2015/2210(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Draft opinion
Recital A

A. whereas the annual growth survey presented by the Commission on 28 November 2014 ~~outlined three main pillars for 2015 – a coordinated boost to private investment, a re~~is continuing along a path which has hitherto proven to be a total failure, by identifying as priorities fiscal consolidation, the newed ~~commitment to~~for structural reforms and the ~~pursuance of fiscal responsibility – and emphasises for the first time the contribution the EU budget should make to achieving these aims~~attraction of private investment as a matter of priority;

Amendment 10 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Welcom~~Takes the ~~presentation of~~view that the five presidents' report, 'Completing Europe's Economic and Monetary Union', ~~but criticises the fact that the timetable for its implementation is out of step with the severity of the Greek~~goes in the opposite direction to what is needed, that it should provide for greater freedom of action for Member States and combat the asymmetries caused by the single currency and by absurd fiscal rules which are preventing economic recovery and an end to the crisis;

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Notes that the annual cycle of economic and budgetary policy coordination is linked to the Budget Committee's responsibility to monitor the implementation of the EU budget; considers the European Semester an additional means of increasing budgetary rigour in EU spending;

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. WBel~~com~~ieves the steps which have been taken to simplify and strengthen the European Semester: a greater focus on priorities, fewer documents and more time to discuss them, greater outreach at political level and engagement with national authorities.at the changes made to the operation of the European Semester are an improvement, but are still far from making this instrument useful and sustainable, given that it is based on European economic governance that absolutely needs to be reconsidered;

Amendment 13 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the ideas proposed to help strengthen parliamentary oversight, in particular the proposal to adapt Parliament's structures to the specific nature of the single currency, which is vital for building a genuine economic and monetary union;

Amendment 14 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes, in any case, the ideas proposed to help strengthen parliamentary oversight, sin ~~particular the proposal to adapt Parliament's structures to the specific nature of the single currency~~ce Parliament is the only Union body that is legitimately elected and that democratically represents EU citizens;

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Welcomes the ideas~~Notes the proposedal to ~~help~~ strengthen ~~parliamentary oversight, in particular~~the scrutiny role of both the pEurop~~osal to adapt Parliament's structures to the specific nature of the single currency~~ean Parliament in advance of the publication of the Annual Growth Survey and of the national Parliaments more generally in relation to the European Semester;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Highlights the Commission's understanding of the crucial role national and regional authorities play in promoting necessary structural reforms, exercising fiscal responsibility and boosting investment in support of jobs and growth;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

~~4. Welcomes the call to give intergovernmental solutions such as the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance full democratic legitimacy by incorporating them into EU primary law;~~deleted

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Welcom~~Takes the ~~call to give intergovernmental solutions such as~~view that the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance ~~full democratic legitimacy by incorporating them into EU primary law~~(Fiscal Compact) is illegitimate as it is in clear breach of primary Union law; stresses that its adoption should have followed standard Treaty amendment procedures (Article 48 TEU) and rejects any measure designed to artificially supersede this only available option;

Amendment 19 #

Ivan ŠTEFANEC

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Stresses the need to apply all existing rules of the Stability and Growth Pact in order to achieve the stability of the public finances. Underlines the possibility to impose financial penalties in case of not keeping these rules.

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Recital B

B. whereas over the last six months ~~a whole series of budgetary measures~~there have been numerous changes to the budget – the adoption of the regulation on the European Fund for Strategic Investments, the launch of operational programmes linked to the cohesion funds, the carry-over of commitment appropriations from the 2007- 2013 period which were unused in 2014 to 2015, 2016 and 2017 and the decision to increase pre- financing for the European Youth Initiative – ~~have been taken in the service of the objectives set out in the annual growth survey~~which may have negative repercussions over the next few months;

Amendment 20 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the ideas put forward for a eurozone budgetary stability mechanism, which would be the first step towards establishing a European treasury; points out that the publication of a white paper in spring 2017 will coincide with the mid- term review of the MFF; reiterates, in that connection, its call that any additional funding or instrument should fall within the scope of Parliamentʼs budgetary oversight and should be financed over and above the MFF ceiling for 2014-2020; reiterates the need for a new own-resources system, which would pave the way for a genuine overhaul of the EU financing arrangements without requiring EU citizens to pay more tax;deleted

Amendment 21 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

Amendment 22 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the ideas put forward for a eurozone budgetary stability mechanism, which would be the first step towards establishing a European treasury; points out that the publication of a white paper in spring 2017 will coincide with the mid- term review of the MFF; reiterates, in that connection, its call that any additional funding or instrument should fall within the scope of Parliamentʼs budgetary oversight and should be financed over and above the MFF ceiling for 2014-2020; ~~reiterates the need for a new own- resources system, which would pave the way for a genuine overhaul of the EU financing arrangements without requiring EU citizens to pay more tax;~~

Amendment 23 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Welcomes the ideas put forward for~~Objects to the establishment of a eurozone budgetary stability mechanism, which would be the first step towards establishing a European treasury; points out that the publication of a white paper in spring 2017 will coincide with the mid- term review of the MFF; reiterates, in that connection, its call that any additional funding or instrument should fall within the scope of Parliamentʼs budgetary oversight and should be financed over and above the MFF ceiling for 2014-2020; reiterates the need for a new own-resources system, which would pave the way, given that the unsustainability of the single currency for some of its member countries has been clearly demonstrated; reiterates, however, the need for a genuine overhaul of the EU financing arrangements ~~without~~, though without, under any circumstances, requiring EU citizens to pay more tax;

Amendment 24 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

Amendment 25 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Reiterates the need for a new own- resources system, which would pave the way for a genuine overhaul of the EU financing arrangements without requiring EU citizens to pay more tax and creating a real connection between citizens and European authorities. In this sense the Parliament is looking forward to analyse and discuss the proposals that the High Level Working Group on Own Resources will put forward next year;

Amendment 26 #

Ivan ŠTEFANEC

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Recalls that payment shortages, largely due to insufficient payment ceilings and under-budgeting remain acute in 2015; fears that this will continue to jeopardise the proper implementation of the new 2014-2020 MFF programmes, and to penalise the beneficiaries, especially local, regional and national authorities, who are facing economic and social constraints;

Amendment 27 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. ~~Welcomes~~Regrets that the adoption of the regulation on the European Fund for Strategic Investments~~, and emphasises the role Parliament has played in minimising redeployment from~~ might have an adverse impact on Horizon 2020 and on the Connecting Europe Facility, programmes that were defined as priorities by the Commission, the Member States and Parliament;

Amendment 28 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Welcomes the adoption of the regulation on the European Fund for Strategic Investments as a means to boost private investment, and emphasises the role Parliament has played in minimising redeployment from Horizon 2020 and the Connecting Europe Facility;

Amendment 29 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Welcomes the adoption of the regulation on the European Fund for Strategic Investments, and emphasises the role Parliament has played in minimising redeployment from Horizon 2020 and the Connecting Europe Facility; reiterates its commitment to reducing cuts during the annual budgetary procedure;

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Recital C

C. whereas these measures demonstrate the added value which the EU budget provides, but also highlight the restrictions on EU political action imposed by a budget which does not consist of genuine own resources, which amounts to less than 1 % of EU GDP and which is constrained by a seven- year multiannual framework; whereas this budget is highly insufficient in order to meet the Union’s obligations with regard to agricultural crises, migration issues, support for research, economic development and the deepening of a social Europe;

Amendment 30 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Notes that the European Fund for Strategic Investments has only just begun to fund projects and will therefore reserve judgment on the efficacy of these investments;

Amendment 31 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6b. Welcomes the contributions of Member States to the Investment Plan for Europe;

Amendment 32 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Regards it as essential that the plan should succeed and will therefore monitor its implementation very closely, in particular any move to shift investment expenditure and public debt off State balance sheets, in addition to any obstacles to its implementation that might be raised by the internal bureaucracies of each Member State.

Amendment 33 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Regards it as essential that the plan should succeed and will therefore monitor its implementation very closely, in particular any move to shift investment expenditure and public debt off State balance sheetTakes the view that since the Commission’s investment plan is based mainly on attracting private investment, it cannot resolve the current economic and social crisis, which, on the contrary, would require public investment and direct action by the Member States, which, at present, do not have the necessary freedom of action since they are victims of the EU’s coercive rules.

Amendment 34 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Regards it as essential that the plan should succeed and will therefore monitor its implementation very closely~~, in particular any move to shift investment expenditure and public debt off State balance sheets~~.

Amendment 35 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Regards it as essential that the plan should succeed and will therefore monitor its implementation very closely, in particular ~~any move to shift investment expenditure and public debt off State balance she~~its impact on the budgets.

