1442 Amendments of Ivo VAJGL
Amendment 9 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6
Citation 6
— having regard to UN Security Council resolutions 1325, 1820, 1888, 1889, 1960, 2106, 2122 and 2242 on women, peace and security and UN Security Council resolutions 2250 and 2419 on youth, peace and security,
Amendment 22 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
- having regard to Regulation (EU) 2017/2306 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2017 amending Regulation (EU) No 230/2014 establishing an instrument contributing to stability and peace,
Amendment 23 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 b (new)
Citation 14 b (new)
- having regard to the Proposal of 13 June 2018 of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, with the support of the Commission, to the Council for a Council Decision establishing a European Peace Facility(HR(2018) 94),
Amendment 32 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU is committed to implementing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and subsequent updates and the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2250 and subsequent updates;
Amendment 38 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU, as a key contributor to international organisations, an core aid donor and the world's largest trading partner, should take a leading role in peacebuilding and conflict prevention;
Amendment 42 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the prevention of violent conflict is fundamental to political and social advancement; whereas it is instrumental to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); whereas continued EU support to civil and military actors in third countries is an important factor for preventing recurrent violent conflict;
Amendment 72 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas it is essential to include and support the active and meaningful participation of local actors, both civilian and military, especially women, minorities, indigenous peoples and youth, when promoting and facilitating capacity and confidence building in mediation, dialogue and reconciliation;
Amendment 90 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls for long term peacebuilding addressing root causes of conflict;
Amendment 102 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the integrated approach to external conflicts and crises; calls for further institutionalisation of this approach, supports more coherent and holistic engagement by the EU to external conflicts and crises; calls for further institutionalisation of this approach and supports its aim to clarify EU responses at each stage of the conflict;
Amendment 103 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Welcomes the fact that the involvement of military actors is increasingly being recognised by the EU as a potentially important element in conflict prevention; welcomes in this regard the Capacity Building for Security and Development initiative and the recent proposal by the High Representative for a European Peace Facility, two instruments aimed at enhancing the Union's ability to contribute to stability, to preserve peace and prevent conflicts in third countries and hence to provide a secure basis for development;
Amendment 111 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for the establishment, under the authority of the VP/HR, of an EU high- level advisory board on mediation with the aim of setting up a gender-sensitive pool of senior political mediators and conflict prevention experts to make available political and technical expertise at short notice;
Amendment 141 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Highlights the fact that all EU interventions in violent and conflict- affected areas need to be conflict and gender sensitive; calls for immediate action to embed these aspects in all relevant policies, strategies, actions and operations, entailing a greater focus on the avoidance of doing harm, while maximising the EU's contribution to achieving long term conflict prevention and peacebuilding objectives;
Amendment 145 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines the role of the Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group (DEG) and its lead MEPs as the operational body for coordinating mediation and dialogue initiatives and welcomes new initiatives such as the Jean Monnet Dialogue for peace and democracy and the Young Political Leaders’ programme, and recommends that these should be developed further; welcomes the decision of the DEG to build on the success of the Jean Monnet Dialogue process with the Macedonian Sobranie by extending the Jean Monnet dialogue's methodology throughout the Western Balkans countries;
Amendment 146 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Recognizes growing role of the European parliament in political mediation processes; highlights, in this respect, the joint initiative of the Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations and three mediators of the European Parliament, Mr Kukan, Mr Vajgl and Mr Fleckenstein in supporting the party leaders in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in overcoming the political crisis through the adoption of the 2015 Przino Agreement; confirms European parliament's readiness to build on this example of close inter-institutional cooperation with the European Commission and the EEAS by stepping up its engagement to strengthen political dialogues and reconciliation throughout the Western Balkans and wider Neighbourhood;
Amendment 152 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Recommends that the existing parliamentary training and coaching programmes available for Members of the European Parliament, as well as training programmes for third country parliamentarians, political parties and staff, be further developed, including those on gender and youth aspects;
Amendment 159 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. CWelcomes the Council Conclusions on Women, Peace and Security; calls for the EU to take a lead role in the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security, and the incorporation of the principles contained therein at all stages of EU conflict prevention and mediation activities;
Amendment 166 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls for the inclusion of expertise on gender, including gender-based violence, in all stages of conflict prevention and, the mediation process and peacebuilding;
Amendment 169 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls for the EU to actively engage and share best practice with key international actors such as the UN, AU and NATO, including NATO's Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security;
Amendment 18 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas, in line with the objectives of the Global Strategy, the EU is increasing its responsibility for its own security and defence and its role as a partner for international peace and security, as well as its strategic autonomy, based on the implementation of a common foreign and security policy that leads to a common defence policy;
Amendment 19 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the Union must develop its own strategic autonomy through an efficient foreign and security policy, in order to maintain peace, prevent conflicts, reinforce international security, while guaranteeing the security of its own citizens and that of the people concerned by the CSDP missions, to protect its interests and defend its founding values, all the while contributing to an effective multilateralism;
Amendment 20 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the EU must be capable to decide and act without depending on third-party capacities, in order to build own resilience and consolidate its strategic autonomy in the field of defence, the fight against terrorism, and cybersecurity;
Amendment 21 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas standardisation and interoperability at infrastructure and procurement level are key prerequisites for the achievement of strategic autonomy, the Defence Union and an efficient military mobility;
Amendment 75 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that military mobility is a central strategic tool enabling the EU and NATO to pursue their security and defence interests effectively and in a complementary manner and should not be limited only to physical, legal and infrastructural obstacles; welcomes the fact that military mobility has recently gained a substantial level of attention from all relevant actors; notes that it enhances our preparedness and increases our deterrence posture in the face of potential adversaries and crisis situations, while helping to achieve the EU level of ambition in defence and security policy, including political, operational and industrial strategic autonomy;
Amendment 79 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights that coherent military planning is imperative for effective strategic autonomy, based on standardisation and interoperability of equipment and weaponry as we all as strategic doctrine and command and control processes;
Amendment 80 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Stresses that furthering the EU Defence Union and building on strategic autonomy and self-resilience should not lead to raising tensions in the relations of the EU with strategically relevant regional actors;
Amendment 88 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Supports the decision made by the Member States that participate in the Permanent Structured Cooperation to include Military Mobility on the initial list of seventeen priority projects to be developed within the PESCO framework;
Amendment 96 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Believes that an efficient military mobility policy will strengthen the EU's CSDP missions, given their international dimension and their peace-keeping objective, complementary to the UN's missions' mandate of peace building, by increasing synergies between defence needs;
Amendment 144 #
2018/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes that the Action Plan identifies a considerable number of tasks that need to be accomplished at Member- State level, to which end the European Defence Agency and the European Commission are to provide support and guidance for a swift and efficient implementation; emphasises in particular the importance of achieving harmonised rules for cross-border movement permissions, which are a major obstacle to rapid terrestrial, aerial and maritime movements;
Amendment 2 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1
Citation 1
– having regard to the international legal protection of freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief guaranteed by Article 18 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 18 of the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of all Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination based on Religion or Belief, Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Articles 10, 21 and 22 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,
Amendment 10 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion orand belief (FoRB) is a, and the rights to apostasy and to espouse atheistics views are human rights inherent to all human beings and a fundamental right of individuals which should be subjected to no kind of discrimination, as enshrined by international and European founding texts, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;
Amendment 21 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief implies the right of the individual to choose what to believe or to not believe, the right to change and quit one’s religion and convictions without any constraints, and the right to practise and manifest the religion of one’s choice, whether individually or in community and whether in private or in public; whereas the manifestation of religion or belief can be expressed in worship, teaching, practice and observance; whereas FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief entails the right of believers’ and non- believers' communities to preserve or quit their ethos and to act in accordance with it, and the entitlement for their religious and non-confessional organisations to have recognised legal personality; whereas protecting individuals adhering to any religion or none and effectively addressing violations of FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, such as discrimination or legal restrictions based on thought, conscience, religion or belief, are primordial conditions to ensure that individuals may enjoy FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief on an equal basis;
Amendment 30 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief is indivisible, is interdependent on and interrelated to fundamental freedoms and other human rights, and is a cornerstone human right that protects the core of human dignity;
Amendment 34 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas FoRB directlfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief may contributes to democracy, development, the rule of law, peace and stability; whereas violations of FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief are increasingly widespread, affect people in all parts of the world and may exacerbate intolerance, often constituting early indicators of potential violence and conflicts;
Amendment 46 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the promotion of FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, including through civil society support for the protection of the rights of individuals belonging to religious and belief minorities and non-believers, support for human rights defenders (HRDs) and the fight against discrimination on grounds of religion and belief , as well as the promotion of intercultural and interreligious dialogue, is a funding priority under the 2014-2020 European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR); whereas the European Development Fund (EDF) and EU financial instruments such as the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI), the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI), the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP) and the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) have also supported projects that are conducive to improving the environment for FoRB;
Amendment 51 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that freedom of thought, conscience, religion orand belief is an important undeniable pillar of human identity, greatlor to not believe is a pillar of personal identity impacting individuals and societies, and is therefore a reality that must not be neglected or denied in policies but requires proper recognition and addressing;
Amendment 58 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Affirms that the right to freedom of thought, conscience and, religion, commonly referred as freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), as a fundamental and belief or to not believe, and the rights to apostasy and to espouse atheistic views are an important human right and a founding value of the EU, and has to be duly protected, promoted and safeguarded by all actors; underscores the duty of states to guarantee FoRB as well as enhanced through interreligious and intercultural dialogue; underscores the duty of states to guarantee freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief in order to preserve peaceful, democratic and pluralistic societies that are respectful of diversity and beliefs;
Amendment 64 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Expresses its deep concern at the fact that recent years have seen a dramatic rise in violations of FoRB worldwide, including persecution basefreedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, and persecution of believers and non r-beligion or beliefevers worldwide; stresses that these violations are frequently at the root of or increasingly exacerbate wars or other forms of armed conflict, resulting in violations of humanitarian law, including mass murders or genocide; stresses that violations of FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief undermine democracy, impede development, and negatively affect the enjoyment of other fundamental freedoms and rights; emphasises that this obligates the international community, the EU and its Member States to reaffirm their determination and strengthen their actions in promoting FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief and the rights to apostasy and to espouse atheistic views;
Amendment 75 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that, in accordance with Article 17 TEU, the EU is committed to maintaining open, transparent and regular dialogues with churches and religious, philosophical and non-confessional organisations; highlights the supporting effect of these dialogues for respect for other human rights, equal rights for women, children’s rights, as well as for democracy, development, the rule of law, good governance, peace and stability, and environmental and labour standards; stresses that such interreligious and intercultural dialogues are often met by greater openness by some EU international partners and can create a starting-point for progress in other areas;
Amendment 78 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Condemns the persecution of and attacks under religious basis against ethnic, religious groups, non-believers, atheists, women or other minorities such as LGBTI and calls for immediate accountability of such violations; condemns forced conversions and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, forced marriages and certain other practices associated with or perceived as manifestations of a religion or belief; opposes such practices that often affect women and girls, members of religious minorities and persons on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity and stresses that they may constitute violations of international human rights standards;
Amendment 82 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the enhancement of the promotion of FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief in EU foreign policy and external actions over recent years, in particular through the EU Global Strategy for foreign policy and security and the 2015-2019 EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy; welcomes the fact that this enhancement is being met with an increased commitment on the part of many partner countries to comply with the respective Articles 18 of the UDHR and ICCPR;
Amendment 85 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. CommendNotes the creation of the post of Special Envoy for the promotion of FoRB outside the EU in 2016 by the President of the Commission, in response to the resolution of Parliament of 4 February 2016; considers the appointment of the Special Envoy as an important step forward and a clear recognition of FoRB as one of the core parts offreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief within the human rights agenda of EU foreign policy and external actions, both bilateral and multilateral, and within development cooperation; praisesaffirms that the Special Envoy for his continuous engagement and cooperation and complementarity of actions with the EU Special Representative for Human Rights on this issue, including the promotion of the EU Guidelines; commends the Commissioner on International Cooperation and Development, together with the Commission’s DG DEVCO, for actively supporting the Special Envoyshould clearly advocate for freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief that also includes the rights to not belief, apostasy and to espouse atheistic views; in this sense also stresses the need to pay a particular attention to the situation of non-believers at risks; supports the Special Envoy continuous engagement and cooperation of actions with the EU Special Representative for Human Rights on this issue, including the promotion of the EU Guidelines;
Amendment 89 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the importance of linking up efforts to promote FoRB and inter- and intra-religiousfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief and inter- and intra-religious, inter-convictional and cultural dialogues with the prevention of violent extremism on a complementary and mutually reinforcing basis, in particular within neighbouring and other countries with which the EU has special relations; underlines that non-confessional, humanist and "laique" organisations are also key actors in preventing violent extremism;
Amendment 99 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Deplores the fact that some countries in order to limit freedom of religion and belief and freedom of expression, have, enforce or seek to introduce penal laws providing punishment for blasphemy, conversion or apostasy, including the death penalty; also draws attention to the situation of some other countries facing or being at risk of conflicts of a religious dimension; calls for the EU to take further actions and increase its political engagement to prioritise in its foreign policy efforts towards all the countries concerned with a view to the repeal of such discriminatory laws and protect the ones at risk;
Amendment 104 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Denounces the recourse to blasphemy, apostasy or other accusations based on religious grounds, in order to crack-down on human rights defenders in relation to their legitimate activities, including on social media, and more broadly to restrict civil society space; condemns the continued detention of Sakharov Prize laureate Raif Badawi after an unlawful trial and presses the Saudi authorities to immediately and unconditionally release him;
Amendment 107 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the fact that the Special Envoy has developed effective working networks within the Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament, as well as with other stakeholders; deplores, however, the fact that the Special Envoy’s mandate was not established and consolidated with sufficient human and financial resources;
Amendment 115 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Council and the Commission to strengthenmake an assessment of the Special Envoy’s institutional mandate and capacity, by earmarking funding and human resources adequate to the Envoy’s duties, developing a systemic institutionalisation of working networks established by the Special Envoy within all relevant EU institutions or establishing the positionin order to establish if necessary adequate funding and human resources to carry out Envoy’s duties that should focus on promoting freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, and the rights to apostasy and to espouse atheistic views; calls ofn the EU Special Representative for FoRBEnvoy to annually report on his achievements and priorities;
Amendment 122 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 139 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 146 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 152 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recommends the setting up of a regularn informal advisory working group of Member States’ FoRB institutions and European Parliament representatives together with experts, scholars, and representatives of civil society, including churches and other faith-based organisations, providing advice on FoRB issues to assist the Special Envoy as well as non-confessional organisations, providing advice on freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief;
Amendment 159 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recommends that the EU Special Representative for Human rights in collaboration with the Special Envoy further develop cooperation with counterparts outside the EU, in particular by working in close cooperation with the different UN Special Rapporteurs and in particular the one on FoRB, as well as exploring the possibility of EU-UN joint annualinitiatives reporting on discrimination against religious minorities and non- believers, also formulating common proposals on how to put an end to such acts;
Amendment 168 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Urgently calls for the implementation of the EU Guidelines on FoRB to be increased in intensity and effectiveness; nNotes that further dedicated efforts need to be made by the EU and its Member States to implement more effectively theall thematic EU Guidelines and make the EU more influential in advancing FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief worldwide; stresses that understanding how societies may be shaped and influenced by thoughts, religions and other beliefs, including non-belief, is instrumental to better comprehending the promotion of FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief in EU foreign policy and international cooperation; calls for a particular attention to be paid to the situation of non-believers facing discrimination and violence;
Amendment 174 #
2018/2155(INI)
19. Commends, inUnderlines thise respect, the efforts made to date by the EEAS and the Commission to provide training on religonsibilities fulfilled by human rights focal points within all EU Delegatiouns literacy to EU officials and national diplomats; stresses, however, the need for broader and more systematic training programmes which would raisand CSDP Missions and calls for the strengthening of knowledge on freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief to increase the awareness of and increase the use of the EU Guidelines among the EU’'s and Member States’ officials and diplomats and strengthen cooperation with the Special Envoy; asks for churches and religious communities and associat; notes, in this respect, the efforts made to date by the EEAS and the Commissions to be involved in this training process; calls on the Commission and the Council to earmark resources for establishing such training programmeprovide training on the situation of religious minorities as well as non-believers to EU officials and national diplomats;
Amendment 184 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to produce EU Annual Reports on FoRBcontinue including a chapter on freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief within the EU Annual Reports on human rights and democracy in the world, to be communicated to the European Parliament and the Council; notes that the EU Guidelines on FoRB provide for an evaluation of their implementation by COHOM after a period of three years, and that no such evaluation has been communicated or made public; calls for the evaluation to be made public without delay; considers that the evaluation should highlight best practices, identify areas for improvement, and provide concrete recommendations on implementation in accordance with a specified timeline and milestones subject to regular annual evaluation; calls for the evaluation to be included in the EU Annual Reports on FoRBHuman rights and democracy in the world;
Amendment 186 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
Amendment 198 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes the EU commitment to promoting FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief in multilateral fora, in particular within the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE and with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); supports, in this respect, EU cooperation with the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; recommends continuing the EU practice of taking the lead on resolutions at the UNGA and UNHRC on FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience and religion and seeking to build alliances and defend common positions with third countries and international organisations; calls on the EEASU and the OIC to consider preparing a joint resolution on FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief within the UN framework;
Amendment 206 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Expresses its satisfaction that FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief is identified as a priority of the European Instrument of Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR); welcomnotes the significant increase of EIDHR funding allocated to FoRB-related projects since the adoption of the EU Guidelines; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to ensure that EU diplomatic work for the promotion of FoRBhuman rights, including freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief and EIDHR-funded projects is mutually reinforcing; stresses that FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief can also be supported by other instruments than human rights- oriented funds, among others those dedicated to the conflict prevention dimension or to education and culture; calls on the Commission and the Council to maintain sufficient funding for FoRB-human rights related projects, including equal treatment of all convictions, under the EU external financial instruments, within the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2021-2027;
Amendment 216 #
2018/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses that the EU’s policies in the fields of peace, security and conflict prevention and development and cooperation face challenges, for which solutions can be devised with the participation among others of churches, religious leaders, academics, religious communities and associations or faith- based organisations that are a critical part of civil societyas well as non- confessional organisations; acknowledges the importance of being mindful of the diversity of churches, religious communities and associations and faith- based and secular organisations which perform actual development and humanitarian work for and with communities; calls on the Council and the Commission to incorporate, where relevant, objectives and activities relating to the promotion and protection of FoRB into the programming of funding instruments linked to those policies, namely the EDF, the DCI, the ENI, the IcSP and the IPA;
Amendment 29 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 a (new)
Citation 21 a (new)
- having regards to the 2019 budget under which IPAII funds to Turkey will be cut by 146.7 million in view of the situation in Turkey as regards human rights, democracy and the rule of law,
Amendment 45 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that over 150 000 people were taken into custody in the post-coup crackdown and 78 000 have been arrested on terrorism charges, while more than 50 000 people remain in jail; expresses concern at the excessively lengthy pre-trial detention and judicial proceedings, the fact that in several cases no indictment has been issued yet, and the harshness of detention conditions; is particularly concerned at the fact that such arrests seem to also target legitimate voices of dissent or members of the opposition, human rights defenders, journalists or members of the opposition; warns against the abuse of anti-terror measures to legitimize the repression of human rights; is very worried at the allegations of ill-treatment and torture of those in prison, as reported by several human rights organisations;
Amendment 61 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Condemns the increased executive control over and political interference with the work of judges and prosecutors; is concerned that EU funding intended for the training of the judiciary and law enforcement to abide by such principles as impartiality, independence and human rights is instead being used to legitimize repressive behaviour; stresses that a serious reform of the legislative and judicial branches of power is needed for Turkey to comply with its obligations under international human rights law; is awaiting, in this regard, the Reform Action Group’s action plan on judicial reforms;
Amendment 68 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Expresses serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information; condemns the closure of more than 160 media outlets and, the large number of arrests of journalists in the aftermath of the coup attempt as well as the unsubstantiated and disproportionate sentences handed down to journalists; urges Turkey to guarantee media freedom as a matter of priority and to immediately release and acquit all unlawfully detained journalists;
Amendment 75 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Expresses concern at the shrinking space for civil society and the promotion of fundamental rights and freedoms; notes that a large number of activists, including human rights defenders, were arrested and demonstrations were recurrently banned during the state of emergency; calls on Turkey to protect the fundamental rights of minorities, such asincluding LGBTI people and to immediately and unconditionally release all human rights defenders currently detained, to drop all trumped up charges against them and to immediately seize all direct and indirect harassment against them;
Amendment 96 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Notes with concern the increase in the number of so-called 'honour killings' that took place in Turkey; calls for all perpetrators of this crime to be brought to justice under appropriate manslaughter or murder charges;
Amendment 102 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Expresses serious concern about Internet censorship in Turkey with the growing number of websites blocked from Turkey reaching 220,000 including that of Wikipedia since April 2017 and urges the authorities to bring Law No.5651 in line with European standards;
Amendment 142 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the state of emergency further constrained the capacity of the Grand National Assembly to fulfil its fundamental role of democratic scrutiny and accountability; notes with great concern the arrest of two members of parliament from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), as well as the way the People’s Democratic Party (HDP) has been particularly marginalised, with many HDP lawmakers being arrested on the grounds of alleged support for terrorist activities; underlines that the Turkish Grand National Assembly should be the central institution in Turkish democracy, and represent all citizens on equal terms, regrets the high electoral threshold as a distortion of true political representation;
Amendment 159 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Calls on the EU and Member States to increase their protection and support for human rights defenders at risk in Turkey, including through emergency grants, and to ensure full implementation of the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders by the EU Delegation and Member State embassies and consulates;
Amendment 166 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission and the Member States, taking all of the above into account and in accordance with the Negotiating Framework, to formally suspend the accession negotiations with Turkey; remains, however, committed to democratic dialogue with Turkey; asks the Commission to use, during the formal suspension of negotiations, all funds available underremove Turkey from the list of beneficiaries of both the IPA II and the future IPA III to support, through a dedicated envelope directly managed by the EU, Turkey’s civil society, and to increase opportunities for people-to-people contacts, academic dialogue, access for Turkish students to European universities and media platforms for journalistregulations; calls for an appropriate amount of funding reserved for Turkey under these regulations to be put under a dedicated envelope under the EIDHR or future NDICI respectively, in order to directly, without governance interference, support Turkey’s civil society, human rights defenders and journalists and to increase opportunities for people-to-people contacts, academic dialogue, access for Turkish students to European universities and media platforms for journalists; underlines that this suspension is without prejudice to article 49 TEU which states that all European countries which meet the Copenhagen criteria can apply for EU membership and it does not close the door for Turkey`s future European ambitions;
Amendment 187 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Notes that while the EU accession process was at its start a strong motivation for reforms in Turkey, there has been a stark regression in the areas of the rule of law and human rights during the last few years; reiterates its concerns over announced plans to reinstate the death penalty in Turkey; recalls that Parliament repeatedly called for the opening of Chapter 23 on Judiciary and Fundamental Rights and Chapter 24 on Justice, Freedom and Security at a time when the Turkish government had pledged to conduct serious reforms; regrets deeply that the accession instruments could not be used to the fullest extent owing to a continued blockage by the Council;
Amendment 190 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Points out that Turkey is a member of the Council of Europe and must abide by the commitments of that membership; points out that Turkey had the highest number of applications to and cases before the European Court on Human Rights (ECHR) in 2017; calls on Turkey to abide by and implement the rulings of the ECHR and to remain in compliance with its Council of Europe commitments and to implement constitutional and judicial changes and reforms in cooperation with the Venice Commission;
Amendment 193 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14 b. Expects the accession negotiation process to be replaced with a renewed political engagement between the EU and Turkey on economic cooperation, including issues such as deepening the Customs Union but also on shared geopolitical challenges such as the ongoing civil war in Syria and the fight against Daesh, as well as on refugee and migration related issues; underlines that any new EU-Turkey relations should be built on conditionality provisions on respect for democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, but also aim at increasing people-to-people contacts, such as student exchanges, scientific and university cooperation and visa liberalisation;
Amendment 212 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Believes therefore that a door should be left open for the modernisation and upgrading of the 1995 Customs Union between the EU and Turkey, to include relevant areas such as agriculture, services and public procurement, which currently are not covered; recalls that two thirds of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Turkey comes from EU Member States and that Turkey is an important growth market for the EU; believes that the upgrade would provide a valuable opportunity for democratic conditionality, positive leverage and the possibility of a roadmap where upgrading the Customs Union would go hand in hand with concrete commitments by Turkey on democratic reforms; believes further that the upgrading of the Customs Union would provide an important opportunity for policy dialogue on climate change as well as on labour rights in Turkey; calls on the Commission to start preparatory work for the upgrading of the Customs Union as soon as the Turkish Government indicates its readiness for serious reforms;
Amendment 259 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Recalls the important role played by Turkey in responding to the migration crisis resulting from the war in Syria; takes the view that Turkey’s population has shown great hospitality by offering shelter to more than 3 million Syrian refugees; reiterates its concern about the legitimacy and functioning of the EU-Turkey statement on migration and the (political) conditions under which it was concluded; calls on the EU and its Member States to keep their promise regarding a large-scale resettlement, and to ensure adequate financial resources for the long-term support of Syrian refugees in Turkey;
Amendment 273 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Notes that the EU and Turkey continue to cooperate on issues of (military) strategic importance within the NATO framework; calls on Turkish authorities to resume its cooperation with EU members under NATO’s rolling program of cooperation with non-EU countries; points to the high number of Turkish generals suspected of involvement in the failed coup attempt;
Amendment 281 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18 b. Regrets the actions undertaken by the Turkish government against Turkish citizens in third countries, including harassments and kidnappings as well as hotlines through which people are encouraged to report other citizens to the Turkish government; reiterates Interpol arrest warrants cannot be misused to target Turkish dissidents, human rights defenders, journalists and those critical of the government;
Amendment 288 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18 c. Expresses its concern about the risks migrant and refugee children in Turkey face, including discrimination and different forms of exploitation including forced labour, sexual exploitation and violence as well as forced marriages;
Amendment 298 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the efforts by the UN to resume negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus; supports a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the EU acquis; reiterates its call on Turkey to commit and contribute to a comprehensive settlement, to begin withdrawing its troops from Cyprus, to transfer the sealed-off area of Famagusta to the UN, and to refrain from actions altering the demographic balance on the island; underlines that following a settlement, the united Cyprus will be a Member of the European Union, thus rendering the concept of 'guarantors' obsolete and outdated praises the important work of the Committee on Missing Persons; recognises the right of the Republic of Cyprus to enter into bilateral agreements concerning its exclusive economic zone; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to refrain from any threat or action which might have negative effects on good neighbourly relations; stresses that a reunification of Cyprus will have a substantial and positive economic impact also for Turkey;
Amendment 319 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign and Security Policy, the Member States, the Government of Turkey and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and for translation of this report into Turkish.
Amendment 23 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the flourishing informal economy hinders the development of a viable Kosovar economy;
Amendment 24 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas gender based violence still forms a major challenge for Kosovo, including prenatal gender selection;
Amendment 25 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas Kosovo struggles with serious problems related to medication registration and quality, corrupt links between doctors and pharmaceutical companies, inflated prices and an 'essential medicines list' fabricated by pharmaceutical companies; whereas Kosovar citizens pay the price;
Amendment 27 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas on 8 June 2018 the Council decided to refocus the mandate of the EU rule of law mission EULEX Kosovo, bringing the judicial executive part of the mission’s mandate to an end; whereas the mandate’s end date is set on 14 June 2020;
Amendment 52 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Urges the Kosovar authorities to comprehensively deal with previously identified electoral shortcomings by enacting timely legislative and administrative measures to address the outstanding recommendations of EU and European Parliament observation missions well in advance of the next round of elections; welcomes the steps forward in relation to gender equality in the election administration; calls on Kosovo to further step up its efforts to increase female political participation;
Amendment 127 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Takes note of EULEX’s new mandate and its end date; stresses however the prevalence of concrete progress in the country over a set timetable;
Amendment 138 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls for the enforcement of the human rights framework to be prioritised, and backed by sufficient coordination and funding, especially in the field of gender equality, child and labour protection, social exclusion and discrimination against persons with disabilities and minorities, including LGBTI people; expresses in particular its concern about the high number of cases of gender based violence and prenatal gender selection; calls on the Kosovar authorities to effectively address these cases and provide support to victims, to collect data, and to train police, prosecutors and judges; believes that a comprehensive plan of awareness raising, the elimination of gender based discrimination, access to education and reproductive health services can prevent prenatal gender selection; underlines the need to reinforce the Agency for Gender Equality and the National Coordinator for the Protection from Domestic Violence and to strengthen prevention;
Amendment 186 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Notes the on-going debate concerning possible adjustments of the border between Serbia and Kosovo, including exchanges of territories; underlines that any changes to internationally recognized borders can only take place after thorough and inclusive debates in the framework of a comprehensive, legally binding agreement on the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, and with the full support of all parties concerned; underlines the multi-ethnic nature of both Kosovo and Serbia and that ethnically pure states cannot and should not be the objective in the region; stresses that any border changes should not undermine overall stability in the region and should not represent an alternative to the adequate protection of national minorities;
Amendment 202 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Regrets the rise of nationalist and right wing rhetoric in the region; requests the European Commission to support reconciliation in the region as a whole, by for example supporting cultural projects;
Amendment 212 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. CExpresses its concern about the dire registration and quality of medicines, as well as the corruption involved in the sector; urges the Kosovar Ministry of health to speed up its efforts in investigating these crimes and in addressing the registration and quality problems as soon as possible; calls for a comprehensive reform of the health sector, including the implementation of universal health insurance, in order to ensure universal access to healthcare; underlines the need for adequate funding of the public health system;
Amendment 215 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Call on the Commission to develop a regional strategy to address the persistent youth unemployment and brain drain by tackling the skills mismatch between the education system and the labour market, improving the quality of teaching, and ensuring adequate funding for active labour market measures and vocational training schemes, along with adequate childcare and pre-school education facilities; regrets the persisting discrimination and segregation in the education system; calls on Kosovo to develop a joint schooling system including all components of Kosovo’s society;
Amendment 222 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Calls on the European Commission and Kosovo to effectively support SMEs in order to develop a viable Kosovar economy;
Amendment 51 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Regrets that no compromise has been reached with regard to changes to the electoral legislation required to implement the Constitutional Court decision in the Ljubić case on the election of the members of the Federation House of Peoples; urges all political leaders to show responsibility and amend swiftly the electoral framework in order to ensure smooth implementation of the results of the elections; stresses that holding credible elections and implementing the results is an essential feature of a well-functioning democracy, as well as a requirement for any country aspiring to join the EU; reiterates that all acts of election irregularities should be investigated and condemned in the clearest possible terms, and any unlawful activities prosecuted;
Amendment 52 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Firmly reiterates the need of rapid formation of the Federation House of Peoples in line with rulings by the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina; expresses deep concern because of the risks of complete dysfunctionality of the Presidency of BiH; regrets the possibility of election of the member of the presidency of BiH against democratic will of Peoples that he is to represent which points toward much needed reform of the election process in BiH;
Amendment 60 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Deplores the fact that delegates from BiH have still been unable to agree on the rules of procedure for the SAPC, due to the attempts to introduce ethnic blocking into the SAPC's voting rules, which has consequently not met for three years; regrets the failure to cooperate with the European Parliament and, recalls that this is a clear breach of the obligations stemming from the SAA and urges all actors to agree to and accept Rules and procedures of the SAPC based on the recommendation of the European Parliament's opinion on the subject;
Amendment 64 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes incoherent legal framework for inclusive and evidence-based policy as well as its legislative development which hinders effective implementation; is concerned about the lack of systematic regulatory impact assessments and public consultations, the limited quality of and practice in monitoring and reporting and lack of a formal requirement to publish key government planning documents;
Amendment 104 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Notes that legislation without implementation is futile and urges swift implementation of legal provisions providing equality between women and men; firmly points at the lack of effective implementation of legislation on the prevention and protection which facilitates gender-based violence, in particular domestic violence; urges aligning of the relevant legislation with the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence; is concerned that the number of protective measures issued remains low, and calls for improvement of the general system of response and support to victims; draws attention to the fact that the existing safe houses remain in most cases strongly underfunded, which is in breach of existing legislation;
Amendment 110 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Is concerned about lack of educational and economy reforms that fosters high youth unemployment and high economic emigration which will have long-term consequences on country’s demography; notes with concern a high gender imbalance of labour force participation rates;
Amendment 134 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Acknowledges that some progress has been made in establishing institutional mechanisms of cooperation between authorities and civil society organisations (CSOs) and in ensuring public financing for CSOs; reiterates its call for the adoption of a strategic framework of cooperation with civil society at all levels of governance; urges authorities to open an effective dialogue with social partners which could in turn produce legislative and capacity-building initiatives needed in order to strengthen the capability of social partners;
Amendment 138 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Remains concerned by the widespread corruption in BiH and the persistent gap between the declared political will to fight it and the lack of concrete results; underlines that there is a lack of track record of high profile cases and that legal and institutional framework for combating systemic corruption like political party finance, public procurement, conflict of interest, and assets declaration is weak and inadequate; calls for steps to be taken to improve the legal and institutional anti- corruption framework in line with European standards, by better harmonising the action plans adopted at various levels, implementing the existing strategies and enhancing the cooperation between corruption prevention bodies and with the aAnti-corruption agency;
Amendment 142 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the adoption of the action plan on the implementation of the 2014-2018 Justice Sector Reform Strategy in March 2017 and the establishment of the necessary reporting and monitoring structures; points to the need for decisive action regarding its implementation; is concerned by continuing politically motivated threats against the judiciary; reiterates the need to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, including from political influence, as well as its impartiality, professionalism, efficiency and accountability; welcomes the implementation of the action plan adoptedadopted detailed action plan to implement the European Commission's recommendations on issues within the HJPC remit by the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) aimed at strengthening appointment, disciplinary and integrity measures as regards the judiciary; urges for a swift adoption of related legislative acts and start of its implementation;
Amendment 151 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Deplores any kind of glorification of persons convicted for the gravest crimes against humanity; calls, as a matter of urgency, for respect for victims of war crimes and for reconciliation to be promoted; reminds all political leaders and institutions in BiH that they have a responsibility to assess war-time events objectively, in the interests of truth, reconciliation and a peaceful future, and to avoid misuse of judiciary for political purposes;
Amendment 156 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Acknowledges that some progress has been achieved in the implementation of Annex VII to the Dayton Peace Agreement on refugees and internally displaced persons; calls again for significant attention to be devoted to damages compensation for property that cannot be returned, access to healthcare and employment, social protection, safety and education; notes that there are still extremely high number of internally displaced persons (98,324 according to UNHCR data from 2017), 47,000 minority returnees and a huge number of refugees; is concerned with persistently high number of missing persons and slow progress in that respect; urges resumption of operations of the Commission for Real Property Claims of Displaced Persons and Refugees; calls again for significant attention to be devoted to damages compensation for property that cannot be returned, access to healthcare and employment, social protection, safety and education; deplores cases of attacks against properties of returnees; calls on the authorities to embark on intensive cooperation between the two entities, and strengthen the efforts to find persons still missing as a result of the war, including full sharing of all relevant military and intelligence data;
Amendment 165 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Commends Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities' efforts to stop departures of its citizens to foreign battlefields since 2015 as well as conviction of 23 returned foreign terrorist fighters for terrorism-related offences, but urges authorities to apply appropriate sentencing for foreign terrorist fighters and to manage their subsequent social re- integration; notes with concern that the cells of radicalisation have been identified in certain locations in the country, in particular in the Wahhabi communities;
Amendment 6 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital –A (new)
Recital –A (new)
-A. whereas the EU enlargement continues to represent a strategic investment in peace, democracy, prosperity, security and stability in Europe;
Amendment 9 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Albania has continued to make steady progress towards meeting the political criteria and the five key priorities for the opening of accession negotiations: public administration reform, reform of the judiciary, fight against corruption, fight against organised crime and protection of human rights, including rights of persons belonging to minorities and property rights;
Amendment 13 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas challenges still persist and need to be addressed swiftly and efficiently in a spirit of dialogue and cooperation;
Amendment 15 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas constructive dialogue between political forces on reforms is essential for making further progress in the EU accession processthe government and the opposition on EU-related reforms remains crucial to advance on the reform agenda to the benefit of the citizens and move the country closer to the EU;
Amendment 27 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Fully supports the Commission’s recommendation that accession negotiations be opened in recognition of the reform efforts made by Albania; calls onwelcomes the Council to open accession talks without delay in order to sustadecision to set out the path towards opening the reform momentumaccession negotiations in June 2019; considers that the opening of negotiations would provide further incentives for the reform process and enhance its scrutiny;
Amendment 40 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for action addressing the outstanding recommendations of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE/ODIHR) as regards electoral reform; underlines that inclusive and timely electoral reform is needed with a view to increasing public trust in the electoral process; welcomes the work by the Ad-hoc Committee on Electoral Reform of the Albanian Parliament related to election administration, campaign finance, voter registration, vote buying, the use of new voting technologies and out-of-country voting, and urges it to reach consensus on, and adoption of, the necessary reforms in due time before the 2019 local elections; notes that additional efforts are needed to better involve civil society organisations as part of an inclusive policy dialogue;
Amendment 53 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the progress made in justice reform aimed at increasing the independence, accountability, professionalism and efficiency of judicial institutions; regrets that the administration of justice continues to be slow and inefficient; notes that the re-evaluation process for all judges and prosecutors has started and is delivering the first tangible results; calls on the Albanian authorities to speed upfurther advance the vetting process, without compromising on quality or fairness, which is crucial for the success of justice reform; takes note of first dismissals and voluntary resignations of candidates prior to their hearings;
Amendment 54 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Encourages Albania to continue its good cooperation with the International Monitoring Operation and pursue intensively the justice reform;
Amendment 68 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for increased attention to be given to political and public-private corruption, and stresses that a convincing track record can only be attained through; calls for strengthening the track record of proactive investigations, prosecutions and final convictions in corruption cases at all levelsthe fight against corruption and organised crime, including high-level cases;
Amendment 74 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Welcomes the progress made in the fight against organised crime, including the substantial progress made in seizures of illicit drugs and the reduction of cannabis cultivationand calls to further pursue tangible and sustainable results, including in the specific area of countering cultivation and trafficking of drugs; notes Albania’s intensified international police cooperation – leading to effective operations against criminal networks – including in joint working groups with Member States;
Amendment 83 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the additional steps takenReiterates the need for effective legislative and policy measures to reinforce the protection of human rights, minority rights and anti- discrimination policies, including the equal treatment of all minorities; insists that measures be taken to further improve the education, employment rates and living conditions for Roma, Egyptians and other ethnic minorities;
Amendment 117 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Urges the Albanian authorities to address the largstep up reforms aimed at increasing competitiveness and tackling the informal economy; stresses that corruption, rule-of- law deficiencies and cumbersome regulatory procedures continue to deter investment; calls to further improve the business and investment environment, including ensuring enforcement of property rights, vigorously pursuing fiscal consolidation and strengthening tax administration;
Amendment 128 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Commends that according to the Institute of Statistic in Albania (INSTAT) the level of unemployment in Albania decreased; stresses the need to improve the quality of the education system, including increasing capacity in order to better equip people with skills and knowledge in line with labour market needs; underlines the need to support long-term growth by developing the capacity for technological absorption, research, development and innovation;
Amendment 132 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Welcomes Albania’s commitment to implement the Connectivity Agenda in the framework of the Berlin Process; supports the proposal to reduce roaming fees in the Western Balkans in order to promote a market- and investment- friendly environment towards a digital economy;
Amendment 151 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Expresses concern that Albania remains the Western Balkan country from which are made the highest number of illegal entries and stays, and unfounded asylum claims, in Member States; calls to increase the measures taken in recent months to address effectively the phenomenon of unfounded asylum applications in the EU as well as unaccompanied minors;
Amendment 67 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Takes note of the presidential elections on 2 April 2017 and calls on the authorities to ensure that procedures for free and fair elections are in line with international standards; welcomes the general conduct of the elections; calls on the authorities to fully address the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission and to engage in dialogue with domestic independent election observation missions; calls on the authorities to properly investigate claims of irregularities, violence and intimidation that arose during the electoral process;
Amendment 87 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Urges Serbia to step up its reform efforts in the area of rule of law, and in particular to ensure the independence and overall efficiency of the judicial system; stresses that special focus should be put on implementing effective reform in this area; notes that while some progress has been made in reducing the backlog of old enforcement cases, and in putting in place measures to harmonise court practice, judicial independence in Serbia is not fully assured; calls on Serbia to strengthen the accountability, impartiality, professionalism and overall efficiency of the judiciary, and to establish a free legal aid system ensuring the broad range of free legal aid providers, including civil society organisations;
Amendment 100 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Reiterates the importance of intensifying the fight against corruption and urges Serbia to show a clear commitment to tackle this issue; welcomes the adoption of the amendments made in the economic crimes section of the country’s criminal code; reiterates its call to swiftly adopt a new law on the Anti- Corruption Agency to improve the planning, coordination and monitoring of the implementation of new legislation and policies; urges Serbia to adopt or amend other necessary anti-corruption legislation, as identified in the Action Plan for Chapter 23 of negotiations and in GRECO and ODIHR recommendations; stresses that it is critical that the Agency receives and maintains the human and financial resources it needs to carry out its mandate in an independent manner; calls on the authorities to fill all open positions in the Agency; urges the Serbian Parliament to finalize the election of the Anti-corruption Agency Board members in a transparent and democratic manner; calls on Serbia to further improve its track record on investigations, indictments and final convictions in high- level corruption cases, and to publish statistics and information about the results of investigations in all publicly known cases of alleged corruption of public officials;
Amendment 103 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Acknowledges some progress has been made in theUrges Serbia to show a clear commitment in fighting against organised crime; calls on Serbia to establish a convincing track record of investigations, prosecutions and convictions in organised crime cases, including mafia-related murders and money laundering, based on proactive investigations; calls on Serbia to focus on the implementation of the action plan agreed with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF);
Amendment 115 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that the Serbian parliament still does not exercise effective oversight of the executive, and that the transparency, inclusiveness and quality of the legislative process need to be enhanced; welcomes the declining use of urgent procedures to adopt legislation; stresses, however,stresses that the still-frequent use of urgent procedures undermines parliamentary and public scrutiny; stresses thcondemns the deliberate actions that limit the ability of the Serbian parliament to conduct an effective debate on, and scrutiny of, legislation should be avoided; is concerned by the increased practice of filibustering adopted by the ruling majority, which prevents the opposition from actively taking part in parliamentary procedures: calls for additional measures to ensure cross-party dialogue and the effective involvement of civil society in the work of the parliament; welcomes the Serbian parliament’s continued efforts to improve transparency through debates on Serbia’s negotiating positions on EU accession chapters, and through exchanges with the core negotiating team and with the National Convention on the European Union; stresses that the role of independent regulatory bodies, including the country’s Ombudsman, needs to be fully acknowledged and supported; urges the Serbian Parliament to engage in promoting and monitoring the implementation of independent regulatory bodies' findings and recommendations;
Amendment 145 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Underlines that the legislative and institutional framework for upholding human rights is in place; stresses that consistent and efficient implementation across the whole country is needed; calls on Serbia to adopt the new Law on Personal Data Protection fully in line with EU standards; notes that further sustained efforts are necessary to improve the situation of persons belonging to vulnerable groups, including children, persons with disabilities, persons with HIV/AIDS, and LGBTI persons; underlines that shortcomings in the legislative and institutional framework for upholding human rights of children and adults with disabilities still persist; calls on Serbia to actively pursue investigations, prosecutions and convictions of hate- motivated crimes;
Amendment 163 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates its concern that no progress has been made to improve the situation regarding freedom of expression and of the media; stresses that threats, violence and intimidation against journalists remain an issue of concernand media outlets, including administrative harassment and intimidation through the courts remain an issue of concern especially when coming from elected officials; calls upon officials at all levels to be consistent in publicly condemning any form of intimidation of journalists and to refrain from such behaviour; notes, in this regard, that while several cases have been solved and some criminal charges have been filed, convictions are still rare; calls on the authorities to investigate and prosecute any cases of attacks against journalists and media outlets; express its concern over the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media's absence of supervision and action, especially during the election period; calls for the full implementation of media laws and the strengthening of the independence of the country’s Regulatory Body for Electronic Media by eliminating any political interference and influence over its work through the process of nomination and appointment of its Council members, and by broadening its mandate to issue sanctions and securing its financial independence; welcomes the renewed efforts to adopt a media strategy to create a pluralistic media environment, and stresses, in this regard, the importance of a transparent and inclusive consultation with stakeholders; underlines the need for complete transparency in media ownership and funding;
Amendment 166 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Notes that no progress was made towards establishing an enabling environment for the development and financing of civil society; regrets that the relationship between government and CSOs is still marked by fragmented cooperation and a selective approach towards individual CSOs; condemns the negative statements made by government officials on civil society in general and the harsh criticism of human rights defenders by some media outlets; notes that most CSOs lack stable funding and transparent criteria for public financial support are not clearly defined; calls for the adoption of a national strategy and related action plan to regulate the environment in which CSOs operate; stresses that further efforts are needed to ensure systematic cooperation between government and civil society;
Amendment 179 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the adoption of an action plan for the realisation of the rights of national minorities, and the adoption of a decree establishing a fund for national minorities; calls for the full implementation of the action plan and for improved coordination and inclusion of stakeholders; notes that the fund for national minorities is functioning and that its funding has been increased; reiterates its call on Serbia to ensure consistent implementation of legislation on the protection of minorities, including in relation to education, the use of languages, representation in public administration and access to media and religious services in minority languages; calls for full implementation of the right to timely birth registration for all children born in Serbia, including those of undocumented parents;
Amendment 199 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the adoption of the new Roma social inclusion strategy for the period 2016-2025 along with an action plan covering education, health, housing and employment; notes that the majority of Roma live in informal settlements lacking adequate access to fresh water and electricity, suffer from social exclusion and face systematic violations of their rights: calls for full implementation of the new strategy for Roma inclusion and the action plan; highlights the importance of formulating policies to combat discrimination against Roma and Anti-gypsyism;
Amendment 212 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the adoption of a national strategy for the investigation and prosecution of war crimes and the adoption of an operational prosecutorial strategy; welcomes the appointment in May 2017 of a new war crimes prosecutor; reiterates its call for thean efficient and timely implementation of this strategy, in particular by means of bringing forward indictments, and; calls for the adoption of an operational prosecutorial strategy;effective investigation of high-profile war crimes cases: calls on Serbia to again cooperate fully with the current Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals; urges the Serbian authorities to continue working on the issue of the fate of missing personscalls on the Serbian political and judicial authorities to fully cooperate with their regional partners in order to identify remaining war criminals and bring them to justice; urges the Serbian authorities to continue working on the issue of the fate of missing persons, including opening state archives related to the war period; urges Serbia to prepare a reparations scheme for victims and their families as an important precondition for reconciliation; highlights the importance of the work carried out by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) and its local branches in promoting reconciliation among the youth;
Amendment 217 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Regrets the persisting lack of an objective assessment and understanding of the crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia; stresses the need for far- reaching political decisions and initiatives aimed at establishing responsibilities and raising awareness in schools about Serbia's troubled past; calls for enhanced inclusiveness of education systems across the region so as to eliminate old prejudices and eradicate the seeds of hatred in the new generations; reiterates its support for the initiative to set up a Regional Commission for the establishment of facts about war crimes and other serious violations of human rights committed in the former Yugoslavia, and urges the Serbian government to take the lead in its creation;
Amendment 224 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Notes the on-going debate concerning possible adjustments of the border between Serbia and Kosovo, including exchanges of territories; underlines that any changes to internationally recognized borders can only take place after thorough and inclusive debates in the framework of a comprehensive, legally binding agreement on the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, and with the full support of all parties concerned; underlines the multi-ethnic nature of both Kosovo and Serbia and that ethnically pure states cannot and should not be the objective in the region; stresses that any border changes should not undermine overall stability in the region and should not represent an alternative to the adequate protection of national minorities;
Amendment 227 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Expresses its concern over repeated statements by high-ranking politicians putting into question the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and condemns any form of nationalist rhetoric aimed at encouraging its disintegration;
Amendment 5 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11
Citation 11
– having regard to the decision of the Heads of State and Government of the NATO meeting of 11-12 July 2018 to invite the country to begin accession talks to join the Alliance,
Amendment 14 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the agreement of 127 June 2018 on the settlement of differences and the establishment of a strategic partnership between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece sends a much- needed positive signal for stability and reconciliation in the whole Western Balkans region;
Amendment 56 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the ratification by the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia of the strategic partnership agreement with Greece on 20 June 2018; urges the parties to duly inform their citizens of the contents and implications of the agreement and to diligently complete all internal procedures for the ratification and implementation of this strategically important agreement, bringing an end to a protracted geopolitical limbo and setting a good example for the region; underlines the importance of the 30 September 2018 referendum concerning Macedonian integration into the EU and NATO;
Amendment 84 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Welcomes the country's upcoming passage to the second stage of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and its inclusion in the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, and calls on the Council to include the country in the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region;
Amendment 110 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for sustained efforts inWelcomes ongoing efforts to promote good governance and accountability, to increasinge transparency, accountability and and improve access to public information, including through publication of the expenditures of state institutions; calls for sustained efforts in increasing inclusiveness of the decision-making process and improving interinstitutional coordination;
Amendment 125 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Remains concerned by widespread corruption and welcomes initial achievements in the prevention and prosecution thereof; notes the first court verdicts on cases of corruption and abuse of power, and on the events of 27 April 2017; calls for sustained efforts to establish a track record of convictions in cases of high-level corruption and organised crime; commends the work carried out by the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) in difficult circumstances;
Amendment 145 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Acknowledges the country's efforts to address the challenges of the European migration and refugee crisis and expects the mutually beneficial cooperation to continue in the future;
Amendment 167 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Welcomes the initial steps taken in enhancing the prevention of discrimination and urges the authorities to effectively address hate crime and hate speech against minorities, including the Roma and the LGBTI community; deplores persistent deficiencies in the work of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination; welcomes the establishing of the Inter- Party parliamentary group for the rights of the LGBTI community and the Inter- Party parliamentary group for the rights of Roma;
Amendment 173 #
2018/2145(INI)
25. Welcomes the substantial improvement in the operational environment for, and the consultations with, civil society organisations (CSOs) and, including the establishment of the Council for cooperation with civil society; stresses the need to enhance the legal, financial and policy framework, including through laws on foundations and donations;
Amendment 182 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Welcomes the partnership between the government and the country's National Youth Council in the implementation of the Youth Guarantee Scheme as a good mechanism of cooperation between young people and decision makers in the formulation and implementation of youth policies; calls on the government to increase financial support to youth organizations and young people in order to tackle the issue of brain drain;
Amendment 207 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. CWelcomes the adoption of the new Energy Law, transposing the Third Energy Package and making it fully compatible with the Energy Community Treaty; calls upon the authorities to focus on energy market reforms, while ensuring security of supply and diversification of energy sources;
Amendment 7 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas Montenegro has to further strengthen, inter alia, parliamentary, legislative and oversight capacity, institutional transparency, respect for the rule of law, domestic handling of war crimes cases, integrity of the electoral process, media freedom, and the fight against corruption, organised crime and the informal economy;
Amendment 22 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that fundamental freedoms were respected in the April 2018 presidential elections; calls for shortcomings identified by the OSCE ODIHR to be comprehensively addressed in order to improve public trust in the electoral process, notes that frequent local elections cause ‘election fatigue’ that hinders quality of and transparent elections and calls for comprehensive electoral reform;
Amendment 30 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the efforts made to improve the transparency of public administration and information sharing but would encourage steps towards establishing a more citizen- friendly, professional and de-politicised public administration; calls for improved regulatory impact assessments, comprehensive reports on audit and inclusive public consultations on law proposals; stresses the importance of cooperation with the CSOs;
Amendment 37 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the moderate progress made towards increasing the independence, transparency, accountability, professionalism and efficiency of judicial institutions; calls for safeguards against political interference, but notes with the concern that the corruption in judiciary is still prevalent; calls for safeguards against political interference, particularly of Anti- Corruption Agency, proactive attitude of institutions, and for a coherent application of codes of ethics and disciplinary measures; welcomes the fact that new judges and prosecutors have been appointed for the first time using the new recruitment system;
Amendment 42 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Is concerned by the increasing instances of violence and assassinations linked to organised crime, which have a detrimental effect on the daily life of ordinary citizens; welcomes the fact that the authorities have identified this issue but calls for more robust preventative action and production of a convincing track record against money laundering and human trafficking;
Amendment 75 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Reiterates its call for systematic, inclusive, timely and genuine consultations with civil society on key EU-related legislative reforms, including their implementation at local level; stresses the need to improve financial regulatory environment for CSOs;
Amendment 80 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. UHighlights the need to ensure effective implementation of fundamental rights policies on gender equality, disability rights, rights of the child and Roma rights by securing sufficient budget allocation to implement the policies, improve the capacity of responsible institutions and increase their inter- institutional coordination; urges improvement in the enforcement and monitoring mechanisms for human rights protection, including by tackling violence against women and children, highlighting the findings of the recent evaluation of the child rights monitoring system in Montenegro;
Amendment 98 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Urges that the full potential offered by digital tools in the field of land registry, invoicing and the issuing of construction permits be used; notes the need to speed up the roll-out of broadband access to businesses and households; stresses the need for government-wide interoperability framework to support further digitalisation and simplification of administrative and business procedures;
Amendment 101 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Welcomes regulatory changes in the field of education; urges the authorities to address and efforts to increase pre-school participation rates, including by children from disadvantaged backgrounds and highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to early childhood development including by addressing health concerns such as the low immunization coverage; encourages continued curricular reform in primary and secondary education to teach basic and transversal skills and focus on learning outcomes; urges the authorities to address the low secondary education completion among Roma students (3%, the lowest in the region) and the high long-term unemployment rate among youth, Roma and women;
Amendment 108 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Welcomes Montenegro’s strengthened participation in the Erasmus+ programme and expresses its support for the Commission’s proposal to double the Erasmus+ budget; encourages stronger coordination on horizontal issues affecting youth employment, inclusion, active citizenship, volunteering and education;
Amendment 114 #
Amendment 117 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Notes that the development of additional hydropower and tourism capacities must meet EU environmental standards; urges the further exploitation of potential renewables and energy-efficiency measures and the improvement of water and waste management; urges the Montenegrin authorities to fully align national legislation with the Renewable Energy Directive and Energy Performance of Buildings Directive;
Amendment 123 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Highlights Montenegro's proactive participation and constructive role in regional and international cooperation trough the "Berlin process" and the Western Balkans six initiative, welcomes the outcome of the Sofia Summit 2018 and the adoption of IPA 2018 package that includes funding of two important infrastructure projects “Budva bypass” on the Adriatic Ionian Corridor and “Vrbnica- Bar railway section” on Orient/East-Med Corridor; emphasizes the importance of those traffic routes that are the direct link between Balkan countries and the EU markets;
Amendment 131 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Urges Montenegro to intensify its efforts in proactively prioritising and punishing war crimes and clarifying the fate of missing persons; welcomes the efforts for reintegration of displaced persons under the Regional Housing Programmeis concerned that the Special Prosecutor's Office (SPO) opened eight new cases in 2016 of which six are still in preliminary investigation phase, as well as that in all cases SPO had to rely on letters rogatory to ICTY & prosecution services of neighbouring countries; notes with disappointment that there is still no charges for command responsibility, co-perpetration and aiding and abetting, and that the judicial decisions reached contained legal mistakes and shortcomings in application of international humanitarian law; welcomes the efforts for reintegration of displaced persons under the Regional Housing Programme; urges the insurance of the equal access to justice for all victims, reparations in line with national legislation; stresses the need to fight the impunity;
Amendment 15 #
2018/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
Citation 17 a (new)
- having regard to the UN General Assembly Resolution 67/139 of 20 December 2012, which creates the Open- Ended Working Group on Ageing with a mandate to consider proposals for an international legal instrument to promote and protect the rights and dignity of older persons,
Amendment 16 #
2018/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 b (new)
Citation 17 b (new)
- having regard to the Report of the Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of All Human Rights by Older Persons to the 33rd session of the UN Human Rights Council of 8 July 2016,1a _________________ 1a A/HRC/33/44
Amendment 17 #
2018/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 c (new)
Citation 17 c (new)
- having regard to the Report of the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing on its eighth working session of 28 July 2017,1a _________________ 1a A/AC.278/2017/2
Amendment 18 #
2018/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 d (new)
Citation 17 d (new)
- having regard to the 2017 Lisbon Ministerial Declaration entitled "A Sustainable Society for All Ages: Realizing the potential of living longer", adopted at the 4th UNECE Ministerial Conference on Ageing on 22 September 2017,
Amendment 343 #
2018/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Strongly condemns all forms of discrimination, including that carried out on the grounds of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other status; is alarmed by the many manifestations of racism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance and a lack of political representation for the most vulnerable groups, such as ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities, people with disabilities, the LGBTI community, women and children; calls for the EU to enhance its efforts to eradicate, without distinction, all forms of discrimination and to promote awareness, a culture of tolerance and inclusion, and special protection for the most vulnerable groups by means of human rights and political dialogues, the work of EU delegations and public diplomacy; calls on all countries to ensure that their respective institutions provide effective legal protection within their jurisdictions;
Amendment 346 #
2018/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Welcomes the EU's and EU Members States' participation to the 8th session of the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing, and in particular the submission of common EU inputs and the delivery of common EU statements on equality, non-discrimination, violence, abuse and neglect of older people; remains concerned about the prevalence of 'ageism' and other barriers to the fulfilment of older people's human rights; calls on the EU and Member States to fully support the process of the Open- Ended Working Group, including by allocating and/or supporting the allocation of adequate resources for the functioning of this Group; invites the EU and Member States to respond to upcoming calls for inputs and to consult and involve older persons in preparing them, and to include older persons in their respective delegations;
Amendment 352 #
2018/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 b (new)
Paragraph 29 b (new)
29b. Welcomes the EU's active participation to the review of the Regional Implementation Strategy for Europe of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) in Lisbon; stresses that MIPAA can substantially contribute to a better realization of the rights of older people;
Amendment 8 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU’s security environment is now more volatile, unpredictable, complex and ambiguous than at any time since the end of the Cold War, confronted with interstate conflicts, natural disasters, terrorism, failed states, cyber attacks and hybrid warfare; whereas current EU policies may no longer suffice to promote a stable and prosperous neighbourhood;
Amendment 12 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas EU external action has a direct impact on our citizens’ lives, be it by supporting security and stability in our neighbourhoodwithin and outside our borders or preventing crises before they happen;
Amendment 26 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the new world order is increasingly characterised by asymmetry, with numerous non-state actors becoming increasinglyhaving expanded their influentialce over the past decade: from NGOs advocating human rights, to transnational corporations influencing government policy, to social media activists calling for democratic change, to international organized criminal groups, to terrorist organisations committing terrorist attacks in an attempt to undermine democratic principles; whereas, nevertheless, no emergent state or non-state actor can impose an incontestable world view;
Amendment 32 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas globalisation has increased interdependence, with decisions taken in Beijing or Washington having a direct impact on our lives; whereas, in turn, interdependence has resulted in global public opinion becoming cognisant of transnational problems, which requirehe need for transnational solutions to address transnational solutionproblems;
Amendment 35 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas almost one fourth of the world’s population live in fragile states or societies; whereas these states or societies are increasingly a breeding ground for frustration and socio-economic inequality; whereas, as a result, terrorist organisations take advantage of the power vacuum to establish a recruitment base;
Amendment 74 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that the time has come for the European Union to take its destiny into its own hands; takes the view that the EU should embrace its role as a fully-fledged, sovereign political power in international relations thatembrace its role as a fully-fledged, influential political actor that relies on its economic weight and soft power to helps to resolve conflicts worldwide and shapes global governance;
Amendment 87 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is convinced that no single EU Member State can respond effectively to today’s global challenges on its own; believes that, by pulling their weight together within the EU, the Member States can exert an influence on the world stage that they would not otherwise possess; is convincedis convinced that a coherent and unified position by thate 28 Member States together, representing 500 million citizens, haveprovides for more leverage in international negotiations and in setting international regulations and standards; believes, moreover, that under the protection of the EU, globalisation can represent an opportunity for EU citizens and not a threat;
Amendment 100 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Regrets the fact that the Member States all too often prioritise their national interests, regardless of the possible consequences at a European level, thereby undermining the EU’s credibility as a global player; calls for a greabetter division of responsibilities and enhanced coordination between the EU and its Member States; believes that good cooperation among the Member States is essential to safeguard our democracy, our freedom, and our social and environmental standards;
