42 Amendments of Paolo DE CASTRO related to 2022/2040(INI)
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
– having regard to the Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 December 2021 establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the common agricultural policy (CAP Strategic Plans) and financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1305/2013 and (EU) No 1307/2013;
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion
Citation 1 b (new)
Citation 1 b (new)
– having regard to the Regulation (EU) 2021/2117 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 December 2021 amending Regulations (EU) No 1308/2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products, (EU) No 1151/2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs, (EU) No 251/2014 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of aromatised wine products and (EU) No 228/2013 laying down specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions of the Union;
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas food supply chains are increasingly vulnerable and at risk from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters such as drought, flood, pests and diseases, as well as logistical challenges which were intensified as a result of lockdowns and restrictions during the COVID pandemic, and most recently due to the illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable Russian war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas creating more resilience in food systems requires long term consistency and commitment to building more self-reliance and sustainability into European agricultural production and supply chains;
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas these external shocks cannot serve as justifications for reshoring, isolationism or a rushed-up inward reorientation of the Union policies that would imply higher prices and a loss of jobs and disrupt even more the existing supply chains;
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas the disruption of Union supply chains and the economic and social consequences on European citizens are further exacerbated by the steady deterioration of the rule of law and democracy in some Member States;
Amendment 17 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
A c. whereas the Union needs to preserve its internal cohesion and solidarity and a balanced position between all international partners, in particular the US and China;
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers the fact that recent supply chain disruption, notably caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, has highlighted the EU agricultural sector’s reliance on complex import and export chains; calls for a shift to a sustainable, resilient and fair agricultural model anchored in the EU territories;
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights the resilience of the agri-food sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, its ability to maintain the functioning of the food supply chains and ensure food security in what were very difficult circumstances;
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas more transparent, traceable and standardised supply chains within a WTO and Union legislative framework are needed;
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. whereas more Free Trade International Agreements, as well as investments in third countries, are urgently needed together with an effort to mitigate geopolitical tensions, invest in infrastructures and transportation, diversify the supply chains, promote social, economic and environmental sustainability, advance in circular economy and improve warehousing;
Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
B c. whereas the Union does not produce enough key raw materials and components needed for the transition to a sustainable and digital economy, and relies heavily on imports both for commodities and for manufactured products;
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas food supply chains are increasingly vulnerable and at risk from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters such as drought, flood, pests and diseases, as well as logistical challenges which were intensified as a result of lockdowns and restrictions during the COVID pandemic, and most recently due to the illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable Russian invasion of Ukraine;
Amendment 33 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that import dependency for inputs increases vulnerability of food producers to external shocks, as now observed in fuel, fertiliser and feed chains; calls for EU production to be recalibrated towards more domestic production and sustainable practices which reduce the need for inputs, and to focus primarily on EU demand for healthy food; calls on Member States to ensure greater farmer autonomy in this respect via the CAP strategic plans, notablyinter alia, through strong support for organic production and the organic sector as a whole;
Amendment 44 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that localised, short supply chains can contribute significantly to the resilience of food supply chains overall, which ensures profitable paths for production and distribution; stresses that actors in such chains can face specific challenges, such as weaker access to government supportpublic support measures; highlights the important role young farmers and small and medium farmers play in maintaining the economic resilience of rural areas and the functioning of the food supply chains; calls on Member States to provide strong support for cooperation measures under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development in order to expand and strengthen the networks of small producers, along with more targeted and efficient measures to support young producers;
Amendment 50 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas the Union may achieve positive changes only by actively supporting the global development agenda, creating positive economic spill- overs for our partners and reinforcing the socio-ecological and digital transition;
Amendment 51 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
G b. whereas the Covid-19 pandemic confirmed that coordination and solidarity within the Union and between the Union and third countries is crucial to tackling major crises and that the Union and its partners should avoid protectionist measures while focusing on preventing supply chain disruptions and allowing the cross-border flow of essential products, in particular food products and medicines;
Amendment 52 #
G c. whereas the Commission in the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe has recognised the importance of fostering pharmaceutical production and investment in Europe and cooperating with international partners to work towards enhanced regulatory cooperation;
Amendment 53 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates that climate change and biodiversity loss pose a high risk of disrupting both primary production and logisticdue to crop damage and reduced harvests both in the short and longer term, and that measures taken to address these challenges are essential and valid measures towards having more resilient supply chains;
Amendment 58 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Is concerned that various factors contribute to logistical challenges which are more frequent and more serious than in the past, with disruption to international supply chains affecting imports of key materials or ingredients, as well as exports of goods from the EU, particularly in the agriculture and food sector, with such phenomena as border blockages requiring rapid deployment of Solidarity or Green Lanes to aid movement of key food and feed supplies, for example during the COVID pandemic and due to conflict situations;
Amendment 62 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Recognises that problems on a much larger scale have arisen due to the impact of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, highlighting the dependence of many non-EU countries on basic food supplies from Ukraine, and that this presents the EU and other regions with an urgent need to consider how to reconfigure food trade patterns in the years to come;
Amendment 63 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Recognises the possible impact of research and development of innovative agricultural technologies on the resilience of food production and distribution, stresses the need to ensure that the farmers, including small, medium and young farmers, have access to the benefits of such R&D;
