surveillance authorities anyll the documentation and information that those authorities require for the purpose of carrying out their activities, in electronic or physical format and in a language which can be easily understood by them. Such information shall include information that enables the precise identification of the product and facilitates the tracing of the product, as appropriate.
Amendment 189 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. Economic operators shall provide all necessary information to market surveillance authorities including information that enables the precise identification of the product and facilitates the tracingcooperate with market surveillance authorities at their request, on any action taken to eliminate the risks presented by products that they have placed or made available ofn the producmarket.
Amendment 201 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 i (new)
Article 8 i (new)
Amendment 215 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Amendment 248 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Market surveillance authorities may destroy or otherwise render inoperable a product presenting a risk where they deem it necessary and proportionate. TWhey may require the relevant economic operator tohas been identified, he shall bear the entire cost of such action.
Amendment 270 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 4
Article 11 – paragraph 4
4. On the basis of the results of the evaluation conducted pursuant to paragraph 3, the Commission mayshall decide without undue delay by implementing acts whether the national measures are justified and similar measures should be taken by all Member States that have not already done so. In this case, it shall address the decision to the Member States concerned and immediately communicate it to all Member States and the relevant economic operator or operators.
Amendment 277 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph - 1 (new)
Article 13 – paragraph - 1 (new)
-1. The Commission shall adopt by means of implementing acts a general risk assessment methodology and, where relevant, guidelines for the application of that methodology to specific categories of products. Such implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 32(2).
Amendment 278 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
1. Risk assessment shall be based on available scientific or technical evidence. and shall be carried out in accordance with the general risk assessment methodology developed by the Commission in accordance with the previous paragraph and, where relevant, according to the guidelines on the application of thereof to specific categories of products.
Amendment 288 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 3
Article 13 – paragraph 3
3. Compliance with the criteria referred to in points (a), (b) and (c) of paragraph 2 shall raise a presumption that the product adequately safeguards the public interests to which those criteria relate. However, this shall not prevent market surveillance authorities from taking action under this Regulation where there is new evidence that, despite such conformity or compliance, the product presents a risk.
Amendment 299 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 – introductory part
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 – introductory part
In relation to a product which must comply with Union harmonisation legislation when it is released for free circulation, formal non-compliance with that legislation shall give the authorities of Member States sufficient reason to believe that the product may present a risksuspend the release of a product in any of the following cases:
Amendment 308 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. Compliance with the requirements of any Union harmonisation legislation that apply to the product upon its release which relate to the potential risk under consideration, taking full account of test reports or certificates attesting conformity and issued by a conformity assessment body, shall raise a presumption on the part of market surveillance authorities that the product does not present a risk. However, this shall not prevent those authorities from instructing the authorities in charge of external border controls not to release the product where there is evidence that, despite such compliance, the product does in fact present a risk.
Amendment 320 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall maintain the system for rapid exchange of information (RAPEX). Member States shall use RAPEX for exchanging information about products presenting a serious risk in accordance with this Regulation.
Amendment 327 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – title
Article 20 – title
Notification through RAPEX of products presenting a serious risk
Amendment 329 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) any corrective action taken by economic operators pursuant to points (c) and (d) of Article 9(34);
Amendment 386 #
2013/0048(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 2
Article 31 – paragraph 2
The level of the penalties referred to in the first subparagraph shall have regard to the size of the undertakings and in particulbe established as a proportion of the value of sales of the products concerned during the last full year tof the situation of small and medium-sizeinfringement, depending on its seriousness, duration and einterprisesntional character. The penalties may be increased if the relevant economic operator has previously committed a similar infringement and may include criminal sanctions for serious infringements. In any case, the penalties shall not exceed 10% of the company's total turnover in the preceding business year.
Amendment 4 #
2012/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with increasing urgency the EU's insufficient capacity to respond to international crises, either natural disasters or of a humanitarian nature, as well as security crises and UN calls for contributions of forces, in a timely and efficient manner, in spite of its long- standing commitment to preserving peace, preventing conflicts and strengthening international security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter; stresses that the EU must assume its responsibilities to act as a security provider in Europe, its neighbourhood and the world;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Underlines the existence of various national, bilateral or multinational initiatives for creating permanent joint military and civilian forces, such as the Battlegroups, EUFOR, Eurocorps and joint brigades, including integrated command structures, training programmes and exercises, temporary pooling of civilian and military assets and projects for integration of technologies and standardisation; deplores the fact that, despite this extended practice over the last decade, none of these initiatives has been used directly in times of crisis and need, all Member States resorting, in the event of actual intervention, to deploying traditional, national structures and forces; considers this reticence to make use of existent assets as detrimental to the investment of time and money made in these initiatives and calls for a change of mindset of Member States when it comes to these projects towards a more practical and decisive strategy, where the "use it or lose it" principle should be a guideline;
Amendment 12 #
2012/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that the EU is called upon in therequired by its Treatyies to work on the progressive framing of a common Union defence policy, which could lead to a common defence; further recalls the Member States' obligations under theto work both individually and collectively to have the assets required for ensuring mutual defence clause;
Amendment 18 #
2012/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates its grave concern at the continuing and un-coordinated cuts in national defence budgets, with too little coordination between the Member States, hampering efforts to close capability gaps and underminhich undermine the credibility of the CSDP in the absence of clear multilateral efforts to cover all areas of capabilities requirements through pooling and sharing ing the credibility of the CSDPwake of budgetary downsizing; urges the Member States to reverse this irresponsible trend, as well as to step up efforts at the EU level to limit itsthe consequences of budget cuts through increased cooperation;
Amendment 31 #
2012/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes with regret that, ten years after the first autonomous EU-led military operation, the EU still does not possess a permanent military planning and conduct capability, or even a real common defence policy with the appropriate tools, and deplores the inhibiting effect this is having on the EU's ability to respond to acute crises; recalls that the current arrangements, which require ad hoc activation of a national headquarters, constitute a purely reactive approach and do not provide resources for the necessary advance planning;
Amendment 38 #
2012/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls again for the creation of a fully- fledged EU Operational Headquarters within the European External Action Service (EEAS), if necessary through permanent structured cooperation; stresses that it should be a civilian-military structure, responsible for the planning and conduct of both EU civilian missions and military operations, with separate civilian and military chains of command; suggests the placement of the new permanent OHQ in one of the new Member States;
Amendment 52 #
2012/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the VP/HR to prepare, in the event that ATHENA is not appropriately adjusted, proposals towards setting up a dedicated fund for battle-groups, if necessary through permanent structured cooperation, created at the same pace with a permanent OHQ, which would then be tasked with the coordination and planning for the new permanent structure, under the Council and the EEAS; at the same time, urges the VP/HR to present a proposal on the setting up and financing of the start-up fund for preparatory activities for EU military operations, as required by the Treaty;
Amendment 10 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 14 March 20131 on EU - China Relations, ____________ 1 P7_TA-PROV(2013)0097
Amendment 18 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the importance of global maritime flows for the Union has increased exponentially as a result of economic growth, globalisation and growing global interdependence; whereas the geostrategic maritime balance is fast changing, with emerging powers adopting access denial strategies to constrain traditionaltechnologies and strategies to assert themselves in regional and global maritime areas, constraining the former US and European presence at seaabsolute access; whereas a more complex and diffuse maritime security environment with a loose and varied application of international treaties makes effective multilateralism and international cooperation in regulating maritime affairs more difficult;
Amendment 21 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas globalisation alsoseveral factors such as poverty, lack of development, low levels of state control and law enforcement and the vulnerability of routes encourages the proliferation of illegal maritime non- state actors who threaten vulnerable maritime routes and infrastructure and exploit the weaknesses of a fragmented local, regional and global maritime governance system; whereas legal and illegal activities at sea have been growing in number and in complexity as a result of this multiplication of actors present at sea; whereas this puts pressure on the EU to invest in a holistic approach in order to address the complexity of transnational challenges, which no Member State can meet alone;
Amendment 32 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the global outlook on naval capabilities and power projection is fast changing, with emerging and established powers increasingly unwilling to adhere to UNCLOS principles or submit to international arbitration or regulation; whereas, most significantly, China pursues its String of Pearls policy, endeavouring to increase and extend its presence at sea for a multitude of stated and unstated reasons, from securing trade and energy routes to controlling marine resources and maritime critical infrastructure, clashing with the maritime interests of virtually all of its neighbours in the South and East China Seas; whereas, as a global actor, the EU must consider security challenges and possible joint responses worldwide, from the nearby Mediterranean Sea and West Atlantic areas to the Pacific, via East and West, and from the Arctic to the Antarctic;
Amendment 37 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas a European Maritime Security Strategy (EMSS) is needed in order to mainstream the stakes, risks and opportunities that the European Union faces at sea, including protection for European citizens and their assets; whereas that strategy, while grounded in European values and principles, must be forward-looking and proactive and mobilise all relevant institutions and actors, both civilian and military;
Amendment 43 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. RecallStrongly believes that the EU has a vital interest in a secure, open and opeclean maritime environment that allows the free passage of commerce and people and the peaceful, legal, fair and sustainable use of the oceans' riches, that maritime flows represent the lifeblood of European trade and are conduits of European powerrosperity and influence; that the security of European citizens is an EU and Member States' responsibility and that the EU has the ambition to be a provider of global security, which includes security of the seas and at sea; and that the EU institutional framework, both of civilian and military nature, should, therefore, be transformed in order to provide for the objectives, means and capabilities necessary to meet that responsibility;
Amendment 45 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notes that the increasing use of maritime shipping routes, booming sea trade, expanding routes and the sustainable exploitation of maritime resources such as fish and energetic resources are all as much of a potential and opportunity for the EU as a risk and should be considered as such; sees the European Union as having the potential to be a leading actor in the secure and sustainable exploitation and exploration of the seas and ocean, both regional and global, and therefore needing a strategy, vision, the right tools and the political will to engage in this task;
Amendment 52 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recognises that the European Union already possesses manysome of the necessary means and instruments to respond to global maritime security challenges and to the need for a secure and stable environment, through the EEAS and the European Commission, the financial instruments, development cooperation, humanitarian assistance, crisis management, trade cooperation, and other relevant tools for action; notes, however, that most of the technical and material assets are in the hands of Member States and their willingness to enhance their cooperation is paramount for the future of European maritime security;
Amendment 58 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Invites the High Representative, the Commission, the Council and all other bodies participating in the relevant task force to elaborate an EU Maritime Security Strategy that involves, and is centred on, articulation and coordination among all European actors and states relevant to maritime safety and security; urges the Commission and the HR/VP, accordingly, to address the shortcomings of the 2007 Integrated Maritime Policy, which failed to make use of the full potential of a truly integrated operational approach to all EU agencies, bodies and instruments which could assist in improving results and cutting/sharing costs; is of the view that the EMSS should be the offspring of the European Security Strategy and a sibling of the Integrated Maritime Policy and that its level of ambition and means and capabilities should be determined not just by direct maritime interests but by the need to regulate maritime flows and access on the high seas worldwidestart from existing documents but be more ambitious and wider in scope, having in mind that the subject matter of its regulation, maritime security, will affect in the short, medium and long term, virtually all other components of European security and prosperity;
Amendment 59 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls on Member States to closely assist and actively engage with the EEAS and Commission in elaborating the new EMSS, with the aim of making efficient use of all their varied assets, as well as have in mind the identification and creation of new capabilities through pooling and sharing; furthermore, considers that the new strategy should also integrate joint bilateral or multilateral force creation initiatives such as the Franco-British Declaration of November 2010;
Amendment 64 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Highlights the fact that an integrated maritime approach such as this, which combines civilian instruments and military tools and encompasses both internal and external aspects of security, is already taking shape at national level in some Member States as well as being applied between certain Member States bilaterally, and should therefore be reinforced at Union level; stresses the role that can and should be played by maritime nations in fostering positive regional maritime integration; stresses that regional maritime integration initiatives can and should lead to the pooling and sharing of critical naval assets in order to meet the EU's capacity needs;
Amendment 69 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that direct and indirect risks to the security of the EU are currently posed by non-conventional threats and actors intending to proliferate terrorism and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the southern neighbourhood and further into the African continent, taking advantage of difficulties in enforcing the law in maritime zones, coastal areas and in general resulting from state failure, state fragility or lack of state control; notes that these threats and actors dangerously interact or sometimes are integrated within organised criminal networks which engage in human trafficking and other illicit activities, such as trafficking in drugs and arms, including small arms and light weapons and WMD components, drugs and weapon trafficking, thereby worsening political and humanitarian crises, obstructing social and economic development, democracy and the rule of law, fuelling deprivation and causing migration, internal displacement of people and immense human suffering;
Amendment 73 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Warns that states which are unwilling to cooperate with the international community and abide by international treaties and standards and which have the geographical position to block trade routes, as well as having the technological and military capabilities to do so, are one of the major maritime security concerns at this time; considers that all diplomatic attempts should by made by the EEAS and the VP/HR to engage with them in dialogue and cooperation;
Amendment 75 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is alarmed by increasing evidence that terrorist networks and non-state actors are acquiring sophisticated maritime capabilities, including submarine capabilities or radar and detection technologies, as well as having access to logistic data pertaining to the international shipping industry, thus significantly improving their threat potential, indicating an expansion of their activities close to Europe, notably on both sides of the South Atlantic Ocean;
Amendment 78 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Is seriously concerned by the fact that WMD components and technologies can be and are being illicitly transported by sea, with the help and facilitation of rogue states or terrorist networks;
Amendment 79 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Considers that the perpetuation of frozen conflicts near various maritime areas, such as the South Caucasus, South Eastern Mediterranean or the Sea of Japan, is one of the leading sources of instability worldwide, endangering transport and energy routes, promoting weapons trade as well as facilitating the activities of non-state actors such as criminal networks and terrorist cells;
Amendment 97 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Believes that today the Black Sea representis one of the most important energy routes to Europe and that the main risks it poses to the EU's stability smaritime regions bordering the EU, with a high potential for risks in the medium and long term, given its high value as an important transport routem from protracted regional conflicts, such as the one between Georgia andor goods and energy, its proximity to potentially explosive areas of frozen conflicts, such as the contested territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and the related conflict between Moscow and Tbilisi; stresses that, given Europe's dependence on the Black Sea for the transit of energy supplies, the EU has a strategic interest in deterring regional actors from brinkmanship and, for that purpose, may need to mobilise European naval assets;
Amendment 101 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Underlines that the energy security of a large part of the European Union is heavily dependent on the security of gas and oil routes going through and near the Black Sea; considers that more efforts are needed, addressed in part towards supplying countries but also aimed at countries bordering the Black Sea, to ensure a secure transit as well as mutually beneficial projects;
Amendment 104 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19 b. Stresses the importance of engaging in regional multilateral approaches in the Black Sea Region, notably through the Black Sea Synergy, as well as other initiatives, having in mind also the need to tackle human, drugs and weapons trafficking and criminal organisations;
Amendment 128 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33 a. Considers that a way forward for a possible peaceful resolution of the tension in the areas of the South and East China Seas is the negotiation and joint implementation of codes of conduct for the peaceful exploitation of the maritime areas in question, including the establishment of safe trade routes and quotas for fishing or attribution of areas for resource exploration; considers that the peace initiative put forward by Taiwan in 2012 is one such good example and that the EU, via the EEAS and the VP/HR, can act as a mediator on the issue;
Amendment 153 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Calls for the creation of a truly European coastguard, based on the experience already gained by Frontex and the European Patrol Network, acting within a remit of jurisprudence stemming from the JAI cooperation, aimed at protecting EU borders, European citizens but also the lives of people in danger on the coastal waters of the European Union;
Amendment 11 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas arms exports can have inter alia a considerable impact not only on security, but also on development, and must therefore be at the very least embedded within a strictcommonly accepted and defined arms control system operating with maximum effectiveness, protecting both the interests of the private and public sectors;
Amendment 16 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. Notes that, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the EU Member States, taken as a whole, outrank the US and Russia as the world's largest arms exporter16 and that an ever increasing proportion of arms exports - 61% in 201117 - is being delivered to countries outside the EU; 16 . The top 20 Arms Exporters, 2007-2011, http://www.sipri.org/googlemaps/2012_of _at_top_20_exp_map.html 17 . 'EU arms exports figures remain level', Jane's Defence Weekly, 4 January 2013.
Amendment 30 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
Amendment 50 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas many surveillance technologies and surveillance software products and many other goods used in a host of recipient countries for repressive measures against their populations are not included either in the Common Military List of the European Union or in the EU list of dual- use goods, but the European Parliament has adopted a resolution on stricter control of digital arms in October 2012;
Amendment 55 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas it has been argued that the events of the Arab Spring in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) could not be foreseen; whereas nonetheless the human rights situation in those countries, which, in connection with issuing arms exports licences, should have been (and must be) taken into account, waevents such as the Arab Spring have once again revealed the problematic link between democratisation and human rights issues as a liability when it comes to arms trade with such countries; and whereas foresight should enable future initiatives (and is) known; whereas the events of the Arab Spring have revealed the weaknessreports to make use of such lessons, especially when it comes tof the Common Position and, to some extent, a number of countries' disregard for it and the criteria it containspropagation of traded arms to non-state actors such in the case of Libya;
Amendment 65 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
Amendment 67 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Acknowledges that the EU is the only union of states to have a legally binding framework, unique in the world, through which arms export control is being improved, including in crisis regions and countries with a questionable human rights record, and welcomes the fact, in this connection, that European and non- European third countries have joined the arms exports control system on the basis of the Common Position; notes with concern, however, that the eight criteria are applied and interpreted with varying degrees of rigour in the EU Member States; calls therefore for a standard, uniformly strict and revised interpretation and full implementation of the Common Position with all its obligations;
Amendment 78 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Takes the view that, because of the negative impact of arms spending on the development prospects of poorer recipient countries, criterion 8 should be upgraded by making denial of export licences automatic if they are incompatible with developmentimproved in order to better define what constitutes a case for denial of exports in accordance to the stable condition of a state actor;
Amendment 88 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that a standardised verification and reporting system should be established to provide information as to whether, and to what extent, individual EU Member States' exports violate the eight criteria, without duplication of the existing COARM efforts in this area;
Amendment 92 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Insists, in the light of the Common Position review process, that support should be voiced for powerful, clear and unambiguous wording in the Common Position in order to prevent the criteria from being interpreted and applied differently; insists in particular that Article 10 of the Common Position be acted on and that, accordingly, application of the criteria not be neutralised or stopped because of political, economic or geostrategic interests;
Amendment 102 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. RegretNotes the fact that there is no possibility of having compliance with the eight criteria independently verified, that there are no mechanisms for sanctions for violation of the eight criteria by a Member State, and that there are no plans to that effect; takes the view that ways and means of carrying out independent verification and mechanisms for sanctions for violations of the Common Position should be provided for;
Amendment 110 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Member States, with regard to export controls and application of the eight criteria, to pay greater attention to goods which may be used for both civilian and military purposes, such as surveillance technology, and similarly to spare parts and products suitable for use in cyber warfare orwhile noting that in the case of sever human rights and democracy problems, virtually any technological exports could be used against the principles of the Code, therefore making the identification of a particular dangerous profile of buyer at least as important as the means of control for non-the lethal human rights abusestechnology itself;
Amendment 115 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls furthermore for the eight criteria to be extended and applied also to the transfer of military, security and police personnel, to arms-exports-related services, know-how and training, and to private military and security services; calls for it to be made mandatory - where security technology and, in general, dual-use goods are to be exported - for compatibility with the eight criteria to be verified;
Amendment 125 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Suggests in this connection that additional information could be collected from Member States and published both at national level for a better understand in the COARM annual report, in particular a list of countries arms exports to which would violate one or more of the eight criteria, together with a comprehensive list of EU Member States which have exported arms to those countries during the data reporting periodg and control by national and commonly agreed upon international supervisory bodies, as well as used for the COARM annual report;
Amendment 131 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 141 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses the significance and legitimacy of parliamentary oversight over data relating to arms export control, and over how that control is carried out, and therefore calls for the measures, backing and information needed to ensure that that oversight function is performed to the full, in accordance to the principles of each Member State;
Amendment 162 #
Amendment 163 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
Amendment 166 #
2012/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
Amendment 35 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the effects of the crisis now will also have a significant impact on womenimpact in the longer -term on account of their, those women who have a non- linear career path, made up ofwhich might include poorly paid temporary, or even informal, jobs, often with part-time working imposed, and which only entitle them in the end to a very small pension;
Amendment 41 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas female employment is affected by stereotypes and whereas the ideathe stereotype that male unemployment is "more serious" issue than female unemployment is deep rootedadds to the already significant amount of gender stereotypes which negatively impact women's chances of employment;
Amendment 83 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Insists on the need to ensure that the current economic and financial crisis and the ensuing budget restrictions do not jeopardise the progress achieved by policies promoting gender equality nor serve as a pretext for reducing efforts in this respect and calls on the Member States to ensure that a gender mainstreaming aspect is included in all planned fiscal policy;
Amendment 87 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 101 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the Member States to include and systematically address the issue of gender equality in all future National Reform Programmes;
Amendment 138 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
Amendment 165 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
Amendment 6 #
2012/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph B
Paragraph B
Amendment 8 #
2012/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph C
Paragraph C
C. whereas the gender pay gap and, consequently, the gender pension gap are still one of the main reasons women find themselves below thesignificantly impact women's purchasing povwerty line at a later stage in their lives and economic stability;
Amendment 10 #
2012/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph D
Paragraph D
D. whereas the financial and economic crisis has increased the unemployment rate among women and prevented greater progress in providing disadvantaged women with housing optionsaggravated the already precarious employment situation of certain women and thus increased the ranks of those needing more affordable housing;
Amendment 18 #
2012/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph E
Paragraph E
E. whereas single mothers, young families, young people at the start of their careers, migrant women, people with disabilities, women from minority groups and the elderly are especially affected by the lack of social housingaffordable housing options;
Amendment 31 #
2012/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 38 #
2012/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Member States to collaborate with the private sector and to invest in social housing neighbourhoods and thus to provide a stable and secure environment, in particular for vulnerable groups such as young families, young people at the start of their careers, migrant women, people with disabilities, women from minority groups and the elderly;
Amendment 1 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
Amendment 5 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the persistent under- representation of women at all levels ofthe decision-making and in thlevel of collective barena ofgaining and social dialogue is firmly related to their under-representation withcan translate into a lack of a clear coherent policy regarding governments, unions and employers' organisationender issues in these matters;
Amendment 7 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph B a (new)
Paragraph B a (new)
Ba. Emphasizes the fact that gender equality issues such as the gender pay gap and the reconciliation of professional and family life, are best addressed and resolved through the fora of collective bargaining.
Amendment 16 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 26 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 28 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 29 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 30 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 32 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 9 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas, in the whole Atlantic Basin, the most important political and economic relationship is that linking the EU and the US; whereas the beginning of a new term of the Obama presidency should serve to strengthen that relationship through an ambitious new agendathe EU and US economies together account for around 50% of the world GDP; whereas they are each other's most important trade partners, having the largest bilateral trade and investment relationship in the world; whereas the proposal for a EU - US Free Trade Agreement is a welcome signal on both sides of an ambitious, deeper economic cooperation;
Amendment 12 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, the transatlantic partnership is based on strong political links, shared values and common interests and goalshistorically and inextricably linked by common values of democracy, rule of law and peace and stability and the promotion of such values around the world;
Amendment 16 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas in a global, complex and increasingly multipolar world, the EU and the US, in spite of fiscal consolidation, should play key roles in the world's politics and economy and in thethe EU and the US, by virtue of sheer economic size and political power, are still the key actors in shaping of the international environment, and face together regional conflicts and global challenges on a multilateral basiin addressing global challenges as well as regional conflicts; whereas, to that ebeyond, they should also secure the involvement of new key powers, including the EU's two La broader Atlantic perspective, there are other current issues and conflicts in respect of which coordinated action American strategic partners, Brazil and Mexicoon the part of the EU and the US is essential;
Amendment 25 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas, in parallel to ththe last decade, there have been multiple shifts in the global balandscapece of power triggered by the rise of the East, think-tanks, international organisations and some governments have recently been highlighting the growing importance of the Atlantic Basin as a whole, including its southern dimension, and the need for cooperation between the countries of which it is composed, so as to enable all of them to deal with problems thateconomic rise of several Asian and Latin American countries such as China, India and Brazil; whereas this has led to a increased economic interdependence between the regions exemplified by a host of bilateral and free trade agre common to the wider regionements;
Amendment 36 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
Amendment 40 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Congratulates Barack Obama on his re-election as President of the United States of America; invites him to address the European Parliament at its plenary session in Strasbourg during his next visit to EuropeHopes that the new presidential mandate earned by Barack Obama will foster a more ambitious development of the Transatlantic partnership;
Amendment 45 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the fact that the agenda will include the launching ofofficial launch of the negotiations for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP); stresses that this agr which will deempent will reinvigorate the EU-US relationship and that its global impact will go beyond its bilateral implications and facilitate trade relations between the two players and contribute to strengthening the global trading system;
Amendment 58 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice- President of the European Commission (HR/VP), the Council, the Commission and the EU Member States to enhance their coordination of EU policy vis-à-vis the US administration, in such a way as to allow the EU to be considered a coherent and efficient international player; highlights the importance of also strengthening the common security and defence policy, given the different crises that may arise in the EU's neighbouring regions and the US's ‘leading from behind’ doctrineas well as on the new Obama administration to capitalize on the momentum of the launch of the TTIP in order to forge better policy coordination and to reform transatlantic institutions;
Amendment 64 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls its suggestion thatStresses the fact that more opportunities for strategic dialogue must be created between the two players; re- emphasizes its call for the creation of a Transatlantic Political Council (TPC)to be created to serve as a body for systematic consultation and coordination on foreign and security policy, led by the HR/VP and the US Secretary of State;
Amendment 72 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Reiterates its determination to continue the fight against terrorism and organised crime and, at the same time, to respect and uphold human rights and fundamental liberties; welcomes the fact that the Passenger Name Records Agreement and the Terrorist Finance Tracking Programme Agreement (SWIFT Agreement), approved by the European Parliament, are already in force; urgescalls on the partners to promptly concludincrease their cooperation on the Data Privacy and Protection Agreement in order to finalize the negotiations oin the Data Protection Exchange Agreementsuch a manner as to ensure the proper transparency of data processing and sufficient protection of personal data; urges the Commission to resolve the issue of a visa requirement for the citizens of four EU Member States;
Amendment 78 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Notes the importance of cooperation between the US and the EU on data security and data protection, as well as the wide ranging complexities of this cooperation; considers that, as many companies and servers are based on both sides of the Atlantic, while the approaches towards security and data protection are widely different, a common ground has to be found, as unilateral actions by one side in implementing new legislation, such as the EU data protection reform, will have a huge impact on the other side as well; notes that, although traditionally the US has had a lead on these issues in the past, it is important for a distinct European approach to be understood and protected, as the Internet needs to be both protected and secured, from the point of view of users as well;
Amendment 88 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2
Subheading 2
Atlantic and global agenda global Transatlantic Relationship
Amendment 97 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on both partners to study fields and frameworks through which broader transatlantic cooperation could be carried out in a pragmatic way, and to explore with other Atlantic countries the usefulness of this extended cooperation; underlines that possible fields are economic issues, global governance, development cooperation, climate change, security and energy; calls on the partners to analyse the possibility of making use, for the purpose of these triangular dialogues, of the structures created in Latin America which the EU has traditionally encouraged such as the Central America Regional Security Initiative;
Amendment 100 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 103 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 115 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines that the eventual conclusion of the TTIP will create the prospect of a wide economic space that would include North America, the EU and many Latin American countries with which the partners have negotiated economic agreementsWelcomes the fact that the TTIP, once concluded, will imply better and less divergent trade rules in the future with the spill-over effect being a reduction in trade costs for other global partners as well; re- emphasizes the potential the TTIP has of spreading gains across the global economy, not in the least by creating new trade channels and facilitating dialogue in the World Trade Organization;
Amendment 131 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Considers that one of the upcoming focal points of transatlantic cooperation will be on the securing of energy supply routes for Europe, as US investments in potential supplier countries are vital; urges both sides, at the level of EEAS and the State Department of the USA, to coordinate their policies towards these countries, aiming in particular to help solve disputes in the South Caucasus and the Caspian Sea;
Amendment 162 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Urges the US administration to make the stalling Middle East peace process a priority and to ensure that direct negotiatWelcomes President Obama's recent trip to the Middle East; is disappointed however, that the President did not uphold his previonus arcalls for the cresumed without delay; urges theation of a state within the 1967 borders or demand a halt two partners to continue with the double-track approach and to find, as a matter of urgency, a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear programme issuethe Jewish settlements; urges, therefore, the US administration to put more pressure on both the Israeli and Palestinian side in order to revive the stalling peace process;
Amendment 172 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Urges both the EU and US to collaborate in intensifying their diplomatic dialogue with Iran in order to find a mutually-accepted solution to the nuclear issue;
Amendment 188 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Urges both partners to coordinate their policies towards a critical engagement with Russia; calls on the EU and the US to contribute to the process of Russian modernisation;
Amendment 195 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Warns that a strong EU-US cooperation will be needed to tackle the growing tensions in the East and South China Seas, as the two are the major trade partners of the countries in the area; notes that peace is paramount for the growth and mutual development of all sides and therefore welcomes the possibility of implementing regional codes of conduct for the safe exploitation of travelling routes and maritime resources;
Amendment 196 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 b (new)
Paragraph 31 b (new)
31b. Is alarmed by the escalating war- rhetoric on the part of North Korea and its recent direct threats against the US in response to the recent UNSCR 2087 passing tougher sanctions against North Korea; urges both sides to maintain calm and to pursue peace through diplomatic channels; urges the EU and US and South Korea to intensify dialogue with China in order to rein in the Pyongyang regime;
Amendment 203 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, the US President and the Department of State.
