2015/2037(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the European Council’s decision to include the topic of European defence markets on the agenda for its June 2015 summit; calls on the European Council to provide guidelines for defence policies with a particular emphasis on the ~~internal market~~European Defence Equipment Market taking into account the specificities of defence sector;

Amendment 10 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas the lack of consolidation in European defence markets means that external dependencies in the European defence sector ~~are increasing at a dangerous rat~~could further increase, at a time of multiple and direct threats to European security which are unprecedented since the end of the Cold War;

Amendment 10 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that internal market and defence policies should not be seen as opposing one another; stresses that correct implementation of the legal framework for EU public procurement could contribute to more efficient national defence spending ~~and strengthen the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base~~;

Amendment 100 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Urges Member States to comply with the principles of the common position and to report fully and regularly on the state of their defence equipment exports to third countries; calls on the Council and the VP/HR to identify the reasons for Member States’ incomplete compliance with the reporting obligation and to implement a new mechanism that may fill that gap; recalls that adherence to the common position is fundamental to the fulfilment of EU principles and values, particularly in the field of international human rights law and international humanitarian law and its responsibilities as regards global security;deleted

Amendment 101 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Urges Member States to comply with the principles of the common position and to report fully and regularly on the state of their defence equipment exports to third countries; calls on the Council and the VP/HR to identify the reasons for Member States’' incomplete compliance with the reporting obligation in the context of the COARM annual report on arms exports and to implement a new mechanism that may fill that gap; recalls that adherence to the common position is fundamental to the fulfilment of EU principles and values, particularly in the field of international human rights law and international humanitarian law and its responsibilities as regards global security;

Amendment 102 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Urges Member States to comply with the principles of the common position and to report fully and regularly on the state of their defence equipment exports to third countries; ~~calls on the Council and the VP/HR to identify the reasons for Member States’ incomplete compliance with the reporting obligation and to implement a new mechanism that may fill that gap;~~ recalls that adherence to the common position is fundamental to the fulfilment of EU principles and values, particularly in the field of international human rights law and international humanitarian law and its responsibilities as regards global security;

Amendment 103 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Urges Member States to comply with the principles of the common position and to report fully and regularly on the state of their defence equipment exports to third countries; calls on the Council and the VP/HR to identify the reasons for Member States’ incomplete compliance with the reporting obligation and to implement a new mechanism that may fill that gap; recalls that adherence to the common position is fundamental to the fulfilment of EU principles and values, particularly in the field of international human rights law and international humanitarian law and its responsibilities as regards its contribution to local, regional and global security;·

Amendment 104 #

Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Urges Member States to comply with the principles of the common position and to report fully and regularly on the state of their defence equipment exports to third countries; calls on the Council and the VP/HR to identify the reasons for Member States’ incomplete compliance with the reporting obligation and to implement a new mechanism that may fill that gap and increase transparency and public scrutiny of the export control framework; recalls that adherence to the common position is fundamental to the fulfilment of EU principles and values, particularly in the field of international human rights law and international humanitarian law and its responsibilities as regards global security;

Amendment 105 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Urges Member States to comply with the principles of the common position and to report fully and regularly on the state of their defence equipment exports to third countries; calls on the Council and the VP/HR to identify the reasons for Member States’ incomplete compliance with the reporting obligation and to implement a new mechanism that may fill that gap; recalls that adherence to the common position is fundamental to the fulfilment of EU principles and values, particularly in the field of international human rights law and international humanitarian law and its responsibilities as regards global securitycalls on the Member States, where appropriate, to take into account the effect of proposed exports on their economic, social, commercial and industrial interests, these factors shall not affect the application of the above principles;

Amendment 106 #

Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Notes the Commission communication on the review of export control policy of dual-use items and stresses, in this context, the necessity to ensure control modalities that do not hinder the free flow of goods and technology within the internal market and prevent diverging interpretations of EU rules; urges the Commission to urgently come forward with a new legislative proposal to update the dual-use export control regime to improve its coherence, efficiency, transparency and a recognition of human rights impact, while ensuring a level playing field; stresses that this proposal must take account of the changing nature of security challenges and the speed of technological developments, especially when it comes to surveillance and intrusion software and equipment and the trade in software vulnerabilities;

Amendment 107 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Notes the Commission communication on the review of export control policy of dual-use items and stresses, in this context, the necessity to ensure control modalities that do not hinder the free flow of goods and technology within the internal market and prevent diverging interpretations of EU rules; calls for sensitivity in the application of so-called 'anti-corruption' measures;

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Notes the Commission communication on the review of export control policy of dual-use items and highlights the importance of upgraded strategic export controls for the EU's security and for a competitive, innovative and broad-based EDTIB in the context of the blurring line between civilian and military technology and industrial bases; stresses, in this context, the necessity to ensure control modalities that do not hinder the free flow of goods and technology within the internal market and prevent diverging interpretations of EU rules;

Amendment 109 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Notes that while the growing importance of dual-use technologies offers benefits in terms of synergies between the defence sector and commercial production, it also makes it dependent on civilian supply chains, which often base their production outside Europe; warns also of the potential security risks associated with the growing internationalisation of industrial supply chains and the effects that changes in ownership in the national defence sector may have on the security of supply in the EU and also the heightened risks for European and national security; urges the Commission to publish the Green Paper on the control of defence and sensitive security industrial capabilities which was announced in its Communication 2013/542 and Implementation Roadmap of 24 June 2014 for the end of 2014;

Amendment 11 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas the lack of consolidation in European defence markets means that external dependencies in the European defence sector are increasing at a dangerous rate, at a time of multiple and direct threats to European security, in particular from Islamic terrorist organisations, which are unprecedented since the end of the Cold War;

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that internal market and defence policies should not be seen as opposing one another; stresses that correct implementation of the legal framework for EU public procurement could contribute to more efficient defence spending and strengthen the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base; believes, in this connection, that closer cooperation between the Member States will help to guard against duplication of effort and will have a more positive indirect effect in the various sectors that are interconnected;

Amendment 110 #

Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Notes that while the growing importance of dual-use technologies offers benefits in terms of synergies between the defence sector and commercial production, it also makes it dependent on civilian supply chains, which often base their production outside Europe; warns also of the growing internationalisation of industrial supply chains and the effects that changes in ownership in the defence sector may have on the security of supply in the EU and also the heightened risks for European and national security, including to the EU's digital infrastructure;

Amendment 111 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Notes that while the growing importance of dual-use technologies offers benefits in terms of synergies between the defence sector and commercial production, it also makes it dependent on civilian supply chains, which often base their production outside Europe; ~~warns also of the growing internationalisation of industrial supply chains and th~~requests information from the Commission and the European Defence Agency on the possible risks of growing internationalisation and the possible effects that changes in ownership in the defence sector may have on the security of supply in the EU and also the heightened risks for European and national security;

Amendment 112 #

Bogdan Andrzej ZDROJEWSKI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Notes that while the growing importance of dual-use technologies offers benefits in terms of synergies between the defence sector and commercial production, it also makes it dependent on civilian supply chains, which often base their production outside Europe; warns also of the growing internationalisation of industrial supply chains and the effects that changes in ownership in the defence sector may have on the security of supply ~~in the EU~~ and also the heightened risks for European and national security;

Amendment 113 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a. Calls on the Member States, the EDA and the Commission to work together towards the gradual phasing-out of offset requirements, while fostering the integration of smaller Member States’ industries into the European defence technological and industrial base by means other than offsets;

Amendment 114 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Welcomes the work of the EDA and the Commission on an EU-wide security of supply (SoS) regime, as mandated by the European Council, and looks forward to a roadmap with specific steps to be presented for endorsement in June 2015;deleted

Amendment 115 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Welcomes the work of the EDA and the Commission on an EU-wide security of supply (SoS) regime, as mandated by the European Council, and looks forward to a roadmap with specific steps to be presented for endorsement in June 2015; believes that past methodologies used by the Commission such as mapping and monitoring failed; stresses the need to focus on new approaches on how to ensure the free circulation of military equipment for the armed forces of the 28 EU Member States;

Amendment 116 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Welcomes the work of the EDA and the Commission on an EU-wide security of supply (SoS) regime, as mandated by the European Council, calls on the European Commission to provide information about the status of the work on the Roadmap for a comprehensive EU-wide Security of Supply regime, especially whether the Parliament proposal on "a comprehensive and ambitious EU-wide security-of-supply regime (...) based on a system of mutual guarantees and an analysis of risks and needs, and possibly using the legal basis of permanent structured cooperation" (A7-0358/2013) was included in the preparatory work; and looks forward to a roadmap with specific steps to be presented for endorsement in June 2015;

Amendment 117 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. ~~Welcom~~Notes the work of the EDA and the Commission on an EU-wide security of supply (SoS) regime, as mandated by the European Council~~, and looks forward to a roadmap with specific steps to be presented for endorsement in June 2015~~;

Amendment 118 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Is of the view that the current budgetary constraints in EU Member States should represent an opportunity for more and better cooperation in the field of defence equipment acquisitions, to ensure better value for taxpayers' money and ensure adequate military capabilities across the EU and a sustainable security of supply system; calls on the Commission to set up a reporting mechanism designed to compile all Member States' defence budget options, commitments and allocations, to the furthest possible extent, to better identify existing gaps, redundancies and areas of inconsistency with CFSP/CSDP goals and objectives; considers that Member States face a choice between cooperating effectively to face common challenges or loosing strategic capabilities and not defending national and European citizens and interests;

Amendment 119 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Takes the view that the SoS regime should comprise an effective EU-wide monitoring system in order to identify existing and potential vulnerabilities in terms of foreign control of strategic assets and supply from third countries; urges the Commission to map existing structures and strategic capabilities in the possession of the Member States, with a view to assessing its role in ensuring the security of the EU and that of its neighbourhood and beyond, within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the CSDP, including as regards the maritime, space and cyber dimensions thereof;deleted

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas the lack of consolidation in European defence markets means that external dependencies in the European defence sector are increasing at a dangerous rate, at a time of multiple and direct threats to European security which are unprecedented since the end of the Cold War; whereas, however, a European approach to security which is primarily geared towards diplomacy and political relations, and not armed conflict, remains essential;