Amendment 36 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Recognises the importance of fiscal responsibility following the crisis in Europe, and emphasises the importance of showing restraint in the EU budget in order to maintain the agreed ceilings in commitments and payment appropriations under the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020;

Amendment 37 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Points out that a deficit in the EU budget is illegal and the Council’s budgetary proposals are therefore insincere; notes that the latter institution is making the EU budget an adjustment variable of national budgets and that this consolidation of national budgets by delaying payments for project initiators is counterproductive economically and financially; takes the view that the exclusion of Member States’ contributions from the calculation of the structural deficit would allow for a more accurate reading of the budgetary efforts made by the Member States;

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Recital C

C. whereas the~~se measures demonstrat~~ EU budget should have thrue added value which the EU budget provides, but also highlight the restrictions on EU political action imposed by a budget which does not consist of genuine own resources, which amounts to less than 1 % of EU GDP and which is constrained by a seven-year multiannual framework, by focusing on priorities and measures that are genuinely effective at EU level, while fully adhering to the subsidiarity principle;

Amendment 5 #

Draft opinion
Recital C

C. whereas these measures demonstrate the added value which the EU budget can provides, ~~but also highlight~~nevertheless emphasises the prestrictions on EU political action imposed by a budget which does not consist of genuine own resources, which amounts to less than 1 % of EU GDP and which is constrained by a seven-year multiannual framework- eminent role of Member State actions in the implementation of these measures;

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas the Council's position with regard to the 2016 budget has been to reduce commitments by EUR 563.6 million and payments by EUR 1.4 billion, once again underestimating the EU's real payment needs, running counter to the plan put forward by the Commission to settle unpaid bills;

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the presentation of the five presidents' report, ‘Completing Europe's Economic and Monetary Union', but criticises the fact that the timetable for its implementation is out of step with the severity of the Greek crisis;deleted

Amendment 8 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the presentation of the five presidents' report, 'Completing Europe's Economic and Monetary Union', but criticises the fact that the timetable for its implementation is out of step with the severity of the Greek crisis; welcomes, in addition, the Beres report on the review of the economic governance framework, which was endorsed by Parliament;

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the presentation of the five presidents' report, ‘Completing Europe's Economic and Monetary Union', but criticises the fact that the timetable for its implementation is too slow and out of step with the ~~severity of~~reform demand triggered by the Greek crisis;

source: 567.637

2015/09/11 ECON 290 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)

- having regard to the Commission communication of 28 November 2014 on the Alert Mechanism report 2015 (COM(2014)0904),

Amendment 10 #

Marisa MATIAS, Fabio DE MASI, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Rina Ronja KARI

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the Commission’s spring 2015 economic forecast indicates growth rates of 2.1 % in the EU and of 1.9 % in the euro area for 2016, which already seems overly optimistic;

Amendment 100 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Deplores the persistently high unemployment rates across most Member States, in particular the youth and long- term unemployment rates; stresses the need to re~~form national labour markets in order to~~duce precariousness and raise internal demand; stresses the need for public investment programs to restart growth and increase job creation rates;

Amendment 101 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Deplores the persistently high unemployment rates across most Member States, in particular the youth and long- term structural unemployment rates; ~~stresses the need to reform national labour markets in order to increase job creation rates~~recalls the findings of the IMF April 2015 World Economic Outlook, according to which structural flexible labour market reforms do not have a statistically significant impact on total factor productivity, unlike investments in R&D and innovation, which were found to generate the highest productivity and have a largely positive impact on GDP growth;

Amendment 102 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Deplores the persistently high unemployment rates across most Member States, in particular the youth and long- term unemployment rates; stresses the need to reform national labour markets in order to increase job creation rates; highlights that this needs a specific approach for some population groups, such as younger people, low-skilled unemployed, older unemployed and women coming back to the labour market; is concerned that discrimination against women, older workers and workers with migrant backgrounds are still impeding their chances to access employment; highlights that shifting taxation from labour to environment is a cost-efficient way to create jobs;

Amendment 103 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Deplores the persistently high unemployment rates across most Member States, and is saddened by in particular the youth and long- term unemployment rates; stresses the need to reform national labour markets in order to increase job creation rates and concentrate on creating quality workplaces; condemns the methods of certain Member States with which they distort the unemployment rates and stresses the importance of employment rates to create a more realistic picture than the current one;

Amendment 104 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Deplores the persistently high unemployment rates across most Member States, in particular the youth and long- term unemployment rates; stresses the need to reform national labour markets in order to increase job creation rates; stresses that the dual-track training model has proved particularly valuable in combating youth unemployment;

Amendment 105 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Deplores the persistently high unemployment rates across most Member States, in particular the youth and long- term unemployment rates; stresses the need to ~~reform~~harmonise the regulations of national labour markets in order to increase job creation ~~rates~~and improve job quality;

Amendment 107 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Deplores the persistently high unemployment rates across most Member States, in particular the youth and long- term unemployment rates; stresses the need to reform national labour markets in order to increase job creation rates; taking care however to ensure that such reforms do not merely amount in practice, to reductions in labour rights and social protection, or to the promotion of precarious forms of employment;

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Deplores the persistently high unemployment rates across most Member States, in particular the youth and long- term unemployment rates; ~~stresses the need to reform national labour markets in order to increase job creation rates~~notes with concern that a falling unemployment rate also disguises the social epidemic of emigration; stresses the need to reform national labour markets, reduce precariousness and raise internal demand in order to increase job creation rates; Notes with concern the use of draconian and compulsory work activation schemes for young people;

Amendment 109 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Deplores the persistently high unemployment rates across most Member States, in particular the youth and long- term unemployment rates; stresses the need tofor increased investment alongside reform to national labour markets in order to increase job creation rates;

Amendment 11 #

Pablo ZALBA BIDEGAIN

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the Commission's spring 2015 economic forecast indicates improved growth rates of 2.1 % in the EU and of 1.9 % in the euro area for 2016;

Amendment 110 #

Cătălin Sorin IVAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Deplores the persistently high unemployment rates across most Member States, in particular the youth and long- term unemployment rates; stresses the need to reform national labour markets in order to increase job creation rates, as well as to reform the education system and adapt it to the new skill and knowledge demands on the EU labour market;

Amendment 111 #

Gunnar HÖKMARK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Deplores the persistently high unemployment rates across most Member States, in particular the youth and long- term unemployment rates; stresses the need ~~to reform national~~for flexible labour markets in order to ~~increase job creation rate~~achieve openness, flexibility and more jobs;

Amendment 112 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Deplores the persistently high unemployment rates across most Member States, in particular the youth and long- term unemployment rates; stresses the need to reform national labour markets in order to increase job creation rates; insists that this should be complemented by the active promotion of entrepreneurship via, among others, the inclusion of entrepreneurship skills in school curricula and the creation of a more conducive regulatory and tax environment for start-ups;

Amendment 113 #

Andrey KOVATCHEV

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Reminds that the ageing of the population and demographic change will continue to put a significant pressure on the health care systems of EU Member States; stresses that this challenge should be tackled through ambitious reforms and considers that the European Semester is an important tool to support Member States in ensuring the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of these systems;

Amendment 114 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

Amendment 115 #

Marisa MATIAS, Fabio DE MASI, Matt CARTHY, Miguel VIEGAS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Welcom~~Stresses the ~~entry into force of the regulation on~~need for public investment programs in the Union or individual Member States; regrets that the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI), is aimed at ~~boosting private investment in the EU, and calls on all relevant stakeholders to ensure its swift and effective implementation~~the interests of private investors in the EU;

Amendment 116 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Welcomes~~Takes note the entry into force of the regulation on the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI), aimed at boosting private investment in the EU~~, and calls on all relevant stakeholders to ensure its swift and effective implementation~~; highlights the well-known risks of combining structured finance and high leverage, as well as the unnecessary financial burden on the taxpayers of private-public partnerships aimed at attracting private investors into funding infrastructures and public goods;

Amendment 117 #

Bernd LUCKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Welcomes~~Takes note of the entry into force of the regulation on the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI), aimed at boosting private investment in the EU~~, and calls on all relevant stakeholders to ensure its swift and effective implementation~~;

Amendment 118 #

Jakob von WEIZSÄCKER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Welcomes the entry into force of the regulation on the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI), aimed at boosting private investment in the EU, as a first step in the right direction and calls on all relevant stakeholders to ensure its swift and effective implementation; points out that in the present low interest rate environment at the zero lower bound, a significant increase of the fund would be needed to provide the necessary macro- economic stimulus;

Amendment 119 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Welcomes the entry into force of the regulation on the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI), aimed at boosting private investment in the EU, and calls on all relevant stakeholders to ensure its swift and effective implementation, so as to facilitate access to financing for SMEs in particular;

Amendment 12 #

Pablo ZALBA BIDEGAIN, Dariusz ROSATI

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas in the 1st quarter of 2015, real GDP was higher than in the 1st quarter of 2014 in all Member States.

