Activities of Kinga GÖNCZ
Plenary speeches (165)
100 years on from the First World War: lessons to learn and future of Europe (debate)
Mid-term review of the Stockholm Programme (debate)
Freedom of movement for workers (debate)
Implementation of the Youth Guarantee (debate)
Fundamental rights in the European Union (2012) (debate)
Fundamental rights in the European Union (2012) (debate)
Accessibility of public sector bodies' websites (debate)
2013 progress report on Bosnia and Herzegovina - 2013 progress report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - 2013 progress report on Montenegro (debate)
One-minute speeches (Rule 150)
EU homelessness strategy (debate)
Respect for the fundamental right of free movement in the EU (debate)
EU citizenship for sale (debate)
2013 progress report on Serbia - European integration process of Kosovo (debate)
Review of the Lithuanian Presidency (debate)
Rights and Citizenship Programme 2014-2020 - Justice Programme 2014-2020 (debate)
Rights and Citizenship Programme 2014-2020 - Justice Programme 2014-2020 (debate)
2013 progress report on Albania (debate)
Gender aspects of the European framework of national Roma inclusion strategies - Progress made in the implementation of national Roma integration strategies (debate)
Common provisions on European funds - European Social Fund - European Regional Development Fund and the 'investment for growth and jobs' goal - European Regional Development Fund and the 'European territorial cooperation' goal - Cohesion Fund - European grouping of territorial cooperation (debate)
Erasmus for all programme (debate)
Creative Europe programme (debate)
Rethinking education (short presentation)
Annual report on the activities of the Committee on Petitions 2012 (debate)
Situation of the Roma people (debate)
Situation of the Roma people (debate)
Rise of right-wing extremism in Europe (debate)
Rise of right-wing extremism in Europe (debate)
Strengthening cross-border law-enforcement cooperation in the EU (debate)
Activities of the European Ombudsman in 2012 (debate)
Presentation by the Council of its position on the draft general budget - 2014 financial year (debate)
Impact of the crisis on access to care for vulnerable groups (debate)
Closure of Greek national broadcasting company (debate)
Situation of fundamental rights: standards and practices in Hungary (debate)
Situation of fundamental rights: standards and practices in Hungary (debate)
Situation of fundamental rights: standards and practices in Hungary (debate)
2012 progress report on Bosnia and Herzegovina (debate)
Implementation of the Stockholm Programme and establishment of the area of freedom, security and justice (debate)
Voluntary permanent Union relocation scheme (debate)
EU Charter: standard settings for media freedom across the EU (short presentation)
2012 progress report on Serbia (debate)
European integration process of Kosovo (debate)
European integration process of Kosovo (debate)
2011 discharge (continuation of debate)
Amendment of the EC-Ukraine Agreement on the facilitation of the issuance of visas (debate)
Strengthening the fight against racism, xenophobia and hate crime (debate)
Integration of migrants, its effects on the labour market and the external dimension of social security coordination (debate)
Impact of austerity on the living conditions of people with disabilities (debate)
Rule of law and freedom in Bulgaria (debate)
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (debate)
Corporate social responsibility: accountable, transparent and responsible business behaviour and sustainable growth - Corporate social responsibility: promoting society's interests and a route to sustainable and inclusive recovery (debate)
Fundamental rights in the European Union (2010 - 2011) (debate)
Preparations for the European Council meeting (22-23 November 2012) with particular reference to the Multiannual Financial Framework (debate)
Enlargement: policies, criteria and the EU’s strategic interests (debate)
Possible delays to the start of the operation of SIS II (debate)
Activities of the Committee on Petitions (2011) (debate)
Monitoring the application of EU law (2010) (debate)
Multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 - Own resource based on the value added tax (debate)
European Year of Citizens (2013) (debate)
Azerbaijan: the case of Ramil Safarov
Political situation in Romania (debate)
Political situation in Romania (debate)
Minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting (28-29 June 2012) (debate)
Future of the Single Market Act (debate)
Towards a job-rich recovery (debate)
Youth opportunities initiative (debate)
Youth opportunities initiative (debate)
Preparation of the informal European summit - Investment, growth and jobs (debate)
Fight against homophobia in Europe (debate)
Fight against homophobia in Europe (debate)
EU-USA agreement on the use and transfer of PNR to the US Department of Homeland Security (debate)
EU accession to the European Convention on Human Rights (debate)
Enlargement report for Serbia (debate)
Discriminatory Internet sites and government reactions (debate)
Judicial training (debate)
One-minute speeches (Rule 150)
Conclusions of the informal European Council meeting of 30 January 2012 (debate)
Danish Presidency Programme (continuation of debate)
Recent political developments in Hungary (debate)
Freedom of movement for workers within the European Union (debate)
Single application procedure for residence and work (debate)
2012 budgetary procedure: joint text (debate)
Accession Treaty : Treaty concerning the accession of the Republic of Croatia - Application of Croatia to become a member of the European Union (debate)
Economic governance
Situation of the Roma in Member States (debate)
European platform against poverty and social exclusion (debate)
Sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography - Children's rights in the European Union (debate)
Qualification and status of third country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection (debate)
EU-Australia agreement on the processing and transfer of PNR data (debate)
Agenda for new skills and jobs (debate)
Mobility and inclusion of people with disabilities (debate)
American Jobs Act (debate)
Accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen (debate)
Eastern partnership summit (Warsaw, 29 September) (debate)
Economic crisis and the euro (debate)
Directive on mediation in the Member States (debate)
EU homelessness strategy (debate)
Programme of activities of the Polish Presidency of the Council (debate)
Financial, economic and social crisis: measures and initiatives to be taken (debate)
Changes to Schengen (debate)
2012 draft budget trilogue (debate)
A new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for a competitive, sustainable and inclusive Europe (continuation of debate)
Revised Hungarian constitution (debate)
Revised Hungarian constitution (debate)
Revised Hungarian constitution (debate)
Application of Schengen acquis in Bulgaria and Romania (debate)
Report: Zver - Youth on the Move: – a framework for improving Europe's education and training systems - Report: Honeyball - Early years learning - Report: Schaake - Cultural dimensions of EU external actions - Report: Sanchez-Schmid - Unlocking the potential of cultural and creative industries - Sarajevo as a European Capital of Culture in 2014 (debate)
Migration flows and asylum and their impact on Schengen (debate)
One-minute speeches (Rule 150)
Governance and partnership in the Single Market - Single market for Europeans - Single market for enterprises and growth - Public procurement (continuation of debate)
EU strategy on Roma inclusion (debate)
Innovative financing at a global and European level (debate)
Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States - Europe 2020 - Implementation of the guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (debate)
Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States - Europe 2020 - Implementation of the guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (debate)
Adequate, sustainable and safe European pension systems (debate)
The programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council (debate)
Question Time (Commission)
Citizens’ initiative (debate)
Fundamental rights in the European Union (2009) - Effective implementation after the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon (debate)
EU-Georgia agreement on facilitation of issuance of visas - EU-Georgia agreement on readmission of persons residing without authorisation - Visa liberalisation scheme in Serbia and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - Implementation of the EU-Russia visa facilitation agreement (debate)
Presentation of the Commission work programme for 2011 (debate)
Question Time (Commission)
Amendment of Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders of Member States and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement (debate)
Sludge catastrophe in Hungary (debate)
Databases relating to racial and ethnic origin in the EU (debate)
Third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders of Member States (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting (16 September 2010) (debate)
Question Time (Council)
Situation of the Roma people in Europe (debate)
Freedom of expression and press freedom in the European Union (debate)
Long-term care for older people (debate)
The Belgian Presidency’s programme of activities (debate)
Agreement between the EU and the USA on the processing and transfer of financial messaging data from the EU to the USA for purposes of the Terrorist Finance Tracking Program (debate)
Annual report of the Petitions Committee 2009 (debate)
Floods in Central European countries, in particular Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary (debate)
Application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis relating to the Schengen Information System in Bulgaria and Romania (debate)
Stockholm Action Plan (debate)
SWIFT (debate)
Disruption of air traffic in Europe (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting (25-26 March 2010) (debate)
G20 labour and employment ministers meeting (Washington, 20/21 April) (debate)
Movement of persons with a long-stay visa (debate)
Second European Roma Summit (debate)
EU 2020 - Follow-up of the informal European Council of 11 February 2010 (debate)
Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity - Progress (A7-0049/2009, Kinga Göncz) (vote)
2009 progress report on Croatia - 2009 progress report on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - 2009 progress report on Turkey (debate)
Eligibility of housing interventions in favour of marginalised communities (debate)
Presentation of the programme of the Spanish Presidency (continuation of debate)
European Strategy for the Danube Region (debate)
Preventing trafficking in human beings (debate)
Belarus (debate)
Situation in Georgia (debate)
European Microfinance Facility for Employment and Social Inclusion (Progress) (debate)
European Microfinance Facility for Employment and Social Inclusion (Progress) (debate)
Multi-annual programme 2010-2014 regarding the area of freedom, security and justice (Stockholm Programme) (debate)
Use of minority languages within the framework of the European cultural heritage (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance (continuation)
European Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN) - Rules on the confidentiality of Europol information - Implementing rules governing Europol’s relations with partners, including the exchange of personal data and classified information - List of third States and organisations for Europol agreements - Implementing rules for Europol analysis work files - Accreditation of forensic laboratory activities (debate)
The European Ombudsman’s activities (2008) (debate)
Outcome of the European Council on 29 and 30 October 2009 including the mandate and attributions of the President of the European Council and of the High Representative of the Union for the foreign and security policy/Vice-president of the Commission, as well as the structure of the new Commission (continuation of debate)
Third country nationals subject to or exempt from a visa requirement when crossing external borders (debate)
Medium-term financial assistance for Member States’ balances of payments and social conditionality (debate)
New regulations on visas for Western Balkan countries (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia) (debate)
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting
Presentation of the work programme of the Swedish Presidency (debate)
Reports (4)
REPORT on evaluation of justice in relation to criminal justice and the rule of law PDF (176 KB) DOC (84 KB)
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing for the period 2014 to 2020 the Rights and Citizenship Programme PDF (651 KB) DOC (638 KB)
REPORT Report on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a European Microfinance Facility for Employment and Social Inclusion (Progress Microfinance Facility) PDF (304 KB) DOC (436 KB)
REPORT Report on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Decision No 1672/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity - Progress PDF (177 KB) DOC (119 KB)
Shadow reports (7)
REPORT on the draft regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Decision 2005/681/JHA establishing the European Police College (CEPOL) PDF (191 KB) DOC (289 KB)
REPORT on the annual report on the activities of the European Ombudsman 2012 PDF (185 KB) DOC (109 KB)
REPORT on the EU Charter: standard settings for media freedom across the EU PDF (238 KB) DOC (149 KB)
REPORT on Social Business Initiative – Creating a favourable climate for social enterprises, key stakeholders in the social economy and innovation PDF (205 KB) DOC (140 KB)
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Social Fund and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1081/2006 PDF (792 KB) DOC (1 MB)
REPORT on the EU strategy on Roma inclusion PDF (369 KB) DOC (259 KB)
REPORT on the initiative of the Kingdom of Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Spain, the French Republic, the Republic of Hungary, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Slovak Republic, the Republic of Finland, the Kingdom of Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with a view to the adoption of a Council Decision setting up a European Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN) and repealing Decision 2001/427/JHA PDF (168 KB) DOC (82 KB)
Opinions (5)
OPINION on negotiations on the MFF 2014-2020: lessons to be learned and the way forward
OPINION on Rethinking Education: Investing in skills for better socio-economic outcomes
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing the Creative Europe Programme
OPINION EU strategy on Roma inclusion
OPINION Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the citizens’ initiative
Shadow opinions (14)
OPINION on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the accessibility of public sector bodies' websites
OPINION on gender aspects of the European Framework for National Roma Inclusion Strategies
OPINION on Eco-innovation – Jobs and Growth through environmental policy
OPINION on the interim report in the interests of achieving a positive outcome of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020 approval procedure
OPINION on the General Budget of the European Union for the financial year 2013 - all sections
OPINION on the Mandate for the trilogue on the 2013 Draft Budget
OPINION on the Mutual Evaluation Process of the Services Directive
OPINION on the EC 5th Cohesion Report and the Strategy for the post-2013 Cohesion Policy
OPINION on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work for the financial year 2009
OPINION on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions for the financial year 2009
OPINION on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the financial year 2009
OPINION on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Training Foundation for the financial year 2009
OPINION on discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Union general budget for the financial year 2009, Section III - Commission and executive agencies
OPINION on GDP and beyond – measuring progress in a changing world
Written declarations (5)
Amendments (1047)
Amendment 8 #
2014/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
- having regard to the Memorandum of understanding between the Council of Europe and the European Union;
Amendment 9 #
2014/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 b (new)
Citation 7 b (new)
- having regard to the Revised Statute of the European Commission for Democracy through Law;
Amendment 10 #
2014/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
– having regard to the Commission Communication of 2813 November 20123 entitled ‘Annual Growth Survey 20134’ (COM(2012)0753)800),
Amendment 19 #
2014/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the functioning of criminal justice has important repercussions on fundamental rights and furthermore is strongly linked to respect for the rule of law, more so than any other area of justice;
Amendment 29 #
2014/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. Whereas the Council of Europe and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen their cooperation in areas of common interest, in particular the promotion and protection of pluralistic democracy, the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law; to make full use of the specialised bodies such as the Venice Commission; and to develop appropriate forms of co-operation in response to new challenges;
Amendment 34 #
2014/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas any decision on the matter should guarantee, as soon as possible, the proper application of Article 2 TEU and ensure that every decision is taken on the basis of objective criteria and an objective evaluation, in order to address criticisms of a lack of indicators and evaluation criteria, differential treatment and political bias;
Amendment 41 #
2014/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the EU Justice Scoreboard drawn up by the Commission; calls for the justice scoreboard exercise to assessgradually expand its scope to all areas of justice, including criminal justice and all justice- related horizontal issues, such as independence and the career of judges; calls on the Commission to draw from the work already carried out by the bodies of the Council of Europe in this field, as well as that carried out by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights;
Amendment 57 #
2014/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to address Parliament’'s repeated request and propose an effective mechanism for the regular assessment of Member States’ compliance with the fundamental values of the EU, as set out in Article 2 TEU, providing a basis for an early warning toolcrisis situations with appropriate interventions should systematic breaches of the principles of democracy and rule of law occur, and should the appropriate checks and balances fail to function in a Member State; as well as a regular assessment of Member States' compliance with the fundamental values of the EU, as set out in Article 2 TEU, providing a basis for an early warning tool;
Amendment 65 #
2014/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates that any such a mechanism should be applied to all Member States on a uniform and equal footing, and should seek complementarity with the work of other international institutions, such as the Council of Europe and, in particular, its Venice Commission; calls for a role for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights in the assessment;
Amendment 67 #
2014/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls for an increased, institutionalized cooperation between the European Parliament and the Venice Commission, invites the Parliament and the Council of Europe to develop an appropriate mechanism for submitting requests for opinion of particular concern to the Venice Commission and to ensure its participation in the work of the Venice Commission;
Amendment 68 #
2014/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Deems it necessary to strengthen co- operation between the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs of the European Parliament and the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Council of Europe in the forms of regular and ad hoc meetings as well as to appoint focal points on both sides;
Amendment 70 #
2014/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Council and the Member States to assume fully their responsibilities in relation to fundamental rights, as enshrined in the Charter and the relevant articles of the Treaties, in particular Articles 2, 6 and 7 TEU; believes that this is a pre-condition if the EU is to deal effectively with situations where the principles of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights are curbed by Member States; calls for a role for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights in this mechanism, as well as for guidance to be drawn from the existing work of the various bodies of the Council of Europe;
Amendment 8 #
2014/2005(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Further notes, with respect to the home affairs funds, that the ordinary legislative procedure does not provide for the Commission and the Council to negotiate an agreed position between themselves, without involving Parliament, and then to present that position to the Parliament as a fait accompli; points out that if the Commission is unwilling to defend its initial proposal, it should present an amended proposal; recommends that new practical modalities for financial negotiations be put in place, including among others, organisation of early exchange of views among the three Institutions on the role, function and added value of the EU budget;
Amendment 10 #
2014/2005(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that it is imperative that Parliament continue to insist on a results- oriented approach to EU funding, which should not be restricted to the mere quantity of actions carried out but must also involve assessing the quality of those actions; recommends that qualitative indicators against which the success of EU funding is ultimately to be measured be further promoted and included in future JHA funds;
Amendment 11 #
2014/2005(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Commission to ensure a swift implementation of the new funds, a full and efficient use of the available amounts, fair geographic distribution and assistance for underperforming regions;
Amendment 272 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. WelcomesTakes note of Turkey’s decision to grant the Committee on Missing Persons access to a fenced military area in the northern part of Cyprus and encouragescalls on Turkey to allow the Committee tofull access to all relevant archives and military zones for exhumation; calls for special consideration and respect for the work done by the Committee on Missing Persons;
Amendment 32 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that citizens need to be able to make informed decisions about exercising their Treaty rights and should therefore be provided with all the necessary information, focusing not only on abstract rights, but also on practical information about economic, social, administrative, legal and cultural issues; calls on national, regional and local authorities to promote a better understanding of EU citizenship and to explain its practical benefits for individuals;
Amendment 46 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Expects that the new petitions web portal, which will be available at the beginning of 2014, will turn the petitioning process into an appealing, user-friendly instrument, also for people with disabilities; calls on the Commission and the other institutions to properly acknowledge the petitioning process on their websites;
Amendment 55 #
2013/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses that the right of free movement is a fundamental right of the EU citizens; highlights the very positive benefits of the EU migrant workforce to the economy of the Member States; asks the Commission to take action against the Member States who try to limit or stop the free movement of labour;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2173(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas in 2012 the employment rate of people aged 55-64 was less than 50 % in the European Union and in certain Member States it dropped as low as around 30%;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2145(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Council and the Member States, as a matter of urgency, to remedy the shortfall in payment appropriations in respect of the 2013 budget, particularly in relation to those actions funded under Heading 3.
Amendment 5 #
2013/2145(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Is concerned to note that the proposed level of commitment appropriations in the area of asylum and migration represents a reduction in the order of 18.6% compared with 2013, and that the proposed level of payment appropriations in this area represents a reduction of over 50%; fails to understand how such reductions can be justified given the ambitious aims and broad scope of the Union's common asylum and immigration policies;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2145(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Questions the wisdom of establishing a budget line in respect of the smart borders package even though that package has yet to be adopted by the co- legislator; notes that no specific funding has been allocated to that budget line for 2014; calls on the Commission to establish budget lines for such actions only after the co-legislator has approved those actions through the appropriate legislative act;
Amendment 88 #
2013/2145(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 68 a (new)
Paragraph 68 a (new)
68a. Expresses serious concerns about the proposed merger between the European Police College (CEPOL) with the European Police Office (Europol); repeats its severe doubts about the projected savings of this particular merger; calls upon the Commission to propose an alternative solution to maintain CEPOL as an independent agency and present it to the Parliament and the Council in a timely manner; furthermore, calls upon the Commission to prepare for a draft amending budget in case the relocation of the agency becomes necessary;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission Communication on an EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020 (COM(2011)0173) and the European Council Conclusions of 24 June 2011,
Amendment 146 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls for the creation, preferably under an inter-institutional agreement, of a "Copenhagen commission" composed of independent high-level experts on fundamental rights, to be appointed also by the EP, whose aim shall be to ensure compliance by all Member States with the common values enshrined in Article 2 TEU, the continuous compliance with the 'Copenhagen criteria' and advising and reporting in relation to fundamental rights matters, awaiting for the modification of the Regulation of the Fundamental Rights Agency to allow it to have a wider competence to monitor individual member states in the field of fundamental rights, as requested by the EP repeatedly;
Amendment 154 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to propose the announced amendments to the treaties with a view to strengthening fundamental rights and revising Article 7 ofWelcomes the statements made by the President of the Commission and by Vice- President Reding announcing a communication with possible changes to the EU Treaty, drawing on Article 121 of the Treaty on thies, in addition to the options available Functioning ofder the Ecuropean Union, the extension of the possibilities for redress and the powers of the Commission and the Court of Justice, a revision of the unanimity rule for amending the rules of the FRA and the deletion of Article 51 of the Charter; calls, also, for Article 7 of the EU Treaty to be substantially revised, with the addition ofrent Treaties, and calls on its competent Committees to examine the following proposals in detail, with a view to strengthening fundamental rights protection in the EU Treaties: - a revision of Article 7 of the EU Treaty, adding an ‘'application of Article 2 of the EU Treaty’' stage, separating the ‘'risk’' stage from the ‘'violation’' stage, with different thresholds for the majorities provided for, a strengthening of the technical and objective (not only political) analysis, enhanced dialogue with the Member States' institutions and a wider range of detailed and predictable penalties which are applicable throughout the procedure; calls for Parliament to be able to launch these procedures- drawing on Article 121 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to devise a stronger and detailed fundamental rights coordination and supervision mechanism; - the extension of the possibilities for redress and of the powers of the Commission and the Court of Justice; - a reference to the Fundamental Rights Agency in the treaties, including a legal base allowing to amend the Agency's founding regulation not by unanimity as is currently the case but via the ordinary legislative procedure; - the deletion of Article 51 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; - provide for Parliament the possibility to launch procedures on the violation of Article 2 TEU on an equal footing with the Commission and the Council; asksnd for the FRA to be able to contribute its necessary specialised support to the procedure; - review the requirement for unanimity in areas related to the respect, protection and promotion of fundamental rights, for instance in relation to equality and non- discrimination (for instance, Article 19 TFUE); Calls also its competent Committee to clarify the application of, and eventually review, the procedure related to the activation by the EP of Article 7 TEU;
Amendment 162 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Expresses its concern about the instances of violation of human dignity which are still occurring in the Union and in certain Member States, whose victims particularly include minorities, Roma in particular, asylum-seekers, migrants, people suspected of having links with terrorism and people who are deprived of their freedom; stresses that the public authorities must abide by the absolute prohibition on torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, carry out swift, effective, independent in-depth investigations into any breach and prosecute those responsible;
Amendment 185 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the Commission to scale up existing efforts to work with Member States, local authorities, educational institutions, and civil society organizations on awareness raising campaigns to dispel anti-Roma prejudice, and on initiatives that foster inter-cultural dialogue
Amendment 206 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the fact that a growing number of Member States are respecting the right to found a family through marriage, civil partnership or registered cohabitation and adoption, without discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, and calls on the remaining Member States to do the same; welcomes the recent judgment by the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Vallianatos and others v. Greece affirming that same-sex couples must be able to enter into civil unions; calls on the Commission and all Member States to propose and adopt legislation and policies to combat homophobia, transphobia and hate crimes, and welcomes the publication of Opinion No 2/2013 of the FRA on the Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia - with special attention to the rights of victims of crime; calls on the Commission and all Member States to enforce the directive on freedom of movement without discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation; reiterates its calls for the Commission to draw up a European roadmap against homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, and to propose an ambitious regulation on the mutual recognition of the legal effects of civil status documents;
Amendment 212 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Is extremely concerned about the number of suicides among young people falling victims of homophobia; recalls the findings of the FRA's EU LGBT survey which showed that 26% of all respondents had been attacked or threatened with violence at home or elsewhere, a figure which rises to 35% among all transgender respondents, while 19% of respondents felt discriminated against at work or when looking for a job, despite legal protection under EU law; consequently calls on the Commission to use these findings as a basis for a comprehensive European response to the fundamental rights problems of LGBT persons, in the shape of an EU Roadmap for equality on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, as repeatedly called for by Parliament and NGOs;
Amendment 216 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Regrets that legal gender recognition procedures for transgender people still include compulsory sterilisation in 14 Member States; calls on Member States to review these procedures so they fully respect transgender people's right to dignity and bodily integrity; congratulates the Commission for its commitment to work within the World Health Organisation to withdraw gender identity disorders from the list of mental and behavioural disorders and to ensure a non-pathologising reclassification in the negotiations on the 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11);
Amendment 224 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Expresses its concern about the numerous breaches of the right of asylum and of the obligation to extend protection in the event of removal, expulsion and extradition of any migrant; stresses the obligation to comply with international human rights conventions, particularly the Geneva Convention and the principle of non-refoulement, and the obligation to come to the assistance of people at sea who are risking their lives to reach the European Union, and to arrange for reception conditions and procedures which respect their dignity and fundamental rights; welcomes the adoption of the ‘'asylum’' package; deplores, however, the fact that minorschildren can still be placed in detention and calls for them to be systematically excluded from expedited procedures; calls for the establishment of common minimum standards for the reception and protection of unaccompanied minorschildren; welcomes the recent ECJ judgment stating that LGBT applicants for asylum can constitute a particular social group who may be persecuted on account of their sexual orientation and that the existence of a term of imprisonment in the country of origin sanctioning homosexual acts may constitute an act of persecution per se, provided that it is actually applied, while asylum seekers seeking protection from sexual orientation based persecution cannot be expected to "conceal [their] homosexuality in [their] country of origin or exercise restraint in expressing it";
Amendment 230 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Expresses its concern about the numerous forced deportations, evictions and relocations of Roma and denial of their right to a dignified life, their ethnic- profiling by law enforcement authorities and the lack of respect to their rights in cases of persecution, particularly the right to presumption of innocence, unequal treatment before the law, including when judgments are adopted but not effectively implemented, lack or ineffective protection from manifestations of threat or violence based on hate; calls for strengthening efforts in ensuring security and liberty of Roma, including by incorporating this aim in the EU Framework (COM(2011)0173);
Amendment 252 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers that the Union and Member States should step up their measures to promote equality, combat discrimination and protect cultural, religious and linguistic diversity, and their measures relating to gender equality, the rights of the child, the rights of older persons, the integration of people with disabilities and the rights of LGBT persons; reiterates for the umpteenth time its call for the Council to adopt the Directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation; welcomes the FRA Opinion 1/2013 on the situation of equality in the European Union 10 years on from initial implementation of the equality directives in this regard;
Amendment 253 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers that the Union and Member States should step up their measures to promote equality, combat discrimination and protect cultural, religious and linguistic diversity, and their measures relating to gender equality, the rights of the child, the rights of older persons, the integrationrights of peoplersons with disabilities and, the rights of LGBT persons and persons belonging to national minorities; reiterates for the umpteenth time its call for the Council to adopt the Directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation;
Amendment 260 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Expresses its concern on the fact that persons with disabilities continue to face discrimination and exclusion, which hinders their ability to enjoy their fundamental rights on an equal basis with others; calls on EU institutions and EU Member States to continue implementation of the CRPD in their respective fields of competence; notes that the further development of EU law and policy in the area of non-discrimination could play a role in the process of harmonising legislation with the CRPD across the EU, for example in the area of legal capacity.
Amendment 278 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls on the Commission to set up a monitoring mechanism on hate crime against Roma, and to take a strong action in cases of violations of the fundamental rights of Roma in Member States, especially by opening infringement proceedings on violations of the access and exercise of their economic and social rights, of the right to freedom of movement and of residence, of the right to equality and non-discrimination, of the right to the protection of personal data and calls for the prohibition of the creation of registers based on ethnicity and race; calls on the Commission and the Member States to address the lack of birth registration and certificates of Roma residing in the EU;
Amendment 314 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Calls for greater involvement of EU institutions and improved multi- stakeholder dialogue on the challenges older people face in the full application of their human rights;
Amendment 322 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Calls for stronger action to help homeless persons and provide them with shelter and support, condemns laws and policies at national or local level criminalizing those persons, who are more in need, as this amounts to a striking and inhumane violation of fundamental rights,
Amendment 356 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses that the independent, equitable, effective, egalitarian and just administration of justice, within reasonable time limits, is fundamental to democracy and the rule of law and to their credibility; expresses its concern about the numerous breaches which have occurred in this context, as demonstrated by the number of cases in which the European Court of Human Rights has found against States; calls on Member States to fully implement the Court's decisions; stresses that any impunity on grounds of a position of power, force or influence over persons or the judicial or political authorities cannot be tolerated in the European Union;
Amendment 366 #
2013/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Notes the roadmapJustice scoreboard issued by the Commission with regard to civil justice, andthat unfortunately covers only civil justice issues, notwithstanding the fact that the EP had requested it to cover also criminal justice, fundamental rights and the Rule of Law; consequently calls for it to be developed so as also to cover criminal justicethe requested areas; stresses that ithe scoreboard should be incorporated into the new procedure which also extends to democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights and equality,Copenhagen mechanism and in the European policy cycle on the application of Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that poor employability of Roma women caused by boththe low employment rate of Roma women caused among other factors by discriminatory practices and, their low level of education is a key issue, and that, therefore, addressing poor employability is the most important tool in achieving a higher employment rate, in decreasing dependency on social assistance and in, and their geographical segregation (segregated housing conditions, lack of basic infrastructure and affordable transport, and lack of job opportunities) is a key issue, which needs to be addressed in order to reducinge the risk of poverty;
Amendment 8 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to address gender equality in a consistent manner when implementing the EU2020 Strategy and National Reform Programmes, and to give high priority to addressing barriers to women's participation in the labour market;
Amendment 12 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to analyse and eliminate the barriers to Roma women's participation in the labour market, furthermore, to place proper emphasis on women's role in motivating their children and their community members for education and later on for participation in the labour market;
Amendment 14 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Urges Member States to examine the obstacles to self-employment of Roma women, to create programmes to enable accessible, fast and inexpensive registration for Romani women entrepreneurs and to make credits- including micro-credits- accessible for them, accompanied by relevant mentoring and training programs;
Amendment 15 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Calls on Member States to create micro loan systems aimed at small business start-ups, entrepreneurship, where Roma women are the preferred beneficiaries;
Amendment 16 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates that Roma education gaps have an important gender dimension where according to data, the literacy rate of Roma women is on average 68 %, compared to 81 % for Roma men, and where the primary school enrolment rate for Roma girls is just 64 %; which difference can also be detected regarding vocational qualifications;
Amendment 21 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 23 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on Member States to draw up and launch family planning (awareness raising, financial accessibility) programmes to improve the maternal health of Roma women; also calls on Member States to reduce infant mortality, maternal mortality, and early births through early coverage and monitoring of pregnant women and maternity consultations;
Amendment 25 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls on the Commission to implement a gender sensitive perspective in the provision of health services also in order to ensure access to them for girls and women from marginalized Roma communities;
Amendment 26 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Calls on the Commission and Member States to implement systematic training programs on gender sensitivity and cultural specificities for social services and healthcare providers;
Amendment 27 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises that educating Roma girls has a complex impact in improving the lives of Roma people. For example, it is a crucial condition for increasing the employabilityaccess of Roma women to the labour market, providing some income security, and it is essential in overcoming poverty; calls, therefore, on the Member States to ensure more inclusive and effectivaccessible education systems, culturally sensitive teaching methods and the involvement of parents into school life, taking the improvement of jobs skills to match the demands of the labour market as a priority;
Amendment 32 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission to support integrated, gender- sensitive and culturally sensitive education, making education more attractive for marginalized Roma communities;
Amendment 37 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that Roma youth are particularly vulnerable to unemployment, running the risk of being permanently excluded from mainstream society; highlights, therefore, the importance of assuring the possibility of finishing primary and/or secondary education, as well as vocational training at a later stage, which can dramatically increase the employability of Roma youth; calls also on Member States to provide tutoring and mentoring to Roma students at a tertiary level so that an increasing number of Roma students can obtain a diploma;
Amendment 39 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to create a specific educational mentoring and support system through community based education and social services from early childhood until college for Roma youth with specific attention to gender issues;
Amendment 41 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 46 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that increasing efforts in providing access to child-care facilities for reconciliation of family and working life, and to high-quality early childhood education, development and care programmes in rural areas could have a positive impact.
Amendment 53 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on Member States to utilize the ESF to improve both the educational and the employment situation of the Roma, to promote their social inclusion and tackle their persistently high rates of poverty and to pay special attention in the process to Roma women and girls.
Amendment 56 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Calls on the Member States to eliminate the spatial segregation, forced evictions and homelessness faced by Roma men and women, and to set up effective and transparent housing policies.
Amendment 59 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Urges Member States to address the issue of violence against women, domestic violence and sexual exploitation in all its forms and to combat trafficking of human beings, which affect Roma women in large numbers and are often the result of their impoverishment and social exclusion due to their unemployment and lack of education.
Amendment 60 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 d (new)
Paragraph 8 d (new)
8d. Calls on the Commission to take into consideration the Council Conclusions that "Special attention should be paid to the interests and difficulties of Roma women and girls" and calling for a gender perspective to be applied in all Roma inclusion policies and actions.
Amendment 61 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 e (new)
Paragraph 8 e (new)
8e. Calls on the Commission to have a systematic approach to gender equity and the active participation of Roma women as agents of change which currently is absent from the NRIS.
Amendment 62 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 f (new)
Paragraph 8 f (new)
8f. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to include as horizontal objective the capacity building and empowerment of Roma women in all the priority areas of the EU Strategy on Roma Inclusion.
Amendment 63 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 g (new)
Paragraph 8 g (new)
8g. Calls on the Commission and the Members States to have stronger and more effective Roma women involvement in the implementation of the NRIS.
Amendment 64 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 h (new)
Paragraph 8 h (new)
8h. Urges the Member States and EU accession countries to ensure that national strategies will encourage empowerment, capacity-building, and leadership programs for Roma women and girls, who play a particular role in the community building process.
Amendment 65 #
2013/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 i (new)
Paragraph 8 i (new)
8i. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to collect, analyse and publish reliable statistical data disaggregated by gender so as to be able to properly evaluate and update the Strategies as well as to measure the impacts of the Strategies' projects and interventions regarding Roma women.