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Points out that, given the impact of the economic crisis and the cuts being made to Member State defence budgets at a time of heightened global challenges and threats, it is now more important than ever to make the best possible use of resources by improving coordination, in particular on defence capabilities; stresses the need for advance planning of strategic investment in the purchase and modernisation of equipment by Member States;

Amendment 120 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Takes the view that the SoS regime should comprise an effective EU-wide monitoring system in order to identify existing and potential vulnerabilities in terms of foreign control of strategic assets and supply from third countries; urges the Commission to map existing structures and strategic capabilities in the possession of the Member States, with a view to assessing its role in ensuring the security of the EU and that of its neighbourhood and beyond, within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the CSDP, including as regards the maritime, space and cyber dimensions thereof;deleted

Amendment 121 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Takes the view that the SoS regime should comprise an effective EU-wide monitoring system in order to identify existing and potential vulnerabilities in terms of foreign control of strategic assets and supply from third countries; urges the Commission to map existing structures and strategic capabilities in the possession of the Member States, with a view to assessing its role in ensuring the security of the EU and that of its neighbourhood and beyond, within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the CSDP, including as regards the maritime, space and cyber dimensions thereof;deleted

Amendment 122 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Takes the view that the SoS regime should comprise an effective EU-wide monitoring system in order to identify existing and potential vulnerabilities in terms of foreign control of strategic assets and supply from third countries; urges the Commission to map existing structures and strategic capabilities in the possession of the Member States, with a view to assessing its role in ensuring the security of the EU and that of its neighbourhood and beyond, within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the CSDP, including as regards the maritime, space, intelligence, antiterrorist and cyber dimensions thereof;

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Takes the view that the SoS regime should comprise an effective EU-wide monitoring system in order to identify existing and potential vulnerabilities in terms of foreign control of strategic assets and supply from third countries, as much as they undermine EU strategic defence interests; urges the Commission to map existing structures and strategic capabilities in the possession of the Member States, with a view to assessing its role in ensuring the security of the EU and that of its neighbourhood and beyond, within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the CSDP, including as regards the maritime, space and cyber dimensions thereof;

Amendment 124 #

Zigmantas BALČYTIS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Points out that lately the EU has increasingly been having to contend with threats and challenges in cyberspace, involving a serious threat to the security of individual Member States and the EU as a whole; believes that such threats should be properly assessed and action taken at EU level with a view to providing for technical and other security measures in Member States;

Amendment 125 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Considers mutual assurances of SoS between the Member States to be a fundamental element in the construction of an integrated European defence market; welcomes the EDA’s updated framework arrangement on SoS as an instrument which strengthens mutual confidence, but notes that it does not create any legal obligations; takes the view that the EU-wide SoS regime needs to be based on legislation, and in particular on the full implementation of the directive on intra-EU transfers in order to remove barriers to the movement of defence products inside the EU;deleted

Amendment 126 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Considers mutual assurances of SoS between the Member States to be a fundamental element in the construction of an integrated European defence market; welcomes the EDA’s updated framework arrangement on SoS as an instrument which strengthens mutual confidence, but notes that it does not create any legal obligations; takes the view that the EU-wide SoS regime needs to be based on legislation, and in particular on the full implementation of the directive on intra-EU transfers in order to remove barriers to the movement of defence products inside the EU;deleted

Amendment 127 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Considers mutual assurances of SoS between the Member States to be a fundamental element in the construction of an integrated European defence market; welcomes the EDA’'s updated framework arrangement on SoS as an instrument which strengthens mutual confidence, but ~~note~~regrets that it does not create any legal obligations; takes the view that the EU- wide SoS regime needs to be based on legislation, and in particular on the full implementation of the directive on intra- EU transfers in order to remove barriers to the movement of defence products inside the EU;

Amendment 128 #

Neena GILL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Considers mutual assurances of SoS between the Member States to be a fundamental element in the construction of an integrated European defence market; welcomes the EDA’s updated framework arrangement on SoS as an instrument which strengthens mutual confidence, but notes that it does not create any legal obligations; takes the view that the EU- wide SoS regime needs to be based on ~~legislation, and in particular on~~ the full implementation of the directive on intra- EU transfers in order to remove barriers to the movement of defence products inside the EU;

Amendment 129 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Considers mutual assurances of SoS between the Member States to be a fundamental element in the construction of an integrated European defence market; welcomes the EDA’s updated framework arrangement on SoS as an instrument which strengthens mutual confidence, but notes that it does not create any legal obligations; takes the view that the EU- wide SoS regime needs to be based on the implementation of existing legislation, and in particular on the full implementation of the directive on intra- EU transfers in order to remove barriers to the movement of defence products inside the EU;

Amendment 13 #

Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, Ana GOMES, Michael GAHLER, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital В

В. whereas the lack of consolidation in European defence markets means that external dependencies in the European defence sector are increasing at a dangerous rate, which poses risks in terms of the defence preparedness of Member States and of ensuring their security, at a time of multiple and direct threats to European security which are unprecedented since the end of the Cold War;

Amendment 13 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Stresses that the 'Defence Package' launched by the European Commission aims to support the competitiveness of the European defence sector and one of its goals is to limit the problems due to the fragmentation of the European defence market, some protectionist attitudes in the award of defence contracts and the lack of coordination between different Member States control on regimes transfers of defence-related products;

Amendment 130 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Considers mutual assurances of SoS between the Member States to be a fundamental element in the construction of an integrated European defence market; welcomes the EDA’s updated framework arrangement on SoS as an instrument which strengthens mutual confidence and solidarity, but notes that it does not create any legal obligations; takes the view that the EU- wide SoS regime needs to be based on legislation, and in particular on the full implementation of the directive on intra- EU transfers in order to remove barriers to the movement of defence products inside the EU;

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas investment in research and technology in defence sector of all member states, as well as common investment in research and technology in defence sector under framework of European cooperation are in alarming decrease in recent years;

Amendment 14 #

Bogdan Andrzej ZDROJEWSKI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Stresses that a single defence market would ensure full transparency and prevent duplication of effort, which gives rise to market distortions; points out that the success of CSDP peace and security missions depends to a large extent on their rapid response capabilities and that greater integration is of key importance in streamlining processes and cutting costs;

Amendment 15 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Remains concerned by the widespread and largely uncoordinated cuts to the defence budget in most Member States; is of the view that this lack of coordination puts the Union at risk by relinquishing strategic assets and capabilities and by forfeiting the opportunities that the coordination of defence policies and the pooling and sharing of defence assets could bring as regards the fulfilment of the EU’s strategic autonomy, its security of supply and the defence of its citizens and interests;deleted (For the logical sequence, this paragraph should be moved and placed as point 3a.)

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)

2b. Points out that the completion of a European defence market calls for a highly competitive, innovation- and technology-driven industrial base that can generate synergies through closer cross- border cooperation, and that advances in dual-use research are of key importance in guaranteeing our independence and ensuring security of supply, in particular of critical items;

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Remains concerned by the ~~widespread and largely~~ uncoordinated cuts to the defence budgets in most Member States; is of the view that this lack of coordination, the structural inefficiency, poor transparency and the wide spread corruption puts the Union at risk by relinquishing strategic assets and capabilities and by forfeiting the opportunities that the coordination of defence policies and the pooling and sharing of defence assets could bring as regards the fulfilment of the EU’'s s~~trategic autonom~~ecurity, prosperity and peace in line with Article 21 of the Lisbon Treaty, its security of supply and the defence of its citizens and interests;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph -3 a (new)

-3a. Calls on the Commission, with a view to enhancing the effectiveness of CSDP missions, to bring the financial rules governing the EU general budget into line with the provisions of the new public procurement and contract award directives, in particular as regards CSDP missions, with a view to ensuring swift and flexible implementation of civilian operations;

Amendment 17 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Remains concerned by the ~~widespread and~~ largely uncoordinated ~~cuts to the defence budget in most Member States~~investments which Member States are making in the defence sector; is of the view that this lack of coordination puts the Union at risk by relinquishing strategic assets and capabilities and by forfeiting the opportunities that the coordination of defence policies and the pooling and sharing of defence assets could bring as regards the fulfilment of the EU’s strategic autonomy, its security of supply and the defence of its citizens and interests;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that internal market and other relevant rules should be used to their full potential to counteract the ongoing fragmentation of the European defence and security sector through enhanced cross- border cooperation; urges the Member States to correctly implement and enforce Directive 2009/81/EC, concerning procurement in the fields of defence and sensitive security, and Directive 2009/43/EC, concerning the transfer of defence-related products; calls on the Commission to provide the necessary assistance to that end;

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Remains concerned by the widespread and largely uncoordinated cuts to the defence budget in most Member States; is of the view that this lack of coordination puts the Union at risk by relinquishing strategic assets and capabilities and by forfeiting the opportunities that the coordination of defence policies and the pooling and sharing of defence assets could bring as regards the fulfilment of the EU’s strategic autonomy, its security of supply and the defence of its citizens and interests;

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that internal market rules should be used to their full potential to counteract the ongoing fragmentation of the European defence and security sector, which leads to duplication of defence equipment programmes, lack of transparency regarding the relations between national defence administrations and the defence industry or even corruption, thereby involving inefficiency in spending public money and higher costs for tax payers; urges the Member States to correctly implement and enforce Directive 2009/81/EC, concerning procurement in the fields of defence and sensitive security, and Directive 2009/43/EC, concerning the transfer of defence-related products; calls on the Commission to provide the necessary assistance to that end;

Amendment 19 #

Mylène TROSZCZYNSKI, Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER, Aymeric CHAUPRADE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Remains concerned by the widespread ~~and largely uncoordinated~~ cuts to the defence budget in most Member States; is of the view that th~~is lack of coordination~~ese cuts puts the ~~Union~~national security of Member States at risk by relinquishing strategic assets and capabilities and by forfeiting the opportunities that the coordination of defence policies and the pooling and sharing of defence assets could bring as regards the fulfilment of the EU’s strategic autonomy, its security of supply andthat are required for the defence of ~~its~~the citizens and ~~interests~~sovereignty;