Amendment 120 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Welcomes the entry into force of the regulation on the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI), aimed at boosting private investment in the EU, and calls on all relevant stakeholders to ensure its swift and effective implementation; calls Member States to closely involve their local and regional authorities in promoting project pipelines and investment platforms;

Amendment 121 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Welcomes the entry into force of the regulation on the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI), aimed at boosting private and public investment in the EU, and calls on all relevant stakeholders to ensure its swift and effective implementation; calls Member States to closely involve their local and regional authorities in promoting project pipelines and investment platforms;

Amendment 122 #

Danuta Maria HÜBNER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Welcomes the entry into force of the regulation on the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI), aimed at boosting private investment in the EU, and calls on all relevant stakeholders and institutions involved to ensure its swift and effective implementation;

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Welcomes the entry into force of the regulation on the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI), aimed at boosting ~~private~~ investment in the EU, and calls on all relevant stakeholders to ensure its swift and effective implementation;

Amendment 124 #

Fabio DE MASI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

Amendment 125 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

Amendment 126 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that further fiscal consolidation is still needed in many Member States ~~in order to comply with the conditions of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP)~~; notes the Commission's interpretative communication on flexibility in the SGP, a~~imed at clarifying the scope of the investment clause and allowing for a certain degree of temporary flexibility in the preventive arm of the SGP;~~ sk for extension of the scope including on the establishment of a favourable climate for the development of public- sector investment; wishes in particular the neutralisation in calculations of the debt and deficits of public-sector investments made by public-sector operators of the Member States, in particular in view of the impact of the new accounting standards ESA2010 on the investment capacity of some public authorities;

Amendment 127 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that further fiscal consolidation is still needed in many Member States in order to comply with the conditions of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP); notes the Commission's interpretative communication on flexibility in the SGP, aimed at clarifying the scope of the investment clause and allowing for a certain degree of temporary flexibility in the preventive arm of the SGPwould further depress internal demand, thus hindering economic recovery, and unreasonably constrain Member States from adopting necessary and urgent measures to tackle unemployment, inequality, increasing poverty and social exclusion; notes the Commission's interpretative communication on flexibility in the SGP, aimed at clarifying the scope of the investment clause and allowing for a small margin of temporary flexibility solely in the preventive arm of the SGP; believes that this approach is insufficient and should be urgently reassessed with the aim to establish a more broadly defined golden rule to apply in both the preventive and corrective arm of the SGP, exempting from deficit and debt calculations all public expenditures related productive investments in R&D and innovation, as well as any guaranteed minimum income adopted by Member States to stimulate employment and inclusive growth;

Amendment 128 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

Amendment 129 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that further fiscal consolidation is still needed in many Member States in order to comply with the conditions of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP); ~~notes~~expresses concern regarding the Commission’s ~~interpretative~~ communication on flexibility in the SGP, aimed at ~~clarifying~~watering down the scope of the investment clause ~~and allowing for a certain degree of temporary flexibility in the preventive arm of the SGP~~;

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas ~~annual inflation in both the EU and the euro area is expected to rise from 0.1 % in 2015 to 1.5 % in~~the latest ECB forecast for the HICP has been revised downwards from 1.5% to 1.1% for 2016;

Amendment 130 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. ~~Not~~Approves that ~~further~~growth-friendly fiscal consolidation ~~is still~~, leading to job creation, sustainable growth and lower debt levels is needed in ~~many~~some Member States in order to support them to comply with the conditions of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP); ~~not~~welcomes the Commission's interpretative communication on flexibility in the SGP, aimed at clarifying the scope of the investment clause and allowing for a certain degree of temporary flexibility in the preventive a~~rm of the SGP~~s well as in the corrective arm of the SGP; calls for a "golden rule" for public accounting to keep growth- conducive long-term investments separate from current expenditure;

Amendment 131 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that further fiscal consolidation is still needed in many Member States in order to comply with the conditions of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP); ~~not~~welcomes the Commission’s interpretative communication on flexibility in the SGP, aimed at clarifying the scope of the investment clause and allowing for a certain degree of ~~temporary~~ flexibility ~~in the preventive arm of the SGP;~~ so as ensure the public deficit is reduced in line with the rate of economic growth;

Amendment 132 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that ~~further fiscal consolidation is still needed in many Member States in order to comply with the conditions of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP)~~deflationary fiscal policies combined with banking policies which socialised private debt and austerity policies have led to extremely high levels of public debt in many Member States; notes the Commission's interpretative communication on flexibility in the SGP, aimed at clarifying the scope of the investment clause and allowing for a certain degree of temporary flexibility in the preventive arm of the SGP;

Amendment 133 #

Marisa MATIAS, Matt CARTHY, Rina Ronja KARI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that further fiscal consolidation is still needed in many Member States in order to comply with the conditions of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) and, more fundamentally, to stop putting the burden on young and future generations and to be able to finance future-oriented projects and growth enhancing projects; notes the Commission's interpretative communication on flexibility in the SGP, aimed at clarifying the scope of the investment clause and allowing for a certain degree of temporary flexibility in the preventive arm of the SGP;

Amendment 134 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that ~~further~~ fiscal consolidation is ~~still~~ needed in many Member States in ~~order to comply with the conditions of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP)~~which austerity policies have led to extremely high levels of public debt; notes the Commission's interpretative communication on flexibility in the SGP, aimed at clarifying the scope of the investment clause and allowing for a certain degree of temporary flexibility in the preventive arm of the SGP;

Amendment 135 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

Amendment 136 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that further fiscal consolidation is still needed in many Member States in order to comply with the conditions of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP); ~~not~~welcomes the Commission's interpretative communication on flexibility in the SGP, aimed at clarifying the scope of the investment clause and allowing for a certain degree of temporary flexibility in the preventive arm of the SGP;

Amendment 137 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that further fiscal consolidation is still needed in many Member States in order to comply with the conditions of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP); ~~not~~welcomes the Commission's interpretative communication on flexibility in the SGP, aimed at clarifying the scope of the investment clause and allowing for a certain degree of temporary flexibility in the preventive arm of the SGP;

Amendment 138 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that further fiscal consolidation is still needed in many Member States in order to comply with the conditions of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP); ~~not~~welcomes the Commission's interpretative communication on flexibility in the SGP, aimed at clarifying the scope of the investment clause and allowing for a certain degree of temporary flexibility in the preventive arm of the SGP;

Amendment 139 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8 a. Considers that all investments, including those that do not take the form of credit or equity, should be excluded from the calculation of the public deficit for the purposes of the SGP;

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas the Commission's spring economic forecast indicates that annual inflation in both the EU and the euro area ~~is expected to rise from~~will remain as low as 0.1 % in 2015 toand 1.5 % in 2016, meaning that the ECB's target is unlikely to be met in the coming years;

Amendment 140 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Is concerned at the persisting macroeconomic imbalances ~~in some Member States, in particular the high public debt levels and large current account gap~~within the Euro area, in particular the unsustainably high current account surpluses in Germany and Netherlands, as well as the excessive risks in the banking ~~systems~~and financial systems in EU as a whole;

Amendment 141 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Is concerned at the persisting macroeconomic imbalances in some Member States, in particular the high public debt levels and large current account ~~gap~~imbalances, as well as the excessive risks in the banking systems; asks for the inclusion of additional social and environmental indicators which should be on at least an equal footing with the rest of the MIP indicators; is of the opinion that such indicators must also be able to trigger corrective action and not merely to 'monitor' the overall socioeconomic situation; insists that excessive unemployment, inequality and poverty are also threatening imbalances for the Eurozone; recalls its repeated requests to adopt indicators regarding resource efficiency, indicators on unit capital costs and other indicators relevant for monitoring progress towards updated EU2020 objectives, including non-cost competitiveness-related indicators in fields such as R&D, education and training;

Amendment 142 #

Jakob von WEIZSÄCKER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Is concerned at the persisting macroeconomic imbalances in some Member States, in particular the high public debt levels and large current account gaps, as well as the excessive risks in the ~~banking systems~~financial sector not least stemming from institutions that are too big to fail; calls for an elimination of the debt-equity bias to avoid misguided incentives leading to above optimal debt levels in the private sector;

Amendment 143 #

Marisa MATIAS, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Fabio DE MASI, Matt CARTHY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Is concerned at the persisting macroeconomic imbalances in some Member States, in particular the high public debt levels ~~and~~, the large current account gaps and surpluses, as well as the excessive risks in the banking systems; is equally concerned at the widening economic divergences within the Union and the eurozone which are threatening the coherence and cohesiveness of European sectoral policies, as witnessed by the growing regional disparities in employment levels, all of which are being aggravated by the worsening migration challenges that the Union is facing;

Amendment 144 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Is concerned at the persisting macroeconomic imbalances in some Member States, in particular the high public debt levels, high unemployment levels and large current accounts gaps, as well as the excessive risks in the banking systems, which stem from structural deficiencies in the Eurozone's institutional design and policies; stresses the need to asymmetrically close current account gaps by increasing domestic demand in surplus countries; regrets that so far the burden of adjustment has been placed on deficit countries, deepening the recession and increasing unemployment and public deficits;

Amendment 145 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

Amendment 146 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Is concerned at the persisting macroeconomic imbalances in some Member States, in particular the high public and private debt levels and large current account gaps, as well as the excessive risks in the banking systems;

Amendment 147 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Emphasises that current account surpluses do not present the same major risks as deficits, and calls for due account to be taken of this when macroeconomic imbalances are being assessed;

Amendment 148 #

Jakob von WEIZSÄCKER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Highlights that the sovereign-bank- loop has not been resolved yet and continues to pose threats to financial and fiscal stability; urges the Commission and the Council to phase out zero risk weighting of sovereign debt;

Amendment 149 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Underlines that a resource-efficiency indicator to be integrated in the MIP scoreboard should in particular facilitate monitoring progress made towards the decoupling of economic development from the use of natural resources;[CA1]

Amendment 15 #

Esther DE LANGE

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas annual inflation in both the EU and the euro area is expected to rise from 0.1 % in 2015 to 1.51 % in 2016;