Amendment 47 #
2012/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas sex-selective practices disrupt gender balance in societies, cause skewed population sex ratios and have economic and social impactsin the form of "excess men" which some studies have shown can lead to an overall increase in the criminal rate, and especially as regarding sexual trafficking, exploitation and prostitution;
Amendment 98 #
2012/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Encourages closer engagement and cooperation between governments and the medical community as well as stricter guidelines for the self-regulation of clinics and hospitals, in order to actively prevent sex selection as a business for financial gain;
Amendment 132 #
2012/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Commission to enhance cooperationand the EEAS to coordinate its policies on gendercide with other international organisations and bodies such as the UN, WHO, UNICEF, OHCHR, UNFPA and UN Women to tackle sex-selective practices and to combat their root causes in all countries, and to network with governments, parliaments, various stakeholders, media, non-governmental organisations, women organisationsin order to establish a clear and cother community bodies in order to increase awareness of gendercide and ways to prevent itent stance on the issue;
Amendment 135 #
2012/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Calls on the Commission and EEAS to collaborate with the aforementioned international organizations to tackle sex- selective practices and to combat their root causes in all countries, and to network with governments, parliaments, various stakeholders, media, non- governmental organisations, women organisations and other community bodies in order to increase awareness of gendercide and ways to prevent it;
Amendment 137 #
2012/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls on the Commission and the EU delegations to include gendercide in the extended political dialogue agenda with relevant concerned third countries, enjoining them to commit themselves to make the eradication of gendercide a priority, to increase awareness about this issue and to press for its prevention;
Amendment 138 #
2012/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls on the Commission and the EU delegations to include gendercide in the extended political dialogue agenda with relevant third countriEAS to prioritize gendercide as an issue to be addressed by the concerned third countries, when discussing humanitarian aid packages,; enjoining them to commit themselves to make the eradication of gendercide a priority, to increase awareness about this issue and to press for its prevention;
Amendment 53 #
2012/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on all authoritiesthe government in Bosnia and Herzegovina to align legislationharmonize the Law on gGender eEquality as well as legal practice at different levels, in order to create a uniform legal situawith the Election Law in order to address the ongoing lack of women in the highest echelons of governance and to monitor the problems caused so far by its non-implementation; calls on the European Commission to use all available mechanisms to push for more accountability and stronger action ion the country, andpart of the BiH authorities in this direction; calls on the BiH government to strengthen the department responsible for gender equality at central level;
Amendment 56 #
2012/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
(12a) Notes with serious concern that the laws on protecting victims of domestic violence still remain to be harmonized with the entity laws, which would recognize domestic violence as a criminal offence in the criminal codes of both BiH entities, thus failing to properly provide legal security to these victims; calls on the government in Bosnia and Herzegovina to resolve this issue as soon as possible in order to increase protection for victims;
Amendment 58 #
2012/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
(12b) Calls on the BiH authorities to provide for official statistics on the number of reported cases of violence with data gathered from police reports, social care centres and judicial institutions and to make these statistics publicly available; likewise, calls on the BiH authorities to gather and publicize data on protection measures aimed to ensure protection of victims of domestic violence;
Amendment 61 #
2012/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes with concern the lack of financial and human resources for the implementation of the action plan on UN Security Council resolution 1325, for institutional mechanisms to ensure gender equality, for proper access to justice and for shelters for victims of domestic violence; calls on the Bosnian authorities at all levels to include sufficient funding for these purposes in their budgets;
Amendment 62 #
2012/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
(13a) Deplores the fact that until now, the BiH authorities have investigated and condemned only a limited number of cases of war crimes of sexual violence; notes with serious concern that a large number of perpetrators of such crimes have escaped the justice system with impunity; likewise notes the failure of the BiH authorities to provide adequate witness protection programmes for the victims; calls, therefore, on the BiH authorities to ensure that all victims of war crimes of sexual violence have safe and adequate access to the judicial system and that all cases brought forth dealing with war crimes be dealt with swiftly and efficiently;
Amendment 12 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas there is an increasing danger of unprecedented, non- conventional attacks, either terrorist or state-based, with indirect or kinetic damage against a Member State, that fall outside of the scope of some older documents and agreements, therefore resulting in an immediate need for updating both security mentalities and texts;
Amendment 40 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission and the Vice- President/High Representative, in the context of their ongoing work on a joint proposal for a Council Decision better defining and implementing the solidarity clause as required by the Treaty, to take due account of the political and operational dimensions of both clauses and to follow the recommendations of this resolution;
Amendment 48 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Takes the view that even non-armed attacks, for instance cyber-attacks, launched with the aim of causing severe damage and disruption to a Member State and identified as coming from an external entity, could qualify for being covered by the clause, if the Member State's security is significantly threatened by its consequences; calls on the Council, Vice-President/High Representative and the EDA to coordinate with Member States appropriate responses in cases of cyber-attacks, as they are the most likely means for an attack, or initial attack against a state from another state or state-based entity, given the low requirements of material resources to accomplish them;
Amendment 62 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Invites the Vice-President/High Representative to propose practical arrangements for ensuring an effective response in the event that a Member State triggerinvokes the mutual defence clause, as well as an analysis of the role of the EU institutions, should the clause be triggerinvoked; takes the view that the obligation to provide aid and assistance, expressing political solidarity among Member States, should ensure a rapid decision in the Council in support of the Member State under attack;
Amendment 67 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Takes the view that, where collective action is taken to defend a Member State under attack, it should be possible to make use of existing EU crisis management structures where appropriate, and in particular that the possibility of activating an EU Operational Headquarters should be envisaged; stresses that a fully-fledged permanent EU Operational Headquarters is needed to ensure an adequate level of preparedness and rapidity of response, and reiterates its call on the Member States to establish such a permanent capacity, building on the recently activated EU Operations Centre; notes that a permanent EU OHQ could host jointly pooled equipment for crisis response and management that can be an important incentive for cost savings;
Amendment 75 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses the need to prevent any moral hazard, in that some Member States may be tempted to excessively rely on the solidarity of others while under-investing in their own security and disaster response capabilities; emphasises the primary responsibility of Member States for civil protection and security in their territory, or at least to participate in joint projects to ensure a common response capability where it would be needed;
Amendment 76 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Takes the view that the solidarity clause should be invoked in situations that overwhelm the response capacities of the affected Member State or require a multi- sector response involving a number of actors, but that once a Member has decided to invoke the clause, it should not be a matter for debate for the others to offer assistance; stresses that solidarity also means the obligation to invest in adequate national capabilities;
Amendment 81 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses that the implementation of the solidarity clause should form an integral part of a permanent EU crisis response, crisis management and crisis coordination system, building on the existing sectoral instruments and capabilities and providing for their effective mobilisation to deliver a coordinated multi-sector response when needed; stresses that, in principle, the implementation should not lead to the creation of ad hoc tools and can easily build on the "more for more" principle;
Amendment 57 #
2012/2153(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(fa) Stimulate Kazakhstan to work together with its neighbours in order to come to a common solution on the statute of the Caspian Sea;
Amendment 86 #
2012/2153(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u
Paragraph 1 – point u
(u) insist on establishing independent civil society platforms to contribute to inclusive exchanges in a number of sectors and seek means to provide financial assistance for this goal;
Amendment 99 #
2012/2153(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point y
Paragraph 1 – point y
(y) acknowledge that Kazakhstan's participation in the Russian-led customs union and the Eurasian Economic Union is not an obstacle to closer cooperation between the EU and Kazakhstan, but can lead to a competition were the EU to delay its approach;
Amendment 112 #
2012/2153(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ab
Paragraph 1 – point ab
(ab) include clear benchmarks and binding deadlines for the implementation of the new PCA and provide for monitoring mechanisms, including regular reports to the EP, including in advance of Cooperation Council meetings;
Amendment 55 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas violations of freedom of religion or belief,thought, religion, belief or political affiliation perpetrated by governments and non-state actors alike, are increasing in many countries of the world, resulting in discrimination, intolerance and violence against certain individuals, groups and religious communities, including religious minority representatives;
Amendment 139 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Emphasises, in view of principles of international humanitarian law spelled out in the 1907 Hague Regulations (arts 42-56) and the Fourth Geneva Convention (GC IV, art. 27-34 and 47-78) as well as in provisions of Additional Protocol I, the need for the EU to ensure that those partners falling under the category of occupying power, respect their duties towards the population in occupied territories; reminds that according to international humanitarian law, public health standards, provision of food and medical care to the population under occupation must be granted by the occupying power; reiterates that any transfer of civilian population of the occupying power into the occupied territory is prohibited, and that the accused of criminal offences must be provided with proceedings respecting internationally recognized judicial guarantees, such as being informed of the reason for their arrest, charged with a specific offence and given a fair trial as quickly as possible.
Amendment 140 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Recalls that in order to avoid human rights breaches in the first place, the respect for international law must be at the core of any EU strategy aiming to enhance human rights and democracy in the world, particularly in its relationships with those partners that are parties to an armed or frozen conflict; reminds the need to end any EU support given to parties to a conflict, be it financial, logistical or tactical, including the supply of weapons, munitions and all other types of military equipment as laid down in the EU Common Position on arms exports.
Amendment 355 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 81
Paragraph 81
81. Remains deeply concerned that discrimination based on thought, religion or, belief or political affiliation continues in many regions of the world, and that persons belonging to particular religious communities, including religious minorities, continue to be denied their human rights; is particularly concerned by the situation in China where individuals who practise their religion outside officially sanctioned channels, including Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and Falun Gong practitioners, often face persecution; urges China to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) as it has promised; urges the Chinese authorities to suspend and subsequently amend, through genuinely consultative processes with Tibetans, the policies that most negatively impact Tibetan Buddhism, culture and traditionpolitical movements, religious communities, including religious minorities, continue to be denied their human rights;
Amendment 371 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 82
Paragraph 82
82. Stresses the need for a toolkit to advance the right to freedom of thought, religion or, belief as part of EU's external policy; notes that this toolkit should include a checklist on the necessary freedoms pertaining to the right of freedom of religion or belief, in order to assess the situor political affiliation, as well as a methodology to help identify infringements of freedom of religion or belief; encourages the EEAS to involve civil society organisations in the preparation of the toolkitpart of EU's external policy;
Amendment 390 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 83
Paragraph 83
83. Stresses that international human rights law recognises freedom of thought, religion or, belief or political affiliation regardless of registration status, so registration should not be a mandatory precondition for practising one's religion; points out with concern, furthermore, that in China monks and nuns are required to register with the Government, and must operate under Government-controlled management boards, and that this interferes with their religious autonomy and restricts their activity or right of political affiliation;
Amendment 4 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas significant changes are taking place in the geostrategic context in which the CFSP and CSDP operate, owing in particular to the upheavals in the Middle East (revolutions, conflicts and regime change in Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Syria ... ), the emergence on the international scene of new players with regional or even global ambitions, the spillover effects of other conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa, the acceleration of old tensions over potentially resource-rich territories in South East Asia and the reorientation of US defence policy priorities towards the Asia- Pacific area;
Amendment 9 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, at the same time, threats to global security are growing because of uncertainties linked to the attitudes of States engaged in programmes which dangerously encourage nuclear proliferation or ties with terrorist organizations, the escalation of local crises in the EU's neighbourhood with major regional implications, such as the current Syrian conflict, the vagaries of the transition process in the Arab countries and its security dimension (Libya, Sinai ...), the evolution of the Afghan-Pakistan area in view of the prospect of the withdrawal of NATO troops and increased terrorist threats in Africa, in particular in the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and Nigeria,
Amendment 18 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the CSDP has the potentialroven capacity to contribute to peace and stability in the world through its missions and operations that form part of the EU's comprehensive approach to a country or region, including through multilateral cooperation in international organizations - in particular the United Nations - and regional organizations, in compliance with the UN Charter,
Amendment 32 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is concerned about the prospect of strategic decline facing the EU, not only through the downward trend in defence budgets, but also because of the relative and progressive marginalisation of its crisis management instruments, in particular the military ones, as well as their rare effective and timely use in joint operations; believes that the Union must seek to not delegate its security to others;
Amendment 47 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the contribution made by the Weimar initiative, which was supported by Spain and Italy, to revitalise the agenda of the CSDP and the impetus it has given in the three key areas, namely institutions, operations and capabilities; calls for these countries to honour the commitment they have made to continue to hold an ambitious vision of the CSDP and views their actions as a model to be joined and followed by all other Member States;
Amendment 58 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the Member States to actively work with the VP/HR and the Council to adopt the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty concerning CSDP in their national defence strategies;
Amendment 66 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Regrets, however, that with the exception of EUTM Somalia, no new military operations have been launched since 2008, even though a number of crises could have warranted EU intervention, including in Libya and Mali; encourages, in this context, the intensification of ongoing planning for possible military operations; calls on Member States to put actions behind statements and use the existing means, protocols and accords in order to put at the disposal of the CSDP their capabilities, for example in the form of battlegroups or joint task forces;
Amendment 101 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Expresses its utmost concern at the development of a zone of instability in the Sahel, characterized by criminal activities and armed operations by radical and terrorist groups which are undermining the territorial integrity of States in the region and whose actions could lead to the establishment of a permanent zone of lawlessness in part of the territory of Mali; stresses the need to support a stable government in Mali in order to prevent the disintegration of the country and the wide spillover effect this could have in terms of proliferation of crime and conflict;
Amendment 110 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Notes with concern the recent destabilising acts and declarations made from the part of groups in and around Benghazi and considers that the Libyan conflict should not have as an effect the division of the country, noting that the EU has a role to play in convincing the actors involved to sit and work together in order to bring a long-sought stability to their country;
Amendment 113 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Underlines that a long term effect of the Libyan crisis will be the wide spread of small arms and light weapons and that disarmament should be the priority in the country and the outlying region; notes that a program of DDR (demobilisation, disarmament, reintegration) could be implemented in the country;
Amendment 121 #
Amendment 122 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 b (new)
Paragraph 42 b (new)
42b. Notes the ongoing need for the EUBAM Moldova and Ukraine Mission and its potential to help an eventual peaceful solution to the frozen problem of the territory of Transnistria; considers it a matter of priority for the EU to continue to support this mission and to be more actively involved in the peace process, as this is the frozen conflict closest to the borders of the European Union;
Amendment 135 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48 a (new)
Paragraph 48 a (new)
48a. Notes with concern that in some Member States, the identification, coordination and deployment of civilian personnel in CSDP mission is still divided between various bodies and ministries; calls for the creation or identification of relevant bodies which can supervise the civilian capabilities of the country, by having permanent rosters of experts, coordinating with the military for their deployment and being also in charge of subsequent remuneration and social protection of these experts;
Amendment 145 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 54 a (new)
Paragraph 54 a (new)
54a. Welcomes such bilateral agreements such as the Franco-British treaty on military cooperation and calls on other Member States to consider such bilateral or multilateral agreements for military cooperation and integration as an important cost-saving tool, that can avoid duplication and constitute a grassroots build-up process for the CSDP and future of EU security integration;
Amendment 166 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 67 a (new)
Paragraph 67 a (new)
67a. Notes with concern the sidelining by some Member States of the importance of the European Security and Defence College, which is an institution that is vital for the creation of a new generation of EU officers who can share values, operational skills and practices;
Amendment 172 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 73
Paragraph 73
73. Believes that this undermines the credibility of the battlegroups as an instrument and of the CSDP in general, since they could already have been deployed; encourages Member States to remain mobilised and to meet their commitments in respect of this instrument, having in mind that given the financial and manpower investment in the battlegroups, their lack of use in face of several windows of opportunity has become a liability;
Amendment 179 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 78
Paragraph 78
78. Notes with interest the division of the Situation Centre into two new entities, the ‘Situation Room’, on one hand, and the ‘Intelligence Centre’ or INTCEN, on the other, and welcomes the fact that the latter will have to expand if Member States wish to develop the CFSP and CSDP;
Amendment 193 #
2012/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 85
Paragraph 85
85. Recalls that the EU remains the largest contributor to AMISOM's budget and stresses the need for a strategic vision of the future of that operation; views the cooperation between AMISOM and ATALANTA as a favourable step towards future potential joint missions;
Amendment 2 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
- having regard to the Council's East Asia Policy Guidelines,
Amendment 17 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU-China strategic partnership is of great importance for relations between the EU and China,both sides as is paramount for maintaining and developing the booming economic and thisrade relationship is paramount for finding answers to global concerns, such as global security, nuclear non-proliferation an, as well as for jointly addressing global challenges ranging from security and non-proliferation to climate change, the fight against organised clrimate changee, terrorism and piracy, as well as the promotion of universal human rights;
Amendment 31 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas China is undergoing a process of socio-economic transition from an extensive model of economic growth to a model aiming at regional and social equity and – above all – at maintaining stability, a process that has had varied levels of success across the country;
Amendment 53 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas China emphasises social human rights (e.g., food, clothes, economic development), while the EU stresses individual human rights (e.g., freedom of speech, religion, association); whereas the two are complementary and indivisible;
Amendment 83 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the 21st century sees the impressive return of China on the world scene as a superpower, on account of its ongoing rapidly growing economic and military power; whereas China has recently added a new airplane carrier to its navy;
Amendment 91 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas the positive role of the PRC in South-East Asia in terms of economicPRC plays a vital part in the economic development of South-East Asia, being a leader in terms of trade and investment and a party to all regional organisations and dynamics bodies, this becoming increasingly overshadowed by territorial disputes in the South China Sea with Vietnam (Paracel/Xisha islands) and Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan (Spratly/Nansha islands) – all areas rich in fish, as well as in oil and gas reserves;
Amendment 95 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L a (new)
Recital L a (new)
La. Whereas there are growing tensions in the South China Sea and East China Sea regions stemming from the policy of the PRC to claim a maritime border which is different from the one assigned by the UN Convention on the Laws of the Sea and which puts it into direct dispute with virtually all countries in the area; whereas there is a serious risk of escalation, especially with Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan and whereas a war would be harmful to everyone, including the PRC;
Amendment 101 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas China maintains close relations with North Korea, graphically described by Mao Zedong as being ‘as close as lips and teeth’, with an inflow of Chinese money and tourists being vital to the survival of the Pyongyang regime in its current state;
Amendment 110 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas the relations between China and the USA are the world's most important bilateral ties, in particular owing to the phenomenon of ‘Chinamerica’, or the strong financial-economic entanglement of Beijing and Washington, which lead to a state of interdependency, where peace and cooperation is the only way;
Amendment 116 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas nowhere in the world is China's explosive growth more visible than in Africa, as illustrated by the impressive rise of China's mutual trade volume by 80 % to USD 166.3 billion between 2009 and 2011, according to Chinese statistics; whereas Chinese interests in Africa are visible through major development projects such as railways, roads and social welfare projects, giving it a distinct approach from the EU model of development aid;
Amendment 118 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O a (new)
Recital O a (new)
Oa. Whereas the rising tensions over the disputed islands and overlapping and conflicting claims exist in the East Asia's maritime areas;
Amendment 135 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 m (new)
Paragraph 1 m (new)
(m) Considers that relations between the EU and China, both at economic and trade levels and on cultural and social issues can be one of the major factors for the development and betterment of both societies and therefore sees this cooperation as vital for the interests of both sides;
Amendment 173 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Shares the vehement rejection by Chinese lawyers of a compulsory oath of allegiance to the CCP on the grounds that it is an attack on the legal system, because any lawyer should swear to the Constitution and not to a political party or organisation; notes that this would lead to a weak and clientelar legal system; urges China to abandon this outdated reform and to move forward towards a more independent legal system;
Amendment 181 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines that although forced abortions are strictly illegal in China, family-planning officials repeatedly coerce women into inhumane practices such as forced abortions or sterilisation; condemns the so-called ‘social maintenance fee’, an often exorbitant fine that parents have to pay in the event of extra births, as was the case in the tragedy of Feng Jianmei; wholeheartedly supports Chinese voices that call for an end of the one-child policy;
Amendment 183 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
(a) Notes that there are long term, damaging effects of the "one-child policy" coupled with a wide spread negative feeling towards the birth of a female child, such as a severe demographic unbalance, social disparities, a worsening gender equality situation and ageing population; calls on the Chinese leadership to consider as a top priority the finding of a solution to this problem;
Amendment 187 #
Amendment 188 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 f (new)
Paragraph 6 f (new)
(f) Recognises the enormous efforts made by the Chinese Government to develop Tibet and Xinjiang economically; urges the Chinese Government to act in a politically responsible way by respecting and protecting Tibetan and Uighur traditional cultures and lifestyles; believes that Beijing cannot win the hearts and minds of the Tibetan and Uighur peoples by way of millions of surveillance cameras or repressive police methods;
Amendment 189 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 220 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 k (new)
Paragraph 8 k (new)
(k) Fears that the number of prisoners being executed under China's death penalty legislation, as well as the expediency of their trials and subsequent executions, go against the spirit of the human right to a free and fair trial, in that the speed used by Chinese authorities mistrials and other errors might be overlooked, leading to the execution of innocent people; considers that the application of the death penalty within an opaque judicial system, that lacks full transparency and where the rights of the prisoner are as yet still not as developed, is a grave error; calls on the Chinese authorities to reconsider their policy on capital punishment and, for a start, restrict its application to people guilty of non violent crimes;
Amendment 223 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that the Chinese Government is tightening its surveillance of the internet by way of a new law that forbids betrayal of state secrets, harming of national pride, endangering the ethnic unity of the country or making calls for ‘illegal protests’ or ‘mass meetings’; criticises the fact that these prohibitions are rather obscurely formulated and thus clear the way for unbridled censorship; is concerned by the lack of safeguards provided by the new law, which gives the possibility of using it in an abusive way; underlines that the terms "illegal protests" and "mass meetings" should only be used in situations where a law for peaceful and legal protests exists and is effective;
Amendment 228 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
(b) Stresses that in a country with over 500 million Internet users, digital freedoms are the only way for a flourishing and developed cyberspace; calls on the Chinese authorities to both secure but also protect the huge cyber sphere developed in their country and to target their efforts towards its enhancement and not towards censorship and control;
Amendment 229 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 260 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Wishes to see the flourishing Protestant house churches and underground Catholic churches, as well as those from other religions, granted official recognition by the Chinese State as well; strongly condemns all attempts by the authorities to deprive these non-registered churches of their fundamental right of freedom of religion;
Amendment 268 #
Amendment 270 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 h (new)
Paragraph 12 h (new)
(h) Welcomes the increasing contacts between the PRC and Taiwan; stresses that the improvement in Cross-Strait relations is still seriously undermined by PRC's missiles aimed at Taiwan and China's international isolation of Taiwan; calls on China and the EU to respect Taiwan's right to meaningful participation in international organisations, as endorsed by the Council's declaration 9486/09 of 8 May 2009;
Amendment 271 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 i (new)
Paragraph 12 i (new)
(i) Salutes the strong economic ties flourishing between mainland China and Taiwan, as well as the new opening of Taiwan towards Chinese tourists and cultural cooperation; considers that the internationalisation of trade and investment to be the best guarantor of Taiwan's stability; urges Taiwan's government therefore, to accompany its investment in the PRC with investments elsewhere;
Amendment 272 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 j (new)
Paragraph 12 j (new)
(d) Welcomes the recent initiative coming from the President of Taiwan for a consensus for a code of conduct of the East China Sea and the establishment of a mechanism allowing all sides to cooperate in the exploitation of the region's natural resources, including capacity for the generation of electricity from renewable sources; considers that this is a model to be used also in the South China Sea region;
Amendment 277 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Urges the PRC to use its regainenewly found global position in a responsible way by acting according to its own criteria of ‘peaceful development’ and ‘a harmonious world’, as well as by respecting all international conventions and treaties to which it is a party;
Amendment 286 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
(a) Recognises China's responsibility in providing both security to its citizens and assuming a role of promoter of peace and stability in the world and welcomes its increased participation in the UN; calls, however, for more cooperation and transparency with the EU and the UN from the Chinese side on these issues, and for the avoidance of isolation in the development of its foreign policy;
Amendment 295 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
(a) Deplores the fact that so far, no efforts have been made for the creation of a fora of discussion that can address the growing tensions in the maritime neighbourhood of China; sees the PRC as having the leading role in this issue, as it is involved in most maritime border disputes in South East Asia and calls on it to pursue a diplomatic solution leading to all parties acknowledging that they need a consensual solution and coming together around a negotiation table; sees the EU as a potential neutral, third party mediator in these discussions;
Amendment 296 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
(b) Notes that China's claim to some parts of the region are contrary to the UN Convention on the Laws of the Sea and calls for a respect of international treaties and laws; welcomes the recent initiative for a consensual code of conduct for the East China Sea and considers it a model that could be also used in the South China Sea;
Amendment 298 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 d (new)
Paragraph 15 d (new)
(d) Due to the European Union's significant interests in the security and stability of East Asia, calls upon all parties concerned (China, Japan and Taiwan) to demonstrate restraint and to take steps to calm the situation; urges all parties concerned to settle disputes peacefully in a spirit of cooperation and in respect of international law, in particular the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea;
Amendment 304 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)
Paragraph 16 c (new)
(c) Notes that China's role in the cooperation between the two parties in the Korean Peninsula is vital and calls on the PRC to more actively seek enhanced cooperation between North and South;
Amendment 306 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 e (new)
Paragraph 16 e (new)
(e) Notes China's growing role in the Central Asian region, via trade, economic and energy projects; considers that it can have a major role in the development of countries in Central Asia and calls on the PRC to promote better relations between states there as a pivotal step towards regional cooperation;
Amendment 307 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 f (new)
Paragraph 16 f (new)
(f) Welcomes the developing ties between China and Afghanistan, with talks happening for the first time in history at a senior leadership level; considers that China can play a pivotal role in the stabilisation of Afghanistan through a soft power approach and urges the development of a close cooperation between the EU and China on this issue;
Amendment 308 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 g (new)
Paragraph 16 g (new)
(g) Underlines that the ongoing tensions between China and India over Arunachal Pradesh, as well as the dispute on parts of the Kashmir region are a grave threat to the peace and stability of not only the region but the whole world, as the two sides are the Globe's most populous nuclear states; calls for a renewal of bilateral talks and for the abandonment of aggressive acts and declarations from both sides;
Amendment 2 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Supports the drive to standardize the Migration and Mobility Dialogues into broader frameworks for bilateral relations and the conclusion of Mobility Partnerships on the basis of a ‘'more for more’' approach, and believes that priority should be given to the European Neighbourhood in tandem with the Prague Process and to the African continent, through the Africa European Union Strategic Partnership;
Amendment 3 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Strongly believes that the central aim of the Migration and Mobility Dialogues is to support and encourage legal migration, including labour migration; therefore calls for concrete actions to be implemented within the Partnerships which facilitate migration, not in the least the recognition of qualifications of migrant workers;
Amendment 4 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recommends the introduction ofat, in order to ensure the portability of social security rights, that a standard social security clause is introduced in Association Agreements and, with countries that are not covered by an Association Agreement, the negotiation of a social security agreement;
Amendment 10 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
(Ba) Whereas it is critical that migrant women are given the opportunity to enter the EU labour market in a safe and legal manner;
Amendment 12 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – introductory part
Paragraph 5 – introductory part
5. Stresses that the EU should enable the European Asylum Support Office to increase cooperation with third countries to help them strengthen their asylum systems and naongly encourages the EU to strengthen its commitment to the international protectional of asylum legislation, and encourages cooperation with the UNHCR in promoting effective implementation of the Geneva Refugee Convention;seekers; to that end:
Amendment 12 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