Amendment 19 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that internal market rules ~~should be used to their full potential to counteract the ongoing fragmentation of the European defence~~must not be systematically exploited and usecurity sector; urges the Member States to correctly implement and enforce Directive 2009/81/EC, concerning procurement in the fields of defence and sensitive security, and Directive 2009/43/EC, concerning the transfer of defence-related products; calls on the Commission to provide the necessary assistance to that endd to undermine Member States’ independence in the fields of defence and security or any other strategically important sector;

Amendment 2 #

Neena GILL

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas Member States have agreed on the need to develop a European market for defence equipment and services; whereas the European Council has even called for the establishment of an EU-wide security of supply regime; whereas adequate capabilities and supply of equipment and the strategic autonomy of the EU are of crucial importance for the security of the Union and that of its neighbourhood; whereas at the same time this will allow the EU to develop itself as a strong and efficient actor within NATO;

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the European Council’s decision to include the topic of European defence markets on the agenda for its June 2015 summit but criticises the fact that the adoption of strategic actions by the European Council in December 2013 has not resulted in specific measures and closer cooperation between the various CSDP stakeholders; calls on the European Council to provide specific guidelines for defence policies, with a view, in particular ~~emphasis on the internal~~, to bolstering the internal security and defence market;

Amendment 20 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Remain~~Expresses serious concern~~ed by~~ at the widespread and largely uncoordinated cuts to the defence budget in most Member States; emphasises that the cutting of defence budgets is weakening the defence potentials of Member States and leaves a question mark over their preparedness to ensure their own security; is of the view that this lack of coordination puts the Union at risk by relinquishing strategic assets and capabilities and by forfeiting the opportunities that the coordination of defence policies and the pooling and sharing of defence assets could bring as regards the fulfilment of the EU’s strategic autonomy, its security of supply and the defence of its citizens and interests;

Amendment 20 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that internal market rules and the rules on public procurement and concessions should be used to their full potential to counteract the ongoing fragmentation of the European defence and security sector, with a view to building a modern, integrated and competitive European defence industry; urges the Member States to correctly implement and enforce Directive 2009/81/EC, concerning procurement in the fields of defence and sensitive security, and Directive 2009/43/EC, concerning the transfer of defence-related products; calls on the Commission to ~~provide the nec~~take specific steps to ensure that the directivess ar~~y assistance to that end~~e properly applied and to check and monitor national transposition procedures in order to make sure that they do not result in market distortions;

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Points out that the impact of the economic crisis and cuts to the defence budget by the Member States, at a time when global challenges and threats are at their greatest, highlights, more than ever, the need to maximise resources through greater coordination among Member States, especially in the field of defence capabilities; stresses the need for upfront planning on strategic investment in the purchase and renovation of equipment among Member States;

Amendment 21 #

Anna Maria CORAZZA BILDT

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that to strengthen European defence, technological innovation and make substantial savings we need to build economy of scale and have a common European market for defence procurement; stresses that internal market rules should be used to their full potential to counteract the ongoing fragmentation of the European defence and securtity sector; urges the Member States to remove national rules that are hindering the internal market for defence procurement and correctly implement and enforce Directive 2009/81/EC, concerning procurement in the fields of defence and sensitive security, and Directive 2009/43/EC, concerning the transfer of defence-related products; calls on the Commission to provide the necessary assistance to that end;

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Considers that the security of the Member States and hence their contribution to EU security are first and foremost the responsibility and concern of each Member State;

Amendment 22 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Calls on the Commission, with a view to making the best possible use of resources, to encourage Member States to make joint purchases through central purchasing bodies such as the European Defence Agency, as provided for in Directive 2009/81/EC;

Amendment 23 #

Mylène TROSZCZYNSKI, Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER, Aymeric CHAUPRADE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Points out that the defence budget of each Member State is not being examined or negotiated by the Member States with the European institutions (Troika);

Amendment 23 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

~~4. Urges the Commission to step up its efforts to achieve a level playing field in European defence markets, limiting the use of justified exclusions to a strict minimum;~~deleted

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Is gravely concerned over the surge in armed conflict, hybrid war, instability and widespread human rights violations in the EU’s immediate neighbourhood and the threat of terrorism inside the EU; believes that the current security threats are common to the EU as a whole and should be addressed in a united and coordinated fashion, pooling and sharing civilian and military resources; believes, in this regard, that it is imperative not to waste resources and that it is essential to better use tax payers’ money and make progress on the establishment of a European defence equipment market and to develop a ~~European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB)~~highly competitive European industry based on innovation and technology, capable of generating synergies through greater cross-border coordination and providing the necessary capabilities for the CSDP;

Amendment 24 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Urges the Commission to step up its efforts to achieve a level playing field in European defence markets~~, limiting the use of justified exclusions to a strict minimum~~ by promoting a cross-border cooperation and better access to defence industry supply chains; believes, in this regard, that use of exclusions as stated in the Directive 2009/81/EC has to be duly justified;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Is gravely concerned over the surge in armed conflict, hybrid war, instability and widespread human rights violations in the EU’s immediate neighbourhood and the threat of terrorism inside the EU; believes that the current security threats are common to the EU as a whole and should be addressed in a united and coordinated fashion, pooling and sharing civilian and military resources; believes, in this regard, that it is imperative not to waste resources and that it is essential to better use tax payers’ money and make progress on the establishment of a European defence equipment market and ~~to develop a~~on the further development of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB);

Amendment 25 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Urges the Commission to step up its efforts to achieve a level playing field in European defence markets, fighting protectionist practices by Member States, limiting the use of justified exclusions to a strict minimum and linking them strictly to the protection of essential security interests and not to the protection of Member States' domestic economic interests;

Amendment 26 #

Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, Ana GOMES, Michael GAHLER, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Is gravely concerned over the surge in low-intensity crises, armed conflict, hybrid war, instability and widespread human rights violations in the EU’s immediate neighbourhood and the threat of ~~terrorism inside the EU; believes~~(mainly imported) terrorism that the current security threats are common to the EU as a whole and should be addressed in a united and coordinated fashion, pooling and sharing civilian and military resources; believes, in this regard, that it is imperative not to waste resources and that it is essential to better use tax payers’ money and make progress on the establishment of a European defence equipment market and to develop a European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB);

Amendment 26 #

Jiří MAŠTÁLKA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Urges the Commission to step up its efforts to achieve a level playing field in European defence markets, limiting the use of justified exclusions to a strict minimum; points to the danger that the resulting mergers and acquisitions could lead to a concentration of the EU´s defence industry that will lead to reduced competition and therefore rising costs;

Amendment 27 #

Neena GILL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Is gravely concerned over the surge in armed conflict, hybrid war, instability and widespread human rights violations in the EU’s immediate neighbourhood and the threat of terrorism inside the EU; believes that the current security threats are common to the EU as a whole and should be addressed in a united and coordinated fashion, pooling and sharing civilian and military resources; believes, in this regard, that it is imperative not to waste resources and that it is essential to better use tax payers’ money and make progress on the establishment of a European defence equipment market and to develop a European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB); also believes this will be crucial to increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness of EU action within the framework of NATO operations to guarantee security and stability in the EU and its neighbourhood;

Amendment 27 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Urges the Commission to step up its efforts to achieve a level playing field in European defence markets, limiting the use of justified exclusions to a strict minimum; calls on the Commission to inform the Parliament of effects of the already published seven Guidance Notes (Field of Applications, Exclusions, R&D, Security of Supply, Security of Information, Subcontracting, Offsets) and notes that it plans to release two more in 2015; believes that these notes thus constitute the perfect opportunity for the Commission to establish a dialogue with Member States on subjects that have never been addressed in a structured and open manner and requests information on the outcome of such dialogue with Member States;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Is gravely concerned over the surge in armed conflict, hybrid war, instability ~~and~~, widespread human rights violations ~~in the EU’s immediate neighbourhood~~ and the threat of terrorism ~~inside the EU~~; believes that the current security threats are common to the EU as a whole and should be addressed in a united and coordinated fashion, pooling and sharing civilian and military resources; believes, in this regard, that it is imperative not to waste resources and that it is essential to better use tax payers’ money and make progress on the establishment of a European defence equipment market and to develop a European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB)all member states and should be addressed in a coordinated fashion;

Amendment 28 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Urges the Commission to step up its efforts to achieve a level playing field in European defence markets, limiting the use of justified exclusions to a strict minimum; is of the view that in its current wording and state practice, Article 346 of the TFEU still offers Member States a large room of discretion for resorting to its application and thereby derogate from applying EU defence procurement laws in defence contracts; calls, therefore, on Member States to effectively and correctly apply Article 346 of the TFEU in a manner that is consistent with the requirements set forth by EU rules, the Internal Market Directives and defence procurement rules; reminds that, according to settled case-law of the CJEU, measures under Article 346 should be limited to exceptional and clearly defined cases, and must not go beyond the limits of such cases; warns that incorrectly resorting to the derogation from Single Market rules actively impairs EU competition, curtails transparency, facilitates corruption and thus damages the establishment of a EU defence market, is detrimental to a functioning EDTIB and the development of credible military capabilities;

Amendment 29 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Is gravely concerned over the surge in armed conflict, hybrid war, instability and widespread human rights violations in ~~the EU’s immediate neighbourhoo~~many parts of the world and the threat of terrorism inside ~~the EU~~Europe; believes that the current security threats are common to the EU as a whole and should be addressed inat a ~~united and coordinated fashion, pooling and sharing civilian and military resources~~level that the relevant national authorities see to be appropriate; believes, in this regard, that it is imperative not to waste resources and that it ishould be essential to national governments to better use tax payers’ money ~~and make progress on the establishment of a European defence equipment market and to develop a European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB)~~;

Amendment 29 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Urges the Commission to step up its efforts to achieve a level playing field in European defence markets, by limiting the use of justified exclusions to a strict minimum and taking steps to put an end to the situation where some Member States act solely as suppliers and others solely as buyers of defence technology;

Amendment 3 #

Mylène TROSZCZYNSKI, Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER, Aymeric CHAUPRADE