Amendment 150 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Recalls that poverty and widening income inequality are a threat to growth and its sustainability; calls on the Commission to coordinate and support the Member States in their missions to combat them by facilitating the exchange of best practice and accurate data collection; considers that these responsibilities should explicitly be part of the European Semester for economic policy coordination;

Amendment 151 #

Marisa MATIAS, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Fabio DE MASI, Rina Ronja KARI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Notes with concern the Commission's asymmetric approach in past CSRs, reflecting a bias towards correcting internal EU imbalances by forcing adjustment on fiscal and current account deficits countries, while ignoring the negative spill-overs of excessive current account surpluses, generated by harmfully tight fiscal policies, internal devaluation aimed at boosting exports, and the flawed construction of the single currency;

Amendment 152 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Stresses the ~~importance of~~fact that current lack of investment is due to suppressed demand; notes that access to finance for enterprises, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)~~, which constitute the backbone of the EU economy; points out the failure of currently low interest rates to boost investment~~ is available in most Member States;

Amendment 153 #

Pablo ZALBA BIDEGAIN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

Amendment 154 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

Amendment 155 #

Danuta Maria HÜBNER, Dariusz ROSATI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Stresses the importance of access to finance for enterprises, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the backbone of the EU economy; points out the failure of currently low interest rates to boost investment; underlines the potential of the Capital Markets Union project to address these issues and calls on the Commission to duly take the needs of SMEs into account in the design of the future CMU;

Amendment 156 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Stresses the importance of access to finance for enterprises, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the backbone of the EU economy, but rejects any diversification of and innovation in financing mechanisms envisaging instruments similar to those that were at the root of the 2007/2008 financial crisis (specifically, securitisation); points out the failure of currently low interest rates to boost investment;

Amendment 157 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Stresses the importance of access to finance for enterprises, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the backbone of the EU economy; ~~points out the failure of currently low interest rates to boost investment~~welcomes the ECB’s quantitative expansion policy, which should be maintained and where necessary expanded, but considers that currently low interest rates have not been sufficient to boost investment to the extent needed, and therefore the European Fund for Strategic Investments must rapidly be implemented;

Amendment 158 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Stresses the importance of access to finance for enterprises, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the backbone of the EU economy; points out the failure of currently low interest rates ~~to boost investment;~~ and strict fiscal consolidation, which has drastically limited the room for national governments to push for economic expansion and boost investment; Calls on the Commission to carry out studies to establish, whether the enhanced regulatory practices rightly introduced as part of the banking union process, have negatively affected the access of SMEs to banking finance so that if necessary, corrective action may be taken;

Amendment 159 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas, according to the Commission, annual inflation in both the EU and the euro area is expected to rise from 0.1 % in 2015 to 1.5 % in 2016, while the fall in energy prices and the effects of the global growth slowdown on demand advocate a much more limited rise;

Amendment 160 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Stresses the importance of access to ~~finance for enterprises, in particular~~long-term and sustainable finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the backbone of the EU economy; points out the failure of currently low interest rates ~~to boost investment~~and unconventional monetary policy to boost investment and internal demand;

Amendment 161 #

Fabio DE MASI, Miguel VIEGAS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Stresses the importance of access to finance for enterprises, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the backbone of the EU economy; ~~points out the failure of currently low interest rates to boost~~welcomes the gradual easing of credit standards on loans to enterprises in the first half of 2015 and the first signs of a pick-up in private investment; remains concerned however about the historically tight credit standards and low levels of investment;

Amendment 162 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

Amendment 163 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Underlines the need to improve the EU’s business environment as well as to raise productivity levels; stresses the importance of sound business regulation for the success of the EFSI; calls, therefore, for the removal of administrative barriers, cutting red tape ~~and reform of Member States’ tax systems~~;

Amendment 164 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Underlines the need to improve the EU's business environment as well as to raise productivity levels; ~~stress~~Reiterates the importance of ~~sound business regulation for the success of the EFSI; calls, therefore, for the removal of administrative barriers, cutting red tape and~~ensuring a quality workforce within the EU and ensuring full respect for the right to health and safety at work; recalls also the urgent need to adapt legislation concerning the posting of workers in order to put an end to the unacceptable practice of social dumping within the Union; calls, therefore, reform of Member States' tax systems;

Amendment 165 #

Danuta Maria HÜBNER, Dariusz ROSATI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Underlines the need to improve the EU's business environment a~~s well as to~~nd raise productivity levels~~; stresses the importance of sound business regulation for the success of the EFSI~~ as well as to ensure fair competition among enterprises and Member States; calls, therefore, for the removal of administrative barriers, cutting red tape and reform of Member States' tax systems; underlines the lack of effective measures against tax havens, tax avoidance, tax evasion, and tax fraud; stresses the importance of effectively applying State Aid rules to selective fiscal measures giving unfair advantages to transnational big corporations in certain Member States;

Amendment 166 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Underlines the need to improve the EU's business environment as well as to raise productivity levels; stresses that the EU's economy is suffering from a lack of innovation while innovation is key to growth and productivity and that fostering innovation is thus crucial in order to improve the international competitiveness of the EU; welcomes in this context the proposal, in the Five presidents' report on completing the EMU, of establishing a euro area system of competitiveness authorities; recalls the importance of sound business regulation for the success of the EFSI; calls, therefore, for the removal of administrative barriers, ~~cutting~~the reduction of red tape and a reform of Member States' tax systems;

Amendment 167 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Underlines the need to improve the EU's business environment as well as to raise productivity levels; stresses the importance of sound business regulation for the success of the EFSI; calls, therefore, for the removal of administrative barriers, cutting red tape and reform of Member States' tax systems; stresses the business opportunities of a Circular Economy;

Amendment 168 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

Amendment 169 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Underlines the need to improve the EU's business environment ~~as well as to raise productivity level~~through increases in demand and public investment, as well as to raise productivity levels, through public education and innovation policies; stresses the importance of sound business regulation for thany future success of the EFSI; calls, therefore, for the removal of administrative barriers, cutting red tape and reform of Member States' tax systems; noting that the setting of tax rates is a crucial component of the principle of subsidiarity and must therefore remain within each member states own competency.

Amendment 17 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas annual consumer price inflation in both the EU and the euro area is expected to rise from 0.1 % in 2015 to 1.5 % in 2016, which does not reflect the risk of deflation anticipated by the European Central Bank;

Amendment 170 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Underlines the need to improve the EU's business environment as well as to raise productivity levels; stresses the importance of sound business regulation for the success of the EFSI; calls, therefore, for the removal of administrative barriers where doing so would not undermine vital protection for workers and consumers, cutting red tape and reform of Member States' tax systems;

Amendment 171 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Underlines the need to improve the EU's business environment as well as to raise productivity levels; stresses the importance of sound business regulation for the success of the EFSI; calls, therefore, for the removal of administrative barriers, cutting red tape and reform of Member States' tax ~~system~~and legal systems; stresses the importance of avoiding one-size-fits-all policies; stresses that the improvement of administrative capacity at all levels of government is a key priority in many Member States;

Amendment 172 #

Marisa MATIAS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Underlines the need to improve the EU's business environment ~~as well as to raise productivity level~~through increases in demand and public investment, as well as to raise productivity levels, through public education and innovation policies; stresses the importance of sound business regulation for the success of the EFSI; calls, therefore, for the removal of administrative barriers, cutting red tape and reform of Member States' tax systems, favouring direct taxation and fighting tax competition, exemption, fraud and evasion;

Amendment 173 #

Cătălin Sorin IVAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

Amendment 174 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Underlines the need to improve the EU's business environment as well as to raise productivity levels; stresses the importance of sound business regulation for the success of the EFSI; calls, therefore, for the removal of administrative barriers, cutting red tape, strengthening the quality and efficiency of Member States' justice systems and reform of Member States' tax systems;

Amendment 175 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

Amendment 176 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Stresses the importance of adopting a far-reaching reform of the financial sector, including a radical bank structural reform based on a clear mandatory separation of trading activities from the core credit function and an effective regulation of the shadow banking sector;

Amendment 177 #

Marisa MATIAS, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Miguel VIEGAS, Fabio DE MASI, Matt CARTHY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

Amendment 178 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. A~~grees with~~cknowledges the Commission ~~that many Member States need to be more ambitious in i~~'s communication on the roadmap for comple~~men~~ting ~~structural reforms in order to make product and services markets more competitive; welcomes~~the Digital Single Market, in thise context, of the ~~Commission's communication on the roadmap for completing the Digital Single Market~~need to encourage innovation and support an inclusive economic recovery;

Amendment 179 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Agrees with the Commission that many Member States need to ~~be more ambitious in implementing structural reforms in order to make~~improve competitiveness and efficiency in their product and services market~~s more competitive~~; welcomes, in this context, the Commission's communication on the roadmap for completing the Digital Single Market;

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)

Ba. whereas enormous differences continue to prevail among Member States in real GDP growth rates, with figures ranging respectively between -0.5 % in Cyprus and +3.6% in Ireland, meaning that economic recovery remains uneven and fragile;