Amendment 141 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that the EU should stay true to its principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law; emphasises the importance of assessing whether the promotion of these principles in third countries has been successful; stresses that the EU's reputation as promotor of these principles could only be sustained if it ensures that these exact principles are protected and adhered to within all of its Member States;
Amendment 145 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Considers that the EU should use more effectively its foreign policy instruments, including human rights and development instruments and bilateral agreements with third countries when breaches of democratic standards and human rights are taking place, and to exert effective and tailored pressure at the highest level on the host governments in question to rise systematically those issues in political and human rights dialogues; private demarches are an important first step, but should they do not work, it is important to consider more public diplomacy;
Amendment 187 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the EU has played an important role in de-escalating and resolving foreign policy crises, namely when some Member States have taken the lead under the auspices of the Union overall, such as in the Normandy format or the EU3+3 negotiations with Iran; supportstakes that, while pursuing increased security and defence cooperation in the long term, the establishment of ad hoc coalitions of Member States that can intervene to respond swiftly to international crises, making could render EU external action more flexible and responsive in the short term by reducing the pressure of having to achieve universal consensus among the Member States;
Amendment 222 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Highlights that transatlantic relations are indispensable for the security and prosperity of both sides of the Atlantic; regrets the US’s progressive retreat from the multilateral, rules-based world order, namely its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement, and deplores the cutting of funds to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA);
Amendment 227 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Reaffirms its full support and commitment to the JCPOA as a cornerstone of peace and stability and crucial for the security of the region;
Amendment 237 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses that investing in the stability and prosperity of the Western Balkans means investing in the security and future of our Union; reiterates the European perspective for the countries in the Western Balkans; highlights that the enlargement process is merit-based and must depend on nothing other than the concrete results achieved by each individual country on issues such as fundamental human rights, corruption, money-laundering practices, overall transparency and judicial independence; reiterates the importance, throughout this process, of the rule of law, reconciliation and good neighbourly relations, security and migration, socio-economic development, transport and energy connectivity and the digital agenda;
Amendment 243 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to continue using the EU’s transformative power at its Eastern borders, using trade agreements and access to the single market as incentives to foster democratic reforms and the adoption of European rules and standards; calls further on the EEAS to monitor democratic processes in its direct neighbourhood and ensure that democratic progress is not halted or reverted;
Amendment 247 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Stresses that protracted conflicts in the Eastern Neighbourhood area represent a threat to the stability of the countries concerned and of the entire region in the immediate vicinity of the EU; underlines the need to address all frozen conflicts in accordance with international law;
Amendment 261 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 d (new)
Paragraph 16 d (new)
16d. Calls on the EU to make use of all instruments at its disposal to improve the lives and guarantee the human dignity of IDPs and refugees in the Eastern Neighbourhood area;
Amendment 273 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Insists that only by engaging with the real relevant actors on the ground, by involving local communities and working on solutions that tackle the root causes for migrations at their source of origin and that any financial support is subjected to strict terms and conditionalities on upholding respect for the rule of law, fundamental and human rights and democracy;
Amendment 276 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Reiterates its supports to the EU's CSDP stabilisations missions in the sub- Saharan area and calls on their reinforcement, by entrusting the mandate and means that are appropriate to the grave challenges they are facing; recalls also its support to the northern African countries, in the understanding that economic development is the base of a stable and just society, in the framework and respect for human rights as core values;
Amendment 280 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)
Paragraph 17 c (new)
17c. Stresses that the EU must play a leading role in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, my means of its decisive soft-power and the full implementation, in all their provisions, of all association agreements with the countries in the region;
Amendment 281 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 d (new)
Paragraph 17 d (new)
17d. Stresses that preserving peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region is of substantial interest to the EU and its member states; calls for all parties concerned in the region to solve differences through peaceful means and to refrain from taking unilateral actions to change the status quo, including in the East and South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, in order to safeguard regional security;
Amendment 284 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 e (new)
Paragraph 17 e (new)
17e. Emphasises that strengthening regional security in the Indo-Pacific is of critical importance to the interests of the EU and its Member States; stresses that all disputes should be settled through peaceful means based on international laws; takes note that official dialogue between China and Taiwan has been frozen over the past two years; encourages a quick resumption of bilateral talks to de-escalate tensions between the two sides and maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait; reiterates its firm support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organisations, mechanisms and activities;
Amendment 285 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 f (new)
Paragraph 17 f (new)
17f. In the aftermath of the recent presidential and parliamentary elections in the region, reaffirms its commitment to continue forging strong relations with Latin America, promoting the defence of democracy and human rights in so far as shared core values by both the EU and LAC; expresses its grave concern on the lack of respect for democracy and rule of law, especially in Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, and on the attacks against democratically elected opposition leaders, journalists, students and human rights defenders, in particular those working on environmental issues and their lawyers; emphasizes that respect to rule of law and to stable political and legal framework, including fight against corruption and impunity, as well as progress towards democracy and the respect for and promotion of fundamental freedoms, are cornerstone for deeper integration and cooperation with LAC;
Amendment 286 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 g (new)
Paragraph 17 g (new)
17g. Observes with concern the electoral developments in Brazil, key country in the region;
Amendment 287 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 h (new)
Paragraph 17 h (new)
17h. Commends the efforts of all the parties concerned in the Peace Process in Colombia; reiterates its full support to the Peace Process and to its effective implementation, which is decisive for the future of Colombians and for stabilisation in the region of which this country is a part;
Amendment 319 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Believes that the capacity to dispatch forces to global conflicts is an essential pre-condition for becoming a credible political power; calls on the EEAS and the Member States to develop sufficient military capabilities, covering the full-spectrum of land, air, space, maritime and cyber capabilities to defend their values and interests around the world;
Amendment 326 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Stresses that furthering the Defence Union should provide for a complementary role in the EU's external relations;
Amendment 2 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
- having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to the UN Human Rights Conventions and the optional protocols thereto,
Amendment 10 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
- having regard to the resolution (A/RES/65/276) of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on the participation of the European Union in the work of the United Nations, which grants the EU the right to intervene in the UN General Assembly, to present proposals and amendments orally which will be put to a vote at the request of a Member State, and to exercise the right to reply,
Amendment 13 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 b (new)
Citation 7 b (new)
- having regard to its Annual report on the implementation of CFSP of 13 December 2017,
Amendment 17 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU remains fully committed to multilateralism, good global governance and the promotion of UN core values as an integral part of the EU’s external policy;
Amendment 31 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the EU and its Member States remain collectively the single largest financial contributor to the UN, with the primary aims of eradicating poverty, promoting long-term peace and stability, combating social inequalities, and providing humanitarian assistance to populations, countries and regions that are confronted with all types of crises, whether natural or human-made;
Amendment 46 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Ed. whereas the EU is one of the most dedicated defenders and promoters of human rights, fundamental freedoms, cultural values and diversity, democracy and the rule of law;
Amendment 51 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) to actively support the UN Secretary-General’s (UNSG) three pillar reform agenda; to support the streamlining of the peace and security structure, which needs to become more efficient, focused and operational with power divided in a more balanced way and with more effective diversity in the regional representation at all its bodies;
Amendment 95 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) to call on the EU and the UN to play complementary and reinforcing roles every time peace and security are threatened; to initiate structured political cooperation between the EU and the UN; to push for stronger multilateral commitments to find lasting sustainable political and peaceful solutions to current conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa;
Amendment 98 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) to continue to support UN special envoys’ work, actions and initiatives aimed at solving these conflicts;
Amendment 119 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i b (new)
(ib) to further strengthen the role of R2P as an important principle in UN Member States' work on conflict resolution, human rights and development; to promote a broad definition of the human security concept and the R2P principle;
Amendment 127 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i h (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i h (new)
(ih) to support actions strengthening the resilience of communities targeted by extremist propaganda and vulnerable to radicalisation, including by addressing the economic, social, cultural, and political causes which lead to it;
Amendment 129 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i i (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i i (new)
(ii) to reiterate its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism and its full support for actions aimed at defeating and eradicating terrorist organisations, which pose a clear threat to regional and international security;
Amendment 131 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i j (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i j (new)
(ij) to support efforts deployed by the UN to find a sustainable resolution to the conflict in Syria and to continue to back the EU’s role in the humanitarian field;
Amendment 132 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i k (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i k (new)
(i k) to urge the international community to do whatever is in their power in order to strongly condemn those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Syrian conflict; to support the UNSG’s call for the establishment of a new impartial and independent panel to determine perpetrators of chemical attacks in Syria, as the absence of such a body increases the risks of a military escalation;
Amendment 134 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i l (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i l (new)
(i l) to support the UN peace plan initiative in Yemen and to tackle the ongoing humanitarian crisis as a matter of urgency; to call on all parties to respect the human rights and freedoms of all Yemeni citizens, and to stress the need of negotiated political settlement through inclusive intra-Yemeni dialogue;
Amendment 143 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i t (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i t (new)
(i t) to continue to call for the full respect of internationally recognised borders and the territorial integrity of Ukraine and all other Eastern European countries in light of the violations of international law in these areas; to support and reinvigorate diplomatic efforts for a peaceful and sustainable settlement of these ongoing and protracted conflicts;
Amendment 155 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j d (new)
Paragraph 1 – point j d (new)
(jd) to continue to promote equality and non-discrimination between women and men, and to actively promote the support of further actions against violation of LGBTI rights;
Amendment 160 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) to recall that sexual violence such as rape is used as a tactic of war and constitutes a war crime; to ensure safe medical assistance for cases of war rape; to call for strengthened protection of women and girls in conflict situations, especially as regards sexual violence; to urge all UN Member States to make all necessary financial and human resources available to assist the population in conflict areas;
Amendment 200 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
(ra) to strongly condemn the widespread human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law; to call for greater protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in every dimension of their expression, including in the context of new technologies;
Amendment 240 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point u b (new)
(ub) to recall the obligation of the General Assembly, when electing the membership of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), to take into account the respect of candidates for the promotion and protection of human rights, the rule of law and democracy; to call for the establishment of clear human rights performance-based criteria for membership of the UNHRC;
Amendment 262 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v
Paragraph 1 – point v
(v) to fully support the UN-led efforts to negotiate two Global Compacts for Migration and on Refugees based on the September 2016 New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants; to recall that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contained in the UN 2030 Agenda, recognise that planned and well-managed migration policies can help achieve sustainable development and inclusive growth, as well as reduce inequality within and between states;
Amendment 270 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x
Paragraph 1 – point x
(x) to ensure that human rights are put at the core of the Global CompactsGlobal Compacts are people-centred and human rights-based, and provide long-term, sustainable and comprehensive measures, for the benefit of all parties involved; to pay specific attention to migrants in situations of vulnerability, such as children, women at risk, victims of human trafficking or persons with disabilities;
Amendment 278 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point x a (new)
(xa) to call for a strengthening of the child protection systems and to support concrete measures in the best interests of the child refugees and migrants, based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child;
Amendment 283 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point y a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point y a (new)
(ya) to assist Eastern Partnership countries in dealing with problems that they have been facing as a result of massive forced internal displacement from conflict areas, and to act resolutely for the protection and restoration of the rights of displaced people, including their rights to return, property rights and the right to personal security;
Amendment 286 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point y b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point y b (new)
(yb) to reiterate its serious concern that hundreds of thousands of IDPs and refugees who fled their native lands in connection with protracted conflicts remain displaced and to reaffirm the right of all IDPs and refugees to return to their places of origin in safety and dignity;
Amendment 305 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z
Paragraph 1 – point z
Amendment 5 #
2018/2018(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas Chile has been a major player in regional affairs, for example as a guarantor country in the Colombian peace process and the Santo Domingo talks between the Venezuelan Government and opposition; whereas Chile decided to suspend indefinitely its participation in the Santo Domingo talks as the minimum conditions for a democratic presidential election and an institutional normalization were not reached;
Amendment 10 #
2018/2018(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the recent parliamentary and presidential elections have once again demonstrated the stable and mature character of Chilean democracy; whereas Chile has benefited from strong economic growth in recent decades; whereas Chile is one of South America’s fastest-growing economies in recent decades, and reform efforts in the country are still ongoing;
Amendment 13 #
2018/2018(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the existing Association Agreement has been instrumental in deepening EU-Chile political relations and substantially increasing trade and investment flows; whereas continued respect to the rule of law and to a stable legal and political framework enables both Chile and the EU to exercise a free enterprise and adequate investment environment that include safeguards to the principle of legal certainty;
Amendment 21 #
2018/2018(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
a) to considerably strengthen cooperation between Chile and the EU, two like-minded partners in an environment of new uncertainty in international relations, on the basis of our shared values and principles of democracy, the rule of law, good governance, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; welcomes the regular dialogue between the EU and Chile on human rights, notably the successful VIII Dialogue of 13 December 2017, and encourages both parties to continue to address it in a multilateral cooperation, strengthening the institutional framework and public policies to promote human rights;
Amendment 26 #
2018/2018(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
c) to put shared values at the core of the modernisation process and to continue the practice of including a human rights clause, as it is done in all AAs; to include a joint commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights, fundamental freedoms, gender equality, and the rights of minorities such as the LGBTI community, ethnic minorities and indigenous people;
Amendment 38 #
2018/2018(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
e) to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on regional and global challenges, such as organised crime, migration, terrorism and climate change, including the implementation of Agenda 2030 for sustainable development;
Amendment 40 #
2018/2018(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
ea) to recall the importance of the multilateral agenda and that any bilateral negotiation must not undermine the ambition to achieve progress multilaterally;
Amendment 43 #
2018/2018(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
g) to encourage Chile to continue supporting regional integration and cooperation schemes, most importantly the Pacific Alliance taking into consideration its encouraging results as a real and active driver of economic integration between the members of the region, as well as, UNASUR, and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC); to examine the possibility of the EU gaining an observer status in the Pacific Alliance;
Amendment 44 #
2018/2018(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
ga) to create innovative mechanisms that broaden and strengthen triangular cooperation which Chile and the EU has undertaken in Central America and in the Caribbean;
Amendment 51 #
2018/2018(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
k) to enhance cooperation on the fight against corruption, money laundering and tax evasion; to promote international effortsinclude provisions on tax good governance and transparency standards that reaffirm the parties’ commitment to implementing international standards in the fight against tax avoidance and tax evasion;
Amendment 53 #
2018/2018(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
ka) to recall that corruption undermines human rights, equality, social justice, trade and fair competition, impeding economic growth; to include specific sections outlining clear and strong commitments and measures to combat corruption in all its forms and to implement international standards and multilateral anti-corruption conventions;
Amendment 67 #
2018/2018(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
Paragraph 1 – point q
q) to ensure the appropriate involvement of civil society both during the negotiations and in the implementation phase of the Association Agreement, including but not limited to the Joint Consultative Committee; stresses the need to establish an institutionalized mechanism for political dialogue of civil society organizations in both regions;
Amendment 69 #
2018/2018(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
Paragraph 1 – point t
t) to delaensure that any provisional application of the new agreement until Parliament has given itsshould be subject to the Parliament giving its prior consent;
Amendment 13 #
2018/0256M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that it is important for this agreement to give guarantees regarding respect for international law, including human rights, in the territories concerned;
Amendment 25 #
2018/0256M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that this agreement does not imply recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and that the EU’s position remains that of supporting UN efforts to secure a fairachieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable settlement of the Western Sahara conflict, on the basis of the right topolitical solution, which will provide for the self- determination of the Sahrawi people and in accordance withpeople of Western Sahara and in accordance with International Law and the relevant UN resolutions; reiterates, therefore, its full support to the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Mr Horst Köhler, in helping the parties to achieve this settlement;
Amendment 38 #
2018/0256M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Points out that a meeting of the parties involved in the conflict is to be held in Geneva in early December on the initiative of the UN and with the participation of Algeria and Mauritania, and hopes that meeting will help kick- start the peace process;
Amendment 40 #
2018/0256M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls on the parties to resume the negotiations under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General without preconditions and in good faith;
Amendment 42 #
2018/0256M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Takes the view that if Morocco were to free Sahrawi political prisoners, that would send a positive message as part of the peace process, making it possible for practical commitments to be made on both sides with a view to achieving a negotiated political solution;
Amendment 53 #
2018/0256M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that during inclusive consultations led by the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) with a wide variety of Western Saharan local representatives, civil society organisations and other organisations and bodies, broada majority support was expressed, by the parties participating, for the socio- economic benefits the proposed tariff preferences would bring;
Amendment 78 #
2018/0256M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recalls that according to art. 21. TEU the Union's action on the international scene shall be guided by the principles of democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms and respect for the principles of the United Nation Charter and International law; therefor consent can only be given when a clear intend of improvement of the human rights is shown;
Amendment 75 #
2018/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The activation of EISF support should therefore be determined by a double activation trigger based on both the level of national unemployment and long-term unemployment rate compared to its past average and the change in unemployment compared to a certain threshold. The activation of EISF support should be determined also by the level of population at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion and the level of general government expenditure in social aspects in terms of GDP compared with the past levels;
Amendment 97 #
2018/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. A Member State shall be considered to experience a large asymmetric shock if at least three of the following activation criteria are simultaneously fulfilled:
Amendment 98 #
2018/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
a) the quarterly national unemployment rate exceeded the averageand long-term unemployment rate exceeded the average unemployment and long-term unemployment rate in the Member State concerned over a period of 60 quarters preceding the quarter during which the request is made;
Amendment 100 #
2018/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
b) the quarterly national unemployment and long-term unemployment rate increased above one percentage point in comparison to the unemployment and long-term unemployment rate observed in same quarter of the previous year.
Amendment 102 #
2018/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
b a) the percentage of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion in the Member State exceeds the EU average over a period of 12 quarters preceding the quarter during which the request is made;
Amendment 104 #
2018/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b b (new)
b b) the percentage of general government expenditure on social aspects in terms of GDP in the Member States concerned have been decreasing over a period of 12 quarters preceding the quarter during which the request is made;
Amendment 105 #
2018/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. The activation criteria described in subparagraphs (a) and (b) must be simultaneously fulfilled by the requesting Member State.
Amendment 49 #
2018/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) In order to bring the European Union closer to its citizens, a variety of actions and coordinated efforts are necessary. Bringing together citizens in town-twinning projects or networks of towns and supporting civil society organisations in the areas covered by the programme will contribute to increase citizens' engagement in society and ultimately their involvement in the democratic life of the Union. At the same time supporting activities promoting mutual understanding, diversity, dialogue and respect for others fosters a sense of belongingsocial integration and a European identity, based on a shared understanding of European values, culture, history and heritage. The promotion of a greater sense of belonging to the Union and of Union values is particularly important amongst citizens of the EU outermost regions due to their remoteness and distance from continental Europe.
Amendment 61 #
2018/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Equality between women and men is a fundamental value and an objective of the European Union. Article 8 of the Treaty gives the Union the task of eliminating inequalities and promoting an effective equality between men and women through all its activities. Discrimination against and unequal treatment of women violates their fundamental rights and prevents their full political, social and economic participation in society. In addition, the existence of structural and cultural barriers hinders the achievement of real gender equality. Promoting gender equality in all activities of the Union, including in work and employment, where discrimination persists on the level of payment and on access to the labour market, is therefore a core activity for the Union and a driver for economic growth and should be supported by the programme.
Amendment 64 #
2018/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Strong political will and coordinated action based on the methods and results of the previous Daphne Programmes, the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme and the Justice Programme are necessary in order to prevent and combat all forms of violence and to protect victims, groups at risk and particularly vulnerable persons. In particular, since its launch in 1997, the Daphne funding to support victims of violence and combat the violence against women, children and young people has been a genuine success, both in terms of its popularity with stakeholders (public authorities, academic institutions and non- governmental organisations) and in terms of the effectiveness of the funded projects. It has funded projects to raise awareness, to provide support services to victims, groups at risk, and particularly vulnerable persons, to support the activities of non- governmental organisations (NGOs) working on the ground. It has addressed all forms of violence, such as for instance domestic violence, sexual violence, trafficking in human beings, as well as new emerging forms of violence such as cyber- bullying. It is therefore important to continue all these actions and that those results and lessons learned are taken into due consideration in the implementation of the Programme.
Amendment 71 #
2018/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Non-discrimination is a fundamental principle of the Union. Article 19 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides for action to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. Non- discrimination is also enshrined in Article 21 of the Charter. The specific features of the diverse forms of discrimination should be taken into account and appropriate action should be developed in parallel to prevent and combat discrimination on one or more grounds. The Programme should support actions to prevent and combat discrimination, racism, xenophobia, anti- semitism, anti-muslim hatred and other forms of intolerance, as misogyny, homophobia and ageism. In that context, particular attention should also be devoted to preventing and combating all forms of violence, hatred, segregation and stigmatisation, as well as combating bullying (including cyber-bullying), harassment and intolerant treatment. The Programme should be implemented in a mutually reinforcing manner with other Union activities that have the same objectives, in particular with those referred to in the Commission Communication of 5 April 2011 entitled ‘An EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 202010 ’ and in the Council Recommendation of 09 December 2013 on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States11 . __________________ 10 COM(2011)173. 11 OJ C 378, 24.12.2013, p. 1.
Amendment 79 #
2018/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21 a (new)
Recital 21 a (new)
(21a) A high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion, the pursuit of a high level of education and training are objectives to be incorporated by the EU when defining its policies and activities. The Programme should aim for equal opportunities among European citizens and to promote the objectives enshrined in article 9 TFEU, including exploring synergies and complementarities between those objectives.
Amendment 99 #
2018/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) preventing, including with informative and educational actions, and combating all forms of violence against children, young people and women, women and aged persons, as well as violence against other groups at risk, and particularly vulnerable persons;
Amendment 101 #
2018/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) supporting and protecting victims, groups at risk, and particularly vulnerable persons of such violence.
Amendment 674 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. In addition, the Cohesion Fund shall not support investment in housing unless related to the promotion of energy efficiency or renewable energy use and seismic retrofitting.
Amendment 197 #
2018/0191(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 25
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 25
(25) 'people with fewer opportunities' means people facing obstacles that prevent them from having effective access to opportunities under the Programme for economic, social, cultural, geographical or health reasons, a migrant background or for reasons such as disability, age and educational difficulties;
Amendment 237 #
2018/0191(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) intergenerational exchange activities between youth and older persons
Amendment 243 #
2018/0191(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) structured dialogue with young people and structured intergenerational dialogue;
Amendment 31 #
2018/0081(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Directive 2004/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council44 aims to protect workers against risks to their health and safety from exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at the workplace. A consistent level of protection from the risks related to carcinogens and mutagens is provided for in Directive 2004/37/EC by a framework of general principles to enable Member States to ensure the consistent application of the minimum requirements. Binding occupational exposure limit values need to be evidence-based, proportionate and measurable, being established on the basis of available information, including updated scientific and technical data, economic feasibility of implementation and compliance, a thorough assessment of the socioeconomic impact and availability of exposure measurement protocols and techniques at the workplace, are important components of the general arrangements for the protection of workers established by Directive 2004/37/EC. The minimum requirements provided for in Directive 2004/37/EC aim to protect workers at Union level. More stringent binding occupational exposure limit values can be set by Member States. Social partners should also be encouraged by Member States to adopt when possible higher levels of protection for their workers. __________________ 44 Directive 2004/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work (Sixth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Council Directive 89/391/EEC) (OJ L 158, 30.4.2004, p. 50).
Amendment 39 #
2018/0081(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2 c (new)
Recital 2 c (new)
(2c) Wide differences in the Member States regarding the setting of limit values for the carcinogens and mutagens persist which leads to different workers protection levels across the Union and also distorts competition.
Amendment 62 #
2018/0081(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) The precautionary principle based on sound scientific assessment should be applied in the protection of workers' health and safety.
Amendment 50 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 o (new)
Paragraph 3 o (new)
3o. Recommends that the Georgian authorities ensure proper involvement of the civil society in the reform processes;
Amendment 112 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes with satisfactionAcknowledges Georgia’s results in fighting corruption; commends Georgia’s continued implementation of the Anti-Corruption Strategy and its Action Plan; calls on Georgia to ensure that the Anti-Corruption Agency is separated from the State Security Service;
Amendment 119 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Reiterates the importance of effective separation of powers and a clear dissociation between politics and economic interests;
Amendment 129 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the progress of the judicial reform; calls for more transparency of the judicial system and for further improvements to its independenhowever, calls on the Georgian government to keep up with the reforms to ensure full independence and transparency of the prosecutor’s office, judiciary and the Ministry of Interior, including the Police and the Security Services;
Amendment 157 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)
Paragraph 17 c (new)
17c. Stresses the importance of elaborating a clear, transparent and human-rights based policy and mechanisms for investigating, prosecuting and compensating human rights violations committed during previous administrations with the assurance that this process fully respects the principle of rule of law and due process;
Amendment 179 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Reiterates the responsibility of the Georgian government to thoroughly supervise the situation of children in orphanages and religious residential institutions;
Amendment 180 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Stresses the responsibility of the Government under international human rights law to protect all children from violence and calls for measures to ensure effective investigation and rehabilitation for children affected by sexual abuse;
Amendment 196 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes the emphasis put on job creation as well as labour rights notably through the adoption of the law on occupational safety; stresses the need to put in place a fully-fledged labour inspection system aligned with ILO conventions to improve safety at work and reduce undeclared work; takes note of the Georgian authorities’ ambition to do so by September 2019; is concerned by child labour and insufficient freedom of association for trade unions; recalls that occupational safety according to the requirements of the Association Agreement is of critical importance and calls to be applied to all workplaces; is concerned by the lack of progress in terms of enforcement of criminal justice in the cases of violation of labour safety rules;
Amendment 4 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas unemployment and youth unemployment in the Union have been falling gradually since 2013, but are still slightly above 2008 levels, at 7.3% and 16.1% respectively1a, and with considerable differences amongbetween and within the Member States; _________________ 1a http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/29 95521/8631691/3-31012018-BP- EN.pdf/bdc1dbf2-6511-4dc5-ac90- dbadee96f5fb
Amendment 7 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas in the current financial period, cohesion policy is expected to help support 1.1 million SMEs, 7.4 million unemployed people find a job, 8.9 million people gain new qualifications, invest €16 billion in the digital economy and make substantial investments in social infrastructure;
Amendment 10 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the employment rate in the EU has been growing for four consecutive years and now surpasses the 2008 figure at 71%, but still remains below the pre-crisis level in halfsome2a of the Member States; whereas regional disparities have started to narrow;while there remain marked differences in the average employment rate between more and less developed regions, regional disparities have started to narrow; _________________ 2a http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics- explained/index.php/File:Employment_ra te,_age_group_20_%E2%80%93_64,_201 6_%28%25%29_YB17.png
Amendment 23 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas while the risk of poverty or social exclusion in the EU has fallen back to its pre-crisis level, it remains verytoo high and far from reaching the Europe 2020 poverty and social exclusion target;
Amendment 69 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 55 #
2017/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas good occupational safety and health practices are crucial for a productive and motivated workforce, which helps companies remain competitive and innovative and helps to maintain valuable skills and work experience, reduce staff turnover and prevent exclusion; whereas SMEs have particular needs in this regard, demanding support measures in order to attain their OSH objectives; whereas, on the other hand, good OSH practices are crucial for SMEs to stay in the market and keep ensuring employment;
Amendment 64 #
2017/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the improved health and reintegration of workers increases the overall wellbeing of society, has economic benefits to Member States, employees and employers and helps to retain; whereas to retain and to reintegrate older workers is key to secure skills that would otherwise be lost;
Amendment 67 #
2017/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas older workers, despite being more subjected to chronic illness, also are proved to have a lower degree of exposure to physical risks and greater working time autonomy;
Amendment 137 #
2017/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses in this regard the importance of developing and updating workers’ skills, matching the company and market needs, with special emphasis on digital skills, by providing workers with relevant training and access to lifelong learning;
Amendment 179 #
2017/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Believes that financial incentives, including financial incentives for SMEs, should be in place to keep people with reduced working capacity in employment;, in particular workers with reduced working capacity, if medical conditions allow, them to work; strongly encourages the integration of workers through re- training and upskilling into the open labour market; underlines that support should be available in particular to SMEs in order to allow the delivery of efficient training;
Amendment 193 #
2017/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recognises in this regard that flexible working arrangements, such as telework, flexitime and reduced working hours, play an important role in returning to work; stresses the importance of encouraging early return to work (if medical conditions allow) through flexible working arrangements and reduced working time arrangements, which could be accompanied by partial sickness benefit; stresses that these arrangements, that include geographical, temporal and functional flexibility, must be positive both for workers and employers, helping on the management of the work organization and taking into account the variations in production cycles;
Amendment 238 #
2017/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Takes the view that EU-wide campaigns play an important role in shifting popular opinion, increasing awareness of the demographic challenges facing the European labour markets as well as fighting existing myths and stereotypes that still exist about older workers; considers regrettable that older persons are still often exposed to age discrimination, stereotypes and barriers;
Amendment 240 #
2017/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses that national policy frameworks have a decisive impact on the policies and practices that enterprises develop to support active aging and to secure comprehensive age diversity on the work force;
Amendment 4 #
2017/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 b (new)
Citation 5 b (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2013 on European Neighbourhood Policy as well as resolution of 9 July 2015 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy,
Amendment 7 #
2017/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 c (new)
Citation 5 c (new)
- having regard to its Annual report on the implementation of CFSP of 13 December 2017,
Amendment 32 #
2017/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the Agreement is in keeping with the spirit and principles expressed in the European Parliament recommendation of 15 November 2017, which unambiguously states that no comprehensive agreement will be ratified with a country that does not respect EU values; urges the authorities in Armenia nevertheless to ensure, with the support of the EU, there is no backsliding on these values, which could trigger suspension of the application of the Agreement through its Article 379; reiterates that EU financial assistance to Armenia remains conditional to implementation and quality of reforms;
Amendment 43 #
2017/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that the Agreement is also in keeping with the spirit and principles expressed in the European Parliament recommendation of 15 November 2017 as regards making the ratifprovisional and full application of a new agreement with Armenia or Azerbaijan conditional upon meaningful commitments to and substantial progress towards solving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions 882, 853, 874 and 884; urges both sides to increase the pace and output of their negotiations following the 2018 elections in both countries in order to make history by ending a conflict which has claimed too many lives, especially those of civilians, and which has prevented the establishment of peace and hampered socio-economic development in the region for almost three decades;
Amendment 44 #
2017/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that the Agreement is also in keeping with the spirit and principles expressed in the European Parliament recommendation of 15 November 2017 as regards making the ratifprovisional and full application of a new agreement with Armenia or Azerbaijan conditional upon meaningful commitments to and substantial progress towards solving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; urges both sides to increase the pace and output of their negotiations following the 2018 elections in both countries in order to make history by ending a conflict which has claimed too many lives, especially those of civilians, and which has prevented the establishment of peace and hampered socio-economic development in the region for almost three decades;
Amendment 53 #
2017/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 d (new)
Paragraph 9 d (new)
9d. Urges the Commission to strictly oversee the abidance of EU Member States by Council Regulation 833/2014 which is instrumental in avoiding indirect sale, supply, transfer or export of dual use goods and technology to Armenia through intermediaries which are partly intended for military uses or a military end-user;
Amendment 62 #
2017/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on the Armenian authorities to refrain from excessive use of force against peaceful protesters and pressures such as unjustified criminal charges against protest leaders;
Amendment 63 #
2017/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Regrets that investigations into the actions of police on the cases of excessive use of force against peaceful protesters and other law enforcement–even when opened–were ineffective and no charges were pursued against any officials, despite the gravity of some of the force used;
Amendment 67 #
2017/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Urges the Armenian authorities, in view of future elections, to swiftly and fully implement all the recommendations of the international observation missions led by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), in particular in relation to allegations of vote buying, voter intimidation, the pressuring of civil servants and private sector employees and undue interference in the voting process by party representatives or law enforcement officers which failed to improve public confidence in the country’s electoral systems;
Amendment 72 #
2017/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates its strong attachment to international law and fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law and good governance, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,; regrets that serious gaps in human rights protection persist and encourages Armenia to make significant progress in these areas, in particular as regards media freedom, the independence of the judiciary and the fight against corruption, organised crime and, abusive oligarchic control and to ensure that journalists face no pressure, fear of retaliation and violence over their work;
Amendment 76 #
2017/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. WelcomNotes the adoption of anti- domestic violence legislation in the Armenian Parliament in December 2017 but despite alarming statistics on domestic violence, the Armenian government hasn’t done enough to protect and support survivors; commends Armenia on the signature, on 18 January 2018, of the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence and encourages Armenia to swiftly ratify and thoroughly implement this Convention to effectively meet its commitments to international standards in this field;
Amendment 79 #
2017/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Regrets that violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity continue to remain as serious concerns in the country;
Amendment 87 #
2017/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 f (new)
Paragraph 16 f (new)
16f. Notes that physical barriers and lack of reasonable accommodations at community schools often leave children with disabilities with little or no education; calls on Armenian authorities to take effective steps in this regard;
Amendment 93 #
2017/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Calls upon Armenia to engage in a trustful trade relations with the EU in line with its commitments taken in the WTO accession; recalls that the terms and conditions of the WTO membership as well as the obligations under the WTO Agreements and the provisions of these Agreements shall only apply to the territories of the Republic of Armenia as recognised by the United Nations;
Amendment 9 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
– having regard to the Interinstitutional Proclamation on the European Pillar of Social Rights on 17 November in Gothenburg,
Amendment 32 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the employment rate in the EU is increasing and has reached 235.4 million people in jobs in the second quarter of 2017, which constitutes an employment rate of 72.3 %, meaning that the EU is on track to reach the 75 % employment rate target specified in the Europe 2020 strategy; whereas very substantial differences persists in many Member States and employment rates have still some way to go to recover from the crisis and notably also to attain the Europe 2020 national targets;
Amendment 39 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU unemployment rate is at its lowest level in nine years and stands at 7.5 %18.9 million people are still without a job despite that the EU unemployment rate and the euro area unemployment is at its lowest level in nine years and eight years and stands at 7.5 % and 8.9% respectively;
Amendment 55 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the accompaniment of the long-term unemployed is essential, since otherwise this situation will begin to affect their self-confidence, wellbeing and future development, putting them at risk of poverty and social exclusion and undermining the sustainability of social security systems, as well as the European social model;
Amendment 101 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the need for structural reforms aimed at improving labour market and social policies, in order to help the workforce to acquire the skills they need and to promote equal opportunities in the labour market, fair working conditions, increasing labour productivity to support wage growth, and sustainable and adequate social protection systems; emphasises the need of reinforcing a favourable environment for business with a view to creating more employment while balancing the social and economic dimensions; calls on the Member States to gradually shifting taxes from labour to other sources;
Amendment 114 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the Interinstitutional Proclamation on the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) and believes its 20 key principles regarding equal opportunities and access to the labour market, fair working conditions and social protection and inclusion should serve as a point of reference when implementing the European Semester policy coordination cycle; Highlights that the EPSR is a first step through consolidation of a common approach to the protection and development of social rights across the EU, which should be reflected in measures pursued by Member States; Reiterates the call on the Commission to continue to complement this with further measures on deepening the economic and monetary union;
Amendment 132 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes that the percentage of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion remains high; points out that high levels of inequality reduce the output of the economy and the potential for sustainable growth;
Amendment 143 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates its concern at the level of youth unemployment, which remains high, with the number of NEETs having stagnated; welcomes, in this respect, an increase in funding for the Youth Employment Initiative by EUR 2.4 billion for the period 2017-2020; highlights that Member States should ensure that the Youth Guarantee is fully open to all groups, including vulnerable persons;
Amendment 146 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the need to implement effective labour market policies in order to reduce long-term unemployment; Member States should further help those out of work by providing affordable, accessible and quality services support for job search, training and requalification, while protecting those unable to participate;
Amendment 171 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to maximise their efforts in investing in high-quality education and training, training, labour productivity growth and active labour market policies in order to guarantee that the skills acquired will match labour market demand and empower people and integrate them in the labour market; underlines, in this respect, the growing demand for digital and other transferable skills and insists that the development of these skills is urgent and particularly necessary; Believes that Member States should work towards more effective and tailor-made public and private employment services;
Amendment 173 #
2017/2260(INI)
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to maximise their efforts in investing in high-quality education and training in order to guarantee that the skills acquired will match labour market demand; underlines, in this respect, the growing demand for digital and other transferable skills and insists that the development of these skills is urgent and particularly necessary; takes the view that mutual recognition of qualifications will be beneficial for overcoming the gap between skills shortages on the European labour market and jobseekers, especially young people;
Amendment 178 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Underlines that Member States and the Commission should maximize efforts to ensure equal opportunity and access to education and training to ensure social inclusion and better economic outcomes; Calls on the Commission and Member States to upgrade vocational training and strengthen work-based learning, including quality apprenticeships; Recalls that recognition of skills acquired outside formal education and training and support for adults should also be made easier;
Amendment 179 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Underlines that the integration of long-term unemployed individuals through individually tailored measures is a key factor for fighting poverty and social exclusion and contributing to the sustainability of national social security systems; highlights, in this context, the importance of skills and competences acquired in non-formal and informal learning environments;
Amendment 184 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to take all the necessary measures to improve the services and legislation that are important for a proper work-life balance and for gender equality; calls for the development of accessible, quality and affordable childcare and early education services, and for the creation of favourable conditions for parents and carers by allowing for advantageous family leave take-up and flexible working arrangements which tap into the potential of new technologies; underlines, in this respect, the potential of public-private partnerships;
Amendment 192 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on the Member States to provide labour inspectorates or other relevant public bodies with adequate resources to address the issue of undeclared work, as well as to reinforce labour inspection mechanisms and design measures to enable workers to move from the grey to the formal economy in order to have access to employment and social protection systems;
Amendment 197 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the potential of SMEs, as well as health and social services and social enterprises, in job creation and the economy as a whole; considers it vital to support entrepreneurship and to improve the business environment by removing administrative burdens, improving access to finance and supporting the development of tax models and simplified tax compliance procedures favouring SMEs, entrepreneurs, micro-entities and start-ups;
Amendment 212 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Considers demographic decline, which affects EU regions to different extents, to be among the serious obstacles hindering EU growth; calls on the Commission and the Member States to introduce measures designed to address this challenge; underlines the fact that demographic decline requires a holistic approach, which should include the adaptation of the necessary infrastructure, and the enhancement of public services and flexible working arrangements; Insists that innovation forms of work should go hand in hand with adequate job security and accessible social protection;
Amendment 222 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to pursue the policy of active ageing, the social inclusion of elderly people and solidarity between generations; Recalls that more cost- effective health systems and long-term care that ensure timely access to affordable preventive and curative healthcare of good quality are also fundamental for productivity;
Amendment 234 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up efforts for further inclusion of people with disabilities into the labour market by removing legislative barriers and creating incentives for their employment; Recalls that an adapted work environment for people with disabilities as well as targeted financial support to help them participate fully in the labour market and in the society as a whole are essential;
Amendment 237 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Encourages the Member States to implement the necessary measures for the social inclusion of refugees as well as people of ethnic minority or immigrant origin;
Amendment 242 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Welcomes new initiatives proposed by the Commission such as the launching of a public consultation on a European Labour Authority, as well as a European Social Security Number; calls, therefore, on the Member states to provide labour inspectorates with adequate resources, and also to improve cross-border cooperation between inspection services and the electronic exchange of information and data, in order to improve the efficiency of the controls intended to combat and prevent social fraud and undeclared work and reduce administrative burden;
Amendment 246 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Calls for stronger commitment to combat poverty and rising inequality, and, where needed, for greater investment in social infrastructure and support for those hit hardest to address inequalities correctly notably through social protection systems that provide adequate and well-target income support but also through the design of national tax and benefits systems;
Amendment 248 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15c. Highlights that in the period 2014 to 2016, real wage growth lagged behind productivity growth despite improvements in the labour market; Recalls that growth in real wages, as a result of increased productivity, is crucial to tackle inequalities;
Amendment 253 #
2017/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines the role of the social partners and civil society as essential stakeholders in the reform process and the added value of their involvement in the drafting, sequencing and implementation of reforms; supports the opinion that new forms of employment in the globalised market call for new forms of social dialogue; affirms that the Member States need to help people build the skills required in the labour market;
Amendment 2 #
2017/2259(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas, according to Eurostat, youth unemployment in the EU28 is steadily decreasing and stood at 18.76.1% in 2016, even exceeding 40% in some countries; December 20171a although this rate remains double the overall unemployment rate and there are considerable differences between Member States; whereas this rate is still unacceptably high and must be reduced in order to realise young people’s full potential; __________________ 1a http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/29 95521/8631691/3-31012018-BP- EN.pdf/bdc1dbf2-6511-4dc5-ac90- dbadee96f5fb
Amendment 22 #
2017/2259(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the overall lack of investment in young people’s rights will contribute to the aggravation of phenomena such as declining populations, the lack of professional qualifications or the disma is crucial for a fair and open democratic society, social mobility and inclusion and sustainable growth and employmentl ing of social security systems Europe;
Amendment 27 #
2017/2259(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the EU Youth Strategy set out a framework for cooperation in the field of youth policy for the 2010-2018 period with the objectives of creating more and equal opportunities for all young people in education and in the labour market and promoting young people´s inclusion and active participation in society;
Amendment 56 #
2017/2259(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Believes that the open method of coordination could be continued beyond the current period for cooperation in youth policy in order to set a joint agenda, exchange best practices and improve knowledge based policy making; however, believes that the current strategy’s fields of action and initiatives should be simplified and streamlined and its mechanisms for monitoring and reporting outcomes improved in order to be more targeted and ambitious;
Amendment 59 #
2017/2259(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Reiterates the importance of the strategy’s cross-sectoral approach as a means of mainstreaming a youth dimension and creating synergies in other relevant policy fields such as employment, education and training and believes integration of the Youth Strategy with other related initiatives at EU level could be improved;
Amendment 62 #
2017/2259(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1e. Highlights the value of structured dialogue with young people and their organisations as a means of establishing structures and processes for their participation and stresses the importance of reaching more and diverse young people, especially those at risk of exclusion;
Amendment 10 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
– having regard to Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing,
Amendment 18 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament Resolution of 27 October 2016 on the situation in Northern Iraq/Mosul (2016/2956(RSP)),
Amendment 81 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas leaked intelligence even suggests that institutions and individuals in the Arabian Gulf are providing financial and logistical support to al-Qaeda, ISIS/Da’esh and other radical groups, and whereas without this funding many of these terrorist groups would not be self- sufficient;
Amendment 163 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) calls on the Member States to take the legislative measures necessary to guarantee that banks monitor pre-paid debit cards closely so as to ensure that they can only be reloaded via bank transfers from accounts held by the cardholder; calls furthermore on the Member States to make the necessary provisions to fully facilitate the opening of a bank account to all those present in their territory;
Amendment 216 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l – introductory part
Paragraph 1 – point l – introductory part
(l) calls on the Member States to regulate hawalatraditional ways of money transferring (such as the hawala or the Chinese fei ch’ien amongst others), making it mandatory to declare to the authorities every transaction made using the hawalase systems, and emphasising that the aim is not to crack down on traditional informal money transfers, but on trafficking involving organised crime, terrorism or industrial/commercial profits deriving from dirty money; in this respect, calls for:
Amendment 232 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
(ma) calls on the Commission and the Member States to increase their monitoring regarding regulating and controlling gold, precious stones and precious metals trafficking, so that these goods are not used as ways of financing terrorist activities; calls for the establishment of common European Criteria;
Amendment 233 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point m b (new)
(mb) calls on the Commission and the Member States to prohibit and sanction all commercial traffic (both exports and imports) with terrorists and organisations controlled by jihadists, with the exception of those humanitarian aid goods necessary for the subdued population; calls for the prosecution and sanctioning for imprudence or malice of all those (either physical or juridical persons) that participate in said traffics, in either one of its modalities (buying, selling, distribution, intermediation, amongst others);
Amendment 264 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) urges the EEAS to take the same approach with its other CSDP missions in countries in which there could be terrorist hubs, especially in the Horn of Africa, Libya and the Sahel region, and to establish, in an effective manner, close cooperation with the governments in the areas concerned;
Amendment 270 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r
Paragraph 1 – point r
(r) urges the High Representative and the EEAS to enhance cooperation with the countries in which the proceeds of drugs trafficking, human trafficking or traffic in commercial goods (such as tobacco and others) are held, so that they can be seized;
Amendment 151 #
2017/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point r
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point r
(r) to call for an immediate withdrawal of foreign troops from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan and an end to military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan which unnecessarily claim the lives of civilians and soldiers whilst hampering socioeconomic development, and to enable hundreds of thousands of IDPs to return to their homelands; to reaffirm support to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries within their internationally recognized borders as well as to the OSCE Minsk Group co-Chairs’ efforts to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in line with the UN Charter, OSCE Final Act and to their 2009 Basic Principles; to call on Armenia and Azerbaijan to re-launch negotiations in good faith with a view to implementing these principles to solve the conflict; to make the ratification of new agreements between the EU and each of the parties conditional on meaningful commitments to solving the conflict through maintaining the ceasefire and supporting the implementation of the 2009 Basic Principles;
Amendment 23 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21
Citation 21
— having regard to the EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World in 20165,
Amendment 36 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Article 21 of the TEU commits the EU to developing a common foreign and security policy (CFSP) guided by the principles of democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principle of equality and solidarity, including women's rights and gender equality and compliance with the UN Charter, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and international law;
Amendment 38 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas today’s worldwide abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocides, necessitate determined efforts on the part of the whole international community;
Amendment 47 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas an increasing number of human rights violations amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity, including genocide, are being committed by state and non-state actors;
Amendment 48 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas children and women face increasing threats, discrimination and violence, especially in war zones and authoritarian regimes;
Amendment 49 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas gender equality is at the core of European values and enshrined within the EU’s legal and political framework;whereas violence and discrimination against women and girls has dramatically increased during the recent years;
Amendment 52 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, as well as the right to apostasy and the right to adopt atheistic views must be enhanced unconditionally through interreligious and intercultural dialogue;
Amendment 58 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas Article 207 of the TFEU stipulates that the EU’s commercial policy is to be based on the principles and objectives of the Union’s external action; whereas trade and human rights reinforce each other, and whereas the business community has an important role to play in offering positive incentives in terms of promoting human rights, democracy and corporate responsibility;
Amendment 66 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas in fragile, conflict-prone or oppressive societies, elections can at times trigger widespread political violence;
Amendment 76 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
Recital M a (new)
M a. whereas human rights and democracy support policies should be mainstreamed across all other EU policies with an external dimension, such as development, migration, security, counter- terrorism, women’s rights and gender equality, enlargement and trade in particular through the implementation of human rights conditionality;
Amendment 92 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its firm belief that the EU and its Member States must actively pursue the principle of mainstreaming human rights and democracy in all EU policies, including those with an external dimension, such as development, migration, security, counter-terrorism, enlargement and trade, in particular through the implementation of human rights conditionality; reiterates, in this regard, the crucial importance of ensuring increased coherence between the EU’s internal and external policies;
Amendment 104 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 107 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 114 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Expresses grave concern about the increasing number of attacks against religious minorities, in particular Christians, which are often committed by non-state actors such as ISIS/Daesh; deplores the attempts of state actors to limit freedom of religion and belief and freedom of expression by adopting and implementing blasphemy laws; calls for the EU and its Member States to step up their efforts to enhance respect for freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief and to promote interreligious dialogue when engaging with third countries; requests concrete action towards the effective implementation of the EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief, including by ensuring the systematic and consistent training of EU staff at headquarters and in delegations; supports fully the EU practice of taking the lead on thematic resolutions on freedom of religion and belief at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the UN General Assembly (UNGA); supports fully the work of the EU Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the EU, Mr Ján Figel;
Amendment 132 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is deeply concerned that civil society is increasingly under attack worldwide, through, inter alia, a growing number of repressive laws adopted throughout the world, under the pretext of combating terrorism or disclosing "foreign agents"; recalls that independent civil society plays an essential role in the defence and advancement of human rights and in the functioning of democratic societies; deeply regrets the fact that human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists are victims of harassment, intimidation and killings; calls for the EU and its Member States to constantly monitor and raise cases of violations of freedom of assembly and association, including the various forms of bans and limitations on civil society organisations (CSOs) and their activities, such as laws aiming at shrinking civil society space or the promotion of NGOs sponsored by governments (GONGOs) which mimic a functioning and free civil society space; calls, in addition, for the EU and its Member States to use all available means, such as human rights dialogues, political dialogues and public diplomacy, to systematically raise individual cases of human rights defenders (HRDs) and civil society activists at risk, particularly those in prison;
Amendment 141 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Calls for the establishment of a system to effectively monitor civil society space with clear benchmarks and indicators, to fill in the gaps in the overall framework under which the EU deals with the issue of civil society space, notably as regards the use and definition of terms around the enabling, conducive, legal environment for civil society;
Amendment 152 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Considers it deeply regrettable that torture, ill-treatment and the death penalty continue all over the world, and calls for the EU to intensify its efforts to eradicate these serious human rights violationsm; urges the EEAS and the VP/HR to engage more strongly in the fight against torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, including the death penalty, through increased diplomatic efforts and more systematic public positioning; recommends that the EEAS, the EU delegations and the Member States use all existing instruments, such as the EU Guidelines on Torture, to their full potential; welcomes the fact that the UN’s resolution on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty was adopted by the UNGA in December 2016 with the support of 117 countries; calls on countries that still retain this practice to adopt a moratorium and abolish the death penalty;
Amendment 172 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Condemns the fact that women’s sexual and reproductive rights are frequently violated;emphasises that proper, affordable health care and universal respect for and access to sexual and reproductive rights and education should be ensured to all women;
Amendment 176 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Reaffirms the urgent need for the universal ratification and effective implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocols; underlines that children are often exposed to specific abuses, such as child marriages or genital mutilation, and therefore are in need of enhanced protection; requests that the EU systematically consult relevant local and international child rights organisations, and raise, in its political and human rights dialogues with third countries, States Parties’ obligations to implement the Convention; welcomes the Council of Europe Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2016-2021); requests that the EU continue to promote the EU-UNICEF Child Rights Toolkit for integrating child rights in development cooperation through its external delegations, and to train the EU delegation staff adequately in this field; reiterates its request for the Commission to propose a comprehensive children’s rights strategy and action plan for the next five years, in order to prioritise children’s rights within EU external policies; welcomes the fact that under the 2016 Development Cooperation Instrument, resources were allocated to support UN agencies in carrying out measures targeted to children’s rights;
Amendment 218 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Reaffirms the fact that the activities of all companies, including European ones, operating in third countries should be in full compliance with international human rights standards; reaffirms, moreover, the importance of promoting corporate social responsibility and of European enterprises playing a leading role in promoting international standards on business and human rights; acknowledges that global value chains contribute to enhancing international core labour, environmental and social standards, and represent an opportunity for sustainable progress, especially in developing countries; outlines, however, that in case of business-related human rights abuses, the effective access to remedies for victims should be ensured;
Amendment 240 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Strongly condemns the heinous crimes and human rights violations committed by state actors, as well as non- state actors such as Boko Haram in Nigeria and, ISIS/Daesh in Syria and Iraq and Houthi in Yemen, among others; is horrified at the vast range of crimes committed, including murder, torture, rape as a weapon of war, enslavement and sexual slavery, the recruitment of child soldiers, forced religious conversions and the systematic killing of religious minorities, including Christians, Yazidis and others; emphasises that the EU and its Member States should support the prosecution of state actors, as well as members of non-state groups such as ISIS/Daesh by seeking a consensus within the UN Security Council to confer jurisdiction to the International Criminal Court (ICC);
Amendment 270 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Expresses profound concern at and solidarity with the large number of refugees and migrants who suffer grave human rights violations as the victims of conflicts, persecution, governance failures and illegal migration, trafficking and smuggling networks; stresses the urgent need to tackle the root causes of migration flows and therefore to address the external dimension of the refugee crisis, including by finding sustainable solutions to conflicts in our neighbourhood by developing, among others, cooperation and partnerships with the third countries concerned; underlines the need for a comprehensive human-rights-based approach to migration and calls for the EU to collaborate further with the UN, regional organisations, governments and NGOs;
Amendment 325 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Welcomes the adoption of the EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2015; cConsiders that the Annual Report is an indispensable tool for scrutiny, communication and debate on the EU’s policy on human rights and democracy in the world;
Amendment 339 #
2017/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Acknowledges that Human Rights Dialogues with third countries can be an efficient tool for bilateral engagement and cooperation in the promotion and protection of human rights; welcomes the establishment of Human Rights Dialogues with a growing number of countries; urges the EEAS to ensure that women’s rights are included in all agendas and to systematically hold consultation meetings with civil society, including local civil society, before and after each Dialogue; praises and further encourages the involvement of civil society in preparatory dialogues; reiterates its call for the development of a comprehensive mechanism for monitoring and reviewing the functioning of Human Rights Dialogues;
Amendment 240 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Stresses that preserving peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region is of substantial interest to the EU and its member states; calls for all parties concerned in the region to solve differences through peaceful means and to refrain from taking unilateral actions to change the status quo, including in the East and South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, in order to safeguard regional security; acknowledges the continued good will and flexibility shown by the government of Taiwan in maintaining cross-Strait relations and encourages the resumption of bilateral dialogues, which will be conducive to regional peace and stability; reiterates its commitment to supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and activities;
Amendment 11 #
2017/2083(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines the need for a stronger and more political partnership between the EU and Africa, based on shared values and interests, in order to tackle global issues such as climate change, food insecurity, access to water, population growth, youth unemployment, urbanization of large cities, the fight against impunity, terrorism, organised crime and migratory flows, and to promote a rule-based global order based on a strong UN;
Amendment 21 #
2017/2083(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for continued EU support to African partners in the area of peace and security and conflict prevention, including through specific instruments such as CSDP operations and the African Peace Facility; highlights the importance of fostering security and stability by helping our partners to build more resilient states and societies, including through capacity building and security sector reforms, the creation of more and better jobs, especially for young people, the empowerment of women and the support of education, who are and should, increasingly, be the force of economic progress in the region, the support of education by investing more in schools and universities, and research;
Amendment 41 #
2017/2083(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the pursuit of common interests and cooperation on security must be totally consistent with the EU’s fundamental values and with the objectives of supporting democracy, good governance, and promoting human rights and the rule of law; calls for a more strategic, pragmatic, respectful, comprehensive and structured approach to political dialogue under the Cotonou Partnership Agreement, with the greater involvement of civil society and a stronger people-to-people dimension;
Amendment 47 #
2017/2083(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. As a well-functioning democracy enhances stability and is a powerful tool against terrorism, the European Parliament offers to work more intensively with African Parliaments in building stronger Parliaments and Parliamentarians in taking up their role in the checks and balances between the executive and parliamentary bodies;
Amendment 57 #
2017/2083(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls the importance of the effective implementation of external EU policies that are able to address the real root causes of migration; calls for increased joint efforts to implement the Valetta Action Plan based on a fair and true partnership with third countries of origin and transit; recalls the importance of a balanced approach in the new partnership framework; stresses that the new partnership framework with third countries must not become the only pillar of EU action on migration and should extend beyond a quantitative approach focused mainly on border management; underlines in this matter the importance of democratic scrutiny by the European Parliament;
Amendment 62 #
2017/2083(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Recalls that the root causes of migration are conflicts, weak governance, government instability, violation of human rights, corruption, non-existence of the rule of law, impunity, inequality, unemployment or underemployment, lack of livelihoods and resources, and climate change;
Amendment 63 #
2017/2083(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses that the upcoming Africa EU summit will provide an opportunity to stress our priorities concerning the EU- Africa relations in the context of the post Cotonou process;
Amendment 64 #
2017/2083(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission to present a legislative proposal on accompanying measures for the ‘Conflict Minerals Regulation’ (2014/0059(COD)) in line with the relevant Joint Communication (JOINT (2014) 8);
Amendment 65 #
2017/2083(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Underlines the importance of small- scale development projects which have a direct effect on people’s lives; urges the Commission to continue their support;
Amendment 66 #
2017/2083(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Emphasises the added value of transport infrastructures to boost the economy and trade between the EU and Africa; Underlines the strategic importance of ports, harbours and airports;
Amendment 67 #
2017/2083(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. urges the European Commission to give special attention to sexual and reproductive health rights of women and girls in their external development programmes;
Amendment 173 #
2017/2044(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 65 a (new)
Paragraph 65 a (new)
65 a. Recalls the 2013 Fox-Häfner report, which estimated the costs of the geographic dispersion of the Parliament to be between EUR 156 million and EUR 204 million and equivalent to 10 % of the Parliament's budget; notes the finding that 78 % of all missions by Parliament statutory staff arise as a direct result of the Parliament's geographic dispersion; emphasises that the report also estimates the environmental impact of the geographic dispersion to be between 11,000 to 19,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions; reiterates the negative public perception caused by this dispersion and calls therefore for a roadmap to a single seat and a reduction in the relevant budget lines;
Amendment 4 #
2017/2043(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that growth is the key to more jobssustainable growth and investment are the key to job creation and increased prosperity and that it is necessary to direct the structural funds more effectively towards promoting growth;
Amendment 7 #
2017/2043(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises that the 2018 budget must play a key role in enhancing the Union’'s contribution to growth and jobssustainable growth, jobs and social inclusion, especially in combatingthe areas of youth unemployment and inequality;
Amendment 13 #
2017/2043(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that youth unemployment rates remain verunacceptably high in the Union1a and that the situation of unemployed young people, especially NEETS (not in education, employment, or training), is particularly worrying; emphasises that, in order to address this issue, it is of the utmost importance to ensure the properadequate and timely funding of the Youth Guarantee schemes through the European Youth Initiative and the European Social Fund;Youth Employment Initiative and the European Social Fund; in this regard, highlights the importance of continuing the YEI up to the end of the current MFF; also notes the Court of Auditors statement that it is not possible to address the whole NEET population with the resources available from the EU budget alone1b; _________________ 1aIn March 2017, the youth unemployment rate was 17.2% in the EU28 and 19.4% in the euro area, compared with 19.1% and 21.3% respectively in March 2016 - Eurostat, 2nd May 2017: http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/29 95521/8002525/3-02052017-AP- EN.pdf/94b69232-83a9-4011-8c85- 1d4311215619 1bSpecial report No 5/2017: Youth unemployment – have EU policies made a difference?, p. 8
Amendment 18 #
2017/2043(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Believes it is essential that the Youth Employment Initiative continues to be adequately funded and stresses in the context of the Multiannual Financial Framework mid-term review that the Council must adopt the agreed increase of EUR 500 million;
Amendment 20 #
2017/2043(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the importance of sufficient funding and good budgetary management of the programmes within the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework that aim to address unemployment, poverty and social exclusion, such as the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI), the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), the different axes of the Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) and the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD); insists, therefore, that for 2018 these programmes’' resources should at least be maintained at the levels of the previous EU budget; notes that payment amounts for this year's budget were limited as the structural funds have not been absorbed as quickly as expected and stresses that adequate payment appropriations be provided for in budget 2018;
Amendment 25 #
2017/2043(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes the view that the EU budget should also support vocational training and professional qualification measures; highlights, in this respect, that proper funding for the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) is paramountensure the adequate financial and human resourcing of EUROFOUND, CEDEFOP, ETF and EU-OSHA in order to allow them to fulfil their respective remits and ensure the best possible results in support of EU legislative and policy objectives;
Amendment 33 #
2017/2043(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points out that micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises are a major source of employment in the Union andthe backbone of Europe's economy, representing 99% of all businesses in the EU; notes that one of the main problems in setting up and maintaining such enterprises and keeping them going is that of obtaining finance; underlines that the 2018 budget should support measures promoting entrepreneurship in those enterprises, including social entrepreneurship and, innovative social enterprises and self-employment; stresses, in this respect, that the budget 2018 should in particular facilitate access to micro- credits available through the microfinance and social entrepreneurship axis of the Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) programme;
Amendment 38 #
2017/2043(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Urges that financial support be provided for programmes creating jobs for those with multiple disadvantages onfrom EU funds reaches as many targeted beneficiaries as possible in particular for those furthest from the labour market, such as the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities and people from minority backgrounds;
Amendment 44 #
2017/2043(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Reiterates that pilot projects and preparatory actions are very valuable tools to initiate new activities and policies in the fields of employment and social inclusion; stresses that several ideas of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs have been implemented successfully in the past as pilot projects/preparatory actions; is of the opinion, therefore, that that committee will make further use of those instruments in 2018; encourages the full use of the margins available under each heading; calls for Parliament to be given regular, detailed updates on the various stages in the implementation of pilot projects and preparatory actions by the Commission.
