Activities of Derk Jan EPPINK
Plenary speeches (32)
Statement by the candidate Commission President (debate)
Situation at the USA-Mexican border
Appointment of the President of the European Central Bank - Candidate: Ms Christine Lagarde (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 17 and 18 October 2019 (debate)
Presentation by the Commission President-elect of the College of Commissioners and their programme (debate)
Presentation by the Commission President-elect of the College of Commissioners and their programme (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 12 and 13 December 2019 (debate)
European Parliament's position on the Conference on the Future of Europe (debate)
Proposed mandate for negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (debate)
Preparation of the Extraordinary European Council Meeting of 20 February 2020 on the Multiannual Financial Framework (debate)
European coordinated response to the COVID-19 outbreak (debate)
EU coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences (continuation of debate)
70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration (debate)
EU Recovery package (debate)
Order of business
Preparation of the European Council meeting of 19 June 2020 - Recommendations on the negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (debate)
Presentation of the programme of activities of the German Presidency (debate)
Commemorating Srebrenica - 25 years anniversary (debate)
Conclusions of the extraordinary European Council meeting of 17-21 July 2020 (continuation of debate)
Draft Council decision on the system of own resources of the European Union (continuation of debate)
State of the Union (topical debate) (debate)
Conclusions of the Special European Council meeting of 1 and 2 October 2020 - Preparation of the European Council meeting of 15 and 16 October 2020 (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15 and 16 October 2020, in particular the negotiations of the future relations with the UK (debate)
Multiannual Financial Framework (including Own Resources), Rule of Law Conditionality Mechanism and the Recovery Fund for Europe (debate)
Preparation of the European Council meeting of 10-11 December 2020 (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 10-11 December 2020 – MFF, Rule of Law Conditionality and Own Resources – Council regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027 – Proposal for an Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources – Regulation on the protection of the Union’s budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States (debate)
Future Relations between the EU and the UK (continuation of debate)
Inauguration of the new President of the United States and the current political situation (debate)
Presentation of the programme of activities of the Portuguese Presidency (debate)
European Central Bank – annual report 2020 (debate)
Establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (debate)
The state of play of the EU’s COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy (debate)
Shadow reports (5)
REPORT on Banking Union – annual report 2019
REPORT on Gender Equality in EU’s foreign and security policy
REPORT with recommendations to the Commission on Digital Finance: emerging risks in crypto-assets - regulatory and supervisory challenges in the area of financial services, institutions and markets
REPORT on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2014/65/EU as regards information requirements, product governance and position limits to help the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic
REPORT on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on credit servicers, credit purchasers and the recovery of collateral
Opinions (7)
OPINION on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Banking Authority for the financial year 2018
OPINION on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Securities and Markets Authority for the financial year 2018
OPINION on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority for the financial year 2018
OPINION on strengthening transparency and integrity in the EU institutions by setting up an independent EU ethics body
OPINION on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Banking Authority (EBA) for the financial year 2019
OPINION on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Insurance and Occupational Authority (EIOPA) for the financial year 2019
OPINION on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) for the financial year 2019
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on recommendations on the negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Institutional motions (2)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on an EU strategy to put an end to female genital mutilation around the world
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the need for a dedicated Council configuration on gender equality
Oral questions (1)
Human rights situation in Iran, in particular the situation of political prisoners sentenced to death
Written explanations (7)
Foreign electoral interference and disinformation in national and European democratic processes (B9-0108/2019, B9-0111/2019)
FVD kan niet akkoord gaan met deze resolutie vanwege verschillende problemen in de tekst.In paragraaf 4 worden EU-kritische partijen weggezet als partijen die extremistisch en populistisch zijn en daarbij minderheden en kwetsbare groepen in de samenleving uitkiezen als doelwit om daarmee de democratische samenleving te ondermijnen.Men pleit daarnaast (in paragraaf 12) voor krachtigere EU-communicatie. We kunnen ons afvragen of dit niet net hetgeen is wat deze resolutie tracht te bestrijden, namelijk desinformatie en electorale inmenging.De resolutie roept verder op (in paragraaf 17) om meer “verantwoordelijke journalistiek” te ondersteunen en te bevorderen in de strijd tegen niet-geverifieerde en eenzijdige informatie. Het lijkt er sterk op dat de EU hier zelf schuldig aan is.In paragraaf 18 pleit men ervoor de publieke media te ondersteunen omdat zij, gezien het feit dat ze geen privaat geld krijgen, “kwalitatief hoogwaardige en onpartijdige informatie” kunnen verstrekken en daarbij onafhankelijk zijn van “politieke inmenging”. In Nederland hebben we met de Nederlandse Publieke Omroep wel een andere ervaring.Verder wordt erop aangedrongen de EU East StratCom Task Force op te waarderen naar een permanente structuur binnen de Europese dienst voor extern optreden met meer personeel en financiële middelen dan tot nu toe het geval was.
Employment and social policies of the euro area (A9-0016/2019 - Yana Toom)
De FvD-delegatie stemde tegen dit verslag over het werkgelegenheids- en sociaal beleid van de eurozone. De Europese Unie gaat niet over arbeidsmarktbeleid, sociaal beleid, woonbeleid, armoedebestrijding en integratie. Deze bevoegdheden liggen bij de lokale, regionale of nationale overheden. Het advies van het Europees Parlement op deze gebieden doet voor ons niet ter zake.Inhoudelijk staan er in dit verslag een aantal goede elementen, maar ook problematische voorstellen zoals een herverzekeringsregeling voor werkloosheidsuitkeringen, de uitbreiding van de jongerengarantie, de oproep tot een EU-brede kindergarantie, de uitbreiding van het Europees Semester, de oproep tot een snelle goedkeuring van de problematische richtlijn betreffende het evenwicht tussen werk en privéleven enzovoort.
Opening accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania (B9-0155/2019, RC-B9-0156/2019, B9-0156/2019, B9-0157/2019, B9-0158/2019, B9-0159/2019, B9-0160/2019, B9-0161/2019)
Voor FVD heeft de grootte van de EU haar limieten bereikt. Wij zijn bijgevolg opgetogen over de houding van de Franse president Macron, die toetredingsonderhandelingen met Noord-Macedonië en Albanië heeft tegengehouden. Het lijkt ons niet wijs om het Verenigd Koninkrijk in te wisselen voor deze landen. Dit zijn bovendien landen waar de corruptie welig tiert. Hun aansluiting bij de Europese Unie is ongewenst. Tevens zouden alle Europese subsidies die naar die landen gaan, moeten worden ingehouden. Er zijn andere en meer effectieve manieren om deze landen te helpen.
European Parliament's position on the Conference on the Future of Europe (B9-0036/2020, B9-0037/2020, B9-0038/2020)
FVD stemde tegen de resolutie over de Conferentie over de toekomst van Europa, omdat de resolutie is opgedrongen vanuit de meerderheid van het Europees Parlement, waarbij enkel de stem van de EU-federalisten aan bod kwam. Deze conferentie zal bevolkt worden door gesubsidieerde ngo’s en zal geen echte inbreng van de bevolking kennen.FVD pleit voor een andere conferentie, een die een confederaal Europa centraal stelt, waarbij de nadruk ligt op het repatriëren van bevoegdheden naar de lidstaten.
Proposed mandate for negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (B9-0098/2020)
Wij hebben voor deze resolutie gestemd.Wij vinden dit een slechte en slordige tekst, soms verbitterd. Desondanks zijn wij van mening dat de onderhandelingen over de afwikkeling van de brexit zo snel mogelijk van start moeten gaan.Deze resolutie is niet bindend en heeft voornamelijk een symbolisch karakter. Het is vanwege dit symbolische karakter dat wij er daarom voor gekozen hebben deze resolutie te steunen.
The Syrian conflict - 10 years after the uprising (B9-0175/2021, B9-0176/2021, B9-0177/2021, B9-0178/2021, B9-0179/2021, B9-0180/2021, B9-0181/2021)
Normaal gezien onthouden wij ons in stemmingen inzake buitenlands beleid omdat dit niet de bevoegdheid van de EU isWij zijn hier in dit dossier van afgeweken omdat het amendement 8 werd aangenomen dat pleit voor de terugkeer van kinderen van Syriëstrijders.JA21 is hier tegen en daarom hebben wij tegen deze resolutie gestemd.
Written questions (39)
EU transmigration centres in Mexico
Has the Armenian genocide been established by a final decision of an international court?
Customs tariffs on cat scratching posts
Media grants
Draft EBA Guidelines on loan origination and monitoring
EU-subsidies
Medical equipment China
Projects and organisations which receive EU funding for EU communication
Golden parachute for former VP/HR
Letter from the EU Representative to the Palestinian Authority
Grant to the European Council for Foreign Relations
The expression ‘European sovereignty’
Legal analysis of recovery fund
The off-label use of Cytotec to induce labour in pregnant women
Legal ramifications of the projected recovery fund
Conflicts of interest between the European Commission and the Institut für Europäische Politik (IEP)
Conflicts of interest between the European Commission and the Jacques Delors Centre
Taiwan to be added to the green list for travel
The French Parliament and Council Directive (EU) 2020/262
EU subsidies for Clingendael
EU subsidies for the College of Europe
EU grants for the European Policy Centre
EU grants for IPI
EU grants for Egmont
EU grants for the Centre for European Policy Studies
Next Generation EU
Follow-up to question E-002500/2020
Immediate cessation of funding to Turkey for cultural heritage matters
Critical race theory
Follow-up on the off-label use of Cytotec
Wuhan Institute of Virology grants
Implementation of the ‘one in, one out’ principle
Full breakdown of costs for ‘outstanding initiative’ awards and other Commission-funded prizes
VP/HR’s response to the trial of Assadollah Assadi
Parliamentary elections in Georgia
The University of Antwerp and ‘decolonisation’
LinkedIn Learning and Robin DiAngelo
LinkedIn Learning and Robin DiAngelo
Follow‑up question on better implementation of the ‘one in, one out’ principle
Individual motions (2)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on placing the Antifa movement on the EU terrorist list
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize
Amendments (949)
Amendment 6 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission Notices to Stakeholders of 2 December 2020 and 18 January 2021 on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom and the EU rules in the fields of competition and State aid,
Amendment 7 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
- having regard to the UK's Competition and Markets Authority's research paper of 19 January 2021 entitled "Algorithms: How they can reduce competition and harm consumers",
Amendment 8 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 b (new)
Citation 16 b (new)
- having regard to the Commission’s decision of 17 December 2020 to clear the acquisition of Fitbit by Google, subject to conditions,
Amendment 13 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas EU competition policy is designed to maintain an open market economy with free, fair and effective competition favouring an efficient allocation of resources; whereas this fundamental objective remains relevant also in crisis conditions;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the pace of digitalisation;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas a smart reconciliation of the Union’s competition rules with its industrial and international trade policies is essential for re-shoring value chain activities and bolstering global competitiveness, thus contributing to an SME-friendly trade environment;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the increasing challenges of competing with a deeply subsidised big economy like the Chinese one require measures to strengthen EU companies facing non-EU competitors;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas an open market architecture in trading and clearing allowing for genuine competition amongst market infrastructures is key for preserving and strengthening the resilience of EU capital markets, incentivising market-led innovations, and thus delivering better outcomes for pensioners, businesses and investors;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas some undertakings, which benefit from a dual status as both platforms and suppliers, abuse their position to impose unfair terms and conditions on competitors;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas a level playing field between financial services firms and technology firms is needed to ensure competition on equal footing, following the principle of ‘same risk, same activity, same regulation’;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
D c. whereas algorithms can greatly enhance efficiency and allow firms to deliver better products and services to consumers; whereas, however, intentional or unintentional misuse of algorithms can cause harm to consumers and competition;
Amendment 52 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that a strict and impartial enforcement of EU competition rules by independent competition authorities can make a significant contribution to key political priorities such as a deeper and fairer internal market, a connected digital single market, and the Union’s global competitiveness; emphasises its importance also in crisis conditions;
Amendment 74 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Recognises that resources for the Commission's Directorate General for Competition should be adequate to its workload and range of tasks;
Amendment 91 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Is concerned that the Temporary Framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 outbreak might at the end not be that temporary;
Amendment 127 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for reflection on possible distortions of competition arising from the European Central Bank’s pandemic emergency purchase programme (PEPP) and corporate sector purchasing programme (CSPP); emphasises in this regard that the notion of selectivity in State aid is an essential criterion that needs to be investigated thoroughly; further points in this regard to Article 4(3) TEU which contains the so-called principle of loyalty;
Amendment 153 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Expresses its concern about distortive state-funded competition from Chinese and other foreign undertakings acquiring European undertakings, especially those active in innovative technologies and those weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 187 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Reiterates its support for international trade and investment agreements to include strong competition sections;
Amendment 190 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14 b. Supports an active participation of the Commission and the NCAs in the International Competition Network;
Amendment 192 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14 c. Considers that abuse of market power can take place even when products or services are supplied for free;
Amendment 200 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Considers that in the digital economy, the concentration of data in a small number of companies leads to market failures, excessive rent extraction and blocking of new entrants;
Amendment 203 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Recognises the challenges ahead for competition policy making and enforcement related to, inter alia, network effects, the concentration, aggregation and use of data in zero-priced markets, and pricing algorithms;
Amendment 205 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16 b. Calls on the Commission to give due attention and careful consideration to structural competition problems relating to gatekeeping positions of incumbent payment networks, taking due account of their strategic importance and central role in the digital economy, which have only grown during the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 218 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Commission to consider proposals to prohibit platforms from engaging in self-preferencing business practices (including mandatory bundling/pre-installation) or operating in lines of business that depend on or interoperate with the platform, as well as to require platforms to make their services compatible with competing networks to allow for interoperability and, data portability, and multi-vendor integration;
Amendment 237 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Looks forward toWelcomes the Commissionʼs proposals for a Digital Services Act and a Digital Markets Act as a good starting point for a much needed update of the legislative framework for the platform economy;
Amendment 241 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Considers that the DMA proposal should not jeopardize the proper enforcement of competition law already in force nor prevent the Commission from making full use of its existing tools in competition enforcement; refers in this regard to pending concerns on the Android decision and insufficient competition in online search;
Amendment 243 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20 b. Highlights the importance of an adequate enforcement framework in the future DMA, whereby the design of remedies should not be left to the sole appreciation of the incriminated company but instead be subject to a strict compliance mechanism;
Amendment 244 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20 c. Considers that the toolbox of the Commission as future DMA regulator should include the ability to ban abusive self-preferencing practices in the form of default settings; expresses its support for entrusting the Commission with the ability to force a gatekeeping platform to substitute certain default settings by an effective and objective consumer choice architecture, thus putting consumers in the driving seat;
Amendment 247 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Considers that Parliament should play an active role in the political debate on competition policy, including through organising a public hearing with the CEOs of GAFA (Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple) on their corporate strategies in the field of competition and taxation practices;
Amendment 252 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses the importance of helping consumers and users to gain greater control over, and take responsibility for, their own data and identity, and calls for a high level of protection of personal data while increasing the levels of transparency and accountability of digital services; calls in this regard for a mandatory data sharing framework providing consumers with tools to rightfully take ownership and manage their own data in a simpler and more effective manner;
Amendment 261 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls for the Union’s infrastructure and operational resilience capacity in critical digital sectors to be enhanced;
Amendment 267 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Notes that some oligopolistic structures have developed in the area of financial services, and also that some large technology undertakings have become important players in the financial services market; calls on the Commission to monitor and investigate how the competitive advantages inherent to these operators may distort competition in the market, and harm the interests of consumers and innovation;
Amendment 273 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Emphasises the need to monitor price caps, for example in sectors such as online platforms for accommodation and tourism;
Amendment 295 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Calls on the Commission to give due attention and careful consideration to sectors and subsectors which are the basis of many other industries, as well as the Union’s social and economic value chain; is concerned that insufficient attention for the trade intensity criterion and the aggregate impact of climate-related costs (direct and indirect), and excluding too large a number of such ectors and subsectors from eligibility for State aid, including through the revised EU Emission Trading System (ETS) State aid guidelines, may put the Union’s international competitiveness at risk;
Amendment 316 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Urges the Commission to remain vigilant and strictly enforce article 102 prohibiting the abuse of a dominant position as well as its merger control procedures, enshrined in Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 on the control of concentrations between undertakings;
Amendment 320 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. Considers that merger decisions put increasing pressure on limited resources; calls on the Commission to consider charging a fee on companies that file a merger notification as an alternative financing source for its enforcement activities, following the example of NCAs in a majority of EU Member States as well as in third country jurisdictions such as the US, Canada, and Australia;
Amendment 322 #
2020/2223(INI)
30 b. Notes that the European Court of Justice interprets Article 101 TFEU taking into account the different aims of the Treaties; points in particular to the Wouters judgment (C-309/99) in which the general interest was predominant and therefore limitations of competition were considered to be justified; welcomes and encourages that EU competition practice does not solely focus on price-centric consumer welfare; stresses the importance of the proportionality principle, meaning that limitation of competition cannot go beyond what is necessary to achieve the general interest;
Amendment 326 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Recalls that cartels represent some of the most serious violations of competition law; believes that such infringements of competition law counteract the interests of EU citizens since they do not allow consumers to benefit from lower prices;
Amendment 340 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Amendment 344 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 b (new)
Paragraph 32 b (new)
32 b. Notes that taxation is a national competence, dependent on the political views and actions of governments and parliaments, based upon fiscal policies and political aspirations regarding public finances;
Amendment 346 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 c (new)
Paragraph 32 c (new)
32 c. Highlights EU-wide competition, choice and open access among market infrastructures across the entire execution value chain as fundamental principles for the CMU; supports a diversity of trading mechanisms catering to different trading strategies, market conditions, and investment objectives, both in the EU and globally; considers that failure to uphold such pro-competition choices in the upcoming discussions on the MiFID/R framework review would risk bringing back monopolistic national exchange structures, to the detriment of European economies and end investors, notably including pensioners;
Amendment 351 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 d (new)
Paragraph 32 d (new)
32 d. Regrets the Commission’s decision to clear the acquisition of the wearable “smart” fitness devices company Fitbit by Google; is particularly concerned in this regard about the already significant presence of Google in the digital healthcare sector; considers that the approved merger gives Google a dangerous level of insight into and control over personal health data, thus creating too much potential for invasive monitoring and discrimination;
Amendment 353 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the national parliaments and national, and where applicable regional competition authorities.;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2176(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Shares with concern the Court’s observation that to compensate for a shortage of posts the Authority relies increasingly on consultants and interim staff, which may pose risks of inadequate supervision of complex work by external contractors and contractual litigation issues because of blurred responsibilities;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2176(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates that the surpluses and deficits from the fees charged to credit rating agencies and trade repositories can lead to an annual cross-financing of activities, which should be brought to an end; calls on the Commission to present a legislative proposal to this aeffect;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2174(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Shares with concern the Court’s observation that to compensate for a shortage of posts the Authority relies on interim staff, which may cause dependencies on the interim work agencies and pose risks of inadequate supervision of complex work by external contractors and contractual litigation issues because of blurred responsibilities;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2174(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls its resolution of 13 January 2020 on institutions and bodies of the EMU: preventing post-public employment conflicts of interest; emphasises in particular that the Board of supervisors should not have given its approval for the Authority’s former Executive Director to take on the role of a Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Financial Markets in Europe;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2174(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Acknowledges that the composition of the Board of Supervisors seems appropriate to deal with the EBAs’ rulemaking responsibilities, but less so for their supervisory roles, which was illustrated by the non-adoption of a recommendation in the Danish-Estonian money laundering case; is concerned about the reluctance of supervisors to sanction their peers, which may hamper efficient decision making;
Amendment 37 #
2020/2174(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that the Authority has intensified its administrative cooperation with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) in terms of public procurement procedures, in particular when both authorities make use of framework contracts established by respective other authority but also when joining public procurement procedures run by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Eurosystem Procurement Coordination Office (EPCO);
Amendment 39 #
2020/2174(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that after the completed relocation of its premises from London to Paris following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, a provision of 10,1 million euros is made foraccounted for in relation to the lease of the EBA’s London office.
Amendment 639 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 156 a (new)
Paragraph 156 a (new)
156a. Is concerned at the continued failure to remove problematic material from Palestinian schoolbooks or to act effectively against hate speech and violence in such textbooks; insists that the earmarking of EU funding for salaries paid to teachers and public servants in the education sector must be made conditional on educational material and course content complying with UNESCO standards of peace, tolerance, coexistence and non-violence, in accordance with the decision of the EU Education Ministers of 17 March 2015 in Paris and the European Parliament decision of 13 May 2020 on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2018, Section III – Commission (2019/2056(DEC));
Amendment 640 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 156 b (new)
Paragraph 156 b (new)
156b. Is concerned at loopholes in EU legislation regarding the funding of terrorism, which could allow EU funding earmarked for the Palestinian Authority to be diverted into organisations on the EU terrorist list; [1] calls on the Commission to close these legal loopholes and closely monitor the use of Union funding by third parties to ensure that none of it is used for any form of terrorism and/or religious and political radicalisation; [1]Palestinian Media Watch, 23 June 2020.
Amendment 1 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
Amendment 2 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
Amendment 4 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
Amendment 7 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17
Citation 17
Amendment 8 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 a (new)
Citation 18 a (new)
— having regard to the European Court of Auditors (ECA) Special Report entitled ‘European Fund for Strategic Investments: Action needed to make EFSI a full success’, published on 29 January 2019
Amendment 28 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Expresses serious concerns about the severeNotes macroeconomic imbalances deriving from the COVID-19 crisis and their related impact on economic growth, investment, resilience, employment rates and socio-economic inequalities; encourages Member States to address emerging imbalances through reforms that enhance economic and social resilience;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines the EIB’s crucial role in supporting the economic recovery in the short and medium term in conjunction with the Next Generation EU Recovery Instrument, the EU’s long-term budget, the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) and other European financial instruments; welcomnotes the EIB’s financial engagement in the EFSI as a way to help overcome the investment gap in the EU; welcomnotes, moreover, the EIB’s central role in supplying advisory support under the InvestEU Advisory Hub;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2124(INI)
2 a. Underlines that it is questionable whether EFSI solved the causes of the investment gap or if it merely shifted the risks that private lenders were not willing to take to all European taxpayers;
Amendment 37 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Acknowledges the risks of dead- weight loss and moral hazard of EFSI;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2 c. Reminds that ECA found that the methodology used to estimate the investment mobilised in some cases overstated the extent to which EFSI support actually induced additional investment in the economy; reminds that some EFSI support just replaced other financing from the EU and the European Investment Bank;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2 d. Stresses ECA’s recommendation that for all the investment support instruments for the MFF 2021-2027, the Commission should define a set of indicators measuring the expected results of budgetary guarantees in a realistic manner that enables comparison with other EU financial instruments; in particular, if “investment mobilised” and the “multiplier effect” are used as indicators, the calculation methodology and reporting arrangements should appropriately reflect the extent to which EU budget guarantee support actually induces or mobilises the investment of others;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 e (new)
Paragraph 2 e (new)
2 e. Is concerned that the lack of comparable performance and monitoring indicators for all EU financial instruments and budgetary guarantees diminishes transparency and the ability to assess results;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 f (new)
Paragraph 2 f (new)
2 f. Reminds that the causes of the investment gap, such as record level of public debts, non-performing loans in the banking sector, and high bureaucratic, regulatory and tax burden, have not yet been properly addressed;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on proper discussion and data-driven analysis of the effectiveness of the possibility that the shareholders of the EIB to agree on a capital increase, both cash- in and callable in nature; emphasises that a capital increase should go hand in hand with greater transparency and democratic accountability;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Asks the EIB as the EU’s public bank to make the utmost concerted efforts to deliver strong, policy-driven financing activity which gives priority to efficient public purpose projects, in particular those that would not otherwise be ‘bankable’, both within and outside the EU, with a view to addressing the unprecedented global challenges of the decades to come;
Amendment 74 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes, in addition, the subsequent creation of the EUR 25 billion European Guarantee Fund (EGF) in response to the COVID-19 crisis, not least its positive impact in providing financial support to SMEs and the health sector; suggesttresses that the EGF should remain operational beyond 2021; deems it of the utmost importance to step up such initiatives to ensure that funds are reaching the real economyEGF was set up to be temporary in nature and will be able to guarantee loans provided until 31 December 2021;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. WelcomNotes the creation of a targeted financing initiative of up to EUR 5.2 billion in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to support countries outside the EU;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that in the light of the successive waves of COVID-19 infections, the efficiency of these instruments will need to be further strengthened and extended; asks the EIB to stand ready to launch new supportive financial initiativesscrutinized and enforced;
Amendment 86 #
Amendment 88 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 93 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. WelcomeQuestions the proposal to increase EIB financing for climate action and environmental sustainability, including renewable energies, from around 30 % to at least 50 % by 2025, which would unlock ; underlinvestment of more than EUR 1 trillion over the next decade the importance of accountability and transparency for bodies that receive and provide EU funding;
Amendment 103 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Notes, however, that the roadmap envisages the introduction of a transition period until the end of 2022, which would mean that the EIB will not be aligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement until 2023 at the earliest;
Amendment 125 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Highlights the crucial role of the EIB in meeting the goals of the Just Transition Mechanism and asks for more commitment and concrete action in this respect, namely through structural programme loans, InvestEU and as a financing partner for the public sector loan facility;
Amendment 131 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Stresses that principle of value for money should represent the cornerstone of all EU funded investments; points out that EU funding should be accompanied by measurable objectives and outputs including a quantifiable and comparable evaluation mechanism that will allow to compare and rank the efficiency of individual EU programmes;
Amendment 136 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Considers that efficient investment in innovation, infrastructure and skills are crucial elements to recover from the economic and social crisis, ensure sustainable growth and create high-quality jobs and long-term competitiveness;
Amendment 138 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Urges not to repeat mistakes of the past in response to the economic crisis and warns that boosting investment is not an alternative to productivity-enhancing reforms; emphasises that regulatory environment with predictable rules, a level playing field and reduced compliance costs attract private investments;
Amendment 155 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the EIB to play a role in assisting and financing the creation of innovation ecosystems and in promoting place-based industrial transformation, where universities, businesses, SMEs and start-ups can develop long-lasting partnerships for the common good; warns against the costs in a form of dead-weight loss, shifting of resources and moral hazard; calls the Commission to properly scrutinize the economic viability of the EIB programs;
Amendment 161 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes that during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, social welfare systems in the Member States have come under unprecedented strain; calls on the EIB to partner with the Commission and Member States to strengthen social welfare systems and increase investment in the social sector, including by establishing similar targets for social investment to those for digital and green investments;
Amendment 166 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the EIB to play an active role in helping Member States to deliver on the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, while standing ready to align with the forthcoming Commission action plan and the Social Summit in Porto; points to the importance of ex-ante and ex-post evaluations of the sustainability, economic, social and environmental impact of projects accompanied by measurable result indicators;
Amendment 169 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Highlights that public investments are limited as they represent scarce resources mostly funded by the taxpayers; calls on the EIB to prioritise the investments according to their efficiency in order to support economic growth;
Amendment 174 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. WelcomNotes the fact that the EIB is the largest multilateral lender in the world that strives to support EU external cooperation and development policies;
Amendment 178 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls for the EIB to prioritiserealise only an efficient investment in infrastructure that helps third countries to realise the UN Sustainable Development Goals and that delivers on social and environmental justice,deliver public services and fair economic opportunities for citizens;
Amendment 190 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. RecallNotes its request for an interinstitutional agreement between the EIB and Parliament in order to improve access to EIB documents and data and enhance democratic accountability;
Amendment 191 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
Amendment 219 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
Amendment 227 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the fact that the EIB will review its environmental and social standards and calls for a wide and inclusive public consultation on these issues; invites the EIB to take account of the do-no harm principle in its operations; calls on the EIB to take this opportunity to strengthen its human rights policy;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the Union's internal market is characterised by open competition, a regulatory framework, reliance on international standards and supervisory cooperation; whereas the Union’s digital finance strategy should therefore be based on the same principles;
Amendment 62 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas the adoption of new technologies can make a significant contribution to allowing financial services companies to meet their ongoing supervisory and compliance obligations;
Amendment 84 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P a (new)
Recital P a (new)
Pa. whereas a level playing field between financial services firms and technology firms is needed to ensure all firms compete on equal footing, following the principle of ‘same risk, same activity, same regulation’;
Amendment 88 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P b (new)
Recital P b (new)
Pb. whereas the introduction of digital financial services should neither lead to regulatory arbitrage, nor to lower customer protection, reduced safety or financial stability risks;
Amendment 91 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P c (new)
Recital P c (new)
Pc. whereas the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has an important role to play in helping companies understand their GDPR compliance obligations;
Amendment 127 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights the importance for the Commission to closely align its work with international fora and regulatory bodies in developing international standards given the cross-jurisdictional nature of digital finance; recalls in particular the need to ensure interoperability of the EU’s regulatory framework with internationally agreed principles from the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the Financial Stability Board;
Amendment 130 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Considers that the development of many technologies is still in its infancy and that regulation should therefore only be considered once a new technology has been widely adopted and any potential risks to customers and the financial system have been carefully assessed;
Amendment 131 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Amendment 132 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Requests that any proposed legislation be outcome-focused and based on principles rather than prescriptive rules, in order to ensure that the regulatory framework stays relevant to future innovation, regulatory flexibility, and adaptability over time;
Amendment 140 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to act as first mover in order to incentivize an accelerated take-up of innovative technologies by the EU financial sector and create a favourable environment for European FinTech hubs and firms to scale up;
Amendment 148 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – introductory part
Paragraph 6 – introductory part
6. Stresses that any update of law and supervision in the area of FinTech should be based onreflect the following principles:
Amendment 185 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on supervisors to keep pace with technological developments and not inadvertently become a barrier to financial services innovation;
Amendment 188 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Calls for a structured dialogue between supervisors on financial, anti- money laundering, data privacy and cyber security challenges and opportunities;
Amendment 264 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Points out that with the increasing digitalisation of financial services, as well as outsourcing to external IT solution or maintenance providers, such as cloud providers, can help in particular financial start-ups to innovate and have access to technology that they would otherwise not have; highlights at the same time that the exposure of financial institutions and markets to disruption caused by internal failures or external attacks is becoming more pronounced; considers that guiding objectives of any proposed legislation in this regard should therefore be security, resiliency and efficiency;
Amendment 277 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – introductory part
Paragraph 16 – introductory part
16. Considers that these changes shoulany legislative changes should be proportionate to the risks and specificities of the respective financial services sector, take into account internationally agreed standards, and focus on four key areas:
Amendment 285 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses the need for further information sharing and enhanced coordination among regulatory and supervisory authorities, in particular on cyber incidents, and enhanced coordination between relevawhereby the focus should be on incidents of material importance rather than attempting to capture all possible events regulatory and supervisory authoritiesardless of their impact;
Amendment 328 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Believes that the lack of sufficient investments and upgrades in critical IT-infrastructure and software platforms and the lack of accessible data and information regarding FinTech activities can be a detrimental to growth; advocates for increased transparency and enhanced reporting of FinTech activity so as to reduce asymmetries and risks;
Amendment 334 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls for data collected and generated with public funds to be considered open data and be made available in a standardised and comparable format unless GDPR provisions prohibit doing so;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Believes that it is in the mutual interest of the EU and the UK that the withdrawal of the UK from the EU takes place in an orderly way;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Considers that, for decades, Europe’s leading financial centre has been the City of London and, in some notable areas such as derivatives clearing and investment banking, the EU’s financial ecosystem has relied heavily on services provided by UK-based banks and market infrastructures;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Northern Ireland, is a prerequisite for and a basic component of a future partnership between the EU and the UK; expressecalls concern at the UK Government’s statements demonstrating a lack of political will to fully comply with its commitments under the Withdrawal Agreement, namelyincluding regarding border controls in the Irish Sea; notes that no concrete reassurances were given on this matter during the first meeting of the Joint Committee; underlines that mutual trust between the Parties is essential in these negotiations;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the fact that the Commission has presented and published a comprehensive legal proposal for a future relationship, broadly in line with its negotiating mandate and the European Parliament’s resolution, and deeply regrets the factnotes that the UK Government has refused to accept a similar level of transparency;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes the substantial divergences between both Parties at this initial stage of the negotiations, including on the scope and the legal architecture of the text to be negotiated; expresses deep concern attakes note of the limited scope of the future partnership envisaged by the UK Government, and points out that the UK’s proposals fall short of its commitments under the Withdrawal Agreement and the Political Declaration;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes it to be in both Parties’ mutual interests to establish an ambitious future economic partnership covering a wide number of sectors; underlines that, in any case, a level playing field must be ensured and EU standards safeguarded in order to avoid a ‘race to the bottom’ and the acquisition of unfair competitive advantages through the undercutting of levels of protection or other regulatory divergences; considers that any future framework should safeguard fair competition, investor and consumer protection, and the integrity of the single market, while respecting the EU’s regulatory regime and decision-making autonomy;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Warns for the risk that Wall Street could end up as the biggest winner from further financial market fragmentation, leaving European financial stakeholders behind; Believes it therefore to be in both Parties’ mutual interests to retain a smooth cooperation on financial services with integrated capital markets, and by doing so, to keep a strong competitive position in global financial markets;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that under existing FTAs market access for services is limited and subject to exclusions, reservations and exceptions; Recalls, in the context of financial services, that passporting rights, which are based on mutual recognition and harmonised prudential rules in the internal market, will cease to apply between the EU and the UK at the end of the transitional period; underlines that, thereafter, access to the Europeanrecalls that EU legislation provides for the possibility to consider third-country rules as equivalent based on a proportional and risk-based approach; underlines that, after the transitional period, negotiating parties’ access to each other’s financial markets must be based on equivalence decisions made within the EU’s legal framework;
Amendment 83 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Defends the needRecalls the legal possibility to extend the transition period in order to allow enoughmore time to conclude the negotiations on a comprehensive future partnership, while safeguarding citizens’ rights, legal certainty and economic and financial stability.
