2015/2089(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)

- having regard to its resolution of 7 February 2013 with recommendations to the Commission on the governance of the Single Market1, and to the Commission's follow-up thereon adopted on 8 May 2013, __________________ 1 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0054.

Amendment 10 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Considers that improving single market regulation should be both a priority and a shared responsibility of the Union institutions; believes that good legislation should contribute to competitiveness, the creation of jobs and growth, a high level of consumer protection, and must do so in a way that stimulates, rather than frustrates, the European economy;

Amendment 100 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Considers, however, that analysis should be improved as regards to whether the legislative steps taken so far have contributed effectively to achieving an aim, and whether they still remain necessary; ~~believes, in this context, that a rolling target for administrative and regulatory burden reduction can make a positive contribution to ensuring that aims are met in the most efficient way possible~~emphasises also the importance of transparency in the REFIT process; encourages the Commission to identify REFIT proposals as such in the Commission Work Programme in order to enable the Parliament to address issues before Commission presents a concrete proposal;

Amendment 101 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

Amendment 102 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Considers, however, that analysis should be improved as regards ~~to whether the legislative steps taken so far have contributed effectively to achieving an aim, and whether they still remain necessary~~existing legislation to ensure its compatibility with current policy goals, and contribution to the overall reduction of the regulatory burden; believes, in this context, that a rolling target for administrative and regulatory burden reduction can make a positive contribution to ensuring that aims are met in the most efficient way possible, and with the least possible cost to people and businesses;

Amendment 103 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

Amendment 104 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Notes that the cumulative cost of regulation ~~often~~sometimes represent barriers for participants in the single market, particularly for SMEs; welcomes, therefore, the commitment by the Commission to examine this issue; ~~underlines, however, that any such analysis should only address economic factors and should not be equated with a broader impact assessment, which includes assessments of other elements;~~

Amendment 105 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Notes that the cumulative cost of regulation often represent barriers for participants in the single market, particularly for SMEs; welcomes, therefore, the commitment by the Commission to examine this issue; ~~underlines, however, that any such analysis should only address economic factors and should not be equated with a broader impact assessment, which includes assessments of other elements;~~

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Notes that the cumulative cost of regulation often represents a barriers for participants in the single market, particularly for SMEs; welcomes, therefore, the commitment by the Commission to examine this issue; underlines~~, however,~~ that any such analysis should ~~only address economic factors and should not be equated with a broader impact assessment, which includes assessments of other element~~aim at removing barriers to market entry and at ensuring fair competition for all players;

Amendment 107 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Notes that the cumulative cost of unnecessary regulation often represent barriers for participants in the single market, particularly for SMEs; welcomes, therefore, the commitment by the Commission to examine this issue; underlines, however, that ~~any such analysis should only address economic factors and should not be equated with a broader impact assessment, which includes assessments of other elements~~reduction of unnecessary burden and red tape should not jeopardize consumer protection, workers´ rights and environmental standards, which are an overriding aim of legislation;

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29

29. Calls on the Commission to improve its understanding of the factors influencing the achievement of policy objectives, such as the impact of complementary or clashing policies adopted at EU or national level, in order to direct policy making in a better way and, ultimately, to contribute to improved single market regulation; underlines in this regard the need for appropriate indicators based on clear, comprehensive and multi-dimensional criteria, including social and environmental criteria, in order to properly assess the need and modalities of action at EU level;

Amendment 109 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29

29. Calls on the Commission to improve its understanding of the factors influencing the achievement of policy objectives, such as the impact of complementary or clashing policies adopted at EU or national level, but also the impact and costs of non- action, in order to ~~direct~~improve policy making ~~in a better way and~~, ultimately, to contribute to ~~improved~~better single market regulation;

Amendment 11 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Considers that improving single market regulation should be both a priority and a shared responsibility of the Union institutions; believes that good legislation should contribute to competitiveness, the creation of jobs and smart and inclusive growth, and must do so in a way that stimulates, rather than frustrates, the European economy;

Amendment 110 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Notes that legislation, once adopted, remains largely static and that incentives to respond to, and repeal, outdated legislation are often lacking, while consumer issues and market problems rise and fall as conditions change; considers, therefore, that sunset clauses should be used more often, whereby the institutions could commit to keep legislation up to date and in place only where necessary; views safeguards as a necessary means of ensuring that essential legislation does not lapse;deleted

Amendment 111 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Notes that legislation, once adopted, remains largely static ~~and that incentives to respond to, and repeal, outdated legislation are often lacking~~, while consumer issues and market problems rise and fall as conditions change; considers, therefore, that sunset clauses should ~~be used more often, whereby the institutions could commit to keep legislation up to date and in place only where necessary; views safeguards as a necessary means~~exceptionally be considered if the issue that the legislation addresses is a temporary phenomenon; encourages the Commission to establish ex-post evaluation mechanisms, which should involve all European Institutions and Member States, and be based ofn e~~nsuring that essential legislation does not lapse~~vidence based data from national authorities and relevant stakeholders;

Amendment 112 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Notes that legislation, once adopted, remains largely static and that incentives to respond to, and repeal, outdated legislation are often lacking, while consumer issues and market problems rise and fall as conditions change; cConsiders, ~~therefore,~~ that sunset clauses ~~should~~may be used more often, whereby the institutions could commit to keep legislation up to date and in place only where necessary; views safeguards as a necessary means of ensuring that essential legislation does not lapse;

Amendment 113 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Notes that legislation, once adopted, remains largely static and that incentives to respond to, and repeal, outdated legislation are often lacking, while consumer issues and market problems rise and fall as conditions change; considers, therefore, that ~~sunset~~review clauses should be used more often, whereby the institutions could commit to keep legislation up to date and in place only where necessary; views safeguards as a necessary means of ensuring that essential legislation does not lapse;

Amendment 114 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Considers also that improving single market regulation does not mean removing all regulation~~, but rather delivering a competitive regulatory environment that supports employment and enterprise within Europe~~ and recognises that the protection of workers, consumers and the environment requires effective legislation;

Amendment 115 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. ~~Considers also~~Emphasises that improving single market regulation ~~does not~~ means removing ~~all regulation, but rather~~unnecessary regulation and negative impacts, while ensuring that the purpose of the legislation is achieved and delivering a competitive regulatory environment that supports employment and enterprise within Europe;

Amendment 116 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Considers also that improving single market regulation does not mean removing all regulation nor diminishing the level of ambition of regulation for instance in terms of environmental protection, safety, security, consumer protection and social standards, but rather delivering a competitive regulatory environment that supports employment and enterprise within Europe;

Amendment 117 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Considers also that improving single market regulation does not mean removing all regulation~~, but rather~~ or diminishing consumers or workers' rights, but rather diminishing bureaucracy and delivering a competitive regulatory environment that supports employment and enterprise within Europe;