Amendment 31 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas in many countries corruption not only constitutes a significant systemic obstacle to the realisation of all human rights, — civil, political, economic, social and cultural but may also cause many human rights violations; whereas corruption is one of the most neglected human rights violations of our times as it fuels injustice, inequality and deprivation;
Amendment 38 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas corruption, far from being an abstract crime, has specific negative impacts on the enjoyment of human rights affecting individuals, targeted groups such as women, children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, the poor, indigenous people or people belonging to minorities, or society at large, notably as regards financial and economic resources and the realisation of democracy and the rule of law;
Amendment 44 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas corruption directly affects social programmes addressed to improve the lives of vast sectors of the population, in particular those in need of basic services such as healthcare, education, and housing;
Amendment 59 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas according to the World Bank about 1 trillion dollars is paid each year in bribes around the world and the total economic loss from corruption is estimated to be many times that number;
Amendment 69 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas acts of corruption and human rights violations typically involve the misuse of power, lack of accountability and the institutionalisation of various forms of discrimination; whereas corruption shows strong correlation with deficiencies in the rule of law, and whereas corruption often undermines the effectiveness of the institutions and entities which are entrusted to ensure checks and balances and respect for democratic principles and human rights, such as parliaments, law enforcement authorities, the judiciary and civil society;
Amendment 79 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas practices such as electoral fraud, illicit funding of political parties or the perceived disproportionate influence of money in politics erode confidence and create social dissatisfaction in elected representatives and governments, undermine democratic legitimacy and may significantly weaken civil and political rights; whereas inadequate regulation of political financing can create opportunities for organized criminals to influence and interfere in the conduct of public affairs; whereas corruption can also be used as a political instrument in order to discredit the reputation of politicians;
Amendment 87 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas it is difficult to measure corruption as it usually involves illegal practices that are deliberately covered up, although some mechanisms to identify, monitor, measure and combat corruption have been developed and implemented;
Amendment 94 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
K a. whereas existing international obligations are good mechanisms to take appropriate and reasonable measures in order to prevent or punish corruption in public and private sectors, in particular under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and other relevant human rights instruments;
Amendment 141 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Is concerned over the harassment, threats, intimidation and reprisals suffered by members of civil society organisations, including anticorruption associations and human rights movements, journalists, bloggers and whistle-blowers that expose and denounce corruption cases; calls on the authorities to take all the necessary measures to guarantee their physical and psychological integrity and to ensure immediate, thorough and impartial investigations in order to bring those responsible to justice in accordance with international standards;
Amendment 159 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the need to mainstream the principle of local and democratic ownership of projects financed under EU assistance programmes; highlights the need to establish and operationalise conditionality and incentives of EU external financial instruments based on anti-corruption norms and commitments made by partner countries; recalls the need of permanent monitoring of the EU funded projects and holding recipient country authorities accountable if the EU funds are not used appropriately;
Amendment 177 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Welcomes persistent efforts under the Development Cooperation Instrument and the Neighbourhood Programming Instrument to establish and consolidate independent and effective anti-corruption institutions;
Amendment 185 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Calls on EU delegations to make use of local demarches and public diplomacy to denounce cases of corruption and impunity, in particular when they lead to serious human rights violations;
Amendment 207 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Is convinced that an ambitious anti- corruption policy in EU external relations is only credible if underpinned by an effective anti-corruption strategy within the EU; regrets in this context that the Commission decided not to follow up its 2014 EU anti-corruption report, which would have also reinforced the EU’s credibility to promote an ambitious anti- corruption agenda in its external policies; stresses that the European Commission and other EU institutions should undertake regular, ambitious and rigorous reporting and self-assessment in line with the provisions of the UN Convention against Corruption;
Amendment 213 #
2017/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Emphasises the need to step up national and international communication and awareness-raising campaigns targeting citizens participation in order to highlight the fact that corruption has negative impact on human rights and leads among others to social inequalities, lack of social justice and increased levels of poverty; stresses that education is key in building strong individuals in our society based on respect for the rule of law;
Amendment 22 #
2017/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The Union’s macro-financial assistance should support Georgia’s commitment to values shared with the Union, including democracy, the rule of law, good governance, respect for human rights - including an accountable, transparent and de- politicised public administration, an independent judiciary, impartial and effective law enforcement bodies and the stimulation of a free and fair environment allowing political competition, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and free, independent and pluralistic media, sustainable development and poverty reduction, as well as its commitment to the principles of open, rules-based and fair trade.
Amendment 26 #
2017/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) A pre-condition for granting the Union’s macro-financial assistance should be that Georgia fully respects effective democratic mechanisms –, including a multi- party parliamentary system – and the rule of law, and guarantees respect for human rightsand a strict separation of powers, and the rule of law, including the independence of the judiciary, and that it ensures an effective fight against corruption, guarantees respect for human rights, including freedom of expression and free, independent and pluralistic media. In addition, the specific objectives of the Union’s macro-financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems in Georgia, and promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth, employment creation and fiscal consolidation. Both the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the Commission and the European External Action Service.
Amendment 30 #
2017/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) In order to ensure that the Union’s financial interests linked to the Union’s macro-financial assistance are protected efficiently, Georgia should takefully implement appropriate measures relating to the prevention of, and fight against, fraud, corruption and any other irregularities linked to the assistance. In addition, provision should be made for the Commission to carry out checks and for the Court of Auditors to carry out audits.
Amendment 46 #
2017/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. A pre-condition for granting the Union’s macro-financial assistance shall be that Georgia respects effective democratic mechanisms –, including a multi-party parliamentary system – and the rule of law, andand the strict separation of powers, the rule of law, a clear separation between politics and economic interests, and that it guarantees respect for human rights.
Amendment 48 #
2017/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The Commission shall closely follow the opinions presented by the Council of Europe's Venice Commission on all the issues falling within its remits.
Amendment 60 #
2017/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) ensuring the protection of the Union’s financial interests, in particular providing forfully implementing specific measures in relation to the prevention of, and fight against, fraud, corruption and any other irregularities affecting the Union’s macro- financial assistance, in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/9512 , Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2185/9613 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council14 ; _________________ 12 Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests (OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1). 13 Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission to protect the Communities’ financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2). 14 Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 September 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1074/1999 (OJ L 248, 18.9.2013, p. 1).
Amendment 62 #
2017/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point d
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point d
(d) expressly authorising the Commission and the Court of Auditors to perform audits during and after the availability period of the Union’s macro- financial assistance in order to evaluate the efficiency of the assistance, including through document audits and on-the-spot audits, such as operational assessments;
Amendment 29 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) EU households are amongst the highest savers in the world, but the bulk of these savings are held in bank accounts with short maturities and low returns. Nonetheless, household saving rates differ significantly among EU countries and persistent differences among EU member states may have an impact on investment and growth as household saving is an important financing source for private and public investment. More investment into capital markets can help meet the challenges posed by population ageing and , low interest rates and low levels of investment in the long-term.
Amendment 32 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
Amendment 36 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 b (new)
Recital 1 b (new)
(1b) The aging of society and falling birth rates are significant demographic challenges for the Union, which threatens both pension adequacy and sustainability as well as intergenerational solidarity. In addition, digitalisation and labour market changes are likely to further exacerbate the problem and put increasing pressure on first and second pillar pensions.
Amendment 37 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 c (new)
Recital 1 c (new)
(1c) According to EIOPA, only 67 million people, or 27% of the total EU population between 25-59 years old, are currently voluntarily subscribed to financial products with a long-term pension objective and that this is concentrated in only a few Member States.
Amendment 38 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 d (new)
Recital 1 d (new)
(1d) Priority should be given to further developing and strengthening the first pillar public pension schemes of Member States as the primary source of income for pensioners. However, in light of the impending reduction of the working population from a ratio of 1:4 to 1:2 a multi-pillar pension approach is crucial. A voluntary, long-term pan-European Personal Pension Product will act as a complement to and strengthen existing pension savings, boosting their adequacy as well as increasing coverage for categories of people previously faced with a lack, or partial lack, of adequate coverage such as women, young people the self-employed and persons in atypical or new forms of employment.
Amendment 39 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 e (new)
Recital 1 e (new)
(1e) Portability of the PEPP will increase its attractiveness as a product particularly to young people and help to further facilitate citizens’ right to live and work across the Union.
Amendment 42 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Personal pensions are important in linking long-term savers with long-term investment opportunities. A larger, European market for personal pensions will support the supply of funds for institutional investors and investment into the real economy which could help increase job creation across the EU.
Amendment 47 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Currently, the functioning of the internal market for personal pensions is impeded by the high degree of fragmentation between national markets and the limited degree of portability of personal pension products. This can result in difficulties for individuals to make use of their basic freedoms. For instance, they may be prevented from searching for or taking up a job in or retiring into another Member State. In addition, the possibility for providers to use the freedom of establishment and the freedom to provide services is hampered by the lack of standardisation of existing personal pension products.
Amendment 61 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) In its Communication Mid-Term Review of the Capital Markets Union Action Plan32 , the Commission announced "a legislative proposal on a pan-European Personal Pension Product (PEPP) by end June 2017. This will lay the foundations for a safer, more cost-efficient and transparent market in affordable and voluntary personal pension savings that can be managed on a pan-European scale. It will address the demographical challenge and pension gap, meet the needs of people wishing to enhance the adequacy of their retirement savings, address the demographical challenge, complement the existing pension products and schemes in particular under the first and second pillar, and support the cost-efficiency of personal pensions by offering good opportunities for long-term investment of pension savings". __________________ 32 COM(2017) 292 final, p. 6. COM(2017) 292 final, p. 6.
Amendment 69 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Among personal pension products, the development of a PEPP will contribute to increasing choices for retirement saving and establish an EU market for PEPP providers. It will provide households with bettermore and quality options to meet their retirement goals. Personal pension savings must be safe, cost-effective, transparent and sufficiently flexible to accommodate the current economic and labour market environment in the EU and to promote a Single Market for personal pensions.
Amendment 75 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) A legislative framework for a PEPP will lay the foundations for a successful market in affordable and voluntary retirement-related investments that can be managed on a pan-European scale. By complementing the existing pension products and schemes, it will contribute to meeting the needs of people wishing to enhance the adequacy of their retirement savings, addressing the demographical challenge and providing a powerful new source of private capital for long-term investment. This framework will not replace or harmonise existing national personal pension schemes.
Amendment 91 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) A PEPP should comprise national compartments, each of them accommodating personal pension product features allowing that contributions to the PEPP qualify for incentives. At the level of the individual PEPP saver, a first compartment should be created upon opening of a PEPP.
Amendment 93 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In order to allow a smooth transition for PEPP providers, the obligation of providing PEPPs comprising compartments for each Member State will apply three years after the entry into force of this Regulation. However, uUpon launching a PEPP, the provider should provide information on which national compartments are immediately available, in order to avoid a possible misleading of consumersthe contract.
Amendment 97 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21 a (new)
Recital 21 a (new)
(21a) In order to facilitate provisions to open national compartments in all Member States, PEPP providers should be able to enter partnerships with other PEPP providers.
Amendment 105 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) In order to ensure optimal product transparency, PEPP manufacturproviders should draw up the PEPP key information document for the PEPPs that they manufacture before the product can be distributed to PEPP savers. They should also be responsible for the accuracy of the PEPP key information document. The PEPP key information document should replace and adapt the key information document for packaged retail and insurance-based investment products under Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council33 which would not have to be provided for PEPPs. __________________ 33 Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 November 2014 on key information documents for packaged retail and insurance-based investment products (PRIIPs), OJ L 352, 9.12.2014, p. 1.
Amendment 113 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) PEPP providers should draw up a Pension Benefit Statement addressed to PEPP savers, in order to present them with key personal and generic data about the PEPP scheme and to ensure continuous information on it. The Pension Benefit Statement should be clear, updated, simple and comprehensive and should contain relevant and appropriate information to facilitate the understanding of pension entitlements over time and across schemes and serve labour mobility.
Amendment 132 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) In view of the long-term retirement objective of the PEPP, the investment options grantoffered to the PEPP savers should be framclearly outlined, covering the elements which will allow investors to make an informed investment decision, including the number of investment options they can choose from. After the initial choice made upon the subscription of a PEPP, the PEPP saver should have the possibility to modify this choice at reasonable intervals (every five years), so that sufficient stability is offered to providers for their long-term investment strategy whilst at the same time investor protection is ensured.
Amendment 135 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) The default investment option should allow the PEPP saver to recoup the invested capital. The PEPP providers cshould in addition include an inflation indexation mechanism to at least partly cover inflation.
Amendment 143 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 47
Recital 47
(47) In order to find better conditions for their investments, thus also stimulating the competition among PEPP providers, PEPP savers should have the right to switch providers during the accumulation and the decumulation phases, through a clear, quick and safe, safe and transparent procedure.
Amendment 154 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 55
Recital 55
(55) Full transparency on costs and fees related to the investment in a PEPP should be guaranteed. A level-playing field between providers would be established, whilst ensuring consumer protection. Comparative information wouldshall be available between different products, thus incentivising competitive pricing.
Amendment 155 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 56
Recital 56
(56) Although the ongoing supervision of PEPP providers is to be exercised by the respective competent national authorities, EIOPA should coordinate the supervision with regards to PEPPs, in order to guarantee the consistent application of a unified supervisory methodology, contributing in this way to the pane- European nature of the pension product.
Amendment 163 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 69
Recital 69
(69) Following the launch of the PEPP, Member States are strongly encouraged to take into consideration Commission Recommendation (EU) 2017/… and to extend the benefits of the tax advantages they grant to national PPPs also to the PEPP.
Amendment 192 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12 a (new)
(12a) "lump sum" means the full payment of the accumulated capital at the end of the accumulation phase;
Amendment 204 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 21
(21) "capital" means aggregate capital contributions and uncalled committed capital, calculated on the basis of amounts investible afterbefore deduction of all fees, charges and expenses that are directly or indirectly borne by investors;
Amendment 205 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 24
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 24
(24) "default investment option" means an investment strategy where the PEPP saver recoups at least the capital invested and which is either selected by the PEPP saver or applied when the PEPP saver has not provided instructions on how to invest the funds accumulating in his PEPP account;
Amendment 215 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 28 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 28 a (new)
(28a) "biometric risks" mean risks linked to longevity, disability and death.
Amendment 217 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 28 b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 28 b (new)
(28b) "compartment partnership" means cooperation between PEPP providers to offer compartments in different Member States as regards the portability service as referred to in Article 12.
Amendment 267 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. Before taking a decision on the application, EIOPA shall consult the competent authority of the applicant to verify if there are any objections to the granting of the application.
Amendment 283 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. The portability service allows PEPP savers to continue contributing to the PEPP which they have already contracted with its provider, while changing their domicile by moving to another Member State. The Commission should examine waiving the fee for changing providers as an incentive. In any case, costs shall be reasonable and communicated always at time of the contract.
Amendment 290 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2
Article 13 – paragraph 2
2. When proposing a PEPP, the PEPP provider or PEPP distributor shall provide potential PEPP savers with information on which national compartments are immediately available and either from the PEPP provider or from a registered partner.
Amendment 294 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 3
Article 13 – paragraph 3
3. Three years at the latest aftere available compartments shall be listed in the econtry into application of this Regulation, each PEPP shallact between the PEPP saver and PEPP provider. The PEPP provider shall be obliged to offer national least the compartments for all Member States upon request addresslisted toin the PEPP providercontract.
Amendment 297 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Amendment 300 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 1 a (new)
PEPP providers may enter a compartment partnership with other PEPP providers in order to facilitate provisions to open compartments in all Member States.
Amendment 302 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
1. Without prejudice to the deadline under Article 13(3), iImmediately after being informed about the PEPP saver's intention to exercise his right of mobility between Member States, the PEPP provider shall inform the PEPP saver about the possibility to open a new compartment within the PEPP saver's individual account and about the deadline within which such compartment could be opened.
Amendment 306 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. At the request of the PEPP saver, the PEPP provider shall propose to the PEPP saver to arrange for transfer of accumulated assets between different compartments of the individual PEPP account, so that all assets could be consolidated in one compartment. Costs associated with this transfer must have been stipulated at the time the contract was concluded.
Amendment 308 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – title
Article 17 – title
Amendment 310 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. All contractual arrangements for providing the portability service shall be notified by the PEPP provider to the respective national authority exercising prudential supervision over itEIOPA.
Amendment 314 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The information under paragraph 1 shall be filed electronically in a central database held with the national supervisory authority within one month of opeEIOPA within one month of opening the new compartment. The database shall be accessible to the national competent authorities who shall automatically be notified of any changes concerning the newlocal compartment and. The database shall contain at least:
Amendment 315 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) identification of the registered partner if any;
Amendment 319 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
All documents and information under this Chapter shall be provided to PEPP customers electronically, provided that the PEPP customer is enabled to store such information in a way accessible for future reference and for a period of time adequate for the purposes of the information and that the tool allows the unchanged reproduction of the information stored. Upon request, PEPP providers and distributors shall provide free of charge those documents and information also on another durable medium. and in an accessible format to PEPP savers with a visual or hearing impairment as well as an easy to read version for PEPP savers with low or no financial literacy.
Amendment 322 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1
Article 23 – paragraph 1
1. Before a PEPP is proposed to PEPP savers, the PEPP provider shall draw up for that product a PEPP key information document constituting pre-contractual information in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter and shall publish the document on its website.
Amendment 326 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2
Article 23 – paragraph 2
2. PEPP providers and PEPP distributors shall comapply withe requirements contained in Articles 5(2), and 6 to 18 of Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 when drawing up the PEPP key information document.
Amendment 329 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 3 – point iv
Article 23 – paragraph 3 – point iv
(iv) general information on the portability service, including information on the compartments and registered partners if any;
Amendment 361 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 5
Article 23 – paragraph 5
5. Potential PEPP savers shall also be provided with information on the past performance of investments related to the PEPP scheme covering a minimum of five years, or, where the scheme has been operating for fewer than five years, covering all the years that the scheme has been operating, as well as with information on the structure of costs and fees borne by PEPP savers and PEPP beneficiaries. In case the information could not be provided, PEPP savers should at least have access to the performance of a comparable scheme of investments.
Amendment 385 #
Amendment 392 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1
Article 27 – paragraph 1
1. PEPP providers shall draw up a concise, clear and comprehensible personalised document containing key information for each PEPP saver taking into consideration the specific nature of national pension systems and of relevant national social, labour and tax law (“PEPP Benefit Statement”). The title of the document shall contain the words “PEPP Benefit Statement”.
Amendment 398 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The PEPP Benefit Statement shall be provided free of charge, annually and include, at least, the following key information for PEPP savers:
Amendment 401 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) personal details of the PEPP saver, name of the PEPP providand contact information of the PEPP provider, identification of the scheme of the PEPP saver, information on pension benefit projections, information on accrued entitlements or accumulated capital, contributions paid by the PEPP saver or any third party and information on the funding level of the PEPP scheme, for which Article 39, paragraphs 1(a), (b), (d), (e), (f) and (h) of Directive 2016/2341/EU shall be applied, where the “member” means the PEPP saver, the “IORP” means the PEPP provider, the “pension scheme” means the PEPP scheme and “the sponsoring undertaking” means any third party for the purposes of this Regulation;
Amendment 414 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 1
Article 30 – paragraph 1
1. PEPP savers shall receive information during the pre-retirement phase as set out in Article 42 of Directive 2016/2341/EU. This information must be provided at the latest one year prior to the retirement age.
Amendment 431 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point d
Amendment 432 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) the assets shall not be iInvesteding in a high-risk and non- cooperative jurisdiction identified by the Financial Action Task Force is forbidden;
Amendment 434 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 1
Article 34 – paragraph 1
1. PEPP providers and distributors shall offer up to five investment options to PEPP savers.
Amendment 435 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 2
Article 34 – paragraph 2
2. TOne of the investment options offers shall include a default investment option while the remaining options and may include alternative investment options.
Amendment 437 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1
Article 35 – paragraph 1
The PEPP saver shall opt for anone of the investment options upon conclusion of the PEPP contract.
Amendment 441 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 37 – paragraph 1
Article 37 – paragraph 1
1. The default investment option shall ensure capital protection for the PEPP saver, on the basis of a risk-mitigation technique that results in a safe investment strategybe a simple, easy to understand product and the PEPP provider shall guarantee the PEPP saver that the capital accumulated by the start of pay-out phase will at least equal the contributions paid including all costs and charges.
Amendment 446 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 37 – paragraph 2
Article 37 – paragraph 2
2. Capital protection shall allow the PEPP saver to recoup the capital invested including fees, cost and inflation.
Amendment 453 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 42 – paragraph 1
Article 42 – paragraph 1
PEPP providers may offer PEPPs with an option ensuring the coveragshall include a guarantee ofn the risk of biometric risks. For the purpose of this Regulation, “biometric risks” mean risks linked to longevity, disability and deathcapital invested for death and permanent disability of the PEPP saver during the accumulation phase.
Amendment 464 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 46 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 46 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Within twofive working days from receipt of the authorisation referred to in paragraph 2, the receiving PEPP provider shall request the transferring PEPP provider to carry out the following tasks, if provided for in the PEPP saver’s authorisation:
Amendment 478 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 48 – paragraph 3
Article 48 – paragraph 3
3. The total fees and charges applied by the transferring PEPP provider to the PEPP saver for the closure of the PEPP account held with it shall be limited to no more than 10,5 % of the positive balance to be transferred to the receiving PEPP provider. The Commission shall examine waiving the fee for changing providers as an incentive to promote the PEPP product.
Amendment 482 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 50 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Receiving PEPP providers shall give to PEPP savers the following information about the switching service:
Amendment 487 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 52 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 52 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. PEPP providers mayshall make available to PEPP savers one or more of the following forms of out-payments:
Amendment 492 #
2017/0143(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 52 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 52 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. With regard to the default investment option, a minimum of 25% of out-payments in the form of annuities shall be mandatory.
Amendment 42 #
2017/0102(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Young people should be provided with easily accessible opportunities to engage in solidarity activities, which cwould enable them in the first place to express their commitment to the benefit of communities while acquiring useful experience, skills and competences for their personal, educational, social, civic and professional development, therebywhich would improvinge their employability. Those activities would also support the mobility of young volunteers, trainees and workers.
Amendment 49 #
2017/0102(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The solidarity activities offered to all young people should be of high quality, in the sense that they should respond to unmet societal needs, contribute to strengthening communities, offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and competences, be financially accessible to young people, in particular efforts must be made to ensure participation of young persons with disabilities and disadvantages and be implemented in safe and healthy conditions.
Amendment 56 #
2017/0102(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The European Solidarity Corps would provide a single entry point for solidarity activities throughout the Union. Consistency and complementarity of that framework should be ensured with other relevant Union policies and programmes. The European Solidarity Corps should build on the strengths and synergies of existing programmes, notably the European Voluntary Service. It should also complement the efforts made by Member States to support young people and ease their school-to-work transition under the Youth Guarantee19 by providing them with additional opportunities to make a start on the labour market in the form of traineeships or jobs in solidarity-related areas within their respective Member State or across borders. Complementarity with existing Union level networks pertinent to the activities under the European Solidarity Corps, such as the European Network of Public Employment Services, EURES and the Eurodesk network, the European Youth Forum (YEJ), the European Volunteer Centre (CEV) and other relevant civil society organisations including the social partners should also be ensured. Furthermore, complementarity between existing related schemes, in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people, and the European Solidarity Corps should be ensured, building on good practices where appropriate. __________________ 19 Council Recommendation of 22 April 2013 on establishing a Youth Guarantee (2013/C 120/01).
Amendment 65 #
2017/0102(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The European Solidarity Corps should open up new opportunities for young people to carry out volunteering, traineeship or job placements in solidarity- related areas as well as to devise and develop solidarity projects based on their own initiative. Those opportunities should help respond to unmet societal needs and contribute to strengthening communities while also contribute to enhancing their personal, educational, social, civic and professional development. The European Solidarity Corps should also support networking activities for European Solidarity Corps participants and organisations as well as measures to ensure the quality of the supported activities and to enhance the validation of their learning outcomes.
Amendment 71 #
2017/0102(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Voluntary activities constitute a rich experience in a non-formal and informal learning context which enhances young people's personal, socio-educational and professional development, active citizenship and employability. Voluntary activities should not have an adverse effect on potential or existing paid employment, nor should they be seen as a substitute for it. Solidarity placements in the form of volunteering under this Regulation should be offered by public authorities or by participating organisations in the not for profit sector or those involved in collaboration with a not for profit entity. In order to ensure continuity with respect to the volunteering activities that are supported at Union level, the volunteering activities under the European Voluntary Service that fall within the geographical scope of the European Solidarity Corps should be supported by the latter in the form of cross-border volunteering placements. The other volunteering activities under the European Voluntary Service that do not fall under the geographical scope of the European Solidarity Corps should continue to be supported under the Programme established by Regulation (EU) No 1288/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing 'Erasmus+': the Union programme for education, training, youth and sport20 . With respect to the interpretation of related legislation at Union level, both the cross-border volunteering placements under the European Solidarity Corps and the volunteering activities that continue to be supported under Regulation (EU) No 1288/2013 should be considered equivalent to those carried out under the European Voluntary Service. __________________ 20 Regulation (EU) No 1288/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing 'Erasmus+': the Union programme for education, training, youth and sport and repealing Decisions No 1719/2006/EC, No 1720/2006/EC and No 1298/2008/EC, OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 50.
Amendment 77 #
2017/0102(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Traineeships and jobs in solidarity- related areas can offer additionalhelp to build social , economic and civic cohesion while offering opportunities for young people to make a start on the labour market while contributing to addressing key societal challenges. This can help foster the employability and productivity of young people while easing their transition from education to employment, which is key to enhancing their chances on the labour market. The traineeship placements offered under the European Solidarity Corps should be remunerated by the participating organisation and follow the quality principles outlined in the Council Recommendation on establishing a Quality Framework for Traineeships of 10 March 201421 . The traineeships and jobs offered should constitute a stepping stone for young people to enter the labour market and should therefore be accompanied by adequate post-placement support. The traineeship and job placements should be facilitated by relevant labour market actors, in particular public and private employment services, social partners and Chambers of Commerce. As participating organisations, they should be able to apply for funding via the competent implementing structure of the European Solidarity Corps in view of intermediating between the young participants and employers offering traineeship and job placements in solidarity sectors. Traineeships and jobs in solidarity related areas must be entirely separate from any volunteering activities. __________________ 21 Council Recommendation of 10 March 2014 on a Quality Framework for Traineeships, OJ C 88, 27.3.2014, p. 1.
Amendment 86 #
2017/0102(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Young people’s spirit of initiative is an important asset for society and for the labour market. The European Solidarity Corps should contribute to fostering this aspect by offering young people the opportunity to devise and implement their own projects aimed at addressing specific challenges to the benefit of their local communities. Those projects should be an opportunity to try out ideas in a sustainable way and support young people to be themselves drivers of solidarity actions. They could also serve as a springboard for further engagement in solidarity activities and could be a first step towards encouraging European Solidarity Corps participants to engage in self- employment or setting up associations, NGOs or other bodies active in the solidarity, non-profit and youth sectors.
Amendment 89 #
2017/0102(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Young people and organisations participating in the European Solidarity Corps should feel that they belong to a community of individuals and entities committed to enhancing solidarity across Europe. At the same time, participating organisations need support to strengthen their capacities to offer good quality placements to an increasing number of participants. The European Solidarity Corps should support networking activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of young people and participating organisations’ engagement in this community, at fostering a European Solidarity Corps spirit, as well as at encouraging the exchange of useful practices and experience. Those activities should also contribute to raising awareness about the European Solidarity Corps among public and private actors as well as to collect feedback from participants and participating organisations on the implementation of the European Solidarity Corps.
Amendment 112 #
2017/0102(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) A European Solidarity Corps Portal should continuously be developed in order to ensure easy access to the European Solidarity Corps and to provide a one-stop shop for both interested individuals and organisations as regards, inter alia, registration, identification and matching of profiles and opportunities, networking and virtual exchanges, online training, language and pre and post-placement support as well as other useful functionalities, which may arise in the future.
Amendment 138 #
2017/0102(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) This Regulation should apply from 1 JanuaryMarch 2018. In order to allow for the prompt application of the measures provided for in this Regulation, this Regulation should enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Amendment 145 #
2017/0102(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) “solidarity activity” means an activity aimed at addressing unmet societal needs to the benefit of a community while also fostering the individual’s personal, educational, social, civic and professional development, which may take the form of placements, projects or networking activities which have local or European added value, developed in relation to different areas, such as education and training, employment, gender equality, entrepreneurship, in particular social entrepreneurship, citizenship and democratic participation, environment and nature protection, climate action, disaster prevention, preparedness and recovery, agriculture and rural development, provision of food and non-food items, health and wellbeing, creativity and culture, physical education and sport, social assistance and welfare, reception and integration of third-country nationals, territorial cooperation and cohesion;
Amendment 164 #
2017/0102(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6
(6) “volunteering” means a full-time32 unpaid voluntary service for a period of up to twelve monthsn unpaid placement undertaken for a period of up to 12 months either on a full-time or on a part time basis of at least ten hours per week, which provides young people with the opportunity to contribute to the daily work of organisations active in solidarity- related fields, to the ultimate benefit of the communities within which the activities are carried out, including a solid learning and training dimension in order to enable the young volunteer(s) to gain skills and competences, which will be useful for their personal, educational, social and professional development, and which will also contribute to improving their employability; __________________ 32 As a general principle, an activity carried out continuously, 5 days a week for 7 hours a day.
Amendment 175 #
2017/0102(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8
(8) “traineeship” means a period of work practice from twohree to twelve months, remunerated by the organisation hosting the European Solidarity Corps participant, based on a written traineeship agreement, which includes a learning and training component, and undertaken in order to gain practical and professional experience with a view to improving employability and facilitating transition to regular employment;
Amendment 183 #
2017/0102(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9
(9) "job" means a period of work from twohree to twelve months, remunerated by the participating organisation employing the European Solidarity Corps participant, carried out in a participating country and based on an employment contract in accordance with the national regulatory framework of that participating country;
Amendment 191 #
2017/0102(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13
(13) “European Solidarity Corps Resource Center” means the additional functions performed by a designated national agencyn entity selected for this purpose following a tender allocation process to support the development and implementation of activities under the European Solidarity Corps as well as the identification of the competences acquired by the participants through their placements and projects;
Amendment 30 #
2016/2314(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas 51 percent of the Kosovars distrust their domestic courts and an increase is noted of cases where citizens take justice in own hands;
Amendment 32 #
2016/2314(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas more than 90 % of the Kosovars fears unemployment and more than 30 % receives between 0 and 120 € per month;
Amendment 55 #
2016/2314(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Notes that a non-authorized train, covered with Serbian political and religious symbols, scheduled to travel from Belgrade to North Mitrovica on 14 January 2017, and launched by the director of Serbia's 'Office for Kosovo and Metohija,' has been stopped by Kosovo authorities; condemns these Serbian provocations;
Amendment 104 #
2016/2314(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the proposal by the Commission to grant visa liberalisation, which would be a very positive step for Kosovo on the path to European integration; is concerned by the stalemate in the Assembly with regard to the ratification of the demarcation agreement with Montenegro, and stresses that visa liberalisation can only be granted once Kosovo has fulfilled all criteria, including with regard to building up a track record of high-level convictions for corruption and organised crime; as Kosovo is a safe country of origin visa liberalisation won't pose too much problems;
Amendment 121 #
2016/2314(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the progress made in implementing the various agreements signed since August 2016 in the normalisation process with Serbia, after months of little to no progress; calls on both Kosovo and Serbia to show more engagement and sustained political will as regards the normalisation of relations and recalls that this is a condition for accession to the EU; takes note of some progress on other technical issues such as cadastre, university diplomas and licence plates and on the implementation of the agreement on the Mitrovica Bridge; welcomes the allocation of an independent international telephone code to Kosovo; reiterates its call on the European External Action Service to carry out an evaluation of the performance of the sides in fulfilling their obligations on a regular basis with reporting to the European Parliament;
Amendment 178 #
2016/2314(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Expresses serious concerns at the lack of progress with regard to the protection of freedom of expression and media freedom, and at the increased political interference and pressure and intimidation exerted on the media; urges the Kosovo authorities to fully recognise and protect freedom of expression in line with EU standards and, to end impunity for attacks against journalists and bring those responsible to justice;
Amendment 288 #
2016/2314(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Takes note of the demographical structure of Kosovo and urges the Commission, with International Organisations, to focus on education in Kosovo to fight poverty and unemployment; calls for further efforts to increase joint education of all components of Kosovo's society;
Amendment 291 #
2016/2314(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26 b. Calls on the Commission to increase the focus on assistance towards SME's in order to support a viable economy in the country;
Amendment 292 #
2016/2314(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)
Paragraph 26 c (new)
26 c. Calls on the European Commission to continue the work on migration related issues with all the countries of the Western Balkans, in order to make sure that European and international norms and standards are followed; welcomes the work done so far and underlines that adequate IPA funding should be set aside to this end;
Amendment 46 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas there are still 74 000 internally displaced persons and a significant number of refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina in neighbouring countries, whole Europe and world-wide, as well as 6 808 missing persons;
Amendment 56 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the consideration of BiH’s EU membership application by the Council and looks forward to the Commission’s opinion on the merits of the application for membership; calls on competent BiH authorities at all levels to cooperate and coordinate in participating in the Commission’s Opinion process by providing a single set of replies to the Commission’s inquiries; deems unacceptable that the Government of the Republika Srpska is trying to establish parallel channels of communication by adopting provisions on direct reporting to the European Commission;
Amendment 78 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the progress on the implementation of the 2015-2018 Reform Agenda, as well as the country’s determination to pursue further institutional and socio-economic reforms; stresses that harmonised implementation of the Reform Agenda is needed to achieve real change across the country and to improve the lives of all BiH citizens; calls for the reform momentum to be maintained in order to transform BiH into a fully effective, inclusive and functional state; regrets that common reform efforts often continue to be hampered by ethnic and political divisions, and through further politicization of public administrations; considers it essential to maintain consensus on EU integration and to advance in a concerted manner on the rule of law, including the fight against corruption and organised crime, the reform of the judiciary and public administration;
Amendment 95 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets that the Rules of Procedure of the SAPC have still not been adopted and it therefore could not be properly constituted, due to the attempts to introduce ethnic blocking into the SAPC's voting rules, and it therefore could not be properly constituted; urges all actors to agree to and accept Rules and procedures of the SAPC based on the recommendation of the European Parliament's opinion on the subject;
Amendment 99 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the local elections of 2 October 2016 have been broadly conducted in an orderly manner; regrets that the citizens of Mostar have again been deprived of their democratic rights to elect their local representatives owing to continued disagreements between political leaders, and urges swift implementation of the Constitutional Court ruling on Mostar; condemns the unacceptable incident in Stolac and calls on all sides to resolve the situation by respecting the rule of law; reiterates that all acts of violence or election irregularities should be investigated and condemned in the clearest possible terms, and any unlawful activities prosecuted;
Amendment 105 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets that the declared political commitment to combat corruption did not translate into tangible results; underlines that there is a lack of track record of high profile cases and that legal and institutional framework for combating systemic corruption like political party finance, public procurement, conflict of interest, and assets declaration is weak and inadequate; acknowledges progress in adopting anti- corruption action plans and setting up corruption prevention bodies at various levels of governance; notes with concern that fragmentation and weak inter- agency cooperation hamper the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures; calls for greater professional specialisation within the police and the judiciary by means of appropriate coordination channels; stresses the need to establish a track record of effective scrutiny of political party and electoral campaign financing;
Amendment 123 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Reiterates its concern about the continued fragmentation into four different legal systems; stresses the needcalls for adoption of the principles of judicial independence and prosecutorial autonomy in Bosnia and Herzegovina constitution in order to strengthen judicial independence, including from political pressure, and to fight corruption in the judiciary; urges the rapid adoption of the action plan for the implementation of the 2014-2018 justice sector reform; welcomes the adoption of the law on free legal aid at state level and the introduction by the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of guidelines on prevention of conflict of interest, the drafting of integrity plans and disciplinary measures; notes the important role of the Structured Dialogue on Justice in addressing the shortcomings in the BiH judiciary; is concerned by the continuous financial and human resource difficulties of the Ombudsperson's Offices and calls for the fast adoption of the law on the reform of the Ombudsperson;
Amendment 137 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Regrets that a high number of constitutional court decisions are not being implemented, including in particular those related to the election system, including the Sejdić- Finci ruling, the decision on the RS day, which was contested in the referendum held on 25 September 2016 and the decision concerning the respect of the basic democratic rights of the citizens of Mostar to vote in local elections; calls for constitutional and legislative changes in order to achieve equality of all constitutive peoples and citizens of BiH, as well as to establish a functioning state and democratic society; emphasises that respect for the rule of law and the country’s functioning constitutional framework is of paramount importance for advancing on the EU path;
Amendment 148 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes satisfactory cooperation on war crimes cases with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and encourages more regional cooperation with regard to processing war crimes cases; welcomes the fact that the backlog of domestic war crimes cases is being tackled and that some further progress was achieved in the successful prosecution of war crimes involving sexual violence; reminds all political leaders and institutions in BiH that they have a responsibility to assess war-time events objectively, in the interests of truth, reconciliation and a peaceful future, and to avoid misuse of judiciary for political purposes; strongly condemns the decision of the RS National Assembly in October 2016 to express appreciation to former leaders of the RS convicted of war crimes, as well as entity- wide glorification of persons convicted for the gravest crimes against humanity; calls, as a matter of urgency, for respect for victims of war crimes and for reconciliation to be promoted;
Amendment 153 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes some progress with regard to refugees and internally displaced persons in terms of repossession of property and occupancy rights as well as the reconstruction of houses; calls on the competent authorities to facilitate their access to healthcare, employment, social protection and education, including damage compensation for property that cannot be returned to victims; notes that there are still 74 000 internally displaced persons (7 500 still accommodated in 45 collective centres) and a huge number of refugees; is concerned with persistently high number of missing persons and slow progress in that respect; calls on the authorities to embark on intensive cooperation between the two entities, and strengthen the efforts to find the 6808 persons still missing as a result of the war, including full sharing of all relevant military and intelligence data;
Amendment 167 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes some progress in fighting organised crime; is concerned, however, about the absence of a consistent approach in tackling organised crime owing to the numerous action plans by the various law enforcement agencies at different levels; highlights the need to strengthen the framework for inter-agency cooperation; welcomes joint investigations but calls for more coordinated operations and better exchange of information; calls for enhancing capacities of law enforcement bodies including on counter-terrorism; welcomes the signing of the operational and strategic cooperation agreement with Europol aimed at combating cross-border criminality; calls on the Federation entity to make swift changes to the criminal code that would ban all forms of human trafficking, whose victims are 80% women and girls;
Amendment 171 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls for strengthening mechanisms for collecting, sharing and analysing data on migration as statistics show an increasing trend of people coming to BiH from the high-migratory- risk countries (in 2015 the number was 293 943 individuals); calls on the authorities to integrate these communities into the wider society; draws attention to the fact that there are unintegrated, often undocumented, people living in isolated pockets across BiH, who don't pay taxes and don't respect the country's secular background;
Amendment 172 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13 b. Calls on the Commission to continue the work on migration related issues with all the countries of the Western Balkans, in order to make sure that European and international norms and standards are followed; welcomes the work done so far and underlines that adequate IPA funding should be set aside to this end;
Amendment 193 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Deems it essential to enhance public participation in decision-making and to better engage citizens in the EU accession process; notes that civil society is fragmented, institutionally and financially weak; calls for better cooperation mechanisms between government and civil society organisations, including the developing of a strategic framework for cooperation; condemns repeated smear campaigns and violent attacks on CSO representatives and human rights defenders;
Amendment 223 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Calls on the Government to harmonise legislation and public policies with the Istanbul Convention: to inform women survivors of violence about the available forms of support and assistance, to establish crisis centres for victims of rape or other forms of sexual violence, to criminalise offences of stalking, forced marriage and genital mutilation;
Amendment 273 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Commends the adoption of the country-wide Framework transport strategy and action plan in July 2016; calls on the authorities to align the legal framework on transport with the relevant EU legislation to provide the functional transport chains and remove the bottlenecks on corridor Vc;
Amendment 277 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 c (new)
Paragraph 22 c (new)
22 c. Notes active engagement of the Joint Parliamentary Committee for Security and Defence in ensuring democratic control over the armed forces of BiH; is concerned by the widespread presence of weapons held illegally by the population and still large stockpiles of ammunition and weapons under the responsibility of the armed forces; urges a comprehensive approach to address the remaining challenges of clearing the country of mines by 2019; calls on the Commission and HR/VP to enhance its aid in these activities;
Amendment 14 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas challenges still persist and need to be addressed swiftly and efficiently in a spirit of dialogue, cooperation and compromise between government and opposition in order to make further progress on its path to EU accession;
Amendment 19 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the EU has highlighted the need to strengthen economic governance, the rule of law and public administration capacities in all of the Western Balkan countries;
Amendment 38 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes Albania’s continuous progress on EU-related reforms, in particular the adoption of constitutional amendments paving the way for a deep and comprehensive judicial reform; stresses that not only consistent adoption but also full and timely implementation of reforms and sustained political commitment are essential in order to further advance the EU accession process;
Amendment 47 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Fully supports Albania’s accession to the EU, and calls for the accession negotiations to be opened as soon as there is credible and sustainable progress in the implementation of judicial reform, fight against organized crime and corruption in order to keep the reform momentum; expects Albania to consolidate the progress achieved and to maintain the pace of progress on implementation of all key priorities;
Amendment 52 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates that a constructive dialogue, sustainable political cooperation and a willingness to compromise is crucial for the success of the reforms and for; underlines that lack of political cooperation and polarisation undermine the entire EU accession process;
Amendment 60 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Commends the consensual adoption of the constitutional amendments for judicial reform and the adoption of laws on the institutional reorganisation of the judiciary in close cooperation with the Venice Commission; calls for the swift adoption and implementation of all relevant accompanying laws and by-laws, in particular the law on the re-evaluation (vetting) of judges, prosecutors and legal advisors as an important instrument to fight corruption in Albania; notes that the application of the vetting law has been suspended by the Constitutional Court, and that the latter has requested the opinion of the Venice Commission on its constitutionality; reiterates that a comprehensive judicial reform is a major demand by Albania’s citizens for re- establishing trust in their political representatives and public institutions, and that the credibility and effectiveness of the overall reform process, including the fight against corruption and organised crime, depend on the success of the vetting process and judicial reform;
Amendment 70 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the new justice reform strategy 2017-2020 and its action plan, as well as the increased budgetary means for implementation; stresses that administration of justice continue to be slow and inefficient; notes the lack of progress in the filling of vacancies at the High Court and the administrative courts and the effective use of the unified case management system; calls for any shortcomings in the functioning of the judicial system to be further addressed, including lack of independence from other branches of power, selective justice, limited accountability, ineffective oversight mechanisms, corruption, the overall length of judicial proceedings and enforcements;
Amendment 95 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes the efforts towards a more citizen-friendly public administration and steady progress in the implementation of public administration reform; calls for further progress in strengthening the application of the Civil Service Law and the Law on Administrative Procedures, in order to safeguard the independence of regulatory bodies, improve recruitment procedures based on merit and performance, and enhance institutional and human resource capacities, with a view to ensuring efficient conduct of EU accession negotiations; calls for enhancing the authority, autonomy, efficiency and resources of human rights structures, such as the office of the Ombudsman; commends the National Council for European Integration on its initiatives to enhance the capacities of public administration and civil society in monitoring the implementation of accession-related reforms;
Amendment 104 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the adoption of key pieces of anti-corruption legislation, including on the protection of whistle- blowers; is concerned, however, that corruption remains prevalent in many areas and key anti-corruption institutions continue to be subject to political interference and have limited administrative capacities; notes that poor interinstitutional cooperation and exchange of information continue to hamper proactive investigation and effective prosecution of corruption; stresses the need for a more adequate legal framework for conflicts of interest, regulating lobbying and better interinstitutional cooperation, especially between police and prosecution services, with a view to improving their track record as regards investigation, prosecution and conviction, including in high level cases; in view of the upcoming parliamentary elections, calls for effective oversight of political party financing;
Amendment 114 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the continued implementation of the strategy and action plan on the fight against organised crime and intensified international police cooperation; welcomes recent operations against drug plantations; notes, however, that police and prosecution fail to identify criminal gangs behind drug cultivation; calls also for organised crime networks to be dismantled and for the number of final convictions in organised crime cases to be increased, by enhancing cooperation between police and prosecution services and by strengthening institutional and operational capacities; underlines the need to step up efforts to prevent human trafficking, in particular as regards unaccompanied children and child victims of trafficking;
Amendment 127 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes the improving EU-related cooperation between state institutions and civil society organisations (CSOs), including their participation in meetings of the National Council on European Integration (NCEI); stressesnotes that an empowered civil society is a crucial component of any democratic system; stresses, therefore, the need for even closer coordination at all levels of government, including at local level, with CSOs; calls for the effective implementation of the right to information and public consultation and for better regulation of the fiscal framework affecting CSOs;
Amendment 136 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Urges the competent authorities to actively promote respect of human rights and continue improving the climate of inclusion and tolerance for all minorities and other vulnerable groups in the country, including by enhancing the role of the State Committee on Minorities; as regardsunderlines the need to improve the living conditions for Roma and Egyptians,; calls for continued efforts in improving their access to employment, education, health, social housing and legal aid; is concerned that, despite improvements, the inclusion of Roma children in the education system remains the lowest in the region;
Amendment 147 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Recalls that institutional mechanisms to protect the rights of the child and to tackle gender-based violence remain poor; calls for better policy implementation and better inter- institutional cooperation in order to tackle social exclusion and discrimination effectively; stresses the need for additional efforts in order to develop a track record of anti-discrimination cases;
Amendment 173 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates the critical importance of professional and independent private and public service media; is concerned about political influence in the media and widespread self-censorship among journalists; notes the slow implementation of the law on audiovisual media and the delays in filling vacancies in the Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA); with a view to upcoming parliamentary elections, calls for additional efforts to fully guarantee the independence of the Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA) and of the public broadcaster; calls for measures to raise the professional and ethical standards of and prevalence of regular work contracts for journalists, to enhance the transparency of government advertising in the media and to ensure the independence of the regulatory authority and the public broadcaster;
Amendment 182 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Commends that according to the Institute of Statistic in Albania (INSTAT) the level of unemployment in Albania decreased at the lowest level during the last three years; stresses the need to rise the quality of education at all levels in order to better equip people with skills and knowledge in line with labour market needs;
Amendment 40 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the opening of negotiations on Chapters 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) and 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security) as the key chapters in the EU approach to enlargement based on the rule of law; welcomes the opening of Chapters 32 (Financial Control) and 35 (Other Issues), the opening of negotiations on Chapter 5 (Public Procurement) and the opening and provisional closure of Chapter 25 (Science and Research); calls on the Council to open Chapter 26 (Education and Culture) and stresses its importance in the process of promoting European values among the young generation;
Amendment 126 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls on the Commission to continue the work on migration related issues with all the countries of the Western Balkans, in order to ensure that European and international norms and standards are followed; welcomes the work done so far and underlines that adequate IPA funding should be set aside to this end;
Amendment 129 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that, while some progress has been made in the area relating to the judiciary, in particular by taking steps to harmonise jurisprudence and further promoting a merit-based recruitment system, judicial independence is not assured in practice; regrets that the constitutional and legislative framework is not yet in line with European standards thus leaving scope for undue political influence in the recruitment and appointment of judges; stresses that the quality and efficiency of the judiciary and access to justice remain undermined by an uneven distribution of the workload, a burdensome case backlog and the lack of a free legal aid system;
Amendment 146 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Notes that public enterprises remain particularly vulnerable to corruption; urges the further development of independent supervision for the detection of potential cases of conflicts of interest in the management of state-owned companies, in privatization procedures, public-private partnerships and in relation to strategic investment partnerships; stresses that the excessive recourse to the provision on abuse of office in the private sector in the criminal code is harmful to the business climate and hampers legal certainty;
Amendment 149 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the progress made in the fight against organised crime and the adoption of Serbia’s first national serious and organise crime threat assessment (SOCTA); calls on Serbia to step up efforts to investigate wider criminal networks, improve financial investigations and intelligence-led policing and develop a solid track record of final convictions; has taken note of the controversial events in Belgrade’s Savamala district and calls for calls for the implementation of the February 2016 law on the police, which provides for better separation of tasks between the police and the Ministry of Interior; urges the alignment with EU rules of the law on the confiscation of criminal assets, notably as regards their swift resolutiond-party confiscation, extended confiscation and precautionary freezing of assets;