Amendment 87 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Considers that Brexit can create a new momentum for furthering the capital markets union (CMU) project, which could help to channel credit into the real economy in particular for SMEs, further enable private risk sharing, reduce the need for public risk-sharing and complement funding through banks;
Amendment 89 #
2020/0066(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EU) No 575/2013
Article 500a – paragraph 1
Article 500a – paragraph 1
By way of derogation from Article 47c(3), until [date of entry into force of this amending Regulation + 7 years] the factors set out in Article 47c(4) shall also apply to the part of the non-performing exposure guaranteed or counter-guaranteed by an eligible provider referred to in points (a) to (e) of Article 201(1), where, subject to compliance with Union State aid rules, where applicable, the guarantee or counter- guarantee is provided as part of support measures to assist borrowers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The following additional conditions apply to this derogation: (a) eligible public providers referred to in point b of art 201(1) are treated as exposures to the central government in whose jurisdiction they are established under Article 115(2) that would be assigned a 0%- risk weight under Part Three, Title II, Chapter 2; (b) eligible public providers referred to in point e of art 201(1) are treated as exposures to the central government in whose jurisdiction they are established under Article 116(4) that would be assigned a 0%- risk weight under Part Three, Title II, Chapter 2; (c) eligible guarantors referred to in points c and d of art 201(1) would be assigned a 0%- risk weight under Part Three, Title II, Chapter 2.
Amendment 93 #
2020/0066(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
1a. By way of derogation from Article 114(2), for exposures to the central governments and central banks of Member States denominated and funded in the domestic currency of another Member State: (a) until 31 December 2022, the risk weight applied to the exposure values shall be 0 % of the risk weight assigned to those exposures in accordance with Article 114(2); (b) during the period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023, the risk weight applied to the exposure values shall be 20 % of the risk weight assigned to those exposures in accordance with Article 114(2); (c) during the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024, the risk weight applied to the exposure values shall be 50 % of the risk weight assigned to those exposures in accordance with Article 114(2); (d) during the period beginning 1 January 2025 and thereafter, the risk weight applied to the exposure values shall be 100 % of the risk weight assigned to those exposures in accordance with Article 114(2).
Amendment 98 #
2020/0066(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EU) No 575/2013
Article 500a – paragraph 1b (new)
Article 500a – paragraph 1b (new)
1b. By way of derogation from Articles 395(1) and 493(4), competent authorities may allow institutions to incur exposures referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, up to the following limits: (a) 100 % of the institution’s Tier 1 capital until 31 December 2023; (b) 75 % of the institution’s Tier 1 capital until 31 December 2024; (c) 50 % of the institution’s Tier 1 capital until 31 December 2025. The limits referred to in points (a), (b) and (c) of the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall apply to exposure values after taking into account the effect of the credit risk mitigation in accordance with Articles 399 to 403.
Amendment 25 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the EU’s low productivity and global competitiveness require urgent structural reforms and fiscal discipline aiming at growth, employment and increased convergence within the EU;
Amendment 26 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A a (new)
Recital -A a (new)
-A a. whereas in order to achieve sustainable growth the EU needs to shift from rather experimental, unprecedented and unsustainable monetary policies to conventional, evidence based and growth- friendly investment, a comprehensive and non-selective implementation of the SGP, and structural reforms;
Amendment 27 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A b (new)
Recital -A b (new)
-A b. whereas persisting high levels of public debt represent a drag on growth, greater risk of a fiscal crisis, lower national savings and income and lead to large tax hikes;
Amendment 28 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A c (new)
Recital -A c (new)
-A c. whereas debt reduction measures have been slow in a number of Member States;
Amendment 29 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A d (new)
Recital -A d (new)
-A d. whereas five euro area Member States with high debt-to-GDP ratios are forecast to have a sizeable structural deficit in 2020;
Amendment 37 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the improvement in the economic situationd economic discipline and stability and low interest rates provide an opportunity to implement ambitiousnecessary reforms, in particular measures aimed at encouraging effective public investment to tackle climate change and its social consequences and create full-time jobs;
Amendment 40 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas structural reforms in the Member States are needed in order to create the conditions for sustainable growth;
Amendment 42 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas close to zero interest rates severely distort the intertemporal allocation of capital; whereas a flat yield curve severely damages the traditional borrowing and lending business model of banks and drives them into riskier business activities;
Amendment 44 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
A c. whereas the unemployment rate in the EU is below the pre-crisis level and the unemployment rate in the euro area is still above the pre-crisis level;
Amendment 59 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
Amendment 84 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that, in view of the climate change emergency, the EU’s Annual Growth Survey (AGS) has now been renamed the Annual Sustainable Growth Survey (ASGS), and considers that this implies a change in the positioning of the report and the implementation of ecological indicators; stresses however that this change must comply with the valid fiscal rules;
Amendment 138 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the euro area is going through a prolonged period of subdued growth (1.1 % in the euro area and 1.4% in the EU as a whole in 2019 with significant differences between Member States from 0.1 % to 5.6 %), with growth in the euro area in 2020 and 2021 forecast at 1.2 % and for the EU in 2020 and 2021 forecast at 1.4 %; also notes that the inflation rate is forecast to further slow down, to 1.2 % in 2019 and 2020, in a context of high uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions and Brexit; is concerned at the high level of both public and private debt;
Amendment 150 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is concerned that post-crisis investment has been on a downward path in the EU in spite of historically low interest rates, currently standing at 3.4 %, with overall infrastructure investment now at about 75 % of its pre-crisis level; notes that monetary policy of low interest rates has not helped to increase the level of investments to pre-crisis level; whereas 80 % of the shortfall is the result of cutbacks in the public sector, which have occurred particularly in countries subject to adverse macroeconomic conditions and the more severe fiscal constraints imposed on disadvantaged regions already characterised by poor infrastructure quality and weak socio- economic outcomes, but also, and surprisingly, in countries with a large fiscal space;
Amendment 152 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Emphasises that reliable investment requires a regulatory environment that allows for a return on investment; considers that predictable rules, a level playing field and reduced compliance costs are crucial factors for attracting investment;
Amendment 163 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Endorses the conclusion of the European Fiscal Board (EFB) that the fiscal framework has not protected the quality of public expenditure, and welcomes the EFB’s proposal for a ‘golden rule’ to protect public investment; calls, therefore, for the reform of the Stability and Growth Pact and the introduction of a golden rule aimed at implementing sound fiscal policy on an equal footing with investment within the EU’s policy objectives; whereas this should cover the investment foreseen for the realisation of the Green Deal, the Digital Revolution, the SDGs and the EPSR Rights, including expenditure aimed at reducing poverty and inequality related to social protection, health services and long-term care, and education and training; highlights that public investments are limited as they represent scarce resources mostly funded by the taxpayers; calls on the Commission to prioritise the public investments according to their efficiency in order to support economic growth;
Amendment 176 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 187 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Emphasises the fiscal benefits of investment efficiency measurements and investment quality comparison; recommends the Commission to systematically monitor the value for money of EU funded projects and to publish the evaluation criteria to maximise the benefits of public scrutiny;
Amendment 189 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. warns that boosting investment should not be seen as an alternative to productivity-enhancing reforms;
Amendment 190 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 205 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Notes with concern that the EU share of global foreign direct investments flows have fallen significantly since the crisis;
Amendment 206 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Amendment 208 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 214 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Underlines that implementation of the Green deal shall not distort the long- term sustainability of public finances and shall be in full compliance with the Stability and Growth Pact and with short- term macroeconomic stabilisation;
Amendment 222 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. NoteRegrets that the debt levels of all the Member States are above the pre-crisis level and are expected to exceed 60 % GDP in 2021; further notes that in six Member States the ratio will be higher than 90 %; highlights the fact that the fiscal rules have not contributed to bringing down the debt levels of highly indebted countries but have, rather, increased them GDP; underlines that debt levels may be hard to sustain if and when interest rates return to normal levels;
Amendment 225 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Recalls the need to reduce the levels of public debt to help the European economies to be more resilient to shocks, especially in highly indebted countries; warns about higher financing costs in the future once monetary policy accommodation is reduced, especially in the euro area;
Amendment 226 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Recalls that growth-friendly structural reforms do not require fiscal space but rather political, legislative and administrative efforts aimed at strengthening market forces and private sector initiatives;
Amendment 233 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Supports flexibility in the implementation of the SGP as proposed by the Commission in 2015; considers that much more flexibility should be introduced in order to booPoints out that acquis communautaire and other common measures, including fiscal rules, shall be respected and regrets long last investment and ecological transition in the EU; calls, therefore, for the reform of the SGP and the introduction of a euro area fiscal capacityg selective non-compliance with common EU rules; calls, therefore, for the full and unambiguous implementation of the SGP;
Amendment 239 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 258 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that the Commission warranted in-depth reviews for 13 Member States identified as having imbalances; supports the suggestion made in the Alert Mechanism Report (AMR) 2020 that a rebalancing of current account deficits and surpluses in the euro area is needed urgently and would be beneficial for all Member Statesnotes that in such environment the required adjustment for some Member States seeking improvement of intra-EU competitiveness becomes much harder to achieve;
Amendment 269 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Is concerned about the accelerating rise in house prices as a consequence of ECB’s monetary policy;
Amendment 279 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls the importance of the efficient regulation of the banking and financial sectors in order to prevent a new crisis; believes that such regulation must integrate the ecological situation; emphasises the importance of completing the Banking Union and the need to reform the European Stability Mechanism;
Amendment 308 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. CRecalls forthat qualified majority voting in Council on tax matters would infringe the sovereign Member States competence;
Amendment 313 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Amendment 334 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Recalls that high levels of taxation in Europe are a hindrance to investments and jobs; supports the Commission’s initiatives to achieve increased transparency and a reformed VAT system;
Amendment 352 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses that, according to the EU Labour Force Survey, there are 8.3 million involuntary part-time workers in the EU, two thirds of them women; requests the Commission to undertake a study to analyse the impact of this development on pension systems and public finances taking into account the influence of tax wedge on the share of part-time workers;
Amendment 355 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
Amendment 370 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Agrees that it is a matter of great concern that income inequality is above pre-crisis levels in some countries, being frequently linked to unequal opportunities in access to education, training and social protection; welcomes in this regards the efforts of those Member States that are shifting away from the high tax burden on labour in Europe;
Amendment 374 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines the fact that the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion stands, on 2017 figures, at 113 million, or 22.5 % of the population and welcomes the decrease to 21.9% in 2018;
Amendment 381 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
Amendment 385 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
Amendment 389 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Demands the necessary respect for the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality; stresses that in line with the Treaties, Member States must continue to have sufficient flexibility in implementing an appropriate social policy;
Amendment 391 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
Amendment 398 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Recalls that the focus of the European Semester should be on national ownership;
Amendment 404 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Looks forward to the stronger involvement of the EP and the national parliaments and regional in the European Semester process and to the creation of an institutionalised dialogue with the Commission, the social partners, territories and civil society, at both EU and national level and relevant actors, in order to further boost the process’s democratic legitimacy;
Amendment 408 #
2019/2211(INI)
Amendment 414 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Reminds Member States of the importance of committing to and delivering on the CSRs including recommendations of the European Court of Auditors;
Amendment 21 #
2019/2166(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15
Citation 15
Amendment 41 #
2019/2166(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas gender equality between women and men is a fundamental value and an objective of the EU; whereas gender-based violence is an extreme form of discrimination against women and one of the biggest obstacles to achieving gender equality between women and men ;
Amendment 44 #
2019/2166(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas gender equality is a fundamental value and an objective of the EU; whereas gender-based violenceviolence based on sex is an extreme form of discrimination against women and one of the biggest obstacles to achieving gender equality;
Amendment 51 #
2019/2166(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, in spite of numerous instances of formal recognition and progress having been made on gender equality, between women and men, they do not enjoy the same rights in practice and social, economic and cultural inequalities persist;
Amendment 60 #
2019/2166(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas intimate partner violence refers to any act of physical, sexual, psychological or economic violence that occurs between former or current spouses or partners, whether or not the perpetrator shares or has shared a residence with the victim; whereas intimate partner violence is one of the most prevalent forms of gender-based violenceviolence based on sex, with an estimated 22 % of women having experienced physical and/or sexual violence, and 43 % having experienced psychological violence by their partner6 ; whereas women and children are disproportionately affected by this type of violence; whereas domestic violence is a serious and often hidden social problem that can cause systematic physical and psychological trauma with serious consequences for the victims, as the perpetrator is a person the victim should be able to trust; _________________ 6FRA report of 3 March 2014 entitled ‘Violence against women: an EU-wide survey’.
Amendment 73 #
2019/2166(INI)
D. whereas the lockdown and social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have been associated with an exponential increase in the prevalence and intensity of intimate partner violence cases in many Member States, resulting from forced confinement within the home and making it difficult for women to access effective protection and support; whereas in spite of the prevalence of the phenomenon, intimate partner violence against women remains under-reported in the EU and there is a significant lack of comprehensive data in this regard;
Amendment 97 #
2019/2166(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas, in order to address the issue of the eradication of gender-based violenceviolence based on sex, it is necessary to rely on consistent and comparable administrative data, based on a robust and coordinated framework of data collection; whereas the current available data collected by the Member States’ law enforcement and justice authorities fail to reflect the full extent of intimate partner violence, as most Member States neither collect gender- sex-segregated comparable data on gender- based violenceviolence based on sex nor do they recognise intimate partner violence as a specific offence;
Amendment 216 #
2019/2166(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Strongly recommends that Member States establish specialised courts and judicial offices, as well as appropriate laws, training, procedures and guidelines for all professionals dealing with the victims, including raising awareness of gender-based violenceviolence based on sex, in order to avoid discrepancies between judicial decisions and discrimination or secondary victimisation during judicial, medical and police proceedings, ensuring that children and women are duly heard and their protection is given priority; emphasises the need to strengthen dedicated judicial offices and child and female victim- friendly justice, limiting the excessive discretionary powers of practitioners and establishing checks on child custody procedures by qualified professional figures;
Amendment 248 #
2019/2166(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide quality, gender- sex- segregated and comparable EU-wide data on the prevalence, causes, consequences and management of intimate partner violence and custody rights, making full use of the capacity and expertise of the EIGE;
Amendment 265 #
2019/2166(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Expresses its concern about the fact that discriminatory gender biasbias against women often leads to a lack of trust in women, in particular concerning presumed false allegations of child abuse and of domestic violence;
Amendment 14 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas a competition policy aimed at ensuring a level playing field in all sectors is a cornerstone of the European social market economy, and a key factor in guaranteeing the proper functioning of the internal market;
Amendment 17 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas global cooperation on competition enforcement helps to avoid inconsistencies in remedies and outcomes of enforcement actions and helps businesses to reduce their costs of compliance;
Amendment 18 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
A c. whereas the application of competition rules to mergers must be evaluated from the perspective of the entire internal market;
Amendment 20 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
Amendment 34 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. CHighlights the importance of global cooperation on competition enforcement; calls on the Commission to develop the influence of competition policy in the world, in particular by stepping up cooperation with the USA and China; supports an active participation of the Commission and the national competition authorities in the International Competition Network;
Amendment 131 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. CWelcomes the attention being paid to network effects and to data accumulation and analysis in identifying market power on digital markets; takes the view that data play a major role in the digital economy and should therefore be taken into account in assessment under competition rules; calls on the Commission to review merger rules and strengthen antitrust action, taking into account the effects of market and network power associated with both personal and financial data; proposes that every merger in the market for such data should be subject to prior monitoring, regardless of thresholds;
Amendment 141 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Calls on the Commission to take ambitious steps to eliminate illegitimate obstacles to online competition;
Amendment 142 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Amendment 192 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses that, while intermediation platforms play a major role in access to consumers for online services, some may abuse their privileged position by acting as gatekeepers; calls on the Commission to conclude its preliminary investigation into Spotify’s complaints about Apple’spotentially anticompetitive practices and to launch a formal procedure as soon as possible;
Amendment 238 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Deplores the fact that, despite repeated requests,Notes that the Commission has still not completed theits investigation into Google Shopping which began in 2010 but that Google is still appealing the decision; stresses that, in the absence of targeted and effective behavioural remedies that have been tested in advance with the undertaking which is the victim, a complete structural separation of general and specialised research services may be necessary;
Amendment 269 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Emphasises that the notion of selectivity in State aid is an essential criterion that needs to be investigated thoroughly; notes that this concept is not free from discussion, especially not in tax cases; believes that an exception from a tax system is not selective if it is a priori open to all tax payers;
Amendment 279 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the Commission to fully mobilise the state aid modernisation strategy, in particular for the energy transition; notes that the definition of the energy mix of Member States remains a national competence; considers that the high diversification of energy mixes across the EU contributes to the EU's energy security;
Amendment 291 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Callsonsiders that it is a priority to ensure that State aid rules are strictly and impartially adhered to when dealing with future banking crises, so that taxpayers are protected against the burden of bank rescues; calls in this regard on the Commission to examine the discrepancies between the rules on State aid in the area of liquidation aid and the resolution regime under the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive, and following that to revise its 2013 Banking Communication accordingly;
Amendment 299 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Recalls that according to the Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive, the use of deposit guarantee schemes to prevent the failure of a credit institution should be carried out within a clearly defined framework and should in any event comply with State aid rules;
Amendment 302 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22 b. Calls on the Commission to re- evaluate on an annual basis whether the requirements for the application of Article107(3)(b) TFEU in the financial sector continue to be fulfilled;
Amendment 306 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls, without Treaty change, for regular use of the ordinary legislative procedure in competition policy, by analogy with the procedure for the ‘non- life insuranceAntitrust Damages Actions’ and ‘ECN+’ directives;
Amendment 312 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Respects the independence of the European Commission’s Directorate- General for Competition in the execution of competition policy enforcement;
Amendment 319 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses the desire for a greater role for Parliament in determining and developing the general competition policy, along the lines of that played by the US Congress, which even has the power to launch investigations framework;
Amendment 322 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls on the Commission to systematically involve it inmaintain high transparency standards, including with regard to the work of working parties and expert groups, particularly when devising soft-law instruments;
Amendment 333 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28 a. Considers that resources for the Commission's Directorate General for Competition should be made adequate to its workload and range of tasks by shifting away resources from other Directorates with less European added value;
Amendment 335 #
2019/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 b (new)
Paragraph 28 b (new)
28 b. Recalls the commitment made by the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Europe Fit for the Digital Age during her confirmation hearing on 8 October 2019 to keep her digital policy and competition portfolios strictly separate;
Amendment 4 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
- having regard to the European Banking Authority (EBA) Fintech Roadmap conclusions from the consultation on the EBA’s approach to Financial Technology (Fintech) of March 2018,
Amendment 22 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the process of deepening the Economic and Monetary Union requires a solid Banking Union asdesigned to be an indispensable building block to the euro area’s financial stability, as well as; whereas it does however not require the creation of a mechanism of fiscal stabilisation for the euro area as a whole as Member States with access to financial markets can play such a shock-absorbing role themselves;
Amendment 23 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the Banking Union encompasses a single supervisory mechanism, a single resolution mechanism, and harmonised national deposit guarantee schemes;
Amendment 24 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas a reinforced Banking Union requires first and foremost accelerated efforts by various Member States to reduce their high levels of non- performing loans (NPLs);
Amendment 28 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Banking Union remains incomplete as long as it lacks, at least as long as risks differ greatly between national banking systems, the Banking Union risks being turned into a Transfer Union if complemented with a backstop for the Single Resolution Fund (SRF) and a European Deposit Insurance Scheme (EDIS);
Amendment 35 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas entrusting the ECB with the supervision of systemically important financial institutions has proven to be successfulled to continuing concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest between pursuing an independent monetary policy and prudential supervision;
Amendment 40 #
2019/2130(INI)
D. whereas the development of the Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM) was efficientaims at ensuring uniform rules and procedures and a common decision-making process for orderly resolution of failing banks with minimum impact on the real economy in order to fully safeguard public finances from the cost of bailing out banks;
Amendment 43 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas an almost flat yield curve greatly reduces the profitability of banks in one of their most important areas of business activity, the provision of credit for long-term investments;
Amendment 52 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls the progress made regarding the implementation of the Banking Union, namely on risk reducsupervision and resolution; stresses, however, that further progress has to be made, particularly on risk sharing on risk reduction;
Amendment 66 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. WelcomeRegrets the support of the [incoming] President of the European Commission and the President of the ECB for the complereation of the Banking Union and, more globally, the Economic and Monetary Union, through the creation of a fiscal capacity designed to provide the euro area witha fiscal capacity which is not necessary nor desirable, as Member States with access to financial markets can fulfill an adequate stabilisation function themselves;
Amendment 90 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that bank profitability has increased steadily since 2012, with return on equity surpassing 6 % since 2017; underlines that the low risk and low interest rate environment has resulted in lower costs for provisions and lossean almost flat yield curve greatly reduces the profitability of banks in one of their most important areas of business activity, the provision of credit for long-term investments; recalls the need to continuously evaluatemonitor the levels of financing to the economy and particularly to SMEs;
Amendment 95 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines the crucial role of the banking sector in channelling funding into sustainable investments and enabling the transition to a climate-neutral economyinvestments that increase the EU's productivity and growth potential, thus contributing to long-term prosperity and well-being;
Amendment 111 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Restatejects the importance ofSBBS proposal for a safe asset in the euro area as a way deemed to help stabilise financial markets and allow banks to reduce the exposure of their balance sheets to national sovereign debt; calls on the Commission to submit a legislative proposal for the creation of a true European safe assetencourages Member States to achieve safe asset status for their sovereign bonds by pursuing sound public finances and productivity-enhancing structural reforms;
Amendment 122 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Considers that EU Member States should remain fully responsible for their own debt; therefore rejects any proposal for the creation of a European safe asset based on the mutualisation of sovereign debt;
Amendment 124 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Considers that the introduction of non-zero risk weights for sovereign bonds or measures to address concentration risk, including large exposure limits, would create incentives for banks to better manage their sovereign exposures, helping them to limit the impact of sovereign stress on their balance sheets;
Amendment 126 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6 c. Recalls that standards provided by international fora should avoid regulatory fragmentation and help to promote a level playing field for all internationally active banks;
Amendment 127 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6 d. Calls on the Commission to duly take into account the proportionality principle and the existence of different banking models when assessing the impact of future legislation implementing internationally agreed standards;
Amendment 128 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6 e. Stresses the importance of completing the capital markets union, which will help to channel credit into the real economy, further enable private risk sharing, reduce the need for public risk- sharing and complement funding through banks; highlights in this regard the need for a level playing field that allows businesses to prosper and grow while avoiding disadvantages for SMEs compared to MNEs;
Amendment 129 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 f (new)
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6 f. Notes that the CMU will also enhance the issue of securitised products which were the main course of the Great Financial Crisis in 2008. This process should be monitored very carefully by the supervisory agencies;
Amendment 153 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that the ratio of non- performing loans (NPLs) held by significant institutions in the EU has fallen by more than half fromsince the start of ECB banking supervision, in November 2014, to June 2019; considers with concern that the high level of NPLs in some jurisdictions remains a crucial issue that has yet to be solved; underlines the need to protect customers’ rights in the context of NPL transactions;
Amendment 179 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Requests increasedto maintain high transparency standards in banking supervision in order to reinforcensure trust from capital and financial markets, companies and citizens;
Amendment 189 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that innovative financial technologies are profoundly transforming the financial sector, including banking and payment services; highlights the need to address the challenges posed by these new technologies, such as ensuring sustainable business models, a level playing field in terms of regulation and supervision, and cybersecurity; supports technological neutrality as a guiding principle;
Amendment 192 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Notes that there isHighlights the considerable interconnectedness between the ‘shadow banking’ sector, the scale of which remains a matter of concern, and the ‘traditional’ banking sector, which raises concerns of systemic risk given the lack of appropriate supervision of the first; calls, in this regard, for the establishment of a macroprudential toolkit to counter threats to financial stability posed by the increasing role of the ‘shadow banking’ system;
Amendment 197 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Notes that some financial institutions directly supervised by the ECB have been actively facilitating money laundering; believes that prudential and anti-money laundering supervision are equally important; calls for a more aligned approach towards prudential and anti-money laundering supervision;
Amendment 213 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 217 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recalls its resolution of 8 June 2011 on credit rating agencies: future perspectives; notes that the creation of a European credit rating agency would contribute to increasing competition, reducing information asymmetries and increasing transparency for markets; notes that sustainability ratings based on environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria are an important complement to the credit risk assessments provided by credit ratings in channelling funds towards investments in sustainable activities;
Amendment 233 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Calls on the Commission to re- examine on a yearly basis whether the requirements for the application of Article 107(3)(b) TFEU regarding the possibility of State Aid in the financial sector continue to be fulfilled;
Amendment 251 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Urges the operationalisation of the backstop to the SRFRejects any backstop funded by the taxpayer;
Amendment 266 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. UrgOpposes the completion of the Banking Union through the creation of a fully mutualised EDIS, to protect depositors against banking disruptions and to ensure confidence among depositors and investors across the Banking Union; welcomes the support of the [incoming] President of the Commission and the President of the ECB for the establishment of EDIS;
Amendment 277 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Emphasises the potential risks of an EDIS, in particular those related to moral hazard;
Amendment 278 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22 b. Points out that risks still differ greatly between different national banking systems, as some of them are still in a very precarious situation; deems, therefore, that the current EDIS proposal is as much about legacy sharing, considering the high level of non- performing loans in some Member States, as it is about risk sharing; highlights, in this respect, that risk reduction should precede any form of legacy sharing and risk sharing; considers that, in the end, a fair deposit insurance system at European level should not harm the level of protection that depositors currently enjoy and can only be established when participating banks are all in a similar, financially stable position;
Amendment 279 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 c (new)
Paragraph 22 c (new)
22 c. Highlights that Article 114 seems to be an inappropriate legal basis for the establishment of both the EDIS and the DIF;
Amendment 2 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2
Citation 2
– having regard to the Statute of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and of the ECB, in particular Articles 15 and 21 thereof,
Amendment 4 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
– having regard to Articles 123, 127(1) and 284(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Amendment 20 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas according to the Eurosystem staff macroeconomic projections of September 2019, annual inflation for the euro area in the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) looks set to reach 1.2 %, 1.0 % and 1.5 % in 2019, 2020 and 2021, thus still falling short of the medium-term objective of 2 %; whereas inflation projections show substantial variance across the euro area;
Amendment 24 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas at the end of 2018 the size of the Eurosystem balance sheet had reached an all-time high of EUR 4.7 trillion, thus exceeding 40% of the euro area GDP, an increase of 0.2 trillion compared with the end of 2017;
Amendment 30 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas a stronger role of the euro, and its increased use as a reserve currency, wcould in the long term increase the EU’s ability to frame its policy stance independently vis-à-vis the US and the Federal Reserve and would ultimately provide protection from the risk of an uncooperative US approach;
Amendment 41 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas despite this positive trend, green bonds still account for only 1 % of the overall supply of euro-denominated bonds;
Amendment 45 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas Article 123 TFEU and Article 21 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank prohibit the monetary financing of governments;
Amendment 49 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Amendment 57 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the role of the ECB in safeguarding euro stability and stresses that the ECB’s independence is a requisite for fulfilling its mandate; notes that such independence requires that the ECB shall not seek or take instructions from Union institutions or bodies, from any government of a Member State or from any other body; considers that the independence of the ECB cannot in any way be reconciled with political campaigning;
Amendment 62 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is concerned that after a short economic recovery, euro area growth momentum has slowed markedly to 1.2 % of GDP in the euro area and to 1.4 % of GDP for the EU-27; underlines, therefore, the need for monetary policy to remain accommodative for the foreseeable futurebelieves that the structural contribution that monetary policy makes to sustainable growth is limited; underlines, therefore, the need for policy makers to undertake productivity- enhancing structural reforms and pursue sound fiscal policies;
Amendment 75 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that fiscal policy is a necessary component for enhancing the impact of monetary policy and reducing possible side effects; it is not the role of fiscal policy is to enhance the impact of monetary policy or to reduce its possible side effects; considers instead that fiscal policy and monetary policy need to compensate for each other: an expansive monetary policy should go hand in hand with a restrictive fiscal policy and the other way around, only in crisis situations they should strengthen each other; emphasises that the euro area is currently not in a situation which requires such policy convergence;
Amendment 88 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. UnderlinesTakes note of the findings of the ESCB expert group on low wage growth1 , which analysed the disconnect between wage growth and labour market recovery, namely that low wage growth over recent years can be explained mainly by technology and wage bargaining shocks, the latter being impacted by changes in wage bargaining structure – reducing the bargaining power of employees – and labour market regulations – mainly in countries most affected by the global economic and financial crisis and the combination of labour underutilisation, low inflation readings and subduednamely that a combination of slack in the labour market, low inflation readings and subdued productivity growth has been holding back wage growth in the euro area; emphasises that innovation and flexibility are prerequisites for competitive labour markets; considers moreover that the ECB's very accommodative monetary policy itself is an important determinant of the subdued productivity growth, as highly indebted corporations survive thanks to low interest rates, thus compressing productivity growth; _________________ 1ECB Occasional Paper Series No 232 / September 2019: Understanding low wage growth in the euro area and European countries. https://www.ecb.europa.eu/pub/pdf/scpops/ ecb.op232~4b89088255.en.pdf
Amendment 97 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – introductory part
Paragraph 5 – introductory part
5. Underlines that strengthening the role of the euro, increasing the resilience of the euro area economy, reducing structural unemployment and boosting euro area growth potential and productivity requires the right structural conditions, among which:
Amendment 102 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – indent 1
Paragraph 5 – indent 1
- The deepening of the European Monetary Union, including a fiscal capacity for the euro area able to providing a counter-cyclical stabilisation function which requires first and foremost sound fiscal policies and the implementation of structural reforms at national level aimed at better functioning product and factor markets, however which does not require a fiscal capacity for the euro area able to providing a counter-cyclical stabilisation function since Member States with access to financial markets can play such a shock-absorbing role themselves;
Amendment 110 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – indent 2
Paragraph 5 – indent 2
- The completionreinforcement of the banking union, including a fully mutualised European deposit insurance scheme that would reduce risks, promote fair competition, facilitate the expansion of pan-European banking and reinforce the stability of the euro area as a wholeccelerated efforts by various Member States to reduce their high levels of non-performing loans (NPLs) and, following a proper clean-up of bank balance sheets, a European deposit insurance scheme that remains a fundamental objective for the euro area's financial stability;
Amendment 123 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – indent 4
Paragraph 5 – indent 4
Amendment 136 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. UnderlinNotes that the asset purchase programme (APP) has provided a substantialin the short term a contribution to a cyclical economic recovery and the formation of households’ inflation expectations, has led to a substantialn improvement in financing conditions via several transmission channels at the cost of potential and actual misallocation of real resources, and has compressed yields across a wide range of asset classes; stresses, in particular,notes further that the APP has directly improved credit conditions for the private non- financial sector with the asset-backed securities purchase programme (ABSPP) and the third covered bond purchase programme (CBPP3);
Amendment 138 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Remains extremely concerned about the real shortcomings and negative side effects in the long term of a prolonged extraordinarily expansionary monetary policy which risks jeopardising a more robust and structural recovery of the euro area, among which: - The increased distortion of financial markets through impaired risk evaluation, higher leverage and the development of various asset bubbles; - The negative effects on individual savers and pensioners; -The pressure on the profitability and long-term sustainability of financial institutions that provide long-term return guarantees, such as life insurance or pension funds; - The growth of shadow banking; - Lower productivity growth; - Distributional consequences such as exacerbated wealth inequality due to increased financial asset prices in stock, bond and real exchange markets, as financial assets are primarily held by the very wealthy; - The likelihood that some Member States are using ultra-low (negative) interest rates to defer necessary structural reforms and the consolidation of their primary public deficits, particularly at central government level; - The downward pressure on the exchange rate of the euro creating a risk of competitive devaluations which has a major impact on trade conflicts;
Amendment 140 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Considers that the ECB bond- buying programmes violate at least the intent, if not the letter, of Article 123 TEFU; urges the ECB to refrain from assuming a political role and monetary financing government deficits;
Amendment 141 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Warns against the risk of excessive valuations on bond markets, which risk to be difficult to handle if interest rates start to rise again, particularly for countries involved in an excessive deficit procedure or with high levels of debt;
Amendment 146 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. NoteRegrets that on 12 September 2019 the ECB announced a broad stimulus package including an open-ended quantitative easing programme that will run at a monthly pace of EUR 20 billion per month, a cut of 10 basis points in the deposit rate, a two-tier system for reserve remuneration, and easier terms for targeted longer-term refinancing operations (TLTRO-III); points out that the ECB has few instruments left to fend off adverse macroeconomic shocks; urges the ECB to normalise monetary policy as soon as possible;
Amendment 152 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Amendment 156 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 164 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 182 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. SupporRegrets the intention of theECB Governing Council of the ECB's intention to continue reinvesting the principal payments from maturing securities for as long as necessary to maintain favourable liquidity conditions and an ample degree of monetary accommodation;
Amendment 190 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Emphasises that the ECB should not target nominal GDP since monetary policy measures cannot systematically improve the drivers of real growth;
Amendment 202 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls that, as an EU institution, the ECB is bound by the Paris Agreement on climate change and that this should be reflected in its policies, with full respect for its mandate and its independencehas a narrowly defined mandate enshrined in Article 127 TFEU that should be reflected in its policies;
Amendment 213 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Takes good note of Christine Lagarde’Notes the incoming ECB President's declaration of 4 September, in which she welcomed the ECB’s collaboration in the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) and of her commitment to contribute to facing the challenges which climate change poses by implementing the NGFS’s recommendations and acting on them substantively wherever possible without undermining, thus risking to jeopardise the ECB’'s primary price stability mandate and secondary other objectives;
Amendment 230 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 250 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for the capital markets union (CMU) project to be accelerated in order to deepen financial integration, with a view to improving resilience to shocks and making the transmission of monetary policy across the monetary union more effective; believes that the fastest way to achieve a well-functioning CMU is to reduce the burden of regulations hindering well- functioning capital markets to have a broader impact all over the Union;
Amendment 258 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the ECBall supervisory authorities to increase its monitoring of the development of crypto- currencies, crypto-assets and the increased risks in cyber- security;
Amendment 273 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Agrees with Christine Lagardethe incoming ECB President that a review of the ECB’s monetary policy framework is timely and warranted in order to ensure that the ECB has the right tools to deliver on its price stability mandate in the future; calls on the ECB to organise a public consultation as part of this process in order to ensure that the review is open to input and feedback from a broad range of diverse civil society stakeholders;
Amendment 289 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. WelcomeExpects the increase in accountability under the Presidency of Mario Draghi, and looks forward to eveoming ECB President to deliver on greater accountability, dialogue and openness in line with the incoming Presidentcommitments she made during her hearing before the European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee on 4 September 2019;
Amendment 294 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Recalls that the nominations of Executive Board members should be prepared carefully, with full transparency and together with Parliament in line with the Treaties; calls on the Council to draw up a gender-balanced shortlist for all current and upcoming vacancies and to share it with Parliament, thus allowing it to play a more meaningful advisory role in the appointment process; regrets that to date no satisfactory progress has been made;