Amendment 15 #
2013/2051(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that the Ombudsman's continuous effort to enhance and improve openness, transparency and accountability in decision-making processes and administrations in the European Union have made a decisive contribution towards creating a Union in which decisions are taken ‘as openly as possible and as closely as possible to the citizen’, as provided in Article 1 of the Treaty on the European Union; calls on the next European Ombudsman to continue his predecessor's good work towards these important goals;
Amendment 21 #
2013/2051(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that transparency-related complaints have always been at the top of the Ombudsman's complaints list; notes also that such complaints are decreasing from the peak year of 2008, in which 36 % of complainants alleged lack of transparency, to 21.5 % in 2012; considers that this is a sign that the EU institutions have made significant efforts to become more transparent; calls on the EU institutions, agencies and bodies to help bring this number down further by cooperating with and implementing the recommendations of the European Ombudsman;
Amendment 27 #
2013/2051(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Considers that the decrease in the total number of complaints submitted to the Ombudsman in 2012 is further proof of the success of the interactive guide on his website, which is a powerful tool designed to help ensure that fewer citizens complain to the Ombudsman for the wrong reason and to improve the possibilities for advising complainants on where to turn to instead; notices that the trend confirms that an increasing number of people turning to the European Ombudsman are doing so for the right reasons; calls on the Members of the European Parliament and all of the EU's institutions, bodies and agencies to make the guide available through their own websites;
Amendment 29 #
2013/2051(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Recognises the important contribution of the European Network of Ombudsmen; notes that 60 % of the complaints the Ombudsman processed in 2012 fell within the competence of a member of the network; recalls that the Committee on Petitions is a full member of the network; notes that in 2012 the Ombudsman transferred 63 complaints to this committee; congratulates the European Ombudsman on successfully coordinating the network; considers that this is a vital function of the Ombudsman's activities and that cooperation in the network should be deepened in order to improve the national administration of EU law; recommends that the network be expanded to include relevant national bodies; considers that the Ombudsman's participation in European and international Ombudsman associations should be maintained and strengthened;
Amendment 46 #
2013/2051(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Considers that, to strengthen trust in the EU's institutions and increase its credibility, future holders of the post of European Ombudsman must show a similar commitment to independence and impartiality, as laid down in Article 6 of his Statute;
Amendment 49 #
2013/2051(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes the Ombudsman's participation, alongside Parliament's Committee on Petitions, the European Disability Forum, the Commission and the Fundamental Rights Agency, in the EU- level Article 33(2) Framework, which is charged with protecting, promoting and monitoring the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; calls on the Ombudsman to put special emphasis in his work on the needs of the highly vulnerable social groups, including those with disabilities;
Amendment 50 #
2013/2051(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Welcomes the Ombudsman's efforts to safeguard the implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights by the EU's institutions, also through his own- initiative inquiries; foresees another, similar, duty being conferred onto the Ombudsman with the accession of the Union to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, as required by Article 6 of the Treaty on European Union;
Amendment 51 #
2013/2051(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Stresses the importance of the Ombudsman's own-initiative inquiries, which allow him to address issues otherwise not coming to his attention due to the citizen's lack of information or resources to apply him; considers it important to increase visibility of the Office of the European Ombudsman;
Amendment 52 #
2013/2051(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Welcomes the adoption during 2012 of a law establishing an ombudsman institution in Turkey; acknowledges the role of the European Ombudsman's support and advice in this development; is pleased with the fact that all the candidate countries have now established an ombudsman institution at national level; considers that experience shows that the Ombudsman is a highly useful body for the improvement of good administration, the rule of law and defence of human rights and that the Member States that have yet to establish an Ombudsman institution should therefore actively consider doing so; calls on the European Ombudsman to carry on assisting future candidate countries in this process;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2042(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the simplification of procedures and increased accessibility of the European Social Fund, which allows for a better and faster response to the challenges posed by the current economic situation and wider participation of beneficiary organizations in the implementation of investments;
Amendment 29 #
2013/2042(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the necessity of increasing the participation of local and regional authorities and social partners in programming, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Funds, which would guarantee a better link between EU, national and regional strategies;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. In order to create a strong and innovative Europe and to promote social inclusionachieve goals and headline targets the EU committed itself to in the EU2020 strategy, to realize smart, inclusive and green growth, to create a strong and innovative Europe and to promote social inclusion and a higher level of solidarity while also preparing citizens for a successful and fulfilling life, calls on Member States to increase the level of investment into quality education and training to prepareing students for the ever-changing needs of the labour market needs;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on Member States to provide more efficient education, with a focus on active citizenship, providing transversal, skills – helping students solve problems, be flexible and able to adapt to unpredictable situations and work in teams and intercultural settings -, practical entrepreneurial and STEM-related skills, high digital literacy, and efficient foreign languages skills, to tackle mismatches between skills and labour market demand accessible for all;
Amendment 31 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on Member States to safeguard an inclusive and integrated education system with a lifelong learning approach, placing special emphasis on providing equal access to all at all levels, and offering supportive and tailor-made arrangements to meet, and individualized pathways regarding the different needs of students, especially those fromof members of vulnerable social groups, such as the Roma, migrants and, disabled persople - throughout their entry, studies and graduations;
Amendment 41 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that Member States should reduce drop-out rates by launching early childhood education, development and care programmes, providing extra-curricular activities and engaging parents and providing mentoring to disadvantaged students throughout their studies, helping them access the Erasmus programme and internship, thereby meeting the EU2020 headline targets aiming at going below 10%, by launching high quality, early childhood education, development and care programmes, and guarantee equal access for children to them, also by providing a wide range of extra-curricular activities and engaging parents in the educational process; reminds that all these steps are vital to tackle inequalities based on early childhood disadvantages, to prevent the education of disadvantaged students in special, segregated schools, and to stop the reproduction of poverty and social exclusion through generations;
Amendment 50 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls on Member States to provide tutoring, mentoring and networking assistance to disadvantaged students throughout their studies to prevent their drop-out in secondary and tertiary education, and at tertiary level help them access the Erasmus programme and promote their internships in businesses, public administration and the media in order to enable them to have appropriate work experience and a support network for their future job success, and also to integrate their specific views into the institutional culture;
Amendment 53 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Shares the Commission's concerns about the alarmingly low participation levels in adult learning in most Member States with an EU average of 8.9%; recommends expanding accessible, high quality adult learning programmes particularly in the workplace;
Amendment 54 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls onUrges Member States to facilitate transitions between the different educational and training pathways, and assist the transition between education, professional training and employment,; to provide Youth Guarantee, quality traineeships, work-based learning, apprenticeships and dual learning models, and to support gaining and recognize competences based on non- formal and informal learning;
Amendment 67 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls on Member States to find a sustainable solution to the problem of mismatches between the acquired skills and the labour market demand, and solve skills shortages especially in sectors with growth potential, such as ICT, health and care, business services etc.;
Amendment 74 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Calls on Member States to promote vocations and professions requiring STEM-related skills, also for women from an early age, in order to overcome occupation segregation and wage discrimination;
Amendment 79 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the need to prepare teachers to focus on skills and competences, to provide tailor-made teaching methods to learners of vulnerable social groups, get acquainted with different cultures and adapt lessons to the different communication and learning styles ofamiliar to their students, and to focus on learning outcomes rather than educational formalities;
Amendment 86 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. For the purpose of social solidarity and answering demographic challenges, calls on Member States to promote voluntary activities for all ages; urges them to promote trainings required by the care and support sectors, and offer scholarships for people undertaking relevant studies;
Amendment 90 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. For a more successful EU-wide employability, calls on Member States to educate their citizens about EU citizenship rights, civic duties and commitments, and how they can benefit from their right to free movement in the EU;
Amendment 91 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6 c. Stresses the role of the European Social Fund (ESF) in supporting investment in education and training, skills and lifelong learning; therefore, strongly calls for safeguarding the minimum overall share for the ESF as 25% of the budget allocated to cohesion policy;
Amendment 92 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls onUrges the Member States to regularly monitor and evaluate whetherif their education system and programmes have managed to reach out to the members of vulnerable social groups, if they have managed to providesafeguard equal access to inclusive and quality education at all levels, and ifwhether skills resulting fromprovided by their education and training have indeed increased students' employability.
Amendment 97 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls on the Commission to monitor if Member States have taken the necessary steps to reform their education systems in order to achieve the above-mentioned goals.
Amendment 6 #
2013/2017(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Reminds that the primary financial support for policies aiming to tackle unemployment and the persistently high rates of poverty and to promote social inclusion in the EU is provided by the ESF in the next budgetary period; therefore, calls on Member States to use 25% of the budget allocated to cohesion policy for the ESF and utilize 20% of the ESF allocation for the promotion of social inclusion and combating poverty thereby investing into the people of the EU;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2017(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges the Commission to act swiftly to facilitate the implementation of the ESF and of the PSCI to promote supportive active labour market policies and good labour policy mix to improve the transition rates back to employment, especially for the long-term unemployed while benefiting from the synergies of trans- border cooperation;
Amendment 13 #
2013/2017(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to facilitate quick iInsists on prioritising the fight against youth unempleoymentation of in the 2014 budget; Calls for the Youth Employment Initiative and to use the full potential of ‘Your first EURES Job’to be "frontloaded" through utilisation in the first three years of the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework and to use the full potential of ‘Your first EURES Job’ and the targeted mobility schemes under the EURES axis of the PSCI to foster mobility and of the preparatory action ‘Activation measures targeting young people - implementing Youth on the Move initiative’ to put into operation the ‘youth guarantee’ schemes;
Amendment 15 #
2013/2017(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is of the view that the EU budget should support vocational training and professional qualification measures through adequate budgetary allocations for the ESF and the "Erasmus for all" programme; recalls, in this regard, the proposal for a Council Recommendation on establishing a Youth Guarantee ;
Amendment 28 #
2013/2017(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that the 2014 budget should support measures promoting entrepreneurship in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including social entrepreneurship and innovative social enterprises and self-employment, as well as facilitate access to financing through the ‘Microfinance and social entrepreneurship’ axis of PSCI;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2009(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on Member States to protect the rights of women, promote equality and equal opportunities and to combat all forms of exploitation and discrimination in the labour market, such as occupation segregation, wage discrimination, etc.;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2009(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. In order to overcome occupation segregation and wage discrimination, urges Member States to promote vocations and professions requiring scientific, technical, engineering and mathematical skills for women from an early age for better employability and to assist the transition between education, professional training and employment; thus, calls on Member States to provide or further develop quality career and vocational orientation guidance services assisting women in this regard;
Amendment 30 #
2013/2009(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 – indent 2
Paragraph 8 – indent 2
– to pay increased attention to the special needs of women in expatriate communities, with special regard to vulnerable women,
Amendment 5 #
2013/0812(COD)
Draft legislative resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Regrets that the European Parliament was not fully involved in the evaluation of the applications and that only one candidate was presented to the relevant committee, curtailing the European Parliament of its codecision role regarding the selection of the new seat.
Amendment 6 #
2013/0812(COD)
Draft legislative resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the budgetary authorities to ensure that the additional costs relating to the change in the seat of CEPOL will be fully covered and willby the current host country and by additional EU budget and thus will not come to the detriment of the regular budget of CEPOL so as not to jeopardise the normal operational needs of CEPOL.
Amendment 14 #
2013/0812(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) The Treaty obligations of sincere cooperation and in particular the obligations deriving from Article 4 TEU to 'take any appropriate measure to ensure fulfilment of the obligations resulting from the acts of the Institutions of the Union', require the UK Government to ensure a smooth transition of CEPOL to its new location, including by offering logistical and financial support.
Amendment 126 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Title 1
Title 1
Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation and Training (Europol) and repealing Decisions 2009/371/JHA and 2005/681/JHA
Amendment 128 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
Amendment 129 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The ‘Stockholm Programme – An open and secure Europe serving and protecting citizens’30 calls for Europol to evolve and become a ‘hub for information exchange between the law enforcement authorities of the Member States, a service provider and a platform for law enforcement services.’ On the basis of an assessment of Europol's functioning, further enhancement of its operational effectiveness is needed to meet this objective. The Stockholm Programme also sets the aim of creating a genuine European law enforcement culture by setting up European training schemes and exchange programmes for all relevant law enforcement professionals at national and Union level.
Amendment 130 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Large-scale criminal and terrorist networks pose a significant threat to the internal security of the Union and to the safety and livelihood of its citizens. Available threat assessments show that criminal groups are becoming increasingly poly-criminal and cross-border in their activities. National law enforcement authorities therefore need to cooperate more closely with their counterparts in other Member States. In this context, it is necessary to equip Europol to support Member States more in Union-wide crime prevention, analyses and investigations. This has also been confirmed in the evaluations of Decisions 2009/371/JHA and 2005/681/JHA.
Amendment 131 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
Amendment 132 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Decisions 2009/371/JHA and 2005/681/JHA should therefore be repealed and replaced by this regulation, which draws on the lessons learnt from the implementation of both Decisions. Europol as established by this regulation should replace and assume the functions of Europol and CEPOL as established by the two repealed Decisits implementations.
Amendment 136 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
Amendment 142 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) To ensure effective cooperation between Europol and Member States, a national unit should be set up in each Member State. It should be the principal liaison between national law enforcement authorities and training institutes and Europol. To ensure continuous, effective exchange of information between Europol and national units and to facilitate their cooperation, each national unit should second at least one liaison officer to Europol.
Amendment 144 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
Amendment 146 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Commission and the Member States should be represented on the Management Board of Europol to effectively supervise its work. To reflect the dual mandate of the new agency, operational support and training for law enforcement, the fullhe members of the Management Board should be appointed on the basis of their knowledge of law enforcement cooperation, whereas alternate members should be appointed on the basis of their knowledge of training for law enforcement officers. Alternate members should act as full members in the absence of the full member and in any case when training is discussed or decided. The Management Board should be advised by a scientific committee on technical training issues.
Amendment 153 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) Europol should maintain cooperative relations with other Union bodies, and law enforcement authorities and law enforcement training institutes of third countries, international organisations, and private parties to the extent required for the accomplishment of its tasks.
Amendment 155 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) To ensure operational effectiveness, Europol should be able to exchange all information, with the exception of personal data, with other Union bodies, and law enforcement authorities and law enforcement training institutes of third countries, and international organisations to the extent necessary for the performance of its tasks. Since companies, firms, business associations, non-governmental organisations and other private parties hold expertise and data of direct relevance to the prevention and combating of serious crime and terrorism, Europol should also be able to exchange such data with private parties. To prevent and combat cybercrime, as related to network and information security incidents, Europol should, pursuant to Directive [name of adopted 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,31 cooperate and exchange information, with the exception of personal data, with national authorities competent for the security of network and information systems.
Amendment 189 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 57
Recital 57
Amendment 190 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 58
Recital 58
Amendment 191 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 59
Recital 59
(59) Since the objective of this Regulation, namely the establishment of an entity responsible for law-enforcement cooperation and training at Union level, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can, therefore, by reason of the scale and effects of the action, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve that objective.
Amendment 193 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – title
Article 1 – title
Establishment of the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation and Training
Amendment 195 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. A European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation and Training (Europol) is hereby established to improve mutual cooperation among law enforcement authorities in the European Union, to strengthen and support their actions as well as to deliver a coherent European training policy.
Amendment 197 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
2. Europol, as established by this Regulation, shall replace and succeed Europol as established by Decision 2009/371/JHA, and CEPOL as established by Decision 2005/681/JHA.
Amendment 220 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Amendment 230 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point i
Amendment 249 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2
2. Each Member State shall establish or designate a National Unit which shall be the liaison body between Europol and the competent authorities in Member States as well as with training institutes for law enforcement officers. Each Member State shall appoint an official as the head of the National Unit.
Amendment 261 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 5 – point b
Article 7 – paragraph 5 – point b
(b) ensure effective communication and cooperation of all relevant competent authorities of the Member States and training institutes for law enforcement officers within the Member States, with Europol;
Amendment 275 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9
Article 9
Amendment 278 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10
Article 10
Amendment 280 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11
Article 11
Amendment 281 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point c
Amendment 283 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 3
Article 13 – paragraph 3
Amendment 286 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point h
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point h
(h) adopt rules for the prevention and management of conflicts of interest in respect of its members, as well as members of the Scientific Committee for Training;
Amendment 292 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point n
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point n
Amendment 319 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20
Article 20
Amendment 384 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1
Article 29 – paragraph 1
1. In so far as necessary for the performance of its tasks, Europol may establish and maintain cooperative relations with the Union bodies in accordance with the objectives of those bodies, the law enforcement authorities of third countries, law enforcement training institutes of third countries, international organisations and private parties.
Amendment 642 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 57 – paragraph 1
Article 57 – paragraph 1
1. Four Deputy Executive Directors, including one responsible for training, shall assist the Executive Director. The Deputy Executive Director for Training shall be responsible for managing the Europol Academy and its activities shall assist the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall define the tasks of the others.
Amendment 643 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 63 – paragraph 2
Article 63 – paragraph 2
Amendment 646 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 73 – paragraph 1
Article 73 – paragraph 1
1. Europol, as established by this Regulation, shall be the general legal successor in respect of all contracts concluded by, liabilities incumbent on, and properties acquired by Europol, as established by Decision 2009/371/JHA, and CEPOL, as established under Decision 2005/681/JHA.
Amendment 648 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 73 – paragraph 3
Article 73 – paragraph 3
Amendment 649 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 73 – paragraph 4
Article 73 – paragraph 4
Amendment 653 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 74 – paragraph 1
Article 74 – paragraph 1
Amendment 655 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 75 – paragraph 4
Article 75 – paragraph 4
Amendment 656 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 76 – paragraph 1
Article 76 – paragraph 1
Amendment 658 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 77 – paragraph 1
Article 77 – paragraph 1
This Regulation replaces and repeals Decision 2009/371/JHA and Decision 2005/681/JHA.
Amendment 660 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 78 – paragraph 1
Article 78 – paragraph 1
1. All legislative measures implementing the Decisions 2009/371/JHA and Decision 2005/681/JHA are repealed with effect from the date of application of this Regulation.
Amendment 662 #
2013/0091(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 78 – paragraph 2
Article 78 – paragraph 2
2. All non-legislative measures implementing Decision 2009/371/JHA which sets up the European Police Office (Europol) and Decision 2005/681/JHA which sets up CEPOL shall remain in force following the [date of application of this Regulation], unless otherwise decided by the Management Board of Europol in the implementation of this Regulation..
Amendment 12 #
2012/2324(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls on the Member States to improve access to effective and independent justice and non-judicial mechanisms in relation to discrimination in the workplace and recalls that serious shortcomings were also reported by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights in this regard in its report on Access to justice in cases of discrimination in the EU;
Amendment 13 #
2012/2324(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas mediation can provide a cost-effective and quick extra-judicial resolution of disputes, where processes are tailored to the needs of the parties, the agreements reached are more likely to be kept voluntarily and to bring about amicable and sustainable relationships between the parties, and can contribute to resolving cases of discrimination;
Amendment 14 #
2012/2324(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Deems it necessary to regularly assess Member States' compliance with the Directive and any potential anti- discrimination legislation;
Amendment 51 #
2012/2324(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Notes that the European Commission should recommend a dual approach of formal investigation and hearing of complaints with the availability of mediation; stresses the need for a professional training of mediators in order to safeguard the success of mediation;
Amendment 9 #
2012/2301(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Observes that, since the beginning of the crisis, the unemployment rate for women has consistently been higher than that for men, which only adds to the existing challenges women are facing in the labour market, including direct or indirect discrimination, double discrimination of women with disabilities, the existence of the glass ceiling, gender pay-gap, part-time work, precarious working conditions, in- work poverty, high concentration in the informal sector with lower earnings, less social protection and insufficient pensions rightesulting from the afore-mentioned factors; in this respect, asks the Commission to issue a recommendation to the Member States on combating labour market segmentation leading to women's insufficient access to quality employment with decent remuneration;
Amendment 35 #
2012/2301(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Invites Member States to support women's participation in the labour market by measures such as guaranteeing free access to public childcare and care services for dependent persons, increasing resources the required number of childcare facilities with suitable opening hours, safeguarding equal access to public childcare and care services for dependent persons, supporting initiatives of companies to provide in- house childcare services, fostering flexible working hours for mothers through the development of telework, promoting paternity leave, increasing resources for education, and professional qualification programmes;
Amendment 64 #
2012/2301(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Draws the Member States' attention to the need for income-enhancing measures, including the development of minimum income schemes and social assistance programmes for persons having difficulty in meeting their basic needs, in particular persons with children or care responsibilities, and especially single parents.
Amendment 3 #
2012/2294(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
- having regard to the Eurofound report of January 2013 entitled "Greening of industries in the EU: Anticipating and managing the effects on quantity and quality of jobs", and its database of case studies;
Amendment 4 #
2012/2294(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 1 b (new)
Citation 1 b (new)
- having regard to the Eurofound report of 2011 entitled "Industrial relations and sustainability: the role of social partners in the transition towards a green economy";
Amendment 41 #
2012/2294(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. For the sake of better future employability, calls on Member States to provide more efficient education regarding STEM-related skills - also for women - from an early age accompanied by career guidance, quality and paid traineeships and dual learning opportunities in the field of eco- innovation;
Amendment 42 #
2012/2294(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on Member States to reinforce cooperation between universities, research institutions and businesses in order to safeguard the best outcome regarding the education of future experts in the field;
Amendment 43 #
2012/2294(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Urges Member States to enhance cross-border co-operation to ensure the diffusion of technology and best practices across the EU, and thereby increase Europe's competitiveness;
Amendment 44 #
2012/2294(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. In the framework of providing a socially responsible transition towards high-quality green jobs, urges Member States to utilize ESF for programmes for up-skilling, training and retraining employees as soon as possible;
Amendment 45 #
2012/2294(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5e. Urges Member States to provide tax incentives and other financial instruments for businesses, in particular for SMEs, to promote greater private research and development investments;
Amendment 148 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Advocates making priority investment in heat efficiency and in the use of renewables in social housing, as well as integrated projects for sustainable urban development, equal access to housing for marginalised communities and the promotion of social enterprises, eligible for Structural Fund support in the 2014-2020 budgetary period;
Amendment 229 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – indent 1
Paragraph 16 – indent 1
– specific support for good-quality, integrated social housing and emergency housing,
Amendment 241 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – indent 3
Paragraph 16 – indent 3
– steps to address the difficulties commonly encountered by highly vulnerable sections of the population, such as migrants, the Roma, disabled and young people, in seeking access to decent housing,
Amendment 262 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – indent 5 a (new)
Paragraph 16 – indent 5 a (new)
- generating specific programmes and providing assistance for victims of property frauds and developing measures to prevent frauds,
Amendment 284 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Urges the Commission to disseminate best practices of Member States concerning social housing;
Amendment 1 #
2012/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
- having regard to the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing of April 2002,
Amendment 3 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Points out the very different rates of ageing in EU Member States and the significant national, political and cultural differences in perceptions of the demographic challenge and, especially, of ways of facing it; however, states that life expectancy is growing in every Member State;
Amendment 3 #
2012/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 b (new)
Citation 1 b (new)
- having regard to Decision No 940/2011/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 September 2011 on the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations,
Amendment 4 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Reminds that elderly citizens are an asset to our societies, and it is essential to build on their knowledge and experiences in all walks of life and support their independent living as long as possible;
Amendment 5 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. States that elderly people need different forms of support and care; therefore, services and solutions must be always people-oriented and demand- driven;
Amendment 5 #
2012/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 c (new)
Citation 1 c (new)
- having regard to the Strategic Implementation Plan for the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing of 17 November 2011,
Amendment 6 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Points out that working and volunteering opportunities as well as social protection measures are essential to ensure active and healthy ageing;
Amendment 6 #
2012/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 d (new)
Citation 1 d (new)
- having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions on 'Active Ageing: innovation – smart care – better lives' of May 2012,
Amendment 7 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Takes note of theWelcomes the Strategic Implementation Plan of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing, especially its focus on cooperation between public and private stakeholders, the exchange and transfer of good ideas and best practices (e.g. the digitally based ‘Marketplace’ platform), and optimising existing funding instruments;
Amendment 7 #
2012/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 e (new)
Citation 1 e (new)
- having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on 'Horizon2020: Road maps for ageing' of May 20121, __________________ 1 http://eescopinions.eesc.europa.eu/EESC opinionDocument.aspx?identifier=ces\int\ int588\ces1290- 2012_ac.doc&language=EN
Amendment 11 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Welcomes the objective to promote age-friendly environments as an essential tool to support older workers and job- seekers and to promote inclusive societies that offer equal opportunities to all;
Amendment 19 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the need to create the appropriate conditions forenabling people to work longer and to be more productive if they wish or need to do so, also by making workplaces physically accessible, both by improving labour-market flexibility through the introduction of time accounts and part-time possibilities and by making provision for modern forms of employment contract, including temporary ones;
Amendment 23 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Underlines the importance of ensuring health and safety at work; welcomes the recognition of the significance of prevention in the first pillar of the Strategic Implementation Plan; is convinced that prevention also plays a key role at work by improving occupational health and reducing as a consequence the pressure on health and long-term care systems;
Amendment 27 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Stresses the importance of improving working conditions and create age- friendly and enabling environments in order to increase health and autonomy at work, notably for workers with disabilities or chronic conditions; points out that ICT and robots could play a key role in that extent by easing the physical tasks for our ageing workforce; calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote such technologies where adequate;
Amendment 28 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Stresses the importance of better supporting workers with informal care responsibilities; calls for an EU directive on carer's leave to provide an adequate framework in this respect;
Amendment 30 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Points out the necessity of fighting against age-discrimination in employment to ensure that older workers can keep their jobs or have an access to job opportunities;
Amendment 36 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Invites the Commission and the Member States to launch campaigns to improve public perceptions about the contribution and productivity of older workers, notably those with disabilities or chronic conditions;
Amendment 42 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out the essential role of investing more in education and training, with priority for lifelong learning, in order to prepare and maintain an active and productive ageing workforce and to safeguard the social inclusion and financial independency of elderly people;
Amendment 48 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the need of a holistic approach to ageing and of comprehensive development and reforms not only in the field of lifelong learning and the labour market but also in the accessibility to all these, including transportation, infrastructure and buildings;
Amendment 50 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Recalls the needs for older workers to improve the recognition of informal and non-formal education, notably those gained through volunteering and informal care;
Amendment 51 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Believes that intergenerational initiatives at work, such as knowledge transfers, are essential both to ensure the better integration and training of young workers and to offer possibilities for older workers to make other workers benefit from their experience;
Amendment 52 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Believes that adequate transitions from employment to retirement through phased retirement options, part-time work and flexible working hours are essential to ensure active and healthy ageing of older workers;
Amendment 57 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Maintains that further reforms of pension systems are necessary in order to make them sustainable, notably with special attention paid to reducing the gender pay gap in work and consequently in pensions and also calculable for the future generations; more coherence must be established between the effective retirement age, the official retirement age and life expectancy;
Amendment 64 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Is convinced that further reforms of healthcare systems are necessary, especially by investing in health promotion, prevention, screening and early diagnosis and also developing a more affordable, high quality long-term care system;
Amendment 68 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Believes that volunteering and 'old people for old people' initiatives for the ageing population could provide a means of inclusion and a reasonable contribution to the sustainability of long- term care systems at the same time; therefore, encourages development and innovation in this field;
Amendment 71 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Points out that ageing does not only mean challenges but offers possibilities as well, especially innovation opportunities which, on the long run, could contribute to job creation and growing economic welfare in Europe;
Amendment 74 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Calls for the need of paying special attention to the inclusion of ageing people living in remote areas or with multiple disadvantages.
Amendment 75 #
2012/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Urges the Commission to take stock of the European Medicines Agency's work on medicines for older people and to integrate it in order to improve access to safe and adequate medicines for older patients;
Amendment 98 #
2012/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the Commission's approach in regard to active ageing and independent living, more specifically, its comprehensive view on the role and importance of ‘place in ageing’ as the radius or perimeter in which people live their lives increasingly contracts as they age, and as older people tend to prefer living independently for as long as possible while staying active in their community;
Amendment 117 #
2012/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Welcomes the foreseen alignment of EU funding instruments to optimise the impact of funding; supports the Joint Programming Initiative "More Years, Better Life" and the decision to identify "Innovation for healthy living and active ageing" as a priority theme for the Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) wave in 2014-2015 of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT);
Amendment 120 #
2012/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Supports the Commission's approach in regard to age-friendly innovations; however, invites the Commission to ensure that these innovations are end-user- oriented and user-friendly; hence, invites the Commission to develop a methodology through which the current and future needs of older people can be evaluated, sincefurther involve end users in its policies and funding programmes; recalls that features adapted to older people's needs are proven to be generally to the advantage of younger generations as well;
Amendment 128 #
2012/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)
Paragraph 16 c (new)
16c. Welcomes the existing initiatives on accessibility, such as the Access City Awards; calls on the Commission to adopt an ambitious European Accessibility Act to improve the market of accessible goods and services;
Amendment 132 #
2012/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 g (new)
Paragraph 16 g (new)
16g. Welcomes the current initiatives in the field of standardisation, such as the mandates on "Design for All", accessibility of ICT and of the built environment; notes the commitment of the Commission to launch similar initiatives for European standards on eHealth and independent living; calls the Commission and Standardisation bodies to further involve users in these initiatives in order to adequately address their needs;
Amendment 133 #
2012/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 h (new)
Paragraph 16 h (new)
16h. Recalls the need to better involve national, regional and local authorities in the creation of age-friendly environments and innovations; welcomes the Commission's proposal to include active and healthy ageing and innovation as priorities for investment in the cohesion policy package 2014-2020; calls for further initiatives to facilitate exchange of good practices between public authorities; notes that a Covenant of Mayors on Demographic Change would be an appropriate political structure to facilitate and speed up the creation of an age- friendly EU by 2020 and increase the healthy life years expectancy of EU citizens;
Amendment 48 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas retirement systems are a key element of the European social model which ensure a decentquate standard of living for people in old agea dignified life in old age, i.e. in line with the Article 1 of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights;
Amendment 64 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls the gender challenge regarding pensions; emphasises the need to improve gender equality at all ages and address the social impact of the shift from statutory pay-as-you-go to funded schemes and from defined-benefit to defined-contributions pension plans; underlines the urgency to address the poverty risk in particular among women, with no or inadequate access to individual or spousal pension rights, through the provision of a non-contributory income safety net in order to keep these women out of poverty;
Amendment 79 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises the likelihood of a long- term, low-growth economic scenario, which will require Member States to consolidate their budgets and reform their economies under austere conditions; subscribes, therefore, to the view expressed in the Commission's White Paper that people will need to build up complementary occupational and if possible private pension savings; calls on the Member States to ensure adequate old-age income for all through individual rights to pension, and maintain equal access to mandatory state-regulated pensions whether or not supplementary pensions are developed;
Amendment 92 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that first-pillar pensions remain the most important source of income for pensioners and offer the most adequate protection of old-age income, in particular for the most vulnerable groups, such as low-income workers, those with justified gaps in employment careers etc.; calls on Member States to implement reforms to their first-pillar systems aligning contributory years to the changing ratio between pensioners and people in working age, also to prevent public pension costs crowding out other important government spending; calls on the Member States to ensure first-pillar pensions −- if necessary complemented by minimum income provisions −- to provide a decent minimum income;
Amendment 125 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – point ii
Paragraph 4 – point ii
ii. a funded, employment-related, mandatory collective second-pillar pension, preferably governed by (sectoral) social partnnegotiated by social partners whilst governed by independent bodies which are publically accountable and include scheme members;
Amendment 141 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
calls on the Member States to consider introducing such or comparable schemes where they do not yet exist and safeguard that pension savings are well-protected and preserved for future use and do not fall prey to the short-term interests of governments having financial difficulties; calls on the Commission to ensure any existing or future regulation in the field of pensions to be conducive to multi-pillar pension schemes both financially and socially sustainable;
Amendment 145 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 169 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the main thrust of the White Paper that suggests focusing on: ensuring financial sustainability of pension systems in order to deliver adequate retirement incomes and to allow older people's decent living standards and economic independence; balancing time spent in work and retirement; developing complementary occupational and private pension savings, and enhancing the EU's pension monitoring tools in line with the increase in the number of healthy life years and not of the overall life expectancy;
Amendment 207 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Reiterates the call for closely linking pension benefits to years worked and premiums paid (‘actuarial fairness’), to ensure that working more and longer pays off for workers by having a better pension; recommends that the Member States, in consultation with social partners, allow individual workers, on a voluntary basis,put a ban on mandatory retirement ages to enable individuals to choose to continue to working after the statutory retirement age, as extending the period of premiums paid while at the same time shortening the period of benefit eligibility can help workers reduce any pension gaps at a fast pa, to phase their retirement, to work part- time or to stop working when they have reached pensionable age, providing that the labour market for older people is adjusted accordingly i.e. in order to meet specific needs of an ageing workforce;
Amendment 251 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the call in the White Paper for developing funded, complementary occupational pensions and private savings; stresses, however, that the Commission should rather recommend collective mandatory occupational pension savingchemes, as collective (second pillar) pension systems −– usually governed by (sectoral) social partners whilst governed by independent bodies which are publically accountable and include scheme members −– allow for solidarity within and between generations, whereas individual schemes do not; stresses the need to start building up complementary occupational pension systems now, despite the crisis, whilst recognise and address the difficulty of some people to access these schemes;
Amendment 253 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Stresses the need to put in place a common European supervision and regulatory system for financial markets and institutions in view of creating an environment that will enable every Member State to provide adequate protection of supplementary pensions systems and individual savings; stresses the need to develop EU rules for investment practice and prudent management of DC schemes, including life-styling portfolios, minimum return guarantees, protection of pension outcome when pay-out phase falls during economic and financial downturns and equal treatment through gender neutral life annuities;
Amendment 266 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Urges the Member States and social partners to inform citizens properly about their accrued pension entitlements, and to raise their awareness and educate them so that they are able to make well-informed decisions as regards future additional pension savings; also to inform citizens about planned changes to the pension system in time so that they can make an informed and well thought out decision about their pension savings; calls on the Member States to formulate and enforce strict disclosure rules regarding the operating costs and risk and return on investments of pension funds operating within their jurisdiction;
Amendment 2 #
2012/2214(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges the high number of agencies which were created in this policy area but stresses that the creation of every new agency was based on a real need; is convinced that all the agencies in this policy area fulfil a distinct and necessary role providing for European added-value; is of the opinion that any potential mergers between agencies could negatively affect the results delivered by the agencies.
Amendment 7 #
2012/2199(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Commends CEPOL’s efforts to improve its performance without a budget increase, and the results it has achieved; congratulates it, moreover, on responding comprehensively to Parliament’s requirements and to the current budgetary challenges by radically reducing its governing costs;
Amendment 9 #
2012/2199(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Takes note of the comment made by the Court of Auditors that the UK National Policing Improvement Agency whose premises in Bramshill CEPOL is using is due to close at the end of 2012 and that it is unclear whether CEPOL can continue using its current premises; is of the opinion that this issue should be clarified urgentlyfact that CEPOL has received a guarantee from the UK Government that it can remain in its premises in Bramshill until 1 March 2014; calls on the Council speedily to designate a new location for the Agency’s headquarters that will afford it the best possible conditions;
Amendment 10 #
2012/2199(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recalls that CEPOL has made significant progress and the number of participants in training courses and exchange programmes increased significantly over the last years, therefore expresses its support for maintaining CEPOL as an independent agency.