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas Member States have agreed on the need to develop a European market for defence equipment and services; ~~whereas the European Council has even called for the establishment of an EU-wide security of supply regime;~~ whereas adequate capabilities and supply of equipment and the strategic autonomy of the EU are of crucial importance for the security of the Union and that of its neighbourhood;

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Welcom~~Notes the European Council’s decision to include the topic of European defence markets on the agenda for its June 2015 summit; ~~calls on the European Council to provide guidelines for defence policies with a particular emphasis on the internal market;~~

Amendment 30 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Is gravely concerned over the surge in armed conflict, hybrid war and war waged by proxy, instability and widespread human rights violations in the EU’s immediate neighbourhood and the threat of terrorism inside the EU; believes that the current security threats are common to the EU as a whole and should be addressed in a united and coordinated fashion, pooling and sharing civilian and military resources; believes, in this regard, that it is imperative not to waste resources and that it is essential to better use tax payers’ money and make progress on the establishment of a European defence equipment market and to develop a European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB);

Amendment 30 #

Anna Maria CORAZZA BILDT

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Urges the Commission to step up its efforts to achieve a level playing field in European defence markets, limiting the use of justified exclusions to a strict minimum; therefore ask the Commission to present a proposal for harmonisation of export control regulation at European level;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Is gravely concerned over the surge in armed conflict, hybrid war, instability and widespread human rights violations in the EU’s immediate neighbourhood and the threat of terrorism inside and outside the EU; believes that the current security threats are common to the EU as a whole and should be addressed in a united and coordinated fashion, pooling and sharing civilian and military resources; strongly believes, in this regard, that it is imperative not to waste resources and that it is essential to better use tax payers’ money and make progress on the establishment of a European defence equipment market and to develop a European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB);

Amendment 31 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Is concerned that the major defence equipment contracts are still made under Article 346, outside the scope of EU procurement laws; given the lack of visible monitoring on the part of the Commission on the use of Article 346 by Member States, invites the Commission to study ways where this could become a practice by designing a system whereby Member States must, as a matter of obligation, provide the Commission with a written justification to invoke Article 346 1, a) and b), which could, in turn, prevent the continuation of the opaque practices of the past in the field of defence procurement;

Amendment 32 #

Mylène TROSZCZYNSKI, Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER, Aymeric CHAUPRADE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Is gravely concerned over the surge in armed conflict, hybrid war, instability and widespread human rights violations in the EU’s immediate neighbourhood and the threat of terrorism inside the EU; expresses serious concern at the growing threat of Islamic terrorism worldwide, and at the increasing pressure from illegal immigrants on the EU’s borders; believes that the current security threats are common to the EU as a whole and should be addressed in a united and coordinated fashion, pooling and sharing civilian and military resources; believes, in this regard, that it is imperative not to waste resources and that it is essential to better use tax payers’ money and make progress on the establishment of a European defence equipment market and to develop a European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB);

Amendment 32 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

~~5. Stresses that the full phase-out of offsets is indispensable for ensuring the smooth functioning of the internal market in the European defence sector;~~deleted

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Is worried, therefore, by the slow-paced and inconsistent implementation by the Member States of the 2009 Defence Package directives and highlights the importance of the monitoring role that the Commission should exercise; recognises that the introduction of new legislation is a lengthy process, but warns that incorrect and diffuse application risks generating bad standards of practice, in so doing jeopardising the accomplishment of the objectives set forth in the directives and, thus, compromising the establishment of the European market for defence equipment and weakening the development of an EDTIB;deleted

Amendment 33 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Stress~~Acknowledges that the ~~full~~ phase-out of offsets ~~is indispensable for ensuring the smooth~~may contribute to a better functioning of the internal market in the European defence sector; however, given the beneficial impacts of off-sets programmes in a number of Member States, in order to phase out offsets without negative impacts on European defence industries, an adequate substitute measure has to be introduced and properly implemented;

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Is worried, therefore, by the slow-paced and inconsistent implementation by the Member States of the 2009 Defence Package directives and highlights the importance of the monitoring role that the Commission should exercise; recognises that the introduction of new legislation is a lengthy process, but warns that incorrect and diffuse application risks generating bad standards of practice, in so doing jeopardising the accomplishment of the objectives set forth in the directives and, thus, compromising the establishment of the European market for defence equipment and weakening the development of an EDTIB; recalls with regret that the joint procurement in the defence sector has stagnated, and in recent years even declined;

Amendment 34 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses that the full phase-out of offsets is indispensable for fighting corruption, avoiding distortions of competition and ensuring the smooth and transparent functioning of the internal market in the European defence sector;

Amendment 35 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Is worried, therefore, by the slow-paced and inconsistent implementation by the Member States of the 2009 Defence Package directives and ~~highlights the importance of the monitoring role that the Commission should exercise~~calls on the Commission to take specific measures to ensure the directives are properly implemented, by checking and monitoring national transpositions, with the aim of avoiding market distortions; recognises that the introduction of new legislation is a lengthy process, but warns that incorrect and diffuse application risks generating bad standards of practice, in so doing jeopardising the accomplishment of the objectives set forth in the directives and, thus, compromising the establishment of the European market for defence equipment and weakening the development of an EDTIB;

Amendment 35 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Stresses that the full phase-out of offsets is indispensable for ensur~~As Directives 2009/81/EC and 2009/43/EC do not explicitly address offsets, calls on the Commission to propose binding legislation clarifying the procedures and admissibility of the use of offsets by Member States ing the ~~smooth functioning of~~framework of Article 346 1 b), so as to prevent discriminatory and opaque practices, which distort the Sin~~ternal marke~~gle Market; calls on Member States to rely on EDA's Code of Conduct ion ~~the European defence sector~~Offsets to phase out the use of offsets and carefully comply with the Commission's Guidance Note on Offsets;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Is worried, therefore, by~~Notes the slow-paced and inconsistent implementation by the Member States of the 2009 Defence Package directives ~~and highlights the importance of the monitoring role that the Commission should exercise~~; recognises that the introduction of new legislation is a lengthy process, but warns that incorrect and diffuse application risks generating bad standards of practice, in so doing jeopardising the accomplishment of the objectives ~~set forth in the directives and, thus, compromising the establishment of the European market for defence equipment and weakening the development of an EDTIB~~;

Amendment 36 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Stresses that the full phase-out of offsets i~~Calls on the Commission to continue to check that Member States are phasing out offsets until such time as that process has been completed, which should occur in the near future; views this as indispensable for ensuring the smooth functioning and transparency of the internal market in the European defence sector and a level playing field for all suppliers, in particular SMEs; points out, in this connection, that the removal of unfair and disproportionate disadvantages will help SMEs to innovate;

Amendment 37 #

Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, Ana GOMES, Michael GAHLER, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Is worried, therefore, by the slow-paced and inconsistent implementation by the Member States of the 2009 Defence Package directives and highlights the importance of the monitoring role that the Commission should exercise; recognises that the introduction of new legislation is a lengthy process, but warns that incorrect and diffuse application risks generating bad standards of practice, in so doing jeopardising the accomplishment of the objectives set forth in the directives and, thus, compromising the establishment of the European market for defence equipment and weakening the development of an EDTIB; underlines that the Defence Package should also contribute to incentivise defence cooperation in Europe and encourages the Commission and EDA to closely cooperate in that regard;

Amendment 37 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses that the full phase-out of offsets, unless duly justified on the basis of article 346. of the Treaty, is indispensable for ensuring the smooth functioning of the internal market in the European defence sector;

Amendment 38 #

Bogdan Andrzej ZDROJEWSKI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Remains concerned by the widespread and largely uncoordinated cuts to the defence budget in most Member States; is of the view that this lack of coordination puts the Union at risk by relinquishing strategic assets and capabilities and by forfeiting the opportunities that the coordination of defence policies and the pooling and sharing of defence assets could bring as regards the fulfilment of the EU’s strategic autonomy, its security of supply and the defence of its citizens and interests; (Moved point 1 of the original text.)

Amendment 38 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses that, in the long term, the full phase-out of offsets is indispensable for ensuring the smooth functioning of the internal market in the European defence sector; emphasises, however, that offset agreements can be used for the legitimate purpose of safeguarding Member States’ security, and that offsets can only be fully phased out when the European market is more evenly developed and free from internal imbalances, and when no Member States are technologically dependent on others;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Calls on the Commission, before the national defence budget cuts and in order to maximise resources through greater coordination, to promote among Member States the use of the tools provided for in Directive 2009/81/EC, such as joint procurement by central purchasing through the European Defence Agency;

Amendment 39 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Recalls that framework agreements and subcontracting arshould be a means of opening up established supply chains for the benefit of SMEs; calls on the Member States, the European Defence Agency and the Commission to work together, and also with prime contractors, in order to help SMEs consolidate and facilitate their access to defence procurement;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas Member States have agreed on the need to develop a European market for defence equipment and services; whereas the European Council has even called for the establishment of an EU-wide security of supply regime; whereas adequate capabilities and supply of equipment ~~and the strategic autonomy of the EU~~ are of crucial importance for the security of ~~the Un~~our nations and th~~at of its~~eir neighbourhood;

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the European Council’s decision to include the topic of European defence markets on the agenda for its June 2015 summit; calls on the European Council to ~~provide guidelines for defence policies wi~~ensure that Member States continue to enjoy unrestricted powers in the a ~~particular emphasis on the internal market~~rea of defence policies;

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Warns of worrying developments in the European defence markets that are increasing external dependencies in the European defence sector at a time of an increasingly challenging security environment; warns, in particular, of the combination of Member States~~’ declining~~' uncoordinated defence budgets decisions, corruption, misuse, persisting market fragmentation despite new internal market rules, the growing dependence of the defence industry on extra-EU exports ~~and increased foreign investment in Europe’s defence sector,~~ yielding control of strategic national and European defence industries, assets and technologies;

Amendment 40 #

Marc TARABELLA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Recalls that framework agreements and subcontracting are a means of opening up established supply chains for the benefit of SMEs; points out, nonetheless, that the principles of transparency in the subcontracting chain and of joint liability must be guaranteed; calls on the Member States, the European Defence Agency and the Commission to work together to help SMEs consolidate and facilitate their access to defence procurement;