Amendment 180 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Agrees with the Commission that many Member States need to be more ambitious in implementing socially sustainable structural reforms in order to make product and services markets more competitive; insists that due regard should be given to the social and employment impact of these reforms; welcomes, in this context, the Commission's communication on the roadmap for completing the Digital Single Market;

Amendment 181 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Agrees with the Commission that many Member States need to be more ambitious in implementing structural reforms in order to make product and services markets more competitive; welcomes, in this context, the Commission's communication on the roadmap for completing the Digital Single Market; believes that this roadmap should define a clear path for Member States to build a comprehensive framework (covering for example tax and legal issues) enabling companies, large and SMEs, to boost their investments in new technologies;

Amendment 182 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Agrees with the Commission that many Member States need to be more ambitious in implementing structural reforms in order to make product and services markets more competitive; at the same time raises attention again to the fact that structural reforms can be achieved only by taking social aspects into proper consideration; welcomes, in this context, the Commission’s communication on the roadmap for completing the Digital Single Market as well;

Amendment 183 #

Krišjānis KARIŅŠ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Agrees with the Commission that many Member States need to be more ambitious in implementing structural reforms and removing the remaining barriers in order to make product and services markets more competitive; welcomes, in this context, the Commission's communication on the roadmap for completing the Digital Single Market;

Amendment 184 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

Amendment 185 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Stresses that the financial and national debt crises and lack of competitiveness will not be resolved by means of a more relaxed monetary policy and that this is no substitute for the necessary structural reforms;

Amendment 186 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Underlines that, CSRs and Country Reports often address issues linked to territorial differences in terms of both economic performance and administrative capacity, and stresses that policy objectives should systematically take these differences into account, also encouraging regionally-differentiated contributions to the Europe 2020 goals;

Amendment 187 #

Bernd LUCKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Stresses the need for Member States to adapt their public finances by conducting a counter-cyclical policy when necessary and making full use of the existing flexibility clauses foreseen in the legislation; considers that Member States with high debt levels in particular must continue with growth-friendly fiscal consolidation and urgently implement the recommended structural reforms, while those with more fiscal space should use it to accelerate investmentbe able to conduct fiscal and economic policies they deem necessary while assuming full responsibility for its consequences; emphasises that this reinforcement of sovereignty and accountability can only be sustainable if the no bail-out clause of Art. 125 TFEU is restored;

Amendment 188 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

Amendment 189 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Stresses the need for Member States to adapt their public finances by conducting a counter-cyclical ~~policy when necessary and making full use of the existing flexibility clauses foreseen in the legislation; considers that Member St~~expansionary policy; emphasizes the urgent need of removing unnecessary and unsustainable budgetary constraints as well as absurd fiscal rules, including the 1/20 rule on debt reduction, through a radical revision of the Treaties ~~with high debt levels in particular must continue with growth-friendly fiscal consolidation and urgently implement the recommended structural reforms, while those~~, the Six-pack and Two-pack as well as a repeal of Fiscal Compact; deplores that the ongoing reform of the economic governance framework has failed to take into account the need for economic and socially balanced rules; considers that Member States with more fiscal space should use it to accelerate investment and boost internal demand;

Amendment 19 #

Marisa MATIAS, Dimitrios PAPADIMOULIS, Fabio DE MASI, Matt CARTHY

Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)

Bb. whereas the September 2015 ECB staff macroeconomic projections for the Euro area have revised down real GDP growth and inflation estimates respectively to 1.4 % in 2015 and 1.7% in 2016, and to 0.1% in 2015 and 1.1 % in 2016, suggesting that in spite of the ECB's unconventional policies and a favourable external situation of falling oil prices and euro depreciation, economic growth remains anaemic and fragile,

Amendment 190 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Stresses the need for Member States to adaopt ~~their public finances by conducting a counter-cyclical policy when necessary and making full use of the existing flexibility clauses foreseen in the legislation~~growth enhancing policies and to raise employment and growth rates through public investments programs; Urges the Commission to support public investment policies in order to give traction to economic recovery based on a combination of fiscal and monetary policy; considers that Member States with high debt levels in particular ~~must continue with growth-friendly fiscal consolid~~can only achieve fiscal conditions through economic and job creation and should urgently implement ~~the recommended structural reform~~policies that ensure job protection and stability and higher wages, while those with more fiscal space should use it to accelerate investment;

Amendment 191 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Stresses the need for Member States to adapt their public finances by conducting a counter-cyclical policy when necessary ~~and making full use of the existing flexibility clauses foreseen in the legislation~~; considers that Member States with high debt levels in particular must continue with growth-friendly fiscal consolidation and urgently implement the recommended structural reforms~~, while those with more fiscal space should use it to accelerate investment;~~.

Amendment 192 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Stresses the need for Member States to adapt their public finances by conducting a counter-cyclical policy when necessary and making full use of the existing flexibility clauses foreseen in the legislation; considers that Member States with high debt levels in particular must continue with growth-friendly fiscal consolidation ~~and urgently implement the recommended~~, i.e. a tax shift or subsidy reform, and urgently implement socially fair and environmentally sustainable structural reforms, while those with more fiscal space should use it to accelerate investment;

Amendment 193 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Stresses the need for Member States to adapt their public finances by conducting a counter-cyclical policy when necessary and making full use of the existing flexibility clauses foreseen in the legislation; considers that Member States with high debt levels in particular must continue with growth-friendly fiscal consolidation and urgently implement the recommended structural reforms, while those with more fiscal space should use it to accelerate investment; stresses also the need for a better coordination between the EU, national and sub-national budgets;

Amendment 194 #

Esther DE LANGE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Stresses the need for Member States to adapt their public finances by conducting a counter-cyclical policy when necessary and making full use of the existing flexibility clauses foreseen in the legislation; stresses that counter-cyclical policy entails flexibility within the margins agreed in the SGP in times of economic downturn as well as budget surpluses in times of economic upturn; considers that Member States with high debt levels in particular must continue with growth-friendly fiscal consolidation and urgently implement the recommended structural reforms, while those with more fiscal space should use it to accelerate investment;

Amendment 195 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

Amendment 196 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Stresses the need for Member States to adapt their public finances by conducting a counter-cyclical policy when necessary and making full use of the existing flexibility clauses foreseen in the legislation; considers that Member States with high debt levels in particular must continue with growth-friendly fiscal consolidation and urgently implement the recommended structural reforms, while those with more fiscal space should use it to accelerate investment; stresses the need for a better coordination between the EU, national and sub-national budgets;

Amendment 197 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

Amendment 198 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

Amendment 199 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Stresses the need for Member States to adapt their public finances by conducting a counter-cyclical policy when necessary and making full use of the existing flexibility clauses foreseen in the legislation; considers that Member States with high debt levels in particular must continue ~~with growth-friendly fiscal consolidation and urgently implement~~to address those debt levels in a manner which does not undermine growth and the re~~commended structural reforms~~by make the situation worse, while those with more fiscal space should use it to accelerate investment;

Amendment 2 #

Miguel VIEGAS, Marisa MATIAS

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)

- having regard to the Commission's Main findings of the In-Depth Reviews 2015 from June 2015,

Amendment 20 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas unemployment in the EU remains at unacceptably high levels, ~~but is on a declining path set to fall to 9.2 % in the EU and 10.5 % in the euro area in 2016;~~

Amendment 200 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Stresses the need for Member States to a~~dapt their public finances by conducting a counter-cyclical policy when necessary and making full use of the existing flexibility clauses~~chieve and maintain sound fiscal positions where automatic stabilisers can operate fore~~seen in the legislation~~ely and effectively; considers that Member States with high debt levels in particular must continue with growth- friendly fiscal consolidation and urgently implement the recommended structural reforms, while those with more fiscal space should use it to accelerate investment and reduce the tax burden;

Amendment 201 #

Gunnar HÖKMARK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Stresses the need for Member States to adapt their public finances by conducting a counter-cyclical policy when necessary and making full use of the existing flexibility clauses foreseen in the legislation, at the same time respecting the rules of the stability pact; considers that Member States with high debt levels in particular must continue with growth-friendly fiscal consolidation and urgently implement the recommended structural reforms, ~~while those with more fiscal space should use it to accelerate~~ stresses the need for Member States to implement reforms to improve the businves~~tment~~s environment and growth;

Amendment 202 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Stresses the crucial role of public investments in responding to the crisis and create the conditions for a lasting and inclusive economic recovery; recalls the IMF Working Paper of May 2015 on the macroeconomic effects of public investment, according to which increased public investment raises output and reduces unemployment, both in the short term and in the long term; highlights the fact that, according to the IMF findings, the positive effects on output are stronger when the economy is in recession and monetary policy accommodative, as in the Euro area at present; and points out that public investment financed by debt issuance is found to have larger output effects than investments that are budget- neutral;

Amendment 203 #

Fabio DE MASI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the fall in the number of Member States subject to the Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP), from 11 in 2014 to 9 in 2015; notes, however, that the number is still relatively high, and reiterates its call for the Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs) to be, where relevant, better coordinated with the EDP recommendations so as to ensure consistency between surveillance of the fiscal position and economic policy coordination;deleted

Amendment 204 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

Amendment 205 #

Marisa MATIAS, Rina Ronja KARI, Matt CARTHY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