(Bb) Whereas migrant women are more often employed in fields, such as the informal care sector, unrecognized by some of the social security systems in the Member States, they do not have access to a pensions scheme upon retiring and are therefore exposed to poverty in their senior years;
Amendment 13 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – point a (new)
Paragraph 5 – point a (new)
(a) stresses that the EU should enable the European Asylum Support Office to increase cooperation with third countries to help them strengthen their asylum systems and national asylum legislation;
Amendment 13 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
(Bc) whereas the downgrading and non- recognition of the academic and professional qualifications obtained in third-countries, significantly affect migrant women and consequently, lead them to seek employment in unskilled and socially unregulated professions;
Amendment 14 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – point b (new)
Paragraph 5 – point b (new)
(b) encourages the strengthening of the Regional Protection Programmes and implementation of new Programmes where necessary;
Amendment 15 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – point c (new)
Paragraph 5 – point c (new)
(c) encourages cooperation with the UNHCR in promoting effective implementation of the Geneva Refugee Convention;
Amendment 17 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the creation of the EU Immigration Portal and dedicated Migration and Mobility Resource Centres, and encourages the countries of origin to get involved as well and to support would- be migrants by providing information and incentives for circular migration;
Amendment 18 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Strongly encourages the EEAS to seek a more active coordination role in the external dimension of the migration policy process;
Amendment 18 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to collaborate closely with networks and NGOs working on issues related to migrant women, in order to develop gender-sensitive policies that will protect the human rights of migrant women, provide equal opportunities in the field of employment and access to the labour market, and combat and prevent the trafficking and sexual exploitation of women;
Amendment 26 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls onUrges the Member States to develop and implement measures to promote the smooth and equitable integration of migrant women, including acquisition of legal status, recognition of qualifications and educational levels, access to healthcare, education, training and social security benefits and protection under labour legislation, and to involve trade unions, NGOs and civil society in the development of such measures;
Amendment 34 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Member States to establish and promote gender-sensitive legal practices for regulating the recruitment of migrant workers, and to facilitate access for migrant women to information on legal formalities and labour lawsto information regarding legal and civil assistance in relevant languages as well as to provide access to inexpensive legal recourse where necessary;
Amendment 46 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls onUrges the Member States to develop efficient and transparent systems for the recognition of qualifications obtained in third countries, to make training opportunities available for those lacking skills, and to ensure access for migrant women to vocational and lifelong training, as well as free language courses;
Amendment 36 #
2012/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas one fundamental issue in the constitutional debates is whether Islamparticularly worrisome development concerns religion and whether or not it should be defined in the constitution as the religion at "of the people" or of that "the state", as for instance in Tunisiawhich would, in turn, affect the manner in which citizens' rights are constructed and viewed;
Amendment 57 #
2012/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls the open debate amongEncourages Islamic women scholars with a view to interpreting religious texts in a women's rights and equality perspectiveto add a women's rights and equality perspective in their interpretations of religious texts;
Amendment 69 #
2012/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the importance of fighting impunity with respect to all violence against women, by ensuring that such crimes are effectively investigated, prosecuted and punished and that all women have full access to justice; recalls also that all those forming part of the judicial system should receive adequate training in existing legislation and the treatment of victims of such crimes;
Amendment 74 #
2012/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls upon the national governments to provide sufficient training for those part of the judicial system in order for them to be properly equipped to deal with sexual violence crimes and its victims;
Amendment 148 #
2012/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Highlights the importance of encouraging the participation of women in the electoral process; calls on the EU to work closely with the national governments in order to provide them with best practices regarding the training of women regarding their political and electoral rights; recalls that this should be done throughout the electoral cycle through assistance programmes and should be closely monitored by the EU EOM, if need be;
Amendment 164 #
2012/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Encourages the EU to develop communication channels with Islamist parties and organizations based on the condition that they respect women's rights and gender equality;
Amendment 14 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas in today's globalised world, the EU and its Member States have become crucially reliant on a safe cyber space and a secure use of information and digital technologies;
Amendment 23 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas cyber challenges and threat, threats and attacks are growing at a dramatic pace and constitute a major threat to the security, stability and competitiveness of the nationdefence and stability of EU states as well as of the private sector; whereas such threats should not therefore be considered future issues; whereas cyber challenges and threats arecyber challenges and attacks create a permanent liability for the security and defence of Europe, whether stemming from individual or state-based interests, increasingly of a politically motivated in nature; whereas the vast majority of cyber incidents remain primitive;
Amendment 24 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas cyberspace, with its nearly 2 billion globally interconnected users, has become one of the most potent and efficient means of advancing democratic ideas and organising people as they seek to realise their aspirations for freedom and fight against dictatorships; whereas the use of cyberspace by undemocratic and authoritarian regimes poses an increasing threat to individuals' rights to freedom of expression and association; whereas it is therefore crucial to ensure that cyberspace will remain open to the free flow of ideas, information and expression;
Amendment 25 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. Whereas cyberspace needs to be both secured and protected;
Amendment 27 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas there are numerous obstacles of a political, legislative and organisational nature in the EU and its Member States to the development of a comprehensive and unified approach to cyberdefence; whereas there is a lack of common definition, standards and common measures in the sensitive and vulnerable area of cyber security;
Amendment 30 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas sharing and coordination within the EU institutions and with and between Member States, as well as with outside partners is still insufficient;
Amendment 36 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the EU has not yet developed coherent policies of its own regardingan initiative on critical information and infrastructure protection, with an Action Plan published by the Commission in 2011;
Amendment 39 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the EU has proposed various initiatives to tackle civilian level cybercrime, including the establishment of a new Cybercrime Centre, yet lacks any concrete plan at the level of security and defence;
Amendment 42 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas building trust and confidence between the private sector and, law enforcement authorities and defence institutions is of utmost importance in the fight against cybercrime;
Amendment 44 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas a large numberthe majority of cyber incidents in the private sector remain unreported due to the sensitive nature of the information and possible damage to the image of the companies involved; whereas many cyber attacks against governmental institutions and bodies are also seldom reported;
Amendment 46 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
J a. Whereas the majority of perpetrators in high level cyber attacks, that threaten national or international security and defence, are never identified and prosecuted; whereas there is no internationally agreed upon response to a state-backed cyber attack against another state, nor an understanding if this could be considered as a casus belli;
Amendment 57 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas a clear balance has to be established between security measures and citizens' rights, with neither being scarified in the name of the other;
Amendment 58 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q
Recital Q
Amendment 62 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R
Recital R
R. whereas there is an increasing need to better respect and protect individuals' rights to privacy; whereas the need for securing and defending cyberspace at a national level, for institutions and military bodies, while important, should never be used as an excuse to limit in any way rights and freedoms in the cyber and informational space;
Amendment 72 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that cyber threats and attacks against government, administrative, military and international bodies are a rapidly growing menace and occurrence in both in the EU and globally, and that there is increasing concern about the potential for organised criminal, terrorist or politically motivated attacks against the critical information systems and infrastructures of the Member States and the EU are significant reasons of concern that state and non-state actors, especially terrorist and criminal organisations can attack critical information and communication structures and infrastructures of EU institutions and members, with the potential to cause significant harm, including kinsetitutionc effects;
Amendment 78 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines therefore the need for a global and coordinated approach to these challenges at the EU level with the development of a comprehensive EU cyber security strategy which should provide a common definition of cyber security and defence, as well as of what constitutes a defence related cyber attack, a common operating vision and take into account the added value of the existing agencies and bodies; stresses the crucial importance of coordination and creating synergies at the level of the Union to help combine different initiatives, programmes and activities, military and civilian; emphasises that such a strategy should ensure flexibility and be updated on regular basis to adapt to the rapidly changing nature of cyberspace;
Amendment 81 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urges the Commission to investigate the possibility of evoking the solidarity clause, pursuant to the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (Title VII, Article 222), in the event of a serious cyber attack against a Member State that leads to the endangering its national security;
Amendment 87 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls on the Council and the Commission, together with Member States, to elaborate a White Paper on Cyber Defence, establishing clear definitions and criteria separating levels of cyber attacks in civilian and military, in accordance to their motivation and effects, as well as levels of reactions, including the investigation, detection and prosecution of perpetrators;
Amendment 88 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Urges the need to update the European Security Strategy with a view to identify and find means of pursuit and prosecution for both individual, network- related and state-supported cyber attackers;
Amendment 89 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses the importance of horizontal cooperation and coordination on cyber security within and between EU institutions and agencies;
Amendment 112 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to explore the necessity and feasibility of an EU Cyber Defence Coordination post;
Amendment 113 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Considers that given the high level of skill required in both the adequate defence of cyber systems and infrastructures and their attack, a "white hat" strategy should be developed between the Commission, Council and member states, in order to recruit EU citizens convicted for cyber attacks that required a high level of expertise; notes that the potential for "brain drain" in these cases is high and that, notably minors convicted for such attacks, have a high potential for both rehabilitation and integration in defence agencies and bodies;
Amendment 115 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the recent initiatives and projects relating to cyber defence, especially on gathering and mapping relevant cyber security and defence data, challenges and needs and urges Member States to cooperate more, also at military level, with the EDA on cyber defence;
Amendment 126 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Encourages Member States to create designated cyber security and cyber defence units within their military structure, with a view to cooperate with similar bodies in other EU Member States;
Amendment 135 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Stresses that Member States should aim never to endanger their citizens' rights and freedoms when developing their responses to cyber threats and attacks and should have adequate legislative differences between civilian and military level cyber incidents;
Amendment 144 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28 a. Calls on the External Action Service and the Council to begin taking into account cyber security and defence when negotiating Association Agreements and Partnership and Cooperation Agreements with third states, as well as other major treaties; suggests that such agreements should have a cyber defence clause, with the aim that partner countries will recognize and cooperate on the same cyber security criteria as the EU, including on the matter of identifying, prosecuting and sentencing cyber attackers within their borders;
Amendment 149 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Is aware of the need for an internationally agreed and coordinated response to cyber threats; calls, therefore, on the Commission, EEAS and Member States to take the lead in the efforts to achieve a broader international agreement on norms of behaviour in cyber spaceall fora, starting with the United Nations in order to elaborate and international agreement on the definitions and norms for cross-border cyber attacks that can affect the security and defence of a state; considers that such a document should also include appropriate means of prevention as well as mitigation of such attacks, with the aim to prevent cyber attacks to threaten international peace and stability;
Amendment 153 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Proposes to set up a joint working group with BRICS countries in order to tackle cyber security matters, and especially to explore possibilities for a possible common response to growing cybercrime and cyber attacks threats and attacks, at both civilian and military levels ;
Amendment 156 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Calls on the Council and the Commission to insist, during its negotiations and cooperation with third countries, on minimum requirements for preventing and fighting cyber criminality and cyber attacks; and on minimum standards in information system securityformation sharing at the level of counter cyber attacks bodies;
Amendment 166 #
2012/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41 a. Underlines the need for both the US and the EU, as the biggest sources of both cyber space and users, to work together for the protection of their citizen's rights and freedoms to use this space; underlines that while national security is a paramount objective, cyber space should be secured but also protected;
Amendment 19 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that climate change is widely recognised as being an essential driver and threat multiplier forsecurity is a core component of global security, peace and stability and that climate change is thus relevant to Articles 42 and 43 of the Lisbon Treaty; therefore, in the medium and long term, climate change is a threat multiplier and could lead to a significant deterioration in the security situation of the Union;
Amendment 22 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that, as the prevention of climate change might no longer be possible through human action, adopting security strategies to mitigate, adapt and respond to the security implications of climate change is especially crucial;
Amendment 27 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that these events can represent an escalating cost to the global economy, not only for developing countries but also for the world economy, both as a direct cost in terms of rebuilding and aid but also as an indirect cost in terms of increases in insurance, prices of products and services; although the cost of the potential aggravation of certain existing or future threats to international peace and security cannot be measured in exact terms, it is certainly very high;
Amendment 31 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 43 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Recognizes that, while addressing Climate Change through a security nexus can be positive, it is but one component of EU action on climate change which attempts to use political and economic tools to mitigate and adapt to climate change;
Amendment 54 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses, therefore, that it is essential to integrate the impact of potential climate driven natural disasters into Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) strategies and operational plans with a focus on the countries and regions concerned before, during by creating mitigation back-up plands after any natural or humanitarian crises that might emergeimed at the regions most at risk;
Amendment 56 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses that building an effective response to the security implications of climate change must not only enhance conflict prevention and crisis management but also improve analysis and early warning capabilities;
Amendment 59 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls that the Lisbon Treaty requires the EU to develop civilian and military capabilities for international crisis management across the entire range of tasks outlined in its Article 43, in particular conflict prevention, humanitarian and rescue tasks, military advice and assistance tasks, peace-keeping and post-conflict stabilisation; calls on the Commission and Council to work with Member States in order to create a joint permanent roster of experts in crisis situations, as well to create an European Crisis Academy, in order to jointly train and prepare such experts for the future;
Amendment 61 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Recognizes that militaries have capacities and assets in environmental intelligence, risk assessment, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and evacuation that have a crucial role to play in early warning, climate-related crisis management and disaster response;
Amendment 70 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point a
Paragraph 13 – point a
(a) put climate change and its future security and defence ramifications at the core ofs one of the factors in the analysis of the risks of future crises and the threat of future conflicts;
Amendment 81 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Considers that the EU has to come up with a list of the challenges it faces in areas such as the Arctic, Africa, the Arab World and the Third Pole (the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau), notably the potential for conflicts over water supplies in South Asia; calls, therefore, on the HR/VP to draw up a list of all countries and regions most vulnerable to climate change over the coming decades (including in particular the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) countries whose very existence is threatened by rising sea level); calls on the HR/VP to set out the reasons for including each country or region on that list and the nature of the EU response required to prevent the risk of conflict or other humanitarian disaster becoming a reality in each case;
Amendment 85 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Underlines that the EU should work with key regions at risk and the most vulnerable states to strengthen their capacity to cope; highlights that the EU could further integrate adaptation and resilience to climate change into EU regional strategies (for example EU- Africa Strategy, Barcelona Process, Black Sea Synergy, EU-Central Asia Strategy and Middle East action plan);
Amendment 90 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Draws attention to the fact that energy security is closely related to climate change; considers that energy security has to be improved in order to reduce the EU's reliance on fossil fuels imported notably from Russia and the Gulf – at the same time mitigating greenhouse gas emissions considerably – and replaced by EU- generated renewable energies and energy saving; recognises that integrating climate change and energy security could contribute to achieving that outcome in certain regions such as the Arcticwell as the energy efficiency of the Union have to be vastly improved, an action that will significantly reduce the EU's reliance on external sources, therefore improving its security position;
Amendment 94 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Considers that one major effect of climate change on the EU security is the opening of the Arctic as well as its resources to several bordering states, including European ones; stresses the need to address this risk multiplier by a relevant strategy for the Arctic;
Amendment 101 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the HR/VP, as a matter of the utmost urgency, to use the full potential of the Lisbon Treaty and to put forward proposals for the implementation of the start-up fund (Article 41(3) TEU) with regard to possible future pooling and sharing projects and joint capabilities, such as the European Engineer Corps, which respond to climate-driven crisis and natural disasters, as well as a joint, permanent, pool of equipment for civilian crisis operations;
Amendment 104 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Underlines that EU access to accurate and timely analysis will be crucial in responding to and predicting climate change insecurity, with CSDP capacities being a good source of information in this regard; the EU should take steps to further develop capacities for data collection and information analysis through structures such as EU Delegations, the EU Satellite Centre and the EU Situation Centre;
Amendment 135 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Underlines that militaries too must play innovative roles in fighting climate change by reducing their ecological footprint by greening their use of technologies and increasing their energy efficiency;
Amendment 139 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Requests that the financial implications of such proposals be identified and also be considered in the EU's budget review;
Amendment 150 #
2012/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Calls for the EU to examine the security implications of climate change in dialogue with third countries, especially with key partners such as India, China and Russia; stresses that a truly effective response will require a multilateral approach and joint investment with third countries and that the EU could build cooperation with third country militaries with joint development and training missions;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU should develop its foreign policy objectives further and advance its values and interests worldwide with the overall aim of contributing to peace, security, solidarity, conflict prevention, the promotion of democracy, the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, gender equality, respect for international law, support for international institutions, effective multilateralism and mutual respect among nations, sustainable development, free and fair trade and the eradication of poverty;
Amendment 19 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the new momentum in European external action also requires the EU to act more strategically so as to bring its weight to bear internationally; whereas the EU's ability to influence the international order depends not only on coherence among its policies, actors and institutions, but also on a real strategic concept of EU foreign policy, which must unitestem from all Member States behind the same set of priorities and goals so that they speak with' common interests and priorities and lead to a strong single voice in the international arena; whereas the EU's foreign policy must be provided with the necessary means and instruments in order to enable the Union to act effectively and consistently on the world stage;
Amendment 26 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas parliamentary scrutiny of EU foreignthe involvement of the European Parliament in EU common foreign and security policy is essential if European external action is to be understood and supported by EU citizens; whereas effective parliamentary scrutiny of the European External Action Service will enhances the its legitimacy of this action;
Amendment 31 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls its Treaty prerogative to be consulted in the CFSP and CSDP spheres, to have its views duly taken into account and to make recommendations; recognises in this regard the availability of the HR/VP to the European Parliament; notes, however, that a solution needs to be found whereby the European Parliament is appropriately informed in the lead up to, and on the final outcome of, the Foreign Affairs Council; looks forward to the review of the external assistance instruments and to an outcome that recognises the European Parliament's rights over strategy papers and multiannual action plans, as established in Article 290 of the TFEU; calls, furthermore, for improved provision of information at all stages of the procedure for CFSP Council Decisions on agreements with third countries, including frameworks for the participation of third countries in EU crisis management operations, as well as an enhanced discussion on the EP's goals in relation to such agreements in order to avoid prolonged delay of parliamentary ratification of treaties and agreements due to an unsatisfactory content of the documents for the EP;
Amendment 52 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the role of political leadership expected of the HR/VP in ensuring the unity, consistency and effectiveness of action by the Union; calls on the HR/VP to use to the full and in a timely manner her powers to initiate, conduct and ensure compliance with the CFSP, involving Parliament's relevant bodies fully in that endeavour; welcomes the important lead role, on behalf of the international community, played under difficult circumstances by the HR/VP in the negotiations with Iran; calls for such leadership in enhancing the European Union's role in support of the Middle East Peace Process and in the Neighbourhood;
Amendment 61 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its position that important thematic policies previously covered by Personal Representatives should have the full support of the EEAS and appropriate external political representation, and therefore calls for proposals to be put forward such as that for Human Rights or Gender Equality;
Amendment 65 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. WelcomeQuestions the commitment by the Member States in the Lisbon Treaty to playing their full role in the development and implementation of the Union's foreign policy; stresses the importance of the Member States‘' solidarity, during a time of economic constraints, on improving the effectiveness of the Union as a cohesive global actor; notes in particular the importance of the Member States’' making available civilian and military capabilities for the effective implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy;
Amendment 69 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the HR/VP to come forward with proposals to further encourage Member State cooperation under the CFSP, specifically by setting out a process that will lead to European Council conclusions on Permanent Structur, while strengthening systematic cooperation between all Member States in the conduct of foreign policy, to explore fully the possibilities provided by the Lisbon treaty for enhanced Ccooperation, in the area of security and defence and guidelines for more systematic use of coalitions of the willing, such as in the ‘core group’ concept for CSDP missions and operations, as a means of overcoming the limits of the ‘battlegroup’ cocluding the production of guidelines for the consignment of specific tasks and missions to a core group of EU states, and to start the process of developing Permanent Structured Cooperation in the area of security and defencept;
Amendment 89 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Continues to support the potential enlargement of the European Union to any European state which respects the Union's values and is committed to promoting them and which is willing and able to fulfil the accession criteria; believes that the Union would lose moral authority and political credibility worldwide were it to close its doors to its neighbours;
Amendment 125 #
Amendment 136 #
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 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; finds scarcely credible the EU's promise of 'Money, Mobility and Markets'; 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 154 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Points out that Turkey is bnoth only a candidate country andbut also an important strategic partner and NATO ally; calls, therefore, for the existing political dialogue with Turkey on foreign policy choices and objectives of mutual interest to be reinforced; stresses the importance of encouraging Turkey to pursue its foreign policy in a framework of dialogue and coordination with the European Union in order to create valuable synergies and reinforce the potential for a positive impact;
Amendment 158 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Recalls Turkey's ambition to inspire and assist democratic transitions and socio- economic reforms in the southern neighbourhood; notes that participation of Turkish institutions and non-governmental organisations in ENP instruments would generate unique synergy effects, especially in areas such as institution-building and socio-economic and civil society development; believes that practical cooperation in the context of the 'positive agenda' should be complemented with a structured dialogue between the EU and Turkey with a view to coordinating their respective neighbourhood policies; hopes that the conditions will improve for the opening of further chapters in the membership negotiations (e.g.in particular, resolution of the Cyprus problem including ratification and implementation of the Ankara Protocol); recognisealls that the lack of cooperation in migration policy is having a negative impact, especially on Greeceprogress is still needed urgently in the matter of visas, immigration and asylum;
Amendment 190 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36 a. Notes the importance of enhancing relations with Moldova in the light of recent positive changes within the country;
Amendment 192 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Calls for continued and strong engagement on the part of the EU in resolving the region's ‘frozen conflicts’, in cooperation with other important regional partners, in particular breaking the deadlock on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and playing a full role in support of any ensuing peace agreement; believes that the Transnistrian question can be a good test-case for the good will of the regional partners and should be actively pursued by the EU as it remains the closest unsolved conflict to the EU borders;
Amendment 205 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Considers Russia to have potential as an important strategic partner, but continues to have concerns regarding Russia's commitment to the rule of law, pluralist democracy and human rights should it transform its attitude to the rule of law, pluralist democracy and human rights in line with its responsibilities as a member of the Council of Europe; urges the Russian government to respond to the growing discontent expressed by many Russian citizens at the continuing corruption and oppression of the regime by returning to the path of liberal reform;
Amendment 214 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Believes that it is the sovereign right of countries in the region to choose, free from external interference, the security organisation/arrangements/framework which, in their view, brings greatest security to their citizensUrges Russia to respect the territorial and constitutional integrity of regional neighbours and to join the international consensus in the United Nations with respect to emerging democracy;
Amendment 223 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Supports the EU's promotion of a regional approach in Central Asia, which is essential to tackling the regional dimension of issues including organised crime, trafficking in drugs, radioactive materials and human beings, terrorism, natural and manmade environmental disasters and management of water resources; calls for such engagement to be differentiated and conditionalfirm and progressive upon progress in democratisation, human rights, good governance, sustainable socio-economic development, the rule of law and the fight against corruption; notes that the EU cooperation Strategy for Central Asia identifies seven priorities, but provides resources too limited to have an impact in all policy areas; calls therefore for the EU to define priorities better according to the resources available, whilst ensuring that development cooperation is not subordinated to economic, energy or security interests;
Amendment 240 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Is concerned at the resurgence in violence following the breakdown in peace negotiations and a persistent failure to win local support; highlights the importance of a sub-regional Central Asian approach to tackling cross-border trafficking in people and goods and to fighting organised crime and terrorism; calls for stepped-up support for building the capacity of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the National Security Forces as well as for helping the wider population with agricultural and socio- economic development in order for the country to assume full responsibility for security after completion of the transfer of internal security to the Afghan forces by the end of 2014; strongly urges the Council and the VP/HR to draw up a contingency plan that should face the possibility of an overall security collapse after the withdrawal of Coalition forces;
Amendment 245 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43 a. Calls for a stronger action plan for country wide, gender inclusive, and free education to be drawn up by the Council and implemented at the same time with military downsizing, in order to build the foundations for lasting peace in Afghanistan;
Amendment 256 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Notes that, given the increasing global and regional relevance of China, India and other emerging countries in Asia, both the United States of America and the EU may progressively shift their primary attention, political investment and resources to the Pacific; further notes that Asia should have a more important place on the foreign agenda of the European Union and EU Member States; calls therefore for greater coordination of the US and EU policies towards China, India and other emerging countries in Asia in order to avoid a decoupling of approaches to key policies the US and EU have common interests in developing closer trade and political relations with China, India and other emerging countries in Asia;
Amendment 262 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Believes that the USA as a NATO member is an important partner forwill continue to make a vital contribution to the collective security of Europethe West;
Amendment 344 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 64
Paragraph 64
64. Urges the Member States to meet their obligation to rapidly conclude the negotiations on the accession of the EU to the ECHR; underlines the importance of the monitoring procedures of the Council of Europe as a major contribution to assessing progress by neighbouring countries in achieving democratic reforms;
Amendment 358 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 69
Paragraph 69
69. Reiterates its call for the HR/VP, the Council and the Member States to overcome the imbalance between civilian and military planning capabilities in the EEAS and the general difficulty in achievingaddress the numerous issues plaguing civ-mil cooperation, from shortages of qualified staffing r to equirepments for CSDP missions and operations, in particular for staff in the fields of justice, civilian administration, customs and mediation, so as to ensure that adequate and sufficient expertise can be provided for CSDP missions; calls for the HR/VP to come forward with specific proposals for making up these staffing shortages, in particular in the area of civilian crisis management and the sectors described above shortages and imbalances; calls for the creation of an improved civilian and military CSDP roster, at EU level, as well as an European recruitment and training centre; calls for the creation of a commonly funded pool of permanent equipment for crisis operations;
Amendment 370 #
Amendment 371 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 70 a (new)
Paragraph 70 a (new)
70 a. Believes that in its treatment of authoritarian regimes the EU should develop a more consistent policy with respect to the imposition and lifting of sanctions and restrictive measures;
Amendment 23 #
2012/2047(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
Amendment 41 #
2012/2047(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas sexualisation consists of an instrumental approach to a person by perceiving that person as an object for sexual use disregarding the person's dignity and personality traits, with the person's worth being measured in terms of the level of sexual attractiveness; sexualisation also involves the inappropriate imposition of the sexuality of adult persons on girls, who are emotionally, psychologically and physically unprepared for this at their particular stage of development; sexualisation not being the normal, healthy, biological development of the sexuality of a person, conditioned by the individual process of development and taking place at the appropriate time for each particular individual;