Amendment 11 #
2012/2199(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 1 #
2012/2167(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights the high importance of the chapter 18 02 – Solidarity – External borders, return, visa policy and free movement of people for the security and economy of the Union; cCalls on the Commission to improve its budgetary planning;
Amendment 93 #
2012/2151(INI)
Draft opinion
Section 1 – paragraph 14 a (new)
Section 1 – paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Calls for enhanced surveillance of the rule of law and legal certainty necessary for sound economic development in all Member States through including into the Annual Growth Survey a new mechanism of measuring, comparing and benchmarking of the independence of judiciary;
Amendment 7 #
2012/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that access to finance is crucial for funding business investment, ensuring businesses reach their growth potential, and for facilitating new business start-ups, thereby contributing to future growth and job creation; stresses that, in this respect, access to finance is even more important for young entrepreneurs setting up their businesses and entrepreneurs coming from or employing people with a socially disadvantaged background;
Amendment 18 #
2012/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes support for SMEs and micro- enterprises through initiatives such as PSCI, the Creative Europe Programme, COSME and Horizon 2020, which creates opportunities for employees within the SME and micro-enterprise sector to develop their skills and knowledge base;
Amendment 3 #
2012/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Requests the Commission in line with Art. 30 of the Directive to monitor the independence of the competent regulatory authorities in the Member States; calls on the Commission to review the directive taking into account the changing media environment and the challenges the audiovisual media sector faces, including the attempts of government and business circles to exert influence on the media;
Amendment 12 #
2012/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on the Commission to ask the Member States to implement the rules of accessibility, and follow the situation closely in order to provide an overview of measures taken by the Member States;
Amendment 23 #
2012/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the factors that make Europe attractive include an active approach to employment, the prospect of real integration and the provision of equal access to employment, the prospect of real integration through ensuring antidiscrimination most importantly in the field of education and employment, and success in education and training for students from a migration background in the context of a ‘'welcome culture’' minimising administrative barriers;
Amendment 46 #
2012/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that integration into the labour market and into society requires commitment on both sides, especially in relation to language learning and, familiarity with the law, political systemand respect of the legal and political system, social contributions, customs and usage and patterns of social interaction in the host country;
Amendment 59 #
2012/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls, therefore, for a holistic gender- mainstreaming-type approach to be adopted at local, national and European level; calls for the principle of ‘'integration mainstreaming’' to be introduced, whereby account is taken of integration-related issues in all political, legislative and financial measures; calls on the Commission to set up a cross-departmental integration group to tackle the issues of integration, (labour) migration and integration into the labour market, involving all the relevant directorates- general and, the European External Action Service and the relevant stakeholders;
Amendment 65 #
2012/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 77 #
2012/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for language and integration programmes in the host countries to cover the history, values and principles of European democracy and the rule of law, highlighting the role of women, minority rights and the rights of LGBT people;
Amendment 99 #
2012/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission, in connection with the proposed points system, to consider developing an international platform on EURES for standardised job and skills profiles, in order to facilitate the recruitment of job-seeking migrants and the comparison of their capabilitieskills and qualifications;
Amendment 112 #
2012/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Member States, in spite and because of the constant shortage of skilled workers, not to lose sight ofto promote mobility within the EU and thus to place the recruitment and integration of EU citizens from other Member States in the forefront;
Amendment 137 #
2012/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission and Member States to link refugee and labour market policy as far as possible and to give asylum seekers access to education and the labour market as quickly as possible;
Amendment 138 #
2012/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for Member States to help migrants to be prepared for the domestic labour market right at the start of their period of residence; points in this connection to best practice in the field of integration into the labour market, e.g. mentoring for migrants, integration pilots and ‘'migrants for migrants’';
Amendment 145 #
2012/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Proposes that the Member States should exchange and further develop best practices on promoting diversity at work and also provide financial support to fund such activities, e.g. coaching, support for start-ups, integration programmes, subsidised work, focus groups, diversification plans, individual counselling, language and skills training and anti-discrimination campaigns;
Amendment 156 #
2012/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Recognises the potential of circular (labour) migration for producing a ‘'triple win situation’' in which migrant, guest country and home country all benefit, and calls on the Member States to open the door to and facilitate this type of migration;
Amendment 58 #
2012/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital S
Recital S
S. whereas following the 2010 general elections in Hungary the governing majority gained more than two thirds of the seats in parliament, enabling it to rapidly initiate intense legislative activity to reshape the whole constitutional order of the country (the former Constitution has been amended twelve times and the Fundamental Law four times so far) and thus substantially modify the institutional framework as well as a number of fundamental aspects of publicnot only public but also private life;
Amendment 71 #
2012/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital X
Recital X
X. whereas the adoption of the Fundamental Law of Hungary – which was passed on 18 April 2011, exclusively with the votes of the members of the governing coalition and on the basis of a draft text prepared by the representatives of the governing coalition – was conducted in the exceptionally short time frame of one month after tabling the draft law, thus restricting the possibilities for a thorough and substantial debate with the opposition parties and civil society on the draft text;
Amendment 79 #
2012/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Y
Recital Y
Y. whereas the ‘'national consultation’' on the draft Fundamental Lawconstitution-making only consisted of a list of twelve questions on very specific issues drafted by the governing party in a way that could have lead to self- evident replies and which, above all, did not include the text of the draft Fundamental Law so that the public was not in a position to submit its views thereon;
Amendment 7 #
2012/2098(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Commends the Commission's intention to conduct Eurobarometer surveys on trust in business; advocates that corporate social responsibility (CSR) can fully contribute to restoring lost confidence, as this is absolutely necessary for economic recovery, and it can successfully mitigate the social consequences of the economic crisis;
Amendment 27 #
2012/2098(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Commission to address the issue of misleading marketing related to the environmental and social impacts of the companies' operations in the context of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive;
Amendment 83 #
2012/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Strongly supports the recognition, in the Commission communication, that ‘helping to mitigate the social effects of the current crisis’ is part of the social responsibility of enterprises; calls on businesses to undertake initiatives for youth job creation, with special regard to young people having multiple disadvantages, such as Roma and disabled people, as a practical example of their commitment;
Amendment 101 #
2012/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recognises that business closures and retrenchment are jeopardising some of the gains made through CSR in terms of the employment of marginalised groups in society; calls on the Commission to undertake a major analysis of the social impact of the crisis on such initiatives; requests companies to keep up with these types of initiatives as they can mitigate the negative consequences of the crisis; calls on the Commission and the Member States to reduce administrative burdens and provide incentives for companies undertaking these activities;
Amendment 177 #
2012/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. FWelcomes the introduction of non- financial disclosure requirements by many Member States but reminds that different national disclosure requirements could create additional costs for enterprises operating in more than one Member State; therefore, fully supports the Commission's intention to put forward a legislative proposal on ‘non-financial disclosure’ by businesses; warns that use of the term ‘non-financial’ should not disguise the very real financial consequences for business of social, environmental and human-rights- related impact; calls for an ambitious proposal which places the EU right among the many current international initiatives on mandatory corporate sustainability reporting and squarely within the objective of making Integrated Reporting, as being developed by the IIRC, the global norm by the end of the decade;
Amendment 204 #
2012/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Commends the work being undertaken in some business schools to promote CSR, but recognises that they are only a minority; calls on the High-Level Group to address ways of mainstreaming CSR into management education for all, responsible management and responsible citizenship into management education for all; calls on the Commission to provide further financial support for education and training projects on CSR under the EU Lifelong Learning and Youth in Action Programmes;
Amendment 1 #
2012/2092(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Regrets that only a small increase has been proposed for the Fundamental rights and citizenship programme; calls for an increased budget in order to better promote and protect fundamental rights and fight all forms of discrimination, racism and xenophobia, especially in the context of the growing intolerance experienced in Europe;
Amendment 2 #
2012/2092(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Insists that, as already proposed for the European Refugee Fund, the appropriations of the other funds of the programme ‘Solidarity and management of migration flows’ should also be consistent with the amounts provided for in the financial programming 2007-2013; calls for a balanced share of financial resources for the European Refugee Fund and the European Fund for Integration of third-country nationals; calls for a specific allocation for the development of protection-sensitive border controls that fully respect the fundamental rights of migrants;
Amendment 5 #
2012/2092(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Insists that the Agencies, such as the FRA, EASO and Frontex, should, on the basis of their outputs and results, receive appropriate funding and should be allocated the necessary staff for carrying out their activities;
Amendment 109 #
2012/2068(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Encourages the Commission to support the equal access of minors to safe and high quality digital content in existing programmes, dedicated to young people, education and the digital world;
Amendment 117 #
2012/2068(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights the effectiveness of formal, informal, non-formal and peer education in the diffusion of safe practices and the potential threats (through concrete examples) among minors in using the Internet, social networks, video games and mobile telephones, and encourages ‘European Schoolnet’ to facilitate mentoring among students in this field; stresses the need of informing also parents about safe practices and threats;
Amendment 9 #
2012/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take concrete steps towards a further deepening of the market for services in order to develop its significant jobs potential and to allow workers to benefit from the flexible working conditions specific to many jobs in this sector (with a view, for example, to reconciling work and care duties), while ensuring decent working conditions with respect to, inter alia, pay, health and safety, accessibility, career prospects, social security and lifelong learning;
Amendment 14 #
2012/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission and the Member States, in consultation with the social partners, to develop strategies to set minimum standards in the service sector, including regular contracts, collective bargaining and statutory wage floors, putting special emphasis on the principle of equal pay for equal work and trying to tackle the negative consequences of horizontal and vertical segregation; calls for a special tax and benefits regime for the personal and household service sector in order to regularise the widespread phenomenon of undeclared work and thereby ensure decent working conditions;
Amendment 30 #
2012/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the need for all workers (with particular attention paid to vulnerable groups of people) in the service sector to have access to up-skilling programmes in order to improve the mismatch between skills and work duties;
Amendment 35 #
2012/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that the drastic budget cuts in many Members States are affecting female workers disproportionately and calls on the Commission to undertake an assessment collection of data ofn the impact of austerity measures on women in the labour market, with particular emphasis on the service sector;
Amendment 4 #
2012/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the importance of investing in learning to meet the Europe 2020 targets and to strengthen European competitiveness, and urges Member States to improve access to lifelong learning (LLL) for all (with special attention paid to members of vulnerable groups) despite budgetary consolidation processes;
Amendment 10 #
2012/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that a higher level of skills and knowledge is necessary to reduce unemployment, adjusting training to labour market demands and assisting the transition between education, professional training and employment are necessary to reduce unemployment, to fight against poverty and social exclusion, to facilitate voluntary geographical mobility, to promote professional mobility, and to provide European industry, in particular SMEs, with an adequately educated and trained workforce;
Amendment 23 #
2012/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines the need for educational and vocational guidance accessible for all to help learners, trainees and workers identify the education and training path best suiting their inclinations and interests, and recognises that the anticipation of labour market trends can be very useful for all those involved in order to better target their actions and make informed choices;
Amendment 279 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 – point a (new)
Paragraph 20 – point a (new)
(a) Considers that the mandate of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) should be reviewed to include the necessary competences to regularly monitor the situation of democracy and the rule of law after accession, and be given adequate resources; is of the view that this monitoring activity should in the future also cover the monitoring of the situation in all EU Member States; asks the FRA to publish annual situation reports and present them to the European Parliament;
Amendment 280 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 – point b (new)
Paragraph 20 – point b (new)
(b) Calls on the Commission to activate a monitoring mechanism, akin to the cooperation and verification mechanism introduced in the field of judiciary after the accession of Bulgaria and Romania, in the case the FRA finds in its report serious breaches of democracy and the rule of law in the EU Member States;
Amendment 281 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 – point c (new)
Paragraph 20 – point c (new)
(c) Awaits with great interest the assessments that were to be launched in December 2011 further to Article 30 of the FRA Regulation (n°168/2007); asks the Commission to include the monitoring activities described under point (a) in its proposal for a revision of the Regulation further to Article 31 paragraph 2 of the Regulation;
Amendment 3 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Regrets that the draft budget proposed by the Commission represents only a slight increase in subheading 3a in comparison with 2012; calls for a budget that is more in line with the current multiannual financial framework;
Amendment 6 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Regrets that only a small increase is proposed for the Fundamental rights and citizenship programme; calls for due attention and sufficient resources for the promotion and protection of fundamental rights, the fight against racism, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination, especially in the context of the growing intolerance experienced in Europe as a consequence of the current financial crisis;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the need for recognition in the budget of the dramatic situation facing the young unemployed and the need to relaunch job creation; stresses the need to place special emphasis on young unemployed coming from socially disadvantaged groups; highlights the need to provide for appropriate financing of all employment instruments;
Amendment 9 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Urges also the financial support of programmes creating jobs for those having multiple disadvantages on the labour market, such as long-term unemployed people, disabled people and people coming from a minority background;
Amendment 11 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Takes the view that the 2013 budget should also support the set of concrete measures proposed by the Commission to boost jobs, such as focusing on the demand-side of job creation, setting out ways for Member States to encourage hiring by reducing taxes on labour or giving more support to business start-ups;
Amendment 14 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the budget increase for the four funds under the Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows programme; deeply regrets, however, the fact that the amounts foreseen in the financial programming for 2007-2013 are maintained only for the Refugeeimbalance between the different funds, priority being given to the External Border Fund and the European Return Fund; stresses that a balanced share of financial resources should be allocated to the Refugee Fund and the Integration Fund;
Amendment 15 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the decision to target unallocated European Social Fund aid at reducing youth unemployment and promoting SMEs (and mainly micro- enterprises, as 90% of SMEs are actually micro enterprises); calls for the increased and redirected ESF programming to be taken into account in the 2013 budget in view of the end of the current multiannual financial framework;
Amendment 25 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Amendment 30 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Insists that specific funding should be allocated for the development of protection-sensitive border controls that fully respect the fundamental rights of migrants and comply with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, including in the context of Frontex operations;
Amendment 2 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
- having regard to the proposal of the Commission of 6 October 2011 for a regulation on the European Social Fund and repealing Regulation (COM(2011)607),
Amendment 3 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 b (new)
Citation 9 b (new)
Amendment 16 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas social enterprises provide invaluable support for our citizens most seriously affected by the employment and social consequences of the financial crisis;
Amendment 21 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas social business itself is not recognised by a legal framework at either European or nationalin some Member States and not yet at a European level;
Amendment 25 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the current financial crisis and an ageing population burdendemographic changes challenge social welfare systems, including statutory and voluntary healthcare and pension schemes;
Amendment 31 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the Single Market Act2 and the Europe 2020 strategy – which both aim to establish smart, sustainable growth and to develop more and better jobsand inclusive growth, to improve the quantity and the quality of jobs and to fight poverty – are strongly inter- linked and social business and its innovation potential aim to contribute to them;
Amendment 45 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas many social enterprises face difficulties in funding and expanding their activities;
Amendment 58 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission Communications ‘Social Business Initiative’ and ‘Towards a job-rich recovery’4 with recommendations to national governments on job creation – especially in the fast-growing sector for health and social care (the so-called white sector) and in the green sector – that offer new chances also to social business;
Amendment 66 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recalls that the role of social services is all the more crucial in times of economic recessions as they not only represent a source of job generation but are also a strategic tool for strengthening social cohesion and fighting poverty;
Amendment 68 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 81 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 85 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that activities by volunteers constitute an important contribution to welfare organisations and solidarity, and give many people a meaning in life; asks, therefore, for financial support on local, national and European levelin the social business sector by volunteers including young people starting their careers and bringing their enthusiams and new skills, and elderly people having vast experience and developed skills, constitute an important contribution to welfare organisations and solidarity both within Member States and transnationally, and give many people a meaning in life;
Amendment 116 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the need for young entrepreneurs to engage in social business and explore new forms of social business; calls, therefore, forimportance of measures promoting entrepreneurship and innovative social enterprises, especially with regard to young entrepreneurs in order to ensure better access for young entrepreneurs to Community programmes and funding;
Amendment 132 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Supports the Commission's intention to commission aarry out a comparative study on the situation of mutual societies in all Member States;
Amendment 145 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the adoption of a revised package of EU state-aid rules concerning social and local services; calls on Member States to introduce tax incentives for social enterprises in general and in cases where they employ people from vulnerable groups;
Amendment 157 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to prevent discrimination among social enterprises based on their ownership;
Amendment 161 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 179 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Stresses that the social business sector has specific characteristics that have to be taken into account when designing EU-level measures, i.e. that its employees are predominantly ageing people, women and migrant workers; the sector has low attractiveness because of lower wages, precarious working conditions, the high risk of physical and emotional stress, the threat of early burnout, lack of defined career path, and lack of education and training opportunities;
Amendment 211 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Believes that the ‘EU Programme for Social Change and Innovation for 2014- 2020’, with its Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship axis, will play a very important role in the effort to guarantee better access to micro-credits; welcomes the fact that innovative social enterprises are tol be financed in the framework of this Programme; urges that adequate and long-term funding for social enterprises be ensured with regard to the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014- 2020, in particular with regard to the new Structural Funds;
Amendment 218 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses the importance of ensuring that under the Financial PerspectivesMultiannual Financial Framework for 2014- 2020, the regulations for European funds relevant to social business (such as the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)) will explicitly address social enterprises as an investment priority and support their development;
Amendment 221 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Underlines that access to European funding must be simplified,for social enterprises must be simplified, the burden of administrative work must be decreased and that funding opportunities should be better disseminated through transparent information platforms paying special attention to geographic balance and reaching entrepreneurs working in disadvantaged microregions;
Amendment 230 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls for thorough and comparable data on social enterprises (their number, the field of their activities, their structure), and also a study, initiated by the Commission and carried out in cooperation with social enterprises, of their legal, administrative and financial challenges, and of the various legal frameworks and operating conditions for social enterprises, including certification and labelling systems;
Amendment 232 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Calls on the Commission to ensure the appropriate legal, political and financial environment in order that social services, including care services, can fulfill their missions; recognises a primary role for quality in the public procurement processes and for discouraging Member States from adopting austerity cuts in public expenditure in social and care policies and services;
Amendment 233 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24 b. Calls on the Commission to support the set-up of adequate social dialogue structures, with the participation of employers and employees of the non- profit social sector;
Amendment 234 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Paragraph 24 c (new)
24 c. Calls on the Commission to support the creation of vocational training courses and qualifications for careers in social services and give a formal recognition to the skills of social sector workers;
Amendment 235 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 d (new)
Paragraph 24 d (new)
24 d. Urges the Commission to promote a Charter on professional care givers' rights;
Amendment 236 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 e (new)
Paragraph 24 e (new)
24 e. Underlines the need to allocate structural funds budget to workforce development in the sector;
Amendment 237 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 f (new)
Paragraph 24 f (new)
24 f. Calls on the Commission to include the social sector jobs in the so-called White Jobs of the EU 2020 Strategy;
Amendment 238 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 g (new)
Paragraph 24 g (new)
24 g. Urges the Commission to develop a comprehensive strategy involving Member States aimed at a strategic investment in social sector job creation;
Amendment 239 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 h (new)
Paragraph 24 h (new)
24 h. Urges the Commission to promote a campaign, using ESF resources, with the dual aim of improving the public image of the sector and of recruiting young people; support national, regional and local authorities in setting up sustainable funding schemes for social services and to develop quality frameworks and to develop training and retraining schemes for the workforce;
Amendment 257 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Calls on the Commission to recognize the specificities of the non- profit sector and create a legal framework adapting to their specificities;
Amendment 263 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to support smaller businesses set up by young and/or innovative entrepreneursentrepreneurs and people in a disadvantaged labour market position;
Amendment 280 #
2012/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls for the principles of social business, social entrepreneurship and social responsibility to be included in school curricula with a lifelong learning approach; also calls for Member States to support and promote the education of social entrepreneurs;
Amendment 2 #
2012/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 9 March 2011 on the EU strategy on Roma inclusion12; __________________ 12 Text adopted, P7_TA(2011)0092
Amendment 3 #
2012/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 b (new)
Citation 12 b (new)
Amendment 8 #
2012/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the current economic and financial crisis will have long lasting effects not only on economic growth but also on employment rates, the number of EU citizens stricken by poverty and social exclusion, public savings and the quality of social investments in Europe;
Amendment 15 #
2012/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the majority of recent responses to the crisis were based mainly on short- term goals aimed at restoring stability to public finances, being crucial efforts to defend our economy, not tackling the social consequences of the crisis, and whereas these austerity measures could have negative long-term effects on social situation, employment, growth and competitiveness if not completed with growth- and, employment-friendly and anti- poverty measures;
Amendment 68 #
2012/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – point a
Paragraph 5 – point a
a) help the unemployed to get back to work., however, with the provision of tailor-made solutions, and if proposing mandatory work activity schemes, Member States should make sure that workers have the necessary trainings and skills,
Amendment 80 #
2012/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – point c
Paragraph 5 – point c
c) invest in education and training putting special emphasis on early childhood education, and making sure that tertiary education is accessible for all,
Amendment 94 #
2012/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – point e
Paragraph 5 – point e
e) reform pension systems andtaking into consideration their stability, reliability and sustainability and introducing changes after adequate social dialogue and having provided sufficient information and time to citizens to make well-informed and well thought-over decisions; also create conditions for working longer,
Amendment 101 #
2012/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on Members States and the Commission to take steps to develop a job- friendly environment with supportive labour market policies, such as more effective and better targeted unemployment and social assistance benefit systems linked to employment activation measures, to introduce special training and re-training in order to sustain employability of the long-term unemployed, and to promote up-skilling and on-the-job training with particular emphasis on unemployed young persons and on workers with low skills;
Amendment 118 #
2012/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on Member States and the Commission to take all possible measures to improve education systems at all levels by: putting strong emphasis on early childhood development strategy; creating an inclusive school climate, preventing early-school-leaving; improving secondary education and introducing guidance and counselling, providing better conditions for students successfully to access tertiary education or to gain direct access to the job market; developing instruments aimed at better anticipating future skills needs and at strengthening cooperation between educational institutions, business and employment services; improving recognition of professional qualification as well as developing National Qualifications Frameworks;
Amendment 34 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. According to the UNCRPD, persons with disabilities include those having long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, which - in interaction with various barriers - may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Amendment 39 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – point 8
Article 2 – point 8
(8) ‘'Public sector body’ means the S' refers to the Union institutions in the Member States (e.g. the Commission Representation in the Member States and the European Parliament Information Office for the Member States) and the state, regional or local authorities, bodies governed by public law as defined in Article 1 (9) of Directive 2004/18/EC, and associations formed by one or several such authorities or one or several such bodies governed by public law.
Amendment 41 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – point 8 a (new)
Article 2 – point 8 a (new)
(8a) ‘Web-accessibility’ means user- friendly interaction with respect to all users, especially taking into consideration the concept of communication defined in Article 2 of the UN Convention, which includes languages, display of text, Braille, tactile communication, large print, and accessible multimedia, as well as written, audio, plain-language, human- reader and augmentative and alternative modes, means, and formats of communication, including accessible information and communication technology.
Amendment 46 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) in a consistent and adequate way for users’ perception, operation and understanding, involving persons with disabilities and the elderly, as well as their representative organisations, including adaptability of content presentation and interaction, when necessary, providing an accessible electronic alternative;
Amendment 51 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The websites concerned that meet harmonised standards or parts thereof the references of which have been drawn up and published by the Commission in the Official Journal of the European Union, in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012, shall be presumed to be in conformity with the web-accessibility requirements covered by those standards or parts thereof, set out in Article 3. Moreover, concrete deadlines for the enforcement of standardization tasks shall be set by the Commission.
Amendment 52 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall support appropriate mechanisms for consultations on web- accessibility with relevant stakeholders and organisations representing the interests of people with disabilities and of the elderly, and make public any developments in web- accessibility policy together with the experiences and findings from the implementation of conformity of web- accessibility requirements.
Amendment 53 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall cooperate at Union level with industry, social partners and civil society stakeholders, with facilitation by the Commission, in order to review, for the purpose of the annual reporting referred to in Article 7(4), market and technological developments and progress in web- accessibility and to exchange best practices.
Amendment 55 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall monitor the compliance of the websites concerned with the requirements for web-accessibility on a continuous basis, using the methodology provided for in paragraph 4, including the possibility of monitoring by organizations representing persons with disabilities and the elderly.
Amendment 58 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee. Persons with disabilities, the elderly, and their representative organisations shall be involved in the advisory committee to examine any future specifications in the requirements for web-accessibility. That committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.
Amendment 64 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex 1 – point 3
Annex 1 – point 3
(3) Social-security benefits: unemployment benefits, child allowances, medical costs (reimbursement or direct settlement), student grants., housing benefits, disability benefits, transport benefits, etc.; social services and institutions;
Amendment 66 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex 1 – point 4
Annex 1 – point 4
(4) Personal documents: passports or driving licenseidentity cards, driving license and other documents issued by authorities, as well as documents certifying professional training or skills
Amendment 70 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex 1 – point 7 a (new)
Annex 1 – point 7 a (new)
(7a) Reporting incidents of fire to the authorities
Amendment 71 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex 1 – point 7 b (new)
Annex 1 – point 7 b (new)
(7b) Agencies concerned with fundamental rights (e.g. anti- discrimination bodies, authorities, law courts, ombudsmen, etc.)
Amendment 73 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex 1 – point 8
Annex 1 – point 8
(8) Public libraries, e.g. catalogues and search tools, national museums and galleries
Amendment 76 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex 1 – point 10
Annex 1 – point 10
(10) Enrolment in higher education or university, supported schools and vocational trainings, educational bodies and institutions
Amendment 79 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex 1 – point 12
Annex 1 – point 12
(12) Health-related services: emergency medical care, interactive advice on the availability of services, online services for patients, appointments.
Amendment 80 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex 1 – point 12 a (new)
Annex 1 – point 12 a (new)
(12a) Websites for target audiences with disabilities and the elderly
Amendment 81 #
2012/0340(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex 1 – point 12 b (new)
Annex 1 – point 12 b (new)
(12b) Calls for tenders and proposals for relevant Union funds, national and local grants
Amendment 82 #
Amendment 5 #
2011/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
- having regard to the communication from the Commission of 5 April 2011 on 'An EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020' (COM(2011)0173),
Amendment 6 #
2011/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 b (new)
Citation 12 b (new)
- having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on Regional Development and the Committee on Culture and Education on the EU strategy on Roma inclusion (2010/2276(INI)),
Amendment 10 #
2011/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the social consequences of the crisis are far-reaching, now exacerbated by the impact of austerity measures (mostly cutting back in the field of social protection), cutting jobs, benefits and public services;
Amendment 13 #
2011/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the labour market situation is particularly critical for young people, partly because of the mismatches between the acquired skills and the labour market demand;
Amendment 17 #
2011/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas, due to the crisis has created, the number of unemployed people has risen, the average length of unemployment has increased and unemployment benefits have been cut back, new categories of people at risk of poverty have been created; whereas the Social Protection Committee (SPC) warns of increasing numbers of people at risk of income poverty, child poverty, severe material deprivation and social exclusion because of the impact of fiscal consolidation measures on social protection systems;
Amendment 46 #
2011/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the European Council to endorse the policy guidance to shift the tax burden away from labour, making hiring employees more attractive in order to improve the situation of vulnerable groups, young unemployed (e.g. the Roma), young people, low-skilled workers, people with low incomes and second earners; calls on the European Council to endorse the guidance on increasing revenue through fair, effective and efficient taxation and better tax coordination to combat tax evasion;
Amendment 49 #
2011/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets that policy guidance aimed at making work more attractive does not address the quality of jobs and that too little attention is devoted to putting in place the necessary preconditions for increasing labour participation, notably of women and of the most deprived (e.g. long-term unemployed); calls on the European Council to include guidance on decent work and efforts to support the reconciliation of work, family and private life, by means of affordable childcare provision, family-related leave and flexible working arrangements;
Amendment 55 #
2011/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Warns that austerity measures and reduction of administrative burden should not compromise social protection and health and safety standards;
Amendment 60 #
2011/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the European Council to make tackling youth unemployment a priority and on Member States to develop comprehensive strategies (e.g. tackling the problem of skills mismatches in the labour market and lack of work experience) for young people who are not in employment, education or training; calls on Member States to introduce, in close cooperation with the social partners, a Youth Guarantee, securing the right of every young person in the EU to be offered a job, an apprenticeship, additional training or combined work and training after a maximum period of 4 months' unemployment; stresses the importance of reducing precarious employment among young people;
Amendment 65 #
2011/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the fact that, for the first time, the AGS includes guidance in the field of poverty and social exclusion, and calls on the European Council to endorse this guidance as a priority, while ensuring that combating poverty and social exclusion goes beyond measures aimed at integrating people into the labour market by putting the emphasis on social protection and active inclusion of vulnerable groups (e.g. the Roma) with no or limited links to the labour market;
Amendment 75 #
2011/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on Member States to increase the coverage and effectiveness of public employment services and adopt effective active labour market policies - in close cooperation with social partners - mutually supported by adequate benefit systems in order to maintain employability and help people back to work;
Amendment 101 #
2011/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the EU and Member States to bridge the skills mismatches and shortages by improving the anticipation of skills needs to prepare the workforce for the transition to a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy;
Amendment 7 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Regulation on the European Citizens' Initiative3 entersed into force on 1 April 2012 and whereas Parliament has the responsibility for the organisation of public hearings for successful initiatives which have secured more than one million signatures from a minimum of seven Member States;
Amendment 8 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Committee on Petitions has the duty to constantly review and, where possible, to enhance its role, notably with regard to the development of democratic principles, and whereas in its regular activity the Committee works closely with the Commission acting as the ‘Guardian of the Treaty’ which defines the Commission's role and preventswhose task is to make sure that the EU law both in letter and spirit, its from intervening in matters not covered by EU legislationully respected by the Member States;
Amendment 14 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas European citizens and residents have legitimate expectations that the issues they raise with the Committee on Petitions may find a solution within the legal framework of the European Union, which they look upon to defend their natural environment, health, freedom of movement, dignity and fundamental rights and freedoms;
Amendment 63 #
2011/2317(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Confirms its determination to continue to promote and defend citizens' fundamental rights and freedoms by making use of its political influence regarding such admissible cases as may be raised with the committee, in cooperation with the Commission and the relevant authorities within the Member States of the Union;
Amendment 3 #
2011/2312(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that a territorial approach can be an effective mechanism for promoting development, employment, education and poverty reduction, which are core objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy; stresses that poverty is concentrated mostly on microregional level, and considers that it should be tackled accordingly;
Amendment 13 #
2011/2312(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Believes that an integrated territorial approach for the ESF is vital for implementation of the subsidiarity principle through multilevel governance and underlines the importance of ensuring adequate capacity at local and regional level, regional and microregional level both in urban and in rural settings;
Amendment 22 #
2011/2312(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that there are considerable employment and social disparities both between andthe regions, and on the microregional level within the regions; believes that programmes have to be tailored to regional and sub-regional needs and considers that the ESF has to continue supporting the development of local approaches in the field of employment and social inclusion;
Amendment 34 #
2011/2312(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers it important that partnership contracts and operational programmes provide a comprehensive analysis of the disparities and development needs of territories and integrated strategies involving relevant funds (such as ERDF) to address the specific needs of those geographical areas most affected by unemployment and poverty or of target groups at highest risk of discrimination or social exclusion, with special regard to marginalised communities, such as the Roma in several Member States;
Amendment 2 #
2011/2294(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 a (new)
Citation 18 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 9 March 2011 on the EU strategy on Roma inclusion1,
Amendment 3 #
2011/2294(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19 a (new)
Citation 19 a (new)
Amendment 31 #
2011/2294(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on higher education institutions to integrate lifelong learning into their curricula and adapt to a student base that includes adults and elderly people, non- traditional learners and full-time students who have to work while studying;
Amendment 92 #
2011/2294(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Reiterates that higher education has the potential to promote social inclusion and upward social mobility but only if inequalities and exclusion are tackled as early as possible and if access to quality early childhood education and an inclusive and supportive school climate are guaranteed for all children; calls on Member States and higher education institutions to widen access for students from all social backgrounds and to recognise multiculturalism and multilingualism as a fundamental value of the EU that needs to be fostered;
Amendment 1 #
2011/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that volunteering involves citizens in local and cross-border development and therefore plays a role in fostering solidarity, active citizenship and inter- cultural learning, thereby strengthening cohesion and participative democracy;
Amendment 12 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas volunteering is an informal learning experience suitable for persons of all ages; whereas it offers benefits in terms of personal development, strengthening of civic values, social solidarity and European identity, intercultural learning and professional opportunities, as well as contributing to the aims of the European Union's (EU) policies on social inclusion, employment, education, development of skills and citizenship;
Amendment 16 #
2011/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that volunteering contributes to social inclusion, social innovation, solidarity as well as fighting poverty while helping to achieve economic and social cohesion;
Amendment 19 #
2011/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Highlights that volunteering - in a broader sense - improves the understanding between generations, increases people's tolerance, is a means for volunteers to acquire new skills, contributes to learning-mobility and inter- cultural learning, while it also creates human and social capital;
Amendment 27 #
2011/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that - although it is an important resource in our economy and society - volunteering shouldmust not be a substitute forconsidered as an alternative to regular, paid work;
Amendment 28 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Member States to assess the need for a clear legal framework for volunteers and to draw up national strategies to promote the growth of national and cross-border volunteering activities;
Amendment 34 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Asks the national, regional and local authorities and the EU to pay particular attention to disadvantaged young people and young people with fewer opportunities (especially people living with disabilities), so that they may participate in volunteering activities and, to that end, benefit from adequate educational and financial support;
Amendment 40 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates the need to make volunteering accessible to immigrants and the Roma people too, as an essential element in encouraghelping their integration and social inclusion;
Amendment 41 #
2011/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to make the European Skills Passport a reality as soon as possible; stresses that recognition of competences and skills gained through volunteering as non-formal and informal learning and work experience is essential;
Amendment 44 #
2011/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Asks the Commission to ensure that adequate funding is provided for programmes to support cross-border volunteeringvolunteering activities within Member States and across borders;
Amendment 58 #
2011/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on Member States to ensure legal certainty for volunteers so that different regimes in different Member States do not constitute barriers to cross-border volunteering and also to ensure better provision of information to volunteers in connection with their rights and the regulatory and institutional arrangements pertaining in the various Member States; calls on the Commission to assist the process of dismantling existing barriers;
Amendment 62 #
2011/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission to encourage Member States to adopt the ILO Manual on the Measurement of Volunteer Work in order to ensure robust comparable data which can help improve monitoring and policy-making.