Amendment 206 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the fall in the number of Member States subject to the Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP), from 11 in 2014 to 9 in 2015; notes, however, that the number is still relatively high, and reiterates its call for a shift in the Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs) to ~~be, where relevant, better coordinated with the EDP recommendations so as to ensure consistency between surveillance of the fiscal position and economic pol~~ward growth and job-friendly policies and a larger reliance on national government's democraticy c~~oordination~~hoices;

Amendment 207 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the fall in the number of Member States subject to the Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP), from 11 in 2014 to 9 in 2015; ~~notes, however, that the number is still relatively high,~~ and reiterates its call for the Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs) to be, where relevant, better coordinated with the EDP recommendations so as to ensure consistency between surveillance of the fiscal position and economic policy coordination;

Amendment 208 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the fall in the number of Member States subject to the Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP), from 11 in 2014 to 9 in 2015; notes, however, that the number is still relatively high, and reiterates its call for the Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs) to be, where relevant, better ~~coordinated~~alignment with the EDP recommendations so as to ensure consistency between surveillance of the fiscal position and economic policy ~~coordin~~recommendations;

Amendment 209 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the fall in the number of Member States subject to the Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP), from 11 in 2014 to 9 in 2015; notes, however, that the number is still ~~relatively~~too high, and reiterates its call for the Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs) to be, where relevant, better coordinated with the EDP recommendations so as to ensure consistency between surveillance of the fiscal position and economic policy coordination;

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas, according to the Commission's spring forecast, unemployment ~~in the EU~~ remains at unacceptably high levels~~, but is on a declining path set to fall to 9.2 %~~ is expected to decrease at very slow pace, from 9.6 % in 2015 to 9.2% in 2016 in the EU, and ~~10.5 % in the euro area in 2016;~~from 11 % in 2015 to 10.5 % in 2016 for the Euro area, reflecting the persistence of high structural unemployment and an insufficient economic recovery; whereas huge differences continue to prevail between the core and periphery countries, with unemployment rates ranging from 4.6 % in Germany to 26.6 % in Greece,

Amendment 210 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the fall in the number of Member States subject to the Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP), from 11 in 2014 to 9 in 2015; notes, however, that the possibility of maintaining this status in the long run is not necessarily guaranteed in the case of every Member State, and the number is still relatively high, and reiterates its call for the Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs) to be, where relevant, better coordinated with the EDP recommendations so as to ensure consistency between surveillance of the fiscal position and economic policy coordination; at the same time raises attention to the fact that the measures taken for leaving the Excessive Deficit Procedure must consider social aspects as well;

Amendment 211 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the fall in the number of Member States subject to the Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP), from 11 in 2014 to 9 in 2015; notes, however, that the number is still relatively high, and reiterates its call for the Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs) to be, where relevant, better coordinated ~~with the EDP recommendations so as~~ to ensure consistency between surveillance of the fiscal position and economic policy coordination;

Amendment 212 #

Marisa MATIAS, Fabio DE MASI, Matt CARTHY, Rina Ronja KARI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Stresses the need to adopt policies that enhance growth and employment and considers that fiscal consolidation is a secondary objection; stresses that for Members States suffering from excessive debt burdens, public debt needs to be restructured through extending maturities, lowering interest rates and haircuts;

Amendment 213 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Stresses the importance to increase the transparency in the way the preventive arm of the SGP is applied as part of the Country Specific Recommendations in order to guarantee equal treatment among Member States;

Amendment 214 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Calls on the Commission to refocus its strategy for growth on the priorities of reducing unemployment, poverty, socio- economic inequalities, and social exclusion, as well as on the urgent need to correct macroeconomic and financial imbalances within the EU by addressing the asymmetries arising from the single currency and the damaging effects of harmful fiscal and commercial policies;

Amendment 215 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)

14b. Calls on the Commission to replace absurd fiscal rules and numerical targets for budgetary criteria by qualitative indicators of fiscal accountability and tax justice, taking into account the need to fight corporate tax evasion and tax avoidance and the importance to shift the tax burden from labour taxes to other sources of taxation associated with negative externalities, such as a carbon tax and a financial transaction tax;

Amendment 216 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)

14c. Stresses the need to refocus the scoreboard on key macroeconomic and social targets, also by including a meaningful set of qualitative indicators; calls on the Commission to make full use of employment and social indicators;

Amendment 217 #

Fabio DE MASI, Miguel VIEGAS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 d (new)

14d. Calls on the Commission to address unambiguous and tailored CSRs primarily to Member States running excessive current account surpluses, by indicating the necessary corrective actions, which especially include policy measures to increase public investment and public expenditure, boost internal demand, and raise wages; stresses the importance of monitoring and impartially assessing the implementation of the CSRs issued under the Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure, and to use the instrument of the sanctions in case of non-compliance, as prescribed in the MIP regulation, with the aim of ensuring a fair and smooth adjustment of existing macroeconomic asymmetries and alleviating the burden of the single currency on the most vulnerable economies;

Amendment 218 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

Amendment 219 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas unemployment in the EU remains at unacceptably high levels, ~~but is on a declining path set to fall to 9.2 % in the EU and 10.5 % in the euro area in 2016;~~particularly reaching unacceptable levels in Greece and Spain, and increasing over the past year in France, Austria and Finland,

Amendment 220 #

Marisa MATIAS, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Dimitrios PAPADIMOULIS, Matt CARTHY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Stresses the role of flexible labour markets in combatting unemployment, in particular the negative impact on job creation rates of rigid rules on dismissal, excessive minimum wage levels and lengthy labour disputes; calls for a shift away from labour taxes to odetrimental role of labour market liberalisation on quality jobs, social protection and wage levels; deplores that labour market reforms recommended in previous CSRs have resulted in a boom in temporary and part- time jobs in several Member States, and have generated a dramatic wage suppression effect, hindered workers' access to credit, thus exacerbating social discontent and increasing ther s~~ources of taxation~~ense of insecurity for many European citizens;

Amendment 221 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

Amendment 222 #

Cătălin Sorin IVAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Stresses the role of flexible labour markets in combatting unemployment~~, in particular the negative impact on job creation rates of rigid rules on dismissal, excessive minimum wage levels and lengthy labour disputes~~; calls for a shift away from labour taxes to other sources of taxation;

Amendment 223 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Stresses the role of flexible labour markets in combatting unemployment, in particular the negative impact on job creation rates of rigid rules on dismissal, excessive minimum wage levels and lengthy labour disputes; calls for a shift away from labour taxes to other sources of taxationbetter regulated, more socially inclusive and efficient labour markets in combatting unemployment by a structural shift towards a green and resource-efficient economy calls for a shift away from labour taxes to other sources of taxation and in particular to activities generating large negative externalities;

Amendment 224 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Stresses the role of flexible labour markets in combatting unemployment~~, in particular the negative impa~~; stresses again that the protect ion ~~job creation rates of rigid rules on dismissal, excessive minimum wage levels and lengthy labour disputes~~of the weaker contracting party, i.e. the employee, must be provided, in particular despite the simplification of the rules concerning dismissal; calls for a shift away from labour taxes to other sources of taxation;

Amendment 225 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Stresses the role of flexible labour markets in combatting unemployment, in particular the negative impact on job creation rates of rigid rules on dismissal, excessive minimum wage levels and lengthy labour disputesneed for labour markets to be reformed so as to support job creation, but without undermining the fundamental rights of workers to have secure, adequately-paid employment; calls for a shift away from labour taxes to other sources of taxation;

Amendment 226 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Stresses the role of flexible labour markets in combatting unemployment, in particular the negative impact on job creation rates of rigid rules on dismissal, excessive minimum wage levels and lengthy labour disputes; ~~calls for a shift away from labour taxes to other~~at the same time emphasises that liberalisation must not lead to a lowering of quality standards and existing national systems shou~~rces of taxation~~ld be retained in particular in the service industry, where they have proven to be of value;

Amendment 227 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Stresses ~~the role of flexible labour markets in combatting unemployment,~~ in particular the negative impact on job creation rates of rigid rules on dismissal~~, excessive minimum wage levels~~ and lengthy labour disputes; calls for a shift away from labour taxes to other sources of taxation;

Amendment 228 #

Stanisław OŻÓG

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Stresses the role of appropriately flexible labour markets in combatting unemployment, ~~in particular the negative impact on job creation rates of rigid rules on dismissal, excessive minimum wage levels and lengthy labour dispu~~and stresses the fact that factors such as rigid rules on dismissal, lengthy labour disputes and abuses involving the circumvention of labour market regulations by offering civil-law contracts in lieu of employment contracts have a negative impact on job creation rates; calls for a shift away from labour taxes to other sources of taxation;

Amendment 229 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Stresses the ~~role of flexible~~crucial role of robust labour markets in combatting unemployment~~, in particular the negative impact on job creation rates of rigid rules on dismissal, excessive minimum wage levels and lengthy labour disputes~~; stresses however that any reform in the labour market must fully respect the European social model, not least by safeguarding labour rights and the ability of trade unions to protect such rights, while ensuring that precarious employment is curtailed and discouraged; calls for a shift away from labour taxes to other sources of taxation;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas unemployment in the EU remains at unacceptably high levels~~, but is on a declining path set~~ and is expected to fall to 9.2 % in the EU and 10.5 % in the euro area in 2016;