Amendment 160 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Expresses concern over the failure of the authorities to bring to justice the organizers and perpetrators of the unlawful demolition of properties in the Belgrade Savamala district on 24 April 2016; underlines that the authorities must carry out thorough investigations and bring those responsible to justice;
Amendment 163 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Recalls that Serbia criminalised already in 2014 the activity of foreign fighters in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2178(2014); urges the adoption of the national strategy to prevent and fight terrorism finalised in March 2016;
Amendment 165 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the continued initiatives by the Government Office for Cooperation with Civil Society aimed at improving cooperation between the state and the civil sector and at enhancing the legal, financial and institutional framework for the development of civil society; welcomes the measures taken to improve transparency and the consultation process within the parliament in the area of EU negotiations, including public hearings and regular meetings and consultations witthrough the National Convent on European Integration; stresses that further efforts are needed to ensure the systematic inclusion of civil society in policy dialogue; underlines, in this regard, that civil society should not be considered as a disturbing element of political and public life but as a tool to improve the standards of democratic governance; remains concerned about the extensive use of urgent procedures in adopting legislation; stresses that the frequent use of urgent procedures undermines parliamentary effectiveness; underlines that the parliament’s oversight of the executive needs to be strengthened; calls for the adoption of parliament’s code of conduct; regrets that, due to disruption, the EU Delegation was not able to present the Commission’s report in the European Integrations Committee of the Serbian Parliament;
Amendment 178 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Calls on the authorities to ensure fair and free elections in April 2017 and, in this respect, to swiftly implement the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations following the elections in 2014 and 2016; is particularly concerned about smear campaigns against some opposition figures and presidential candidates, which have undermined democratic standards and procedures;
Amendment 191 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates the importance of independent regulatory bodies, including the Ombudsman, in ensuring oversight and accountability of the executive; calls on the authorities to provide the Ombudsman with full political and administrative support for his work; notes with regret that the Ombudsman is constantly exposed to severe verbal attacks by leading government officials;
Amendment 201 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines that the legislative and institutional framework for observance of international human rights law is in place; stresses that consistent implementation across the whole country is needed; notes that further sustained efforts are needed to improve the situation of persons belonging to vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, persons with HIV/AIDS and; underlines the need for the Serbian authorities and all political parties and public figures to facilitate the emergence of a climate of tolerance and inclusion in Serbia, notably as regards LGBTI persons;
Amendment 218 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Reiterates its concern that no progress has been made to improve the situation regarding freedom of expression and of the media; stresses that threats, violence and intimidation against journalists remain an issue of concern; calls on the authorities to fully investigate any cases of attacks against journalists and media outlephysical attacks, attacks on property and threats against journalists and media outlets; calls on the authorities to swiftly bring to justice those responsible for such actions and to ensure final judicial rulings on the unresolved cases of murdered journalists; calls for the full implementation of media laws; underlines the need for complete transparency in media ownership and funding of media;
Amendment 257 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes the fact that SerbiaIs seriously concerned with recent rising tensions in the region and the deterioration of Serbia´s relations with its neighbors; insists that regional reconciliation and the European integration process are in the best political and economic interest of Serbia and its neighbors; calls in this respect on Serbia to remains constructively committed to bilateral relations with other enlargement countries and neighbouring EU Member States; has taken positive note of the fact that Serbia has shown an increasinglyencourages Serbia to maintain its constructive engagement in regional cooperation initiatives such as the South- East Europe Cooperation Process, the Regional Cooperation Council, the Central European Free Trade Agreement, the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, the Brdo process, the Western Balkan Six initiative and its connectivity agenda and the Berlin process; calls on Serbia to implement the connectivity reform measures associated with the connectivity agenda; underlines that outstanding bilateral disputes should not have a detrimental effect on the accession process; welcomes the adoption of a national strategy for the investigation and prosecution of war crimes; notes that the mandate of the former War Crimes Prosecutor expired in December 2015; stresses that the appointment of his successor is a matter of serious concern; calls for the implementation of this strategy and the adoption of an operational prosecutorial strategy; calls for full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY); urges the authorities to continue working on the issue of the fate of missing persons; regrets the hostile rhetoric and controversial statements directed at Serbia´s neighbors coming from top government officials;
Amendment 286 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20 b. Is concerned about the message being conveyed by forces within Serbia by means of a train, adorned with nationalist slogans, (religious) symbols and the words 'Kosovo is Serbia', sent from Serbia towards Kosovo; stresses that such actions are unconstructive and severely damage relations between Kosovo and Serbia;
Amendment 307 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Regrets the presence of the President of Serbia, along with other senior government officials, at the so called "Republika Srpska Day", a celebration which has been declared unconstitutional by BiH´s Supreme Court; calls on the Serbian authorities to support constitutional reforms in BiH in order to strengthen the country´s capacity to function and carry out EU accession talks; underlines that the unequivocal and principled condemnation of war crimes committed in the region is the cornerstone of regional stability and essential for EU integration; reiterates its call on government officials to refrain from gestures such as publicly endorsing individuals convicted for war crimes;
Amendment 312 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22 b. Notes that a non-authorized train, covered with Serbian political and religious symbols and launched by the director of Serbia´s 'Office for Kosovo and Metohija', was scheduled to travel from Belgrade to Kosovska Mitrovica on 14 January 2017 and was stopped by Kosovar authorities; expresses deep concern over this incident and over the inflammatory rhetoric of Serbia´s highest ranking politicians linked thereto; underlines that similar gestures cannot be justified by the upcoming elections in Serbia and can seriously jeopardize the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina; urges both the Serbian and Kosovar authorities to refrain from hostile actions and statements which could hamper the normalisation process;
Amendment 7 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
— having regard to the European Council’s decision of 16 December 2005 to grant the country the status of candidate for EU membership, to the European Council conclusions of June 2008, to the conclusions of December 2012 and to the conclusions of 13 December 2016, which received the support of the overwhelming majority of delegations,
Amendment 20 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas early parliamentary elections held in Macedonia were held in an ordinary and calm atmosphere, in accordance with international standards and in line with OSCE/ODIHR recommendations and had a very high turnout;
Amendment 197 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Is concerned about the lack ofEncourages the authorities to improve the implementation of the Law on Equal Opportunities and the limitedo strengthen the effectiveness of institutional mechanisms to advance gender equality; urges the competent authorities to make sufficient budget allocations for its implementation and to improve support services to victims of domestic violence;
Amendment 216 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Is concerned over freedom of expression and the media, the use of hate speech, political interference and pressure, including through as well as unbalanced reporting of government advertisingctivities; calls on the government to ensure that intimidation or violence against journalists is investigated and that those responsible be brought to justice; underlines the need for the sustainability and autonomy of the public service broadcast;
Amendment 302 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Welcomes the activities in the framework of the Berlin Process, which demonstrate strong political support for the European perspective of Western Balkan countries; points out the importance of this Process for the promotion of the economic development of the countries in the Region through investments in core networks; welcomes the establishment of the RYCO (Regional Youth Cooperation Office) and the Western Balkans Fund and urges the Commission to take into account the initiatives and projects proposed by Macedonia;
Amendment 18 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas organized crime and widespread corruption remains a serious concerns;
Amendment 81 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the new public administration reform strategy (PAR) 2016-2020, the public financial management reform programme, the entry into force of the new law on salaries and the simplification of administrative procedures; calls for measures to allocate the appropriate budgetary resources for PAR’s implementation, as well as for consistent political will to rationalise public administration, also in view of accession preparations; notes that limited progress towards strengthening administrative capacity is often due to weak commitment to reform by the authorities and a lack of clear requirements in IPA-funded projects for the authorities to follow up and capitalise on; encourages further depoliticisation of the public administration, and considers it essential to adhere to the principles of merit, accountability and transparency, and to ensure the citizens’ right to good administration, free of corruption;
Amendment 91 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls on Montenegrin authorities to take a more proactive approach in following up on outstanding allegations of war crimes as well as to fight impunity; emphasises the need to effectively investigate, prosecute, try and punish war crimes in line with international standards; is concerned that no charges have been brought against officials at the top of command chain, and in regard to crimes of co-perpetration and aiding and abetting; stresses the need to effectively ensure that victims of war crimes have equal access to justice and reparations and calls for the full protection of witnesses;
Amendment 93 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the further strengthening of the anti-corruption framework, inter alia by making the Anti-Corruption Agency fully operational and by appointing special anti-corruption prosecutors; considers it essential to ensure their independence in investigations; stresses repeatedly the need to establish a track record on successful investigations and convictions, in particular in high-level corruption cases, and on measures to prevent corruption; calls for criminalising illicit enrichment; calls on the new government to make combating corruption one of its priorities by allocating sufficient human and budgetary resources to the task; regrets that sectorial action plans for areas particularly vulnerable to corruption, such as public procurement, privatisation, urban planning, education, health care, local government and police, has had very limited impact;
Amendment 112 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. While acknowledging CSOs’ involvement in the accession preparations, calls on the competent authorities to further improve CSOs’ access to EU-related information and to ensure that consultations with CSOs are held in a meaningful way, where possible; is deeply concerned that smear campaigns and intimidation attempts have continued against certain CSO activistof the opinion that authorities need to develop a more supportive and inclusive approach to facilitate grassroots activities by civil society, as well as to constructively accept criticism of state institutions, and to increase CSO's level of consultation in policy-making and theirs access to information; calls on authorities to encourage CSOs to actively participate in the overview of the whole electoral process and have observers in all bodies for conducting elections; is deeply concerned that smear campaigns and intimidation attempts have continued against certain CSO activists; urges authorities to establish a sustainable and efficient system of public funding for CSOs and an appropriate institutional and legal framework; insists on proper implementation, in line with legal requirements, of the law on gaming that is the largest source of public financing for CSOs;
Amendment 122 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes some progress in improving the situation of minorities; is concerned about the vulnerable position of women and girls in the Roma community including forced child marriages; welcomes the adoption of a 2016-2020 strategy and action plan for the social inclusion of Roma and Egyptians; calls for an appropriate budget to be allocated so that the action plan may be implemented properly; is concerned about persistent attacks against LGBTI community members and activists; encourages the competent authorities to continue to strengthen efforts to safeguard the rights of LGBTI people, notwithstanding the difficulties in acceptance of sexual diversity within Montenegrin society; calls on authorities to make further efforts on raising awareness about anti- discrimination among general public; remains concerned that most public buildings, including medical centres and university faculties, are still not accessible to people with disabilities;
Amendment 127 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Calls for a further strengthening of human rights institutions, including the Ombudsperson and the Ministry of Human Rights and Minorities, and is of opinion that their knowledge of international and European human rights law and standards should be increased; is concerned about the lack of a uniform approach and low levels of penalties for human rights violations;
Amendment 132 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Remains concerned about continued gender-based violencedomestic and sexual violence, as well as prevalence of femicide, widespread gender-selective abortions on the detriment of female sex, the lack of prosecutions and the inefficient support to, and protection of, victims; calls for measures to establish adequate protection services, enhance relevant inter- institutional coordination, make effective use of the new unified database of cases of domestic violence, and implement the 2016-2020 strategy on combating domestic violence; underlines the importance to educate and train employees in state institutions to work with victims; stresses the importance of encouraging women’s representation in politics, including in key decision-making positions, as well as their access to the labour market; notes the continued implementation of the 2013- 2017 action plan on gender equality; urges the competent authorities to make sufficient budget allocations for its implementation;
Amendment 159 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Notes with concern that some IPA- funded capacity-building outputs were not fully used or followed up by the authorities; stresses that for positive outcomes authorities need to ensure adequate staff availability, adopt the necessary legislation to allow the output to be used and grant the necessary independence to newly created institutions;
Amendment 193 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Calls on the Commission to continue the work on migration related issues with all the countries of the Western Balkans, in order to make sure that European and international norms and standards are followed, welcomes the work done so far and underlines that adequate IPA funding should be set aside to this end;
Amendment 29 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16
Citation 16
— having regard to the fact that respect for the rule of law, including, in particular, the separation of powers, democracy, freedom of expression, human rights, the rights of minorities and religious freedom, freedom of association and peaceful protest, are at the core of the negotiataccession process,
Amendment 65 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines, however, that measures taken under the state of emergency had large-scale, disproportionate and long- lasting negative effects on a large number of ordinary citizens as well as on the protection of fundamental freedoms in the country; condemns the collective dismissal of civil servants, the mass liquidation of media outlets, the arrests of journalists, academics, judges, human rights defenders, elected officials and ordinary citizens, and the confiscation of property and passports on the basis of emergency decree laws without individualised decisions, and without the possibility of timely judicial review;
Amendment 69 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Expresses its serious concern on confiscation, in some cases nationalization, of thousands of private enterprises and private assets without any final verdict; is strongly worried about the impact of these developments on an already-troubled Turkish economy and unemployment figures;
Amendment 88 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the strategic importance of good EU-Turkey relations for both sides; recognises that both Turkey and the EU have gone through their own internal transformation processes since the accession negotiations were opened in 2004; regrets that the accession instruments have not been used to the fullest extent and that, over the years, Turkey’'s full integration into the EUEU- membership has lost public support oin both sidesthe Council; remains committed to cooperating and maintaining an open dialogue with the Turkish Government, in order to address common challenges; recommends that the Council urgently invite the Turkish Government to a summit to discuss the obvious crisis incurrent EU-Turkey relations that we are faced with;
Amendment 107 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 137 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that measures undertaken following the declaration of the state of emergency have targeted alleged memberthrough detainment, arrest, and property confiscation have targeted among many others tens of thousands of teachers, business people, civil society representatives, lawyers, students, medical doctors, housewives who are alleged participants/supporters of the Gülen movement, dissent in general and political parties of the opposition in particular; strongly condemns the imprisonment of 13 MPs belonging to the People’s Democratic Party (HDP), including its co-chairs, and of 90 Kurdish municipal mayors; urges the Turkish Government to lift the state of emergency immediately; underlines that the reintroduction of the death penalty would violate Turkey’s international commitments and lead to an immediate end to the EU accession talks;
Amendment 176 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Expresses its serious concern at the continuously deteriorating situation in south-east Turkey, especially in the areas where curfews were imposed, where some 2 000 people were reportedly killed in the context of security operations and an estimated half a million people became displaced in the period from July 2015 to December 2016; notes that local prosecutors have consistently refused to open investigations into the reported killings; is convinced that only a fair political settlement of the Kurdish question can bring sustainable stability and prosperity both to the area and to Turkey as a whole; therefore calls on both sides to lay down their weapons and return to the negotiation table; notes that a series of laws have created an atmosphere of ‘systematic impunity’ for the security forces; regrets the decision of the Turkish Parliament to waive the immunity of a large number of MPs unconstitutionally, paving the way for the arrests of opposition politicians;
Amendment 282 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to take into account the latest developments in Turkey when conducting the mid-term review of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) funds in 2017, and to suspend all pre-accession funds if Turkey no longer sufficiently complies with the EU’s Copenhagen criteria; calls on the Commission to use those funds to support Turkish civil society and to invest more in people-to-people exchange programmes, such as Erasmus+ for students;
Amendment 294 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Condemns in the strongest terms all terrorist attacks carried out in Turkey, and stands firmly by Turkey’s population in our joint fight against terrorism; welcomes the close bilateral relations between EU Member States and Turkey in the field of anti-terrorism cooperation, including on ‘foreign fighters’; underlines that strong cooperation between Europol and Turkish law enforcement authorities is key to effectively combat terrorism; reiterates its condemnation of the return to violence by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has been on the EU’s list of terrorist organisations since 2002; invites the Member States to enforce legislation banning the use of signs and symbols of organisations which are on that list;
Amendment 318 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Commends the engagement by the Turkish Government and the hospitality shown by the population in hosting around 3 million refugees; notes the EU-Turkey statement on migration, and urges the Member States to initiate the voluntary resettlement scheme for the most vulnerable refugees in Turkey; calls on the Commission to ensure long-term investment in both refugees and their host communities in Turkey; encourages the Turkish Government to grant work permits to all Syrian refugees; calls on Ankara to keep up itsTurkey and the EU to keep up their coordinated patrolling efforts in the Aegean and to implement fully the bilateral readmission agreements signed with Bulgaria and Greece;
Amendment 356 #
2016/2308(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Underlines that a settlement of the Cyprus problem would have a positive impact on the entire region, while first and foremost benefiting both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots; praises the leaders of the Greek and Turkish communities in Cyprus for having achieved major progress in the settlement talks; welcomes the exchange of preferred maps, thus far unprecedented, and the first international conference held with the guarantor powers; supports the settlement based on a bi- communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, a single international legal personality, single sovereignty and single citizenship with political equality between the two communities, in line with the joint declaration of 11 February 2014 by the two leaders, with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the Union is founded; welcomes the intensified engagement by the parties to achieve the settlement of the Cyprus problem; expects Turkeyall parties involved to show active support for the negotiations, and reiterates that Turkey’s commitment and contribution to a comprehensive settlement remain crucial; calls on the EU to fully support the settlement, both politically and financially; praises the important work of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP), and calls on Turkey to allowommends the fact that the CMP is granted full access to all relevant sitarchives and to assist the CMP by providing information from itssites, including military archiveas;
Amendment 6 #
2016/2271(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas digitalisation penetrates deeply into all parts of the industrial se-ctor's activities increasing its competitiveness with innovative and sustainable production of goods and services which drives economic growth creating jobs as well as playing a significant role in the European countries' prosperity;
Amendment 16 #
2016/2271(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that the digitisation of industry represents a major challenge in terms of the organisation of work as well as resulting in an emerging opportunity of creating a significant number of new jobs and therefore requires targeted responses regarding employment, social and education policies, as well as the provision of up-to-date infrastructure;
Amendment 26 #
2016/2271(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the strong regional differences as regards the digitisation of industry, which have consequences on jobs, productivity and growth; calls, therefore, for efforts in developing digital infrastructure to be stepped up, particularly in regions lagging behind, and for universal accessaccess, where the digital infrastructure are not fully developed in such rural areas, to the open internet to be promoted;
Amendment 35 #
2016/2271(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States, in cooperation with social partners, to regularly assess the impact of digitisation on the quality, number and types of jobs and to consider not only the adjust related policies accordingly in case of having a clear negative impact but also a continued strengthening of the policies already considered as having positive effects on the labour market;
Amendment 45 #
2016/2271(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recognises the opportunities related to the digitisation of industry; stresses, however, that new forms of work must comply wi the importance to ensure the attractiveness of new forms of work by implementing adequate flexibility in the labour and social legislation and guaranteemarket to foster real economic growth while ensuring the protection of workers’ and consumer rights;
Amendment 54 #
2016/2271(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to clarify the legal situation of platform workers and to guarantee all workers the same social rights, including the freedom of association, the right to conclude collective agreements and the right to organiseto uphold their social rights as well as the full respect of freedoms enshrined in the Treaties particularly the right of free movement;
Amendment 72 #
2016/2271(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Member States to ensure universal access to training in digital skills, in order to allow equal participation of all citizens in the digital single market, be it as employees, entrepreneurs or customers; in this regards, highlights the importance of improving the matching between the industrial sector ´s labour requirements and the educational system at all educational levels in order to provide students with knowledge and skills required in knowledge society and for transition to a digitalised economy;
Amendment 84 #
2016/2271(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the need to identify potential occupational health and safety risksreach a balanced approach to define not only the potential occupational health and safety risks but also advantages such as flexibility and teleworking stemming from the digitisation of industry and to take appropriate measures.
Amendment 2 #
2016/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
- having regard to its recommendation to the Council of 7 July 2016 on the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly,
Amendment 3 #
2016/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 14 June 2017 on the need for an EU strategy to end and prevent the gender pension gap;
Amendment 50 #
2016/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas inequalities throughout the life-cycle are reflected in inequalities in old-age such as lower healthy life expectancy, old-age poverty, and a gender pension gap of almost 40 %;whereas this prevents older people to contribute fully to society and to support growth and quality of life as volunteers, carers, consumers or mentors;
Amendment 55 #
2016/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas on 5 October 2015 the Council adopted conclusions on 'the 2015 Pension Adequacy Report:current and future income adequacy in old age in the EU', considering it 'essential that public pension or other social protection schemes contain appropriate safeguards for women and men whose employment opportunities do or did not allow them to build up sufficient pension entitlements;such safeguards notably include minimum pensions or other minimum income provisions for older people'2a _________________ 2aCOREPER I, ‘Adequate retirement incomes in the context of ageing societies – Draft Council Conclusions = Adoption’, 12352/15, http://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/docu ment/ST-12352-2015-INIT/en/pdf
Amendment 248 #
2016/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for a common approach across Member States regarding the introduction of a Minimum Income Scheme, in order to support people with insufficient income, ease access to fundamental services, combat poverty and foster social integration; stresses that the tool of reference budgets, which indicate the cost of living in dignity for different regions, housing arrangements, household composition and ages, should be used to assess the adequacy of minimum income schemes provided by member states;
Amendment 254 #
2016/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Is concerned about the high levels of non-take up of minimum income schemes where they exist, and which highlights the many barriers including intrusive procedures and stigma linked to the application for minimum income schemes;considers that that non-take up is a major barrier to the social inclusion of people who would be entitled to receive minimum income and supporting services;calls on the Commission to carry out an in-depth analysis of the phenomenon of non-take-up and to propose guidelines on how to reduce it;
Amendment 292 #
2016/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Stresses the role of dialogue between social partners to address inequalities in the labour market;highlights that social dialogue should be complemented by civil dialogue with representatives of different groups of society, such as people living in poverty, different age groups, persons with different sexual orientations, persons with disabilities when discussing matters relating to inequalities and the fight against poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 328 #
2016/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Affirms that universal access to public, solidarity-based and adequate retirement and old-age pensions must be granted to all; calls on the Commission to support Member States in strengthening public and occupational pension systems to provide an adequate retirement income well above the poverty threshold and to allow pensioners to maintain their standard of living and to live in dignity and independence; reiterates its call for care credits in pension systems to compensate for lost contributions of women and men due to child and long-term care responsibilities as a tool to reduce the gender pension gap; highlights that while personal pension schemes can be important tools to improve pension adequacy, statutory solidarity-based pension systems remain the most efficient tool to combat old-age poverty and social exclusion and therefore should be provided with adequate resources;
Amendment 8 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
Amendment 29 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas culture has an intrinsic value, serves as a powerful bridge between people of different ethnic, religious and social backgrounds, reinforces intercultural and interreligious dialogue and mutual understanding, and should therefore be part of EU foreign policy;
Amendment 31 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas interreligious dialogue is an intrinsic component of intercultural dialogue, aiming at promoting dialogue among different religions and humanistic traditions in the world, including non- believers;
Amendment 34 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas science cooperation is an essential element of foreign policy by building bridges between countries, enhancing the quality of international research and raising the profile of science diplomacy;
Amendment 48 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas cultural relations are fundamental drivers of social cohesion and sustainable economic and human development, while playing a crucial role in strengthening civil society capacities, reinforcing democratisation processes and in conflict prevention, resolution and resilience;
Amendment 55 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas cultural heritage is a universal legacy and therefore its protection is a precondition for building peace and resilience;
Amendment 63 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas mobility of researchers, studentacademics and staffudents to and from third countries and alumni networks of former participants in EU programmes17 are a key part of the EU’s international cultural relations; __________________ 17 For instance, Erasmus and Horizon 2020.
Amendment 67 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas cooperation, training, mobility of artists and cultural professionals and of their works, including through European and international networks, and artist residencies are a key factor for the dissemination of and exchange of both European and non-European cultures and arts and need to be promoted and enhanced;
Amendment 73 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas coordination among EU programmes and resources should strengthen the cultural dimension of EU international relations, in order to create a shared space of dialogue for cross- cultural understanding and trust;
Amendment 78 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas the number of products and services from the audiovisual, cultural and creative sectors is increasing, as is their contribution to a broader digital freedom, to GDP and international circulation;
Amendment 90 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Acknowledges that the joint communication aims at fostering cultural cooperation between the EU and its partner countries and at promoting a global order based on peacekeeping, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, conflict prevention and resolution with respect for the rule of law, freedom of expression, mutual understanding, human rights, cultural diversity and fundamental values;
Amendment 91 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Acknowledges the efforts realised by EEAS together with the Commission to enhance the external dimension of science and research policies and urges to foster the development of an ambitious science diplomacy;
Amendment 107 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the mutual advantages of working together: the EU is an arena in which all Member States join forces to play a stronger role in the field of international cultural relations; suggests that each Member State’s rotating presidency could launch joint actions together with the EU, such as exhibitions and co-productions, particularly for smaller states or those with no cultural representations abroad;
Amendment 116 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls the importance of cooperation among the Member States with respect to cultural heritage in terms of research, preservation and management and the fight against trafficking, art looting and destruction, including through regionally dedicated funds and assistance; and trans-border police cooperation;
Amendment 124 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recommends that international cultural relations be embedded in the cultural and creative sectors (CCS), thus reinforcing and promoting the role of professionals, including through regional creative hubs and cluster, clusters and cultural networks;
Amendment 167 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the international dimension of Erasmus, Creative Europe, Europe for Citizens and Horizon 2020;
Amendment 181 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to appoint a ‘focal point’ in each EU delegation to liaise with Member States’ national cultural institutes, representatives and local civil society, actors and authorities in a collaborative approach aimed at identifying priority areas, needs and methods of cooperation, and to provide an adequate budget and training;
Amendment 196 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls for the role of Member States’ cultural institutes to be clearly framed, to be developed with an inclusive and shared European narrative, through the EU National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) network, and others, and advocates an inclusive and equal approach towards all stakeholders, including civil society and Member States with no cultural institutes abroad;
Amendment 214 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls for the setting-up of an emergency response mechanism to the destruction of cultural heritage platform that operates for the prevention, assessment and reconstruction of heritage in danger, including a rapid emergency mechanism to safeguard heritage in countries in conflict, building on the experience of the UN’'s Blue Helmets for Culture task force initiative, in close and structured cooperation with UNESCO and with the technological support of Copernicus – the European Earth Observation Programme;
Amendment 219 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Highlights the need to reinforce the strategic partnership EU- UNESCO by creating a sustained platform for cooperation and communication on shared priorities, in order to tackle effectively common challenges in culture and education;
Amendment 231 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Recognises young people, as future decision-makers, to be one of the main target groups in the EU and partner countries, and acknowledges that music, visual arts, music, theatre, film, literature, social media and digital trends in generalplatforms are the best channels to reach and engage them;
Amendment 248 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Recognises the need for an in-depth knowledge of the fieldcultural scene of each country, local actors and civil society, in order to improve these actors’ access to programmes and funding and to ensure that the multiplying effect of their participation in EU programmes and initiatives is exploited; recommends consulting local actors with a view to co- designing programmes; calls for the development and the follow up of innovative collaborative approaches relying on tools and networks already in place (grants, sub-grants)22 , and for them to be followed up, taking gender balance into account; __________________ 22 For example, the EU-funded programme MEDCULTURE, which is working on developing and improving cultural policies and practices related to the cultural sector. The participative approach involves civil society actors, ministries and private and public institutions working in the field of culture, as well as other related sectors.
Amendment 280 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Praises the fact that the EU Global Strategy highlights the importance of intercultural and interreligious dialogue in enhancing mutual understanding; regrets, however, that the intrinsic value of culture and art as restraints against radicalism, terrorism and marginalisation is not mentioned;
Amendment 284 #
2016/2240(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Recommends to include policies to prevent and respond to the destruction and looting of cultural heritage in times of conflict into the EU's agenda for conflict prevention and peace building;
Amendment 68 #
2016/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas increases in employment rates mask the insufficient and socially inadequate response to the economic crisis, promotingcan sometimes mask ongoing impacts of the economic crisis, and the development of precarious forms of employment such as zero-hour contracts, bogus self-employment and involuntary part-time jobs, which do not provide workers with either a decent livingwage or full labour rights;
Amendment 74 #
2016/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas part-time employment had never declined since the crisis, and full- time employment is still below its 2008 pre-crisis level; whereas the number of people working full-time in the second quarter of 2016 remained 2.5 % below the figure for 2008, while part-time employment increased by 11.1 % in the same period10 ; __________________ 10 ESDE Quarterly Review autumn 2016.the most common type of contract in Europe is still permanent full- time employment, accounting for more than half of total employment, although this is decreasing in most countries; whereas the number of employees with a permanent contract grew by 2.7 million in the year to the second quarter of 2016 and full-time workers saw their numbers increase by about 3.1 million; whereas part-time employment had never declined since the crisis, and full-time employment is still below its 2008 pre-crisis level;
Amendment 97 #
2016/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Understands standard employment to mean full or part-time, regular employment on the basis of open-ended contracts or fixed-term contract work, and non- standard or atypical forms of employment to include, i.a., marginal part- time work, temporary agency work, fixed-term contract work, zero- hour contracts, internships that are not part of an education programme, and informal or undeclared work;
Amendment 124 #
2016/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 1
Paragraph 2 – indent 1
- little or no job security owing to the non-permanent nature of the work, as in some fixed-term contracts, involuntary and often marginal part-time contracts, contracts containing poor conditions, unwritten contracts, unclear working hours, and duties that change owing to work on demand;
Amendment 131 #
2016/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 2
Paragraph 2 – indent 2
- low remuneration below a minimum living wage, which may even be unofficial or unclear;
Amendment 140 #
2016/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 4
Paragraph 2 – indent 4
Amendment 146 #
2016/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 5
Paragraph 2 – indent 5
Amendment 174 #
2016/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that decent work should specifically guarantee coverage by applicable collective agreements, security of collective bargaining, equal pay for equal work in the same place, and protection of the workers’ families, while supporting the work-life balance for all workers;
Amendment 191 #
2016/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that numerous factors, such as digitalisation and automation, are contributing to a radical transformation of work, with an increase in non-standard forms of employment trends that willcould intensify unless newresponsive and proportionate regulation is put into place; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that work being transformed through digitalisation, and new employment being created as a result of it, is decent;
Amendment 204 #
2016/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that precarious employment conditions have a long-term effect on social security protection and pensions, and can place workers at greater risk of poverty, social exclusion and deterioration of their fundamental rights;
Amendment 217 #
2016/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that social protection, and protection by collective agreements and collective bargaining, should be available to all workers; calls on the Commission and the Member States to guarantee effective protection for workers who perform work in the context of an employment relationship, and a comprehensive policy response that includes policies towards reducing and ultimately eradicating precarious work; calls for policies that empower workers by strengthening social dialogue and promoting the extension of collective bargaining, ensuring that all workers can access and exercise their right to associate, and to bargain collectively, freely and without fear;
Amendment 231 #
2016/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the importance of labour inspectorates and the social partners in safeguarding workers’ rights, defin and agreeing decent wages and incomes in accordance with Member States’ laws and practices, and in providing consultation and guidance to employers; strongly underlines that labour inspectorates should focus on the goal of monitoring and improving working conditions, and should not be used as migration control mechanisms; strongly condemns the practice of companies twho employ migrants without securing their full rights and benefits;
Amendment 250 #
2016/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to combat non-standard, atypical and precarious forms of employment, in line with the ILO Decent Work Agenda and the European Social Charter;
Amendment 297 #
2016/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that the policies of the Member States should be formulated and implemented in accordance with national law and practice, in consultation with, and without prejudice, the most representative organisations of employers and work the social partners;
Amendment 310 #
2016/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure effective protection to workers especially affected by uncertainty and precariousness, giving special priority to women workers, young workers, older workers, workers in the informal economy, migrant workers and workers with disabilities;
Amendment 114 #
2016/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M c (new)
Recital M c (new)
Mc. whereas evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity is difficult to preserve - especially at a time of unprecedented flows of refugees fleeing violence; whereas the preservation of evidence is essential to bringing perpetrators to justice;
Amendment 119 #
2016/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M h (new)
Recital M h (new)
Mh. whereas the European Parliament, in its resolution of 25 February 2016 on the humanitarian situation in Yemen, called for an arms embargo on Saudi Arabia on the basis of the serious allegations of ongoing breaches of international humanitarian law by Saudi Arabia in Yemen;
Amendment 126 #
2016/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas justice is essential to advance respect for human rights, and the EU and its Member States have been unconditional supporters of the International Criminal Court (ICC) since its inception, while promoting the universality of the Rome Statute and defending its integrity with the purpose of strengthening the Court’s independence;
Amendment 151 #
2016/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R
Recital R
R. whereas violence against and unlawful prosecution of LGBTI people continues in many places around the world, and discrimination in health care, education, employment and other sectors is widespread;
Amendment 190 #
2016/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Expresses its serious concern at the numerous, ever-increasing attempts made to shrink the space of civil society and human rights defenders, and the growing number of repressive laws adopted throughout the world, under the pretext of combating terrorism (through the introduction of counter-terrorism laws), emergency situations and security measures), whereas there is often a negative impact on human rights as well as frequent abuse of these laws for repression; calls on clear condemnation of these abuses and violations;
Amendment 210 #
2016/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Draws attention to its long-term commitment to promote human rights and advance democratic values, as reflected, inter alia, in the annual award of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, in the work of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, and in the monthly plenary debates and resolutions on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law; and the many parliamentary delegations;
Amendment 301 #
2016/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Stresses that the CSDP is an instrument that not only ensures European security, but is part of the EU's foreign policy instruments and must therefore be used towards the strengthening of furthering human rights and democracy in third countries;
Amendment 324 #
2016/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Underlines the need for EU leadership to push for reforms of the UN with the goal of strengthening the impact and the strength of the rules-based multilateral system, and of ensuring more efficient human rights protection and the advancing of international law;
Amendment 325 #
2016/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30b. Condemns that seats on the UNHRC are often occupied by countries with proven track record of grave human rights violations; calls on the EU to intensify its efforts to improve the credibility and effectiveness of the UNHRC;
Amendment 327 #
2016/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 d (new)
Paragraph 30 d (new)
30d. Calls for the fundamental rights of the people of Western Sahara, including freedom of association, freedom of expression and the right to assembly, to be respected; demands the release of all Sahrawi political prisoners; demands access to the territories of Western Sahara for members of parliament, independent observers, NGOs and the press; urges the United Nations to ensure the full re- establishment of MINURSO and to provide this mission with a human rights mandate, in line with all other UN peacekeeping missions around the world; supports a fair and lasting settlement of the Western Sahara conflict, on the basis of the right to self-determination of the Sahrawi people, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions;
Amendment 331 #
2016/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Condemns the dramatic number of deaths at sea in the Mediterranean; is extremely concerned about the growing numbers of human rights abuses against migrants and asylum seekers on their route to Europe; highlightdeplores the weaknesses and systematic incoherence of the policies of the EU and the Member States in this area and stresses the need for a holistic approach to find long-term solutions;
Amendment 352 #
2016/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 f (new)
Paragraph 31 f (new)
31f. Calls on the EU to increase efforts to support Lebanon and Jordan, which shelter unprecedented numbers of refugees, who often face multiple threats to the respect for their human rights;
Amendment 381 #
2016/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Calls on the Member States to respect and fully implement the adopted EU common asylum package and the common migration legislation, particularly to safeguard vulnerable asylum seekers, such as LGBTI people, against violence and discrimination during the asylum process; calls on the Member States to participate in resettlement programmes, giving access to family reunification and granting humanitarian visas;
Amendment 457 #
2016/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Notes the persistent financing gap with regard to humanitarian aid and the shortcomings in the World Food programme resulting in cutting food; calls on the member states of the United Nations, and on the European Union and its Member States to, at a minimum, to the very least, honour their financial pledges;
Amendment 585 #
2016/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 64
Paragraph 64
64. Requests that the EEAS prioritise its actions in situations where the death penalty is in forceIs deeply concerned by the increase in violence and discrimination against LGBTI people; requests that the EEAS prioritise its actions in countries with prevalent violence and discrimination against LGBTI people, including 76 countries which still criminalise homosexuality and 20 countries which still criminalise transgender identities, and/or where LGBTI people are subjected to torture and ill- treatment, by condemning these practices in accordance with the EU Guidelines on the Death Penalty and the EU Guidelines on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and by continuing to work with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in this field;
Amendment 654 #
2016/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 72 p (new)
Paragraph 72 p (new)
72p. Reiterates its call on the VP/HR to launch an initiative aimed at imposing an EU arms embargo against Saudi Arabia, given the serious allegations of breaches of international humanitarian law by Saudi Arabia in Yemen and the fact that the continued licensing of weapons sales to Saudi Arabia would therefore be in breach of Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP of 8 December 2008;
Amendment 16 #
2016/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
– having regard to the Report of the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons,
Amendment 19 #
2016/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
– having regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by the EU in 2010,
Amendment 62 #
2016/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
Citation 17 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 10 September 2015 on creating a competitive EU labour market for the 21st century,
Amendment 98 #
2016/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European Union needs a paradigm shift towards a strongmust continue to strengthen and build upon the European social model based on solidarity, social justice, a fair distribution of wealth, gender equality, a high- quality public education system, quality employment and sustainable growth - a model that ensures goodadequate social protection for all, combats economic inequality, empowers vulnerable groups, enhances participation in civil and political life, and improves the living standards for all citizens, delivering on the objectives and rights set out in the EU Treaties, the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Social Charter;
Amendment 190 #
2016/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that the EPSR should equihelp European citizens with stronger means to keep control over their lives and make markets work for wellbeingto maintain ownership over their lives and make economic policy also work for social cohesion and sustainable developmentgrowth;
Amendment 206 #
2016/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recognises that the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is ratified by the European Union and therefore believes that the EPSR should reference and mainstream the principles of the CRPD throughout each policy domain;
Amendment 231 #
2016/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the enactment of a directive on fair working conditions for all forms of employment, ensuring for every worker a core set of enforceable rights, including equal treatment, social protection, protection in case of dismissal, health and safety protection, provisions on working time and rest time, freedom of association and representation, collective bargaining, collective action, accafter a thorough assessment existing legislation and the actual implementation in Member Statess to training, and adequate information and consultation rights; underlines that this directive should apply to employees as well as to all workers in non-standard forms of employment, such as fixed-term work, part-time work, on-demand work, self-employment, crowd-working, internship or traineeship; requests that the EU acquis be updated accordingly so as to apply to all workersidentify and update possible gaps and shortcomings and ensuring proper enforcement and application of existing EU social legislation and cutting unnecessary red tape;
Amendment 262 #
2016/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Emphasises that the Commission, in cooperation with the Member States and social partners, should also reinforce the European social dialogue with a view to better reconciling labour markets and social protection demands in order to address social inequalities and competitiveness challenges;
Amendment 383 #
2016/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission to carry out a substantive analysis of the best practice to assist Member States in the calculation of minimum pensions;
Amendment 486 #
2016/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is aware that rising life expectancy and workforcea shrinking workforce pose a challenge to the sustainability and adequacy of pensions systems and to intergenerational fairness; reaffirms that the best response is to increase the overall employment ratenotes that tackling the gender pension gap must also be a priority in this regard; reaffirms that the best response is to increase the overall employment rate for both younger and older workers with particular attention given to disadvantaged groups most excluded from the labour market; considers that pensionable ages should reflect, besides life expectancy, other factors including labour market trends, the economic dependency ratio, the birth rate and differences in job arduousness;
Amendment 562 #
2016/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Agrees that all persons with disabilities must be ensured enabling individualised services and basic income security allowing them a decent standard of living and social inclusion; recognises that disability benefits must be developed in a way which both encourages access to the labour market and ensures a decent standard of living in the community;
Amendment 615 #
2016/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls for legislationon Member States to ensure that access to social housing or adequate housing benefits are provided for those in need, obviously including homeless people, and that vulnerable people and poor households are protected against eviction; calls for tax incentives to help young people on low incomes set up their own households; calls for greater use of the EFSI to support urban renewal and affordable housing provision;
Amendment 664 #
2016/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Supports a Skills Guarantee as a new right for everyone to acquire fundamental skills for the 21st century, including digital literacy; stresses that universal access to broadband is a crucial component for the implementation of this right; highlights this as an important social investment, requiring adequate financing;
Amendment 870 #
2016/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 – point a b (new)
Paragraph 26 – point a b (new)
ab. Labour mobility and protection of workers
Amendment 891 #
2016/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 – point e a (new)
Paragraph 26 – point e a (new)
ea. access to adequate, safe and affordable housing;
Amendment 894 #
2016/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 – point e b (new)
Paragraph 26 – point e b (new)
eb. EIGE gender equality index;
Amendment 1029 #
2016/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls on the Commission and the EIB to refocus the EFSI on job creation and social investment and adapt its risk/return requirements accordingly; welcomes Commissioner Thyssen's statement that the social dimension of the investment plan for Europe will be reinforced by increasing support for social enterprises, social services and microfinance with €1 billion;
Amendment 27 #
2016/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 – introductory part
Paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to make information and technical support more readily available to fishermen’s organisations applying for EU funding, which should meet the sector’s needs by:
Amendment 31 #
2016/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 – indent 1
Paragraph 3 – indent 1
– promoting fleet renewal and modernisation, while seeking to reduce the fishing effortmaximising catches in a sustainable way and improve active and passive safety devices, for example personal locator systems in life jackets;
Amendment 41 #
2016/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 – indent 3
Paragraph 3 – indent 3
– encouraging those working in the sector to join forces and organise themselves for example through trade unions, community organisations, cooperatives and/or fishers' and fishing vessel owners' representative organisations;
Amendment 63 #
2016/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on those Member States who have not already done so to ratify the ILO's Work in Fishing Convention 188 which ensures that fishers have decent conditions of work on board fishing vessels;
Amendment 15 #
2016/2067(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the EU’s security environment has deteriorated considerably, becoming more fluid, more dangerous and less predictable; notes that threats are both conventional and hybrid, generated by both state and non-state actors, and coming from the South and the East, and thatalthough they are common threats they affect the Member States differently, thus preventing a more common approach; is firmly convinced that EU's vulnerability is direct outcome of the lack of integration as well as lack of coordination;
Amendment 107 #
2016/2067(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines, equally, that the CSDP should be based on a strong collective defence principle, efficient financing and full coordination with NATO;
Amendment 150 #
2016/2067(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Observes that, to this effect, cooperation with similar NATO activities andis needed; emphasises that an increased exchange of intelligence and information between the Member States are indispensableis indispensable and to that goal urges formation of European Intelligence Agency with the mission and capability to implement a de facto transversal intelligence network within the Member States allowing the European Union to react in a comprehensive and coordinated way to emerging threats;
Amendment 16 #
2016/2064(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Recognises the importance of the extension of the lifetime of the EFSI beyond 2020 and of the necessary increase in the EU budget guarantee but regrets that any comprehensive impact assessment has been made, so the Commission has little evidence that the proposed increase is justified;
Amendment 17 #
2016/2064(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Reinforces the additionality of the projects supported under EFSI to enhance the geographical coverage and reinforces the take-up especially in areas with high level of unemployment in order to have a strong impact in the employment figures; highlights the need to develop further the investment in cross-border projects;
Amendment 18 #
2016/2064(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Highlights that investment situation in Europe is slowly improving but the pace is still timid and can be reversible; investment levels are still below the pre-crisis level and the investment gap remains wide; in that sense EFSI must be oriented to any kind of projects that lead to job creation and sustainable growth and development;
Amendment 19 #
2016/2064(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1e. Highlights that initial results reveal that Member States with greater technical and administrative capacity, as well as financial institutions, are taking greater advantage of the EFSI; underlines that a greater role must be played by the EIB and the Commission in supporting those lagging behind through greater technical assistance and enhancing the capacity of some countries in taking advantage of the EFSI; notes that approximately 63% of total EFSI financing within the Innovation and Infrastructure Window was granted to three Member States, while the EFSI strategy foresees a maximum geographical concentration of 45%; notes that the situation is less problematic when it comes to the SME Window, but even here, only three Member States account for 54% of total EFSI financing;
Amendment 29 #
2016/2064(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Commission and the EIB to continue their local/national campaigns to help explain and promote the benefits of Investment Plan across the Union; welcomes the opening of new offices by the EIB in the Member States to provide more support and also enhance cooperation with National Promotional Banks contributing to generate more projects in areas of high level of unemployment that have been less covered so far;
Amendment 46 #
2016/2064(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for the EFSI to operate in closer conjunction with the Structural FundsEuropean Structural Investment Funds (ESIF) and other Structural Funds; this articulation must be further simplified and administrative obstacles must be removed;
Amendment 72 #
2016/2064(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Recalls that the EFSI remains without an assessment and analysis of the causes of the investment gap and the market needs and how to best address them; in that sense, calls on the Commission to provide this assessment;
Amendment 78 #
2016/2064(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers itmore than disappointing that the Commission’s assessment of the EFSI has failed to record the number of jobs created to date under the Fund; calls on the Commission to studied and assess the impact of these projects on the number of jobs created and the real impact of these investment in direct and indirect jobs;
Amendment 87 #
2016/2064(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Recalls the importance that new figures and updates are released regularly, including independent assessments, drawing on the experience collected so far; regrets that in terms of the objectives relating to growth and jobs, no targets have been set for EFSI; Calls on the monitoring of indicators relating to growth and jobs, as these are the ultimate objectives of the investments;
Amendment 97 #
2016/2064(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Member States to lay down more clear-cut investment priorities and to draw up projects in collaboration with the European Investment Advisory Hub; the EIB should ensure a proper feedback loop of information with the European Commission regarding eventual regulatory barriers which may be preventing good projects of taking place at the different levels; calls on the Commission to work in closer cooperation with Member States in the European Semester process in order to help them begin as soon as possible to implement the recommendations, in particular by carrying out economic and social reforms, thus removing national barriers to investment; these reforms identified in the country- specific recommendations are an important condition to sustain and increase investment levels in Member States, taking into account national specificities.
Amendment 101 #
2016/2064(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Welcomes that the Commission will, in close cooperation with the EIB, further strengthen the communication on the EFSI and the Hub in order to raise awareness of the availability of funding and technical assistance across the Union; suggests that information on funding solutions, technical assistance and procedures, including through good practices examples and case studies, can stimulate new ideas and boost investment initiatives;
Amendment 104 #
2016/2064(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. As recalled by the European Parliament resolution of 28 April 2016 on the EIB - annual report 2014 there is a need for the EFSI to function in an effective, fully transparent and fair way, in that sense insists in the need to achieve the highest levels of transparency and institutional accountability by ensuring the disclosure of exhaustive and sound budgetary information and access to financial data related to projects funded by the EIB;
Amendment 54 #
2016/2061(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges that the implementation of the principle of equal pay for the same work and for work of equal value is crucial to reducing pay and pension gaps and to eliminating the risk of poverty; recognises also in this regard that key to preventing and mitigating the gender pension gap is women's access to the labour market, improved work/life balance for both men and women and addressing gender segregation in education and employment;
Amendment 62 #
2016/2061(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes that pension policies shall be combined with adequate labour and active ageing policies to reduce gender pay and pension gaps; highlights in this regard vulnerable position of women and men of racial, ethnic, religious and linguistic minority origin; stresses the importance of fight against gender stereotypes in employment;
Amendment 103 #
2016/2061(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for an adequate public minimum pension not related to previous working life to eliminate coverage gaps; stresses the importance of shifting towards individual, rather than familyspousal-related, pension entitlements; highlights however the important role that survivor's pensions can play in protecting many older women from the higher risk of poverty and social exclusion they face compared to older men;
Amendment 113 #
2016/2061(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission to carry out a substantive analysis of the best practice to assist Member States in the calculation of such minimum pensions;
Amendment 133 #
2016/2061(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Asks the Member States to increase minimum wages asRecognises that minimum wages or sectoral collective agreements in the Member States can play an important tool forrole in narrowing pension gaps;
Amendment 155 #
2016/2061(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Member States to introduce or reinforce pension credits for career interruptions resulting from caring, whatever the family and/or marital status; 'care credits' through labour and social security legislation for both women and men as equivalent periods for building up pension rights in order to protect those taking a break from employment to provide informal, unpaid care to a dependant or a family member; Calls on the Commission to come forward with a proposal for a Carers' leave directive which offers the carer adequate remuneration and social protection;
Amendment 162 #
2016/2061(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Believes that policies which reconcile work and family life such as paid maternity, paternity and shared parental leave as well as access to affordable childcare and long term care could counteract gender inequalities in economically active years which may impact on the gender pension gap in later life and encourages Member States to make provision for such policies; Calls on the Member States to effectively implement the Barcelona targets by 2020 and to endorse the 2014 quality framework on early childhood education and care;
Amendment 173 #
2016/2061(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that the sustainability of pension schemes can be reinforced by complementing social security with tax contributionsensuring equality of access to all pension pillars for women; in this regard encourages the Member States to devise awareness raising information campaigns to encourage and facilitate women's access to second and third pillar pensions, particularly in feminised sectors where take up may be low;
Amendment 210 #
2016/2061(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the Commission to support the development of gender disaggregated statistics and research to enhance the monitoring and evaluation of the effects of pension reforms on women's prosperity and well-being;
Amendment 218 #
2016/2061(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Urges the Member States to reverse any reforms of pension systems that aggravate imbalances in pensions (especwhen examining the adequacy and sustainability of their current pension systems to carry out an ex-ante gender impact assessment to address potentially gender imbalances)bias that could aggravate imbalances in pensions.