Amendment 67 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Encourages the Member States to adopt the volunteering measurement method developed by the John Hopkins University and approved by the International Labour Organisation with a view to making available comparable longitudinal statistics and providing a clear picture of the significant contribution made by voluntary work and the changes in it;
Amendment 43 #
2011/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the need to take measures to promote professional and occupationalcareer development under conditions of genuine gender equality;
Amendment 64 #
2011/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that legislative and non- legislative measures are needed at the various levels in order to overcome the wage gap, horizontal and vertical exclusion and stereotyping of occupations and sectors as being typically the realm of women; deplores the fact that women with multiple disadvantages (disabled women, and women with minority or immigrant background) are even more affected by pay gap;
Amendment 111 #
2011/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13 – point a
Paragraph 13 – point a
(a) specific measures to make it possible to reconcile work, training and further vocational education and training, or re-training with family and private life,
Amendment 116 #
2011/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13 – point b
Paragraph 13 – point b
(b) appropriate fiscal and social security policies, including measures such as providing childcare facilities and flexible working conditions making it possible for women to reconciliate work and caring responsibilities,
Amendment 130 #
2011/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13 – point e a (new)
Paragraph 13 – point e a (new)
(ea) a list of examples for overcoming gender and pay discriminations,
Amendment 131 #
2011/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13 – point e b (new)
Paragraph 13 – point e b (new)
(eb) information and guidelines on practical solutions of redressing pay gap,
Amendment 132 #
2011/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13 – point e c (new)
Paragraph 13 – point e c (new)
(ec) developing transparent and neutral work evaluation systems for assessing whether job descriptions and pay criteria are ensuring non-discrimination,
Amendment 2 #
2011/2284(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the protection of critical information infrastructure requires an interdisciplinary approach that needs to include the important aspects of civil liberties, justice and home affairs, namely enhancing security while respecting fundamental rights;
Amendment 7 #
2011/2284(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes the view that any large-scale database handling sensitive personal data, such as those of the EU, Member State governments and financial and healthcare institutions, should be considered to be part of the critical information infrastructure and the protection of such data should be ensured according to the highest possible standards;
Amendment 15 #
2011/2284(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises the importance of strong cooperation between the public and the private sectors, as the different strengths of the sectors should contribute, through mutual complementation, to the efforts made to protect the infrastructure and thus the lives and privacy of European citizens;
Amendment 5 #
2011/2246(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that free and independent media are one of the foundations of democracy and the rule of law; notes the decisive role of free and independent media and the free exchange of information in supporting and strengthening already functioning democracies, as well as in the democratic transformations taking place in non- democratic regimes; calls on the Commission to abide by the principles of media freedom in Member States, closely monitor them in accession countries and support the independent media whose activities are restricted byere there are authoritarian regimes;
Amendment 9 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7
Citation 7
– having regard to its resolutions of 20 November 2002 on media concentration2 , of 4 September 2003 on the situation as regards fundamental rights in the European Union (2002)3 , of 4 September 2003 on Television without Frontiers4 , of 6 September 2005 on the application of Articles 4 and 5 of Directive 89/552/EEC (‘Television without Frontiers’), as amended by Directive 97/36/EC, for the period 2001-20025 , of 22 April 2004 on the risks of violation, in the EU and especially in Italy, of freedom of expression and information (Article 11(2) of the Charter of Fundamental6 , of 25 September 2008 on concentration and pluralism in the media in the European Union7 , of 25 November 2010 on public service broadcasting in the digital era: the future of the dual system, and of 10 March 2011 on media law in Hungary8 ,
Amendment 10 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
– having regard to the European Initiative for Media Pluralism which has been registered by the European Commission and which aims at protecting media pluralism through partial harmonisation of national rules on media ownership and transparency, conflicts of interest with political office and independence of media supervisory authorities,
Amendment 13 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 b (new)
Citation 7 b (new)
– having regard to the Protocol on the system of public broadcasting in the Member States annexed to the TEU,
Amendment 28 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas citizens' fundamental rights to freedom of expression and information can be guaranteed only through media freedom and pluralism, whereby journalists and the media can exercise their right and duty to inform citizens on events and decisions of public interest, and where every member of the society has a right to express her or his views in a democratic and peaceful way;
Amendment 35 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas NGOs, associations monitoring media freedom, the Council of Europe and OSCE, as well as EP studies and resolutions, have reported on and warned against the threats posed to the free and independent media by governments, including in the European Union11 ;
Amendment 42 #
2011/2246(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes the dynamic changes in the media world that are redefining the arena of information exchange; draws attention towelcomes the fact that the development of the Internet is opening possibilities for unrestricted, individual expression by citizens of EU Member States and other countries; draws attention to the fact that all this does not reduce governments’ responsibility to guarantee the conditions for free and independent media to operate;
Amendment 43 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas this approach was unfortunately discontinued by the Commission, as neither the Communication, nor the public consultation were ever launched;
Amendment 45 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas Member States have a duty to protect freedom of opinion, expression, information and the media, as these principles are also guaranteed in their constitutions and laws, and also to provide citizens with fair and equal access to different sources of information and thus to differing viewpoints and opinions; whereas, should these freedoms be placed at serious risk or violated in a Member State, the European Union must intervene on the basis oftimely and effectively on the basis of its competencies enshrined in the Treaties and ofin the Charter to protect the European democratic and pluralistic order and fundamental rights;
Amendment 51 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas concerns arise in relation to the challenges facingand pressure facing the media and public service broadcasters especially in terms of editorial independence, staff recruitment, pluralism, neutrality and quality of information, access and funding, caused by undue political and financial interference, as well as the economic crisis;
Amendment 56 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas the private media are faced with growing domestic but also cross- border concentration, with media conglomerates distributing their products in different countries, rising intra-EU media investments, and non-European investors and media exerting an increasing influence in Europe leading to the monopolization of information and undermining the pluralism of opinions;
Amendment 76 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls for the devising ofMember States to devise procedures and mechanisms for the selection and appointment of media heads, management boards, media councils and regulatory bodies that are transparent, based on merit and indisputable experience and that ensure professionalism, integrity, independence, consensus across the political and social spectrum and continuity, instead of political or partisan criteria in the framework of a spoil system linked to the results of elections or the will of those in power; calls on the Member States to establish guarantees to provide the independence of media councils and regulatory bodies from the political influence of the government, the parliamentary majority or any other group of the society;
Amendment 91 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls the important role of the public service media, funded by citizens through the State, and their institutional duties to provide high quality and accurate and reliable information; underlines the necessity to guarantee the professional independence of national news agencies; calls to ban the application of means and methods that could lead to the creation of news monopolies; stresses that the private media have similar duties in relation to information, notably of institutional and political nature, in particular on the occasion of elections, referenda, etc;
Amendment 98 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recalls the specific and distinctive role of public service media, as stated in the Amsterdam Protocol on the system of public broadcasting in the Member States, which is directly related to the democratic, social and cultural needs of each society and to the need to preserve media pluralism;
Amendment 102 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Highlights the worrying tendency in several Member States to apply undue budget cuts or to scale down the activity of public service media, which reduces their ability to fulfil their mission; urges Member States to counter this trend and ensure their stable and sustainable funding;
Amendment 105 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Recalls the importance of adapting the scope of the regulation to the specific nature of each media; underlines the importance of setting up self-regulatory bodies of the media, such as complaints commissions and ombudspersons; calls on the Commission to monitor if any legislation adopted in the Member States could lead to undermining the freedom of media and to allowing any kind of government interference in the media;
Amendment 109 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that media ownership and management should be transparent and not concentrated; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure competition so as to address and prevent dominant positions and guarantee the access of new entrants on the market; calls on the Commission to make the impact assessment of every legislative act in the field of competition on the situation of the media; calls for rules to ensure that conflicts of interest are properly addressed and resolved; highlightcondemns that advertising and sponsoring may cause interference with the editorial line of media; calls on the Commission to monitor and on the Members States to guarantee that the state and state companies do not influence the freedom of information and expression and the pluralism of media through their advertising policies;
Amendment 129 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines the importance of ensuring the independence of journalists, both from internal pressures from editors or owners and externally from political or economic lobbies or other interest group, for instance by agreeing with media owners on codes of conduct for editorial independence, and externally from political or economic lobbies or other interest groups; draws attention to the risks of self-censorship as a result of various forms of threats and pressures on journalists; highlights the fact that the right of access to documents and information is fundamental and calls for the full protection of the confidentiality of sources principle and for the strict application of the European Court of Human Rights case-law in this area, including in relation to whistle-blowing and to protecting the right of journalists to freely choose the way of expressing their views; calls for journalists to be protected from threats and violence, as investigative journalists are often threatened as a result of their activities; highlights the need to support and promote investigative journalism also by involving European funds and to promote ethical journalism in the media by developing professional standards and appropriate redress procedures and by investment in professional training;
Amendment 145 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the need to draw upfor rules in relation to political information in the whole audiovisual media sector in order to guarantee fair access to different political competitors, opinions and viewpoints, in particular on the occasion of elections and referenda, with a view to ensuring that citizens can form their opinions without undue influence from one dominant opinion-forming power;
Amendment 149 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Highlights that in an increasingly digital environment, public service media play an essential role in ensuring that citizens are able to access information online and form their opinion from a variety of sources;
Amendment 158 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines the importance of monitoring media freedom in Europe and reporting on a yearly basis on the matter, on the basis of the detailed standards developed by the Council of Europe and the OSCE and of the risk-based analytical approach and indicators developed by the independent study drawn up for the Commission, in liaison with NGOs, stakeholders and experts; underlines the importance of making these common European standards known for the wider public; believes that the Commission, the Fundamental Rights Agency and/or the EUI Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom must carry out this task;
Amendment 170 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission to institutionalise EU-level cooperation and coordination on the media, for instance by establishing a European regulators' group for audiovisual media services, and to harmonise the status of the national regulatory authorities provided for in Articles 29 and 30 ofby amending the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), in order to ensuringe that they are independent, impartial and, transparent as regards their decision-making processes, the exercise of their powers and the monitoring process,nd act with complete independence in exercising the duties and powers entrusted to them; and that they have appropriate sanctioning powers to ensure that their decisions are implemented; calls on the Commission to monitor that the media regulatory authorities respect the requirement of necessity and proportionality while imposing sanctions;
Amendment 188 #
2011/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls the Commission and the Member States to ensure transparency in media ownership and to ascertainmonitor whether public funds are used efficiently and transparently by Member States in relation to the public service media;
Amendment 1 #
2011/2230(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Is concerned that even thoughAcknowledges that the Court of Auditors has been able to obtain reasonable assurances that the annual accounts of the European Police College (the College) for the financial year ended 31 December 2010 are, in all material aspects, reliablelegal and regular; 1a. Notes, with concern, the Court of Auditors' observed thatation that - as a result of the planning of the former College management - more than EUR 1 600 000, equivalent to 48 % of the appropriations carried over from 2009, had to be cancelled in 2010 and that this situation is at odds with the budgetary principle of annuality;
Amendment 2 #
2011/2230(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Draws attention to the fact that even though the Court of Auditors considered the transactions underlying the College's annual accounts to be legal and regular, it also highlighted that, in respect of expenditure for organising courses and seminars, there was, at that time, a lack of rigour in the College process for approving cost claims related to such activities, particularly concerning the completeness of supporting evidence; notes that in the reply from the College, mandatory requirements to submit a fully signed list of participants when submitting financial reports and cost claims were established by Decision 11/2011/GB of the Governing Board of the College of 10 March 2011;
Amendment 3 #
2011/2230(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Takes note that, in accordance with Decision 11/2011/GB of the Governing Board of the College of 10 March 2011, the rules on reimbursements for the activities of the College have been revised to a large extent and that different ismeasures for the strict implementation of the financial regulations and a rigorously disciplined approach concerning eligible costs, including those on the mandatory reporting, have been clarified;
Amendment 4 #
2011/2230(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Deplores the fact that before the adoption of Decision 34/2010/GB of the Governing Board of the College on 29 September 2010, the cut-off dates for reimbursement of costs were not enforced, so that there was no substantial improvement in adhering to these cut-off dates; recalls that exceeding cut-off dates is one of the main factors hindering sound financial management; takes note of the fact that, in accordance with Decision 34/2010/GB, these cut-off dates are now enforced and no reimbursement will take place of claims received takes place after the cut-off date; asks the College to keep the discharge authority informed of the continued implementation of that Decision;
Amendment 9 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes that citizens can enjoy their rights fully only if the fundamental values and principles of the European Union, such as the rule of law, democratic checks and balances, the independence of judiciary, freedom of the media and the lack of discrimination are respected;
Amendment 26 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the right of EU citizens to receive objective and reliable news from independent media, as laid down in Article 11 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights;
Amendment 28 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recalls that citizens' rights shall be applied without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender;
Amendment 34 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recalls that every citizen of the Union has the right to move and reside freely in another member state and this right should be fully granted; calls on the Commission and the Member States to abolish existing discriminatory barriers to the free movement of all citizens;
Amendment 40 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Notes that xenophobia, racism and hate speech are great threats to the fundamental and citizens' rights of the persons concerned and calls for enforceable measures in all Member States;
Amendment 45 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points to the importance of improving language skills through the teaching of at least two foreign languages from a very early age, as recommended by the Barcelona European Council of 15-16 March 2002, so that EU citizens can truly exercise their rights throughout the Union; stresses the need to step up EU efforts in this area and also to place special emphasis on providing equal access to language learning for all the children in order to fight against their future poverty and social exclusion.
Amendment 61 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Highlights that extreme poverty as well as social exclusion limits full access to fundamental and citizens' rights; and therefore due attention is needed in this respect;
Amendment 15 #
2011/2181(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that corporate governance should, among other things, facilitate relations with employees, who contribute to, and are dependent on, their company’s success and performance, and is disappointed that this aspect was completely ignored in the Green Paper; is of the opinion that corporate governance should put more emphasis on the proactive protection of employees’ physical and psychological health to the extent that they concern organisational effectiveness, as well as ethical, moral, legal, and financial aspects of responsibility for human resources;
Amendment 38 #
2011/2181(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for greater gender diversity in company boards, as gender diverse boards benefit from different backgrounds and experience, and show greater affinity to shareholders, employees and customers; stresses, however, that besides quotas and targets, diversity policies (contributing to work-life balance, etc.) and in-house career guidance are also needed;
Amendment 7 #
2011/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the goal of the Bologna Process – to enable compatible systems of higher education in Europe – is still valid and the strengthening of the process – e.g. through a dialogue between the different levels of the educational system in order to develop curricula to be built on each preliminary levels – is serving the goals of growth based on knowledge and innovation within the Europe 2020 strategy, particularly in the current economic crisis;
Amendment 8 #
2011/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the success of the Bologna Process is strongly dependent on the preliminary levels of the educational system, i.e. whether or not it is able to tackle inequalities based on early childhood disadvantages and to provide equal access to quality education also for children living with different disabilities;
Amendment 24 #
2011/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas mobility must be available to all and is the cornerstone of the higher education reform; whereas, however, accessibility for all must also be kept in mind throughout the process;
Amendment 29 #
2011/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the social dimension – e.g. the supportive measures for vulnerable groups – must be strengthened as a necessary condition for the development of the Bologna Process;
Amendment 33 #
2011/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas universities, public administrations and enterprises must be strongly committed to the issue of employability – i.e. based on the regional dialogues of the respective stakeholders education and training should be adapted to the demands of the labour market;
Amendment 68 #
2011/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for the development of an effective, bottom-up approach, fully involving all key actors such as universities, trade unions, professional organisations, research institutions, the business sector and, first and foremost, teachers and students;
Amendment 139 #
2011/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Asks for further support for national and European measures to guarantee equitable inclusion and fair access for students from under-represented groups, which must include inter alia all the supportive arrangements with regards to the different needs of the members of the respective groups – concerning their entry, studies, and graduation – in order to reduce the drop-out rate;
Amendment 197 #
2011/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the Member States and the EU to provide updated and comparable data – inter alia on the proportionate representation of vulnerable groups – on the basis of which to monitor the implementation of the EHEA;
Amendment 7 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2
Citation 2
– whereas the democratic changes in North Africa were brought about by people living in societies with unequal wealth distribution and, high unemployment and insufficient social security,
Amendment 8 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers it essential that the EU fulfil, through its revised neighbourhood policy, the aspirations of those who fought for democracy and human rights, including the right to mobility; and provides further support in the democratisation process, in particular promoting fundamental rights, the rule of law, independence of judiciary, free and fair elections and the freedom of expression;
Amendment 12 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Affirms that the EU programmes for young people have had a great impact on enhancing educational opportunities for youth; appeals to the Member States, therefore, to enable studentsa diverse group of students, including women and members of minority groups, from ENP countries to have access to education in Europe;
Amendment 16 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) should focus on economic and social reforms with employment and social protection at the centre and labour standards as pre- requisites for financial support;
Amendment 22 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that ENP should tackle urgent labour-market issues and should help provide long-term responses to labour market challenges, such as supply- demand mismatches, informal employment and gender imbalances with the expertise and collaboration of the EU and the international organisations that deal with reforming labour markets and developing social policies;
Amendment 30 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the importance of job creation and the need to provide access to new jobs for women and members of vulnerable social groups as well, but recalls the need to cope effectively with illegal migration of the jobless;
Amendment 40 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the EEAS to support the efforts of civil society, free media and non- governmental organisations to introduce a democratic system and the rule of law in all those countries of the ENP where fundamental freedoms and human, human and minority rights are being violated; recognises with concern the process of restriction of freedom of speech and harassment of opposition in, for example, Belarus several countries of the ENP.
Amendment 43 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to favour the channelling of EUprovide adequate funds tofor projects aimed at protecting migrants' rights, ensuring fair reception conditions and educating on human rights issues;
Amendment 46 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that momentum is critical for developing a social culture, and insists on the empowerment of people and, communities and the civil society, and on strengthening social dialogue;
Amendment 52 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Urges the Commission to promote fully independent social partners through financial and technical support, training, creation of networks and capacity-building measures;
Amendment 65 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Requires the Commission to effectively monitor the results of its actions and financing, and build the monitoring results into its future actions.
Amendment 8 #
2011/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises that work-related accidents are more frequent amongst certain categories of workers than others – e.g. young, older and, migrant workers, and those with precarious joblong-term unemployed returning to the labour market, and those with precarious jobs; stresses that special attention should be paid to the situation of vulnerable workers, including people taking part in mandatory work activity schemes without previous trainings and necessary skills; calls therefore on the Commission and Member States to adopt specific measures for these target groups;
Amendment 127 #
2011/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Believes that all workers, including those in the public and also in the private sector, should be covered by risk-prevention arrangements, and special attention should be paid to the situation of vulnerable workers, including people having to take part in mandatory work activity schemes without previous trainings and necessary skills;
Amendment 186 #
2011/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses that migrants19 , the young, old, women of child-bearing age, the disabled and low-skilled workers, members of ethnic minorities, low-skilled workers and the long-term unemployed returning to the labour market are particularly at-risk categories20 ; believes that prior to the employment of these workers special preliminary training is needed;
Amendment 192 #
2011/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Believes that un-skilled and long- term unemployed workers shall not be employed without the necessary preliminary trainings regarding occupational health and safety risks;
Amendment 19 #
2011/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes that 65% of the inquiries opened by the ombudsman in 2010 concerned the European Commission (219 inquiries); expresses its concern about the strong increase from 56% in 2009 (191 inquiries), and repeatedly asks the Commissioner, especially the Commissioner responsible for inter-institutional relations and administration, to take steps to improve the present situation significantly and as soon as possible;
Amendment 20 #
2011/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Takes note of the Ombudsman’s concerns about the relatively high number of unsatisfactory replies by the European Commission to his critical remarks (10 out of 32 replies); shares the Ombudsman’s view that there is still major work to be done in persuading officials that a defensive approach to the Ombudsman represents a missed opportunity for their institutions and risks damaging the image of the Union as a whole; calls for the radical improvement of the answering process including reducing the time taken by generating responses (especially in time-sensitive cases), and producing solution-oriented and not defensive answers; stresses that European citizens have a right to good administration under the Charter of Fundamental Rights;
Amendment 4 #
2011/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission communication on "An EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020" (COM(2011)173),
Amendment 5 #
2011/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 b (new)
Citation 15 b (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 9 March 2011 on the EU strategy on Roma inclusion1, ________ 1 P7_TA-PROV(2011)0092
Amendment 23 #
2011/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas ESL is a fundamental contributing factor to unemployment, poverty and social exclusion in later life,
Amendment 38 #
2011/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Urges the Member States not to reduce the upper age limit of compulsory education, as the education of children is the best means to fight against their future poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 47 #
2011/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. States that equality of opportunities in education for individuals of all backgrounds is vital in creating an equal and inclusive society;
Amendment 48 #
2011/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Advocates flexible, needs-based forms of learning at schools and the need for an inclusive school climate and stresses that this challenge must be addressed in particularas early as possible in the form of early childhood education, and should be continued by primary schools and in the early years of secondary schooling; takes the view that teaching staff should be qualified for this purpose;
Amendment 51 #
2011/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for a personalised and inclusive approach to education which includes targeted support where necessaryilor-made services assigned to schools;
Amendment 65 #
2011/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Encourages a more hands-on learning approach, and suggests that efficient early- warning mechanisms and follow-up procedures be put in place to prevent problems from escalating; points out that, in order to achieve this, two-way communication and closer cooperation between schools and parents are crucial with the involvement of school mediators if needed;
Amendment 68 #
2011/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that pupils’ personal situations, e.g. their gender, low level of education in the familsocial disadvantage or low level of education of their parents, their minority or a migrant background, and their own learning difficulties (e.g. dislexia, disgraphia and discalculia) must be taken into account, and that these pupils must be given targeted encouragement and educational assistance adapted to their specific needs from the outset; stresses that Roma children and children with no identity papers must be enabled to attend school;
Amendment 90 #
2011/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Suggests that other redistributive measures be introduced, such as the provision of free school meals and school books for disadvantaged groups, but also stresses the need to provide accessible transportation to schools in order to reduce the impact of social inequality and to minimise ESL;
Amendment 96 #
2011/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Emphasises the crucial importance of state schooling systems of the highest quality; urges the Member States not to reduce the upper age limit of compulsory education, as the education of children is the best means to fight against their future unemployment, poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 118 #
2011/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Encourages Member States to invest in qualified and well-trained staff for both preschoolearly childhood education and compulsory education; suggests that teaching assistants be employed in schools to work with struggling pupils and to assist classroom teachers in their work;
Amendment 138 #
2011/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Highlights the importance of appropriate group sizes and a stimulating and inclusive learning environment for young people;
Amendment 9 #
2011/2085(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2a (new)
Paragraph 2a (new)
2a. In order to bring an effective and well- functioning Single Market in the field of services into being, calls the Commission to pay careful attention to the regular check and evaluation of the workings of the Points of Single Contact in Member States, which have a key role in providing services with necessary information in an up-to-date and user-friendly manner;
Amendment 14 #
2011/2085(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3a (new)
Paragraph 3a (new)
Amendment 16 #
2011/2085(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4a (new)
Paragraph 4a (new)
4a. In order to safeguard the prevention of damage to consumers and workers, urges the Commission to place special emphasis on checking Member States' practice concerning providing public information to consumers on providers who are exercising their activities in an unlawful manner;
Amendment 17 #
2011/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that Europe 2020 and the European Semester as a framework for strengthened economic and social governance have a potential to help reinforce a common approach to the challenges, the responses and the assessment of the employment and social situation in the Member States with a view of implementing the common objectives; deplores, however, the failure to involve European Parliament in this process during the first European Semester;
Amendment 28 #
2011/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Council and the Commission, when providing policy guidance to Member States, to assess comprehensively whether the proposed measures to combat poverty and social exclusion, and to implement employment headline targets, are in line with the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, and to respect the principles of subsidiarity and social dialogue in the field of wages and pensions as well and, in keeping with Article 153(5) TFEU, to respect the competences of the Member States and social partners in these areas;
Amendment 2 #
2011/2069(INI)
Draft opinion
Section 1 – paragraph 1
Section 1 – paragraph 1
1. Believes that the expectations of many European citizens and residents addressing EU institutions to denounce violations and calling for the protection of fundamental rights and European values enshrined in the Charter and in the Treaties are often dashed as a result of the restrictive interpretation of EU powers and roles in the field of fundamental rights by some EU institutionsthe Commission and the Council, and underlines that this creates a risk for the credibility of the EU, the Commission as ‘guardian of the Treaties’ and the EU legal order based on the Treaties and the Charter as a whole2 ;
Amendment 6 #
2011/2069(INI)
Draft opinion
Section 1 – paragraph 2
Section 1 – paragraph 2
2. Reaffirms, in this context, that the EU and its institutions have a duty to respect, guarantee, protect and promote the fundamental rights of European citizens in the EU, on the basis of the Charter and of Articles 2, 7 and 9-12 TFEU, notably in cases where these rights are not effectively and appropriately guaranteed at national level; recalls that Article 51 of the Charter should not be used to minimise the importance of the Charter and of its application, and underlines that this article does not abrogate the role and powers that EU institutions have in relation to the protection of European fundamental principles and values of democracy, rule of law, citizenship and equality;
Amendment 11 #
2011/2069(INI)
Draft opinion
Section 1 – paragraph 3
Section 1 – paragraph 3
3. Recalls the role and the responsibility of Parliament towards European citizens generally, and in particular through the petitions process, established by the Treaty, which creates an obligation to seek non- judicial remedies on behalf of petitioners, where appropriate and based upon the facts of each case, in order to assist citizens in the exercise of their fundamental rights, and to ensure that the values and principles contained in the Charter and the Treaties are properly applied in the European Union and in each and every Member State;
Amendment 25 #
2011/2069(INI)
Draft opinion
Section 1 – paragraph 6
Section 1 – paragraph 6
6. Deplores instances of discrimination against minorities, and calls on the Council to act effectively and responsibly to uphold the values of the Union in relation to Member States who fail to fully respect their Treaty obligations on such issues, and calls for stronger EU legislation, policies and actions on racism, discrimination of gypsies, xenophobia and, homophobia, violence and hatred against any minority group;
Amendment 29 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas respecting and promoting these values is an essential element of the European Union identity and a condition to becoming an EU member and to fully preserving the member prerogatives;
Amendment 29 #
2011/2069(INI)
Draft opinion
Section 1 – paragraph 7
Section 1 – paragraph 7
7. Draws attention to the restrictions on the freedom of the media in Member States regularly reflected in many petitions received, and calls on the Commission to task the Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) with a monitoring role in this field an; welcomes the drafting of the own initiative report by the European Parliament on setting standards for media freedom across the EU which could lead to a review of the EU legislation in order to ensure that common standards for media pluralism and media freedom are applied;
Amendment 35 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the EU's hitherto fragmentary approach to human rights has led to calls for a coherent EU human rights policy; whereas no mechanism bringing together the various fundamental rights actors within the EU structure currently exists;
Amendment 38 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas citizens can enjoy their rights fully only if the fundamental values and principles, such as the rule of law, the independence of judiciary, freedom of the media and non-discrimination are respected;
Amendment 40 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas the gap between fundamental rights and their implementation undermines the credibility of the EU as well as of its Member States and the effective respect for and promotion of human rights, within its territory and throughout the world;
Amendment 40 #
2011/2069(INI)
Draft opinion
Section 1 – paragraph 13 a (new)
Section 1 – paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Considers the mandate of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency should be reviewed to include the necessary competences to regularly monitor the situation of democracy and the rule of law in the Member States on the basis of Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, and be given adequate resources; in the future, this monitoring activity should also cover the monitoring of the situation in all Member States of the European Union; asks the FRA to publish annual situation reports and present them to the European Parliament;
Amendment 41 #
2011/2069(INI)
Draft opinion
Section 1 – paragraph 13 b (new)
Section 1 – paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Awaits with great interest the assessment of the FRA that was launched in December 2011 under Article 30 of the FRA Regulation1; asks the Commission to include the monitoring activities described under a) in its proposal for a revision of the Regulation further to Article 31 paragraph 2 of the Regulation; 1 168/2007/EC establishing a European Agency of Fundamental Rights.
Amendment 45 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas together with Article 2 TEU, Article 7 TEU grants the EU institutions the power to assess whether there is a breach of the common values such as respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law in the Member States, to politically engage with the countries concerned to prevent and redress violations;
Amendment 50 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the effective protection and the promotion of fundamental rights calls on the Member States to accept, in a spirit of solidarity and of sincere cooperation with the other Member States, the EU scrutiny of the respect of EU values in legislation policies and practices,
Amendment 69 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Commission to ensure that its annual report on the implementation of the Charter adopts a more balanced and self-critical analysis, to include not only positive developments but also analysis of where it could strengthen its approach in the future;
Amendment 74 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls on the Commission and the Council to ensure that a sufficient level of funding is ensured in funding programmes dedicated to fundamental rights and anti-discrimination during the coming Multiannual Financial Framework;
Amendment 95 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Urges national parliaments to enhance their role in human rights scrutiny of EU activities and national implementation of EU law and invites them to hold periodic meetings focused on the strategies to be developed to implement the Charter and the jurisprudence of the EU Courts;
Amendment 107 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Notes that participation in international treaties for the protection and promotion of human rights can only serve to strengthen the protection of fundamental rights within the EU and welcomes the fact that the EU has joined the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and will join the ECHR; calls on the Council and Commission to take steps towards becoming party to other international human rights treaties, such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child;
Amendment 115 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Regrets the weak reaction of the Commission to specific violations of fundamental rights and weakening of democratic checks and balances and the rule of law in Member States and calls on the Commission to ensure that infringement proceedings secure the effective protection of human rights, rather than aiming for negotiated settlements with Member States;
Amendment 117 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Considers that, in order to maintain the credibility of the accession conditions, Member States should also be regularly assessed for their continued compliance with the EU's fundamental values and the fulfilment of their commitments concerning the functioning of democratic institutions and the rule of law;
Amendment 128 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses that the mandate of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights should be enhanced to include regular monitoring of Member States' compliance with Article 2 TEU, publishing annual reports on the findings and presenting them in the European Parliament;
Amendment 130 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Calls for a closer cooperation between Union institutions and other international bodies particularly with the Council of Europe and its European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) to make use of its expertise in upholding the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law and to make their recommendations enforceable;
Amendment 132 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)
Paragraph 9 c (new)
9c. Calls for the setting-up of appropriate National Human Rights Institutions in all Member States and for measures facilitating the networking of these bodies across the EU with the support of the FRA; invites the EU institutions and the Member States to develop the capacity and guarantee the independence of Equality Bodies and Data Protection Bodies, of NHRIs and of FRA as human rights litigants;
Amendment 133 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 d (new)
Paragraph 9 d (new)
9d. Regrets the worsening situation of media freedom in various Member States; calls on the Member States to respect and the Commission to take appropriate actions to monitor and enforce the freedom of media and media pluralism; welcomes the initiative of the European Parliament to draft a report on standard settings for media freedom across EU;
Amendment 141 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Points to shortcomings in the current mandate of the FRA, notably the limited number of comparative evaluation between Member States and the lack of assessments of the whole human rights, rule of law and democracy landscape of Member States;
Amendment 146 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Considers that the FRA scientific committee should be composed of former members of the European and national constitutional Courts, appointed by designation, as follows: a third by the EP, a third by the Council and a third by the Commission; considers that it should play an independent and neutral role in the interest of the EU institutions, as is done by the Council of Europe Venice Commission;
Amendment 156 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls on Member States to collect disaggregated data for all grounds of discrimination, as well as to develop fundamental rights indicators in cooperation with the FRA, in order to ensure properly informed and targeted legislation and policies, particularly in the field of non-discrimination and in the context of national Roma integration strategies;
Amendment 160 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Deplores the fact that not all Member States have properly transposed the Council Framework Decision on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law; calls on Member States to prosecute xenophobia, racism, anti- gypsyism, and other forms of violence and hatred against any minority groups, including hate speech;
Amendment 162 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Calls on the Commission to propose a recast of the Framework Decision to include other forms of bias-motivated crime, including on grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression;
Amendment 164 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 d (new)
Paragraph 14 d (new)
14d. Calls on the Member States to ensure that bias-motivated offences, such as of racist, xenophobic, anti-Semitic, islamophobic, homophobic or transphobic intent are punishable within the criminal law system, and that these crimes are investigated effectively, prosecuted and punished, that victims are offered proper assistance, protection and compensation, and that such offences are properly registered;
Amendment 171 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses that the principles of human dignity and equality before the law are foundations of democratic society; deems incomprehensibleregrettable and contrary to the spirit and the letter of the Treaty the current blockage of Council negotiations on the Commission's proposal for a horizontal directive extending comprehensive protection against discrimination on all grounds, including religion or belief, disability, age or, sexual orientation, or gender identity and urges efforts to ensure adoption as soon as possible; calls on the Member States which are currently blocking the negotiations to make public their arguments so that EU citizens can better understand why no progress is made;
Amendment 200 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls on Member States to address racial and ethnic discrimination in employment, housing, education, health, access to goods and services;
Amendment 202 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Regrets that citizens of Roma origin are subjected to collective expulsion procedures by Member States and deplores the weak reaction of the Commission in certain cases;
Amendment 217 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Calls on the Member States to eliminate spatial segregation, forced evictions and homelessness faced by the Roma setting up effective and transparent housing policies and to avoid criminalisation of homelessness;
Amendment 224 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Calls on the Member States to address the high levels of unemployment among the Roma by removing barriers to accessing employment;
Amendment 230 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Calls on the Member States to reform their national educational systems in order to address the needs of Roma children and to dismantle segregated educational arrangements;
Amendment 234 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 d (new)
Paragraph 20 d (new)
20d. Reiterates its call for a targeted approach to the social inclusion of Roma women in order to avoid multiple discrimination and ethnic segregation;
Amendment 238 #
Amendment 271 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Welcomes the Commission proposals on jurisdiction and applicable law for the property effects of marriages and registered partnerships; considers however that the choice of two different instruments and of a separate approach for registered partnerships and marriages are unjustified; considers that the same choices of jurisdiction and applicable law should apply in both cases;
Amendment 278 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Calls on the Commission to come up with a proposal for the full mutual recognition of the effects of all civil status documents across the EU, including marriages and registered partnerships, in order to reduce discriminatory legal and administrative barriers for citizens who exercise their right to free movement;
Amendment 281 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26b. Calls on the Commission to use the results of this survey to prepare an EU Roadmap for equality on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, with a view to adoption by 2014;
Amendment 283 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)
Paragraph 26 c (new)
26c. Calls on Member States to ensure the effective protection of participants in LGBT public events, including pride marches, and to ensure these events can take place lawfully;
Amendment 294 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6
Subheading 6
The youth, elderly and disabled peoplepersons with disabilities
Amendment 308 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Calls on all the Member States to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and its Optional Protocol and to ensure that all national action plans are in line with the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 and aim at improving accessibility, employment, inclusive education and training, as well as independent living for people with disabilities;
Amendment 311 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30b. Calls on the EU and on the Member States to improve access to employment and training of persons with disabilities, including persons with psycho-social disabilities, using existing EU funds;
Amendment 315 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 c (new)
Paragraph 30 c (new)
30c. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that EU funding for internal and external actions is not used to create barriers or to generate discrimination against persons with disabilities and to put in place adequate measures in the adoption of new funding programmes to prevent this;
Amendment 326 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Is concerned about the existing trends of undermining the independence of data protection authorities and welcomes the Commission vigilance; calls on Member States to comply with existing provisions and the relevant case-law;
Amendment 376 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Stresses the importance of an community-based evaluation and monitoring mechanism to verify the application of the Schengen acquis in line with fundamental rights principles;
Amendment 379 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Calls on all EU institutions to effectively address challenges such as the removal of children from the custody of one or both parents, missing children, sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, protection of unaccompanied migrant children and the situation of institutionalised disabled childrenchildren with disabilities;
Amendment 412 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43a. Urges Member States to restructure their court systems, review the level of court fees, reform the legal aid system and to provide alternative dispute settlement mechanisms so as to facilitate equal access to justice to the maximum extent possible;
Amendment 446 #
2011/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 a (new)
Paragraph 45 a (new)
45a. Calls on the EU and the Member States to increase public awareness of the Citizens’ Initiative, a tool for direct democracy aiming at enhancing the Union’s democratic functioning;
Amendment 9 #
2011/2067(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that the measures proposed in the Commission communication will require strong policy coordination; therefore urges Member States, and particularly their relevant ministries, to become more closely involved in the process of early identification of skills needs; strongly believes that when education and training programmes are being designed effethe active communication between employinvolvement of social partners and education institutions, using specific mechanisms, is essential;
Amendment 30 #
2011/2067(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas chronically high unemployment rates represent an unacceptable loss of human capital, which is the most important asset of Europe,
Amendment 33 #
2011/2067(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas workers with from vulnerable groups (e.g. low-skilled, youndgergraduate education and older, disabled people, as well as workers with minority and migrant background) are at major risk of loss ofing their employment and of having serious difficulties in finding a job,
Amendment 123 #
2011/2067(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that national flexicurity arrangements must be maintained, strengthened and adapted to the new socio- economic contexts of each individual Member State, in accordance with its specific needs, in order to ensure a flexible and active labour market, efficient training and secure social security systems; warns against one-size- fits-all solutions;
Amendment 187 #
2011/2067(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Encourages Member States to integrate ICT competences, digital literacy and transversal key competences such as communication in foreign languages, as well as entrepreneurship and intercultural learning and skills, into their vocational training and lifelong learning policies;
Amendment 279 #
2011/2067(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes that flexicurity policies are put at the centre of the Agenda, and shares the Commission's assessment that the crisis has put national flexicurity arrangements to a serious test; stresses, however, the need to pursue labour market reforms without undermining successful flexicurity policies based on the consensus and the mutual trust between the national governments and the social partners;
Amendment 292 #
2011/2067(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses, however, that flexicurity alone cannot remedy the crisis and calls on the Commission, Member States and the social partners to pay special attention to workers from disadvantagedvulnerable groups, such as youngmigrants, young and older people, low- skilled workers and, workers with disabilitiesphysical and psycho-social disabilities and with a minority background;
Amendment 300 #
2011/2067(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Believes that, under the new momentum of social and economic changes, the four components of flexicurity – flexible and reliable contractual arrangements, active labour market policies, lifelong learning, and modern social security systems – and the balance between them should be reviewed and reinforced; considers the strengthening of labour market institutions essential throughout this process, to ensure that workers benefit from transitions between jobs, occupations, sectors or employment statuses;
Amendment 317 #
2011/2067(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Emphasises in this context the importance of reducing segmentation and improving labour market inclusion in order to increase disadvantaged groups'- by adopting targeted approaches - in order to increase vulnerable groups' (such as low- skilled, long-term unemployed, younger and older people, as well as people with minority or migrant background or with physical and psycho-social disabilities) opportunities to enter and make progress in the labour market;
Amendment 323 #
2011/2067(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses the importance of mainstreaming the rights of persons with physical and psycho-social disabilities in the implementation of the Agenda, as well as in all aspects of the Europe 2020 strategy;
Amendment 5 #
2011/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Advises the Commission and the Member States to make a greater effort to reduce school drop-out rates, also for disabled peoplepaying special attention to children coming from socially disadvantaged families or having serious health problems or disabilities, in addition to promoting the integration of education and work;
Amendment 12 #
2011/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
– having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on 'An EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020' (COM(2011) 173),
Amendment 17 #
2011/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 25 b (new)
Citation 25 b (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 9 March 2011 on the EU strategy on Roma inclusion ( 2010/2276(INI),x __________________ x Texts adopted, P7_TA-PROV (2011)0092
Amendment 18 #
2011/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for education, including sport and education in the arts, to be provided from the pre-school age and equally accessible to children regardless of their place of residence or their families' financial and social status, to prevent poverty from being passed on from one generation to the next;
Amendment 27 #
2011/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for an intercultural, multilingual approach to be endorsed, to facilitate the educational and formative integration of ethnic minorities and migrants;
Amendment O #
2011/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Rrecommends that the Member States introduce or further develop measures designed to help people with disabilities find jobs with private companiedevelop new measures designed to help vulnerable and socially excluded groups, especially people with disabilities, find jobs with enterprises, including social economy enterprises, or public bodies, so as to promote inclusion, not least in those regions that are economically weakest and socially more vulnerable, and recommends that they implement existing legislation, such as the 2000 Employment Directive; recommends that the Member States safeguard that people with disabilities participate in education from their early childhood by lifting existing barriers and assisting them; recommends that the Member States promote access to barrier-free environments for public bodies, so as to promote inclusioneople with disabilities and pay particular attention to the situation of early childhood education and care in order to prevent instances of children with disabilities dropping out irreversibly and hopelessly at an early stage; calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up exchanges of best practices and to introduce multifaceted measures for the integration of the disabled into the job market;
Amendment OO #
2011/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas a significant proportion of European Roma are marginalised and living in deplorable socio-economic conditions, and are often subject to serious discrimination and segregation in all fields of life, as are other marginalized communities,
Amendment T #
2011/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. AdvocatesRecommends the Member States to adopt a proactive decent housing policy in order to ensure universal access to decent, affordable housingquality housing at affordable prices or on preferential terms of purchase, and to prevent the loss thereof, with guaranteed access to services essential to health and safety, the lack of such housing being a serious affront to dignity, along with a proactive energy policy that steps up the use of renewable energies and boosts energy efficiency in order to combat energy poverty; calls for more attention to be paid to housing for migrants, who are often exploited and forced to live in sub- standard housing; recalls Protocol 26 annexed to the Treaty of Lisbon on social housing and calls for the provisions contained therein to be respected, in particular on the Member States’ freedom to organise social housing, including the question of financing; encourages the Member States to implement special housing programmes and opportunities for homeless people, in view of guaranteeing the most basic standards of living for the most vulnerable in society;
Amendment U #
2011/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls for Roma people, and the organisations that represent and work with them, to be actively involved in the elaboration and implementation of the national Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020, so as to contribute to achieving the EU poverty target; calls on the European Union and the Member States to establish the European strategy to promote Roma inclusion as soon as possible, and calls on the Member States to propose, by the end of this year, measures to promote the inclusion of Roma in accordance with the European framework for coordinating national Roma inclusion strategies presented by the Commission in April 2011; stresses that, as with the fight against poverty and social exclusion, the inclusion and integration of the Roma will require greater effort to achieve, by 2020, their full inclusion and an end to the numerous forms of discrimination to which they are subject; 16a. calls for other marginalised communities such as immigrants to be involved in all EU or Member State policies relating to their social inclusion;
Amendment V #
2011/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for the fight against child poverty to focus on prevention through the provision of equal access to high-quality early childhood serviceseducation and care services, in order to prevent children from starting school life with multiple disadvantages, and to other provisions for children (activity centres during the school period and holidays, etc., extracurricular, cultural, sports activities, etc.), ensuring that the network of such services and centres covers all areas adequately; calls for financial support for proven services and the systematic integration of family-support policies in all relevant areas of activity, combining a universal approach with targeted measures for the most vulnerable families, in particular the families of handicapped children, single-parent families and large families; calls for the relationship between parents and children to be given particular attention in programmes to combat poverty and social exclusion in order to prevent children being placed in care as a consequence of severe poverty;
Amendment 131 #
2011/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas a significant proportion of European Roma are marginalised and living in deplorable socio-economic conditions, and are often subject to serious discrimination and segregation in all fields of life,
Amendment 257 #
2011/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recommends that the Member States introduce or further develop measures designed to helpsafeguard that people with disabilities findparticipate in education from their early childhood by lifting existing barriers and to assist them in finding jobs win the private companies or public bodiessector, so as to promote inclusion;
Amendment 326 #
2011/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Advocates a proactive housing policy in order to ensure universal access to decent, affordable housing, and to prevent the loss thereof, along with a proactive energy policy that steps up the use of renewable energies and boosts energy efficiency, which should be actively supported with European funds in a European economy which aspires to be smart and sustainable;
Amendment 330 #
2011/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Advocates a proactive housing policy in order to ensure universal access to decent, affordable housing, along with a proactive energy policy that steps up the use of renewable energies and boosts energy efficiency, thereby easing energy poverty;
Amendment 346 #
2011/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls for Roma to be involved in all EU or Member State policies relating to their social inclusion and anti-discrimination;
Amendment 351 #
2011/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for the fight against child poverty to focus on prevention through the provision of equal access to early childhood services (e.g. daycare services), ensuring that the network of such services covers all areas adequatelytypes of settlements in all geographic areas adequately, in order to make the participation of women having children in the labour market possible; also stresses the need of providing equal access to children to early childhood education in order to prevent them from starting school life with multiple disadvantages;
Amendment 46 #
2011/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas single-parent households are more vulnerable to the risk of poverty and the reproduction of poverty than dual- parents households; whereas, according to the most recent data available in 2006, 32 % of single-parent households in the EU- 25 were at risk of poverty as against 12 % of couples with children,
Amendment 9 #
2011/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that public procurement is a key market based instrument which plays a role in fostering sustainable employment and working conditions; calls for the special employment needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged social groups to be addressed in the framework of public procurement;
Amendment 132 #
2011/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Urges the setting up of quality monitoring systems or external quality assurance offices within every educational institution; stresses the need to create standard indicators measuring quality of education;
Amendment 142 #
2011/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Stresses the need to work out a well- functioning system helping students with disabilities during their integration process in European Schools (e.g. assistance of special teachers) in order to ensure their parents’ mobility;
Amendment 21 #
2011/2035(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Approves the intention of developing new macro-regional strategies and calls for steps to be taken to identify and combat regional disparities, such as in access to employment and education, paying special attention to the most disadvantaged micro-regions within macro-regions;
Amendment 35 #
2011/2035(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the fact that the ESF provides crucial support for employment market policies and plays an important part in boostingmaking advances in all dimensions of social inclusion;
Amendment 61 #
2011/2035(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Asks the Commission to improve the visibility of ESF action and to make the ESF more accessible and capable of providing more support for integration into the job market, particularly by setting up lifelong training to help workers adapt their skills to the needs of the job market; stresses the need of providing tailor-made assistance for the most vulnerable groups to improve their employability;
Amendment 67 #
2011/2035(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that better harmonisation between the various Structural Funds should be achieved and that in particular the synergies between the ESF and the ERDF should be improved, in particular for the sake of the implementation of complex programmes combating exclusion of the most disadvantaged social groups;
Amendment 95 #
2011/2035(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. In accordance with the 'Report on the EU strategy on Roma inclusion (2010/2276(INI))', calls on the Commission and the Member States to put special emphasis on the role of the Cohesion and Structural Funds in the integration of the Roma; thus recommends the introduction of administrative tools which ensure that development projects contribute to the reduction of inequalities between the Roma and non-Roma communities - similarly to the compulsory use of horizontal approach regarding environmental sustainability and gender equality;
Amendment 88 #
2011/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Underlines the importance of strengthening the power of data protection authorities in the Member States and ensuring their independence;
Amendment 14 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Considers that financing shall be allocated to support Mobility Partnerships especially with the Southern Mediterranean countries, in line with external policies;
Amendment 17 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Stresses that the programme Citizenship and Fundamental Rights needs to be reinforced in order to support the full implementation and mainstreaming of the binding Charter of Fundamental Rights, and be devoted in priority to the full implementation of citizenship rights as well as the fight against discrimination on all grounds especially against Roma;
Amendment 43 #
2011/0459(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex – chapter I – point 1.1 – paragraph 1
Annex – chapter I – point 1.1 – paragraph 1
Endorsement of the Europe 2020 strategy for ‘smart, sustainable and inclusive’ growth by the June 2010 European Council has shaped to a large extent the strategic agenda for the European Union and national policies in the years ahead. This agenda establishes a number of headline targets and flagship initiatives for which statistical indicators have to be delivered by the ESS in a number of areas (i.e. improving the conditions for innovation, research and development, promoting employment, meeting EU climate change and energy objectives, resource efficiency, improving education levels, including preventing early school leaving and raising the number of young people in higher education or equivalent vocational education, promoting adult learning and learning mobility, active and healthy ageing, and promoting social inclusion, with special regard to people with disabilities and minority background, through the reduction of poverty).