Amendment 41 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Warns of worrying developments in the European defence market that are increasing external dependencies in the European defence sector at a time of an increasingly challenging security environment; warns, in particular, of the combination of Member States’ declining defence budgets, persisting market fragmentation despite new internal market rules, the growing dependence of the defence industry on extra-EU exports and increased foreign investment in Europe’s defence sector in some countries, yielding control of strategic national and European defence industries, assets and technologies;

Amendment 41 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Recalls that framework agreements and subcontracting are a means of opening up established supply chains for the benefit of SMEs; calls on the Member States, the European Defence Agency and the Commission to work together to ~~help SMEs~~ensure that SMEs are fully familiar with the various stages in the value chain, as this will help them to consolidate and facilitate their access to defence procurement;

Amendment 42 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Warns of worrying developments in the European defence market that are increasing external dependencies in the European defence sector, as well as unfair competition between companies producing and selling defence equipment, at a time of an increasingly challenging security environment; warns, in particular, of the combination of Member States’ declining defence budgets, persisting market fragmentation despite new internal market rules, the growing dependence of the defence industry on extra-EU exports and increased foreign investment in Europe’s defence sector, yielding control of strategic national and European defence industries, assets and technologies;·

Amendment 42 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Recalls that framework agreements ~~and~~, subcontracting and division into lots are a means of opening up established supply chains for the benefit of SMEs; calls on the Member States, the European Defence Agency and the Commission to work together to help SMEs consolidate and facilitate their access to defence procurement; welcomes the work of the European Defence Agency on a pooled procurement mechanism which should encourage cooperative acquisition of defence equipment;

Amendment 43 #

Mylène TROSZCZYNSKI, Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER, Aymeric CHAUPRADE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Warns of worrying~~Observes developments in the European defence market that are increasing external dependencies in the ~~European~~ defence sector at a time of an increasingly challenging security environment; ~~warns,~~ in particular, of the combination of Member States’ declining defence budgets, persisting market fragmentation despite new internal market rules, the growing dependence of the defence industry on extra-EU exports and increased foreign investment in Europe’s defence sector, yielding control of strategic national and European defence industries, assets and technologies; especially worrying is EU cooperation with Russia in sensitive areas like satellite launching, with Soyuz rockets, and strategic airlift;

Amendment 43 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Recalls that framework agreements and subcontracting are a means of opening up established supply chains for the benefit of SMEs; ~~call~~points onut th~~e Member States, the European Defence Agency and the Commission to work together to help SMEs consolidate and~~at these means have been in place for a long time now and have proved very effective; encourages the Member States to go even further in their efforts to promote short supply chains and thus facilitate ~~their~~ access to defence procurement for local and national SMEs;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Warns of worrying developments in the European defence market that are increasing external dependencies in the European defence sector at a time of an increasingly challenging security environment; warns, in particular, of the combination of lack of coordination of Member States’ ~~declining~~ defence budgets, persisting market fragmentation despite new internal market rules, the growing dependence of the defence industry on extra-EU exports and increased foreign investment in Europe’s defence sector, yielding control of strategic national and European defence industries, assets and technologies;

Amendment 44 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Recalls that framework agreements and subcontracting are a means of opening up established supply chains for the benefit of SMEs; calls on the Member States, the European Defence Agency and the Commission to work together to help SMEs consolidate and facilitate their access to defence procurement and to counter the geographically uneven development of Europe’s technology and defence base;

Amendment 45 #

Mylène TROSZCZYNSKI, Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER, Aymeric CHAUPRADE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Warns of ~~worrying developments in the European defence market that are increasing~~the risks of external dependencies in the European defence sector at a time of an increasingly challenging security environment; warns, in particular, of the combination of Member States’ declining defence budgets, persisting market fragmentation despite new internal market rules, the growing dependence of the defence industry on extra-EU exports and increased foreign investment in Europe’s defence sector, yielding control of strategic national and European defence industries, assets and technologies;

Amendment 45 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Notes that the uptake by industry of the main instruments of the Defence Transfer Directive, specifically general licences and the certification of defence firms, remains very limited~~; urges the Commission and the Member States to ensure the effective use of these instruments in practice~~ for obvious reasons;

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Warns of worrying developments in the European defence market that are increasing external dependencies in the European defence sector at a time of an increasingly complex and challenging security environment; warns, in particular, of the combination of Member States’ declining defence budgets, persisting market fragmentation despite new internal market rules, the growing dependence of the defence industry on extra-EU exports and increased foreign investment in Europe’s defence sector, yielding control of strategic national and European defence industries, assets and technologies;

Amendment 46 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Notes that the uptake by industry of the main instruments of the Defence Transfer Directive, specifically general licences and the certification of defence firms, remains very limited~~; urges the Commission and the Member States to ensure the effective use of these instruments in practice~~, and that there are loopholes in the administrative cooperation between Member States to ensure appropriate control measures in order to prevent breaches of the terms and conditions of transfer licences; urges the Commission and the Member States to ensure the effective use of these instruments in practice; emphasises the need to ensure that defence-related products are not exported or re-exported in violation of export limitations to third countries, and to ensure that in case of re-exportation to a third country, the export limitations decided by the originating Member State are respected, in particular in the framework of the implementation of the European Union Common Position 944/2008 on Arms Export;

Amendment 47 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Warns of worrying developments in the European defence market that are increasing external dependencies in the European defence sector at a time of an increasingly challenging security environment; warns, in particular, of the combination of Member States’ declining defence budgets, persisting market fragmentation despite new internal market rules, the growing dependence of the defence industry on extra-EU exports and increased foreign investment in Europe’s defence sector, yielding control of strategic national and European defence industries, assets and technologies; stresses the need for Member States to conduct a priority review of their military/defence industries and to provide incentives for their development to the extent permissible under Community law;

Amendment 47 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Notes that the uptake by industry of the main instruments of the Defence Transfer Directive, specifically general licences and the certification of defence firms, remains very limited; urges the Commission and the Member States to ensure the effective use of these instruments in practice; and, therefore, welcomes the initiative of the Commission to establish a Working Group with Member States on the harmonisation of the intra-EU transfers directive;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Calls on the European Commission to inform the European Parliament in due time on the status of the Green Paper "on possible shortfalls of the current system for the control of assets" and requests information on the outcome of the announced stake holder consultations;

Amendment 48 #

Jiří MAŠTÁLKA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Calls, especially in light of the Intra- Community Transfer Directive 2009/43/EC, that the eight criteria of Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP on arms exports are unrestricted in scope and, accordingly, also apply for exports within the EU, stresses that this especially has been the case for criterion eight that an arms export licence should not be granted if the recipient country´s development prospects would be adversely affected,

Amendment 49 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Stresses that a highly competitive, modern and integrated European industrial defence strategy is vital to ensure Europe’s defence capabilities and to have a positive indirect impact on other related economic sectors; points out that increased cooperation of economic resources and human capital is essential in order to make progress in dual-use research that minimises our external dependence and secures our supplies and raw materials for industry, especially those of a critical nature;

Amendment 49 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Calls for the European Council to discuss at its meeting in June 2015 the need to streamline cyber security-related public procurement and award procedures, in order to be able to respond immediately to major global threats such as cyber terrorism and cyber attacks;

Amendment 5 #

Mylène TROSZCZYNSKI, Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER, Aymeric CHAUPRADE

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas Member States have agreed on the need to develop a European market for defence equipment and services; whereas the European Council has even called for the establishment of an EU-wide security of supply regime; whereas adequate capabilities and supply of equipment and the strategic autonomy of the EU are of crucial importance for the security of the Union and that of its neighbourhood, provided that the overall aim is to guarantee international peace and security;

Amendment 5 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Is alarmed by the recent Commission offensive launched by President Juncker in support of the creation of a European army under the control of the EU institutions;

Amendment 50 #

Mylène TROSZCZYNSKI, Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER, Aymeric CHAUPRADE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Notes that while the December 2013 European Council failed to provide an adequate response to this situation, it nevertheless outlined a number of lines of action to improve the general European security and defence scenario and committed to reviewing progress in June 2015; ~~stresse~~regrets that despite the ~~limited ambition and~~ further worsening of the security environment both internally and to the east and south of the EU, no real progress has been made in addressing the current security challenges and threats;

Amendment 50 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

8. Welcomes the 2014 Commission Roadmap entitled ‘Towards a more competitive and efficient defence and security sector’; stresses the importance of its timely implementation and of taking additional measures as necessary;deleted

Amendment 51 #

Georgios EPITIDEIOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Notes that while the December 2013 European Council failed to provide an adequate response to this situation, it nevertheless outlined a number of lines of action and committed to reviewing progress in June 2015; stresses that despite the limited ambition and further worsening of the security environment both internally and to the east and south of the EU, which is compromising its security, no real progress has been made in addressing the current security challenges and threats;

Amendment 51 #

Filiz HYUSMENOVA, Dita CHARANZOVÁ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

8. Welcomes the 2014 Commission Roadmap entitled ‘Towards a more competitive and efficient defence and security sector’; stresses the importance of its timely implementation and of taking additional measures as necessary; fully supports the Commission´s efforts for providing practical guidance to SMEs using European funds in dual-use projects;

Amendment 52 #

Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Jozo RADOŠ, Hilde VAUTMANS, Javier NART, Ilhan KYUCHYUK, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Notes that while the December 2013 European Council failed to provide an adequate response to this situation, it nevertheless outlined a number of lines of action and committed to reviewing progress in June 2015; stresses that despite ~~the limited ambition and~~ further worsening of the security environment both internally and to the east and south of the EU, no real progress has been made in addressing the current security challenges and threats; urges the European Council and the Member States to prioritize the development of a credible and effective CSDP;