Amendment 118 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32

32. Stresses that aimproved single market ~~that does not over-burden or frustrate~~regulation encouraging production, innovation and commerce is ~~a structure that will bring jobs and growth back to Europe that previously would have been located outside of it, where standards are lower~~one tool to generate jobs and growth;

Amendment 119 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32

32. Stresses that a single market that does not over-burden or frustrate production, innovation and commerce is a structure that will bring jobs and growth back to Europe that previously would have been located outside of it~~, where standards are lower~~;

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Understands ‘better regulation' in the context of the whole policy cycle, whereby all elements and all institutions involved contribute to efficient and effective regulation; recalls in this context the importance of transparency and accessibility of information; regrets that while documents of the European Parliament are accessible for the citizens, Council documents are not and remain restricted;

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Considers that the principle of subsidiarity is ~~an essential element and must represent th~~one of many important elements that should be sta~~rting point for policy formulation~~ken into account in the governance of the single market;

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Considers that the principle of subsidiarity ~~is an essential element and must represent the starting poi~~must be an important element for policy formulation;

Amendment 15 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Considers that the principle of subsidiarity is an essential element and must ~~represent the starting poi~~be taken into account for policy formulation;

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Recalls that the responsibility for subsidiarity extends beyond the Commission, the Council and Parliament, and includes a role for national and – where appropriate –regional ~~parliaments~~assemblies; recalls that the subsidiarity principle implies that policies should be decided at the most appropriate institutional level - whether European, national or regional; believes that the input of parliaments should be given appropriate weight and consideration in the context of the subsidiarity mechanism, but also as regards political dialogue;

Amendment 17 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Recalls th~~at the responsibility for subsidiarity extends beyond the Commission, the Council and Parliament, and includes a role for~~e role of national and – where appropriate –regional parliaments; believes that the input of the national and regional parliaments should be given appropriate weight and consideration in the context of the subsidiarity mechanism, but also as regards political dialogue;

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Recalls that the responsibility for subsidiarity extends beyond the Commission, the Council and Parliament, and includes a role for national and – where appropriate –regional parliaments; believes that the input of parliaments should be given appropriate weight and consideration in the context of the subsidiarity mechanism, but also as regards political dialogue; therefore encourages the Commission to engage in a yearly debate with each parliament in order to strengthen the dialogue between the national parliaments and the Commission;

Amendment 19 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Stresses that the European institutions and the national and where applicable regional parliaments still have much to do to create a "subsidiarity culture" across the European Union; strongly believes that a more effective approach is needed to fully recognise the principle of subsidiarity;

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the single market is a key tool for reigniting economic growth and job- creation in the Union;

Amendment 20 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Notes that the deadlines involved in the subsidiarity mechanism are sometimes too short to ensure that parliaments ~~always~~ have time to consider in detail aspects of implementation or other practical matters; considers, therefore, that parliaments should be afforded ~~more~~sufficient time to respond~~; considers, as well, that a stronger ‘red card' procedure should be introduced, allowing proposals to be rejected on grounds of lack of conformity with subsidiarity~~, while avoiding to delay the European decision making process and the implementation of necessary or urgent European legislation;

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Notes that the deadlines involved in the subsidiarity mechanism are too short to ensure that parliaments always have time to consider in detail aspects of implementation or other practical matters; considers, therefore, that parliaments should be afforded more time to respond~~; considers, as well, that a stronger ‘red card' procedure should be introduced, allowing proposals to be rejected on grounds of lack of conformity with~~ in order to improve the quality of the outcome from the subsidiarity checks; encourages the national parliaments to exchange views and experiences on relevant criteria and argumentations with regard to their assessment of subsidiarity principles;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Notes that the deadlines involved in the subsidiarity mechanism sometimes are too short to ensure that national parliaments ~~always~~ have time to consider ~~in detail aspects of implementation or other practical matters;~~ and coordinate amongst each other whether proposed Union legislation is in conformity with the subsidiarity mechanism; considers, therefore, that parliaments should be afforded more time to respond~~; considers, as well, that a stronger ‘red~~, to make sure the yellow card' procedure ~~should be introduced, allowing proposals to be rejected on grounds of lack of conformity with subsidiari~~functions according to the intentions of the Lisbon Treaty;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Notes that ~~the deadlines involved in the subsidiarity mechanism are too short to ensure that parliaments always have time to consider in detail aspects of implementation or other practical matters~~national parliaments are not always able to consider in detail aspects of implementation, coherence with existing legislation or other practical matters in the time allocated through the subsidiarity mechanism; considers, therefore, that parliaments should ~~be afforded~~play a more actimve ~~to respond; considers, as well, that a stronger ‘red card' procedure should be introduced, allowing proposals to be reject~~role in consultation processes and should if required on grounds of lack of conformity with subsidiarity, make use of the existing "yellow card" procedure;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Notes that ~~the deadlines involved in the subsidiarity mechanism are too short to ensure that~~ parliaments must always have adequate time to consider ~~in detail~~ aspects of implementation or other practical matters; considers, therefore, that parliaments should be afforded more time to respond; considers, as well, that a stronger ‘red card' procedure should be introduced, allowing proposals to be rejected on grounds of lack of conformity with subsidiarityhighlights the need to strengthen dialogue with national parliaments in the legislative process ex-ante and ex-post;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Believes that the national parliaments can contribute further in the decision- making of the European Union by being more pro-active players; considers the possibility of the parliaments to invite the Commission to create new legislation or amend existing, if 1/3 of all national parliaments support it; if a proposal is submitted to the Commission, the Commission should be obliged to respond adequately to the request and give its reasons for taking or not taking action;

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. ~~Believes that, where the need for European regulation can be demonstrated, the institutions should jointly undertake to ensure that~~Shall ensure that European regulation complies with the principles of proportionality, ~~as well as the principles of~~ simplicity, transparency, coherence and respect for fundamental rights~~, are reflected~~ in the drafting of the relevant legislation;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Believes that ~~where the need for European regulation can be demonstrated, the institutions should jointly undertake to ensure that the principle of proportionality, as well as the principles of simplicity~~all the institutions involved in the legislative process should jointly take responsibility to ensure that the principle of better regulation, transparency, coherence and respect for fundamental rights, are reflected in the drafting of ~~the relevant~~EU legislation;

Amendment 29 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Believes that, where the need for European regulation can be demonstrated, the institutions should jointly undertake to ensure that the principle of proportionality~~, as well as the principles of~~ is reflected in the drafting of the relevant legislation; furthermore believes that the process should aim at simplicity, transparency, coherence and respect for fundamental rights~~, are reflected in the drafting of the relevant legislation;~~ ;

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas, more than 20 years after its official creation, the single market ~~still has gaps~~framework is still fragmented, primarily because the Member States have not fully transposed or implemented Union legislation;