Amendment 64 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights that the health and labour conditions of agri-food workernegative impacts on the health, safety and working labour conditions of agri-food workers since 2020 have resulted in fewer people willing to work in countries other than their own, and has affected labour availability in the supply chain, and this requires a new approach to making the sector more appealing as a secure workplace, as well as to training for young people to expand the labour pool;
Amendment 71 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Considers the fact that recent supply chain disruptions, notably caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and, most recently, by the illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable Russian invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the Union reliance on complex import and export chains, in particular for specific sectors;
Amendment 72 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the need for market regulation and appropriate public provisions regarding strategic stocks, to tacklelessen the impacts of market crises and price volatility whether caused by natural disasters, failure of logistical bottlenecks or geopolitical crises, to secure supplyies and to prevent speculation; calls for market transparency and timely information on public and private stocks;
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Notes that import dependency for inputs increases vulnerability of food producers to external shocks, as now observed in fuel, fertiliser and feed chains; calls for Union production to be recalibrated towards more domestic production and sustainable practices which reduce the need for inputs, and to focus primarily on Union demand for safe, affordable and high-quality food;
Amendment 75 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3 c. Highlights the resilience of the agri-food sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, its ability to maintain the functioning of the food supply chains and ensure food security in what were very difficult circumstances;
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Urges the Commission to develop a coordinated set of solutions aimed at increasing the resilience of Union supply chains by creating long-term, sustainable and inclusive development partnerships and alliances, diversifying suppliers, promoting domestic production and appropriate, targeted and proportionate stock-piling of critical raw materials and products to tackle market crises and price volatility, to secure supply and to prevent speculation;
Amendment 89 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that EU engagement in global food governance must be directed at better WTO recognisetion and promoteion of the right to food, as well as the food sovereignty and security of its trading partners and their right to regulate their exports and stocks to secure their own needs.
Amendment 92 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Believes strongly that resilient supply chains can only be guaranteed in the long term by the sustainability of production and the defence of producers against unfair competition, either from imports or from unfair practices, whether in the EU or in third countries.
Amendment 94 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. In the face of rapidly rising food prices and inflation which is affecting food affordability, calls on the Commission and Council, together with Member States, to consider putting into action point 2 of article 40 of TFEU as regards to regulation of prices of basic food products.
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Welcomes the EU Chips Act that represents a decisive and important step in the Union’s ambitious race for digital sovereignty and strategic autonomy in order to achieve Europe’s independence in the supply of this category of semiconductors;
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Calls on the Commission to enter into consultations with relevant third countries in order to seek cooperative solutions to address future supply chain disruptions and to involve, where appropriate, coordination in relevant international fora while ensuring robust engagement with the stakeholder community;
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Underlines that coordination and solidarity within Member States and between the Union and third countries is crucial to tackling major crises, as proved by the Covid-19 pandemic; stresses that populist movements and extremist parties established in some Member States are often in contrast with Union interests and principles, including increased coordination and solidarity, and prefer stocking the fire of divisions, in particular in time of uncertainty;
Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to prevent supply chain disruptions and allow the cross-border flow of medicines by limiting any export restrictions on medicines, active pharmaceutical ingredients and other manufacturing input, adopting targeted regulatory flexibilities, establishing priority lanes for freight and air transport of medicines and ensuring cross-border mobility of workers; stresses the need to ensure medicines and their ingredients are exempted from sanctions to limit any potential adverse effects on patients;
Amendment 121 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6 c. Urges the Commission to support Member States by developing targeted Union rules on medicines procurement, under the current public procurement Directive, aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability, competition, security of supply and stimulating investments in manufacturing; calls on the Commission to propose incentives, such as EU funds and State Aid, to stimulate the production of critical goods such as off-patent medicines, to achieve its open strategic autonomy in view of any crisis, while ensuring long term resilient supply chains;
Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Stresses that fair, sustainable and value-based trade and markets which respect international law, as well as working with cooperatives partners, will reinforce the Union’s supply chains and ensure a level playing field and fair competition for workers and businesses to compete globally;
Amendment 149 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Underlines the importance to carry out an ambitious EU digital agenda with the aim to build strategic international partnerships, building on the experience of the Trade and Technology Council with the US, and to secure a leading position for the Union in digital trade and in the area of technology, most importantly by promoting innovation;
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Highlights that the Union is deeply involved in global supply and value chains and that solutions pushing towards isolationism, an increase in non-tariff barriers on Union imports or an excessive inward reorientation of its policies would have very negative effects on Union workers and businesses, increase political and economic degradation and shrink the Union’s global economy share;
Amendment 172 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Underlines that the Union should focus on improving the production of critical goods and services, and that the introduction of effective autonomous strategic policies requires more cohesion among Member States and a much deeper European integration with a stronger and democratic European governance to further strengthen the link between trade, industrial, social, foreign policies, development, security, financial and taxation;
Amendment 173 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15 c. Stresses the importance for the Union to actively seek genuine partnerships and better connections with developing countries and create lasting partnerships based on fair, sustainable value-based trade and development cooperation able to address local problems such as famine, poverty and inequality, epidemics and climate change; highlights that this may be achieved by enhanced cooperation with international development institutions as well as more support to Union’s international projects, which fall under the Global gateway strategy and the NDICI-Global Europe;
Amendment 180 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Calls on the Commission to urgently relaunch the negotiations around the ongoing trade agreements, to finalise those where an agreement is near, and to focus on new ones, including Association and Economic partnerships’ agreements, in line with the review of the TSD chapter;