2013/2157(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Notes that~~Welcomes the Annual Growth Survey 2014 differs only marginally from the 2013 edition; regrets therefore once again the absence of new proposals from the Commission on the role which the EU budget can play in stimulating growth and job creation in order to achieve the Europe 2020 goalsof the Commission for the year 2014, setting up five main EU economic priorities of pursuing differentiated and growth friendly fiscal consolidation, restoring lending to the economy, promoting growth and competitiveness, tackling unemployment and the social consequences of the crisis and modernising public administration;

Amendment 10 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Calls on the European Commission to provide a regularly updated scoreboard on the implementation of the new programmes to, allowing for comparisons to be made between Member States ~~and to encourage speedy implementation~~permitting more informed decisions regarding spending priorities in light of observable trends by the budgetary authority;

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Calls on Member States, where appropriate and in line with the principle of sound financial management, to make full use of the additional financing opportunities provided for by the European Investment Bank and new innovative financial instruments such as project bonds while also exploring new ways of financing through capital markets;

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Calls on Member States to make full use of the additional financing opportunities provided for by the European Investment Bank and new innovative financial instruments such as project bonds, as well as the new SME initiative to be launched in January 2014;

Amendment 13 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Underlines the fact that the low level of payment appropriations and the tight ceiling on payments remain a crucial problem for the EU budget, which has a particularly negative effect on economic recovery as late payments are harmful primarily to the direct beneficiaries; recalls the need to ensure, in the light of implementationRecalls in light of increased budgetary rigour the need for effective and high quality implementation as well as the need to ensure, an orderly progression of payments so as to avoid any abnormal shift of outstanding commitments (‘'RAL’') onto the 2015 budget ~~and, in~~ thius ~~connection, to make use, where appropriate, of the various flexib~~ensuring that the EU fulfil it~~y mechanisms included in the MFF Regulation~~s obligations in compliance with Article 323 TFEU; intends to continue its in-depth monitoring of the overall situation on payments, especially in relation to the very high amount of payments still needed for the completion of the programmes of the previous MFF;

Amendment 14 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Underlines the fact that the low level of payment appropriations and the tight ceiling on payments remain a crucial problem for the EU budget, which has a particularly negative effect on economic recovery as late payments are harmful primarily to the direct beneficiaries; underlines moreover that this low level of payment in the EU annual budget is in total contradiction with the measures agreed by the co- legislators to increase temporarily EU co- financing rates of EU programs under shared management in Member states experiencing or threatened with serious difficulties with respect to their financial stability; recalls the need to ensure, in the light of implementation, an orderly progression of payments so as to avoid any abnormal shift of outstanding commitments (‘RAL’) onto the 2015 budget and, in this connection, to make use, where appropriate, of the various flexibility mechanisms included in the MFF Regulation; intends to continue its in- depth monitoring of the overall situation on payments, especially in relation to the very high amount of payments still needed for the completion of the programmes of the previous MFF;

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6 a. Regrets once more that Member States keep on considering their contribution to the EU budget as an adjustment variable to their consolidation efforts which in turn lead to artificial reduction in the volume of payments available in the EU budget; calls on the Commission to take full account of this recurrent and dangerous trend when assessing Member states budgetary plans and to propose concrete actions to reverse it;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Recalls its view that the fiscal situation of Member States can be eased through a new system~~Notes the establishment of the High Level Group ofn own resources ~~to finance the Union budget that will reduce GNI contributions,~~, as foreseen by the statement annexed to the MFF Regulation, which is mandated, by thuis ~~enabling Member States to redirect these resources towards investment in economic recovery and reform measures; underlines,~~declaration agreed by Parliament, to undertake a general review of the system of own resources guided by the overall objectives of simplicity, transparency and democratic accountability, expects the re~~fore, the importance it attaches to the new high-level group on own resources, which should lead to a true reform of EU financing~~sult of this review to be delivered before the end of 2016;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Recalls its view that the fiscal situation of Member States can be eased through a new system of own resources to finance the Union budget that will reduce GNI contributions, thus enabling Member States to ~~redirect these resources towards~~meet their consolidation efforts without jeopardizing EU funding to support investment in economic recovery and reform measures; underlines, therefore, the importance it attaches to the new high- level group on own resources, which should lead to a true reform of EU financing;

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

8. ~~Deplores the fact that no re~~Notes that incremental progress hads been achieved over the past year oin ~~the debate on a ‘genuine Economic and Monetary Union’ and reiterates its belief that the European Semester can only be truly successful when embedded in the right structure~~implementing reforms necessary to improve the functioning of the EMU and calls on Member States to continue with work aimed at bringing their fiscal positions to a more sustainable footing;

Amendment 19 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

8. Deplores the fact that no real progress had been achieved over the past year on the debate on a ‘genuine Economic and Monetary Union’ and reiterates its belief that the European Semester can only be truly successful when embedded in the right structure; if embedded in the community method; reiterates that stronger economic cooperation should go hand in hand with an incentive based mechanism; considers that any additional funding or instruments, such as a solidarity mechanism , must be an integral part of the EU budget, but over and above the agreed MFF ceilings;

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Stresses that the Annual Growth Survey launches the 2014 European Semester, which is a surveillance mechanism established to ensure that Member States keep their budgetary and economic policies in line with their EU commitments laid down in Stability and Growth Pact, CSRs and Europe 2020 Strategy;

Amendment 20 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9

9. Believes that the democratisation of the European Semester and of economic governance in general has been improved through the strong involvement of the European Parliament and national parliaments: considers, nevertheless, that while respecting existing legal frameworks and relevant Treaty provisions further improvements are needed as regards parliamentary scrutiny in order to give decisions taken in the Semester framework, which have direct effect on the lives of European citizens, the necessary democratic legitimacy and accountability. without prejudice to legal consistency, accountability and predictability;

Amendment 21 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9 a. Considers that such an involvement must give the social partners' views visibility and go beyond mere information and consultation. Welcomes that in 2013 the Commission formally invited social partners to comment on CSRs, but regrets that insufficient consideration has been given to further organisations representing civil society. Asks the Commission to set clear and transparent procedures that allow for effective, structural and meaningful involvement of all stakeholders throughout the European Semester and national semester and at all stages.