Amendment 230 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Stresses the role of ~~flexible~~ labour markets in combatting unemployment, in particular the negative impact on job creation rates of rigid rules on dismissal, excessive minimum wage levels and lengthy labour disputes; calls for a shift away from labour taxes to other sources of taxationthat are efficient at European level in combatting unemployment; calls for a reduction in labour taxes in favour of other sources of taxation, such as the tax on wealth and the financial transaction tax;

Amendment 231 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Stresses the role of flexible labour markets in comb~~atting unemployment, in particular the negative impact on job creation rates of rigid rules on dismissal, excessive minimum wage levels and lengthy labour disputes~~ined with strong social security systems in combatting unemployment; calls for a shift away from labour taxes to other sources of taxation;

Amendment 232 #

Gunnar HÖKMARK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

Amendment 233 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Stresses the role of flexible labour markets, combined with an adequate level of social and employment protection, in combatting unemployment, in particular the negative impact on job creation rates of rigid rules on dismissal, ~~excessive minimum wage level~~wage levels out of line with productivity developments and lengthy labour disputes; calls for a shift away from labour taxes to other sources of taxation such as consumption, pollution and capital gains;

Amendment 234 #

Marisa MATIAS, Fabio DE MASI, Matt CARTHY, Miguel VIEGAS, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Rina Ronja KARI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a. Stresses the role of strong unions and labour protection laws in safeguarding employment and enhancing wage growth; calls for a shift away from consumption taxes to wealth taxes;

Amendment 235 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a. Shows its concerns about the strong negative impact of current process of lowering wages will have in a mid and long term period in the sustainability of pension schemes;

Amendment 236 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)

15b. Underlines that the flagship initiative for a resource-efficient Europe calls for environmentally harmful subsidies to be phased out; recalls the Commission assessment according to which there is a large policy space for shifting taxes from labour to environmental taxes;

Amendment 237 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)

15c. Underlines the fact that, according to the Commission, the subsidies and externalities of fossil fuel and nuclear- based power and heat represent a cost of EUR 262 billion per year;

Amendment 238 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 d (new)

15d. Emphasises that, according to the Commission, labour taxes account for around 53% of total tax revenue in the euro area as against 5.7% for environmental taxation; points out that there is wide scope for such environmentally friendly fiscal reform;

Amendment 239 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 e (new)

15e. Urges, therefore, that an updated EU2020 strategy, as well as the CSRs, should include specific targets and benchmarks both for monitoring the phasing-out of market-distorting environmentally harmful subsidies by 2020 at the latest and for increasing the share of environmental taxes in proportion to overall tax revenue by at least 5% by 2020;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas unemployment in the EU remains at unacceptably high levels, but is on a declining path ~~set~~expected to fall to 9.2 % in the EU and 10.5 % in the euro area in 2016;

Amendment 240 #

Fabio DE MASI, Miguel VIEGAS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 f (new)

15f. Reiterates its call on the Member States to incorporate the gender dimension into their stability and convergence programmes and national reform programmes through the setting of qualitative targets and measures that address persisting gender gaps and to systematically apply the principles of gender budgeting;

Amendment 241 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Deplores the fact that the CSRs suffer from lack of ownership at national level and from a democratic accountability mechanism; calls, in this context, for an increased role for national parliaments in the preparation of the National Reform Programmes (NRPs); stresses that increased ownership is a crucial factor for the successful implementation of the CSRs and, in the longer term, for the success of the Europe 2020 strategy;deleted

Amendment 242 #

Bernd LUCKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Deplores the fact that the CSRs suffer from lack of ownership at national level and from a democratic accountability mechanism; ~~calls, in this context, for an increased role for national parliaments in the prepar~~emphasizes, however, that the democratic legitimization of ~~the N~~national ~~Reform Programmes (NRPs); stresses that increased ownership is a crucial factor for the successful implementation of the CSRs and, in the longer term, for the success of the Europe 2020 strategy~~economic policies is much stronger than the democratic legitimization of CSRs;

Amendment 243 #

Marisa MATIAS, Dimitrios PAPADIMOULIS, Rina Ronja KARI, Matt CARTHY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Deplores the fact that the CSRs suffer from lack of ownership at national level and from a democratic accountability mechanism; calls, in this context, for an increased role for national parliaments in the preparation of the National Reform Programmes (NRPs); stresses that increased ownership is a crucial factor for the successful implementation of the CSRs and, in the longer term, for the success of the Europe 2020 str and, further, condemns their interference with the sovereignty of the Member Stategys;

Amendment 244 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Deplores the fact that the CSRs suffer from lack of ownership at national level and from a democratic accountability mechanism; calls, in this context, for ~~an increased role for national parliaments in the prepara~~their substitution ofby the National Reform Programmes (NRPs) prepared and approved by national parliaments; stresses that increased ownership is a crucial factor for the successful implementation of ~~the CSRs~~any reform agenda and, in the longer term, for the success of the Europe 2020 strategy;

Amendment 245 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Deplores the fact that the CSRs suffer from lack of ownership at national level and from a transparent and democratically accountab~~ility~~le mechanism; calls, in this context, for an increased role for national parliaments and the full engagement of social stakeholders in the preparation of the National Reform Programmes (NRPs); stresses that increased ownership ~~is a crucial factor for the successful implementation of the CSRs and, in the longer term, for the success of the Europe 2020 strategy~~, transparency and democratic accountability are crucial factors;

Amendment 246 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Deplores the fact that the CSRs suffer from lack of ownership at national level and from a more democratically accountability mechanism for their elaboration and implementation; calls, in this context, for an increased role for national parliaments, social partners and National and European civil society organizations in the preparation of the National Reform Programmes (NRPs); stresses that increased ownership is a crucial factor for the successful implementation of the CSRs and, in the longer term, for the success of the Europe 2020 strategy;

Amendment 247 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Deplores the fact that the CSRs suffer from lack of ownership at national level and from a democratic accountability mechanism; calls, in this context, for an increased role for national parliaments and for increased representation of the regions and regional administrative bodies in the preparation of the National Reform Programmes (NRPs); stresses that increased ownership is a crucial factor for the approval and successful implementation of the CSRs and, in the longer term, for the success of the Europe 2020 strategy;

Amendment 248 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Deplores the fact that the CSRs suffer from lack of ownership at national level ~~and from a democratic accountability mechanism~~in some Member States; calls, in this context, for an increased role for national parliaments in the preparation of the National Reform Programmes (NRPs); stresses that increased ownership ~~is a crucial factor for~~will be an important factor in some Member States in ensuring the successful implementation of the CSRs and, in the longer term, for the success of the Europe 2020 strategy;

Amendment 249 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Deplores the fact that the CSRs suffer from lack of ownership at national level and from a democratic accountability mechanism; calls, in this context, for an increased role for national parliaments, as well as for local and regional authorities, in the preparation of the National Reform Programmes (NRPs); underlines that the implementation of CSRs in political, legal and economic terms could be enhanced by a transparent cooperation between the Commission and the Member State that should start during the preparatory phase of the Annual Growth Survey and continue until the recommendations for specific countries are officially approved; stresses that increased ownership is a crucial factor for the successful implementation of the CSRs and, in the longer term, for the success of the Europe 2020 strategy;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas youth unemployment has to be addressed as a matter of priority, enhancing the current framework of cooperation between national authorities;

Amendment 250 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Deplores the fact that the CSRs suffer from lack of ownership at national level and from a democratic accountability mechanism; calls, in this context, for an increased role for national parliaments in the preparation of the National Reform Programmes (NRPs); believes that national parliaments should proceed to a formal vote on the NRP before its submission to the Commission; stresses that increased ownership is a crucial factor for the successful implementation of the CSRs and, in the longer term, for the success of the Europe 2020 strategy;

Amendment 251 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

Amendment 252 #

Bernd LUCKE, Sander LOONES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

Amendment 253 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Affirms that a credible commitment to the principle of no-bailout would reinstall ownership on national level without much need of further rules of economic governance, thus reinforcing the sovereignty and responsibility of Member States in terms of economic and fiscal policies;

Amendment 254 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Deplores in particular the Eurogroup decisions taken behind closed doors without transparency and proper accountability; calls for the minutes of the Eurogroup meetings to be published; recalls the conclusion of its report on the troika's activities deploring the absence of EU-level democratic legitimacy and accountability of the Eurogroup when it assumes EU-level executive powers;

Amendment 255 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Believes the setting-up of independent national Competitiveness Authorities who coordinate their work at Eurozone level as proposed in the Five Presidents' report could foster national ownership of the CSRs and economic convergence more generally;

Amendment 256 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)

16b. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the role of social and employment indicators in the European Semester process in order to reach a more complete economic impact assessment reflecting the long as well as the short term;

Amendment 257 #

Marisa MATIAS, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Miguel VIEGAS, Fabio DE MASI, Matt CARTHY, Rina Ronja KARI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Calls on the Commission to further streamline the European Semester and its current timetable in order to harmonise the mutual impact of national documents (NPRs and Convergence/Stability Programmes) and documents prepared by the Commission (CSRs and Country Reports) so as to strengthen synergy and facilitate coordination of national policies;deleted