Amendment 57 #
2011/0459(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex – chapter I – point 2.1 – paragraph 2
Annex – chapter I – point 2.1 – paragraph 2
Supplement measurement of economic performance by different dimensions of globalisation, the quality of life, access to goods and services, environmental sustainability, health, well- being, social cohesion and social coheinclusion. Develop a framework for the analysis of globalised production.
Amendment 58 #
2011/0459(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex – chapter I – point 2.1 – paragraph 3 – indent 4
Annex – chapter I – point 2.1 – paragraph 3 – indent 4
Satellite accounts developed for at least two new areas (e.g. research and development, health, education, social accounts, including housing and access to services, social inclusion);
Amendment 69 #
2011/0459(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex – chapter I – point 3.2 – paragraph 2
Annex – chapter I – point 3.2 – paragraph 2
Provide quality statistics on key areas of social policy where the citizen is the centre of interest, such as social cohesion, poverty, demographic challenges (elderly peopleand disabled people, people with minority background, e.g. the Roma, and migration in particular), the labour market, education and training, including early childhood education, adult learning, and mobility of young people, culture, physical activity, quality of life, including housing and access to services, safety, health, disability, consumption, free movement and the single market, mobility of young people, technological innovation and new lifestyle choices.
Amendment 74 #
2011/0459(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex – chapter I – point 3.2 – paragraph 3 – indent 7
Annex – chapter I – point 3.2 – paragraph 3 – indent 7
Quality of life indicators, including housing and access to services, to measure progress of societies provided.
Amendment 78 #
2011/0459(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex – chapter I – point 3.3 – paragraph 9 – indent 3
Annex – chapter I – point 3.3 – paragraph 9 – indent 3
Statistics on transport safety and accessibility, passenger mobility, road traffic measurement and intermodal freight transport produced and disseminated.
Amendment 18 #
2011/0440(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
Amendment 53 #
2011/0440(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Amendment 17 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The Union seeks to promote, develop and consolidate the values of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, principles of equality, with special attention being paid to protecting the rights of vulnerable groups such as minorities, and the rule of law on which it is founded through dialogue and cooperation with third countries.
Amendment 21 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Under the European Neighbourhood Policy, the Union offers Neighbourhood countries a privileged relationship, building upon a mutual commitment to and promotion of the values of democracy and human rights, the rule of law, good governance and the principles of market economy and sustainable development, with a special focus on strengthening civil society.
Amendment 27 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21 a (new)
Recital 21 a (new)
(21a) The protection of the rights of vulnerable groups and social inclusion should also be a priority.
Amendment 36 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) defending the rights of vulnerable groups such as minorities;
Amendment 52 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 3
Article 2 – paragraph 3
3. The achievement of these objectives shall be measured using notably the relevant EU periodic reports on the implementation of the policy, and for paragraphs 2(a), (d) and (e), the relevant indicators established by international organisations and other relevant bodies; for paragraphs 2(b), (c) and (d) the uptake of the EU regulatory framework by the partner countries as relevant; for paragraphs 2(c) and (f), the number of relevant agreements and cooperation actions. The indicators will include, among others, adequately monitored democratic elections, level of corruption, freedom of the media, independence of the judiciary, respect for human rights and minority rights, trade flows, indicators enabling measuring internal economic disparities, including employment levels.
Amendment 33 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) A European State which has applied to join the Union can become a member only when it has been confirmed that it meets the membership criteria agreed at the Copenhagen European Council in June 1993 and provided that the accession does not overstretch the capacity of the Union to integrate the new member. These criteria relate to the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, respect of human rights and non- discrimination and respect for, and protection of, minorities and vulnerable groups, the development of the economy that must be sufficient to withstand the competitive pressure in the internal market, and the ability to assume not only the rights but also the obligations under the Treaties.
Amendment 55 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
(ii). promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, enhanced respect for minority rights and the rights of people with disabilities, protection of vulnerable groups, promotion of gender equality, non-discrimination and freedom of the press, and promotion of good neighbourly relations;
Amendment 65 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv a (new)
(iv a) promoting inclusive and integrated education by paying special emphasis on preventing ethnic-based separation in schools, narrowing the gender gap, providing early childhood education and preventing early school leaving, thus aiming at reducing ethnic, social and regional disparities;
Amendment 66 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv b (new)
(iv b) for the sake of inclusive and integrated education, raising awareness of identified problems and taking actions to tackle them to provide quality education also for marginalized children;
Amendment 67 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv c (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv c (new)
(iv c) strengthening the social protection system, implementing strategic plans for poverty reduction, and fostering social policies regarding people living with disabilities, the Roma and other socially excluded people;
Amendment 68 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point v a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point v a (new)
(v a) efficient anti-discrimination measures, in particular implementing Roma integration strategies;
Amendment 69 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – indent 1
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – indent 1
– Progress in the areas of democracy, the rule of law, the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the protection of minority rights and the rights of vulnerable groups, the justice system and the level of administrative capacity, and the promotion of civil society;
Amendment 40 #
2011/0385(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
Amendment 384 #
2011/0371(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(ba) The programme shall put special emphasis on providing equal access to inclusive and quality education at all level for children and students having serious health problems or disabilities, and those coming from a socially disadvantaged background, such as the Roma1. __________________ 1 As designated by the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on 'An EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020' (COM(2011)0173) and by the EP resolution of 9 March 2011 on the EU strategy on Roma inclusion (Text adopted, P7_TA(2011)0092).
Amendment 390 #
2011/0371(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – point a – introductory part
Article 5 – point a – introductory part
(a) To improve the level of key competences and skills regarding in particular their relevance for the labour market and society, as well as the participation of young people in democratic life in Europe, notably through increased learning mobility opportunities for young people, learners, staff and youth workers, and through strengthened cooperation between education youth and the world of labour market; in this respect, the Commission and Member States should safeguard that also young people coming from a socially disadvantage background can benefit from the programme;
Amendment 797 #
2011/0371(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 - point b a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 1 - point b a (new)
(ba) Whether the programme has managed to reach out to the members of vulnerable social groups, and has succeeded in safeguarding equal access to inclusive and quality education at all levels for children and students regardless of their health problems, disabilities or socially disadvantaged backgrounds, and whether there is a geographic balance concerning access to the programme.
Amendment 808 #
2011/0371(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 2
2. When implementing the Programme, the Commission and the Member States shall ensure particular efforts to facilitate the participation of people with difficulties for educational, social, gender, physical, psychological, geographical, economic and cultural reasons, and those often having multiple difficulties, such as the Roma. Specific methodology should be worked out to determine how to reach out to these groups successfully and how to assist their participation in the Programme. It would be also vital to regularly monitor if members of these groups, such as the Roma, disabled people etc., have been able to utilize the Programme.
Amendment 55 #
2011/0370(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) supporting the transnational circulation of European literatureworks and cultural and artistic products;
Amendment 61 #
2011/0370(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – point h
Article 12 – point h
(h) support initiatives presenting and promoting a diversity of European audiovisual works, including their linguistic diversity, through the provision of support for translation, dubbing and subtitling;
Amendment 44 #
2011/0369(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides for the creation of an area of freedom, security and justice with respect for fundamental rights, in which persons are free to move. To that end, the Union may adopt measures to develop judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters and promote and support the action of Member States in the field of crime prevention, notably for the prevention and reduction of drug demand and supply.
Amendment 57 #
2011/0369(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) With a view to ensuring a genuine European judicial area based on mutual trust, it is necessary that common principles of the rule of law, non- discrimination, equal access to justice and a well functioning independent judicial system in line with Union values be promoted.
Amendment 82 #
2011/0369(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4
Article 4
The general objective of the Programme shall be to contribute to the creationfurther development of a European area of justice by promoting judicial cooperatiased on mutual recognition, mutual trust and respect for common prin civil and criminal mattersples, such as non-discrimination and the rule of law.
Amendment 95 #
2011/0369(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) enhancing public awareness and knowledge of rights, Union law and policies;
Amendment 97 #
2011/0369(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) combating discrimination in judicial practices and promoting equal access to justice;
Amendment 116 #
2011/0369(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall monitor the Programme regularly in order to follow the implementation of actions carried out under it in the areas of actions referred to in Article 6 (1) and the achievement of the specific objectives referred to in Article 5. The monitoring will also provide a means of assessing the way in which gender equality and anti-discrimination issues have been addressed across the programme's activities. Where relevant, indicators should be disaggregated by sex, age and, disability, ethnicity and membership of other minority groups.
Amendment 24 #
2011/0344(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Non-discrimination based on sex, gender identity, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation and equality between women and men are values common to the Member States. Combating all forms of discrimination is an ongoing goal which requires coordinated action, including by the allocation of funding.
Amendment 38 #
2011/0344(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) to promote the effective implementation of the principles of non discrimination on the grounds of sex, gender identity, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, including equality between women and men and the rights of persons with disabilities and of the elderly;
Amendment 51 #
2011/0344(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall monitor the Programme regularly in order to follow the implementation of actions carried out under it in the areas of actions referred to in Article 5(1) and the achievement of the specific objectives referred to in Article 4. The monitoring shall also provide a means of assessing the way in which gender equality and anti-discrimination issues have been addressed across the programme's actions. Where relevant, indicators should be disaggregated by sex, age, ethnic origin, especially the Roma, and disability.
Amendment 78 #
2011/0344(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
Amendment 115 #
2011/0344(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) to promote and mainstream equality for all and the effective implementation of the principles of non discrimination on theany grounds ofincluding sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, including equality between women and men and the rights of persons with disabilities and of the elderlanguage, nationality or membership of a national minority, religion or belief, disability, age and sexual orientation equally;
Amendment 121 #
2011/0344(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) to prevent and combat violence and hatred against any minority groups, in particular on the basis of their sex, racial or ethnic origin, language, nationality or membership of a national minority, religion or belief, disability, age and sexual orientation, and to promote tolerance and respect towards them;
Amendment 98 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11 a) The European Union and most Member States are party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It is important in the implementation of the relevant projects that the obligations stemming from this Convention with regard inter alia to education, employment, and accessibility are considered by all projects supported by the CSF Funds.
Amendment 109 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) A performance framework should be defined for each programme with a view to monitoring progress towards the objectives and targets set for each programme over the course of the programming period. The Commission should undertake a performance review in cooperation with the Member States in 2017 and 2019. A performance reserve should be foreseen and allocated in 2019 where milestones set in the performance framework have been attained. Due to their diversity and multi-country character, there should be no performance reserve for ‘European Territorial Cooperation’ programmes. In cases where the shortfall in the achievement of milestones or targets is significant, the Commission should be able to suspend payments to the programme or, at the end of the programming period, apply financial corrections, in order to ensure that the Union budget is not used in a wasteful or inefficient way.
Amendment 123 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 58
Recital 58
Amendment 130 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 65
Recital 65
(65) Where an urban or territorirural development strategy requires an integrated approach because it involves investments under more than one priority axis of one or several operational programmes, action supported by the Funds should be carried out as an integrated territorial investment within an operational programme.
Amendment 137 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 90
Recital 90
(90) The Commission should be empowered to adopt, by means of implementing acts, as regards all CSF Funds, decisions approving the Partnership Contracts, decisions on the allocation of the performance reserve, decisions suspending payments linked to Member States' economic policies, and, in the case of decommitment, decisions to amend decisions adopting programmes; and as regards the Funds, decisions identifying the regions and Member States fulfilling the Investment for growth and jobs criteria, decisions setting out the annual breakdown of commitment appropriations to the Member States, decisions setting out the amount to be transferred from each Member State's CF allocation to the Connecting Europe Facility, decisions setting out the amount to be transferred from each Member State's Structural Funds allocation for food for deprived people, decisions adopting and amending operational programmes, decisions on major projects, decisions on joint action plans, decisions suspending payments and decisions on financial corrections.
Amendment 157 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
Part 2 – article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) bodies representing civil society, including environmental partners, non- governmental organisations, among them non-profit organisations promoting social inclusion, and bodies responsible for promoting equality and non-discrimination.
Amendment 165 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 5 – paragraph 3
Part 2 – article 5 – paragraph 3
3. TFollowing consultation of all relevant partners, including trade unions and civil society organisation at Union level, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 142 to provide for a European code of conduct that lays down objectives and criteria to support the implementation of partnership and to facilitate the sharing of information, experience, results and good practices among Member States.
Amendment 169 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 7 – title
Part 2 – article 7 – title
Promotion of equality between men and women opportunities and non- discrimination
Amendment 176 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 7 – paragraph 2
Part 2 – article 7 – paragraph 2
The Member States and the Commission shall take appropriate steps to promote equal opportunities, prevent any discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, and make sure that segregation will not be reproduced and accessibility will be ensured during the preparation and implementation of programmes.
Amendment 213 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 14 – paragraph 1 – point c
Part 2 – article 14 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) on the basis of the Commission's guidelines, an integrated approach to address the specific needs of geographical areas most affected by poverty or of target groups at highest risk of discrimination or poverty and social exclusion, with special regard to marginalised communities, where appropriate, including the indicative financial allocation for the relevant CSF Funds. The integrated approach shall demonstrate how the CSF Funds will contribute to the delivery of integrated national anti-poverty strategies as detailed in the NRPs and supported by national public policies which promote the inclusion of all groups at risk of poverty and social exclusion, underpinned by National Social Reports;
Amendment 222 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 14 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iv
Part 2 – article 14 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iv
(iv) the actions taken to involve the partners, their effectiveness and their role of those partners in the preparation of the Partnership Contract and the progress report as defined in Article 46 of this Regulation;
Amendment 227 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 15 – paragraph 1
Part 2 – article 15 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall assess the consistency of the Partnership Contract with this Regulation, with the Common Strategic Framework, and the country- specific recommendations under Article 121(2) of the Treaty and the Council recommendations adopted under 148(4) of the Treaty, taking account of the ex ante evaluations of the programmes, and shall make observations within three months of the date of submission of the Partnership Contract. The Commission shall also examine whether the public policies of the Member States are also in line with the Union objectives. The Member State shall provide all necessary additional information and, where appropriate, shall revise the Partnership Contract.
Amendment 235 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 17 – paragraph 5
Part 2 – article 17 – paragraph 5
5. The Commission shall assess the information provided on the fulfilment of ex ante conditionalities in the framework of its assessment of the Partnership Contract and programmes. It may decide, when adopting a programme, to suspend all or part of interim payments to the programme pending the satisfactory completion of actions to fulfil an ex ante conditionality. The failure to complete actions to fulfil an ex ante conditionality by the deadline set out in the programme shall constitute a basis for suspending payments by the Commission. The failure to maintain already fulfilled ex-ante conditionality during the implementation of the programme shall also constitute a basis for suspending payments by the Commission.
Amendment 239 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 18
Part 2 – article 18
Amendment 242 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 19 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Part 2 – article 19 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Apart from the above-mentioned reviews, continuous monitoring, carried out by the Commission, functioning as an early warning system is necessary to detect programmes which have not contributed to the delivery of the goals and objectives of the CFS Funds, in order to prevent the suspension of payments.
Amendment 243 #
Amendment 250 #
Amendment 262 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 23 – paragraph 2
Part 2 – article 23 – paragraph 2
2. Programmes shall be drawn up by Member States or any authority designated by them, in cooperation with the partners. Each Member State shall draw up and publish a consultation plan and subsequently report on the nature and outcomes of this consultation process.
Amendment 272 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 24 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Part 2 – article 24 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
For each CSF Fund, the Fund-specific rules shall set out common qualitative and quantitative indicators and may provide for programme-specific indicators.
Amendment 281 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 28 – paragraph 1 – point b
Part 2 – article 28 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) community-led, by local action groups composed of representatives of public and private local socio-economic interests, including local people with direct experience of poverty and social exclusion and beneficiaries of relevant projects, where at the decision-making level neither the public sector nor any single interest group shall represent more than 49 % of the voting rights;
Amendment 283 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 29 – paragraph 1 – point d
Part 2 – article 29 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) a description of the process of community involvement, including NGOs, local people with direct experience of poverty and social exclusion and beneficiaries of relevant projects, in the development and the delivery of the strategy;
Amendment 291 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 32 – paragraph 3
Part 2 – article 32 – paragraph 3
3. Contributions in kind are not eligible expenditure in respect of financial instruments, except for contributions of land or real estate in respect of investments with the objective of supporting urban or rural development orand urban regeneration, where the land or real estate forms part of the investment. Such contributions of land or real estate shall be eligible provided that the conditions in Article 59 are met.
Amendment 308 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 44 – paragraph 3
Part 2 – article 44 – paragraph 3
3. The annual implementation report submitted in 2017 shall set out and assess the information set out in paragraph 2 and progress towards achieving the objectives of the programme, including the contribution of the CSF Funds to changes in result indicators, when evidence is available from evaluations. It shall also assess the implementation of actions to take into account the principles set out in Articles 6, 7 and 8 and report on support used for climate change targets and actions taken to deliver on the poverty reduction target.
Amendment 312 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 46 – paragraph 2 – point b
Part 2 – article 46 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) progress towards achievement of the Union strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, in particular in respect of the milestones set out for each programme in the performance framework and the support used for climate change and poverty reduction objectives;
Amendment 315 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 46 – paragraph 2 – point h
Part 2 – article 46 – paragraph 2 – point h
(h) the role of the partners referred in Article 5 and an assessment of the quality of this partnership in the implementation of the Partnership Contract.
Amendment 319 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 47 – paragraph 2
Part 2 – article 47 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall provide the resources necessary for carrying out evaluations, and shall ensure that procedures are in place to produce and collect the data necessary for evaluations, including data related to common qualitative and quantitative, and where appropriate programme-specific indicators.
Amendment 322 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 48 – paragraph 3 – point b
Part 2 – article 48 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) the internal coherence of the proposed programme or activity and its relation with other relevant instruments, including national public policies;
Amendment 325 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 48 – paragraph 3 – point l
Part 2 – article 48 – paragraph 3 – point l
(l) the adequacy of planned measures to promote equal opportunities between men and women and to prevent discrimination, including measures to remove barriers to accessibility for persons with disabilities;
Amendment 328 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 48 – paragraph 3 – point m
Part 2 – article 48 – paragraph 3 – point m
(m) the adequacy of planned measures to promote sustainable development and social inclusion.
Amendment 331 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 50
Part 2 – article 50
The ex post evaluations shall be carried out by the Commission or by the Member States, in close cooperationin close cooperation with the Member States. Ex post evaluations shall examine the effectiveness and efficiency of the CSF Funds and their contribution to the Union strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in accordance with specific requirements established in the Fund-specific rules. Ex post evaluations shall be completed by 31 December 2023.
Amendment 335 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 51 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point f
Part 2 – article 51 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point f
(f) actions to disseminate information, support networking, carry out communication activities, raise awareness and promote cooperation and exchange of experience, particularly amongst non- governmental organisations, including with third countries. To bring about greater efficiency in communication to the public at large and stronger synergies between the communication activities undertaken at the initiative of the Commission, the resources allocated to communication actions under this Regulation shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the European Union as far as they are related to the general objectives of this Regulation;
Amendment 343 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 52 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Part 2 – article 52 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Each Member State shall ensure in all OPs that sufficient technical assistance is made available to facilitate the involvement and participation of non- governmental organisations in the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Funds.
Amendment 376 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 84 – paragraph 6
Part 3 – article 84 – paragraph 6
Amendment 382 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 84 – paragraph 7
Part 3 – article 84 – paragraph 7
7. 0,2% of the ERDF resources for the Investment for growth and jobs goal shall be allocated to innovative actions at the initiative of the Commission in the area of sustainable urban and rural development.
Amendment 400 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 2 – point c – point iii
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 2 – point c – point iii
(iii) the list of cities and suburban areas for regeneration where integrated actions for sustainable urban development will be implemented, the indicative annual allocation of the ERDF support for these actions, including the resources delegated to cities for management under Article 7(2) of Regulation (EU) No […] [ERDF] and the indicative annual allocation of ESF support for integrated actions;
Amendment 402 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 2 – point c – point iii a (new)
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 2 – point c – point iii a (new)
(iii a) the list of rural microregions with the highest concentration of poverty and the indicative annual allocation of ESF, ERDF and EAFRD support for integrated actions;
Amendment 413 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point ii
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point ii
(ii) a description of the specific actions to promote equal opportunities and prevent any discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation and avoid reproducing segregation during the preparation, design and implementation of the operational programme and in particular in relation to access to funding, taking account of the needs of the various target groups at risk of such discrimination and in particular the requirements of ensuring accessibility for disabled persons;
Amendment 417 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point iii a (new)
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point iii a (new)
(iii a) a description of the specific actions taken to achieve the EU poverty reduction target by promoting the social inclusion of disadvantaged groups of people;
Amendment 419 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Member States shall consult during the planning with, and submit an opinion of the national equality bodies on the measures set out in points (ii) and (iii) with the proposal for an operational programme under the Investment for growth and jobs goal.
Amendment 421 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 88 – paragraph 2
Part 3 – article 88 – paragraph 2
2. The ERDF and the ESF may finance, in a complementary manner and subject to a limit of 5 % of Union funding for each priority axis of an operationalthe development of rural microregions and suburban areas for regeneration that are listed based on Article 87 (2) (c), where integrated programme,s a part of an operation for whichre crucial, necessary and functional. In this case the costs are eligible for support from the bother Funds on the basis of eligibility rules applied to that Fundem, provided that they are necessary for the satisfactory implementation of the integrated operation and are directly linked to it.
Amendment 425 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 91 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Part 3 – article 91 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point f
(f) an analysis of the environmental impact, taking into account climate change adaptation and mitigation needs, and disaster resilience and the social impact, taking into account the contribution to social inclusion;
Amendment 433 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 99 – paragraph 1
Part 3 – article 99 – paragraph 1
1. Where an urban or rural development strategy or other territorial strategy or pact as defined in Article 12(1) of Regulation…[ESF] requires an integrated approach involving investments under more than one priority axis of one or more operational programmes, the action shall be carried out as an integrated territorial investment (an ‘ITI’).
Amendment 438 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 100 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Part 3 – article 100 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) actions to fight against poverty and promote social inclusion of disadvantaged groups of people;
Amendment 444 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 101 – paragraph 3 – point a
Part 3 – article 101 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) progress in implementation of the integrated approach to territorial development, including sustainable urban and rural development, and community- led local development under the operational programme;
Amendment 446 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 101 – paragraph 3 – point e
Part 3 – article 101 – paragraph 3 – point e
(e) the specific actions taken to promote equality between men and women and to prevent discrimination, including accessibility for disabled persons, and the arrangements implemented to ensure the integration of the gender perspective in the operational programme and operations, as well as the specific actions taken to fight poverty and promote social inclusion of vulnerable groups of people;
Amendment 468 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 111 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Part 3 – article 111 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
(1a) reduction of poverty and promotion of social inclusion of vulnerable groups of people, especially through integrated active inclusion approaches;
Amendment 474 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 113 – paragraph 7
Part 3 – article 113 – paragraph 7
7. The Member State or the managing authority may entrust the management of part of an operational programme to an intermediate body by way of an agreement in writing between the intermediate body and the Member State or managing authority (a ‘global grant’). With a view of facilitating access to Structural Funds for small NGOs, Member States shall promote the use of small and tailor-made global grants. The intermediate body shall provide guarantees of its solvency and competence in the domain concerned, as well as its administrative and financial management.
Amendment 492 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 8 – sub-point 8.1 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 1
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 8 – sub-point 8.1 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 1
- personalised services and active and preventive labour market measures at an early stage, which are open for all jobseekers, including people from marginalised communities;
Amendment 498 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 8 – sub-point 8.3 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 1
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 8 – sub-point 8.3 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 1
- personalised services and active and preventive labour market measures at an early stage, which are open for all jobseekers, including people from marginalised communities;
Amendment 500 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 9 – sub-point 9.1 – column 3 – indent 1 – introductory part
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 9 – sub-point 9.1 – column 3 – indent 1 – introductory part
- A system for collecting and analysing data and information, including disaggregated data on the Roma, on ESL at national, regional and local level is in place that:
Amendment 501 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 9 – sub-point 9.1 – column 3 – indent 2 – sub-indent 3 a (new)
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 9 – sub-point 9.1 – column 3 – indent 2 – sub-indent 3 a (new)
- pays special attention to the special needs of groups at increased risk of early school leaving, also through prevention of early school leaving, with access to quality, diverse early childhood development programs, home-based and community-based learning initiatives and free childcare services;
Amendment 502 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 9 – sub-point 9.1 – column 3 – indent 2 – sub-indent 3 b (new)
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 9 – sub-point 9.1 – column 3 – indent 2 – sub-indent 3 b (new)
- eliminates segregation and prevents Roma children's enrolment in special schools and segregated classes, and promotes active anti-segregation measures, paying attention also to indirect, culturally biased barriers such as non-inclusive school climate and psychological entry tests for enrolling children to mainstream schools;
Amendment 503 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 9 – sub-point 9.1 – column 3 – indent 2 – sub-indent 3 c (new)
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 9 – sub-point 9.1 – column 3 – indent 2 – sub-indent 3 c (new)
- pays attention to the creation of diverse teaching staff;
Amendment 508 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.1 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 2
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.1 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 2
- is in accordance withlays out concrete proposals and public policy measures designed to work towards the achievement of the national poverty and social exclusion target (as defined in the National Reform Programme and National Social Reports), which includes the extension of quality employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups;
Amendment 510 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.1 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 4
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.1 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 4
- demonstrates that social partners and relevant stakeholders are involved in the design ofat all stages (programming, implementation and evaluation) of the national anti- poverty strategies and all the active inclusion strategies;
Amendment 512 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.1 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 6 a (new)
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.1 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 6 a (new)
- includes a comprehensive approach to tackle child poverty and promote child well-being.
Amendment 513 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.1 – column 3 – indent 2 – sub-indent 1
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.1 – column 3 – indent 2 – sub-indent 1
- sets achievable national goals for Roma integration to bridge the gap with the general population. These targets should address, as a minimum, the four EU Roma integration goals relating to access to education, employment, healthcare and housing reflected in public policy measures;
Amendment 515 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.1 – column 3 – indent 2 – sub-indent 2
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.1 – column 3 – indent 2 – sub-indent 2
- is coherent with the National Reform Programme and National Social Reports;
Amendment 516 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.2 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 1
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.2 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 1
- Contains coordinated measures to improve access to quality health servic, affordable and culturally sensitive health services aiming at tackling the social determinants of health inequalities;
Amendment 518 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.2 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 2 a (new)
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.2 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 2 a (new)
- pays special attention to the special needs of marginalised communities such as the Roma;
Amendment 519 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.2 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 3
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.2 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 3
- contains a monitoring and review system. with adequate budgetary resources;
Amendment 520 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.2 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 3 a (new)
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 10 – sub-point 10.2 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 3 a (new)
- ensures that community and civil society as well as regional and local authority perspectives are included in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating policies and programmes.
Amendment 523 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 11 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub- indent 1
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 11 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub- indent 1
- an analysis and strategic planning of legal, organisational, public policy and/or procedural reform actions;
Amendment 524 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 11 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub- indent 4 a (new)
Annex IV – Thematic ex ante conditionalities – point 11 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub- indent 4 a (new)
- the employment of people from marginalised communities in the public sector;
Amendment 528 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – General ex-ante conditionalities – point 1 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 2
Annex IV – General ex-ante conditionalities – point 1 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 2
- the designation of an equality unit with adequate capacity and power to ensure equal opportunities, and a strategy for training and dissemination of information for staff involved in the implementation of the funds;
Amendment 529 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – General ex-ante conditionalities – point 1 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 3 a (new)
Annex IV – General ex-ante conditionalities – point 1 – column 3 – indent 1 – sub-indent 3 a (new)
- arrangements for collecting disaggregated data on the Roma, the disabled, women, and young and elderly people, and using them in monitoring and evaluation;
Amendment 160 #
2011/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Lack of access to credit is one of the main obstacles to business creation, especially among people furthest from the labour market. Union and national efforts in this area need to be stepped up in order to increase the supply of microfinance and meet demand from those who need it most, and in particular unemployed and vulnerable people who wish to start up or develop a micro-enterprise, including on a self-employed basis, but do not have access to credit. As a first step, in 2010 the European Parliament and the Council set up the Facility. Since those most in need of microcredit are generally unaware of this form of Community-supported financing, there is a need for thorough, effective information in the Member States on applying for the European Progress Microfinance Facility.
Amendment 165 #
2011/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) Making microfinance more available on the Union’s young microfinance market calls for the institutional capacity of microfinance providers, and in particular non-bank microfinance institutions, to be stepped up in line with the Commission Communication 'A European Initiative for the development of micro-credit'10. Care must be taken to ensure that the annual amount of the budget appropriation, increased by the reinvested capital, which is granted to the European Progress Microfinance Facility at least matches the annual amount of the appropriation granted for the period from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2013.
Amendment 174 #
2011/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17a) The Commission will revise the rules governing the cross-border operation of online platforms specialising in microcredit in order to remove the obstacles to financing micro-enterprises within the EU internal market.
Amendment 312 #
2011/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, will ensure that activities carried out under the Programme are consistent with, complementary to and do not duplicate other Union action, in particular under the European Social Fund (ESF) and in such areas as social dialogue, justice and fundamental rights, education, vocational training and youth policy, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, health, enlargement and external relations, and general economic policy. The Commission will ensure that the Member States give funding from the ESF to organisations offering training and mentoring programmes to the final beneficiaries of microcredit; in addition, it will encourage the Member States to grant interest subsidies from ESF funds to recipients of EU microcredit. The activities supported by the programme shall comply with Union and national law, including state aid rules.
Amendment 318 #
2011/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Amendment 321 #
2011/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13
Article 13
With a view to regular monitoring of the Programme and making any adjustments needed to its policy and funding priorities, the Commission shall draw up bieanniual monitoring reports and send them to the European Parliament and the Council. Such reports shall cover the Programme's results and the extent to which gender equality and anti-discrimination considerations, including accessibility issues, have been addressed through its activities.
Amendment 378 #
2011/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Article 26 – paragraph 2
2. The information provided in these annual implementation reports shall feed into the bieanniual monitoring reports provided for in Article 13. Such monitoring reports shall include the annual reports provided for in Article 8(2) of Decision No 283/2010/EU.
Amendment 54 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The ESF should improve employment opportunities, promote education and life- long learning, fight against poverty and social exclusion and develop active inclusion policies in accordance with the tasks entrusted to the ESF by Article 162 of the Treaty, and thereby contribute to economic, social and territorial cohesion in accordance with Article 174 of the Treaty. In accordance with Article 9 of the Treaty, the ESF should take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion, and a high level of education, training and protection of human health.
Amendment 61 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The European Council of 17 June 2010 called for all common policies, including cohesion policy, to support the Europe 2020 Strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth‘. In order to ensure the full alignment of the ESF with the objectives of this strategy, particularly as regards employment, education, and the fight against poverty and social exclusion, the ESF should support Member States in implementing the Council recommendations on broad guidelines for economic policies of the Member States and the Union and the Council decisions on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States adopted in accordance with Articles 121 and 148(4) of the Treaty. It should also contribute to the implementation of the flagship initiatives, with special regard to the ’Agenda for New Skills and Jobs‘, ’Youth on the Move‘, and the ’European Platform against Poverty and Social Exclusion‘. It will also support the activities in the ’Digital Agenda‘ and the ’Innovation Union‘17 initiatives.
Amendment 71 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The European Union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation, technological change and an increasingly ageing workforce and growing skills and labour shortages in some sectors and regions. They have been compounded by the recent economic and financial crisis, which has resulted in increased levels of unemployment, hitting in particular young people and other vulnerable groups, such as migrants and people living in disadvantaged microregions. The ESF should aim to promote decent employment and support labour mobility, invest in education, skills and life-long learning, promote social inclusion and combat poverty. In promoting the better functioning of labour markets by enhancing the transnational geographical mobility of workers, the ESF should, in particular, support European Employment Services (EURES activities) in relation to recruitment and the related information, advice and guidance services at national and cross-border level.