Amendment 17 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the general government deficit is expected to rise from 0.5 % to 0.9 % in the euro area and from 0.6 % to 1.0 % in the EU28 in 2019, and to remain at that level in 2020; whereas the debt-to- GDP ratio in 2019 stands at 85.8 % in the euro area and 80.2 % in the EU28 and is forecast to decrease to 84.3 % and 78.8 % respectively in 2020; whereas such debt levels may be hard to sustain if and when interest rates return to normal levels;
Amendment 20 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas growth has to an important degree relied upon unconventional and, in the long term, unsustainable monetary policy; whereas this monetary policy has failed to create a momentum for productivity-enhancing reforms;
Amendment 21 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the stability of financial institutions in the Eurozone is still a matter of grave concern; whereas there is slight progress on reducing non- performing loans; whereas this progress is clearly insufficient;
Amendment 52 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Agrees that effective growth- enhancing structural reforms, accompanied by well-targeted investments and responsible fiscal policies, continue to provide a successful compass for preparing the EU for its future and present challenges;
Amendment 63 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recognises that the average level of debt-to-GDP is projected to decline; notes, however, that the average level still remains significantly above the level required by the Stability and Growth Pact; points out the possibility of rising debt service costs in the future once monetary accommodation is reduced, especially in the euro area; reminds that Member States continue to significantly exceed their pre-crisis public debt levels; underlines, therefore, the importance of bringing down overall debt levels and rebuilding fiscal buffers, in line with EU fiscal rules;
Amendment 69 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recognises that the average level of debt-to-GDP is projected to decline; notes, however, that the average level still remains significantly above the level required by the Stability and Growth Pact; points out the possibility of rising debt service costs in the future once monetary accommodation is reduced, especially in the euro area; reminds that Member States continue to significantly exceed their pre-crisis public debt levels; underlines, therefore, the importance of bringing down overall debt levels and rebuilding fiscal buffers, in line with EU fiscal rules;
Amendment 81 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes, accordingly, with great concern that the average deficit levels appear to be increasing again and that in some Member States deficits above 3 % are projected; underlines that a significant part of the expected deficit expansion originates in countries with high government debt-to- GDP ratios;
Amendment 94 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Recalls that growth-friendly structural reforms do not require fiscal space but rather legislative and administrative efforts aimed at strengthening market forces and private sector initiatives;
Amendment 95 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Asks the Commission to not only focus on public debt levels, but also take into account the implications for sustainable economic growth of an excessive rise in household and corporate debt;
Amendment 105 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Reminds that debt service costs remain low mainly because of ECB low interest rates policy; recommends to consider the impact of potentially rising interest rates and risks arising from further expansion of the ECB's balance sheet;
Amendment 138 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Supports shifting the tax burden away from labour and strengthening effective education and training systems and effective investment in skills; stresses the effectiveness of flexible labour market policies;
Amendment 189 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Stresses that principle of European added value should represent the cornerstone of all EU funded investments; points out that EU funding should be accompanied by measurable objectives and outputs including a quantifiable and comparable evaluation mechanism that will allow to compare and rank the efficiency of individual EU programmes; underlines the importance of accountability and transparency for bodies that receive EU funding;
Amendment 201 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Recognises that public investments are limited as they represent scarce resources mostly funded by the taxpayers; underlines the need to prioritise the public investments according to their efficiency in order to support economic growth;
Amendment 203 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Emphasises the fiscal benefits of investment efficiency measurements and investment quality comparison; recommends the Commission to systematically monitor the value-for- money of EU funded projects and to publicise the evaluation criteria to maximise the benefits of public scrutiny;
Amendment 213 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Warns that boosting investment should not be seen as an alternative to productivity-enhancing reforms;
Amendment 215 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Recalls that high levels of taxation in Europe are a hindrance to investments and jobs;
Amendment 260 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Reminds Member States of the importance of committing to and delivering on the CSRs and recommendations of the European Court of Auditors;
Amendment 261 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Recalls the positive practice of transparency in several Member States in the form of mandatory disclosure of contracts concluded by the public sector which supports the efficiency of public finances and promotes economic growth;
Amendment 264 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Notes the social priorities in the European semester; demands the necessary respect for the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality; stresses that Member States must continue to have sufficient flexibility in implementing an appropriate social policy;
Amendment 210 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) An integrated financial system will enhance the resilience of the Economic and Monetary Union to adverse shocks by facilitating private cross-border risk- sharing, while at the same time reducing the need for public risk-sharing. In order to achieve these objectives, the Union should complete the Banking Union and further develop a Capital Markets Union (CMU). Addressing high stocks of NPLs and their possible future accumulation is essential to strengthening the Banking Union through cleaning the balance sheets of the banks by all member states themselves prior to completing of the Banking Union, as it is essential for ensuring competition in the banking sector, preserving financial stability and encouraging lending so as to create jobs and growth within the Union.
Amendment 232 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Therefore, action at Union level is necessary in order to address the position of credit purchasers and credit servicers in relation to non-performing credit originally granted by credit institutions. This Directive is also without prejudice to the national rules imposing additional requirements for the credit purchaser or the credit servicer as concerns the renegotiation of the terms and conditions under a credit agreement. It is not proposed to cover credit originally issued by non-credit institutions or debt collection in general at this stage, as there is no evidence of macroeconomic relevance, misaligned incentives or ill-functioning markets for such an extended scope.
Amendment 238 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) The importance placed by the Union legislature on the protection provided for consumers in Directive 2014/17/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council29 , Directive 2008/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council30 and Council Directive 93/13/EEC31 means that the assignment of the creditor's rights under a credit agreement or of the agreement itself to a credit purchaser should not affect the level of protection granted by Union law to consumers in any way. Credit purchasers and credit servicers should therefore comply with Union law as applicable to the initial credit agreement and the consumer should retain the same level of protection as provided under Union law or as determined by Union or national conflict of law rules regardless of the law applicable to the credit purchaser or credit servicer. _________________ 29Directive 2014/17/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 February 2014 on credit agreements for consumers relating to residential immovable property and amending Directives 2008/48/EC and 2013/36/EU and Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 (OJ L 60, 28.2.2014, p. 34). 30Directive 2008/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2008 on credit agreements for consumers and repealing Council Directive 87/102/EEC (OJ L 60/34, 22.5.2008, p. 66). 31Council Directive 93/13/EEC of 5 April 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts (OJ L 95, 21.4.1993, p. 29).
Amendment 250 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) An important prerequisite for the taking up of the role by credit purchasers and credit servicers should be that they can access all relevant information and Member State should ensure that this is possible, while at the same time observing Union and national data protection rules.
Amendment 44 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, within the Troika, the Commission is responsible for negotiating the conditions for financial assistance for euro area Member States ‘in liaison with the ECB’ and ’wherever possible together with the IMF’, the financial assistance hereinafter referred to as ‘EU-IMF assistance’; whereas each member of the Troika had to act within its own mandate and follow its own independent process;
Amendment 55 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Troika is the basic structure for negotiation between the official lenders and the governments of the recipient countries, as well as for reviewing the implementation of economic adjustment programmes; whereas for the European side, the final decisions as regards financial assistance and conditionality are taken by the Eurogroup;
Amendment 56 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the Troika arrangement was a pragmatic approach to deal with unprecedented problems; whereas the Troika members pursued shared objectives in promoting economic and financial stability in Europe and in the euro area in particular;
Amendment 64 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas a legal basis and special instruments for the Troika have been progressively created;
Amendment 66 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the members of the Troika took it for granted that no programme country wanted to leave the euro zone;
Amendment 68 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the EU created several ad hoc mechanisms to provide financial assistance for euro area countries, first through bilateral loans, including from several non- euro area countries, then through the EFSF and EFSM, and finally through the an emergency fund of temporary character for EU Member States in distress, consisting of a 'Special Purpose Vehicle', the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) and a Union instrument, the European Financial Stability Mechanism (EFSM), and finally through the permanent European Stability Mechanism (ESM), which was meant to replace all the other mechanisms;
Amendment 77 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is an agreement between the Member State concerned and the Troika, which results from negotiations and whereby a Member State undertakes to carry out a number of actionapply an economic adjustment programme consisting of a number of measures and reforms in exchange for financial assistance; whereas it is stipulated in the ESM Treaty that a Member State requesting assistance from the ESM has also to address a request for assistance to the IMF;
Amendment 89 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the total amount of financial assistance packages in the four programmes is unprecedented, as are the duration and shape of the programmes, leading to an unusualdesirable situation where the assistance has almost exclusively replaced the usual financing provided by the markets;
Amendment 100 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the economic situation and recent developments in some Member States have compromised the quality of employment, social protection and health and safety standards; whereas unemployment in these Member States has risen much more than anticipated and economic and social hardship is unmistakable;
Amendment 121 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas the crisis revealed considerable democratic deficits in economic and financial policies, areas of European policy of particular significance for the citizens; whereas some Member States now see themselves subject to policies which their parliaments would never have decided on their own, while other Member States see themselves forced to grant sizeable loans or guarantees in order to avoid a breakup of the euro; whereas, because of the spill over effects of national economic and fiscal policy decisions on the economies of other Euro area Member States, their national parliaments are thus effectively deprived of their budgetary autonomy;
Amendment 125 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas, in its resolution of 20 November 2012, Parliament calls for high standards of democratic accountability at national and Union level to be applied to the Troika; whereas such accountability notably requires a closer involvement of national parliaments and the possibility of the Commission and the ECB in their capacity as members of the Troika to be heard in the European Parliament before taking up itstheir duties and to be subject to regular reporting to and democratic scrutiny by the European Parliament;
Amendment 145 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas the Troika arrangement was a pragmatic approach to deal with unprecedented problems; whereas the programmes were in the short run primarily meant to avoid a disorderly default and stop speculation on sovereign debt; whereas the medium term aim was to ensure that the money that was lent would be reimbursed, thus avoiding a large financial loss that would rest on the shoulders of the taxpayers of the countries which are providing the assistance and guaranteeing the funds; whereas this also requires the programme to deliver sustainable growth and effective debt reduction in the medium and long term; whereas the programmes were not suited to comprehensively correcting macroeconomic imbalances which had accumulated sometimes over decades;
Amendment 190 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that, prior to the beginning of the EU-IMF assistance programme initiated in the spring of 2010, there was a dual fear associated with the ‘insolvency’ and ’non- sustainability’ of the public finances of Greece as a result of the constantly declining competitiveness of the Greek economy and decades of imprudent fiscal policy, with the government deficit reaching 15.7% of GDP in 2009, and the debt-to-GDP ratio continuing on an upward trend since 2003 when it stood at 97.4%, reaching 129.7% in 2009 and 156.9% in 2012;
Amendment 270 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Deplores the unpreparedness of the EU and international institutions, including the IMF, for a sovereign debt crisis of a large magnitude inside a monetary unionsome Troika members and national governments of programme countries, for coping with the consequences of a euro crisis which is ultimately the result of a poorly designed monetary union and lack of compliance with the Stability and Growth Pact;
Amendment 291 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Acknowledges, however, that the immense challenge the Troika faced leading to the crisis was unique as a result of the poor, inter alia, insufficient structural reform by some Member States in the run-up to the crisis, the state of regulation of financial services, large macroeconomic imbalances built up over many years, and the fact that a number of instruments such as external devaluation were not available due to the constraints of monetary union; notes, moreover, that time was running out, legal obstacles had to be cleared, fear of a melt-down of the euro area was palpable, political agreements had to be reached, the world economy was in a downturn, and a number of countries which were intended to contribute financial support had seen their own public and private debt increase in alarming ways;
Amendment 339 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Notes that potential alternatives to the Troika, such as a breakup of the euro area or the temporary introduction of one or various parallel currencies to the euro currency in specific Member States, were easily disregarded;
Amendment 348 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. RegretNotes that the programmes for Greece, Ireland and Portugal comprise a number of detailed prescriptions for health systems reform and expenditure cuts; regrets that the programmes are not bound by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the Treaties, including Art. 168(7) TFEU;
Amendment 399 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Points to the unacceptable levels of unemployment and in particular youth unemployment in the four Member States under assistance programmes; points especially to the sharp increase in youth unemployment in Greece, Cyprus and Portugal;
Amendment 482 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Deplores however the sometimes over- optimistic assumptions and forecasts made by the Troika, especially as far as growth is concerned, but also the insufficient recognit; underlines in this respect in particular that over-optimistic growth projections have led to an unacceptably high number of revisions of political resistance to change in some Member States; deplores the fact that this also affecteddebt sustainability for some programme countries; considers with concern that poor forecasting has led to a loss of credibility of the Troika’s analysis of the interplay between fiscal consolidation and growth; notes that as a result fiscal targets could not be fulfilledd its members; deplores also the insufficient recognition of political resistance to change in some Member States; notes that these factors contributed to the non-fulfilment of fiscal targets;
Amendment 494 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Notes that from the onset the Troika published comprehensive documents on the diagnosis, the strategy to overcome theunprecedented problems, a set of policy measures elaborated together with the national government concerned, and economic forecasts, all of which awere updated on a regular basis;
Amendment 508 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Regrets that the reduction of structural deficits in all programme countries since the start of their respective assistance programmes has so far not yet led to a reduction in the ratios of public debt to GDP; underlinnotes that the ratio of public debt to GDP has instead sharply increased in all programme countries; acknowledges that it typically takes several years before structural reforms can make a significant contribution to raising output;
Amendment 524 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. ConsiderAcknowledges that fiscal multipliers are difficult to assess with certaintyand that research on the subject is inconclusive; recalls in this respect that the IMF admitted to underestimating the fiscal multiplier in its growth forecasts prior to October 2012 but that the Commission stated in November 2012 that forecast errors were not due to the underestimation of fiscal multipliers; points out that this expression of public disagreement between the Commission and the IMF was not followed up; considers that fiscal multipliers depend, inter alia, on the degree of public indebtedness, i.e. fiscal stimulus is less effective in highly indebted Member States;
Amendment 565 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Stresses that national-level ownership is important, and that failure to implement agreed measures has consequences in terms of the expected results; highlights in this regard that the approval by national parliaments of the budgets and laws to implement economic adjustment programmes is crucial to provide national level accountability and transparency;
Amendment 569 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Points to the possibility that positive results of reforms pursued by programme countries in the context of economic adjustment programmes inspire other EU Member States to promote the sustainability of their public finances by consolidating their budgets and foster their competitiveness through structural reforms.
Amendment 722 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
Amendment 778 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Stresses that the ESM should evolve towards Community-method management as provided for in the ESM Treaty and demands that the ESM be made accountable to the European Pnational parliaments including with respect to decisions to grant financial assistance, in order to exert adequate democratic accountability over the ESM whose nature is intergovernmental;
Amendment 787 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
Amendment 804 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Calls for the involvement of social partnernational parliaments in the design and implementation of adjustment programmes, current and future;
Amendment 7 #
2013/2256(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Supports the Commission’s main objectives as set out in the Roadmap, in particular, achieving a more balanced governance, especially the objective of enhancing the agencies’ efficiency and accountability and introducing greater coherence in the way they function; welcomes the actions proposed thereon, in particular regarding the streamlining of management boards, efforts to seek synergies between agencies and the possibility of merging some of them;
Amendment 18 #
2013/2256(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Urges the agencies to examine their internal administrative processes with a view to reducing administrative costs, which are generally too high across the agencies;
Amendment 19 #
2013/2256(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Acknowledges that the results of a survey conducted by agencies about services shared between them show that they already cooperate and that awareness- raising could help develop those good practices further; welcomes the good example set by, for instance, the European Maritime Safety Agency (based in Lisbon) which shares its Internal Audit Capability with the European Fisheries Control Agency (based in Vigo), whereas European Railway Agency (based in Valenciennes) is preparing an agreement for sharing the services of the Accounting Officer with the European Securities and Markets Authority (based in Paris); proposes, furthermore, that some smaller agencies which may not be suitable for outright mergers be relocated in the same city – possibly even in the same building – so that they can benefit from common central resources and reduce overhead costs;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2252(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. GPostpones its decision on grantsing the Executive Director of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2252(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovPostpones the closure of the accounts of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2251(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. GPostpones its decision on grantsing the Executive Director of the IMI Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2251(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovPostpones the closure of the accounts of the IMI Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2250(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. GPostpones its decision on grantsing the Executive Director of the Artemis Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2250(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovPostpones the closure of the accounts of the Artemis Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2249(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. GPostpones its decision on grantsing the Executive Director of the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2249(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovPostpones the closure of the accounts of the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2248(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. GPostpones its decision on grantsing the Executive Director of the SESAR Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2248(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovPostpones the closure of the accounts of the SESAR Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2247(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. GPostpones its decision on grantsing the Director of the European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2247(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovPostpones the closure of the accounts of the European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2245(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Asylum Support Office discharge in respect of the implementation of the Office's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Asylum Support Office discharge in respect of the implementation of the Office's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2245(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Asylum Support Office for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Asylum Support Office for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 8 #
2013/2245(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes withExpresses serious concern that a carry- over of EUR 2 000 00 was not covered by a legal commitment (contract) and was therefore irregular; calls on the Office to inform the discharge authority on the steps taken to prevent similar situations in the future;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2242(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology discharge in respect of the implementation of the Institute's budget for the financial year 2012 / Grants the Director of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology discharge in respect of the implementation of the Institute's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2242(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology for the financial year 2012 / Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 13 #
2013/2242(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Regrets the factExpresses concern that budgets for grant agreements signed in 2010 and 2011 were not sufficiently specific, which resulted in payments in 2012; observes that there was no link between the approved funds and the activities to be implemented and that grant agreements did not set individual thresholds for specific cost categories (i.e. staff costs, sub-contracting, legal services, etc.) and did not include rules for the procurement of goods and services by the Knowledge and Innovation Communities and their partners;
Amendment 14 #
2013/2242(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes with concernIs appalled that the Institute did not have an internal auditor for the entire calendar year 2013, as the previous auditor left the Institute on 31 December 2012, and the current auditor took over the task only on 1 January 2014; believes that such a situation should have been avoided, especially given the problems shown to exist in the Institute as regards the 2012 discharge;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2241(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Postpones its decision on granting the Administrative Manager of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications discharge in respect of the implementation of the Body's budget for the financial year 2012 / Grants the Administrative Manager of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications discharge in respect of the implementation of the Body's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2241(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications for the financial year 2012 / Approves the closure of the accounts of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 20 #
2013/2241(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes withExpresses serious concern that there is considerable room for improvement regarding the preparation, execution and documentation of procurement procedures; notes in particular that award procedures did not give sufficient attention to the price-quality ratio and that general award criteria had not been broken down further into sub criteria to allow a clear and comparable evaluation of the offers;
Amendment 24 #
2013/2241(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. RegretsDeplores the fact that the Body does not have a treasury policy; notes that as a result, at the end of 2012, all cash held by the Body (EUR 1 600 000) was held in one bank, which has a BBB credit rating;
Amendment 34 #
2013/2241(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the office toDemands that the Body remedy the situation and to report on its progress by 1 September 2014;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2240(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2240(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2240(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes from the Court of Auditors' report that regarding the three comments made in 2011, two corrective actions taken in response to the previous year's comments are still marked as 'ongoing' and one as 'completed';
Amendment 3 #
2013/2239(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Securities and Markets Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Securities and Markets Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2239(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Securities and Markets Authority for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Securities and Markets Authority for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2239(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes withExpresses serious concern that the Authority made 22 budget transfers amounting to EUR 3 200 000, representing 16 % of total 2012 budget, which indicates serious weaknesses in budget planning;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2239(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. RegretsExpresses serious concern that according to the Court of Auditors’ annual audit, there is considerable room for improving the timeliness and documentation of procurement procedures; demands that the Authority address these concerns as a matter of priority and inform the discharge authority on the results of the measures taken;
Amendment 12 #
2013/2239(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes withExpresses serious concern that according to the Court of Auditors’ annual audit, the level of transparency of the Authority's recruitment procedures needs to be improved; calls ondemands that the Authority to implement corrective measures and to inform the discharge authority on the results of measures taken;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2238(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2238(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2238(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets that one contract related to the design of a financial database was subdivided into four lots of EUR 60 000 each, which were all directly awarded to two companies; is strongly of the opinion that given the total value of the services to be procured for the same project (EUR 240 000), an open or restricted procedure should have been applied and that the related commitments and payments are thus irregular;
Amendment 16 #
2013/2238(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Regrets that while a physical verification of assets was carried out in May and June 2012, no physical verification report was produced; regrets, moreovexpresses serious concer,n that the Authority has not adopted any procedures or guidelines on physical checks on tangible assets;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2237(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Banking Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Banking Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2237(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Banking Authority for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Banking Authority for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2237(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with concern that in order to cover higher school fees, the Authority grants staff whose children attend primary or secondary school a top-up allowance, which amounted to some EUR 76 000 in 2012, in addition to the education allowances provided for in the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities (‘the Staff Regulations’);notes that these allowances are not covered by the Staff Regulations and are, therefore, rightly considered irregular by the Court of Auditors; acknowledges, however, that this situation is due to the lack of European Schools in the city the Authority is based in and that the purpose of these top-ups is to ensure equal treatment of the Authority’s employees under the Staff Regulations; but questions if this level of additional expenditure is justifiable;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2237(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes withExpresses concern that carry-overs of committed appropriations were high for title II (45 %); acknowledges that this was mainly due to reasons beyond the Authority’s control, such as the unsuccessful attempt to find new premises and delays in the implementation of some IT projects for which it was difficult to obtain the information needed from the predecessor organisation;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2237(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with satisfaction that according to the annual activity report, as well as the Court of Auditors' audit findings, the level and nature of transfers in 2012 have remained within the limits of the financial rules and commends the Authority for its good budgetary planning;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2236(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Institute for Gender Equality discharge in respect of the implementation of the Institute's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Institute for Gender Equality discharge in respect of the implementation of the Institute's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2236(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Institute for Gender Equality for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Institute for Gender Equality for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2236(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission to consider merging the Fundamental Rights Agency with the Institute; is of the opinion that such a merger could result in greater administrative and operational efficiency as well as, in the long run, save costs to Union taxpayer;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2236(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Institute to urgently address the shortcomings identified by the Court of Auditors in the Institute's documentation of recruitment procedures; notes in particular that there was no evidence that questions for written tests and interviews, as well as their respective weightings, were prepared before the examination of the applications;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2236(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes with concernDeplores the fact that the Institute does not have a formalised procurement planning and monitoring procedure; notes in particular that its annual work programme does not include a procurement schedule linked to the planned activities that would define the optimal scope and timing of procurements;
Amendment 12 #
2013/2236(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Acknowledges from the Institute that in order to improve the planning and monitoring of the procurement, the Institute is in process of creating a monitoring tool to follow up the expected dates of each step of the annual procurement proceedings; calls on the Institute to inform the discharge authority ifwhen it succeeds in fully implementing this tool or, if that is not the caseand up until then, to keep it informed of the state of play regarding its creation and implementation;
Amendment 16 #
2013/2236(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Acknowledges from the Institute that in 2012, the Commission's Internal Audit Service (IAS) carried out audit work in accordance with the Institute's strategic audit plan; notes that this work included an audit on budget execution, which identified good practices, but also led to four very important recommendations; takes note of the Institute's action plan to address the risks and notes that the IAS considered this to be adequate; notes that no critical recommendations were open as of 31 December 2012; but expresses great concern, however, that the implementation of two very important recommendations from 2011 hasve been delayed;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2235(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Police Office for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Police Office for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2235(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes withIs concerned that the Office carried over EUR 1 200 000 for changes to its premises in connection with the setting up of the European Cybercrime Centre; notes that although the Office agreed upon those changes with the host state in July 2012, the contract for the works required was only signed in April 2013; notes, in addition, that the Office carried over EUR 100 000 related to the introduction of a new human resources system; expresses concernis appalled that both of those carry-overs did not correspond to legal commitments made at the end of the year and were thus irregular; calls on the Office to urgently take steps in order to prevent similar situations in the future and to report on this within the framework of the 2012 discharge follow- up;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2234(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the Euratom Supply Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the Euratom Supply Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2233(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Chemicals Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Chemicals Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2233(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Chemicals Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Chemicals Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2233(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes with satisfaction that according to the annual activity report as well as the Court of Auditors’ audit findings, the level and nature of transfers in 2012 have remained within the limits of the financial rules; commends the Agency for its good budgetary planning;
Amendment 14 #
2013/2233(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. RegretsExpresses concern that physical inventory results show serious weaknesses in the safeguarding and tracking of fixed assets and that there is no tracking procedure for software and internal components (2 370 items out of the 5 878 ICT fixed assets recorded); expresses concernis appalled, moreover, that 306 items could not be found, of which 93 were laptops and 29 were computers; calls ondemands that the Agency to remedy this situation and to duly follow this up before initiating the 2013 discharge procedure;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2232(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Fisheries Control Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Fisheries Control Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2232(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Fisheries Control Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Fisheries Control Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2232(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Acknowledges that in response to the Court of Auditors' 2011 report, the Agency took corrective action in June 2012 to improve the transparency of recruitment procedures; noteregrets that in 2012, the Court of Auditors still identified weaknesses related to three audited recruitment procedures that were initiated prior to the Court’s 2011 report, namely that vacancy notices did not provide information to the candidates on complaint and appeal procedures, that candidates were given a global score instead of one score for each of the selection criteria and that there was no evidence that the questions for interviews and written tests had been set before the date of the examinations;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2231(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European GNSS Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European GNSS Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2231(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European GNSS Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European GNSS Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2231(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the carry-over of committed appropriations was relatively high for title II (administrative expenditure) at EUR 1 700 000 (38 %); acknowledges that this was partly due to events beyond the Authority's control, such as the relocation of its seat to Prague in September 2012 (EUR 400 000) and the setting-up of the Galileo Security Monitoring Centre (EUR 400 000) which necessitated the provision of certain goods and services in the last quarter of the year; notes, moreover, that several contracts relating to IT and legal services included in the 2013 work programme were signed in December 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2230(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 6 #
2013/2230(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2229(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Police College discharge in respect of the implementation of the College's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Police College discharge in respect of the implementation of the College's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2229(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Police College for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Police College for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 12 #
2013/2229(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes with concern that discussions about the College's future, which have been ongoing for several years, have created a situation of uncertainty which continues to hamper business planning and implementation;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2228(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Railway Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Railway Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2228(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Railway Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Railway Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2228(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Deplores the fact that using two locations (Lille and Valenciennes) to carry out its activities exposes the Agency to additional costs; acknowledges the efforts made by the Agency to minimise the negative impact of the decision on the Agency's seatnd represents a waste of European taxpayers' money; demands that this issue be addressed in order to restore value for taxpayers' money and operational efficiency, while also avoiding needless indirect costs such as "wasted" working hours due to travelling or additional administrative work;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2222(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Network and Information Security Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Network and Information Security Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2222(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Network and Information Security Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Network and Information Security Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2220(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2220(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Food Safety Authority for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Food Safety Authority for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 13 #
2013/2220(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Believes that the procedure for assessing possible conflicts of interests at the Authority, where declarations of interest are screened by Heads of Unit and are generally assessed on a case by case basis, is overly burdensome and is subject to criticism, raising questions aboutserious concerns regarding its credibility and effectiveness; notes withexpresses serious concern that even a revised procedure has not helped dispel fears about the Authority’s expert impartiality; calls ondemands that the Authority to come up with a simplified procedure with less uncertainty which would validate and streamline the process and save both human resources and money;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2219(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Aviation Safety Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Aviation Safety Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2219(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Aviation Safety Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Aviation Safety Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2219(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes withExpresses great concern that carry-overs of committed appropriations were high for title III at 46 %; stresses that, although this is partly justified by the multiannual nature of the Agency’s operations and by the duly justified carry-overs included in the Court of Auditors' sample, nevertheless such a high level is at odds with the budgetary principle of annuality;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2219(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Regrets that the Agency continues to have high administration costs and fails to understand how the Agency can justify such a situation, given an increase in revenue from the fees charged to outside businesses for its services; acknowledges that the large increase in revenue stems from an increase in the number of certification applications received, rather than as a result of an increase in tariffs;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2218(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Maritime Safety Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Maritime Safety Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2218(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with concern from the Court of Auditors’ report that the status of one corrective action taken in response to the previous year's comments is marked as 'ongoing', one is marked as 'completed' and one is marked as partially 'completed' and partially 'outstanding';
Amendment 10 #
2013/2218(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes with concernDeplores that the Court of Auditors’ annual audit has found a budget commitment amounting to EUR 800 000 which was not related to an existing legal commitment and was thus irregular;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2218(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Reminds the Agency that it has a duty to ensure that through the use of all possible efficient savings and the intelligent use of existing administrative structures, it can carry out its newly assigned competences without an undue budget increase, being mindful of the fact that the Agency must avoid the unnecessary duplication of the work of national authorities;
Amendment 15 #
2013/2218(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes with concern that accounting procedures and information in respect of costs for internally generated intangible assets are not fully reliable; expectsdemands that the Agency to implement corrective measures and inform the discharge authority on the results;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2217(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Training Foundation for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Training Foundation for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2217(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Acknowledges from the Court of Auditors' report that in 2012, the overall level of committed appropriations was 99,9 %, indicating that commitments were made in a timely manner; notes, however, that the level of committed appropriations carried over to 2013 was high for title II (administrative expenditure) at EUR 600 000 (36,8 %); appreciatcknowledges that one of the main reasons for such a high level wereas the late receipt of invoices for building- related services delivered in 2012 (EUR 300 000) and a number of IT hardware and software purchases ordered as planned during the last months of 2012 (EUR 300 000) but not delivered until 2013;
Amendment 13 #
2013/2217(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Acknowledges from the Foundation that as of 23 May 2013, the Commission's Internal Audit Service (IAS) has formally closed 12 out of the 14 recommendations from the 2011 IAS audit on communication and that the Foundation does not have any outstanding open recommendations ranked as ‘very important’; notes however, that there are still two open IAS audit recommendations from the 2011 IAS audit on external and internal communication, both ranked as ’important’, one of which is considered to have been implemented by the Foundation and is currently pending IAS review and closure, while the other is in the process of implementation and was expected to be fully implemented in 2013 in line with planned actions;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2216(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Administrative Director of Eurojust discharge in respect of the implementation of Eurojust’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Administrative Director of Eurojust discharge in respect of the implementation of Eurojust’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2216(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of Eurojust for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of Eurojust for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2216(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes from the Court of Auditors’ report on the annual accounts that out of four comments made in 2011, two corrective actions taken in response to the previous year's comments are still marked as 'outstanding' and two as 'completed';
Amendment 11 #
2013/2216(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Draws the attention of Eurojust to the needRequires Eurojust to improve the transparency of recruitment procedures; notes that there was no evidence that questions for tests and interviews were set before the examination of the applications by the Selection Board and there is no evidence that the weighting between written tests and interviews was set before candidates’ screening; calls on Eurojust to follow this up within the framework of discharge 2012 follow-up report;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2215(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Medicines Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Medicines Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 12 #