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Considers that the impact of the social and economic crisis with its double dip recession continues to affect the life of EU citizens with 26 million unemployed throughout the Union, rising poverty and inequality in most Member States. Notes that at the same time, public deficits remain high and public debt ratios continue to climb, divergence between Member States has been growing further;

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Strongly regrets that the Commission has failed to provide the European Parliament an exhaustive report on the implementation of the Growth and Jobs pact agreed in June 2012;

Amendment 5 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1 b. Considers that without a major departure from the twin strategy of austerity and structural deregulation, the current nascent economic recovery that some Member States experience will not lead to a significant reduction of unemployment levels. Warns that private sector debt overhang, weak bank balance sheets, and housing stock overhang continue to be structural forces that pull down demand dynamics. Therefore recommends the Commission not repeat past mistakes by fixing unrealistic deficit targets;

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls the start of the new Multiannual Financial Framework in 2014 and underlines the need for ~~swift~~effective implementation of the new programmes at both EU and Member State level, in order to allow these programmes to contribute to the economic recovery process; calls for a particularly speedy implementation of programmes ~~like~~such as Horizon 2020, COSME and Erasmus +; stresses that these frontloaded programmes have a leverage effect and a synergetic and catalytic role in relation to national investment policies;

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Recalls the need to pay particular attention to the speedy, effective and proper implementation of the frontloaded programmes in order to ensure growth and job creation, especially with regard to t~~he Y~~ackling youth Eunemployment ~~Initiative~~;

Amendment 8 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Welcomes the increased number of CSRs in 2013 on poverty, employment, education and care and health services, as well as the new positive individual proposals for some countries regarding key target groups such as children, youth, migrants and Roma. Asks Member States to prioritise social investment in the Operational Programmes 2014-2020 of the European Social Funds. Asks the Commission to carefully monitor such a prioritisation through the European Semester and EU Funds monitoring process;

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3 b. Considers that the Commission's overly ambitious targets in terms of reduction of structural deficits for 2014 and subsequent years will deprive many regions in Europe of the investment crucially needed to speed up the pace of transition towards a low-carbon and resource efficient economy;

source: PE-526.218

2014/01/09 ECON 153 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)

- having regard to the Commission Communication of 6 December 2012 on An Action Plan to strengthen the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion (COM(2012)0722),

Amendment 10 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)

Ba. whereas the global economic context is still presenting uncertainties and the demand in emerging economies remains reduced;

Amendment 100 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a. Calls on Member States to commit to the ambitious but realistic target of at least halving the tax gap by 2020; calls for coordinated action aimed at achieving this target to be established as a vital and highly prioritised line of work within the framework of the European Semester;

Amendment 101 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a. Calls for an adoption of the European headline target of halving the tax gap by 2020, which is to become an integral part of Europe 2020 strategy; furthermore, highlights the need for concrete, measurable and binding targets introduced at the national levels to reduce tax fraud and tax avoidance; calls on the Commission to expand the national reform programmes and the stability and convergence programmes by incorporating these targets so as to achieve the required reduction in the tax gap;

Amendment 102 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Stresses that access to finance, particularly for SMEs, is one of the biggest obstacles to growth in the EU; believes that more alternatives to bank financing are needed~~, especially by improving the bus~~ through improvement of the efficient allocation of capital through capital markets, stimulation of long-term public inves~~s environment for venture capital but also, more broadly, by improving the efficient allocation of capital through~~tment (national, regional or multilateral development banks and public financial institutions) and full use of new innovative financial instruments of the EU designed to support access of SMEs to capital markets;

Amendment 103 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Stresses that access to finance, particularly for SMEs, is one of the biggest obstacles to growth in the EU; believes that more alternatives to bank financing are needed, especially by improving the business environment for venture capital but also, more broadly, by improving the efficient allocation of capital through capital markets; believes that the EIB can play an even more active role in access to finance for the real economy; considers that the proposals on EIB financing at the most recent Councils, particularly those on financing SMEs, can and should be more ambitious;

Amendment 104 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Stresses that access to finance, particularly for SMEs, is one of the biggest obstacles to growth in the EU; believes that more alternatives to bank financing are needed, especially by improving the business environment for venture capital but also, more broadly, by improving the efficient allocation of capital through capital markets; underlines the necessity to further limit the bureaucratic burden for small and medium sized companies and to continuously take account of the principle of proportionality in the development of regulatory regimes;

Amendment 105 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Stresses that access to finance, particularly for SMEs, is one of the biggest obstacles to growth in the EU; believes that more alternatives to bank financing are needed, especially by improving the business environment for venture capital but also, more broadly, by improving the efficient allocation of capital through capital markets; believes that the completion of the Banking Union will enhance access to finance and create a level playing field for SME's access to finance;

Amendment 107 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Reiterates the importance of the completion of the Single Market for growth in the EU; believes that the Member States and the Commission are not delivering on their commitment to complete the Single Market;deleted

Amendment 109 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Reiterates the importance of the completion of the Single Market for growth in the EU~~; believes that the Member States and the Commission are not delivering on their commitment to complete the Single Market~~ and emphasises in this context that the fundamental social rights must be protected and strengthened;

Amendment 11 #

Philippe DE BACKER

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)

Ba. whereas, on 20-22 January 2014, the European Parliament held a high-level meeting with national parliamentarians (European Parliamentary Week) to discuss the Annual Growth Survey 2014 as well as general economic policy objectives for growth and jobs with a view to take greater account of the effectiveness of policies and of potential spill-over effects in the EU;

Amendment 110 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Is concerned at protectionist tendencies in certain Member States; points out that the Treaty does not provide for restricting the free movement of people, services and capital, and that the Commission has to safeguard and enforce these freedoms;deleted

Amendment 111 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Is concerned about protectionist tendencies in certain Member States; points out that the Treaty does not provide for restricting the free movement of people, services and capital except under exceptional circumstances, and that the Commission has to safeguard and enforce these freedoms;

Amendment 112 #

Lorenzo FONTANA, Matteo SALVINI

Motion for a resolution
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 policy;deleted

Amendment 113 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Underlines the fact that the ~~absence of a well-functioning internal labour market and a positive~~EU’s approach to immigration is hamper~~ing~~s growth in the EU~~; calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish a common labour market and a modern immigration policy;~~

Amendment 114 #

Motion for a resolution
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 policy~~Member 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 115 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Underlines ~~the fact~~ that the absence of a well- functioning internal labour market guaranteeing decent working and living conditions and a positive approach to immigration is hamper~~ing~~s growth in the EU; calls on the Commission and ~~the~~ Member States to establish a common labour market ~~and a modern~~based on an effective level playing field and the principle of upwards social convergence and a modern and inclusive immigration policy;

Amendment 116 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Underlines ~~the fact~~ that the absence of a well- functioning internal labour market and a ~~positiv~~sustainable approach to immigration is hampering growth in the EU; ~~calls on~~therefore encourages the Commission and the Member States to ~~establish a common labour market and a modern~~consider specific measures for the enhancement of successful labour market policies and an adequate immigration policy;

Amendment 117 #

Motion for a resolution
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~~promote the free movement of labour and establish a modern immigration policy;

Amendment 118 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Stresses that social partners, on the basis of full respect for their autonomy and rights, should be much more actively involved in the European Semester; underlines that strong social dialogue at the national and European level is a crucial key to making the common labour market work;

Amendment 119 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Calls on the Commission to explain to Parliament the specific measures it intends to take in order to deliver on its objectives of higher growth ~~and~~, strengthened competitiveness and convergence; underlines the need for a clear definition of the growth-friendly fiscal consolidation that will also be reflected to Commission recommendations to achieve this target;

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)

Ba. whereas the Commission acknowledges that most of the EU2020 objectives will not be met even in the most optimistic scenario;

Amendment 120 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Calls on the Commission to explain to Parliament the specific measures it intends to take in order to deliver on its objectives of continuous fiscal consolidation, higher growth and strengthened competitiveness;

Amendment 121 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Calls on the Commission to explain to Parliament the specific measures it intends to take ~~in order~~ to deliver on its objectives of higher sustainable growth and strengthened competitiveness;

Amendment 122 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

~~21. Believes that overall the AGS is not detailed enough and does not provide the means to achieve its objectives;~~deleted

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

~~21. Believes that overall the AGS is not detailed enough and does not provide the means to achieve its objectives;~~deleted

Amendment 124 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Believes that overall the AGS is not detailed enough and does not provide the means to achieve its objectives; considers that action to combat the social imbalance can, however, only be effective if the objectives of economic policy coordination are implemented with a degree of commitment that is comparable to the monitoring of fiscal policy; stresses that Member States should therefore commit to clearly defined objectives such as the reduction of youth unemployment or expenditure on research and development in the context of the European Semester; considers that the EU institutions should monitor the progress of reforms and accompany them with financial incentives;

Amendment 125 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Believes that overall the AGS is not detailed enough and does not provide the means to achieve its objectives in a realistic timeframe;

Amendment 126 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Takes note of the Alert Mechanism Report; notes the ~~gradual reduction of in~~conclusions on internal imbalances in the EU economy; draws attention also to the external imbalances, in ~~the EU economy~~cluding the excessive external surpluses and the alarming reduction of export market shares in the majority of the member-states;

Amendment 127 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Takes note of the Alert Mechanism Report; notes th~~e gradual reduction of internal imbalances in the EU economy~~at only seven Member States are considered not to be at risk of macroeconomic imbalances;

Amendment 128 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Takes note of the Alert Mechanism Report; notes the expected gradual reduction of internal imbalances in the EU economy;

Amendment 129 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Points out that the objective of the macroeconomic imbalance procedure is to prevent the effects of ill-designed national policies from spilling over into other euro area Member States; is concerned that the Commission, in its reading of the scoreboard, does not take sufficient account of the fact that thenegative spill-overs into other euro area ~~and its~~ Member States ~~are open economies~~;

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)

-1. Is concerned that this last Annual Growth Survey before the European elections does not provide the necessary orientations and ambitions that would help curbing the rise of xenophobia, racism and populism across Europe;

Amendment 130 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Points out that the objective of the macroeconomic imbalance procedure is to prevent the effects of ill-designed national policies ~~from spilling over into other euro area Member States; is concerned that the Commission, in its reading of the scoreboard, does not take sufficient account of the fact that~~ or ill-designed European policies such as misguided decisions by the Troika from spilling over into other euro area ~~and its~~ Member States ~~are open economies~~;

Amendment 131 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Points out that the objective of the macroeconomic imbalance procedure is to prevent the effects of ill-designed national policies from spilling over into other euro area Member States; ~~is concerned that the Commission, in its reading of the scoreboard, does not take sufficient account of the fact that the euro area and its Member States are open economies;~~

Amendment 132 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Points out that the objective of the macroeconomic imbalance procedure is to prevent the effects of ill-designed national policies from spilling over into other euro area Member States; ~~is concerned that the Commission, in its reading of the scoreboard, does not take sufficient account of the fact that the euro area and its Member States are open economies;~~

Amendment 133 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Points out that the objective of the macroeconomic imbalance procedure is to ~~prevent the~~avoid negative spill over effects of ill- designed national policies ~~from spilling over in~~to other euro area Member States; is concerned that the Commission, in its reading of the scoreboard, does not take sufficiently into accoun~~t of the fac~~t that the euro area and its Member States are open economies;

Amendment 134 #

Motion for a resolution
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 rest of the euro area;deleted

Amendment 135 #

Motion for a resolution
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 area~~account surplus;

Amendment 136 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. ~~Invites~~Takes note of the Commission to's assess ~~intra-EU imbalances in particular; points out that, so as not to undermine overall EU competitivenes~~ment that a number of important macroeconomic imbalances are being corrected; points out that, so as to further strengthen the overall EU competitiveness and the competitiveness of Member States with regard to the current account balance, the Commission needs to look particularly at the current account ~~surplus~~deficit of a Member State relative to the rest of the euro area;

Amendment 137 #

Hans-Peter MARTIN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Invites the Commission to assess intra- EU imbalances in particular, without generating additional red tape and unnecessary costs in doing so; 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 rest of the euro area;

Amendment 138 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Invites the Commission to assess intra- EU imbalances in particular; points out that, so as not to undermine ~~overall EU competitiveness~~the smooth functioning of the EU with regard to the current account balance, the Commission needs to ~~look at~~regard the current account surplus of a Member State relative to the rest of the euro area as just as problematic as current account deficits;

Amendment 139 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. ~~Expresse~~Is concerned that most Member States are still losing market shares globally and have a large negative net international investment position; points out however that all advanced economies have suffered from losses as the world trade structure has substantially changed over the last 30 years; regrets that other important features which have a strong influence on competitiveness such as unit capital costs are not yet integrated in the scoreboard for macroeconomic imbalances despite repeated requests from the Parliament;

Amendment 14 #

Auke ZIJLSTRA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Notes that economic recovery in the EU is under way; believes, however, th~~Points out that - according to Article 5, paragraph 1 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union - Member States did agree to coordinate the ~~recovery is still fragile and needs to be sustained~~ ir economic policies with a view to ensure the proper functioning o~~rder to deliver more growth and jobs in the medium term~~f the internal market, but that they did not agree to transfer their national sovereignty in social policy;

Amendment 140 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Is still ~~concerned at~~alarmed with the lack of progress in reducing excessive private debt levels; notes that the private debt phenomenon is often related to the scourge of poverty and inequality; points out that this is not only a concern for financial stability but also limits the EU’'s growth potential;

Amendment 141 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)

26a. Is concerned that the on-going situation of extraordinarily low interest rates makes private savings and retirement provisions for European citizens more and more difficult;

Amendment 142 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Welcomes the first Commission assessment of Member States’' draft budgetary plans; ~~stress~~underlines that the examination of draft budgetary plans improves the ~~assessment~~multilateral surveillance and monitoring of the budgetary situation of ~~the~~ Member States;

Amendment 143 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. ~~Welcom~~Notes 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 144 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

Amendment 145 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Is concerned that only two Member States attained their medium-term objective; c~~oncludes that this means further~~alls on Member States to continue and if necessary strengthen their efforts for a growth-friendly fiscal consolidation ~~in the non-complying Member States is necessary~~;

Amendment 146 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. ~~Is concerned~~Notes that only two Member States have attained their medium-term budgetary objective; concludes that this means further long-term strategies for achieving a growth-friendly consolidation in the non- complying Member States is necessary;

Amendment 147 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29

29. Stresses that the European Semester must in no way jeopardise the prerogatives of the European Parliament and of the national parliaments; underlines the fact that there should be a clear division between EU and national competences and that the European Parliament is the seat of accountability at Union level; urges the Commission to ensure the proper formal involvement of the European Parliament in all steps of the European semester process in order to increase the democratic legitimacy of the decisions;

Amendment 148 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29

29. Stresses that the European Semester must in no way jeopardise the prerogatives of the European Parliament and of the national parliaments; underlines the fact that the~~re should be a clear division between EU and national competences and that the European Parliament is the seat of accountability at Union level~~ European Parliament is the seat of accountability at Union level and that this principle should also be enforced in everyday political life;

Amendment 149 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Stresses the need to strengthen the democratic accountability to the European Parliament and to the national parliaments of essential elements of the euro area’s operation, such as the European Stability Mechanism, Eurogroup decisions and the monitoring and evaluation of financial assistance programmes; asks the Commission to conduct and publish internal ex-post evaluations of its recommendations and its participation in the Troika;

Amendment 15 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that economic recovery in the EU is ~~under way; believes, however, that the recovery is still fragile and needs to be sustained in order to deliver more growth and jobs in the medium term~~still fragile and smarter and democratically accountable policies at the European level are needed in order to achieve sustainable growth and jobs creation;

Amendment 150 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Stresses the need to strengthen the democratic accountability to the European Parliament and to the national parliaments of essential elements of the euro area’s operation, such as the European Stability Mechanism, Eurogroup decisions and the monitoring and evaluation of financial assistance programmes with the aim of ensuring that the European Parliament and the Council are equal actors;

Amendment 151 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)

31a. Points out that the main problem in a number of Member States is that the fragmentation of financial markets results in a shortage of funding and in higher funding costs, especially for SMEs; considers that the EIB and ECB can play a more pro-active role in favour of defragmentation in order to promote funding for SMEs, entrepreneurship, exports and innovation, which are vital for economic recovery;

Amendment 152 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 b (new)

31b. Welcomes the introduction of the Convergence and Competitiveness Instrument as part of the efforts to strengthen the governance framework;

Amendment 153 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 c (new)

31c. Considers that the principle of frontloading plus immediate distribution should be applied to all funds for the 2014-2020 period designed to boost economic growth, employment and strategic investment, particularly the Youth Employment Initiative; if this is not possible, asks the Commission to exempt programmes with Community co- financing when calculating the deficit of those Member States undergoing restructuring programmes or with very high unemployment rates;

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that economic recovery in the EU is ~~under way; believes, however, that the recovery is still fragile and needs to be sustained in order to deliver more growth and jobs in the medium term~~fragile and that it is necessary to promote investment policies which encourage sustainable growth and job creation;

Amendment 17 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that economic recovery in the EU is ~~under way; believes, however, that the recovery is still fragile and needs to be sustained in order to deliver more growth and jobs~~still fragile and needs imperatively to gain pace so as to deliver a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in the medium term;

Amendment 18 #

Lorenzo FONTANA, Matteo SALVINI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes thate first signs of a slow economic recovery in the EU ~~is under way~~; believes, however, that the recovery is still fragile and needs to be ~~sustained~~accompanied by a European investment drive in order to deliver ~~more~~ growth and jobs ~~in the medium term~~;

Amendment 19 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that economic recovery in the EU is under way~~; believes, however, that the~~ only in some Member States; believes that enterprises and the public are not seeing the benefits of that recovery as it is still fragile and needs to be sustained in order to deliver more growth and jobs in the medium term;

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)

- having regard to its resolution of 21 May 2013 on 'Fight against Tax Fraud, Tax Evasion and Tax Havens',

Amendment 20 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that economic recovery in the EU is under way; believes, however, that the recovery is still fragile and needs to be sustained in order to deliver more growth and jobs in the medium term; underlines that current efforts for fiscal consolidation need to be sustained in order to ensure or to restore compliance with the Stability and Growth Pact;

Amendment 21 #

Sharon BOWLES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Welcomes the recognition of the need for a fiscal consolidation that is growth friendly; urges the Commission to transmit this priority into concrete recommendations to the Member States, including those under economic adjustment programmes so that they do not only address fiscal consolidation but also structural reforms that lead to real, sustainable and socially balanced growth, employment, strengthened competitiveness and increasing convergence;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Regrets that the Commission promotes double-standards when it calls for the need to invest in growth and competitiveness by imposing as a precondition for a "growth-friendly fiscal consolidation" the existence of fiscal room of manoeuvre; stresses that back- loading of fiscal consolidation must still be taken into account as it could leave more room for counter-cyclical investments;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)

1c. Notes that widening sovereign spreads have reduced significantly fiscal room for manoeuvre in a number of Member States; stresses that relying on institutional advances, monetary policy should substantially reduce sovereign spreads that still exist within the Euro area and hence contribute to stronger growth and sustainable public debts;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)

1d. Urges the Commission to translate Europe 2020 objectives into the recommendations to all Member States, including those under economic adjustment programmes, and take proper account of the constraints created by these adjustment programmes in the delivery of Europe 2020 objectives;

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Believes that the EU economy as a whole needs to further boost its competitiveness in the global economy, particularly by increasing competition in the product and services markets to enhance productivity and to lower prices, and by keeping labour costs in line with productivity;deleted

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

Amendment 29 #

Auke ZIJLSTRA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Believ~~Stresses that the ~~EU economy as a whole needs to further boost its competitiveness in the global economy, particularly by increasing competi~~scope of the European Semester for economic policy coordination goes far beyond what is allowed by Article 5, paragraph 1, as well as Article 4 of the Treaty on the Function ing of the ~~product and services markets to enhance productivity and to lower prices, and by keeping labour costs in line with productivity~~European Union, which states that shared competences in social policy are limited to the aspects defined in the Treaty itself, that is to say free movement of workers and employment;

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 b (new)

- having regard to its resolution of 12 December 2013 on a "Call for a measurable and tangible commitment against tax evasion and tax avoidance in the EU",

Amendment 30 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Believes that the EU economy as a whole needs to further boost its competitiveness in the global economy, ~~particularly by increasing competition in the product and services markets to enhance productivity and to lower prices, and by keeping labour costs in line with productivity~~while ensuring that internal macroeconomic imbalances are reduced;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Believes that the EU economy as a whole needs to further boost its cost and non-cost competitiveness in the global economy, particularly by increasing competition in the product and services markets and eliminating too big to fail and rent extracting companies while providing an appropriate regulatory framework for fostering services of general interest, to enhance productivity, resource efficiency and to lower prices, and by keeping labour costs in line with productivity;

Amendment 32 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the ambitious structural reforms implemented by those Member States that have experienced serious difficulties; 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;deleted

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Welcomes~~Notes that the ambitious structural reforms implemented by those Member States that have experienced serious difficulties~~; encourages the rest of the euro area to be equally ambi~~ take the form of arbitrary spending cuts, privatisation of strategic sectors and the deregulatiousn and ~~to make their economies more competitive in order to increase growth and employment;~~casualisation of the labour market and labour conditions, leading to a substantial increase in unemployment, deteriorating standards of living and rising poverty levels.

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Welcom~~Notes the ambitious structural reforms implemented by those Member States that have experienced serious difficulties; 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~~adoption and implementation of structural reform programmes that promote convergence and competitiveness at national and European level and increase growth and employment; underlines the importance of a swift and effective implementation of programmes and schemes to fight unemployment especially of the youth;

Amendment 35 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the ambitious structural reforms implemented by those Member States that have experienced serious difficulties; points out that the efforts for structural reforms need to be continued with determination and monitored in order to ensure the reform effectiveness and to build on the progress made; encourages the rest of the euro area and EU to be equally ambitious and to make their economies more competitive in order to increase growth and employment;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
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 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

Amendment 38 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Welcomes the ambitious~~Takes notes of the far reaching structural reforms implemented by ~~those~~ Member States that have experienced serious difficulties; encourages the rest of the eEuro area to ~~be equally ambitious and to~~ make their economies more competitive ~~in order~~ to increase sustainable growth and foster employment;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Underlines the importance of continuing the process of deep and sustainable structural reforms; ~~stresses that the EU cannot compete on costs alone, but needs~~warns that the solution to the crisis does not lie in unilateral and sharp reductions in wages and pensions and that, on the contrary, these measures exacerbate the crisis; calls for urgent action, at both national and European level, to invest more in research and development, education and skills, and resource efficiency~~, at both national and European level~~;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 c (new)

- having regard to its resolution of 12 December 2013 on "preparations for the European Council meeting (19-20 December 2013)",

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Underlines the importance of continuing the process of deep and sustainable structural reforms; stresses that the EU cannot compete on costs alone, but needs to invest more in research and development, education and skills, and resource efficiency, at both national and European level; stresses that wage deflation has to be addressed and a minimum wage norm across the EU has to be implemented, respecting national practices and economic conditions;

Amendment 41 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Underlines the importance of continuing the process of deep and sustainable structural reforms; stresses that the EU ~~cannot~~should compete ~~on costs alone, but needs to~~with knowledge rather than on costs, investing more consistently and at much higher levels in research and development, education and skills, and resource efficiency, at both national and European level;

Amendment 42 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Underlin~~Notes the importance of ~~continuing the process of deep and~~ sustainable structural reforms; stresses that the EU ~~can~~should not compete on costs alone, but needs to invest more in research and development, education and skills, and resource efficiency, at both national and European level;

Amendment 43 #

Sharon BOWLES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Underlines the importance of continuing the process of deep and sustainable structural reforms for stability in the medium and long term; stresses that the EU cannot compete on costs alone, but needs to invest more in research and development, education and skills, and resource efficiency, at both national and European level;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Underlines the importance of continuing the process of ~~deep~~long-term, coherent and sustainable structural reforms; stresses that the EU cannot compete on costs alone, but needs to invest more in research, innovation and development, education and skills, and resource efficiency, at both national and European level;

Amendment 45 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Reiterates its demand for a legal act on 'convergence guidelines' and its request that the Member States ensure that the national reform programmes are established on the basis of the aforementioned convergence guidelines; calls on the Member States to commit themselves to fully implement their national reform programmes; suggests that, on this basis, the Member States could enter into a 'convergence partnership' with the EU institutions, with conditional funding for reform activities; the European Parliament should be formally associated with this process; reiterates that such stronger economic cooperation should go hand in hand with an incentive-based financial mechanism; considers that any additional funding or instruments, such as a solidarity mechanism, must be an integral part of the EU budget, but outside the agreed multiannual financial framework (MFF) ceilings;

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Expresse~~Is concern ated with the overall public and private indebtedness of ~~the~~ Member States in the euro area~~, which will increase to over 90 % of GDP in 2014 and therefore not only hinder growth but also put a huge burden on future genera~~; points out that the EU needs to go beyond a growth model based on excessive debt accumulation and resource consumptions;

Amendment 47 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Expresses concern at the high corporate and household debt levels in the euro area, as well as at the overall indebtedness of ~~the~~euro area Member States ~~in the euro area~~, which will increase to over 90% of GDP in 2014 ~~and therefore not only~~, bearing in mind that the high level of both private and government debt is hindering growth ~~but also~~and will put a huge burden on future generations;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Expresses concern at the overall indebtedness of the Member States in the euro area, which will increase to over 90 % of GDP in 2014~~, and therefore not only hinder growth but also put a huge burden on future generations~~;

Amendment 49 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Calls on the Member States, therefore, to pay particular attention, when devising economic policies and reforms, to the impact on future generations, so as not to deprive young people of opportunities from the start;deleted

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the Commission forecast show~~s that~~ing the return of real GDP growth in the euro area ~~is return~~, falling, unemployment ~~is expected to fall and inflation remains well below 2 %~~and inflation below 2 %, is far from current realities of stagnating recovery and increasing long-term unemployment, youth unemployment and income inequalities;

Amendment 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Calls therefore on the Member States~~, therefore,~~ to pay particular attention~~, when devising~~ on the impact of economic policies ~~and reforms, to the impact~~ on future generations, so as ~~not to~~to avoid depriveing young people of their opportunities from the start; underlines that further efforts need to be done so as to fight against the long term effects (hysteresis) of unemployment and in particular of youth unemployment;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Calls on the Member States, therefore, to pay particular attention, when devising economic policies and reforms, to the impact on the young generation of Europeans and on future generations, so as not to ~~deprive~~rob young people of ~~opportunities from the start~~their prospects;

Amendment 52 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Underlines that the effect of simultaneous consolidation measures has been to worsen the GDP and employment outlook due to the significant spill-overs across the euro area; calls for a stronger differentiation of such measures, and in particular for temporary stimulus measures in countries not facing financial market pressure;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

~~7. Congratulates those Member State authorities that have successfully implemented adjustment programmes or financial sector programmes;~~deleted

Amendment 54 #

Sharon BOWLES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Congratulates those Member State authorities that have successfully implemented adjustment programmes or financial sector programmes; notes the conclusion of the Irish programme on December 15th 2013 and welcomes the positive market reaction on January 7th 2014 to Ireland's first bond auction since conclusion of the programme;

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Congratulates those Member State authorities that have successfully implemented macroeconomic adjustment programmes or financial sector programmes;

Amendment 56 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Congratulat~~Acknowledges those Member State authorities that have successfully implemented adjustment programmes or financial sector programmes;

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Points out that EU financial assistance to certain Member States, being a combination of solidarity and conditionality, has proved to be successful when there is strong ownership and commitment to reform; urges the Commission and the Member StatesUrges the Commission and the Member States to bring financial assistance under the Community framework; notes that European crisis management with its intergovernmental structures has to date escaped effective democratic control and that the instruments and decision-making bodies created to deal with crises, such as the ESM rescue fund and the Troika, sho~~wever, to bring financial assistance under the Community framework~~uld therefore be brought under Community law and controlled by the European Parliament;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. ~~Points out that EU financial assistance to certain Member States, being a combination of solidarity and conditionality, has proved to be successful when there is strong ownership and commitment to ref~~Urges, the Commission and the Member States to fully bring financial assistance programmes under the Community framewormk; urges in particular the Commission ~~and the Member States, however, to bring financial assistance under the Community~~to comply with the retroactive application of the relevant provisions foreseen in the two-pack as required in such framework;

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Points out that EU financial assistance to certain Member States, ~~being~~which takes as its basis a combination of solidarity and conditionality, has ~~proved to be successful when there is strong ownership and commitment to refo~~been regulated only by a model of strict conditionality, without consideration for the real impact and dire consequences in social terms; urges the Commission and the Member States~~, however, to bring~~ to put forward a new model of financial assistance ~~under~~within the Community framework and subject to democratic control;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the latest Autumn Commission forecast shows that real GDP growth in the eEuro area is ~~returning~~expected to be of 1.1% in 2014, unemployment is expected to ~~fal~~remain at the same level and inflation is expected to remains well below ~~2 %~~the 2 % ECB target for an extended period of time;

Amendment 60 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Points out that EU financial assistance to certain Member States, being a combination of solidarity and 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 and incorporate the countries under financial assistance into the European Semester cycle as a means to increase transparency and accountability of Commission as supervisory partner of the adjustment programmes and to include recommendations to these countries into a process of community dialogue; calls for the replacement of the ad hoc system of Troikas into a legally sound structure under the Community law guaranteeing democratic accountability;

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Points out that EU financial assistance to certain Member States, b~~eing a combination of solidarity and~~ased 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 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Underlines the fact 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;deleted

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. ~~Underlines the fact that Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) is far from complete, and reminds~~Calls on the Commission to put forward the proposals for the Ccom~~miss~~pletion 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 EMUEMU as outlined in its blueprint on a deep and genuine EMU, particularly with regard to the introduction of a debt redemption fund and financial incentives for economic reforms;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. ~~Underlines the fact~~Notes 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 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Underlines the fact 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 67 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

Amendment 68 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Underlines the fact that Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) is far from complete, and reminds the Commission of its obligations and commitments to enhance growth and economic convergence and strengthen competitiveness in the EU; believes that this could best be achieved if the Commission were to finally put forward further proposals for the completion of EMU ~~as out~~in accordance with all the guidelineds in its blueprint on a deep and genuine EMU;

Amendment 69 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 – subparagraph 1 (new)

9. Acknowledges the achievements of new and revised EU financial regulation in overcoming the financial crisis; notes that the completion of the three pillars of the Banking Union and the implementation of the new rules on capital requirements for banks contribute to re-establish the confidence in the resilience of the European banking sector;

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
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 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes the Commission statement to the effect that the top priorityies of the Annual Growth Survey (AGS) 2014 ~~is to build growth and competitiveness~~are to promote sustainable budgetary consolidation able to encourage growth, restore credit to the economy, build growth and competitiveness, combat unemployment and the social impact of the crisis and modernise public administration;

Amendment 71 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes the Commission statement ~~to the effect~~ that the top priority of the A~~nnual Growth Survey (AGS) 2014 is to build growth and competitivenes~~GS 2014 is to build sustainable, smart and inclusive growth and jobs;

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes the Commission statement to the effect that the top priority of the Annual Growth Survey (AGS) 2014 is to build growth, employment and competitiveness;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Agrees with the Commission that the Member States need to continue to pursue growth-friendly fiscal consolidation; calls on Member States with sufficient fiscal space to reduce taxes and social security contributions with a view to stimulating private investment;deleted

Amendment 74 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Agrees with the Commission that ~~the~~ Member States need to continue to ~~pursue~~implement a long term strategy of growth- friendly fiscal consolidation; calls on Member States with sufficient fiscal space to increase public investments, reduce taxes on labour and social security contributions ~~with a view to stimulating private investment~~to stimulate private investment while shifting taxes from labour to consumption and environmentally damaging activities as well as fostering an EU broad ambitious agenda for establishing a common consolidated tax basis and eliminating tax fraud and evasion;

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Agrees with the Commission that the Member States need to continue to pursue growth-friendly fiscal consolidation; calls on Member States ~~with sufficient fiscal space to reduce taxes and social security contributions with a view to stimulating private investment~~, in order to make the consolidation efforts more efficient, to enhance investments in education, R&D, welfare, the green transformation and active labour market policies with a view to stimulating sustainable growth and job creation;

Amendment 76 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Agrees with the Commission that the Member States need to continue to pursue growth-friendly fiscal consolidation; calls on Member States with sufficient fiscal space to ~~reduce taxes and social security contributions with a view to stimulating private~~provide incentives for quality growth and new jobs through additional investment;

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Agrees with the Commission that the Member States need to continue to pursue growth-friendly fiscal consolidation; calls on Member States with sufficient fiscal space to ~~reduce taxes and social security contributions with a view to stimulating private investment~~stimulate internal demand through increasing wages;

Amendment 78 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Encourages Member States under an adjustment programme to continue implementing structural reforms; expresses concern at the lack of political will of those Member States experiencing an excessive deficit or a current account deficit to modernise their economies;deleted

Amendment 79 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Encourages Member States under an adjustment programme to ~~continue implementing structural reforms; expresses concern~~implement sustainable and fair structural reforms geared at the lac~~k of political will of those Member States experiencing an excessive deficit or a current account deficit to modernise their economi~~hievement of the EU2020 objectives;

Amendment 8 #

Motion for a resolution
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 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Encourages Member States under an macroeconomic adjustment programme to continue implementing structural reforms; ~~expresses concern at the lack of political will of those Member States experiencing an excessive deficit or a current account deficit to modernise their economies;~~

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Encourages Member States under an adjustment programme to continue implementing growth friendly structural reforms; expresses concern aton the lack of ~~political will of~~ownership on specific reforms in those Member States experiencing an excessive ~~defici~~budget or a current account deficit ~~to modernise their economie~~s;

Amendment 82 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Emphasises the importance of the monitoring and the implementation of the country-specific recommendations, multilateral surveillance, the exchange of experiences and best practices and peer reviews as a mean of stimulating debate and peer pressure, thereby providing direction that helps to create the necessary momentum and acceptance of reforms;

Amendment 83 #

Ivana MALETIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Considers, as regards Member States whose GDP is below 75% of the average for the Member States as a whole and which are engaged in an excessive deficit procedure, that the deficit should be calculated in such a way as to exclude both investment in the groundwork for projects to be co-financed out of European funds and the expenditure incurred to finance those projects while they are being implemented, the object being to enable the Member States in question to carry through the investment needed to achieve growth and development; considers that specific recommendations coming under the European Semester should allow for the higher expenditure necessitated by intensive investment backed by European funds; also considers it important to steer Member States towards domestic-level structural reforms and measures aimed clearly at cutting spending and increasing efficiency;

Amendment 84 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

~~13. Points out once more that a lack of political will to modernise economies, social security systems and health care will put an excessive burden on future generations;~~deleted

Amendment 85 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Points ~~out once more that a lack of political will to modernise economies, social secur~~to the importance of rectifying excessive deficity s~~ystems and health care will put an excessive burden on future generation~~ituations and current account imbalances, both in deficit countries and in surplus countries;

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Points out once more that a lack of ~~political will to modernise economies,~~ambitious reforms to enhance competitiveness of the European economies, as well as to safeguard the sustainability of the social security systems and health care systems will put an excessive burden on future generations;

Amendment 87 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point 1 (new)

(1) Points out once more that failure to modernise economies, social security systems and healthcare systems will put an excessive burden on future generations;

Amendment 88 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Points out once again that sovereigns and financial institutions show persistent vulnerabilities in a low growth environment;

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Stresses that structural reforms need to be complemented by medium and longer- term investment in education, research, innovation and sustainable energy; believes that ~~public-private partnerships are more successful in delivering growth than public investment programmes alone~~such investment should be made at national and Community level, through an efficient allocation of structural funding and from the future Convergence and Competitiveness Instrument;

Amendment 9 #

Hans-Peter MARTIN

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas growth in emerging markets is stagnating~~, while it remains robust in the US and positive in Japan~~;

Amendment 90 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Stresses that structural reforms ~~need to be complemented by~~must include the build-up of more solid capacities to maintain strong longer-term investments in education, research, innovation and sustainable energy; believes that public-private partnerships ~~are more successful in delivering growth than public investment programmes alone~~, complementing public investment programmes, could be successful in delivering smart and sustainable growth;

Amendment 91 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Stresses that structural reforms need to be complemented by longer- term investment in education, research, innovation and sustainable energy; ~~believes that public-private partnerships are more successful in delivering growth than public investment programmes alone;~~

Amendment 92 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Stresses that structural reforms urgently need to be complemented by ~~longer-term~~ investment in education, research, innovation and sustainable energy; ~~believes that public-private partnerships are more successful in delivering growth than public investment programmes alone;~~

Amendment 93 #

Lorenzo FONTANA, Matteo SALVINI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Stresses that structural reforms need to be complemented by longer-term investment in education, research, innovation and sustainable energy; believes that public-private partnerships ~~are more successful in delivering growth than~~can also be considered as a tool to promote investment, complementing public investment programmes ~~alone~~;

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Stresses that structural reforms need to be complemented by longer-term investment in education, research, innovation and sustainable energy; believes that public-private partnerships, with the involvement of local authorities, are more successful in delivering growth than public investment programmes alone;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Calls on the Member States to simplify their tax systems and reiterates its call for them to shift taxes from labour to consumption and environmentally harmful activities in order to make resource use more efficient and sustainable; calls for ~~urgent action to be taken and a comprehensive strategy bas~~stronger and more consistent action to be taken on the basis of the Commission's comprehensive Action Plan, launched oin ~~concrete legislative measures to be launched by the Commission to fight tax fraud and tax evasion~~2012, to strengthen the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion; calls on the Commission to, when needed, update and expand this Action Plan in order to make sure that it remains an efficient tool for concrete legislative delivery in this area;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Calls on the Member States to simplify their tax systems and reiterates its call for them to shift taxes from labour to consumption where possible and where indirect taxes are particularly low 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 and a set of tangible and measurable targets to be launched by the Commission to fight tax fraud and tax evasion; urges the Commission to incorporate these targets into the Europe 2020 strategy, and calls on the Commission to examine whether they could be given a clear role within the European Semester;

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Calls on the Member States to simplify their tax systems ~~and reiterates its call for them to shift taxes 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 98 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Calls on the Member States to simplify their tax systems and reiterates its call for them to shift taxes 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 and tax avoidance;

Amendment 99 #