Amendment 75 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) In addition to these priorities, in the less developed regions and Member States, and with a view to increasing economic growth and employment opportunities, the efficiency of public administration should be improved and the institutional capacity of stakeholders delivering employment, education and social policies should be strengthenedas well as working in the field of anti-discrimination should be strengthened, with special emphasis on NGOs.
Amendment 89 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) As monitoring and evaluation have vital importance concerning the ESF, an extended and well-founded set of indicators is needed which clearly show where progress has been achieved and also demonstrate areas where the usage of funds has not contributed to the delivery of the goals and objectives. Evaluation of the delivery of goals and objectives should also take into consideration alternative national reports prepared by NGOs. In this respect, not only data concerning employment and education, but also statistics on the different faces of poverty and social exclusion, such as unequal access to information, goods and services, and the changes in the conditions linked to them are needed. These are necessary at Member State level in order to complement Laeken indicators as an approach for poverty mapping. Furthermore, disaggregated data concerning the situation of the Roma are also necessary.
Amendment 96 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Efficient and effective implementation of actions supported by the ESF depends on good governance and partnership between all relevant territorial and socio- economic actors, in particular the social partners and non-governmental organisations. It is therefore necessary that Member States encourage the participation ofinvolve social partners and non- governmental organisations in the programming, implementation of, monitoring and evaluation of the programmes financed by the ESF.
Amendment 103 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The Member States and the Commission should ensure that the implementation of the priorities financed by the ESF contribute to the promotion of equality between women and men in accordance with Article 8 of the Treaty. Evaluations have shown the importance of taking the gender aspect into account in all dimensions and in all stages of the planning and implementation of programmes, while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality.
Amendment 105 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) In accordance with Article 10 of the Treaty, the implementation of the priorities financed by the ESF should contribute to combating discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation and promoting equal opportunities. The ESF should support the fulfilment of the obligation under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities with regard inter alia to education, work and employment and accessibility. The ESF should also promote the transition from institutional to community-based care.
Amendment 114 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The mobilisation of regional and local stakeholders is necessary to deliver the Europe 2020 Strategy and its headline targets. Territorial pacts, local initiatives for employment and social inclusion, sustainable community-led local development strategies and sustainable urban as well as rural development strategies may be used and supported to involve more actively regional and local authorities, cities, social partners and non- governmental organisations in the implementprogramming, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes.
Amendment 148 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 3
Article 2 – paragraph 3
3. The ESF shall benefit people, including disadvantaged groups such as the long- term unemployed, people with disabilities, migrants, ethnic minorities, marginalised persons and communities and people facing social exclusionother groups of people facing or at risk of poverty and social exclusion, including children, in order to prevent the reproduction of poverty through generations, and young people, in order to tackle youth unemployment. The ESF shall also provide support to enterprises, systems and structures with a view to facilitating their adaptation to new challenges and promoting good governance and the implementation of reforms, in particular in the fields of employment, education and social policies.
Amendment 163 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
(a) Promoting decent employment and supporting labour mobility through:
Amendment 167 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
(i) Access to employment for job-seekers and inactive people with a targeted support for the long-term unemployed, including local employment initiatives and support for labour mobility;
Amendment 184 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iv
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iv
(iv) Equality between men and women and reconciliation between work, family and private life;
Amendment 201 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – point vii
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – point vii
(vii) Modernisation and strengthening of labour market institutions, public and private employment services, including actions to enhance transnational labour mobility;
Amendment 208 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
(i) Reducing and preventing early school-leaving drop-out and promoting equal access to goodhigh-quality early-childhood development programs, primary and secondary education as well as informal and non- formal learning opportunities;
Amendment 212 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii
(ii) Improving the quality, efficiency and openness of tertiary and equivalent education with a view to increasing participation and attainment levels and promoting equal access for disadvantaged social groups;
Amendment 216 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
(iii) Enhancing access to lifelong learning, upgrading the skills and competences of the workforce and increasing the labour market relevance of education and training systems, as well as assisting the transition between education, vocational training and employment;
Amendment 241 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
(i) Active inclusion;: Integrated active inclusion approaches for working age people which support holistic, personalised pathways to inclusion, decent work and social participation (with social, community integration and re-integration measures), contributing to ensure adequate minimum income, equal access to quality services and inclusive labour markets. Ensuring the provision of integrated support to reduce poverty and social exclusion of children and older people.
Amendment 250 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iii
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iii
(iii) Combating discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation and ensuring equal opportunities;
Amendment 251 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv
(iv) EMeasures aimed at breaking the poverty cycle and promoting children's and youth active participation in society, such as by enhancing equal access to affordable, sustainable and high-quality public services, including health care and social services of general interest, early childhood education and childcare services, family support, socially inclusive public education;
Amendment 273 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d – point ii
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d – point ii
(ii) Capacity building for stakeholders delivering employment, education and, social policies, public and community services and sectoral and territorial pacts to mobilise for reform at national, regional and local level.
Amendment 290 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that the strategy and actions set out in the Operational Programmes are consistent and focused on addressing the challenges identified in the National Reform Programmes, and their national strategies aiming at fighting against poverty and social exclusion, such as their National Roma Strategies, National Disability Strategies, National Employment Strategies, Education Strategies etc., and the relevant Council Recommendations made under Article 148(4) of the Treaty, in order to contribute to achieving the headline targets of the Europe 2020 strategy on employment, education and poverty reduction.
Amendment 295 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. At least 20 % of the total ESF resources in each Member State shall be allocated to the thematic objective ‘promoting social inclusion and combating poverty’ set out in Article 9(9) of Regulation (EU) No […]. Prior to the drafting of partnership contracts and Operational Programmes, the Commission and the Member States shall jointly work out guidelines on how the ESF should deliver on the poverty reduction target through integrated and socially inclusive approaches. In the aim of making progress towards the achievement of the poverty reduction target and ensuring a real monitoring on this target, Member States will be required to put the indicators used in the ESF Operational Programmes in line with the ones of the Social OMC. Each year, Member States shall report in their National Reform Programmes underpinned by the National Social Reports and the National Roma Strategies the initiatives taken at national level through the ESF to contribute to the delivery on the poverty reduction target.
Amendment 316 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Common quantitative and qualitative indicators as set out in the Annex to this Regulation and programme specific indicators shall be used in accordance with Article 24(3) and 87(2)(b)(ii) of Regulation (EU) No […...]. All indicators shall be expressed in absolute numbers.
Amendment 319 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The Commission shall elaborate an extended and well-founded set of indicators, which clearly show where progress has been achieved and also demonstrate areas where the usage of funds has not contributed to the delivery of the Union goals and objectives. The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, shall compile data concerning the different faces of poverty and social exclusion, such as unequal access to information, goods and services, and the changes needed in the conditions linked to them. Disaggregated data concerning the situation of the Roma shall also be provided.
Amendment 321 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. The involvement of the social partners and other stakeholders, in particular non- governmental organisations, in the programming, implementation and evaluation of operational programmes, as referred to in Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No […...], may take the form of global grants as defined in Article 1132(7) of Regulation (EU) No […]. In such a case, the operational programme shall identify the part of the programme concerned by the global grant, including an indicative financial allocation from each priority axis to it...] or technical assistance as defined in Articles 108 and 109 of Regulation (EU) No [...]. Member States shall make global grants schemes accessible for small NGOs in all ESF Operational Programmes. In such a case, the operational programme shall identify the part of the programme concerned by the global grant, including an indicative financial allocation from each priority axis to it. Technical Assistance resources shall be made available in all ESF Operational Programmes with a particular support for technical assistance services targeted to NGOs at EU and regional level.
Amendment 343 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
3. To encourage adequate participation of and access by non-governmental organisations to actions supported by the ESF, notably in the fields of social inclusion, gender equality and equal opportunities, the managing authorities of an operational programme in a region as defined in Article 82(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No […] or in Member States eligible for Cohesion Fund support shall ensure that an appropriate amount of ESF resources is allocated to capacity-building for non-governmental organisations.
Amendment 347 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7
Article 7
The Member States and the Commission shall promote equality between men and women through mainstreaming as referred to in Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No […] and...], integrating gender perspective to actions under all thematic priorities. Member States shall allocate funding for specific targeted actions as referred to in Article 3(1)(a)(iv), in particular but not exclusively with the aim of increasing the sustainable participation and progress of women in employment, reducing gender- based segregation in the labour market, combating gender stereotypes in education and training, addressing the feminisation of poverty, promoting equal sharing of care responsibilities between women and men, and promoting reconciliation of work, family and personal life for men and women.
Amendment 349 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8
Article 8
The Member States and the Commission shall promote equal opportunities for all, including accessibility for disabled personspeople at risk of discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, through mainstreaming the principle of non-discrimination,equal opportunities as referred to in Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No […...], and through specific actions within the investment priorities as defined in Article 3, and in particular Article 3(1)(c)(ii) and (iii). Such actions shall target people at risk of discrimination and people with disabilities, with a view to increasing their labour market participation, enhancing their social inclusion, reducing inequalities in terms of educational attainment and health status and facilitating the transition from institutional to community-based care, health status and access to high quality public services, improving accessibility for disabled persons, and facilitating the transition from institutional to community-based care, and preventing any kind of segregation. ESF funding must not be spent on any programmes that strengthen social inequalities or segregation (i.e. by creating services that are not accessible for the most disadvantaged members of the community). The effect of ESF investments on equal opportunities, equal access and integration of the marginalized groups has to be examined and reported concerning all Operative Programmes. The Member States shall report ESF- funded initiatives with regard to marginalised Communities and migrants in their National Social Reports annexed to National Reform Programmes. Member States shall detail in their National Roma Strategy the contribution of the ESF to the social-economic integration of Roma people and report annually the initiatives taken in this field in the National Social Reports annexed to the National Reform Programmes.
Amendment 355 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. The ESF shall promote social innovation within all areas falling under the scope of the ESF, as defined in Article 3 of this Regulation, in particular with the aim of testing and scaling up innovative, evaluating and then scaling up successful innovative solutions, including bottom-up solutions to address social needs.
Amendment 369 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. After a consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including NGOs, Member States may select themes for transnational co-operation from a list proposed by the Commission and endorsed by the ESF Committee.
Amendment 390 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 2
2. Complementing ERDF interventions as referred to in Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No [ERDF], the ESF may support sustainable urban and rural development through strategies setting out integrated actions to tackle the economic, environmental and social challenges affecting urban areas of cities and rural areas which are listed in the partnership contract. To ensure complementarity with the ERDF and facilitate access to Structural Funds for small NGOs, the ESF may be used as lead fund for integrated social inclusion projects combining social infrastructures and accompanying services in deprived areas.
Amendment 16 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Article 20(1) of the Treaty provides for citizenship of the Union as additional to national citizenship of the respective Member States, stipulating that every person holding the nationality of a Member State shall be a citizen of the Union. The second paragraph of Article 20 specifies that citizens of the Union shall enjoy the rights and be subject to the duties provided for in the Treaties, and that they shall have, inter alia, the right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States without any kind of discrimination (e.g. based on ethnicity). The right of Union citizens to free movement and residence is further enshrined in Article 21 of the Treaty.
Amendment 20 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The rights inherent to citizenship of the Union are incorporated in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. According to the Charter's Preamble, the Union, ‘founded on the indivisible, universal values of human dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity’, places the individual at the heart of its activities, by establishing a citizenship of the Union and by creating an area of freedom, security and justice’. Chapter V of the Charter sets down ‘Citizens’ rights‘, including, in its Article 45, the right of every citizen of the Union to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States.
Amendment 22 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Accordingly, the Stockholm Programme puts the citizen at the heart of European policies in the field of freedom, security and justice. It focuses its actions on ‘building a citizen's Europe’, including by ensuring the full exercise of the citizens' right to free movement and by safeguarding the existence of an area in which diversity is respected and the most vulnerable are protected.
Amendment 25 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) In its ‘Resolution of 15 December on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union (2009) - effective implementation after the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon’ the European Parliament called on the Commission to devote the 2013 European Year to citizenship in order to give momentum to the debate on Union citizenship and inform Union citizens of their rights and freedoms, in particular the new rights resulting from the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon.
Amendment 33 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) In particular, free movement and workers' mobility help addressing the consequences of demographic change and the problems arising from the mismatch between demand and supply on the labour market, while also increasing the employability of people and improving the competitiveness of European industries. At the same time, free movement either enables, as an essential condition, or stimulates the exercise by citizens of a broad range of rights available to them under Union law, such as their rights as consumers to access goods and services or their rights as passengers and tourists. Facilitating free movement has therefore the potential to enhance citizens' possibilities to fully benefit from the single market, whilst being a key driver for growth.
Amendment 39 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States without any kind of discrimination is highly valued by Union citizens as a core individual right deriving from Union citizenship. As such, it demonstrates and promotes a better understanding of the value of European integration, as well as citizens' participation in shaping the European Union. When extending aspects of their lives beyond national borders by travelling to other Member States or settling there, citizens become aware and take advantage of the broad array of rights granted to them under Union law in cross- border situations. Exercising the right to free movement and residence therefore contributes to making Union citizenship a tangible reality in the daily life of citizens.
Amendment 46 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Despite the fact that the right to free movement and residence is firmly anchored in primary Union law and substantially developed in secondary law, a gap still remains between the applicable legal rules and the reality confronting citizens (such as the Roma) when they seek to exercise this right in practice. Aside from an uncertainty over the advantages of being mobile, Union citizens perceive too many practical obstacles with regard to living and working elsewhere in the Union.
Amendment 49 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) In the EU Citizenship Report 2010 ‘Dismantling the obstacles to EU citizens’ rights‘, the Commission addressed the main obstacles which citizens still encounter in their daily lives when they seek to exercise their rights as Union citizens, in particular in cross-border situations and outlined 25 concrete actions to remove these obstacles. One of these obstacles was the lack of guarantees on the ground (i.e. citizens' rights are not fully enforced by Member States). Another obstacle identified in this context was lack of information. The Commission concluded, in the EU Citizenship Report 2010, that Union citizens are prevented from enjoying their rights because they lack awareness of them and announced its intention to step up the dissemination of information to Union citizens about their rights, in particular about their right to free movement.
Amendment 58 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) Citizens can enjoy their rights fully only if the fundamental values and principles of the Union are respected, and if citizens' rights are applied without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of their nationality, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Amendment 81 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – indent 3
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – indent 3
– to stimulate a debate about the impact and potential of the right to free movement (and its implementation by Member States), as an inalienable aspect of Union citizenship, in particular in terms of strengthening societal cohesion and mutual understanding between Union citizens and the bond between citizens and the Union.
Amendment 83 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) The Commission and the Member States should work towards abolishing any existing discriminatory barriers to the free movement of all citizens, and Member States should refrain from posing further obstacles to free movement, especially restricting the mobility of students and workers.
Amendment 87 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
– exchange of information, sharing of experience (both positive and negative) and good practices of national, regional, local administrations and other organisations;
Amendment 88 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 3
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 3
– conferences and events to promote debate and raise awareness of the importance and, the benefits ofand the obstacles to exercising the right to free movement and residence and more generally citizens' rights as Union citizens;
Amendment 120 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – indent 1
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – indent 1
– to raise Union citizens' awareness of their right to move and reside freely within the European Union and more generally the rights guaranteed to Union citizensand principles guaranteed equally to all Union citizens without any discrimination, especially in cross-border situations, including their right to participate in the democratic life of the Union;
Amendment 125 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – indent 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – indent 2 a (new)
– to promote cross-cultural understanding and further combat xenophobia, racism, hate speech and hate crime;
Amendment 157 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
The Commission shall implement this Decision at Union level, while Member States are called to develop further initiatives in line with the objectives of the European Year in order to achieve a substantive impact.
Amendment 3 #
2011/0177(APP)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses that the simplification of the funding structures - while providing flexibility - shall maintain predictability and reliability and an adequate share shall be ensured for each objective of the specific funds;
Amendment 7 #
2011/0177(APP)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that the envelope foreseen foa fair share of financial resources should be allocated under the Asylum and Migration Fund reflectsin particular to support the objectives inof this areae current Refugee Fund and Integration Fund; takes note of the particular emphasis on resettlement and relocation and return measures; stresses the need for a European added value of the funded activities and an adequate balance between the policy objectives;
Amendment 10 #
2011/0177(APP)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates that new tasks such as the EU PNR system or the smart borders package are already planned; takes the view that the amount foreseen for the Internal Security Fund does not reflect its objectives; asks for a budget that allows to adequately delivInternal Security Fund should have adequate financial resources to allow it to fulfil its objectives, while emphasising that all of its actions must comply fully with the Charter of Fundamental Rights; calls for funding for the development of protection-sensitive border con those policy prioritietrols that fully respect migrants' fundamental rights;
Amendment 13 #
2011/0177(APP)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the proposal for the Rights and Citizenships Programme and underlines the need for a clear European added value of the funded activitie; emphasises that the simplification of the funding structure should not result in a decrease in the level of financial resources compared to the level available in the current 2007-2013 programmes; calls for an increased budget to promote and protect fundamental rights, to combat racism, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination, especially in the context of the growing intolerance and social unrest experienced in Europe as a consequence of the current financial crisis;
Amendment 27 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that all the macroeconomic financial stabilisation measures taken since 2008 have not yet proved sufficient and adequate to overcome the economic and financial crisis; believes, therefore, that in order to return to growth and generate employment in Europe, a well- targeted and sufficient EU budget is needed to further help coordinate and enhance the national efforts;
Amendment 37 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that the EU budget is an investment budget and that 94 % of its total returns are invested in the Member States themselves or for external priorities of the Union; emphasises that, for the regions and Member States, public investment would be minimised or impossible without the contribution of the EU budget; believes that any decrease of the EU budget would inevitably hamper the growth and competitive strength of the entire Union economy and would undermine the principle of solidarity as a core value of the European Union;
Amendment 44 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that delivering on the Europe 2020 strategy’s seven flagship initiatives will require a huge amount of future- oriented investment, estimated at no less than EUR 1 800 billion up to 2020 ; stresses that one of the main objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, namely, to promote jobs and high-quality employment for all Europeans, will only be achieved if the necessarypromoting social inclusion, investmenting in education, in favour of a knowledge society, and in research and innovation, SMEs, and green and new technologies is made now and not delayed any longer; favours combining the reduction of public deficits and debt with the promotion of such investments;
Amendment 81 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Considers that EU cohesion policy is a strategic tool for investment, growth and competitiveness, with an undisputed EU added value; insists that, in order to effectively reduce macroeconomic imbalances within the EU and contribute to economic, social and territorial cohesion, and to reduce development disparities between EU regions, it should be able to rely on a stable, solid and sustainable financial framework; reaffirms its position that cohesion policy funding should be maintained at least at the level of the 2007- 2013 period; strongly supports the Commission's proposals to earmark to ESF at least 25 per cent of the budget allocated to cohesion policy in order to promote employability and social investment;
Amendment 84 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Considers that EU cohesion policy is a strategic tool for investment, growth and competitiveness, with an undisputed EU added value; insists that, in order to effectively reduce macroeconomic imbalances within the EU and contribute to economic, social and territorial cohesion, it should be able to rely on a stable, solid and sustainable financial framework; reaffirms its position that cohesion policy funding should be maintained at least at the level of the 2007-2013 period and that the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund should keep on behing accessible to all regions of the Union;
Amendment 107 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Stresses that a programme for the most deprived persons, including emphasis on food poverty, should improve the situation of poor people in Europe; reminds the Commission of its commitment to submit, in good time, a legislative proposal in this regard in order to ensure continuity of the support for such a programme after 2014 on a new legal basis and with independent funding (over and above the 20 % of the ESF set aside for promoting social inclusion and combating poverty), with emphasis on facilitating organisations supporting the most needy and addressing the structural problem of food poverty, for instance supporting public authorities initiatives to reduce food waste;
Amendment 109 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Takes the view that the overall amount dedicated by the Commission to the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice and citizenship does not adequately reflect the strengthening of this area with the Treaty of Lisbon and its growing tasks and challenges; believes that a fair, balanced and transparent share of funding between the different objectives of these programs must be secured, particularly in favour of asylum policy, integration of immigrants, promotion of fundamental rights as well as the fight against all forms of discrimination;
Amendment 15 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) This Regulation establishes a visa safeguard clausemechanism allowing the rapid, temporary suspension of the visa waiver for a third country on the positive list in case of an emergency situation arising in relation to that third country, where an urgent response is needed in order to resolve the difficulties faced by one or more Member States, and taking account of the overall impact of the emergency situation on the European Union as a whole as well as on the third country concerned.
Amendment 16 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) Any suspension of the visa waiver should be based on a thorough examination of the circumstances of the third country concerned and be justified by objective criteria as set in this Regulation in order to ensure consistency, transparency and better decision-making.
Amendment 31 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
1. Paragraphs 2 to 5 of this Article shall apply based on objective criteria to ensure consistency and transparency, namely in the event of one or more Member States being confronted by an emergency situation characterised by the occurrence of any of the following:
Amendment 45 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No 539/2001
Article 1a – paragraph 3
Article 1a – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall examine the notification taking into account the number of Member States affected by any of the situations described in paragraph 1 and the overall impact of the increases on the migratory situation in the Union as the latter appears from the data provided by the Member States as well asnd from reports prepared by FRONTEX and/or the European Asylum Support Office, as well as adequate alternative solutions other than suspension; and, within three months following receipt thereof, the Commission may adopt an implementing decision suspending the exemption of visa requirement for the nationals of the third country concerned for a period of six months. The implementing decision shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 4a (2). The implementing decision shall determine the date on which the suspension of the exemption of visa requirement is to take effect.
Amendment 47 #
2011/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No 539/2001
Article 1a – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 1a – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The Commission shall take into account the specific situation of the third country concerned, the impact of such suspension on the country itself, and on the Union's relations with that third country, and work in close cooperation with that third country to find alternative long-term solutions.
Amendment 7 #
2011/0130(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) The certificate should not be susceptible of appeal. However, if the protection measure is suspended or withdrawn in the Member State of origin, the competent authority of that Member State should inform the competent authority of the Member State of recognition thereof, which should immediately suspend or withdraw the recognition and/or enforcement of the protection measure accordingly.
Amendment 48 #
2011/0130(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The certificate should not be subject to appeal. However, if the protection measure is suspended or withdrawn in the first Member State, it should be required to inform the competent authority of the second Member State should, on application by the person causing the risk,, which should immediately suspend or withdraw the recognition and/or enforcement of the protection measure.
Amendment 149 #
2011/0129(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Support, whether provided by governmental or non-governmental organisations, should be made available from the moment a crime takes place as well as throughout criminal proceedings and after such proceedings in accordance with the needs of the victim. Support should be provided through a variety of means, without excessive formalities and through a sufficient geographical distribution to allow all victims the opportunity to access such services. Certain groups of victims such as victims of sexual violence, gender, race hate or other biashate speech or hate crimes or victims of terrorism may require specialist support services due to the particular characteristics of the crime they have fallen victim to.
Amendment 235 #
2011/0129(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – point c
Article 2 – point c
(c) ‘non-marital cohabitee’ means any person without discrimination who is living with the victim on a stable and continuous basis without that relationship being registered with an authority;
Amendment 255 #
2011/0129(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – point a a (new)
Article 3 – point a a (new)
(aa) all necessary information regarding their rights, including their right to a fair trial, access to lawyer, right to interpretation and the right to redress;
Amendment 377 #
2011/0129(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12
Article 12
Member States shall ensure that victims have access, in accordance with procedures in national law, to legal aid including access to a lawyer throughout the entire proceedings, where they have the status of parties to criminal proceedings.
Amendment 429 #
2011/0129(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(ba) Victims of hate crime.
Amendment 500 #
2011/0129(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 23 a (new)
Article 23 a (new)
Article 23 a Prevention Member States shall prevent hate speech and hate crime with effective legislation and shall raise awareness of the sensitivity of such crimes.
Amendment 557 #
2011/0062(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that, before the conclusion of the credit agreement, a thorough assessment of the consumer’s creditworthiness is conducted by the creditor, based on criteria including the consumer’s income, savings, debts and other financial commitmen in order to verify his continuous ability to repay his debts. That assessment shall be carried out on the basis of the necessary information, obtained by the creditor or, where applicable, credit intermediary from the consumer and from relevant internal or external sources and shall respect the requirements with regard to necessity and proportionality set out in Article 6 of Directive 95/46/EC. Member States shall ensure that creditors establish appropriate processes to assess the creditworthiness of the consumer. The risk assessment may not be restricted to classification or certification on the basis of statistical indicators, and must not take place only using certification based on credit history. These processes shall be reviewed at regular intervals and up-to-date records of those processes shall be maintained.
Amendment 664 #
2011/0062(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. The Member States shall ensure that the consumer has the statutory or contractual right to have an existing credit agreement that is concluded in a foreign currency converted into his own national currency at any time, at a rate calculated on the basis of the official exchange rates set by the European Central Bank. The bank may not make any extra charge during the exchange transaction; however, Member States shall ensure that the creditor is entitled to compensation for justified costs of the exchange transaction.
Amendment 53 #
2011/0023(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) PNR data are necessarycan significantly contribute to effectively preventing, detecting, investigateing and prosecute ing terrorist offences and serious crime and thus enhance internal security.
Amendment 102 #
2011/0023(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The contents of any lists of required PNR data to be obtained by the Passenger Information Unit should be drawn up with the objective of reflecting the legitimate requirements of public authorities to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute terrorist offences or serious crime, thereby improving internal security within the Union as well as protecting the fundamental rights of citizens, notably privacy and the protection of personal data. Such lists should not contain any sensitive personal data that could reveal racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership or data concerning health or sexual life, disability or sexual orientation of the individual concerned. The PNR data should contain details on the passenger's reservation and travel itinerary which enable competent authorities to identify air passengers representing a threat to internal security.
Amendment 112 #
2011/0023(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Commission supports the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines on PNR. These guidelines should thus be the basis for adopting the supported data formats for transfers of PNR data by air carriers to Member States. This justifies that such supported data formats, as well as the relevant protocols applicable to the transfer of data from air carriers should be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure foreseen in Regulation (EU) No ... of the European Parliament and the Council […] ensuring also the involvement of the European Parliament.
Amendment 276 #
2011/0023(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. The assessment of the passengers prior to their scheduled arrival or departure from the Member State referred to in point (a) of paragraph 2 shall be carried out in a non- discriminatory manner on the basis of assessment criteria established by its Passenger Information Unit. Member States shall ensure that the assessment criteria are set by the Passenger Information Units, in cooperation with the competent authorities referred to in Article 5. The assessment criteria shall in no circumstances be based on a person's race or ethnic origin, religious or philosophical belief, political opinion, trade union membership, health or sexual life, disability or sexual orientation.
Amendment 413 #
2011/0023(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 3
Article 11 – paragraph 3
3. Any processing of PNR data revealing a person's race or ethnic origin, religious or philosophical belief, political opinion, trade union membership, health or sexual life, disability or sexual orientation shall be prohibited. In the event that PNR data revealing such information are received by the Passenger Information Unit they shall be deleted immediately; penalties as set out in Article 10 of this Directive shall apply to air carriers processing such data.
Amendment 7 #
2010/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas criminal law must constitute a coherent legislative system governed by a set of fundamental principles and standards of good governance in full respect of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights and other international conventions that the Member States are signatories of;
Amendment 15 #
2010/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls that criminal law must fully respect fundamental rights of suspected, accused or convicted persons;
Amendment 18 #
2010/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 1
Paragraph 2 – indent 1
– the criminal provisions focus on conduct causing significant damage to society orpecuniary or non- pecuniary damage to society, individuals or a group of individuals,;
Amendment 25 #
2010/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Encourages the adoption of minimum standards within the criminal justice area in order to strengthen mutual trust;
Amendment 26 #
2010/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Amendment 12 #
2010/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Stockholm Programme emphasised that an EU internal security strategy should be developed in order further to improve security in the Union, thus protecting the lives and safety of EU citizens and effectively combating organised crime, terrorism and other threats, while respecting fundamental rights, the principles of international protection and the rule of law;
Amendment 23 #
2010/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Believes that the implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights must be the core of any fully fledged ISS; recalls that, in order to achieve freedom and justice, security must always be pursued in accordance with the principles of the Treaties, the rule of law and fundamental rights;
Amendment 62 #
2010/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines that the fight against terrorism is a priority for the ISS, the objectives and tools of which must be evaluated properly as indicated in Parliament's resolution of 14 December on ‘the EU Counter-Terrorism Policy: main achievements and future challenges’; outlines that prevention and protection policies must be further prioritised, along with prosecution and response; notes that, in this context, a greater focus on targeted law enforcement and intelligence-driven activities is needed; stresses however that law enforcement and intelligence activities must be carried out in accordance with the principle of necessity, proportionality and respecting fundamental rights, furthermore, the democratic oversight of any intelligence agency shall be ensured;
Amendment 73 #
2010/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the focus on border security in the context of the ISS, but believes that border management and human mobility are not merely security issues, but key features of a wider political strategy involving not only the security dimension, but also – more importantly – immigration, asylum, development and employment policies at EU level; stresses furthermore that security must be pursued respecting the achievements of the Union, namely the right to free movement through internal borders;
Amendment 2 #
2010/2307(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that the objective of all initiatives must be to educate young people for the Europe of the future, which means making it possible for all young people to enjoy the benefits of schooling, vocational education and training and higher education that lays stress on meeting the technological requirementsrequirements of the labour market of a modern and sustainable society;
Amendment 47 #
2010/2307(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Takes the view that voluntary mobility in the framework of schooling and vocational education and training and for the purposes of employment should be promoted for all young people, irrespective of their financial situation, with each individual being able to determine the degree of his or her own mobilitysocial and ethnic background, as well as their disabilities or health problems;
Amendment 78 #
2010/2307(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises that the transition from school, vocational education and training or higher education to employment must be better prepared and must follow on directly from education or training, and welcomes the ‘European Youth Guarantee’ initiative; believes that social partners and youth organisations should be involved in the development of a sustainable strategy to reduce youth unemployment, in which there must be mutual formal recognition of studies and qualifications obtained;
Amendment 106 #
2010/2307(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Takes the view that quality career and vocational orientation guidance services must be further developed; stresses the importance of involving social partners in their design, organisation, delivery and funding in order to ensure labour market relevance and efficiency;
Amendment 114 #
2010/2307(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Takes the view that occupational choices must be less strongly influenced by gender, that measures must be taken to present a comprehensive overview of possible educational and training paths, later career choices and that the attempt must be made from an early age to interest and support girls, in particular, in mathematical and technical professionprofessions requiring scientific, technical, engineering and mathematical skills;
Amendment 167 #
2010/2307(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Emphasises that young people must be given access to vocational education and training during working time and that lifelong learning must be supported from the very first job.;
Amendment 3 #
2010/2305(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU economic, regional and social policy are interlinked and problems of absorption capacity of different funds in Member States are often similar;
Amendment 4 #
2010/2305(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the most disadvantaged regions and microregions lack the necessary financial and human resources, and the administrative support to make good use of the accessible EU funds;
Amendment 7 #
2010/2305(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the future ESF contributes to the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy in the fields of employment and social policy as aninclusion as a visible, transparent, efficient, simple and user friendly instrument;
Amendment 25 #
2010/2305(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Member States to involve the social partners at national, regional and local levels in order to better identify the needs of the labour market in order to improve the employability of socially disadvantaged groups;
Amendment 38 #
2010/2305(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to ensure that while supporting the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy, cohesion policy reduces disparities amongst regions and micro-regions and promotes a harmonious development in the EU;
Amendment 48 #
2010/2305(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to review the level of co-financing, to reflect better the level of development; calls on the Member States to create mechanisms for helptraining the small beneficiaries preparing for(typically grassroot NGOs and SMEs) to prepare successful applications and mentoring them during the period of implementation;
Amendment 61 #
2010/2305(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses the need for strong and dedicated focus on the actual outcomes and results of the ESF support-financed development programmes by the improvement of evaluation, monitoring and indicator systems.
Amendment 64 #
2010/2305(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Amendment 22 #
2010/2289(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to work closely with the social partners, particularly in implementing and enforcing the legislation underpinning the single market project, and to support and encourage them to share knowledge and experience in these areas.
Amendment 6 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that an individual's education influences his or her future life opportunities, and that it is therefore essential to ensure that education systems and standards are equitable, so that everyone can benefit from quality education without discrimination of any kind, including the segregation of Roma pupils in schools;
Amendment 10 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
- having regard to the Council of Europe Recommendation 1355 (1998) on Fighting Social Exclusion and Strengthening Social Cohesion in Europe,
Amendment 16 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for surveys on the socio-economic situation (mainly regarding education, health, housing and employment) of the Roma, and invites international organisations (e.g. ILO and OECD) to elaborate on these issues as part of their general surveys, to help set specific targets concerning e.g. the percentage of Roma community completing secondary and tertiary education, being employed in public administration, and being represented in different sectors of social and political life;
Amendment 19 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recognises that, in times of demographic change, the Roma population, which has been part of our common heritage for centuries, the young Roma population should be given the means through good quality education, decent housing and job opportunities to fully integrate into the work place and contribute to economic development and the sustainability of pensions as foreseen in the EU 2020 strategy; calls on the Member States, therefore, to increase their efforts now, by reinforcing their effective strategies for addressing the specific circumstances (deep poverty, lack of education, poor health conditions, segregated and substandard housing, low level of employment) of marginalised communities, in order to ensure their social and economic integration;
Amendment 22 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 9 September 2010 on the situation of Roma and on freedom of movement in the European Union1, 1 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2010)0312.
Amendment 26 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers it crucial that the Member States keep up their efforts to involve Roma children and youth in pre-school, primary, secondary and tertiary education, and to ensure their long-term participation therein, for instance by offering special training for school staff, employing mediators and providing after-school support and scholarships;
Amendment 35 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas a large proportion of Europe's 10-12 million Roma are struggling against an intolerable degree of social and economic exclusion and exclusion from human rights, human rights violations, and experience severe stigmatization and discrimination in public and private life as well as worrying levels of race based violence and other hate crime,
Amendment 38 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Deems it essential that programmes are designed and developed which ensure quality primary, secondary and tertiary education for Roma girls and women, whileas well as promotinge an understanding of Roma culture and values among both the Roma and non-Roma;
Amendment 39 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 43 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises that low attendance and high absenteeism rates in schools may indicate that pupils and parents are unaware of the importance of educationbe based on: - substandard housing and clothing not making school integration possible, - lack of quality education on site, - lack of accessible transportation to school, - absence of inclusive school climate, - segregated schools not providing adequate preparation for competitiveness in job market; underlines, therefore, the importance of involving the parents of Roma children and the Roma community actively in an ongoing dialogue on educational matters;
Amendment 47 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Reminds that the primary prerequirement of successful integration is joint efforts made both by the mainstream society and by the Roma community; therefore urges Member States to help improve Roma people's housing and employment situation, provide inclusive school climate with actively involving parents, and calls for Roma communities' social commitment and appropriate participation in improving their housing, employment and educational situation in order to ensure their real, effective and sustainable integration.