Amendment 47 #
2012/2047(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to collaborate in order to build a solid research base regarding the definition, frequency and consequences of early sexualisation. In order to better understand this phenomenon and in order to be able to make astute and relevant recommendations, comprehensive studies1 are necessary documenting the following aspects, inter alia, of early sexualisation: - Examine what factors lead to the early sexualisation of girls and what role the media plays. - Examine the short and long-term effects of sexualisation of girls: how this affects their self-esteem, body image, relationships with their peers, future sexual relationships as well as future academic and professional endeavours. - Identify media/marketing alternatives to "eroticization". __________________ 1 According to the Report of the American Psychological Association Taskforce on the Sexualisation of girls. http://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/gi rls/report.aspx
Amendment 82 #
2012/2047(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recommends the introduction into school curricula, in cooperation with parents and under their control, of a subject entitled: ‘Preparation for family life with elements of of a standard course on health and sexual education’, which will prepare young girls and boys to develop healthy, respectful and emotionally satisfying relationshipsfor the physiological changes to be expected at puberty and educate them on healthy sexuality;
Amendment 103 #
2012/2047(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Encourages the governments of Member States to engage in dialogue with internet service providers, consumer organisations, social organisations and parents' organisations in order to define the sexualisation effect and its impact on child development, and to influence cultural standards concerning sexual behaviour and attitudes;
Amendment 129 #
2012/2047(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Commission to take into account, in the programmes being developed in respect of gender equality and non-discrimination, of the impact of sexualising content on the psychology and development of girls, and in the context of society as a whole, of the entrenchment of discriminatory stereotypes as a consequence of this phenomenon;
Amendment 58 #
2012/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls, once more, that women also earn on average 17.1 % less than men in the service sector; states that women do not receive the same salary, largely because they do not hold the same jobs, due to the continuing vertical and horizontal occupational segregation and the higher incidence of part-time jobs; therefore encourages companies to undertake annual equal pay audits and publish the data for maximum transparency and to narrow the gender pay gap;
Amendment 70 #
2012/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes that in the service sector women in managerial positions tend to work mainly in sectors such as retail distribution and hotels, although they are making headway in less traditional sectors such as insurance and banking, and in most cases, women are managers of small companies or companies without employees; notes also that in large organisations women usually only reach senior management positions in less relevant areas of the company such as human resources and administrative jobs; encourages companies to make regular training available to juniors and to implement effective maternal, paternal and parental support schemes;
Amendment 103 #
2012/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes that, although there are increasing numbers of women using computers and surfing the Internet in an elementary way, the digital divide in terms of skills remains very wide, hampering women's ability to seek and find skilled work; calls therefore, for the better incorporation of women in the use of new teon governments to enact policies (such as promotion campaigns and specific schnologies giving them priority access to free trainingarships) aimed at increasing the enrolment of female students in Information and Communications Technology courses;
Amendment 1 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1
Citation 1
Amendment 8 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 25
Citation 25
Amendment 10 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 28
Citation 28
Amendment 12 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 31
Citation 31
– having regard to the ongoing national inquiries into Member States‘ involvement in the CIA rendition and secret detention programme which are being conducted in Poland, Denmark, Finland, the United Kingdom and Spain, and to the national inquiries into Member States’ involvement in the CIA rendition and secret detention programme that have already been conducted inter alia in Lithuania, Romania, Poland, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Italy and Spain,
Amendment 20 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 34 a (new)
Citation 34 a (new)
- having regard to the conclusions of the national inquiries already conducted in some Member States,
Amendment 22 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Parliament has condemned the US-led CIA rendition and secret detention programme involving multippossible human rights violations, including unlawful and arbitrary detention, torture and other ill- treatment, violations of the non- refoulement principle, and enforced disappearance; whereas its Temporary Committee on the alleged use of European countries by the CIA for the transportation and illegal detention of prisoners (hereinafter the ‘Temporary Committee’) has documented the use of European airspace and territory by the CIA, and Parliament has since repeated its demand for full investigations into the collaboration of national governments and agencies with the CIA programme;
Amendment 25 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the purpose of this resolution is to ‘follow up politically the proceedings of the Temporary Committee and to monitor the developments, and in particular, in the event that no appropriate action has been taken by the Council and/or the Commission, to determine whether there is a clear risk, at the moment, of a serious breach of the principles and values on which the European Union is based, and to recommend to it any resolution, taking as a basis Articles 6 and 7 of the Treaty on European Union, which may prove necessary in this context’1 ;
Amendment 27 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas a proper accountability process is essentmay be important for public opinion and the medial in order to preservenforce citizens‘' trust in the democratic institutions of the EU, effectively protect and promote human rights in the EU's internal and external policies, and ensure legitimate and effective security policies based on the rule of law;
Amendment 28 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Council admitted on 15 September 2006 that ‘'the existence of secret detention facilities where detained persons are kept in a legal vacuum is not in conformity with international humanitarian law and international criminal law’', but hwas so far fainot abled to recognise and condemn the involvement of Member States in the CIA programme, based on solid judicial evidence, even though the use of European airspace and territory by the CIA has been informally acknowledged by political and judicial authorities offigures of some Member States;
Amendment 32 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas there are enduringalleged human rights violations due to the CIA programme, as evidenc have been signalled, in particular by the ongoing administrative detention in Guantánamo Bay of Mr Abu Zubaydah and Mr Al- Nashiri, who have been granted victim status in the Polish criminal investigation into CIA secret prisons;
Amendment 34 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas research by the UN, the Council of Europe and civil society has brought to light new concretsome information on the possible location of secret CIA detention sites in Europe, rendition flights through European airspace, and persons transported or detained, although no solid judicial evidence has been produced;
Amendment 41 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the 2011 Council of Europe report states that the data obtained from the Polish agencies in 2009 and 2010 ‘'provide definite proof’' that seven CIA-associated aircraft landed in Poland; whereas a ‘possible 'black site’' was identifipointed to have been located in Romania by journalists on the basis of information provided by former CIA employees in the Romanian national registry office for classified information (*)2, although not confirmed by authorities or by the inquiry already conducted by the Romanian Parliament; whereas former Libyan dissidents have started legal proceedings against the UK for the direct involvement of MI6 in their own and their family members‘ rendition,' rendition, ‘Inside Romania’s secret CIA prison’, The Independent, 9.12.2011. ‘Inside Romania’s secret CIA prison’, The Independent, 9.12.2011. secret detention and torture; 1 2
Amendment 48 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas research and court findings on the logistics involved in covering up these alleged illegal operations, including dummy flight plans and the use of private aviation companies to conduct CIA renditions, have further revealed the systematic nature and the extent of the European involvement in the CIA programme;
Amendment 59 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that Member States have so far not properly fulfilledto abide by their positive obligation under international law to investigate seriousalleged human rights violations connected with the CIA programme and to afford full redress to victims;
Amendment 65 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that the failurelack of commitment of Member States to assume their responsibility to conduct inquiries that are fully compatible with their international obligations may undermines mutual trust in fundamental rights protection, and thusmay becomes the responsibility of the EU as a whole;
Amendment 69 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates that the failurecommitment of Member States and the EU to reveal the truth aboutinvestigate European involvement in the CIA programme contravenesis in line with the principle of sincere and loyal cooperation enshrined in Article 4(3) of the TEU;
Amendment 79 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Expresses concerns regarding the obstacles encountered by national investigations into some Member States‘' involvement in the CIA programme, as documented in detail by the 2011 Council of Europe report on abuse of state secrecy and national security;
Amendment 80 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Urges those Member States to establish the truth concerning their involvement in the CIA programme andhat have not meet their obligation to investigate alleged human rights violations by conducting independent and effective inquiries,to establish the truth concerning their involvement in the CIA programme to do so taking into account all the new evidencelements that has come to lightve emerged;
Amendment 88 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 92 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Acknowledges the results of the investigation of the Romanian Parliament in 2008, which did not reveal any involvement of the Romanian authorities in the CIA programme, but recommends further inquiries, based on solid judicial evidence, in the light of the newly emerged elements, noting that a parliamentary inquiry lacks the broader powers of a full judicial investigation;
Amendment 93 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Notes the fact that national investigations into the matter have been hampered by the Member States respecting the rules of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, which regulates access inside aircraft belonging to another state and foresees it only within very particular conditions;
Amendment 109 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Acknowledges that these measures have to be taken on the basis of solid judicial evidence, not just on media and public opinion speculation, and be based on the respect of Member States judicial systems and EU law;
Amendment 115 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Expects the Council to finally issue a declaration acknowledging and apologising forthe alleged involvement of some Member States‘' involvement in the CIA programme;
Amendment 117 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Council to give its full support to the truth-finding and accountability processes in the Member States, by formally addressing the issue at JHA meetings,in the Member States, by sharing all information, providing assistance to inquiries and, in particular, acceding to requests for access to documents;
Amendment 127 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission to adopt within a year a framework, including possible reporting requirements for Member States, for monitoring and supporting national accountability processes, including guidelines on human rights-compliant inquiries, to be based on the standards developed at Council of Europe and UN levels and in full respect of national and EU law;
Amendment 130 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission, in the light of the institutional deficiencies revealed in the context of the CIA programme, to adopt within a year a communication reviewing the mechanism set out in Article 7 TEU; considers that this reform should be aimed at strengthening the EU's capacity to prevent and redress human rights violations at EU level when Member States are unable to meet their obligations at national level, and should provide for the strengthening of Parliament's role and a greater degree of independence as regards the conditions for its activationmeasures aimed at strengthening the EU's capacity to prevent and redress human rights violations at EU level and to provide for the strengthening of Parliament's role;
Amendment 139 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Undertakes to devote its next Joint Parliamentary Meeting with national parliaments to reviewing the role of parliaments in ensuring accountability for human rights violations in the context of the CIA programme, and to promoting stronger cooperation and regular exchange between national oversight bodies in charge of scrutinising intelligence services, in the presence of the relevant national authorities, EU institutions and agencies, and in full respect of the national and EU law;
Amendment 141 #
2012/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Is determined to continue fulfilling the mandate given to it by the Temporary Committee, pursuant to Articles 2, 6 and 7 TEU;and instructs its Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, together with the Subcommittee on Human Rights, to address Parliament in plenary on the matter a year after the adoption of this resolution;
Amendment 30 #
2012/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the EU's commitment to the region is informed by both its geostrategic importance and the will to support the people of the Horn and lift them out of poverty; whereas in order to do so and achieve lasting peace the EU has committed itself to supporting regional efforts, including through IGAD and the AU, and national efforts to consolidate peace and justice based on the principles of inclusion, the rule of law and respect for human rights;
Amendment 46 #
2012/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas an end to the crisis in Somalia, while dependant on the stability brought by the African Union operations in the country, can only come about by the preservation and support of social and political stability, meaning that the parties involved in the military operations will also have a major responsibility in supporting the local authorities, with all means necessary, for the period following the cessation of military operations;
Amendment 62 #
2012/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the establishment of a secure environment for trade and transport is the main path towards stabilisation and development in the region, both on land and at sea;
Amendment 92 #
2012/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes the importance of cooperation between EU NAVFOR and the other international missions operating in the area, notably the AMISOM land-based operation and considers that good relations and a close cooperation, including information-sharing and joint planning, are the key towards ensuring a stable Somalia;
Amendment 107 #
2012/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the decision of July 2011 to extend and refocus the mandate of the EU Training Mission (EUTM) based in Uganda; nevertheless calls for the closa better screening of recruits in order to ensure that minors or individuals affiliated with militant groups are not accepted into the programme, the monitoring of all recruits trained by EUTM, in order to ensure that they are integrated into the Somali armed forces and that any defections are immediately investigated; also calls for the close monitoring of the chain of payments for training forces, to ensure that they reach their intended beneficiaries and generate motivation, allegiance and commitment, thereby ensuring that the ability to take ownership remains with the future security forces of Somalia;
Amendment 167 #
2012/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Welcomes the recent institutional development such as the endorsement of an ambitious constitution which promises equal rights for "all citizens, regardless of sex, religion, social or economic status, political opinion, clan, disability, occupation, birth or dialect ", outlaws Female Genital Mutilation and establishes a Truth and Reconciliation Commission; is concerned however that in a country plagued by decades of internecine feuds, the new constitution does not address the issue of how to address impunity, nor and division of power and resources between the centre and the regions and calls for an increased cooperation with the new authorities to address these issues;
Amendment 172 #
2012/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Welcomes also the recent swearing in of the first formal parliament of Somalia in over 20 years and hopes that - several allegations during the selection process as well as the fact that members are appointed and not elected - that this will mark the first step in a transition towards a more representative parliamentary democracy;
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 10 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 a (new)
Citation 18 a (new)
- having regard to the Pardon Decree signed by the President of Azerbaijan on 26 December 2011,
Amendment 119 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
(m a) takes note of the impressive legislative work accomplished by the Azerbaijani authorities with a view to bringing laws in conformity with EU standards;
Amendment 123 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
(n a) stresses the importance of Azerbaijan's unique geographic location for enabling a direct and unimpeded transit link between the EU and the countries of the Central Asia; welcomes the efforts to develop the trans-Caspian transit cooperation with Kazakhstan and explore ways of establishing such cooperation with Turkmenistan;
Amendment 22 #
2011/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the Commission proposes the DAPHNE III programme, the gender equality and non-discrimination sections of the PROGRESS Programme, and the Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme to be streamlined into "Rights and Citizenship" Programme in the 2014-2020 financial period; whereas combating violence against women is not mentioned among the objectives of the Commission's proposal; whereas the proposed budget of the new programme is smaller than those of the current programmes; whereas the proposal does not guarantee the predictability of funding for its objectives;
Amendment 23 #
2011/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Has noted with great interest the programme's successes and its popularity as well as the few problems it has encountered, as set out in the ‘Report on the interim evaluation of the ’Daphne III programme 2007–2013' and the preparatory studies used in its conception6 , and as reported by the recipients of the DAPHNE grants;
Amendment 29 #
2011/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Wishes to see the programme's objectives, in particular combating violence against women, retained in the 20134–2020 period among the objectives of the new Rights and Citizenship Programme, its funding held at least at a level comparable to that of the earliercurrent programmes and its profile within the new- generation programme remain high, bearing in mind its successes and its popularity and the recent EU commitments to fight violence against women;
Amendment 34 #
2011/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 1
Paragraph 3 – indent 1
– avoidance of overlap with other Community programmes in order to escape the risk of de-prioritizing DAPHNE issues,
Amendment 40 #
2011/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 3 a (new)
– easing the administrative burden and solving the problems in the financial management that have prevented many NGOs from proposing DAPHNE projects, especially regarding co-funding,
Amendment 60 #
2011/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. HopeDemands that in the future it willshould still be possible for a large number of small NGOs to be involved in partnerships of associations, as they often play a majorcrucial role in identifying less well-known, taboo or new problems and in finding innovative ways to tackle them;
Amendment 7 #
2011/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the demographic decline in the European population will be affected negatively by the effects of climate change, as signs show that natality rates will go down and the generations of Europeans having to deal with the full blown effects of the change will suffer from significant age imbalances, which will affect women in particular;
Amendment 12 #
2011/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas family planning can significantly improve maternity health and control over family size and ultimately increase the independence and reduce the workload of women who are the primary carers for children, increasing the resilience of women and their families to climate change impacts, as contained in the 20 year plan of the International Conference on Population and Development;
Amendment 28 #
2011/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to collect gender- disaggregated data when planning, implementing and evaluating climate change policies, programmes and projects and elaborate a Guide for Adapting to Climate Change, outlining policies that can protect and empower women to weather the effects of climate change;
Amendment 33 #
2011/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Amendment 35 #
2011/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Points out with concern that climate change can lead to changes in the geographical dynamics of tropical epidemics, particularly in the case of malaria as the habitats of the infections vectors will increase; considers that as women are a particularly vulnerable group in the case of such diseases, more efforts need to be made in the fight for better prevention means, treatment and access to medicine and drugs;
Amendment 40 #
2011/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to support a reform of existing mechanisms and funds to make them more transparent, inclusive and reflective of the contributions to emissions reductions by local communities and particularly women and to promote these principles in future climate-related treaties, mechanisms and bilateral cooperation efforts, with a mind to create better ways for the economic empowerment of women;
Amendment 42 #
2011/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop indicators to evaluate the gender impact of projects and programmes and to promote gender budgeting in climate-related policies, as well as related to the development of social capitals of regions and territories affected by climate changes, whether these policies are conducted at international, national, regional or local levels;
Amendment 45 #
2011/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Points out that climate changes will inevitably lead to migrations from the regions affected by calamities such as droughts or floods and that the EU needs to have in mind the need to protect women in the internally displaced person and refugee camps that can appear;
Amendment 52 #
2011/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Points out with concern the negative impact climate change can have in the success of the UN Millennium Development Goals, in particular those linked to the condition and protection of women.
Amendment 41 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Encourages Croatia to continue to implement judiciary reforms because anespecially as regards accountability, because an independent, impartial and efficient judicial system is an important element for economic development and strengthens citizens’ confidence in the rule of law;
Amendment 58 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Urges the Croatian Government to continue actively to encourage and support prosecutions for war crimes, to seriously address the grave issue of impunity especially in cases involving former Croatian forces and ethnic Serbs and to continue cooperating with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY);
Amendment 92 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 i (new)
Paragraph 11 i (new)
11i. Encourages the Croatian government to address the serious matter of the large percentage of unemployed women by promoting policies aimed at facilitating women’s access to the labour market and decreasing the gender pay-gap;
Amendment 6 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A (new)
Recital A (new)
A. whereas a majority of the citizens of EU Member States are in favour of maintaining the current levels of defence spending;
Amendment 8 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with grave concern the unprecedentedthe culmination of a trend in recent years of cuts in the defence budgets of the majority of EU Member States in the wake of the financial crisis and the potential negative impact of these measures on their military capabilities in the absence of a coordinated effort at EU level to address the impact of the crisis on the EU defence sector; underlines that defence constitutes a public good that affects the security of all European citizens and that it benefits all Member States need to contribute in a spirit of burden-sharingto turn from the old style of individual defence decisions, including cuts, and work to integrate their defence policies;
Amendment 15 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers that the economic and financial crisis can be used as an opportunity for the integration of EU defence policies, as it can provide the impetus for finally creating and implementing ambitious reforms long in the making;
Amendment 20 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. WarnNotes that uncoordinated budget cuts threaten to result in the complete loss of certain military capabilities in Europe, at a time when the intervention in Libya clearly demonstrated that European countries are already lacking a number of capabilities vital to mounting an operation of that kind and could hardly do so without US support; considers that the push for a re- orientation of European strategic capabilities should be renewed, in order to safeguard and improve those sectors which are most important, while realistically acknowledging that not all capabilities could or should be targets for joint EU defence;
Amendment 23 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes with concern that recent budget cuts are in addition to a pattern of Member States under-investing and under-spending in the fields of security and defence for over a decade;
Amendment 26 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the existing disproportionate reliance on the United States in defence matters, as symbolised by the fact that the US share of all defence spending in the North Atlantic Alliance has risen to 75 %, can no longer be acceptable either for Europe or for the US; considers, however, that as the financial crisis makes increased defence spending unlikely, a new approach on financial responsibility within NATO should be considered, and greater focus should be given to those areas where European contributions can be significant;
Amendment 29 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Urges all Member States to meet their agreed obligations as members of the NATO Alliance to spend 2% of their GDP on military capabilities (a target currently only met by France and the UK);
Amendment 31 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Urges all EU Member States to assume fully their part of the responsibility for peace and security in Europe, its neighbourhood and the wider world; reminds them of their repeated commitments, including in the Treaty and European Council conclusions, to improve their military capabilities, as well as their soft-power assets, such as civilian capabilities and technical assistance instruments which can sometimes have a greater effect and be more cost effective;
Amendment 40 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 47 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Deplores the way in which most of these funds are spent, based on national defence planning decisions taken in almost total isolation, often using outdated models based on force creation rather than capacity building, resulting not only in persistent capability gaps, but also in wasteful overcapacities and duplications, as well as fragmented industry and markets;
Amendment 50 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Deplores the way in which most of these funds are spent, based on national defence planning decisions taken in almost total isolation, resulting not only in persistent capability gaps, but also in wasteful overcapacities and duplications, as well as fragmented industry and markets which results in the EU not having either the visibility, resources or reach of 200 billion Euros worth of spending;
Amendment 64 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Considers that a major focus of all EU efforts on defence in reaction to the financial crisis should be the European Defence Agency (EDA), which has the potential to cover a wide area of policy overhauls and planning, yet is unable to do so in its current format; calls for an upgrade on the format of the EDA, considering that an increase in its budget, personnel, areas of responsibility and overall powers would be cost-effective in the long run, enabling it to work better on the optimisation of the EU defence sector, with a dedicated task to avoid costly duplications and financially unsustainable defence policies;
Amendment 74 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that the point of such coordinated reviews would be to end the culture of isolation in national defence planning and military command, unsustainable in conditions of crisis and limited individual financial resources, and to establish a platform for structured discussion, allowing the Member States to consider the bigger picture before they take key strategic decisions on their defence capabilities;
Amendment 78 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls again for an EU White Paper on security and defence to update the European Security Strategy, defineing the EU's security and defence objectives, interests and needs more clearly in relation to the means and resources available; emphasises that it should be drafted and regularly updated on the basis of the national reviews, while at the same time providing a reference for them, linking national defence planning with a common security outlook and threat assessment;
Amendment 83 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Stresses that such a White Paper, by setting out a common vision of challenges and solutions will build trust and provide focused strategic guidance on the form that EU forces should take;
Amendment 100 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Is firmly convinced that given the financial crisis, having the political will for the pooling and sharing of capabilities is not an option any more, but a necessity; supports the Member States in their efforts to identify the most promising projects, as part of the process initiated at the September 2010 ministerial meeting in Ghent and in line with the November 2010 German-Swedish initiative; recalls the mandate given to the EDA in May 2011 for submitting proposals in the autumn;
Amendment 106 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses that, in particular in areas such as strategic transportation, logistical support, maintenance, space capabilities, medical support, interoperability and civ- mil integration, education and training, as well as certain niche capabilities, Member States can greatly profit from pooling or sharing of some functions and assets without creating significant dependencies that would limit their sovereign decision- making; strongly encourages initiatives addressing capability gaps in areas such as air-to-air refuelling, maritime surveillance, UAVs, CBRN protection, countering IEDs, satellite communication, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors and platforms, and combat and information systems;
Amendment 107 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Stresses that pooling resources must go hand in hand with enhanced specialisation where Member States giving up certain capabilities can be confident that others will provide them and recognises that this will require serious political commitment by national governments;
Amendment 113 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Second, on the ‘pooling of assets owned nationally’, views the European Air Transport Command (EATC) initiative of four Member States as a particularly useful example, where the use of existing capabilities is optimised by the transfer of some competencies to a common structure, while maintaining fully national ownership of assets; considers this model of pooled, but separable, capabilities to be well adapted also to other areas of operational support, such as transport helicopters, maritime patrol aircraft and military sealift assets; believes that any delegation of competences to an integrated structure needs to be flexible and should not require all participants to delegate the same set of competences, to avoid the risk of settling for the lowest common denominator; considers it desirable, however, that Member States provide national capabilities in the full range of the tasks of EATC; notes the potential for pooling of cyberdefence assets, given the integration of European cybersystems, and the need to address the need for more EU coordination in this area;
Amendment 114 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Third, with respect to the ‘pooling of procurement’, such as in the A400M programme, highlights the potential benefits of joint procurement in terms of economies of scale, building a viable industrial base, interoperability, and subsequent possibilities of pooling and sharing in in-service support, maintenance and training; deplores the fact that these benefits are often lost due to differences in requirements and work-share agreements as in the case of the Eurofighter programme; in order to realise fully the potential savings, stresses the importance of maintaining a common configuration of jointly procured equipment through its entire life cycle in order to facilitate joint in-service support; invites the Member States also to consider the pooling of outsourced services;
Amendment 117 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Recalls the important role of the EDA, as defined by the Treaty, in proposing multilateral projects, coordinating Member States' programmes and managing R&T cooperation programmes; highlights the EDA-run projects that are already operational, such as the Helicopter Training Programme and the deployable forensic laboratory to counter IEDs and its application in Afghanistan, and calls for more progress on other initiatives such as the European Air Transport Fleet (EATF); urges the Member States to use the potential the Agency offers in terms of administrative and legal support and to entrust it with the management of their cooperation initiatives and underlines the need for the EDA to be given the means to deal with an increase of its responsibilities;
Amendment 127 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Considers that an EU Operational Headquarters, for which it has repeatedly called, would not only substantially enhance the EU's capacity to support international peace and security, but would in the long run also generate savings for the national budgets in the logic of pooling and sharing, enabling all five Member States currently hosting headquarters to significantly reduce costs; calls on the Vice-President / High Representative to continue work based on the ‘Weimar initiative’ and to investigate legal options for the establishment of permanent EU military planning and conduct capability of this kind; considers it necessary to adopt an adequate and balanced rotation scheme for the European command;
Amendment 141 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Stresses that security research needs to be maintained as an independent theme in the next Framework Programme and calls for a substantial increase in the funds allocated to it, following a re-evaluation of other areas which are less long-term relevant; calls for an expansion of the scope of the ‘Security’ theme to support the full range of dual-use technologies; maintains that, while taking due account of any relevant defence-related requirements in the programmes and projects, the theme should keep its civilian focus;
Amendment 144 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Points out that, just as the results of civilian research often have defence applications, the spin-offs from defence research frequently benefit the whole of society; recalls in particular the examples of the internet and GPS; given the above, takes the view that, in addition tounder the ‘Security’ theme, the establishment of a new ‘Defence’ sub-theme in the Framework Programme should be envisaged, in order to stimulate European collaborative research and help bring together dispersed national funds;
Amendment 148 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Stresses, however, that no resources must be transferred from civilian research and that the new sub-theme must be funded entirely from additional resources allocated to the Framework Programme; recommends that the sub-theme be managed by the Commission and the EDA; notes that any EU-funded defence research activity should first of all follow the objective of the development of EU crisis management capabilities and focus on research with dual applications;
Amendment 159 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Recognises that the likely consequence of restructuring will be the abandonment or preferably the restructuring and re- orientation of some non-viable national industrial capacities, which may lead to employment concerns; calls for a better use of EU funding, such as the European Social Fund and European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, to support anticipation and adaptation to change;