Amendment 30 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Believes that, where ~~the need for~~ European regulation ~~can be demonstrated~~is necessary, the institutions should jointly undertake to ensure that the principle of proportionality, as well as the principles of simplicity, transparency, coherence and respect for fundamental rights, are reflected in the drafting of the relevant legislation;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Believes that, where the need for European regulation and EU added value can be demonstrated, the institutions should jointly undertake to ensure that the principle of proportionality, as well as the principles of simplicity, transparency, coherence and respect for fundamental rights, are reflected in the drafting of the relevant legislation;

Amendment 32 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that single market legislation should be to the benefit of c~~ompetitiveness, innovation and growth, and~~reation of sustainable quality employment, competitiveness, innovation and growth; believes that it should protect the consumers as well; views effective impact assessments as ~~an important~~one tool for informing policymakers on how ~~best~~ to dbes~~ign regulation to achieve these aims and their single market objectives~~t draft legislation in order to achieve these aims; recalls that the aim of impact assessments is to evaluate the social, economic and environmental consequences of a legislative proposal;

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that single market legislation should be to the benefit of the creation of sustainable, high-quality jobs, competitiveness, innovation and growth, and views effective impact assessments as an important tool for informing policymakers on how ~~best to design regulation~~regulation might be designed in order to achieve these aims and their single market objectives; also stresses that every impact assessment must aim to evaluate the social, economic and environmental consequences of a legislative proposal;

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that single market legislation should have clear evidence of EU added value and be to the benefit of competitiveness, innovation and growth, and views effective impact assessments as an important tool for informing policymakers on how best to design regulation to achieve these aims and their single market objectives; believes, as well, that if the impact assessment does not provide arguments for clear EU added value that will have a positive impact on citizens and businesses, the legislation should be withdrawn;

Amendment 35 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that single market legislation should be to the benefit of ~~competitiveness, innovation and growth~~a sustainable development based on balanced economic growth, a competitive social market economy, innovation and a high level of consumer protection, and views effective impact assessments as an important tool for informing policymakers on how best to design regulation to achieve these aims and their single market objectives;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that single market legislation should bserve to ~~the benefit of~~promote competitiveness, innovation ~~and~~, growth, and job creation, and views effective impact assessments as an important tool for informing policymakers on how best to design regulation to achieve these aims and their single market objectives;

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that single market legislation should be to the benefit of our citizens, including workers and consumers, while stimulating competitiveness, innovation and sustainable growth, and views effective impact assessments as an important tool for informing policymakers on how best to design regulation to achieve these aims and their single market objectives;

Amendment 38 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that single market legislation should be to the benefit of competitiveness, citizens and consumers, innovation and growth, and views effective impact assessments as an important tool for informing policymakers on how best to design regulation to achieve these aims and their single market objectives;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that single market legislation should be ~~to the benefit of~~nefit citizens, competitiveness, innovation and growth, and views effective impact assessments as an important tool for informing policymakers on how best to design regulation to achieve these aims and their single market objectives;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

D a. whereas specific tools should be strengthened, revised or better promoted in order to contribute positively towards providing a competitive regulatory environment for our businesses, supporting growth and the creation of jobs, and enhancing trust of our consumers in European legislation;

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7 a. Calls on the Commission and Council to reflect together with Parliament on how best to ensure that simplification is an ongoing process, as efforts in these areas are of benefit to consumers and SMEs;

Amendment 41 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Considers that in order to be effective ~~as tools~~, impact assessments should be ~~prepared on the basis of strong evidence; believes that careful consideration of scientific advice should form part of the impact assessment process and, in particular,~~based on comprehensive, objective and complete information and evidence; therefore calls on the Commission to take a truly holistic approach on impact assessments and not focus on competitiveness alone; believes that careful consideration of scientific advice will allow well-informed political decision and substantiate how or why policy choices have been made in preparatory phases~~, which will assist the political process~~;

Amendment 42 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

Amendment 43 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Points out that the impact assessment accompanying a proposal should be seen as a ‘living document’ that is kept up to date and that corresponds to the choices made by the co-legislators at the various stages of negotiations before the final political decision is taken;deleted

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Points out that the impact assessment accompanying a proposal should be ~~seen as a ‘living document' that is kept up to date and~~carried out at the beginning of a legislative process, and if deemed necessary, if substantial changes have been made during the political decision making process so that it corresponds to the choices made by the co-legislators ~~at the various stages of negotiations before the final political decision is taken;~~ ; emphasizes that clear and transparent rules should be set out under which conditions such additional impact assessments should be made; points out that political decisions must be taken by the co-legislators, not by authors of impact assessments;

Amendment 45 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Points out that the impact assessment accompanying a proposal should be seen as a ‘living document' that is kept up to date and ~~that corresponds to the choices made by~~revisited each time a legislative proposal is substantially amended at key stages of the ~~co-~~legislat~~ors at the various stages of negotiations before the final political decision is taken~~ive process; considers, however, that such procedures should not contribute to the lengthening of the policy-making process;

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Points out that ~~the~~it is essential that impact assessments a~~ccompanying a proposal should be se~~re undertaken throughout the whole policy cycle, and therefore encourages both the European Parliament and the Council to undertake impact assessments prior to the adoption of any substantive amendment not covered by the initial impact assessment; considers the need to see the impact assessment as a ‘'living document' that is kept up to date ~~and that~~, thereby correspondsing to the choices made by the co-legislators at the various stages of negotiations before the final political decision is taken;

Amendment 47 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Points out that the impact assessment accompanying a proposal should be seen as a ‘'living document' that is kept up to date and that corresponds to the choices made by the co-legislators at the various stages of negotiations before the final political decision is taken; points out however that it is important that this does not lead to a lengthier and more complex legislative processes;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Considers it necessary to empower a body, shared among all three institutions, to conduct independent scrutiny of impact assessments, taking inspiration from experiences in the Member States, including the Netherlands; believes that such a body could be composed of a group of independent experts and include representatives from each of the institutions;deleted

Amendment 49 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

D a. whereas digital innovation is faster than politics and entrepreneurs are driving the digital agenda; whereas it is of key importance to provide future proof rules that are digital by default;

Amendment 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Considers it necessary to ~~empower a body, shared among all three institutions, to conduct independent scrutiny of i~~strengthen the independence of the Impact aAssessments, taking inspiration from experiences in the Member States, including the Netherlands; believes that such a body could be composed of a group of independent experts and include representatives from each of the institutions Board and to define its role clearly, if such a body has to be set up;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10 a. Recalls that according to Article 11 (2) TEU, all EU institutions are required to maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with representative associations, civil society and social partners;