Amendment 49 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Supports the promotion of teacher training programmes that enhance teachers‘ ability to engage with children and youth with aof Roma background, and with their parents;
Amendment 56 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas non-discrimination - although indispensable - is not by itself enough to overcome the historic disadvantages of the Roma, and whereas it is therefore necessary to complement equality legislation and policies by addressing the specific needs of the Roma regarding the fulfilment of and access to their human rights to employment, housing, healthcare, education and eduvocational training by means of an EU-level strategy,
Amendment 59 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Views the Roma culture as an integral part of Europe's cultural mosaic; points out that a key means of understanding the Roma people and their way of life is to increase other Europeans' awareness of the heritage, traditions and language of the Roma, as well as of contemporary Roma culture.; considers the introduction of education on Roma culture indispensible in order to overcome negative attitude towards the Roma;
Amendment 82 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Deems that concerted action and responsibility should be taken throughout the whole process by Roma and non-Roma organisations, local, regional and national authorities and EU bodies building on best practices and already existing vast knowledge bases compiled by Member States;
Amendment 90 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point a – indent 2
Paragraph 2 – point a – indent 2
– education and vocational training,
Amendment 93 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point a – indent 4
Paragraph 2 – point a – indent 4
– housing, including a healthy environment and adequate infrastructure,
Amendment 94 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point a – indent 5
Paragraph 2 – point a – indent 5
– healthcare, and improving the health situation of Roma, and
Amendment 98 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point a – indent 6
Paragraph 2 – point a – indent 6
– empowerment of Roma civil society and Roma youth;
Amendment 105 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 1
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 1
– introducing anti-discrimination measures and awareness-raisingin all field of life,
Amendment 107 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 1 a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 1 a (new)
- ensuring fundamental rights, including the freedom of movement within the territory of the EU,
Amendment 109 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 2
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 2
– combating anti-gypsism, prejudices, stereotypes, racism and anti- gypsyism, stigmatisation, hate speech against Roma, and imposing appropriate punishment for racially motivated crimes,
Amendment 115 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 2 a (new)
- ensuring that the media do not transmit prejudice against the Roma community and promote a positive image of diversity, as well as allowing a more proportionate participation of Roma in the media,
Amendment 117 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 3
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 3
– protection ofng victims of human rights abuses, ensuring that legal aid is provided for them, with particular attention to the situation of Roma children and women who are often subject to double discrimination,
Amendment 120 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 3 a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 3 a (new)
- introducing preventive measures against trafficking in human beings whose victims are over-represented among the Roma,
Amendment 121 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 3 b (new)
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 3 b (new)
- training of persons involved at all levels of administration, justice and police services on non-discriminatory practises,
Amendment 122 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 3 c (new)
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 3 c (new)
- setting up dialogue between local authorities, judicial bodies, police and the Roma community in order to abolish discrimination in the judicial sphere, improve confidence and combat ethnic profiling,
Amendment 125 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 4
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 4
– ensuring equal access to quality education,
Amendment 131 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 5
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 5
– providing equal access to adult vocational training and access to lifelong learning,
Amendment 136 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 6
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 6
– basic care infrastructureequal access to social services,
Amendment 141 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 7
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 7
– abolishment of school desegregation, by creating inclusive school climate and employing Roma school mediators,
Amendment 145 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 7 a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 7 a (new)
- providing equal access to adequate preparation for competitiveness in the job market,
Amendment 148 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 8
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 8
– providing equal access to early childhood education,
Amendment 152 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 9
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 9
– intercultural educationsetting up awareness raising and intercultural education programmes to promote cultural understanding, and introducing Roma history and culture into the education curricula,
Amendment 154 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 9 a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 9 a (new)
- increasing the number of Roma teachers, ensuring the protection of the language and identity of Roma children making education available in their own language,
Amendment 156 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 10
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 10
– introducing measures to prevent early school-leaving and academic failure,
Amendment 159 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 11
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 11
– providing equal access to secondary and higher education,
Amendment 164 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 12 a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 12 a (new)
- combating child poverty, reducing children's separation from their families and preventing their placement in foster homes and special care caused by poverty,
Amendment 166 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 13
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 13
– making micro-credit available for entrepreneurship and self-employment,
Amendment 170 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 14
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 14
– housing andequal access to housing and abolishment of territorial desegregation,
Amendment 175 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 15
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 15
– addressing lack of infrastructurale and ensuring healthy environmental aspects of housing,
Amendment 176 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 15 a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 15 a (new)
- combating forced eviction, preventing attacks on Roma living areas and settlements,
Amendment 178 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 16
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 16
– combating health inequalities by providing equal access to quality healthcare and health preventive measureson,
Amendment 187 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 17
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 17
Amendment 190 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 17 a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 17 a (new)
- combating discrimination in the issuing of administrative documents,
Amendment 193 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 18
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 18
– capacity-building and training Roma on their rights,
Amendment 196 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 19
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 19
– enhancing active citizenship, involving Roma in all spheres of public and political life and strengthening their representation in institutions and elected bodies at local, national and EU level,
Amendment 201 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 20
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 20
– enlargementcouraging the improvement of the situation of the Roma in acceding countries and potential candidates,
Amendment 204 #
Amendment 224 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the importance of endorsing, implementing and controlling the Strategy in a transparent manner, with the primary responsibility falling on democratically accountable ministers within the Council, and emphasises that the Strategy should in no way be divisive for the EU, creating splits among Member States;
Amendment 241 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 2 a (new)
Paragraph 4 – indent 2 a (new)
- ensure the application of indicators and benchmarks when the implementation of the Strategy is monitored,
Amendment 246 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 3 a (new)
Paragraph 4 – indent 3 a (new)
- provide a database collecting best practices on Roma inclusion,
Amendment 254 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 5 a (new)
Paragraph 4 – indent 5 a (new)
- gradually introduce compulsory institutional guarantees for the mainstreaming of non-discrimination and anti-segregation measures and also to monitor such mainstreaming,
Amendment 255 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 5 b (new)
Paragraph 4 – indent 5 b (new)
- change regulatory framework of cross- financing, decrease bureaucratic burdens, simplify procedures for EU funds,
Amendment 256 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 5 c (new)
Paragraph 4 – indent 5 c (new)
- establish a special body to monitor Member States' performance in absorbing EU funds,
Amendment 265 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 6
Paragraph 4 – indent 6
– ensure the involvement of concerned stakeholders and Roma communities from all levels through the European Roma Platform, and work in partnership with the other institutions, Member States and regions, international financing institutions, transnational programming bodies and, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations;
Amendment 272 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on Member States to appoint a government official or an administrative body to act as ‘National Contact Point’ for the implementation of the Strategy;:
Amendment 278 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – indent 1 (new)
Paragraph 6 – indent 1 (new)
- adopt national strategies and set concrete national targets and measurable goals in line with the Strategy's priority areas,
Amendment 279 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – indent 2 (new)
Paragraph 6 – indent 2 (new)
- form responsible national bodies for the formulation of effective policy and for the implementation of the Strategy, including the management of funds,
Amendment 280 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – indent 3 (new)
Paragraph 6 – indent 3 (new)
- provide Roma with access to personalised services on site and ensure local decision-making with the involvement of local authorities and the Roma community,
Amendment 281 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – indent 4 (new)
Paragraph 6 – indent 4 (new)
- ensure transparency, continuous monitoring and evaluation of the efficiency of ongoing projects, and to report annually to the Commission on the progress made,
Amendment 282 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – indent 5 (new)
Paragraph 6 – indent 5 (new)
- implement appropriate measures to identify, sanction and report misuse of funds in time,
Amendment 283 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – indent 6 (new)
Paragraph 6 – indent 6 (new)
- introduce simple and normative funding procedures and utilise Global Grants,
Amendment 291 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls for surveys on the socio- economic situation of the Roma, on incidents of discrimination and race- related violence; encourages the collection of reliable and disaggregated data to develop evidence-based policies and enhance effectiveness and better evaluation, limiting the use of this data strictly for this purpose, with the necessary safeguards, and respecting the data protection directives;
Amendment 292 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Invites international organisations to include the situation of Roma as part of their general surveys, to help set specific targets;
Amendment 310 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Urges the Commission to support programmes fostering positive action for Roma in the fields of secondary and higher education, including vocational training, adult education, life-long learning and university education; urges the Commission to support other programmes providing positive and successful models of desegregation;
Amendment 324 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on Member States to implement the horizontal priority ‘Marginalised Communities’ within the framework of the EU Structural Funds; stresses also the need for new regulations on the allocation of these funds to set conditionality concerning the elimination of segregation and the assurance of equal access of the Roma to public services;
Amendment 334 #
2010/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls for an ongoing cost-benefit analysis on the proportion of funds dedicated to and spent on the actual programmes and running expenses;
Amendment 7 #
2010/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
(A) whereas living and working in a different Member State is one of the Union's fundamental freedoms - irrespective of one's ethnic origin -, a basic component of Union citizenship and recognised by the Treaties, yet statistics show that still too few people take advantage of this right despite the specific initiatives taken to support workers' mobility,
Amendment 8 #
2010/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Urges the Member States and the Commission to strengthen EU policy on fighting direct and indirect discrimination (paying special attention to the fight against discrimination based on ethnic origin), exploitation of EU migrant workers and abuse of their rights due to their insufficient knowledge of languages and laws applicable to their employment in the host Member State;
Amendment 10 #
2010/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
(B) whereas currently only 2.3% of people in the EU reside in a Member State other than their own but 17% envisage working abroad state of which they are citizens, but 17% intend to take advantage of the free movement in the future and 48% would consider seeking jobs in another country or region in the event of redundancies,
Amendment 29 #
2010/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the promotion of workers' mobility based on European law has to be complemented by EU legal provisions which ensure fair working conditions and equal treatment for migrant workers as well as foresee effective sanctions, remedies and redress in cases of violations of workers' rights;
Amendment 75 #
2010/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Considers that the SMEs can act as a trigger for economic recovery and development, being the primary source for job creation; therefore, reiterates the need for an EU commitment to supporting and developing the SMEs (e.g. by the Progress Microfinance Facility), particularly through active labour policies and educationalvocational education and training programmes;
Amendment 1 #
2010/2272(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Draws attention to the fact that gaps in the legislation (i.e. lack of transposition of basic principles in all related national legislation) and the implementation of the existing principle of equal treatment of people with disabilities are regularly brought to the attention of the Committee on Petitions by the citizens concerned;
Amendment 13 #
2010/2272(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the need for affordable anti- discrimination laws across the full range of policy areas, and the importance of affordable awareness-raising campaigns about the risk of discrimination against the disabled, in all walks of life and notably in the work environment;
Amendment 18 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas as full citizens, people with disabilities (both physical and psycho- social disabilities) have equal rights and are entitled to unquestionable dignity, equal treatment, independent living and full participation in society,
Amendment 23 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas over 80 million people or around 16 % of the European Union's total working population are disabled – including people with autism – and whereas the rate of unemployment remains unacceptably high, since, being twice as high as among people without disabilities, it can cause poverty and social exclusion,
Amendment 25 #
2010/2272(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that structural reforms to disability benefits and disability pension systems may be necessary in order to promote social inclusion and prevent poverty often burdening the life of disabled people and their family;
Amendment 30 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas policies aimed at disabled people often fall within the competence of Member States and are therefore based on national heritagetraditions and social customs as well as on economic development and the economic situation,
Amendment 36 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas there is a strong relationship between (physical) mobility and (social) inclusion, especially with regard to freedom of (means and accessibility of) communication as well as sign languages and freedom of movement in all fields of life aiming at full participation in society,
Amendment 59 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Observes that there is an int financial crinsic solidarity in European societies whichs hits the vulnerable groups the most, and therefore solidarity fully acknowledgesing the need for adaptations for people with mild disabilities is needed now more than ever; stresses however that people with severe or multiple disabilities need even more help in terms of human rights and dignity;
Amendment 65 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the importance of the objectives of the new European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (EDS) and calls especially for identification of more detailed actions for all levels of governance based on reliable data;
Amendment 70 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses the need for a new efficient approach to disability starting from the creation of a more effective mechanism to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the EDS with the intensive involvement of people with disabilities;
Amendment 87 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls attention to the fact that many disabled people continue to suffer discrimination with regard to the lack of equal recognition before the law and justice and calls on the Member States to remedy these shortcomings, including effective access to justice for persons with disabilities, appropriate training for those working in the field of administration of justice including police and prison staff, in addition to electoral rights and public management of natural and man-made disasters;
Amendment 94 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that people with mental disabilities are particularly exposed to the risk of abuse and violence, and calls on the Member States to adopt a developed control mechanism to provide services and legal protection for victims to guarantee the respect of human rights and freedoms of people in residential institutions and elsewhere, with special regard to disabled women and children;
Amendment 101 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Stresses that a necessary precondition for the individual’s ability to exercise civil rights is the establishment of a legal background for a supported decision- making mechanism;
Amendment 107 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Calls on the Commission to create an informative website targeting people with disabilities that explains their rights and privileges when travelling in other Member States, including a map of existing rights and privileges throughout the EU in general and with respect to the accessibility of different goods and services as well as the conditions for accessing them;
Amendment 109 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that, at present, consistent data on disability issues and disability-related services in Member States, including the number and quality of residential housmes, are lacking or limited;
Amendment 117 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls upon the Commission to gear up the cooperation between Member States, especially with respect to the gathering of comparable data; stresses that measuring disability should not be based only on medical aspects but should also include social, employment- and environmental- related aspects;
Amendment 125 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that demographic changes can also contribute to the situation of people with disabilities, as services and solutions forwith the increase of life expectancy in the EU, there is a growing number of disabled people among the elderly a, thus there tois a great extent indispensable for the people with disabilitiesowing need for services and solutions for the disabled;
Amendment 144 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Stresses that accessible transportation enables people with disabilities to participate in the labour market more easily and therefore helps the fight against poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 154 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Observes that a mutually-recognised parking card for people with disabilities (including people with autism and multiple or severe disabilities) and a unified EU charter for travellers' rights are relevant for the inclusion of people with disabilities in society;
Amendment 155 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Claims that already existing solutions concerning the accessibility of transportation should be made available for people having all kinds of disabilities;
Amendment 162 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Claims that for the active involvement of people with disabilities in all fields of social life, efforts have to be made to provide communication solutions for people with mental disabilities (e.g. easy-to-read websites), and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for people with complex communication needs;
Amendment 180 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Reaffirms that products, goods and services, including their modified versions, should not be discriminative and therefore cannot have alternativehigher pricinges, especially for disabled people; furthermore, the European public procurement legislation should be reviewed;
Amendment 185 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Confirms that SMEs could contribute to the situation of people with disabilities, especially if they have better opportunities at public procurement;are very important actors in the employment of people with disabilities, therefore SMEs should be provided with state incentives and relevant and more information on people with disabilities;
Amendment 194 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Stresses the importance of transition programs which, firstly, offer opportunities for work, beginning with sheltered workshop and progressing to the open labour market, and, secondly, create a more flexible framework for the transition from professional rehabilitation to other forms of employment in the course of implementing Europe 2020 Strategy;
Amendment 210 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. States that the present education and training systems in general do not prevent a high drop-out rate of people with disabilities; stresses that this leads to intensified social and employment disadvantages and poverty as a consequence among disabled people, especially during the present economic crisis;
Amendment 225 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Confirms that inclusive education should be the focus, and that this should therefore be emphasised within the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (‘ET 2020’) as well as the New Skills and Jobs Flagship of EU2020. In addition, there is a need for new and suitable guidelines and proper usage of IT in schools and at home with regard to personal and tailored assistance;
Amendment 230 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to support alternative educational programs and vocational training, which help people with disabilities to develop their skills in order to obtain adequate qualifications for the modern and open labour market;
Amendment 242 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Claims that training concerning the special needs of people with disabilities in using different services and accessing public places should be built into the curricula of all vocational education and training and higher education;
Amendment 248 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Calls on the Commission and Member States to intensify the general information provided for parents with disabled children in order to include early recognition and support and open up possible solutions for their specific needs;
Amendment 252 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28 a. Draws attention to the need for educational and extra-curricular programmes concerning disabilities in schools in order to combat negative attitudes towards people with disabilities;
Amendment 260 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. States that, compared to the average, people with disabilities have more chance of being poor; around 80 million people with disabilities are poor, including one million deaf peopl; among those living with disabilities, the families whose members are severely or multiply disabled are in the most vulnerable position Europe-wide; calls on the Commission to ensure their rights and take decisive steps and measures to improve the quality of life for severely or multiply disabled people and their families; these families’ incomes have decreased ever more drastically and more than two-thirds live below the poverty line;
Amendment 265 #
2010/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Confirms that, recalling the impetus of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, decreasing poverty cannot be achieved without integrating people with disabilities starting with the field of education and later in the labour market and adjusting income policies regarding invalidity and disability pensions systems, bearing in mind that the later also serve as stigmas;
Amendment 4 #
2010/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that innovation should be used to solve society's problems, stresses the importance of the pilot partnership in the field of active and healthy ageing, as well as new skills and jobs; considers that similar innovation partnerships should also be developed to prevent and remedy other crucial health and social problems, and recommends taking advantage of the various Member States‘ capacity to initiate partnerships more swiftly than others;
Amendment 22 #
2010/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. SUrges to overcome skill shortages in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics; stresses the importance of raising the level of training, particularly lifelong learning, and developing training activities better to enhance innovativeness and entrepreneurship;
Amendment 31 #
2010/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that an effective European research area should be created as a matter of urgency, in which obstacles to the mobility of researchers should be eliminated, and for an optimal utilization of the potential of new Member States, special attention should be devoted to their researchers;
Amendment 206 #
2010/2239(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Points out that because of the financial crisis, several Member States are planning to introduce changes to their pension systems; urges them, however, to ensure that pension systems remain stable, reliable and sustainable, and that all changes are made after adequate social dialogue and on the basis of the provision of sufficient information; advocates that, if choices can be made by employees, enough time should be provided for them to make informed and well thought-out decisions;
Amendment 306 #
2010/2239(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Supports, in accordance with the 2020 Strategy, a targeted and active labour market policy which will lead to increased participation in employment on the part of older workers, women, members of minority groups, young people making the transition from school to work, disabled people and the long-term unemployed;
Amendment 388 #
2010/2239(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Considers that the second pillar must be available to all employees by right, without any discrimination on grounds of sex, age, sector and/or employment contract;
Amendment 409 #
2010/2239(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Calls on the Member States to support the development of a social and civic dialogue in the field of old-age pension provision;
Amendment 450 #
2010/2239(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Considers that, when pension provision is reformed, or when there is a changeover from a promised pension to a promised pension arrangement, or from a final salary to a mean salary system, the public must be promptly and fully informed of the long- term consequences;
Amendment 454 #
2010/2239(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Considers that, in the further debate on an adequate, safe and sustainable pension system, it would be helpful to establish a pensions platform on which stakeholdinvolving representatives of EU institutions, the social partners arend represented whlevant stakeholders to contribute information about best practices and help to prepare policy initiatives;
Amendment 1 #
2010/2175(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls upon the ETF to follow closely the provisions of the basic rRegulation, especially where financial transfers between titles are concerned; takes the view, however, that activity-based budgeting is difficult in a system that separates staff and administrative expenditure from operational expenditure, particularly for an agency of which the main activities are advice, counselling and confidenceproviding policy analyses, disseminating and exchanging information and experience, and supporting partner-country capacity- building.
Amendment 1 #
2010/2171(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Regrets that, according to the Court of Auditors, EUR 700 000 of operating expenditure had to be cancelled, which is 18% of the appropriations, and that, according to the Court of Auditors, EUR 3 500 000 of operating expenditure had to be carried over to the next year; joins in the Court of Auditor's' remarks concerning the good reasons for the carry-over and their request for improvements in the programming and monitoring of activities with a view to maximising the use of the available appropriations and in order better to respect the principle of annuality;
Amendment 1 #
2010/2166(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Regrets that, according to the Court of Auditors, EUR 1 600 000 of operating expenditurepayment appropriations had to be cancelled and joins in its request for improvements in the programming and monitoring of activities with a view to maximising the use of the available appropriations and in order better to respect the principle of annuality;
Amendment 3 #
2010/2166(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is interested in the activities of the Centre with Norway and Iceland and in whether an agreement has been reach with these governments on the way in which their annual contributions could best be spent so as to avoid the need to carry over the appropriationsnotes that it has introduced a plan to align the use of the contributions of Norway and Iceland with the use of the EU subsidy which should be implemented by 2013;
Amendment 13 #
2010/2162(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point 1
Paragraph 1 – point 1
1. Points out that, as a consequence of the economic crisis, unemployment and social hardship are still increasing in a number of Member States, and therefore calls on the European Union to reinforce its commitment to eradicating poverty and social exclusion, particularly child poverty, as extreme poverty and social exclusion constitute a violation of human rightand to put special emphasis on the protection of the most vulnerable groups (single-parent households, families with three or more children, disabled people, ethnic minorities, especially the Roma, people living in the most disadvantaged microregions, people with decreased work capacity and young people without work experience); within these groups it is the women who are most affected by poverty as they often suffer from multiple disadvantages;
Amendment 17 #
2010/2162(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
1 a. As unemployment is the most basic cause of poverty, inequality and social exclusion in case of women as well, we call on maintaining and creating employment with targeted means (e.g. providing part time jobs or jobs with flexible working hours for women raising children), and apart from labour related measures, we also suggest that targeted policies should be put in action in order to strengthen the social protection system (e.g. creating childcare facilities in order to help women return to the labour market);
Amendment 23 #
2010/2162(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point 2
Paragraph 1 – point 2
2. Underlines that financing for the European Social Fund should be significantly increasone of the priority areas of the European Social Fund (ESF), i.e. improving the social inclusion of disadvantaged people, should be emphasized more intensively, the regulation concerning the ESF should be revised and changed, and new conditionality should be introduced in order to provide adequachieve thate resources for measures and activities under the Social Inclusion Strategy and the "Europe 2020" flagship initiative on combating poverty and social exclusionreach those who need them the most, and the gap between socially excluded groups and the rest of society is indeed decreased. In the meantime, visibility and transparency should be enhanced, the monitoring of the social effects of the fund usage should be carried out thoroughly, and further emphasis should be placed on the long- term sustainability of the projects;
Amendment 36 #
2010/2162(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point 3
Paragraph 1 – point 3
3. CallsAs there is a high risk that persistent poverty is transmitted from the parents to their children, which might result in a considerable disadvantage regarding children's chances for a better life, we call on the Commission and Council to implement as a matter of urgency a strategy to halvecombating child poverty by 2012, and; we emphasises in consequence the need to mainstream individual children's rights in all EU policies and measures to monitor and evaluate measuresteps undertaken to end child poverty, to identify and develop priority actions, to enhance data collection and to further develop common indicators at EU level;
Amendment 38 #
2010/2162(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
3 a. International studies show that women are overrepresented among the working poor based on gender inequalities (occupation segregation, wage discrimination etc.). This pay gap is further aggravated by women's traditional caring responsibilities. These two factors cause a major financial disadvantage for women in old age as well (difference in pensions and savings);
Amendment 56 #
2010/2162(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)
5 a. Considers active employment policy (e.g. in-work training, vocational education and training) very important in preventing poverty, in the process of which social partners play an essential role; deems moreover that pro-active employment policy (e.g. professional practice for the young, sheltered workshops and workplaces) is also a crucial set of measures, which aims at ensuring the balance and increasing the accessibility of the labour market, and maintaining employment for disadvantaged groups;
Amendment 11 #
2010/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that indicators of demographic change, and most importantly the old-age dependency ratio, should supplement GDP – currently the best available yardstick –among many other important indicators listed in the EMPL opinion on the 'GDP and beyond – measuring progress in a changing world (2010/2088(INI)' report, should supplement GDP as criteria for the allocation of funds under the future cohesion policy of the EU, in order to respond to these challenges of Europe more effectively;
Amendment 6 #
2010/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises the need to reduce the inequalities faced by practitioners in the cultural and creative sector and to fight discrimination in these sectors, especially as regards pay, jobs that match the level of qualifications, and social security; calls on theCommission and Member States to introduce changes to their social security systems to meet the needs of practitionerensify cooperation between the actors of culture, education and business in order to facilitate the integration of young people with disadvantages into the cultural and creative sectorslabour market;
Amendment 37 #
2010/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. FCalls on Commission to support the learning mobility of professionals in the sector of culture and creative industries, including young entrepreneurs; favours initiatives on mobility, particularly for students and young creators whether qualified or not, as well as the development of residencies and workshops for artists, and calls on the Member States to remove barriers to free movement, particularly with reference to exchanges between EU artists and between EU and non-EU countries; calls on the Commission to ensure that the right to free movement can be exercised;
Amendment 45 #
2010/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to promote joint researches and partnership programmes between the cultural and creative industries and the education and training sector, so as to facilitate the use of creative techniques and tools in the educational sectorthus providing citizens with creative and intercultural skills; stresses that intercultural learning and skills help people understand other (e.g. Roma) cultures, hence contributes to advancing social inclusion;
Amendment 57 #
2010/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Advocates the mobilisation of EU funds and programmes for the development of the cultural and creative sector(e.g. Microfinance Facility) for the development of small and micro-enterprises in the cultural and creative sector, with a view to optimising support to the industries, through facilitating access to information on funding opportunities and providing consulting services, promoting new business models, and consolidating creative clusters and business research centres;
Amendment 63 #
2010/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 5 – point 1 (new)
(1) Calls on Member States to promote the availability of managerial, business and entrepreneurial trainings specifically tailored for professionals in the cultural and creative industries, thus equipping them with communication and entrepreneurial skills required in an ever evolving socio-economic environment;
Amendment 69 #
2010/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that a high level of socpeculialr prote-action,ve and in particular unemployment insurance, is necessaryactive employment policy measures (e.g. sheltered workshops and workplaces) should be explored to provide a guaranteed and decent level of income for those periods without employment natural to the cultural and creative sector, and enable personal and collective emancipation.
Amendment 5 #
2010/2154(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises the importance of the fight against terrorism and supports in this only the use of legitimate means, which are necessary in a free and open democratic society, fully respecting the Charter of Fundamental Rights;
Amendment 13 #
2010/2139(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission's strategic report on the implementation of the cohesion policy programmes cofinanced by the Structural Funds (2007-2013) (COM(2010)110); considers, however, that in the aftermath of the global economic recession, the Commission's report should provide a more thorough updated evaluation of the impact of the projects selected, in terms of creating new jobs, reducing socioeconomic disparities, enhancing social inclusion and improving human capital; considers the introduction of a better monitoring and evaluation system to be crucial for moving towards a more strategic and result-oriented approach to cohesion policy;
Amendment 27 #
2010/2139(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on Member States to reduce excessive administrative costs and obstacles that hamper policy goals regarding access to employment, combating poverty and social exclusion, and development of skills; recognistresses that ‘earmarking’ discipline has improved implementation of the programmethe regulatory architecture of cohesion policy should allow greater flexibility in order to provide more targeting to disadvantaged microregions and settlements;
Amendment 31 #
2010/2139(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses the importance of improving infrastructure and services for disadvantaged microregions with a high concentration of socially marginalised population (e.g. the Roma), and also making them affordable;
Amendment 32 #
2010/2139(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Stresses that the role of local development approaches under cohesion policy should be reinforced by supporting active inclusion in the field of employment and education, and by designing long-term, complex and gradually built, step-by-step programs for the rehabilitation of deprived rural and urban areas having a high concentration of socially marginalised population (e.g. the Roma), and by introducing a new conditionality of non-discrimination and desegregation;
Amendment 36 #
2010/2139(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to boost the effectiveness of the ESF in guaranteeing opportunities for European citizens, with special emphasis on the most disadvantaged people (particularly the Roma and the disabled), to make themselves employable and adaptable and in generating the conditions for sustainable growth;
Amendment 44 #
2010/2139(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Bearing in mind that the ESF is a basic tool against poverty, social exclusion and unemployment, calls on the Commission to strengthen the ESF's potential, financial autonomy and flexibility, and to revise and simplify procedures, monitoring, follow- up and controls; calls for the introduction of new conditionality of non- discrimination and desegregation, in order to provide support for those who need it the most, targeting explicitly but not exclusively the Roma communities as well;
Amendment 55 #
2010/2139(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to enhance monitoring of progress by reinforcing extensive use of core indicators in national strategic reportsex ante setting of clear and measurable targets and outcome indicators in national strategic reports, where indicators must be clearly interpretable, statistically validated, regularly collected and published; emphasises the need for clarification of all national policy achievements in terms of job creation, promotion of equal opportunities and social inclusion for all vulnerable groups.;
Amendment 59 #
2010/2139(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls for regular political debate in order to improve transparency, accountability and assessment of the effects of cohesion policy.
Amendment 10 #
2010/2138(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines that introducing flexible working hours and providing telework opportunities, as well as extending child care and professionalising home help for the elderly represent an important step towards making it possible to combine work and family life;
Amendment 46 #
2010/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses the importance of enhanced preparedness, and calls for regular mapping of national capabilities and assets, as well as joint exercises among Member States;
Amendment 72 #
2010/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Takes the view that the EU CBRN Action Plan must set higher standards where security assessment criteria for high- risk CBRN facilities are concerned, and stresses the role and responsibility of national authorities to carry out regular checks of these facilities, since the development of ‘criteria’, as stated in the current Action Plan amended and adopted by the Council, is in itself simply not enough and sets an astonishingly low standard, coupled with the low levels of responsibility allocated to the organisations dealing with CBRN materials, relevant Member States authorities and EU bodies;
Amendment 117 #
2010/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Urges the revision of the European Solidarity Fund to make it more accessible to natural and available for industrial and man made disasters, and calls on the Member States to make use of the available resources of the Structural Fund for enhanced prevention and preparedness;
Amendment 6 #
2010/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas GDP, while an important indicator of economic growth, is tnotally inadequate as an sufficient as a single instrument for guiding policy to meet the challenges of the 21st century,
Amendment 17 #
2010/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes thatAs vertical wealth distribution is not often realised, there is an increasing gap between what official statistics say about economic performance and how people perceive their own living conditions, and that this leads to a lack of trust in government and the democratic process;
Amendment 20 #
2010/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. States that an increase in GDP does not actually reduce social disadvantages within Member States as it does not involve the improvement of wealth distribution, followed by the consequence that some are excluded from benefiting from growth;
Amendment 24 #
2010/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the need to engage societyal partners and representative organisations in order to build a consensus which can provide the legitimacy that is necessary to develop a shared view of societal goals;
Amendment 27 #
2010/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for both qualitative and quantitative metrics to be issued in a timely manner in order to enhance policy makingIs concerned that there is a substantial delay in collecting and providing data regarding the social consequences of the recent financial, economic, and employment crisis; hence, calls for both qualitative and quantitative metrics to be issued in a timely manner, and also based on different types of households, in order to enhance policy making, as well as to react to the challenges caused by the crisis in a more targeted way;
Amendment 37 #
2010/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the need to measure quality of life in societies and notes that such measurement will require metrics from at least the following categories: health and life-expectancy, education, employment, connectedness, political engagementaccess to services and to transportation (primarily in case of disadvantaged microregions), connectedness, level of public trust, political engagement, societal wellbeing (discrimination-free society insuring equal opportunities on every field for all), material wellbeing and environment;
Amendment 48 #
2010/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the need to measure "coping with income" and the degree to which people are living well in terms of financial and material assets, including minimum income, indebtedness, quality of housing (having affordable heating, electricity and tap water) and the adequacy of social security systems;
Amendment 53 #
2010/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for indices to reflect distributional issues in society in order to monitorboth horizontal and vertical distribution of wealth in the society in order to see whether different social and ethnic groups get their equal share of the economic progress and if financial growth contributes to social inclusion;
Amendment 12 #
2010/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Hopes that the Services Directive will genuinely have a positive impact by creating jobs and improving the quality and safety of services provided and also by taking into account all peculiarities and regulatory schemes of jobs and services;
Amendment 34 #
2010/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that there are still issues to be clarified regarding the scope of application of the directive, for the sake of which an in-depth assessment should be carried out in Member States on their experience; considers that a directive clearly defining the concepts of "commercial services", "services of general economic interest" and "social services of general interest" is more necessary than ever in order to precisely delineate the Service Directive's scope of application and the law applicable to services not subject to the directive, with particular regard to authorisation schemes;
Amendment 44 #
2010/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that the commitment of the points of single contact should be used as information centres forto inform citizens regarding issues related to the directive, in particular regarding applicable labour law and workers' rights in force under the directive, should be strengthened;
Amendment 52 #
2010/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Invites the Employment Committee referred to in Article 150 TFEU to issue regular reports on the effects of the directive's implementation on employment, from both a quantitative and a qualitative point of view, which should be based on in-depth assessments carried out in Member States.
Amendment 11 #
2010/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
Citation 17 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission proposal of 27 April 2010 for a Council decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States,
Amendment 13 #
2010/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, despite the economic prosperity and all the statements on eliminating poverty, social inequalities have worsened and, at the end of 2008, 17% of the population (i.e. around 85 million people) were living below the poverty threshold, even after social transfers11 , while in 2005 the figure was 16% and in 2000 it was 15% in the EU-15,
Amendment 16 #
2010/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the at-risk-of-poverty rate for children and young people up to 17 years is higher than for the total population, reaching 20% in 2008 in the EU-27, with the highest rates being recorded in Romania (33%), Bulgaria (26%), Italy and Latvia (both 25%), Spain (24%), Greece, Portugal, Lithuania and the United Kingdom (all 23%) and Poland (22%) of 33%,
Amendment 17 #
2010/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas elderly people also face a higher risk of poverty than the general population, reaching a rate of around 19% of those aged 65 years and over in 2008 in the EU-27, while in 2005 the figure was 19% and in 2000 it was 17%,
Amendment 18 #
2010/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the proliferationconstantly high level of precarious employment and low wages in certain sectors means that the percentage of workers at risk of poverty is increasingstagnating on a high level; whereas, in 2008, the at-risk- of-poverty rate for those in employment was 8% on average in the EU-27, with the highest rates being recorded in Romania (17%), Greece (14%), Poland and Portugal (both 12%), Spain and Latvia (both 11%)hile in 2005 the figure was 8% and in 2000 it was 7% in the EU-15,
Amendment 36 #
2010/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas account should be taken of the multidimensional nature of poverty and social exclusion, the existence of particularly vulnerable population groups (children, women and elderly people), which also include people with disabilities, immigrants, minorities, in particular the Roma, large or single-parent families, the chronically ill and the homeless, as well as the need to incorporate action to prevent and combat poverty and exclusion in other policies, with a guarantee of universal access to public services, high- quality jobs with rights and an income allowing people to live with dignity,
Amendment 37 #
2010/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas account should be taken of the multidimensional nature of poverty and social exclusion, the existence of particularly vulnerable population groups (children, women and elderly people), which also include people with disabilities, immigrants, large or single-parent families, the chronically ill and the homeless, as well as the need to incorporate action to prevent and combat poverty and exclusion in other policies, with a guarantee of universal access to public services, high- qualitydecent jobs with rights and an income allowing people to live with dignity,
Amendment 40 #
2010/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas a global objective needs to be established, prioritising economic and social and territorial cohesion and the protection of fundamental human rights, which implies a balance between economic, employment, social, regional and environmental policies and a fair redistribution of income and wealth,
Amendment 72 #
2010/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses the differences in various areas (health, housing, education, income and employment) among the social groups living in poverty, calls the Commission and the Member States to take those differences into consideration in their targeted measures, emphasizes that the most effective way to reduce poverty is to make the labour market accessible to all;
Amendment 81 #
2010/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the multidimensional nature of poverty and social exclusion, and highlights the social dimension and social sustainability of macroeconomic policies, as an integral part of the crisis exit strategy and economic and soc, social and territorial cohesion, and the fact this implies changing the monetary priorities and policies, among others, of the Stability and Growth Pact, and also competition policies, internal market policies, and budgetary and fiscal policies;
Amendment 101 #
2010/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the promotion of social integration and inclusion, in order to guarantee protection of fundamental human rights, human dignity in particular, and clear commitments to draw up EU and national policies to combat poverty and social exclusion, by ensuring universal access to the labour market, public health services, vocational education and training, housing and social protection, in addition to employment with rights, fair wages, decent pensions and an adequate income for everyone;
Amendment 122 #
2010/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the European Commission, in its ‘Europe 2020’ strategy document, announces that removing the risk of poverty for 20 million people is one of the EU’s five headline targets; believes that this absolute target should be at least doubledcombined with a target of reducing poverty by at least 25% in each Member State, in order to encourage every Member State to contribute to the task of achieving it, and made more credible with appropriate measures;
Amendment 127 #
2010/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the European Commission, in its ‘Europe 2020’ strategy document, announces that removing the risk of poverty for 20 million people is one of the EU’s five headline targets; believes that this target should be at least doubled and made more credible with appropriate measuresis too low and that the objective of a poverty-free Europe must not be abandoned; appropriate measures should be taken to achieve that objective;
Amendment 141 #
2010/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that the various experiments with minimum incomes, accompanied by social integration measures, show that this is a further essential way of combating poverty and social exclusion; therefore calls on the European Commission to prepare an initiative supporting these experiments in order to provide decent life for all, taking into account best practices and ensuring an adequate minimum income throughout the European Union as a means to prevent poverty and guarantee social justice and equal opportunities for all, without calling into question the specific situations in each Member State;
Amendment 164 #
2010/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the urgent need to define and use appropriate economic and social indicators in various areas (health, housing, education, income and employment), which will allow the progress made in combating poverty and promoting social inclusion to be monitored and measured; states that these indicators should be presented annually on International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October), should evolve as necessary and should include gender, age ranges, households, disability situations, immigration, chronic illness and various income levels (60% of median income; 50% of median income; 40% of median income) in order to take account of relative poverty, extreme poverty and the most vulnerable groups; details of these key socioeconomic indicators should be set out in an annual report forwarded to the Member States and the European Parliament for discussion and with a view to determining the scope for further action;
Amendment 23 #
2010/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas improving citizens’ knowledge of the EU requires the EU to become a natural subject of study in secondaryEU studies to be incorporated into the school curricula,
Amendment 34 #
2010/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that EU news coverage must be open, criticimpartial, factual and independent, which is a central prerequisite for generating pan- European debate and creating a European public sphere;
Amendment 38 #
2010/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the lack of online news and information on the EU and its institutions is not the problem; notes that all the institutions have launched their own news platforms, which fail, however, to captivate the public because in most cases they are not clear, attractive and understandable enough;
Amendment 42 #
2010/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the Member States should ensure the independence of public service broadcasters, and at the same time stresses that the latter have a responsibility to cover the EUdecisions made by the EU, which would affect citizens' everyday life;
Amendment 57 #
2010/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Asks the Commission to explore the possibilities of introduceing annual scoreboards that list and compare EU news broadcasting by public service networks in the Member States;
Amendment 75 #
2010/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Highlights the need for information offices to go local and provide targeted information about the decisions and activities of the European Parliament to the general public; proposes to consider giving greater independence to the information offices in deciding how they communicate with the general public;
Amendment 84 #
2010/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Suggests increasing the budget lines - allocated for supporting national and regional media through grants, education and visitors' programs - for Parliament’s information offices;
Amendment 91 #
2010/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Invites the Member States to consider including the EU as a subject in all secondaryorporating EU studies into the education curricula and encourages them to exchange best practice in this area at EU level;
Amendment 98 #
2010/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the Commission’s and Parliament’s training schemes for journalists on EU matters and calls for them to be extended in order to meet the increasing demand; also calls for extending allocations to support the media in order to enable them to cover EU affairs;
Amendment 116 #
2010/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
Amendment 123 #
2010/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Encourages the Commission and Parliament to strengthen further their commitment to educate and train staff in communication skills, enabling them to communicate with the media and with citizens in order to improve the information and communication of the EU institutions; considers enhanced recruitment of media professionals to fulfill these requirements essential;
Amendment 131 #
2010/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Suggests developing EuroparlTV, further integrating it into Parliament’s internet strategy and stepping up the distribution of its content to TV channels and online media on the basis of a comprehensive analysis of the EuroparlTV ratings and reach of audience;
Amendment 172 #
2010/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
Amendment 7 #
2010/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas education and training policies should enable all citizens, irrespective of their age, gender, health, physical, mental and psychic conditions and socio- economic background, to acquire, update and develop their skills and competences,
Amendment 21 #
2010/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the challenges faced by the teaching profession are increasing as educational environments become more complex and heterogeneous: changes in information and communication technologies (ICT), financial restrictions caused by economic crisis, changes to social and family structures, increased immigration and the emergence of multicultural societies,
Amendment 32 #
2010/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Asks the Commission to continue the debate on ‘New Skills for New Jobs’; points out that by 2020, 16 million more jobs will need high qualifications and four million more jobs will need medium qualifications, while 12 million fewer jobs will require low qualifications; calls for this debate to involve all interested parties, including teachers, students, competent professional organizations, relevant NGOs and trade unions, business people and workers from all sectors;
Amendment 36 #
2010/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Urges attention not only to the called new ‘green jobs’ but also the ‘white jobs’; points out that by 2030 the proportion of those aged over 65 in relation to those aged 15-64 will increase from 26 % in 2008 to 38 % by 2030; There will therefore be an increasing need for shared policies on active ageing, with particular reference to measures to promote literacy and refresh and update key skills in the field of ICT in order to overcome the digital divide, which is a growing factor in the social exclusion of the elderly;
Amendment 57 #
2010/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Draws attention to the importance of high-quality early childhood education for the early acquisition of key competences and in particular for supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds and with special (learning) needs in order to fight against future poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 65 #
2010/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Underlines the need to continue to develop and confirm language acquisition at primary and secondary school; with particular reference to immigrant children;
Amendment 78 #
2010/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls for the importance of integrated education in order to prevent social prejudices and discrimination and thus contribute to European social solidarity;
Amendment 92 #
2010/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Considers that higher education institutions should become more open to and prepared for non-traditional learners, students with special needs and disadvantaged groups;
Amendment 113 #
2010/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses the need to adopt, on the basis of existing good practice, a model for the recognition of educational credits relating to citizenship skills for young people taking part in volunteer and community service work promoted by non-profit making associations or in the context of development cooperation;
Amendment 115 #
2010/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses the lifelong learning dimension of the Recommendation on Key Competences and insists that to reach its full implementation more progress is needed in the fields of vocational education and training and in adult learning, including through the legal recognition of a universal right to lifelong education;
Amendment 60 #
2010/0817(COD)
Draft directive
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) Judicial cooperation is based on mutual trust in each others' judicial system that requires a well functioning, independent and impartial judiciary system without any political interference in all Member States.