Amendment 52 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

8. Welcomes the 2014 Commission Roadmap entitled ‘Towards a more competitive and efficient defence and security sector’ and the undertaking made by the Commission in that document to look into how the adverse impact of offsets required by third countries could be mitigated and into the impact offsets have on the internal market and European industry; stresses the importance of its timely implementation and of taking additional measures as necessary;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Notes that while the December 2013 European Council failed to provide an adequate response to this situation, it nevertheless outlined a number of lines of action and committed to reviewing progress in June 2015; ~~stress~~notes that despite the limited ambition and further worsening of the regional security environment ~~both internally and to the east and south of the EU~~, no real progress has been made in addressing the current security challenges and threats;

Amendment 53 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

8. ~~Welcom~~Acknowledges the 2014 Commission Roadmap entitled ‘Towards a more competitive and efficient defence and security sector’;, while stressesing the importance of its timely implementation and of taking additional measures as necessary;

Amendment 54 #

Mylène TROSZCZYNSKI, Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER, Aymeric CHAUPRADE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Urges the European Council to draw the necessary lessons and take concrete measures towards overcoming the defragmentation of the European defence market in order to guarantee the availability of the defence capabilities needed to ensure European security and fulfil the objectives of the CSDP;deleted

Amendment 54 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9

9. Recalls that the Member States urgently need to improve the transparency of procurement practices in the defence sector vis-à-vis the Commission and EU agencies; urges the Commission to ensure appropriate monitoring so as to enable comprehensive reporting, in respect of both directives, to Parliament and the Council in 2016 as scheduled;deleted

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Urges the European Council to draw the necessary lessons and take concrete measures towards ~~overcoming the defragmentation of~~consolidating the European defence market in order to guarantee the availability of the defence capabilities needed to ensure European security and fulfil the objectives of the CSDP;

Amendment 55 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9

9. Recalls that the Member States urgently need to improve the transparency of procurement practices in the defence sector vis-à-vis the Commission and EU agencies; underlines that specific procurement procedures such as the negotiated procedure without prior publication of the contract notice should be limited to exceptional cases and justified only by overriding reasons of general interest connected to defence and security, in compliance with directive 2009/81/EC; urges the Commission to ensure appropriate monitoring so as to enable comprehensive reporting, in respect of both directives, to Parliament and the Council in 2016 as scheduled;

Amendment 56 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Urges the European Council to draw the necessary lessons and take concrete measures towards overcoming the defragmentation of the European defence market in order to guarantee the availability of the defence capabilities needed to ensure European security and fulfil the objectives of the CSDP;

Amendment 56 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 10

10. ~~Notes that~~Calls on the Commission ~~has yet~~ to publish as soon as possible its Green Paper on the control of assets, initially scheduled for the end of 2014, in accordance with its 2014 Roadmap;

Amendment 57 #

Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, Ana GOMES, Michael GAHLER, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Urges the European Council ~~to draw the necessary lessons and take concrete measures towards~~, after the submission of the evaluation report in 2016 by the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of Directives 2009/81/EC and 2009/43/EC, to take concrete measures, on the basis of that report and of the lessons learned in relation to aspects which have not been properly implemented or which could be improved, with a view to overcoming the defragmentation of the European defence market in order to guarantee the availability of the defence capabilities needed to ensure European security and fulfil the objectives of the CSDP;

Amendment 57 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 10

10. ~~Notes that~~Invites the Commission ~~has yet to publish~~to consider publishing as soon as possible its Green Paper on the control of assets, initially scheduled for the end of 2014, in accordance with its 2014 Roadmap;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Urges the European Council to draw the necessary lessons and take concrete measures towards overcoming the defragmentation of the European defence market in order to guarantee the availability of the defence capabilities needed to ensure European security and the inviolability of Europe's borders and fulfil the objectives of the CSDP;·

Amendment 58 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Invites the Commission to carry out a proper and comprehensive analysis of the impacts of the "defence package" implementation, including a consultation with defence industries' associations, Member States, EDA and other relevant stakeholders, before presenting the implementation reports;

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Urges the European Council to draw the necessary lessons and take concrete measures towards overcoming the defragmentation of the European defence market in order to guarantee the availability of the defence capabilities needed to ensure European security and fulfil the objectives of the CSDP;

Amendment 59 #

Olga SEHNALOVÁ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Recalls the importance of regular checks on defence and security equipment by the relevant supervisory authorities, including checks on proper accounting;

Amendment 6 #

Mylène TROSZCZYNSKI, Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER, Aymeric CHAUPRADE

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)

Ba. whereas the success of peacekeeping and security missions under the CSDP depends largely on their ability to respond promptly and immediately and a key aspect, therefore, is that of achieving a genuine European defence market to eliminate duplication and reduce red tape;

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Points out that the internal market should be used neither as a pretext nor an instrument for establishing a European defence policy and a European diplomatic service at the expense of the Member States’ sovereignty in these areas;

Amendment 60 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Urges the European Council to draw the necessary lessons and take concrete measures towards overcoming the defragmentation of the European defence market in order to guarantee the availability of ~~the~~individual defence capabilities needed to ~~ensure European security and fulfil the objectives of the CSDP~~reach NATO targets;

Amendment 60 #

Anna Maria CORAZZA BILDT

Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Underlines that cooperation between strategic partners is essential for European security of supply and hence encourages the Commission and Members States to take defence procurement into account when negotiating international trade agreements;

Amendment 61 #

Mylène TROSZCZYNSKI, Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER, Aymeric CHAUPRADE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Urges the European Council to draw the necessary lessons and take concrete measures towards overcoming the defragmentation of the European defence market ~~in order to guarantee~~, an issue that hampers innovation and leads to a duplication of defence and programmes and resources, in order to guarantee its transparency and competitivity as well as the availability of the defence capabilities needed to ensure European security and fulfil the objectives of the CSDP;

Amendment 61 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 11

~~11. Calls on the Commission to accompany its implementation reports to Parliament and the Council on Directives 2009/81/EC and 2009/43/EC in 2016 with legislative proposals;~~deleted

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Reiterates its call to the HR/VP and Council for the development of an EU Common Position on the use of armed drones, giving utmost importance to respect for human rights and international humanitarian law and addressing issues such as the legal framework, proportionality, accountability, the protection of civilians and transparency; urges the EU, once again, to ban the development, production and use of fully autonomous weapons which enable strikes to be carried out without human intervention;

Amendment 62 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 11

11. Calls on the Commission to accompany, where appropriate, its implementation reports to Parliament and the Council on Directives 2009/81/EC and 2009/43/EC in 2016 with legislative proposals;

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Calls for the European Council’s June 2015 meeting to address the need to streamline public procurement and contract award processes in relation to cybersecurity and greater coordination between Member States, which will enable us to deal promptly with major global threats such as cyber-terrorism and cyber- attacks;

Amendment 63 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 11

11. Calls on the Commission to accompany ~~its implementation reports~~the assessment report to be submitted to Parliament and the Council on the implementation of Directives 2009/81/EC and 2009/43/EC in 2016 with legislative proposals covering provisions that have not been correctly implemented or could be improved;

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that the years of underfunded defence budgets in Europe must be offset by increased cooperation among Member States, including through the articulation of defence budget policies and the coordination of strategic choices concerning the acquisition of military and dual-use equipment; reiterates its call for demand consolidation across the EU, this being the only means of reaching critical mass in order to sustain a competitive and independent EDTIB; stresses that maintaining a strong and autonomous EDTIB is a key element for Europe’s ability to protect its citizens, interests and values, in line with the objectives of the Treaty and to fulfil its responsibilities as a global security provider, as highlighted by the Vice-President of the Commission / High-Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR);deleted

Amendment 64 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 11

11. Calls on the Commission ~~to accompany~~, in its implementation reports to Parliament and the Council on Directives 2009/81/EC and 2009/43/EC in 2016, to evaluate thoroughly whether and to what extent their provisions have been correctly enforced, and whether their objectives have been achieved, and to come up accordingly with legislative proposals;

Amendment 65 #

Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, Michael GAHLER, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that the years of underfunded defence budgets in Europe must be offset by increased cooperation among Member States, including through the articulation of defence budget policies and the coordination of strategic choices concerning the acquisition of military and dual-use equipment; reiterates its call for demand consolidation across the EU, this being the only means of reaching critical mass in order to sustain a competitive and independent EDTIB; stresses that maintaining a strong and autonomous EDTIB is a key element for Europe’s ability to protect its citizens, interests and values, in line with the objectives of the Treaty and to fulfil its responsibilities as a global security provider, as highlighted by the Vice-President of the Commission / High-Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR);deleted

Amendment 65 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 11

11. Calls on the Commission to accompany its implementation reports to Parliament and the Council on Directives 2009/81/EC and 2009/43/EC in 2016 with legislative proposals, if the findings of the report point in this direction;

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that the years of ~~underfunded~~mismanagement and uncoordinated national defence budgets decisions in Europe must be offset by increased cooperation and coordination among Member States, including through the articulation of defence budget policies and the coordination of strategic choices concerning the acquisition of military and dual-use equipment in line with transparent public procurement standards; reiterates its call for demand consolidation across the EU, this being the only means of reaching critical mass in order to sustain a competitive and independent EDTIB; stresses that ~~maintaining a strong and autonomous~~developing an efficient and transparent EDTIB is a key element for Europe’'s ability to protect its citizens, interests and values, in line with the objectives of the Treaty and to fulfil its responsibilities as a ~~global~~ security provider, as highlighted by the Vice-President of the Commission / High- Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR); calls on the Commission to develop an industrial strategy which defines key capabilities on which an EDTIB could be built;

Amendment 66 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 12

~~12. Stresses that further special reporting obligations should be introduced for Member States, coupled with provision for appropriate confidentiality safeguards;~~deleted

Amendment 67 #

Mylène TROSZCZYNSKI, Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER, Aymeric CHAUPRADE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that the years of underfunded defence budgets in Europe must be offset by increased cooperation among Member States, including through the articulation of defence budget policies and the coordination of strategic choices concerning the acquisition of military and dual-use equipment; reiterates its call for demand ~~consolid~~harmonisation across the EU, t~~his being the only means of reaching critical mass in order to sustain~~o promote a competitive and independent EDTIB; stresses that maintaining a strong and autonomous EDTIB is a key element for Europe’s ability to protect its citizens, interests and values, in line with the objectives of the Treaty and to fulfil its responsibilities as a global security provider, as highlighted by the Vice- President of the Commission / High- Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR);