Amendment 161 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Encourages the EDA to further develop a common European view on key industrial capabilities that have to be preserved or developed in Europe; as part of this effort, invites the Agency to analyse dependencies on non-European technologies and sources of supply and make concrete recommendations for Member States, in line with the work of the European Commission which also has certain programmes aimed at reducing European supply dependency and energy dependency;
Amendment 164 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. Supports the EDA's calls for harmonised defence requirements, combined R&D investment, the promotion of effective cooperative armaments programmes and increased market competition in defence procurement;
Amendment 170 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Recalls that, in order to increase the competitiveness of the European defence industry, as well as to make sure that the interests of the taxpayer are adequately safeguarded, Member States urgently need to improve the transparency and openness of their defence markets; recalls that the deadline for the transposition of Directive 2009/81/EC on defence and sensitive security procurement expired on 21 August 2011; calls on the Commission to report in due time on the transposition measures taken by the Member States, and to take all necessary action to ensure correct implementation; points out however that given the negative effects of the crisis on national defence industries, steps should be taken to adapt the Directive to the current situation, including temporary exceptional measures aimed at promoting inter-European industry offset cooperation and allow for short-term deals that can have a positive stimulus effect;
Amendment 173 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Stresses that the directive is tailor-made to the specificities of defence and security procurement contracts, and but that it fails to encompass all the particularities of the Member States in a balanced manner, creating major problems and delays in their various strategies for its implementation and therefore that, consequently, any exemption of contracts from EU law on the basis of Article 346 TFEU can be deemed legal only in exceptional and duly substantiated cases, such as the very damaging effect of the financial crisis on the national defence sectors; calls on the Commission to ensure that the directive, as well as the derogation under Article 346 TFEU, are correctly applied; applied by all Member States in an adequate manner given the struggles of a crisis-affected market and industry;
Amendment 175 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Points out that given the significant differences between the status of Member States' ability to fully integrate the Directive in their respective legal systems and practices, and the damaging impact it can have on an industry already in crisis, the Council should re-examine its deadline, as well as consider a short term expansion of the use of Article 346 TFEU for such exceptional circumstances, as inter-Union offset contracts can lead to the creation of jobs and the re-start of national industries;
Amendment 176 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Recalls that the regime established by the EDA's Code of Conduct on Defence Procurement and the Code of Best Practice in the Supply Chain is only applicable to contracts covered by the derogation under Article 346 TFEU; invites the EDA and the Commission to reassess the relevance of this regime following the entry into force of the Directive on defence procurement and the fact that not all Member States are a party to it, nor fully able to implement it;;
Amendment 182 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 a (new)
Paragraph 47 a (new)
47a. Calls on the Council and Commission, together with the EDA, to examine the possibility of creating an European Defence Anti-Corruption Action Plan, that can be expanded to other major policy areas as well;
Amendment 185 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Calls on the EDA and the Member States to make the EDA Code of Conduct on Offsets more ambitiousrealistic and clear and to work towards the phasing-out of offsetsadaptation of offsets to the current crisis situation while taking into account the need for long-term competitivity; notes, however, that offset practices may in certain cases help domestic industries become more efficient and contribute to the development of the European defence industrial base; asks the EDA and the Commission to work together in order to foster the integration of smaller Member States' industries into the European defence technological and industrial base by other means than offsets;
Amendment 196 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 57
Paragraph 57
57. Takes the view that EU funds should be used to foster cooperation in education and training; calls for the necessary arrangements to be made to allow the payment of stipends to cadets and civilians involved in security and defence participating in the ‘military Erasmus’ programme from the EU budget, in order to give them equal treatment with students at civilian higher education institutions;
Amendment 204 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 58 a (new)
Paragraph 58 a (new)
58a. Notes the limitation of the European Security and Defence college in the recipients of its formation courses, open only to seconded Member States' officials; calls for the opening of a branch of the College for the wider, post-graduate public, in order to increase the number of European experts formed by it and available for recruitment for Union level missions and programmes;
Amendment 94 #
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; 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 104 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the importance of building a partnership with societies and, in that context, takes note of the proposal for a Civil Society Facility (CSF) as a way to target resources more effectively and efficiently towards civil society and assess the effectiveness of these programmes; proposes also the creation of a civil society forum as part of the Eastern Partnership;
Amendment 119 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the EEAS and the Commission to provide a suitably clear methodology and detailed benchmarks to assess the democracy recordtic performance of these countries and to deliver regular sufficiently detailed reports, which should be the basis for the allocation of funds under the new performance-based approach ‘more for more’; asks for these reports to be presented annually to its Committee on Foreign Affairs; insists on the need to systematically include civil- society organisations at all stages of the review process;
Amendment 125 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Urges the EEAS to monitor the implementation of these projects in the light of Commission-approved criteria;
Amendment 228 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recalls that the EU should improve the management of migration, providing better conditions for the establishment of legal migrants in the EU; considers that the EU needs to favour legal labour migration by concluding mobility partnerships and encouraging exchanges of specialists between the EU and third countries;
Amendment 281 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls that the EU should get moredecisively involved and play a more active and constructive role in resolution of regional conflicts, especially embedded conflicts, by developing more confidence- building measures, considering new pragmatic and innovative approaches, launching public communication strategies, supporting civic culture and community dialogue and strengthening good- neighbourly relations;
Amendment 324 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Emphasises that the funding of the ENP should not be affected by the current sovereign debt crisis and that a level of funding should be maintained to as to ensure the efficient implementation and completion of projects currently under way;
Amendment 329 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
Amendment 15 #
2011/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) to recognise Georgia as a European state and to base the EU’s commitment and ongoing negotiations with Georgia on a European perspective, including Article 49 of the Treaty on the EU, considered as a valuable lever forstrengthen and deepen the European engagement with Georgia, recognizing that by following through with its commitments, the EU has the necessary leverage to be a catalyst in both the implementation of reforms and a necessary catalyst forgarnering public support for these reforms which aforementioned and could further strengthen Georgia’s commitments to shared values and the principles of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and good governance;
Amendment 6 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the economic growth of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (the BRICS) entails an increased relevanceweight of those countries in foreign policy terms;
Amendment 15 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, with the process of consolidation of strong economic and foreign policy powers such as the BRICS, a multi-polar system has emerged, where global leadership is increasingly shared amongst several countries and regional blocks of countries; whereas such a multi- polar system entails a progressive shift in global economic power to the BRICS and other emerging economies and further entails a shift of sovereignty and control, in foreign policy terms, from existingstablished powers to emerging powers; whereas the current economic crisis has accelerated the process of transfer of powers from existingstablished to emerging powers;
Amendment 22 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas without an inclusive new global governance system based on close consultation and cooperation with the BRICS, there will be little incentive for emergstablished and emerging powers to cooperate and concert action on major global issues with the potential risk of (i) political and economic fragmentation and the emergence of competing world orders and separate regional areas, (ii) the disentanglement of global economic structures and investment flows and (iii) the creation of regional blocks of influence with very limited international coordination and no concerted solution possible for transnational challenges;
Amendment 32 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the consolidation of the economic and political power of the BRICS and other emerging countries as the world's largest economies may not necessarily be associated with the transition from low-income economies to middle-income economies and, thereby, the emergence and consolidation of a large middle class; whereas the lack of a large middle class in such countries would mark the end of the substantial role in world affairs of countries characterised by affluent societies and a stable and moderate political orientation;
Amendment 40 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas at the end of the third BRICS leaders meeting, on 14 April 2011, the BRICS leaders issued a joint declaration calling for more international cooperation and a strengthening of global governance, and expressing support for multilateral diplomacy with the United Nations and the G-20; whereas all five BRICS countries have been concurrently present in the UN Security Council during 2011; whereas the BRICS have called for change in the governing structures of the international financial institutions and the UN to reflect the changes in the world economy and to better manage today's global challenges;
Amendment 45 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the EU should play a proactive part in building an inclusive and representative United Nations system that can effectively contribute to global solutions, peace and security, democracy and a rule-of-law-based international order; whereas, in accordance with Article 21 of the TEU, the EU is formally committed to effective multilateralism with a strong UN at its core;
Amendment 62 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that the interdependence between, on the one hand, the emergstablished powers and, on the other, the BRICS and other emerging powers maintains a relevant economic dimension, but is essentially political, as both the emerged and the emerging powers share an interest in ensuring an effective system of global governance and in tackling together those global stability and security risks which may curb the global growth potential;
Amendment 75 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Strongly rejects the contentIs of the opinion that, in view of the emergence of new economic and foreign policy powers and potential rivals, the West should agree to relinquish its leadership and focus on managing its decline. Contends, rather,, the established powers should be ready to share responsibility and the emerging powers to be ready to bear responsibility on common global challenges; stresses that the Westablished powers and, in particular, the EU should focus on achieving the necessary economies of scale and develop concerted efforts to enable it to interact with the emerging powers constructively and effectively; points out to the need to develop an inclusive system of global governance based on cooperation and coordination with the BRICS and other emerging countries, as appropriate; points further to the key role of the Westablished powers and, particularly, the EU in promoting an inclusive system of global governance such as this; regrets that the lack of political will for genuinely common foreign policy among the member states prevents the EU from reaching its full potential as a global foreign policy actor;
Amendment 87 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the BRICS have embarked on quasi-permanentcountries have coordination ofed their foreign policy by abstaining from the vote on UNSC Resolution 1973 (2011) on Libya (South Africa was not yet part of the BRICS at that time), by deferring the vote on the EU's role in UNGA, and through their coinciding positions on Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan and the placement of weapons in outer space, as well as by coordinating their action through the BRICS Leaders' meetings; points out that the BRICS seem to be challenging the current system of international governance; believesies in some cases, most notably in the Libyan and Syrian crises; stresses, however, that the extent and the results of this coordination remains to be seen and that currently the BRICS countries have differing foreign policy interests and priorities, as can be seen for instance in their overall voting behaviour in the UN General Assembly; believes, nevertheless, that if the EU will dulyshould take into account the new weight, in political and economic terms, of the BRICS and other emerging powers, as this may contribute to an orderly reform of global governance without any destabilising effects;
Amendment 111 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that, in light of the increasing relevance of the BRICS and other emerging economies and the looming multi-polar system of governance, the G- 20 is thean appropriate forum for consensus building and for a decision-making process which is inclusive and able to foster convergence, including regulatory convergence; takes the view that notwithstanding the increasing relevance of the G-20, the G-7 maintains a key role as a consultative, coordinating and consensus-building forum for the emerged powers with a view to dialogue with the BRICS and other emerging economies, and ahead of G-20 meetings; supports the G-20 parliamentary dimension and believes that it should be further consolidated and involved in the decision- making processes to ensure a reinforced democratic dialogue and scrutiny;
Amendment 120 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that the transatlantic relations are of utmost importance both economically and politically and the US remains the main economic partner of the EU and vice versa; stresses, however, that, given the increasing global and regional relevance of China, the United States of America may progressively shift its primarystrategic attention, and political investment and resources to the Pacific and perceive the North Atlantic dimension and cooperation with the EU as less strategic; further notes that Asia will have to play a progressively important role on the foreign agenda of the European Union and European Union Member States; expresses concern that the stance of the United States and the EUEU Member States towards China and other emerging countries in Asia may not be sufficiently coordinated and may lead to a decoupling of US and EU policies towards such countries; strongly believes that only by coordinating their efforts will the USA and the EUEU Member States attain the required economies of scale to engage in an effective dialogue with the emerging countries; takes the view that, in addition to the G-7, regular EU-US summits would provide the opportunity to identify common objectives and coordinate strategies;
Amendment 131 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the importance that the overall coordination of EU foreign policy towards the BRICS and other emerging economies should lie with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; believes that the EU should strive to achieve, under the coordination by the High Representative and other relevant commissioners, a better linking of foreign and security policy with EU sectoral policies, such as development, energy security, trade, access to raw materials and rare earths, climate change and migration, with a view to valorising synergies and ensuring a coherent and systemic foreign policy approach;
Amendment 137 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that the EU should have capacity to adjust and reform its internal governance structures in order to ensure a decision-making process able to reflect its plurality and create consensus; stressWhilst stressing the need to avoid a monolithic approach to the BRICS, reiterates the importance that aof coherent EU foreign policy approach at EU level towards the BRICS and other emerging countries being reflected inat the organisationlevel of the EEAS; takes the view that with regard to the BRICS, in addition to its organisation along geographical and thematic lines, the EEAS should the EEAS should review and strengthen strategic partnerships with the BRICS countries tablish an ad hoc coordinating king into accounit to ensure that all individual policies towards BRICS are compatible from a systemic point of view and that the policy lines adopted are reflected in the EU dialogue with emerged powers such as the USA, Canada and Japan;geographical as well as thematic differences and stresses the added value the strategic partnerships can provide; further believes that the EU delegations in BRICS countries and other relevant emerging countries should form a network aimed at providing continuous monitoring and analysis on relations amongst the BRICS and relevant cross-sensitivities, thus enabling a more systemic approach; believesis of the opinion that the EU should direct part of its resources to leading the reform process of a global system of governance and of international organisations with a view to ensuring a more inclusive consensus- building and decision-making process at global level;
Amendment 147 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 154 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Believes that, with a view to ensuringReiterates the importance of continued effective democratic scrutiny of EU policy- making towards the BRICS and other emerging countries, and in order to facilitate aning enhanced interparliamentary dialogue with such countries, relevant Parliament staff should develop specialised competence and thus have appropriate analytical tools and monitoring capacity and be able to assist Members in promoting effective dialogue;
Amendment 8 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
– having regard to the report of the High Level Group on Media Freedom and Pluralism established by the European Commission, entitled "A free and pluralistic media to sustain European democracy" released on the 13th of January 2013,
Amendment 18 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas restrictions on freedom of expression have far-reaching effectserious consequences and can thus only be justified subject to narrow and strict conditions, provided by lawin very singular circumstances and under the very strict guidelines of legislation which is itself is considered legitimate under international law;
Amendment 21 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas media platforms are essential for the exercise of the right to freedom of expression; whereas the press, as a collective manifestation of free expression, is one of the key actors in the media landscape, acting as a watchdog of democracy;
Amendment 28 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas network neutrality is an essential principle for the open internet, fostering democratic communication and ensuring competition and transparency; whereas the free flow of information is also beneficial for business opportunities; and innovation;
Amendment 37 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas while new digital and online media platforms have contributed to an increased in diversity and pluralism, but also to in society; the attempts to restrict themse new developments have also multiplied;
Amendment 48 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. RecognisesPoints out that governments have thea primary responsibility for hampering freedom of the press and media, and are increasingly resorting to legal pressure, e.g. through the abuse of anti-terrorism legislation and laws on national security, treason or subversll too often using it as a tool of traditional propaganda, and resorting to legal pressures in order to restrict it; emphasizes the fact that financial and political independence of the media is essential to the well-function, ing order to restrict press and media freedomf a democratic society;
Amendment 57 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Deplores the fact that journalists are frequently murdered throughout the worlthe victims of violent attacks throughout the world and sometimes even killed, often with impunity;
Amendment 75 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 84 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 106 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses the need for a credible legal framework offering sufficient support and protection at EU-level for whistleblowers and covering source protection and for the EU to act to that end globally;
Amendment 112 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considers that for the EU considered as a community ofEmphasizes the fact that the freedom of the press is an essential values of the promotion and protection of global press and media freedom are essentialEU and as such, it must be promoted and protected worldwide;
Amendment 124 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes that in recent years some media, notably in the EU, have come under scrutiny themselves for their unethical behaviour; considers that the EU can only lead by example if it keeps its own house ifirst addresses the issues within its own borders;
Amendment 7 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the importance of fostering good relations between the European Union and the five countries of Central Asia is paramount for the mutual development of both sides,
Amendment 8 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas Central Asia holds significant importance for the European Union in terms of trade potential and energetic security and whereas the region has been affected by the recent global financial and economic crisis,
Amendment 9 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas some Member States have strong bilateral relations with the Central Asian states, being leading sources of investment and trade and whereas the EU needs a concerted and coherent approach towards the region in order to avoid misunderstandings, doubling of tasks and most importantly, sending mixed signals,
Amendment 22 #
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 progressEU needs to maintain a high level of engagement in Central Asia, tailoring its strategies to the progress of the states in the region in the fields of human rights, good governance, sustainable development, the rule of law and the fight against corruption, offering its assistance where needed to help foster this progress, following lines similar to the principles of the EU’s neighbourhood policy;
Amendment 29 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Considers that the revision of the Central Asia Strategy needs to take into account the need to back its objectives with sufficient financial resources and to establish adequate distribution patterns that reflect on the realities of every country in the region; considers that given the financial restraints, a focus should be given to those medium and long-term programs that can make the biggest impact on the development of the region, notably youth and education, technical assistance on economic development and promotion of small and medium sized businesses, as well as water security and combating drug trafficking;
Amendment 37 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Supports the opening of fully-fledged EU delegations in all the countries of Central Asia as a vital means of increasing the presence and visibility of the EU in the region and long-term cooperation and engagement with all sectors of society and fostering progress towards better understanding and the emergence of the rule of law and respect for human rights; notes with concern that failure to open delegations contradicts the objectives of the strategy and EU interests in the region;
Amendment 41 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. DeploresNotes with concern the difficulty encountered by the EU in engaging with independent civil society in the area of human rights and good governance in the context of, deploring the continued harassment of NGOs in the region; calls for support for genuinely independent NGOs so as to help them play an effective role in the development and consolidation of civil societyto redouble efforts directed at independent civil society NGOs; considers that the continued promotion by the EU of programmes targeted at the Central Asian countries is an important trans-border tool for fostering understanding and cooperation between the states of the region;
Amendment 60 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets that, although some positive developments have taken place in the region (abolition of the death penalty in Uzbekistan, freeing of prisoners in Turkmenistan, some constitutional and judicial procedure reforms, etc.), the overall situation in the fields of human rights and the rule of law remains worryingtroubling despite the new institutions set up and constitutional or legal changes designed to improve it;
Amendment 87 #
Amendment 90 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Regards it as of the utmost importance that energy cooperation projects include long-term supply agreements, enshrining the principles of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative; calls for the promotion of EITI and other such initiatives by the EU in all the states of the region that have significant extractive resources;
Amendment 93 #
Amendment 94 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Stresses the importance of energy in the relations with Central Asian countries, as a major source of revenue for the states, as well as a potential source of energy security for the EU; welcomes the signing of memorandums of understanding with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, as well as the steps taken in the development of the Southern Corridor, notably in the shape of the Nabucco Project; calls on the EEAS and the Commission to continue supporting energy projects, as well as fostering communication towards important goals such as the Trans-Caspian route; welcomes the participation of all the Central Asian countries in the Baku Initiative;
Amendment 97 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11c. Notes with concern the adverse effect had in Central Asia by the global financial crisis and the increasing levels of poverty; considers that the path towards a healthy social and political life is tied to economic prosperity and that the EU needs to address the development of Central Asia economies as a major part of its strategy for the region; calls for enhanced support for poverty alleviation programs and notes the importance of EIB investment;
Amendment 98 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 d (new)
Paragraph 11 d (new)
11d. Underlines the unbalanced nature of some of the Central Asian economies, which overly rely on natural resources and considers that diversification is a major goal for the medium and long term in the region; notes in this area the importance of the Central Asia Invest programme and calls for it to be applied in all the five countries;
Amendment 115 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Reaffirms its support for actions aimed at fostering regional cooperation as the only way to address the many cross-border security, resource management, ethnic, environmental and development problems of the states concerned; considers that the continuation of the Border Management Programme is a very important tool of assistance;
Amendment 120 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls for the inclusion of cross-border cooperation with Afghanistan, in particular with its border provinces, inStresses the need for coherence between the EU’s approach to Afghanistan and the Central Asia Strategy, in particular in relation with transport, energy, trade and development actions and programmes;
Amendment 124 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Calls on the EU to focus its assistance on combating drug and human trafficking, issues that represent the main source of instability in Central Asia which can be targeted by EU efforts; notes with concern the development of this issue in all the region and calls for trans-border efforts to be suggested and promoted by the EU; supports the organisation of Central Asian fora for combating narco- crime;
Amendment 125 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Is concerned at the dual issue of rising fundamentalist views and movements as a spill-over effect from Afghanistan but also as an reaction to the problematic human rights and democratic record of the governments in the region; notes that the fight against terrorism is an important element for the EU’s Central Asia strategy;
Amendment 128 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 e (new)
Paragraph 19 e (new)
19e. Deplores that an agreement over the status of the Caspian Sea has yet to be found and considers that the EU should be consistent in promoting that the Central Asian countries bordering the sea, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, take an active and open part in the negotiations;
Amendment 130 #
Amendment 131 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
Amendment 134 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
Amendment 144 #
Amendment 145 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
Amendment 149 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
Amendment 152 #
Amendment 153 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
Amendment 164 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
Amendment 166 #
Amendment 167 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
Amendment 173 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
Amendment 178 #
Amendment 179 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
Amendment 186 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
Amendment 28 #
2011/0415(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Taking into account the policy programming or financial execution nature of those implementing acts, in particular their budgetary implications, the examination procedure should in general be used for their adoption, except for measures of a small financial scale, unless said measures touch on subjects of high focus for the EU. However, the Commission should adopt immediately applicable implementing acts where, in duly justified cases relating to the need for a swift response from the Union, imperative grounds of urgency so requires.
Amendment 43 #
2011/0415(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Exceptionally, in particular where an action programme has not yet been adopted, the Commission may, on the basis of the indicative programming documents, adopt individual measures on a case by case basis, under the same rules and procedures as for action programmes.
Amendment 65 #
2011/0415(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The Union's financial assistance may also be provided, in accordance with the Financial Regulation, through contributions to international, regional or national funds, such as those established or managed by the European Investment Bank, international and national organisations, Member States or by partner countries and regions, groupings of transnational public and private actors, for attracting joint financing from a number of donors, or to funds set up by one or more donors for the purpose of the joint implementation of projects, and this shall be taken into account properly under Parliament's responsibility for financial scrutiny.
Amendment 75 #
2011/0415(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The Commission shall ensure that precedents of existent and proved cases of corruption, fraud and misuse of funds in any given country or territory will not prevent or deter similar entities to acces and receive financing from EU financial instruments in the future, on a case by case basis, provided appropriate punitive as well as verification measures have been taken ensuring tighter controls on the implementation of the actions financed.
Amendment 80 #
2011/0415(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Article 8 – paragraph 4
4. All supplies and goods purchased under a procurement contract, or in accordance with a grant agreement, financed under this Regulation shall originate from an eligible country. However, they may originate from any countris shall not apply when the use of the competitive negotiated procedure is allowed, which shall be promoted. For the purposes of this Regulation, the term ‘origin’ is defined in the relevant Union legislation on rules of origin for customs purposes.
Amendment 90 #
2011/0415(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall send its evaluation reports to the European Parliament and to the Council for information. Member States or the Parliament may request to discuss specific evaluations in the Committees referred to in Article 15. The results shall feed back into programme design and resource allocation.
Amendment 91 #
2011/0415(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3
Article 12 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall associate to an appropriate extent all relevant stakeholders, especially Member States, in the evaluation phase of the Union assistance provided under this Regulation.
Amendment 95 #
2011/0415(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The Commission shall use its biennial reports as conclusive follow-up tools, producing concrete recommendations and evaluations, with the aim to constantly improve and reshape the implementation of the EU's financial instruments.
Amendment 89 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) A number of major developments have taken place since the European Neighbourhood Policy was launched and the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument was set up. These include a deepening of the relationship with the partners, the launch of regional initiatives and democratic transition processes in the region. This triggered a new European Neighbourhood Policy vision set out in 2011 as a result of a comprehensive Strategic Review of the Policy. It outlThe Review recognized the need for refinesd key objectives for Union cooperation with Neighbourhood countries and provides forin order to address the previous issue of an insufficiently coordinated link between the European Neighbourhood Policy framework and the Union support under the European Neighbourhood Instrument. Under the concept of "deep democracy", there is greater support provided to partners committed to building democratic societies and undertaking reforms, in line with the ‘more for more’ and ‘mutual accountability’ principles.
Amendment 97 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) In order to achieve the objectives of this Policy, it is necessary to ensure the participation of non-state actors in the programming process and involving them in the monitoring of the European Neighbourhood Instrument assistance for increased scrutiny; to this end, there is a continuous need for easing the burdensome bureaucratic procedures required for the civil society organizations application for the Union assistance.
Amendment 104 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Support under this Instrument and the European Regional Development Fund should be provided for the Cross-Border Cooperation programmes along the external borders of the European Union between partner countries and Member States to promote integrated and sustainable regional development between neighbouring border regions and, harmonious territorial integration across the Union and with neighbouring countries, strengthened cross-border cooperation and contacts, and efficient and secure border management.
Amendment 175 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) creating conditions for well managed mobility of people, especially under the scope of "mobility partnership" agreements and by facilitating visa procurement with the future possibility of visa liberalisation, and promotion of people-to-people contacts;
Amendment 191 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) promoting confidence building and other measures contributing to security and the prevention and settlement of conflicts and frozen conflicts;
Amendment 207 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. Jointly agreed action plans showing a clear prioritisation of assistance programming, or other equivalent documents between the partner countries and the Union shall provide the key point of reference for setting the priorities for Union support.
Amendment 225 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Union support under this Regulation shall, in principle, be established in partnership with the beneficiaries. The partnership shall involve as appropriate, national, regional and local authorities, other stakeholders,and shall make the participation of civil society, social partners and other non-state actors in preparing, implementing and monitoring Union support mandatory.
Amendment 47 #
2011/0401(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Horizon 2020 shall ensure the effective promotion and inclusion of gender equality and the gender dimension in research and innovation content and in any and all decision-making bodies. To this end, targets will be set and efficient plans to reach those targets will be developed and implemented.
Amendment 67 #
2011/0401(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1
Article 25 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall annually monitor the implementation of Horizon 2020, its specific programme and the activities of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. This shall include information on cross-cutting topics such as gender, sustainability and climate change, including information on the amount of climate related expenditure.