2013/2215(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes with concern that in 2012, the Agency issued multiple framework contracts for the provision of services; expresses concern that the procurement procedure presented some irregularities affecting the principle of transparency and demands that the Agency address this issue;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2214(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union discharge in respect of the implementation of the Centre’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union discharge in respect of the implementation of the Centre’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2214(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2214(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes with concernIs appalled that according to the Court of Auditors’ report, the Centre held cash and short term deposits amounting to EUR 35 million at the end of 2012; notes that the Centre cannot adjust prices during the year in order to balance income and expenditure, although it has occasionally refunded its clients in order to reduce the surplus; calls ondemands that the Centre, together with the Commission, to propose a remedy to this situation as a matter of urgency;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2213(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2213(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2213(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes withExpresses concern that EUR 3 200 000 (22 % of the budget) have been carried over to 2013 and that the level of committed appropriations carried over is high for both Title II at 36 % and Title III at 33 %; acknowledges that for Title II, this was mainly caused by the renewal of annual IT contracts concluded as planned in the fourth quarter of 2012; acknowledges that for Title III, the high level was a result of both the multiannual nature of major projects and of delays in the awarding of specific contracts;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2212(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Environment Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Environment Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2212(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Environment Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Environment Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2212(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets that for the year 2012, the mission expenses of the Executive Director of the Agency were remarkably higher than those of the executive directors of other agencies and considers this level of discrepancy unacceptable; calls on the Agency to provide further explanation for this situation to the discharge authority in the framework of the 2012 discharge follow-up;
Amendment 14 #
2013/2212(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. RegretsNotes with concern that existing controls provide only limited assurances to the Agency’s management as to the eligibility and accuracy of the costs claimed by beneficiaries; believes that a random verification of supporting documents for staff expenses and a higher coverage of beneficiaries by means of on- the-spot verifications could considerably increase assurances; calls on the Agency to take steps to that effect and to report to the discharge authority on its progress;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2211(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction discharge in respect of the implementation of the Centre's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction discharge in respect of the implementation of the Centre's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2211(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2211(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes with concernRegrets that no ex post verifications were carried out for any transactions made after 2008, except for grants; calls ondemands that the Centre to address the issue and to report to the discharge authority, within the framework of the 2012 discharge follow- up, on the steps taken;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2211(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes with concern from the Court of Auditors’ annual audit report that the Centre currently bears the annual cost of about EUR 200 000 for unused office space in its former building and in the new headquarters; calls on the Centre to continue,, as a matter of priority, to work in cooperation with the Commission and national authorities, to seek adequate solutions for this unused office space and to report to the discharge authority, within the framework of the 2012 discharge follow-up, on the steps taken;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2210(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions discharge in respect of the implementation of the Foundation's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions discharge in respect of the implementation of the Foundation's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2210(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2210(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the IAS identified a number of strengths during the audit and that it believes that the Foundation's internal control system in place provides reasonable assurances regarding the achievement of those objectives; notes, however, that 12 recommendations were made, one of which was classified as ‘very important’; notes that those recommendations are still only in the process of being implemented;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2209(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2209(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2209(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 1
Paragraph 1 – indent 1
– for the 2012 financial year, the Court of Auditors already noted satisfactory rates of the implementation of payment appropriations for Titles I and II (98 % and 89 %, respectively); acknowledges that for Title III, the rate of payment implementation of 49 % was well justified and carry forwards of this level are unavoidable and are not the result of delays in the planning and implementation of the Agency’s annual work programme,
Amendment 10 #
2013/2209(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes with concern that in 2012, the Agency procured cleaning services via cascading framework contracts to two suppliers and due to a clerical error during the evaluation of offers,that the ranking of the contractors was incorrect; notes that as a result of thisan error, one specific contract for EUR 56 784 was awarded in 2012 and that the related payments are irregular; acknowledges that following the Court of Auditors' audit, the Agency has amended the ranking of the contractors accordingly;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2209(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes with satisfaction that according to the annual activity report, as well as the Court of Auditors' findings, the level and nature of transfers in 2012 have remained within the limits of the financial rules; and commends the Agency for its good budgetary planning;
Amendment 14 #
2013/2209(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Acknowledges from the Agency that in 2012, the Commission's Internal Audit Service (IAS) carried out an audit on procurement within the Agency and made two very important and seven important recommendations; notes that the Agency proposed an action plan which was accepted by the IAS and regrets that by the cut-off date of 31 December 2012, eight of thoseone important recommendations were closed; not had still not been closed; acknowledges that the one remaining important recommendation was closed in 2013;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2208(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training discharge in respect of the implementation of the Centre’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training discharge in respect of the implementation of the Centre’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2208(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2208(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with satisfaction that according to the annual activity report, as well as the Court of Auditors’ audit findings, the level and nature of transfers in 2012 have remained within the limits of the financial rules and commends the Centre for its good budgetary planning;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2208(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes with concernIs appalled that according to the Court of Auditors’ findings, members of the pre- selection committee did not sign a declaration as regards the absence of conflicts of interests for the two recruitment procedures for the post of the Centre’s Director, which had been launched in 2010 and 2011 and had been declared unsuccessful; expresses concern that questions for interviews and their weightings, as well as the threshold scores for inclusion in the list of suitable candidates, were set after the screening of candidates;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2206(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Eighth, Ninth and Tenth European Development Funds for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Eighth, Ninth and Tenth European Development Funds for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 6 #
2013/2206(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Approves the closure of the accounts of the Eighth, Ninth and Tenth European Development Funds for the financial year 2012 / Postpones the closure of the accounts of the Eighth, Ninth and Tenth European Development Funds for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2205(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy discharge in respect of the implementation of the European External Action Service's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy discharge in respect of the implementation of the European External Action Service's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2205(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that in the 2012 annual report, the Court of Auditors did not identify any significant weakness in respect of the topics audited for the European External Action Service ('EEAS'); takes noteexpresses concern that some weaknesses still persist in the management of social allowance and regrets that the same problems which occurred in 2011 were repeatedly reported in the 2012 Annual Report of the Court of Auditors;
Amendment 13 #
2013/2205(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recognises that efforts have been made to reduce the top-heavy EEAS administration; is extremely concerned, however, that the EEAS has the biggest proportion of high graded staff out of all Union institutions, having 514 individuals employed in AD 12 or grades above (over 50 % of all EEAS AD staff), making it difficult to achieve significant reductions in the top-heavy administration; considers that the reversion of this situation cshould be achieved in the coming years through efficient management policies;
Amendment 27 #
2013/2205(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. FindsExpresses concern at the excessive the number of officials being promoted after two years in the grade, especially the quick promotions in the higher grades; invites the EEAS to establish stricter criteria for the quick promotion in higher grades especially taking into account the high number of posts at high grades and additional costs this entails in real terms;
Amendment 46 #
2013/2205(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. InviteAsks the EEAS to explain why it was necessary to create the post of Deputy Head of Delegation for Afghanistan;
Amendment 50 #
2013/2205(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. SupportDemands the EEAS' intensify its efforts towards increasing savings with regards to housing policy of staff employed in the Union Delegations; considers that there is room for significant savings in this field as in year 2012 the housing costs paid for the accommodation of 675 officials in Union Delegations had a total cost of EUR 30 million;
Amendment 51 #
2013/2205(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Welcomes the fact that the EEAS could immediately impose savings of EUR 4 million in the 2014 budget with the new Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union entering into force; points out, however, the extremely high costs of employment in Union Delegations, as all entitlements, allowances, weightings coefficients, rest leaves and annual travel costs, moving and housing expenses add up to over EUR 8 000 per month per employee above the monthly salary of the individuals working in the Union Delegations and questions whether the level of additional benefits can be justified to the European taxpayer;
Amendment 59 #
2013/2205(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Asks forDemands that the EEAS's building policy to be attached to the annual activity report., especially given that it is important that such costs are properly rationalised and that such costs are not excessive;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2204(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the European Data Protection Supervisor discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Data Protection Supervisor's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the European Data Protection Supervisor discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Data Protection Supervisor's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2203(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the European Ombudsman discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Ombudsman's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the European Ombudsman discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Ombudsman's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2202(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Secretary-General of the Committee of the Regions discharge in respect of the implementation of the Committee of the Regions' budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Secretary-General of the Committee of the Regions discharge in respect of the implementation of the Committee of the Regions' budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Committee, as an institution designed to offer a relatively small number of bodies privileged access to the Union's legislative and policy- making processes, to fund its activities by means of subscription for those local and regional institutions that believe it serves a valuable purpose;
Amendment 7 #
2013/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Shares the viewtrongly believes that some improvements should be made to rationalise human resources in the Joint Services and in translation; finds the on- going contacts between the Committee, the European Economic and Social Committee ('EESC') and Parliament in this matter a positive contribution to the rationalisation of resources;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2201(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Secretary-General of the European Economic and Social Committee discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Economic and Social Committee’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Secretary-General of the European Economic and Social Committee discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Economic and Social Committee’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2201(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the EESC, as an institution designed to offer privileged access to the Union’s legislative and policy-making processes, to fund its activities by means of subscription for those few bodies that have secured representation;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2201(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets that Parliament’s recommendation to the EESC to base the reimbursement of members’ travel expenses on real costs was not implemented due to the Council’s still pending decision on the level of allowances; recalldemands that the system should be fully operational by the beginning of the next EESC term;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2201(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Shares the viewtrongly believes that some improvements should be made to rationalise human resources in the Joint Services and in translation; finds the on- going contacts between the EESC, the CoR and Parliament in this matter a positive contribution to the rationalisation of resources;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2196(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Subtitle and paragraph 1 a (new)
Subtitle and paragraph 1 a (new)
- Added value of Parliament's discharge procedure 1a. Highlights the added value of the parliamentary procedure leading up to the annual Parliament discharge; 1b. Points out that this resolution remains principally focussed on the budget implementation and discharge for the financial year 2012 and that its main goal is to ensure that taxpayers' public money is used in the best possible way while highlighting where improvements can be made; encourages the Parliament's responsible bodies to continue to improve, at all possible levels, efficiency in Parliament's daily work; 1c. Repeats its call on the Bureau to distribute more 'White Papers' regarding the policy matters to all Members which would allow for the policy items to be discussed within the political groups in advance to a final decision;
Amendment 26 #
2013/2196(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Notes the Secretary-General’s reply indicating that the cost for the LUX prize was reduced, as proposed by the Committee on Budgetary Control and voted in plenary in the 2010 discharge report, and that a series of concrete measures have been taken in order to minimise the LUX Prize expenditure, in particular cutting costs related to promotional activities at international festivals and within Parliament premises; takes note that the expenditure of LUX Prize in 2012 was EUR 434 421, which represents a reduction of 24 % as compared to 2011 (EUR 573722); calls for further efficiencies to be found;
Amendment 88 #
2013/2196(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 60 a (new)
Paragraph 60 a (new)
60a. Suggests that the current buildings strategy be urgently re-examined, with a view to halting expansion;
Amendment 89 #
2013/2196(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 60 b (new)
Paragraph 60 b (new)
60b. Notes the opening in April 2010 of the EP Liaison Office (EPLO) in Washington; calls for a review of its structure, activities and costs to be presented to the Bureau with copies to the relevant competent committees;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Commission discharge/Postpones its decision on granting the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 8 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 14 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 5
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Research Council Executive Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Research Council Executive Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 16 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 6
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the Research Executive Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its Decision on granting the Director of the Research Executive Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 18 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 7
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (formerly the Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency) discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 20 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 8
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovesPostpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 90 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. ObservesExpresses concern that in the 2012 financial year the error rate rose for the third time in succession;
Amendment 158 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Calls for further investigation of the policies in question in order to clarify political reservations and considers such clarifications as a necessary condition to granting discharge;
Amendment 220 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 70 a (new)
Paragraph 70 a (new)
70a. Requests that the Commission submit to Parliament's competent committee by September 2014 a report on its activities to encourage whistle-blowing by the wider public;
Amendment 221 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 70 b (new)
Paragraph 70 b (new)
70b. Recalls the Parliament's proposal for a full-time Commissioner for Budgetary Control;
Amendment 294 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 141
Paragraph 141
141. Agrees with the Court of Auditors that Member States bear primary responsibility forhave a duty to preventing or detecting and correcting irregular expenditure and reporting on this subject to the Commission; observes that the administrative and certification authorities in the Member States therefore have a key role to play in ensuring the regularity of the expenditure reimbursed by the Commission (Paragraph 5.12 of the Annual Report);
Amendment 7 #
2013/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Commission forecast shows that real GDP growth in the euro area is slowly returning, unemployment is expected to fall and inflation remains well below 2 %;
Amendment 36 #
2013/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the ambitious structural reforms implemented by those Member States that have experienced serious difficulties; encourages those Member States to continue in their efforts; encourages the rest of the euro area to be equally ambitious and to make their economies more competitive in order to increase growth and employment;
Amendment 56 #
2013/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. CongratulatAcknowledges those Member State authorities that have successfully implemented adjustment programmes or financial sector programmes;
Amendment 61 #
2013/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Points out that EU financial assistance to certain Member States, being a combination of solidarity andased on conditionality, has proved to be successful when there is strong ownership and commitment to reform; urges the Commission and the Member States, however, to bring financial assistance under the Community framework;
Amendment 65 #
2013/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines the factNotes that Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) is far from complete, and reminds the Commission of its obligations and commitments to enhance economic convergence and strengthen competitiveness in the EU; believes that this could best be achieved if the Commission were to finally put forward proposals for the completion of EMU as outlined in its blueprint on a deep and genuine EMU;
Amendment 99 #
2013/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Member States to simplify their tax systems and reiterates its call for them to shift taxes away from labour to consumption in order to make resource use more efficient and sustainable; calls for urgent action to be taken and a comprehensive strategy based on concrete legislative measures to be launched by the Commission to fight tax fraud and tax evasion;
Amendment 114 #
2013/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Underlines the fact that the absence of a well-functioning internal labour market and a positive approach to immigration is hampering growth in the EU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish a common labour market and a modern immigration policyMember States to modernise their labour markets; calls on the Commission to establish an immigration policy corresponding to labour market needs and at the same time maintaining the integrity of Member States' social protection systems;
Amendment 122 #
2013/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
Amendment 135 #
2013/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Invites the Commission to assess intra- EU imbalances in particular; points out that, so as not to undermine overall EU competitiveness with regard to the current account balance, the Commission needs to look at the current account surplus of a Member State relative to the take into account that making the strong weaker will not make the weak stronger, when imposing measures on Member States with a curresnt of the euro areaaccount surplus;
Amendment 143 #
2013/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. WelcomNotes the first Commission assessment of Member States’ draft budgetary plans; stresses that the examination of draft budgetary plans improves the assessment of the budgetary situation of the Member States;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
- having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 110-113,
Amendment 6 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the economic, social, financial and sovereign debt crises have not yet abated and the objective of a more balanced and integrated Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)deeper single market with liberalized services remains an unattained ambition;
Amendment 16 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Commission's country- specific recommendations (CSRs) contain somemany useful insights, but on the whole fail to convince in terms of the balance of the policy prescriptions across policy areas;
Amendment 29 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas urgent action is required in many areas, inter alia in restoring lending to the real economy and SMEs, in fighting tax fraud and aggressive tax planning, and in seeking effective European solutions to youth unemployment and thus also significantly enhancing the social dimension of EMUthrough further labour market reforms focused on flexibility and responsiveness to demand for skilled labour;
Amendment 34 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the democratic legitimacy of economic governance in the European Semester requires real and dedicated respect for parliamentary prerogatives at European and national level against the trend of an increasingly de- parliamentarised and intergovernmental culture of economic-policy making at EU level;
Amendment 47 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission's recognition that ‘to be successful, policies need not only to be well designed but to have political and social support’, and that Europe needs, beyond fiscal consolidation, real growth and specific and urgent action to tackle the unacceptably high levels of unemployment; through further labour market reforms focused on flexibility and responsiveness to demand for skilled labour;
Amendment 60 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the Commission's recognition that ‘deficit’ countries need to boost their competitiveness and that ‘surplus’ countries need to boost their demand, and that this calls for a deep revision of the prevailing policy stance;
Amendment 66 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urges the Commission and the Council to avoid taking a one-size-fits-all approach to the CSRs and ensure that recommendations are fine-tuned according to the national specificities and needs of the Member State concerned while remaining focused on firm structural reforms and growth-enhancing policies;
Amendment 93 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 110 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission to include in the scope of a CCI financial supportMember States to structurally reforms in areas that block economic dynamism and efficiency such as the reforms of the national justice systems, technically supported by the EU Justice Scoreboard;
Amendment 113 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. WelcomNotes the use by the Commission of the margin of manoeuvre offered by the revised SGP to extend the deadlines for the correction of excessive deficits in seven procedures; calls on the Commission and the Council to ensure that the content and the calendar of the fiscal adjustment path are adapted to the specificity of each country and, particularly in ‘deficit’ countries, include the aforementioned margin of manoeuvre and the full use of structural funds, sound and sustainable structural reforms and the identification of investments (namely in the CSR) essential to boost competitiveness; calls on the Commission to clarify as a matter of urgency the ways in which to accommodate, under certain conditions, non-recurrent, public investment programmes with a proven impact on the sustainability of public financeincludes sound and sustainable structural reforms and the identification of investments (namely in the CSR) essential to boost competitiveness;
Amendment 128 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the Commission's statement that ‘surplus’ countries have a role to play in overcoming the current crisis, not only by reducing taxes and social security contributions but also by developing wages in order to boostand modernizing healthcare and pension suystainable domestic demand and promoting new investment opportunitiesems, but also by promoting new growth-friendly investment opportunities, especially into education, R&D, energy and infrastructure; stresses the importance of the positive spill-over effects which these actions will have across the EU;
Amendment 135 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Urges the Commission to develop a genuine European industrial policy and a coherent European external trade policy, based on reciprocity and shared minimum standards, in particular in social that focuses on restoring European industrial competitiveness and scaling back policies that cause companies to relocate outside the EU, and a coherent Europeand environmental mattersxternal trade policy; believes that it is only by intelligently managing its interface with ‘globalisation’ that Europe can guarantee growth, jobs and, for several Member States, the recommended progressive reallocation of resources away from non-tradable sectors into tradable sectors;
Amendment 144 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. CommendNotes the Commission's recognition that there is a need for greater attention to be paid to the distributional impact of reforms, and calls on the Commission to carry out a thorough ex- ante assessment of the social impactshort-term costs and long-term benefits of all the new recommended reforms and to derive all the necessary conclusions from previous recommendations, including those made to Member States under financial assistance programmes;
Amendment 145 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
Amendment 156 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Agrees that the ECB's action has ‘decisively contributed to the stability of the euro area’, limiting speculation on sovereign debt; considers, however, that insufficient growth and high (and still growing) levels of private and public debt in many Member States mean that ‘a carefully managed process of deleveraging’ is required; calls on the Commission, therefore, to quickly deliver its 2-pack commitments to Parliament in order to deepen the analysis on the partial substitution of national debt issuance through joint issuance in the form of a redemption fund and eurobills by decreasing unsustainably high financing costs for some Member states through the SMP and providing a liquidity backstop for sovereign debt markets through OMTs; considers, however, that insufficient growth and high (and still growing) levels of private and public debt in many Member States mean that ‘a responsible deleveraging’ is required;
Amendment 168 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses that the financing of the real economy, and of SMEs in particular, has not been restored oin the EU's periphery; points out that major differences in access to credit further stimulate the growing internal divergence trends in the EU and euro area in particular and destroy the internal market through unfair competition conditions; points out also that negative economic prospects only partially justify such restrictive credit constraints; calls for closer monitoring of the banking sector practices in financing the real economy, in particular economically viable SMEs; calls for the Commission to prioritise work on alternative sources of financing for SMEs, in particular through the; calls for the Commission to prioritise work on alternative sources of financing for SMEs, in particular through private sources such as venture funds, peer to peer or equity funds. The use of structural funds, the European Investment Bank, the European Investment Fund and public development banks needs to be more efficient;
Amendment 181 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Urges the Commission to submit a legislative proposal to create a Single Resolution Mechanism (including a Single European Authority and an industry financed Single European Fund), which is essential for completing the Banking Union; urges the Council to rapidly conclude negotiations with Parliament on the Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive and on the Banking Recovery and Resolution Directive (to be negotiated in parallel);
Amendment 195 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls for direct banking recapitalisation by the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) to be available as soon as all the pillars of the Banking Union – namely the Single Supervisory Mechanism and the Deposit Guarantee and Recovery and Resolution frameworks – are in place; given the urgency of having a Single Resolution Fund to accompany the SSM, supports the immediate frontloading of the ESM to feed the SRF, with a reimbursement period by industry; believes that the ESM facility must reinforce the EU budget and be managed under the Community method;
Amendment 208 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the Council to concludediscard the negotiations for the Financial Transaction Tax and to include in its agenda, as a matter of urgency, the convergence of tax systems within the EU; highlights that taxation is still a matter of national sovereignty as laid down in the TFEU Articles 110 - 113;
Amendment 223 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses that the European Semester must in no way jeopardise the prerogatives ofnational parliaments and the European Parliament; urges the Commission to ensure the proper formal involvement of Parliament in all the steps of the European Semester process in order to increase the legitimacy of decisions which affect all citizens;
Amendment 225 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Stresses the need to strengthen the democratic accountability to national parliaments and the European Parliament of essential elements of the euro area's operation, such as the ESM, Eurogroup decisions and the monitoring and evaluation of financial assistance programmes;
Amendment 232 #
2013/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Urges the Commission to ensure thatInvites Member States to involve their national parliaments, the social partners and civil society in the European Semester process as a whole, and particularly in the development and discussion of their national reform programmes;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the role of the European Investment Bank (EIB) laid out under the Compact for Growth and Jobs, as well as the increase in EIB lending in the areas of infrastructure, resource efficiency and the knowledge economy; expresses its hope, in this connection, that the full potential of the recent increase in capital of EUR 10 billion will better provide for new lending for growth and jobs, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMES);
Amendment 7 #
2013/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Appreciates that unused structural funds can now be used as a special guarantee fund for EIB lending, especially in Greece; highlights, furthermore, the success of EIB pilot-project bonds; calls for the continued and increased use of such bonds, and for a regular review of their efficiency in order to boost viable investment in debt instruments that channel private capital into needed transport, energy and ICT infrastructure projects, especially those with a cross-border dimension;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Encourages the EIB to form partnerships with transparent and accountable financial intermediaries with established links to the local economy in each country of operation; calls on the EIB, in this connection, to ensure greater transparency, especially in the intermediated loans business, as well as to exercise enhanced due diligence in preventing the use of tax havens, transfer pricing and, tax fraud, evasion and aggressive tax avoidance or planning;
Amendment 19 #
2013/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 – point a (new)
Paragraph 9 – point a (new)
(a) Encourages the EIB to negotiate and conclude Memorandums of Understandings (MoUs) with regional development banks active in its regions of operations to foster synergies, share risks and costs, and ensure sufficient lending to the real economy;
Amendment 21 #
2013/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Requests that the EIB systematically report on progress made in the context of Parliament's previous recommendations, especially as regards the impact of its lending activities in the various regions of its operations on growth and jobs creation in the EU and therein, and economic integration between the EU and pre- accession and neighbourhood countries.
Amendment 1 #
2013/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s draft regional aid guidelines (RAG) for 2014- 2020 as an integral part of the State aid modernisation (SAM) programme; reiterates its support for an approach where the compatibility rules to assess State aid are rooted on common principles and are consistent across the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) and the different guidelines; favours the adoption of simpler, predictable and more effective State aid control and enforcement rules based on sound economic analysis;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Highlights that the purpose of the RAG is to promote a competitive and coherent internal market, while at the same time ensuring that distortive effects of aid are kept to a minimum;
Amendment 13 #
2013/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission, however, to ensure that promoting economic growth through State aid will not again lead to an increase in public debt; underlines the need for less, but better-targeted, State aid, keeping in mind that State aid is meant to be an exception, not the rule;
Amendment 20 #
2013/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Acknowledges the problems regarding investment aid to large enterprises indicated by the Commission; is, however, of the opinion that excluding large undertakings from State aid rules in areas covered by Article 107(3)(c) TFEU is not justified given their contribution to employment, their subcontracting activities benefiting SMEs and their involvement in research and development; highlights that an exclusion of large undertakings may lead to job losses and reduced economic activity in the regions concerned as well as to relocation of activity to other regions, either within or outside the EU; believes that the eligibility of enterprises for State aid incentives should not be determined on the basis of the size of the enterprise or the sector in which it operates;
Amendment 23 #
2013/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Urges the Commission to make access to State aid for SMEs in those most disadvantaged regions simpler and clearer, recognising the importance of those entities for regional development; at the same time, asks the Commission to step up enforcement efforts in bigger, potentially more distortive cases;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2
Citation 2
– having regard to Article 284(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in particular Articles 123, 282 and 284(3) thereof,
Amendment 2 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
– having regard to Article 15 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank, in particular Articles 15 and 21 thereof,
Amendment 3 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
- having regard to the 83rd Annual Report 2012/2013 of the Bank for International Settlements,
Amendment 16 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the ECB's long-term refinancing operations of December 2011 and February 2012 granted over EUR 1 trillion - EUR 489 billion and EUR 529.5 billion respectively - to European banks in the form of low-interest loans with a term of 3 years and a 1% interest rate;
Amendment 25 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas Article 123 TFEU and Article 21 of Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank prohibit the monetary financing of governments;
Amendment 28 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
Gb. whereas a low-inflation environment is the best contribution monetary policy can make to creating favourable conditions for economic growth, job creation, social cohesion and financial stability;
Amendment 31 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G c (new)
Recital G c (new)
Gc. whereas the recommendations put forward in previous European Parliament resolutions on the ECB annual reports concerning transparency of voting and publication of summary minutes have not yet been taken into account;
Amendment 39 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Is deeply concerned at the fact that persistently weak economic conditions are becoming the normpersist in Europe, creating overwhelming discontent among European citizens and therefore jeopardising the whole European projectbusinesses;
Amendment 48 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. WelcomNotes the decisions of July 2012 to reduce the key ECB interest rates in the context of very low inflation expectations and weak economic activity;
Amendment 58 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that the three-year LTRO settled on March 2012 contributed to stabilising the banking system, but that this should be a temporary measure; notes that, despite the liquidity injected into the banking system by the LTRO, the credit available to the real economy is still below pre-crisis levels; suggests that it would be appropriate for the ECB to reduce its deposit facility rate to negative values in order to encourage banking lending to the real economy;
Amendment 62 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Is deeply concerned about the transfer of risks from struggling banks and governments onto the ECB's balance sheet as a result of the ECB's decision to buy 'unlimited' amounts of short-term government debt; stresses that the LTROs do not provide a fundamental solution to the crisis;
Amendment 65 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 72 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Considers that the ECB bond-buying programmes violate at least the intent, if not the letter, of Article 123 TFEU; urges the ECB to refrain from assuming a political role and monetary financing government deficits;
Amendment 80 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines the important role played by the SMPecurities Markets Programme (SMP) in adddecresasing the malfunctioning of certain eurozone sovereign debt securities market segmentsunsustainably high financing costs for some eurozone Member States; welcomes the winding-down of the SMP;
Amendment 87 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. WelcomNotes the setting-up of the Outright Monetary Transactions (OMTs), with no ex ante quantitative limits, in order to safeguardaimed at safeguarding an appropriate monetary policy transmission, but deplory providing a liquidity backstop for sovereign debt markets; welcomes the decision to link the activation of the OMTs to strict and effective conditionalitiesy attached to an EFSF/ESMuropean Financial Stability Facility/European Stability Mechanism (EFSF/ESM) programme; callis con the ECB to activate OMTs independently from strict conditionalitycerned about the compliance of OMTs with the prohibition on monetary financing laid down in Article 123 TFEU;
Amendment 100 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers unnecessaryWelcomes the full sterilisation of the liquidity injected by the OMTs, as inflation expectations remain extremely low in a context of weak economic activity;
Amendment 111 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that the monetary policy tools that the ECB has used since the beginning of the crisis, while providing a welcome relief in distressed financial markets, have revealed their limits as regards stimulating growth and improving the situation on the labour market; considers, therefore, that the ECB could investigate the possibilities of implementing new unconventional measures aimed at participating in a large, EU-wide pro- growth programme, including the u, in response to the crisis, the ECB has widened its range of monetary policy tools and altered its market operations; urges the ECB to gradually return to a narrower set of the Emergency Liquidity Assistance facility to undertakools, as recommended by the Ban ‘overt money financing’ of government debt in order to finance tax cuts targeted on low-income households and/or new spending programmes focused on the Europe 2020 objectivesk for International Settlements in its 83rd Annual Report 2012/2013;
Amendment 136 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Considers it necessary to review the Treaties and the ECB's statutes in order to establish price stability together with full employment as the two objectives, on an equal footing, of monetary policy in the eurozUnderlines that the primary mandate of the ECB is to maintain price stability in the Euro area, and that the achievement of this mandate overrides subordinate objectives such as supporting economic growth and job creatione;
Amendment 157 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 168 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Is concerned about possible side effects of a prolonged extraordinarily accommodative monetary policy, such as aggressive risk taking, the build-up of financial imbalances, distortions in financial market pricing and incentives to delay necessary balance sheet repair and reforms; encourages the ECB to strike the right balance between the risks of exiting its extraordinarily accommodative policy stance prematurely and the risks associated with further delaying the exit;
Amendment 184 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the ECB to pay more attention to the euro exchange rate in order to avoid excessive euro appreciation, which could in turn damage the eurozoneglobal monetary policy spillovers, including the pressure on exchange rates resulting from persistently low interest rates in the major advanced economies;
Amendment 187 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines the importance of supportat it is ing the euro as an international currency, and stresses the need to pave the way for a new international monetary order taking into account the new multipolar world economystrategic long-term interest of the Eurozone and of its Member States to draw all possible benefits from issuing the Euro currency which has the potential of becoming a global reserve currency in the long term;
Amendment 197 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the progress achieved oin the negotiations on the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) regulation conferring on the ECB the power of supervision over eurozone credit institutions and those of the participating countries opting in; believes the setting-up of the SSM will contribute to severing the link between banks and sovereigns and will help develop a common European approach to crisis management in the banking sector;
Amendment 208 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Considers that reasoned transparency in the field of banking supervision is essential and that the ECB should take all possible measures to improve its transparency such as, inter alia, by publishing the publication of the minutes of the Supervisory Board on its website, while complying with confidentiality requirements as defined in Union law;
Amendment 213 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Notes that the allocation of supervisory tasks to the ECB poses new challenges in terms of conflict of interest, and that the current ECB internal rules are not appropriatecomprehensive enough in regard to the new tasks conferred on by SSM regulation and therefore should be complemented, inter alia, with more accurate rules including, inter alia, provisions on cooling- off periods for Eurosystem senior management staff involved in banking supervision;
Amendment 215 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Considers it urgent to approve the establishment of a European Resolution System within which national resolution authorities should have at their disposal a minimum set of common resolution tools and powers in order to protect depositors and prevent further banking crises;
Amendment 226 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Notes that, in order to strengthen the stability of the banking system and avoid the development of the ‘too big to fail’ syndromeexcessive systemic risk, consideration should be given to the costs and benefits of introducing a full separation between deposit and investment banks, on the lines of the ‘Volcker Rule’ in the USr further strengthening supervision of financial conglomerates, especially those active worldwide;
Amendment 236 #
2013/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Is deeply concerned at the contempt shown by the Council towards Parliament's resolution of 25 October 20123 on the appointment of a new Member of the executive board of the ECB, and nNotes that due consideration should be given to both the expertise and the gender, the gender and the geographical balance of members in the appointment of ECB top management;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
- having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), in particular Articles 101, 102 and 107 thereof,
Amendment 7 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the elimination of obstacles to the free movement of goods, services, people and capital is a precondition for growth;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission report and its focus on the contribution of competition policy to fighteliminating barriers and irregulardistortive State aid measures for the benefit of the single market;
Amendment 20 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Agrees that too many sectors are still largely divided by national borders and that competition policy has a fundamental role to play againstin fighting such fragmentation and in creating a level playing field in all sectors of the single market;
Amendment 26 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Welcomes the actions of the Commission inspecting the supply of the white sugar market and looks forward to hearing the results of the investigation;
Amendment 32 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Urges the Commission to treat competition issues in a complex environment such as multilateral payments with due care; believes that specific issues arising in this field should be addressed on a case by case basis;
Amendment 39 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 45 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Acknowledges the Commission's initiative in the field of actions for damages under national law for infringements of competition law provisions; reaffirms the need for effective measures of redress throughout the Union.