Amendment 24 #
2016/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls for better links between energy and climate policies; reminds the need to avoid the creation of a new fossil fuel lock-in and the necessity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 80-95% below 1990 levels by 2050;
Amendment 30 #
2016/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas storage are of particular importanccan play a role in order to avoid dependence on a single energy supplier; calls in this context for the promotion and developa thorough assessment of where new natural gas nodes and LNG storage stations in the central and south-eastern regions, the Baltic and the Mediterraneancould improve energy security, taking into account the unused capacities of existing infrastructures, declining gas demand throughout Europe, the risk of stranded assets and EU 2030 and 2050 climate and energy objectives;
Amendment 41 #
2016/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that LNG and gas storage are an important part of the Energy Union and should contribute towards ending any kind of energy isolation of the EU Member States and regions; highlights the need to support the most vulnerable countries in order to diversify their sources and routes of supply, and to strengthen their energy security by reducing demand through efficiency measures; recalls that promoting LNG would push Member States to be more reliant on gas imports while for every 1% improvement in energy efficiency, EU gas imports fall by 2.6%;
Amendment 4 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights the need to rebuild the EU-ACP relationship on fresh foundations as a fair partnership between equals, respecting countries’' heterogeneity and sovereignty whilst achieving good governance and democracy; stresses that the partnership must have as its objectives the United Nations SDGs, the meeting of basic needs anda free and fair society with respect for human rights;
Amendment 13 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers that while strong political alliances based on common interests and shared values should continue to be the basis of the ACP partnership, a further cooperation on global issues should be strengthened and the adequate mechanisms created so as to effectively tackle better the global challenges of today, such as climate change and water, energy, food security, migration flows, terrorism, extremism, international criminality, biodiversity, health and financial issues among others;
Amendment 26 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises the negative effects of association agreements on the economies of ACP countries; takes the view that the new partnership will need to be based on developing the countries’ productive capacities, completingBelieves that the future EU-ACP relations should as far as possible, be based on the most advantageous regional integration processes, protecting traditional agriculture, and combating land grabbing, the privatisation of national natural resources and public services, and over- exploitation;
Amendment 29 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises the negative effectsed of association agreements onfor the economiegovernments of ACP countries to enhance the overall performance of their economies; takes the view that the new partnership will need to be based on developing the countries’' productive capacities, completing the most advantageous regional integration processes, protecting traditional agriculture, and combating land grabbing, within a clear logic of sustainable development and without illegal exploitation of natural resources by state-owned foreign companies, completing the most advantageous regional integration processes while taking benefit from existing nurturing structures like the African Union, complementing traditional agriculture with efficient ways of agricultural exploitation, distribution and marketing to the benefit of the population, and combating land grabbing by foreign and domestic forces; recommends to consider the privatisation of national natural resources and public services, and over- exploitation;
Amendment 37 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Highlights that the future partnership framework should allow for a comprehensive approach to peace and security and that, in this regard, sufficient planning and coordination should be established so as to avoid existing and possible duplications between regional and national support by the EU member states and ACP countries;
Amendment 39 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Considers that EU-ACP partnership should try to engage further with other partners at the global level (such as AU or UN) and other international powers wherever possible, and work on an enhanced coordination and cooperation, without duplicating work or missions in order to tackle the challenges of wars, internal conflicts, insecurity, fragility and transition;
Amendment 44 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Believes that the provisions on peace and security should be strengthened further and that the future partnership should provide for a more effective joint action on conflict prevention, including early warning and mediation, peace- building and tackling transnational security challenges in order to confront the current trans-regional security threats related to terrorism and violent extremisms, all forms of trafficking, including of human beings, of weapons and of drugs, as well as piracy by which EU and ACP countries are affected;
Amendment 46 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Recalls that the respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law, good governance as well as other essential elements that figure in article 9 of the Cotonou Agreement constitute the foundation of the ACP-EU partnership; highlights the necessity of the respect of human rights and the importance of part 2 of article 9 of the current Cotonou Agreement and the democratic clause in it established and further developed in article 96; reminds of the importance of fully implementing those articles when necessary;
Amendment 48 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 e (new)
Paragraph 2 e (new)
2e. Stresses that different CPA mechanisms such as political dialogue, financial support, appropriate measures, suspension of development cooperation, among others should be further enhanced in order to effectively contribute to the improvement of human rights, democracy, rule of law and good governance, especially the fight against corruption;
Amendment 50 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 57 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Invites ACP countries to audit their debts with a view to their complete elimination, and invites them to claim reparations for the spoliation of natural resources by foreign multinationals, and for the wars that have been sparkedenhance their sustainability, and invites them to introduce legislation that enhances the sustainable and sound governance of natural resources; supports the United Nations working group on an international framework for sovereign debt restructuring;
Amendment 67 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the universality of the human rights enshrined in international law, including international law on migrants and refugees, must be respected, along with the Geneva Convention; urges countries to ratify the United Nations Convention on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their familirecognizes that several root causes, among which local and regional conflicts, corruption, bad governance, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, lack of democracy and serious violations of human rights lead to unsustainable migratory pressures;
Amendment 76 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. SupportsTakes note of the decision by the United Nations to create a legal instrument to ensure that businesses respect human rights, in order to put an end to labour exploitation, neo-slavery, illicit capital flows and the financing of armed conflicts as an element in the further democratisation of ACP countries; highlights the responsibilities of the member states involved to entrust their citizens with good governance and the duty to provide security and stability for human and economic development;
Amendment 88 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 89 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 25 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU is now surrounded by an arc of instability, as large parts of the Middle East and North Africa are engulfed in ethno-religious conflicts and proxy wars and terrorist groups such as ISIS and the Jabhat al-Nusra Front proliferate throughout the region, while an aggressive, revisionist Russia continues to violate its neighbours’ sovereignty and openly challenges the European security orderproliferate throughout the region;
Amendment 39 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas terrorism, hybrid threats, economic volatility, cyber and energy insecurity, organized crime and climate change constitute the bigger security threats of an everyday more complex and interconnected world in which the EU should do its best and search the means in order to guarantee security and deliver prosperity and democracy;
Amendment 43 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas internal and external security are increasingly blurred; whereas especial attention should be brought to preventing conflict, addressing the root causes of instability and assuring human security;
Amendment 51 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas these conflicts have direct and serious consequences for the security and well-being of European citizens, as they increasingly spill over into the EU, be it in the form of terrorism, massive refugee flows, or disinformation campaigns aimed at dividing our societieothers;
Amendment 57 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas Europe is experiencing the threat of terrorism in its territory; while terrorism and a constant violence plague in North Africa and the Middle East continue to expand; whereas the recent terrorist acts in European cities committed by radical jihadists linked to ISIS are part of that group’s comprehensive strategy, complementing a land war in Syria, Libya and Iraq, an economic war aimed at the tourism industry in North Africa, as well as online propaganda and cyber-attacks;
Amendment 92 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that the current crisis is also an opportunity for the EU if it is used to make the EU work better; considers that the current challenges demand a reform to make the EU better and more democratic, and able to deliver what citizens expect; recalls that European citizens see an effective common foreign and security policy as a priority area of action for the EU and that this is one of the areas where European cooperation can yield most value added; emphasises, therefore, that Member States must change their mentality since nowadays thinking about foreign policy and security in a narrow minded national perspective is obsolete; is convinced that no single Member State alone is able to tackle any of the challenges we face today; urges Member States to finally show sufficient levels of political will and trust in one another to make it possible to use the tools at hand in a concerted manner in order to pursue our interests and values; reiterates that the EU can only be a strong global player on an equal footing with other major powers if all Member States speak with one voice and act together in the framework of a strong EU foreign policy;
Amendment 125 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Believes that a strengthened European security and defence cooperation would lead to a higher effectiveness, unity, efficiency as well as an increase of EU assets, EU capabilities and positive potential effects on defence research and industrial matters. Highlights that only through such deeper cooperation that should gradually develop into a real European Defence Union, the EU and its member States would acquire the technological and industrial capabilities necessary to enable to act quicker, autonomously, effectively and addressing today's threats in a responsive and efficient manner;
Amendment 291 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Takes the view that it is time to define a new, more realistic strategy for the EU’s relations with Russia, based on credible deterrence but also on dialogue in areas of common interest; stresses that sanctions have proven to be the most effective means for deterring Russian aggression; recalls that the full implementation of the Minsk agreement is a prerequisite for the suspension of sanctions; insists that the EU should consider imposing further sanctions in case Russia continues to violate international law; believes it is in the common interest of the EU and Russia to achieve a better relationship, provided international law is applied;
Amendment 340 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Believes that a deepening of the relationship with the US and Canada is of strategic interest to the EU, while at the same time it is important for the EU to strengthen its relationship with Central and South AmericaLatin American countries;
Amendment 389 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines also the need to intensify the fight against Islamist terrorism, which affects ever larger parts of the Middle East and North Africa and has also been creeping into Europe; urges the EU to undertake concerted diplomatic efforts, together with the US and other international allies, to convince partners in the region, such as Turkey, Saudi Arabiathe Gulf States and Iran, of the need for a common strategy towards this global challenge;
Amendment 404 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Highlights the importance of finding a sustainable solution to the conflict in Syria; supports the UN-led efforts to facilitate negotiations between all parties to the Syrian conflict on an inclusive political settlement; calls on the EU to use its leverage over key actors such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and Russia to ensure that they take a constructive position; emphasises that the use of sanctions should be considered in case some of the actors involved do not deliver on their commitments;
Amendment 425 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recognises Turkey’s role as an important partner in solving the Syrian conflict and the fight against Da’esh; strongly condemns the attempted military coup against the democratically elected government of Turkey; encouragedemands the Turkish government to protect the constitutional order, while underlining the importance of respect for the rule of law and independence of the judiciary in the aftermath of the coup, in cooperation with the Council of Europe;
Amendment 434 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Highlights the fragility of the security situation in the Sahel region; recalls that the current turmoil could bear very serious consequences for the entire region as well as the EU, as it is expanding both to the North and the South; stresses that a real answer needs to be given to this security situation by the EU not only economically but also politically and militarily. Europe must provide a common answer and should stop laying its responsibility on the shoulders of one solitary Member State: France;
Amendment 436 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. As the half century occupation cannot continue indefinitely, highlights the need of achieving a two-state solution to the conflict in the Middle East - based on parameters set out in the Council Conclusions of July 2014 - that meets Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, ends the occupation that began in 1967, and resolves all permanent status issues in order to end the conflict;
Amendment 466 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Stresses the need for close cooperation with other global and regional powers on global threats and challenges; emphasises in particular the crucial importance of the transatlantic relationship, which ishould be always based on common interests and values in all different areas of cooperation and relationship;
Amendment 488 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Reminds of the importance of the so-called "human rights clause" included since the early 90's in all framework agreements signed with third countries; recalls the importance of the provision of a "non-execution clause" in it included and highlights the need of implementing the "appropriate measures" (including the suspension of the agreement) in case of violation by a third country of an essential element of the clause such as respect for democratic principles and fundamental rights as a tool for enforcing EU polices;
Amendment 34 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas in the Union the term "propaganda" is understood to mean spreading of ideas, concepts, information and political doctrines for the purpose of creating or changing public opinion; and the term "disinformation" is normally understood to mean deliberate spreading of intentionally false or inaccurate information;
Amendment 39 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas media freedom is the basic pillar of a democratic system and, thus, is incompatible with the creation of any counter-propaganda institution whose activity is a form of propaganda; whereas it is society, with its own TV, radio, press and internet professionals and companies who freely create the flow of information that keeps its citizenry informed; whereas the citizenry, in the exercise of their freedoms and their rights, chooses its information sources and, consequently, forms their own opinion;
Amendment 63 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas propaganda for war and any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence shall be prohibited by law in accordance with Article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;
Amendment 77 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union provides that everyone has the right to freedom of expression and this right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers;
Amendment 80 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights guarantees freedom of expression but also stipulates that this freedom may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society;
Amendment 134 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines that media freedom is based on a free society; stresses, then, that any counter-propaganda institution created by the legislative or executive power is against the principle of media freedom, as its objective is a form of propaganda;
Amendment 153 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2
Subheading 2
Amendment 162 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 197 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 218 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 250 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Underlines that Islamist terrorist organisations, especially ISIS and Al- Qaeda, are engaged in active information campaigns with the aim to undermine and increase the level of hatred against European values and interests;
Amendment 318 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 334 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses its support for initiatives such as the Baltic Centre for Media Excellence in Tallinn or the Radicalisation Awareness Network Centre of Excellence; underlines the need for strengthening analyeducation, analytical and critical capabilities at all levelof youngsters; calls for the Commission and the Member States to initiate similar projects, engage in the training of journalists, create independent media hubs, support media diversity and exchange best practices and information in these areaeducational projects and exchange best practices and information in order to reduce radicalization amongst younger generations;
Amendment 2 #
2016/2024(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that the 2017 budget has to be keyshould play a key role in enhancing the Union’s contribution to growth, the creation of jobs and combatting poverty, particularly child poverty;
Amendment 8 #
2016/2024(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets that the unemployment rate among young people still remains too high and calls on the Commission to provide enoughis unacceptably high in many Member States and calls on the Commission to work with Member States in utilising the financial support tos for those programmes targeting youth unemployment;
Amendment 13 #
2016/2024(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that the budget should support programmes creating jobs, in particular, for those with multiple disadvantages in the labour market, such as women, long-term unemployed, elderly unemployed, people with disabilities and people from minority backgrounds;
Amendment 24 #
2016/2024(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that the EU budget should invest in education and vocational training to provide opportunities, especially in the areas most affected areas by youth unemployment and in order to integrate migrants inand refugees into the labour market;
Amendment 28 #
2016/2024(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points out the potential of digitalisation generating new business models and new jobs and calls for coherent budgetary efforts to provide appropriate recognition, training and re-skilling in the ICT sector;
Amendment 31 #
2016/2024(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights the importance of the budget in promoting entrepreneurship initiatives including social entrepreneurship, innovative social enterprises, employee financial participation and self-employment;
Amendment 36 #
2016/2024(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that the budget should promotereinforce a high level of workers’ protection and prevention culture across the EU and help to address new challenges to health and safety at work;
Amendment 40 #
2016/2024(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Considers that the EU budget should support efforts to upskill and retrain workers in areas where there are skills shortages as well as in the healthcare and care sectors and the ICT and digital sectors;
Amendment 42 #
2016/2024(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Amendment 21 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU’s commitment to effective multilateralism and good global governance, with the UN at its core, is an integral part of the EU’s external policy and is rooted in the conviction that a multilateral system founded on universal rules and values is best suited to address global crises, challenges and threats;
Amendment 23 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU should play a proactive part in building a United Nations that can effectively contribute to global solutions, peace and security, development, human rights, democracy and a rule-of-law-based international order;
Amendment 27 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU and its Member States are collectively the single largest financial contributor to the UN system, providing about one third of the UN’s regular budget, close to two-fifths of the UN’s peacekeeping budget and about one half of all contributions to UN funds and programmes with the primary aims of eradicating poverty, promoting long-term peace and stability, and combating social inequalities, and provides humanitarian assistance to populations, countries and regions that are confronted with all types of crises, whether natural or human- made;
Amendment 40 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph a
Paragraph a
(a) to continue to support multilateral attempts to find lasting political and peaceful solutions to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, in particular in Syria, Libya and Yemen; to continue to support the work of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Syria, the Special Representative and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya, and the Special Envoy of the Un Secretary- General for Yemen; to call for continued humanitarian, financial and political assistance from the international community in order to address the humanitarian situation, and to work towards the immediate cessation of violence;
Amendment 55 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph b b (new)
Paragraph b b (new)
(bb) to continue to be involved in and play an important role within the UN system in international negotiations and mediation, in particular in resolving of frozen conflicts;
Amendment 97 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph k
Paragraph k
(k) to support UN efforts to prevent non- state actors and terrorist groups from developing or acquiring weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems and contribute to the comprehensive review of Security Council Resolution 1540 in 2016; to insist on full compliance with the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation Treatyof Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention and to actively take steps towards global disarmament;
Amendment 117 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph q a (new)
Paragraph q a (new)
(qa) to continue to actively promote equality and non-discrimination and to support further actions against violation of LGBTI rights;
Amendment 134 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph s
Paragraph s
(s) to continue to advocate for zero tolerance for the death penalty and to further work towards the universal abolition of the death penalty, leading the way towards the adoption of the next UN General Assembly resolution on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty;
Amendment 137 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph t
Paragraph t
(t) to recall the obligation of the General Assembly, when electing the membership of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), to take into account candidates’ respect for the promotion and protection of human rights, the rule of law and democracy; to call for the establishment of clear human rights performance-based criteria for membership of the UNHRC;
Amendment 169 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph v
Paragraph v
(v) to work towards the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; to work towards improving the lives of future generations and to encourage and support countries to take ownership and establish national frameworks for the achievement of the 17 goals;
Amendment 175 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph v a (new)
Paragraph v a (new)
(va) to urge countries, especially DAC members, to fully implement Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development in their policies in order to reach the SDGs; to work towards the creation of a set of PCSD commitments by the UN General Assembly;
Amendment 177 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph v b (new)
Paragraph v b (new)
(vb) to work determinedly for eradicating poverty and to promote ecologically, economically and socially sustainable development all over the world; to fight against social inequalities and to provide humanitarian assistance to populations, countries and regions that are confronted with all types of crises, whether natural or human-made;
Amendment 194 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph x
Paragraph x
(x) to support actively a comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council in order to better reflect the new world reality and to more effectively meet present and future security challenges; to continue to advocate for the necessary negotiations, procedures and reform of the UN Security Council to be carried out to enable the EU to become a permanent member of that body, with one permanent seat and one single vote, with the aim of enabling the Union to speak with one voice in the UN; to promote the revitalisation of the work of the General Assembly, and improved coordination and coherence of the action of all UN institutions, which should enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, legitimacy, transparency, accountability, capacity and representativeness of the system; to support and build on the increased transparency in the process for the selection of the next UN Secretary- General, with candidates’ presentations being made in the General Assembly;
Amendment 197 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph x
Paragraph x
(x) to support actively a comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council; to promote the structural and functional reform of the economic and social council and to develop it into a body capable to enhance sustainable global development in a comprehensive and coordinated way; to promote the revitalisation of the work of the General Assembly, and improved coordination and coherence of the action of all UN institutions, which should enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, accountability, capacity and representativeness of the system; to support and build on the increased transparency in the process for the selection of the next UN Secretary- General, with candidates’ presentations being made in the General Assembly;
Amendment 246 #
2016/0379(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
The seat of the Agency shall beis in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Amendment 367 #
2016/0379(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point k
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point k
(k) be responsible for deciding whether it is exceptionally necessary for the purpose of carrying out the Agency's tasks in an efficient and effective manner to locate one or more staff in one or more Member States for the purpose of carrying out the Agency's tasks in an efficient and effective manner. The decision to establish a local office requires the prior consent of the Commission, the Administrative Board, the Member State of the Seat and the Member State or Member States concerned. The decision shall specify the scope of the activities to be carried out at that local office in a manner that avoids unnecessary costs and duplication of administrative functions of the Agency and that fully respects Decision 2009/913/EU.
Amendment 82 #
2016/0378(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37 a (new)
Recital 37 a (new)
(37a) Decision 2009/913/EU taken by common agreement between the representatives of the governments of Member States of 7 December 2009 on the location of the seat of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators provides that the European Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators shall have its seat in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The seat of the Agency is the centre of its activities and the statutory functions of the Agency. Thus, the meetings of the statutory organs should take place at the seat.
Amendment 84 #
2016/0378(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) The Agency’s host Member State should provide the best possible conditions to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the Agency, including multilingual, European- oriented schooling and appropriate transport connectionsSeat Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators was concluded on 26 November 2010 and entered into force on 10 January 2011. It is considered that the Seat Agreement and other specific arrangements fulfil the requirements of Regulations (EU) No 713/2009 and 863/2016.
Amendment 14 #
2016/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4 a) This Regulation should ensure that, in accordance with Article 9 of the Marrakesh Treaty, the contracting parties provide financial and personal resources to facilitate international cooperation between authorized entities, the adequate availability of accessible format copies and the cross-border exchange of these works.
Amendment 30 #
2016/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(b a) a publicly accessible national database which lists all produced accessible format copies, as well as all imported accessible works and their sources of supply, in order to allow all concerned stakeholders to gain access to relevant information and prevent legal uncertainties;
Amendment 43 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) In addition, it is appropriate to reinforce the social dimension of the EFSI implementation such as education, training and vocational training for skills and lifelong learning, innovation in healthcare and medicines, social services, social housing and childcare.
Amendment 52 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) In order to reinforce the take-up of the EFSI, particularly in European areas with high levels of unemployment and in less-developed and transition aregionas, the scope of the general objectives eligible for EFSI support should be enlarged.
Amendment 56 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) The initial results reveal that Member States with greater technical and administrative capacity as well as financial institutions are taking greater advantage of the EFSI. In order to enhance the capacity of some countries in taking advantage of the EFSI, the EIB and the Commission should work further to support those lagging behind.
Amendment 65 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17a) Major information campaigns in Member States must be put in place to strengthen dialogue with national and local authorities which would allow to increase private investment and avoid regional and sectorial concentration.
Amendment 68 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) With a view to enhancing the transparency of EFSI operations, the Investment Committee should explain in its decisions, which are made public and accessible, the reasons why it deems that an operation should be granted the EU guarantee, with particular focus on compliance with the additionality criterion. The scoreboard of indicators should be made public once an operation under the EU guarantee is signed. Particular attention should be given to job creation and social investment in people's current and future capacities to engage in the labour market, using clear socio- economic indicators.
Amendment 82 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b a (new)
Regulation (EU) 2015/1017
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point f – point iv
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point f – point iv
(ba) in point (f), point (iv) is replaced by the following: (iv) key performance indicators, in particular as regards the use of the EU guarantee, the fulfilment of the objectives and criteria laid down in Articles 6 and 9 and Annex II, the mobilisation of private capital, and the macro- economic impact of the EFSI, including its effect on supporting investment and job creation;
Amendment 91 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – point -i (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – point -i (new)
Regulation (EU) 2015/1017
Article 7 – paragraph 8 – point a a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 8 – point a a (new)
(-i) In Article 7(8), the following point is added: “(aa) public procurement;”
Amendment 92 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – point i a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – point i a (new)
Regulation (EU) 2015/1017
Article 7 – paragraph 8 – point f
Article 7 – paragraph 8 – point f
(f) education and traiia) point (f) is replaced by the following: (f) labour market, education and training, vocational training for skills and lifelong learning;
Amendment 96 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point - a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point - a (new)
Regulation (EU) 2015/1017
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point g – point i
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point g – point i
(i) education and training-a) in paragraph 2, point (g) point (i) is replaced by the following: (i) labour market, education and training, vocational training for skills and lifelong learning ;
Amendment 98 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a
Regulation (EU) 2015/1017
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h a (new)
(ha) technologies related to security and defence industries;
Amendment 100 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a a (new)
Regulation (EU) 2015/1017
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point i a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point i a (new)
(aa) in paragraph 2, the following point is added: “(ia) provision of appropriate financing – long term loans and equity investment - from seed to expansion stages for social economy organizations, including social enterprises, to ensure long-term sustainability, and the usability for financial institutions/ intermediaries, addressing needs for specific groups, including elderly, long-term unemployed, young and migrants, with terms and conditions adopted to the social economy organizations, including the amount of investments adapted to social economy organizations (loans from 50.000 to 200.000 EUR);”
Amendment 101 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a a (new)
Regulation (EU) 2015/1017
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point i a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point i a (new)
Amendment 122 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point b – point iii
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point b – point iii
Regulation (EU) 2015/1017
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) providing advice on the combination of other sources of Union funding (such as the European Structural and Investment Funds, the Youth Guarantee and Youth Employment Initiative, Horizon 2020 and the Connecting Europe Facility) with the EFSI in order to avoid administrative burden.;
Amendment 32 #
2016/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point -1 (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point -1 (new)
Regulation (EU) No 99/2013
Annex I – point I – point 1 – point 1.1 – paragraph 1
Annex I – point I – point 1 – point 1.1 – paragraph 1
(-1) In Point 1.1, the first paragraph is replaced by the following: “The endorsement of the Europe 2020 strategy by the European Council of June 2010 has shaped to a large extent the strategic agenda for the European Union and national policies in the years ahead. That 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 Union climate change and energy objectives, resource efficiency, improving education levels, including learning mobility, active and healthy ageing, and promoting social inclusion through the reduction of poverty).” with a focus on vulnerable groups).” Or. en (http://eur- lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:039:0012:0029:EN:PDF)
Amendment 36 #
2016/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 99/2013
Annex I – point I – point 1 – point 1.1 – point 1.1.1 – paragraph 1
Annex I – point I – point 1 – point 1.1 – point 1.1.1 – paragraph 1
Provide high-quality reliable statistical information, which shouldmust be available in a timely manner for the European Semester, to monitor the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy. New indicators shall, to the extent possible, be based on available statistical data.
Amendment 39 #
2016/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 99/2013
Annex I – point I – point 1 – point 1.2 – paragraph 1
Annex I – point I – point 1 – point 1.2 – paragraph 1
(aa) In point 1.2., the first paragraph is replaced by the following: “The crisis and the tensions in the financial markets and the absence of a more integrated European institutional architecture have highlighted the need to strengthen the economic governance of the Union. DecisiveFurther steps in economic governance and coordination have alreadywill been taken by the Union, some of which will have major statistical implications, in addition to ongoing statistical activities.” Or. en (http://eur- lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:039:0012:0029:EN:PDF)
Amendment 41 #
2016/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b b (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b b (new)
Regulation (EU) 0099/2013
Annex I – point I – point 1 – point 1.2 – point 1.2.1 – paragraph 2 – new indent
Annex I – point I – point 1 – point 1.2 – point 1.2.1 – paragraph 2 – new indent
(bb) In Objective 1.2.1., after the second paragraph, the following indent is inserted: - “ providing statistical input for efficiently monitoring the economic inequalities that hamper the economic growth”;
Amendment 43 #
2016/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 99/2013
Annex I – point I – point 1 – point 1.2 – point 1.2.1 – paragraph 2 – indent 3
Annex I – point I – point 1 – point 1.2 – point 1.2.1 – paragraph 2 – indent 3
Amendment 54 #
2016/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point d a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point d a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 99/2013
Annex I – point I – point 2 – point 2.1 – paragraph 1
Annex I – point I – point 2 – point 2.1 – paragraph 1
(da) in point 2.1., the first paragraph is replaced by the following: “The economic crisis has reinforced the need to have a set of high-quality macroeconomic indicators to better understand and analyse economic fluctuations, the evolution of the economic inequalities and their effects on society, and thereby facilitate the decision-making process. Increasingly globalised production makes it necessary to develop a consistent framework that facilitates the interpretation and integration of statistics from different domains.” Or. en (http://eur- lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:039:0012:0029:EN:PDF)
Amendment 5 #
2015/2351(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes the impact of the second cycle of the Youth Strategy (2013-2015) in providing a flexible framework for cross- sectoral involvement; values the structured dialogue with youth organisations in this regard; reminds of the eight fields of action promoted by the Youth Strategy;
Amendment 6 #
2015/2351(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the importance of the Youth Strategy, given the EU’s alarmingly's high youth unemployment and NEET rates; stresses that the next cycle (2016-2018) should contribute to the two objectives of the Youth Strategy by focusing on tackling youth unemployment, fostering entrepreneurship among young people, investing in education, and training andfor the skills employers look for, and facilitating the transition to the labour market;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2351(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Notes that there has been a decrease in youth unemployment in most Member States since 2013, despite this fact, notes with real concern that youth unemployment continues to be almost double the overall unemployment rate with around 8 million young Europeans still being unemployed;
Amendment 29 #
2015/2351(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the need to combat early school-leaving by adequately informing students about future labour market opportunities and qualitative apprenticeshipcareer paths, including apprenticeships, technical and artisanal job profiles;
Amendment 52 #
2015/2351(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that employment and entrepreneurship constitute one of the eight priorities identified in the EU Youth Report (2010-2018); stresses that youth work and non-formal learning play a vital role in developing young people’s's creative and innovative potential, including entrepreneurial skills;
Amendment 60 #
2015/2351(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Urges the Member States to implement fully the Erasmus+ programme, thereby fostering further cross-border career and labour mobility; expresses concern that the mobility of apprentices has not yet achieved the desired levels and calls on the Commission, the Member States, companies and schools to find solutions to overcome the remaining obstacles to the mobility of apprentices;
Amendment 67 #
2015/2351(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Urges the Member States to implement fully the Youth Guarantee, by integrating young people into the labour market with a job, apprenticeship or traineeship within 4 months of leaving school or losing a job and for example by putting in place career guidance systems and compulsory registration forimproving the data available about the unemployed in order to gain a picture of the real situation as regards youth unemployment. as well as improving the services of job centres for young jobseekers;
Amendment 78 #
2015/2351(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Welcomes the fact that more than EUR 12.4 billion from the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) have been earmarked for the fight against youth unemployment during the new programming period; calls for the assessment of the results and objectives achieved via such funding;
Amendment 82 #
2015/2351(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Notes that the Court of Auditors' report on 'EU Youth Guarantee - Implementation in Member States', due to be completed at the beginning of 2017, will provide a clearer assessment of the programme's results; considers that, inter alia, analysis of the efficiency and the long-term results should be outlined in the report;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2342(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas human mobility is at an unprecedentedly high level, with 244 million international migrants, owing to various reasons, including the doubling of the world’s population since 1960; whereas international migration occurs primarily within the same region and between developing countries;
Amendment 63 #
2015/2342(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas vulnerable people, in particular women, but also children(unaccompanied) minors, people with disabilities, people in need of urgent medical treatment and the elderly, who are particularly exposed to all kinds of dangers, namely violence, trafficking and abuse, should be urgently protected and granted humanitarian protection as part of their resettlement;
Amendment 99 #
2015/2342(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the ongoing food and nutrition crisis in the Sahel causes the erosion of people's resilience, aggravated by quick succession of crises, the absence of basic services and the conflicts in the region; whereas this situation will cause more migration;
Amendment 104 #
2015/2342(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
Fb. whereas the conditions in "the Jungle" in Calais are inhuman, the camp is solely administered by volunteers and more than 1000 children are there trying to survive unaccompanied; whereas the French authorities threaten to break up the camp, while human traffickers are waiting to take abuse of the situation;
Amendment 108 #
2015/2342(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Calls on the Council and Commission to take action on the scandalous situation in "the Jungle" in Calais; asks the Council to accommodate the refugees and asylum seekers from that camp in a human way; urges the Commission to come with an inclusive strategy for unaccompanied children including a EU-database of fingerprints, pictures and place of residence;
Amendment 131 #
2015/2342(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Urges the European Council to replace the Dublin Regulation with a European Asylum Procedure based on the UNHCR criteria; The European Asylum Procedure should replace the 28 national procedures;
Amendment 133 #
2015/2342(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Stresses that to take away the incentive to undertake the dangerous journey to Europe, refugees should be able to apply for a European humanitarian visa and asylum in the hot spots;
Amendment 134 #
2015/2342(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Calls for a fair distribution scheme of refugees between all Member States; considers that applications for asylum should be made to the EU and not to a specific member state; underlines that this should be based on a fair sharing of responsibility between Member States; stresses that the country of first arrival criteria should be removed from the Dublin regulation and replaced with a fair and mandatory distribution mechanism between Member States; indicates that this relocation mechanism should be based on objective criteria such as population, and GDP;
Amendment 135 #
2015/2342(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Urges the Commission and Council to establish a European Blue Card to manage economic migration for skilled and unskilled workers facilitated by the EURES network;
Amendment 185 #
2015/2342(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that EU development cooperation should continue to address the root causes of forced displacement by promoting peace, democracy and security, reducing poverty and inequality, strengthening basic services, addressing state fragility and promoting human rights and good governance, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 16 in the new 2030 Agenda; calls therefor for the necessary analyses made per country of those root causes;
Amendment 456 #
2015/2342(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Urges the EU Council and Commission to engage with the US, Russia and the international community to develop a coherent strategy to defeat ISIS; stresses that this should be the start of a European Defence Union to protect Europe against future threats from other regional blocks or terrorists;
Amendment 9 #
2015/2324(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas specific answers need to be found to the problemchallenges of globalisation, the ageing population, ‘brain drain’demographic change, new migration trends, climate change, large-scale natural hazards, the energy challenge, seasonal fluctuations and multiple jobs;
Amendment 22 #
2015/2324(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas free movement of persons is a, reducing social inequalities, tackling social exclusion, solidarity and cultural openness are prerequisites to reaching the goals of economic, social, territorial and environmental cohesion in order to achieve strong and sustainable competitiveness and make equal access to employment possible;
Amendment 33 #
2015/2324(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the importance of increasing the economic potential of the strategic sectors of agriculture, forestry, tourism, energy, the bioeconomy, organic products, health and the latest technologies, and giving strong backing to SMEs with which research centres should form linkssocial support and healthcare, the digital and circular economy, and giving strong backing to SMEs with particular emphasis on instruments and programmes which promote a social and solidarity-based economy and social entrepreneurship;
Amendment 64 #
2015/2324(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights the importance of access to a high speed Internet connection and to digital services, as means to foster job creation, increase workers´ productivity and earnings, and promote the social and economic inclusion of women and persons with disabilities.
Amendment 76 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Believes that promoting digitalisation in public sector (e- government) and increasing broadband availability in remote areas would reduce establishing and operating costs to SMEs, therefore enabling them to further increase job creating potential;
Amendment 146 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Underlines the need for targeted incentives for start-ups, SMEs, micro- enterprises in order to facilitate their establishment and operation, as well as the necessity to facilitate the hiring of qualified labour force and training of employees;
Amendment 169 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Encourages the Member States, regional governments and educational institutions to create opportunities for young people to acquire entrepreneurship skills; also stresses the importance of mentoring for young entrepreneurs;
Amendment 175 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the ‘'Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs’' programme, which helps provide aspiring European entrepreneurs with the skills necessary to start and/or successfully run a small business; and believes that such programmes should be further promoted in order to help more young people become established and succeed;
Amendment 198 #
Amendment 229 #
2015/2320(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Takes the view that a stable and favourable regulatory environment is an essential prerequisite for job perennity and job creation in SMEs; considers that this regulatory certainty must encompass, among other elements, contract law and fiscal and social regulation, as well as tax rulings and also legal certainty and procedural effectiveness;
Amendment 65 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Insists on the importance of developing the parliamentary dimension of EU-Iran relations as part of the strategy for re-establishing mutual trust; reiterates its support, in this regard, for the proposal discussed between Parliament and the Majlis for an inter-parliamentary dialogue on counter-terrorism; welcomes the renewed political dialogue between the EU and Iran, including on human rights; recognises that while there is suspicion and mistrust on both sides, there is also a long history between many Member States and Iran and that Iran has a strong ambition to have good relations with Europe, which provides the potential for a relationship based on mutual trust and respect; reiterates that the EU does not seek to interfere in internal political choices in this country or in any other, but seeks cooperation based on mutual respect for international standards and principles; believes that the full normalisation of relations can only occur by means of regular and sustained dialogue and that the immediate priority should be to broaden the scope of EU-Iran relations in areas where there is common agreement to do so; believes, however, that the ultimate aim must be one of partnership between Iran and the EU;
Amendment 83 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 107 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses that the cornerstone for EU relations is based on the respect for human rights and democratic principles;
Amendment 114 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Takes note of the fact that eliminating the death penalty for drug- related offences would drastically reduce the number of executions (up to 80 % according to Iranian estimates); cCalls for EU-Iran cooperation in the fight against drugs as a way of addressing the issue of executions in the country; calls on the Commission to provide technical assistance and administrative capacity- building for Iran to enable it to secure its borders with Afghanistan and Iraq in its fight against drug trafficking;
Amendment 135 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the EEAS to explore the possibility of establishing an institutional framework for cooperation with Iran, such as a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) or a Framework Agreement.;
Amendment 181 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Believes that the lifting of sanctions by the EU and the international community as laid down in the JCPOA is an important element in demonstrating European good faith towardsto impulse economic and social cooperation with Iran, as well as providing mutual economic benefit; calls for emphasis to be placed on the quality as well as on the quantity of investments, and for an initiative to assess whether new investments uphold the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights similar to that undertaken when sanctions were lifted in Myanmar/Burma;
Amendment 289 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Believes EU-Iran political dialogue should call on Iran to play a constructive role in solving the political crises in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and Afghanistan, based on respect for international law and the sovereignty of these countries; calls, in this regard, for a model of EU diplomacy based on political rather than religious differences and on the principle of ensuring respect, safety and security for peoples in all countries in the Middle East, without exception;
Amendment 311 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Welcomes Iran’s readiness to support the current efforts to bring stability to Iraq, and calls for additional efforts to bring all the militias operating in the country under the authority of the Iraqi army; welcomes Iran’s contribution to the fight against ISIS/Da’esh and recognizes its decisive contribution in Iraq, which halted ISIS/Da'esh's advance and recuperated territories subjected to jihadist terrorism; notes the agreement between Iran and Australia to share intelligence on the fight against ISIS/Da’esh;
Amendment 367 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Calls on the Iranian authorities for the release of all prisoners of conscience;
Amendment 381 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Notes with concern that Iran has the highest level of death-penalty executions per capita in the world; stresses that eliminating the death penalty for drug- related offences would dramatically decrease the number of executions; welcomes, in this regard, the possibility that the newly-elected Majlis is considering legislation to exclude some drug-related offences from the list of crimes punishable with thurges Iran to eliminate death penalty;
Amendment 410 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Welcomes the fact that the adoption of the 2013 Islamic Penal Code and Iran’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child prohibits child executions and allows all juvenile offenders sentenced to death prior to 2013 to seek retrial; calls on Iran to ensure this prohibition is fully implemented and that all relevant offenders are made aware of this right; calls on Iran to declare a moratorium on the death penalty, at least for juvenile offenders;
Amendment 431 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls on Iran to live up fully to its commitments under the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights by ensuring the enjoyment by its citizens of individual rights without discrimination nor persecution as to sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, or other status, as provided for in these instruments; points out that this includes a basic right to equality before the law, as well as the right of equal access to education, health care and professional opportunities;
Amendment 460 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Welcomes President Rohani’s campaign promise to present a charter for citizens’ rights; underlines the importance of respecting the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in providing the necessary legal certainty required for foreign direct investments to take place, whilst respecting international human rights standards and norms; calls on the EEAS and the Commission to work together with the Iranian authorities in areas such as judicial reform, reform of the prison system, government accountability, respect for the rule of law, citizens’ rights and the fight against corruption; believes that these measures will increase legal certainty in Iran and the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors while also benefiting Iranian citizens.;
Amendment 15 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
- having regard to the final report of the EU Electoral observation mission for the legislative and presidential elections in Tunisia in 2014;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 b (new)
Citation 6 b (new)
- having regard to its resolution of March 10 2016, introducing emergency autonomous trade measures for Tunisia (COM(2015)0460 – C8-0273/2015 – 2015/0218(COD))
Amendment 38 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas Tunisia has suffered several terrorist attacks in the last year; whereas Tunisia is an essential partner of the European Union in the fight against terrorism;
Amendment 90 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for the continuation of technical and capacity-building support for civil society groups, since these have proven to be of fundamental importance for democratic transition and overall development, government accountability, and monitoring of respect for human rights, including the protection of women; whereas civil society organisations have a crucial role to play in Tunisia;
Amendment 128 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Whereas freedom of expression online and offline and freedom of assembly are indispensable pillars of a democratic and pluralistic society; whereas freedom of the press and media are vital elements for democracy and an open society;
Amendment 145 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Welcomes the start of the negotiations on an ambitious Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Tunisia; underlines that international trade is essential for the Tunisian economic, social and political development and stability;
Amendment 147 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. CWelcomes the adoption of the emergency autonomous trade measures for the Republic of Tunisia as a concrete step to support the Tunisian economy; calls for an increase in EU aid to Tunisia through the ENI and for the coordination of international aid to Tunisia; encourages partnerships with other interested global and regional donor countries and organisations, and in particular, measures promoting investment in the manufacturing sector which would boost employment; notes that the tourism sector has been dramatically impacted by the attacks in 2014 and, considering the measures implemented since then by the Tunisian authorities, calls on the Member States to reassess the security situation as quickly as possible;
Amendment 229 #
2015/2273(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28 a. Welcomes the enhanced political dialogue between the EU and Tunisia in the fight against terrorism; reminds the importance of protecting human rights in the context of counter-terrorism measures.
Amendment 74 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to take steps to combat all forms of discrimination, including multiple and intersectional discrimination based on disability, with special regard to women and children with disabilities, older persons and individuals who have complex support needs, including those with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities and to those whose disabilities change over time;
Amendment 81 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Regrets the fact that the Council has still not adopted the 2008 proposal for a directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation; reiterates its call on the Council to do so as soon as possible;
Amendment 121 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Urges the Member States to adopt quality frameworks for traineeships with a view to ensuring reasonable accommodation and accessibility for persons with disabilities and to ensure that all EU programmes such as the Youth Guarantee are fully accessible to persons with disabilities;
Amendment 154 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for the development of human rights-based indicators and comparable disaggregated disability data; underlines the need to disaggregate data on the basis of various factors including by gender, age and disability;
Amendment 156 #
2015/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls on the Commission to fund research and data collection on violence, abuse and exploitation of all persons with all types of disabilities in the community and in institutions;
Amendment 12 #
2015/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that closing the gender pay gap requires increased transparency in pay systems, gender-neutral classification, a reversal of the onuenforcement of relevant EU legislation and a strong emphasis ofn proof when it comes to challenging gender discrimination in the workplace, and desegregation of the workforcolicies that promote the reconciliation of professional and family life;
Amendment 31 #
2015/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that efforts to close the gender pay gap will benefit from measures that improve conditions for all low- and medium-waged workers, including reversing the trend of declining labour income share and linking wage growth to productivity1 , increasing the minimum wage, reducing unemployment and, boosting collective bargaining rightsand facilitating care leave and ensuring that credits are part of any package on such leave; __________________ 1 International Labour Organisation, Global Wage Report 2012/13: Wages and equitable growth, 2013.
Amendment 39 #
2015/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Emphasises that employment is a key strategy for reduction of poverty among women; notes that proactive measures are needed to improve women's situation in the labour market, including elimination of gender stereotyping in employment through awareness-raising campaigns, proper counselling of women and girls on their professional choices, and policies to increase the number of women in responsible positions in companies and public institutions;
Amendment 40 #
2015/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Considers that the gender pay gap in pensions, which stands at 39%1a and is a determining factor of women's poverty risk in the EU, needs to be tackled by a wide range of comprehensive instruments for enabling gender equality within different sector policies, such as the adjustment of pension systems, education, career planning, parental leave system and other parenthood supporting services; __________________ 1aEuropean Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on the Report on the implementation, results and overall assessment of the 2012 European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (2014/2255(INI)); http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getD oc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P8-TA- 2015-0309+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN
Amendment 69 #
2015/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the lack of affordable childccessible, affordable and quality childcare, disability and elderly support and care contributes to the gender employment gap, the pay gap and related pension gap, and the disproportionate number of women who are in precarious work and in or at risk of poverty; urges the Member States to ensure access to childcarethese services by, for example, increasingensuring adequate expenditure on the provision of childcareare and support services and/or subsidies to households, incentivising employer contributions to childcare costs, and making better use of EU funds;
Amendment 90 #
2015/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Believes that supporting women entrepreneurs through various EU programmes can play a role in generating employment and alleviating poverty.
Amendment 129 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Urges the Council, the EEAS and the Commission to prioritise the promotion of democratic transformationand engage proactively with the promotion and reinforcement of democracy, thereby providing a stronger bulwark against internal political, security and economic pressures and challenges;
Amendment 134 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Regrets that the legal obligations vested in the PCAs to uphold democracy and the rule of law have not been observed in most cases, stresses that, although the PCAs fundamentally focus on trade, the respect for human rights and democracy must be at the core of the European Union strategy vis-a-vis the scope of cooperation envisaged on Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (PCAs) entailing the absolute application of the human rights and democracy clause, with the exception of limited and fragile progress in Kyrgyzstan;
Amendment 142 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Deplores the ongoing Uzbek Government forced drafts of Uzbeks citizens, including the use of child labour, to work in abusive conditions in the cotton harvests, constraining the basic personal free will and freedoms;
Amendment 193 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Considers education a crucial integrational pillar and a democratic, economic and social development enabler for all countries of Central Asia; urges the European Union, within the scope of the existing PCAs, to launch or reinforce educational programmes, as Erasmus +, that will promote a positive mobility to all EU and Central Asian students;
Amendment 243 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Notes with concern that in addition to increasing climate change impacts, multiple alarming environmental challenges inherited from the Soviet period persist, such as those relating to an unmonitored and ongoing nuclear contamination in the past decades, and the urgent action of cleaning up nuclear testing sites, industrial and mining activities, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, land degradation, air pollution, desertification, and, above all, continued catastrophic water mismanagement; urges the Commission, in this respect, to step up technical assistance and provide European know-how and best practice as to how to deal with these problems;
Amendment 300 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Supports the EU’s long-term goal of transforming the nascent EU-Central Asia High Level Security Dialogue into a genuine cooperative forum aimed at cooperation in addressing common security challenges; highlights the importance and positive impact of regional cooperation programs as the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA) and the Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP);
Amendment 1 #
2015/2205(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reaffirms that the discussion of the draft annual work programmes and the multiannual strategies of the agencies in the committees responsible helps to ensure that the programmes and strategies reflect the actual political priorities but stresses the need to align the EU budgetary cycle with the EU 2020 Strategy in order to be able to fully monitor and comprehensively report on the performance of each of the agencies in the context of their contribution to achieving EU 2020 objectives;
Amendment 1 #
2015/2173(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Expresses its satisfaction that the Court of Auditors has declared the transactions underlying the Foundation’s annual accounts for the financial year 2014 to be legal and regular in all material respects and that its financial position as of 31 December 2014 is fairly represented;
Amendment 2 #
2015/2173(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. NotesWelcomes the fact that in response to comments from the discharge authority, the Foundation participated in 2014 in a joint procurement procedure for banking services launched by the Commission in order to ensure the security of its assets which were beforepreviously kept in a single bank with a low credit rating;
Amendment 3 #
2015/2173(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Notes the increasing number of requests for ETF support to EU external relations assistance from 78 in 2013 to 82 in 2014 and believes this underlines its relevance in supporting the role of the EU as a global actor in this field;
Amendment 1 #
2015/2169(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Expresses its satisfaction that the Court of Auditors has declared the transactions underlying the Agency’s annual account for the financial year 2014 to be legal and regular in all material respects and that its financial position as of 31 December 2013 is fairly represented;
Amendment 4 #
2015/2169(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Commends the work of the agency in developing an online interactive risk assessment tool and its efforts through the Healthy Workplaces Campaign to strengthen risk prevention and promote sustainable and healthy workplaces;
Amendment 1 #
2015/2165(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Expresses its satisfaction that the Court of Auditors has declared the transactions underlying Eurofound´s annual accounts for the financial year 2014 to be legal and regular in all material respects and that its financial position as of 31 December 2014 is fairly represented;
Amendment 2 #
2015/2165(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the successful implementation of Eurofound’s programme; praises the important work performed on the three European surveys: the European Quality of Life Survey, the European Working Conditions Survey and the European Company Survey; notes that Eurofound continued to focus its research on youth unemployment and appreciates its contribution to assessing the impact of the crisis on working and living conditions;
Amendment 1 #
2015/2164(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Expresses its satisfaction that the Court of Auditors has declared the transactions underlying the Centre’s annual accounts for the financial year 2014 to be legal and regular in all material respects and that its financial position as of 31 December 2014 is fairly represented;
Amendment 2 #
2015/2164(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Appreciates that the Centre focused its activity on contributing to and supporting policies addressing youth unemployment; commends particularly the Centre's skills forecasts and analyses as well as the work focusing on developing apprenticeships; furthermore notes that the detailed country fiches on vocational education and training policies in all Member States informed the Country Specific Recommendations of the European Semester;
Amendment 5 #
2015/2164(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Welcomes the fact that visits to the Europass website managed by Centre and available in 27 languages reached 21.7 million users in 2014 an increase of 8% on the 2013 figures;
Amendment 3 #
2015/2154(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes furthermore the Court’'s recommendations that the Europe2020 strategy and the MFF need to be better aligned, the high-level political aims need to be translated into useful operational targets, and the focus on results should be reinforcedstresses the importance of focussing on performance and results as well as on added value, particularly in the cases of the employment and social headline targets, where the Commission does not have the competence to create a legally binding framework;
Amendment 8 #
2015/2154(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes the Court’s observations about the increased risk of irregularities in cases of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) participating in Horizon 2020; supports the Commission’s reply that SMEs' involvement in the programme is crucial for the creation of growth and jobs and welcomes that the administrative rules for SMEs have been simplified, stresses the importance of creation of sustainable jobs through SMEs;
Amendment 11 #
2015/2154(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Expresses its regretNotes that the intangible nature of investments in human capital, the diversity of the activities and the involvement of multiple, often small-scale partners in the implementation of projects continue to be the main risks to regularity of spending of European Social Fund (ESF) expenditure; calls on the Commission to continue with specific mitigating actions, including both preventative and corrective measures;
Amendment 15 #
2015/2154(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that the promotion of broader use of simplified cost options can lead to the reduction of the administrative burden on the beneficiaries, to fewer errors and more orientation on performance and results;
Amendment 19 #
2015/2154(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Expresses its concerns about the fact that out of 1708 transactions examined by the Court in the employment and social affairs policy area 602 (354.8 %) were affected by error, out of which 12 were quantifiable errors exceeding 20% (6.7%); urges the Commission to implement corrective measures and apply strict procedures to reduce the risk of irregularities in this policy area as well as to follow up the cases of ineligible expenditure identified by the Court;
Amendment 20 #
2015/2154(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Expresses its concerns about the fact that out of 170 transactions examined by the Court in the employment and social affairs policy area 60 (35 %) were affected by error; urges the Commission to implement corrective measures and apply strict procedures to reduce the risk of irregularities in this policy area as well as to follow up the cases of ineligible expenditure identified by the Court; notes in particular that if Member States or independent auditors had made use of all the information available to them, a significant proportion of the errors could have been prevented, detected or corrected;
Amendment 24 #
2015/2154(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to follow the Court’s recommendations in order to ensure that the implementafurther increase the contribution of the Union budget contributes to the achievement of the employment and social headline targets of the Europe 2020 strategy.
Amendment 4 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15
Citation 15
– having regard to the ‘EUROPE 2020 – A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth' (COM(2010)2020), and to its main objective which is to increase employment levels to 75% by the end of the decade in the European Union, including the greater involvement of women, older workers and better integration of migrants in the work force,
Amendment 5 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15
Citation 15
– having regard to the ‘EUROPE 2020 – A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth' (COM(2010)2020), and to its main objective which is to increase employment levels to 75% by the end of the decade in the European Union, including through the greater involvement of women, older workers and better integration of migrants in the workforce;
Amendment 7 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
- having regard to the Communication of the European Commission 'Taking stock of the Europe 2020 Strategy for Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth' (COM(2014) 130 final/2),
Amendment 8 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
- having regard to the Communication of the European Commission 'Taking stock of the Europe 2020 Strategy for Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth' (COM(2014) 130 final/2),
Amendment 9 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 b (new)
Citation 15 b (new)
- having regard to the 2015 Annual Growth Survey (COM(2014) 902 final) and Joint Employment Report (COM(2014) 906 final),
Amendment 10 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 b (new)
Citation 15 b (new)
- having regard to the European Commission's White paper 'An Agenda for Adequate, Safe and Sustainable Pensions' (COM(2012) 55 final),
Amendment 11 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 c (new)
Citation 15 c (new)
- having regard to the European Commission's White paper 'An Agenda for Adequate, Safe and Sustainable Pensions' (COM(2012) 55 final),
Amendment 19 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 25 a (new)
Citation 25 a (new)
- having regard to the EU Joint Action on Mental Health and Well-being,
Amendment 22 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 25 b (new)
Citation 25 b (new)
- having regard to the EU-OSHA Agency 's current campaign entitled "Healthy Workplaces Manage Stress",
Amendment 31 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. Whereas health and safety at work promotes growth, competitiveness, productivity and improves the sustainability of the social security systems;
Amendment 35 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas demographic ageing is one of the main challenges of the EU Member States' social policies;
Amendment 64 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas reforms to secure the sustainability of the pension systems throughout Europe require, among other factors, older workers to stay longer in the labour market;
Amendment 67 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas a strong and enforced framework on health and safety at work is an important element of safeguarding workers' health and productivity benefiting employees, employers and society as a whole;
Amendment 74 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas very little progress has been made towards the Europe 2020 target of 75% employment for 20-64 year olds, including vulnerable groups; whereas an additional 1.8 million workers have lost their jobs since 2010;
Amendment 78 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D d (new)
Recital D d (new)
Dd. whereas the indicator on healthy life years has been regressing by 1.1 years for women and by 0.4 years for men between 2010 and 2013;
Amendment 113 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes that many important fields of action are identified in the EU OSH strategic framework; stresses, in this context, that more concrete legislative measures shoulda stronger focus on implementation and enforcement of the existing rules, as well as the development of non-legislative tools must be included in the framework, following the 2016- review;
Amendment 124 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to define and apply quantitative reduction targets at EU level for occupational diseases and accidents at workvelop guidance, encourage the exchange of good practices and to carry out awareness raising campaigns on implementing OSH policies following the 2016- review of the OSH strategic framework and to rely on the latest research findings when reviewing the framework;
Amendment 154 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the importance of occupational health and safety measures to target the specific challenges of women in the workplace; calls upon the Commission and Member States to collect data and provide research on how to best address the specific health and safety situation of women;
Amendment 159 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure that national OSH strategies are fully transparent and open to input from social partners and civil society;
Amendment 169 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Urges theEncourages Member States to incorporate quantitative and measurable targets into their national strategies;
Amendment 180 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Encourages Member States to set up contact points, exchange good practices and share experiences in implementing national OSH strategies, thus promoting mutual learning
Amendment 186 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Acknowledges the importance of taking into account the situation, specific needs and lack of compliance by micro and small enterprises in the implementation of OSH measures at company level; encouragesmicro, small and medium enterprises, which create 85% of European jobs; stresses that the lack of awareness, absence of guidance, relative higher costs of compliance lead to a deficient enforcement of regulatory requirements by MSMEs; outlines that awareness raising, exchange of good practices, user friendly guides and online platforms are of outmost use and importance to help micro, small and medium enterprises comply with OSH regulatory framework; encourages, in this context, the Commission, EU-OSHA and the Member States to continue developing practical tools and guidelines, which improve the compliance of SMEs with OSH requirements;
Amendment 217 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Points out that a precondition for good OSH management and performance is documented risk assessment, which allows for appropriate preventive measures to be put in place; welcomes, in this context, the online platform OiRA, which allows to build easy-to-use and cost-free online tools that can help micro and small organisations to put in place a step-by- step risk assessment process;
Amendment 242 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Notes that although the key drivers in a majority of companies for implementing OSH measures are the legal obligations, non-legislative tools should be more broadly used (i.e. awareness raising campaigns, setting voluntary norms, the use of online tools) to help companies understand and comply with the OSH legislation;
Amendment 250 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes efforts to improve the quality of the regulatory frameworkand to reduce the administrative burden of the implementation of the regulatory framework; outlines that the existing rules should be improved and simplified, especially by avoiding overlapping, while preserving the high standard of workers' health and safety; reminds the Commission, however, that the submission of OSH directives to the REFIT exercise and modifications of legislation should be transparent, involve social partners and must under no circumstances result in reductions in occupational health and safety;
Amendment 270 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. highlights the importance of national enforcement authorities to communicate and work with companies, particularly SMEs and micro-enterprises, to convey the benefits and implementation of occupational health and safety policies;
Amendment 282 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission to take action on one of the most prevalent work- related health problems in Europe and submit a proposal for a comprehensive directive on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) to improve effective prevention and address the causes of MSDs; pPoints out that integrating provisions of existing directives into a comprehensive directiveframework laying down minimum requirements for protecting workers from exposure to ergonomic risk factors can benefit both workers and employers;
Amendment 293 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Draws the attention of the Commission to the increased number of those affected by chronic conditions/diseases in the workforce and the need to encourage and support employers to make reasonable accommodations to their working environments to prevent the exacerbation of these conditions and to provide opportunities for supported self- management;
Amendment 302 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Welcomes the focus of the Strategic Framework on health and safety at work on psycho-social risks at work, such as depression, stress, workplace bullying and discrimination; Calls on the Commission and Member States to develop guidelines on the prevention of psycho-social risks;
Amendment 309 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop and implement a programme for systematic monitoring of psychosocial risks, including stressystematically monitor and gather comprehensive data regarding the psychosocial risks, including stress, in order to elaborate efficient recommendations to fight these risks; outlines, at the same time, that mental health and psychosocial risks can be influenced by many factors, not all of the arising from work-related activities or environment; calls on the employers to make efforts to find the balance between workers' capacity and job design, in order to diminish these risks;
Amendment 332 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Commission to adopt a targeted approach to improve the health and safety situation of workers in precariouslog-term unemployment and involuntary part-time employment and to take into account the negative effects that precarious employmenit has on occupational health and safety when addressing this issue in general;
Amendment 346 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Points out the importance of psychosocial risk factors, which are a growing problem for employers and employees across Europe and are perceived to be highly challenging; emphasizes the need to put in place initiatives, including better monitoring, to improve the psychosocial working environment for workers; thereby reducing absenteeism and presenteeism;
Amendment 348 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses the importance of occupational health and safety measures to target the specific challenges and risks of women in the workplace, which result from the nature of some jobs where they are over-represented;
Amendment 352 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Urges employers to facilitate a sound work-life balance, taking into account the growing number of employees that need to combine work and care, in this context believes that special measures e.g. care leave etc. are required to ensure the physical and mental health of these carers;
Amendment 353 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Points out that due to the demographic challenge of ageing, the extension of working life becomes necessary; outlines that OSH regulatory framework should boost the sustainability of working life and healthy ageing by encouraging flexibility of the work place and organisation, inter alia, by promoting accessible working time and adaptability to the changing capabilities of workers because of ageing;
Amendment 354 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Calls on the Commission to promote integration and rehabilitation measures for people with disabilities;
Amendment 363 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to collect gender and age- specific high-quality statistical data on work-related diseases in order to constantly improve and adapt, where needed, the legislative framework, in accordance to the new and emerging risks;
Amendment 371 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. In the context of the Second European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks ( ESENER-2) by the EU-OSHA, calls on the Commission to come forward with proposals on musculoskeletal disorders;
Amendment 8 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
- having regard to the Eurofound report 'Maternity leave provisions in the EU Member States: Duration and allowances' (July 2015);
Amendment 22 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the connection between reconciliation of professional and family life and the principle of gender equality in employment is now established in EU legislation;
Amendment 27 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas Directive 92/85/EEC grants rights to women workers during pregnancy, immediately after giving birth and while breastfeeding, Directive 96/34/EC recognises the reconciliation between professional and family life as a separate topic while Directive 2010/18/EU stipulates that all employees have a right to four months unpaid parental leave while one of those months must be granted on a non-transferable basis thus ensuring that reconciliation of professional and family life involves both men and women;
Amendment 32 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas Eurofound studies have illustrated aspects that influence fathers' take-up rate of parental leave which include the level of compensation, the flexibility of the leave system, the availability of information, availability and flexibility of childcare facilities and the extent to which workers fear isolation from the labour market when taking leave. Therefore these issues need to be addressed;
Amendment 42 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. Notes that where there are no provisions for leave, or where existing ones are considered insufficient, social partners, through collective agreements, may have an important role to play in establishing new provisions or updating current ones for maternity, paternity and parental leave;
Amendment 46 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas most EU Member States already comply with the minimum requirements of the Parental Leave Directive 2010/18/EU and in many Member States national provisions go beyond these requirements;
Amendment 49 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that the provisions necessary for the transposition of Directive 2013/62/EU take different forms in the various Member States; believes that the transposition should therefore comply fully with legislation and usages in force in the area of collective bargaining between social partners;
Amendment 51 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Believes that since not all Member States have followed the EU separate or sequential approach to maternity and parental leaves classifying the different types of leave at an EU level is problematic;
Amendment 142 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Member States to introduce financial compensation for parental leave with a view to reaching a level that would act as an incentive for income replacement, over the minimum time period guaranteed by the directive, based on the average EU maternity leave income replacement rate, in order to safeguard families’ social and economic wellbeingin order to facilitate reconciliation between work and family life;
Amendment 148 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Believes that the promotion of individualisation of the right to leave and of positive action aiming at the promotion of the role of fathers is essential in helping to achieve gender balanced reconciliation of work and family life;
Amendment 189 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Believes that an integrated approach to gender equality and the reconciliation of work and family life in future EU legislation would bring coherence and transparency to the process and would help ensure the promotion of gender- balanced reconciliation of work and family life;
Amendment 3 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19 a (new)
Citation 19 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 11 December 2012 on a Digital Freedom Strategy in EU Foreign Policy9 a, __________________ 9a Texts adopted, P7_TA(2012)0470.
Amendment 4 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19 b (new)
Citation 19 b (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 20 May 2013 on the Freedom of Press and Media in the World10 a, __________________ 10 a Texts adopted, PE 506.205v02-00.
Amendment 5 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19 c (new)
Citation 19 c (new)
- having regard to the EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline, adopted at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 12 May 2014,
Amendment 6 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19 d (new)
Citation 19 d (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 8 September 2015 on Human rights and technology: the impact of intrusion and surveillance systems on human rights in third countries11 a, __________________ 11 a Texts adopted, P8_TA- PROV(2015)0288.
Amendment 17 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas Article 1(1) of the Framework Agreement confirms the commitment to the general principles of international law and lays down ‘respect for democratic principles and human rights' as an essential element of the agreement and binds both parties to strive for a high standard of rule of law and respect for fundamental right, underpinning the internal and international policies of both Parties;
Amendment 19 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas restrictions in Vietnam on freedom of expression, both online and offline, freedom of the press and media, access to information, freedom of assembly and association as well as freedom of religion, as reported by the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, remain a serious concern;
Amendment 37 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Underlines that the Partnership and C-Operation Agreement defines the future relations in a broad spectrum, to further enhance the co-operation on global and regional challenges, such as good governance and the fight against corruption, economic and social progress taking into account the principle of sustainable development, disarmament and weapons of mass destruction, the fight against terrorism;
Amendment 38 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls upon the Vietnamese Government to honour its commitments in the World Trade Organisation, and the full implementation of all relevant WTO- rules in this regard;
Amendment 39 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Welcomes the agreement in principle reached on the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Vietnam, which shows both sides commitment to strengthening trade, which leads to jobs and growth;
Amendment 41 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Urges both the EU and Vietnam to work towards a speedy and satisfactory full conclusion of the bilateral FTA negotiations, as well as the Trade in Services Agreement and continuing cooperation in the context of the recently concluded Information Technology Agreement and the World Trade Organisation; calls on both partners to look for possibilities for Vietnam to join the negotiations on the Environmental Goods Agreement, or to accede to the agreement once it is concluded;
Amendment 42 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls upon the EU Member States, in an effort to achieve policy coherence, to align their individual goals of their respective development co-operation as much as possible with the goals set out in the Partnership and Co-Operation Agreement;
Amendment 43 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Welcomes as well the near doubling since 2010 of the Vietnamese GDP/capita, as well as the Vietnamese exports and notes their high share in the total Vietnamese GDP, and encourages in this regard the full and swift implementation of all international trade related chapters in the Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement, to support the further growth of the Vietnamese economy to the benefit of it's citizens;
Amendment 45 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Welcomes the early implementation of the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement, while the ratification process is ongoing, in the fields of trade, human rights, migration, regional security, energy, science and technology;
Amendment 46 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1e. Stresses the importance of establishing clear benchmarks and binding deadlines for the implementation of the Agreement;
Amendment 48 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. EWelcomes the articles in the draft agreement which refer to joint commitment and cooperation on human rights; expresses its hope that the mutually agreed respect for democratic principles and human rights will further enhance the longstanding dialogue with the Vietnamese Government on promoting notably freedom of expression, assembly, association and religion as enshrined in the Constitution;
Amendment 50 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses the enabling, creating and catalysing potential of the open internet and ICTs for community-building, civil society, and global economic, social, scientific, cultural and political development; emphasises therefore the importance of unrestricted access to the free and open internet, both from an economic, social and human rights perspective;
Amendment 57 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages the EU to continue Vietnam's capacity development in promoting respect for good governance and rule of law and welcomes the focus of EU cooperation on inter alia reforms of public administration, science and technology, transport, and urban and regional planning and development;
Amendment 63 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the EU and Vietnam to work towards creating an instrument to monitor developments regarding human rights in the context of the negotiations on the FTA, building on previous EU trade agreements with third countries which contained such an instrument;
Amendment 67 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the EU to ensure that the policies the EU and its Member States pursue in the context of the implementation of the PCA and the future FTA with Vietnam help advance the respect for human rights, rule of law and good governance; suggestsand calls for capacity building efforts to enhance the setting uplement of a complaint mechanism that can be useds by affected individuals and communities; in the context of Titel VI, art 35 of the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement;
Amendment 72 #
2015/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 15 #
2015/2095(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls that millions of people are living in miserable conditions in the refugee camps in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and elsewhere and that a large share of the people trying to migrate to Europe are coming from these camps; considers that the improvement of conditions in refugee camps could play a major role in stemming the tide of migration;
Amendment 21 #
2015/2095(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Recalls that the root causes of migration must be tackled effectively by improving the living conditions in the countries where people are leaving from in order to find a better life in Europe; recalls that the most important task is to work for peaceful settlement of the armed conflicts in Africa and in the Middle East;
Amendment 23 #
2015/2095(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Is of the opinion that new high-level refugee camps should be established in Northern Africa and in the Balkans in cooperation with the countries concerned and the UNHCR; considers that in these camps the UNHCR experts should study individually the right for asylum and those who are accepted as refugees should be received by the Member States inside their national refugee quotas; others could be admitted ‘green cards’ in order to work in the Member States; insists that all Member States should have a national UNHCR quota and receive refugees within this quota;
Amendment 24 #
2015/2095(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Calls on the Commission and the Council to invite the United States, as a part of our transatlantic development policy cooperation, to work with us to stem the tide of migration through intensified development cooperation in Africa and in the Middle East and through effective assistance to the millions of people living in the refugee camps;
Amendment 45 #
2015/2095(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the persistent instability and conflicts in the EU’s neighbourhood have a serious impact on the mass influx of migrants; believes that a genuine response to the migration crisis in the Mediterranean will come only from tackling the root causes, namely poverty, instability, wars, persecution, violations of human rights and natural disasters; Believes, therefore, that a three-pronged response should be established: (a) With regard to persons persecuted for political or social reasons, violations of human rights and natural disastthe relevant protocols on the reception of refugees should be applied through the allocation of ‘solidarity quotas’ within the EU. This means that all asylum seekers will be identified and registered in the country of first entry, and the current practice of refugees requesting asylum in their country of interest (generally Germany or Sweden) will not be permitted. (b) With regard to migratory flows arising from conflicts (e.g. in Syria, Libya and Iraq), the main factor is that the persons concerned are, owing to the nature of the conflict, ‘temporary refugees’ whose future should lie in their country of origin, to which they will return when circumstances permit (end of the conflict, security in their home country). This means that refugee camps with stable living conditions (in terms of sanitation, education, etc.) need to be constructed in neighbouring countries. At the same time, asylum applications should not be accepted from persons coming from countries in which conflicts are only localised (e.g. Nigeria and Mali). (c) With regard to economic migrants, such persons should be returned to their country of origin and the EU’s economic relations with those countries pegged to the logical requirement that they take back their own nationals. It must not be possible for persons entering the EU by legal means to find themselves in the same situation as persons who have done so by violating its borders;
Amendment 68 #
2015/2095(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Advocates broader and intensified EU cooperation with third countries of origin and transit, through bilateral agreements, in order to clamp down on smuggling and trafficking networks, to ensure the appropriate and requisite – and not just minimum – capacity building in the fields of asylum systems and border control, adapting to and differentiating between the various causes of these migratory flows, to provide protection for people in need, to develop frameworks for regular migration and mobility, and to put into force a humane and effective return policy for irregular migrants;
Amendment 1 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1
Citation 1
– having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 165 and 166 thereof,
Amendment 18 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas delays in access to the labour market and long periods of unemployment adversely affect career prospects, pay, health and social mobility;
Amendment 20 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas young people are an asset to the European economy and whereas they should commit themselves to acquiring the skills sought by the labour market, anticipating tomorrow’s needs;
Amendment 23 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas young people fall into three main groups – students, workers and the unemployed – and whereas distinct political approaches should be adopted for each of these groups in order to ensure that members of the group always have access to the labour market, which means that young students must have the skills needed by the labour market, young workers must update their skills and training throughout their careers and, in the case of young unemployed people, the distinction must take into account the fact that they are active job-seekers or NEETs;
Amendment 25 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas the financial crisis of 2008 created additional problems in the access of young people to the jobs market, as youth unemployment is more sensitive to the economic cycle than overall unemployment because young people are generally less experienced;
Amendment 33 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas disadvantaged people may beare often excluded from the possibility of developing their talents and skills;
Amendment 62 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that skills development is one of the key elements of integrated employment and social policies and that it can make it possible to generate long-term growth, promote European competitiveness, combat unemployment and build a more inclusive European society;
Amendment 72 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses that providers of education and training and businesses should work together to devise qualifications which faithfully reflect the actual skills that holders of those qualifications have acquired throughout their lives;
Amendment 86 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the need to build up partnerships between local authorities, education and employment services and the business community to support the creation, implementation and monitoring of employment strategies and action plans; calls for closer co-operation between schooling and vocational education, public administration, business and civil society, especially youth organisations;
Amendment 97 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses the importance of administrative capacity; calls therefore for the provision of appropriate training for local and regional authorities in order to use European funds more effectively and strategically; calls furthermore on governments to have the courage to be more politically ambitious, anticipating the needs of young people, businesses and civil society as well as of academic and vocational training establishments, implementing operational employment programmes more quickly;
Amendment 128 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the promotion of entrepreneurship is an important factor in promoting an active approach towards one’s own carrier; believes that it is the responsibility of public bodies, businesses and the media to promote entrepreneurship; reiterates the need to develop mobility within businesses;
Amendment 155 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that training in the workplace and high-quality apprenticeships, backed by partnerships between schools, training establishments and businesses, are ways of improving youth access to the labour market and a better use of these opportunities could enlarge the pool of potential candidates for vacancies and also improve their preparedness for work;
Amendment 164 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls that good quality educational and training guidance at all stages of education is necessary and can lower the risk of early school-leaving as well as help to overcome difficulties in accessing the labour market; stresses that language learning and digital literacy are fundamental;
Amendment 177 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls for the exchange of good practices in vocational education and the development of skills and, if necessary, for the revision of training programmes to be undertaken, anticipating the needs of the market, thus enabling access to the labour market to be enhanced for young people;
Amendment 184 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Urges that a system of training and studies be established which adopts innovative but accessible approaches, and which focuses on developing basic skills as well as intellectual and technical capacities;
Amendment 199 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the Quality Framework for Traineeships and the European Alliance for Apprenticeships; calls for additional measures to be taken to provide compulsory social protection;
Amendment 204 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls that the dual model of education as well as the acquisition of practical, social and communication skills is of high importance; emphasises that these accomplishments will increase young people’s confidence in the system, make it easier for them to enter the labour market and improve their training and their predisposition to work;
Amendment 216 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recalls that traineeships and apprenticeships should lead to employment and condemns the abuse of such arrangements; calls for Member States to withdraw the incentives which they give to businesses if the latter use traineeships and apprenticeship contracts merely to obtain cheap labour;
Amendment 250 #
2015/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses that skills development should also be considered as a mechanism leading to equal opportunities for people from disadvantaged groups, in particular for children and young people from families affected by poverty, the long-term unemployed, including second-generation unemployed, immigrants and people with disabilities; stresses that prevention as well as support and counselling at an early stage are of the outmost importance, because although enabling people who are at a disadvantage to develop skills and to enter the labour market requires time and resources it is also socially and economically profitable; stresses that, in order for the most disadvantaged to be included, appropriate training must be provided for employers, human resources teams and teachers, in order to support this fringe group in society in the best possible way so as to render its integration as effective as possible;
Amendment 15 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls upon Member States to cooperate and consistently support each other’s efforts to counter violent extremism, which can be conducive to terrorism, including through capacity building, coordination of plans and efforts, and sharing lessons learned;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Expresses the need to accelerate the implementation of existing measures, including UN Security Council resolutions (especially, UNSCR 2178/2014), both those adopted by the Council (June 2013) and those adopted by the Group of 9 (July 2014);
Amendment 17 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
3c. Expresses the need to improve checks at the external borders of the Schengen area, under the existing legal framework, based on risk assessment;
Amendment 19 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Calls for international contributions to the UNDP-endorsed funding mechanism to facilitate immediate stabilization of areas cleared of Da'esh;
Amendment 23 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Expresses concern that without such action and without combating the root causes of terrorism and radicalisation leading to violence the phenomenon of fighters from Europe travelling to different locations to join jihadist extremist groups, as well as the security risk they present when returning to the EU, are likely to worsen in the years ahead; calls for an immediate review of current programmes in this field and a comprehensive study on the efficiency and proportionality of national and European actions to prevent and combat terrorism;
Amendment 30 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
1a. Emphasizes that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality or civilization;
Amendment 42 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Encourages the EU to engage more with third countries on security issues and counter-terrorism, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa and in the Sahel, but also in the Western Balkans, including through new capacity building projects (e.g. border controls) with partners and better targeted EU assistance, while promoting measures to dissuade and disrupt foreign fighters' travel as well as to manage their return;
Amendment 46 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Wishes that EU strengthens its political dialogue with the League of Arab States, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, African Union and other relevant regional actors and coordination structures, such as the G5 Sahel;
Amendment 50 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Encourages the EU to conduct targeted and upgraded security and counter-terrorism dialogues with Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and the Gulf Cooperation Council; Cooperation with Turkey should also be enhanced in line with the General Affairs Council conclusions of December 2014;
Amendment 52 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Council to keep the EU Syria and Iraq and Counter Terrorism/Foreign Fighters Strategy, adopted on 20 OctoberRegional Strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the ISIL/Da'esh threat, adopted recently on 16 March 20145, under constant review, in the light of the developing security situation in the EU’s southern neighbourhood, alongside other initiatives such as the Commission’s Radicalisation Awareness Network;
Amendment 55 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Council to keep the EU Syria and Iraq and Counter- Terrorism/Foreign Fighters Strategy, adopted on 20 October 2014, under constant review, in the light of the developing security situation in the EU’s southern neighbourhood, alongside other initiatives such as the Commission’s Radicalisation Awareness Network; calls on further obligations to be introduced for Member States, so that they mandatorily share information related to serious crimes and terrorism through a SIS reporting;
Amendment 58 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recalls that in the context of the current revision of the ENP, the security dimension and the capacity of ENP tools to contribute to improving partners resilience and capabilities to provide for their own security with respect for the rule of law, must be strengthened;
Amendment 63 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Encourages the EU to launch further capacity-building projects and activities with interested MENA countries addressing law enforcement, criminal justice, security sector reform, including crisis infrastructure, crisis and emergency response, border control and aviation security, strategic communication, radicalisation, dealing with the foreign terrorist fighters threat, recruitment and financing of terrorism, paying due regard to international human rights standards, in close cooperation with Europol, Eurojust, Frontex and CEPOL;
Amendment 69 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Supports greater international cooperation and information sharing from national intelligence services, to identify EU citizens who are at risk of becoming radicalised and travelling to join jihadist extremist groups; further calls for enhanced cooperation between the EU, its Member States, and third countries to divert European citizens from this course of action and to intercept them at the point of exit;
Amendment 74 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5.a Calls on the European Commission to support Member States in addressing the underlying factors of radicalisation and extremism, designing prevention strategies which encompass the fields of education, social integration, fight against discrimination, intercultural and inter- religious dialogue;
Amendment 77 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Invites the HR/VP and the Commission to continue to ensure sufficient funds and coherent use of instruments to address the threats of terrorism and more effectively from early warning to early action;
Amendment 81 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Welcomes the deployment of security/counter-terrorism experts in a number of key EU Delegations to strengthen their capacity to contribute to European counter-terrorism efforts and to liaise more effectively with relevant local authorities, while further building-up of counter-terrorism capacity within the EEAS;
Amendment 85 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Calls upon members states to intensify cooperation with key countries within the framework of EU agencies such as Frontex, Eurojust and Europol and develop frameworks for information exchange and ways for the EU agencies to engage more strategically with the countries in the region to strengthen law enforcement and judicial cooperation;
Amendment 92 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes with concern that some Member States are assessing the potential for recruiting former foreign fighters to assist in deradicalisation programmes; believes that deradicalisation programmes can be important tools to reduce recruitment of European citizens by terrorist organisations; calls on Member States to proceed cautiously when introducing such programmes, especially where cooperation is linked to immunity from prosecution;
Amendment 21 #
2015/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls for the swift ratification by Korea of all fundamental ILO conventions that it has not yet ratified; welcomes the launch of an EU-funded project for the implementation of the ILO convention on non-discrimination in employment and occupation as an important initiative in the protection of workers´ fundamental rights;
Amendment 32 #
2015/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that high labour standards should not be regarded as trade barriers but rather should raise living standards, promote competitiveness, economic growth and stability, create new employment opportunities and improve general welfare;
Amendment 35 #
2015/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Expects the agreement to respect workers’ fundamental rights and to reflect international core labour standards; recommends the Commission to provide an assessment on the state of fundamental labour rights in South Korea;
Amendment 4 #
2015/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas microfinance can contribute to meeting the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy; and whereas microfinance can lift people out of poverty andby creating jobs and providing access to employment; and can enhance cohesion in communities by improveing social inclusion and minimising social disproportions;
Amendment 8 #
2015/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the objective of the Facility is to increase access to finance for unemployed and other, those at risk of losing their jobs, the socially excluded and other vulnerable and disadvantaged people and for microenterprises, including those employing the above mentioned, which in turn generates employment and, growth and social inclusiveness in local communities;
Amendment 34 #
2015/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Capitalizing on the experience gathered so far, calls on the Commission and the Member States to raise awareness particularly in remote regions and within communities, especially in those with a minority background or within organizations for persons with disabilities about the existence of this facility, its benefits and the ways to access it.
Amendment 53 #
2015/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Welcomes the fact that among the general objectives of the Programme the Commissions specifically included the promotion of workers' geographical mobility and of gender mainstreaming and where appropriate gender budgeting.
Amendment 56 #
2015/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the EIF to enforce provisions in agreements with MFIs requiring them to open themselves up to and cooperate more closely with vulnerable groups, including among others, organisations representing minority groups or for persons with disabilities in order to reach target groups more effectively;
Amendment 58 #
2015/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to improve methods of evaluating the viability and the impact within their community of businesses after repayment of the microcredit;
Amendment 4 #
2015/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas young people benefit immensely from practical entrepreneurial experience, which contributes to their development of skills and talent as well as to new business creation and employability and, boosts innovation in the wider organisations in which they are employed and reduces youth unemployment;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas social and creative businesses contribute to innovative sustainable growth and cohesion within society and local communities, and create employment opportunities for young people, including disadvantaged young people and those furthest from the labour market;
Amendment 45 #
2015/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Member States to use existing EU-level funding resources to support initiatives pursuing links with businesses and offering entrepreneurship education to low income young people, school dropouts, young people in danger of long-term unemployment and young people with disabilities; calls on the EU to make these funds easily accessible and easy to use;
Amendment 85 #
2015/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Member States to improve the entrepreneurial culture within tertiary education by establishing the conditions to support the creation of new companies by young people based on academic research (spin-offs), reducing the bureaucratic burden involved in establishing such companies and promoting the benefits of commercialising research as well as by strengthening the cooperation between educational institutions and companies, welcomes the initiatives which reward young people for successful business ventures (e.g. The Best Student Company of the Year), further emphasises the importance for companies to provide the possibility for young people to get their first direct in-house work experience and re-iterates the necessity to promote traineeships schemes with such objective;
Amendment 102 #
2015/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to monitor concrete measures implemented by Member States to support entrepreneurship among young people and to devote special attention to the promotion and publication of information about results and best practice; welcomes Erasmus for Entrepreneurs which enables young people to acquire entrepreneurial experiences in other Member States.
Amendment 37 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 34 a (new)
Citation 34 a (new)
– having regard to nine rounds of talks from 2002 to 2010 between high ranking representatives of the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama,
Amendment 38 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 34 a (new)
Citation 34 a (new)
– having regard to ‘Tibet’s Path of Development Is Driven by an Irresistible Historical Tide’, China’s White Paper on Tibet, published by China’s State Council Information Office, 15 April 2015,
Amendment 40 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 34 b (new)
Citation 34 b (new)
– having regard to the 2008 Memorandum and the 2009 Note on Genuine Autonomy both presented by the Representatives of the 14th Dalai Lama,
Amendment 257 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Is concerned that China will extend government's control over civil society via upcoming NGO regulations by banning non-registered NGOs "from overseas" to fund Chinese individuals or organisations, and vice versa by prohibiting Chinese groups from conducting "activities" related to non- registered NGOs;
Amendment 305 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Observes that in recent years China's anti-terrorism policy has evolved rapidly from a somewhat reactive ‘defence against terror' approach to a proactive ‘war on terror', along with permanent ‘crisis management' entailing action to an unprecedented extent in affected regions and in society; is concerned about the upcoming Chinese law on 'counter- terrorism', which may lead to further violations of human and freedom rights, especially in Tibet and Xinjiang as regions with minority populations;
Amendment 444 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. is deeply concerned that the Chinese government continues its hard-line policies against the Tibetan people, especially by rejecting the Dalai Lama's "Middle Way Approach" and to defame it as a separatist strategy as recently happened in the official Chinese 'White Paper on Tibet of April 2015'; strongly underlines and supports the Middle Way Approach which seeks neither independence nor separation from the People's Republic of China; emphasises that the Middle Way Approach calls for genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people within the framework of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China;
Amendment 451 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Is deeply concerned about the fact that over 142 Tibetans have resorted to self-immolations to protest against the suppression of the Tibetan people; rejects any linkage between self-immolations and terrorism, as no Chinese citizen has ever been injured by such dramatic and desperate acts;
Amendment 461 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Highly recommends and urgently calls on China to resume the currently stalled Sino-Tibetan Dialogue as the best political instrument to achieve a mutual and realistic solution for the current instability in Tibet; is extremely worried that the current tensions may lead to an even worse situation in the near future;
Amendment 6 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
– having regard to its previous resolutions on the European Neighbourhood Policy of 20 November 2003 on relations with our neighbours to the east and south6 , of 20 April 2004 on wider Europe – new neighbourhood policy7 , of 19 January on the European Neighbourhood Policy8 , of 15 November 2007 on strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy9 , of 20 May 2010 on the need for an EU strategy for the South Caucasus, of 7 April 2011 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy – Eastern dimension10 , of 7 April 2011 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy – Southern dimension11 , of 14 December 2011 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy12 , of 23 October 2013 on the European Neighbourhood Policy: towards a strengthening of the partnership: EP's position on the 2012 reports13 , and of 12 March 2014 on assessing and setting priorities for EU relations with the Eastern Partnership countries14 , __________________ 6 Texts adopted, P5_TA(2003)0520. 7 Texts adopted, P5_TA(2004)0278. 8 Texts adopted, P6_TA(2006)0028. 9 Texts adopted, P6_TA(2007)0538. 10 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2011)0153. 11 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2011)0154. 12 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2011)0576. 13 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0446. 14 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0229.
Amendment 14 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) was created to strengthen the European Union's (EU) partnerships with neighbouring countries in order to develop an area of shared stability, security and prosperity as underlined in Article 8 of the TEU; whereas the objective remains the same;
Amendment 42 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Commission together with the Council and the European Parliament has tried to reshape the ENP so as to address its flaws, in particular after the Arab Spring; whereas this was reflected in the new financing instrument for the ENP for 2014-2020 – the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI);
Amendment 79 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas freer trade remains of the fundamental importance to the partner countries and the EU itself;
Amendment 104 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the importance and timeliness of the review of the ENP; emphasises that the revised ENP should be able to provide a quick and adequate response to the situation on the ground, while also putting forward a long-term vision for developinvestment with the neighbouring countries based on lessons learned and, in particular, addressing the lack of reactivity while preserving prelations withdictability; expresses its deep concern over the lack of EU initiatives to engage in the solution of "frozen conflicts" in the neighbouring countries;
Amendment 137 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes in the continued value of its initially stated objective of creating an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness, based on the founding values and principles of the Union, through a deep structural transformation in the neighbouring countries through assistance in the structural reforms required; stresses therefore the need to go back to basics and bring this objective back to the top of the agenda;
Amendment 139 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines that the fundamental challenge of the ENP lies in delivering tangible and concrete improvements to the citizens of the partner countries - through easier travel rules and visa facilitation and liberalisation, economic opportunities from freer trade and commercial cooperation, and political stability through a long-term focus on democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights;
Amendment 148 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that respect for the universal fundamental values of human rights, rule of law and democracy on which the EU is founded must remain at the core of the revised policy, as stated in Article 2 of every international agreement between the EU and third countries;
Amendment 181 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Urges that short-, medium- and long- term priorities and strategic objectives be defined, bearing in mind that the ENP should aim to create a different levels ofiated approach to cooperation in different areas among and with the ENP countries; stresses that in defining its approach the EU should look at its priorities and those of the individual countries concerned, togewhile taking into account their with theirpolitical ambition and level of development, considering the interests of society on the whole and not only those of the political elite;
Amendment 244 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that the mid-term review of the external financial instruments should take into account the review of the revised policy, and that the ENI should therefore reflect the ambition of making the ENP more flexible, predictable and responsive to changing and challenging situations on the ground;
Amendment 270 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. NStresses that enlargement and neighbourhood policies are separate policies with different objectives; notes that the ENP should deploy its own methodology and tools, which correspond to the level of ambition and goals that the different ENP countries aspire to in their relations with the EU;
Amendment 275 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. CStresses that the EU should take into account interests and needs of the EU and its neighbours, neighbours' commitment to reforms, the level of ambition of the partnership as well as different challenges and the geopolitical environment; calls on the Commission to focus on sectors identified together with its partners, in which progress and universalcomprehensive added value can be achieved, and to gradually expand cooperation based on progress and ambitions;
Amendment 286 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 302 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Support for democracy, judicial reform, rule of law, state building and institutional capacity- building
Amendment 309 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Considers support for democracy, the rule of law, state building and human rights to be central to the ENP as expressed in art 2 of every international agreement between the EU and third countries; stresses that the EU should be willing to offer incentives and know-how to help overcome the social challenges and economic costs of undertaking democratic reforms; considers essential that the ENP provides the adequate instruments to facilitate endogenous reforms; calls the EU to closely monitor the compliance with clauses on democracy and human rights in all agreements concluded by the EU with third countries; thus, reiterates its call for the systematic inclusion of binding, enforceable and non-negotiable human rights clauses in the EU's international agreements, and their full application;
Amendment 383 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses the need to implement conditionality in relation to reform processes; emphasises that the EU cannot compromise its fundamental values and should avoid creating double standards; stresses that countries that are making progress in implementing reforms leading to long term political, economic and social developments and following European policy should be granted more substantial EU commitment and support;
Amendment 404 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes that security and stability are basic concerns in the neighbourhood and that current developments in the region call for a strong security component in the ENP, with adequate policy tools, which hasve regrettably been missing to date;
Amendment 422 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls for closer coordination between the ENP and wider Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) activities, addressing with one voice the different aspects of the security of ENP countries and of the EU; calls for maintaining the ENP coherence with the EU Security Strategy; welcomes the Eastern partners' in-kind contributions to the EU-led operations and missions worldwide;
Amendment 442 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls for the revised policy to support partner countries in building proper and strong state structures to deal with security issues, such as effective law enforcement, terrorism, intelligence and security, which should be accompanied by proper parliamentary oversight; stresses that the EU should engage in areas such as security sector reform;
Amendment 454 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Calls on the EU to focus on capacity building for border control of the association partner countries in order to prevent increasing levels of irregular immigration, smuggling and all kinds of trafficking, while fostering ways to promote prosperity and stability within its borders;
Amendment 456 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Calls on the EU to make clear distinction between asylum seekers due to persecution and irregular immigrants due to economic reasons; the former should be assured on the base of EU basic values, such as equality, gender balance and secularism, while acting decisively with reference to the latter, fostering the implementation of return mechanisms to the countries of origin;
Amendment 508 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Underlines the importance of the role of multilateral assemblies, such as EuroNest and PA-UfM,Notes that multilateral organizations, including their assemblies, such as EuroNest and PA-UfM, have showed a lack of flexibility and reaction, failing to deliver the expected results to the radical changing situations in the neighbouring countries; underlines, nevertheless, their important role as fora for political dialogue and a tool for fostering ownership of the Neighbourhood Policy and strongly encourages them to increase their engagement in an adequate manner;
Amendment 524 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Emphasises the need to build strong partnerships with neighbouring countries; stresses the importance of ensuring that the ENP is part of the EU's broader external policy and of taking into account the other strategic players that have influence on the neighbourhood – the ‘neighbours ofa framework of cooperation between the EU and partners while acknowledging the broader geographical context of our neighbours and their relations with their neighbours' – as well as international and regional organisations;
Amendment 533 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Stresses that the EU should realistically consider the different policy options that its partners face and how to build bridges with their neighbours on different levels and how to address the foreign policy of third countries in its neighbourhood ensuring that it is for the EU and its sovereign partners to decide on how they want to proceed with their relations;
Amendment 553 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls for the EU to explore and identify, together with its partners, priorities for strengthened cooperation and integration in different policy fields, such as economic development, infrastructure and regional development, digital economy, strategic communication, transport interconnections, the environment, competition policies, SMEs, migration, security, energy and energy efficiency, science, education and cultural heritage, with the aim of creating an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness;
Amendment 593 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Notes that high unemployment, social exclusion and poverty, lack of free access to pluralistic culture and information, fundamental freedoms, (in particular, opinion, freethinking and media), and high levels of corruption, combined with the low political participation of women, are root causes of instability, ; demands demandseper and stronger engagement beyond the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTAs), with an active role of SME's; notes the lack of regional economic cooperation between EU neighbouring countries and calls for the establishment of sub-regional initiatives in order to increase the trade exchanges among them;
Amendment 615 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Calls on the Commission to explore and offer to the ENP countries different levels of participation, cooperation and engagement in its policies, programmes and agencies, such as in EUROPOL, customs management and the Energy Community in the fields of fighting against human trafficking, economic and cross-border crimes;
Amendment 635 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Emphasises that the action plans, established in close partnership with the authorities of the partner countries, should focus on a limited number of realistic priorities to be implemented and that their implementation should be assessed on a regular basis, with policy options which could be commonly agreed;
Amendment 651 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Calls on the EU to strengthen its capacity to counter misinformation and propaganda campaigns against the EU and its Member Statvisibility in order to show clearly the EU's support and engagement with the partner countries;
Amendment 18 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, in reaction to and despite Russia’s aggression against Georgia and violation of itGeorgia´s territorial integrity in 2008, the EU opted for an increased cooperation model as a way to appeasecontinue the engagement with Russia; whereas, in line with this, rather than taking restrictive measures, a series of generous initiatives for deeper cooperation – such as the common spaces, the Partnership for Modernisation, the negotiations on a New EU-Russia Agreement, and the Human Rights dialogue – have been launched or deepened;
Amendment 35 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas Russia has – by illegally annexing Crimea and waging an undeclared war against Ukraine, with the direct participation of Russian military units, and byith the direct and indirect support and backing from the Russian military and security services, deliberately destabilising this neighbouring sovereign and independent country – profoundly and for a long time damaged its relationship with the EU by jeopardising the basic principles of Europe’s security order and by breaking its international commitments, notably under the United Nations Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and the Budapest Memorandum;
Amendment 51 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas Russia is the instigator of and, directly or indirectly,involved in and party to a number of ‘frozen conflicts’ in its neighbourhood – in Transnistria, South Ossetia, and Abkhasia, and Nagorno Karabakh – that constitute serious impediments to the development and stability of the neighbouring countries concerned;
Amendment 72 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas in reaction to Russia’s covert military invasion of Ukraine, the EU has adopted a stage-by- stage series of restrictive measures; whereas similar sanctions have been adopted by a number of other countries in reaction to Russia’s aggressioncurrent policy;
Amendment 86 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas these restrictive targeted measures are not directed against the Russian people but aim at stimulating a change in Russian policy towards, and actions in, the common neighbourhood; whereas the sanctions could be lifted, partially or fully, as soon as Russia commits itself to implementing, fully and honestly, the provisions of the Minsk agreements and the return of Crimea to Ukraine; whereas the sanctions will be strengthened should Russia chose to do otherwise and refrain from taking any positive step to change its policyunderlines that the EU sanctions can be entirely or partially lifted, maintained or extended, depending on developments;
Amendment 129 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas the European Parliament, on numerous occasions has expressed its concern over the state of democracy inside Russia, the systematic failure to upheld the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights; whereas the rule of law, fair trial standards, due process and the independence of the judiciary are not respected in Russia; whereas the last Presidential and State Duma elections failed to meet OSCE standards;
Amendment 132 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the intrusions of Russian jet fighters into the airspace of EU and NATO members states jeopardise the safety of civilian flightscould be a threat to European airspace security;
Amendment 172 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates that, in the light of Russia’s direct and indirect involvement in the war in Ukraine, amounting to a deliberate violation of the core of the democratic principles and values sustained by the EU and widely shared internationally, the EU cannot envisage a return to ‘business as usual’; calls for a critical re-assessment by the EU of its relations with Russia, and for the drafting, as promptly as possible, of a soft-power contingency plan to counter the aggrecomprehensive plan on how to develop future relations with Russivea, and divisive policies conducted by Russia against the EU and its partners;with the countries of the Eastern Neighbourhood.
Amendment 218 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is deeply concerned by the fact that Russia now openly positions itself, and acts, not as a partner of, but as a rival to the international democratic community, seeking to challenge the current international order, and is in the process of redrawing borders within Europe; is extremely worried by the tendency of the Russian authorities to systematically denigrate liberal democracy and to consider demoseeking to challenge international law, and is in the process of redrawing borders within Europe; is alarmed by the atmosphere of hatred directed against opposition activists, human right defenders, minorities and neighbouring nations, which has been growing in Russia in the recent years, as part of a political culture that distance itself from democratic principles; is deeply concerned by the systematic deterioration of the situation of human rights and of rule of law in Russia, by the efforts of state authorities to silence free speech, obstruct opposition activities, react with repressions to any activity aimed at exposing corruption among the political and economic elite and to stifle activities of the civil society; condemns the intimidation of craitic neighbouring countries as a threat to their own ruleal voices, through violence, trials, imprisonments and other measures used by the state, and the restrictions to press freedom and internet freedom;
Amendment 238 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that EU-Russia relations must henceforth be based on the rule of law and on preconditioned dialogue, whereby the EU would be ready to relaunch cooperation with the authorities in Moscow on the condition that Russia unambiguously and without pretence takes its share of responsibility and fully implements the Minsk Agreements; stresses that in order to ensure that such a dialogue – if renewed (for which the return of Crimea to Ukraine would be a prerequisite) – is not conduct; underlines that such a dialogue must respect international law, and aim at securing peace and security for all countries in the Eastern Neighbourhood and solve the conflict in Ukraine, with the full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine; underlines that the current sanctions imposed atby the expense of European values, standards and international commitments, it would be necessary to specify very clearly the EU’s expectations of Russia, along with the retaliatory measures it would take should Russia not keep to its commitmentsEU, and the Russian counter-sanctions are harmful to the economies on both sides and empathises that the ultimate objective must be to restore full and deep engagement with a Russia that respects international law and contractual commitments and acts as a reliable and predictable partner;
Amendment 274 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Commends the solidarity and the unity demonstrated by the Member States in the context of Russia’s undeclared war againstillegal annexation of Crimea and involvement in the fights in the eastern parts of Ukraine, allowing the adoption and further extension of responsive measures; calls on the Member States to consider as an absolute priority the preservation of this unity; reiterates that unity and solidarity amongst the Member States, as well as between the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries, is essential for ensuring the effectiveness of the EU’s policies and its ability to withstand external challenges and pressures;
Amendment 288 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Underlines that the conflict in Ukraine can only have a political solution; the EU should create a more pro-active political and diplomatic approach to solve all the so called 'frozen conflicts' throughout the Eastern Neighbourhood;
Amendment 311 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Firmly supports the swift creation of a robust European Energy Union, specifically the interconnection of national energy networks in order to reduce considerably the dependence of individual Member States on external energy suppliers; is of the firm conviction that the challenges to and vulnerability of European solidarity, and the exposure of individual Member States, to the illegitimate use of energy as a political and diplomatic bargain chip can only be combatted efficiently through the full implementation of the Third Energy package and the completion of a transparent, integrated, synchronised and resilient European internal energy market;
Amendment 354 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is deeply concerned by the ever growing restrictions on free media, the tightening of online media control, the use of coercion to curb impartial reporting and the erosion of journalistic standards in Russia, as well as the increasing monopoly on the information available to Russian- language audiences abroad by state- owned media outlets; deplores that Russian state-controlled media have become players in the EU information sphere without keeping to the norms of independent journalism, including the rejection of hate speech;
Amendment 364 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Renews its call for the development of EU reconnaissance capabilities of weaponised information and the preparation of information contingency plans, including the strengthening of analytical and monitoring capabilities, especially in the Russian language, in order to be able to identify, and respond swiftly and appropriately to, purposefully biased information; calls on the Commission to earmark without delay adequate funding for concrete projects aimed at countering Russian propaganda within the EU and abroad; calls on the Commission and the Member States to devise as well a mechanism for the collection, monitoring and reporting ofCalls on the Commission and the Member States to investigate and make public all financial, political or technical assistance provided by Russia to political parties and other organisations within the EU, with a view to assessing its involvement in, and influence over, political life and public debate in the EU;
Amendment 384 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the EU to provide support to grass-roots projects aimed at developing high journalistic standards, freedom of the media, and unbiased and trustworthy information in Russia, and at deconstructing propaganda within the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries; supports the initiative to develop Russian- language media channels, with a view to providing a credible and accessible alternative to biased information for Russian-speaking minorities in the EU and in the Eastern Partnership countriesalternatives in order to make independent information and news available;
Amendment 403 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Reiterates that uncompromising respect for the rule of law is a core and founding principle of the EU, and rejects past attempts to put forward pragmatic interpretations of the rules to accommodate Russia as a trade partner; calls, therefore, on the strict, swift and unconditional application of the rule of law – in the event of any breach of the rules – and of the principle of free and fair competition, including in the proceedings against Gazprom;
Amendment 412 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Is of the view that a new and reinforced EU Russia strategy should be aimed at getting Russia to fully respect the OSCE principles and at motivating its leadership to move Russia out of its political and economic self-isolation; considers that this strategy needs to be based on a two-track approach: a strategy to contain challenges from the current Russian policy, and at the same time, a strategy of deeper engagement with the Russian population and civil society with a stronger emphasis on the human rights of the people in Russia;
Amendment 414 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 c (new)
Paragraph 12 c (new)
12c. Calls upon the High Representative/Vice President to develop, in coordination with the Commission, options for strengthening direct cooperation with Russian population, small and medium-size businesses, scientific and cultural institutions and the civil society; notes the suspension of the negotiations on visa facilitation, and calls on the Commission and the Member States to facilitate the issuance of visas for Russian citizens not targeted by EU or US restrictive measures so as to enhance student and scientific exchanges, business and civil society contacts; underlines that the EU and the Member States have sufficient scope to facilitate visa rules unilaterally;
Amendment 425 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Expresses its deep concern for the state of human rights and the rule of law in Russia, and strongly condemns the crackdown on independent civil society and the persistent and multiform repression of activists, political opponents and critics of the regime, which has in some cases led to their murder (draws particular attention to the assassinations of Anna Politkovskaya, Natalya Estemirova, Boris Nemtsov, Sergey Magnitsky, Alexander Litvinenko, and others); demands that all assassinations of political activists, journalists and whistle blowers be investigated properly and independently; reiterates its call on the Council to deliver on its commitment to defend these principles, and to adopt restrictive measures for the officials involved in the well-documented Magnitsky case;
Amendment 450 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses the importance of continued political and financial support to independent civil society activists, media and NGOs; encourages the EU to reach out to Russian officials and civil society organisations that are inclined to develop an alternative vision of political and diplomatic relations with the EU; points to its recommendation of April 2014 concerning common visa restrictions for Russian officials involved in the Sergei Magnitsky case and urges the HR/VP and the Commission to bring the relevant initiative into the Council without delay; is of the view that personally targeted restrictive measures should be considered in case no investigation in accordance with international standards of the murder of Boris Nemtsov is carried out and in other similar cases;
Amendment 1 #
2015/0802(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In its Conclusions of 17 December 1999 on the strengthening of cooperation for modernising and improving social protection2 , the Council supported the Commission's proposal to establish a mechanism for enhanced cooperation, brought about by the work of the group of high-level officials, for the implementation of this action. The Council stressed that this kind of cooperation should cover all forms of social protection and, where necessary, help the Member States to improve and strengthen their social protection systems in accordance with their national priorities. It also recalled the competence of the Member States for the organisation and financing of social protection and endorsed the four broad objectives within the overall challenge of modernising social protection systems as identified by the Commission: namely to make work pay and provide secure income, to make pensions safe and pension systems sustainable, to promote social inclusion and to ensure high quality and sustainable health care for all; it also underlined that equality between women and men must be mainstreamed in all activities aiming at these four objectives. Finally, the Council recognised that the aspects relating to finance are common to all the objectives. __________________ 2 OJ C 8, 12.1.2000, p. 7.
Amendment 2 #
2015/0802(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) In its Conclusions of June 2013, the European Council stated that the social dimension of the EMU should be strengthened. As a first step, it is important to better monitor and take into account the social and labour market situation within EMU, notably by using appropriate social and employment indicators within the European semester. It is also important to ensure better coordination of employment and socialo-economic policies, while fully respecting national competences.
Amendment 3 #
2015/0802(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The decision establishing the Committee should reflect the development of the European Semester and the role of the Committee in this process. In particular, Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97, as amended by Regulation (EU) No 1175/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council, states that the Economic and Financial Committee, the Economic Policy Committee, the Employment Committee and the Social Protection Committee shall be consulted within the framework of the European Semester, where appropriate. Moreover, Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council states that the in-depth reviews should take into account, where appropriate, Council recommendations or invitations addressed to Member States, and that a corrective action plan for any Member States for which an excessive imbalance procedure is opened shall take into account the social impact of the policy actions and shall be consistent with the broad economic policy guidelines and the national employment guidelines. Therefore, the decision establishing the Committee should reflect its role within the European Semester.
Amendment 1 #
2015/0801(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Part III, Title IX of the Treaty on Functioning of the European Union establishes the procedures by which Member States and the Union should work towards developing a coordinated strategy for employment and particularly for promoting a skilled, and trained and adaptable workforce and labour markets responsive to economic change; that Title provides for the establishment of an Employment Committee with advisory status (‘the Committee’);
Amendment 2 #
2015/0801(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The decision establishing the Committee should reflect the development of the European Semester and the role of the Committee in this process. In particular, Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97, as amended by Regulation (EU) No 1175/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council, states that the Economic and Financial Committee, the Economic Policy Committee, the Employment Committee and the Social Protection Committee shall be consulted within the framework of the European Semester where appropriate; Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council states that the in-depth reviews should take into account of, where appropriate, Council recommendations or invitations addressed to Member States, and that a corrective action plan for any Member States for which an excessive imbalance procedure is opened shall take into account the social and financial impact of the policy actions and shall be consistent with the broad economic policy guidelines and the employment guidelines. Therefore, the decision establishing the Committee should reflect its role within the European Semester;
Amendment 138 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 2 – paragraph 1
Member States should promote productivity and employability through an appropriate supply of relevant knowledge and skills. Member States should make the necessary investments in education and vocational training systems while improving their effectiveness and efficiency to raise the skill level of the workforce, allowing it to better anticipate and meet the rapidly changing needs of dynamic labour markets in an increasingly digital economy. Member States should step up efforts to improve access to quality adult learning for all and, in compliance with the previously adopted EU strategy, implement active ageing strategies to enable healthy and longer working lives.
Amendment 139 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 2 – paragraph 1
Member States should promote productivity and employability through an appropriate supply of relevant knowledge and skills. Member States should make the necessary investments in education and vocational training systems while improving their effectiveness and efficiency to raise the skill level of the workforce, allowing it to better anticipate and meet the rapidly changing needs of dynamic labour markets in an increasingly digital economy. Member States should step up efforts to improve access to quality adult learning for all and implement active ageing strategies to enable healthy and longer working lives.
Amendment 163 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 2 – paragraph 4
Barriers to labour market participation should be reduced, especially for women, older workers, young people, the disabled and legal migrants. For these groups, too, a comprehensive approach should be taken to tackling unemployment, including by ensuring that the relevant institutions have the necessary funding. Gender equality including equal pay must be ensured in the labour market as well as access to affordable quality early childhood education and care.
Amendment 237 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 4 – paragraph 3
The pension systems should be reformed in order to secure their sustainability and adequacy for women and men in a context of increasing longevity and demographic change, including by linking statutory retirement ages to life expectancy, by increasing effective retirement ages, and by developing complementary retirement savings.
Amendment 6 #
2015/0026(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In order to address the budgetary constraints faced by Member States at the initial stage of the programming period and, taking into account the urgent need to address youth unemployment and the specific features of the YEI, it is appropriate to lay down provisions in order to complement Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, with a view to increase the level of the initial pre-financing paid to operational programmes supported by the YEI in 2015. To ensure that Member States have sufficient means to provide payments to beneficiaries responsible for the implementation of operations that target youth unemployment, an additional initial pre-financing amount from the specific allocation for the YEI should be paid in 2015 for operational programmes supported by the YEI, in order to complement the pre-financing amounts paid in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013. In order to enable a prompt implementation of the operational programmes supported by the YEI, the Commission should commit itself to pay the pre-financing amount to the Member States immediately after the entry into force of this Regulation.
Amendment 8 #
2015/0026(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) To ensure that the additional initial pre- financing amount is used for the immediate implementation of the YEI, it should be foreseen that this amount is reimbursed to the Commission, if the Union contribution from the YEI does not amount to an adequate level in interim payment applications submitted to the Commission 12 months after the entry into force of this Regulation. This measure is a safeguard to ensure that eligible Member States set up the required structures to promptly implement the YEI. Member State action is urgently needed to deliver on the YEI and combat alarming levels of youth unemployment.
Amendment 67 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The purpose of the EFSI should be to help resolve the difficulties in financing and implementing productive investments in the Union and to ensure increased access to financing. It is intended that increased access to financing should be of particular benefit to small and medium enterprises. It is also appropriate to extend the benefit of such increased access to financing to mid- cap companies, which are companies having up to 3000 employees. Overcoming Europe's current investment difficulties should contribute to strengthening the Union's economic, social, political and territorial cohesion.
Amendment 75 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The purpose of the EFSI should be to help resolve the difficulties in financing and implementing productive investments in the Union and to ensure increased access to financing, and to support job creation. It is intended that increased access to financing should be of particular benefit to small and medium enterprises. It is also appropriate to extend the benefit of such increased access to financing to mid- cap companies, which are companies having up to 3000 employees. Overcoming Europe's current investment difficulties should contribute to strengthening the Union's economic, social and territorial cohesion.
Amendment 107 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The EFSI should target projects delivering high societal and economic value. In particular, the EFSI should target projects that promote job creation with particular focus on youth and long-term employment, long- term growth and competitiveness. The EFSI should support a wide range of financial products, including equity, debt or guarantees, to best accommodate the needs of the individual project. This wide range of products should allow the EFSI to adapt to market needs whilst encouraging private investment in the projects. The EFSI should not be a substitute for private market finance but should instead catalyse private finance by addressing market failures so as to ensure the most effective and strategic use of public money. The requirement for consistency with State aid principles should contribute to such effective and strategic use.
Amendment 148 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) Decisions on the use of the EFSI support for infrastructure and large mid- cap projects should be made by an Investment Committee. The Investment Committee should be composed of independent experts who can identify projects offering the greatest potential for resolving Europe’s major social and economic problems and are knowledgeable and experienced in the areas of investment projects. The Investment Committee should be accountable to a Steering Board of the EFSI, who should supervise the fulfilment of the EFSI's objectives. To effectively benefit from the experience of the EIF, the EFSI should support funding to the EIF to allow the EIF to undertake individual projects in the areas of small and medium enterprises and small mid-cap companies.
Amendment 173 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) The EIB should regularly evaluate activities supported by the EFSI with a view to assessing their relevance, performance and impact, notably as regards their social and economic impact, paying particular attention to job creation, and to identifying aspects that could improve future activities. Such evaluations should contribute to accountability and analysis of sustainability.
Amendment 198 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) To ensure accountability to European citizens, the EIB should regularly report to the European Parliament and the Council on the progress and impact of the EFSIreal social and economic impact of the EFSI, paying particular attention to job creation.
Amendment 252 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
No decision of the Steering Board shall be adopted if the Commission or the EIB votes against it. When this occurs, the reasons for the vote against shall be stated before the members of the Board.
Amendment 264 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
The Investment Committee shall be composed of six independent experts and the Managing Director. Independent experts shall have a high level of relevant market experience in project finance and be able to identify those projects which are more likely to be able to solve major social and economic problems. The experts shall be appointed by the Steering Board for a renewable fixed term of threone years.
Amendment 354 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 5
Article 12 – paragraph 5
5. At the latest [PO insert date three years after the entry into force of this Regulation], the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council a comprehensive quality assessment to evaluate the true socio- economic effect of this special strategic plan on the application of this Regulation accompanied by any relevant proposal.
Amendment 6 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
– having regard to the work currently undertaken by the UN Working Group on Ageing towards a Convention on the protection of the rights of older people,
Amendment 39 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas there are some 125,000 occupational pension funds operating across the EU, holding assets worth €2.5 trillion on behalf of around 75 million Europeans, which represents 20% of the EU's working-age population;
Amendment 42 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas older women represent 20% of the EU's population and this percentage will continue to increase according to the current demographic trends; in most EU countries older women have higher risk poverty rate than older men, on average 21% for women and 16% for men; whereas the gender pension gap in the EU is 39 %;
Amendment 51 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that reliable statistics on the situation of older people and demographic changes are needed to develop better targeted and effective active ageing strategies; calls on the Commission to ensure comprehensive high-quality data collection on the societal status of older people, their health, rights and standard of living;
Amendment 73 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on the Member States to ensure affordable, accessible and non- discriminatory health care and to prioritize prevention in their health care policies; invites the European Commission to analyse the affordability of health care for older people, collect data on waiting times in health care systems across the EU and to propose guidelines for maximum waiting times;
Amendment 76 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Takes the view that a European strategy on dementia needs to be developed, which should include measures for assistance to the families of the patients, information campaigns, awareness raising and exchange of best practices between Member States;
Amendment 94 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Considers it regrettable that older workerpersons are still often exposed to age discrimination, stereotypes and barriers; calls on the Member States, therefore, to correctly implement Directive 2000/78/EC on equal treatment in employment and occupation; welcomes the European Commission push to adopt the long- awaited Equal Treatment Directive, blocked in Council since 2008 and calls on the Member States to proceed with its adoption by the end of the year;
Amendment 118 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Member States to use available ESF, ESIF, EaSI funding for financial assistance to self-help programmes of organisations of older people who are sharing their energy, knowledge, experiences and wisdom with each other and helping people in need, thereby contributing to active and healthy ageing, and living independently for a longer time;
Amendment 157 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Calls on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to adopt a positive position at the UN Open-Ended Working Group on ageing to ensure older citizens can fully enjoy their human rights; invites the Commission to closely cooperate with the UN Independent Expert on the Rights of Older Persons and with older people´s representative organizations in the EU;
Amendment 165 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls on the Member States to guarantee individual and adequate pension rights for all to ensure a dignified life in old age– including those with justified career breaks, mainly women;
Amendment 166 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Stresses the importance of adequate supervision and independent audits of the occupational pension funds for safe and sustainable pensions;
Amendment 173 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Believes that a UN Convention to protect the rights of older persons will improve the lives of older persons by guaranteeing them equal access to political, economic, health care and cultural rights and would represent an important platform to create an attitude shift towards ageing globally;
Amendment 175 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Regrets that the European Commission has not yet addressed age inequalities in the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Disability Strategy; calls therefore on the European Commission to raise awareness and address age discrimination of the rights of older persons with disabilities and ensure that the UNCRPD application does not leave older people behind;
Amendment 181 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses the importance of volunteering, which promotes intercultural learning and intergenerational solidarity, fosters active ageing and lifelong civic participation, and enables older people to make a contribution to society and earn recognition, thereby improving their quality of life, well-being and general state of health. In this context regrets the discontinuation of the Grundtvig programme which supported older volunteers;
Amendment 119 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the manifestations of extreme nationalism, racism, xenophobia and intolerance have not yet disappeared from our communities; on the contrary, especially after the recent terrorist attacks they appear to be on the rise in many Member States which affects traditional minorities and new national minority communities as well;
Amendment 139 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas article 22 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union obliges the Union to "respect cultural, religious and linguistic diversity",
Amendment 148 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
Gb. whereas fundamental freedoms, human rights and equal opportunities shall be provided for all citizens of the European Union including persons belonging to national and linguistic minorities;
Amendment 322 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on promoting understanding, acceptance and tolerance between the different national communities in the Member States through the principles of equality, non-discrimination and respect for diversity; calls on particularly the condemnation of hate speech and all forms of aggression;
Amendment 402 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Deplores the fact that even today people belonging to minorities are still victims of discrimination; calls for more consistency of the European Union in the field of minority protection; strongly believes that all Member States as well as candidate countries shall be bound by the same principles and criteria in order to avoid the application of double standards; Calls therefore, as a part of resolving the so- called Copenhagen dilemma, for the establishment of an effective mechanism to monitor and ensure fundamental and acquired rights of national and linguistic minorities both in candidate countries and in countries already admitted to the European Union;
Amendment 7 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
- having in mind one of the priorities of the European Council conclusions of 26- 27 June 2014 to help develop skills, and unlock talent and life changes for all by promoting the right skills for the modern economy and lifelong learning;
Amendment 9 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 b (new)
Citation 6 b (new)
- having regard to the European Parliament legislative resolution of 29 April 2015 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 1304/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council on the European Social Fund, as regards an increase of the initial pre-financing amount paid to operational programmes supported by the Youth Employment Initiative;
Amendment 69 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Emphasises that labour market shortages are to be considered as a sustained market disequilibrium between supply and demand in which the quantity of workers demanded exceeds the supply available and willing to work at a particular wage and working conditions at a particular place and point in time; (This should go before para 4, right after the subtitle)
Amendment 71 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Notes that even if the labour supply is sufficient to match the labour demand, there might still be qualitative shortages as those looking for work may not be suitable for the open position, as a result of a mismatch between sectors, occupations or skills´ requirements; (This should follow 4a)
Amendment 83 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Points that Europe has 24 million unemployed people, including 7,5 million NEETs, and on the other side 2 million vacancies and that the European companies are affected by a huge lack of the skilled people and labour force with transferable skills;
Amendment 120 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses the importance of human development, career flexibility and self- responsibility; recalls in this respect that investment is needed to actively support employability and adaptability and prevent skills depletion among the unemployed; emphasises that such measures should be combined with reforms in pension and social welfare systems that encourage more people to work, so as to extend protection and provide comparable access to workers regardless of their type of contract, for example by increasing portability of rights from one contract to the next;
Amendment 140 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls the importance of the mobility of workers, geographically and across sectors, for a competitive labour market, and stresses the need to reduce the administrative and linguistic barriers that are liable to restrain it; encourages raising of awareness of and further improvement of the EU-wide EURES job portal as well as the importance of enhanced cooperation among national PES and the future inclusion of private employment services to EURES network;
Amendment 141 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 10 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Reiterates that a big economic potential of women has to be unlocked in Europe and it is necessary to create appropriate conditions for women to progress in their career and pursue higher positions in companies or start their own businesses;
Amendment 152 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Believes that, in order to anticipate future skills needs, labour market stakeholders, including employers' and employees' organisations , have to be strongly involved at all levels, in particular in designing and implementing vocational qualification programmes, which provide an effective transition from formal education to work-based learning;
Amendment 157 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses the importance of partnerships and trust between universities, businesses and authorities with a view to estimating labour needs for the future, as well as fostering cooperation between Member States in this regard; reminds that at the same time social responsibility of all stakeholders is needed;
Amendment 170 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls the need to strive for a more flexible approach to individual career development and lifelong education and training across one's personal career path, and recognizes the role that both public and private parties can play in providing this;
Amendment 172 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Notes that the European policies for Lifelong Guidance have shown considerable impact on national guidance policies and that effective lifelong guidance requires programmes in a cross- cutting perspective at all levels;
Amendment 179 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Believes that training and re- qualification programs for the unemployed should be designed and implemented in close cooperation with employers' associations as well private and public employment services, with a view to better aligning workers' new skills with the future needs of employers;
Amendment 188 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls that it is of utmost importance to give guidance and counselling to jobseekers in how to look for a job and recognises the role that businesses and private employment services can play to provide this, and to ensure that their skills aretransferable and recognised through ‘'competences passports' reflecting the skills acquired through both formal and informal learning;
Amendment 197 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Believes that dual vocational training and dualsimilar work-based learning systems should be given more consideration, as they tend to favour integration into the labour market and smoother transition from education to work and they have proved to be effective in fostering youth employment;
Amendment 210 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Welcomes the EC initiative of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) which aims to bring together public authorities, businesses, social partners, VET providers, youth representatives, and other key actors in order to promote apprenticeship schemes and initiatives across Europe;
Amendment 213 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses the importance of career orientation and work experience through individual assessment and career advice provided by highly qualified employment counsellors with experience of their local and national and EU labour market;
Amendment 223 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Believes that close and systematic partnerships are needed at local, regional, national level between governments and employers' and employees' representatives, including public and private employment services, in order to find the best ways of tackling the problem of skill mismatches in all its dimensions, and calls on Member States to promote such cooperation;
Amendment 242 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. RecCalls the impfort ance of the mobility of effective economic migration of the highly skilled workers from third countries in the light of the demographic challenges and labour market shortages;
Amendment 256 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Stresses the need to exchange best practices between Member States, as well as to compare and measure their effectiveness, in particular in relation to dual learning and vocational education and training, while acknowledging the specificities of each labour market and education system;
Amendment 274 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Underlines the importance of support measures for SMEs and micro-enterprises, in order to reduce the administrative and financial barriers to their establishment and operation as well as facilitatingthe necessity to embed and act upon the principle of better regulation and to facilitate the hiring of qualified labour and training of employees;
Amendment 302 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Highlights the job creation potential offered by completing the digital single market, building the energy union, creating jobs through investing in research and development and innovation, and fostering improved transport networks;
Amendment 305 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Supports the European Commission´s initiative in cooperation with the Trio Presidency to promote an entrepreneurial mindset in Europe and develop transferable skills for life;
Amendment 312 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Stresses the importance of special measures and support for employers, in particular SMEs, to encourage them to hire young people for their first job and ensure their in-houwork-based training, as also for older workers; recognises and supports the role of public as well as private employment services in promoting inclusive and competitive labour markets; recalls the importance of social and economic responsibility on the part of employers and educational institutions towards all employees and towards society; believes that such social responsibility should also be required of institutions responsible for education and training;
Amendment 316 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. Recognises the challenges young people face when entering the labour market, recalls the importance to obtain first work experiences during studies to gain employability skills and to make the transition from school to work more efficient and effective; calls on the responsibility of employers in this regard as to provide young people with the possibility to obtain such experiences, further emphasises the importance of cooperation between schools and employers in this respect;
Amendment 324 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to consider innovative ways to encourage investment in the EU in order to boost growth and jobs; further emphasises the importance for the Member States to implement economic and financial measures and to carry out labour market reforms which are based on clear, data-based and measurable indicators which effectiveness can be proved;
Amendment 335 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Calls on the Member States to learn from best practices that deliver lower unemployment rates and undertake more ambitious reforms which draw on those practices, including comparing and measuring the effectiveness of such practices, and ensuring the right balance between adaptability and security for workers and companies, as well as promoting diversity in the forms of employment that are available on the labour market;
Amendment 346 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls on the Member States to include leadership, management, entrepreneurial and financial education and business start- up advice inas part of their education programmes, including lifelong learning strategies, and to prioritise the further development of vocational training and education (VET) programmes, including financial and non-financial incentives for companies, in cooperation with employers;
Amendment 351 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Calls on the Member States to support the close and systematic involvement of labour market stakeholders, including employers' and employees' organisations, at local, regional and national level as well as public and private employment services, at local, regional and national level, including facilitating communication and sharing of information between them, in order to foster closer links between education and training and the workplace and to anticipate and plan for future skills needs;
Amendment 354 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide financial and economic structurincentives that support participation in continuous education and training in order to secure a high skilled future workforce; recommends to base such incentives on measurable and data- based indicators which effectiveness can be proved;
Amendment 361 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35 a. Calls on the Member States and the EU to take concrete steps towards full recognition of qualifications across the EU;
Amendment 2 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
- having regard to the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism of 23 September 2014 (A/69/375)1a, __________________ 1ahttp://daccess-dds- ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N14/545/19/ PDF/N1454519.pdf?OpenElement
Amendment 3 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 b (new)
Citation 6 b (new)
- having regard to the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of expression and opinion of 17 April 2013 (A/HRC/23/40) on the implications of states' surveillance of communications on the exercise of the human rights to privacy and to freedom of opinion and expression,
Amendment 18 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the context in which ICTs are designed and used determines, to a great extent, the impact they can have as a force to advance or to violate human rights, information technology, especially software is rarely single-use and usually dual-use as far as their potential to violate human rights is concerned, while software also is a form of speech;
Amendment 20 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the assessment of the context is determined by the strength of national and regional legal frameworks to regulate the use of technologies and the ability of political and judicial institutions to oversee such use;
Amendment 21 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas in the digital domain, private actors play an increasingly significant role in all spheres of social activities, but safeguards are still not in place to prevent them from imposing excessive restrictions on fundamental rights and freedoms; as a result, private actors play a more active role in assessing the legality of content and in developing cyber security systems and surveillance systems, which can have a detrimental impact on human rights all over the world;
Amendment 23 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas encryption is an important method that helps to secure communications and the people using them;
Amendment 24 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas internet governance has benefitted from a multistakeholder decision making model; a process ensuring meaningful, inclusive and accountable participation of all stakeholders, governments, civil society, technical and academic communities, private sector, and users;
Amendment 25 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
Ec. whereas intelligence agencies have systematically undermined cryptographic protocols and products in order to be able to intercept; whereas the US National Security Agency has collected vast numbers of so called 'zero-day exploits' – IT security vulnerabilities that are not yet known to the public or the product vendor; whereas such activities undermine global efforts to improve IT security;
Amendment 26 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Ed. whereas EU-based intelligence services have engaged in activities that harm human rights;
Amendment 27 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E e (new)
Recital E e (new)
Ee. whereas in light of rapid technological developments, judicial and democratic oversight and safeguards are largely underdeveloped;
Amendment 47 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that the role of ICTimpact of technologies on the improvement of human rights should be mainstreamed in all EU policies and programmes to advance human rights protection;
Amendment 50 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for the active development and dissemination of technologies that help protect human rights and facilitate people´s digital freedoms and securityrights and freedoms as well as their security, along with promoting best practices and appropriate legislative frameworks;
Amendment 53 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the EU to increase its support for actors, those who work on strengthening security and privacy protection standards in ICTs on all levels, including hardware, software and communication standards as well as the development of the hardware and software in privacy-by-design frameworks;
Amendment 54 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls for a human rights and technology fund to be established under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights;
Amendment 55 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Urges the EU itself, and in particular the EEAS, to use encryption in its communications with human rights defenders, to avoid putting defenders at risk and to protect its own communications with outsiders from surveillance;
Amendment 56 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Calls on the EU to adopt free and open source software as well as to encourage other actors to do so, as such software provides for better security and for greater respect for human rights;
Amendment 75 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for the inclusion of conditionality clauses in all agreements with third countries which explicitly refer to the need to guarantee and respect digital freedoms, net neutrality and unrestricted access to the internet;
Amendment 78 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Urges the EU to counter the criminalisation of human rights defenders' use of encryption, censorship- bypassing and privacy tools, by refusing to limit the use of encryption within the EU and challenge third country governments which use such charges against defenders;
Amendment 82 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that an effective EU development and human rights policy will require the mainstreaming of ICTs and the bridging of the digital divide, by providing basic technological infrastructure and by facilitating access to knowledge and information to promote digital literacy and the use of open standards in documents as well as the use of free and open source software (especially by public institutions) all over the world;
Amendment 106 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Urges Member States to promote full democratic scrutiny over the operations of intelligence services in third countries, and that these services operate in full respect of the rule of law, and to hold to account those who are responsible for operating in unlawful ways;
Amendment 110 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that corporate social responsibility principles and human rights by design criteria, which are technological solutions and innovations protecting human rights, should be adopted in EU law to ensure that internet service providers, software developers, hardware producers, social networking services/media, mobile phone carriers and others consider the human rights of end- users globally;
Amendment 112 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Urges the EU to ensure greater transparency in the relationship between mobile phone carriers or ISPs and governments, and to call for it in its relations with third countries, by demanding that carriers and ISPs publish yearly detailed transparency reports, including reports on requested actions by authorities, as well as financial ties between public authorities and carriers/ISPs;
Amendment 118 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Urges the Commission, in this respect, to swiftly to put forward a proposal for smart and effective policies to regulate the export of services regarding the implementation and use of so-called dual- use technologies, addressing potentially harmful exports of ICT products and services to third countries, as agreed in the Joint Statement of the European Parliament, Council and Commission of April 2014;
Amendment 121 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses that the Commission should swiftly be able to swiftly and accurately provide companies that are in doubt as to whether to apply for an export licence with up-to- date information on the legality or potentially harmful effects of potential transactions;
Amendment 123 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission to submit proposals to review how EU standards on ICTs could be used to prevent the potentially harmful impacts of the export of such technologies or other services to third countries where concepts such as ‘lawful interception’ have different implicatcannot be considered equivalent to those of the European Unions, or for example where the rule of law does not exist;
Amendment 126 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Reaffirms that EU standards, particularly the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, should prevail when assessing incidents when dual-use technologies are used in a way that may restrict human rights;
Amendment 127 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for the development of policies to regulate the sales of zero-day exploits to avoid their being used for cyber-attacks or for unauthorised access to devices leading to human rights violations without such regulations having a meaningful impact on academic and otherwise bona fide security research;
Amendment 133 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Deplores the active involvement of certain European companies, and of international companies which trade dual- use technologies with potential detrimental effects on human rights while operating in the EU, in countries violating human rights;
Amendment 142 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission and Council to actively to defend the open internet, multi- stakeholder decision-making procedures, net neutrality and digital freedoms in internet governance fora;
Amendment 146 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Condemns the weakening and undermining of encryption protocols and products, particularly by intelligence services who wish to intercept communications that are encrypted;
Amendment 147 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Warns against the privatization of law enforcement through internet companies and internet service providers;
Amendment 148 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Calls for a clarification of norms and standards that private actors use to develop their systems;
Amendment 149 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 d (new)
Paragraph 20 d (new)
20d. Recalls the importance of assessing the context within which technologies are used, in order to fully appreciate their human rights impact;
Amendment 150 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 e (new)
Paragraph 20 e (new)
20e. Explicitly calls for promoting tools enabling the anonymous and/or pseudonymous use of the internet and to challenge the one-sided view that such tools are allowing criminal activities, rather than empowering human rights activists beyond and within the EU;
Amendment 151 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 f (new)
Paragraph 20 f (new)
20f. Urges the Council, the Commission and the External Action Service to develop smart and effective policies to regulate the export of dual-use technologies, addressing potentially harmful exports of ICT products and services, at international level within multilateral export control regimes and other international bodies;
Amendment 152 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 g (new)
Paragraph 20 g (new)
20g. Stresses that any regulatory changes aimed at increasing the effectiveness of export controls vis-à-vis Intangible Technology Transfers must not inhibit legitimate research and access to and exchange of information, and that any potential measures such as the use of EU General Export Authorisations for dual- use research should not have a 'chilling effect' upon individuals and SMEs;
Amendment 153 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 h (new)
Paragraph 20 h (new)
20h. Calls on Member States to ensure that existing and future export control policies do not restrict the activities of legitimate security researchers, and that export controls are applied in good faith to only clearly defined technologies intended to be used for mass surveillance, censorship, jamming, interception, monitoring, and the tracing and tracking of citizens and their activities on (mobile) telephone networks;
Amendment 154 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 i (new)
Paragraph 20 i (new)
20i. Recalls that mesh-based ad hoc wireless technologies offer a high potential to provide for backup networks in areas where the internet is unavailable or blocked, and can help the advancement of human rights;
Amendment 155 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 j (new)
Paragraph 20 j (new)
20j. Calls on the Commission to appoint an independent group of experts who can perform a human rights impact assessment on existing EU standards for ICTs, with the goal of making recommendations for adjustments that will increase the protection of human rights, particularly when systems are exported;
Amendment 159 #
2014/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines the need to avoid unintended consequences such as restrictions or chilling effects on research, on the exchange of and access to information or on the export of technologies that are in the interest of advancing human rights;
Amendment 47 #
2014/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that in order to sustain and further develop EED effectiveness it is vital to ensure long-term, sufficient, stable, transparent and predictable funding;
Amendment 1 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
- having regard to the Report on the Role of Local and Regional Authorities in Managing Migration in the Mediterranean of 15 December 2014 of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM),
Amendment 3 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
- having regard to the Opinion on EU Support for Sustainable Change in Transition Societies of 11/12 April 2013 of the European Committee of the Regions,
Amendment 5 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19 a (new)
Citation 19 a (new)
- having regard to the conclusions of the meeting of 23 March 2015 in Brussels of Libyan municipality representatives, convened by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and hosted by the European Union,
Amendment 57 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 b (new)
Citation 27 b (new)
- whereas the so-called "democratic clause", contained usually in article 2 of most of the Agreements signed between the EU and third countries, gives the EU a strategic tool to demand for solutions to conflicts in which human rights are not fully respected; whereas the EU has not deeply developed this possibility;
Amendment 116 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes the allocation of EUR one billion under the EU strategy entitled 'Elements of an EU Regional Strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the Da'esh threat' , under which EUR 400 million has been earmarked for humanitarian aid; calls for special attention to be given to Jordan and, Lebanon and Syria; is concerned that, as a result of extreme poverty and deprivation, refugee camps may become a hotbed of radicalisation; welcomes the funds for host populations under the new strategy and under the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP); invites international organizations (UN, LAS) to guarantee the necessary security in refugee camps in Syria through deployment of neutral troops;
Amendment 123 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the involvement of the countries of the Arab Peninsula in the international coalition against ISIS; urges their governments to redouble their efforts to prevent the financing of international terrorism, for example through including increased surveillance of waqfs and private donors; stresses the urgent need to introduce an efficient system of penalties coordinated with the LAS, the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) and the GCC, so as to put an end to ISIS financing by the Arab world; stresses also the urgent need for a decryption system to deal with clandestine oil sales by ISIS and to put strict sanctions to those institutions, companies and/or individuals directly or indirectly involved in commercialization (import and export), financing and oil trafficking;
Amendment 136 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the importance of long-term strategic dialogue with the LAS, OIC and GCC; welcomes in this regard the declaration adopted in Athens on 11 June 2014 and the memorandum of understanding of January 2015 and calls for their full implementation; stresses the crucial importance of the regular organisation of summits between the EU and LAS, OIC, and GCC; stresses the central role to be played by the LAS, OIC and GCC in terms of crisis resolution; is convinced that these crises highlight the need for the LAS, OIC and GCC to be transformed by its members into a fully- fledged executive body genuinely capable of taking binding decisions;
Amendment 165 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls the need to put in place the conditions for a resumption of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority for a lastingdefinitive settlement of the conflict based on a solution enabling both countries to live side by side in peace and security over the borders of 1967; welcomes the 2002 peace initiatives and calls on Israel and the LAS countries to put them into effect; calls on international donors to honour the commitments made by them at the Cairo Conference of October 2014; establishes that Israel must put an end to occupation initiated nearly half a century ago; consequently, the end to occupation must take place by the end of 2016;
Amendment 184 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Expresses full support for a new common security and defence policy (CSDP) to promote stability and security in the MENA countries; points out that the EU could play a major role in providing specific training in border surveillance, illegal immigration, anti-terrorism and the prevention of arms’ trafficking and in overhauling security;
Amendment 200 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls the crucial importance of promoting improved cooperation between the EU Member States and the MENA countries in combating terrorism and organized crime; calls for closer cooperation with the Europol and Interpol countries, providing them with assistance in developing the necessary anti- terrorist structures and resources;
Amendment 211 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses the urgent need for a political solution to the conflict in Syria, taking due account of the moderate opposition existing alongside the Syrian National Council and streexcluding thening the moderate Sunni components; points out that no democratic solution in line with the fundamental principles of the Union can be negotiated with Bachar Al-Assad, following the massacres perpetrated by him terrorist elements like Daesh and its allies; points out that there is no military solution, but only political;
Amendment 230 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses the need for the Iraqi Government to continue to promote the sharing of political responsibilities, power and oil profits, encompassing all religious and ethnic communities in that country; calls for this to be made an essential condition for implementation of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Iraq; calls on the EU to contribute to capacity building byreinforce political and military capacities of the Iraqi Government;
Amendment 261 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Admits that territorial and social division in Libya will only be solved by a peace and unity agreement between all the actors involved in the conflict, which requires their identification and inclusion around a peace and reconciliation table;
Amendment 262 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Understands that the situation in the South of Libya is of extreme gravity, as it is an area controlled by tribal militia, criminal bands and terrorists, open to all means of trafficking that acts as a platform for organized crime and terrorist groups;
Amendment 284 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Strongly believes that the development of local democracy and effective local governance is crucial to the stabilisation of MENA countries, and therefore calls for the institutionalisation and capacity development of associations of local and regional authorities in MENA countries;
Amendment 298 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses the need to develop an effective common European response by all Member States to jihadist propaganda, involving Europe's local authorities, and working with communities of European citizens who have strong cultural ties with MENA countries; underlines the need to send a positive message regarding relations between the European Union and the MENA countries and cooperation between them; stresses the need to ensure much greater visibility for EU initiatives in the region than is now the case;
Amendment 335 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Recalls that 2015 is the European Year for Development which aims to inspire more Europeans to get involved in the eradication of poverty worldwide, and which coincides with the international community's plans to agree a set of Sustainable Development Goals; calls on public authorities at all levels of government in MENA countries to make the achievement of these goals a priority;
Amendment 340 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. takes the view that no economic or social progress will exist without knowledge and culture, and no knowledge and culture will exist without liberty and free access to knowledge sources; thus, requires from the Authorities of the Southern neighbourhood countries to act in consequence;
Amendment 361 #
2014/2229(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the European Committee of the Regions, the governments and parliaments of all the EU Member States, the LAS and UfM Secretaries-General and the governments and parliaments of their member countries.
Amendment 20 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that trade policy is an essential part of the EU's external action and as such, must be formulated in a way that is in line with other foreign policies and policy instruments; encourages therefore a close interaction between relevant commissioners, Directorates General, the European External Action Service and the Member States;
Amendment 34 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the TTIP's strategic importance in strengthening and shaping rules-based global trade and economic governance basfounded on the values shared by the EU and the US, particularly in an increasingly multipolar world; notes that its impact would go beyond the bilateral implications by facilitating the establishment of common regulations and rules that could later be adopted at global level; stresses in this regard that bilateral negotiations that the EU conducts must not be a substitute but rather a spring board for further trade liberalisation within the WTO;
Amendment 44 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Emphasises that TTIP must not lower standards on important issues like consumer protection, labour rights or environment, but rather seek to achieve high common standards as a model for the world, as this would strengthen the EU's global economic position, while furthering our values;
Amendment 57 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes that studies indicate TTIP would have a positive impact for third country economies, including developing countries; stresses that trade and development policy are interlinked and must be shaped in a coherent way;
Amendment 58 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on the Commission and the United States to find a way to more actively involve third countries that would be (indirectly) impacted by TTIP, such as Mexico because of the North American Free Trade Agreement and Turkey because of its Customs Union with the EU;
Amendment 69 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the EU's energy supply largely depends on foreign sources; emphasises the considerable contribution the TTIP could make to the EU's energy supply diversification and to its energy security by, inter alia, lifting licensing requirements for US gas exports; stresses that diversification of fossil fuel sources cannot be a substitute for a strong and ambitious sustainable energy policy, through which the EU should pursue true energy independence;
Amendment 86 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that this agreement should be accompanied by a deepening of transatlantic parliamentary cooperation, and that the strengthening of trade and investment links through the TTIP should lead in the future to an enhanced political framework to improve global cooperation between the EU and the US; stresses that any instruments created to strengthen cooperation should not affect the European or American legislative procedures and that all legislators and all stakeholders must always be involved in any body that may be created to promote future regulatory cooperation;
Amendment 78 #
2014/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Considers that an evaluation of the efficiency of the 17 ongoing European Missions abroad should be done and those that were designed totally or partially for an impossible operational end, should be suspended or reduced;
Amendment 92 #
2014/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Given that Union missions both civilian (EUCAP) and military (EUTM) are focusing on training, asks whether a structural policy for putting such missions on a long-term footing with efficient mandates and objectives that adequate the situation they are confronting, with the provision of financial and equipment assistance, ought not to be introduced; considers that such a new policy, as part of the Union’s cooperation and development efforts, would be a means of furthering the work being done under the ‘Train and Equip’ and ’E2I’ initiatives which aim to build the capabilities of third countries (in terms of equipment, materiel, infrastructure and salaries) so that their armed forces are properly operational;
Amendment 9 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Points to the dramatically aggravated security environment around the EU, where the international law-based order and stability and security of Europe are challenged to a degree unprecedented since the beginning of European integrationperiod since the late 1990s when the ESDP/CSDP was established; points to the ongoing transformation of the global political order;
Amendment 20 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 1
Paragraph 3 – indent 1
– safeguarding peace and stability by speaking with one voice and taking solidarity actions in protecting European values and enforcing the political and legal order in Europe, thereby safeguarding peace and stability,
Amendment 34 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 2
Paragraph 3 – indent 2
– improving the EU’s contribution to its territorial defence,
Amendment 44 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 3
Paragraph 3 – indent 3
– supporting security, stabilisation and the rule of law in the EU’s eastern and southern neighbourhood,
Amendment 46 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 3 a (new)
- taking a main role in the resolution of conflicts in Europe and in areas of its strategic interest,
Amendment 54 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4
Paragraph 3 – indent 4
– strengthening, together with partners, the rules-based, democratic and pluralistic global political and economic order, including the protection of human rights, and
Amendment 67 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that an ambitious and effective EU foreign policy needs to be based on acommon European values and shared vision of key European interests, values and objectives in external relations and on a common perception of the threats affecting the EU as a whole; welcomes the commitment of the HR/VP, on the basis of the mandate from the European Council of December 2013, to initiate as a matter of priority a process of strategic reflection on the EU’s foreign and security policy, which should involve a wide range of stakeholders, including Member States, European institutions and the European public; insists that this reflection should lead to a new European Security Strategy in order to respond to the new threats and challenges;
Amendment 75 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Underlines the need for a common strategy to face significant new security threats, with the predominant one being terrorism inside and outside the EU; emphasises the need to intertwine internal and external security of EU as well as closer cooperation and coordination of the responsible authorities; calls for strengthening and deepening the cooperation among EU members on intelligence data exchange;
Amendment 104 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Encourages the EU institutions and the Member States to fully use the toolbox of the Lisbon Treaty to move from what has so far been a mostly reactive approach to a pro-active, coherent EU foreign and security policy, based on common values and deployed in the shared European interest;
Amendment 120 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates that the internal structures of the EEAS need to be reformed so as to enable it to assist the HR/VP in all her roles and to enable her to advance strategic planning and coordinate political processes within the Council and the Commission; insists on the need to rationalise the EEAS top management structure and to streamline decision-making processes; reiterates its call for closer integration of the EU Special Representatives into the EEAS, including through a transfer of their budget from the CFSP operational budget into the EEAS budget;
Amendment 142 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Underlines the vital importance of collective defence guaranteed by NATO for its members; urges the Member States, as a matter of urgency,stresses that the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) should be deepened further in cooperation with NATO; urges the Member States to step up their ability to contribute to territorial defence, commit morethe necessary resources and cooperate more closely to build synergies towards European military structure; stresses that all the Member States must enjoy the same level of security, in line with Article 42(7) TEU; stresses that a credible EU foreign policy needs to be underpinned by adequate defence capabilities in the Member States and an effective Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP); takes the view that the CSDP is an important component of European defence and can contribute to it in many ways, including by fostering defence cooperation, enhancing interoperability and increasing efficiency; welcomes the HR/VP’s commitment to actively engage on defence matters, including by chairing meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council in the Defence Ministers configuration;
Amendment 209 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for a reform of the EU’s approach torenewed and coherent EU migration policy; insists on the need to address the root causes of irregular migration, using all policy and assistance instruments provided by all member states which will share human and material means, including development and trade policies, humanitarian aid, conflict prevention and crisis management; reiterates its call to step up humanitarian support to countries which host refugees and to strengthen Regional Protection Programmes, run in collaboration with UNHCR close to regions of origin; stresses that migration management should be a high priority in EU cooperation with neighbours in the east and south;
Amendment 228 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Points out that energy is increasingly being used as a foreign policy tool and recalls that energy cooperation lies at the foundation of European integration; calls for increased coherence and coordination between foreign policy and energy policy; takes the view that energy security should be part of the comprehensive approach to the EU’s external action and believesis confident that energy policy must be in line with the Union’s other priority policies, including its security, foreign and neighbourhood, trade, and development policies, as well as its policies in defence of human rights;
Amendment 243 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Takes the view that a solidarity mechanism should be put in place in order to deal with possible energy disruptions; believesis confident that an interconnected energy infrastructure should be further developed and that efforts to diversify the EU’s energy supply should be accelerated in order to strengthen the energy independence of Member States;
Amendment 251 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Welcomes HR/VP Federica Mogherini’s cooperative attitude towards Parliament, aimed at strengthening her accountability to the institution; reiterates the need for systematic and proactive consultation with Parliament prior to the adoption of foreign policy strategies and CSDP mandates; asks the Council to finalise negotiations with Parliament on replacing the 2002 Interinstitutional Agreement concerning access by the European Parliament to sensitive information of the Council in the field of security and defence policy; is committed to intensifying cooperation with national parliaments, including within the Inter- Parliamentary Conference for the CFSP and the CSDP and COSAC, in order to be better prepared to control the respective resources;
Amendment 254 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Preserving and strengthening the European political and legal order, in the Eastern Neighbourhood in particular
Amendment 262 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Underlines the need to consolidate the EU and to strengthen its integration capacity, which is one of the Copenhagen criteria; reiterates the enlargement perspective for the countries of the Western Balkans, based on fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria; supports, in this connection, the Commission’s approach, which consists in addressing fundamental reforms in the area of the rule of law, public administration and economic governance early in the enlargement process; believes, likewise, that in instances where the Commission deems a candidate country´s level of alignment with the EU acquis satisfactory, accession negotiations should be opened or swiftly continued, according to the country´s stage in the process; highlights that this approach is crucial for preserving the credibility of the EU as a whole and of its enlargement policy in particular;
Amendment 265 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Takes the view that an overarching political strategy is needed, aimed at reinvigorating the European political and legal order, which was laid down with the Helsinki Final Act of 1975 and which binds all European states, including Russia; insists that this order is based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts; sees the development of a constructive dialogue with Russia on cooperation to strengthen this order as an important basis for peace and stability in Europe;
Amendment 295 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Welcomes the results of the parliamentary elections held in Ukraine and Moldova in October and December 2014 respectively, and urges the Governments of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine to progress with reforms relating to political and economic governance and the rule of law; calls on the HR/VP to use all available political, security and economic tools to provide comprehensive support to the Ukrainian, Georgian and Moldovan Governments on this path;
Amendment 317 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Emphasises the need for the EU and its Member States to speak with one voice vis-à-vis Russia; calls on the HR/VP to develop, as a matter of priority, a common EU strategy on Russia, aimed at securing a commitment from Russia on peace and stability in Europe; believes that a good relationship between Russia and the EU would beRussia on having good relations believing that a good relationship between Russia and the EU, based on comprehensive legal obligations covering all the main areas of relations, including the defence of human rights, respect for democratic values, principles of the rule of law and international treaties and commitments, is in the common interest and hopes that Russia will show itself open to such a development by respecting international law;
Amendment 336 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Insists on the need to substantially revise the EU´s policy towards its southern neighbourhood, and to develop a comprehensive strategy focusing the EU’s instruments and scarce budgetary resources on support for the building of functioning and inclusive states capable of delivering security for their citizens, confronting religious extremism and, enhancing the rule of law and respecting human rights, which is a key precondition for investment and economic development; points to the unused potential of cross- border trade within the region; insists on close cooperation on managing migration flows, while respecting human rights;
Amendment 348 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Takes the view that additional EU support should be granted to partner governments which are committed to and make tangible progress towards democratisation, such as Tunisia, Jordan and Morocco, provided that the protection of human rights is ensured and the rules of international law are respected;
Amendment 361 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Urges the EU leadership to develop, in close coordination with the US and involving major powers (e.g. Russia and China), a strategy encouraging regional actors (including Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Gulf Cooperation Council governments, Iran, the Arab League and Kurdish forces) to unite in order to put an end to proxy wars and halt financial support to fundamentalists, to resolve outstanding "frozen conflicts" and to develop a solution for peace and stability in the region; supports the engagement of all parties involved in the Middle East peace process in finding a comprehensive, constructive and sustainablIsrael - Palestine peace process understanding that the occupation of the Palestinian territory has to come to an end and that the peace process needs to be done in accordance to the two-state solution ton the Middle East conflictbasis of the 1967 borders; emphasises the need to preserve the territorial integrity and national unity of Libya and urges the HR/VP to provide impetus for a stronger engagement of regional actors on mediation and conflict resolution; (E.g. See wording in point A. in European Parliament resolution on recognition of PalestineOr. en statehood (2014/2964(RSP)))
Amendment 409 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 – point a (new)
Paragraph 38 – point a (new)
(a) Stresses that the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region, in the areas of the East and South China Sea in particular, is of strategic importance to the EU; urges all parties concerned in the region to solve differences in a peaceful way, in line with international law, and to cooperate with each other to exploit natural and marine resources; takes the view that the EU has a substantial interest in East Asia's continued growth and prosperity; underlines the need to strengthen the EU's economic partnership with Asia-Pacific countries in an inclusive manner so as to maintain sustainable peace, stability and prosperity; welcomes the encouraging improvements in cross- Strait relations over the past six years and calls upon to take further measures to facilitate their peaceful development; urges the HR/VP and the Council to continue its cooperation with all stakeholders in the region, on a broad range of global issues.
Amendment 412 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Underlines the need for an EU strategy, in coordination with the US, on how to drawshare with Russia, China and other major powers intothe responsibility for the peace and stability of the global political and economic order; to this end, urges the HR/VP and the Council to re-think strategic partnerships;
Amendment 2 #
2014/2205(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that, under Article 208 TFEU, the primary objectives of EU development cooperation isare to reduce and eradicate poverty; highlights the fact that development cooperation must be guided by that objective and not by geostrategic or economic interests; refuses to accept that development cooperation should be subordinate to external and security policy, to promote human rights, to spread and to strengthen democracy, good governance and the rule of law; highlights the fact that development cooperation must be guided by these objectives;
Amendment 6 #
2014/2205(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that, under Article 208 TFEU, the primary objective of EU development cooperation is to reduce and eradicate poverty; highlights the fact that development cooperation must be guided by that objective and not by geostrategic or economic interests; refuses to accept that development cooperation should be subordinate to external and security policywhile supporting and being part of the EU's overall policy objectives; underlines that development and security are interlinked and that private sector has a potential to contribute to a sustainable, efficient and long-term development;
Amendment 14 #
2014/2205(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Requests all EU enterprises to fulfil their corporate social responsibility to respect human rights in line with the UN Guiding Principles; Urges the European Union to look for ways to strengthen Corporate Social Responsibility, for example by improving visibility of CSR and enhancing market reward for companies adhering to CSR guidelines;
Amendment 15 #
2014/2205(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Calls for the development of more effective transparency and accountability standards for EU technology companies in connection with the export of technologies that can be used to violate human rights, to aid corruption or to act against the EU's security interests;
Amendment 16 #
2014/2205(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Notes that the framework for development assistance must be set by governments and that there is a primary task for the public sector; acknowledges however, that the private sector also plays an important role in strengthening the economies of third countries and improving access to capital;
Amendment 17 #
2014/2205(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Stresses that development policy cannot achieve these objectives as a stand-alone policy, but must be integrated in a broader approach, which combines foreign and security policy, trade policy and any other external action policy instruments; Notes that coherence between these different branches of EU external action is crucial;
Amendment 18 #
2014/2205(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Stresses the need to look at how the private sector can be further engaged in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy, to help create economic growth and jobs in Europe's neighbourhood, for example through sharing expertise of providing access to capital;
Amendment 21 #
2014/2205(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 22 #
2014/2205(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 29 #
2014/2205(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Underlines that the private sector should be involved in EU development policy and projects as long as the different role between private sector and public sector actors are fully understood and recognised by all parties involved; stresses that public-private partnerships within the post-2015 development agenda must have a strong focus on poverty reduction; underlines that a fully functioning market economy, based on the rule of law, remains the best engine for economic and social development and that the EU's development policy should reflect that fact;
Amendment 45 #
2014/2205(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses the importance of local and regional ownership, partner countries' own national strategies and reform agendas; and involvement of development projects and the added value provided by securing local supply chains; believes that development policy has an important role to play in addressing the challenges posted by current migration flows towards the European Union;
Amendment 50 #
2014/2205(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. IStresses that respect for human rights should become business imperative; is concerned at the devastating consequences of land grabbing, inter alia, for human rights, especially of indigenous people, the economy and the environment; calls for binding international rules for firms on compliance with human rights, labour law and environmental standards;
Amendment 25 #
2014/2150(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Supports the Commission’s commitment on cutting red tape and for providing better regulation; welcomes the effort of the Juncker Commission to a strengthened Better Regulation Agenda and calls for the need for it to deliver an efficient system and actual progress; believes that cutting red tape should aim to deliver proportionate, evidence-based protection for workers, while ensuring that businesses can grow, create jobs and boost competitiveness; notes that debetter regulation and better regulationhigh protection of employees are not mutually exclusive;
Amendment 38 #
2014/2150(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes efforts to identify genuine opportunities for simplification of legislationand adaptability of legislation whilst maintaining high standards; stresses the need for simpler, clearly-worded rules that remove complexity and can be implemented in a simple manner in order to improve compliance, particularly in the area of health, safety and employment legislation; recalls the importance of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality;
Amendment 43 #
2014/2150(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses the need for a bottom-up approach to better regulation; therefore calls on the Commission to establish a "European Stakeholder Forum" on better regulation and less bureaucracy with a quantitative goal of reducing administrative burdens by 20 % by 2020; emphasizes that the Forum shall consist of relevant stakeholders, including official representatives from the civil society, the social partners, consumer organizations and the business community especially SME's which represent 80 % of European job-creation, stresses that proposals from this forum should be actively considered by the Commission, and that the Commission should address the proposals in accordance with the "comply or explain principle; believes the Forum could serve as a platform for businesses or collective groups working both nationally or across Europe to submit inputs supporting the better regulation principles or contributing to achieving less bureaucracy in the regulation applying in their sector;
Amendment 87 #
2014/2150(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the SME test and reminds the Commission on the commitment it has made in the Small Business Act to implement the "think small first principle" in its policy-making and considers that there is still an important margin of progress to be completed; calls on the Commission to use lighter regimes for micro-enterprises, start-ups and SMEs and to consider exemptions for micro-enterprisesthem on a case-by-case basis, while not compromising on health, safety and employment standards;
Amendment 105 #
2014/2150(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for further measures such as carrying out independent impact assessments throughout the legislative process, further strengthening the independence, objectivity and neutrality of impact assessments and the SME-test, further facilitating citizens participation in the EUs legislative process, ensuring the adaptability of legislators and increasing transparency of inter- institutional negotiations as well as monitoring the transposition of the EU- legislation into national laws by including national gold-plating in the EU Regulatory Scoreboard to check that legislation is doing what it was intended to do and to identify areas where there are inconsistencies and ineffective measures;
Amendment 388 #
2014/2075(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 166
Paragraph 166
Amendment 393 #
2014/2075(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 166 a (new)
Paragraph 166 a (new)
166a. Takes note that OLAF carried out a report on the humanitarian aid granted to the Saharawi refugee camp of Tindouf in Algeria (dated 2007). Calls for clarification by the Commission on the measures taken in response to the findings of this report. Reminds the Commission of the importance to adapt Union aid to the actual needs of the population concerned;
Amendment 397 #
2014/2075(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 167
Paragraph 167
Amendment 35 #
2014/2021(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) to promote gender equality and furthermore to point out Japan´s problematic attitude towards so-called "comfort women" who were treated as sexual slaves during World War II; to support local, regional and international actors who actively call upon Japan to deal with this particular aspect of its past and to take full responsibility for human rights violations that are yet to be officially recognized as well as victims compensated;
Amendment 38 #
2014/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
Paragraph 1 – point h
h. to ensure, in this regard, that responsibility to prevent and stop genocide and mass atrocities lies primarily with the state concerned, but that the international community also has a role that supersedes the invocation of sovereignty considering its position of witness of these crimes;
Amendment 41 #
2014/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
Paragraph 1 – point m
m. to strongly support and promote the full implementation of UN resolution 2106 on fighting impunity in conflict-related sexual violence, and to ensure the consolidation of further accountability and, preventive measures and support to victims of sexual crimes and abuses;
Amendment 52 #
2014/2017(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
Paragraph 1 – point q
q. to take all necessary legislative and administrative measures to fully implement the recommendations of the UNGA resolution10 , in order to guarantee that citizens have the same rights offline and online, and in particular the review of procedures, practices and legislation, and the establishment of independent and effective oversight mechanisms; __________________ 10to assert that citizens also have duties online as they do offline, in particular responsibility of speech and act, especially if it could harm or threaten others´ rights; __________________ 10 UNGA resolution A/C.3/68/L.45/Rev.1. UNGA resolution A/C.3/68/L.45/Rev.1.
Amendment 6 #
2014/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Russia, as a member of several principles-based international organisations such as the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the United Nations, has committed itself to fully respecting fundamental rights and the rule of law, and whereas the European Union has repeatedlybeen offereding additional assistance and expertise to helpsupport Russia to modernise and abide by its constitutional and legal orderin its legal and constitutional modernisation, in line with Council of Europe standards;
Amendment 9 #
2014/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas there is an increasing need for a firm and comprehensive EU policy towards Russia, supportapproved by all the Member States, with support and assistance backed up by firm and fair criticisma constructive and honest dialogue with the Russian authorities stating clearly the European position in case of breaches of Russians' international commitments, including sanctions and restrictive measures wheren necessary;
Amendment 60 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) Considering the critical importance of the EURES network for boosting employment in the Union, the Commission should ensure direct and adequate finance for the proper functioning of the platform and for Member States' cooperation.
Amendment 64 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) The extension of the EURES network to apprenticeships and traineeships should observe the Council recommendation on a Quality Framework for Traineeships, as to improve the quality of traineeships, in particular as regards learning and training content and working conditions, with the aim of easing the transition from education, unemployment or inactivity to work. Inter alia, the traineeship should respect the working conditions applicable to trainees, under the applicable Union and Member State law, the rights and obligations, transparency of its terms and conditions etc.
Amendment 110 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20 a (new)
Recital 20 a (new)
(20a) The common classification system of skills, competences, qualifications and occupations should capitalise on the experiences and best practices already acquired following the implementation of the European Qualifications Framework and Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.
Amendment 140 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29 a (new)
Recital 29 a (new)
(29a)Those policies should also consider the hostile working environment, the high risks of exploitation and the poor working conditions which the mobile workers might experience when they arrive in a new labour market. The same considerations should be given to those workers' families and the opportunities available for them to be integrated in the new labour market.
Amendment 308 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 7 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) apprenticeships and traineeships, after ensuring that they fully respect the Council Recommendation on a Quality Framework for Traineeships as to improve the quality of traineeships, in particular as regards learning and training content and working conditions, with the aim of easing the transition from education, unemployment or inactivity to work. Inter alia, the traineeship shall respect the working conditions applicable to trainees, under the applicable Union and national law and the rights and obligations and transparency of its terms and conditions;
Amendment 487 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The public employment services shall engage in enhanced cooperation as to assist job matching across borders.
Amendment 504 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The common classification system of skills, competences, qualifications and occupations shall take into account the experiences and best practices already acquired following the implementation of the European Qualifications Framework and the Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council1a. ________________ 1a Directive2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications (OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 22).
Amendment 569 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(b a) to provide information on counselling services as to employment opportunities for the workers' families;
Amendment 572 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – point b b (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – point b b (new)
(b b) to provide information on language courses available upon arrival in the Member State of destination;
Amendment 623 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 2
Article 22 – paragraph 2
2. By derogation from Article 18(5),The EURES Partners mayshall offer the assistance referred to in paragraph 1 to workers against a fefree of any charge.
Amendment 647 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 24 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Member States shall ensure that mobile workers enjoy the same protection on their territory as their own nationals. To that end public policies shall address the hostile working environment, the high risk of exploitation and the poor working conditions that mobile workers might experience when they arrive in a new labour market. The same considerations shall be given to those workers' families and opportunities shall be provided for them to be integrated into the new labour market.
Amendment 6 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to Decision No 1/95 of the EC-Turkey Association Council of 22 December 1995 on implementing the final phase of the Customs Union (Decision 1/95),
Amendment 21 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
– having regard to the visa dialogue between the EU and Turkey, which has been launched in December 2013 and is paving the way for visa free travel for Turkish citizens,
Amendment 27 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15
Citation 15
– having regard to the fact that Turkey, for the eighth consecutive year, has still not implemented the provisions stemming from the EC-Turkey Association Agreement and the Additional Protocol thereto as well as the failure of the European Union to lift the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community promised in the EU Council Conclusions of 26 April 2004,
Amendment 52 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Believes that a renewed mutual engagement in the context of the negotiation process is needed to maintain a constructive relationship; stresses the importance of creating the conditions for a constructive dialogue and the foundations for a common understanding;
Amendment 58 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the potential transformative power of negotiations between the Union and Turkey, which havecould provided Turkey with a clear reference for its reform process; stresses therefore the importance of crediblrestoring credibility to the negotiations based on a mutual commitment by Turkey and the Union to effective reforms furthering the democratic foundations of Turkish society, promoting fundamental values and producing positive change in the institutions, in legislation and, in the mentality of society; welcomes, therefore the opening of Chapter 22;
Amendment 60 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the transformative power of accession negotiations between the Union and Turkey, which have provided Turkey with a clear reference for its reform process; stresses therefore the importance of credible negotiations based on a mutual commitment by Turkey and the Union to effective reforms furthering the democratic foundations of Turkish society, promoting fundamental values and producing positive change in the institutions, in legislation and, in the mentality of society; welcomes, therefore the opening of Chapter 22;
Amendment 67 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. StressWelcomes the importance of achieving a common understanding between Turkey and the EU on the relevance for both the EU and Turkey of the readmission agreement and the roadmap leading to visa liberalisation; recalls that Turkey is one of the key transit countries for irregular migration to the EU and therefore calls on Turkey to sign and implement the readmission agreement without further delay; calls on the Commission in parallel to take steps towards visa liberalisationsignature by Turkey of the readmission agreement on 16 December 2013 , which enables the launch of the roadmap leading to visa liberalisation; welcomes the establishment of the General Directorate of Migration Management with the enacted Law on Foreigners and International Protection; recalls that Turkey is one of the key transit countries for irregular migration to the EU and stresses the clear benefits of facilitating access to the EU for business people, academics, students and representatives of civil society;
Amendment 68 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. StressWelcomes the importance of achieving a common understanding between Turkey and the EU on the relevance for both the EU and Turkey of the readmission agreement and the roadmap leading to visa liberalisation; recalls that Turkey is one of the key transit countries for irregular migration to the EU and therefore calls on Turkey to sign and implement the readmission agreement without further delay; calls on the Commission in parallel to take steps towards visa liberalisationsignature by Turkey of the readmission agreement on 16 December 2013, which enables the launch of the roadmap leading to visa liberalisation; recalls that Turkey is one of the key transit countries for irregular migration to the EU and stresses the clear benefits of facilitating access to the EU for business people, academics, students and representatives of civil society;
Amendment 87 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -4 (new)
Paragraph -4 (new)
-4. Expresses its great concern at recent developments which amount to a crisis of the Turkish State; deplores the statements of the government which point to a lack of understanding of the principle of the separation of powers; regrets the serious breakdown of trust between the government, the judiciary, the police and the media; urges the government to desist from actions which impede the investigation and prosecution of corruption and organised crime in high places; calls once again for all institutions, business interests and political forces to fully respect the rule of law and to guarantee the impartiality and independence of the judiciary; calls, moreover, on the Gülen Movement to improve its transparency and accountability, and expects that all allegations against the Movement will be subject to impartial enquiry;
Amendment 91 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points to the crucial role of a system of checks and balances for any modern democratic State and the fundamental role that the Turkish Grand National Assembly must play at the centre of Turkey’s political system in providing a framework for dialogue and consensus-building across the political spectrum; expresses concern about political polarisation and the lack of readiness on the part of government and opposition to work towards consensus on key reforms; urges all political actors, the government and the opposition to work together to enhance a pluralistic vision in State institutions and to promote the modernisation and democratisation of the State and society; calls on the political majority to actively involve the minority in the deliberation process on relevant reforms and take into consideration, whenever possible, their interests and views in an inclusive manner; emphasises that constitutional reform must remain the top priority for the modernisation of the Republic in which those elected democratically will also govern democratically;
Amendment 110 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. CommendsNotes that the Conciliation Committee forhas only been able to reaching consensus on 60 constitutional amendments and calls on its Members to continuredouble their work on ain order to elaborate a genuinely new Constitution for Turkey as this is essential for the reform process in Turkey; stresses the importance of achieving consensus in the framework of the constitutional reform process on an effective system of separation of powers and an inclusive definition of citizenship; underlines that Turkey, as a Member State of the Council of Europe, cshould try to benefit from active dialogue with the Venice Commission on the constitutional reform process; stresses that the rules governing the election and composition of the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors should be fully in line with the criteria of the Venice Commission;
Amendment 127 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. WelcomesUrges the full implementation of the democratisation package presented by the Government on 30 September 2013 and calls on the Government to duly consult the opposition and relevant civil society organisations in the preparation of the implementing legislation and to continue with its reform efforts towards revision of the electoral system, including the lowering of the 10% threshold, and the adequate inclusion of all components of Turkish society; calls on the Government to ensure that the legislation on hate crimes offers protection for all citizens, including minorities and LGBTI;
Amendment 131 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Welcomes the establishment of new institutions, namely the Ombudsman Institution and the Turkish National Human Rights Institution which have become operational in 2013, thus creating additional mechanisms for individuals to apply for the protection of their fundamental rights and freedoms;
Amendment 138 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Takes the view that the protests in Gezi Park testify both to the existence in Turkey of a vibrant civil society and also the need for further vital reforms on the promotion of fundamental values; highlights the importance of including civil society more structurally in the decision making process; deeply regrets the loss of life amongst the protesters and the police forces, the excessive use of force by the police and the violent acts by a number of protesters; welcomes the on-going administrative investigations launched by the Ministry of Interior and the inquiries by the Ombudsman into complaints related to the events in Gezi Park and expects them to fully address the concerns without delay; calls on Turkey to adopt adequate internal review procedures and to establish an independent supervisory body for police offences; is of the opinion that the Gezi Park events underline the need for far- reaching reforms in order to ensure respect for freedom of assembly; regrets the apparent failure of the courts to penalise those state officials responsible for violence connected with the Gezi Park protests;
Amendment 165 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes the concerns in Turkish society about the excessively wide scope, allegations of evidence fabrication and the shortcomings of thdue proceedingss in the Ergenekon case, which, like inand Sledgehammer cases; recalls that the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention finds theat Sledgehammer case, undermined the acceptance of the rulingdefendants are being held in violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; stresses, once again, in light of the above, that the KCK case must demonstrate the strength and the proper, independent, impartial and transparent functioning of Turkey’'s democratic institutions and judiciary, as well as the firm, unconditional commitment to respect for fundamental rights;
Amendment 170 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Welcomes the establishment of individual application to the Turkish Constitutional Court which enables Turkish citizens to use their right of individual application first in the Constitutional Court before they applied to the ECHR;
Amendment 177 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the initiatives taken by the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors to promote the training of a large number of judges and prosecutors in the field of human rights and to promote a thorough, operational understanding of the ECtHR case law; encourages the Government to adopt the Human Rights Action Plan based on the ECtHR case law and aimed at addressing issues raised in judgements of the Court where Turkey was found to have violated ECHR provisions; encourages the Government to continue with ambitious judicial reforms built on the need to advance the defence and the promotion of fundamental rights; stresses, in this regard, the need to continue to reform the anti- terror law as a matter of priority;
Amendment 189 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Reaffirms its support to the Commission’'s new approach of opening Chapters 23 (judiciary and fundamental rights) and 24 (justice and home affairs) early in the negotiation process and closing them at the end; stresses that delivering the official benchmarks for the opening of such Chapters to Turkey would provide a clear roadmap for and give a boost to the reform process; calls, therefore, on the Councilall Member States, including Cyprus, to make renewed efforts for the opening of Chapters 23 and 24; calls on Turkey to cooperate as much as possible to this effect;
Amendment 221 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Strongly supports the Government’s initiative to strive for a settlement of the Kurdish problem on the basis of negotiations with the PKK and other Kurdish representatives; encourages the Government to devise the reforms directed at promoting the social, cultural and economic rights of the Kurdish community on the basis of adequate consultation of relevant stakeholders and the opposition; calls on the opposition to actively support the negotiations and the reforms as an important step for the benefit of Turkish society at large; calls on the Turkish authorities to cooperate closely with the European Commission to assess which programs under IPA could be used to promote sustainable development in the South East in the framework of negotiations on Chapter 22;
Amendment 232 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Is of the opinion that social dialogue and involvement of social partners are vital for the development of a prosperous society; Underlines the importance of further progress in the areas of social policy and employment, in particular to remove all obstacles to the effective functioning of trade unions, to establish a national employment strategy, address undeclared work, widen the coverage of social protection mechanisms, and increase employment rates among women and people with disabilities; stresses the importance of opening Chapter 19 on social policy and employment;
Amendment 233 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Is of the opinion that social dialogue and involvement of social partners are vital for the development of a prosperous society; Underlines the importance of further progress in the areas of social policy and employment, in particular to remove all obstacles to the effective functioning of trade unions, to establish a national employment strategy, address undeclared work, widen the coverage of social protection mechanisms, and increase employment rates among women and people with disabilities; calls, therefore, on Turkey to agree to the opening of Chapter 19;
Amendment 312 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Stresses the importance of free trade agreements (FTA) to establish global value chains and boost the EU’s global competitiveness; calls on the Commission to develop a comprehensive dialogue and cooperation with Turkey regarding FTA negotiations with third countries, to fully benefit from these agreements taking into account the high level of economic and industrial integration between the EU and Turkey, as well as the obligation to conduct the Common Commercial Policy within the Customs Union that requires the Parties to have the same preferential trade regimes;
Amendment 314 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Calls on the Commission to develop closer coordination with Turkey in the TTIP negotiations to make full use of the EU’s and Turkey’s joint economic potential;
Amendment 315 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)
Paragraph 25 c (new)
25c. Notes that road transportation restrictions between the EU and Turkey create an obstacle to further development of bilateral trade between the parties; asks the Commission, the Member States and Turkey to find a mutually acceptable solution for those issues;
Amendment 316 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 d (new)
Paragraph 25 d (new)
25d. Notes that the increased involvement of Turkey to EU’s decision making mechanisms in areas related to the functioning of the Customs Union and especially in the formation of the common commercial policy could facilitate Turkey’s implementation of the EU legislation relevant to the Customs Union;
Amendment 330 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Welcomes Turkey’s commitment to the provision of humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees; notes that a large number of foreign fighters in Syria gain access to Syria via Turkey and asks Turkey to increase border patrols, prestricvent the entry of fighters and arm flows to groups credibly found to be implicated in systematic human rights violations; believes that the EU and Turkey should actively seek to develop a joint strategic vision to promote a political solution in Syria and support political and economic stability in the region, with particular reference to Jordan, Lebanon, Iran and Iraq;
Amendment 338 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Invites the next Parliament and Commission to review the integrity and plausibility of the ‘long-lasting and open- ended’ accession process in which the EU and Turkey have been engaged for many years, and to consider, in the light of that review, whether an alternative form of association short of full membership would be a more feasible goal, at least in the medium term;
Amendment 100 #
2013/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Recalls that in order to avoid human rights breaches in the first place, the respect for international law must be at the core of any EU strategy aiming to enhance human rights and democracy in the world, particularly in its relationships with those partners that are parties to an armed or frozen conflict; reminds the need to end any EU support given to parties to a conflict, be it financial, logistical or tactical, including the supply of weapons, munitions and all other types of military equipment as laid down in the EU Common Position on arms exports;
Amendment 120 #
2013/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Points out that Parliament may withhold its consent to international agreements on account of serious breaches of human rights, as in the cases of the conclusion of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with Turkmenistan or the textile protocol of the EU-Uzbekistan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement; recall the European Parliament decision on 13 December 2011 to reject a proposed extension of the EU-Morocco fisheries agreement because it did not take into account the interests of the Sahrawi population;
Amendment 212 #
2013/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41a. Recalls its resolutions of 25 November 2010 on the situation in Western Sahara and its previous Annual Report 2010 and 2011; condemns the on- going repression of Sahrawi people in the occupied territories and expresses its concern at the deterioration of human rights situation, as reported by, among others, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; calls for the fundamental rights of the people of Western Sahara, including freedom of association, freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate, to be respected; demands the release of all Sahrawi political prisoners; demands the opening of the territory to independent observers, NGOs, and the media; reiterates its support for the establishment of an international mechanism to monitor human rights in Western Sahara; supports a fair and lasting settlement of the conflict, on the basis of the right to self-determination of the Sahrawi people, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions;
Amendment 284 #
2013/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63 a (new)
Paragraph 63 a (new)
63a. Emphasises, in view of principles of international humanitarian law spelled out in the 1907 Hague Regulations (arts 42-56) and the Fourth Geneva Convention (GC IV, art. 27-34 and 47-78) as well as in provisions of Additional Protocol I, the need for the EU to ensure that those partners falling under the category of occupying power, respect their duties towards the population in occupied territories; reminds that according to international humanitarian law, public health standards, provision of food and medical care to the population under occupation must be granted by the occupying power; reiterates that any transfer of civilian population of the occupying power into the occupied territory is prohibited, and that the accused of criminal offences must be provided with proceedings respecting internationally recognized judicial guarantees, such as being informed of the reason for their arrest, charged with a specific offence and given a fair trial as quickly as possible;
Amendment 58 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the recent developments in the EaP countries and their relations with the EU are a warningn indication that the EU is still not considered as the only political alternative but remains the most important inspiration in the quest for democratic reforms and social change;
Amendment 61 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the EU is called to engage more concretly in the quest for solutions to frozen conflicts in EaP countries, since these conflicts could at any given moment trigger a crisis with far-reaching consequences for peace and stability;
Amendment 70 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls the achievements and ambitions of the EaP, which is the political framework for strengthening relations between the EU and the Eastern Partners, founded on mutual interests, commitments, shared ownership and joint responsibility, as well as the institutional basis for political cooperation, and a forum for dialogue between the partner countries; welcomes, in this connection, the establishment of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly and other cooperation platforms, such as the EaP Civil Society Forum and the Eastern Europe Initiatives Congress; notes however that the recent developments in some EaP countries have drawn attention to the fragility of the political processshow that the process of democratic state building and adoption of democratric values has not yet reached a mature state;
Amendment 90 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recognises that the EaP project needs new impetus and a clear vision for the way forward, focusing not only on the political cooperation, but aiming to anchor the societies of the EaP to the EU, thus urges the EU to focus particularly on establishing; reminds that an important instrument the EU should build upon is the establishement of a visa-free regimes, on as well as investing in youth and future leaders, and on the energy sector;
Amendment 105 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that more progress can be made on the establishment of the visa-free regime; notes, in this connection, that visa liberalisation is only one of a number of processes aimed at bringing the societies closer together, and that more efforts are required in this area, particularly with regard to advancing cooperation in the field of education and culture; considers that greater emphasis should be placed on the fact that the EaP project is directed at societies rather than authoritie, striving for the inclusion and intense cooperation of civil society actors as well as institutions;
Amendment 142 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 153 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 163 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 232 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Considers that, to improve cooperation between Eastern Partners, the EU should refrain from imposing a restriction to one language in joint projects, and should promote multilingualism, notably in local government, civic and educational initiatives;
Amendment 233 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Highlights the importance of promoting and supporting joint efforts in research and innovation, including exchange programmes for students, in virtual multilingual projects, in dialogue between cultures, through jointcooperative film productions and jointother artistic projects, allocation of resources for literary translations, in joint research on the legacy of Nazism and Communism, and of totalitarian regimes and on common history in Europe, with the aim of developping a common assessment of history;
Amendment 254 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights the importance of investing in youth and future leaders, by making full use of thecivic education and promotion of tolerance of youth and future leaders, for example within the framework of the Youth in Action Programme's EaP Youth Window; calls for the establishement of school exchanges with dedicated funding between EU Member States and EaP countries; encourages to make full use of scholarship opportunities under the ‘'Erasmus for All’' programme to foster student exchanges between EaP countries and the EU Member States and establishing an Eastern Partnership University and the Black Sea European College, which would provide postgraduate education and seek to formand proposes to look in the possibility of establishing specific higher education institutions such as an Eastern Partnership University, bringing closer together students and future leaders from EaP countries and the EU Member States;
Amendment 256 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 257 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 265 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Finds it regrettable that there isRegrets the uneven interest among theEU Member States in relations with, and developments in, EaP countries; notes with concern the lack of misunderstanding among the Member States about the geopolitical importance of cooperation and of a uniform stance on some issuesof issues at stake in EaP countries by EU Member States; regrets the lack of awareness that more cooperation and the adoption of common positions is of major geopolitical importance;
Amendment 278 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Highlights the importance of promoting and supporting joint efforts in research and innovation, including exchange programmes for students, in virtual multilingual projects, in dialogue between cultures, through jointcooperative film productions and jointother artistic projects, allocation of resources for literary translations, in joint research on the legacy of Nazism and Communism,authoritarian and of totalitarian regimes and on common history in Europewith the aim of developing a common assessment of European history;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2103(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that special attention should be given to the most vulnerable communitiegroups, such as girls, children with disabilities and women belonging to minority groups;
Amendment 7 #
2013/2103(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines the importance of taking the fear of stigmatisation into account when designing national policies and strategies on judicial assistance in some developing countries as well as in all countries where human trafficking and sexual exploitation is taking place, and expresses its concern regarding the lack of effective legal services to which cases of abuse can be reported, especially during humanitarian crises. ;
Amendment 47 #
2013/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Strongly condemns the practice of land grabbing, which illegally dispossesses the rural poor and traditional Nomad populations of land, without adequate compensation; highlights the fact that 203 million hectares worldwide have been part of large-scale land deals of this kind between 2000 and 20103 ; __________________ 3 http://www.landmatrix.org/get-the- idea/global-map-investments/
Amendment 61 #
2013/2026(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights the fact that land reform requires flexibility, tailored to local, social and cultural conditions, such as traditional forms of tribal ownership, and should be focused on empowering the most vulnerable, regularising tenure security for urban squatters and bringing pastoralist societies into the scope of formal property law;
Amendment 63 #
2013/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas a ceasefire in Western Sahara between the Moroccan Government and the Polisario Front has been in place since 1991; whereas the UN considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory; whereas no country recognises Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara; whereas the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is currently recognised by the AU and over 45 UN states, but not by the UN collectively or by any EU Member State; whereas the UN and EU do not explicitly consider Morocco to be anaccording to international law, the Kingdom of Morocco not only has no sovereignty over Western Sahara, but is the occupying power; whereas a referendum on the status of Western Sahara, first agreed on principle in 1988, has still not taken place;
Amendment 269 #
2013/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Expresses deep concern at the recent report from the UNSR on torture, who found evidence that Moroccan officials have detained individuals on political grounds, inflicted torture and rape on Sahrawi inmates, kidnapped and abandoned protesters in the desert to intimidate them, and deliberately and frequently targeted pro-independence advocates, including in their homes; notes further widespread allegations of forced disappearances and unfair trials; draws particular attention to the dismantling of the Gdeim Izik protest camp in November 2010, where significant violence claimed Moroccan and Sahrawi lives, and the subsequent trial of 25 Sahrawis, many of them known human rights activists, in February 2013; notes Morocco's insistence regardunderlines that during theis trial's fairness and due process, a military court as sentenced 25 Sahrawi civiliands the positive conclusions of some international observers, but also recalls the UNSR's concern at the use of a military court, the allegations of torture, and the Moroccan authorities' failure to investigate themo 9 life sentences, 4 sentenced to 30 years, 7 sentenced to 25 years, 3 sentenced to 20 years and 2 sentenced to 2 years and 3 months, which they already have spent in custody; notes Morocco's failure to investigate claims that the defendants were subjected to torture; underlines Morocco's refusal to transfer the trial to a civilian court capable of handling fair trial standards and Morocco's obligations under international law; notes the conclusions by some NGOs and human rights observers relating to the case's alleged politicised prosecutions, deficient evidence and excessive sentences; calls therefore on the Moroccan authorities to work with civil society and other actors to guarantee the transparency and fairness of its judicial processes, and to investigate and prosecute security officials alleged to have been involved in arbitrary detentions, torture and other abuses of power;
Amendment 274 #
2013/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38a. Condemns the fact that on Wednesday 6 March 2013 Morocco expelled a delegation of four Members of the European Parliament; notes that the aim of the delegation was to visit the territories of Western Sahara, to inquire about the situation of human rights and to meet with representatives of the MINURSO; condemn Morocco's authorities behaviour and demands the Kingdom of Morocco to permit free access and free movement in Western Sahara to independent observers, members of parliaments, to the press and to humanitarian organisations;
Amendment 307 #
2013/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Expresses deep concern about the chronic poverty, and lack of basic services and adequate housing in the Polisario Front-administered refugee camps near Tindouf; repeats the recommendations of the UNSR on adequate housing that sufficient international funding be directed for this purpose; notes in this regard the lack of clear documentation about the precise number of inhabitants in Tindouf, and urges the authorities to conduct or facilitate regular censuses or formal registrations; notes that despite the harsh living conditions and the heavy dependence on international humanitarian aid of the inhabitants of Tindouf, children's education and empowerment of women remains a priority in the camps.