Amendment 12 #
2011/0392(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The aim of the Galileo programme is to establish and operate the first global satellite navigation and positioning infrastructure specifically designed for civilian purposes which can be used by a variety of European actors, states and agencies, as well as for security and defence applications, crisis and humanitarian operations. The system established under the Galileo programme is completely independent of other existing or potential systems.
Amendment 17 #
2011/0392(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Since the programmes are at an advanced development stage leading to systems in an exploitation phase, a specific legal basis is required which can meet their needs, particularly in terms of governance, mutual ownership and utilisation, as well as security of the systems, and to satisfy the requirement for sound financial management.
Amendment 19 #
2011/0392(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Given the increasing usage of satellite navigation across a great number of fields of activity, an interruption in the supply of services could lead to significant harm to modern society. In addition, due to their strategic aspect, satellite navigation systems are sensitive infrastructures, that could be susceptible to malicious use. The abovementioned aspects could affect the security of the Union and its Member States. Security requirements must therefore be taken into account in the design, implementation and operation of the infrastructures emerging from the Galileo and EGNOS programmes, in accordance with standard practices and agreed upon by all operators of the system.
Amendment 33 #
2011/0392(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) In view of the global nature of the systems, it is essential that the Union can enter into agreements with third countries and international organisations in the context of programmes under Article 218 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in particular to ensure their smooth implementation, optimise services provided to citizens of the Union, ensure the full security of the system, regulate the revenue regime and meet the needs of third countries and international organisations. It is also useful, where necessary, to adapt existing agreements to changes in the programmes. When preparing or implementing these agreements, the Commission may have recourse to the assistance of the European External Action Service, the European Space Agency and the European GNSS Agency, within the limits of the tasks allocated to them under this Regulation.
Amendment 37 #
2011/0392(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 a (new)
Article 16 a (new)
Article 16 a The role of the European Parliament The European Parliament, in view of its budgetary control competences and thematic work, shall, through its relevant committees, scrutinize the creation, implementation and operation of the system and shall be kept informed by the relevant bodies on the programme at regular intervals.
Amendment 39 #
2011/0392(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 a (new)
Article 18 a (new)
Article 18 a Usage for security and defence purposes 1. The operating agencies shall enact special provisions for the operation of the systems by Member States, as well as the Union, for security and defence purposes, concerning technologies, guidance systems as well as usage in operations and missions, in order to ensure the security of this type of usage. 2. The Commission shall enact binding security measures for the integrity of the system when used by security actors, in accordance with Union legislation in force.
Amendment 10 #
2011/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) The Fund should prioritise and thus allocate a sufficient share of financial resources towards refugee integration in order to help the Member States meet the challenges of the creation of a common Asylum system.
Amendment 11 #
2011/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The Fund should offer adequatesufficient support to joint efforts by Member States to identify, share and promote best practices and establish effective cooperation structures in order to enhance the quality of decision-making in the framework of the Common European Asylum System.
Amendment 12 #
2011/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The Fund should support the efforts made by Member States to provide international protection and a durable solution in their territories to refugees and displaced persons identified as eligible for resettlement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), such as the assessment of the resettlement needs and transfer of the persons concerned to their territories, with a view to granting them a secure legal status and to promoting their effective integration, by matching funds and resettlement places with the needs in the Regional Protection Programmes target regions.
Amendment 13 #
2011/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Partnerships and cooperation with third countries to ensure the adequate management of inflows of persons applying for asylum or other forms of international protection are an essential component of Union asylum policy. With the aim to provide access to international protection and durable solutions at the earliest possible stage, including in the framework of Regional Protection Programmes14 , the Fund should include a strong Union resettlement component; to this end, the Regional Protection Programmes should be further developed in order to increase their impact.
Amendment 20 #
2011/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) setting up of administrative structures, systems and training of staff and relevant judicial authorities to ensure smooth access to asylum procedures for asylum seekers and efficient and quality asylum procedures; to this end, the European Asylum Curriculum must be maintained up-to-date and expanded to include other expert bodies, such as relevant civil society organisations, in its work.
Amendment 21 #
2011/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) setting up and developing such integration strategies, including needs analysis, the improvement of integration indicators, and evaluation of the conditions particular to asylum-seekers, including participatory assessments, in order to identify best practices;
Amendment 22 #
2011/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) supporting the independent assessment and monitoring of return operations by civil society organisations, in order to ensure compliance with human rights;
Amendment 58 #
2011/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Demands that the Code of Conduct extant in EU and UN missions be strictly enforced in cases of sexual violence perpetrated by peace-keeping personnel; to that point, welcomes the recent UN investigations into the allegations of sexual exploitation involving its peace- keepers in the Cote d’Ivoire UN Operation;
Amendment 64 #
2011/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Strongly condemns the continued use of sexual violence against women as a tactic of war; recognizes the deep physical and psychological wounds that such abuses leave on the victims and the dramatic consequences to their families as well;
Amendment 76 #
2011/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Is alarmppalled at the fact that, in most cases, the perpetrators of the sexual violence are allowed to gocontinue to escape unpunished; calls strongly for an end to impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence; calls for the training of judges and prosecutors in the investigation and punishment of cases of sexual violence;
Amendment 15 #
2010/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas after the atrocious attacks of 11 September 2001 the first decade of the 21st century has been marked by the ‘War on Terrorism’, especially with regard to the US approach; whereas although the attacks didof this magnitude have not taken place on European soil, all Europeans felt them to be an attack on their values and their way of life,
Amendment 28 #
2010/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas terrorism is not a recent phenomenon; whereas counter-terrorism has always been part of regular law enforcement action; whereas 9/11 led to a fundamental change in perception of the terrorist phenomenon and in the methods and instruments used to fight terrorism; whereas terrorism became not only a matter of national security but one of global security, with a very different legal framework,
Amendment 116 #
2010/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that a proper evaluation of ten years of counter-terrorism policies must provide the basis for an evidence-based (and not based on allegations), needs- driven, coherent and comprehensive EU counter-terrorism strategy by means of an in-depth and complete appraisal to be carried out by a panel of independent experts;
Amendment 180 #
2010/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 – point h a (new)
Paragraph 11 – point h a (new)
h a. to proceed to the analysis of the mechanisms that limit personal rights, and which are used in the prevention and combat of terrorist activities (such as telephone-tapping, illegal detentions, or kidnappings within the territory of the Member States);
Amendment 54 #
2010/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Encourages Member States to set up nation-wide campaigns, including workshops and seminars, to promote and inform women about the possibilities of microcredits and finances available to them;
Amendment 60 #
2010/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the separate section on aid for female entrepreneurship in the abovementioned Commission Regulation (EC) No 800/2008; emphasises however that these temporary provisions should be continuecalls on the Commission to look into the possibility of prolonging this aid in order to help empower female entrepreneurs after the expiry of the Regulation;
Amendment 144 #
2010/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Member States to offer support to women who want to start, buy or take over companies, such as family- owned businesses; considers that the support should be targeted on the specific requirements of these women, such as strengthening self-esteem and skills that will enable womenare planning to start or to buy a company, including those who are involved in the liberal professions such as owning a private law or medical practice; considers that the support should consist of appropriate training seminars and workshops in order to enable these women to acquire the managerial skills to successfully navigate an acquisition situation;: in particular appraisals, valuing a company, banking and legal issues;
Amendment 25 #
2010/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas political and economic instability is the major driving force behind migration, particularly irregular migration, depriving affected communities of viable local prospects and, hence, of the right to choose whether to migrate or not and leaving them with migration, often irregular migration, as their only opone of the causes behind irregular migration,
Amendment 32 #
2010/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas migration arising from instability is triggered in particular by war and armed conflicts or the risk thereof, human rights abuses - including the persecution or the limitation of the rights of minorities, including religious and ethnic minorities - natural and man-made disasters, and the lack of viable economic prospects and of a sustainable structure for democracy and good governance,
Amendment 68 #
2010/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the expected sharp demographic growth both in countries of origin and transit, particularly in the Maghreb, will seriously undermineaffect the prospects for economic growth and job creation in those countries - thereby nullifying allegatively influencing efforts in this regard and possibly indirectly leading to internal tensions and instability, as shown by the recent demonstrations in Tunisia and Algeria - and will put further strain on - and will affect the integration capacity of receiving countries,
Amendment 75 #
2010/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the EU urgently needs to reflect on how much it wants to open up its borders to migratory flows from countries of origin and transit in order to offset theiraid them in avoiding internal demographic and social tensions, thus helping them maintain and supporting their internal stability, and how much it needs to invest in a renewed economic agenda for such countries, including an agendainvestment program focused on job creation,
Amendment 87 #
2010/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas legal and transparent remittances, which can play a potentially positive role in fostering economic development, can, as was the case in Somalia and Eritrea, become a financing tool for forces which seek to undermine any prospect of stability; whereas maximum transparency should thus be ensured in the transmission of such funds,
Amendment 99 #
2010/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes and supports the VP/HR's analysis and policy line highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach based on targeted development and human rights strategies as an additional vital EU foreign policy instrument to tackle stability and security problems and enhance the effectiveness of peace-keeping and peace- building operations; in this context, urges the strengthening of the role of FRONTEX in order to better control migration flows; believes that, in the context of the new foreign policy architecture introduced by the Lisbon Treaty and the creation of the EEAS, it would be important to consolidate further interinstitutional dialogue and reflection on the foundations and objectives of such a comprehensive approach, in particular as regards targeted programming and partnerships with beneficiary countries that can deliver a sustainable process of democratisation, good governance, respect for human rights and economic growth and thus reinforce security and stability;
Amendment 106 #
2010/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that against a background of increasing multilateralism with several international players and major donors, such as the EU, the US, Japan, China and, potentially, in a longer term perspective, other BRIC countries, such as Brazil and India, stability and security are a shared objective and an essential pre- condition for global economic growth; notes, further, that the stability and security challenges are such that they require not only relevant resources, at a time of budget constraints, but also economies of scale and coordinated efforts; believes that a reflection should be started on an active dialogue between the EU, the US, Japan and China and international financial institutions on coordinated geographical and thematic security, stability and aid strategies, which would make for collective leverage and a more targeted and efficient allocation of resources; believes, also in the light of the recent White House foreign aid review, which highlighted the value of aid coordination with other major donors, that a first important step towards such a reflection could be an EU-US summit on enhanced cooperation on humanitarian and development aid to identify, from a transatlantic perspective, shared areas of interest and the foundations of policy coordination;
Amendment 114 #
2010/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that support for politically and economically fragile states, as a source of irregular migration and security and stability tensions, should always include, in addition to budgetary relief and support, direct investment and EU market-access strategies, rural development and food security strategies, job-creation policies, infrastructure development, and strategies geared to promoting democratisation and good governance, social inclusion, ethnic and religious tolerance, thereby maximising local prospects and alternatives for potential migrants; firmly believes that such strategies must be based on active partnerships which draw on the principles of ownership and empowerment of the beneficiary countries, but also on targets, clear roadmaps and conditions for their achievement co-defined with donor countries, and on benchmarks and strict accountability standards;
Amendment 161 #
2010/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission, when preparing the new external action instruments for the period after 2013, to ensure that the proposed architecture allows for synergies and mutual reinforcement between the development pillar and the security and stability pillar and provides for the rapid allocation of emergency and recovery funds, a rapid response to provide relief for migrants in a situation of distress, specific programmes to provide active support for ethnic and religious minorities which may be under threat, and support measures to mitigate the consequences of climate change and preserve the economic and social environment of affected communities;
Amendment 70 #
2010/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 3
Paragraph 1 – indent 3
– requirements for Member States to demonstrate due diligence and to record anadapt their national legislation in order to respond to the necessity of rapid investigate all formsion of gender-based violence crimes in order to initiate public prosand, to sanction these crimes according to their respecutionve penal codes,
Amendment 73 #
2010/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 4
Paragraph 1 – indent 4
– plans to develop specific investigative routines for police and health sector professionals in order to secure evidenceinvestigate all forms of gender-based violence crimes,
Amendment 108 #
2010/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Deplores the fact that several Member States still do not regard gender-based violence as a public offence and still require a victim complaint or private prosecution, which constitutes a failure of these states to exercise due diligence;
Amendment 136 #
2010/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) will, in the form of a survey, interview a representative sample of women from all Member States regarding their experiences of violence, and asks that the focus be placed on examining the actual responses women receive from the various authorities and support services when reporting; urges Member States to investigate any reports of inadequate treatment from the part of the authorities towards a victim of gender- based violence and to remediate the relevant legislative deficiencies;
Amendment 148 #
2010/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Urges the European Union as well as Member States to develop and distribute European and nation-wide media campaigns aimed at raising awareness amongst women to the fact that domestic violence is a crime, and to encourage women reporting any incident of violent abuse;
Amendment 155 #
2010/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights the serious problem of prostitution in the European Union and asks that the link between the legal framework of the Member State in question and the form and extent of the prostitution taking place be studied further; underlines the worrying increase of human trafficking into and within the EU, a trade which especially targets women and children, and urges the Member States to take firm action to combat this illegal practice;
Amendment 163 #
2010/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Points out that civil society, particularly NGOs, women's associations and other public and private voluntary organisations providing support to victims of violence, offers a service of great value and should be given supported by the Member States in detecting and investigating cases of gender-based violence and should also be consulted regarding measures of preventing and combating this type of violence;
Amendment 334 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 71a (new)
Paragraph 71a (new)
71a (new). Notes that even Member States of the EU are susceptible to wrongly use new technologies to limit press freedom; points out the danger of using excuses such as labeling the media as a threat to national security in order to justify any kind of infringements on its freedom and urges any Member State having this view to reconsider;
Amendment 20 #
2010/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas there are considerable age and gender disparities in the amount of time spent on unpaid work and daily involvement in care and domesticing activities; whereas women in particular experience the greatest unpaid workload,
Amendment 57 #
2010/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 87 #
2010/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Member States to consider granting individualised rights in pensions and social security schemes in order to eliminate the "breadwinner advantage" whereby wives are dependent on husbands' pensions, as a tool to combat the risk of poverty;
Amendment 90 #
2010/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Reconciliation of family life and work by women who live in poverty or are exposed to the risk of povertyof women
Amendment 94 #
2010/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the European CommissUnion and the Member States to take the necessary measures to promote the reconciliation of work and private life, in order to enable women who are exposed to the risk of poverty to pursue their careers, by providing access to flexible wto pursue their careers and to encourage more women into full-time contracts, by: a. establishing a European framework for a minimum amount of maternity leave; b. encouraging private companies to not discriminate against young women and mothers through Member States allocating funds for building a sufficient amount of childcare facilities, and thereforke arrangements or tollowing mothers to return to working full-time workhen ready;
Amendment 115 #
2010/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Member States to take action to ensure fair access for women to social security and pension systems, taking into account the higher life expectancy of women, and to ensure that the principle of equal treatment between women and men is applied consistently in pension insurance schemes in order to reduce the gender pensions gap;
Amendment 120 #
2010/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Points out that violence against women is still a major problem at the European Union -level and thas an increasing impact on the risk of poverty, as it has a direct influence on women's health and their capacity to access the labour markett it can be an obstacle impeding women's financial independence, health and access to employment and education, putting them at a risk of poverty; once again calls on the Commission to establish a European Year for combating violence against women;
Amendment 131 #
2010/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses the importance of the structured social dialogue between national policy-makers and NGOs, civil society organisations, and other relevant stakeholders, in fighting women's poverty;
Amendment 97 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Emphasises the need to prevent the EU from becoming dependent for its energy supplies on third countries, which would undermine the independence of EU foreign policy; recalls the urgent need to address energy challenges by implementing a common European external energy policy, based on the diversification of energy suppliers, the implementation of strategic energy infrastructure projects such as Nabucco and encouraging neighbouring countries to embrace its relevant internal energy market rules; calls, in this regard, on the VP/HR to pursue with determination Parliament's recommendations for the development of a coherent and coordinated policy, in particular by promoting EU cohesion in constructive dialogue with energy suppliers, and especially with Russia ands well as with transit countries;
Amendment 146 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines the need for close and continuous coordination of EU foreign policy with the EU's closest ally and strategic partner, the US, ensuring a joint approach to global governance and to challenges such as nuclear non- proliferation and, terrorism; calls on the VP/HR to coordinate closely and develop synergies with the US with a view to ensuring stability and security on the European continent and worldwide, including on the basis of cooperation with Russia,relevant actors (Russia, China, India, Turkey) and with regard to stability in the greater Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan;
Amendment 149 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Urges the development of a comprehensive EU strategy for improving the security situation throughout the greater Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan which involves cooperation with Russia and China;
Amendment 172 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7 a (new)
Subheading 7 a (new)
European Union Strategy for the Black Sea
Amendment 177 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Salutes and supports the commitment of the authorities of the Republic of Moldova to strengthen their relationship with the European Union regarding the conclusion of the Association Agreement, the development of a dialogue on visa liberalization, and the beginning of negotiations on a free trade agreement;
Amendment 178 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26b. Appeals to the political actors involved in the Transnistrian conflict to resume negotiations regarding identifying a peaceful and durable solution, fully respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova;
Amendment 179 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)
Paragraph 26 c (new)
26c. Calls on the Commission to accelerate the implementation of the projects under the Black Sea Synergy and to maintain this issue on the agenda of the EEAS;
Amendment 186 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 c (new)
Paragraph 28 c (new)
28c. Underlines the significance of the Black Sea region within the Eastern Partnership and considers that a greater involvement of the European Union is necessary in this respect;
Amendment 187 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 d (new)
Paragraph 28 d (new)
28d. Hopes that the process of reforming the European Neighbourhood Policy launched by the Commission will lead to a new strategic vision and a differentiated approach within the same policy, concerning the areas of interest, according to the diversity of the Union's interests, challenges and regional threats;
Amendment 188 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 e (new)
Paragraph 28 e (new)
28e. Reaffirms the necessity of a coherent approach in the regional cooperation processes through the operationalization of the initiatives and instruments proposed by the EU for its Eastern neighbourhood (European Partnership, Black Sea Synergy/EU Strategy for the Black Sea etc); takes the view that it is necessary to ensure the complementarity and differentiation between the proposed initiatives, especially at project level, for a more efficient use of resources and in order to obtain concrete results;
Amendment 189 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 f (new)
Paragraph 28 f (new)
28f. Appreciates the fact that the ENP has maintained an approach geared towards advancing relationships with its neighbours as an important element in encouraging reforms and the implementation of the acquis in these states; is of the view that it is necessary to take into consideration the particular challenges with which our partners and neighbours are confronted, but also their own approaches in relation with the EU;
Amendment 190 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 g (new)
Paragraph 28 g (new)
28g. Underlines the relevance of the Black Sea region within the ENP, noting that a greater European involvement in this area is necessary and important;
Amendment 191 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 b (new)
Paragraph 28 b (new)
28b. Considers that the states in the Black Sea region can draw closer to the EU through flexible and pragmatic projects open to all regional actors, such as the ones proposed under the Black Sea Synergy; the synergy should maintain its basic principle of variable geometry and be further developed through launching and operationalizing the three sectorial partnerships proposed by the Member States and supported by the Commission;
Amendment 192 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Appreciates the fact that the EU interests regarding the Black Sea reflects the EU's ambition to develop its profile as a significant global actor, including within the context of the changes brought by the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty;
Amendment 224 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. IsCalls for a close monitoring of the situation in Tunisia closely, and calls on the EU to support the Tunisian people in itsand Egypt and urges the EU to support a peaceful and democratic transition in these states, including by providing appropriate assistance that may be needed; emphasises the need to adjust funding to help alleviate the social and economic crisis in the country;
Amendment 251 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. Welcomes the steps taken by both sides of the Taiwan Strait, which resulted in the signing of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) and an agreement on intellectual property rights in June 2010; given that the expansion of cross-strait economic relations is in the interest of both sides and of the EU, strongly supports the enhancement of EU-Taiwan economic ties and the signing of an EU-Taiwan Economic Cooperation Agreement; reiterates its firm view to support Taiwan's meaningful participation as an observer in relevant international organizations and activities, such as UNFCCC, WHO and ICAO;
Amendment 17 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas many developments have taken place in the Black Sea Region since 2008, and while regional cooperation seems to be advancing in some technical fields such as environment, education, research and technology, as well as in normative approximation, a number of challenges such as protracted conflicts in the Caucasus and Transnistria, militarization and the deterioration of democratic rule persist and have even gained in intensity,
Amendment 36 #
2010/2071(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Fully supports the transfer of the CSDP structures, including the Crisis Management Planning Directorate, the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability, the EU Military Staff and the Situation Centre, to the EEAS, under the direct authority and responsibility of the Vice- President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; recalls the pledge made by the Vice-President/High Representative to ensure that they work in close cooperation and synergy with the relevant Commission units and Member States' diplomats transferred to the EEAS which deal with the planning and programming of crisis response, conflict prevention and peace-building;
Amendment 42 #
2010/2071(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Draws attention to the role of the Commission's Monitoring and Information Centre in facilitating disaster-relief coordination and highlights the need for close links between the centre and the EEAS; calls for improved coordination of military assets in the context of disaster relief, based on the lessons learned in Haiti, for the purpose of faster deployment;
Amendment 62 #
2010/2071(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Reiterates its call for the establishment of a permanent EU operational headquarters, responsible for operational planning and conduct of EU military operations, to replace the current system of using one of the seven available headquarters on an ad hoc basis; stresses that such a move would guarantee a coherent chain of command and greatly increase the EU's capacity for rapid and consistent responses to crises (notably by enhancing the EU's institutional memory) and also reduce costs; points out that given the new geographical dynamic of the EU after enlargement, this OHQ should be placed in one of the new Member States;
Amendment 68 #
2010/2071(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. In the context of the follow-up to the Headline Goals 2010, calls on the Member States to concentrate on the concrete delivery of capabilities and to focus on the areas of civilian-military synergies, especially those already identified, in order to achieve genuine progress as soon as possible; stresses the need for Member States to identify and focus on particular tasks to be achieved rather than general capabilities;
Amendment 78 #
2010/2071(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses the need for appropriate pre- deployment training to be provided, which should include participation by civilian personnel in military exercises; strongly recommends thatconsiders it mandatory for Member States to maintain rosters of deployable civilians, in particular those trained for missions carried out alongside military forces; welcomes the practice employed by certain Member States of having a dedicated centralised agency responsible for the recruitment and training of all deployable civilian personnel, such as the German Centre for International Peace Operations (ZIF) and the UK Stabilisation Unit;
Amendment 84 #
2010/2071(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Points out grave discrepancies between old and new Member States in what concerns quotas for civilian personnel in EU missions; calls on the Council and Commission to actively promote more recruitment from new Member States and to support these countries with the development of their national rosters and recruitment procedures; notes that these discrepancies have more to do with systemic differences in the education systems than with any ill- will, but that they still need to be addressed;
Amendment 87 #
2010/2071(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Emphasises, in line with the 2008 Council recommendations, the enhanced role the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) should play in the field of training for crisis management in the light of the setting-up of the EEAS; urges the Council to improve the training facilities and staffing of the ESDC, including by providing it with a permanent seat, as well as the creation of scholarships for young graduates willing to specialize in needed fields, in order to guarantee sustainable training at the strategic level for civilian and military personnel of the Member States and EU institutions;
Amendment 100 #
2010/2071(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Welcomes the progress achieved in developing the pool of experts for the Civilian Response Teams (CRTs) to provide a rapid assessment capability but stresses that further extension of these lists needs to be achieved; highlights the importance of early- assessment and fact- finding capabilities in ensuring that the EU responds to crises using the most appropriate means available;
Amendment 103 #
2010/2071(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Calls on the Member States to make use of the existing tools and to improve them before formulating new, ambitious goals, as well as to be prepared to use old capabilities to cope with new challenges;
Amendment 107 #
2010/2071(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Is convinced that the EU battlegroups represent a suitable tool for crisis- management operations; reiterates its call to the Council to increase their usability and flexibility; calls also for the improvement of their usability for civilian- military humanitarian relief operations, in full compliance with the revised Oslo guidelines for the use of military and civil defence assets in disaster relief; points out that the BG need to be used or completely revamped as a concept, given the fact that so far they have acted as little else than multinational training programs;
Amendment 140 #
2010/2071(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Urges the Member States to ensure that they make adequate contributions to UN missions and that they contribute in a coordinated fashion; calls on the Vice- President/High Representative and the Council to further explore ways in which the EU as a whole can better contribute to UN-led efforts, such as by launching EU rapid response 'bridging' operations or providing an EU component of a larger UN mission; calls on the responsible recruitment bodies of the Commission, EEAS and the Member States to update their rosters of qualified experts with those EU nationals working as civilian agents in UN missions and duty stations, as well as to value highly all experience acquired in these positions, integrating the UN know-how in the EU practice;
Amendment 11 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
– having regard to the fact that Iran's violations of its NPT Treaty obligations add to world's concerns about the safety of the world non-proliferation system, with the nuclear powers India and Israel refusing to join, the DPRK leaving the treaty and Pakistan's chief nuclear specialist operating a proliferation system in the past,
Amendment 19 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16
Citation 16
– having regard to the Vienna Group proposal for transferring Iranian uranium to Russia and France and to the bridging proposal sponsored by the governments of Turkey and Brazil in an attempt to delay the passage of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1929 (2010),
Amendment 33 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the leadership has continuously used the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) to suppress internal dissent, and whereas IRGC intervention in internal Iranian politics has peaked under President Ahmadinejad,
Amendment 49 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas Iran has problematic relations with almost all its neighbours; whereas especially Israel and the Gulf region feel intimidated by's relations with some neighbours have been volatile; whereas especially Israel and some Persian Gulf states have expressed concern over Iran's aggressive rhetoric and, its ongoing nuclear programme and its support for Hezbollah and Hamas,
Amendment 65 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas there has been a remarkable deepening of relations between Iran and Turkey, and whereas Iran is using its stateshould be much more forthcoming and ncon-state allies Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas, to destabiliseructive in its actions in the region,
Amendment 89 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Observes that previous Iranian mass movements were based on a dual pillar – the quest for both welfare and liberty – and suggests that the Green Movement add to its powerful political call of "Where is my voice?" the socio-economic and anti- corruption call "Where is my oil money?"that these remain unfulfilled promises of the 1979 revolution; whereas economic shortcomings such as inflation, corruption, high unemployment, energy shortages, an inefficient state sector and the waste of public funds have increased drastically over the last years;
Amendment 93 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Expresses its solidarity with the millions of Iranians who have taken to the streets peacefully after the June 2009 presidential elections in the hope of political change in Iran;
Amendment 98 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Warns that the IRGC is slowly taking over Irdevelopment of an; indicates that despite ideological congruity between Supreme Leader Khamenei and the IRGC leadership, the development of the IRGC into a state within a state is turning Khamenei into a hostage in the hands of his own Praetorian Guardcreasingly greater role for the IRGC in different spheres of Iranian society raises fears of further militarization of the state;
Amendment 104 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 112 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Reiterates its opposition to the death penalty and calls on the Iranian authorities, in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolutions 62/149 and 63/138, to institute a moratorium on executions pending the abolition of the death penalty;
Amendment 118 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on the Islamic Republic of Iran finally to abolish the death penalty for crimes committed before the age of 18 and to amend its legislation to bring it into line with the international human rights conventions that Iran has ratified, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the ICCPR;
Amendment 122 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Expresses its grave consternation that Iran continues to be one of the very few countries, together with Afghanistan, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Nigeria, which still practise stoning; calls on the Iranian Parliament to pass legislation outlawing this cruel and inhumane form of punishment;
Amendment 125 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Strongly condemns the continuing legal discrimination of women and the persecution of sexual minorities in Iran; denounces the inhumane and medieval practice of sentencing people to death for alleged acts pertaining to the choice of partners or sexual practices; in this context, reiterates its condemnation of the death sentence against Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, charged with having had relations with two men; expresses continued concern about the fate of Ebrahim Hamidi, condemned to death by hanging on false charges of sodomy;