Amendment 47 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls on the Commission to show due regard to self-regulatory and voluntary as well as informal dispute-resolution mechanisms to provide redress, as a way of preventing abusive litigation; welcomes therefore the inclusion of consensual dispute resolution in the Commission's proposal;
Amendment 52 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Believes however that the use of ever higher fines as the sole antitrust instrument may be too blunt, not least considering potential job losses as a result of an inability to make payments; emphasises that a policy of high fines should not be used as an alternative budget financing mechanism; favours a 'carrot-and-stick' approach with penalties that serves as an effective deterrent, in particular for repeat offenders, while encouraging compliance;
Amendment 65 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. ConsidersWould like to see strong restraint exercised in the next Commission's overall budget. Recognises however that resources for the Commission's Directorate General for Competition should be made adequate to its increased workload and range of tasks; by shifting away resources from other, less vital, Directorates.
Amendment 73 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Supports effective sharing of responsibility within the European Competition Network (ECN), given that some markets tend to have more national dimensions than others, due to different legal, economic and cultural conditions;
Amendment 76 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Notes that the European Parliament has urged the Commission to revise the rules on State aid to banks introduced in 2008 as temporary measures on several occasions. Therefore, welcomes the recent actions taken by the Commission in this field.
Amendment 138 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Welcomes the Commission's initiative in the area of State aid to airports; encourages a timely implementation of measures aimed at increased scrutiny of State aid in the sector.
Amendment 139 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Urges the Commission to also investigate State aid from all levels of government to regional airports and low cost carriers, to ensure that state support does not unfairly benefit some airports and airlines to the detriment of others; underlines that support from EU Structural Funds may also constitute unlawful State aid; highlights that such aid has created a potentially unsustainable number of regional airports operating outside a proper competition framework.
Amendment 146 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Welcomes in that light the Commission's recent inquiries into the oil sector, acknowledging that a violation of competition rules in this area has massive implications for consumers.
Amendment 172 #
Amendment 173 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Amendment 174 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)
Paragraph 26 c (new)
26c. Highlights, in the current absence of that situation, the need to avoid agricultural policy measures such as production quota, which divide national markets and prevent effective functioning of the internal market; urges the Commission, in cooperation with national competition authorities, to thoroughly scrutinize competition in the agro- industrial sector in terms of support, transparency and consumer price evolution at all levels of the value chain;
Amendment 179 #
2013/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, the Commission and the national competition authorities (NCAs).
Amendment 4 #
2013/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
- having regard to its report on public finances in EMU - 2011 and 2012 (A7- 0425/2012),
Amendment 28 #
2013/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes the proposed earmarking of resources to continue the implementation of multiannual projects, such as the completion of the new global security approach, the continuation of the buildings strategy (the Trebel, Vaclav Havel and KAD projects, renovation policy and stop- gap building), the provision of support for the multi-annual ICT strategy, and the continuation of the House of European History project;
Amendment 30 #
2013/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. WelcomeRejects plans for the a "communication campaign", as there is no need to highlighting the major directions of Parliament's work in the current legislative term; considers that this campaign associated with the European elections as a part of the overall information and communication budget; requests is biased in that it favours some political parties over others; requests justifications and further details about the planned election-related expenditure;
Amendment 46 #
2013/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Believes that in the current climate of austerity long-term investments such as Parliament's building projects need to be handled prudently; insists on strict cost management, project planning and supervision; requests that any further expansion is halted immediately, until such a time as economic circumstances allow for a review;
Amendment 54 #
2013/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Takes note ofDeplores the fact that the openingconstruction of the European House of History is continuing, with its opening foreseen for 2015; appreciatstresses theat thorough information on the state-of-play of the project from the Secretary-General and the Bureau; reinforces its view that the final cost outturn must not exceed the figures set out in its business plan; expects an update on the possible co- financing agreement with the Commissionis project is not only highly controversial and costly, but also superfluous in light of the success of the visitor's centre; notes that pushing ahead with current plans will likely enforce negative public perceptions of Parliament, as it will be seen to be a costly and unnecessary vanity project in these times of financial difficulty; requests that all construction and associated works should be halted immediately, while the possibility of abandoning plans for a House of European History altogether is reconsidered by Parliament;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
Amendment 13 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that in the absence of a timely adoption of a regulation for the next multiannual financial framework (2014- 2020), Article 312(2), according to which the MFF regulation is adopted by the Council only after the European Parliament has given its consent, Article 312(4) which foresees the application of the ceilings of the last year of the current MFF in case no agreement on the next MFF is reached in due time and Article 30 of the current inter-institutional agreement on budgetary discipline and sound financial management will apply, which means a prolongation of the 2013 ceilings, adjusted with a 2 % fixed deflator a year, until adoption of a new MFF regulation;
Amendment 21 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is of the opinion that budgeting a realisticmodest level of payments at the beginning of the budgetary cycle would avoid unnecessary complications during the implementation of the budget, as witnessed in particular with the 2012 budget;
Amendment 24 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 30 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Attaches the greatest political importance toNotes the joint statements signed by Parliament, the Council and the Commission at their highest political level in December 2012, which are an integral part of the agreement between the two arms of the budgetary authority on the 2013 budget and according to which the necessarany additional resources will be providconsidered by Member States next year in order for the Union to be able to pay its bills and preserve its institutional credibility and solvability;
Amendment 36 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that, in line with the provisions of the joint statement on payments 2012, the Commission shall present at an early stage in 2013 a draft amending budget devoted to the sole purpose of covering the suspended claims from 2012, amounting to EUR 2.9 billion, and other pending legal obligations, without prejudice to the proper implementation of the 2013 budget; recalls that in November and December 2012 additional payment requests under shared management for an overall amount of around EUR 16 billion were submitted to the Commission, which will need to be paid out in 2013; therefore urges the Commission to submit this draft amending budget already during the first trimester of 2013, in order to avoid any interference with the budget 2014 procedurewere submitted to the Commission;
Amendment 49 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Is concerned about the high level of unused appropriations (RALs) accumulated at the end of the year 2012; proposes to organise once again this year inter- institutional meetings on the difference between commitment and payment appropriations, to establish a dialogue with the Commission in order to fully clarify the composition of RAL; insists that the Council refrain from deciding a priori the level of payments, without taking account of actual needs and legal obligations; notes further that accruing RAL actually undermines a transparent EU budget in which the relation between commitments and payments in any specific budgetary year is clearly visiblenotes further that intentionally enlarging commitments year after year, with a view towards an ever increasing budget, actually undermines a transparent and responsible EU budget;
Amendment 57 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 65 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls that the EU budget is an investmought to be a proper budget and not a subsidy-drivent budget, and that 94 % of it ought to goes back to the Member States and European citizens through its policies and programmes, and therefore should not be seen as an additional burden but asrather a tool to boost investment, growth and jobs in Europe; emphasises that, for the regions and Member States, public investment would be minimised or impossible without the contribution of the EU budget; believes that any decrease in the EU budget would inevitably increase imbalances andbelieves that any decrease in the EU budget during these continued times of austerity would not hamper the growth and competitive strength of the entire Union economy, as well as its cohesiveness, and would underminend would instead provide evidence that the principle of solidarity ais a core EU value also espoused by the EU institutions towards all citizens across the EU;
Amendment 70 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Acknowledges the persistent economic and budgetary constraints at national level, and the fiscal consolidation efforts undertaken by the Member States; underlines, however, that the EU budget is an effective tool for investment and solidarity with proven added value at both European and national level; is convinced that the budget’s ability to trigger economic growth, competitiveness and job creation is even more important in times of economic difficulty and that the EU budget should be seen as an instrument to exit the crisis;
Amendment 76 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Recalls that all the macroeconomic financial stabilisation measures taken since 2008 have not yet brought an end to the economic and financial crisis; believes, therefore, that in order to return to growth and generate employment in Europe, Member States should continue their efforts to unlock their potential for sustainable growth and that a well- targeted, robust and sufficienmodest EU budget is needed to further help coordinate and enhance the national efforts;
Amendment 79 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls, therefore, on the Member States to consider synergies between the national consolidation effort and the added value of a well-prioritised EU budget, allowing the implementation of the political commitments already made at the highest level; recalls that implementation of political commitments and priorities is much more effective when there is a synergy between national and EU budgets and underlines the importance of inter- parliamentary debates on the common economic and budgetary orientations of the Member States and of the Union, within the framework of European Parliamentary Week on the European Semester for Economic Policy Coordination;
Amendment 99 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Deplores the Council’s usual horizontal cuts and warns it against the temptation to again make use of such artificial cuts; wWill pay particular attention to ensure a sufficient level of payments for policies and programmes fostering growth and competitiveness;
Amendment 103 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Takes note of the letter dated 7 January 2013 from the Commissioner for Budgets and Financial Programming confirming that 2014 will be the second year in which the Commission will reduce its staffing levels by another 1 %, meaning that any new tasks will be met through available (and decreasing) human resources and by counting on the simplification of delivery modes, as proposed in the new generation programmes; takes note of the Commission’s call on all other institutions to introduce a nominal freeze at 2013 level of all non-salary related expenditure; intends to continue a close examination of the Commission’s intention of reducing by 2018 the staffing level in EU institutions and bodies by 5 % as compared with 2013, and recalls that this is to be seen as an overall goal; recalls that any change to the establishment plan has a direct impact on the budget and should in no way compromise the budgetary prerogatives of the Committee on Budgets and of the European Parliament; considers that any short-term or long-term reduction in staff should be based on a prior impact assessment and should take full account of, inter alia, the Union’s legal obligations and the institutions’ new competences and increased tasks arising from the Treaties;
Amendment 892 #
2013/0253(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 60 a (new)
Article 60 a (new)
Article 60 a Court of Auditors 1. Following the consideration of the final accounts prepared by the Board pursuant to Article 60, the Court of Auditors shall prepare a report on its findings and shall submit the report to the European Parliament and the Council by 1 December following each financial year. 2. The Court of Auditors shall, in particular, report on: (a) the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which monies (including monies from the Fund) have been used; (b) any contingent liabilities (whether for the Commission, the Board or otherwise) arising as a result of the performance by the Commission and the Board of their tasks under the Regulation. 3. Notwithstanding the tasks referred to in paragraph 1, the Court of Auditors shall produce a special report in relation to each decision pursuant to Article 16 to resolve an entity of a kind referred to in Article 2. Each report shall, in addition to the matters referred to in paragraph 2, examine whether: (a) the resolution was in accordance with the requirements of this Regulation; (b) the resolution was well planned and designed, having regard in particular to the resolution framework and resolution scheme; (c) sufficient regard was had to economy. 4. Each report under paragraph 3 shall be produced within 12 months of the date on which the decision pursuant to Article 16 was taken by the Commission in relation to the entity concerned. 5. Without prejudice to Article 287(4) TFEU, the European Parliament and the Council may request that the Court of Auditors examine in a report under paragraph 3, or a supplemental report, such other matters as may be specified from time to time.
Amendment 927 #
2013/0253(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 65 – paragraph 1
Article 65 – paragraph 1
1. In a period no longer than 10 years after the entry into force of this Regulation, the available financial means of the Fund shall reach at least 10.8% of the amount of deposits of all credit institutions authorised in the participating Member States which are guaranteed under Directive 94/19/EC.
Amendment 146 #
2013/0185(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Amendment 150 #
2013/0185(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Amendment 153 #
2013/0185(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 5
Article 5 – paragraph 5
5. Member States shall take the necessary measures to give full effect to professional legal privileges under national and European law and other rights not to be compelled to disclose evidence.
Amendment 186 #
2013/0185(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Amendment 202 #
2013/0185(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure thatmay provide for implementing a system, based on judicial case law, where the defendant in an action for damages can invoke as a defence against a claim for damages the fact that the claimant passed on the whole or part of the overcharge resulting from the infringement. T, in which case, the burden of proving that the overcharge was passed on shall rest with the defendant.
Amendment 205 #
2013/0185(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that, where in an action for damages the existence of a claim for damagesparties which have suffered damage caused by an infringement orf the amount of compensation to be awarded dependcompetition rules are entitled to compensation, regardless onf whether - or to what degree - an overcharge was passed on to the claimant, the burden of proving the existence and scope of such pass-on shall rest with the claimantthey are direct or indirect purchasers.
Amendment 207 #
2013/0185(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 213 #
2013/0185(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Member States shall ensure that the court has the power to estimate which share of thate overcharge was passed on to the indirect purchaser.
Amendment 214 #
2013/0185(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
This paragraphticle shall be without prejudice to the infringer's right to show that the overcharge was not, or not entirely, passed on to the indirect purchaser.
Amendment 219 #
2013/0185(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Amendment 17 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the sharp deterioration of public deficits and debt, which has been seen since 2009 situation in many Member States, has been triggered by the reaction of governments to the crisis, in the absence of European anticyclical instrumentssharply deteriorated since 2009;
Amendment 20 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas credible commitments to growth-friendly consolidation measures are a prerequisite for any sustainable solution of the excessive debt and deficit situation of most of the Member States;
Amendment 21 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the crisis underlines the crucial need to launch or complete needed structural reforms;
Amendment 31 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the Commission forecasts for 2012 have been successively revised downwards from 1.8 % in spring 2011 to - 0.4 % in autumn 2012 for 2012; whereas in its autumn forecasts the Commission predicts a GDP growth of a mere 0.1 % for 2013; whereas there are serious doubts as to the accuracy of these 2013 forecasts, since they are likely to be based on an underestimated fiscal multiplier, thereby underestimating the negative effect of current fiscal contraction on economic growth;
Amendment 38 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
Amendment 44 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
Amendment 50 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas eachdifferent Member States is suffering from the consequences of its own fiscal tightening and of the synchronised rapid consolidation conducted by the other Member Statemplement fiscal consolidation in a different manner, and all Member States have to deal with cross-country fiscal spillovers;
Amendment 57 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas this fiscal tightening strategy forces downpolicies affect demand, wages and, prices while driving upand unemployment;
Amendment 74 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas this shows that the gains from the internal market and common currency are spread very unevenly across the Member States, reducing the margin of manoeuvre of the weaker economies in response to crisisfurther liberalization of services would advance the internal market and allow all Member States to take advantage of its full potential;
Amendment 80 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas austerityconsolidation measures adopted by severalome Member States have reached an unprecedented dimension: the fiscal stance for Greece from 2010 to 2012 amounts to 18 points of GDP, for Portugal, Spain and Italy respectively 7.5, 6.5 and 4.8 points of GDP without any significant signs of improvement of the economic and fiscal situation and with huge social disruption, calling for a new assessmentcontinuous monitoring of the policies imposed;
Amendment 82 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas sovereign interest rates show unprecedented divergences within the euro area and remain at unsustainable levels for, despite Member States' reform and consolidation efforts, eurozone sovereign bond markets remain in distress, as reflected in high spreads and interest rate volatility; whereas the immediate trigger and root cause of the unprecedented divergences were financial markets' concerns about the solidity of public finances in certain Member States;
Amendment 91 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
Amendment 98 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q
Recital Q
Amendment 108 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R a (new)
Recital R a (new)
Ra. whereas Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) are the engine of the European economy and Member States should support them by reducing the administrative burden they are facing;
Amendment 111 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital S
Recital S
S. whereas the contributing capacity of taxpayers is almost exhausted in several Member States; whereas the European shadow economy is estimated to represent 22.1 % of total economic activity and the resulting loss of tax to be around EUR one trillion each year; whereas simple, predictable and low tax systems improve tax compliance;
Amendment 114 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital U
Recital U
U. whereas the fiscal discipline pillar should be developed hand in hand with the solidarity and democracy pillargrowth-friendly fiscal consolidation should go hand in hand with growth-enhancing structural reforms;
Amendment 119 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital U a (new)
Recital U a (new)
Ua. whereas competition policy based on the principles of open markets and a level playing field in all sectors is a cornerstone of the unrestricted functioning of the internal market;
Amendment 127 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the recogniadoption inof the AGS 2013 that growth is necessary in order to exit the crisis, buby the European Commission and supports the priorities set doubts whethert in the survey; takes note of the positive signs of recovery seen by the Commission; are accurate; warns ofcknowledges the risk of a continued contraction of economic activity over the coming year resulting from the aggregate negative effect of significant and simultaneous procyclical budget cuts across the euro area;
Amendment 128 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Agrees with the Commission that growth-friendly fiscal consolidation is necessary in order to exit the crisis; recalls that the key element in the relationship between growth and consolidation is the composition of consolidation; stresses in this respect that the appropriate mix of expenditure and revenue side measures is context dependent, however consolidations based on cutting expenditure rather than on increasing revenue tend to be more lasting and more growth-enhancing in the medium term, but more recessive in the short term;
Amendment 139 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to study seriously the possibility of spreading fiscal adjustment over a longer period, thereby providing additional temporary room for manoeuvre to re-ignite growth as soon as possible;.monitor and evaluate the process of fiscal adjustment;
Amendment 148 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 158 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes thatTakes note of the recent debate on the size of the fiscal multiplier, notably following the IMF analysis on this matter in its latest World Economic Outlook, has been unduly downplayed by the Commission, while a broad consensus has been emerging on this matter from recent theoretical and empirical work in the existing economic literature; considers this matter to be of central importance to policy-making, as wrong fiscal multipliers can lead to massive policy mistak; considers this analysis to be relevant for policy-making but is very careful not to draw strong policy conclusions from it, as the calculations are highly dependent on outliers Greece and Germany and the results suggesting very large multipliers do not easily stand up to a different choice of countries or time period; underlines that other recent theoretical and empirical work in the existing economic literature, including work from the IMF, suggests that fiscal policy may be rather slow in impacting economic activity, which raises questions as to the usefulness of discretionary fiscal policy for short-run stabilization purposes; highlights moreover that fiscal stimulus may be counterproductive in highly-indebted countries; calls on the Commission, therefore, rapidly to open its macroeconomic modelling and forecasting to serious and systematic scrutiny by independent institutes on a regular basis; o increase transparancy on its methodologies for assessing the multiplier effect of public expenditure on GDP growth;
Amendment 164 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. WelcomAcknowledges the recognition by the Commission of ‘a possible’that an adjustment in the deadline for the correction of the excessive deficits as beingmight be justified, in full respect of; emphasizes the importance of respecting both the spirit and the letter of the Stability and Growth Pact; considers, however, that this recognition is already overdue, as modified by the 'six-pack on economic governance';
Amendment 170 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to reassess the Member States' situation in the light of the exceptional circumstances they are facing – ‘an unusual event outside the control of the [Member States] which has a major impact on the financial position of the general government or periods of severe economic downturn as set out in the revised SGP (…)’;
Amendment 177 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission and the Council to easemonitor the path of consolidation for Member States with excessive deficits due to exceptional circumstances while ensuring that ‘annual budgetary targets [...] are consistent with a minimum annual improvement of at least 0.5 % of GDP as a benchmark, in its cyclically adjusted balance net of one-off and temporary measures, in order to ensure the correction of the excessive deficit within the deadline set in the recommendation’, as formulated in the preventive arm of the SGP;
Amendment 181 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission and the Council to balance productiveattune targeted public investment needprogrammes with fiscal discipline objectives by accommodating public investment programmes in its assessment of Stability and Convergence Programmes and excessive deficit procedureconsolidation objectives; considers that growth-friendly fiscal consolidation can simultaneously put public finances on a sustainable path and restore the confidence of investors;
Amendment 189 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission to start developing as a matter of urgency a plan which would ensure that elements ofensure that fiscal discipline areis in parallel followed up with concrete proposals on solidarity among Member States and democratic legitimacy as part of the Interinstitutional Agreement on the European Semesterfor structural reforms, in particular reforms which make labour markets more flexible, stimulate older workers to stay in employment longer, reduce youth unemployment by better matching the qualifications of young people to labour demand, combat labour market segmentation by better balanced employment protection legislation, improve the sustainability of pension systems, increase the efficiency of taxation systems, enhance competition in the services sector by removing unjustified restrictions on regulated trades and professions, liberalise certain industries, facilitate credit access, cut red tape, remove unnecessary layers of government, and combat tax evasion;
Amendment 198 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission and the Council to improve substantially the quality,keep on fine-tuning the national specificity and the adequacy of the country-specific recommendations, notably through a competent interpretation of the macroeconomic imbalances exercise;
Amendment 205 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Member States to agree on a Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) as a matter of urgency, ensuring; considers in this respect that the structure of the EU budget is more important thatn its role is reinforced as a source of much- needed investmentsize, and therefore that the EU could freeze or even reduce the MFF overall, while still investing in value-added areas;
Amendment 207 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 215 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls also on the Commission to come forward with a holistic approach to tackling growth, which should include a genuine EuroHighlights that protectionism would only deepean iandustrial prolicy and the guarantee that Europe will use all its strength and influence in its external trade relationong the crisis; calls on the Commission to exploit to the fully the sources of growth stemming from trade with third countries and establ; considers in thish reciprocity as well as fair trade; calls on the Commission to include strong social clauses in trade agreements on the basis of International Labour Organisation labour standardspect in particular the full range of measures that can be taken to deepen and expand the Transatlantic economic relationship; such an agenda should encompass the related goals of renewing and opening the Transatlantic market, repositioning the Transatlantic partnership with regard to third countries to strengthening the ground rules of the international economic order, and extending the rule-based multilateral system to include new members and new areas of economic opportunities;
Amendment 223 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Believes that, to reap the full potential of the internal market, enhanced cooperation among Member States willing to follow the 'country of origin' principle of the initial draft of the Services Directive should be considered; suggests that, if this is not possible, a services impact test based on the Regulatory Impact Assessment methodology should be adopted in order to provide a thorough screening of relevant national legislations in terms of their necessity, suitability, and proportionality.