Amendment 322 #
2013/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Calls on the Moroccan authorities in the occupied territories of Western Sahara to allow and facilitate regular contacts, exchanges and visits of Sahrawi families between the refugee camps and the occupied territories;
Amendment 1 #
2013/0315(NLE)
The Committee on Development calls on the Committee on Fisheries, as the committee responsible, to propose that the Parliament decline to give its consent.
Amendment 47 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16
Citation 16
– having regard to the fact that there is an economic interdependence between the European Union and Turkey with trade between the EU and Turkey totalling EUR 120 billion in 2011; having regard to the current problems hindering the effective functioning of the Customs Union,
Amendment 53 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20
Citation 20
– having regard to the fact that EU dialogue and cooperation with Turkey on stability, democracy and security with particular reference to the broader Middle East are strategic; having regard to Turkey's fundamental role as a source of inspiration for the democratisation of the Arab countries in essential areas such as political and economic reforms and the establishment of institutional capacity; having regard to the fact that Turkey strongly and repeatedly condemned the Syrian regime's violence against civilians and provides vital humanitarian assistance to Syrians fleeing violence across the border,
Amendment 97 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the Council decision to iInvites the Commission to take steps towards visa liberalisation as a gradual and long term perspectiveresult- oriented process, in parallel with the signature of the readmission agreement; urges Turkey to sign and implement the readmission agreement without further delay and to ensure that, until this agreement enters into force, existing bilateral agreements are fully implemented; recalls that Turkey is one of the key transit countries for illegal migration to the EUcombating illegal migration in a determined way and underlines the need to intensify cooperation with the EU on migration management, the fight against human trafficking and border controls; stresses once again before visa liberalisation the importance of facilitating access to the EU for business people, academics, students and representatives of civil society from Turkey; supports the efforts of the Commission and the Member States to implement the visa code, harmonise and simplify visa requirements and create visa facilitating centres in Turkey as a basis for bringing closer the citizens of both sides ; Reminds the Member States of their commitments to implement visa exemption under the association agreement in line with the Soysal and Savatli Ruling of the European Court of Justice of 19 February 2009;
Amendment 285 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Deeply regrets Turkey's decision to abstain from meetings and contacts with the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU and takes the view that Turkey missed an important opportunityRegrets that a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem was not reached before Cyprus assumed the Presidency of the EU, which would have enabled the new partnership state to assume the EU Presidency; recalls that Turkey had expressed its readiness to estart a process of engagement and normalisation of relations with Cyprus; recalls that the EU is based on the principles of sincere cooperation and mutublish relations with the new partnership state that would emerge following a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus through the UN; underlines that steps towards normalisation of the relations need to be taken simultaneously by all solidarity amongst all its Member Stateides concerned and that each step taken to this aend respect for the institutional frameworkshall contribute to the wellbeing of all sides;
Amendment 303 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Expresses once again its strong support to the reunification of Cyprus, based on a fair and viable settlement with agreed UN parameters of bi-zonality, bi-communality and political equality for both communities; underlines the urgency of an agreement between the two communities on how to proceed with the substantive settlement negotiations and stresses the importance of setting up a timeframe, so that the negotiating process, under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, can soon regain momentum; at leaders level; recalls onthat Turkey to beginhas often expressed its readiness to withdrawing its forces from Cyprus and transfer Famagusta to the UN in accordance with UNSC Resolution 550 (1984); calls, in parallel, on the Republic of Cyprus to open the port of Famagusta under EU customs supervision in order to promote a positive climate for the successful solution of the ongoing reunification negotiations and allowupon a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus as also stipulated in the 2004 Annan Plan; calls on the Republic of Cyprus to allow the adoption of the Direct Trade Regulation which would enable Turkish Cypriots to trade directly with the EU in a legal manner that is acceptable to all;
Amendment 322 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Encourages Turkey to intensify itsand all other sides to continue their intensive support for the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP) which is one of the most sensitive and important projects in the island as its work affects equally lives of thousands of people on both sides of the island;
Amendment 364 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Deplores Turkey's refusal to fulfil its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement towards all Member States; recalls that this refusal continues to deeply affect the process of negotiationsEmphasizes that the difference of interpretation between the EU Commission and Turkey as regards the implementation of the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement negatively affects the process of the EU- Turkey relations and therefore calls on all sides concerned to make a concerted effort towards the resolution of the Cyprus problem;
Amendment 394 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. SRecognizes the fact that the repercussions of the rapidly deteriorating situation in Syria on the security and stability of the region are multiplying; supports Turkey's commitment to democratic forces in Syria and the provision of humanitarian assistance to Syrians who fled the country; asks the Commission, the Member States and the international community to support Turkey's efforts to cope with the growing humanitarian dimension of the Syrian crisis; underlines the importance of a common understanding between the EU and Turkey on how to deliver the available humanitarian assistance to the displaced Syrians currently on Turkish territory or waiting at its borders;
Amendment 55 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas violations of freedom of religion or belief,thought, religion, belief or political affiliation perpetrated by governments and non-state actors alike, are increasing in many countries of the world, resulting in discrimination, intolerance and violence against certain individuals, groups and religious communities, including religious minority representatives;
Amendment 139 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Emphasises, in view of principles of international humanitarian law spelled out in the 1907 Hague Regulations (arts 42-56) and the Fourth Geneva Convention (GC IV, art. 27-34 and 47-78) as well as in provisions of Additional Protocol I, the need for the EU to ensure that those partners falling under the category of occupying power, respect their duties towards the population in occupied territories; reminds that according to international humanitarian law, public health standards, provision of food and medical care to the population under occupation must be granted by the occupying power; reiterates that any transfer of civilian population of the occupying power into the occupied territory is prohibited, and that the accused of criminal offences must be provided with proceedings respecting internationally recognized judicial guarantees, such as being informed of the reason for their arrest, charged with a specific offence and given a fair trial as quickly as possible.
Amendment 140 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Recalls that in order to avoid human rights breaches in the first place, the respect for international law must be at the core of any EU strategy aiming to enhance human rights and democracy in the world, particularly in its relationships with those partners that are parties to an armed or frozen conflict; reminds the need to end any EU support given to parties to a conflict, be it financial, logistical or tactical, including the supply of weapons, munitions and all other types of military equipment as laid down in the EU Common Position on arms exports.
Amendment 158 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Amendment 355 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 81
Paragraph 81
81. Remains deeply concerned that discrimination based on thought, religion or, belief or political affiliation continues in many regions of the world, and that persons belonging to particular religious communities, including religious minorities, continue to be denied their human rights; is particularly concerned by the situation in China where individuals who practise their religion outside officially sanctioned channels, including Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and Falun Gong practitioners, often face persecution; urges China to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) as it has promised; urges the Chinese authorities to suspend and subsequently amend, through genuinely consultative processes with Tibetans, the policies that most negatively impact Tibetan Buddhism, culture and traditionpolitical movements, religious communities, including religious minorities, continue to be denied their human rights;
Amendment 371 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 82
Paragraph 82
82. Stresses the need for a toolkit to advance the right to freedom of thought, religion or, belief as part of EU's external policy; notes that this toolkit should include a checklist on the necessary freedoms pertaining to the right of freedom of religion or belief, in order to assess the situor political affiliation, as well as a methodology to help identify infringements of freedom of religion or belief; encourages the EEAS to involve civil society organisations in the preparation of the toolkitpart of EU's external policy;
Amendment 390 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 83
Paragraph 83
83. Stresses that international human rights law recognises freedom of thought, religion or, belief or political affiliation regardless of registration status, so registration should not be a mandatory precondition for practising one's religion; points out with concern, furthermore, that in China monks and nuns are required to register with the Government, and must operate under Government-controlled management boards, and that this interferes with their religious autonomy and restricts their activity or right of political affiliation;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU should develop its foreign policy objectives further and advance its values and interests worldwide with the overall aim of contributing to peace, security, solidarity, conflict prevention, the promotion of democracy, the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, gender equality, respect for international law, support for international institutions, effective multilateralism and mutual respect among nations, sustainable development, free and fair trade and the eradication of poverty;
Amendment 26 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas parliamentary scrutiny of EU foreignthe involvement of the European Parliament in EU common foreign and security policy is essential if European external action is to be understood and supported by EU citizens; whereas effective parliamentary scrutiny of the European External Action Service will enhances the its legitimacy of this action;
Amendment 52 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the role of political leadership expected of the HR/VP in ensuring the unity, consistency and effectiveness of action by the Union; calls on the HR/VP to use to the full and in a timely manner her powers to initiate, conduct and ensure compliance with the CFSP, involving Parliament's relevant bodies fully in that endeavour; welcomes the important lead role, on behalf of the international community, played under difficult circumstances by the HR/VP in the negotiations with Iran; calls for such leadership in enhancing the European Union's role in support of the Middle East Peace Process and in the Neighbourhood;
Amendment 65 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. WelcomeQuestions the commitment by the Member States in the Lisbon Treaty to playing their full role in the development and implementation of the Union's foreign policy; stresses the importance of the Member States‘' solidarity, during a time of economic constraints, on improving the effectiveness of the Union as a cohesive global actor; notes in particular the importance of the Member States’' making available civilian and military capabilities for the effective implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy;
Amendment 69 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the HR/VP to come forward with proposals to further encourage Member State cooperation under the CFSP, specifically by setting out a process that will lead to European Council conclusions on Permanent Structur, while strengthening systematic cooperation between all Member States in the conduct of foreign policy, to explore fully the possibilities provided by the Lisbon treaty for enhanced Ccooperation, in the area of security and defence and guidelines for more systematic use of coalitions of the willing, such as in the ‘core group’ concept for CSDP missions and operations, as a means of overcoming the limits of the ‘battlegroup’ cocluding the production of guidelines for the consignment of specific tasks and missions to a core group of EU states, and to start the process of developing Permanent Structured Cooperation in the area of security and defencept;
Amendment 89 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Continues to support the potential enlargement of the European Union to any European state which respects the Union's values and is committed to promoting them and which is willing and able to fulfil the accession criteria; believes that the Union would lose moral authority and political credibility worldwide were it to close its doors to its neighbours;
Amendment 125 #
Amendment 136 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Recalls that the Southern Neighbourhood is of vital importance to the European Union and urges that a better balance be struck between pursuing market-oriented, on the one hand, and human and social approaches on the other in the EU's response to the Arab Spring; finds scarcely credible the EU's promise of 'Money, Mobility and Markets'; calls, therefore, for a greater focus on employment, education, training and regional development in order to help alleviate the current social and economic crisis in these countries, and to provide the assistance needed to support the ongoing political reforms and social and economic development; underlines the importance of supporting institutional capacity-building, including for the parliaments of these countries, an independent judicial system, the strengthening of civil-society organisations and the formation of pluralist political parties within a secular system;
Amendment 154 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Points out that Turkey is bnoth only a candidate country andbut also an important strategic partner and NATO ally; calls, therefore, for the existing political dialogue with Turkey on foreign policy choices and objectives of mutual interest to be reinforced; stresses the importance of encouraging Turkey to pursue its foreign policy in a framework of dialogue and coordination with the European Union in order to create valuable synergies and reinforce the potential for a positive impact;
Amendment 158 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Recalls Turkey's ambition to inspire and assist democratic transitions and socio- economic reforms in the southern neighbourhood; notes that participation of Turkish institutions and non-governmental organisations in ENP instruments would generate unique synergy effects, especially in areas such as institution-building and socio-economic and civil society development; believes that practical cooperation in the context of the 'positive agenda' should be complemented with a structured dialogue between the EU and Turkey with a view to coordinating their respective neighbourhood policies; hopes that the conditions will improve for the opening of further chapters in the membership negotiations (e.g.in particular, resolution of the Cyprus problem including ratification and implementation of the Ankara Protocol); recognisealls that the lack of cooperation in migration policy is having a negative impact, especially on Greeceprogress is still needed urgently in the matter of visas, immigration and asylum;
Amendment 169 #
Amendment 170 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33 a. Supports the Council's twin-track approach aimed at finding diplomatic solution as the only viable approach to the Iranian nuclear issue; reminds that the sanctions are not an end in themselves; urges the p5+1 and Iran to continue to participate to the negotiating table and calls on the negotiators to forge a compromise; reminds that, in accordance with a central tenet of the NPT, Iran has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and to receive technical assistance for the same objectives; is deeply concerned by the forming of a constellation of political, economic and military interests fomenting preparations for a military attack on Iran, stressing that no action should be taken by any State that could risk leading to any kind of use of force against Iran;
Amendment 190 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36 a. Notes the importance of enhancing relations with Moldova in the light of recent positive changes within the country;
Amendment 205 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Considers Russia to have potential as an important strategic partner, but continues to have concerns regarding Russia's commitment to the rule of law, pluralist democracy and human rights should it transform its attitude to the rule of law, pluralist democracy and human rights in line with its responsibilities as a member of the Council of Europe; urges the Russian government to respond to the growing discontent expressed by many Russian citizens at the continuing corruption and oppression of the regime by returning to the path of liberal reform;
Amendment 214 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Believes that it is the sovereign right of countries in the region to choose, free from external interference, the security organisation/arrangements/framework which, in their view, brings greatest security to their citizensUrges Russia to respect the territorial and constitutional integrity of regional neighbours and to join the international consensus in the United Nations with respect to emerging democracy;
Amendment 242 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Is concerned at the resurgence in violence following the breakdown in peace negotiations; highlights the importance of a sub-regional Central Asian approach to tackling cross-border trafficking in people and goods and to fighting organised crime and terrorism; calls for stepped-up support for building the capacity of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the National Security Forces as well as for helping the wider population with agricultural and socio- economic development in order for the country to assume full responsibility for security after completion of the transfer of internal security to the Afghan forces by the end of 2014;therefore calls for the intensification of police training and for amending the EUPOL mandate; reiterates the need to establish a plan for the elimination of opium production and believes that the EU's strategy for Afghanistan will have to consider the need to further encourage a profound shift in the mindset of the international community, which has all too often in the past shaped plans and decisions with scant regard for Afghan involvement; calls for a centralised EU database on the costs and impact of EU aid to Afghanistan and for an in depth evaluation by an independent team of all EU and Member States actions undertaken in the country so far;
Amendment 256 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Notes that, given the increasing global and regional relevance of China, India and other emerging countries in Asia, both the United States of America and the EU may progressively shift their primary attention, political investment and resources to the Pacific; further notes that Asia should have a more important place on the foreign agenda of the European Union and EU Member States; calls therefore for greater coordination of the US and EU policies towards China, India and other emerging countries in Asia in order to avoid a decoupling of approaches to key policies the US and EU have common interests in developing closer trade and political relations with China, India and other emerging countries in Asia;
Amendment 262 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Believes that the USA as a NATO member is an important partner forwill continue to make a vital contribution to the collective security of Europethe West;
Amendment 285 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53 a (new)
Paragraph 53 a (new)
53 a. Recalls the European Parliament resolution of 25 November 2010 on the situation in Western Sahara; urges Morocco and the Polisario Front to continue negotiation for a peaceful and long-lasting solution of the Western Sahara conflict and reiterates the rights of the Sahrawi people to self determination which should be decided through a democratic referendum, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions; condemns the ongoing violation of the human rights of the Sahrawi people; calls for the release of the Sahrawi political prisoners; welcomes the statements by 11 countries during the 13 th session of the Universal Periodic Review of the United Nations raising concerns on the situation in Western Sahara;
Amendment 344 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 64
Paragraph 64
64. Urges the Member States to meet their obligation to rapidly conclude the negotiations on the accession of the EU to the ECHR; underlines the importance of the monitoring procedures of the Council of Europe as a major contribution to assessing progress by neighbouring countries in achieving democratic reforms;
Amendment 370 #
Amendment 371 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 70 a (new)
Paragraph 70 a (new)
70 a. Believes that in its treatment of authoritarian regimes the EU should develop a more consistent policy with respect to the imposition and lifting of sanctions and restrictive measures;
Amendment 2 #
2012/0309(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The imposition of the visa requirement on the nationals of Dominica, Grenada, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu is no longer justified. These countries do not present any risk of illegal immigration or a threat to public policy for the Union in accordance with the criteria set out in recital 5 of Regulation (EC) N° 539/2001. Consequently, nationals of those countries should be exempt from the visa requirement for stays of no more than three months in all and references to those countries should be transferred to Annex II.
Amendment 4 #
2012/0309(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Exemption from the visa requirement for nationals of Dominica, Grenada, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu should not come into force until bilateral agreements on visa waiver between the Union and the countries concerned have been concluded in order to ensure full reciprocity.
Amendment 6 #
2012/0309(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 1 – point a
Article 1 – point 1 – point a
(a) in point 1, the references to Dominica, Grenada, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu are deleted and a reference to South-Sudan is inserted;
Amendment 7 #
2012/0309(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2 – point a – two last references
Article 1 – point 2 – point a – two last references
"Tuvalu*", "United Arab Emirates*" and "Vanuatu*"
Amendment 42 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) ensure that the conclusion of the EU-Azerbaijan Association Agreement, in line with the demands made in the Parliament's Report on the need for an EU strategy for the South Caucasus of 23 April 2010 and with OSCE Minsk Group Basic Principles, is linked to a substantial progress towards the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, including confidence-building measures and active incident-prevention on the line of contact; the right of all internally displaced persons and refugees to return to their home places and properties and international security guarantees that would include a genuine multinational peacekeeping operation;
Amendment 78 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) strengthen the European Union's conflict-resolution capacity, inter alia by supporting the efforts of the Minsk Group and clearing the way for the implementation of confidence-building measures, as the Presidents of both Azerbaijan and Armenia have agreed; the EU should also consider direct and more active participation in the Minsk Group;
Amendment 80 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(f a) calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to undertake confidence-building measures along the front lines, including withdrawal of snipers from the line of contact (in accordance with OSCE recommendations), the pullback and cessation of use of any artillery, significant increase in the number of the OSCE monitors, as an interim measure until a UN-mandated multinational peacekeeping force is deployed as part of the implementation of a peace agreement;
Amendment 31 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) ensure that the conclusion of the EU-Armenia Association Agreement, in line with the demands made in the Parliament’s Report on the need for an EU strategy for the South Caucasus of 23 April 2010 and with OSCE Minsk Group Basic Principles, is linked to a substantial progress towards the resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, including confidence-building measures and active incident-prevention on the line of contact; the withdrawal of Armenian forces from the all occupied territories of Azerbaijan surrounding Nagorno- Karabakh and their gradual return to Azerbaijani control, the right of all internally displaced persons and refugees to return to their home places and properties and international security guarantees that would include a genuine multinational peacekeeping operation;
Amendment 62 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) ensure that the Association Agreement is consistent with the principles of international law - in particular the non-use of force, self-determination and territorial integrity - and that the Agreement, once concluded, applies to the whole territory of Armenia;
Amendment 66 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(g a) calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to undertake confidence-building measures along the front lines, including withdrawal of snipers from the line of contact (in accordance with OSCE recommendations), the pullback and cessation of use of any artillery, significant increase in the number of the OSCE monitors, as an interim measure until a UN-mandated multinational peacekeeping force is deployed as part of the implementation of a peace agreement; calls on Armenia to stop sending regular army conscripts to serve in Nagorno-Karabakh;
Amendment 90 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
(i a) encourage Armenian authorities to work actively on basing the country’s national security on a commitment to international cooperation and security networks as well as the development of good neighbourly relations, which should lead to the withdrawal of foreign troops from its territory;
Amendment 5 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas twenty years after the declaration of its independence and some eight years following the application for EU membership, Croatia marked a historic milestone in the process of its reEU integration into Europeprocess by successfully closing accession negotiations with the EU; whereas Croatia’s achievements deserve unqualified recognition;
Amendment 8 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the accession process has significantly contributed to Croatia’s transformation into a solid and mature democracy based on European values; whereas the prospect of accession acts as a powerful catalyst for reform by mobilising the various actors in political, economic, social and cultural life; whereas reform efforts also need to be sustained beyond the completion of the negotiations and accession in order for the country and its citizens to fully benefit fromenjoy their rights and fulfil their obligations in the scope of Croatia’s EU membership;
Amendment 16 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas a true reconciliation between the different peoples and the establishment of good-neighbourly relations can substantially contribute to a genuine European integration process; whereas prosecutions for war crimes and the reintegration of refugees and displaced persons are fundamental elements of the reconciliation process;
Amendment 32 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the need to focus in particular on commitments undertaken in the area of the judiciary, home affairs and fundamental rights, freedom and security, including the continued implementation of judicial reform and efficiency, impartial handling of war crimes cases, the fight against corruption, border management, police cooperation, the fight against organised crime, judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters, as well as on commitments in the area of competition policy with a view to the restructuring of the shipbuilding and steel industries;
Amendment 35 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the need to focus in particular on commitments undertaken in the area of the judiciary, fundamental rights, freedom and security, including the continued implementation of judicial reform and efficiency, impartial handling of war crimes cases, the fight against corruption, border management, police cooperation, the fight against organised crime, judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters, as well as on commitments in the area of competition policy with a view to the adequate and efficient restructuring of the shipbuilding and steel industries;
Amendment 50 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers it one of the highest priorities to combat corruption, particularly high- level corruption, corruption at every level of the judiciary, law-enforcement agencies and the public administration, as well as large-scale corruption, which must be pursued with determination at all levels, by rigorous enforcement of the law and successful prosecutions; calls on the Croatian authorities to further strengthen the administrative capacities of anti- corruption bodies and foster a culture of political accountability as a prerequisite for building and strengthening the rule of law;
Amendment 59 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Urges the Croatian Government to continue actively to encourage and support prosecutions for war crimes and, to continue cooperating with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and to continue developing regional judicial cooperation with other countries concerned; urges the Croatian judiciary to seriously address impunity for war crimes, especially where the victims were ethnic Serbs or the alleged perpetrators were members of the Croatian security forces;
Amendment 63 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Invites the Government to further encourage the return of refugeesand allow in the best possible ways the return of refugees and displaced persons, paying special attention to the situation of ethnic Serbian returnees, by seeking effective and sustainable ways of implementing housing, employment and social measures in a manner coherent with other social and employment programmes;
Amendment 71 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Encourages the Croatian authorities to continue their efforts to combat discrimination and to enforce the anti- discrimination legislation as well as to address resolutely cases of hate crimes, hate speech, racial threats and intolerance against sexualethnic and LGBT minorities; further invites Croatia to continue to act in the spirit of tolerance and take appropriate measures to protect those who may still be subject to threats or acts of intimidation;
Amendment 97 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Invites Croatia to consistently advocate EU enlargement and the promotion of European values of peace, prosperity, freedom, the rule of law, democracy and the social market economy in the region; encourages Croatia to continue to maintainenhance good-neighbourly relations, to remainbe an important and proactive promoter of regional cooperation on all levels and to maintain its commitment to translate reconciliation efforts into practical steps of economic benefit to all citizens of the region;
Amendment 98 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Invites Croatia to consistently advocate EU enlargement and the promotion of European values of peace, prosperity, freedom, the rule of law, democracy and the social market economy in the region; encourages Croatia to continue to maintain good-neighbourly relations, to remain an important and proactive promoter of regional cooperation on all levels and to maintain its commitment to translate reconciliation efforts into practical steps of economic, social and human benefit to all citizens of the region;
Amendment 103 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls for progress in the resolution of outstanding bilateral issues with some neighbouring countries, in particular as regards border demarcation, missing persons, property restitution and refugees, and strongly believes that open issues of a bilateral nature must not halt the process of EU accession of candidate and potential candidate countries in the Western Balkans;
Amendment 104 #
2011/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls for progress in the resolution of outstanding bilateral issues with some neighbouring countries, in particular aswith Serbia, mainly regardsing border demarcation, missing persons, property restitution and refugees, and strongly believes that open issues of a bilateral nature must not halt the process of EU accession of candidate and potential candidate countries in the Western Balkans;
Amendment 7 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
– having regard to its Written Declaration No 15/2011 of 27 September 2011 on the establishment of Euro-Mediterranean Erasmus and Leonardo da Vinci programmes,
Amendment 20 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas respect for and promotion of democracy and human rights – particularly women’s rights – justice and the rule of law, fundamental freedoms – including freedom of speech, conscience, religion, sexual orientation, association and the media, including unrestricted access to information, communication and internet –, strengthening of security, democratic stability, prosperity, the fair distribution of income, wealth and opportunities, the fight against corruption and the promotion of good governance are founding principles and aims of the EU which must constitute common values at the core of the ENP review,
Amendment 51 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. having regard to the European Parliament’s support for the establishment of Euro-Mediterranean Erasmus and Leonardo da Vinci programmes through Written Declaration 15/2011 of 27 September 2011,
Amendment 77 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Although the EU does not seek to impose a model or a ready-made recipe for political reforms and respects the values, traditions and forms of governance of the countries concerned, underlines that the ENP is based on shared values and the commitment to democracy, human rights, the rule of law and good governance;
Amendment 88 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the proposal for a European Endowment for Democracy, which is a timely response to the clamour for democracy by the populations of our neighbouring countries; underlines that it should be based on the principles of transparency and flexibilitya flexible, fast and targeted mechanism for support and should complement already-existing EU Instruments and the exemplary work of longstanding European political or non- political foundations; stresses that its scope and organisation should be clearly defined and that its structures and procedures should be light and straightforward; calls for a truly political steering committee to be established with the participation of the European Parliament, which should also be involved in the ex-post control mechanismthe involvement of the European Parliament in its governance structure, to help determine the annual objectives, priorities, expected results, and financial allocations in broad terms and to be part in the monitoring of activities;
Amendment 105 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the importance of building a partnership with societies and, in that context, takes note of the proposal for a Civil Society Facility (CSF) as a way to target resources more effectively and efficiently towards civil society; calls on the EEAS and the Commission to better explain the scope and objectives of a potential CSF; recommends to use this facility to improve the work of the Civil Society Forum within the Eastern Partnership and to potentially build up such a forum also for the southern partners;
Amendment 137 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that human rights situations should be continuously monitored and that an annual assessment of the situation could be included in the annex to the annual progress report of each partner country with a clear mechanism to reconsider and progressively limit or even suspend bilateral cooperation if human rights violations are confirmed, without affecting civil society;
Amendment 173 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Underlines the opportunity that negotiations on association agreements provide to boost reform; stresses that all the components should be linked in order for the EU to deepen its relationship in a holistic and coherent manner; believes that they should therefore include concrete conditions, timetables and performance benchmarks which should be regularly monitored; stresses the need to include in these agreements real and tangible incentives for the partners to make the reform path more attractive; reiterates the need for the EU to grant privileged market access, greater openness to trade by better aligning common commercial policy objectives with the ENP;
Amendment 226 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recalls that the EU should improve the management of migration, providing better conditions for the establishment of legal migrants in the EU; considers that the EU needs to favour legal labour migration by concluding mobility partnerships; calls upon the member states to view the mobility debate as an important element of the neighbourhood policy that should not be steered primarily by security concerns;
Amendment 240 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Underlines the importance of paying particular attention to the younger generation; stresses that the EU should increase cooperation in the field of education, immediately broadening and increasing scholarship programmes and mobility of students by promoting university and high-school exchanges and public-private partnerships in the field of research; emphasises the need to advance the work on mutual recognition of qualifications and education systems with ENP partner countries; stresses the strong need for a structured information policy towards the citizens of the ENP partners concerning the possibility of participation in EU programmes;
Amendment 244 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Believes that the Euro- Mediterranean University (EMUNI) provides a unique platform and opportunity for strengthening cooperation in the area of higher education and student mobility with our southern neighbours, at a time when it is of particularly vital importance to deepen the relations with the southern partnership countries, especially with their younger generations; underlines, in this respect, that the EMUNI’s potential should be developed as much as possible;
Amendment 245 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Calls on the Commission to take over Parliament’s proposal, produced in the wake of the Arab Spring, to establish a Euro-Mediterranean Leonardo da Vinci programme aimed at encouraging the mobility of young people wishing to acquire vocational training abroad, the object being to help combat the youth unemployment endemic to the southern Mediterranean;
Amendment 256 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Believes that the EU should advance its work on visa facilitation and readmission agreements, with a view to moving – once all conditions are met – to a visa-free regime; stresses in this respect that the youth and student mobility should be treated as a priority; underlines that the provisions on asylum must be fully in line with international obligations and commitments and EU standards, especially in the human rights field;
Amendment 294 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Believes that intercultural and inter- religious dialogue is crucial to enhancing mutual understanding, respect, solidarity and tolerance with and among the neighbourhood partner countries; calls for the proposed new ENP instruments to give particular consideration to their promotion;
Amendment 306 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Underlines that the multilateral parliamentary assemblies, such as EURONEST and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM), ar should become crucial vectors of confidence- and coherence- building between the EU and the partner countries and among the partner countries themselves, and therefore greatlyshould contribute to the achievement of the goals of the EaP and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM); invites the EEAS and the Commission to associate EURONEST members to the maximum extent possible with the multilateral structures and platforms of the EaP; insists on the need to recognise the PA- UfM as a legitimate parliamentary institution of the UfM; emphasises that a fully-fledged secretariat will impart increased coherence to the PA-UfM’s work and consistency with the ENP programmes planned for the southern regional dimension;
Amendment 6 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the economic growth of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (the BRICS) entails an increased relevanceweight of those countries in foreign policy terms;
Amendment 15 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, with the process of consolidation of strong economic and foreign policy powers such as the BRICS, a multi-polar system has emerged, where global leadership is increasingly shared amongst several countries and regional blocks of countries; whereas such a multi- polar system entails a progressive shift in global economic power to the BRICS and other emerging economies and further entails a shift of sovereignty and control, in foreign policy terms, from existingstablished powers to emerging powers; whereas the current economic crisis has accelerated the process of transfer of powers from existingstablished to emerging powers;
Amendment 22 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas without an inclusive new global governance system based on close consultation and cooperation with the BRICS, there will be little incentive for emergstablished and emerging powers to cooperate and concert action on major global issues with the potential risk of (i) political and economic fragmentation and the emergence of competing world orders and separate regional areas, (ii) the disentanglement of global economic structures and investment flows and (iii) the creation of regional blocks of influence with very limited international coordination and no concerted solution possible for transnational challenges;
Amendment 32 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the consolidation of the economic and political power of the BRICS and other emerging countries as the world's largest economies may not necessarily be associated with the transition from low-income economies to middle-income economies and, thereby, the emergence and consolidation of a large middle class; whereas the lack of a large middle class in such countries would mark the end of the substantial role in world affairs of countries characterised by affluent societies and a stable and moderate political orientation;
Amendment 40 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas at the end of the third BRICS leaders meeting, on 14 April 2011, the BRICS leaders issued a joint declaration calling for more international cooperation and a strengthening of global governance, and expressing support for multilateral diplomacy with the United Nations and the G-20; whereas all five BRICS countries have been concurrently present in the UN Security Council during 2011; whereas the BRICS have called for change in the governing structures of the international financial institutions and the UN to reflect the changes in the world economy and to better manage today's global challenges;
Amendment 45 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the EU should play a proactive part in building an inclusive and representative United Nations system that can effectively contribute to global solutions, peace and security, democracy and a rule-of-law-based international order; whereas, in accordance with Article 21 of the TEU, the EU is formally committed to effective multilateralism with a strong UN at its core;
Amendment 62 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that the interdependence between, on the one hand, the emergstablished powers and, on the other, the BRICS and other emerging powers maintains a relevant economic dimension, but is essentially political, as both the emerged and the emerging powers share an interest in ensuring an effective system of global governance and in tackling together those global stability and security risks which may curb the global growth potential;
Amendment 75 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Strongly rejects the contentIs of the opinion that, in view of the emergence of new economic and foreign policy powers and potential rivals, the West should agree to relinquish its leadership and focus on managing its decline. Contends, rather,, the established powers should be ready to share responsibility and the emerging powers to be ready to bear responsibility on common global challenges; stresses that the Westablished powers and, in particular, the EU should focus on achieving the necessary economies of scale and develop concerted efforts to enable it to interact with the emerging powers constructively and effectively; points out to the need to develop an inclusive system of global governance based on cooperation and coordination with the BRICS and other emerging countries, as appropriate; points further to the key role of the Westablished powers and, particularly, the EU in promoting an inclusive system of global governance such as this; regrets that the lack of political will for genuinely common foreign policy among the member states prevents the EU from reaching its full potential as a global foreign policy actor;
Amendment 87 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the BRICS have embarked on quasi-permanentcountries have coordination ofed their foreign policy by abstaining from the vote on UNSC Resolution 1973 (2011) on Libya (South Africa was not yet part of the BRICS at that time), by deferring the vote on the EU's role in UNGA, and through their coinciding positions on Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan and the placement of weapons in outer space, as well as by coordinating their action through the BRICS Leaders' meetings; points out that the BRICS seem to be challenging the current system of international governance; believesies in some cases, most notably in the Libyan and Syrian crises; stresses, however, that the extent and the results of this coordination remains to be seen and that currently the BRICS countries have differing foreign policy interests and priorities, as can be seen for instance in their overall voting behaviour in the UN General Assembly; believes, nevertheless, that if the EU will dulyshould take into account the new weight, in political and economic terms, of the BRICS and other emerging powers, as this may contribute to an orderly reform of global governance without any destabilising effects;
Amendment 111 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that, in light of the increasing relevance of the BRICS and other emerging economies and the looming multi-polar system of governance, the G- 20 is thean appropriate forum for consensus building and for a decision-making process which is inclusive and able to foster convergence, including regulatory convergence; takes the view that notwithstanding the increasing relevance of the G-20, the G-7 maintains a key role as a consultative, coordinating and consensus-building forum for the emerged powers with a view to dialogue with the BRICS and other emerging economies, and ahead of G-20 meetings; supports the G-20 parliamentary dimension and believes that it should be further consolidated and involved in the decision- making processes to ensure a reinforced democratic dialogue and scrutiny;
Amendment 120 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that the transatlantic relations are of utmost importance both economically and politically and the US remains the main economic partner of the EU and vice versa; stresses, however, that, given the increasing global and regional relevance of China, the United States of America may progressively shift its primarystrategic attention, and political investment and resources to the Pacific and perceive the North Atlantic dimension and cooperation with the EU as less strategic; further notes that Asia will have to play a progressively important role on the foreign agenda of the European Union and European Union Member States; expresses concern that the stance of the United States and the EUEU Member States towards China and other emerging countries in Asia may not be sufficiently coordinated and may lead to a decoupling of US and EU policies towards such countries; strongly believes that only by coordinating their efforts will the USA and the EUEU Member States attain the required economies of scale to engage in an effective dialogue with the emerging countries; takes the view that, in addition to the G-7, regular EU-US summits would provide the opportunity to identify common objectives and coordinate strategies;
Amendment 131 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the importance that the overall coordination of EU foreign policy towards the BRICS and other emerging economies should lie with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; believes that the EU should strive to achieve, under the coordination by the High Representative and other relevant commissioners, a better linking of foreign and security policy with EU sectoral policies, such as development, energy security, trade, access to raw materials and rare earths, climate change and migration, with a view to valorising synergies and ensuring a coherent and systemic foreign policy approach;
Amendment 137 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that the EU should have capacity to adjust and reform its internal governance structures in order to ensure a decision-making process able to reflect its plurality and create consensus; stressWhilst stressing the need to avoid a monolithic approach to the BRICS, reiterates the importance that aof coherent EU foreign policy approach at EU level towards the BRICS and other emerging countries being reflected inat the organisationlevel of the EEAS; takes the view that with regard to the BRICS, in addition to its organisation along geographical and thematic lines, the EEAS should the EEAS should review and strengthen strategic partnerships with the BRICS countries tablish an ad hoc coordinating king into accounit to ensure that all individual policies towards BRICS are compatible from a systemic point of view and that the policy lines adopted are reflected in the EU dialogue with emerged powers such as the USA, Canada and Japan;geographical as well as thematic differences and stresses the added value the strategic partnerships can provide; further believes that the EU delegations in BRICS countries and other relevant emerging countries should form a network aimed at providing continuous monitoring and analysis on relations amongst the BRICS and relevant cross-sensitivities, thus enabling a more systemic approach; believesis of the opinion that the EU should direct part of its resources to leading the reform process of a global system of governance and of international organisations with a view to ensuring a more inclusive consensus- building and decision-making process at global level;
Amendment 147 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 154 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Believes that, with a view to ensuringReiterates the importance of continued effective democratic scrutiny of EU policy- making towards the BRICS and other emerging countries, and in order to facilitate aning enhanced interparliamentary dialogue with such countries, relevant Parliament staff should develop specialised competence and thus have appropriate analytical tools and monitoring capacity and be able to assist Members in promoting effective dialogue;
Amendment 62 #
2011/2047(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Takes the view that the added value of the Commission’s development aid justifies a significantubstantial increase in real terms in the budget earmarked for development aid in the next MFF (Multiannual Financial Framework);
Amendment 92 #
2011/2047(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. SuggestUrges that the EU and its Member States support more systematically the ILO’s decent work agenda in developing countries, in order to stimulate the creation of high-quality jobs and the protection of core labour standards;
Amendment 2 #
2011/0167(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
–
–
The Committee on Development calls on the Committee on International Trade, as the committee responsible, to propose that Parliament decline to give its consent.
Amendment 61 #
2011/0023(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) The Member States should take all necessary measures to enable air carriers to fulfil their obligations under this Directive. Dissuasive, effective and proportionate penalties, including financial ones, should be provided for by Member States against those air carriers failing to meet their obligations regarding the transfer of PNR data. Where there are repeated serious infringements which might undermine the basic objectives of this Directive, these penalties may include, in exceptional cases, measures such as the immobilisation, seizure and confiscation of the means of transport, or the temporary suspension or withdrawal of the operating licence.
Amendment 81 #
2011/0023(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) This Directive respects the fundamental rights and the principles of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular the right to the protection of personal data, the right to privacy and the right to non-discrimination as protected by Articles 8, 7 and 21 of the Charter, as well as the right to compensation in case the subject's details are exposed in the media and public sphere, without sufficient evidence for its guilt, and has to be implemented accordingly. The Directive is compatible with data protection principles and its provisions are in line with the Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA. Furthermore, and in order to comply with the proportionality principle, the Directive, on specific issues, will have stricter rules on data protection than the Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA.
Amendment 83 #
2011/0023(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) In particular, the scope of the Directive is as limited as possible, it allows retention of PNR data for period of time not exceeding 53 years, after which the data must be deleted, the data must be anonymised after a very short period, the collection and use of sensitive data is prohibited. In order to ensure efficiency and a high level of data protection, Member States are required to ensure that an independent national supervisory authority is responsible for advising and monitoring how PNR data are processed. All processing of PNR data must be logged or documented for the purpose of verification of the lawfulness of the data processing, self-monitoring and ensuring proper data integrity and security of the data processing. Member States must also ensure that passengers are clearly and precisely informed about the collection of PNR data and their rights.
Amendment 188 #
2011/0023(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 4
Article 9 – paragraph 4
4. The result of matching referred to in Article 4(2)(a) and (b) shall be kept by the Passenger Information Unit only as long as necessary to inform the competent authorities of a positive match. Where the result of an automated matching operation has, further to individual review by non- automated means, proven to be negative, it shall, however, be stored so as to avoid future ‘false’ positive matches for a maximum period of three years unless the underlying data have not yet been deleted in accordance with paragraph 3 at the expiry of the five years, in which case the log shall be kept until the underlying data are deleted.
Amendment 194 #
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 shall be prohibited. In the event that PNR data revealing such information are received by the Passenger Information Unit they shall be deleted immediately. The data subject has the right to compensation, in case his private data are misused or are exposed to the public and media sphere, for reasons unrelated to the scope of this directive.
Amendment 14 #
2010/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the increasing involvement of non-humanitarian bodies in responding to humanitarian crises carries with it a major risk of confusion between the military and humanitarian roles and blurs the boundaries of neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian aid, whereas effective humanitarian activities in the case of major natural or man-made disasters indispensably require the involvement of military logistical capabilities,
Amendment 18 #
2010/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the humanitarian context worldwide has deteriorated, the scale of the challenges and the humanitarian need is huge and it is essential to work on strengthening implementation of the European Consensus and the associated action plan, as well as worldwide coordination and burden sharing taking into account the regional responsibilities of the countries who have the capacity to be major contributors of humanitarian aid,
Amendment 51 #
2010/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for respect for the diversity of bodies actively involved in financing and implementing international humanitarian programmes – the UN, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs – and encourages efforts to reinforce the capacity of local players; calls for proper coordination and exchange of information between all actors involved,
Amendment 81 #
2010/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the adoption in February 2009 of a new European strategy to improve good governance and support disaster risk reduction in developing countries and calls for the strategy to be implemented swiftly;
Amendment 82 #
2010/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls for a major effort to ensure that disaster risk reduction is morebe mainstreamed in all EU policies and systematically included as an aspect of development aid and humanitarian aid policies;
Amendment 13 #
2010/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a
Paragraph 1 a
a) acknowledges that the inclusion of civil protection and humanitarian aid within the portfolio of a single Commissioner canresponsible for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response creates better synergies within the Commission and can helps enhance the coherence of the overall EU disaster response;
Amendment 15 #
2010/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b
Paragraph 1 b
b) calls however for a clear distinction and demarcation of roles and mandates between civil protection and humanitarian aid in order to preserve their specific features and respective identities to enhance efficiency;
Amendment 23 #
2010/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 point d a (new)
Paragraph 1 point d a (new)
(da) suggests localized coordination efforts, in cooperation with the national government of the affected state, using EU and Member States' representatives on the ground to ensure targeted and competent response to affected localities;
Amendment 1 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7
Citation 7
– having regard to the Commission's Communication on strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy (COM(2006)0726) and its intention to present the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy in 2011,
Amendment 2 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
– having regard to the recent progress in visa-facilitation dialogue with countries from the region,
Amendment 8 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Black Sea region is of strategic importance for the EU; whereas the Black Sea is partially internal to the EU, which results in shared challenges and opportunities for the EU and the countries of the region, as well as in a common need to ensure there is an area of peace, stability, regional cooperation and sustainable prosperity around the Black Sea,
Amendment 11 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the Black Sea Region is a socially, culturally and religiously rich environment where intercultural and interreligious dialogue should take a central role,
Amendment 17 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas many developments have taken place in the Black Sea Region since 2008, and while regional cooperation seems to be advancing in some technical fields such as environment, education, research and technology, as well as in normative approximation, a number of challenges such as protracted conflicts in the Caucasus and Transnistria, militarization and the deterioration of democratic rule persist and have even gained in intensity,
Amendment 19 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas many developments have taken place in the Black Sea Region since 2008, and while regional cooperation seems to be advancing in some technical fields such as environment, education, research and technology, as well as in normative approximation, a number of challenges such as protracted conflicts, militarization, displaced populations and the deterioration of democratic rule persist and have even gained in intensity,
Amendment 32 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to elaborate a strategy for the Black Sea region in parallel with the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy, thus defining an integrated EU approach to the region, with a detailed action plan, clear objectives, flagship initiatives and benchmarks; believes that the strategy should ensure coordination of activities and division of labour;
Amendment 52 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that in order to provide visibility, strategic guidance and high-level coordination, ministerial meetings between the EU and the wider Black Sea region countries should be organised on a regular basis and include all actors in the region; believes that the Strategy for the Black Sea should be developed at all levels of regional cooperation; notes, therefore, the parliamentary cooperation between the EU and the Black Sea countries, especially through PABSEC, welcomes the creation of the Black Sea Civil Society Forum and encourages strengthened cooperation among local authorities, civil society and business;
Amendment 61 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that twohe main objectives should be pursued in the EU Strategy for the Black Sea Region: should be establishing peace and stability in the Black Sea area and providing for EU energy securityan area of peace, founded on the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; considers that good governance, energy, transport, environment, people-to-people contacts and economic and social development should constitute priority actions;
Amendment 70 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls that the Black Sea region is faced with considerable transnational challenges that cannot be ignored, such as protracted conflicts, displaced populations, bilateral disputes, closed borders and strategic rivalries leading to militarisation and proliferation of arms, weak institutions and governance and the deterioration of democratic rule, cross-border crime and trafficking, border and movement management, and deteriorated maritime security and safety;
Amendment 79 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Emphasises, the important role that the OSCE plays in the region and it regards as essential for the EU to cooperate with OSCE in the fields of institution-building, rule of law, election observation, freedom of media, as well as democracy and human rights;
Amendment 106 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Recalls the EU's aim of diversifying routes and sources of supply; reiterates the importance of the Nabucco project andand South Stream projects, as well as of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) transportation to Europe, in the form of the AGRI project and the development of LNG terminals in Black Sea ports; recalls the need for a common normative framework for promoting a transparent, competitive and rules-based gas market;
Amendment 116 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Believes that the economic, social and human development of the region as a whole should be promoted; attaches particular importance to the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the region; regards further liberalization of trade and intensification of intra- regional trade as essential to the economic development of the region; supports the EU's Integrated Maritime Policy aimed at the socio-economic development of maritime regions, but regrets that its Black Sea dimension is poorly developed; welcomes the results registered in cooperation on education, research and technology; further encourages the goal of promoting social development, people-to- people contacts and the development of a strong civil society; underlines that the EU should proceed further in its dialogue on visa-facilitation with the countries of the region;
Amendment 14 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16
Citation 16
– having regard to the Vienna Group proposal for transferring Iranian uranium to Russia and France and to the bridging proposal sponsored by the governments of Turkey and Brazil in an attempt to delay the passage of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1929 (2010)IAEA's proposal for an agreement to provide nuclear fuel to the Tehran Research Reactor in exchange for Low Enriched Uranium from Iran's stocks and to the bridging proposal sponsored by the governments of Turkey and Brazil in an attempt to build confidence and facilitate negotiations between Iran and E3+3 as well as between Iran and the Vienna Group,
Amendment 61 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas there has been a remarkable deepening of relations between Iran and Turkey, and whereas Iran is using its state and non-state allies Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas, to destabilise the regionwhich could have a positive influence on the prospects for a diplomatic solution to the problem of Iranian nuclear programme,
Amendment 211 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Expresses its disappointment at the continuing refusal by Iran to fully cooperate with the IAEA by obstructing the IAEA's work, denying access to key nuclear facilities and vetoing the appointment of inspectors; calls on the Iranian leadership to fulfil Iran's obligations under the NPT; demands that Teheran ratify and implement the Additional Protocol on the Safeguards Agreement; addresses the same demand to the other countries which have not ratified and implemented the additional Protocol on the Safeguards Agreement;
Amendment 216 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Stresses the fact that a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue is the only viable option;
Amendment 218 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Also stresses the fact that in accordance with a central tenet of the NPT, Iran has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and to receive technical assistance for the same objectives;
Amendment 270 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Expresses its concerns on the remarkable deepening of relations between Iran and EU accession candidate Turkeyappreciation for the efforts by EU accession candidate country Turkey as well as by Brazil to secure progress on the Tehran Research Reactor agreement proposed to Iran by the IAEA in October 2009; asks the Council and the Commission to discuss closely consult and cooperate withe Turkish attitude towards Iran with their counterparts in Ankara; calls on the Turkish authorities to follow the European approach towards theey which aims to facilitate negotiations between Iran and the E3+3 as well as with Iran and the Vienna Group; calls on the Turkish authorities to continue their efforts to find a diplomatic solution to Iranian's nuclear threat; calls on the EU institutions to do their utmost to sever the lines between Teheran and Syria, Hezbollah and Hamasquestion, which is the only viable option;
Amendment 282 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Notes that no action should be taken by any state that could risk leading to any kind of use of force against Iran;
Amendment 286 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Notes with concern the forming of a constellation of political, economic and military interests fomenting preparations for a military attack on Iran; notes with even deeper concern the destabilising effects that such an attack would have on the Middle East and on the whole region, with the disruption of oil supplies, many civilian victims, the encouragement of international terrorism, the growth of extreme nationalist reactions in Iran, and an ultimate strengthening of the current Iranian regime;
Amendment 7 #
2009/2219(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that in many developing countries fisheries, particularly small-scale fishing, and related industries play a vital role in ensuring food security, creating jobs, generating government revenues and exports and maintaining local communities; considers it essential that the interests of the local population and their sovereign rights over natural resources are taken into account; is concerned that overfishing and illegal fishing can contribute to migration and seriously undermine sustainable development; calls therefore for EU fisheries agreements with developing countries to help foster domestic fishing industries, monitor fish stocks, combat overfishing and illegal fishing, protect biodiversity and upgrade hygiene and health standards;
Amendment 106 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Believes that by the end of 2012 the Afghan authorities, with increased international police training assistance, should be ready to take over full responsibility for their state and that by then the foreign military presence should be brought to an end;
Amendment 9 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas, in a multipolar world, only large regional blocintegrations will be in abetter positioned to play a leading role and to cope with social, cultural, economic, environmental and political changes,
Amendment 35 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas, for the last 15 years or so, Mediterranean countries have been developing new trading and economic partners (relations (e.g. with Russia, China, India, Brazil and the Gulf monarchistates) and their societies have been undergoing radicsubstantial changes (in terms of consumption patterns, mobility, demographic transitions and so on) with implications for internal territorial balances,
Amendment 44 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. having regard to the significant disparities between European Union Member States and Mediterranean third countries and the worrying structural problems of a socio-economic and institutional nature, which call for strong responses in the shared interest of all the states participating in the UfM; noting the need for an improved South-South regional integration,
Amendment 46 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the regional context in which the UfM is taking shape continues to be characterised by conflicts and political tensions, which have slowed down its establishment since the Paris Summit of July 2008; whereas the Middle East Peace Process has come to a standstill,
Amendment 64 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the implementation of projects announced by the UfM have suffered from general underfunding since the Paris Summits progressed only slowly since the Paris Summit, also due to general underfunding,
Amendment 89 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the governments of the UfM member countries to establish an ongoing and open political dialogue characterised by mutual respect and understanding, and reaffirms its desire to see the promotion of democracy and respect for human rights and individual and collective freedoms made the central focus of that dialogue; it believes that respect of women's rights, gender equality and sexual orientation require particular attention;
Amendment 92 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recalls the 2008 Year of Intercultural dialogue and calls on all UfM member countries to renew their efforts to increase religious and cultural dialogue among their populations, notably through educational exchange programmes and their continued commitment to the UN Alliance of Civilizations;
Amendment 101 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is of the opinion that political tensions and regional conflicts in the Mediterranean basin must not hinder tangible progress towards multilateral cooperation in specific sectors, and that it is through the implementation of major integration projects that the UfM will help to develop a climate of trust conducive to pursuing common security goals in a spirit of solidarity and peace; at the same time notes that a climate of trust is essential to the success of the UfM and its projects; a strong determination of UfM member countries is needed for the continuation of the Middle East Peace Process; calls for a stronger EU engagement on the solution of the matter;
Amendment 140 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 - point 2
Paragraph 6 - point 2
- emphasises that, in the period leading up to the end of the 2007-2013 financial perspectives, any financial contributions made by the Union should not affect existing or planned Euro-Mediterranean regional projects; underlines the need to increase substantially the funds allocated to the UfM in the EU’s forthcoming financial perspectives for 2014-2020;
Amendment 170 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Believes that increased South-South bilateral and multilateral economic cooperation would result in tangible benefits for the citizens, as well as improve the political climate in the region;
Amendment 194 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Is keen to see new projects in the cultural field put on the UfM’s agenda in the very near future; suggests that the dimension of higher education and research of UfM should be strengthened, where priority should be given to setting up aupgrading the Euro- Mediterranean juniorcomponent of the Erasmus Mundus programme called ‘Averroës’, as a way of stepping up exchanges between secondary school pupils in UfM member countries, as well as ensuring enhanced cooperation of partner Institutions within the Euro-Mediterranean University (EMUNI), so that it becomes a centre of excellence and intercultural dialogue;
Amendment 206 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Amendment 213 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the recent establishment of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) and calls for efforts to ensure proper coordination between the ARLEM’s activities and those of the EMPA, in particular through joint meetings or reciprocal invitations for members of their respective bureaux to attend working meetings;