Amendment 52 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Reiterates its position that consultation processes should be opened up and expanded to include submissions on draft impact assessments; believes this is equally important for secondary legislation, which is of great consequence for the implementation of single market regulation and which therefore requires greater transparency and scrutiny, transparent, meaningful and involve a broad variety of stakeholders; considers that consultation should be expanded to include submissions on draft impact assessments; believes it is important with more transparency and scrutiny in secondary legislation as well;

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Reiterates its position that consultation processes should be opened up and expanded to include submissions on draft impact assessments by all stakeholders; believes this is equally important for secondary legislation, which is of great consequence for the implementation of single market regulation and which therefore requires greater transparency and scrutiny;

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11 a. Stresses the importance of the institutional framework as regards impact assessments; considers it important that the impact assessment process be seen as a joint undertaking, leading to an honest and unimpeachable assessment upon which each of the institutions can depend throughout the process, including in negotiations on a final text;

Amendment 56 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Believes that wide and proper balanced consultation is essential~~, particularly with regard to informal groupings, such as expert groups involved in standardisation activities; considers the proper balancing of these groups,~~ in the legislative process; considers the publication of documents and evidence, and the invitation to all stakeholders to contribute effectively to the development of policy in this area, to be an important driver for innovation and the strengthening of the single market, particularly with regard to the Digital Single Market agenda;

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Believes that wide consultation is essential, particularly with regard to informal groupings, such as expert groups involved in standardisation activities, as well as relevant stakeholders, including social partners, consumer, environmental and social organisations, and regional and local authorities; considers the proper balancing of these groups, the publication of documents and evidence, and the invitation to all stakeholders to contribute effectively to the development of policy in this area, to be an important driver for innovation and the strengthening of the single market, particularly with regard to the Digital Single Market agenda;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13 a. Underlines that small businesses do not often have the time and resources to participate in regular consultations; considers that the European Commission should find user-friendly and innovative ways to reach out to SMEs and start-ups;

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

~~14. Considers consultation to be an ongoing process rather than an occasional exercise; reiterates, in this regard, its calls on the Commission to consider the establishment of a Stakeholder Forum;~~deleted

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

D a. whereas the proper transposition, implementation and enforcement of consumer rights and law is essential in order to achieve a high level of consumer protection in the EU;

Amendment 60 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Considers ~~consultation to be an ongoing process~~that a holistic approach should be taken towards stakeholder consultation, which should be an ongoing process throughout the whole legislative cycle, rather than an occasional exercise; reiterates, in this regard, its calls on the Commission to consider the establishment of a Stakeholder Forum;

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Considers consultation to be an ongoing process rather than an occasional exercise; reiterates, in this regard, its calls on the Commission to consider the establishment of a Stakeholder Forum; is pleased to see the new Commission proposal in the Better Regulation Agenda for the establishment of a REFIT Platform; strongly believes that this bottom-up approach involving different stakeholders such as experts from Member State authorities, businesses, social partners, SMEs and civil society will be a constructive way to give direct input to the EU institutions, particularly in view of the needs to reduce regulatory and administrative burdens; underlines the need for the platform to be very transparent and therefore encourages the platform to be an online tool inspired by the other national Stakeholders Forums, like in Denmark;

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14 a. Believes that by making public consultations available in all of the official languages, improving their accessibility and intelligibility, the higher corresponding participation and more transparent access to the consultation process will be achieved;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Believes that full and proper implementation of single market legislation to be fundamental ~~if the benefits of the single market are to be fully felt~~and that clear indicators should be used; expresses concern over the fact that targets for implementation are not always met;

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15 a. Considers that as the Commission seeks to reduce its legislative output that this will allow greater focus to be placed on policy initiatives, allowing for greater time and deeper reflection which can be used to foster improved involvement of interested stakeholders;

Amendment 67 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15 a. Emphasizes the importance of correlation tables to monitor correct implementation; calls upon the Member States to draw up their own correlation tables and to publish them;

Amendment 68 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

~~16. Stresses that it is not only the formal targets for transposition and implementation that are important, but also the practical implementation on the ground;~~deleted

Amendment 69 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Stresses that it is not only the formal targets for transposition and implementation that are important, but also the quality of transposition, the practical implementation on the ground and the problems or challenges they may involve in real life for the concerned stakeholders;

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)

D b. whereas one of the main priorities of the European Consumer Summit 2015, an annual forum gathering key European and international policy-makers and stakeholders, was the importance of better implementation and enforcement of the law;

Amendment 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Stresses that it is not only the formal targets for transposition and implementation that are important, but also the practical implementation on the ground; therefore encourages the introduction of two yearly fixed dates for implementation in order to simplify the procedure and make it easier for both national authorities but also enterprises and business to follow and comply with the legislation;

Amendment 71 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16 a. Believes that advance warnings and road-maps can help alert concerned individuals to emerging issues and policy decisions which are relevant to them and may be difficult to track;

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Considers that, ifor the ~~many~~ benefits ~~that~~of a fully functioning single market ~~can offer are~~ to be realised, efforts should be made to learn from ~~the experiences of, and the practical chall~~best practices and experiengces ~~posed by,~~gained in the implementation of ~~specific regulations or requirements,~~Union legislation in order to ensure that the aims and objectives ~~are not frustrated as a result of~~of specific legislation is not lost due to poor or inconsistent implementation across the Member States;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Considers that, if the many benefits that a fully functioning single market can offer are to be realised, ~~efforts should be made~~the Commission and parliaments should work together to learn from the experiences of, and the practical challenges posed by, the implementation of specific regulations or requirements, to ensure that aims and objectives are not frustrated as a result of poor or inconsistent implementation across the Member States;

Amendment 74 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17 a. Calls on the Commission to explore initiatives to improve the take-up of consultation by the affected parties themselves, not only their representatives in their national capitals or Brussels; considers that this would make a positive contribution to identifying implementation and enforcement issues that may arise on the ground once regulations are applied;

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

Amendment 76 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Believes that the ~~analysis should also undertake to identify instan~~term gold-plating should be precisely defined and it should be clarified that gold-plating does not refer to cases where Member States exercise their right to higher standards in inter alia consumer protection; regrets that the practices of gold- plating~~, which~~ can present ~~similar~~ challenges for ~~people~~citizens and businesses ~~seeking to~~in understanding and apply ~~law originating at EU level~~ing Union legislation; call upon the Member States to clarify and identify in implementation documents what is Union legislation and what is national requirements;

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Believes ~~that the analysis should also undertake~~stronger measures are needed to identify and correct instances of gold- plating, which p~~resent similar~~oses challenges for ~~people~~citizens and businesses seeking to understand and apply law originating at EU level;

Amendment 78 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls on the Commission to invest more efforts to improve, consolidate and publicise guidance on the regulations and tools in place that contribute to the monitoring of how Union law is being applied and that, as such, are vital to the proper functioning of the single market; regrets that the quality of the services differs vastly among the Member States due to the lack of both prioritisation and resources; therefore calls for an enforced governance framework at EU level in order to improve the functioning of these tools and services;

Amendment 79 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Encourages the Commission to set- up obligatory implementation groups, consisting of the respective implementing authorities in the Member States, in order to achieve the abovementioned goals; believes that these implementation groups can be a useful way to discuss how the transposed EU law could be applied and how relevant articles should be interpreted in order to ensure better coordination and more consistent application of EU law;

Amendment 8 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Considers that improving single market regulation should be both a priority and a shared responsibility of the Union institutions; believes that good legislation should ~~contribute to~~be to the benefit of our citizens, including workers and consumers, while stimulating competitiveness, the creation of jobs and growth, and must do so in a way that stimulates, rather than frustrates, the European economy;

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19 a. Considers the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and online dispute resolution (ODR) to be key tools for improving the single market for goods and services; highlights that they will allow consumers and traders to solve their disputes without going to court in a cost- effective and simple way; encourages the Commission and Member States to raise the awareness of these important tools;

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Considers that services such as SOLVIT and SOLVIT plus represent a useful, low-cost alternatives to legal action; notes that the present take-up of these services is very low, in particular by the business community; calls on the Commission, in order to resolve this problem, to improve further awareness about these tools, while examining whether the outcomes and responses from those tools are adequate for users;

Amendment 82 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Highlights the important role of the Commission's "EU Sweeps" monitoring tool specially with regards to a well- functioning digital single market;

Amendment 83 #

Aldo PATRICIELLO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Applauds the SOLVIT and EU Pilot projects, which are designed to avert the need for the Commission to institute infringement proceedings against Member States; considers, however, that the services offered by EU Pilot should be improved as regards the response time once alerts have been received;

Amendment 84 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)

20b. Considers digital platforms such as Points of Single Contact, IMI and ISA2 important to improve the functioning of the Single Market by facilitating cross- border information exchange between authorities in Member States;

Amendment 85 #

Tonino PICULA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Notes with concern that, according to Your Europe reports, there are areas that are consistently the object of queries from ~~people~~citizens trying to exercise their rights~~, such as~~ and that they are not always in a position to exercise the rights which they have; believes that this applies especially to the areas of e-commerce ~~and the recognition of qualification~~, in which there are substantial differences as regards the cost of delivery from one Member State to another and as regards the conditions for the return of purchases, and to the recognition of qualifications, given that, notwithstanding the common qualifications framework, Member States often do not recognise qualifications of equal value obtained in other Member States; considers that the Commission should respond to this, together with national and regional bodies, in order to promote understanding and the exercise of these rights;

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)

21 a. Views a qualitative as well as quantitative assessment of implementation to be appropriate, not just the bare figures on if formally directives have been transposed or not, in order to have a full understanding of how Single Market legislation is actually working for consumers and for business;

Amendment 87 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22 a. Believes that a systematic screening of consumer markets at EU level would detect in a more timely manner emerging trends and threats to consumers and businesses; highlights in this context a positive role of all involved stakeholders, including consumer organisations;

Amendment 88 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23 a. Regrets that Parliament's access to relevant information relating to pre- infringement and infringement procedures is limited and calls for improved transparency in this regard, with due respect to confidentially rules;

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Urges the Commission to ~~undertake~~launch infringement proceedings where evidence exists to demonstrate a failure of implementation and where reasonable efforts to solve problems through ~~tools such as EU Pilot or SOLVIT have failed; considers that while action should be taken in all applicable cases, the Commission could further prioritise action to tackle those infringement~~other pre-infringement mechanisms tha~~t are most significant in economic terms~~ve failed;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Considers that improving single market regulation should be both a priority and a shared responsibility of the Union institutions; believes that good legislation ~~should~~can contribute to competitiveness, the creation of sustainable jobs and growth, a~~nd must~~ high level of consumer protection and should do so in a way that stimulates~~, rather than frustrates,~~ the European economy;

Amendment 90 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

Amendment 91 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Urges the Commission to undertake timely and faster infringement proceedings where evidence exists to demonstrate a failure of implementation and where reasonable efforts to solve problems through tools such as EU Pilot or SOLVIT have failed; considers that ~~while~~ action should be taken in all applicable cases~~, the Commission could further prioritise action to tackle those infringements that are most significant in economic terms~~;

Amendment 92 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

Amendment 93 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Urges the Commission to undertake infringement proceedings where evidence exists to demonstrate a failure of implementation and where reasonable efforts to solve problems through tools such as EU Pilot or SOLVIT have failed; considers that while action should be taken in all applicable cases, the Commission could further prioritise action to tackle those infringements that are most significant in economic terms; underlines that Member States have an equal responsibility to enforce EU law, and that they should ensure an effective and efficient enforcement to protect consumers interest and to create a level playing field for businesses throughout Europe;

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Undertakes to ~~play its role in this area, including~~exercise Parliament's role in the enforcement of Union legislation inter alia by reviewing the implementation of legislation and through scrutiny of the Commission, in particular through engagement by Parliament with annual, or at least more detailed, reporting by the Commission on work programmes relating specifically to enforcement;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25 a. Stresses that in its resolution on the implementation of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC, the European Parliament called on the Commission to compile and analyse data on penalties applied by Member States as well as on the efficiency of enforcement regimes in particular with regard to the complexity and length of enforcement procedures; calls repeatedly on the Commission to provide the Parliament with results of these analyses;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)

25 b. Considers that the enforcement remains primarily national whilst an increasing share of businesses operate across borders; stresses that cross-border situations that can affect consumer in several, if not all, Members States at the same time, are arising in the Single Market; believes that in case of an EU- wide infringement, the direct enforcement action at EU level is needed in order to ensure coherent enforcement of consumer rights throughout the EU;

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)

25 c. Notes that cooperation between enforcement authorities is essential to ensure that consumer rights legislation is equally applied cross the internal market and to create a level playing field for businesses; stresses the importance of Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 on Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) in this area; stresses that following Article 21a of the CPC Regulation, the Commission shall assess the effectiveness and operational mechanisms of this Regulation and submit report to the EP by 31 December 2014; urges the Commission to fulfil this commitment as soon as possible;

Amendment 98 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 d (new)

25d. Acknowledges a positive role of the EU sweeps actions, launched by the Commission in order to enhance enforcement throughout coordinated control actions in the online environment; believes that EU sweeps could be broaden also into the offline sector;

Amendment 99 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Welcomes the regular review period, and the introduction of sectoral analysis under the REFIT programme, both of which have the aim of improving single market regulation and ensuring that legislation is "fit for purpose";

source: 557.282

2015/09/04 IMCO 78 amendments...

Amendment 120 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the single market is a key tool for reigniting ~~economic growth~~sustainable socio-economic growth, for guaranteeing high level consumer protection and for ensuring best environmental and social standards in the Union;

Amendment 121 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas there is a low level of knowledge and awareness among both citizens and businesses of various assistance services such as Your Europe, SOLVIT;

Amendment 122 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)

Ab. whereas there is a lack of sufficient indicators and data for measuring successful implementation of legislation in Single Market areas;

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)

Ac. whereas such indicators and data for measuring successful implementation of legislation in Single Market areas could clarify the aim and purpose of the legislation;

Amendment 124 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas, more than 20 years after its official creation, the single market still has gaps, p~~rim~~articularily because the Member States have not fully transposed or correctly implemented Union legislation;

Amendment 125 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas the forthcoming internal market strategy should aim at improving the single market regulation by learning from the experiences of the past in the areas of free movement of goods and services, the digital single market, professional qualifications and public procurement;

Amendment 126 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas it is the concept of shared responsibility that should frame how the Union seeks to improve single market regulation in order to set the foundation for a solid social system in all Member States;

Amendment 127 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

Da. whereas we have a single market for goods but not a single market for services;

Amendment 128 #

-1. Asks the Commission to take into account the recommendations contained in this resolution in its forthcoming internal market strategy;

Amendment 129 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Considers that improving single market regulation should be both a priority and a shared responsibility of the Union institutions; believes that good legislation ~~should contribute to competitiveness, the creation of jobs and~~is citizen centred and hence, can contribute to stimulating a healthy competitive environment for sustainable job creation, socio-economic growth, and ~~must do so in a way that stimulates, rather than frustrates, the European economy~~to guaranteeing high level consumer protection as well as to ensuring best environmental and social standards;

Amendment 130 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Considers that improving single market regulation should be both a priority and a shared responsibility of the Union institutions; believes that good legislation should contribute to the completion and better functioning of the single market, thus promoting competitiveness, the creation of jobs and sustainable growth, and ~~must do so~~ ensuring a ~~way that stimulates, rather than frustrates, the European economy~~high level of consumer protection;

Amendment 131 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Considers that improving single market regulation should be both a priority and a shared responsibility of the European Union institutions and the Member States; believes that good legislation should contribute to competitiveness, the creation of jobs ~~and~~, growth, and ~~must do so in a way that stimulates, rather than frustr~~the protection of workers, the environment and consumers, and must thus stimulates, the European economy;

Amendment 132 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Considers that improving single market regulation should be both a priority and a shared responsibility of the Union institutions; believes that good legislation should contribute to competitiveness, the creation of jobs and growth, SME development, and must do so in a way that stimulates, rathe~~r than frustrates, the European economy~~ European economy, lawful competition and consumer protection;

Amendment 133 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Understands ‘better regulation’ in the context of the whole policy cycle, whereby all elements contribute to efficient and effective regulation, while assuring lawful competition within the Single Market in relation to non-European products; considers that improved Single Market regulation must also take into account the relations with non-European countries;

Amendment 134 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Understands ‘better regulation’ in the context of the whole policy cycle, whereby all elements contribute to efficient and effective regulation; considers, therefore, that specific indicators for measuring the success of the legislation should be included already in the initial impact assessment and used throughout the whole policy cycle, including the implementation of the legislation when it enters into force;

Amendment 135 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

~~3. Considers that the principle of subsidiarity is an essential element and must represent the starting point for policy formulation;~~deleted

Amendment 136 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Considers that the principles of subsidiarity ~~is an essential element and must represent the starting point for~~and proportionality are important aspects of the European Union’s policy formulation;

Amendment 137 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Recalls that the responsibility for subsidiarity extends beyond the Commission, the Council and Parliament, and includes a role for national and – where appropriate –regional parliaments; believes that the input of parliaments should be given appropriate weight and consideration in the context of the subsidiarity mechanism, but also as regards political dialogue;deleted

Amendment 138 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

Amendment 139 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Notes that the deadlines involved in the subsidiarity mechanism ~~are too short to ensure that parliaments always have time~~permit national parliaments to cmon~~sider in detail aspects of implementation~~ itor respect for other practical matters; considers, therefore, that parliaments should be afforded more time to respond; considers, as well, that a stronger ‘red card’ procedure should be introduced, allowing proposals to be rejected on grounds of lack of conformity with subsidiarity subsidiarity principle in initiatives taken by the European Union;

Amendment 140 #

Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI, Anna Maria CORAZZA BILDT, Andreas SCHWAB, Ivan ŠTEFANEC, Mihai ŢURCANU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Believes that, where the need for European regulation can be demonstrated, the institutions should jointly undertake to ensure that the principle of proportionality, as well as the principles of simplicity, transparency, coherence and respect for fundamental rights, are reflected in the drafting of the relevant legislation;deleted

Amendment 141 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Believes that, where the need for European single market regulation can be demonstrated, the institutions should jointly undertake to ensure that the principle of proportionality, ais ~~well as the principles of~~reflected in the drafting of the relevant legislation; believes, furthermore, that the process should aim at simplicity, transparency, coherence and respect for fundamental rights~~, are reflected in the drafting of the relevant legislation~~;

Amendment 142 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Considers that single market regulation should take into account the new opportunities afforded by the digital revolution and should be fully compatible with the e-government dimension;

Amendment 143 #

Marlene MIZZI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Calls on the European Commission to use more strategic EU legislative approach by identifying the areas that should be subject of most policy attention and as a result to propose a comprehensive solution to each of the remaining priorities and existing obstacles geared towards winning back the trust of European citizens; calls on the Commission to back up each piece of legislation with a comprehensive logic map identifying synergy and conflicts with other policy areas in Europe that can affect the everyday life of the European citizens and providing evidence that the new proposals are likely to address those problems;

Amendment 144 #

Marlene MIZZI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6b. Calls on the European Commission to strengthen the role of the Single Market as a separate pillar of the European Semester process, which should be supported by an annual Single Market Integration report as an input to the Annual Growth Survey;

Amendment 145 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that single market legislation should be to the benefit of competitiveness, innovation and ~~growth,~~sustainable growth based on lawful competition and views effective impact assessments as an important tool for informing policymakers on how best to design regulation to achieve these aims and their single market objectives;

Amendment 146 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that single market legislation should ~~be to the benefit of competitiveness, innovation and growth, and views effective impact assessments~~have as its aim the completion and better functioning of the single market, thus promoting competitiveness, innovation, growth and employment, while fully protecting consumers, and views effective impact assessments, based on reliable data and accurate research, evaluating all the effects of a legislative proposal, as an important tool for informing policymakers on how best to design regulation to achieve these aims and their single market objectives;

Amendment 147 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that single market legislation should be to the benefit of competitiveness, innovation, the protection of workers, the environment and consumers, and growth, and views effective impact assessments as an important tool for informing policymakers on ~~how best to~~a way of designing regulation to achieve these aims and their single market objectives, without supplanting political decisions and analyses;