Amendment 67 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 12

~~12. Stresses that further special reporting obligations should be introduced for Member States, coupled with provision for appropriate confidentiality safeguards;~~deleted

Amendment 68 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that the years of underfunded defence budgets in Europe must be offset by increased cooperation among Member States, including through the articulation of defence budget policies and the coordination of strategic choices concerning the acquisition of military and dual-use equipment; reiterates its call for demand consolidation across the EU, this being the only means of reaching critical mass in order to sustain a competitive and independent EDTIB; stresses that ~~maintain~~building a strong and autonomous EDTIB is a key element for Europe’s ability to protect its citizens, interests and values, in line with the objectives of the Treaty and to fulfil its responsibilities as a global security provider, as highlighted by the Vice- President of the Commission / High- Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR);

Amendment 68 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 12

~~12. Stresses that further special reporting obligations should be introduced for Member States, coupled with provision for appropriate confidentiality safeguards;~~deleted

Amendment 69 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that the years of underfunded defence budgets in Europe must be offset by increased cooperation among Member States, including through the articulation of defence budget policies and the coordination of strategic choices concerning the acquisition of military and dual-use equipment; reiterates its call for demand consolidation across the EU, this being the only means of reaching critical mass in order to sustain a competitive and independent EDTIB; stresses that maintaining a strong and autonomous EDTIB is a key element for Europe’s ability to protect its citizens, interests and values and perceptibly reduce defence spending without compromising national or EU security, in line with the objectives of the Treaty and to fulfil its responsibilities as a global security provider, as highlighted by the Vice- President of the Commission / High- Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR);

Amendment 69 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that the modernisation of the EU public procurement rules as set out in Directives 2014/24/EU and 2014/25/EU, adopted in 2014, affords opportunities for more streamlined procedures, such as the use of electronic procurement and aggregation of demand, which can be tailored to the specificities of the defence and security sector;deleted

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas the lack of consolidation in European defence markets means that external dependencies in the European defence sector are increasing at a dangerous rate, at a time of multiple and direct threats to European security which are unprecedented since the end of the Cold War;deleted

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that internal market and defence policies should not be seen as opposing one another; stresses that correct implementation of the legal framework for EU public procurement by all the Member States could contribute to more efficient defence spending and strengthen the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base;

Amendment 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that the years of underfunded defence budgets in Europe must be offset by increased cooperation among Member States, including through the articulation of defence budget policies and the coordination of strategic choices concerning the acquisition of military and dual-use equipment; reiterates its call for demand consolidation across the EU, this being the only means of reaching critical mass in order to sustain a competitive and independent EDTIB; stresses that maintaining a strong and autonomous EDTIB is a key element for Europe’s ability to protect its citizens, interests and values, in line with the objectives of the Treaty and to fulfil its responsibilities as a global security provider~~, as highlighted by the Vice-President of the Commission / High-Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR)~~;

Amendment 70 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that the modernisation of the EU public procurement rules as set out in Directives 2014/24/EU and 2014/25/EU, adopted in 2014, affords opportunities for more streamlined procedures, such as the use of electronic procurement ~~and~~, aggregation of demand and the use of the most economically advantageous tender, which can be tailored to the specificities of the defence and security sector;

Amendment 71 #

Mylène TROSZCZYNSKI, Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER, Aymeric CHAUPRADE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that ~~the years of underfunded defence budgets in Europe must be offset~~investments can be optimised by increased cooperation among Member States, including through the articulation of defence budget policies and the coordination of strategic choices concerning the acquisition of military and dual-use equipment~~; reiterates its call for demand consolidation across the EU, this being the only means of reaching critical mass in order to sustain a competitive and independent EDTIB~~, provided that this does not serve to increase Member States’ defence spending even further; stresses that maintaining a strong and autonomous EDTIB is a key element for Europe’s ability to protect its citizens, interests and values, in line with the objectives of the Treaty and to fulfil its responsibilities as a global security provider, as highlighted by the Vice-President of the Commission / High-Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR);

Amendment 71 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that the modernisation of the EU public procurement rules as set out in Directives 2014/24/EU and 2014/25/EU, adopted in 2014, affords opportunities for more streamlined procedures~~, such as the use of electronic procurement and aggregation of demand,~~ which can be tailored to the specificities of the defence and security sector, such as the use of electronic procurement, but not aggregation of demand;

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Recalls that the 28 EU Member States are still the world's number two when it comes to both defence spending and arms exports; believes that this fact shows that the EU Member States and the Union still play a key role in global arms sales and defence procurement; considers a combined annual defence spending of 190 Billion EUR an enormous amount of tax payer's money; also recalls that numerous recent studies showed that the main problem lies in the fact that in many of the 28 EU Member States defence budgets are being spent in a very inefficient way leading to long delays, higher costs and in many cases to helicopters, fighter jets and other technology being not operational although brand new; stresses the need to deeply restructure the relationships between national defence administrations and defence industries and to introduce strict qualitative criteria for the output of procurement projects; is convinced that the current focus on higher defence budgets will only lead to further waste of tax payer's money without significantly strengthening the armed forces;

Amendment 72 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that the purpose of the modernisation of the EU public procurement rules as set out in Directives 2014/24/EU and 2014/25/EU, adopted in 2014, is to ensure transparency in the subcontracting chain and compliance with environmental, social and labour law; points out that the new directives affords opportunities for more streamlined procedures, such as the use of electronic procurement and aggregation of demand, which can be tailored to the specificities of the defence and security sector;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Recalls the need for greater convergence between national defence planning processes and welcomes, in this context, the adoption of the Policy Framework for Systematic and Long- Term Defence Cooperation; finds regrettable, however, its non-binding nature and the fact that it has not introduced a clear and structured process;deleted

Amendment 73 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 14

14. ~~Draws attention to~~Calls, with a view to building an innovative and competitive European industry and making the best possible use of security and defence budgets, for the new ‘innovation partnership’ procedure ~~and calls for it~~ to be introduced in defence procurement.

Amendment 74 #

Mylène TROSZCZYNSKI, Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER, Aymeric CHAUPRADE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Recalls the need for greater convergence between national defence planning processes and welcomes, in this context, the adoption of the Policy Framework for Systematic and Long-Term Defence Cooperation; finds regrettable, however, its non-binding nature and the fact that it has not introduced a clear and structured process; calls on the Member States to launch permanent structured cooperation (PESCO) as means for better coordination and to use EU financing for peacetime cooperation; calls on the VP/HR to deliver realistic plans for the successful launch of PESCO;

Amendment 74 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 14

14. Draws attention to the new ‘innovation partnership’ procedure and ~~calls for it to be introduc~~stresses that it must not be applied into defence procurement.

Amendment 75 #

Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, Ana GOMES, Michael GAHLER, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Recalls the need for greater convergence between national defence planning processes and welcomes, in this context, the adoption of the Policy Framework for Systematic and Long-Term Defence Cooperation; ~~finds regrettable, however, its non-binding nature and the fact that it has not introduced a clear and structured process~~welcomes its non-binding nature; reiterates that all cooperation between member states must remain voluntary;

Amendment 75 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 14

14. Draws attention to the new ‘innovation partnership’ procedure and calls for it to be introduced in defence procurement, allowing contracting authorities to establish this procedure for the development and subsequent purchase of new, innovative products, services or works, providing the necessary market incentives and supporting the development of an innovative solutions without foreclosing the market.

Amendment 76 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Recalls the need for greater convergence between national defence planning processes and welcomes, in this context, the adoption of the Policy Framework for Systematic and Long-Term Defence Cooperation; ~~finds regrettable, however, its non-binding nature and the fact that it has not introduced a clear and structured process;~~

Amendment 76 #

Olga SEHNALOVÁ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Stresses that ensuring the maximum protection and security of the civilian populace must be taken into account during procurement procedures for defence and security equipment;

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Recalls the need for greater convergence between national defence planning processes and welcomes, in this context, the adoption by the Council of the Policy Framework for Systematic and Long-Term Defence Cooperation; finds regrettable, however, its non-binding nature and the fact that it has not introduced a clear and structured process; underlines that this document should be welcomed by the European Council in order to become a key driver; encourages Member States to request the support of the European Defence Agency in their national defence reviews and to share information on national investment plans and priorities inside the EU Military Committee;

Amendment 78 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Demands that cooperation and the pooling and sharing of initiatives be given priority and that incentives – in particular tax incentives – be created to this end; welcomes the work of the European Defence Agency (EDA) on a pooled procurement mechanism and expects it to contain measures to incentivise the cooperative acquisition of and support for defence equipment;deleted

Amendment 79 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Demands that cooperation and the pooling and sharing of initiatives be given priority ~~and that incentives – in particular tax incentives – be created to this end~~; welcomes the work of the European Defence Agency (EDA) on a pooled procurement mechanism and expects it to contain measures to politically incentivise the cooperative acquisition of and support for defence equipment;

Amendment 8 #

Mylène TROSZCZYNSKI, Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER, Aymeric CHAUPRADE

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas the lack of consolidation, cost- efficiency and transparency in European defence markets means that external dependencies ~~in the European defence sector~~ are increasing at a dangerous rate, at a time of multiple and direct threats to European security which are unprecedented since the end of the Cold War; whereas a European defence market in the sense of a single European market does not yet exist and currently one can speak only of the co-existence of 28 national defence markets on the territory of the European Union;

Amendment 8 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that internal market and defence policies should not be seen as opposing one another~~; stresses that correc~~, but also that defence policy is the exclusive preserve of Member States, and warns that implementation of the legal framework for EU public procurement ~~could contrib~~in this sector would pute t~~o more efficient defence spending and strengthen the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base~~he principle of not sharing sovereign technologies at risk;

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Demands that cooperation and the pooling and sharing of initiatives be given priority and that incentives ~~– in particular tax incentives – be created to this end~~be created to this end; calls on the European Commission to put forward a proposal clarifying how tax incentives could serve these objectives; welcomes the work of the European Defence Agency (EDA) on a pooled procurement mechanism and expects it to contain measures to incentivise the cooperative acquisition of and support for defence equipment;

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Demands that cooperation and the pooling and sharing of initiatives be given priority and that incentives – in particular tax incentives – be created to this end; welcomes the work of the European Defence Agency (EDA) on a pooled procurement mechanism and expects it to contain measures to incentivise the cooperative acquisition of and support for defence equiptake place in a NATO context and urges the European Defence Agency (EDA) to make the necessary adjustments;

Amendment 82 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. ~~Demand~~Suggests that cooperation and the pooling and sharing of initiatives be given priority and that incentives – in particular non-market distorting tax incentives – be created to this end; notes the decision of Belgium to grant VAT exemption to EDA's ad hoc projects and considers that this exemption should be generalised to all EDA's collaborative activities; welcomes the work of the European Defence Agency (EDA) on a pooled procurement mechanism and expects it to contain measures to incentivise the cooperative acquisition of and support for defence equipment;

Amendment 83 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Demands that cooperation and the pooling and sharing of initiatives be given priority and that incentives – in particular tax incentives – be created to this end; welcomes the work of the European Defence Agency (EDA) on a pooled procurement mechanism and expects it to contain measures to incentivise the cooperative acquisition of and support for defence equipment, with a view to the development of an EU security policy geared to peace, mediation and the use of soft power;

Amendment 84 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Stresses that the correct transposition of the Defence Package directives, which would counter the current fragmentation of the European security and defence industry and ensure transparency and equal conditions for all European suppliers, is a key issue, especially for SMEs; calls on the Commission to check that the Member States phase out their offsets and to ensure that SMEs are fully aware of the various links in the value chain in order to facilitate and ensure their access to public procurement in defence-related matters;

Amendment 85 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Recalls that under Horizon 2020, COSME and the European Structural and Investment Funds, defence industries, and in particular SMEs, can apply for EU funding for dual-use and other projects; calls on the Commission and the Member States to assist companies, particularly SMEs, in adequately seizing European funding opportunities for defence-related projects;deleted

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Recalls that under Horizon 2020, COSME and the European Structural and Investment Funds, defence industries, and in particular SMEs, can apply for EU funding for dual-use and other projects; calls on the Commission and the Member States to assist companies, particularly SMEs, in adequately seizing European funding opportunities for defence-related projects, to guarantee that the European approach to security is geared to diplomacy, not constant arms procurement, and to restrict and discourage sales of arms to private individuals;

Amendment 87 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Warns that European defence companies, due to Cold War overcapacities, are increasingly compensating for their reduced turnover in Europe through extra-EU exports at the cost of engaging in ruinous competition, transferring sensitive technologies and intellectual property rights to their future competitors and moving production outside the EU, thus compromising Europe’'s security of supply and increasing the risks of ~~violating the Common Position on Arms Exports and fostering armed violence~~undermining the eight criteria of the Common Position on Arms Exports and contributing to armed violence, regional instability, human rights abuses, war crimes and conflict in other regions; believes that exposing the EU to the risk of the EDTIB being dependent on customers in third powers with different strategic interests constitutes a serious strategic mistake;

Amendment 88 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Warns that European defence companies are increasingly compensating for their reduced turnover in Europe through extra-EU exports ~~at the cost of engaging in ruinous competition,~~; expresses concern at the potential drawbacks of this approach, such as the transfer~~ring~~ of sensitive technologies and intellectual property rights to ~~their future~~ competitors and ~~moving~~the relocation of production outside the EU, thus compromising Europe’s security of supply and increasing the risks of violating the Common Position on Arms Exports and fostering armed violence and conflict in other regions; believes that exposing the EU to the risk of the EDTIB being dependent on customers in third powers with different strategic interests constitutes a serious strategic mistake;

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Warns that European defence companies are increasingly compensating for their reduced turnover in Europe through extra-EU exports at the cost of engaging in ruinous competition, transferring sensitive technologies and intellectual property rights to their future competitors and moving production outside the EU, thus compromising Europe’s security of supply and increasing the risks of violating the Common Position on Arms Exports and fostering armed violence and conflict in other regions; believes that exposing the EU to the risk of the EDTIB being dependent on customers in third powers with different strategic interests constitutes a serious strategic mistake;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas the lack of a consolidat~~ion in European defence markets means that external dependencies~~ ed EDTIB is leaving the European defence sector ~~are increasing at a dangerous rat~~vulnerable, at a time of multiple and direct threats to European security which are unprecedented since the end of the Cold War;

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that internal market and defence policies should not be seen as opposing one another ; underlines that a well- functioning internal market of defence- related products would strongly contribute to achieving the objectives of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), and regrets that few progress has been made so far in this direction despite the adoption in 2009 of the defence package directives; stresses that correct implementation of the legal framework for EU public procurement could contribute to more efficient defence spending and strengthen the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base;

Amendment 90 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Warns that European defence companies are increasingly compensating for their reduced turnover in Europe through extra-EU exports at the cost of engaging in ruinous competition, transferring sensitive technologies and intellectual property rights to their future competitors and moving production outside the EU, thus compromising Europe’s security of supply ~~and increasing the risks of violating the Common Position on Arms Exports and fostering armed violence and conflict in other regions~~; believes that exposing the EU to the risk of the EDTIB being dependent on customers in third powers with different strategic interests constitutes a serious strategic mistake;

Amendment 91 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Warns that European defence companies are increasingly compensating for their reduced turnover in Europe through ~~extra-EU~~ exports atnd th~~e cost of engaging in ruinous competition,~~at care needs to be taken concerning transfer~~ring~~ of sensitive technologies and intellectual property rights to their future competitors and moving production outside the EU, thus compromising Europe’s security of supply and increasing the risks of violating the Common Position on Arms Exports and fostering armed violence and conflict in other regions; believes that exposir Member States as this may compromise future security of supply; warns that further EU-Russia cooperation ing the ~~EU to the risk of the EDTIB being dependent on customers in third powers with different strategic interest~~space sector may violate sanctions con~~stitutes a serious strategic mistake~~ Russia;

Amendment 92 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment, laid down in the 2014 roadmap entitled ‘Towards a more competitive and efficient defence and security sector’, to looking at how to mitigate the possible negative consequences of the offsets required by third countries and how these are affecting the internal market and European industry;

Amendment 93 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Believes that EU export control policies should be substantially revamped with a view to developing a more integrated EU regime and a level playing field, making sure that overarching foreign and security policy objectives have priority over short-term financial, economic and commercial interests; notes that the Council has failed to ensure the uniform application of the common position on the control of exports of military equipment; is disconcerted that even in cases of flagrant non-compliance by a buyer country with several of the eight criteria, including those on the preservation of regional peace, security and stability, and on the behaviour of the buyer country with regard to the international community and its respect for international law, the common position is almost entirely absent from the political decision-making sphere and public discourse;deleted

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Believes that EU export control policies should be substantially revamped with a view to developing a more integrated EU regime and a level playing field, making sure that overarching foreign and security policy objectives have priority over short-term financial, economic and commercial interests; notes that the Council has failed to ensure the uniform application of the common position on the control of exports of military equipment; is disconcerted that even in cases of flagrant non-compliance by a buyer country with several of the eight criteria, including those on the preservation of regional peace, security and stability, and on the behaviour of the buyer country with regard to the international community and its respect for international law, the common position is almost entirely absent from the political decision-making sphere and public discourse;deleted

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Believes that EU import and export control policies should be substantially revamped with a view to developing a more integrated EU regime and a level playing field, making sure that overarching foreign and security policy objectives have priority over short-term financial, economic and commercial interests; notes that the Council has failed to ensure the uniform application of the common position on the control of exports of military equipment; is disconcerted that even in cases of flagrant non-compliance by a buyer country with several of the eight criteria, including those on the preservation of regional peace, security and stability, and on the behaviour of the buyer country with regard to the international community and its respect for international law, the common position is almost entirely absent from the political decision-making sphere and public discourse;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Believes that EU export control policies should be substantially revamped with a view to developing a more integrated EU regime and a level playing field, making sure that overarching foreign and security policy objectivethe Common Position defines the broadest common understanding for the control of exports of military technology and equipment serving the coordination of national export control systems; recalls thave priority over short-term financial, economic and commercial interests; notes that the Council has failed to ensure the uniform application of the common position on the control of exports of military equipment; is disconcerted that even in cases of flagrant non-compliance by a buyer country with several of the eight criteria, including those on the preservation of regional peace, security and stability, and on the behaviour of the buyer country with regard to the international community and its respect for international law, the common position is almost entirely absent from the political decision-making sphere and public discourset a stronger verification and reporting system has been observed since the presentation of the annual Council reports according to article 8(2) of Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment; calls on the Member States to overcome legislative and organizational obstacles in order to achieve better possible compliance with the eight criteria independently verified;

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Believes that EU export control policies should be substantially revamped with a view to developing a ~~more integrated EU regime and a~~ level playing field, making sure that overarching foreign and security policy objectives have priority over short-term financial, economic and commercial interests; notes that the Council has failed to ensure the uniform application of the common position on the control of exports of military equipment; is disconcerted that even in cases of flagrant non-compliance by a buyer country with several of the eight criteria, including those on the preservation of regional peace, security and stability, and on the behaviour of the buyer country with regard to the international community and its respect for international law, the common position is almost entirely absent from the political decision-making sphere and public discourse; in this respect calls on France to ultimately cancel the Mistral deal with Russia as their deliveries may further undermine the military equilibrium, peace and stability in the Baltic Sea region affecting not all Association Agreement countries, like Ukraine and Georgia, but also Member States;

Amendment 98 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Believes that EU export control policies should be substantially revamped with a view to developing a more integrated, coherent and comprehensive EU regime and a level playing field, making sure that overarching foreign and security policy objectives have priority over short-term financial, economic and commercial interests; notes that the Council has failed to ensure the uniform application of the common position on the control of exports of military equipment; is disconcerted that even in cases of flagrant non-compliance by a buyer country with several of the eight criteria, including those on the preservation of regional peace, security and stability, and on the behaviour of the buyer country with regard to the international community and its respect for international law, the common position is almost entirely absent from the political decision-making sphere and public discourse;

Amendment 99 #