Amendment 128 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5e. Urges the Iranian authorities to eliminate, in law and in practice, all forms of torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment, and to uphold due process of law and to end impunity for human rights violations; in particular, calls on the Iranian Parliament and judiciary to abolish such cruel and inhumane punishments as limb amputation, stoning and flogging, which are inconsistent with Iran's international obligations; firmly rejects the notion promoted by the Iranian judicial authorities that such punishments are culturally justified;
Amendment 134 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Is horrifiappalled by the fact that shooting into demonstrating crowds was considered acceptable by the security forces from the night of 15 June 2009 on, as shown in video footage; urges the EU institutions to present to the Iranian authoritiesCommission and the Council to establish a detailed list of all known incidents/violent actions against Iranian civilians in the aftermath of the elections, and insist that there be an honescalls on the Iranian authorities to set up an independent judicial investigation;
Amendment 141 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Insists that in any possible future negotiations with Iran the HR/VP makes the situation of human rights in the country a top priority; calls on the Commission to implement all the instruments at its disposal for the protection and promotion of human rights in Iran; in particular urges it to devise additional measures in the context of the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights in order to actively protect human rights defenders; stresses that facilitating shelter to human rights defenders and access to organisational resources and communication platforms is of particular importance; encourages the Member States to support the European Shelter City Programme and programmes to develop measures against media interception technology;
Amendment 151 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 157 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Deplores the fact that, in contradiction with the Constitution, members of religious minorities endure discrimination in housing, education and official jobs, which is leading young members of these minorities to opt for emigration; condemns in particular the systematic persecution of the Baha'i community, the wave of arrests of Christians in 2009, and the harassment of religious dissidents or non-believers as well as Sufi and Sunni Moslems; reiterates its call for the release of the 7 Baha'i leaders and calls on the Iranian Parliament to change Iranian legislation so as to ensure that all adherents of different beliefs in Iran can follow their convictions free from persecution;
Amendment 161 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 166 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Concludes that the position of Iranian NGOs worsened considerably in the wake of the disturbanceprotests following the controversial presidential election of 12 June, 2009; strongly supports the Coucriticizes the fact that all international contacts or financial and the Commission for backing these NGOs in a sensible waysupport for NGOs in Iran are systematically abused by the authorities to try to discredit these organisations and their work;
Amendment 172 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Expects the Council and the Commission toCalls for the re-establishment of a UN mandate for a Special Rapporteur to investigate human rights abuses and encourage accountability for those perpetrating human rights violations in Iran; urges the Iranian authorities to react positively to longstanding requests by several UN Special Rapporteurs (e.g. Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions; Torture; Freedom of Religion or Belief; Independence of Judges and Lawyers) for official visits to Iran;
Amendment 179 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Urges the Council and the Commission to demandDemands that the Iranian regimeauthorities do not deter human rights activists from making use of their constitutional rights; calls for the immediate release of all those human rights defenders and prisoners of conscience who are still imprisoned;
Amendment 185 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls on the Islamic Republic of Iran to sign, ratify and implement the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW);
Amendment 191 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that representatives of EU institutions should include in the programmes of their official visits to Iran meetings with opposition leaders/representatives of the Green Movement and prominent Iranian human rights dissidents; stresses also that official mutual contacts between the delegations of the EP and the Majlis should be conditional on concrete improvements idevelop contacts with representatives from a broad range of Iranian political and social life including prominent Iranian human rights defenders;
Amendment 195 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Urges official representatives of the EU and its Member States, when meetingCondemns the repression by the Iranian authorities of the independent media, including the censorship of video and photo materials; calls on their Iranian counterparts, to insist onauthorities to respect the freedom of the media and to allow for the re-opening of the many dailyforcibly closed newspapers; closed down in recent years, as well as the release of political prisoners, by presenting lists of names in both casesondemns the practice of expulsion of foreign correspondents by the Iranian Government, including reporters from major European newspapers such as El Pais and the Guardian; believes that the censorship imposed by the Government is leading Iran into increasing isolation;
Amendment 212 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Condemns the campaign of dismissals of prominent university professors on political grounds as an intolerable attack on their human rights and academic freedom; believes that these policies will further politicise and debase Iranian universities, long a source of national pride and admiration by scholars around the world; calls on the Iranian authorities to take immediate steps to restore academic freedom in the country;
Amendment 231 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Commission, the Council and EU Member States to strengthen all enforcement mechanisms for the implementation of the EU Common Position - especially with regard to export licensing, custom and border controls, air cargo and shipping – in order to prevent Iran from evading the sanctions regime through third parties and locally registered front companiNotes that in view of Iran's persistent lack of full cooperation with the IAEA, additional sanctions have become the logical consequence and re-iterates its position that these measures should not negatively affect the general population; welcomes in this context the decision of the US to impose targeted sanctions on Iranian officials determined to be responsible for or complicit in serious human rights abuses in Iran since the disputed presidential election of June 2009; calls on the Council to adopt similar measures;
Amendment 235 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Believes that renewed efforts are needed worldwide to rid the globe of the threat of nuclear weapons; welcomes President Obama's appeal for nuclear disarmament and calls on High Representative Catherine Ashton to make this issue one of her priorities both in her dealings with Member States and in her contacts with governments in the Middle East and Asia;
Amendment 250 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Rejects fiercely the desire expressed by the Iranian leadership to "wipe out" Israel; also fiercely rejectCondemns the anti-Semitic rhetoric of the Iranian president, especially his denial of the Holocaust and his underlying agenda of delegitimizing the Israeli state; calls on the EU institutions to safeguard the existence of the Jewish statreaffirms its full support for the existence of Israel and a two-state solution for Palestine;
Amendment 269 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Expresses its concerns on the remarkable deepening of relations between Iran and EU accession candidate Turkey; asks the Council and the Commission to discuss the Turkish attitude towards Iran with their counterparts in Ankara; calls on the Turkish authorities to follow the European approach towards the Iranian nuclear threat; calls on the EU instRecognizes the role of Turkey as an influential regional actor and commends its efforts at promoting regional stability and cooperation; welcomes the initiative of Turkey and Brazil to reach a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear impasse; encourages Turkey to include the situations to do their utmost to sever the lines between Teheran and Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas of human rights in Iran in its dialogue with Iran;
Amendment 290 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
Amendment 297 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Takes note of the converging interests of the EU and Iran in finding peace and stability in Afghanistan; welcomes the constructive role of Iran in reviving infrastructure and economy in as well as preventing drug trafficking from Afghanistan; stresses, however, that sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan will require all neighbours to refrain from political interference in the country;
Amendment 23 #
2010/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas equal access for all to quality education enhances better integration in the labour market and an overall better quality of life,
Amendment 36 #
2010/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas differences in culture, tradition and/or religion should not act as obstacles to migrant and ethnic women's integration,
Amendment 58 #
2010/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas women from ethnic minority groups are more vulnerable to the different forms of male violence and exploitation especially human trafficking,
Amendment 66 #
2010/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Urges the Commission and the Member States working together with the various NGOs and civil society groups specialized in women and gender issues, to provide for gender and ethnicity disaggregated data on issues related to social integration, such as access to education, the labour market, social security the health system and housing;
Amendment 80 #
2010/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to adopt measures that aim to avoid the de-skillingprevent the professional regress of women belonging to ethnic minorities by ensuringand to adopt measures which ensure equal job opportunities according to their skills and qualifications; encourages in this regard to implement policies for migrant women ensuring prompt and clear procedures for recognition of diplomas, access to further education and diverse vocation courses as well as language courses at a reduced-cost where possible;
Amendment 83 #
2010/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes the importance of role models in integration and supports the exchange of good practice; encourages the Commisspolicy-makers at local, regional, national and the Member States to propose measures to promote the existence of intercultural mediators within the EUEuropean levels to consult ethnic minority and migrant women's organizations on policies and measures geared towards the social integration of ethnic minority and migrant women;
Amendment 85 #
2010/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Urges the Commission and the Member States to propose measures to promote the existence of socio-cultural mediators within the EU;
Amendment 92 #
2010/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission, through the European Social Fund and the European Integration Fund, and on the Member States, through national social funds, to promote entrepreneurship opportunities specifically aimed at women from ethnic minority groups, by organizing free or low-cost entrepreneurship seminars and workshops and publicizing development projects;
Amendment 101 #
2010/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Stresses that more intersectional research and indicators on the impact of discrimination and social exclusion on women belonging to ethnic minority communities on the territory of the EU is needed in order to inform targeted integration policies; encourages in this regard the Commission, especially DG Research, to fund such research projects;
Amendment 108 #
2010/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Encourages the active political and social participation of women belonging to ethnic minority groups in all spheres of their lives, includingespecially in seeking leadership polsiticons;
Amendment 121 #
2010/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Encourages the Commission and the Member States to improvbe active in their efforts to improve and facilitate access to education targeted at children and women belonging to ethnic minority groups in order to avoid a gender gap in education levels that leads to labour market exclusion and poverty;
Amendment 128 #
2010/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that women from ethnic minority groups need access to health care, counselling services and legal aid information in different languages; stresses the importance of intercultural and foreign language training for thealth carese aforementioned providers in partnership with ethnic minority women's groups, in order to provide for a comfortably welcome environment that is both religiously and culturally sensitive;
Amendment 144 #
2010/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Fundamental Rights Agency to systematically collect data disaggregated by gender and ethnicity as well as other grounds and present its result in a gender and ethnically disaggregated way; emphasizes the necessity of suitable data gathering and data protection mechanisms to ensure the prevention of its misuse, as for example, racial profiling;
Amendment 5 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. Whereas every generation worries about its teenagers and fears for them or in some cases just fears them; whereas a society's moral values can be gauged simply by observing the way in which it treats its teenagers; whereas 'it takes a village to bring up a child', i; whereas the public perception is that juvenile delinquency is on the rise; whereas this matter affects a particularly vulnerable portion of ther words the necessary supervision sometimes has to be brought to bear while young persons are being brought up by population and has greater negative impact than adult crime; whereas many of the victims of juvenile delinquency are otheir parents within the familyyoung people,
Amendment 6 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. Whereas the above concerns are not new; whereas it should not be forgotten that juvenile delinquents are, according to the Member States, in the minority - given that most teenagers manage to make the transition from childhood to adulthood without too many problems; whereas attention should now be focused in addition on the increased variety of forms of delinquent behaviour while also taking into account the lack of awareness among adults and the yawning gaps in their knowledge in the minority,
Amendment 10 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
Amendment 13 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas juvenile delinquency is no longer confined to acts of violence against others, theft, gang crime, smoking, drinking, taking socially accepted drugs such as cannabis, the influence of cults, or suicidal acts, but it now also extends to early sexualisation and exposure to pornography, for which the Internet has become a prime vehicle, dangerous games such as the ‘scarf game’ (voluntary strangulation), Jackass, happy slapping, gang rape, substances which are smoked, drunk or injected, self-harm, or the glorification of anorexia, excesses of which teenagers can be both instigators and victims,deleted
Amendment 15 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that Article 18(1) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child enshrines the role of parents as the primary public measure for ensuring the best interests of the child and requires states to actively support parents;
Amendment 16 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Amendment 17 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. For the purpose of this resolution, the following definition of ‘juvenile delinquency’ shall be employed throughout the text: c. “A juvenile is a child or a young person who under the respective Member States legal systems, may be dealt with for an offence in a manner which is different from an adult, d. An offence is any behaviour (act or omission) that is punishable by law under the respective legal systems, A juvenile offender or delinquent is a child or young person who is alleged to have committed or who has been found to have committed an offence," (A/RES/40/33 UN Beijing Rules 29 Nov. 1985).
Amendment 19 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas these excesses are particularly worrying because they are often made easier by new technologies, on account of the anonymity and hence impunity that they allow, and by the amount of spare time which so many teenagers have, bearing in mind the period termed ‘adolescence’ now starts earlier and sometimes ends after a person has officially come of age,deleted
Amendment 21 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights the fact that these international institutions do not give adequate consideration to the socioeconomic aspects of juvenile delinquency and are not as explicit about the overall material conditions required in order to rule out direct or indirect discrimination against women and men on the labour market;
Amendment 21 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas girls in the juvenile system have unique mental and physical needs which require gender-specific programmes and services; since many of the girls in the juvenile justice system have experienced some form of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse; since many of the girls are mothers, which presents a unique set of issues, including the separation of young mothers from their children,
Amendment 23 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas assessments of the problem vary depending on the Member States concerned, individual or collective beliefs, trends in society the categories of oit is difficult to formulate EU- wide assessments of juvenile delinquency, due to Member States employing varying definitions of the issue, significant differences between juvenile justice systems, and difference, ors in the sample groups and methods used for researchages of juvenile criminal responsibility,
Amendment 26 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 26 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas political activities should not, therefore, be centralised at the Community decision-making level; whereas, however, the EU could do more to support national initiatives by providing budgets for projects set up by governments, NGOs, or networks for the exchange of best practices and information, with respect to individual Member State policies and legislation, a EU-level common strategy on combating and preventing juvenile delinquency is necessary in order to effectively target this issue; a strategy of this kind would incorporate existing EU programmes related to juvenile delinquency and it would also reunite national governments, NGOs and other relevant specialist networks in order to exchange information on best practices and to develop policy instruments aimed specifically at juvenile delinquency,
Amendment 27 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas combating juvenile delinquency should not be used as a pretext for restricting personal freedoms; whereas every person is a human being, regardless of his or her socio-economic status; and whereas every citizen should consequently be allowed to act for his or her own benefit and for the good of others nor to discriminate on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religion and/or sexual orientation,
Amendment 30 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas the development of a EU- wide common strategy would require the allocation of specific budget resources, such as the introduction of budget lines by the European Commission, to clearly assist juvenile delinquency programs,
Amendment 33 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the European Union and its Member States are still struggling to become the most dynamic knowledge- based economy in the world, whilst priorities have shifted to the need for a common-sense-based economy,deleted
Amendment 36 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that juvenile delinquency now also extends to dangerous games, gender violence, rape or gang rape, early sexualisation and exposure to pornography, for which the Internet has become a prime vehicle,; abuse of substances which are smoked, drunk, or injected, and eating disorders, excesses of which teenagers can be both instigators and victims;
Amendment 36 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas parental responsibility for building the human and social capacity of future generations should be viewed first and foremost in economic terms as a social cohesion issue, thus making for a better understanding of the interdependence of equal opportunities policies, effective parenting, and measures to combat juvenile delinquency,deleted
Amendment 38 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas international institutions, in addition to focusing on parental responsibility for children’s development and for building their human and social capacity, also stress the importance of parental vigilance and involvement to combat lawless behaviour by young people and the violence that they inflict on others; where, however, those institutions are not as explicit about the material conditions required in order to make for effective parenting and rule out direct or indirect discrimination against women and men on the labour market and the disadvantages that they would suffer if national social security systems were to be covertly undermined, whether immediately or with a time lag not enough emphasis is placed on the relevance of the social cohesion aspect of the matter, in terms of the correlation between poverty and social exclusion and incidents of juvenile delinquency,
Amendment 40 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas companies naturally expect their apprentices or young professionals to have not only technical expertise and job skills, but also ‘flexible skills’ in terms of their human and social capacity; whereas political institutions, on the other hand, are less explicit about the direct or indirect financial cost entailed in investment in human and social capacity building for future generations, in spite of the fact that any other investment to serve the common good is normally factored into GDP,deleted
Amendment 44 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas the tendency to make men and women submit to the ever increasing demands of the inept flexicurity imposed by the labour market, because it supposedly improves performance, raises the question whether the goal to pursue within the EU should be a competition- driven social economy geared to human needs as reflected in social relations thus laying emphasis on individual and collective conscience, freedom and responsibility,deleted
Amendment 47 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, mothers and children are entitled to special aid and assistance and whereas, parents, as a matter of priority, have the right to choose what kind of upbringing their children should have have the obligation to respect and uphold those stated rights,
Amendment 49 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that the family is the first place where social interaction occurs for children and that an extended family circle nurturing home environment plays a vital role in prevention and rehabilitation;
Amendment 52 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas although the family is unquestionably the first environment in which the children are socialised in terms of their perception of the world and their behaviour, it is no longer the only environment involved nor indeed is its role invariably the most decisive; whereas the family, traditional or not, is key in providing a healthy, safe and nurturing environment during a child’s formative years; whereas the family is also crucial in terms of the prevention and rehabilitation of a juvenile delinquent,
Amendment 53 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas although the family is unquestionably the first environment in which the children are socialised in terms of their perception of the world and their behaviour, it is no longer the only environment involved nor indeed is its role invariably the most decisive; whereas the family, traditional or not, is key in providing a healthy, safe and nurturing environment during a child’s formative years; whereas the family is also crucial in terms of the prevention and rehabilitation of a juvenile delinquent,
Amendment 58 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Encourages social services, where appropriate, to monitor deviant behaviour while ensuring that this is not seen as stigmatising or restricting young people;
Amendment 63 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R a (new)
Recital R a (new)
Ra. whereas it has been noted in numerous studies that the increase in juvenile crime has been reported in states with a particularly explosive mix of racial tension, poverty, drug abuse, broken families, unemployment, and alienation or in states dealing with the impact of rapid social and economic changes,
Amendment 65 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital S
Recital S
S. whereas the concept of multiple discrimination - as including considerations of different ethnic minorities, socioeconomic factors, and gender - needs to be definreassessed at European level in the light of GDP indicatorand evaluated in correlation to income levels,
Amendment 68 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital T
Recital T
T. whereas teenagers need to be allowed their say and hence given the opportunity to articulate the expectations which they have of society, in order to avoid blind, unthinking law-and-order policy, as exemplified by 'Do you know where your child is now?', a European project set up by the Slovak Government to raise parental awareness as a means of prevention,deleted
Amendment 69 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital U
Recital U
U. whereas the experience of the World Movement of Mothers demonstrates the usefulness of appealing to mothers in distressed areas in order to secure their active involvement for the purposes of framing, establishing, implementing, and assessing public policies to combat juvenile delinquency,deleted
Amendment 71 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital V
Recital V
V. whereas this resolution relates specifically to the interdependence of the various national and Community equal policies and effective parenting and their impact in terms of personal freedom and responsibility, solidarity between generations, building the human and social capital of future generations, andits impact in terms of combating juvenile delinquency,
Amendment 77 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Member States to support professional counselling networks for families, couples having difficulty parenting, and adolescents with problems relating to at-risk lifestyles and forms of dependency;
Amendment 79 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Urges the Member States to spell outinclude in their national statistics wh, the state costs society has to pay in connection with juvenile delinquency when parents have failed to exercise their responsibility;
Amendment 84 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges Eurostat to develop further indicators serving to illustrate the long- term contribution in invisible economic terms, beyond GDP, that activities aimed at combating juvenile delinquency make to social cohesion and to the well-being of Member States;deleted
Amendment 88 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to publish a study on the impact, not least on the budget, of gender mainstreaming processes for the purpose of assessing their relevance, effectiveness, long-term viability, and usefulness in terms of cost- effectiveness/added value, following the rule applied to every other European policy;deleted
Amendment 89 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
Amendment 89 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission, whenever it submits a policy or legislative proposal, to produce and impact assessment showing, in the light of a long-term cost-benefit analysis, what effects the proposal will have in terms of intergenerational fairness and the actual exercise of family responsibility;deleted
Amendment 91 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Supports the French G-20 Chair, in its approach regarding the social consequences of globalisation and congratulates the rapporteur, Christine Boutin, on the preparations being made for the report;deleted
Amendment 94 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
Amendment 94 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on national law-makers to widen cooperation with civil society representatives to include organisations representing women/mother and men/fathers, researchers, family or parents' organisations, youth workers, social workers, churches and religious communities recognised under current national law, charities or humanitarian organisations, the media and the police,;
Amendment 95 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on national law-makers to widen cooperation with civil society representatives to include organisations representing women/mother and men/fathers, researchers, family or parents' organisations, youth workers, social workers, churches and religious communities recognised under current national law, charities or humanitarian organisations, the media and the police,;
Amendment 99 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Invites the Member States and the, social partners to increase wages, and the private education sector to analyze the possibility of adequate remuneration in the early childhood and education sectors;
Amendment 100 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7. (a) new Calls on the European Commission to propose a Common European Strategy to combat juvenile delinquency; the Strategy would address the following points: a. a need for operational coordination and an interdisciplinary approach between all the European Union policies (justice and security, employment, social affairs, women and gender rights) involved in combating juvenile delinquency, b. incorporate all relevant NGOs, civil society organisations, networks, and specialists, in order to create a pan- European space where to exchange information and best practices;
Amendment 102 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
Amendment 103 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls onUrges the Member States to establish re-education and social reintegration programmes for juvenile delinquents and, as regards judicial matters, to apply a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to adults, irrespective of their social status, who encourage teenagers to commit crimes for example by helping them to obtain hard drugs, cannabis, or other substances to smoke, drink or injectrengthen and promote a three-way approach to combating juvenile delinquency: prevention, judicial measures and reintegration and rehabilitation; a. prevention measures would include: (i). facilitating the access of young people and parents to counselling provided by staff trained in child psychology; (ii). establishing special telephone 'hotlines' where, victims and parents of victims but also perpetrators, can call and seek guidance from specially trained staff; (iii). juvenile delinquency awareness campaigns conducted in schools;
Amendment 104 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls onUrges the Member States to establish re-education and social reintegration programmes for juvenile delinquents and, as regards judicial matters, to apply a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to adults, irrespective of their social status, who encourage teenagers to commit crimes for example by helping them to obtain hard drugs, cannabis, or other substances to smoke, drink or inject; rengthen and promote a three-way approach to combating juvenile delinquency: prevention, judicial measures and reintegration and rehabilitation; a. prevention measures would include: (i). facilitating the access of young people and parents to counselling provided by staff trained in child psychology; (ii). establishing special telephone 'hotlines' where, victims and parents of victims but also perpetrators, can call and seek guidance from specially trained staff; (iii). juvenile delinquency awareness campaigns conducted in schools;
Amendment 106 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the institutions to recognisMember States and the institutions to analyse the possibility of taking the professional and extra- professional activity, notably that of women, in terms of ‘life cycle’ into the consideration of national social protection schemes;
Amendment 118 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission, in collaboration with the Member States and the social partners, to review the policies on work-life balance with a view to ensuring that the direct or indirect financial costs incurred in order to give effect to parental responsibility are borne not by industry but by the community as a whole, so as to stamp out discriminatory behaviour at the workplace and support effective parenting;deleted
Amendment 120 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
Amendment 120 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Amendment 121 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls that family mainstreaming, which also approaches different policies (eg. social, education and financial policies as well as the crime laws etc.) from the family perspective, is a key instrument for coordinating efforts aimed at preventing youth crime behaviour;deleted
Amendment 123 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Encourages all Member States to allocate sufficient resources to confinement or rehabilitation centres, in order to provide for adequately trained staff which would include: multi-lingual training in the dominant minority languages, sensitivity training with respect to different cultures, ethnicities and religions (for example, to allow prayer during Ramadan);
Amendment 125 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls on the Member States to promote fiscal policy framed in such a way as to allow for the financial obligations entailed, notablyin which to encourage the allocation of more resources for the costs inherent in the different types of childcare;
Amendment 127 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Member States to support and promote the operational programmes launched by the Commission in connection with the European Alliance for Families; calls on the Commission to step up the development of tools providing a systematic basis for the exchange of good practice and research in this field;deleted
Amendment 131 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the authorities to take the steps required to put women and men in a better position to choose how they wish to achieve work-life balance in order to exercise their parental responsibility to more fruitful effect;
Amendment 132 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the authorities to take the steps required to put women and men in a better position to choose how they wish to achieve work-life balance in order to exercise their parental responsibility to more fruitful effect;
Amendment 139 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Maintains that any employee wishing to take a break from work to work less in order to devote him-/herself to parenting should be allowed to work flexible hours; calls on small and medium-sized enterprises to cooperate more actively and on the authorities to bring greater financial flexibility to bear on their budget estimates as regards State aid;deleted
Amendment 146 #
2010/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Member States to promote fiscal policy framed in such a way as to allow for the financial obligations entailed in parenting, including childcare costs, and to apply tax arrangements or a tax relief system to that end;deleted
Amendment 1 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 a new
Paragraph -1 a new
-1a. Calls on the Commission to develop clear qualitative and quantitative performance indicators for the budget execution of CFSP and Instrument for Stability, which should be in line with the sound financial management principle and in particular with the economy, efficiency and effectiveness principles;
Amendment 94 #
2010/0802(COD)
Draft directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The resolution of the European Parliament of 2 February6 November 20069 on the current situation in combating violence against women and any future actions recommendelimination of violence against women urges thate Member States to formulate a zero-tolerance policy as regards all forms of violence against women and calls on Member States to take appropriate measures to ensure better protection of and support to actual and potential victimscomprehensive national action plans to eliminate all forms of violence against women including female genital mutilation, "honour" killings, human trafficking, domestic violence; and to take concrete measures to criminalise gender- based violence. The national action plans should also include steps towards establishing an efficient method for collecting statistics on gender-based violence.
Amendment 135 #
2010/0802(COD)
Draft directive
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) an obliga prohibition not to enter certain localities, places or defined areas where the protected person resides, works, studies, or that he or she visits;
Amendment 138 #
2010/0802(COD)
Draft directive
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) an obligation to avoid prohibition from contact withing the protected person by any means including email, telephone, fax or letters; or
Amendment 145 #
2010/0802(COD)
Draft directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Amendment 146 #
2010/0802(COD)
Draft directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Member States choosing to designate a non-judicial authority, shall immediately, inform the Council and the Commission of said decision and provide those institutions with a comprehensive evaluation report on the competencies of the respective non-judicial authority so that its judicial capacities to implement the requirements of this Directive can be established.
Amendment 155 #
2010/0802(COD)
Draft directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2– subparagraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 2– subparagraph 1
2. The protected person or his or her legal representative or guardian may submit a request for the issuance of a European protection order either to the competent authority of the issuing State or the competent authority of the executing State.
Amendment 168 #
2010/0802(COD)
Draft directive
Article 6 – point h a (new)
Article 6 – point h a (new)
(ha) the address, email, telephone or any other contact details of the person causing danger;
Amendment 181 #
2010/0802(COD)
Draft directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) in case the competent authority of the executing State invokes any of the circumstances for non-recognition described in Article 9, the respective decision shall be immediately communicated to the issuing State and to the protected person or his or her legal representative or tutor, along with a comprehensive explanation of the motives for invoking non-recognition;
Amendment 184 #
2010/0802(COD)
Draft directive
Article 8 - paragraph 1 - point bb (new)
Article 8 - paragraph 1 - point bb (new)
(bb) the competent authority in the executing State shall, without delay, inform the protected person when, according to its national law, the maximum term of duration of the measures adopted in the execution of the European protection order has expired;
Amendment 225 #
2010/0802(COD)
Draft directive
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. The European protection order shall be translated into the official languages or one off the executing State and the official languages of the executing Stateissuing State as well as the language of the protected person and of that of his/her legal guardian or tutor, in case it differs from the official languages. Any Member State may, either when this Directive is adopted or at a later date, state in a declaration deposited with the General Secretariat of the Council, that it will accept a translation in one or more other official languages of the institutions of the Union, as well as into the languages of any significant minority present in either State.