Amendment 148 #

7. Believes that single market legislation should be to the benefit of c~~ompet~~itivzeness, ~~innovation and growth, and views effect~~enterprises of all sizes, consumers and thus, to the society as a whole; views comprehensive impact assessments as ~~an important~~one amongst other tools for informing policymakers on how best to d~~esign~~raft regulation to achieve these aims and their single market objectives; points out that impact assessments have to be based on a comprehensive approach which includes the quantifiable and qualifiable evaluation of social, economic and environmental consequences of a legislative proposal and its potential interplaying effect on already existing legislation;

Amendment 149 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Considers that in order to be effective as tools, impact assessments should be prepared on the basis of strong evidence; believes that careful consideration of scientific advice should form part of the impact assessment process and, in particular, substantiate how or why policy choices have been mainclude all options which have significant impacts or are politically important; regrets in that respect that the country of origin marking foreseen by Article 7 of the Commission proposal for a Regulation on Consumer Product Safety was not among the options which were initially considered and then discarded in ~~preparatory phases, which will assist the political process~~the impact assessment, nor among the options analysed in depth;

Amendment 150 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Considers that in order to be effective as tools, impact assessments should be prepared on the basis of strong evidence; ~~believ~~stresses that ~~careful consideration of scientific advice should form part of the impact assessment process and, in particular, substantiate how or why policy choices have been made in preparatory phas~~they should be based on estimates of the additional economic, social and environmental costs the Member States, w~~hich will assist the p~~ould incur if there were no soliuti~~cal process~~on at European level;

Amendment 151 #

Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI, Anna Maria CORAZZA BILDT, Andreas SCHWAB, Ivan ŠTEFANEC, Mihai ŢURCANU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Considers that in order to be effective as tools, impact assessments should be prepared on the basis of strong evidence; believes that careful consideration of scientific advice should form part of the impact assessment process and, in particular, substantiate how or why policy choices have been made in preparatory phases, which will assist the politicala holistic approach, reliable data and accurate research; takes the view that impact assessments should be conducted so as also to take into account ex-post assessments of existing legislation in the same sector and should consider the consistency between a new legislative initiative and the other policies and general objectives of the European Union; believes, lastly, that careful consideration of scientific advice should form part of the impact assessment process;

Amendment 152 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. CRegrets that around 40% of draft impact assessments examined by the EC Impact Assessment Board 2010-2014 were considered to be of insufficient quality and were sent back for improvements; considers that in order to be effective as tools, impact assessments should be prepared on the basis of strong evidence; believes that careful consideration of scientific advice should form part of the impact assessment process and, in particular, substantiate how or why policy choices have been made in preparatory phases, which will assist the political process; furthermore considers that impact assessments must take into account the digital revolution and the need for future proof legislation;

Amendment 153 #

Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI, Anna Maria CORAZZA BILDT, Andreas SCHWAB, Ivan ŠTEFANEC, Mihai ŢURCANU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Considers that in order to be effective as tools, impact assessments should be prepared on the basis of strong verifiable and quantifiable evidence; believes that careful consideration of scientific advice should form part of the impact assessment process and, in particular, substantiate how or why policy choices have been made in preparatory phases, which will assist the political process;

Amendment 154 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Points out that no clear guidance is given whether potential impacts from REFIT proposals should be quantified or not; highlights the need for REFIT proposals to become more targeted by quantifying the potential benefits and cost savings in each proposal;

Amendment 155 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Points out that the impact assessment accompanying a proposal should be s~~een as a ‘living document’ that is kept up to date and that corresponds to the choice~~upplemented by impact assessments on substantial amendments madeopted by the co-legislators ~~at the various stages of negotiations before the final political decisi~~; Recalls that Parliament has carefully assessed the potential impact on SMEs of some of its amendments to the two Public Procurement Directives; Urges therefore the Council - which has not done any impact assessment on its ~~taken~~own amendments since 2007 - to become more involved;

Amendment 156 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Considers that the principle of subsidiarity is an essential element to be considered when assessing the impact of new legislations together with the principle of proportionality;

Amendment 157 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Notes that the "Smart Single Market Regulation"(http://www.europarl.europa. eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2015/563442/I POL_STUD(2015) 563442_EN.pdf) study commissioned by the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee suggests that the European Parliament and the Council might have valuable insights to contribute to the Commission's impact assessments; calls on the Commission to explore ways in which to include the European Parliament and the Council in the process regarding the impact assessments;

Amendment 158 #

Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI, Anna Maria CORAZZA BILDT, Andreas SCHWAB, Ivan ŠTEFANEC, Mihai ŢURCANU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)

9b. Recalls that the responsibility for subsidiarity extends beyond the Commission, the Council and Parliament, and includes a role for national parliaments;

Amendment 159 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Reiterates the need to introduce the single market as a separate pillar in the European Semester process; calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure that the European Parliament plays an active role through scrutinising the process;

Amendment 160 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph - 11 a (new)

-11a. Considers that the consultation phase should always include a 'Digital by default' section whereby the Commission would seek to deeply understand user needs and what it means for the design of the service;

Amendment 161 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Reiterates ~~its position~~ that consultation processes should be opened up and expanded to include submissions on draft impact assessments; believes this is equally important for secondary legislation, which is of great consequence for the implementation of single market regulation and which therefore requires greater transparency and scrutiny;

Amendment 162 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Recognizes the proposals for an increased strategic programming phase in the "Better Regulation Package" such as inception impact assessments; considers however that there is still a lack of overviews of the Commission's working process; Calls on the Commission to make road maps outlining policy initiatives in specific sectors more visible, and to facilitate their use;

Amendment 163 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Considers the input from citizens and businesses into the different assistance services such as Your Europe, SOLVIT to be of great importance to the legislative process, therefore calls on the Commission to evaluate the data of the input coming from these services and take it into consideration when reviewing the relevant legislation;

Amendment 164 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Believes that ~~wid~~transparency is essential, especially during the consultation ~~is essential~~process, particularly with regard to informal groupings, such as expert groups involved in standardisation activities; considers the proper balancing of these groups, the publication of documents and evidence, and the invitation to all stakeholders to contribute effectively to the development of policy ~~in this area~~, to be an important driver for innovation and the strengthening of the single market, particularly with regard to the Digital Single Market agenda;

Amendment 165 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Underlines that such stakeholder consultations have to be to the widest extent inclusive, in particular, involving SMEs, micro-businesses and civil- organisations;

Amendment 166 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Believes that full and proper implementation of single market legislation to be fundamental if the benefits of the single market are to be fully felt; expresses concern over the fact that targets for implementation are not always met; Calls in particular for a full and correct implementation of the Services directive; recalls the large degree of heterogeneity remaining between Member States and sectors, notably in the sector of legal services;

Amendment 167 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Regrets that despite the 0.5% target proposed by the Commission in the Single Market Act, Slovenia is still lagging behind; Stresses that it is not only the formal targets for transposition and implementation that are important, but also the practical implementation on the ground;

Amendment 168 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Stresses that it is not only the formal targets for transposition and implementation that are important, but also the practical implementation on the ground and its impact;

Amendment 169 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Believes that the analysis should also undertake to identify instances of gold- plating, which present similar challenges and extra costs for people and businesses seeking to understand and apply law originating at EU level;

Amendment 170 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Believes that the analysis should also undertake to identify instances of gold- plating, which present similar challenges for people and businesses seeking to understand and apply law originating at EU level; stresses in this context that Member States which adopt regulation to attain a higher level of protection of workers, the environment and consumers should not be regarded as practising gold-plating;

Amendment 171 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls on the Commission to ~~invest more efforts to improve, consolidate and publicise guidance on the regulations and tools in place that contribu~~continue its effort and regularly update guidance on the regulations; in particular, calls for the quick update tof the ~~monitoring of how Union law is being applied and that, as such, are vital to the proper functioning of the single marke~~2009 Guidance on the application of Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices in order to make sure it fits to the digital age in close cooperation with the European Parliament;

Amendment 172 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Stresses that one-stop shops in support of dispute resolution of the SOLVIT, ECC-Net or FIN-Net type are services which improve the functioning of the internal market; calls on the Commission to deploy resources to publicise these tools and to develop their complementarities;

Amendment 173 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Regrets that according to the Commission, France has both the slowest answering speed in days for requests entered in the IMI system and the lowest satisfaction rate of all EU countries;

Amendment 174 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)

19b. Considers that the Internal Market Information System should continue to be expanded to other single market tools in order to become a central information hub; Highlight that it would allow to comply with the ‘once only’ principle, in line with the recent Commission initiatives;

Amendment 175 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)

19c. Is concerned by the low level of awareness and understanding among Europeans of the services available such as Your Europe, Your Europe Advice, European Employment Service, CPC network, points of single contact, SOLVIT and Alternative and Online Dispute Resolution;

Amendment 176 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 d (new)

19d. Considers that too few procedures can be completed online via the points of single contact and ask Member States to remedy this situation; Points out that Germany is lagging behind the other Member States in terms of performance of its points of single contact;

Amendment 177 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 e (new)

19e. Asks the Commission to carry out in- depth reflection on their interaction and to explore the possibility to replace them by one single point of contact for consumers which would then direct the consumer to other tools as appropriate;

Amendment 178 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 f (new)

19f. Considers that this reflection should ensure a better definition of these services in order to obtain a better separation of activities and then avoid overlapping;

Amendment 179 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 g (new)

19g. Considers that the forthcoming revision of the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) regulation should fully take into account the need to improve the information flow between the different single market tools;

Amendment 180 #

Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI, Anna Maria CORAZZA BILDT, Andreas SCHWAB, Ivan ŠTEFANEC, Mihai ŢURCANU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Considers that services such as SOLVIT represent a useful, low-cost alternative to legal action; notes that the present take-up of these services is very low~~, in particular by the~~ both by the citizens and business community; calls on the Commission, in order to resolve this problem, to improve further awareness about these tools, while examining whether the outcomes and responses from those tools are adequate for users; calls furthermore on the Commission to work on better co- operation between the various assistance services such as Your Europe, SOLVIT; to increase the user satisfaction;

Amendment 181 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Considers that services such as SOLVIT and SOLVIT plus represent as useful, low-cost alternatives to legal action; notes that only 4 % of consumers and companies are aware of the tools and that the present take-up of these services is very low~~, in particular by the business community~~; calls on the Commission, and Member States in order to resolve this problem, to improve further awareness about these tools, while examining whether the outcomes and responses from those tools are adequate for users;

Amendment 182 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Is very concerned by the fact that Slovenia ceased cooperation with the Commission services regarding Your Europe in all respects; Also underlines the need for Latvia and Greece to ensure permanent representation and regular attendance at the Editorial Board meetings;

Amendment 183 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Calls on the Commission to develop a communication and training strategy for ensuring greater awareness of assistance services amongst citizens and businesses of all sizes; recommends in this context the development of a single portal for accessing all assistance services;

Amendment 184 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22a. Calls on the Commission to evaluate the performance of the Products Contact Points foreseen in the 2009 Mutual Recognition Regulation and the 2011 Construction Products Regulation;

Amendment 185 #

Motion for a resolution
Title before Paragraph 23

Enforcement and market surveillance

Amendment 186 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph – 23 a (new)

- 23a. Underlines the need for a closer cooperation between the single market governance tools receiving consumer complaints about the breach of EU legislation by a trader and national enforcement bodies via formal procedures and improved data sharing;

Amendment 187 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

Amendment 188 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Considers that market surveillance tools should be used in conjunction with single market tools to strengthen the enforcement of EU law;

Amendment 189 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)

25b. In this regard, points out the national authorities do not always make correct use of the Information and Communication System on Market Surveillance (ICSMS) or fail to take necessary measures in a timely fashion; underlines in particular, the need to improve the passing on of cases between public authorities;

Amendment 190 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)

25c. Is concerned by the fact that, according a sample analysis conducted by the Commission in 2014, 60% of completed product investigations did not report on the country of origin, 32% of machinery product investigations were not accompanied by a risk classification and 5% percent of entries did not make reference to the EU regulation/directive at breach; Asks the Council and its Member States to give serious consideration to this issue and to inform the Parliament of the follow-up actions taken thereof;

Amendment 191 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Welcomes the regular review period, and the introduction of sectoral analysis under the REFIT programme, ~~both of which have the aim of improving single market regulation~~the ultimate aim of which should be to improve the quality of Union legislation and simplify it, thus aligning it more effectively with the needs of citizens and undertakings, with particular reference to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises;

Amendment 192 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

Amendment 193 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Notes that the cumulative cost of unjustified regulation often represents a barriers for participants in the single market, particularly for SMEs; welcomes, therefore, the commitment by the Commission to examine this issue; underlines, however, that any such analysis ~~should only address economic factors and should not be equated with a broader impact assessment, which includes assessments of other element~~must take into account not only economic factors but also objectives of protection of workers, the environment and consumers;

Amendment 194 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Notes that the cumulative cost of regulation often represent barriers for participants in the single market, particularly for SMEs; welcomes, therefore, the commitment by the Commission to examine this issue; underlines, however, that any such analysis should only address economic factors and consumer protection and should not be equated with a broader impact assessment, which includes assessments of other elements;

Amendment 195 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Considers also that improving single market regulation does not mean removing all regulation, but rather delivering a competitive regulatory environment that supports employment ~~and~~, enterprise, workers, the environment and consumers within Europe;

Amendment 196 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32

Amendment 197 #