Amendment 224 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Underlines that strong enforcement of an EU competition policy based on the principles of open markets and a level playing field in all sectors is a cornerstone of a successful internal market and a precondition for the creation of sustainable and knowledge-based jobs;
Amendment 229 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that determined efforts by Member States to sustain public finances, at an appropriate pace, can only work if macroeconomic imbalances are reduced symmetricallare needed to consolidate public finances and reduce macroeconomic imbalances; notes as for the latter that countries with current account deficits need to step up structural reforms to increase their competitiveness as a matter of urgency;
Amendment 248 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission to present concrete proposals to improve the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion, including in relation to third countries, as an essential tool for a fairer distribution of the fiscal effort and for increasing Member States' revenue;
Amendment 255 #
2012/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
Amendment 1 #
2012/2253(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. GPostpones its decision on grantsing the Executive Director of the ENIAC Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 3 #
2012/2253(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovPostpones the closure of the accounts of the ENIAC Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 17 #
2012/2214(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Urges the Agencies to examine their internal administrative processes with a view to reducing administrative costs, which are generally too high across the Agencies;
Amendment 5 #
2012/2207(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes from the Court of Auditors that weaknesses as regards three legal commitments made in advance of budget commitments (EUR 742 000) were noted; calls onrequires the Authority to inform the discharge authority of the actions it has taken to address this deficiency;
Amendment 12 #
2012/2205(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Acknowledges from the Court of Auditors' report that in 2010, more than EUR 1,6 million had to be cancelled and in 2011, EUR 1,9 million (9 % of the appropriations carried over from 2010) were cancelled; notes, moreover, that in 2011 the level of carry-overs of commitment appropriations was also high, with EUR 4,2 million (41 %) for Title II ‘administrative expenditure’ and EUR 10,6 million (46 %) for Title III ‘operational expenditure’; calls onrequires the Office to inform the discharge authority of the actions taken to address that deficiency, as the high carry-over and cancellation rates indicate difficulties in the planning and/or implementation of the Office's activities;
Amendment 15 #
2012/2205(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Acknowledges from the Court of Auditors' report that weaknesses were found as regards the physical verification and recording of assets before and after the move to the new headquarters; in addition, notesis concerned that insurance contracts do not reflect the value of the Office's assets: before the move, net assets were over- insured by about EUR 17 million and at the moment of audit they were under-insured by about EUR 21 million;
Amendment 23 #
2012/2205(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 – subparagraph 1
Paragraph 10 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 9 #
2012/2196(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes, from the Court of Auditors' report and the Authority's annual activity report (AAR), that in 2011, 13 budgetary transfers were made; notes that, in particular, EUR 2,46 million was transferred from Title I to the infrastructure and IT budget lines of Title II, aiming to provide the resources for the adaptation of IT systems and financial systems related to the reorganisation and the migration to the accrual-based accounting financial system, and to reinforce the resources available for the move to the final seat and equipment for the final seat; notes, moreover, that transfers were carried out within Titles II and III; notes with concernpoints out specifically the Court of Auditors' remark that the situation indicates weaknesses in budget planning and implementation and is at odds with the principle of specification;
Amendment 19 #
2012/2196(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes with concern that the Authority was criticised for a lack of transparency with respect to the publication of annual declarations of interest and the absence of training on conflicts of interest and demands that this matter be remedied forthwith;
Amendment 7 #
2012/2195(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes with concernIs appalled that the Court of Auditors' remarks, in particular ‘the Centre concluded a framework contract (FWC) in 2009 for a maximum amount of EUR 9 million, allowing it to sign specific contracts with selected suppliers up to this amount. [..] Subsequent amendments increased these contracts’ values to EUR 14, 9 million. By the end of 2011 payments made totalled EUR 12, 2 million, of which EUR 3, 2 million in 2011. Commitments and payments above the EUR 9 million ceiling set in the framework contract are irregular‘;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2195(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Acknowledges fromExpresses serious concern that the Court of Auditors' report showed that, as in the previous year, a high level of carryover was reported for 2011; notes that out of the total budget for 2011, EUR 11 million (20 %) was carried over to 2012, including 38% of Title III ‘operational expenditure’ appropriations; calls on the Centre to inform the discharge authority of the actions taken to address this deficiency as this high level of carryover, coupled with a low level of accrued expenditure (EUR 5,4 million), is at odds with the budgetary principle of annuality;
Amendment 9 #
2012/2194(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Acknowledges from the Court of Auditors' report that the decrease in the country coefficient for Germany in June 2010 caused a significant surplus in the Agency's Title I ‘Staff Expenditure’ appropriations for 2011 and that about EUR 3 million (7 % of the appropriations) were transferred from Title I to various budget lines in Title III ‘Operational Expenditure’, despite their low implementation rate in terms of payments; notes, moreover, that this significant cross title transfer, which changed the structure of the budget considerably, was not put to the Agency's Management Board for approval; calls ondemands that the Agency to inform the discharge authority of the actions taken as this situation is at odds with the budgetary principle of specification;
Amendment 11 #
2012/2194(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Takes note that the transfer increased Title III appropriations to EUR 13,7 million and that at the end of 2011, EUR 7,8 million was carried over to 2012; calls onrequires that the Agency to inform the discharge authority of the actions taken to reduce the high level of carryovers as this is at odds with the budgetary principle of annuality;
Amendment 15 #
2012/2194(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Remarks that the budgetary authority is concerned by the high administrative costs at the Agency and is strongly dissatisfied with the answers regarding them that were given by the Executive Director of the Agency in the hearing of the Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control because they did not adequately address members' questions;
Amendment 36 #
2012/2194(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – subparagraph 2
Paragraph 13 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 7 #
2012/2193(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes with concern the Court of Auditors' finding that budget commitments amounting to EUR 0,9 million were not related to existing legal commitments and the Agency should have decommitted and paid back the amount to the Commission at the beginning of 2012; notes, however, that the Agency initiated the process too late and as a result, due to restrictions imposed by the IT system, the funds will be blocked for one year and will only be decommitted and paid back at the end of 2012; considers that this is unacceptable;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2193(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets that the Court of Auditors identified the need to improve the Agency's asset management; it found, in particular, unexplained differences between the recorded annual and cumulated depreciation and that for internally created intangible assets, accounting procedures and information on costs were not reliable; notes that evidence of a physical inventory of administrative equipment within the required period was lacking; remarks that until the serious problems in the Agency are resolved no further extension of the Agency's competency should be considered;
Amendment 11 #
2012/2193(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes with concern the Court of Auditors' finding that when the Agency sold two sets of sweeping arms systems for at-sea oil recovery services in December 2011, aiming to obtain at least the equipment's net book value of EUR 319 050 , as a result of the minimum price being wrongly set below net book value, the equipment was sold at a loss of EUR 93 950; considers that this is unacceptable and shows lack of regard for taxpayers money;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2187(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes from the Court of Auditors' report that the Agency made a payment to an international environmental organisation amounting to EUR 6 061 which was related to the participation of Agency staff in expeditions organised by that organisation in February and May 2011; notdeplores that no procurement procedure had taken place and no contract had been drawn up for those expeditions ; notes that the Agency bore the travel costs, amounting to EUR 11 625; notes the Court of Auditors' finding that the Agency's Executive Director was a member of the international environmental organisation's board of trustees until April 2011 and that this could constitute a conflict of interest;
Amendment 1 #
2012/2175(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the European Data Protection Supervisor discharge in respect of the implementation of its budget for the financial year 2011; Postpones its decision on granting the European Data Protection Supervisor discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Data Protection Supervisor's budget for the financial year 2011;
Amendment 1 #
2012/2174(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the European Ombudsman discharge in respect of the implementation of its budget for the financial year 2011; / Postpones its decision on granting the European Ombudsman discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Ombudsman's budget for the financial year 2011;
Amendment 1 #
2012/2173(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Secretary-General of the Committee of the Regions discharge in respect of the implementation of the Committee of the Regions' budget for the financial year 2011; / Postpones its decision on granting the Secretary-General of the Committee of the Regions discharge in respect of the implementation of the Committee of the Regions' budget for the financial year 2011;
Amendment 2 #
2012/2173(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Committee, as an institution designed to offer a relatively small number of bodies privileged access to the Union's legislative and policy- making processes, to fund its activities by means of subscription for those local and regional institutions that believe it serves a valuable purpose;
Amendment 2 #
2012/2172(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Secretary-General of the European Economic and Social Committee discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Economic and Social Committee budget for the financial year 2011; / Postpones its decision on granting the Secretary-General of the European Economic and Social Committee discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Economic and Social Committee budget for the financial year 2011;
Amendment 3 #
2012/2172(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the EESC, as an institution designed to offer privileged access to the Union's legislative and policy-making processes, to fund its activities by means of subscription for those few bodies that have secured representation;
Amendment 4 #
2012/2169(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Secretary-General of the Council discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Council's and the Council's budget for the financial year 2011; / Postpones its decision on granting the Secretary-General of the Council discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Council's and the Council's budget for the financial year 2011;
Amendment 2 #
2012/2168(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants its President discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Parliament budget for the financial year 2011; / Postpones its decision on granting its President discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Parliament budget for the financial year 2011;
Amendment 7 #
2012/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Bureau to schedule as a specific agenda item a discussion of the discharge report in May or June, shortly after its adoption by plenary;
Amendment 15 #
2012/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Reiterates its proposal that the Bureau should circulate more 'White Papers' on policy items of general interest to all Members so they can be thoroughly discussed within political groups prior to a final decision being taken;
Amendment 55 #
2012/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39 a. Notes that 192 members of staff report to the Directors General without going through a Director; asks the Secretary-General to review this situation to ensure that 'cabinets' for Directors- General are not being created unofficially; asks the Secretary-General to include in the review an assessment of the grades, powers and responsibilities of these staff;
Amendment 71 #
2012/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Takes note of the fact that the contract with the current travel agency expires on 31 December 2013 and that the preparations of a new call for tenders have started; regrets that, while the possibility of a financial audit was provided for in the contract, this is not the case for an audit of the structure and performance of the travel agency; insists that a future contract should include the possibility of intermediary and final financial and performance audits; as requested by the Committee on Budgetary Control, welcomes the fact that the administration will also have recourse to external expertise when establishing tender documentation and throughout the selection procedure, thereby ensuring that Parliament chooses the best solution, resulting in major simplifications and cost- savings; stresses that the new contract should take into account the best quality/price ratio and the best value for money with competitive prices; reiterates its proposal for exploring the possibility of having two travel agencies operating within Parliament, in direct competition, and whether this might provide a cost- neutral way of increasing efficiency and achieving best value for money;
Amendment 79 #
2012/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Regrets that the audience of Europarl TV, although greater in 2011 as compared with 2010*2, continues to be very low in the case of direct individual users (excluding viewers through partnership agreements with regional TVs) despite the considerable financing that it still received in 2011, amounting to some EUR 8 000 000 (item 3 2 4 6); regrets furthernotes that in its resolution on the discharge 2010 Parliament called "on the Secretary-General to present proposals to its competent committee for the closure of the operation"; regrets that the Bureau decided to ignore Parliament's decision; notes with grave concern that no cost- benefit evaluation of Europarl TV has being made, despite the fact that this was requested by Parliament in its resolution on the discharge 2010; welcomes, however, the decision of the Bureau of 12 December 2012 to implement a set of reforms in order to achieve significant savings; 1 2 en Direct visits per month on the website: 2010: 30 000; 2011: 39 559. Direct visits per month on the website: 2010: 30 000; 2011: 39 559. made, despite the fact that this was requested by Parliament in its resolution on the discharge 2010; insists that a cost- benefit evaluation should be initiated immediately, explicitly considering the possibility of shutting the project down in its entirety;
Amendment 83 #
2012/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Is concerned at the increased cost of the Lux Prize in 2011*1; calls for a more cost- efficient management of this prize and therefore suggests the Internal Auditor might consider reviewing its administration to achieve this goal;
Amendment 89 #
2012/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Notes that a business plan for the House of European History in Brussels was approved by the Bureau on 26 September 2011 and that the Commission has declared its willingness to participate in the running costs of the project and will communicate to Parliament before the end of the summer 2013 the terms of such contribution; ; deplores the decision to persist with this project, which is not only highly controversial and costly but also superfluous in light of the success of the visitor's centre; notes that pushing ahead with current plans will likely enforce negative public perceptions of Parliament, as it will be seen to be a costly and unnecessary vanity project in these times of financial difficulty; requests that all construction and associated works should be immediately halted, while the possibility of abandoning plans for a House of European History altogether is reconsidered by Parliament;
Amendment 96 #
2012/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50 a (new)
Paragraph 50 a (new)
50a. Insists that the time has finally come to end all subsidies to the catering service, as it is no longer tenable that officials and staff pay anything other than market prices; expects to this end that catering services will be required to be self- sufficient; reiterates its suggestion that the possibility be explored for the existence of two or more service providers, in direct competition, so as to encourage increased quality of service and best value for money;
Amendment 98 #
2012/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52
Paragraph 52
52. Points out that any property and buildings strategy must also take account of the rising costs of maintaining the buildings purchased; suggests that the current buildings strategy should be urgently re-examined, with a view to halting all expansion;
Amendment 3 #
2012/2166(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Eighth, Ninth and Tenth European Development Funds for the financial year 2011; / Postpones its decision on granting the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Eighth, Ninth and Tenth European Development Funds for the financial year 2011;
Amendment 6 #
2012/2166(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Approves the closure of the accounts of the Eighth, Ninth and Tenth European Development Funds for the financial year 2011 / Postpones the closure of the accounts of the of the Eighth, Ninth and Tenth European Development Funds for the financial year 2010;
Amendment 40 #
2012/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that most of the structural reforms are concentrating on a small number of areas, such as making labour markets, the taxation more flexible, strengthening fiscal discipline, increasing the efficiency of taxation systems, improving the sustainability of pension systems, restructuring the banking sector, enhancing competition in the services sector by removing unjustified restrictions on regulated trades and professions, liberalising certain industries, improving the efficiency and quality of public expenditure, avoidcutting red tape, removing unnecessary layers of government, combating tax evasion, and reforming mortgage and real estate markets;
Amendment 43 #
2012/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Supports the emphasis of the Commission on labour market reforms to increase the competitiveness of the euro area; considers in this regard particularly the recommendations for adequate wage- setting mechanisms to ensure that wages keep in line with productivity, for better balanced employment protection legislation to combat labour market segmentation, for measures to ensure that older workers stay in employment younger and for actions to reduce youth unemployment by better matching the qualifications of young people to labour demand;
Amendment 44 #
2012/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Similarly shares the insistence of the Commission on the importance of the long-term sustainability of pension systems; considers in this regard particularly the recommendations on raising effective retirement ages and linking statutory retirement ages to life expectancy;
Amendment 49 #
2012/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. UrgInvites the Commission to be more explicit in its recommendations and to monitor recommendations made in the past, i.ae.g. by providing more detailed explanations and evaluations in those cases where the Commission thinks a country has only partially followed the recommendations;
Amendment 86 #
2012/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. WelcomesTakes note of the ratification of the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union by a growing number of the 25 Member States that signed it; urges all other Member States to ratify the Treaty as soon as possible; laudlauds referendums on that Treaty in Member States twhe positive outcome of the Irish referendum on that Treatyre constitutional provisions allow for it;
Amendment 94 #
2012/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Lauds the economic dialogue held so far between Parliament and national representatives, and wishes to conduct further dialogues;
Amendment 6 #
2012/2078(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that Member States sharing the euro need to further strengthen competitiveness, stability, efficiency and democratic accountability;
Amendment 9 #
2012/2078(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that part of the efforts made to mitigate the crisis, such as the adoption of, to mitigate the crisis and in response to structural shortcomings in the architecture of the economic and monetary union, national governments and European institutions took a wide range of measures to safeguard financial stability and improve economic governance; notes that part of these efforts only concern the euro area Member States, such as some specific rules regarding financial sanctions in the Ssix-Ppack and the creation of the ESM, only concern the euro area Member States. Also the two-pack, once adopted, will be specific to the euro area Member States. Furthermore, the euro area and six non- euro area Member States adopted the Euro Plus Pact, and the euro area and eight non-euro area Member States concluded the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union;
Amendment 14 #
2012/2078(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Notes that two Member States have opt-outs from the introduction of the euro and two Member States have opt-outs from the implementation of the Schengen acquis;
Amendment 15 #
2012/2078(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Notes that enhanced cooperation provides a legal basis for the adoption of measures that only apply to a limited number of Member States; notes that this mechanism is being used already for trans-EU divorce law and for European patent law, and was approved by the European Parliament and the Council in the taxation context for the establishment of a Financial Transaction Tax;
Amendment 16 #
2012/2078(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the on-going creation of a single supervisory mechanism covering the euro area and open to all other EU Member States; considers that, to overcome the structural deficiencies inherent in the economic and monetary union and to effectively curb the pervasive moral hazard, the proposed 'banking union' should draw on the earlier reform of the Union financial services sector, including the creation of EBA, ESMA, EIOPA and the ESRB, as well as the strengthened economic governance, especially in the euro area, and the new budgetary framework of the European Semester, to ensure greater resilience and competitiveness of the Union banking sector, increased confidence in it, and enhanced capital reserves to prevent Member States' public budgets having to bear the costs of banks' bail-outs in the future;
Amendment 28 #
2012/2078(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the Commission's ‘Blueprint’; calls on the Commission to make legislative proposals under codecision for its implementation without delayTakes note of the Commission's 'Blueprint';
Amendment 34 #
2012/2078(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points outConsiders that the concept of ‘contractual agreements’mutually agreed contracts for competitiveness and growth applicable only to individual Member States as referred to in the European Council conclusions of December 2012 risks creating legal uncertaintcould enhance ownership and effectiveness of economic policy;
Amendment 40 #
2012/2078(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that the work on own resofurther measurces should be accelerated, as should that on labour mobility and a euro area budget, to make it an optimal currency areaare needed to promote the deepening of the Single Market and to protect its integrity;
Amendment 47 #
2012/2078(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that Article 3.4 TEU states ‘'the Union shall establish an economic and monetary union whose currency is the euro’', and Protocol 14 on the Eurogroup foreseArticle 13 TEU establishes ‘the need to lay down special provisions for enhanced dialogue between the Member States whose currency is the euro, pending the euro becomingEuropean Parliament as a Union institution; considers therefore the cEurrency of all Member States’; if this supposedly transitory situation is to last, appropriateopean Parliament as the appropriate venue for ensuring accountability for the current euro area and the Member States that committed to join must be developed inside the European Parliament, underlines that the European Parliament should prevent fragmented scrutiny of cooperation between Member States.
Amendment 3 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
- having regard to Article 125 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union;
Amendment 17 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the eurozone is in a unique situation, with eurozone Member States sharing a single currency but no common fiscal policy or common bond marketstructural deficiencies inherent to the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) from its very beginning have amplified and put the eurozone in a strained situation as moral hazard became widespread and most of the Member States of the eurozone (EU-17) failed to maintain balanced public finances;
Amendment 22 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas Article 125 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union prohibits Member States from assuming liabilities of another Member State;
Amendment 27 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the current sovereign debt crisis in the eurozone underlines the crucial need for the EU-17 to launch or complete needed structural reforms as identified in their respective National Reform Programmes and the Commission's Country Specific Recommendations;
Amendment 30 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas credible commitments to growth-friendly austerity measures are a prerequisite for any sustainable solution of the excessive debt and deficit situation of most of the eurozone Member States;
Amendment 32 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Bd. whereas mutualisation of eurozone sovereign debt cannot per se solve the loss of competitiveness of the euro area, and whereas the sharing of credit risk stemming from individual eurozone Member States' lack of fiscal discipline could foster the assumption driven by moral hazard that it is possible for some eurozone countries to get out of difficulties without having to undertake needed structural reforms;
Amendment 34 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
Be. whereas issuance of common eurozone bonds poses also a strategic risk to participating Member States;
Amendment 63 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is deeply concerned, however, that despite Member States‘ reform and consolidation efforts euro area sovereign bond markets are in distress, reflected in widening spreads and high volatility; notes that the immediate trigger and root cause of rising spreads were financial markets' concerns about the solidity of some eurozone countries;
Amendment 70 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that there is an urgent need to further discuss a longer-term visiondiscuss without taboos longer-term forecasts and development prognoses for the euro areazone which ensures soun balanced public financesbudgeting, sustainable growth and high levels of employment, while preventing moral hazard and supporting convergence;
Amendment 86 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that it is in the long-term strategic interest of the eurozone and of its Member States to draw all possible benefits from issuing the euro, su currency which has establishing a common liquid and diversified bond market and establishing the euro asthe potential of becoming a global reserve currency in the long term;
Amendment 93 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that all existing and future instruments or institutions which are sensu stricto or sensu lato part of the economic governance framework of the Union need to be democratically legitimised and made accountable by involving the parliaments of the Member States and the European Parliament in the setting-up and running of these instruments or institutions; encourages where applicable the use of national referendums in line with national constitutional provisions to increase the democratic legitimacy of such instruments or institutions following a broad public debate;
Amendment 98 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Highlights that any policy that requires fiscally solid countries to subsidize countries with high deficits and debt levels violates at least the spirit, if not the letter, of Article 125 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union;
Amendment 102 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Believes that the prospect of common bonds can foster stability in the euro area and be an additional element to incentivisethat do not per se sufficiently prevent from spreading of moral hazard risk to undermine the euro zone by weakening market discipline, endangering compliance with the srevised Stability and gGrowth pPact; reiterates its position that sequ and prevencting is a key issue involving a binding roadmap, included in the annex, similar to the Maastricht criteria for introducing the single currencythe implementation by eurozone Member States of much needed structural reform and fiscal consolidation measures;
Amendment 116 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Considers that common bonds, if backed by joint or several guarantees with each participating Member State being liable not only for its own share of the issuance, but also for the share of all others, including those Member States failing to honour their obligations, risk to trigger contagion with rating downgrades in the eurozone; whereas downgrading of a larger AAA-rated eurozone Member State could result in downgrading of the common bond, which could in turn feedback negatively on the credit ratings of the other participating Member States; whereas downgrading of the eurozone as a whole may ultimately hamper the creditworthiness and ratings of non- eurozone Member States, thus leaving the whole EU-27 short of sustainable credit;
Amendment 125 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Considers that unlimited ownership of common bonds by foreign institutional or private holders may impact on the decision-making of the Member States guaranteeing such issuance; whereas foreign holders of these common bonds may in exchange of purchasing them require various concessions from the issuing Member States or the Union as a whole;
Amendment 138 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Urges Member States to seriously consider the option of immediatelyTakes note of the proposals to establishing a European Redemption Fund in order to allow participating countries to reduce excessive debt over a maximum period of 25 years by using the interest rate savings for debt reduction;
Amendment 151 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Urges Member States to seriously consider the immediate issuance ofTakes note of the proposals to issue common short-term debt in the form of eurobills to protect Member States with fundamentally sustainable fiscal polices from illiquidity runs and the negative feedback loop between sovereign and banking crises;
Amendment 156 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Considers however premature the implementation of the ideas of an ERF and eurobills which have neither been thoroughly assessed by the Commission nor have been debated in the national parliaments of EU Member States, the European Parliament and Council; Stresses also that the Commission should take into account the viewpoints of the ECB, the ESRB and ESMA before presenting any legislative proposal on these ideas;
Amendment 161 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Takes note of the various proposals to unwind existing structural imbalances within the eurozone by implementing an orderly break-up of the euro currency; considers however that the Commission in close cooperation with relevant institutions such as Council, the eurozone, the EP and the ECB should step up its efforts to implement growth- friendly austerity measures in the most indebted eurozone Member States to prevent this ultimate scenario or limit its scope to the going off of individual countries;
Amendment 164 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission to prepare contingency plans allowing a rapid implementation of these schemeindependent impact assessments of these various proposals;
Amendment 170 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Invites the ECB and the Eurozone to clearly express their views on the impact of each proposal on the competitiveness of the eurozone and its Member States and on the capacity of each of the proposals to solve or contribute to solve the current sovereign debt crisis in the eurozone;
Amendment 175 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Believes that, in parallel, there is an urgent need to recapitalise the European banking sector and to further complete financial integration in the EU; calls on the Commission to put forward proposals for a single financial supervisory authority to oversee systemic financial institutions, a banking resolution regime including a recapitalisation fund and an EU-wide deposit guarantee scheme;
Amendment 211 #
2012/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Advocates that, where a Member State whose currency is the euro is unwilling to surrender its budgetary sovereignty, it should be given the option of leaving the eurozone; the European Commission and the Eurogroup - acting in liaison with the ECB - should assist the Member State concerned with practical steps to make a withdrawal from the eurozone feasible and as smooth as possible;
Amendment 251 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point e
e) be positioned at the top edge of the unit packet and any outside packaging, and in the same direction as any other information appearing on the packaging;
Amendment 335 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13
Article 13
Amendment 20 #
2012/0344(NLE)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Council Regulation (EC) No 994/98 of 7 May 1998 on the application of Articles 92 and 93 of the Treaty establishing the European Community to certain categories of horizontal State aid,*1 empowers the Commission to declare by means of regulations that certain specified categories of aid are compatible with the internal market and are exempted from the notification requirement of Article 108(3) of the Treaty. 1 OJ L 142, 14.5.1998, p.1Regulation (EC) No 994/98 specifies those categories, while the details of the exemptions and the aims to which they are introduced are clarified in the relevant Regulations and Guidelines. Or. en
Amendment 21 #
2012/0344(NLE)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) The Commission aims to find the right balance between concentrating its enforcement efforts on cases with a significant impact on the internal market by exempting certain specified categories of aid from the notification requirements, while at the same time preventing that too many services will be excluded from State Aid scrutiny.
Amendment 25 #
2012/0344(NLE)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Regulation (EC) No 994/98 authorises the Commission to exempt aid for research and development, but not for innovation. Innovation has since become a Union policy priority in the context of ‘Innovation Union’, one of the Europe 2020 flagship initiatives. Moreover, many aid measures for innovation are relatively small and create no significant distortions of competition. The Community Framework for State aid for research, development and innovation further specifies the types of aid suitable for exemption, taking into account inefficiencies that occurred in the past.
Amendment 37 #
2012/0344(NLE)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) In relation to aid for transport by rail, road and inland waterways, Article 93 of the Treaty states that aid meeting the needs of coordination of transport or representing reimbursement for the discharge of certain obligations inherent in the concept of a public service shall be compatible with the Treaties. Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on public passenger transport services by rail and by road*1 currently exempts from the prior notification requirement laid down in Article 108(3) of the Treaty public service compensations for the operation of public passenger transport services or for complying with tariff obligations that are established through general rules and paid in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007. In order to harmonize the approach to block exemption regulations in the field of State aid, and in accordance with the procedures foreseen in Articles 108(4) and 109 of the Treaty, aid for the coordination of transport or reimbursement for the discharge of certain obligations inherent in the concept of a public service as referred to in Article 93 of the Treaty should be brought under the scope of Regulation (EC) No 994/98. Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 should be therefore be deleted with effect from six months after the entry into force of a regulation adopted by the Commission concerning this category of State aid.
Amendment 39 #
2012/0344(NLE)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
Amendment 41 #
2012/0344(NLE)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
(15a) In order to ensure a level playing field in line with the internal market principles, the national aid schemes should guarantee an open and equal access to the State aid support for all the relevant actors of the market, in particular through the use of schemes or systems of aid rather than individual aid.
Amendment 50 #
2012/0344(NLE)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No 994/98
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
On implementation of aid systems or individual aids granted outside any system, which have been exempted pursuant to such regulations, Member States shall respect public procurement rules and Union objectives. They shall forward to the Commission, with a view to publication on the Commission's website, summaries of the information regarding such systems of aid or such individual aids as are not covered by exempted aid systems.
Amendment 55 #
2012/0344(NLE)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2
Article 2
Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007
Article 9
Article 9
Amendment 17 #
2012/0342(NLE)
Recital 1
(1) In the context of a thorough modernization of State aid rules to contribute both to the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy for growth27 and to budgetary consolidation, Article 107 of the Treaty should be applied effectively and uniformly throughout the Union. Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 of 22 March 1999 codified and reinforced the Commission's previous practice to increase legal certainty and to support the development of State aid policy in a transparent environment. However, in the light of the experience gained in its application and of recent developments such as enlargement and the economic and financial crisis, certain aspects of that Regulation should be amended in order to enablequip the Commission to be more effectivewith streamlined and more effective State aid control and enforcement instruments.
Amendment 20 #
2012/0342(NLE)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) It is important that the Commission focuses its attention on State aid cases with a real impact on the internal market. That aim is consistent with the Commission's communication of 8 May 2012 on EU State Aid Modernisation (SAM) and was endorsed by the European Parliament in its resolution of 17 January 2013. The Commission should however be very careful not to exempt too many activities from State aid scrutiny.
Amendment 23 #
2012/0342(NLE)
Recital 4
(4) The Commission should be able to enforce compliance with requests for information addressed to any undertaking or association of undertakings, as appropriate, by means of proportionate fines and periodic penalty payments, taking due account of the specific circumstances of each case and the compliance costs incurred by each adressee of a request for information, in particular for small or medium-sized enterprises. The rights of the parties requested to provide information should be safeguarded by giving them the opportunity to make their views known before any decision imposing fines or periodic penalty payments. The Court of Justice of the European Union should have unlimited jurisdiction with regard to such fines and periodic penalties pursuant to Article 261 of the Treaty.
Amendment 24 #
2012/0342(NLE)
Recital 9
(9) The Commission may, on its own initiative, examine information from whatever source on unlawful aid, in order to ensure compliance with Article 108 of the Treaty, and in particular with the notification obligation and standstill clause laid down in Article 108(2) of the Treaty, and to assess their compatibility with the internal market. In that context, complaints are an essential source of information for detecting infringements of Union State aid rules. It is therefore important not to impose too many or too formal restrictions on the filing of complaints. In particular, individual citizens should retain the right to file complaints through an easily accessible and user-friendly procedure.
Amendment 25 #
2012/0342(NLE)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9 a) It is important that Member States have an incentive to notify State aid measures and that they are not penalized unduly if the Commission takes excessive time to examine notified State aid. If, therefore, a Member State notifies an aid measure and subsequently puts it into effect after more than six months of Commission inactivity on the measure concerned, any future recovery decision concerning that aid should demonstrate that the notification was incomplete and that the Member State did not respond adequately to information requests.
Amendment 28 #
2012/0342(NLE)
Recital 11
(11) Complainants should be required to demonstrate that they are interested parties within the meaning of Article 108(2) TFEU and of Article 1(h) of Regulation 659/99. They should also Commission should avoid too narrow an interpretation of the term "interested party". All complainants should be required to provide a certain minimum amount of information in an easily accessible and user-friendly form that the Commission should be empowered to define in an implementing provision.
Amendment 31 #
2012/0342(NLE)
Recital 13
(13) In order to ensure that the Commission addresses similar issues in a consistent manner across the internal market, it is appropriate to complete the existing powers of the Commission by introducing a specific legal basis to launch investigations into sectors of the economy or into certain aid instruments across several Member States. The Commission should have the sole competence to decide to start a sector inquiry. For reasons of proportionality, sector inquiries should be based on a prior analysis of publicly available information pointing to the existence of State aid issues in a particular sector or concerning the use of a particular aid instrument in several Member States, for example, that existing aid measures in a particular sector or based on a particular aid instrument in several Member States are not, or no longer, compatible with the internal market. Such inquiries would enable the Commission to deal in an efficient and transparent way with horizontal State aid issues.
Amendment 34 #
2012/0342(NLE)
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No 659/1999
Article 6 a – paragraph 1
Article 6 a – paragraph 1
1. After the initiation of the formal investigation procedure provided for in Article 6, the Commission may, if it considers it to be relevant and proportional, require an undertaking, an association of undertakings or another Member State to provide all information necessary to enable it to complete its assessment of the measure at stake, if the information available to it is not sufficient.
Amendment 39 #
2012/0342(NLE)
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No 659/1999
Article 6 b – paragraph 3
Article 6 b – paragraph 3
3. In fixing the amount of the fine or periodic penalty payment, regard shall be had to the nature, gravity and duration of the infringement, to whether the undertaking or an association of undertakings can be considered to be an interested party or a third party in the investigation, and to the principle of proportionality, in particular as regards small and medium-sized enterprises.
Amendment 41 #
2012/0342(NLE)
Article 1 – point 4 a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 659/1999
Article 14 – paragraph 1a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 1a (new)
(4a) In Article 14 the following paragraph is inserted: "1a. Where unlawful aid was previously notified to the Commission and was put into effect after more than six months of Commission inactivity on the measure in question pursuant to Articles 2, 4 or 5 during that time, the Commission shall demonstrate in any decision under paragraph 1 of this Article that the notification was incomplete and that the Member State did not provide all necessary information requested by the Commission in due time."
Amendment 44 #
2012/0342(NLE)
Article 1 – point 10
Regulation (EC) No 659/1999
Article 20 a – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 20 a – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
1. Where the information available suggests that State aid measures in a particular sector or based on a particular aid instrument may restrict or distort competition within the internal market in several Member States, or that existing aid measures in a particular sector or based on a particular aid instrument in several Member States are not, or no longer, compatible with the internal market, the Commission may conduct its inquiry into the sector of the economy or the use of the aid instrument concerned across various Member States. The Commission has the sole competence to decide to start a sector inquiry. In the course of that inquiry, the Commission may request the Member States, or the undertakings or associations of undertakings concerned to supply the necessary information for the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty, taking due account of the principle of proportionality.
Amendment 20 #
2011/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Agrees that the AGS should continue to lay the basis for building the necessary common understanding about theets out priorities for action at national and EU level for the next twelve months, which should then feed into national economic and budgetary decisions, in line with the EU's country- specific recommendations;
Amendment 36 #
2011/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. AHighlights that taxation is still a matter of national sovereignty; acknowledges the interdependence between Member State economies and fiscal policies; stresses that the growth prospects of all Member States, whether they are currently in the Euro area or not, are highly dependent on how decisively the sovereign debt crisis is dealt with; urges Member States to implement austerity measures and, for those concerned, correct their excessive deficits by the deadlines set by the Council;
Amendment 45 #
2011/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines the fact that Member States should pursue differentiated strategies according to their budgetary situations and insists that Member States must keep their public expenditure growth below the rate of medium-term trend GDP growth; invites the Member States, at the expenditure side of the fiscal account, to prioritise growth- friendly expenditurepolicies, such as education, research, innovation, infrastructure and energy, and to ensure the efficiency of such spending; urges the pursuit of the reform and modernisation of the pension and social security systems and movement towards growth-friendly tax policies in the Member States and better tax coordination in the EU; encourages the Member States to improve their domestic fiscal frameworks with a view to promoting efficient and sustainable fiscal policies4 ;
Amendment 53 #
2011/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the fact that a major overhaul of regulation and supervision of the financial sector is underway; stresses that this must be undertaken in a way that discourages regulatory arbitrage and which does not encourage capital flight or the relocation of financial activity from the EU;
Amendment 57 #
2011/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines the fact that restoring investor confidence will require a strengthening of the banks' capital positions and measures to support their access to funding; a major overhaulbelieves that a reform of regulation and supervision of the financial sector will be necessary, whichshould includes a strengthening of the capital positions of systemic banks although this must not undermine the competitive position of non-systemic financial institutions; stresses that banks should not unduly restrict lending to the real economy;
Amendment 65 #
2011/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is worried by the fact that many Member States, in particular those under market pressure, are falling behind in terms of productivity; insists on the role of structural reforms and the liberalisation of services in tackling this problem; is worried by the fact that the bulk of global growth is expected to come from outside the EU in the coming years, which will necessitate a strengthening of the export capacity of Member States;
Amendment 74 #
2011/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. BUnderlines that labour market flexibility is instrumental in creating job opportunities; believes that the structural mismatch between supply and demand for labour will hinder recovery and long-term growth and therefore calls for structural reforms in the labour market, which wouldto eliminate existing rigidities in the labour market; suggests that such structural reforms include revising the wage-setting mechanism in order to better reflect productivity developments, enhanced labour mobility and more flexible working patterns; draws attention to the role and responsibilities of the social partners in the design and implementation of structural reforms;
Amendment 78 #
2011/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Recalls that the quality of public administration at EU, national, regional and local level is a determining element of competitiveness and an important productivity factor; notes that market- oriented public sector reforms are an imperative part of restoring competitiveness;
Amendment 85 #
2011/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls for more efficiency in the delivery of public services as well as an increase in the transparency and quality of public administration and the judiciary, and further encourages reducing the administrative burden and red tape; underlines the importance of monitoring and evaluating civil service performance;
Amendment 91 #
2011/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Deplores the fact that the involvement of the European Parliament in the elaboration of the BEPG (Broad Economic Policy Guidelines)/AGS is not formally foreseen by the Treaty, whilst Parliament's contribution to the employment topics is made under the consultation procedure (Art. 148.2 TFEU); very much expects that its role in the economic field will be enhanced and duly codified in the next Treaty revisionwishes to step up dialogue between EU and national institutions, in particular parliamentary institutions, where appropriate and with mutual respect and consent;
Amendment 93 #
2011/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Recognises and respects the democratic process of national Parliaments including their national parliamentary calendars;
Amendment 5 #
2011/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the economic, financial and banking crisis has not abated and has demonstrated that public finances issues negatively affect socio-economic development and political stability;
Amendment 10 #
2011/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the government debt to GDP ratio in the Eurozone rose from 86.2% in the first quarter of 2011 to 88.2% in the first quarter of 2012;
Amendment 15 #
2011/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas credible commitments to growth-friendly austerity measures are a prerequisite for any sustainable solution of the excessive debt and deficit situation of most of the Eurozone Member States;
Amendment 42 #
2011/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Is deeply concerned that, despite Member States' reform and consolidation efforts, Eurozone sovereign bond markets remain in distress, as reflected in high spreads and interest rate volatility; notes that the immediate trigger and root cause were financial markets' concerns about the solidity of public finances in some Eurozone countries;
Amendment 53 #
2011/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages the Member States to strictly follow the recommendations adopted by the Council in line with the rules set by the Stability and Growth Pact, as modified by the ‘six-pack’ on economic governance', in order to implement fiscal consolidation in a credible and timely manner;
Amendment 60 #
2011/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Encourages the Commission to give both negative and positive feedback to Member States through theirexplicit and detailed country-specific recommendations, and to underline noteworthy efforts and best practices;
Amendment 75 #
2011/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Invites the Member States to put in place structural growth-oriented reforms in line with the EU 2020 Strategy, having regard to social protection and social inclusion; recalls improvements in themaking labour market policiesmore flexible in particular, reducing labour taxation and, optimising training schemes; invites the national governments to put in place innovation policies in order to improve to stimulate older workers to stay in employment longer and reduce youth unemployment by better matching the qualifications of young people to labour demand, ensuring that wages keep in line with productivity through adequate wage-setting mechanisms, and combating labour market segmentation by better balanced employment produtectivityon legislation; invites the Member States to put in place innovation policies aimed at improving productivity and to create a more efficientcompetitive business environment with easier credit access to helpby liberalising certain industries, recmover competitivening unjustified restrictions on regulated trades and professions, and facilitating credit access; lastly, invitencourages reform of the public administration sector toby eliminate the red tapeing red tape and removing unnecessary layers of government;
Amendment 80 #
2011/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that thea key element in the relationship between growth and consolidation is the composition of consolidation; stresses, in that regard, that consolidations based on cutting expenditure rather than on increasing revenue tend to be more lasting and more growth-supportenhancing in the medium-run, and that their possible negative impact in the short run can be mitigated, in particular provided that the consolidation measures taken are credible, lasting and avoid a reduction in public investment;
Amendment 96 #
2011/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Supports the pursuit of the reform and modernisation of pension systems, while respecting the role of social partners, in order to ensure the long-term financial sustainability and adequacy of pensions systems; encourages, in particular, raising effective retirement ages and linking statutory retirement ages to life expectancy;
Amendment 124 #
2011/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Encourages meetingseconomic dialogue and cooperation between national parliaments and the European Parliament at key moments of the European Semester to discuss, particularly in the economic orientations presented in the Annual Growth Survey and the country-specific recommendationstext of the European Semester;
Amendment 3 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 a (new)
Citation 21 a (new)
- having regard to the Report of the European Parliament on a co-ordinated strategy to improve the fight against fiscal fraud (2008/2033(INI)),
Amendment 4 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas stimulating growth and fostering completion, broadening and deepening of the EU's internal market with mobility of persons, services, goods and capital is not fully functioningadvisable;
Amendment 6 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas tax obstacles to EU citizens and cross-border business transactionsEU citizens and businesses that are working and operating cross-border experience tax obstacles that are leading to significant barriers to growth and employment on the EU's internal market, and whereas these barriers must be removed to ensure a more competitive Europe that creates growth and employment;
Amendment 23 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas rendering the VAT system fraud-proof must be a key priority, given the massive losses incurred by Member States; whereas particular attention needs to be paid to "carousel" fraud;
Amendment 31 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that taxation is still a matter for national sovereignty and that the different structures of the Member States' (MS) tax systems should therefore be respected; notes that Treaty changes would be necessary in order for decision-making on tax policies to be transferred from the national to the EU level;
Amendment 37 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes a lack of coordination of tax policiWelcomes cooperation among tax authorities of the Member States in the EU that can lead to significant costs and administrative burdens for citizens and businesses operating cross-border within the EU and calls on them to exchange business practices;
Amendment 42 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Notes that in areas where it is considered necessary to increase tax coordination, Member States' subsidiarity with respect to the actual tax rates and eligible tax allowances should be respected;
Amendment 55 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that MSember States with high deficits will have to increase tax revenues through higher taxes, pursue expenditure reductions and increase public savings;
Amendment 68 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Asks the Commission and MSember States to cooperate further on their respective tax policies against double taxation, tax fraud and tax evasion in order to increase transparency and reduce loopholes and uncertainties for businesses and citizens, especially when it comes to their respective administrative procedures for filing tax returns;
Amendment 76 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to put forward proposals oin corporate taxation, green and consumption taxation, good governance and double taxationthis regard, including robust proposals on fighting tax evasion, strengthening of good governance and best practices in tax collection to avoid double taxation and unnecessary burden for European citizens;
Amendment 95 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the factNotes that the Communication on removing cross-border tax obstacles for EU citizens identifies the most relevant complaints by EU citizens about cross- border tax obstacles and looks forward to the Commission's proposals in this area; asks the Commission to put forward after thorough consultation with Member States and their national parliaments proposals in this area, where appropriate, that will be subject to an independent and detailed impact assessment;
Amendment 100 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to share information about best practices in Europethe EU Member States and in other OECD countries concerning information to citizens and businesses, to develop appropriate tools for exchange of information and to set up pilot projectsand asks the European Commission to develop efficient and inexpensive tools for exchange of best practises on taxation;
Amendment 104 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Commends the United Kingdom for its anti-carousel fraud mechanism in the mobile-phone and computer-hardware sectors, and invites the UK to share its expertise with other Member States in this field;
Amendment 105 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Asks the MSember States to support the Commission's plans to improve the coordination and cooperation with and between MSestablish a dialogue with Member States' tax administrations on appropriate solutions to prevent double taxation and other cross-border tax obstacles;
Amendment 110 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to makfacilitate access to the Europe Direct and Your Europe citizens' advice services easier and to further develop the Europe Direct web portal so that EU citizens can find information from EU 27 tax authorities; stresses the need for that information to be provided in a user-friendly format;
Amendment 113 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Emphasises that it is in the interest of business and citizens to remove tax barriers within the single market since they areestablish a clear, transparent and stable tax environment within the single market since lack of transparency on tax rules is an obstacle to cross-border activities and investments in the EU;
Amendment 120 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Concludes that bilateral tax treaties between MS do not solve all theember States are an efficient, but not a holistic solution to problems of discrimination and double taxation for citizens and businesses;
Amendment 122 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Asks the Commission to start a working group on double taxation problems, involving tax authorities of Member States and, where appropriate, consumer associations; calls on the Commission to strengthen the EU working group on business taxation, the Joint Transfer Pricing Forum (JTPF), and to engage with the business community and advocates of consumers' rights;
Amendment 128 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Notes that administrative obstacles and legal uncertainty make if difficult for EU citizens to move freely with their cars within the single market; calls therefore on MSember States to abolish double taxation of registration for cars, mainly in case of utility vehicles that citizens and businesses need for work;
Amendment 129 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on MSember States to modernise and update the rules on cross-border relief for companies and to simplify and modernise electronic invoicing rules in view of ultimately creating a single "European e-invoice template";
Amendment 130 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Notes that tax transparency and the elimination of tax avoidaevasion and the lack of tax transparencey threaten government revenues and cost billions of euro, while channelling resources to organised crime;
Amendment 142 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 – point 4 a (new)
Paragraph 28 – point 4 a (new)
· implement administrative cooperation and exchange of information that is not violating the taxpayers' procedural rights and right to privacy, and to develop appropriate mechanisms to ensure citizens' rights to lodge an appeal against any violations that would have incurred to them as a result;
Amendment 152 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 – point 2
Paragraph 29 – point 2
· provide moradequate budgetary resources and staff to DG TAXUD to develop EU policies andefficient proposals concerning double non-taxation, tax evasion and fraud;
Amendment 160 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Acknowledges that the OECD's Global Forum on transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes is one of the leading international forums for combating tax avoidance andevasion, and, therefore, strongly supports its work as well as sensible initiatives at the national, EU, and global level aiming at a practicable solution to this persistent issue;
Amendment 162 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Calls upon the European Union to give top priority to combat the use of the so-called tax havens for illicit purposes, including banning EU institutions and other bodies from making financial transactions through foreign non- cooperative jurisdictions characterised notably by no or nominal taxes; a lack of effective exchange of information with foreign tax authorities; and a lack of transparency in legislative, legal or administrative provisions or as identified by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) or the Financial Action Task Force (FATF);
Amendment 164 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls on MSthe Member States to conclude anti-fraud and tax information exchange agreements with Andorra, Monaco and San Marino and a new agreement with Switzerland, and to update them regularly afterwards;
Amendment 166 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Regrets that the European Semester lacks democratic legitimacy due to the minor role assigned to the European Parliament and the marginal involvement of National Parliaments, thus depriving citizens of their right to express their views on the European Semester through their elected representatives at both the national and European level; Calls on the Commission to analyse the fiscal implications of the implementation of the European Semester and publish a report during 2012;
Amendment 168 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Calls for adequate budgetary resources and staffing to be provided to the European Court of Auditors and OLAF to develop efficient control mechanisms and oversight of budgetary procedures at EU level;
Amendment 170 #
2011/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 b (new)
Paragraph 32 b (new)
32b. Concludes that the EU institutions need to adapt to the new economic policy coordination cycle, and that the Union's budget as well as the individual budgets of the many EU institutions and bodies shall be subjected to the same level of transparency and public accountability as is now required under the European Semester from Member States;
Amendment 11 #
2011/2207(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is pleased to nNotes that, in response to the call made in Parliament's resolution of 10 May 2011 on discharge for the financial year 2009, the CoR has strengthened its budgetary procedure, which now comprises four stages: preparation by the CoR's administration, assessment of the preliminary draft by the Committee for Financial and Administrative Affairs (CAFA), decision by the CoR Bureau on the draft budget, and a mid-term review of implementation; deplores the fact that there was nonetheless an increase in the CoR budget for the financial year 2012; therefore insists that there should be no further CoR budget increases for the remainder of the 7th parliamentary term; recommends that any new CoR activities be funded through budget savings;
Amendment 20 #
2011/2207(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls for all opinions issued by the CoR to be attached to the relevant files.
Amendment 10 #
2011/2206(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes with satisfaction that the EESC Bureau decided, on 6 December 2011, to undertake a reform of the system for reimbursing expenses to members, including reimbursement of transport tickets on the basis of real costs only, which; disapproves of the fact that this reform will only take effect from 2015 onwards rather than instantly; notes that when the reform takes effect, this will brings the daily allowances and travel allowances into line with those paid by Parliament and will provides for allowances to compensate for the time spent by members in performance of their duties and for the related administrative costs, taking into account the fact that EESC members do not receive any form of remuneration or pension from the EU budget;
Amendment 20 #
2011/2206(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes with satisfaction that, at the request of Parliament in its resolution on the discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget in 2009, the EESC has revised the expenses for 2012; Wdeplores the fact that, despite this revision, there was still an increase in the EESC budget for the financial year 2012; therefore insists that there should be no further EESC budget increases for the remainder of the 7th parliamentary term; recommends that any new EESC activities be funded through budget savings; welcomes the fact that in the preparation of the 2013 budget the EESC's budget group (the body which monitors financial and budgetary matters, comprising nine EESC members), appointed three members of the group to organise an additional verification of the preliminary draft budget for 2013; suggests that provision should be made for a mid- term review;
Amendment 44 #
2011/2206(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Calls for all opinions issued by the EESC to be attached to the relevant files.
Amendment 78 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Notes that, on 5 July 2010, the Bureau adopted Parliament's updated Communication Strategy integrating the project of the House of European History and that, in September 2010, an international jury examined that projects; further notes that use was not made of budget chapter 1 0 6 ‘Reserve for priority projects under development’ for this project as all the appropriations of that chapter (EUR 5 000 000) were transferred to chapter 2 1 0 ‘Computing and telecommunications’; insists that the total financial implications of the project be made available, especially in light of the complications raised by the subterranean Maalbeek River flowing under the building's foundations; reiterates its expectation that the cost plan contained in the Business Plan should be strictly adhered to;
Amendment 90 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Regrets that EuroparlTV cannot be considered to be a success story in view of its very low number of direct individual users (excluding viewers through partnership agreements with regional TVs) in spite of the considerable financing that it received in 2010, amounting to some EUR 9 000 000 (item 3 2 4 6); welcomes the efforts made to reduce this budget by 14 % (to EUR 8 000 000) in 2011 and in the subsequent years; callinsists however forupon a cost- benefit evaluation of Europarl TV, with termination of the entire project to follow swiftly depending on the outcome of the evaluation;
Amendment 2 #
2011/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas services of general economic interest (SGEI) have an important place in the shared values of the Union, and promote social, economic and territorial cohesion,
Amendment 3 #
2011/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
Amendment 6 #
2011/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas cost-effective solutions of competing private undertakings are necessary in the interest of the citizen and essential against the background of the budgetary situation,
Amendment 8 #
2011/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas the value-creating potential of the private sector cannot be fully realised when public undertakings enjoy competitive advantages vis-à-vis private companies,
Amendment 15 #
2011/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. wWhereas, with Article 14 TFEU, a new legal basis has been created whereby the principles and conditions for the operation of SGEI, particularly economicpplies without prejudice to the application of State anid financial conditions, are established by the European Parliament and the Council, acting by means of regulations in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedurerules and, from that perspective, cannot serve as a legal basis for provisions on State aid to SGEI,
Amendment 23 #
2011/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Requests the European Commission to put forward a clarification of the relations between the rules of the internal market and the provision of public services and assuring the application of the principle of subsidiary in the definition, organization and financing of public services; underlines that such a clarification is necessary to complement competition rules laid down in Articles 106 and 107 relating to SGEI; recalls that Article 106(2) TFEU provides that SGEI "shall be subject to the rules contained in the Treaties, in particular to the rules on competition, in so far as the application of such rules does not obstruct the performance, in law or in fact, of the particular tasks assigned to them.";
Amendment 27 #
2011/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that any reform of the EU state aid rules must take into account the special function of SGEI and must adhere strictly to the principle of subsidiarity, as the primary responsibility for commissioning, providing, financing and organising SGEI, in accordance with Protocol No 26 TFEU, rests with the Member States, which have wide discretion in that regard;
Amendment 39 #
2011/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises that, under Article 106(2) TFEU, undertakings entrusted with the operation of services of general interest are subject to the rules prohibiting and controlling state aid only in so far as the application of such rules does not obstruct the performance, in law or in fact, of the particular tasks assigned to them by national, regional or local authorities; highlights, in this regard, the clear stipulation in Article 14 TFEU that the Union and the Member States, each within their respective powers and within the scope of application of the Treaty, shall take care that such services operate on the basis of principles and conditions to enable them to fulfil their mission; calls therefore for the reform of the EU sState aid rules to take account of both these articles and to ensure that the rules do not prevent undertakings entrusted with the operation of SGEI from being appropriately compensatcompensation granted to SGEI does not come with excessive costs to public finances or a low quality of the services provided;
Amendment 43 #
2011/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Asserts emphatically that public services must be ofNotes that European citizens want a high quality, and accessible to all sections of the population; views with concern, in this regard, the restrictive stance taken by certain Member States which, in relation to state aid for social housing associations, classify the services provided by such associations as social services of general interest (SSGI) only if they are reserved for socially disadvantaged persons or groups, this restrictive interpretation being at odds with the higher goal of fostering an appropriate social mixrea-wide and affordable supply of necessary and important services; highlights in this regard that, to that end, safeguarding competition is crucial;
Amendment 65 #
2011/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission, as part of the promised simplification of state aid rules, to introduce greater flexibility in the monitoring of over-compensation, as this would result in significant time and cost savings for both service providers and the public authorities; suggests, to this end, that, in the case of multiannual contracts, checks for over-compensation should be carried out only at the to strictly monitor possible over-compensation; notes that administrative simplification could result in significant time and cost savings for both service providers and the public authorities; emphasises however that such simplification should not be to the detrimendt of the contractual periodransparency;
Amendment 84 #
Amendment 85 #
2011/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 91 #
2011/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 99 #
2011/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 104 #
2011/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Emphasises how important it is for SGEI to be of high quality and the need for them to be universally accessible; points out in this regard that the Commission's responsibility, under the TFEU competition rules, is confined to monitoring state aid for the provision of SGEI, and that the only basis for setting European-level quality and efficiency criteria is Article 14 TFEU, with observance ofto ensure the compatibility of compensation granted to SGEI with EU State aid rules in order to avoid services of a low quality but high costs to the spubsidiarity principlelic;
Amendment 110 #
2011/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Points out that if the undertakings entrusted with the operation of SGEI are selected on the basis of efficiency criteria then the fourth condition set by the Court of Justice ruling in the Altmark case is fulfilled, and; that, subject to observance of the three remaining conditions, the compensatory payments do not, according to the case law of the Court, constitute state aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU; that efficiency criteria can also be taken into account for the compatibility assessment of State aid; and that efficiency incentives can improve the provision of the services to the benefit of both public finances and the users of the services;
Amendment 6 #
2011/2094(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas thesizable amounts of State aid given during the crisis hasin the form of, for example, guarantee schemes, recapitalisation schemes and complementary forms of liquidity support on bank funding, have contributed to ansevere imbalances in public finances; whereas it is still unknown how far- reaching an impact this State aid and the guarantees provided to banks may have in the future if some of those guarantees are actually called in;
Amendment 7 #
2011/2094(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas protectionism and non- enforcement of competition rules would only deepen and prolong the crisis; whereas competition policy is an essential tool to enable the EU to have a dynamic, efficient and innovative internal market and to be competitive on the global stage;
Amendment 9 #
2011/2094(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission Report on Competition Policy 2010; highlights, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of this report, that the elimination of obstacles to the free movement of goods, services, persons and capital has always been the cornerstone of EU competition policy; points out that competition policy has brought numerous benefits in terms of consumer welfare and continues to be an essential tool for preserving the single market; stresses that the rules need to be updated to deal with new challenges;
Amendment 12 #
2011/2094(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses thatTakes note of the temporary regime applicable to State aid has been positive as an initial reaction to the crisis, but that; its cannot be prolonged unduly, and that a new, permanent regulatory system and new State aid ruloncerned that measures which are temporary in nature might ultimately not be that temporary; emphasises arthe necessary in order to tackle the flaws found in the pre-crisis legal system, in particular as regards the financial sectored to discontinue temporary measures and exemptions as soon as possible;
Amendment 14 #
2011/2094(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. WelcomNotes the announcement of specific rescue and restructuring guidelines for the banking sector; recommends to the Commission that it take into account the impact, in terms of distortion of competition, of the liquidity support provided by central banks during the rescue stage, and provide for the orderly restructuring of banks, with shareholder involvement, prior to the injection of public capital;
Amendment 30 #
2011/2094(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that private enforcement already exists in most of the Member States; takes note of the Commission's ideas concerning EU-wide collective redress; calls on the Commission to take careful note of all the potential risks that have been observed in other jurisdictions, including the USA; ; stresses that any EU instrument on collective redress should be limited to introducing a non-binding framework outlining common minimum standards, in line with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality; believes that the specific issues arising in the competition field should be laid down in separate competition-specific legislative instruments;
Amendment 35 #
2011/2094(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission once more to incorporate the basis for calculating fines, along with new fining principles, into Regulation (EC) No 1/2003;
Amendment 37 #
2011/2094(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Believes that the use of ever higher fines as the sole antitrust instrument may be too blunt, not least considering potential job losses as a result of an inability to make payments; emphasises that a policy of high fines should not be used as an alternative budget financing mechanism; favours a ‘carrot-and-stick’ approach with penalties that serve as an effective deterrent, in particular for repeat offenders, while encouraging compliance;
Amendment 45 #
2011/2094(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Urges the Commission to take a closer look at trickle-down economics when analysing possible abuses of dominant positions, when it discovers that the dominant position has not been abused;
Amendment 48 #
2011/2094(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Believes that the economic and financial crisis cannot justify a more benevolent assessmentrelaxation of EU merger casontrol policies; calls on the Commission to ensure that mergers designed to rescue or restructure ailing banks do not create more ‘too big to fail’ institutions;
Amendment 51 #
2011/2094(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Underlines that the application of competition rules to mergers must be evaluated from the perspective of the entire internal market;
Amendment 60 #
2011/2094(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Urges the Commission to treat competition issues in a complex environment such as multilateral payments with due care; believes that specific issues arising in this field should be addressed on a case-by-case basis;
Amendment 4 #
2011/2089(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas it is important that citizens or companies can claim compensation when they suffer individual damage or loss as a result of unlawful business practices,
Amendment 5 #
2011/2089(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas economic analysis of law suggests that class actions consolidate litigation to achieve economies of scale and provide an appropriate legal remedy for small injuries that are large on aggregate,
Amendment 7 #
2011/2089(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Accepts that courts from time to time have to deal with multi-party actions, but does not see collective litigation as the main means of collective redress; stresses that redress can also be provided using self-regulatory and voluntary as well as informal dispute-resolution mechanisms;
Amendment 9 #
2011/2089(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the efforts made by the US Supreme Court to limit frivolous litigation and the abuse of the US class action system∗, and stresses that Europe must refrain from introducing a US-style class action system or any system which would lend itself to similar abuse3;
Amendment 14 #
2011/2089(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses that any EU instrument on collective redress should be limited to introducing a non-binding framework outlining common minimum standards, in line with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality; believes that the specific issues arising in the competition field should be laid down in separate competition-specific legislative instruments;
Amendment 18 #
2011/2089(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 19 #
2011/2089(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Rejects any system whereby abusive litigation and unmeritorious claims are encouraged by the introduction of contingency fees for lawyers; is orf the availability of punitive damagesopinion that compensatory damages can be augmented with punitive damages only in exceptional cases, i.e. when the defendant's behaviour is clearly proven malicious, oppressive, gross or fraudulent;
Amendment 25 #
2011/2089(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Takes the view that disputes frequently cover different industry sectors and different areas of law and that victims of unlawful behaviour face the samein some sectors face specific difficulties in obtaining redress in diff, believes that in those policy fields wherent spectors, and is concerned that anyific difficulties exist, these should be addressed by specific EU initiatives, in the field of collective redress will result in a fragmentation of national procedural and damages laws which will weaken and not strengthen access to justice within the EU; in the event that it is decided after due consideration that a Union scheme of collective redress is needed and desirable, asks that any proposal in the field of collective redress should take the form of a horizontal instrument providing uniform access to justice within the EUf a concrete need for EU action is identified; calls for specific measures to be adopted without further delay to address the specific issues arising, in the competition field, in particular with regard to collective redress that follows on from an infringement decision adopted by the Commission or a national competition authority; believes that horizontal difficulties faced by victims across all sectors could be addressed by a horizontal instrument, if the need for such EU action is identified;
Amendment 29 #
2011/2089(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 34 #
2011/2089(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that any horizontalEU instrument must cover all aspects of obtaining damages collectively; further stresses that, in particular, procedural and international private-law issues must apply to collective actions in general irrespective of the sector concerned, whereas limited sectoral rules, dealing with matters such as the potential binding effect of decisions adopted by national competition authorities in the field of EU antitrust law, should be laid down, for instance, in a separate chapter of the horizontalon collective redress should be limited to introducing common minimum standards, in line with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality; believes that the specific issues arising in the competition field should be laid down in separate competition-specific legislative instrument itselfs;
Amendment 38 #
2011/2089(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Believes that the individual damage or loss suffered plays a pivotal role when deciding to file an action, and takes the view that in line with Regulation No 861/2007 on a European Small Claims Procedure, collective redress under a horizontal instrument could be available where the value of each individual claim does not exceed EUR 2 000;
Amendment 41 #
2011/2089(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 52 #
2011/2089(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – indent 2
Paragraph 12 – indent 2
– Member States should designate organisations qualified to bring representative actions, and European criteria are needed which clearly define these qualified entities; these criteria could be based on Article 3 of Directive 2009/22/EC on injunctions for the protection of consumer interests*9 but need to be further specified in order to ensure that abusive litigation is avoided while facilitating access to justice for citizens and companies; such criteria should cover, inter alia, the financial and human resources of qualifying organisations;
Amendment 56 #
2011/2089(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – indent 5
Paragraph 12 – indent 5
– as a general rule, only the actual damage sustained may be compensated: punitive damages must be prohibited; compensatory damages can only be augmented with punitive damages when the defendant's behaviour is clearly proven to be malicious, oppressive, gross or fraudulent; by virtue of the concept of compensation the damages awarded must be distributed to individual victims in proportion to the harm they sustained individually; by and large, contingency fees are unknown in Europe and must be rejected;
Amendment 58 #
2011/2089(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – indent 6
Paragraph 12 – indent 6
– collective claimants must not be in a better position than individual claimants, and each claimant must provide evidence for his claim; the incentive for abuse of an obligation to disclose documents to the claimants (‘discovery’) dis mostly unknown in Europe and must be rejected at European levelappears if the claimant has to pay the defendant's cost of compliance, thus internalising the full cost of the discovery request;
Amendment 65 #
2011/0386(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Strong public finances are best ensured at the planning stage and gross errors should be identified as early as possible. Member States should benefit not just from the setting of guiding principles and budgetary targets but also from a synchronised monitoring of their budgetary policies, public debt issuances, and excessive deficit correction measures.
Amendment 93 #
2011/0386(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) As demonstrated by the sovereign debt crisis, and in particular by the need to put in place common financial backstops, Member States whose currency is the euro share enhanced spill-overs from their budgetary policy. Each of the Member States whose currency is the euro should therefore consult the Commission and other Member States whose currency is the euro before the adoption of any major fiscal policy reform plans with potential spill-over effects, so as to give the possibility for an assessment of possible impact for the euro area as a whole. They should considersubmit their budgetary plans to be of common concern and submit them to the Commission for monitoring purposes in advance of the plans becoming binding. The Commission should be in a position, if necessary, to adopt an opinion on the draft budgetary plan, that the Member State and in particular budgetary authorities should be invited to take into account in the process of the budget law adoption. Such an opinion should ensure that Union's policy guidance in the budgetary area is appropriately integrated in the national budgetary preparations. In particular, this opinion should include an assessment of whether or not the budgetary plans appropriately address the recommendations issued in the context of the European semester in the budgetary area. The Commission should stand ready to present this opinion topresent this opinion to the Parliament of the Member State concerned at its request and justify all its recommendations for adjustments of the proposed national budget before the Pparliament of the Member State concerned at its requestakes a simple majority vote on this opinion, thus democratically deciding whether this opinion will be binding on it or not. The extent to which this opinion has been taken into account should be part of the assessment, if and when the conditions are met, leading to the decision to place the concerned Member State in excessive deficit procedure, where no follow-up to the early guidance from the Commission should be considered as an aggravating factor. Also, based on an overall assessment of the plans by the Commission, the Eurogroup should discuss the budgetary situation and prospects for the euro area.
Amendment 112 #
2011/0386(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In order to enhance the dialogue between the Union institutions, in particular the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, and to ensure greater transparency and accountability, the competent committee of the European Parliament may offer the opportunity tosure greater transparency and accountability, the Member State concerned by a Commission recommendation should be able to ask to participate in an exchange of views before the European Parliament's competent committee(s),
Amendment 192 #
2011/0386(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)
(fa) an annual debt issuance plan reflecting funding requirements arising from the budgetary targets mentioned in point (a), including the repayment profile of debt obligations in the form of monthly expected interest and redemption payments;
Amendment 217 #
2011/0386(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission opinion shall be made public and, ain its entirety unless the Commission after consulting the Eurogroup, decides otherwise. At the request of the Parliament of the Member State concerned, the Commission shall be presented by the Commission to the Parliament concerned the published opinion to the Parliament of the Member State concerned and justify all its recommendations for adjustments of the proposed national budget before the Parliament of the Member State concerned takes a simple majority vote on this opinion to adopt it or reject it.
Amendment 223 #
2011/0386(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall make an overall assessment of the budgetary situation and prospects in the euro area as a whole. The assessment shall be made public in its entirety unless the Commission, after consulting the Eurogroup decides otherwise.
Amendment 226 #
2011/0386(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4
4. The Eurogroup shall discuss the opinions of the Commission on the national budgetary plans and the budgetary situation and prospects in the euro area as a whole on the basis of the overall assessment made by the Commission in accordance with paragraph 3. The assessment shall be made publics provided for in paragraph 1 and the overall assessment of the Commission on the budgetary situation and prospects in the euro area as a whole as provided for in paragraph 3.
Amendment 88 #
2011/0385(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation sets out provisions for strengthening the economic and budgetary surveillance of Member States experiencing or threatened with serious difficulties with respect to their financial stability and/orwith potential negative spill-over effects on other Member States and/or Member States that receive or may receive financial assistance from one or several other States, the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), the European Financial Stability Mechanism (EFSM), the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) or other International Financial Institutions (IFI), such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Amendment 100 #
2011/0385(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission may decide to make a Member State experiencing severerious difficulties with regard to its financial stability with potential negative spill-over effects on other Member States subject to enhanced surveillance. The Member State concerned shall be given the possibility to express its views beforehand. The Commission shall decide every six months whether to prolong the enhanced surveillance.
Amendment 140 #
2011/0385(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 5
Article 3 – paragraph 5
5. Where it is concluded - on the basis of the assessment foreseen in paragraph 4 - that further measures are needed and the financial situation of the Member State concerned has significant adverse effects on the financial stability of the euro area, the Council, acting by qualified majority on a proposal from the Commission, may recommend to the Member State concerned to seek financial assistance and to prepare a macro-economic adjustment programme. The Council may decide to make this recommendation publicis recommendation shall be made public unless the Council decides otherwise.
Amendment 150 #
2011/0385(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 6 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 6 – point a
(a) the relevacompetent Ccommittee(s) of the European Parliament may invite representatives of the Member State concerned to participate to an exchange of views;
Amendment 153 #
2011/0385(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 6 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 6 – point b
(b) representatives of the Commission may be invited byAt the request of the parliament of the Member State concerned, representatives of the Commission shall present and justify the Commission recommendation to the parliament of the Member State concerned toand participate to an exchange of views.
Amendment 170 #
2011/0385(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. A Member State receiving financial assistance from one or several other States, the IMF, the EFSF or the ESM shall prepare in agreementcooperation with the Commission - acting in liaison with the ECB - a draft adjustment programme aimed at re- establishing a sound and sustainable economic and financial situation and restoring its capacity to finance itself fully on the financial markets. The draft adjustment programme shall take due account of the current recommendations addressed to the Member State concerned under Articles 121, 126 and/or 148 of the Treaty- and its actions to comply with them - while aiming at broadening, strengthening and deepening the required policy measures.
Amendment 180 #
2011/0385(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. There should be consistency in the process of economic and fiscal surveillance with respect to a euro area country under macroeconomic adjustment programme to avoid a duplication of reporting obligations.
Amendment 202 #
2011/0385(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 7
Article 6 – paragraph 7
7. The relevacompetent Ccommittee(s) of the European Parliament may invite representatives of the Member State concerned to participate to an exchange of views on the progress made in the implementation of the adjustment programme.
Amendment 204 #
2011/0385(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 8
Article 6 – paragraph 8
8. Representatives of the Commission may be invited byAt the request of the Parliament of the Member State concerned to, representatives of the Commission should participate to an exchange of views on the progress made in the implementation of the adjustment programme.
Amendment 229 #
2011/0385(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 a (new)
Article 10 a (new)
Article 10a Withdrawal from the euro area Where a Member State whose currency is the euro is unwilling to surrender its budgetary sovereignty, it shall be given the option of leaving the euro area. The Commission and the Eurogroup - acting in liaison with the ECB - shall assist the Member State concerned with practical steps to make a withdrawal from the euro area feasible and as smooth as possible.
Amendment 25 #
2011/0308(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Annual financial statements should give a true and fair view of an undertaking’s assets and liabilities, financial position and profit or loss. To this endhe true and fair view is the minimum standard of presenting the accounts in order to discharge the duties of the directors to the company, which includes, that the company is capable of being a going concern by virtue of the net assets in its balance sheet being sufficient to support the creditor interest1. That test requires that assets are not stated at above their realisable amounts and that prospective liability and prospective contingent liabilities are included. Also a mandatory layout should be prescribed for the balance sheet and the profit and loss account and the minimum content of the notes to the financial statements and the management report should be laid down. According to the ‘think-small-first’ principle the mandatory requirements for small undertakings should be fully harmonised in legislation. In order to avoid disproportionate burdens on these entities, Member States should not be entitled to require the presentation of further information. Member States may however impose further requirements on medium- sized and large undertakings. __________________ 1 European Court of Justice, Tomberger Case C-234/94 27th June 1996, and DE + ES Bauunternehmung Case C-275/97 14th September 1999. Also see Article 15 of the 2nd Directive 2006/68/EC, which also sets a net assets test for determining whether a dividend can be paid.
Amendment 30 #
2011/0308(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) The annual financial statements and consolidated financial statements should be audited. The requirement is that an audit opinion should state whether the annual or consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view in accordance with the relevant financial reporting framework does not represent a restriction of the scope of that opinion but clarifies the context in which it is expressed. The annual financial statements of small undertakings should not be covered by this audit obligation, as audit can be a significant administrative burden for this category of undertaking, whilst for many small undertakings the same persons are both shareholders and management and therefore have limited need for third party assurance on the financial statements.
Amendment 55 #
2011/0308(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. The annual financial statements shall give a true and fair view of the undertaking’s assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss. Where the application of the provisions of this Directive would not be sufficient to give a true and fair view of the undertaking’s assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss, additional information shall be given.
Amendment 61 #
2011/0308(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 5
Article 7 – paragraph 5
5. By way of derogation from Article 5(1)(i), Member States may in respect of any assets and liabilities which qualify as hedged items under a fair value hedge accounting system, or identified portions of such assets or liabilities, permit measurement at the specific amount required under that system, subject to that being consistent with the true and fair view principle.
Amendment 62 #
2011/0308(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 6
Article 7 – paragraph 6
6. By way of derogation from paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Article, Member States may permit or require the recognition, measurement and disclosure of financial instruments in conformity with international accounting standards adopted in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002, subject to that being consistent with the true and fair view principle.
Amendment 63 #
2011/0308(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point f
Amendment 67 #
2011/0308(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Amendment 1 #
2011/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Believes that in the current times of severe financial crisis, the EU needs to step up its efforts to eliminate barriers to the smooth functioning of the single market, in particular in areas which can affect economic growth such as cross-border business and entrepreneurial activities, provision of services, mobility and, access to finance and financial literacy;
Amendment 3 #
2011/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers that the main goal of the EU banking sector should be to provide capital to the real economy, which is one of the preconditions for the development of a knowledge-driven single market that fosters growth, competition and jobs;
Amendment 9 #
2011/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the urgent need to improve citizens' awareness about taxation in the EU and to reduce tax barriers for cross- border workers and employers such as double taxation, tax evasion and tax fraud, in order to facilitate citizens' mobility;
Amendment 14 #
2011/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 15 #
2011/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses that all EU citizens who do not already hold a bank account in the Member State where they have lodged a request for one should have access to basic banking services; considers, in this regard, that basic banking services facilitate the access of low-income consumers to basic payment instruments for the deposit, transfer and withdrawal of cash in the single market, notably with respect to cross-border commuting;
Amendment 21 #
2011/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Believes that, to reap the full potential of the Single Market, enhanced cooperation among Member States willing to follow the 'country of origin' principle of the initial draft of the Services Directive should be considered; suggests that, if this is not possible, a services impact test based on the Regulatory Impact Assessment methodology should be adopted in order to provide a thorough screening of relevant national legislations in terms of their necessity, suitability, and proportionality.
Amendment 12 #
2010/2278(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission to facilitate access to risk capital markets to provide needed credit to European businesses, mainly SMEs, investing in research, development and innovation, and to stimulate European export;
Amendment 14 #
2010/2278(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Urges the Commission to evaluate the distortions produced by the state aid granted in order to mitigate the impact of the crisis, andprepare a detailed evaluation of possible distortions as a result of decisions adopted within the framework of the application of the temporary State aid measures in response to the economic and financial crisis, taking into account the scope, degree of transparency and consistency of the different measures which are based on the framework; calls on the Commission to adopt new guidelines with a view to re- establishing a level playing field as soon as possible;
Amendment 21 #
2010/2278(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. WelcomNotes the proposals aimed at introducing a common consolidated corporate tax base, reviewing the VAT system and revising the Energy Tax Directive; calls on the Commission to submit a proposal on banking taxation which encompasses all the levies contributed and the taxes currently under consideration, while respecting the opt-outs granted to individual EU Member States;
Amendment 27 #
2010/2278(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 2 #
2010/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas a well functioning and integrated Sinternal mgle Market is key for businesses and consumers, and consequently for EU growth and, competitiveness and job creation in a globalised world,
Amendment 5 #
2010/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas reduction of the administrative burden, use of e-administration, and respect for the EU’s Better Regulation strategy are crucial in order for business, notably SMEs as the main engine of EU growth, to reap the full benefits of the sSingle mMarket, contribute to job creation and allocate funds to research, development and innovation,
Amendment 6 #
2010/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas a well functioning and integrated Single Market should aim to promote the free movement of services, including e-learning and e-commerce solutions, which help enterprises, mainly SMEs, operate in a cost-effective manner,
Amendment 8 #
2010/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas competition policy is an essential tool to enable the EU to have a dynamic, efficient and innovative internal market and to be competitive on the global stage,
Amendment 17 #
2010/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. CStresses that an EU competition policy based on the principles of open markets and a level playing field in all sectors is a cornerstone of a successful single market and a precondition for the creation of sustainable and knowledge-based jobs; calls on the Commission to integrate competition policy and tools in its sSingle mMarket strategy;
Amendment 25 #
2010/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the coordination of national tax policiesUnderlines the importance of removing fiscal barriers to cross-border activities without harmonizing tax rates; welcomes the coordination of national tax policies by Member States, without prejudice to their sovereignty in tax matters as set out in the Lisbon Treaty, and a new VAT strategy which aims to increase growth and reduce the burdenadministrative burden on businesses as called for by the European Parliament;
Amendment 30 #
2010/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission to pay close attention to the impact on the Single Market's internal cohesion of the growing economic divergence between the EU Member States;
Amendment 1 #
2010/2151(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the total amount of aid channelled through the EDF will increase considerably over the coming years because the amount of Union aid under the Tenth EDF for the period 2008 to 2013 has been set at EUR 22 682 000 000 which represents a 64 % increase compared with the financial allocations under the Ninth EDF; whereas there is a need for awareness of the looming problem of absorption capacity which requires full knowledge of appropriate expenditure;
Amendment 2 #
2010/2151(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Amendment 9 #
2010/2151(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines once more, that the Tenth EDF should focus on a limited number of areas, while involving non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that are effective at local level and who are of crucial importance for sustainable developmentproperly audited, in order to avoid the harmful effects arising from the proliferation of objectives; calls on the Commission to make wimerit-based use of local- and European-based NGO's, in particular in cases whenre management of projects and programmes by NGOs is more efficient and cost-effective than management by the Commission and where their activity generates projects that remain sustainable after the financial support has expired;
Amendment 23 #
2010/2151(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Is deeply concerned at the Court of Auditors' finding that the monitoring and supervision by Delegations is only partially effective; deplores the lack of capacity of most national authorising officers in beneficiary countries resulting in poorly documented and ineffective checks, as well as the shortcomings in the financial procedures and controls instituted by implementing organisations and supervisors; shares the Court of Auditors' view that Delegations are subject to resource constraints which often limit their capacity to perform certain activitiesan allocation of resources which is imbalanced; calls on the Commission to address this problem without delay;
Amendment 41 #
2010/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
New title after paragraph 11
New title after paragraph 11
Review of State aid temporary rules adopted as a response to the crisis
Amendment 44 #
2010/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Urges the Commission to produce a study which demonstrates the impact of the State aid measures in the economy;
Amendment 51 #
2010/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11 b. Calls upon the Commission to ensure a maximum of transparency and adhere strictly to the non-discrimination principle in approving State aid and prescribing divestment measures;
Amendment 52 #
2010/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11 c. Asks the Commission to produce study in which the ECB liquidity support is viewed as to its impact on the possible distortion of competition;
Amendment 53 #
2010/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 d (new)
Paragraph 11 d (new)
11d. Calls upon the Commission to closely monitor the M3 money supply with regard to State aid that has been approved in order to prevent an unintended overcapitalisation of companies which would subsequently distort competition;
Amendment 66 #
2010/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Notes the Court of Justice's recent decision not to extend legal professional privilege to the advice of in-house lawyers in EU antitrust investigations (Akzo Nobel v Commission (C-550/07)); recalls the important role that such can lawyers play in ensuring high standards of compliance and corporate governance within the EU; notes that such a role is optimised when full and frank legal advice can be given in confidence; calls on the Commission to consult stakeholders on the possible development of guidelines to clarify the conduct of antitrust investigations with respect to companies' in-house legal departments;
Amendment 43 #
2010/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 c (new)
Recital 1 c (new)
(1c) The European semester for economic policy coordination should play a vital role in implementing the requirement under Article 121(1) TFEU that Member States regard their economic policies as a matter of common concern, and should therefore coordinate them in the interest of greater stability and predictability in the Union as a whole; transparency and independent oversight are essential building blocks of an improved economic governance framework; in this respect, it is necessary that the Council and the Commission involve the European Parliament at the appropriate stages of the economic policy coordination procedures.
Amendment 54 #
2010/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) The improved economic governance framework to be put in place in the euro area should include an effective framework for preventing and correcting excessive budgetary positions (the revised Stability and Growth Pact), a robust framework for preventing and correcting macro-economic imbalances, an enhanced financial market regulation and supervision (including macro-prudential supervision by the European Systemic Risk Board) and a credible permanent crisis resolution mechanism.
Amendment 55 #
2010/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 b (new)
Recital 1 b (new)
(1b) The improved economic governance framework should also rely on a set of interlinked policies for sustainable growth and jobs, which need to be coherent and mutually reinforcing; to strengthen the Single Market, in particular, Member States should closely cooperate with the Commission to remove persistent obstacles to the free movement of workers, goods, capital and services as part of a comprehensive strategy for growth and jobs.
Amendment 58 #
2010/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 d (new)
Recital 1 d (new)
(1d) A comprehensive system of incentives and fines is necessary to strengthen the enforcement measures to correct excessive macroeconomic imbalances in the euro area. Fines should enhance the credibility of the fiscal surveillance framework of the Union, while incentives should motivate Member States prompt compliance in view of getting back the money they had to pay in fines in the first instance.
Amendment 59 #
2010/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 e (new)
Recital 1 e (new)
(1e) The Commission should play a stronger coordination role in the enhanced surveillance procedures, mainly as regards Member-State-specific assessments, monitoring, missions in situ, recommendations and early warnings.
Amendment 91 #
2010/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Enforcement of Regulation (EU) No […/…]4 should be strengthened by establishing a comprehensive system of incentives and fines for Member States whose currency is the euro in case of repetitive non-compliance with the recommendations to address excessive macroeconomic imbalances.
Amendment 96 #
2010/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) Revenues from fines should be credited to an escrow account set up for the given noncompliant Member State, to which the account balance will be given back as soon as Council acting on a proposal by the Commission decides that the needed corrections have been made.
Amendment 133 #
2010/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
Amendment 152 #
2010/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation sets out a system ofcomprehensive system of incentives and fines for effective correction of macroeconomic imbalances in the euro area.
Amendment 164 #
Amendment 205 #
2010/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3
3. By derogation from paragraph 2, the Commission may, on grounds of exceptional economic circumstances or following a reasoned request by the Member State concerned addressed to the Commission, or in order to take into account any cumulative effect of sanctions imposed in accordance with Regulation (EU) No.../2011 on speeding up and clarifying the implementation of the excessive deficit procedure and Regulation (EU) No .../2011 on the effective enforcement of the budgetary surveillance in the euro area within ten days of adoption of the Council concludecisions referred to in paragraph 1, propose to reduce the amount of the fine or to cancel it.
Amendment 228 #
Amendment 231 #
2010/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4
Article 4
Amendment 240 #
2010/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Revenues from those fines should be credited to an escrow account set up for the given noncompliant Member State, to which the account balance will be given back as soon as Council acting on a proposal by the Commission decides that the needed corrections have been made;
Amendment 66 #
2010/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) The improved economic governance framework to be put in place in the euro area should include an effective framework for preventing and correcting excessive budgetary positions (the revised Stability and Growth Pact), a robust framework for preventing and correcting macro-economic imbalances, an enhanced financial market regulation and supervision (including macro-prudential supervision by the European Systemic Risk Board) and a credible permanent crisis resolution mechanism.
Amendment 69 #
2010/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 b (new)
Recital 2 b (new)
(2b) The improved economic governance framework should also rely on a set of interlinked policies for sustainable growth and jobs, which need to be coherent and mutually reinforcing; To strengthen the Single Market, in particular, Member States should closely cooperate with the Commission to remove persistent obstacles to the free movement of workers, goods, capital and services as part of a comprehensive strategy for growth and jobs.
Amendment 83 #
2010/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 c (new)
Recital 2 c (new)
(2c) The European semester for economic policy coordination should play a vital role in implementing the requirement under Article 121(1) TFEU that Member States regard their economic policies as a matter of common concern, and should therefore coordinate them in the interest of greater stability and predictability in the Union as a whole; Stresses that transparency and independent oversight are essential building blocks of an improved economic governance framework; Stresses, in this respect, the need for Council and Commission to involve the European Parliament at the appropriate stages of the economic policy coordination procedures.
Amendment 88 #
2010/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 d (new)
Recital 2 d (new)
(2d) The Commission should play a stronger coordination role in the enhanced surveillance procedures, mainly as regards Member-State-specific assessments, monitoring, missions in situ, recommendations and early warnings.
Amendment 98 #
2010/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) A comprehensive system of incentives and additional sanctions areis necessary to make the enforcement of budgetary surveillance more effective in the euro area. Those sSanctions should enhance the credibility of the fiscal surveillance framework of the Union, while incentives should motivate Member States prompt compliance in view of getting back the money they had to pay in sanctions in the first instance.
Amendment 108 #
2010/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) Calls on the Commission to conduct an independent impact assessment on the possibility for the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) or the future European Stability Mechanism (ESM) to evolve into a European Monetary Fund drawing on the features and best practices of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and aimed at preserving the financial stability of the EU as a whole by providing financial assistance under strict conditions to Member States in economic difficulty.
Amendment 155 #
2010/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) Revenues from those additional sanctions, namely an interest-bearing deposit amounting to 0.2% of GDP in case of persisting and particularly serious deviations from prudent fiscal policy- making, a non-interest-bearing deposit amounting to 0.2% of GDP upon a Council's decision to place a given Member State in excessive imbalance procedure, and ultimately a fine in the event of non-compliance with the initial recommendation of the Council to correct the deficit, should be credited to an escrow account set up for the given noncompliant Member State, to which the account balance will be given back as soon as Council acting on a proposal by the Commission decides that the needed corrections have been made.
Amendment 164 #
2010/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The non-interest-bearing deposit should be released upon correction of the excessive deficit whiletogether with the interest on such deposits and the fines collected should be distributed among Member States whose currency is the euro which do not have an excessive deficit and which are not the subject of an excessive imbalance procedure either.
Amendment 191 #
2010/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation sets out a system of incentives and sanctions for enhancing the enforcement of the preventive and corrective parts of the Stability and Growth Pact in the euro area.
Amendment 34 #
2009/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 62 #
2009/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
Amendment 72 #
2009/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
Amendment 105 #
2009/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Considers it necessary to reviewmaintain the rules of the SGP, which were not designed for the purposes of the expected post-crisis levels of accumulated debt in many Member States and to return rapidly to the criteria of fiscal discipline;
Amendment 35 #
2009/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for an independent report to be drawn up about the potential moral hazard of state intervention in the financial sector; asks the Commission to report on restructuring progress made by the beneficiaries of State aid and to provide more clarity concerning the repayment of State aid and possible sanctions for failure to repay; calls for greater clarity on the criteria for divestments and on their medium-term impact on the firms in question;
Amendment 107 #
2009/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Highlights the need for broad support for competition policy and for a grass-roots debate on the objectives and means of pursuing this policy, such as the right of defence in cartel cases, fines, the possibility of individual liability with penalties and legal redress for victims of competition policy violations; proposes that a hearing be held in the European Parliament on this topic;
Amendment 60 #
2009/2090(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Opines that the crisis has demonstrated that markets are prone to systemic risks; welcomes the proposal to establish a European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB), which will provide early warnings about future risks and imbalances in financial markets; notes that the ESRB must react promptly and effectively to an incipient systemic risk; notes that a qualitative definition of 'systemic risk' must exist to allow the effective functioning of the ESRB; therefore calls on the ECB to establish clear models and definitions and, more generally, to give full support to the effective functioning of the ESRB;
Amendment 63 #
2009/2090(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes the fact that the euro has contributed to an increase in cross-border provision of financial services in the euro area, and therefore contributed to a highly integrated money market; points out, however, that the stability of the euro is a constant cause for concern, given the major financial and economic disparities between Member States forming part of the underlying euro area;
Amendment 65 #
2009/2090(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Believes that the growing international status of the euro will offer advantages and responsibilities on the world stage; believes that this will continue to encourage Member States outside the euro area and third countries, to seek membership of the euro area; notes, however, that excessive weakness of the dollar - and of currencies pegged to it – is having an adverse impact on the European export sector;
Amendment 400 #
2009/0161(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 5 – point 4
Article 5 – point 4
Directive 2003/71/EC
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – first subparagraph
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – first subparagraph
3. In order to ensure uniform application of this Article and to take account of technical developments on financial markets, the European Securities and Markets Authority shallmay develop draft technical standards to determine the conditions of applicprocedures to be followed in relation tof the obligation to provide a supplement to the prospectus in case of a significant new factor, material mistake or inaccuracy relating to the information included in the prospectus. The Authority shall submit those draft technical standards to the Commission by 1 January 2014.
Amendment 402 #
2009/0161(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 5 – point 8 – point a
Article 5 – point 8 – point a
Directive 2003/71/EC
Article 22 – paragraph 3
Article 22 – paragraph 3
3. Paragraph 1 shall not prevent the competent authorities from exchanging confidential information or from transmitting confidential information to the European Securities and Markets Authority or the European Systemic Risk Board, subject to constraints relating to firm- specific information and effects on third countries as provided for in the [ESMA Regulation] and [ESRB Regulation] respectively. Information exchanged between competent authorities and the European Securities and Markets Authority or the European Systemic Risk Board shall be covered by the obligation of professional secrecy, to which the persons employed or formerly employed by the competent authorities receiving the information are subject.
Amendment 408 #
2009/0161(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 6 – point 2
Article 6 – point 2
Directive 2004/39/EC
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
4. In order to ensure uniform application of this Article and of Articles 7, 9(2)-(4), 10(1)-(2), and 12, the European Securities and Markets Authority may develop draft technical standards to determine the conditions of application of the requirementsspecify the information, formats, templates, criteria, and procedures for such authorisation as laid down in this Article and in Articles 7, 9(2)-(4), 10(1)-(2) and 12.
Amendment 428 #
2009/0161(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 6 – point 9
Article 6 – point 9
Directive 2004/39/EC
Article 56 – paragraph 6 – first subparagraph
Article 56 – paragraph 6 – first subparagraph
6. In order to ensure uniform application of paragraphs 1 and 2, the European Securities and Markets Authority may develop draft technical standards to determine the conditions of application relating to practical issues associated with the obligation for competent authorities to cooperate according to paragraph 1 and to the content of the cooperation agreements according to paragraph 2, including the development of standard forms and templates.
Amendment 429 #
2009/0161(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 6 – point 10 – point b
Article 6 – point 10 – point b
Directive 2004/39/EC
Article 57 – paragraph 2 – first subparagraph
Article 57 – paragraph 2 – first subparagraph
2. In order to ensure uniform application of paragraph 1, the European Securities and Markets Authority may develop draft technical standards to determine the conditions of application of the obligspecify procedures relating to the cooperation ofor competent authorities to cooperate in supervisory activities, on-the- spot- verifications, and investigations.
Amendment 475 #
2009/0161(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 11 – point 3
Article 11 – point 3
Directive 2009/65/EC
Article 12 – paragraph 4
Article 12 – paragraph 4
4. In order to ensure uniform application of this Article, the European Securities and Markets Authority may develop draft technical standards to determine the conditions of application of the implementing measures adopted by the Commission regarding the procedures, arrangements, structures and organisational requirements referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article. The Commission may adopt the draft technical standards referred to in the first subparagraph in accordance with the procedure laid down infor delegated acts in accordance with Article 7290 of Regulation .../.... [ESMA]the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Amendment 476 #
2009/0161(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 11 – point 4
Article 11 – point 4
Directive 2009/65/EC
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
3. In order to ensure uniform application of this Article, the European Securities and Markets Authority may develop draft technical standards to determine the conditions of application of the implementing measures adopted by the Commission regarding the criteria, principles and steps referred to in points (a), (b), and (c) of the first subparagraph of this Articleparagraph 2. The Commission may adopt the draft technical standards referred to in the first subparagraph in accordance with the procedure laid down infor delegated acts pursuant Article 7290 of Regulation .../.... [ESMA]the Treaty.
Amendment 477 #
2009/0161(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 11 – point 7
Article 11 – point 7
Directive 2009/65/EC
Article 43 – paragraph 6
Article 43 – paragraph 6
6. In order to ensure uniform application of this Article, the European Securities and Markets Authority may develop draft technical standards to determine the conditions of application of the implementing measuredelegated acts adopted by the Commission regarding the content, format and method by which the information referred to in paragraphs 1 and 3 of this Article should be provided. The Commission may adopt the draft technical standards referred to in the first subparagraph in accordance with the procedure laid down infor delegated acts in accordance with Article 7290 of Regulation .../.... [ESMA]the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Amendment 478 #
2009/0161(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 11 – point 9
Article 11 – point 9
Directive 2009/65/EC
Article 51 – paragraph 5
Article 51 – paragraph 5
5. In order to ensure uniform application of this Article, the European Securities and Markets Authority may develop draft technical standards to determine the conditions of application of the implementing measuredelegated acts adopted by the Commission regarding the criteria and rules referred to in points (a), (b) and (c) of paragraph 4. The Commission may adopt the draft technical standards referred to in the first subparagraph in accordance with the procedure laid down infor delegated acts in accordance with Article 7290 of Regulation .../.... [ESMA]the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Amendment 479 #
2009/0161(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 11 – point 10
Article 11 – point 10
Directive 2009/65/EC
Article 60 – paragraph 7
Article 60 – paragraph 7
7. In order to ensure uniform application of this Article, the European Securities and Markets Authority may develop draft technical standards to determine the conditions of application of the implementing measuredelegated acts adopted by the Commission regarding the agreement, measures and procedures referred to in points (a), (b) and (c) of paragraph 6. The Commission may adopt the draft technical standards referred to in the first subparagraph in accordance with the procedure laid down infor delegated acts in accordance with Article 7290 of Regulation .../.... [ESMA]the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Amendment 480 #
2009/0161(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 11 – point 11
Article 11 – point 11
Directive 2009/65/EC
Article 61 – paragraph 4
Article 61 – paragraph 4
4. In order to ensure uniform application of this Article, the European Securities and Markets Authority may develop draft technical standards to determine the conditions of application of the implementing measuredelegated acts adopted by the Commission regarding the agreement and types of irregularities referred to in points (a) and (b) of paragraph 3. The Commission may adopt the draft technical standards referred to in the first subparagraph in accordance with the procedure laid down infor delegated acts in accordance with Article 7290 of Regulation .../.... [ESMA]the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Amendment 481 #
2009/0161(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 11 – point 12
Article 11 – point 12
Directive 2009/65/EC
Article 64 – paragraph 5
Article 64 – paragraph 5
5. In order to ensure uniform application of this Article, the European Securities and Markets Authority may develop draft technical standards to determine the conditions of application of the implementing measuredelegated acts adopted by the Commission regarding the information andformat and the manner in which the information is to be provided and the procedure referred to in points (a) and (b) of paragraph 4. The Commission may adopt the draft technical standards referred to in the first subparagraph in accordance with the procedure laid down infor delegated acts in accordance with Article 7290 of Regulation .../.... [ESMA]the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Amendment 482 #
2009/0161(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 11 – point 14
Article 11 – point 14
Directive 2009/65/EC
Article 78 – paragraph 8
Article 78 – paragraph 8
8. In order to ensure uniform application of this Article, the European Securities and Markets Authority may develop draft technical standards for endorsement by the Commission to determine the conditions of application of the implementing measuredelegated acts adopted by the Commission according to paragraph 7 regarding the information referred to in paragraph 3. The Commission may adopt the draft technical standards referred to in the first subparagraph in accordance with the procedure laid down infor implementing acts pursuant Article 7290 of Regulation .../.... [ESMA].the Treaty
Amendment 483 #
2009/0161(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 11 – point 16
Article 11 – point 16
Directive 2009/65/EC
Article 95 – paragraph 2
Article 95 – paragraph 2
2. In order to ensure uniform application of Article 93, the European Securities and Markets Authority may develop draft technical standards to determine the conditions of application with regard tospecify: (a) the form and contents of a standard model notification letter to be used by a UCITS for the purpose of notification referred to in Article 93(1), including an indication as to which documents the translations refer to; (b) the form and contents of a standard model attestation to be used by competent authorities of Member States referred to in Article 93(3); (c) the procedure for the exchange of information and the use of electronic communication between competent authorities for the purpose of notification under the provisions of Article 93. The Commission may adopt the draft technical standards referred to in the first subparagraph in accordance with the procedure laid down infor delegated acts in accordance with Article 7290 of Regulation .../.... [ESMA]the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Amendment 25 #
2009/0141(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7
Article 7
The Council shall examine this Regulation threewo years after the date set out in Article 8, on the basis of a report from the Commission and shall determine whether the present Regulation needs to be reviewed after having received an opinion from the ECB and from the European Supervisory Authorities.
Amendment 109 #
2009/0140(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The interconnectedness of financial institutions and markets implies that the monitoring and assessment of potential systemic risks should be based on a broad set of relevant macro-economic and micro- financial data and indicators. The ESRB should therefore have access to all therelevant information necessary to perform its duties while preserving the confidentiality of these data as required with the aim of maintaining market stability.
Amendment 128 #
2009/0140(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The ESRB shall have a General Board, a Steering Committee and, a Secretariat and an Advisory Technical Committee.
Amendment 165 #
2009/0140(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point c
Amendment 206 #
2009/0140(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 5
Article 15 – paragraph 5
5. Before requesting information in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4, the ESRB shall duly consult the relevant European Supervisory Authority in order to ensure that the request is proportionatecipient of the request in order to ensure that the request is proportionate. Where the recipient does not believe that a request is proportionate, it may ask the General Board of the ESRB to decide whether the request is justified. If the General Board confirms the request, the recipient shall provide the information without delay.
Amendment 244 #
2009/0140(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20
Article 20
The Council shall examine this Regulation on the basis of a report from the Commission threewo years after its entry into force and shall determine whether the missions and organisation of the ESRB need to be reviewed after having received an opinion from the ECB.
Amendment 467 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – point e
Article 3 – point e
(e) ‘Marketing’ means any active general offering or placement of units or shares in an AIF to or with investors domiciled in the Community, regardless of at whose initiative the offer or placement takes place;Union. Inquiries from investors to an AIFM or additional subscriptions from existing investors are not covered by this definition.
Amendment 569 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
The AIFM must have its head officebe legally established in the same Member State as its registered office.
Amendment 642 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 5 – point b a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 5 – point b a (new)
(ba) Naked short selling will not be permitted.
Amendment 795 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. For each AIF it manages, the AIFM shall ensure that aone or more depositary isies are appointed to fulfil, where relevant, the following tasks:
Amendment 980 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
1. AIFM which intend tomay delegate to third parties the task of carrying out on their behalf one or more of their functions shall request prior authorisation from the competent authorities of the home Member State for each delegation.
Amendment 1003 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point d
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point d
(d) the AIFM must demonstratebe able to demonstrate, if required, that the third party is qualified and capable of undertaking the functions in question, that it was selected with due care and that the AIFM is in a position to monitor effectively at any time the delegated activity, to give at any time further instructions to the third party and to withdraw the delegation with immediate effect when this is in the interest of investors.
Amendment 1011 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 3
Article 18 – paragraph 3
Amendment 1058 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. AIFM shall ensure that AIF investors receive the following information before they invest in the AIF, as well as any material changes thereof:
Amendment 1061 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) a description of the investment strategy and objectives of the AIF, all the assets which the AIF can invest in and of the techniques it may employ and of all associated risks, and any applicable investment restrictions,; the circumstances in which the AIF may use leverage, the types and sources of leverage permitted and the associated risks and of any restrictions to the use of leverage, taking into account the AIF’s underlying investment strategy and risk management processes;
Amendment 1193 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – subparagraph 1
Article 22 – subparagraph 1
This section shall apply only to AIFM which manage one or more AIF employingxposed to high levels of leverage on a systematic basrisk.
Amendment 1198 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – subparagraph 2
Article 22 – subparagraph 2
AIFM shall assess on a quarterly basis whether the AIF employsis exposed to high levels of leverage on a systematic basrisk and shall inform the competent authorities accordingly.
Amendment 1201 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – subparagraph 3
Article 22 – subparagraph 3
For the purposes of the second subparagraph, an AIF shallmay be deemed to be exposed to high levels of systemic risk where it employs high levels of leverage on a systematic basis where the combined leverage from all sources exceeds the value of the equity capital of the AIF in two out of the past four quarters. However, it shall be deemed to be so exposed only after taking into account the AIF’s underlying investment strategy, its risk management processes and the extent to which its exposures are effectively hedged.
Amendment 1529 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 36 – introductory part
Article 36 – introductory part
Amendment 1531 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 36 – point b
Article 36 – point b
(b) the entity is authorised to provide administration services or registered in the third country in which it is established and is subject to prudential supervision;
Amendment 1540 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 37 – paragraph 1
Article 37 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall only allow the appointment of a valuator established in a third country, provided that all of the following conditions are met: (a) the requirements set out in Article 16 are fulfilled; (b) the third -country is the subject of a decision taken pursuant to paragraph 3 stating that the valuation standards and rules used by valuators established on its territory are equivalent to those applicable in the Communityvaluator has a registered office in a Member State; and (b) the requirements set out in Article 16 are fulfilled.
Amendment 1561 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 39 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 39 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the third -country is the subject of a decision taken pursuant to paragraph 3 (a) stating that its legislation regarding prudential regulation and on-going supervision is equivalent to the provisions of this Directive and is effectively enforcedAIFM or AIF has a physical presence in a Member State;
Amendment 1565 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 39 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 39 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) the third -country is the subject of a decision taken pursuant to paragraph 3 (b) stating that it grants Community AIFM effective market access comparable to that granted by the Community to AIFM from that third countryAIFM or AIF is registered with a Member State regulator;
Amendment 1566 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 39 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 39 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the AIFM provides the competent authorities of the Member State in which third-country AIFM or AIF demonstrates compliance with applies for authorisation with the information referred to in Articles 5 and 31ll criteria of market authorisation, as laid down in this Directive;
Amendment 1567 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 39 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 39 – paragraph 1 – point d
Amendment 1573 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 39 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 39 – paragraph 1 – point e
Amendment 1638 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 51
Article 51
AIFM operating in the Community before [the deadline for the transposition of this Directive] shall adopt all necessary measures to comply with this Directive and shall submit an application for authorisation within one year of the deadline for the transposition of this Directive. already authorised in their home Member States to provide management services before ...* and all AIF managed by them shall be deemed to be authorised for the purposes of this Directive. Such authorisation shall be valid for the purposes of this Directive if the following conditions are satisfied: (a) the laws of the Member State in which the AIFM is authorised provide that the AIFM must comply with requirements relating to conduct of business, conflicts of interest, and risk management; and (b) the AIFM has certified to the competent authority of the home Member State, prior to ...*, that the AIFM is able to comply with all applicable requirements imposed by this Directive. *OJ: please insert date: date referred to in Article 54.
Amendment 98 #
2008/0246(COD)
Council position – amending act
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) where the design, medical or other care facilities of the passenger ship or port infrastructure and equipment, of the port, including port terminals, makes it impossible to carry out the embarkation, disembarkation or carriage of the disabled person or person with reduced mobility in a safe or operationally feasible manner.
Amendment 107 #
2008/0246(COD)
Council position – amending act
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) In relation to cruise ships, disabled persons or persons with reduced mobility shall notify the carrier of their specific needs at the time of reservation or advance purchase.