Amendment 76 #
2010/0817(COD)
Draft directive
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 3
3. This Directive shall not have the effect of modifying the obligation to respect the fundamental rights and legal principles as enshrined in Article 6 of the Treaty on European Union, and as well as the right to defence - including access to a lawyer in all stages of the proceedings-, effective remedy and fair trial by an independent and impartial tribunal as enshrined in Article 47 and 48 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Any obligations incumbent on judicial authorities in this respect shall remain unaffected. This Directive shall likewise not have the effect of requiring Member States to take any measures which conflict with their constitutional rules relating to freedom of association, freedom of the press and freedom of expression in other media.
Amendment 77 #
2010/0817(COD)
Draft directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
(i) a judge, a court, an investigating magistrate or a public prosecutor competent in the case concerned and acting with full independence and impartiality; or
Amendment 117 #
2010/0817(COD)
Draft directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) where the principle of independence and impartiality of the court has been breached;
Amendment 118 #
2010/0817(COD)
Draft directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a b (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a b (new)
(ab) where there is a clear evidence that the fundamental rights of the person subject to criminal proceeding have not been respected, the right to access to lawyer, and the right to interpretation - where applicable - have not been granted;
Amendment 151 #
2010/0817(COD)
Draft directive
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Amendment 163 #
2010/0817(COD)
Draft directive
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(ba) the detention conditions in the executing state are not sufficient to guarantee fundamental rights.
Amendment 27 #
2010/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – point 2
Article 2 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No 987/2009
Article 14 – paragraph 5
Article 14 – paragraph 5
5. For the purposes of the application of Article 13(1) of the basic Regulation a person who “normally pursues an activity as an employed person in two or more Member States” shall refer to a person who simultaneously, or in alternation, for the same undertaking or employer or for various undertakings or employers, exercises one or more separate activities in two or more Member States, with the exception of marginal activities – which activities shall also be clearly defined with the involvement of social partners.
Amendment 25 #
2010/0312(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) The Schengen area is one of the main achievements of the Union appreciated the most by the citizens, ensuring freedom of movement. Therefore, the absence of control and checks at internal borders should be safeguarded.
Amendment 28 #
2010/0312(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) A candidate State meeting the requirements should be able to join without significant delay.
Amendment 27 #
2010/0275(COD)
(20) The Agency should facilitate cooperation among the Member States’ competent public bodindependent regulatory authorities, in particular supporting the development and exchange of good practices and standards for education programmes and awareness- raising schemes. Increased information exchange between Member States will facilitate such action. The Agency should also support cooperation between public and private stakeholders at the Union level, partly by promoting information sharing, awareness- raising campaigns and education and training programmes.
Amendment 30 #
2010/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) The exercise of the Agency's tasks should not interfere with the competencies nor pre-empt, impede or overlap with the relevant powers and tasks of: the national regulatory authorities as set out in the Directives relating to the electronic communications networks and services, as well as on the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) established by Regulation 1211/2009 of the European Parliament and the Council and the Communications Committee referred to in Directive 2002/21/EC, the European standardisation bodies, the national standardisation bodies and the Standing Committee as set out in Directive 98/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 June 1998 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations and of rules on Information Society Services and the independent supervisory authorities of the Member States relating to the protection of individuals with the regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data.
Amendment 37 #
2010/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point (e)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point (e)
(e) Support cooperation among competent public bodregulatory authorities in Europe, in particular supporting their efforts to develop and exchange good practices and standards, as well as promote and ensure their full independence;
Amendment 43 #
2010/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 5
Article 10 – paragraph 5
5. The Management Board shall inform the European Parliament about its intention to extend the Executive Director's term of office. Within a month before the extension of his/her term of office, the Executive Director mayshall be invited to make a statement before the competent committee of the Parliament and answer questions put by its members.
Amendment 69 #
2010/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The Commission proposed in its proposal for a Council Decision on ‘Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States’ of 27 April 2010, which calls under the guidelines 7 and 8 on Member States to increase labour force participation through policies to promote active ageing, to raise employment rates of older workers through innovation in work organisation and to increase the employability of older workers through up- skilling and participation in lifelong learning schemes. Guideline 10 emphasises the need to enhance social protection systems, lifelong learning and active inclusion policies with the aim to create opportunities at different stages of people's lives and shield them from the risk of poverty and social exclusion.
Amendment 87 #
2010/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 1
Article 1
The year 2012 shall be designated as the European Year for Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity (hereafter referred to as ‘the European Year’).
Amendment 96 #
2010/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The overall purpose of the European Year shall be to encourage and support the efforts of Member States, their regional and local authorities, social partners and civil society to promote active ageing and to do more to mobilise the potential of the rapidly growing population in their late 50s and above, thereby preserving solidarity between generations. Active ageing means creating bettproviding better access to life-long learning and other opportunities, and creating age-friendly and supportive working conditions to enable older workers to play their part in the labour market, combating poverty and social exclusion by fostering active participation in society, and encouraging healthy ageing. On this basis, the objectives shall be:
Amendment 106 #
2010/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) to raise general awareness of the value of active ageing in order to highlight the useful contribution older persons make to society and the economy, to promote active and healthy ageing and to do more to mobilise the potential of older persons;
Amendment 112 #
2010/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) to stimulate debate and develop mutual learning between Member States and stakeholders at all levels in order to promote active ageing policies, to identify challenges and disseminate good practice and to encourage cooperation and synergies;
Amendment 118 #
2010/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3
(3) to offer a framework for commitment and concrete action to enable Member States and stakeholders at all levels to develop policies through specific activitieinnovative and locally relevant solutions and to commit to specific objectives related to active ageing and intergenerational solidarity.
Amendment 137 #
2010/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
– information, promotion and, educational and training campaigns;
Amendment 138 #
2010/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 2 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 2 a (new)
- forums for consolidating and analysing evidence of benefits, as well as different methods of involving elderly people, in order to develop evidence-based best practice guidelines;
Amendment 152 #
2010/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 4
Article 4
Each Member State shall appoint a national coordinator responsible for organising its involvement in the European Year. The national coordinators should also see to it that national activities are properly coordinated and that stakeholders, social partners and civil society organisations are involved in the programmes.
Amendment 59 #
2010/0210(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Also as a consequence of the crisis, the high unemployment rate and the great number of long-term unemployed people living in the EU, for whom seasonal work is often an important tool for easing financial difficulties, Member States should have the possibility to apply a test every year demonstrating that a post cannot be filled from within the domestic and the Union labour market.
Amendment 88 #
2010/0210(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13a) There is a high unemployment rate and a great number of long-term unemployed people living in the EU, for whom seasonal work is often an important tool for easing financial difficulties, therefore, Member States should give preference to their nationals and the nationals of other EU countries when considering issuing seasonal worker permits to third country nationals.
Amendment 92 #
2010/0210(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Member States should have the possibility to apply a test demonstrating that a post cannot be filled from within the domestic labour market.
Amendment 175 #
2010/0210(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. Member States mayshall verify whether the vacancy concerned could not be filled by EU national or EU,s or by third-country nationals lawfully residing in the Member State and already forming part of its labour market by virtue of EU or national law and reject the application.
Amendment 183 #
2010/0210(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
3. Member States mayshall reject an application if the employer has been sanctioned in conformity with national law for undeclared work and/or, illegal employment and/or other unlawful activities.
Amendment 239 #
2010/0210(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) upon application, issue up to three seasonal worker permits covering up to three subsequent seasons within one administrative act (‘multi- seasonal worker permit’),
Amendment 34 #
2010/0209(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) This Directive should be applied without prejudice to the principle of Union preference as regards access to Member States’ labour market as expressed in the relevant provisions of Acts of Accession. According to that principle, the Member States should, during any period when national measures or those resulting from bilateral agreements are applied, give preference to workers who are their own nationals or are nationals of other Member States over workers who are nationals of third-countries as regards access to their labour market.
Amendment 54 #
2010/0209(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
Amendment 82 #
2010/0209(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) In order to make the specific set of rules put in place by this Directive more attractive and to allow it to produce all expected benefits for competitiveness of business in the Union, third-country national intra-corporate transferees should be granted favourable conditions for family reunification in the Member State which first grants the residence permit on the basis of this Directive. This right would indeed remove an important obstacle to potential intra-corporate transferees for accepting an assignment. In order to preserve family unity, family members should be able to join the intra-corporate transferee in another Member State under the conditions determined by the national law of such Member State, and their access to the labour market should also be facilitated.
Amendment 112 #
2010/0209(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – point e
Article 3 – point e
(e) ‘manager’ means any person working in a senior position, who principally directs the management of the host entity, receiving general supervision or direction principally from the board of directors or stockholders of the business or equivalent; this position includes: directing the host entity or, a department or sub-division of the host entity or a significant project, supervising and controlling the work of other supervisory, professional or managerial employees, having the authority personally to hire and dismiss or recommend hiring, dismissing or other personnel actions;
Amendment 118 #
2010/0209(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – point f
Article 3 – point f
(f) ‘specialist’ means any person possessing uncommonspecific knowledge essential and specific to the host entity, taking account not only of knowledge specific to the host entity, but also of whether the person has aand skills essential to the host entity, with proven experience and/or high level of qualifications referringlevant to athe type of work or trade requiring specific technical knowledge;;
Amendment 150 #
2010/0209(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) provide evidence of employment within the same group of undertakings, for at least 12 months immediately preceding the date of the intra-corporate transfer, if required by national legislation, and that he or she will be able to transfer back to an entity belonging to that group of undertakings and established in a third country at the end of the assignment;
Amendment 228 #
2010/0209(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. The competent authorities of the Member State concerned shall adopt a decision on the application for admission to a Member State as an intra-corporate transferee or for revision of the additional document provided for in Article 11(4) and notify the applicant in writing, in accordance with the notification procedures laid down in the national law of the Member State concerned, within 30 days of the complete application being lodged. In exceptional cases involving complex applications including applications concerning host entities in several Member States, the deadline may be extended for a maximum of a further 60 days.
Amendment 63 #
2010/0115(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) As part of comprehensive "exit strategies" for the economic crisis, Member States should carry out and maintain ambitious reforms to ensure macroeconomic stability and the sustainability of public finance, improve competitiveness, reduce macroeconomic imbalances and enhance labour market performance. The withdrawal of the fiscal stimulus should be implemented and coordinated within the framework of the Stability and Growth Pact.
Amendment 67 #
2010/0115(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8 a) Europe 2020 should be a strategy to come out of the economic crisis, to prevent a further economic and social collapse and to boost our economies in the medium term in order to contribute to the leading global economic and political role of the EU.
Amendment 97 #
2010/0115(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Member States" reform programmes should also aim at "inclusive growth". Inclusive growth means building a cohesive society in which people are empowered to anticipate and manage change, thus to actively participate in society and economy. Member States" reforms should therefore ensure access and opportunities for all throughout the lifecycle, thus reducing poverty and social exclusion, through removing barriers to labour market participation especially for women, older workers, young people, disabledpeople with disabilities, unskilled workers, minorities, in particular the Roma, and legal migrants. They should also make sure that the benefits of economic growth reach all citizens and all regions. Ensuring effective functioning of the labour markets through investing in successful transitions, appropriate skills development, rising job quality and fighting segmentation, structural unemployment and inactivity while ensuring adequate, sustainable social protection and active inclusion to reduce poverty should therefore be at the heart of Member States" reform programmes.
Amendment 105 #
2010/0115(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11 a) In the context of the 'inclusive growth' objective, Member States should be encouraged to set an appropriate legislative framework for the new forms of employment whilst paying attention both to ensuring flexible forms of employment and adequate social security for workers.
Amendment 119 #
2010/0115(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13 a) Member States should take into account the Europe 2020 strategy, and, in particular, its employment and social aspects, when programming and implementing EU funding, including that from the European Social Fund, the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund. The importance is underlined of the need for greater use of the synergies and complementarities of the various financial instruments available in order to meet the complex targets of the EU 2020 Strategy for smart, inclusive and green growth and to support more effectively the most disadvantaged micro-regions and the most vulnerable groups facing complex multi-dimensional disadvantages.
Amendment 145 #
2010/0115(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Guideline 7 – paragraph -1 (new)
Annex – Guideline 7 – paragraph -1 (new)
The Member States will set their national targets for increasing the employment rate for women and men aged 20 to 64 to 75% by 2020, in particular through greater labour market participation of the low-skilled, young people, older workers, people with disabilities, minorities, in particular the Roma, and the better integration of legal migrants. Furthermore, Member States will set their national targets so that the proportion of 20 to 24 year-old women and men in training or work is increased to 90%.
Amendment 162 #
2010/0115(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Guideline 7 – paragraph 1
Annex – Guideline 7 – paragraph 1
Amendment 169 #
2010/0115(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Guideline 7 – paragraph 2
Annex – Guideline 7 – paragraph 2
The Member States should step up social dialogue and tackle labour market segmentation with measures addressing temporary and precarious employment, underemployment and undeclared work. Professional mobility should be rewarded. The quality of jobs and employment conditions should be addressed by fighting low-wages and by ensuring adequate social security also for those on fixed contracts and the self-employed. Employment services should be strengthened and open to all, including young people and thoseincrease the employment rate through activation measures, in particular for less qualified people, through advisory services, through education and professional training adapted to the labour market's needs and through subsidised jobs for disabled people and people requiring particular protection. Furthermore, the Member States should increase the employability of minorities, in particular the Roma and legal migrants with appropriate programmes. Innovative programmes are also required to reintegrate disabled people into the labour market. Furthermore, the Member States should remove the barriers which make it more difficult for people to enter the labour market for the first time, support the creation of jobs, foster social innovation and increase the quality of job placement services. In particular, working time rules should be more flexible, so as to allow a work process which conforms to the requirements of the compatibility of family and work, and allows a more flexible exit from working life into retirement. Flexicurity strategies to increase flexibility, to be able to react more efficiently to production cycles, should be better protected through an active labour market policy and adequate social security systems, so that changing jobs does not lead to disproportionate financial costs. This should be accompanied by a clear commitment to actively support job seeking. New forms of work organisation, such as untypical temporary work, part-time work and teleworking are used more and more frequently in the working world without being legally controlled. They must not lead to a reduction in social protection for the people concerned. It should be ensured threate ned by unemployment with personalised services targeting those furthest away from the labour market. w forms of employment are not created at the expense of regular (full-time, permanent) contracts.
Amendment 200 #
2010/0115(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Guideline 7 – paragraph 3
Annex – Guideline 7 – paragraph 3
In order to increase competitiveness and raise participation levels, particularly for the low-skilled, and in line with economic policy guideline 2, Member States should review tax and benefit systems and the capacity of public services to provide the necessary support. Member States should increase labour force participation through policies to promote active ageing, gender equality and equal pay and labour market integration of young people, disabled, legal migrants and other vulnerable groups. Work-life balance policies with the provision of affordable care and innovation in work organisation should be geared to raising employment rates, particularly among youth, older workers and women, in particular to retain highly-skilled women in scientific and technical fields. Member States should also remove barriers to labour market entry for newcomers, support self- employment and job creation in areas including green employment and care and promote social innovationthis context, the resources of the European Social Fund should be fully used to increase the employability and adaptability of the workforce. In order to promote professional mobility, it is necessary for Member States to increase people’s openness to mobility by providing incentives.
Amendment 203 #
2010/0115(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 7 – paragraph 3 c (new)
Member States shall promote the European Microfinance facility as an example of how to combine economic and social measures in order to boost economic and employment growth. National and European microfinance facilities shall be accompanied by specific training and mentoring programmes and social benefits schemes ensuring minimum income in the first year after opening of the business in order to make entrepreneurship a real option.
Amendment 236 #
2010/0115(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Guideline 8 – paragraph 2
Annex – Guideline 8 – paragraph 2
In cooperation with the social partners and business,civil society Member States should improve access to training, including vocational training, strengthen education and career guidance combined with systematic information on new job openings and opportunities, promotion ofe entrepreneurship and enhanced anticipation of skill needs. Investquality requirements. The development inof human resource development, up-skilling and participation in lifelong learning schemess, higher qualifications and training should be promotfinanced through joint financial contributions from governments, individuals and, employers. To support young people and in particular those not in employment, education or training, Member States in cooperation with the social partners, should enact schemes to help recent graduates find initial employment or further education and training opportunities, including apprenticeships, and intervene rapidly when young people become unemployed. Regular monitoring of and governments. Access to high-quality general and vocational training and the reintegration of school drop-outs in the education system should be possible for everyone at any time. The Member States should align investments in the education system and improve their efficiency and effectiveness so that the objective of increasing the level of skills among the active population is reached. In doing so, the reforms regarding employability in particular should be aimed at ensuring, through training or knowledge in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT), the acquisition of the core skills which every employee needs to be successful in a knowledge-based economy. Measures should be taken to ensure that the educational mobility of young people and teachers becomes the norm. Member States should improve the operformance of up-skilling and anticipation policies should help identify areas for improvement and increase the responsiveness of education and training systems to labour market needs. EU funds should be fully mobilised by Member States to support these objectivnness and relevance of general and vocational education systems, in particular by introducing national qualification frameworks which allow flexible education and by developing partnerships between general and vocational education institutions and the world of work, in order to considerably increase the proportion of high-level academic and vocational degrees.
Amendment 254 #
2010/0115(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Guideline 8 a (new)
Annex – Guideline 8 a (new)
Guideline 8a: Reforming and strengthening cohesion policy in support of employment Member States commit themselves to arranging, complementing, coordinating and adjusting their national targets, within and among each other, in a way that imbalances of economic development between regions will be reduced. The Member States are aware that cohesion policy represents an effective and supportive but not subordinated instrument to the guidelines by accommodating regional specificities, supporting regions to overcome their socio-economical difficulties and reducing disparities. An integrated approach, multilevel governance and partnership principles should be the core of governance and deliverer of the strategy, whereas the regional and local level in particular have to play a crucial role as vehicles to reach the countless economic and social actors living and producing in the Union, in particular the SMEs. Therefore, cohesion policy is not just the source of stable financial allocations, but also a powerful instrument for the economic development and so an employment instrument for all Union regions. The Member States should align more investments in transport, energy, telecommunication and IT infrastructure and improve their efficiency and effectiveness making full use of the European Structural Funds, the rules and procedures of which should be harmonised in order to simplify delivery systems and encourage the participation of potential beneficiaries in Union co- founded programmes. To achieve this, Member States should create synergies and complementarities of the various financial instruments available, in order to meet the complex targets of the EU 2020 Strategy for smart, inclusive and green growth and to support more effectively the most disadvantaged micro- regions and the most vulnerable groups facing complex multi-dimensional disadvantages, since cohesion is not a cost, but gives strength, taps unused potential, reduces structural differences between countries and regions, expands growth and improves the competitiveness of Union regions in a globalised world, counterbalances the effects of the global economic crisis and generates Union social capital.
Amendment 282 #
2010/0115(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – Guideline 10 – paragraph 1
Annex – Guideline 10 – paragraph 1
Amendment 41 #
2010/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In order to ensure coherence and transparency in relation to proposed citizens' initiatives, it should be mandatory to register such initiatives on a website made available by the Commission prior to collecting the necessary statements of support from citizens; proposals that are abusive or devoid of seriousness should not be registered and the Commission should reject the registration of proposals which would be manifestly against the values of the Union, as set out in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union. The Commission should deal with registration in accordance with the general principles of good administration.
Amendment 84 #
2010/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall reject the registration of proposed citizens' initiatives which are manifestly against the values of the Union, as set out in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union.
Amendment 120 #
2010/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point b
b. examine the citizens' initiative and, within 4 months, set out in a communication its conclusions on the initiative, the action it intends to take, if any, and its reasons for doing soas well as the appropriate proposal on the matter where citizens have indicated that a legal act is required. Should the Commission decide to take some alternative action, or not to take any action, it shall state its reasons for its decision in a communication.
Amendment 124 #
2010/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. The list of citizens' initiatives tabled, as well as the communication referred to in paragraph 1(b), shall be notified to the organiser of the citizens' initiative as well as to the European Parliament and the Council and shall be made public.
Amendment 125 #
2010/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The Commission shall deliver a public annual report to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of citizens' initiatives , indicating inter alia the number of initiatives submitted, their admissibility and the follow-up given by the Commission to each initiative.
Amendment 34 #
2009/2225(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Highlights the importance of access of disadvantaged social groups (such as inactive people, people with low education and the elderly) to digital technologies and ICT innovations as a means of social inclusion and fight against poverty and growing inequalities; therefore urges the Commission and the Member States to carry on with specific programmes (such as eInclusion) aiming at facilitating access for these groups;
Amendment 108 #
2009/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Stresses that at times of public finance crisis leading to social service budget cuts, special attention should be given to women, who are primary beneficiaries and employees of social services;
Amendment 217 #
2009/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls for redefinition of the concept of ‘most economically advantageous offer’ so as to make national and local social and quality criteria - meeting internationally agreed standards (e.g. ILO Convention) - for the delivery of SSGI an obligatory requirement in procurement contracts, including subcontracts;
Amendment 270 #
2009/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Emphasises that decent, stable and quality working conditions and quality training for workers of all ages are essential for the delivery of quality social services;
Amendment 13 #
2009/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Union is founded on values such as respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities; whereas the effective safeguarding of rights has to be an overall objective of all European policies including its external dimensions and an essential condition of the consolidation of the European AFSJ,
Amendment 35 #
2009/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Draws attention to its resolutions, as well as its oral questions with debates, in 2009 and 2010 on specific fundamental rights such as privacy, personal dignity and data protection, prohibition of torture, freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of expression and information, press freedom, non- discrimination and the use of minority languages, on Roma issues, on discrimination against same-sex marriages, and on the illegal detention of prisoners; stresses that all these resolutions reflect the spirit of the Charter, show its clear commitment to the everyday protection of fundamental rights, and send political messages to European citizens, Member States and the EU institutions;
Amendment 52 #
2009/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reaffirms that the Charter represents the most modern codification of fundamental rights, offering a good balance between rights and solidarity and encompassing civil, political, economic (such basic rights as the right to property) and social rights as well as ‘third generation’ rights (i.e. the rights to good administration, impartial information, a healthy environment and consumer protection);
Amendment 54 #
2009/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that the Union is based on the principles of democracy and the rule of law, respecting legal certainty and adequate checks and balances;
Amendment 62 #
2009/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points out that promotion of respect for the core values of the EU constitutes common ground in the Union's relations with third countries, and stresses that the Charter is applicable in this regard; underlines the fact that, within the new institutional structure of the EU, the European External Action Service (EEAS) offers an opportunity to enhance coherence and effectiveness in the sphere of external policy, and therefore calls for a human- rights-based approach to the service's structure, resources and activity; emphasises that the Union plays a leading role in the promotion of human rights in the world, therefore agreements with third countries should reflect the principles of the Charter;
Amendment 81 #
2009/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes, furthermore, the new general obligations created by the Treaty of Lisbon to combat social exclusion and discrimination and to promote social justice and protection, equality of women and men, solidarity between generations and protection of the rights of the child, as well as its explicit reference to persons belonging to minorities, which reflects another founding value of the Union; also welcomes the obligation to ensure the right to asylum, non-refoulement, the fair treatment of third country nationals, and to combat trafficking of human beings, and also the fact that the Union has acquired legal personality allowing it to accede to international treaties, the improvement in judicial protection with the extension of the jurisdiction of the CJ to areas of obvious relevance to the protection of fundamental rights, such as police and judicial cooperation in the field of criminal law, the strengthened role of the European Parliament and national parliaments in the European decision-making process, especially in evaluating the implementation of EU policy in the AFSJ, and the increased role of European citizens, now invested with the power to initiate EU legislation through the European Citizens‘ Initiative;
Amendment 119 #
2009/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Emphasises the importance of the Commission's annual monitoring of compliance with the Charter, and notes that its monitoring reports should contain an assessment of the implementation of the various rights and an evaluation of the most contentious issues and of the situation of the most vulnerable groups in the Union; recommends the dissemination of good practice to the Member States; the reports should also indicate Member States that ignore the principles of the Charter;
Amendment 197 #
2009/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 – indent 1 a (new)
Paragraph 35 – indent 1 a (new)
– ensuring legal certainty and the existence of appropriate checks and balances of a sound democratic system,
Amendment 204 #
2009/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 – indent 2 a (new)
Paragraph 35 – indent 2 a (new)
– respecting the freedom and pluralism of the media and the free flow of information without interference by any public authority,
Amendment 226 #
2009/2161(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 – indent 6
Paragraph 35 – indent 6
– prohibiting and eliminating all forms of discrimination against a large number of minorities, including ethnic profiling,
Amendment 1 #
2009/2139(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas Parliament, through its Committee on Petitions, has an obligation to investigate such concerns and to do its best to bring such breaches of the law to an end; whereas, in order to offer citizens the most appropriate and rapid remedies, the Committee on Petitions has continued to reinforce its cooperation with the Commission, other parliamentary committees, European bodies, agencies and networks, and Member States,
Amendment 2 #
2009/2139(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the number of inadmissible petitions received in 2009 indicates that additional emphasis should be placed on informing citizens better about the competences of the Union and the role of its various institutions, as well as subjects concerning which petitions are likely to be submitted to the Committee on Petitions,
Amendment 7 #
2009/2139(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas citizens are entitled to speedy and solution-oriented redress and to a high level of transparency and clarity from all European institutions and whereas Parliament has repeatedly requested the Commission to use its prerogatives as guardian of the Treaty to act against breaches of European legislation revealed by petitioners, especially where transposition of EU legislation at national level results in its infringement,
Amendment 9 #
2009/2139(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas, although the Commission can fully check compliance with EU law only when a final decision has been taken by national authorities, it is important, particularly in relation to environmental matters and all cases in which the time aspect is especially important, to verify at an early stage that national authorities correctly apply all relevant procedural requirements under EU law,
Amendment 14 #
2009/2139(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and is confident that Parliament will be closely associated withinvolved in the development of the new citizens’ initiative so that this instrument can fully achieve its purpose and ensure enhanced transparency and accountability in the EU decision- making process, allowing citizens to suggest changes or additions to EU law;
Amendment 25 #
2009/2139(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Welcomes the newly elected Commission - especially the Commissioner responsible for inter- institutional relations and administration - and trusts that they will cooperate with the Committee on Petitions as closely and effectively as possible and respect it as one of the most important channels between citizens and European institutions;
Amendment 36 #
2009/2139(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Believes that, while extensive use of the Internet should be encouraged as it facilitates communication with citizens, a solution should be found to prevent the Committee being burdened with ‘non- petitions’; considers that a possible solution could lie in revision of the registration process in Parliament and in the reinforcement of the staff involved in the management and assessment of the petitions which still lacks the linguistic coverage necessary, and encourages the staff responsible to re-direct the files in question to the Correspondence with Citizens Unit, rather than submitting them to the Committee on Petitions;
Amendment 38 #
2009/2139(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Believes that research should be carried out concerning the reasons for the difference in the number of petitions submitted to the European Parliament by nationals and residents of EU Member States and also an information campaign should be organized on the findings of the research;
Amendment 40 #
2009/2139(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a Stresses that up until the best solution to the issue of resources is found, an immediate improvement of the existing website is necessary;
Amendment 13 #
2009/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas education and training are vital elements of lifelong learningexcellent means of helping underdeveloped regions close up and have multiple benefits that go beyond job creation and the promotion of competitiveness,
Amendment 42 #
2009/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that one of the key messages is to raise the level of investment in Europe’s human resources in order to give priority to the EU’s most important asset – its people, the focal point of the Union’s policiesskilled people who can adapt to the constantly changing circumstances of the labour market;
Amendment 47 #
2009/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points out the need to match lifelong learning opportunities as closely as possible to the needs of individuals and to the needs of the labour market, and emphasises that the constantly changing nature of those needs makes continuing education an inevitable necessity; recalls that there is no longer any such thing as a ‘job for life’ and that training and retraining isare essential; reiterates that a learning culture needs to be encouraged from childhood;
Amendment 51 #
2009/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Bearing in mind the demographic transformation of Europe (into an ageing society), calls on universities to widen access to learning, to diversify and to broaden the student population, in particular by adapting study programmes to adults returning to study and ensuring that such programmes are designed to attract adult learners and also the changing conditions of the labour market due to the economic, social and employment crisis, calls on universities to widen access to learning and to modernise curricula addressing the new challenges in order to upgrade the skills of the European workforce;
Amendment 53 #
2009/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Bearing also in mind that education is one of the most important and effective means of social inclusion and the fight against poverty and inequalities, urges universities to widen access to learning and international exchange programs also for people with disabilities;
Amendment 58 #
2009/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises that a stronger learning culture must be established, promoted and reinforced, and that continuing training and retraining at all stages of life isare critical to Europe’s businesses;
Amendment 106 #
2009/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Proposes that a web space (for example an open portal)site be set up for the purpose of sharing and disseminating experience and for communication focusing on sharing good practice and providing visitors with inspiration and concrete tools and mechanisms for designing and implementing cooperation projects;
Amendment 8 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Emphasises the need to improve the implementation rates of the Progress programme in order to mitigate the effects of the financial crisis on the labour market in particular; calls on the Commission to step up its efforts in supporting Member States through the programme; indicates its strong disagreement with any proposal to reallocate the funds from the existing budget of this programme;
Amendment 11 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Proposes a new pilot project on employment of people on the autistic spectrum in order to develop initiatives for employment and social integration of people suffering from autism; believes that the pilot project should address multiple disadvantages faced by those people while taking into account their strengths, and promote their inclusion in the labour market and in social and economic activities.
Amendment 85 #
2009/0164(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 26 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Member States shall facilitate access by beneficiaries of international protection to microcredit in order to support them in starting micro- enterprises.
Amendment 13 #
2009/0127(COD)
Proposal for a decision – amending act
Article 1 – point 1
Article 1 – point 1
Decision No 573/2007/EC
Article 13 – paragraph 3
Article 13 – paragraph 3
Member States shall receive a fixed amount of EUR 4 000 for each resettled person falling into one of the categories defined by the common EU annual priorities established in accordance with Article 13(6) with respect to geographic regions and nationalities as well as to specific categories of refugees to be resettled. The following categories shall be considered as common EU annual priorities: - persons deemed to be vulnerable, such as children and women at risk, particularly from psychological, physical or sexual violence or exploitation or people living with disabilities, - persons having serious medical needs that can be addressed only through resettlement, - persons in need of urgent and emergency resettlement for reasons of legal or physical protection, and - persons who are the victims of armed attack, a natural catastrophe or other unforeseen humanitarian circumstances.
Amendment 5 #
2009/0107(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) Underlines the importance of the greater use of the synergies and complementarities of the various financial instruments available, including the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Social Fund, the European Integration Fund, the programme of Community action on public health and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, in order to meet the complex targets of the EU 2020 Strategy, which aims to deliver smarter, socially inclusive and greener growth and to support more effectively the least favoured micro-regions and the most vulnerable groups facing complex multi-dimensional disadvantages.
Amendment 6 #
2009/0107(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) In order to facilitate the management of CommunityUnion funding, to help accelerate the investment in the Member States and regions and to increase the impact of the funding on the economy, it is also necessary to further simplify the rules governing cohesion policy. the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund, at Union and national level.
Amendment 30 #
2009/0096(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) The majority of micro-credit provided to disadvantaged persons in the European Union is provided by non-commercial microfinance institutions and socially committed banks, and therefore those providers require further support in order to meet the current levels of demand.
Amendment 49 #
2009/0096(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The Facility shall provide Community resources to increase access to micro- creditsvailability to microfinance for:
Amendment 57 #
2009/0096(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) disadvantaged persons, including the young,those who are excluded from the conventional credit market and who want to start or further develop their own micro-enterprise, including self- employment;
Amendment 93 #
2009/0096(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. For the first time in 2011 and bebut no later than 12 months after the entry into force 31 Decemberof this Decision and before 31 May of each year, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament and to the Council a quantitative and qualitative annual report on the activities under this Decision in the previous year. The annual report shall be based on the implementation reports referred to in paragraph 1 and focus mainly on the results achieved and shall in particular contain information relating to applications submitted, contracts concluded, actions funded including their complementarity with other Community interventions, notably the ESF.
Amendment 99 #
2009/0096(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 8 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. On the basis of the annual report, the Commission shall make efforts to ensure that the Facility is accessible throughout the Union for those who are excluded from the conventional credit market.
Amendment 102 #
2009/0096(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall carry out interim and final evaluations at its own initiative and in close cooperation with the international financial institutions referred to in Article 5(2). The interim evaluation shall be completed fourevery second years after the start of the Facility as an addition to the annual reports and the final evaluation at the latest one year after the end of the mandate(s) given to the international financial institutions referred to in Article 5(2). The final evaluation shall, in particular, examine the extent to which the Facility as a whole has achieved its objectives.
Amendment 103 #
2009/0096(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a (new)