Amendment 45 #
2010/0310M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas, despite the territorial defeat of Da'esh in Iraq, the jihadist threat persists and endangers the consolidation of stability and security in the country, especially along the Syrian border;
Amendment 48 #
2010/0310M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
Ib. whereas the territorial defeat of Da'esh is the result of the efforts of the Iraqui armed forces, supported by the International Coalition, as well as the different Popular Mobilization Units, the Peshmerga and other allied forces;
Amendment 49 #
2010/0310M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
Ic. whereas it is needed, for the reconstruction of the country and the integration of the Iraqi society, to surpass the differences based on religious criteria, dissolving the Popular Mobilization Units and integrating its members according to the needs of the State, a fact without which it won't be possible to achieve a functional state based on democracy and plurality;
Amendment 50 #
2010/0310M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I d (new)
Recital I d (new)
Id. whereas a united, plural and democratic Iraqi state is the guarantee for stability and development of the country and its citizens;
Amendment 88 #
2010/0310M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the need to support the development of Iraqi civil society and its full participation in the various reform processes; maintains that particular attention should be paid to the representation of women, young people and people from ethnic and religious minorities, including Christians;
Amendment 133 #
2010/0310M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Stresses equally the need to establish as a priority the fight against corruption and the achievement of an inclusive, non-sectarian political class, representative of all parts that form the Iraqi society;
Amendment 135 #
2010/0310M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21b. Insists that all assistance provided by the Union is submitted to strict compliance with respect for human rights and the rule of law, and will be accompanied by a constant evaluation process, of which the European Parliament shall be duly informed in accordance with article 113 of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement;
Amendment 137 #
2010/0310M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 c (new)
Paragraph 21 c (new)
21c. Commends Iraq's firm compromise to join the World Trade Organisation and asks the Commission to assist the Iraqi authorities in their efforts to re-join the world economy and trade;
Amendment 40 #
2010/0101(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) In addition to its core mission of financing investment in the European Union, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has since 1963 undertaken financing operations outside the European Union in support of the EU's external policies. This allows the EU budget funds available to the external regions to be complemented by the financial strength of the EIB for the benefit of beneficiary countries and with a view to achieving the EU external policy objectives. Therefore, the EIB should clearly link its financing instruments with the EU objectives.
Amendment 41 #
2010/0101(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The amounts covered by the EU guarantee in each region should continue tonot represent ceilings for financing by the EIB under the EU guarantee and notor targets that the EIB is requested to meet.
Amendment 54 #
2010/0101(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 16 a (new)
Recital 16 a (new)
(16a) The EIB should increase its support for the EU objective of increasing the security of the energy supply by increasing the guarantees to and the financing of the Southern Caucasus and Central Asia regions.
Amendment 67 #
2010/0101(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
2. The General Mandate shall be broken down into bindingcative regional ceilings and indicative sub-ceilings as laid down in Annex I. Within the regional ceilings, the EIB shall progressively ensure a balanced country distribution within the regions covered by the General Mandate, based on EU objectives and EU external policy objectives.
Amendment 87 #
2010/0101(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall report annually to the European Parliament and the Council on EIB financing operations carried out under this decision. The report shall include an assessment of EIB financing operations at programme, project, sector, country and regional level as well as the contribution of the EIB financing operations to the fulfilment of the external policy and strategic objectives of the EU paying particular attention to the related EU 2020 objectives. The report shall in particular assess the compliance of EIB financing operations with this Decision, taking into account the operational guidelines referred to in Article 5, and shall include sections on added value for the achievement of EU policy objectives, efficiency, effectiveness and impact of projects and financing operations, as well as on cooperation with the Commission and other international financial institutions and bilateral institutions, including co-financing.
Amendment 92 #
2010/0101(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point B – introductory part
Annex I – point B – introductory part
B. Neighbourhood and Partnership Countries: EUR 12 4900 000 000;
Amendment 93 #
2010/0101(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point B – point ii
Annex I – point B – point ii
(ii) Eastern Europe, Southern Caucasus and Russia: EUR 34 700 000 000;
Amendment 94 #
2010/0101(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point C – point ii
Annex I – point C – point ii
(ii) Asia (including Central Asia): EUR 1 0500 000 000;
Amendment 95 #
2010/0101(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point D – introductory part
Annex I – point D – introductory part
D. Republic of South Africa: EUR 9400 000 000.
Amendment 34 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
After paragraph 1 - heading 1
After paragraph 1 - heading 1
Security issues and peaceful resolution of conflicts
Amendment 35 #
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 unsustainablTakes note of the unacceptable situation of the conflicts in the region and considers that all sides should actively engage for their stability and peace;
Amendment 42 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that conflict management and conflict resolution as well as basic dialogue 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 give up maximalist ambitions, interest in innovative approaches, including to the exercise of sovereignty, and readiness to make real concessionand renouncing of revanchist attitudes;
Amendment 51 #
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 64 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Fully supports the Minsk Group Co- chairs’ mediation, the Madrid Principles and the Moscow Declaration; condemns the idea of a military solution and calls on both sides to avoid militant rhetoric; furthermore calls on both sides to show more ambition in the peace t as well as any further breaches of the 1994 ceasefire; furthermore calkls and to abandon the tendency to prefer perpetuating the status quo created through military conquests in defiance of UN Security Council resolutionson both sides to approach the peace talks with a constructive attitude; calls on the international community likewise to show courage and political will to help the parties overcome the remaining sticking points which hinder an agreement;
Amendment 82 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 96 #
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; underlines the need for the parties to intensify their peace talks efforts for the purpose of a settlement; calls on the Council to explore the possibility of supporting the peace process with EU missions;
Amendment 101 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations, border opening and cooperation; calls on both sides to seize this opportunity to mend their relations through ratification and implementation; does not support the introduction of conditions for ratification not mentioned in the protocols, but, without being delayed by preconditions; notes that if implemented, they will have wide- ranging, potentially overall very positive consequences in the region and that they can therefore not be seen in isolation; calls on Armenia, as well as Azerbaijan, to intensify their efforts in the Minsk Co- chairs-led talks on the principles for a settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict;
Amendment 119 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is seriously concerned about the use of ethnic cleansing as a prelude to the Russian recognition of South Ossetian and Abkhazian statehood; notes with satisfaction that the international community remains united in its rejection of the unilateral declaration of independence; calls on Russia to honour its commitment in the Ceasefire Agreement to withdraw its troops to the positions held before the outbreak of the August 2008 war and to cease its blocking of EUMM access to South Ossetia and AbkhaziaNotes with satisfaction that the international community remains united in its rejection of the unilateral declaration of independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and calls on the parties to respect the Ceasefire Agreement of 2008 as well as to guarantee the safety and free access of EUMM personnel on the ground;
Amendment 126 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses the importance of protecting the safety and rights of the ethnic Georgians still living within the breakaway regions, promoting respect for displaced persons’ right of return under safe and dignified conditions, achieving a reduction in the Iron-Curtain character of the de facto borders and obtaining possibilities for the EU and other international actors to assist people within the two regions; underlines the need for more clearly identified short- and medium- term objectives in this respect;
Amendment 136 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Considers democratisation, good governance and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rights of minorities and the rule of law to be basic principles for and of peaceful and stable democratic states; welcomes the initiation of the human rights dialogue between EU and Georgia and Armenia but calls on Azerbaijan to join the parallel cooperation structure;
Amendment 143 #
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; welcomes 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 consolidated;
Amendment 153 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Welcomes the announcement by the Georgian President regarding a 'new wave of democratic reform' and points out the need for its rapid implementation, especially for strengthening parliamentary control over the executive and increasing independence of the judiciary;
Amendment 154 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Underscores 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 awaitTakes note of the elections that took place recently in the countries of the region and underscores the reimport 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 personance of free and fair elections to be held in accordance with international commitments and standards;
Amendment 176 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considers freedom of expression to be a fundamental right and principle and the role of the media essential, is disturbed by the limitarestrictions 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 journalactivist 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 Rights;
Amendment 182 #
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 instrumental to the development of a vibrant civil society; is worried aboutnotes with concern 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 throughas well as administrative harassment, such as the intensified checks by the fiscal authorities in Armenia on fiscal matters; 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 rest; calls on the authoriction of a number of freedoms and rights; calls on the authorities in Azerbaijaes of all the countries in the region, 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 213 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recognises the significance of the region for the EU’s energy cooperation and energy security; notes the great value of Azerbaijan’s energy resources and the essential role these play in its economic development; underscores the importance of ensuring that the benefits deriving from the exploitation of natural resources are evenly distributed and invested in the development of the country as a whole, permitting it to brace itself against the negative repercussions of an eventual decline in oil production; welcomes the intention of Azerbaijan to diversify its economy; commends Azerbaijan for its participation in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and points out the importance of this openness for any joint energy projects with the EU;
Amendment 225 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Considers that promoting social cohesion and social dialogue, gender equality as well as women's rights, investing in education and health and building 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 236 #
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 the progress of bilateral relationships with the EU and for considering upgrading of agreements with the countries concerned; notes Armenia's and Georgia’s strong commitment to the implementation of the ENP Action Plans and calls on Azerbaijan to accelerate its efforts in this regard; takes the view that the European Parliament should be involved in this process; notes the different progress made by 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 diversity and the different objectives but at the same time that the process of negotiation should preferably move at the same pace for all three countries, taking into account the regional dimension;
Amendment 246 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Believes that providing support to conflict resolution processes is crucial and that the EU is well placed to support confidence-building, reconstruction and rehabilitation and has the possibility to help involve the communities affected; furthermore considers it essential to maintain a high level of international attention to all the conflicts in the region to ensure their swift resolution; recognizes the regional cooperation as a necessary condition for confidence building and reinforcement of security in accordance with the ENP priorities; calls all parties to fully engage in the multilateral cooperation track of the Eastern Partnership without linking it to the final solution of the conflicts;
Amendment 248 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Takes note of the current EU involvement in conflict resolution processes in the region and believes that the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty justifies a more prominent role for the EU; welcomes the work of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia and calls for increased EU action to persuade Russia and the relevant de facto authorities to stop blocking the EUMM from entering South Ossetia and Abkhazia; considers that the EU now has the opportunity to play a greater role in the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and could do so by participating in the negotiations through the establishment of an EU mandate for the French Co-chair of the Minsk Group, by standing ready to launch reconstruction aid programmes and by supporting civil-society projects that aim to promote reconciliation and contacts between individuals in the region;
Amendment 268 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Welcomes the work of the EU High Level Advisory Group to Armenia; believes that within the framework of the Eastern Partnership and the negotiation of new association agreements the EU has the opportunity to offer technical assistanis is a valid example of best practices and calls on the Commission to study the possibility of offering such assistance to Azerbaijan and Georgiavailable for the whole of the region;
Amendment 272 #
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 space 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 49 #
2009/2213(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Notes the need for a targeted interparliamentary dialogue with the assemblies of the Andean Community and of the Central American Integration System; calls for the establishment of parliamentary delegations to the respective assemblies of these two organisations, in order better to address the particular concerns of both regions and contribute to the overall EU strategy for EuroLat cooperation;
Amendment 2 #
2009/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas mainstream economists have pointed out that the credit crunch, which started the recession, was quite literally a man-made disaster; whereas responses at state and international level – none of which awere not sufficiently gender-sensitinclusive – have also been decided upon mainly by men; whereas it is important that women, who are generally better qualified than men, be fully included in the decision-making process in the political, economic and financial spheres as well as social partners agreements,
Amendment 4 #
2009/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas in times of economic recession particularly, people who are already at risk of falling into poverty become even more vulnerable, the majority of whom are women, become even more vulnerable, especially female migrant workers and those belonging to a minority group; whereas efforts and complete solutions to eradicate poverty as agreed upon by the Lisbon European Council as long ago as 2000 have become a matter of urgency; whereas special attention should be paid to protecting those groups facing multiple disadvantages, especially the Roma, and to ensure their inclusion into society,
Amendment 8 #
2009/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Member States to develop affordable, accessible and quality care services for children and other dependants, in line with the European targets; underlines the fact that, and to ensure that the availability of those services is compatible with women and men’s full-time working schedules; urges the Commission and the Member States to fully capitalise on the potential of the Structural Funds and of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development forand to facilitate the access to the financing of quality services should be fully utilised; urges the Commission to propose a directive on paternity, adoption and filial leave;
Amendment 14 #
2009/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas mainstream economists have pointed out that the credit crunch, which started the recession, was quite literally a man-made disaster; whereas responses at state and international level - none of which are gender-sensitive - have also been decided upon mainly by menresponses at state and international level were not sufficiently gender-inclusive; whereas it is important that women be fully included in the decision-making process in the political, economic, and financial spheres,
Amendment 35 #
2009/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas in times of economic recession particularly, people who are already at risk of falling into poverty become even more vulnerable, especially female migrant workers and those belonging to a minority group; whereas efforts and complete solutions to eradicate poverty as agreed upon by the Lisbon European Council as long ago as 2000 have become a matter of urgency; whereas special attention should be paid to protecting those groups facing multiple disadvantages, especially the Roma, and to ensure their inclusion into society,
Amendment 69 #
2009/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Regrets that many women have already lost or are expected to lose their jobs, particularly those working in retailing, services, and tourism as well as women in part-time and precarious jobs; underlines the fact that, at the same time, a fall in the supply of micro-credit is expected to result in a decrease in earnings among self- employed women workers, especially those in the agricultural and rural sectors; stresses that female unemployment can be expected to rise disproportionately as public sector budget cuts are announced, since women are disproportionately employed in education, health and social services;
Amendment 81 #
2009/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the fact that interventions and solutions require a contextual understanding of the crisis and recognition that there is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ response; stresses that, at the same time, the recession can be used as a unique opportunity to make economic and social policies that are more gender-awarinclusive and to move towards creating a more gender- equal society;
Amendment 100 #
2009/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on Member States to develop affordable, accessible and quality care services for children and other dependants, in line with the European targets; underlines the fact thatrges the Commission and Member States to fully capitalise on the potential of the Structural Funds and of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development forand to facilitate the access to the financing of quality services should be fully utilised; urges the Commission to propose a directive on paternity, adoption and filial leave;
Amendment 108 #
2009/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Points out that violence against women increases in times of economic upheaval; therefore urges the Member States to improvereview national laws and policies against all forms of gender-based violence andto be more inclusive of this fact; welcomes the Spanish Presidency’s initiative to set up an Observatory on Violence against Women; likewise welcomes the initiative by the Council regarding the overarching instrument on the protection of victims (European Protection Order);
Amendment 133 #
2009/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Points out that the ecological conversion of the economy and the transition to a low-carbon economy will create a huge demand for skilled workers; refers to the fact that female workers are strongly under-represented in the renewables sector and especially in science and technology-intensive jobs; asks the Council, the Commission and the Member States to make sure that female workers are not excluded from training projects and programmes on ecological transformation, i.e. in the renewables sector, science and technology-intensive jobs; calls on the Member States to encourage women in local entrepreneurial initiatives in these fields by facilitating access, through dissemination of data and training workshops, to available European Structural Funds;
Amendment 39 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Council to enter into a debate with the European Parliament and the national parliaments in 2010 on the implementation of the new provisions in the Lisbon Treaty concerning the CSDP, including: a. the creation of the post of Vice- President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy which has been created, coupled with the establishment of a European external action service (EEAS) incorporating the crisis management units, b. a broader remit for the CSDP, cthe clause on assistance in the event of armed aggression on the territory of a Member State, c. a broader remit for the CSDP, d. the establishment of a start-up fund for preparatory activities in the lead-up to operations, e. permanent structured cooperation for those Member States that meet higher standards in terms of military capability and have made more binding commitments in this area in preparation for the most demanding missions, together with enhanced cooperation procedures, d. the establishment of a start-up fund for preparatory activities in the lead-up to operations, e. the clause on assistance in the event of armed aggression on the territory of a Member State, f. the clause on solidarity in the event of a terrorist attack or a natural or man-made disaster; Points b, c and e have become points c, e and b.
Amendment 49 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls, aftonsiders the introduction of a solidarity clause into the new treaty, on the Councilat, given the current context, the Council has the possibility to reopen the debate on establishing athe European civil protection force – inter alia, on the basis of the May 2006 Barnier report – that would pool the Member States’ resources in order to generate an effective collective response in the event of natural or man-made disasters, both inside and outside the Union; takes the view that the military ESDP/CSDP should also provide scope for responding to civilian hazards;
Amendment 65 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Supports the establishment of a civil- military Crisis Management and Planning Directorate (CMPD) to take responsibility for crisis management and strategic planning of the Union’s civil and military operations and help develop the CSDP, particularly in terms of civil and military capabilities; deprecates, however, the extremely lengthy delay in setting up this new structure; hopes that the instruments available to the Commission will also be used as part of this single strategic planning capacity in order to develop a holistic European approach; takes the view that the establishment of the EEAS, into which the CMPD will be incorporated as part of a coherent grouping that will also include the EU Military Staff, Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) and the Joint Situation Centre (SitCen), should make it possible to meet these requirements;
Amendment 73 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. CStresses the need for synergy in efficient civil-military cooperation and calls once again for the establishment of a permanent EU operations centre overseen by the Vice-President/High Representative, which would be responsible for operational planning and the conduct of military operations; calls for this operations centre to be, attached to the EEAS; stresses that the division of the existing system into seven headquarters makes it less effective and responsive and generates huge costs, and that a permanent interlocutor in the military sphere is essential for civil and military coordination on the ground; takes the view that the permanent operations centre could therefore be classed as a form of military planning and operational capacity, and located in the same place as the CPCC in order to allow the necessary synergies for effective civilian and military coordination;
Amendment 74 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Stresses the possibility for the EU Military Staff, the CPCC and the SitCen to be incorporated under the new Crisis Management and Planning Directorate (CMPD), in order to meet criteria related to costs, efficiency and the streamlining of the capacity for rapid deployment;
Amendment 92 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the successful contribution made by the European Union’s naval operation in Somalia (EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation Atalanta) in combating piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia; emphasises that Operation Atalanta has established itself as a key player in the fight against piracy, inter alia through the Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa), and is in favour of extending and broadening the mandate for this operation designed to address a security issue directly affecting the EU (security of citizens and supplies) and respond to a humanitarian and operational emergency (by escorting ships chartered by the World Food Programme to deliver food to the Somali population and ships delivering logistical support to the African Union’s military observation mission in Somalia (AMISOM)); also welcomes the involvement of non-EU countries (Norway and Croatia) and the operation’s constructive cooperation with the other naval forces present in the region, particularly in the context of the SHADE (Shared Awareness and Deconfliction) processes;
Amendment 98 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses the need to address the causes of piracy, which stem from the prevailing instability and poverty in Somalia, and consequently takes the view that the Union should support the involvement of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in combating piracy by means of measures aimed at restoring lasting security and political stability;
Amendment 102 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Particularly emphasises the need for urgent action to shore up the TFG and help it extendpromote the scoope of its control on Somali territorration of all Somali factions with this authority; to this end, encourages the Council to work with the Commission on implementing the comprehensive strategy recently adopted and launching a training mission (outside Somali territory) for TFG soldiers as soon as possible, in conjunction with and in support of AMISOM, the United Nations and the United States, focused on methods of combating piracy and organised crime; notes with satisfaction, as already stated in its resolution of 26 November 2009 on a political solution to the problem of piracy off the Somali coast1, that on 17 November 2009 the Council approved a Crisis Management Concept for this purpose, for which Spain wishes to act as a framework nation;
Amendment 122 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. As regards Bosnia and Herzegovina, notes that the security situation remains calm and stable despite the ongoing political problemsConsiders that the new political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (such as the possibility of a referendum in the Republika Srpska) should be addressed by the new High Representative, aund emphasiseserlining the contribution that can be made by the EU’s military operation (EUFOR ALTHEA) in this respectto help deal with any possible emerging crisis; Ssupports the Council’s decision to refocus the work of the European Union Police Mission (EUPM) on fighting organised crime and corruption, and encourages the Council to take a decision in the near future with a view to making training for the Bosnian armed forces the new focus of EUFOR ALTHEA; deplores the lack of concerted political decision- making on the future of the international force in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is resulting in unilateral withdrawals by a number of states participating in the force and is liable to detract from the credibility and coherence of the EU’s action in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
Amendment 125 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Encourages the Council to take a decision in the near future with a view to making training for the Bosnian armed forces the new focus of EUFOR ALTHEA; points out that this re-thinking of its purpose can help improve the situation of ALTHEA and allow the Council and the High Representative to manage the plans of some Member States to withdraw from the operation without detracting from its new goals or credibility;
Amendment 128 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Is in favour of extending the mission for a further year, and views it as regrettable that mission personnel have not yet been able to visit the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia; calls on the Council to examine the possibility of an enhancement of both the mandate and capabilities of the mission, for the purpose of protection of the EU personnel on the ground as well as a better ability of the mission to conduct its operations;
Amendment 141 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Underlines the long-term involvement of the Union in the region through both civilian and military missions, as well as financial assistance; stresses the problematic situation in countries such as DR Congo and Sudan and the need for constant monitoring in these areas; calls on the Council and High Representative to prepare contingency plans and have the possibility of future crises in Sub-Saharan Africa high on the security agenda of the EU;
Amendment 168 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Emphasises the numerous obstacles that have been identified to the rapid deployment of civil missions; calls on the Member States to encourage their justice and interior ministrrelevant bodies to take due responsibility in this area; supports the Council’s efforts to facilitate the secondment and deployment of civilian personnel (through the adoption of national strategies, improvements to the force generation process and pre- deployment training, a revised concept of civilian response teams (CRTs)) and the rapid provision of equipment for new civil missions (by means of framework contracts and a permanent equipment storage project); welcomes, in this connection, the decision to set up a temporary equipment warehouse as part of the EU Police Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
Amendment 178 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Views it as regrettable that the Battlegroups (BGs) – despite the significant investment they represent – have not yet been used, partly for political reasons and partly because their deployment is subject to very stringent criteria; supports more effective and flexible use of the BGs so that they can also serve as a reserve force or as a partial substitute in the event of a disappointing force generation process; calls for an extension of the provisional agreement designed to cover the costs arising from strategic deployment of the BGs, and of the common funding for the costs associated with their use; calls on the Council to deploy them as part of full- scale military exercises; commends the work undertaken at the instigation of the Swedish Presidency on flexible use of the BGs and, on this basis, calls on the Member States to implement the recommendations adopted;
Amendment 183 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49 – indent 2
Paragraph 49 – indent 2
– projects designed to provide better intelligence to military teams deployed underby the European flagU:
Amendment 205 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 66
Paragraph 66
66. CongratulatesSalutes the initiative of the NATO’s Secretary General onwhich expresses the wishing to involve the Union, including the European Parliament, in the discussions on a revised strategic concept for that organisation; expects this to give rise to specific initiatives in the near future; calls on the High Representative and the Council to prepare a dialogue with the European Parliament in this respect;
Amendment 23 #
2009/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – point c
Paragraph 5 – point c
(c) the EEAS must include particular branches for the military and civilian crisis management units within the Council secretariat, even if for military personnel the command and organisational structure may have to differ from that for civilian personnel; the sharing of the intelligence analysis of players within the EEAS is of vital importance in order to assist the High Representative in fulfilling his/her mandate ofretaining the necessary type of institutional and command structure for both units; the EEAS, through its respective branches, should be permanently available for the purposes of communication and consultation with Parliament’s relevant committees and subcommittees; in addition, the High Representative should present a comprehensive proposal on the capacity build-up of the EEAS in terms of the management, analysis and sharing of intelligence within the EEAS, this being a key issue for conducting a coherent, consistent and efficient external Union policy;
Amendment 30 #
2009/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – point f a (new)
Paragraph 5 – point f a (new)
(fa) moreover, the EEAS should help to coordinate among the offices of the High Representative, the President of the European Council, the President of the Commission and the Heads of State or Government of the rotating Presidency in order to provide unified and cohesive responses in any possible foreign affairs situation; permanent coordination should be established taking into account the position of the European Parliament, through its President, committees and delegations;
Amendment 16 #
2008/0192(COD)
Council position
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) In view of their participation in the activities of the family business, spouses or, when and insofar as recognised by national law the life partners, of self- employed workers who have access to a system for social protection, should also be entitled to benefit from social protection. Member States should be required to take the necessary measures to organise this social protection in accordance with national law. In particular, it is up to Member States to decide whether this social protection should be implemented on a mandatory or voluntary basis. Member States may provide that this social protection may be proportional to the participation in the activities of the self- employed worker and/or the level of contribution. Without prejudice to this Directive, Member States may maintain national provisions limiting access to specific social protection schemes, or to a certain level of protection, including special funding conditions, to certain groups of self-employed workers such as to disadvantaged self-employed workers who are a member of a minority or professions, provided that access to a general scheme is available.
Amendment 24 #
2008/0192(COD)
Council position
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) Persons who have been subject to discrimination based on sex should have adequatsuitable means of legal protection. To provide more effective protection, associations, organisations and other legal entities should be empowered to engage in proceedings, as Member States so determine, either on behalf or in support of any victim, without prejudice to national rules of procedure concerning representation and defence before the courts.
Amendment 25 #
2008/0192(COD)
Council position
Recital 20 a (new)
Recital 20 a (new)
(20a) Self-employed workers and spouses of self-employed workers and, when and insofar as recognised by national law the life partners, of self-employed workers belonging to a disadvantaged category, such as a minority group, with physical impairments, or who would not otherwise have sufficient funds to pursue legal proceedings in the event of a breach of their legal rights, should be entitled to legal aid and counsel at a reduced rate or free of charge, insofar as is possible, by the respective legal associations, organisations and other entities.
Amendment 27 #
2008/0192(COD)
Council position
Article 5
Article 5
Member States may maintain or adopt measures within the meaning of Article 157(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union with a view to ensuring full equality in practice between men and women in working life, for instance aimed at promoting entrepreneurship initiatives among women.
Amendment 29 #
2008/0192(COD)
Council position
Article 8 - paragraph 1
Article 8 - paragraph 1
1. The Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that female self-employed workers and female spouses and life partners referred to in Article 2 may, in accordance with national law, be granted an adequate sufficient maternity allowance enabling interruptions in their occupational activity owing to pregnancy or motherhood for at least 14 weeks.
Amendment 30 #
2008/0192(COD)
Council position
Article 8 - paragraph 2
Article 8 - paragraph 2
Amendment 31 #
2008/0192(COD)
Council position
Article 8 - paragraph 3 - introductory part
Article 8 - paragraph 3 - introductory part
3. The allowance referred to in paragraph 1 shall be deemed adequatesufficient if it guarantees an income at least equivalent to: