Procedure completed
2014/2059(INI) European Semester for economic policy coordination: implementation of 2014 priorities
Lead committee dossier: ECON/8/00849
Legal Basis RoP 052
| Role | Committee | Rapporteur | Shadows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opinion | BUDG | TORVALDS Nils (ALDE) | |
| Lead | ECON | DE BACKER Philippe (ALDE) | ROSATI Dariusz (EPP), SZANYI Tibor (S&D), TERHO Sampo (ECR), MATIAS Marisa (GUE/NGL), EICKHOUT Bas (Verts/ALE) |
| Opinion | EMPL | GUTIÉRREZ PRIETO Sergio (S&D) | |
| Opinion | ENVI | GERBRANDY Gerben-Jan (ALDE) | |
| Opinion | IMCO | COFFERATI Sergio Gaetano (S&D) |
Legal Basis RoP 052
Activites
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2014/10/22
Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
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T8-0038/2014
summary
The European Parliament adopted by 426 votes to 240, with 10 abstentions, a resolution on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: implementation of 2014 priorities Recalling that the European Semester plays an essential role in coordinating economic and budgetary policies in the Member States, Parliament stressed the following issues: Stimulate growth and investment: Parliament stressed that the challenges of the current economic situation, characterised by sluggish GDP – stable in the eurozone and rising by 0.2% in the EU-28 during the second quarter of 2014 – remarkably low inflation – down to 0.3% in August 2014, its lowest level since November 2009 – and unacceptably high unemployment – 11.5% in the eurozone and 10.2% in the EU-28 in July 2014 – have to be addressed urgently. Even though the economic recovery in the EU had encouraging signs in the previous two years, this recovery is very fragile and uneven, and must be sustained in order to deliver more growth and jobs in the medium term. The Commission is called urgently to set in motion a European investment program of EUR 300 billion as proposed by Jean-Claude Juncker to contribute to the short term recovery of European growth. National implementation of the country-specific recommendations (CSRs): Members stressed that there is an inconsistency between European commitment and national implementation of the CSRs by Member States. They are concerned that, according to the Commission, only 10 % of the CSRs for 2013 have been fully implemented. They noted, furthermore, that 45% of CSRs have seen limited or no progress. The resolution stressed the importance of ‘national ownership’ by the relevant governments of EU-level commitments. CSRs should be formulated so as to provide policy space to Member States for designing the measures and specific reforms required for addressing such recommendations. The Commission is urged to ensure concrete recommendations to the Member States and for the EU as a whole, including those under economic adjustment programmes, so that they not only address fiscal consolidation but also structural reforms that lead to real, sustainable and socially balanced growth, employment, strengthened competitiveness and increasing convergence. Economic and monetary union: Parliament called on the Commission to put forward proposals for the completion of the EMU without delay in accordance with all the guidelines in its blueprint on a deep and genuine EMU. It reiterated once more its demand for a legal act on ‘convergence guidelines’ to be adopted under the ordinary legislative procedure and suggested that, on this basis, the Member States could enter into a ’convergence partnership’ with the EU institutions, with the possibility of conditional funding for reform activities. Members invited the future Commission to put forward a proposal on the single external representation of the euro area. Financial sustainability and flexible application of the Stability Pact: while stressing that fiscal sustainability is a prerequisite for a long term growth, Parliament stressed that special emphasis should be placed on growth-enhancing reforms and policies especially by those Member States that have fiscal space to invest in order to promote growth and facilitate rebalancing in the Euro area. It recalled that the existing legal framework makes it possible, provided reforms have been initiated, to allow Member States a degree of flexibility, and urges that this flexibility should be exploited. Recommendations: Parliament supported the objective of placing emphasis on policies that enhance competitiveness, support investment and job creation, fight unemployment and improve the functioning of the labour market in particular in sectors with high growth potential. It stressed that cohesion policy represents a prominent investment framework for channelling growth friendly expenditure. The Europe 2020 Strategy should be fully take into account in the implementation of the European Semester. Parliament stressed the following priorities: modernise their economies, social security systems, pension systems and health care, in order to avoid placing an excessive burden on future generations; target structural reforms at improving labour markets’ capacity to integrate young people as well as other excluded groups into the workforce and should be able to present opportunities to older workers; establish a common and inclusive labour market and a common modern and inclusive immigration policy by avoiding protectionist tendencies; implement an ambitious European energy policy which, by increasing security of supply and innovation in the energy sector, can bring about greater economic stability and growth; simplify tax systems so as to restore a favourable environment for undertakings in all Member States without exception and to cut red-tape and reduce administrative burden; complete the structural reforms by longer-term investment in education, research, innovation, a modern infrastructure and sustainable energy to enhance digital and ecological transition; remedy the lack of access to finance, particularly for SMEs propose measures to complete the internal market for capital to improve the allocation of capital to businesses in order to revitalise the real economy; stress the importance of the expedition and completion of the banking union; ensure that the green economy is considered as a major driver for the development of the economy. Parliament called on the new Commission to make the employment recovery an absolute priority by drawing up an ambitious and holistic strategy for growth and quality job creation and to propose a European framework introducing minimum standards for the implementation of the Youth Guarantees. Democratic accountability: the resolution stressed the need to strengthen democratic accountability to the European Parliament and the national parliaments as regards 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. Members urged the Commission and the Member States, to incorporate financial assistance and the ad hoc system of the Troika into an improved legal structure compliant with the EU economic governance framework and community law, thereby guaranteeing democratic accountability. They requested that the Commission reports on a quarterly basis in Parliament’s competent committee on the measures taken to ensure progress on the implementation of the CSRs and on the progress achieved thus far. They invited Member States to explain the reasons for non-compliance with the CRSs in Parliament’s competent committee.
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T8-0038/2014
summary
- 2014/10/21 Debate in Parliament
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2014/10/20
Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
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2014/10/15
Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
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A8-0019/2014
summary
The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs adopted the own-initiative report by Philippe DE BACKER (ADLE, BE) on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: implementation of 2014 priorities. The Committee on Budgets, exercising its prerogatives as an associated committee under Parliament’s Rule 54 of the Rules of Procedure, was also consulted to give an opinion on the report. Recalling that the European Semester plays an essential role in coordinating economic and budgetary policies in the Member States, the report stressed the following issues: Stimulate growth and investment: the committee stressed that the challenges of the current economic situation, characterised by sluggish GDP – stable in the eurozone and rising by 0.2% in the EU-28 during the second quarter of 2014 – remarkably low inflation – down to 0.3% in August 2014, its lowest level since November 2009 – and unacceptably high unemployment – 11.5% in the eurozone and 10.2% in the EU-28 in July 2014 – have to be addressed urgently. Members underlined that an ambitious initiative for triggering investment across the EU is urgently needed to relaunch and sustain economic recovery. They, therefore, called on the next European Commission to enhance European investment by EUR 300 billion as announced in the political guidelines by Jean-Claude Juncker. Country-specific recommendations (CSRs): Members stressed the inconsistency between European commitment and national implementation of the CSRs by Member States. They highlighted that ownership of the CSR by national parliaments needs to be strengthened and they called on the Commission to submit proposals on ways in which the recommendations of the European Semester could be made more binding. Stressing that the financial, sovereign debt and competitiveness crisis cannot be solved by means of a loose monetary policy alone, Member stressed, therefore, the importance of continuing the process of deep, balanced and socially sustainable structural reforms to deliver on growth and job. Economic and monetary union (EMU): the EMU is far from complete, Members reminded the Commission of its obligations and commitments to take into account macroeconomic imbalances inside the EU and notably the eurozone to enhance economic and budgetary coordination and strengthen competitiveness in the EU. In this respect, they reiterated once more their demand for a legal act on ‘convergence guidelines’ to be adopted and called on the Member States to enter into a ‘convergence partnership’ with the EU institutions, with the possibility of conditional funding for reform activities. Flexible application of the Stability Pact: while stressing that fiscal sustainability is a prerequisite for a long term growth, Members stressed that special emphasis should be placed on growth-enhancing reforms and policies especially by those Member States that have fiscal space to invest in order to promote growth and facilitate rebalancing in the Euro area. They recalled that the existing legal framework makes it possible, provided reforms have been initiated, to allow Member States a degree of flexibility, and urges that this flexibility should be exploited. Recommendations: the committee supported the objective of placing emphasis on policies that enhance competitiveness, support investment and job creation, fight unemployment and improve the functioning of the labour market in particular in sectors with high growth potential. The report stressed the following priorities: modernise their economies, social security systems, pension systems and health care, in order to avoid placing an excessive burden on future generations; target structural reforms at improving labour markets’ capacity to integrate young people as well as other excluded groups into the workforce and should be able to present opportunities to older workers; establish a common and inclusive labour market and a common modern and inclusive immigration policy by avoiding protectionist tendencies; implement an ambitious European energy policy; simplify tax systems so as to restore a favourable environment for undertakings in all Member States without exception and to cut red-tape and reduce administrative burden; complete the structural reforms by longer-term investment in education, research, innovation, a modern infrastructure and sustainable energy to enhance digital and ecological transition; remedy the lack of access to finance, particularly for SMEs propose measures to complete the internal market for capital and to complete the banking union; highlight the job potential of the green economy, which according to Commission estimates could create 5 million jobs by 2020. Concerned about the EU unemployment and youth unemployment rates (25.005 million unemployed in the EU-28 in June 2014 and 5.06 million unemployed young people in the EU-28 in July 2014), the report called on the Commission to make the employment recovery an absolute priority by drawing up an ambitious and holistic strategy for growth and quality job creation. Democratic accountability: Members stressed the need to strengthen democratic accountability to the European Parliament and the national parliaments as regards 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. They requested that the Commission reports on a quarterly basis in Parliament’s competent committee on the measures taken to ensure progress on the implementation of the CSRs and on the progress achieved thus far. They invited Member States to explain the reasons for non-compliance with the CRSs in Parliament’s competent committee.
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A8-0019/2014
summary
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2014/10/13
Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
Documents
- Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading: A8-0019/2014
- Debate in Parliament: Debate in Parliament
- Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading: T8-0038/2014
| Amendments | Dossier |
| 733 |
2014/2059(INI)
2014/09/09
ECON
351 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 1 a (new) – having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), in particular Article 3 thereof,
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas a smart compliance with the EU fiscal and macroeconomic surveillance framework
Amendment 100 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Underlines, once again, the fact that the overall indebtedness of Member States in the euro area was worsened by austerity policies; Notes that this situation is not only an obstacle to growth but also puts a huge burden on future generations;
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Underlines, once again, the fact that the overall excessive indebtedness
Amendment 102 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Calls, therefore, for growth-enhancing measures to be taken into consideration, one possibility being to factor out investment in support of research and economic development, excluding it from calculation of the ratio of government deficit to gross domestic product under the Protocol on the excessive deficit procedure;
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Reiterates, therefore, the fact that Member States should pay particular attention when devising economic policies and reforms as regards the impact on future generations not to deprive young people of their opportunities from the start, and that short-term policies are needed to create growth and employment;
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Reiterates, therefore, the fact that Member States should pay particular attention when devising economic policies and reforms as regards the impact on this and future generations not to deprive young people of their opportunities from the start;
Amendment 105 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Reiterates, therefore, the fact that Member States should
Amendment 106 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Reiterates, therefore, the fact that Member States should pay particular attention when devising economic policies and reforms as regards the impact on future generations not to deprive young people of
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Underlines the fact that the EMU is far from complete and reminds the Commission of its obligations and commitments to enhance economic convergence and strengthen competitiveness in the EU as well as set up a social investment policy; welcomes, in this respect, the commitment by the next President-elect of the Commission to deliver on the roadmap set out the report of 5 December 2012 entitled
Amendment 108 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Underlines the fact that the EMU is far from complete
Amendment 109 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Underlines the fact that the EMU is far from complete and reminds the Commission of its obligations and commitments to take into account macroeconomic imbalances inside the EU and notably the eurozone to enhance economic convergence and strengthen competitiveness in the EU; welcomes, in this respect, the commitment by the next President-elect of the Commission to deliver on the roadmap set out the report of 5 December 2012 entitled ‘Towards a Genuine Economic and Monetary Union’;
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) Aa. whereas account should be taken of the view expressed at the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting by a number of prominent holders of the Nobel Prize for Economics, that the recovery of the eurozone is inconceivable while retaining the euro;
Amendment 110 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Underlines the fact that the EMU is far from complete and reminds the Commission of its obligations and commitments to
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Underlines the fact that the EMU is
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Underlines the fact that the EMU is far from complete and reminds the Commission of its obligations and commitments to further enhance economic
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Stresses the importance of speeding up the process of harmonising Member States' fiscal and social policies in order to create an effective internal market, which is a necessary precondition for restoring the European economy;
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Welcomes also the commitments to enhance European investment by 300 billion Euros and calls on the next Commission to implement these priorities without delay;
Amendment 115 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 b (new) 7b. Calls again on the Commission to put forward proposals for the completion of the EMU without delay in accordance with all the guidelines in its blueprint on a deep and genuine EMU; notes that the completion of the EMU should be based on the community method; Reiterates once more its demand for a legal act on ‘convergence guidelines’ to be adopted under the ordinary legislative procedure, laying down, for a set period, a very limited number of targets for the most urgent reform measures and its request that the Member States ensure that the national reform programmes should be established on the basis of the aforementioned convergence guidelines and verified by the Commission; calls on the Member States to commit themselves to fully implementing their national reform programmes; suggests that, on this basis, the Member States could enter into a ‘convergence partnership’ with the EU institutions, with the possibility of conditional funding for reform activities; 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) envelope;
Amendment 116 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 Amendment 117 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 Amendment 119 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 Amendment 121 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 Amendment 122 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Calls, in this connection
Amendment 123 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Calls, in this connection, on the future Commission to put forward a proposal on the single external representation of the euro area based on Article 138 TFEU with the pre-condition to have an efficient euro area with a common position on issues within the range of the competences of this representation;
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Calls, in this connection, on the future Commission to put forward a proposal on the single external representation of the euro area based on Article 138 TFEU; recalls that the new President of the Commission pledged for "the EMU and the euro to be represented by one chair, by one place, by one voice in the institutions of Bretton Woods" in his speech just before being elected by the European Parliament on Tuesday 15th July 2014;
Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Calls, in this connection, on the future Commission to put forward, inter alia, a proposal on the single external representation of the euro area based on Article 138 TFEU as well as to present the report committed in the 'two pack' and the roadmap 'Towards a Genuine EMU' on the possibilities offered by the Union's existing fiscal framework to balance public investments needs with the fiscal discipline objectives;
Amendment 126 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the European Semester process by, inter alia, making sure that sufficient time and resources are allocated to the design and follow-up to the recommendations, thereby making the recommendations as relevant as possible for EU- and national-level economic policy-making; calls on the Commission to submit proposals on ways in which the recommendations of the European Semester could be made more binding;
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the European Semester process by, inter alia, making sure that sufficient time and resources are allocated to the design and follow-up to the recommendations, thereby making the recommendations as relevant as possible for EU- and national-level economic policy-making, but taking more into account the national and regional specificities;
Amendment 128 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the European Semester process by, inter alia,
Amendment 129 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the European Semester process by, inter alia, making sure that sufficient time and resources are allocated to the design and follow-up to the recommendations, thereby making the recommendations as relevant as possible for EU- and national-level economic policy-making; reiterates, in this connection, that the role of European Semester process is consultative;
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas enhanced coordination between Member States’ macroeconomic and budgetary policies and a comprehensive, Commission-led policy for the euro area is needed in order to achieve a genuine EMU;
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the European Semester process by, inter alia, making sure that sufficient time and resources are allocated to the design and follow-up to the recommendations, thereby making the recommendations as relevant as possible for EU- and national-level economic policy-making; stresses the importance of involving the European Parliament at an early stage and to the greatest extent possible, so as to prevent – given Parliament’s growing significance and binding role – the emergence of a legitimacy gap in the political opinion- forming process;
Amendment 131 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes the 2014 package of country- specific recommendations (CSRs) by the Commission, although little progress has been made in drafting recommendations for each Member State given the effect on the euro area as a whole; notes the Commission’s assessment that some progress has been achieved in sustaining fiscal consolidation and structural reform, particularly in reforming labour markets;
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes the 2014 package of country- specific recommendations (CSRs) by the Commission; notes the Commission
Amendment 133 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes the 2014 package of country- specific recommendations (CSRs) by the Commission; notes the Commission’s assessment that some progress has been achieved in sustaining fiscal consolidation and structural reform
Amendment 134 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes the 2014 package of country- specific recommendations (CSRs) by the Commission;
Amendment 135 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Notes in this context the European Council’s endorsement of the CSRs and the recommendations by the Council, particularly the specific recommendations on the euro area;
Amendment 136 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Supports the objective of placing emphasis on policies that enhance competitiveness, support job creation, fight unemployment and improve the functioning of the labour market; stresses that the dual-track training model has proved particularly valuable in combating youth unemployment;
Amendment 137 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Supports the objective of placing
Amendment 138 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Supports the objective of placing emphasis on policies that enhance competitiveness, support job creation, fight unemployment and improve the functioning of the labour market; In this respect, celebrates the 300bn EUR investment plan proposed by the incoming European Commission president;
Amendment 139 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Supports the objective of placing emphasis on policies that enhance competitiveness, support job creation, fight unemployment and improve the functioning of the labour market in particular in sectors with high growth potential;
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas enhanced coordination between Member States’ macroeconomic
Amendment 140 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Supports the objective of placing emphasis on policies that support investment, enhance competitiveness, support job creation, fight unemployment and improve the functioning of the labour market;
Amendment 141 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Supports the objective of placing emphasis on policies that
Amendment 142 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Supports the objective of placing emphasis on policies that enhance co
Amendment 143 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Calls on the Commission to put in place a comprehensive mechanism promoting the exchange of best-practices between all national actors responsible in the field of youth unemployment; reiterates the fact that although a one-size-fits-all solution cannot be implemented, certain Member States have addressed youth unemployment in a more effective way than others;
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Stresses that the social partners, with full respect for their autonomy and rights, should be much more actively involved in the European Semester; underlines that strong social dialogue at all levels is a crucial key to making the European labour market work;
Amendment 145 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Underlines the need to fully take into account the Europe 2020 Strategy in the implementation of the European Semester; urges the Commission to make Single Market governance too as a key priority, since it contributes substantially to reaching the targets of the European Semester, namely sustainable economic growth and employment;
Amendment 146 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12b. Stresses that cohesion policy provides for the necessary critical mass of growth friendly expenditure, including investments in innovation and research, digital agenda, expenditure to facilitate the access of SMEs to finance, investments in environmental sustainability, in priority Trans-European Transport links, as well as in education and social inclusion; points out that all its instruments (the ESI Funds) are now conditional on the respect of sound economic governance procedures;
Amendment 147 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Recalls, however, that Member States’ track record of implementing the CSRs is very low; believes that there is an inconsistency between European commitment and national implementation of the CSRs by Member States, certain Member States being reluctant to adopt the appropriate reforms within the required time frame; stresses the importance of ‘national ownership’ by the relevant governments of EU-level commitments;
Amendment 148 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Recalls, however, that Member States’ track record of implementing the CSRs is very low; believes that there is an inconsistency between European commitment and national implementation of the CSRs by Member States of the euro area; stresses the importance of ‘national ownership’ by the relevant governments of EU-level commitments;
Amendment 149 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Recalls,
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) Ba. whereas a genuine EMU can only function properly with a strong social pillar including binding social indicators;
Amendment 150 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Recalls, however, that Member States’
Amendment 151 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Recalls, however, that Member States’ track record of implementing the CSRs is very low; believes that there is an inconsistency between European commitment and national implementation of the CSRs by Member States; stresses the importance of ‘national ownership’ by the relevant governments of EU-level commitments, especially of the largest and most important economies that are a benchmark to other Member States;
Amendment 152 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Recalls, however, that Member States’ track record of implementing the CSRs is very low; believes that there is an
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Recalls, however, that Member States
Amendment 154 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Recalls, however, that Member States’ track record of implementing the CSRs is v
Amendment 155 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Recalls, however, that Member States’ track record of implementing the CSRs is very low; believes that there is an inconsistency between European commitment and national implementation of the CSRs by Member States; stresses the importance of ‘national ownership’ by the relevant governments of EU-level commitments; further stresses that in areas where Member State governments do assume national ownership, the consistent involvement of the European Parliament is indispensable;
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Recalls, however, that Member States
Amendment 157 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13a. Deems useful that draft CSRs were consulted by national parliaments before being adopted by the Council;
Amendment 158 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13a. Calls in particular the Commission to explore the development of result oriented common benchmarks to measure and compare structural reforms in the framework of any forthcoming proposal aiming at enhancing economic policy coordination in the EMU;
Amendment 159 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14.
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C Amendment 160 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes the fact that, according to the Commission, only 10 % of the CSRs for 2013 have been fully implemented; notes, furthermore, that 45 % of CSRs have seen limited or no progress, particularly in certain Member States which, in view of the size of their economies, could damage the European economy as a whole;
Amendment 161 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes the fact that, according to the Commission, only 10 % of the CSRs for 2013 have been fully implemented; notes, furthermore, that 45 % of CSRs have seen limited or no progress; reiterates the need to ensure a more balanced approach in the evaluation of the implementation of CSRs; calls in this respect to enhance the qualitative analysis of the implementation of CSRs that goes beyond macroeconomic indicators;
Amendment 162 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Underlines the fact that the implementation of CSRs is a precondition for achieving economic convergence in the EMU, which is key to the proper functioning thereof, allowing for financial and economic stability and a high level of competitiveness for the European economy that is conducive to growth and jobs;
Amendment 163 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Underlines the fact that the implementation of a more social balanced CSRs is a precondition for achieving economic convergence in the EMU, which is key to the proper functioning thereof, allowing for financial and economic stability that is conducive to growth and jobs;
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Underlines the fact that the implementation of CSRs is a
Amendment 165 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Underlines the fact that the
Amendment 166 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Underlines th
Amendment 167 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15.
Amendment 168 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Underlines the fact that a proper, democratically accountable system for the European semester as well as the implementation of CSRs
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Underlines th
Amendment 17 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas the European Semester plays an essential role in coordinating economic
Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 Amendment 172 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 Amendment 173 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Underlines the fact that a number of CSRs are based on EU legal acts and that failure to act upon them may result in legal procedures; in this regard reminds Member States of the euro area to deliver on their legal obligations under EU law;
Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Underlines the fact that a number of CSRs are based on EU legal acts and that failure to act upon them may result in legal procedures; reminds Member States to deliver on their legal obligations under EU law; calls in this connection for the targets to be made more binding and urges that there should be the option of accompanying these targets with positive and negative sanctions;
Amendment 175 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Underlines the fact that a number of CSRs
Amendment 176 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16.
Amendment 177 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16a. Notes a growing number of CSR addressed to the regional level recognizing subnational competences; is concerned about growing regional disparities within Member States, which poses a real risk to convergence
Amendment 178 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 Amendment 179 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Calls on the Commission, as guardian of the Treaty, to make full use of all measures provided for in EU law to support the enforcement of the implementation of the CSRs, so that all Member States adopt within the required time frame economic and financial policies tailored to their situation, without any option of exemption from them;
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas the European Semester plays an essential role in coordinating economic, employment, social and budgetary policies in the Member States;
Amendment 180 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Calls on the Commission, as guardian of the Treaty, to make full use of all measures provided for in EU law to
Amendment 181 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Calls on the Commission,
Amendment 182 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Calls on the Commission, as guardian of the Treaty, to make full use of all measures provided for in EU law to support
Amendment 183 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 a (new) 17a. Calls on the Commission and the Members States to ensure from the programming stage of the ESI Funds, namely the adoption of Partnership Agreements and Programmes, the correct setting of priorities in order to adequately address the challenges identified in the relevant Country Specific Recommendations and relevant Council recommendations, so as to provide for full alignment with the economic governance procedures from the start and avoid reprogramming requests on short and medium term;
Amendment 184 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 a (new) 17a. Calls on the Commission, in order to ensure proper implementation of cohesion policy and stop growing regional disparities, and to serve as an incentive to efficiently use investments backed by ESI funds, to encourage the use of these funds especially were they would be used as a flanking measure for structural reforms; expects that the prolongation of the fiscal adjustment period, which is made possible under the condition that structural reforms are decided and implemented, will together with the use of the ESI funds create synergy effects;
Amendment 185 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Requests that the Commission report on a quarterly basis in Parliament’s competent committee on the measures taken to ensure progress on the implementation of the CSRs and on the progress achieved thus far; invites Member States of the euro area to explain the reasons for non-
Amendment 186 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Requests that the Commission report on a quarterly basis in Parliament
Amendment 187 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Requests that the Commission report
Amendment 188 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18.
Amendment 189 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18.
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas the European Semester
Amendment 190 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Requests that the Commission report on a quarterly basis in Parliament’s competent committee on the measures taken to ensure progress on the implementation of the CSRs and on the progress achieved thus far; invites Member States to explain the reasons for non- compliance with the CRSs in Parliament’s competent committee; suggests that the economic results of complying member- states are compared with those of non- complying ones;
Amendment 191 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Requests that the Commission report on a quarterly basis in Parliament
Amendment 192 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Calls on the President of the Eurogroup to effectively monitor the implementation of the CSRs by the Member States of the euro area, and to report on the progress made and the results as part of the assessment by the Eurogroup of the draft 2015 budgetary plans, to be submitted by mid-October 2014 by the Member States concerned;
Amendment 193 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Calls on the President of the Eurogroup to effectively monitor
Amendment 194 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 a (new) 19a. Deplores that the gender equality aspect is often neglected in the framework of the European Semester; stresses that structural reforms to enhance gender equality are essential in building stronger economies and that this factor should never be overlooked in economic analyses or recommendations;
Amendment 195 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Believes that with regard to the forthcoming European Semester, the policy of growth-friendly fiscal consolidation should be
Amendment 196 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Believes that with regard to the forthcoming European Semester,
Amendment 197 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Believes that with regard to the forthcoming European Semester, the policy of growth-friendly fiscal consolidation should be pursued to improve fiscal sustainability; stresses, however, the fact that special emphasis should be placed on growth-enhancing reforms and policies, as well as on policies tackling social inequality and exclusion;
Amendment 198 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Believes that with regard to the forthcoming European Semester, the policy of growth- and investment-friendly fiscal consolidation should be pursued to improve fiscal sustainability; stresses, however, the fact that special emphasis should be placed on growth-enhancing reforms and policies;
Amendment 199 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Believes that with regard to the forthcoming European Semester, the policy of growth-friendly fiscal consolidation should be
Amendment 2 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 1 a (new) - having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,
Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas
Amendment 200 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Believes that with regard to the forthcoming European Semester, the policy of growth-friendly fiscal consolidation should be pursued to improve fiscal sustainability; stresses, however, the fact that special emphasis should be placed on growth-enhancing reforms and policies; points out that the existing legal framework makes it possible, alongside the structural reforms which have been initiated, to allow Member States a degree of flexibility, and urges that this flexibility should be exploited;
Amendment 201 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Believes that with regard to the forthcoming European Semester, the policy of growth-friendly fiscal consolidation should be pursued to improve fiscal sustainability; stresses, however, the fact that special emphasis should be placed on growth-enhancing reforms and policies, especially by those Member States that have fiscal space to invest in order to promote growth and facilitate rebalancing in the Euro area;
Amendment 202 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Believes that with regard to the forthcoming European Semester
Amendment 203 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Believes that with regard to the forthcoming European Semester, the policy of
Amendment 204 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Believes that with regard to the
Amendment 205 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 a (new) 20a. Underlines the need to boost private and public investment at sub-national level by making full use of the new European Structural and Investment Funds programmes, which are closely linked with the Europe 2020 objectives, innovative financial instruments and by enhancing the quality of public spending;
Amendment 206 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 a (new) 20a. Underlines that fiscal sustainability is a prerequisite for a long term growth;
Amendment 207 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 a (new) 20a. Points out that specific attention needs to be paid to both gender mainstreaming and policies targeted at equality between women and men throughout the European Semester process; calls on the Commission to continue to provide CSRs with regard to improved childcare services and to pay particular attention to flexible working time arrangements, to the needs of persons with disabilities and ageing men and women as regards long-term care and to the elimination of gender pay and pension gaps;
Amendment 208 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 b (new) 20b. Calls on Member States to pay specific attention to the gender dimension throughout their National Reform Programmes under the European Semester, in particular as regards systematic measures for advancing gender equality in the fields of employment, social inclusion, fight against poverty, education and research and innovation;
Amendment 209 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas increasing overall unemployment, and women and youth unemployment in particular, remains a major threat to economic and social convergence in the EU;
Amendment 210 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21.
Amendment 211 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Encourages Member States to overcome domestic political opposition to modernise their economies, social security systems and health care, in order to avoid placing an excessive burden on future generations and urges the EU and all the euro area governments to set aside national short-sightedness, in favour of a pan-European economic policy;
Amendment 212 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Encourages Member States to
Amendment 213 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Encourages Member States to
Amendment 214 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Encourages Member States to
Amendment 215 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Encourages Member States to
Amendment 216 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Encourages Member States to
Amendment 217 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 a (new) 21a. Points out that the recent decision of the ECB on cutting interest rates and implementing additional unconventional measures, such as quantative easing, increases the risk of moral hazard and reform fatigue;
Amendment 218 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Believes that structural reforms should particularly be targeted at improving labour markets’ capacity to integrate young people into the workforce; takes the view that the system combining education with vocational training is a particularly effective way of achieving this aim; believes, also, that structural reform should be aimed at the mid- and long-term sustainability of social security, health-care and pension systems;
Amendment 219 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Believes that structural reforms should particularly be targeted at improving labour markets
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas increasing overall unemployment, and youth unemployment in particular, remains a major threat to economic and social stability and convergence in the EU;
Amendment 220 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Believes that structural reforms should particularly be targeted at improving labour markets’ capacity to integrate young people into the workforce and should be able to present opportunities to older workers; believes, also, that structural reform should be aimed at the mid- and long-term sustainability of social security, health-care and pension systems;
Amendment 221 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Believes that structural reforms should particularly be targeted at improving labour markets’ capacity to integrate, or re- integrate, young people and women into the workforce; believes, also, that structural reform should be aimed at the mid- and long-term sustainability and equality of social security, health-care, child-care and pension systems;
Amendment 222 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Believes that structural reforms should particularly be targeted at i
Amendment 223 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Believes that structural reforms should particularly be targeted at improving labour markets’ capacity to integrate young people into the workforce; believes, also, that structural reform should be aimed at the mid- and long-term sustainability of social security, health-care and pension systems, as well as lowering energy prices to increase the competitiveness of European enterprises;
Amendment 224 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Believes that structural reforms should particularly be targeted at improving labour markets’ capacity to integrate young people into the workforce; believes, also, that
Amendment 225 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Believes that structural reforms should particularly be targeted at improving labour markets
Amendment 226 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 a (new) 22a. Stresses that the social dimension should be comprehensively strengthened throughout the system of EU economic governance; welcomes the proposal of Jean-Claude Juncker, in his political guidelines for the next European Commission presented to the European Parliament in July 2014, to make any future support or reform programme subject to a social impact assessment;
Amendment 227 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 Amendment 228 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Points out that the absence of a well functioning internal labour market and of a positive approach to immigration hampers growth in the EU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish a common labour market and a modern immigration policy geared to the needs of the economy;
Amendment 229 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Points out that the absence of a well functioning internal labour market and of a positive approach to immigration hampers growth in the EU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish a common labour market and a modern, inclusive immigration policy;
Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas, youth unemployment has to be addressed in a pro-active manner, thereby enhancing and extending the current framework of cooperation between national authorities responsible in this field;
Amendment 230 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Points out that
Amendment 231 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Points out that the absence of a well functioning internal labour market that maintains the integrity of the European social model and of a positive approach to immigration hampers growth in the EU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish a common labour market which preserves and enhances the institutions and practices of social solidarity and a modern immigration policy;
Amendment 232 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Points out that the absence of
Amendment 233 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Points out that the absence of a well functioning internal labour market and of a positive approach to immigration hampers growth in the EU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish a
Amendment 234 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Points out that the absence of
Amendment 235 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Points out that the absence of a well functioning internal labour market and of a
Amendment 236 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Points out that the absence of a well functioning internal labour market and of a positive approach to immigration hampers growth in the EU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish a common labour market and a
Amendment 237 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Points out that the absence of a well- functioning internal labour market
Amendment 238 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Points out that
Amendment 239 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 a (new) 23a. Underlines that fair and equal treatment of workers is a crucial key to building a more dynamic internal labour market; stresses, in line with the political guidelines for the next European Commission presented by Mr Jean- Claude Juncker in July 2014, that social dumping has no place in the EU and that the same work at the same place should be remunerated in the same manner;
Amendment 24 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas low or negative growth and unemployment are responsible for lower revenues and increasing social expenditure and are, thus, the main cause for fiscal unsustainability;
Amendment 240 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 a (new) 23a. Observes that energy policy and economic growth are closely related; urges therefore that an ambitious European energy policy should be pursued which, by increasing security of supply and innovation in the energy sector, can bring about greater economic stability and growth;
Amendment 241 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 a (new) 23a. Observes that no serious work has yet been done on the extent to which demographic trends are responsible for the regular decline in growth which has been experienced by European countries in the past two decades; stresses that the lack of a functioning internal labour market also damages the Union’s potential for growth; calls on the Commission and Member States to establish a genuine common labour market and to mobilise all the Union’s resources in order to implement a common immigration policy in the spirit of the proposals made by the President- elect;
Amendment 242 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Stresses, once again, its call on Member States to simplify their tax systems so as to restore a favourable environment for undertakings in all Member States without exception, and reiterates its call to shift taxes from labour to consumption to make the use of resources more efficient and sustainable; calls on the Commission to take urgent action and develop a comprehensive strategy based on concrete legislative measures to fight tax fraud and tax evasion;
Amendment 243 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Stresses, once again, its call on Member States to simplify their tax systems and reiterates its call to shift taxes
Amendment 244 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Stresses, once again, its call on Member States to simplify their tax systems and reiterates its call to shift taxes from labour to consumption to make the use of resources more efficient and sustainable; calls on the Commission to take urgent action and develop a comprehensive strategy based on concrete legislative measures to fight tax fraud, tax avoidance, and tax evasion;
Amendment 245 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Stresses, once again, its call on Member States to simplify their tax systems and reiterates its call to shift taxes from labour to consumption and to real estate to make the use of resources more efficient and
Amendment 246 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Stresses, once again, its call on Member States to simplify their tax systems and reiterates its call to shift taxes from labour to consumption to make the use of resources more efficient and sustainable; calls on the Commission to take urgent action and develop a comprehensive strategy based on concrete legislative measures to fight tax fraud and tax evasion, particularly by extraterritorial economic entities which make profits in the territory of at least one Member State;
Amendment 247 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24.
Amendment 248 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Stresses, once again, its call on Member States to
Amendment 249 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Stresses, once again, its call on Member States to simplify their tax systems
Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas, in the context of persistently high debt and unemployment levels, low nominal GDP growth, and the challenges of an ageing society and of supporting job creation, particularly for young people, fiscal
Amendment 250 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Stresses, once again, its call on Member States to simplify their tax systems and reiterates its call to shift taxes from labour to c
Amendment 251 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Stresses, once again, its call on Member States to simplify their tax systems and reiterates its call to shift taxes from labour to consumption to make the use of resources more efficient and sustainable; calls on the Commission to take urgent action and develop a comprehensive strategy based on concrete legislative measures to fight tax fraud
Amendment 252 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Stresses, once again, its call on Member States to simplify their tax systems and reiterates its call to shift taxes from labour to
Amendment 253 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 a (new) 24a. Calls on the Commission to produce by the end of 2014 a clear definition and common set of criteria to identify tax havens and a public European blacklist of tax havens; Reminds the Commission of the proposals made in the recent Parliament Report (KLEVA KEKUS Report) on tax evasion and avoidance; calls also on the Commission to put into place an effective legal system forcing multinationals to pay all due taxes in the Member States in which economic activity occurs, to close loopholes and to reduce substantially the scope for regulatory arbitrage on fiscal matters;
Amendment 254 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 b (new) 24b. Encourages the Commission and the Member States to enhance the use of the European semester by integrating the EU tax gap strategy into the annual national stability and growth programmes and national reform programmes;
Amendment 255 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Reiterates the fact that structural reforms must be complemented by longer- term investment in education, research, innovation, modern infrastructure and sustainable energy; stresses, however, the fact that private investment is more conducive to growth than public investment;
Amendment 256 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Reiterates the fact that structural reforms must be complemented by longer- term investment in education, research, innovation and sustainable energy;
Amendment 257 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Reiterates the fact that structural reforms must be complemented by longer- term investment in education, research, innovation and sustainable energy
Amendment 258 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Reiterates the fact that structural reforms must be complemented by longer- term investment in education, research, innovation and sustainable energy;
Amendment 259 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Reiterates the fact that structural reforms must be complemented by longer- term investment in education, research,
Amendment 26 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas, in the context of persistently high debt and unemployment levels, low nominal GDP growth, and the challenges of an ageing society and of supporting job creation, particularly for young people, fiscal consolidation must continue in a growth-friendly and differentiated manner that also takes into account the gender- specific effects of consolidation in the Member States;
Amendment 260 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Reiterates the fact that structural reforms must be complemented by longer- term investment in education, research, innovation and sustainable energy;
Amendment 261 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Reiterates the fact that structural reforms must be complemented by longer- term investment in education, research, innovation and sustainable energy; stresses
Amendment 262 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Reiterates the fact that structural reforms must be complemented by measures to boost growth and by longer- term investment in education, research, innovation and sustainable energy;
Amendment 263 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Reiterates the fact that structural reforms must be complemented by longer- term investment in education, research, innovation and sustainable energy; stresses, however, the fact that, in some fields, private investment is more conducive to growth than public investment;
Amendment 264 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Reiterates the fact that structural reforms must be complemented by longer- term investment in education, research, innovation and sustainable energy;
Amendment 265 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Reiterates the fact that structural reforms must be complemented by longer- term investment in education, research, innovation and sustainable energy; underlines that investment in research, innovation, education and infrastructure is a prerequisite for competitiveness, sustainable growth and job creation; stresses, however, the fact that private investment is more conducive to growth than public investment;
Amendment 266 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Reiterates the fact that structural reforms must be complemented
Amendment 267 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 Amendment 268 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 Amendment 269 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 Amendment 27 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas, in the context of persistently high debt and unemployment levels, low nominal GDP growth, and the challenges of an ageing society and of supporting job creation, particularly for young people, fiscal consolidation must continue in a
Amendment 270 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 Amendment 271 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 26. Points out that government-induced growth risks being unsustainable over the medium term in the absence of a complementary surge in private investment; stresses the fact that the already high levels of public debt do not allow for a significant increase in spending, if the reform and consolidation efforts are not to be in vain;
Amendment 272 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 26. Points out that
Amendment 273 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 26. Points out that
Amendment 274 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 26. Points out that government-induced growth risks being unsustainable over the medium term; stresses the fact that the already high levels of public debt do not allow for a significant increase in spending, if the reform and consolidation efforts are not to be in vain; recommends, therefore, a shift in spending from non-productive to productive sectors;
Amendment 275 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 26. Points out that
Amendment 276 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 a (new) 26a. Underlines that flexibility exists within the Stability and Growth Pact and should be used, but requires primarily Member States to come up with reforms considered credible by the Commission and the other Member States;
Amendment 277 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 b (new) 26b. Recalls the balanced remarks by Mario Draghi on August 22nd stating: "no amount of fiscal or monetary accommodation, however, can compensate for the necessary structural reforms in the euro area." and "a coherent strategy to reduce unemployment has to involve both demand and supply side policies, at both the euro area and the national levels. And only if the strategy is truly coherent can it be successful.";
Amendment 278 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 Amendment 279 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Believes that the biggest limitation on the EU economy is the low level of
Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas, in the context of persistently high debt and unemployment levels, low nominal GDP growth
Amendment 280 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Believes that the biggest limitation on the EU economy is the low level of
Amendment 281 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Believes that the biggest limitation on the EU economy is the low level of private investment as well as the huge level of youth unemployment, the social exclusion and the high level of poverty in some Member States;
Amendment 282 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Believes that the biggest limitation on the EU economy is the l
Amendment 283 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Believes that the biggest limitations on the EU economy
Amendment 284 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Believes that the
Amendment 285 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Believes that the biggest limitation on the EU economy is the low level of aggregate demand, which leads to low levels of private investment;
Amendment 286 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Believes that the biggest limitation on the EU economy is the low level of
Amendment 287 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Believes that the biggest limitation on the EU economy is the low level of private investment; stresses the need of fundamental reform of bankruptcy and insolvency procedures in order to deal with the debt overhang in the euro-area periphery;
Amendment 288 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 28. Underlines the fact that private investment is crucial, as it works on the supply and demand side of the economy creating jobs, generating incomes for households, increasing tax revenue, helping governments consolidate and boosting growth; reiterates the need to adopt investor-friendly policies, cut red- tape and reduce administrative burden;
Amendment 289 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 28. Underlines the fact that private investment is crucial, as it works on the supply and demand side of the economy creating jobs, generating incomes for households, increasing tax revenue, helping governments consolidate and boosting growth; believes that,, in the short-term, private debt problems in some Member States, combined with difficulties linked to the transfer of monetary policy and the ECB’s limited space for manoeuvre, make it necessary to create a pan-European public investment programme designed to help consolidate the single market and assist short-term economic recovery
Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas, in the context of persistently high debt and unemployment levels, low nominal GDP growth, and the challenges of
Amendment 290 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 28. Underlines the fact that public and private investment is crucial, as it works on the supply and demand side of the economy, creating jobs, generating incomes for households, increasing tax revenue, and helping governments
Amendment 291 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 28. Underlines the fact that public and private investment
Amendment 292 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 28. Underlines the fact that private investment is
Amendment 293 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 28. Underlines the fact that private investment is also crucial, as it works on the supply and demand side of the economy
Amendment 294 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 28. Underlines the fact that public and private investment is crucial, as it works on the supply and demand side of the economy, creating jobs, generating incomes for households, increasing tax revenue, helping governments consolidate and boosting growth;
Amendment 295 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 28. Underlines the fact that public and private investment
Amendment 296 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 28. Underlines the fact that public and private investment is crucial, as it works on the supply and demand side of the economy creating jobs, generating incomes for households, increasing tax revenue, helping governments consolidate and boosting growth;
Amendment 297 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 Amendment 298 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 29. Calls on the Commission finally to deliver on its commitment to complete the single market, particularly as regards services; urges the Member States to deliver on their commitments on the EU2020 strategy, particularly with regard to research and innovation
Amendment 299 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 29. Calls on the Commission finally to deliver on its commitment to complete the single market,
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 7 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 30 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas
Amendment 300 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 29.
Amendment 301 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 29. Calls on the Commission finally to deliver on its commitment to complete the single market, particularly as regards services; urges the Member States to deliver on their commitments on the EU2020 strategy, particularly with regard to research and innovation and resource efficiency;
Amendment 302 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 29. Calls on the Commission finally to deliver on its commitment to complete the single market
Amendment 303 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 a (new) 29a. Invites the Commission to investigate on the reasons of the weak level of private investment in the EU.
Amendment 304 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 30 30. Is very concerned about p
Amendment 305 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 30 30. Is concerned about protectionist tendencies in certain Member States;
Amendment 306 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 30 30.
Amendment 307 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 30 30.
Amendment 308 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 31. Underlines the fact that
Amendment 309 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 31. Underlines the fact that a lack of access to finance, particularly for SMEs, poses a huge obstacle to growth in the EU; calls therefore for the Commission to prioritise work on alternative sources of financing for SMEs, in particular through the structural funds, the European Investment Bank, the European Investment Fund and public development banks;
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas, in the context of persistently high debt and unemployment levels, low nominal GDP growth and inflation, and the challenges of an ageing society and of supporting job creation, particularly for young people, fiscal consolidation must continue in a growth-friendly and differentiated manner;
Amendment 310 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 31. Underlines the fact that
Amendment 311 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 31. Underlines the fact that a lack of access to finance, particularly for SMEs, poses a huge obstacle to growth in the EU; stresses the need to do away with even more of the bureaucratic obstacles facing small and medium-sized undertakings and to apply the principle of proportionality more strictly in EU lawmaking in the future;
Amendment 312 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 31. Underlines the fact that a lack of access to finance, particularly for SMEs, poses a huge obstacle to growth in the EU; reiterates the important role of EU financing institutions, such as EIB, in ensuring adequate financing for SMEs;
Amendment 313 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 a (new) 31a. Believes that urgent reforms should be envisaged for all those states where the difficulties for the creation of enterprises hamper potential growth and job creation.
Amendment 314 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 a (new) 31a. Takes note on the Commission's follow-up document to the EP Troika report; recalls the Commission to act to fully align the legal obligations arising from the 'two-pack' with the current economic adjustment programmes; underlines in particular that a certain number of requirements of Regulation (EU) N° 472/2013 referred to in Article 1 on the respect of collective agreements as well as in Article 7 on the need to ensure sufficient means for fundamental policies, such as education and health are not yet explicitly addressed in the updated programmes;
Amendment 315 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 Amendment 316 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 32. Calls on the Commission urgently to propose measures to complete the internal market for capital to improve the allocation of capital to businesses in order to revitalise the real economy; believes that further alternatives to bank financing are needed, particularly by improving the conditions for financing through the capital markets and investing in the development of innovative financing channels such as crowdfunding;
Amendment 317 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 32.
Amendment 318 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 32. Calls on the Commission urgently to propose measures to complete the internal market for capital to improve the allocation of capital to businesses in order to revitalise the real economy; believes that further alternatives to bank financing are needed, particularly by improving the conditions for financing through the capital markets; asks the Commission to urgently set in motion a European investment programme to complete the ECB's monetary policy for the short-term recovery of European growth, making it possible to end the lengthy economic crisis and restore the Union’s social and political stability;
Amendment 319 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 32. Calls on the Commission
Amendment 32 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E a (new) Ea. whereas the spirit of the European Semester entails a commitment to economic solidarity among Member States and whereas they bear a responsibility proportionate to their respective contributions to the overall economic performance of the Union;
Amendment 320 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 32. Calls on the Commission urgently to propose measures to complete the internal market for capital to improve the allocation of capital to businesses in order to revitalise the real economy; believes that further alternatives to bank financing are needed, for both large and small and medium-sized undertakings, particularly by improving the conditions for financing through the capital markets; points out, however, that this must not go hand in hand with a watering-down of the safeguards introduced in response to the financial crisis;
Amendment 321 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 32. Calls on the Commission urgently to propose measures to complete the internal market for capital to improve the allocation of capital to businesses in order to revitalise the real economy; regrets that the monitoring of unit capital costs is not yet integrated in the surveillance of macroeconomic imbalances; reiterates its requests to integrate such monitoring as well as the monitoring of resource efficiency in the framework of the scoreboard for macroeconomic imbalances; believes that further alternatives to bank financing are needed, particularly by improving the conditions for financing through the capital markets;
Amendment 322 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 a (new) 32a. Underlines the upmost importance of setting up the legislation on long-term investments.
Amendment 323 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 Amendment 324 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 Amendment 325 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 Amendment 326 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 Amendment 327 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 33. Stresses the importance of the expedition and completion of the banking union; believes that completion of the banking union must be achieved by means of an insurance and markets union; reiterates that the cost of failure of banking institutions should be borne by the banking sector itself;
Amendment 328 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 33. Stresses the importance of the expedition and completion of the banking union; believes that completion of the banking union must be achieved by means of an insurance and markets union that does not lead to an increase in operating costs within the national economies, not least with regard to the operating costs of SMEs and traditional industries; ;
Amendment 329 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 33. Stresses the importance of the expedition and completion of the banking union;
Amendment 33 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas the priorities for this year’s European Semester were established by the European Council in March, and were reconfirmed in June; whereas the emphasis is on policies that enhance competitiveness, support job creation and fight unemployment, and on the follow-up to reforms to
Amendment 330 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 33. Stresses the importance of the expedition and
Amendment 331 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 33.
Amendment 332 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 a (new) 33a. Calls on the European Council and the Commission to put forward as soon as possible legislative proposals designed to safeguard legal certainty by enshrining in the EU Treaties the provisions governing banking supervision by the ECB and the banking union;
Amendment 333 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 34 34. Stresses the fact that a solid
Amendment 334 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 34 34. Stresses the fact that a solid, transparent and stable financial system is crucial for future growth ensuring fair distribution of the benefits;
Amendment 335 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 34 34. Stresses the fact that a solid and stable financial system, only possible with strong market-making public institutions, is crucial for future growth;
Amendment 336 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 34 34. Stresses the fact that a solid and stable, downsized, recapitalized and well diversified financial system is crucial for future
Amendment 337 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 34 a (new) 34a. Reiterates its call on the Commission and Member States to disaggregate data by gender so that progress on the EU 2020 headline targets and the corresponding national targets can be monitored, and to define additional gender-specific indicators where necessary;
Amendment 338 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 34 b (new) 34b. Asks the Commission to engage women's NGOs in the European semester and to inform properly about the achievements of Member States that received CSRs related to gender equality ;
Amendment 339 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 35 35. Stresses the fact that the European Semester must in no way jeopardise the prerogatives of
Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas the priorities for this year’s
Amendment 340 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 35 35. Stresses the fact that the European Semester must in no way jeopardise the prerogatives of the European Parliament or those of the national parliaments; underlines the fact that there should be a clear division between EU and national competences, and that Parliament is the seat of accountability at Union level; urges the Commission to ensure Parliament's proper, formal involvement in all steps of the European Semester process in order to increase the democratic legitimacy of the decisions takes;
Amendment 341 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 35 35. Stresses the fact that the European Semester must in no way jeopardise the prerogatives of
Amendment 342 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 35 35. Stresses the fact that the European Semester must in no way jeopardise the prerogatives of the European Parliament or those of the national parliaments; underlines the fact that there should be a clear division between EU and national competences, and that European Parliament is the seat of accountability at Union level
Amendment 343 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 35 35. Stresses the fact that the European Semester must in no way jeopardise the prerogatives of the European Parliament or those of the national and regional parliaments; underlines the fact that there should be a clear division between EU and national competences, and that Parliament is the seat of accountability at Union level;
Amendment 344 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 35 35. Stresses the fact that the European Semester must in no way jeopardise the prerogatives of the European Parliament or those of the national parliaments; underlines the fact that there should be a clear division between EU and national competences, and that Parliament is the seat of accountability at Union level; emphasises that in future, in keeping with the principles underpinning the codecision procedure, the European Parliament should be involved more closely in the work of preparing and organising the European Semester; stresses that every transfer of powers from national to EU level must be matched by a strengthening of the role of the European Parliament, in order to ensure that no democratic deficit is created;
Amendment 345 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 35 a (new) 35a. Maintains that, as the President of the ECB has said, action must not be confined to austerity measures, given that Member States have a vital role to play in boosting aggregate demand, a key factor in economic growth and employment;
Amendment 346 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 35 a (new) 35a. Maintains that, as the President of the ECB has said, action must not be confined to austerity measures, given that Member States have a vital role to play in boosting aggregate demand, a key factor in economic growth and employment;
Amendment 347 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 36 36. Stresses the need to strengthen democratic accountability to the
Amendment 348 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 36 36. Stresses the need to strengthen democratic accountability to the European Parliament and the national parliaments as regards 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 Troika.
Amendment 349 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 36 36. Stresses the need to strengthen democratic accountability to the
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas the Europe 2020 strategy is one of the elements of the EU’s response to the global economic crisis and whereas the Commission acknowledges that most of the EU 2020 Strategy objectives will not be met;
Amendment 350 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 36 36. Stresses the need to strengthen democratic accountability to the European Parliament and the national parliaments as regards essential elements of the euro area’s operation, such as the European Central Bank, the European Stability Mechanism, Eurogroup decisions, and the monitoring and evaluation of financial assistance programmes;
Amendment 351 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 36 36. Stresses the need to strengthen democratic accountability to the European Parliament and the national parliaments as regards essential elements of the euro area
Amendment 36 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas the Europe 2020 strategy is one of the elements of the EU’s response to the global economic crisis and future challenges;
Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G a (new) Ga. whereas cohesion policy represents the main EU investment tool in the real economy, accounting for over one third of the EU Budget and the ESI Funds are key delivery instruments of Europe 2020 Strategy's goals of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth;
Amendment 38 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G b (new) Gb. whereas support from the ESI Funds is closely linked to the respect of sound economic governance, so as to ensure the effectiveness of the EU expenditure;
Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H H. whereas the global financial crisis and the
Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 7 a (new) - having regard to the European Parliament's resolutions adopted on the 13th March 2013 concerning the role and the operations of the Troika (2014/2007(INI) and 2014/2277 (INI),
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H H. whereas the global financial crisis and the
Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H H. whereas the global financial crisis and the
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H a (new) Ha. whereas the European Parliament has several times requested the strengthening of the governance framework;
Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H a (new) Ha. whereas single market, especially as regards services, is not fully operational;
Amendment 44 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Notes
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Notes the fact that economic recovery in the EU is not yet under way; reiterates,
Amendment 47 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Notes th
Amendment 48 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Notes the fact that economic recovery in the EU is under way; reiterates, however, that this recovery is very fragile and uneven, and must be sustained in order to deliver more growth and jobs
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Notes the fact that economic recovery in the EU is under way; reiterates, however, that this recovery is fragile and uneven, in particular with regards to young people and women, and must be sustained in order to deliver more growth and jobs in the medium term;
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 8 a (new) - having regard to its resolution of 25 February 2014 on Single Market governance within the European Semester 20141, ________________________________ 1 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0130.
Amendment 50 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Notes the fact that
Amendment 51 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Notes the fact that, compared to the peak during the recent crises, economic recovery in the EU is under way; reiterates, however, that this recovery is fragile and uneven, and must be sustained in order to deliver more growth and jobs in the medium term;
Amendment 52 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Notes th
Amendment 53 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Notes the fact that economic recovery in the EU
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Notes the
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Notes the fact that
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Notes
Amendment 57 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Notes the fact that
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1.
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Notes that even this extremely low growth was only possible because of 0,3% rise in household consumption, showing the importance of a shift from labour market deregulation to demand-oriented policies and wages increases;
Amendment 6 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 15 a (new) - having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying down common provisions on the European Regional development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council regulation (EC) No 1083/2006,
Amendment 60 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Notes that the most important targets of economic policy are to restore the Member States’ competitiveness and reduce unemployment;
Amendment 61 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Stresses that the challenges of the current economic situation, characterised by sluggish GDP – stable in the eurozone and rising by 0.2% in the EU28 during the second quarter of 2014 – remarkably low inflation – down to 0.3% in August 2014, its lowest level since November 2009 – and unacceptably high unemployment – 11.5% in the eurozone and 10.2% in the EU28 in July 2014 - have to be addressed urgently;
Amendment 62 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Welcomes the course set by the European Central Bank, which was explained in the address given by its President at Jackson Hole on 4 August 2014; considers that the approach for which the European Central Bank has opted will act in synergy with Parliament's measures in support of coherent and coordinated monetary, budgetary and structural policies on the part of the States of the Union to promote employment and growth;
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Urges once again the Commission to ensure concrete recommendations to the Member States and for the EU as a whole, including those under economic adjustment programmes, so that they 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 64 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Calls in this context for the adoption of a monetary and fiscal policy stance that boosts aggregate demand, a position shared by the President of the ECB in his speech at the Annual central bank symposium in Jackson Hole on 22 August 2014;
Amendment 65 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Welcomes the ambitious structural reforms implemented by many Member States under the macroeconomic adjustment programmes, and calls on the Member States to persist in pursuing this necessary ambition;
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2.
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2.
Amendment 68 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Welcomes the
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Welcomes the ambitious structural reforms implemented by Member States under the macroeconomic adjustment programmes; finds it regrettable that the Member States in the rest of the euro area are less ambitious in modernising their economies, which is one of the reasons for the low growth prospects in the medium and long term; stresses that reforms must be pursued with determination and must be monitored in order to ensure that their effectiveness is sustainable;
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 15 b (new) - having regard to the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Guidelines on the application of the measures linking effectiveness of the European Structural and Investment Funds to sound economic governance according to Article 23 of Regulation (EU) 1301/ 2013, COM(2014)494 final, 30.07.2014,
Amendment 70 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2.
Amendment 71 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Welcomes the ambitious structural reforms implemented by Member States under the macroeconomic adjustment programmes; stresses that structural reforms fall under the core prerogatives of the Member States; finds it regrettable that the Member States in the rest of the euro area are less ambitious in modernising their economies, which is one of the reasons for the low growth prospects in the medium and long term;
Amendment 72 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2.
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2.
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2.
Amendment 75 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2.
Amendment 76 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Reminds the Commission of the two reports adopted by the European Parliament concerning the Troika in March 2014, which criticizes the ad hoc system of the troikas; calls on the Commission to implement the recommendation of the European Parliament without delay.
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 b (new) 2b. Points out that a necessary condition for the success of financial assistance programmes is a combination of solidarity and conditionality, strong ownership and commitment to reform; urges the Commission and the Member States, to incorporate financial assistance and the ad hoc system of the Troika into an improved legal structure compliant with the EU economic governance framework and community law, thereby guaranteeing democratic accountability;
Amendment 78 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Points out that the euro area and the EU risk falling further behind other regions in terms of deflation, economic development and opportunities, making the EU less attractive for investment from within and outside the EU;
Amendment 79 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3.
Amendment 8 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas
Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Points out that the euro area
Amendment 81 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Points out that the euro area and the EU, owing to the current dogmatic insistence on budget cuts and structural reforms and the constant denial of the need for growth stimuli, risk falling further behind other regions in terms of economic development and opportunities, making the EU less attractive for investment from within and outside the EU;
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Points out that the euro area and the EU risk falling further behind other regions in terms of economic
Amendment 83 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Stresses that the financial, sovereign debt and competitiveness crisis cannot be overcome by means of a loose monetary policy; stresses, therefore, the importance of continuing the process of deep and sustainable structural reforms to deliver on growth and jobs; reiterates, in this connection, the fact that the EU cannot compete on costs alone, but needs to invest more in research and development, education and skills, and resource efficiency, both at national and European level;
Amendment 84 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4.
Amendment 85 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Stresses, therefore, the importance of continuing the process of deep and sustainable structural reforms to deliver on growth
Amendment 86 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Stresses, therefore, the importance of continuing the process of deep and sustainable structural reforms to deliver on growth and jobs; reiterates, in this connection, the fact that the EU cannot compete on costs alone, but needs to invest more in research and development, industrial renewal, education and skills, and resource efficiency, both at national and European level;
Amendment 87 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Stresses, therefore, the importance of continuing the process of deep
Amendment 88 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Stresses, therefore, the importance of continuing the process of
Amendment 89 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Stresses, therefore, the importance of
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas
Amendment 90 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Stresses, therefore, the importance of continuing the process of deep and sustainable structural reforms to deliver on growth and jobs; reiterates, in this connection, the fact that the EU cannot compete on costs alone, but that its member states need
Amendment 91 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Stresses, therefore, the importance of c
Amendment 92 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Stresses, therefore, the importance of continuing the process of deep and sustainable structural reforms to deliver on growth and jobs; reiterates, in this connection, the fact that the EU cannot compete on costs alone, but needs to invest more in research and development, education and skills, and resource efficiency, both at national and European level; recalls that the very aim of structural reforms and decreasing the level of public debt is to be able to focus on growth friendly policies and ultimately to provide jobs and fight poverty;
Amendment 93 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Recalls that the EU 2020 priorities and targets such as fighting poverty and social exclusion remain valid and should be implemented;
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Underlines, once again, the fact that the overall indebtedness of some Member States in the euro area is not only an obstacle to growth but also puts a huge burden on future generations;
Amendment 97 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Underlines,
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Underlines, once again, the fact that the
Amendment 99 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Underlines
source: 537.316
2014/09/10
ENVI
41 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Underlines th
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Calls on the Commission to include
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Calls on the Member States to fully respect the national energy efficiency targets as part of the National Reform Programmes, in the light of the headline targets under the Europe 2020 Strategy;
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 b (new) 2 b. Emphasises that in order for the Member States to boost their employment by exploiting the employment potential of the green economy, action is required on three main fronts: boosting labour demand in eco-industries through adequate levels of investments, anticipating and managing skills needs in both green and greening sectors, and ensuring job quality for high-, medium-, and low-skill occupations; from the point of view of the labour market policy, increased attention should be given to devising adequate training programmes as to address specific skill shortages, and to consider the dynamic interaction between skills supply and age structure of the workforce in green and traditional industries;
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 c (new) 2 c. Calls on the Commission to assess the potential of green jobs creation within the framework of EU's climate and environment policies and set indicative employment targets for each Member State;
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 d (new) 2 d. Stresses that improving resource and energy efficiency helps European businesses, especially SMEs, to create savings, capture growing markets, and reduce raw materials;
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3.
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3.
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Reiterates the need to phase out environmentally harmful subsidies by 2020 and to shift taxes away from labour to
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Reiterates the need to phase out environmentally harmful subsidies by 2020 and to shift taxes away from labour to more growth-friendly bases, such as environmental taxation; stresses that the shift to growth-friendly taxation will be the most effective if implemented in a coordinated way across Member States; points out that the European Semester is an appropriate tool for the coordination of such policies;
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3 a. Calls both Member States and the European Commission, in this period of economic crisis, to avoid most damaging measures like short-term savings which will lead to high costs in the mid to long- term and instead to concentrate on further development of high-quality and high-efficiency health care systems;
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Underlines the fact that the greening of EU economies contributes to long-term and crisis-resilient
Amendment 20 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Stresses
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Considers that measurement and benchmarking methodologies for resource efficiency, and a non-binding lead indicator and target, should be included in both the European Semester and the review of the Europe 2020 strategy;
Amendment 22 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Considers that measurement and benchmarking methodologies for resource efficiency, and a lead indicator and target should be included in both the European Semester in the framework of the scoreboard for macroeconomic imbalances and the review of the Europe 2020 strategy;
Amendment 23 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Reiterates its call to foster eco- innovation through specific recommendations in the European Semester as it presents clear prospects for new businesses and revitalisation of traditional sectors with greener jobs;
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 b (new) 5 b. Considers that European Semester should also incorporate reporting on renewable energy and energy efficiency on the basis of legally binding targets set in Union legislation;
Amendment 25 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 c (new) 5 c. Deplores that recent Commission estimates suggest that the EU is on course to achieve only half of the 20 % objective and that current plans by Member States risk falling far short of the overall 20 % energy efficiency target set in the Europe 2020 strategy, which would lead to lost opportunities for growth across many sectors and regions and loss of employment-creation possibilities and hence negatively impact productivity, competitiveness and social cohesion of the EU;
Amendment 26 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6.
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6 a. Invites the Council to formulate final country-specific recommendations that: a) encourage Member States not to include into their own budgetary laws those revenues generated by the extraction of fossil fuels; b) adopt structural reforms in respect of the subsidiarity and proportionality principle, recognising the pivotal role of regional and local authorities in the choice of economic and energy strategies affecting their territory such as the extraction of oil.
Amendment 28 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 b (new) 6 b. Stresses the need for an assessment of climate, environmental and social impacts of country specific recommendations as well as economic and structural reform plans, also to achieve more efficient coordination across policies;
Amendment 29 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 c (new) 6 c. Underlines the need for increased involvement of EU Environment ministers in the European Semester process at Council level;
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Underlines the fact that the greening of EU economies and putting at equal stand the Europe 2020 targets contributes to long-term and crisis-resilient growth, increases competitiveness
Amendment 30 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 d (new) 6 d. Calls for increased and structured involvement of civil society and environmental organisations so as to safeguard the legitimacy and improve the effectiveness of the European semester process;
Amendment 31 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 e (new) 6 e. Notes that the EU still generates about five tonnes of waste per person per year on average, and little more than a third of that is effectively recycled; Stresses that Europe should make more progress in turning waste into a resource and promoting sustainable ways of waste management such as recycling; Calls on the Member States to fully implement the European waste legislation at national level in order to reduce the current disparities and move towards a more circular economy;
Amendment 32 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 f (new) 6 f. Stresses the importance of an effective and sustainable healthcare system for the patients and for the economy in general and ask to include specific knowledge on health policy in the process of the European Semester;
Amendment 33 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 g (new) 6 g. Stresses that investment in health is an essential element of the package of social investment (Towards Social Investment for Growth and Cohesion - including implementing the European Social Fund 2014-2020) adopted on 20th February 2013 by the European Commission; this approach results from the annual Growth Survey 2013, which recognizes the contribution of health to an economic recovery that leads to job creation;
Amendment 34 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 h (new) 6 h. Calls on the European Commission to place greater emphasis in its package of country-specific recommendations to reforms needed to support the sustainability, efficiency and quality of the national healthcare systems; stresses the fact that reforms of healthcare systems should be undertaken not only to ensure its cost-effectiveness and more efficient use of public resources, but also to improve access and availability of high quality healthcare to general public across Europe in order to improve the overall health status of the population; calls also on the European Commission to develop more reliable methods of measuring equitable access to quality healthcare;
Amendment 35 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 i (new) 6 i. Considers that public health must be seen as a long term investment. Reminds that reforms of social security systems in Member States are necessary but shall not be done at the expense of patients' access to medical innovation, a population in good health being a prior condition for social and economic growth.
Amendment 36 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 j (new) 6 j. recalls the overarching values of universality, access to good quality care, equity and solidarity, as recognized by the Council in its 2006 Conclusions on Common values and principles in European Union Health Systems; underlines that health systems in Europe contribute to economic growth and will generate significant job opportunities in the year to come, as identified in the Annual Growth Survey 2014.
Amendment 37 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 k (new) 6 k. Notes the recommendations for more cost-efficient healthcare; stresses the need to provide quality healthcare services and in particular assure access for the most vulnerable;
Amendment 38 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 l (new) 6 l. stresses that whilst strengthening the efficiency and financial sustainability of health systems is important, this needs to be accompanied by specific commitments to ensure access to high-quality healthcare for all;
Amendment 39 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 m (new) 6 m. Strengthens the effective investment in health is an essential condition for economic prosperity and promoting growth, with results in terms of productivity, labour supply, human capital and public spending;
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Underlines the fact that the greening of EU economies contributes to long-term and crisis-resilient growth, increases competitiveness and creates jobs, while improving the Union’s energy security and energy independence; underlines the fact that shale gas might be the answer for Europe’s problems with energy dependence from Russia;
Amendment 40 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 n (new) 6 n. calls on the Commission to improve measurement of accessibility of healthcare and performance of health systems so as to help reducing divergences and health inequalities between and within Member States;
Amendment 41 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 o (new) 6 o. Stresses the need to develop common tools and mechanisms at European level to tackle the shortage of human and financial resources and facilitate the adoption of innovation in health care, in order to contribute to the innovative and sustainable health systems.
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Underlines the fact that the greening of EU economies contributes to long-term and
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1 a. Reiterates that the sustainable development indicators measured by Eurostat include, amongst others, climate change and energy, natural resources and public health;
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1 b. Underlines the fact that ensuring equal access to health care contributes to social cohesion, social justice, to tackling social exclusion and it contributes to a sustainable development as it adds to intergenerational solidarity and can correct negative population health externalities;
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 c (new) 1 c. Stresses the importance of the sustainability of the healthcare sector which plays an important role in the overall economy as it accounts for 8% of the total European workforce and for 10% of GDP in the European Union; for being able to provide equal access to healthcare services for the citizens, as health is an essential factor of stability, sustainability and further development of Member States and their economy;
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 source: 537.482
2014/09/15
EMPL
313 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Recital -A (new) -A. whereas in 2010 the Member States committed themselves to the EU2020 goals for a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy as the direction in which the EU is to develop; whereas there is a lack of consistency between policies in the economic, employment and social field with recommendations often contradicting each other;
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Citation 3 a (new) – having regard to Article 125 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion Recital C Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Welcomes the shift in the 2014 country- specific recommendations to strengthening growth and employment, but calls for more determined efforts to guide and coordinate national and EU policies so as to complete the Single Market and reap its potential to boost growth and create jobs while continuing on the path of ambitious structural reforms in the Member States;
Amendment 100 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 11 11.
Amendment 101 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 11 11. Welcomes the Commission
Amendment 102 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 11 a (new) 11 a. Is concerned that financial fragmentation in the Euro area is, in some cases, jeopardising SMEs growth and sustainability; calls for a restoration of the economy's lending capacity, which allows SMEs to invest and create jobs, as well as for easing the access to entrepreneurship and the access of SMEs to programs such as COSME or Horizon 2020;
Amendment 103 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 11 b (new) 11 b. Calls on Member States to eliminate unnecessary administrative burdens and bureaucracy for the self-employed, micro- enterprises and SMEs and to facilitate the conditions for start-up of businesses;
Amendment 104 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 12 12.
Amendment 105 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 12 12. Calls on the Commission, as a matter of urgency, to give tangible form to the promised EUR 300 billion investment plan, and calls for an assessment as to whether this figure is sufficient to restore the EU’s full potential for growth and quality job creation; stresses the fact that priority should be given to finance measures to boost quality job creation and investments in public infrastructures, as a means to re-launch economic growth and to trigger economies of scale;
Amendment 106 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 12 12. Calls on the Commission, as a matter of urgency, to give tangible form to the promised EUR 300 billion investment plan, and calls for an assessment as to whether this figure is sufficient to restore the EU’s full potential for growth and quality job creation; recalls the Commission's recognition of the health and social care sectors as holding significant potential for growth and representing crucial areas for investment in pursuit of sustainable economies; invites the Commission to report on progress in developing initiatives, as part of the Europe 2020 Strategy, for investment in the health and social care sectors with regards to quality employment;
Amendment 107 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 12 12. Calls on the Commission, as a matter of urgency, to give tangible form to the promised EUR 300 billion investment plan, and calls for an assessment as to whether this figure is sufficient to restore the EU
Amendment 108 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 12 a (new) 12 a. Calls on the Commission to provide, on the basis of Article 9 TFEU, a detailed social impact assessment of the EUR 300 billion investment plan;
Amendment 109 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 13 Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Recital C C. whereas the labour market fragmentation is now one of the major causes of inequality between Member States and between different sectors, owing to divergences in access to employment, working conditions, or wage levels insufficient to guarantee decent living standards;
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Welcomes the shift in the 2014 country- specific recommendations to strengthening growth and employment, but calls for more determined efforts to guide and coordinate national and EU policies so as to complete the Single Market and reap its potential to boost
Amendment 110 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 13 Amendment 111 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 13 Amendment 112 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 13 13. Calls on the Commission and the Member States, as a matter of urgency, to exclude productive investments, for instance in green growth, infrastructure, education or research and development, from the deficit targets established under EU and national rules;
Amendment 113 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 13 13. Calls on the Commission and the Member States, as a matter of urgency, to exclude productive investments, for instance in education or research and development,
Amendment 114 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 13 a (new) 13 a. Considers that the generalisation in all Member States of structural reforms only aiming at the reduction of labour cost leads to a counterproductive race to the bottom and is inefficient for the achievement of the objective of full employment; considers that this situation illustrates the absence of a genuine coordination of fiscal, social and tax policies in Europe;
Amendment 115 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 13 a (new) 13 a. Stresses that welfare services are essential for the social cohesion in Member States and that they play a crucial role in maintaining a well- functioning workforce; calls, therefore, on the Commission and the Member States to immediately exclude welfare spending from the deficit targets established under EU and national rules;
Amendment 116 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 14 14. Calls on the Commission to strengthen EU industry through the application of a
Amendment 117 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 14 14. Calls on the Commission to strengthen EU industry through the application of a more flexible competition policy in favour of competitiveness and employment, together with an ecological and digital transition plan; reiterates its call on the Commission to
Amendment 118 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 14 14. Calls on the Commission to strengthen EU industry through the application of a more flexible competition policy in favour of competitiveness and employment
Amendment 119 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 14 14. Calls on the Commission together with the Member States to strengthen EU industry through the application of a more flexible competition policy in favour of competitiveness and employment, together with an ecological and digital transition plan;
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Recital C C.
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Welcomes the shift in the 2014 country- specific recommendations to strengthening growth and employment, but calls for more determined efforts to guide and coordinate national and EU policies so as to complete the Single Market and reap its potential to boost growth and create jobs, especially for the youth;
Amendment 120 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 14 14. Calls on the Commission to strengthen EU industry
Amendment 121 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 14 a (new) 14 a. Calls on the new Commission to ensure that trade union rights are upheld, to take action against the practice of blacklisting in employment, to promote worker consultation in wage setting and to ensure that companies' economic freedoms are not prioritised over workers' social rights;
Amendment 122 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 14 a (new) 14 a. Stresses the need to shift the tax burden away from labour towards other forms of sustainable tax in order to promote growth and job creation;
Amendment 123 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 15 15. Is concerned that, in many Member States and sectors, job losses are coupled with a decline in job quality, an increase in precarious forms of employment and a deterioration in basic labour standards; stresses that the Commission and the Member States need to make dedicated efforts to address the increase in involuntary part-time employment
Amendment 124 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 15 15. Is concerned that, in many Member States and sectors, job losses are coupled with a decline in job quality, an increase in precarious forms of employment and a deterioration in basic labour standards; stresses that the Commission and the Member States need to make dedicated efforts to address the increase in involuntary part-time employment and temporary contracts, payless internships and apprenticeships, and bogus self- employment, together with the activities of the black economy; points out that undeclared work is a rising problem in most Member States and especially in cross-border work, which can only be effectively tackled by clear regulation and by much closer cooperation between the Member States, i.e. by setting up a European Platform on undeclared work, of binding nature for the Member States;
Amendment 125 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 15 15. Is concerned that, in many Member States and sectors, job losses are coupled with a decline in job quality, an increase in precarious forms of employment
Amendment 126 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 15 15. Is concerned that, in many Member States and sectors, job losses are coupled with a decline in job quality, an increase in precarious forms of employment and a deterioration in basic labour standards; stresses that the Commission and the Member States need to make dedicated efforts to address the increase in involuntary part-time employment and temporary contracts, payless internships and apprenticeships,
Amendment 127 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 15 15. Is concerned that, in many Member States and sectors, job losses are coupled with a decline in job quality, an increase in precarious forms of employment and a deterioration in basic labour standards; stresses that the Commission and the Member States need to make dedicated efforts to address the increase in involuntary part-time employment and temporary contracts, payless internships and apprenticeships, and bogus self- employment, together with the activities of
Amendment 128 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 15 15.
Amendment 129 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 15 15. Is concerned that, in many Member States and sectors, job losses are coupled with a decline in job quality, an increase in
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Recital C C. whereas the labour market is now one of the major causes of inequality between Member States and between different sectors, showing
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Welcomes the shift in the 2014 country- specific recommendations to strengthening growth and employment, but calls for more determined efforts to
Amendment 130 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 15 a (new) 15 a. Calls on the Commission to ensure that in their policy guidance labour market reforms are aimed at, amongst others, reducing segmentation, promoting transition between jobs, advancing the inclusion of vulnerable groups in the labour market, reducing in-work poverty, promoting gender equality, strengthening the rights of workers with a-typical contracts and provide more social protection for self-employed workers;
Amendment 131 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 16 16. Observes that, in its 2013 annual report on the EU employment and social situation, the Commission highlighted the importance of social protection expenditure as a safeguard against social risks; notes, however, that social policies and social standards have been widely used as adjustment factors by those EMU members experiencing negative economic shocks;
Amendment 132 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 16 16. Observes that, in its 2013 annual report on the EU employment and social situation, the Commission highlighted the importance of social protection expenditure as a safeguard against social risks; notes, however, that social policies and social standards have been widely used as adjustment factors by those EMU members experiencing negative economic shocks; considers it regrettable that the CSRs do
Amendment 133 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 16 16. Observes that, in its 2013 annual report on the EU employment and social situation, the Commission highlighted the importance of social protection expenditure as a safeguard against social risks;
Amendment 134 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 16 16. Observes that, in its 2013 annual report on the EU employment and social situation, the Commission highlighted the importance of social protection expenditure as a safeguard against social risks; notes, however, that social policies and social standards have been widely used as adjustment factors by those EMU members experiencing negative economic shocks; considers it regrettable that the CSRs do not refer to European automatic stabilisers; recalls the importance of such stabilisers in dealing with asymmetrical shocks, in avoiding excessive depletion of national welfare states and thus in strengthening the sustainability of EMU as a whole; reiterates its call on the Commission to produce a Green Paper on automatic stabilisers in the eurozone such as the implementation of a European Unemployment Benefit Scheme;
Amendment 135 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 16 16. Observes that, in its 2013 annual report on the EU employment and social situation, the Commission highlighted the importance of social protection expenditure as a safeguard against social risks; notes, however, that social policies and social
Amendment 136 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 16 a (new) 16 a. Welcomes the intention of the Italian Presidency, as delineated in its programme, to look into the matter of automatic stabilizers at the EU level, with special attention to the possible establishment of a EMU-wide unemployment benefit scheme;
Amendment 137 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 17 17. Stresses the importance of active and inclusive labour market policies in the current context; is
Amendment 138 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 17 17. Stresses the importance of active labour market policies as a strategic tool for the promotion of employment in the current context; is deeply concerned that several Member States, despite rising unemployment rates, have reduced budget allocations to finance active labour market policies; calls on the Member States to increase the coverage and effectiveness of active labour market policies, in close cooperation with the social partners;
Amendment 139 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 17 17. Stresses the importance of active labour market policies in the current context; is
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Recital C C. whereas the labour market is
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3 a. Notes that Single Market legislation is generally a topic for the EU-28, but, given that the need for integration is much more significant in the Euro area, calls on the Commission to explore the possibility for EMU members to engage in enhanced cooperation with a view to adopting legislation that fosters intra- EMU labour mobility more quickly and efficient;
Amendment 140 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 17 a (new) 17 a. Calls on the Commission to conduct an EU-wide study into whether, as a result of recent changes made to Member State labour laws with a view to making the labour market more flexible, employees' social security cover has not been diminished and the principle of flexibility with security has not been infringed;
Amendment 141 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 18 Amendment 142 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 18 18.
Amendment 143 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 18 18.
Amendment 144 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 18 18. Notes the January 2014 proposal for a EURES (European Job Mobility Portal) regulation; calls for Parliament and the Council to deliberate on the reform as a matter of urgency so that EURES can become an effective instrument for boosting freedom of movement and for promoting diversity; recalls that mobility must remain voluntary and must not limit efforts to create jobs and training places on the spot;
Amendment 145 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 18 18. Notes the January 2014 proposal for a EURES (European Job Mobility Portal)
Amendment 146 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 18 18. Notes the January 2014 proposal for a EURES (European Job Mobility Portal) regulation; calls for Parliament and the Council to deliberate on the reform as a matter of urgency so that EURES can become an effective instrument for boosting
Amendment 147 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 19. Highlights the rising number of workers, particularly young people, departing their countries of origin for other Member States in search of employment opportunities, and is deeply concerned about the persistent divergences between those Member States creating employment and those supplying a low-cost labour force; urges the Commission to develop a better legal framework for cross-border movement of workers in order to ensure freedom of movement while consecrating the principle of equal treatment and safeguarding wages and social standards; calls for the establishment in each Member State, either by law or through collective bargaining, of a minimum wage
Amendment 148 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 19. Highlights the rising number of workers, particularly young people, departing their countries of origin for other Member States in search of employment opportunities, and is deeply concerned about the persistent divergences between those Member States creating employment and those supplying a low-cost labour force; urges the Commission to develop a better legal framework for cross-border movement of workers in order to ensure
Amendment 149 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 19. Highlights the rising number of workers, particularly young people, departing their countries of origin for other Member States in search of employment opportunities, and is deeply concerned about the persistent divergences between those Member States creating employment and those supplying a low-cost labour force; urges the Commission to develop a better legal framework for cross-border movement of workers in order to ensure freedom of movement while consecrating the principle of equal treatment and safeguarding wages and social standards;
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Recital C a (new) C a. whereas there is ample evidence that wage inequality is lower when worker representation is high and wages are set through collective bargaining and other processes involving worker and trade union participation; whereas higher wages stimulate demand and can therefore act as an economic stimulus for job creation and growth;
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Welcomes steps taken so far by Member States to enhance the Points of Single Contact and improve the functioning of the service sector, but shares the Commission's concerns that further improvements could be made to reduce barriers and enhance competition in the areas of services, including financial services;
Amendment 150 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 19. Highlights the rising number of workers, particularly young people, departing their countries of origin for other Member States in search of employment opportunities
Amendment 151 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 19.
Amendment 152 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 19. Highlights the rising number of workers, particularly young people, departing their countries of origin for other Member States in search of employment opportunities, and is deeply concerned about the persistent divergences between those Member States creating employment and those supplying a low-cost labour force; urges the Commission to develop a better legal framework for cross-border movement of workers in order to ensure freedom of movement while consecrating the principle of equal treatment and
Amendment 153 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 19. Highlights the rising number of workers, particularly young people, departing their countries of origin for other Member States in search of employment opportunities, and is deeply concerned about the persistent divergences between those Member States creating employment and those supplying a low-cost labour force; urges the Commission to develop a better legal framework for cross-border movement of workers
Amendment 154 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 19. Highlights the rising number of workers, particularly young people, departing their countries of origin for other Member States in search of employment opportunities, and is deeply concerned about the persistent divergences between those Member States creating employment and those supplying a low-cost labour force; urges Member States to ensure that freedom of movement is not restricted and access to public services of mobile young students and workers is not limited or denied; in this sense, calls on the Commission to put forward proposals to further facilitate the voluntary mobility of young people across the EU; urges the Commission to develop a better legal framework for cross-border movement of workers in order to ensure freedom of movement while consecrating the principle of equal treatment and safeguarding wages and social standards; calls for the establishment in each Member State, either by law or through collective bargaining, of a minimum wage equivalent to at least 60 % of the respective national average wage;
Amendment 155 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 19. Highlights the rising number of workers, particularly young people, departing their countries of origin for other
Amendment 156 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 19. Highlights the rising number of workers, particularly young people, departing their countries of origin for other Member States in search of employment opportunities, and is deeply concerned about the persistent divergences between those Member States creating employment and those supplying a low-cost labour force; urges the Commission to develop a better legal framework for cross-border movement of workers in order to ensure freedom of movement while consecrating the principle of equal treatment and safeguarding wages and social standards;
Amendment 157 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 19. Highlights the rising number of workers, particularly young people, departing their countries of origin for other Member States in search of employment opportunities, and is deeply concerned about the persistent divergences between those Member States creating employment and those supplying a low-cost labour force; urges the Commission to develop a
Amendment 158 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 19. Highlights the rising number of workers, particularly young people, departing their countries of origin for other Member States in search of employment opportunities, and is deeply concerned about the persistent divergences between those Member States creating employment and those supplying a low-cost labour force; urges the Commission to develop a better legal framework for cross-border movement of workers in order to ensure freedom of movement while consecrating the principle of equal treatment and safeguarding wages and social standards; in view of combatting in-work poverty, calls for the establishment in each Member State, either by law or through collective bargaining having the force of law, of a minimum wage equivalent to at least 60 % of the respective national average wage;
Amendment 159 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 19. Highlights the rising number of workers, particularly young people, departing their countries of origin for other Member States in search of employment opportunities, and is deeply concerned about the persistent divergences between those Member States creating employment and those supplying a low-cost labour force; urges the Commission to develop a better legal framework for cross-border movement of workers in order to ensure freedom of movement while consecrating the principle of equal treatment and safeguarding wages and social standards;
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Recital C a (new) C a. Whereas the Commission has acknowledged that, contrary to the Europe 2020 targets, poverty has increased by 10 million between 2010 and 2012 instead of being reduced;
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 b (new) 3b. Supports the Commission's analysis calling for the 'economic needs test' to be abolished due to the restrictions it places on businesses wishing to operate in other Member States;
Amendment 160 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 19. Highlights the rising number of workers, particularly young people, departing their countries of origin for other Member States in search of employment opportunities, and is deeply concerned about the persistent divergences between those Member States creating employment and those supplying a low-cost labour force; urges the Commission to
Amendment 161 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 a (new) 19 a. Calls for the repeal of all Union legislation regarding the freedom of movement to allow Member States to control immigration, employment and social security rights according to their own national laws;
Amendment 162 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 a (new) 19 a. Calls on Member States to step up their efforts to combat undeclared employment and precarious work, including 'mini jobs' and false part-time jobs, and to ensure that all workers enjoy appropriate social protection; deplores, furthermore, the abuse of non-standard employment contracts in order to avoid having to comply with employment and social protection obligations;
Amendment 163 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 a (new) 19 a. Considers that Europe needs stronger nominal wage dynamics to steer the economy away from the debt deflation trap, and robust increases in real wages to put the economy onto a strong growth trajectory; considers furthermore that the respect and promotion of autonomous collective bargaining is the best instrument to achieve these goals, as well as for negotiating restructuring processes, supporting productivity and investment, fostering redistribution and fighting poverty, and for restoring democracy and workers' participation at the workplace; underlines that the statutory minimum wage should be increased substantially in those countries where the social partners consider it necessary; stresses that these minimum wages need to respect the European Social Charter of the Council of Europe which calls for a remuneration that will give workers and their families a decent standard of living;
Amendment 164 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 a (new) 19 a. Is concerned that the supply of science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills (STEM) will not match the increasing demands of businesses in the coming years thereby reducing the capacity of the EU labour force to adapt and progress; calls on Member states to invest in the modernisation of education and training systems, including life-long learning, in particular dual learning schemes, and to facilitate the transition from school to work;
Amendment 165 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 b (new) 19 b. Believes there is a need to improve leadership, management and entrepreneurial skills among young people to enable new businesses and start- ups to take advantage of new markets, to realise their growth potential so that young people will become employers and not only employees;
Amendment 166 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 19 c (new) 19 c. Notes that bank lending is still the most common source of finance in Europe; believes however, that there are real benefits in new forms of financing through innovative schemes and non- bank routes, such as crowd funding, SME angels, peer-to-peer lending, micro- lending, easily accessible microcredit agencies and other tools, which can provide vital investment for start-ups and SMEs to grow and create jobs;
Amendment 167 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 20 20. Welcomes the mild decline in youth unemployment, but points out that it is still at alarming levels: 22 % in the EU-28 and 23.1 % in the eurozone; highlights the worrying differences between Member States (7.8 % in Germany and 53.5 % in Spain); considers it regrettable that even when young people do find a job, many of them – 43 % on average, compared with 13 % of adult workers – find themselves working under precarious conditions or on part-time contracts, making it difficult for them to live independently from their families and resulting in a loss of innovation and expert resources which affects production and growth; also expresses concern at the increasing level of unemployed homeless youth in many Member States;
Amendment 168 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 20 20. Welcomes the mild decline in youth unemployment, but points out that it is still at alarming levels: 22 % in the EU-28 and 23.1 % in the eurozone; highlights the worrying differences between Member States (7.8 % in Germany and 53.5 % in Spain); c
Amendment 169 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 20 20. Welcomes the mild decline in youth unemployment, but points out that it is still at alarming levels: 22 % in the EU-28 and 23.1 % in the eurozone; highlights the worrying differences between Member States (7.8 % in Germany and 53.5 % in Spain); considers it regrettable that even when young people do find a job, many of them – 43 % on average, compared with
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Recital C a (new) C a. Whereas the economic and financial crisis has highlighted the fragility of public finances in some Member States;
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 c (new) 3c. Calls for stronger efforts to promote the Single Market tools available to businesses and citizens, including the Points of Single Contact, so that they are better aware of the available opportunities to generate growth and jobs in the Single Market;
Amendment 170 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 20 20. Welcomes the mild decline in youth unemployment, but points out that it is still at alarming levels: 22 % in the EU-28 and 23.1 % in the eurozone; highlights the worrying differences between Member States (7.8 % in Germany and 53.5 % in Spain); stresses that job insecurity and underemployment have also risen significantly and considers it regrettable that even when young people do find a job, many of them – 43 % on average, compared with 13 % of adult workers – find themselves working under precarious conditions or on part-time contracts, making it difficult for them to live independently from their families and resulting in a loss of innovation and expert resources which affects production and growth;
Amendment 171 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 20 20. Welcomes the
Amendment 172 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 20 20. Welcomes the mild decline in youth unemployment, but points out that it is still at alarming levels: 22 % in the EU-28 and 23.1 % in the eurozone; highlights the worrying differences between Member States (7.8 % in Germany and 53.5 % in Spain);
Amendment 173 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 20 a (new) 20 a. Welcomes the mentioning of the Youth Guarantee in the majority of the country specific recommendations; however, calls for more transparency in the monitoring of the implementation and for more ambition with regard to addressing the Member States showing no progress in this regard; calls on the European Commission to closely monitor the challenges that have been identified in the 2014 Country Specific Recommendations, regarding the quality of offers, the lack of active outreach to NEETs, the administrative capacity of Public employment services and the lack of effective engagement with all the relevant partners; stresses that the Youth Employment Initiative should be regarded as an incentive to all Member States to use the European Social Fund to finance broader projects related to youth, especially on poverty and social inclusion;
Amendment 174 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 20 a (new) 20 a. Calls for obligatory bench-learning of EU Member States policy especially as regards European labour market policy, which means implementation of binding monitoring and recording of best practice models and methods in Europe focusing on the reduction of unemployment rates, primarily of youth unemployment, which shall result in mandatory bench-marking and ranking of all national examples, leading to concrete political consequences to be drawn from these findings by all EU Member States;
Amendment 175 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 20 b (new) 20 b. Considers it regrettable that even when young people do find a job, many of them – 43 % on average, compared with 13 % of adult workers – find themselves working under precarious conditions or on part-time contracts, making it difficult for them to live independently from their families and resulting in a loss of innovation and expert resources which affects production and growth;
Amendment 176 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 21 21. Calls on the Commission to
Amendment 177 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 21 21. Calls on the Commission to propose a binding European framework for the implementation of the Youth Guarantees so as to prevent the funds being misused in such a way as to aggravate national internal wage devaluation processes; takes the view that this legal framework should introduce
Amendment 178 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 21 21. Calls on the Commission to propose a binding European framework for the implementation of the Youth Guarantees so as to prevent the funds being misused in such a way as to aggravate national internal wage devaluation processes; takes the view that this legal framework should introduce binding minimum standards for the implementation of the Youth Guarantees, including the quality of apprenticeships, decent wages for young people and access to employment services, and should cover young people aged between 25 and 30; calls on the Commission and the Member States to make the Youth Guarantees a priority and to increase the available
Amendment 179 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 21 21. Calls on the Commission to propose a binding European framework for the implementation of the Youth Guarantees so as to prevent the funds being misused in such a way as to aggravate national internal wage devaluation processes; takes the view that this legal framework should introduce binding minimum standards for the implementation of the Youth Guarantees, including the quality of apprenticeships, decent wages for young people and access to employment services, and should cover young people aged between 25 and 30; calls on the Commission to closely monitor the introduction and the implementation of the Youth Guarantee Programme with regard to the Member States showing no progress in this regard; calls on the Commission and the Member States to make the Youth Guarantees a priority and to increase the available
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Recital C a (new) C a. whereas cases of vulnerable workers being abused in the EU and labour- market compartmentalisation with varying levels of protection for different contract types and job relationships still exist, leading to social maladjustment and inequality;
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 d (new) 3d. Outlines the potential of the manufacturing sector in the Single Market; in this regard, stresses the importance of reducing barriers for the production, distribution and procurement of industrial products in manufacturing;
Amendment 180 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 21 21. Calls on the Commission to propose a binding European framework for the implementation of the Youth Guarantees so as to prevent the funds being misused in such a way as to aggravate national internal wage devaluation processes; takes the view that this legal framework should introduce binding minimum standards for the implementation of the Youth Guarantees, including the quality of apprenticeships, decent wages for young people and access to employment services, and should cover young people aged between 25 and 30; calls on the Commission and the Member States to make the Youth Guarantees a priority and to increase the available budget, at the latest in the promised mid- term review of the multiannual financial framework, up to at least the sum of EUR 21 billion per year estimated by the International Labour Organisation to be necessary to resolve the problem in the eurozone;
Amendment 181 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 21 21. Calls on the Commission to propose a binding European framework for the implementation of the Youth Guarantees so as to prevent the funds being misused in such a way as to aggravate national internal wage devaluation processes; takes the view that this legal framework should introduce binding minimum standards for the implementation of the Youth Guarantees, including the quality of apprenticeships, decent wages for young people and access to employment services, and should cover young people aged between 25 and 30; calls on the Commission and the Member States to make the Youth Guarantee
Amendment 182 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 21 21.
Amendment 183 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 21 21. Calls on the Commission to propose a
Amendment 184 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 21 21. Calls on the Commission to propose a binding European framework for the implementation of the Youth Guarantees so as to prevent the funds being misused in such a way as to aggravate national internal wage devaluation processes; takes the view that this legal framework should introduce binding minimum standards for the implementation of the Youth Guarantees, including the quality of apprenticeships, the creation of jobs with rights, decent wages for young people, permanent contracts and access to employment services, and should cover young people aged between 25 and 30; calls on the Commission and the Member
Amendment 185 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 21 21. Calls on the Commission
Amendment 186 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 21 21. Calls on the Commission to
Amendment 187 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 21 a (new) 21 a. Notes that a variety of pathways must be available to young people, and that the definitions of such pathways (internships, traineeships) vary across Europe; strongly believes that applying a single definition across all Member States will create greater confusion;
Amendment 188 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 21 a (new) 21 a. Stresses the importance of emphasizing practical skills and the dual system of vocational training which makes young people more employable;
Amendment 189 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 21 b (new) 21 b. Calls on the Member States to improve cooperation between businesses and the education sector at all levels;
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion Recital C a (new) C a. whereas the setting of minimum wages is a competence of the Member States;
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 e (new) 3e. Supports the Commission's work on regulated professions but considers it necessary to take more action against restrictions placed at a national level especially those which affect the access to regulated professions to support jobs, growth and mobility of qualified professionals in the Single Market; also calls for increased monitoring of barriers in the Single Market for goods;
Amendment 190 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 22 22. Urges the Member States to go above and beyond the March 2014 Council recommendation for a Quality Framework for Traineeships in order to prevent discrimination and exploitation of young workers; calls for the adoption of a directive on decent conditions and minimum standards for
Amendment 191 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 22 22. Urges the Member States to go above and beyond the March 2014 Council recommendation for a Quality Framework for Traineeships in order to prevent discrimination and exploitation of young workers; calls for the adoption of a directive on decent conditions and minimum standards for
Amendment 192 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 22 22. Urges the Member States to go above and beyond the March 2014 Council recommendation for a Quality Framework for Traineeships in order to prevent discrimination and exploitation of young workers; calls for the adoption of a directive on decent conditions and minimum standards for internships and traineeships, giving interns and trainees clearly defined rights that include access to social protection, binding written contracts and fair remuneration
Amendment 193 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 22 22.
Amendment 194 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 22 22. Urges the Member States to go above and beyond the March 2014 Council recommendation for a Quality Framework for Traineeships in order to prevent discrimination and exploitation of young workers;
Amendment 195 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 22 22.
Amendment 196 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 22 22.
Amendment 197 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 23 23. Observes with concern that female unemployment rates are higher than the total rates (11.7 % in the EU-18 and 10.4 % in the EU-28, compared with 11.5 % and 10.2 % respectively); calls, therefore, for specific decent-job creation plans with targeted measures for women; calls for the establishment of specific recommendations with a view to reducing the gender pay gap and gender pension gap, which is not only a drag on the economy and on competitiveness but also a sign of social injustice;
Amendment 198 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 23 23. Observes with concern that female unemployment rates are higher than the total rates (11.7 % in the EU-18 and 10.4 % in the EU-28, compared with 11.5 % and 10.2 % respectively); calls, therefore, for specific decent-job creation plans with targeted measures for women; calls for the establishment of specific recommendations with a view to reducing the gender pay gap, which is not only a drag on the economy and on competitiveness but also a sign of social injustice; calls on the Member States to safeguard their maternity entitlements, to take measures to prevent the unfair dismissal of employees during pregnancy and to protect women and men with care responsibilities from unfair dismissal; calls also on the Council to speed up the adoption of the directive concerning the implementation of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of pregnant workers, workers who have recently given birth and women who are breastfeeding;
Amendment 199 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 23 23. Observes with concern that female unemployment rates are higher than the total rates (11.7 % in the EU-18 and 10.4 % in the EU-28, compared with 11.5 % and 10.2 % respectively); calls, therefore, for specific
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Recital A A. whereas, after six years of economic crisis and negative growth rates, the Commission’s forecasts for the economic recovery are still fragile and insufficient to achieve citizens’ employment and social demands; whereas the Commission recognises that in many parts of the EU the social situation is depressed, that unemployment has reached unprecedented heights and that the divergences among regions and Member States are growing; whereas measures to tackle this employment and social
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Notes that
Amendment 20 #
Draft opinion Recital C b (new) C b. whereas EU legislation on working conditions, discrimination and health and safety in the workplace grants protection for workers from exploitation and discrimination and also helps to facilitate the incorporation of groups, such as women and disabled people, into the labour market; whereas the cost of accidents at work and occupational ill health is estimated to represent between 2.6% and 3.8% of GDP, while it is estimated that for every euro spent on implementing health and safety standards, companies receive a return of 2.2 euros;
Amendment 20 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Considers that the European Semester process needs to be inclusive, and that political priorities also have to be discussed outside of government circles, in order to spread national ownership and effectively implement both economic governance and Single Market governance; in this regard, calls for the support of the Commission in assisting Member States with the implementation of complex Single Market legislation;
Amendment 200 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 23 23. Observes with concern that female unemployment rates are higher than the total rates (11.7 % in the EU-18 and 10.4 % in the EU-28, compared with 11.5 % and 10.2 % respectively); calls, therefore, for specific decent-job creation plans with targeted measures for women; calls for gender mainstreaming in recommendations and that increasing gender equality and women's labour market participation are not threatened by other recommendations; calls for the establishment of specific recommendations with a view to reducing the gender pay gap, which is not only a drag on the economy and on competitiveness but also a sign of social injustice;
Amendment 201 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 23 23. Observes with concern that female unemployment rates are higher than the total rates (11.7 % in the EU-18 and 10.4 % in the EU-28, compared with 11.5 % and 10.2 % respectively);
Amendment 202 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 23 a (new) 23 a. Welcomes the recommendations addressing the low participation of women in the labour market; calls on the Commission to include a broader gender equality perspective beyond employment rates in in the next Annual Growth Survey; calls on the Commission to address labour market segregation, unequal distribution of care responsibilities and the effects of fiscal consolidation on women in its policy guidance;
Amendment 203 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 23 a (new) 23 a. Calls for affordable and quality public services in the field of child and dependent people care which will permit, especially for women, the return to employment and to facilitate the conciliation of work and private life;
Amendment 204 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 23 a (new) 23 a. Calls on the Member States to guarantee adequate social security also for the most vulnerable groups such as the unemployed, the disabled, single- parent families, young families, the young, the elderly and pensioners; calls also on the Member States to ensure that social services are made more accessible for all members of vulnerable social groups and persons with long-term care needs, particularly in rural areas and disadvantaged regions;
Amendment 205 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 23 b (new) 23 b. Calls on the Member States to pay particular attention to high unemployment rates among disadvantaged groups, giving priority to accession and integration into the labour market and the mainstreaming of accession and integration policies, as employment is the key to successful integration;
Amendment 206 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 24 24. Is deeply concerned that long-term unemployed people and senior workers are experiencing higher unemployment rates and additional difficulties in re-entering the labour market; calls on
Amendment 207 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 24 24. Is deeply concerned that long-term unemployed people, people with chronic or terminal illnesses and senior workers are experiencing higher unemployment rates and additional difficulties in re- entering the labour market; calls on the Commission and the Member States to make full use of the European Social Fund to help these workers; urges the adoption of a directive on decent working conditions, defining core labour rights for all workers, including those returning to work after ill health, and introducing common minimum standards so as to prevent this kind of labour discrimination;
Amendment 208 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 24 24. Is deeply concerned that long-term unemployed people and senior workers are experiencing higher unemployment rates and additional difficulties in re-entering the labour market; calls on the Commission and the Member States to make full use of the European Social Fund to help these workers;
Amendment 209 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 24 24. Is deeply concerned that long-term unemployed people and senior workers are experiencing higher unemployment rates and additional difficulties in re-entering the labour market; calls on the Commission and the Member States to make full use of the European Social Fund to help these workers;
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion Recital C b (new) C b. Whereas budget and fiscal consolidation have been necessary to avoid bankruptcy of some Member States and to guarantee the sustainability and viability of the EU economy and the EU welfare state;
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Considers that the European Semester process needs to be inclusive, and that political priorities also have to be discussed outside of government circles, in order to spread national ownership and effectively implement both economic governance and Single Market governance; acknowledges that the dialogue with national parliaments and civil society plays an essential role in restoring confidence in the Single Market;
Amendment 210 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 24 24. Is deeply concerned that long-term unemployed people and senior workers are experiencing higher unemployment rates and additional difficulties in re-entering the labour market; calls on the Commission and the Member States to make full use of the European Social Fund to help these workers; urges the adoption of a directive on decent working conditions, defining core labour rights for all workers and introducing common minimum standards so as to prevent this kind of labour discrimination; calls on Member States to ensure that employment policies reach also those furthest away from the labour market, including people with migrant background and the Roma and to take action to ensure that anti-discrimination legislation relating to employment matters is implemented;
Amendment 211 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 24 24. Is deeply concerned that long-term unemployed people and senior workers are experiencing higher unemployment rates and additional difficulties in re-entering the labour market; calls on the Commission and the Member States to make full use of the European Social Fund to help these workers;
Amendment 212 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 24 a (new) 24 a. Observes with concern that employees aged 40+ often no longer have appropriate training and further education on their job; calls therefore on employers, social partners and national governments to execute true life-long learning (LLL) concepts and measurements on the labour market to achieve marked improvements in qualification of elder workers as soon as possible;
Amendment 213 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 25 25. Welcomes those CSRs aimed at increasing the adequacy and coverage of minimum income schemes and social protection, and the number of CSRs relating to labour market inclusion policies; takes the view, however, that the uneven and fragile growth expected by the Commission in 2014 and 2015 will not by itself be able to tackle the severe impact that
Amendment 214 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 25 25. Welcomes those CSRs aimed at increasing the adequacy and coverage of minimum income schemes and social protection, and the number of CSRs relating to labour market inclusion policies; takes the view, however, that the uneven and fragile growth expected by the Commission in 2014 and 2015 will not by itself be able to tackle the severe impact that austerity measures and the crisis have had on the fight against poverty and social
Amendment 215 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 25 25. Welcomes those CSRs aimed at increasing the adequacy and coverage of minimum income schemes and social protection, and the number of CSRs relating to labour market inclusion policies; takes the view, however, that the uneven and fragile growth expected by the Commission in 2014 and 2015 will not by itself be able to tackle the severe impact that austerity measures and the crisis have had on the fight against poverty and social exclusion and on the achievement of the Europe 2020 goals;
Amendment 216 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 25 25. Welcomes those CSRs aimed at increasing the adequacy and coverage of minimum income schemes and social protection, and the number of CSRs relating to labour market inclusion policies; takes the view, however, that the uneven and fragile growth expected by the Commission in 2014 and 2015 will not by itself be able to tackle the
Amendment 217 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 25 25. Welcomes those CSRs aimed at increasing the adequacy and coverage of
Amendment 218 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 25 25. Welcomes those CSRs aimed at increasing the adequacy and coverage of minimum income schemes and social protection, and the number of CSRs relating to labour market inclusion policies; takes the view, however, that the uneven and fragile growth expected by the Commission in 2014 and 2015 will not by itself be able to tackle the severe impact that austerity measures and the crisis have had on the fight against poverty and social exclusion and on the achievement of the Europe 2020 goals; demands that people who cannot fully participate in the labour market are not neglegted and calls therefore for a comprehensive active inclusion strategy that allows full access to quality social services; demands furthermore that the Member States propose specific, targeted measures within their NRPs with a view to tackling poverty, especially child poverty;
Amendment 219 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 25 25. Welcomes those CSRs aimed at increasing the adequacy and coverage of minimum income schemes and social protection, and the number of CSRs relating to labour market inclusion policies; takes the view, however, that the uneven and fragile growth expected by the Commission in 2014 and 2015 will not by itself be able to tackle the severe impact that austerity measures and the crisis have had on the fight against poverty and social exclusion and on the achievement of the Europe 2020 goals; demands that the Member States follow up closely the recommendations, deliver on them and propose specific, targeted measures within their NRPs with a view to tackling poverty, especially child poverty;
Amendment 22 #
Draft opinion Recital C b (new) C b. whereas, to tackle the crisis, certain Member States have made severe cuts in public expenditure at the same time as demand for social protection has increased in response to the rise in unemployment; whereas national budget allocations for social security cover have been further stretched as contributions have fallen in the wake of wide-scale job losses or wage cuts, thus placing the European social model at a real risk;
Amendment 22 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Considers that the European Semester process needs to be inclusive, and that political priorities also have to be discussed outside of government circles, in order to spread national ownership and effectively implement
Amendment 220 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 25 a (new) 25 a.Calls on Member States, taking note of the Council recommendation from 9 and 10 December 2013 on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States, to implement long-term, targeted and integrated measures for reducing the level of social and economic marginalization of Roma communities, especially through the adoption of measures for their integration in the labour market, including through strengthened links between social assistance and activation, and through the increase of school attendance by Roma children and the reduction of early school leaving;
Amendment 221 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 25 a (new) 25 a. Encourages Member States to take practical steps to combat poverty and social exclusion, by providing an appropriate minimum income and a social security system, in accordance with their own national practices, including provisions set out in collective agreements or national legislation;
Amendment 222 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 25 a (new) 25 a. Calls on the Commission to immediately tackle the alarming increase in child poverty throughout Europe through the introduction of a child guarantee against poverty; believes that such a guarantee is of upmost importance in order to protect children that have been affected by the consequences of the current economic and social crisis;
Amendment 223 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 25 a (new) 25 a. Calls on the Commission to link the European Semester more closely to the Europe 2020 social objectives; National Reform Programmes (NRPs) should report on progress on the national poverty targets demonstrating the contribution to the commonly agreed headline poverty target under Europe 2020; Calls on the Commission to issue CSRs on fighting poverty to all MSs in the future; Calls on Member States to have specific social inclusion and anti-discrimination measures in place to reduce poverty aiming groups most at risk from social exclusion;
Amendment 224 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 26 26. Regrets the fact that the Commission recommendations on pensions were made without taking into full account Parliament’s position on the Green and White Papers on pensions, in particular with regard to Parliament's recommendation of collective, solidarity- based supplementary occupational pension savings, preferably resulting from collective agreements and established at the national, sectorial or company level; is concerned that reforms to guarantee the sustainability of pensions have focused solely on population ageing, without taking into account the importance of the employment rate, especially in pay-
Amendment 225 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 26 26. Regrets the fact that the Commission recommendations on pensions were made without taking into account Parliament’s position on the Green and White Papers on pensions; is concerned that reforms to guarantee the sustainability of pensions have focused solely on population ageing, without taking into account the importance of the employment rate, especially in pay- as-you-go systems; strongly stresses the principle of subsidiarity and emphasises that national particularities, especially as regards occupational pension funds, have to be respected; recalls that guaranteeing decent pensions above a minimum level is an effective way to fight poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 226 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 26 26. Regrets the fact that the Commission recommendations on pensions were made without taking into account Parliament’s position on the Green and White Papers on pensions;
Amendment 227 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 26 26. Regrets the fact that the Commission recommendations on pensions were made without taking into account Parliament’s position on the Green and White Papers on pensions; is concerned that reforms to guarantee the sustainability of pensions have focused solely on population ageing, without taking into account the importance of the employment rate, especially in pay- as-you-go systems; recalls that raising the statutory retirement age, without significant rises in senior and young workers employment rates only transfers the cost from pension schemes to other social security schemes and workers; recalls that guaranteeing decent pensions above a minimum level is an effective way to fight poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 228 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 26 26. Regrets the fact that the Commission recommendations on pensions were made without taking into account Parliament’s position on the Green and White Papers on pensions; is concerned that reforms to guarantee the sustainability of pensions have focused solely on population ageing, without taking into account the importance of the employment rate (respectively the dependency ratio), especially in pay-
Amendment 229 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 26 26. Regrets the fact that the Commission recommendations on pensions were made without taking into account Parliament’s position on the Green and White Papers on pensions;
Amendment 23 #
Draft opinion Recital C c (new) C c. whereas once the economic and budgetary sustainability can be guaranteed, efforts should be focused on economic growth, job creation and social aspects;
Amendment 23 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4 a. Believes that within the European Semester process a more open and effective political coordination is needed, notably through a greater involvement of national parliaments, a stronger and earlier contribution of the social partners and by enhancing prerogatives of the European Parliament;
Amendment 230 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 26 26. Regrets the fact that the Commission recommendations on pensions were made without taking into account Parliament’s position on the Green and White Papers on pensions; is concerned that reforms to guarantee the sustainability of pensions have focused solely on population ageing, without taking into account the importance of the employment rate, especially in pay- as-you-go systems; recalls that guaranteeing
Amendment 231 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 26 26. Regrets the fact that the Commission recommendations on pensions were made
Amendment 232 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 26 26.
Amendment 233 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 27 27. Considers it regrettable that very few CSRs tackle the issue of in-work poverty or homelessness; points out that new forms of poverty affecting the middle and working classes are emerging in some cases, with difficulties in paying mortgages and high energy prices creating energy poverty and giving rise to an increasing number of evictions and foreclosures; is concerned by evidence that levels of homelessness and housing exclusion are increasing; recalls that this represents a violation of fundamental rights; recommends that the Member States and their local authorities introduce integrated strategies to confront homelessness, neutral housing policies favouring social and affordable housing, tackle the issue of housing vacancy and implement effective prevention policies aimed at reducing the number of evictions;
Amendment 234 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 27 27. Considers it regrettable that very few CSRs tackle the issue of in-work poverty; calls on the Commission to explicitly address in-work poverty and poverty among people with limited or no link to labour market in the AGS 2015; points out that new forms of poverty affecting the middle and working classes are emerging in some cases, with difficulties in paying mortgages and high energy prices creating energy poverty and giving rise to an increasing number of
Amendment 235 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 27 27. Considers it regrettable that very few CSRs tackle the issue of in-work poverty; points out that new forms of poverty affecting the middle and working classes are emerging in some cases, with difficulties in paying mortgages and high energy prices creating energy poverty and giving rise to an increasing number of evictions and foreclosures; is concerned by evidence that levels of homelessness and housing exclusion are increasing; recalls that this represents a violation of fundamental rights; recommends that the Member States and their local authorities introduce neutral housing policies favouring social and affordable housing, tackle the issue of housing vacancy and implement effective prevention policies aimed at reducing the number of evictions; calls therefore for an integrated strategy with poverty targets encompassing all sorts of poverty;
Amendment 236 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 27 27. Considers it regrettable that very few CSRs tackle the issue of in-work poverty; points out that new forms of poverty affecting the middle and working classes are emerging in some cases, with difficulties in paying mortgages and high energy prices creating energy poverty and giving rise to an increasing number of evictions and foreclosures; is concerned by evidence that levels of homelessness and housing exclusion are increasing; recalls that this represents a violation of fundamental rights; recommends that the Member States and their local authorities
Amendment 237 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 27 a (new) 27 a. Ask the European Commission to develop a strategy that would support Member States to tackle homelessness through integrated policies and appropriate social investment;
Amendment 238 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 28 a (new) 28 a. Notes the Commission's support for active inclusion strategies; believes however, that such strategies must include measures to integrate people with disabilities and reduced work capacities into the labour market; encourages the Member States to consider the added value of incentivising employers to employ those furthest from the labour market by developing a well balanced mix of responsibilities and support networks involving all relevant actors in the development of Member States labour market policies;
Amendment 239 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 29 29. Calls on the Commission to support the effective and efficient use of EU funds to reduce poverty through partnership approaches involving civil society; calls on the Member States, especially those with the highest rates of unemployment and poverty, to
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion Recital D D. whereas
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4 a. Recognizes that the Single Market is one of the most important elements of the European project creating benefits for both citizens and enterprises; reiterates that the Single Market remains highly fragmented and the large potential for growth, innovation and jobs highly untapped; calls on the European Commission and Member States to live up to their commitments and safeguard the re-launch of the Single Market among the Union's greatest priorities;
Amendment 240 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 29 29. Calls on the Commission to support the effective use of EU funds to reduce poverty through partnership approaches involving civil society; calls on the Member States, especially those with the highest rates of unemployment and poverty, to use 25 % of their cohesion funding for programmes related to the European Social Fund; also requests, in view of the high poverty rates, an evaluation as to whether the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived is sufficiently well-funded, and if it is not, considering the possibility for an increment during the mid-term review of the multiannual financial framework;
Amendment 241 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 29 29. Calls on the Commission to support the effective use of EU funds to reduce poverty through partnership approaches involving civil society; calls on the Member States, especially those with the highest rates of unemployment and poverty, to use 25 % of their cohesion funding for programmes related to the European Social Fund; also
Amendment 242 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 29 a (new) 29 a. Agrees with the Commission that Member States must confront homelessness through comprehensive strategies based on prevention, housing- led approaches and reviewing regulations and practices on eviction and stopping criminalisation of homeless people; calls for improvement with regard to transnational exchange of best practices and mutual learning and acknowledges the role of PROGRESS in this context;
Amendment 243 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 31 31. Notes the Commission recommendation to reform healthcare systems so that they deliver on their objectives of providing universal access to high-quality care in a cost-effective manner, and to secure their financial sustainability;
Amendment 244 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 31 31. Notes the Commission recommendation to reform healthcare systems so that they deliver on their objectives of providing public and universal access to high-quality care in a cost-effective manner, and to secure their financial sustainability; calls for the goals of meeting social needs, providing a social safety net and achieving financial sustainability to be put on an equal footing, and for sufficient resources to be allocated for social protection and health systems;
Amendment 245 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 31 31. Notes the Commission recommendation to reform healthcare systems so that they deliver on their objectives of providing universal access to high-quality care in a cost-effective manner, and to secure their financial sustainability; calls for the goals of meeting
Amendment 246 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 31 a (new) 31 a. Regrets the insufficient democratic legitimacy of the European Semester procedure resulting from the exclusion of the European and national Parliaments in the whole process; considers it therefore a matter of democratic urgency to submit the Annual Growth Survey to the codecision procedure;
Amendment 248 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 32 32. Reiterates its call for increased and structured involvement of civil society and trade union stakeholders at EU as well as national level, so as to safeguard the legitimacy and improve the effectiveness of the European Semester process by developing concrete guidelines and monitoring mechanism; looks forward, in this connection, to the Commission
Amendment 249 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 32 32. Reiterates its call for increased and structured involvement of civil society and trade union stakeholders at national and EU level, so as to safeguard the legitimacy and improve the effectiveness of the European Semester process; looks forward, in this connection, to the Commission’s planned involvement of the social partners in the context of the Social Dialogue Committee prior to the adoption of the 2015 Annual Growth Survey;
Amendment 25 #
Draft opinion Recital D D. whereas the Commission has acknowledged that excessive austerity policies have had a negative impact on economic growth because they failed to take into account the effects of the fiscal multipliers, and that such austerity policies have resulted in tough cuts to social spending in fundamental areas such as education, health and pensions, resulting in unprecedented levels of inequality and poverty in
Amendment 25 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 b (new) 4 b. Highlights that European economies need to perform by taking full advantage of their interdependence in the Single Market, while taking into account the varying development stages and priorities of the Member States; believes that specific focus should be put both on industry and services with a view to fostering virtuous convergence between production systems and positive spill-over across the Single Market;
Amendment 250 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 32 32. Reiterates its call for increased and structured involvement of civil society
Amendment 251 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 33 33.
Amendment 252 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 33 33. Criticises the fact that not all the Member States have involved both their national parliament and their national social partners and civil society in the drafting of their NRPs
Amendment 253 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 33 33. Criticises the fact that not all the Member States have involved both their national parliament and their national social partners in the drafting of their NRPs
Amendment 254 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 33 a (new) 33 a. Expresses its concern about the fact that no recommendations have been made on the Europe 2020 objectives to those Member States with a financial assistance programme; calls on the Commission to assess the impact of the economic adjustment programme on progress towards the Europe 2020 headline targets and to propose modifications designed to bring the adjustment programme into line with the Europe 2020 objectives;
Amendment 255 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 33 b (new) 33 b. Calls on the Commission and Council to enter into an inter-institutional agreement with Parliament in order to give Parliament a full role in the drafting and approval of the Annual Growth Survey and the Economic Policy and Employment Guidelines;
Amendment 26 #
Draft opinion Recital D D. whereas the Commission has acknowledged that excessive austerity policies
Amendment 26 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5.
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion Recital D D. whereas the Commission has acknowledged that excessive austerity policies have had a negative impact on economic growth because they failed to take into account the effects of the fiscal multipliers, and that such austerity policies have resulted in tough cuts to social spending in fundamental areas such as education, health and pensions, resulting in unprecedented levels of inequality and poverty in the EU, with a particularly alarming increase of child poverty compromising children's chances to achieve their full potential and to contribute to societies' well-being in the future;
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Considers that a
Amendment 28 #
Draft opinion Recital D D. whereas the Commission has acknowledged that
Amendment 28 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Considers that a strong injection of
Amendment 29 #
Draft opinion Recital E E. whereas Article 9 TFEU provides that: «In defining and implementing its policies and activities, the Union shall take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion, and a high level of education, training and protection of human health’, and whereas
Amendment 29 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Considers that a
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Recital A A. whereas, after six years of economic crisis and negative growth rates, the economic recovery is gaining ground and it is expected to be spread to all Member States by 2015; whereas the Commission’s forecasts for the economic recovery are still fragile
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Notes that the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy are yet to be achieved and believes that, with a view to the update required, stronger measures should be put
Amendment 30 #
Draft opinion Recital E E. whereas Article 9 TFEU provides that: «In defining and implementing its policies and activities, the Union shall take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion, and a high level of education, training and protection of human health’
Amendment 30 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Considers that a strong injection of EU funding is fundamental in order to stimulate the real economy and to foster recovery in all Member States; supports the Commission’s recommendation to give priority to public investment in infrastructure, research, innovation and human capital; calls on the Commission to focus on jobs, in particular for young people, by ensuring adequate training programmes;
Amendment 31 #
Draft opinion Recital E a (new) E a. Whereas only 7,5 million people, 3,1 % of the workforce in the EU, are currently employed in another Member State and whereas young people are the group more likely to be mobile;
Amendment 31 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Considers that a strong injection of EU funding is fundamental in order to stimulate the real economy and to foster recovery in all Member States; supports the Commission’s recommendation to give priority to public investment in infrastructure, research, innovation and human capital; considers, furthermore, that these investments should serve the launch of a consistent and integrated industrial policy;
Amendment 32 #
Draft opinion Recital E a (new) E a. Whereas Art. 174 TFUE provides that "In order to promote its overall harmonious development, the Union shall develop and pursue its actions leading to the strengthening of its economic, social and territorial cohesion. In particular, rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross- border and mountain regions";
Amendment 32 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Considers that
Amendment 33 #
Draft opinion Recital E a (new) E a. Whereas the Commission has to establish trust with economic actors, support enterprise development and in particular focus on supporting SME development, with the aim to promote economic growth and to support employment in Europe;
Amendment 33 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Considers that a strong injection of EU funding is fundamental in order to stimulate the real economy, green the economy and to foster recovery in all Member States; supports the Commission’s recommendation to give priority to public investment in infrastructure, research, innovation and human capital;
Amendment 34 #
Draft opinion Recital E a (new) E a. whereas the European Parliament adopted its resolutions of 14 September 2011 and of 16 January 2014 on an EU Homelessness Strategy;
Amendment 34 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Urges the Commission to take additional measures to improve access to finance for SMEs, as well as to ensure improvement of business environment, simplify procedures and reduce administrative burdens on businesses in the Single Market;
Amendment 35 #
Draft opinion Recital E a (new) E a. whereas, as a result of the crisis, SMEs and micro-enterprises are facing an extremely high cost of and difficulty in accessing finance, thus hampering their ability to grow and create jobs;
Amendment 35 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Considers easier access to funding for SMEs as a priority and calls on the full implementation of the Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEs (COSME) (2014-2020);
Amendment 36 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the
Amendment 36 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Considers necessary a re- industrialisation of Europe based on strategic sectors; therefore calls on the Commission and the Member States to elaborate a joint and urgent Strategy to strengthen European industry with the aim of increasing equitable competitiveness and creating quality jobs;
Amendment 37 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the fact that the focus of the 2014 country-specific recommendations (CSRs) has shifted from solely boosting fiscal consolidation to strengthening the conditions for sustainable growth and employment; recalls that within the current Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) there are still margins intended to facilitate economic growth in the EU, and that differences in the Member States
Amendment 37 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 b (new) 5 b. Emphasises that in order to achieve an equitable growth and a sustainable development of the society, the EU needs an internal market based on a social economy that stresses the support to social entrepreneurs and social innovators;
Amendment 38 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the fact that the focus of the 2014 country-specific recommendations (CSRs) has shifted from solely boosting fiscal consolidation to strengthening the conditions for sustainable growth and employment; recalls that within the current Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) there are still margins intended to facilitate economic growth in the EU, and that differences in the Member States’ economic and social situations need to be taken into account; calls for
Amendment 38 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Shares the Commission’s concerns about the increasing number of multinational companies that are using corporate tax strategies to reduce or evade t
Amendment 39 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the fact that the focus of the 2014 country-specific recommendations (CSRs) has shifted from solely boosting fiscal consolidation to strengthening the conditions for sustainable growth and employment; recalls that within the current Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) there are still margins intended to facilitate economic growth in the EU, and that differences in the Member States’ economic and social situations need to be taken into account;
Amendment 39 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. S
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Recital B B. whereas, notwithstanding a mild decline
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Calls on the Commission to use the opportunity presented by the mid-term review of the Europe 2020 Strategy and the revision of the Integrated Guidelines to strengthen the role of the Single Market in growth, innovation and jobs and to reinforce EU competiveness in the key growth areas identified as the services sector, the energy sector, the transport sector and the digital single market;
Amendment 40 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the fact that the focus of the 2014 country-specific recommendations (CSRs) has shifted from solely boosting
Amendment 40 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Shares the Commission’s concerns about the increasing number of multinational companies that are using corporate tax strategies to reduce or e
Amendment 41 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1 a. Underlines that while wages are an important variable in resolving euro-area macro-economic imbalances, they are not merely a tool for economic adjustment, but above all the income that workers need to live on; calls on the Commission to ensure that recommendations in the field of wages do not increase in-work poverty or wage inequalities within Member States, or harm low-income groups;
Amendment 41 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6 a. Considers that there is a need to create, on the basis of a thorough analysis, an EU-wide tax information system serving not to harmonise the different national tax structures, but to facilitate their coordination in a continuous and transparent manner, keeping track of the cuts and increases made by Member States; notes that for the functioning of such a system, the framework of the European Semester would be a good basis, since – in tandem with other specific macroeconomic measures – it could keep good record of the various tax policies of the different Member States, taking fully into account the general economic forecast as well as the fundamentals and future perspectives of the Member States concerned and common European objectives; in light of this, encourages the Commission and the Member States to integrate a strategy aimed at reducing the tax gap into the European Semester;
Amendment 42 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1 a. Welcomes the Commission's recognition that fiscal consolidation must continue in a growth-friendly and differentiated manner, which will allow Member States not only to invest in growth and job creation, but also to tackle high debt, unemployment or the challenges of an ageing society;
Amendment 42 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6 a. Considers that the Single Market is an essential lever for growth, and that the key sectors identified by the Commission – services, financial services, transport, energy and the digital market – are decisive for its full integration;
Amendment 43 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1 a. Notes that the neoliberal measures, so-called of austerity, which have been reinforced, notably as part of the so-called National Reform Plans, Economic Governance and the European Semester are contributing to the deepening of the social and economic crisis in a number of countries with more fragile economies, making life more and more difficult for families of the working class and in particular for young people, women and children, who are the main victims of the increase of poverty, unemployment and precarious and poorly paid work;
Amendment 43 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Emphasises that the economic crisis has
Amendment 44 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1 b. Highlights the job potential of the green economy which according to Commission estimates could create 5 million jobs by 2020 in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors alone, provided that ambitious climate and energy policies are put in place; calls on the Member States to ensure sufficient levels of investment in these sectors and to anticipate future skills of workers; calls on the Commission to include the exploitation of the job potential of the green economy as a key priority in the Annual Growth Survey of 2015;
Amendment 44 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Emphasises that the economic crisis has greatly worsened the living conditions of many European citizens and has led to a sharp increase in levels of inequality; points out that universal access to high- quality affordable public services
Amendment 45 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1 b. Welcomes the fact that the Commission takes into account the divergences between Member States apparent in National Reform Programmes (NRPs), but calls on the Commission and Member States to pay special attention to those regions with permanent natural or demographic handicaps, in particular when considering fund allocations;
Amendment 45 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Emphasises that the economic crisis has greatly worsened the living conditions of many European citizens and has led to a sharp increase in levels of inequality; points out that
Amendment 46 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2 a. Stresses that social and employment policies should not merely be looked at from a cost perspective, but consideration should also be given to structural reforms of the labour market and the long term benefit perspective, in order to maintain investments in society and citizens with a view to reaching the goals of the EU2020 strategy and safeguarding the future and stability of the Member States and the EU as a whole;
Amendment 46 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Emphasises that the economic crisis has greatly worsened the living conditions of many European citizens and has led to a sharp increase in levels of inequality and poverty; points out that universal access to high-
Amendment 47 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 Amendment 47 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Emphasises that the economic crisis has greatly worsened the living conditions of many European citizens and has led to a sharp increase in levels of inequality and poverty; points out that universal access to high-
Amendment 48 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Is deeply concerned that, up to now, the recommendations made as part of the European Semester have taken us further away from achieving the employment and social targets of the Europe 2020 strategy; calls on the new Commission to
Amendment 48 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7 a. Calls on the Commission in this regard to consider applying a solidarity check on its recommendations, thus measuring the effects on inequality and poverty, as well as social cohesion;
Amendment 49 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Is deeply concerned that
Amendment 49 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7 a. Urges to create a genuine internal market for energy that ensures fair market access, high level of consumer protection and an accessible market especially for SMEs;
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Recital B B. whereas, notwithstanding a mild decline in unemployment, unemployment rates in the EU are still incredibly alarming (25.005 million in the EU-28 in June 2014); whereas, furthermore, the differences between Member States’ unemployment rates (5 % in Austria, compared with 27.3 % in Greece) represent a major risk both for the economic stability of the EU and for European social cohesion; whereas this is particularly the case concerning youth unemployment, having more than 5 million people unemployed under the age of 25 years in the EU28 and countries with youth unemployment rates higher than 50% (Spain, Greece);
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Calls on the Commission to use the opportunity presented by the mid-term review of the Europe 2020 Strategy and the revision of the Integrated Guidelines to strengthen the role of the Single Market, in
Amendment 50 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Is deeply concerned that, up to now, the recommendations made as part of the European Semester have taken us further away from achieving the employment and social targets of the Europe 2020 strategy
Amendment 50 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7 a. Emphasises that the European Semester is a great opportunity to urge Member States to step up their efforts towards the Digital Single Market which not only means more growth and jobs, especially in the SMEs sector and among young people, but also a future-oriented modern EU;
Amendment 51 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Is deeply concerned that, up to now, the
Amendment 51 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Believes that Member States have to step up their efforts to modernise their public administrations, by providing more and better digital services for citizens and businesses, reducing costs and enhancing efficiency;
Amendment 52 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3 a. Calls for ex-ante coordination of fiscal, economic and social policies recommended under the European Semester and in particular in the Annual Growth Survey and the Country Specific Recommendations;
Amendment 52 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Believes that Member States
Amendment 53 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Calls for a true «social pillar’ to be implemented within economic and monetary union (EMU) as part of the process of improving economic governance mechanisms in these Member States, so as to reduce unemployment, poverty and social exclusion, overcome social dumping and prevent competition for the lowest social standards
Amendment 53 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Believes that Member States have to step up their efforts to modernise their public administrations, by providing more and better digital services for citizens and businesses, reducing costs and enhancing efficiency, and facilitating cross border cooperation and interoperability of public administrations; highlights that the proper and quick implementation of EU public procurement and concessions legislation would provide a great opportunity to
Amendment 54 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Calls for a true «social pillar’ to be implemented within economic and monetary union (EMU) as part of the process of improving economic governance mechanisms, so as to reduce unemployment, poverty and social exclusion, overcome social dumping and prevent competition for the lowest social standards in the EU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to bring economic measures implemented in the course of the European Semester in line with the social targets of the Europe 2020 strategy and the social principles set out in the Treaties;
Amendment 54 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8.
Amendment 55 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Calls for
Amendment 55 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Believes that Member States have to step up their efforts to modernise their
Amendment 56 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Calls for a true
Amendment 56 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Believes that Member States have to step up their efforts to modernise their public administrations, by providing more and better digital services for citizens and businesses, reducing costs and enhancing efficiency; highlights that the proper and quick implementation of EU public procurement and concessions legislation would provide a great opportunity to modernise public administration, at both government and local levels, by enhancing the quality, effectiveness and transparency of public spending and investment.
Amendment 57 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4.
Amendment 57 #
8a. Welcomes the European Commission initiative Regulatory Fitness and Performance programme (REFIT) to reduce regulatory burden and make simpler, clear and stable regulatory framework supporting growth and jobs, but calls on the European Commission to ensure that quality legislation and social aspects of the Single Market are preserved so that one ideal does not progress at the expense of the other;
Amendment 58 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the Commission’s use of the new employment and social scoreboard for this year’s CSRs; c
Amendment 58 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 a (new) 8 a. Considers it essential to override the current fragmentation of national rules regarding digital services and to build a more innovative and transparent digital Single Market based on sound competition, providing a high level of accessibility and consumer protection;
Amendment 59 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the Commission’s use of the new employment and social scoreboard for this year’s CSRs; considers it regrettable, however, that these indicators are only analytical and have not been made binding in view of the current employment and social emergency; calls on the Commission, therefore, to put them on an equal footing with macroeconomic indicators, and to include additional indicators – such as child poverty levels, access to healthcare, homelessness, and a decent work index – in the scoreboard in order to allow more effective analysis and monitoring of Member States’ employment and social concerns;
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Recital B B. whereas, notwithstanding a mild decline in unemployment, unemployment rates in the EU are still incredibly alarming (25.005 million in the EU-28 in June 2014); whereas, furthermore, the differences between Member States’ unemployment rates (5 % in Austria, compared with 27.3 % in Greece), especially youth unemployment, represent a major risk both for the economic stability of the EU and for European social cohesion;
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2 a. Reiterates its call on the Commission to put forward proposals, within the framework of the mid-term review of the Europe 2020 strategy, to classify the Single Market as a specific pillar of the European Semester, including dedicated guidelines and country-specific recommendations thereon;
Amendment 60 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the Commission’s use of the new employment and social scoreboard for this year’s CSRs;
Amendment 61 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the Commission’s use of the new employment and social scoreboard for this year’s CSRs; considers it regrettable, however, that these indicators have not been made binding in view of the current employment and social emergency; calls on the Commission, therefore, to put them on an equal footing with macroeconomic indicators, and to include additional indicators – such as decent work, child poverty levels, access to healthcare
Amendment 62 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the Commission’s use of the new employment and social scoreboard for
Amendment 63 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the Commission’s use of the new employment and social scoreboard for this year’s CSRs; c
Amendment 64 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the Commission’s use of the new employment and social scoreboard for this year’s CSRs; c
Amendment 65 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the Commission’s use of the new employment and social scoreboard for this year’s CSRs; considers it regrettable, however, that Member States' targets regarding these indicators
Amendment 66 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the Commission
Amendment 67 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Reiterates its call for a meeting of the Eurogroup employment and social affairs ministers to be held prior to euro summits whenever necessary, so as to ensure that social and employment concerns are addressed more fully in the discussions and decisions of the eurozone authorities, and with a view to contributing to the meetings of the eurozone heads of state and government; believes
Amendment 68 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Welcomes the Commission’s recognition that the impact of fiscal consolidation measures on the EU employment and social situation has been severe and far-reaching; calls for
Amendment 69 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Welcomes the Commission’s recognition that the impact of fiscal consolidation measures, taken in order to guarantee not only the sustainability of some Member States economies, but the sustainability of the whole European economy, on the EU employment and social situation has been severe and far- reaching; calls
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Recital B B. whereas, notwithstanding a
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Welcomes the shift in the 2014 country- specific recommendations to strengthening growth and employment, but calls for more determined efforts
Amendment 70 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Welcomes the Commission
Amendment 71 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7 a. Welcomes the intention of the Italian Presidency, as also included in the conclusions of the European Council extraordinary meeting on 30 August 2014, to hold a Conference at the level of Heads of State or Government on employment, especially youth employment;
Amendment 72 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Welcomes the abovementioned mild decline in unemployment rates in the EU;
Amendment 73 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Welcomes the
Amendment 74 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Welcomes the abovementioned mild decline in unemployment rates in the EU;
Amendment 75 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Welcomes the abovementioned
Amendment 76 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8.
Amendment 77 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Welcomes the abovementioned mild decline in unemployment rates in the EU;
Amendment 78 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 a (new) 8 a. Stresses the need for reforms in the labour market to put a strong focus on promoting quality of work, improved social security and social exclusion, enhancing existing and introducing new workers' rights, promoting health and safety at work, better social risk management and the reconciliation of work and non-work life;
Amendment 79 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 a (new) 8 a. Notes that the Commission draws attention to the need for structural reforms to improve framework conditions for growth and jobs, particularly at times of high unemployment and that many opportunities can be opened up at both national and European levels by completing the Single Market;
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion Recital B a (new) B a. whereas the Commission has noted that many Member States have already launched important reforms, including strengthening and improving the efficiency of active labour market policies and by creating a hospitable businesses environment;
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Welcomes the shift in the 2014 country- specific recommendations to strengthening growth and employment, lauds in this context the Commissions’ work to define country-specific recommendations relating to the Single Market, but calls for more determined efforts to guide and coordinate national and EU policies so as to complete the Single Market and reap its potential to boost growth and create jobs; emphasises that the assessment should also examine how the main stakeholders alike benefit from the Single Market and tackle obstacles in its performance;
Amendment 80 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 9 9. Calls on the new Commission to make the employment recovery a
Amendment 81 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 9 9. Calls on the new Commission to make the employment recovery a true priority by establishing an ambitious and holistic strategy for quality job creation, and to promote access for excluded groups through integrated active inclusion approaches, which should involve all the new Commissioners; takes the view that, to this end, each Commissioner should draw up a quality employment plan for their specific policy area, including concrete measures, a budget allocation and a calendar for its implementation, also urges the Commission to demand from each Member State a National Job Plan for decent/quality job creation as agreed by Member States at the 2012 Spring Council;
Amendment 82 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 9 9. Calls on the new Commission to make the employment recovery a true priority by establishing an ambitious and holistic strategy for quality job creation, which should involve all the new Commissioners;
Amendment 83 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 9 9. Calls on the new Commission to make the employment recovery a true priority by establishing an ambitious and holistic strategy for quality job creation, which should involve all the new Commissioners dealing with subjects which have an impact on the EU labour market; takes the view that, to this end,
Amendment 84 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 9 9. Calls on the new Commission to make the employment recovery a true priority by establishing an ambitious and holistic strategy for quality job creation, which should involve all the new Commissioners; takes the view that, to this end, each Commissioner should draw up a quality employment plan for their specific policy area,
Amendment 85 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 9 9. Calls on the new Commission to make the employment recovery a true priority
Amendment 86 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 9 9. Calls on the new Commission to make the employment recovery a true priority
Amendment 87 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 9 9. Calls on the new Commission to make the employment recovery a true priority by establishing an ambitious and holistic strategy for quality job creation, which should involve all the new Commissioners; takes the view that, to this end, each Commissioner should draw up a
Amendment 88 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 10 Amendment 89 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 10 Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion Recital B b (new) B b. whereas the Commission points to the role of innovation, research and development in generating added value, and that growing skills mismatches are particularly affecting knowledge based sectors;
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Welcomes the shift in the 2014 country- specific recommendations to strengthening growth and employment, but calls for more determined efforts to guide and coordinate national and EU policies so as to complete the Single Market and reap its potential to
Amendment 90 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 10 10.
Amendment 91 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 10 10.
Amendment 92 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 10 a (new) 10 a. Is concerned that calls to 'modernise' EU labour markets will lead to de-regulation and the erosion of workers' rights and essential protection of workers health, safety and security; therefore calls on the new Commission to uphold workers' social rights and to ensure that all legislation grants appropriate protection to workers against exploitation, discrimination and ill-health and does so on the basis of risk, rather than the size of an enterprise;
Amendment 93 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 10 a (new) 10 a. Stresses that the Commission's strategy of restoring EU competitiveness should focus on a cross-sectorial policy in order to boost innovation and excellence;
Amendment 94 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 10 a (new) 10 a. Is concerned about the ever rising inequalities in terms of wealth and income weakening the purchasing power and the internal demand as well as the investments in the real economy; calls on Member States to include measures to reduce these inequalities into their NRPs in order to boost growth, employment and social cohesion;
Amendment 95 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 10 a (new) 10 a. Furthermore regrets that, in the CSRs, the reduction of work taxation aimed to reinforce competitiveness and employment is proposed to be compensated only through rises in VAT or environmental taxation, and never through increases in capital taxation;
Amendment 96 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 10 a (new) 10 a. Insists that the Commission refrains from interfering in wage-setting mechanisms in Member States; wage- setting must remain the prerogative of the autonomous social partners, or by similar means, specific to the individual Member States;
Amendment 97 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 10 a (new) 10 a. Welcomes the Commission's Country Specific Recommendations in the field of environmental taxation and calls on Member States to implement this recommendation while ensuring that this will benefit lower incomes in particular; highlights the positive budgetary, employment, social, and environmental impacts of shifting taxation from labour to environmental taxation and of the phasing out of environmentally harmful subsidies; calls on the Commission to make environmental taxation a priority in the upcoming Annual Growth Survey;
Amendment 98 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 11 11. Welcomes the Commission’s call, in its umbrella communication on the CSR in the EU as a whole, to invest more in R&D, innovation, education, skills and active labour market policies, together with energy, transport and the digital economy;
Amendment 99 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 11 11. Welcomes the Commission’s call, in its umbrella communication on the CSR in the EU as a whole, to invest more in R&D, innovation, education, skills and active labour market policies, together with energy, transport and the digital economy;
source: 537.373
2014/09/17
BUDG
28 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Underlines, once again, the important role of the EU budget in stimulating growth, boosting job creation and reducing macroeconomic imbalances in the EU; recalls, in particular, that without even considering its role as a catalyst for investment, some 60 % of the EU budget is directly devoted to the achievement of the Europe 2020 objectives; underlines moreover that many 2014-20 programmes contain innovative financial instruments which have the potential to play a key role in supporting both public and private investments in the Member States, particularly in respect of long term investments which is widely recognised as a major political priority;
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines the fact that the promotion of EU jobs and competitiveness requires that the formation of value chains in the EU be boosted and that EU companies be more firmly integrated at all value-chain levels; recalls the fact that such policies should cover undertakings of all sizes, be conducive to maintaining the production chain in Europe and support sectors with high sustainable growth potential, with a specific focus on innovation, skills, entrepreneurship and creativity;
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Stresses the fact that, at a time when many Member States are heavily reliant on a single energy supplier, including six who are entirely dependent on Russia for their natural gas, the promotion and safeguarding of jobs also requires a reduction in the EU’s vulnerability to external energy shocks, as evidenced by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine; welcomes, in this regard, the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26- 27 June 2014 and expects these conclusions to be complemented no later than October 2014 by ambitious medium- to long-term measures to enhance the EU’s
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Stresses the fact that, at a time when many Member States are heavily reliant on a single energy supplier, including six who are entirely dependent on Russia for their natural gas, the promotion and safeguarding of jobs also requires a reduction in the EU’s vulnerability to external energy shocks, as evidenced by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine; welcomes, in this regard, the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26- 27 June 2014 and expects these conclusions to be complemented no later than October 2014 by ambitious medium- to long-term
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Underlines the fact that the tight 2014- 2020 ceilings in payments remain a crucial problem for the EU budget, having negative effects on economic recovery given that late payments are harmful primarily to direct beneficiaries; recalls the need to ensure, in the light of implementation, the orderly progression of payments so as to concomitantly deliver on both the payments stemming from past commitments and those resulting from prefinancing to promptly launch the new programmes, and to avoid any abnormal shift of outstanding commitments (RAL) onto the 2015 budget; urges, in this connection, the Council to adopt in full draft amending budget no 3/2014, as submitted by the Commission, in order for the EU budget to have maximum impact in terms of investment on the ground; Underlines that the various flexibility mechanisms included in the MFF Regulation must be used, where appropriate; Intends to continue monitoring the overall status of payments, particularly in relation to the high level of payments still needed to complete the previous MFF programmes; Underlines that the contingency margin must be considered, where appropriate, in accordance with Article 13 of the MFF Regulation; Calls for a quicker implementation of this mechanism when needed;
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Underlines the fact that the tight 2014- 2020 ceilings in payments remain a crucial problem for the EU budget, having negative effects on economic recovery given that late payments are harmful primarily to direct beneficiaries; recalls the need to ensure, in the light of implementation, the orderly progression of payments so as to concomitantly deliver on both the payments stemming from past commitments and those resulting from prefinancing to promptly launch the new programmes, and to avoid any abnormal shift of outstanding commitments (RAL) onto the 2015 budget; urges, in this connection, the Council to adopt in full all draft amending budget
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Underlines the fact that the tight 2014- 2020 ceilings in payments remain a crucial problem for the EU budget, having negative effects on economic recovery
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7.
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Finds it regrettable that the Member States continue to underestimate the role and contribution of the EU budget in strengthening economic governance and budget coordination throughout the Union, and therefore calls on them not to consider their contribution to the EU budget as an adjustment variable in their consolidation efforts and not to seek to artificially reduce the volume of the EU budget’s growth- enhancing expenditure, in contradiction with the political commitments they have made at the highest level; calls once again on the Commission to take full account of this recurring and dangerous trend when assessing the budgetary plans of the Member States and to propose concrete actions to reverse it; believes, on the contrary, that funding at EU level can generate savings for the Member States’ budgets;
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Calls, in this context, on the Member States to ensure that EU funding is directed, wherever possible, towards projects promoting the creation of jobs, in particular for young people, as well as sustainable growth and competitiveness;
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Recalls its view that
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Underlines, once again, the important role of the EU budget in stimulating sustainable growth, boosting job creation and reducing macroeconomic imbalances and social inequalities in the EU; recalls, in particular, that without even considering its role as a catalyst for investment, some 60 % of the EU budget is directly devoted to the achievement of the Europe 2020 objectives;
Amendment 20 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Recalls its view that the fiscal situation of Member States can be eased through a new system of own resources
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. 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 gross national income (GNI) contributions, thus enabling Member States to meet their consolidation efforts without jeopardising EU funding to support investment in economic recovery and reform measures; reminds that the European Commission has tabled several legislative proposals in order to reform the own resources system and which have not been seriously discussed by the Council; 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 22 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Recalls
Amendment 23 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 9 9. Urges the Commission, in the framework of its 2015 Annual Growth Survey (AGS) to be published in November 2014, to fully address and underline the role of the EU budget in the European Semester process by providing factual and concrete data on its triggering, catalytic, synergetic and complementary effects on overall public expenditure at local, regional and national level; Urges the Commission and Member States to monitor and report on the impact of the healthcare system reforms in order to ensure inclusion, prioritize prevention and early intervention methods and provide equal access, as recommended in the AGS;
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 10 10. Calls, furthermore, on the Commission, in its next AGS, to provide a full and complete picture of what has been achieved as a result of the implementation of the Compact for Growth and Jobs, adopted at the European Council meeting of June 2012, and to present new proposals on the role which the EU budget could play in further stimulating growth and job creation; Calls on the Commission and Member States to address the low participation in the labor market of disadvantaged groups, including persons belonging to minorities (eg Roma citizens) who come from the poorest micro or living with disabilities; Calls on the Commission and Member States also to address the unequal distribution of employment across regions and social groups and the effects of fiscal consolidation on vulnerable social groups, which require Member States to continue their efforts; stresses that efforts regarding structural reforms must still be made and the monitoring of these efforts must be ensured in order to ensure the effectiveness of reforms and consolidate progress; encourages the adoption and implementation of programmes of structural reforms to promote convergence and competitiveness at national and European level and enhance sustainable growth and promote employment;
Amendment 25 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 10 10. Calls, furthermore, on the Commission, in its next AGS, to provide a full and complete picture of what has been achieved as a result of the implementation of the Compact for Growth and Jobs, adopted at the European Council meeting of June 2012 in order to move beyond the economic and fiscal crises, and to present new proposals on the role which the EU budget could play in further
Amendment 26 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 10 a (new) 10 a. Expects the next President-elect of the Commission to stick to its promise to present within the next 3 months of the new Commission's mandate a growth, job and investment package worth at least EUR 300 billion of additional public and private investment in Europe; expects this package to include new and efficient European instruments on top of those already agreed in the frame of the MFF 2014-2020;
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 11 11. Welcomes the commitment by the President-elect of the Commission to deliver on the Commission’s roadmap entitled ‘Towards a genuine economic and monetary union’ of 5 December 2012; believes that any additional funding or instruments, such as a solidarity mechanism, must be an integral part of the EU budget
Amendment 28 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 11 11. Welcomes the commitment by the President-elect of the Commission to deliver on the Commission’s roadmap entitled ‘Towards a genuine economic and monetary union’ of 5 December 2012;
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Recalls the need, at the start of the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), for swift and 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 the programmes frontloaded to the first years of the MFF, such as Horizon 2020, COSME, Erasmus+ and the Youth Employment Initiative; stresses the fact that these programmes have a leverage effect and a synergetic and catalytic role in relation to national investment policies and growth and job creation;
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Recalls the need, at the start of the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), for swift and 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 the programmes frontloaded to the first years of the MFF, such as Horizon 2020, COSME, Erasmus+ and the Youth Employment Initiative; stresses the fact that these programmes have a leverage effect and a synergetic and catalytic role in relation to national investment policies and growth and job creation;
Amendment 5 #
2. Recalls the need, at the start of the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), for swift and 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 the programmes frontloaded to the first years of the MFF, such as Horizon 2020, COSME, Erasmus+ and the Youth Employment Initiative; stresses the fact that these programmes have a leverage effect and a synergetic and catalytic role in relation to national investment policies and sustainable growth and job creation; welcomes, in particular, the swift launch of the 2014-2020 cohesion policy (in terms of partnership agreements already signed, operational programmes agreed and prefinancing disbursed), the aim of which is to support sustainable growth and job creation;
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3.
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Supports both the EU Youth Guarantee and the Youth Employment Initiative as crucial means to fighting the dramatically high level of youth unemployment; welcomes the recent steps taken by the Commission to assist Member States in the prompt programming of measures financed under the Youth Employment Initiative; Highlights the importance of initiatives in the field of employment among young people and that the proper, effective and rapid implementation of the programmes concentrated on fundings at an early stage can ensure economic growth and create jobs, particularly for youngsters;
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines the fact that the promotion of EU jobs and
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines the fact that the promotion of EU jobs and competitiveness requires that the formation of value chains in the EU be boosted and that EU companies be more firmly integrated at all value-chain levels; recalls the fact that such policies should cover undertakings of all sizes, be conducive to maintaining the production chain and increasing jobs creation in Europe and support sectors with high growth potential, with a specific focus on innovation, sustainability, skills, entrepreneurship, and creativity;
source: 537.503
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