Amendment 258 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Calls on the Commission to further streamline the European Semester and its ~~current~~ timetable in order to harmonise the mutual impact of national documents (NPRPs and Convergence/Stability Programmes) and documents prepared by the Commission (CSRs and Country Reports) so as to strengthen synergy and facilitate coordination of national policies;

Amendment 259 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas the European Parliament considers that the reduction in unemployment rates is just as important as improving employment indicators;

Amendment 260 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

Amendment 261 #

Andrey KOVATCHEV

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Calls on the Commission to develop comprehensive tools to assess the performance of health care systems, monitor health outcomes and measure access to high-quality healthcare with the aim of reducing divergences and health inequalities between and within Member States;

Amendment 262 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Calls on the Commission and the Council to make methodological improvements to the underlying procedures of the Semester; stresses the importance of the methodological aspects in order to enhance effectiveness and transparency in applying the current rules and urges both the Commission and the Council to improve the current practice; requests that all underlying analysis regarding the implementation of the SGP and MIP should be made public;

Amendment 263 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)

17b. Requests the Commission and the Council to include an explicit reference to the required fiscal effort for the current and the upcoming year in the relevant recommendations under the preventive and corrective arm of the SGP;

Amendment 264 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Underlines the destructive impact ~~of high debt levels on economic growth in the EU;~~that the SGP has been having on economic growth, social development and, consequently, the reduction of asymmetries in the EU; therefore, calls onfor the ~~Commission to explore innovative ways of speeding up and lessening the negative impact of deleveraging in the banking, private and public sectors~~creation of a programme to support countries for which staying in the euro area has been shown to be unsustainable, providing for proper compensation for the resulting damages and incorporating the negotiated exit of these Member States from the euro area;

Amendment 265 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Underlines the ~~destructive~~potentially damaging impact of high debt levels on economic growth in the EU~~; calls on the Commission to explore innovative ways of speeding up and lessening the negative impact of deleveraging in the banking, private and public sector~~, but notes also that excessively strict attempts at fiscal consolidation can have a similarly damaging impact on growth and, by reducing tax revenues, ultimately prove counter-productive; calls on the Commission to explore innovative ways of ensuring higher levels of financing and investment in the banking, private and public sectors, without undermining the vital work done to ensure financial stability in the wake of the crisis;

Amendment 266 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Underlines the destructive impact of ~~high debt level~~unregulated financial markets on economic growth in the EU; calls on the Commission to ~~explor~~abandon the in~~nov~~itiative ~~ways of speeding up and lessening the negative impact of deleveraging in the banking, private and public~~of the CMU and to pursue in the first place a far reaching reform of the financial sector, including radical bank structural reform based on a clear mandatory separation of trading activities from the core credit function and effective regulation of the shadow banking sectors;

Amendment 267 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Underlines the destructive impact of high debt levels on economic growth in the EU; calls on the Commission to explore, with due regard for the principle of liability, innovative ways of speeding up and lessening the negative impact of deleveraging in the banking, private and public sectors;

Amendment 268 #

Danuta Maria HÜBNER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Underlines the destructive impact of high debt levels on economic growth in the EU; calls on the Commission to explore innovative ways of speeding up and lessening the negative impact of deleveraging in the banking, private and public sectors; in this context and in order to further break the bank-sovereign negative feedback loop, calls on Member States to swiftly transpose the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive and calls for the establishment of an appropriate fiscal backstop in order to ensure adequate financing of and credibility for the Single Resolution Fund;

Amendment 269 #

Miguel VIEGAS, Marisa MATIAS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Underlines the ~~destruc~~negative impact of high debt levels on economic growth in the EU; calls on the Commission to explore innovative ways of speeding up and lessening the negative impact of deleveraging in the banking, private and public sectors;

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas the fiscal outlook in relation to the EU and the euro area ~~continues to improve with a broadly neutral fiscal stance on aggregate~~has been favourable in recent times, but these improvements have been achieved by compromising public investment and degrading the living standards of citizens, particularly in the countries in which the Troika has intervened; whereas this degradation has resulted from the loss of workers’ rights, the deepening flexibilisation of the labour market, the reduction of the wages and income available to workers, and the privatisation and neglect of public services, particularly health care and education;

Amendment 270 #

Marisa MATIAS, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Rina Ronja KARI, Fabio DE MASI, Matt CARTHY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Underlines the destructive impact of high debt levels and low investment environment on economic growth in the EU; calls on the Commission to explore innovative ways of ~~speeding up and~~ lessening the negative impact of deleveraging in the banking, private and public sectors; and especially safeguarding debt sustainability;

Amendment 271 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Underlines the destructive impact of high ~~deb~~private debt and unemployment levels on economic growth in the EU; recalls that these stem structural flaws of the Eurozone and the resulting current account gaps; calls on the Commission to explore innovative ways of speeding up and lessening the ~~negative impact~~disastrous economic and social consequences of deleveraging in the banking, and private ~~and public sectors~~sectors and enhance public investment;

Amendment 272 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

Amendment 273 #

Bernd LUCKE, Sander LOONES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18a. Recalls that the high levels of public and external debt in some EU Member States were largely originated by reckless lending and predatory interest rates, and further exacerbated by fiscal austerity policies; stresses the need to recognize public debt accumulated in this unbalanced way as illegitimate, odious and unsustainable; calls therefore for establishing a multilateral international framework for debt haircuts providing substantial debt relief through cancellation and reduction of illegitimate and unsustainable sovereign debt, in order to bring it to sustainable levels; stresses the importance of finding a fair, sustainable and lasting solution to the problem of external public debt, as an alternative solution to devastating austerity policies, technocratic governance of sovereign debt and creditors' domination on debt negotiations;

Amendment 274 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18a. Underlines the destructive impact of an overvalued currency on exports, production, employment, wages, income, government revenue and social security systems; calls on the Commission to explore innovative ways of lessening the need for painful internal devaluation;

Amendment 275 #

Bernd LUCKE, Sander LOONES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)

18b. Emphasizes that a currency union - in a currency area which is far from optimal - necessarily leaves some Member States trapped with a currency which is overvalued vis-à-vis other members in the currency union; deplores that no easy remedy for the disadvantaged members of the currency union exists and that internal devaluation implies great and long-lasting sacrifices of people living in these Member States;

Amendment 276 #

Bernd LUCKE, Stanisław OŻÓG, Sander LOONES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)

18c. Calls on the Commission to openly acknowledge the fact that some problems of the weaker euro area economies are due to the impossibility of a nominal depreciation in the Eurosystem;

Amendment 277 #

Bernd LUCKE, Stanisław OŻÓG, Sander LOONES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 d (new)

18d. Insists that European Semester documents be intellectually honest by discussing the full range of policy options available to tackle problems related to the overvaluation of a currency and to lessen the effects of austerity policies on ordinary people;

Amendment 278 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

Amendment 279 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas ~~the fiscal outlook in the EU and the euro area continues to improve with a broadly neutral fiscal stance on aggregate~~public deficits are expected to fall in most Member States; whereas the fiscal stance on aggregate is expected to be broadly neutral;

Amendment 280 #

Pervenche BERÈS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Re~~iterates its call for the strengthening of the position of~~cognises the need for independent and pluralistic analysis of Member States' economic perspectives at the EU level; in this context urges to further develop the Commission's Unit known as Chief Economic Analyst (CEA), whose mandate is to verify independently the implementation of the EU governance rules within the European Semester; calls, in particular, for the CEA's analysis to be made public and for the establishment of a regular dialogue between the competent committee of Parliament and the CEA; noto provide objective, independent and transparent analysis of the relevant data, which should be made public and serve as a basis for a well- informed debate and decision-making in the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament; demands that the Chief Economic Analyst be transmittesd al~~so in this context that the Five Presidents' Report on completing~~l relevant documents in time to carry out its tasks; stresses the useful role of national fiscal councils both at national and at EMU ~~propos~~level and encourages the set~~ting-~~ -up of a European ~~Fiscal Board (EFB)~~network;

Amendment 281 #

Fabio DE MASI, Marisa MATIAS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. ~~Reiterates its c~~Calls for the ~~strengthening of the position of the~~ Commission's Chief Economic Analyst (CEA), whose mandate is to verify independently the implementation of the EU governance rules within the European Semester; calls, in particular, for the CEA's analysis to be made public and for the establishment of a regular dialogue between the competent committee of Parliament and the CEA; notes also in this context that the Five Presidents' Report on completing EMU proposes the setting-up of a European Fiscal Board (EFB);'s analysis to be made public

Amendment 282 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. ~~Reiterates its c~~Calls for the ~~strengthening of the position of the~~ Commission's Chief Economic Analyst's (CEA), whose mandate is to verify independently the implementation of the EU governance rules within the European Semester; calls, in particular, for the CEA's analysis to be made public and for the establishment of a regular dialogue between the competent committee of Parliament and the CEA; notes also in this context that the Five Presidents' Report on completing EMU proposes the setting-up of a European Fiscal Board (EFB) analysis to be made public and for the establishment of a regular dialogue between the competent committee of Parliament and the CEA;

Amendment 283 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. ~~Reiterates its call for the strengthening of the position~~Is concerned at the powers conferred ofn the Commission’s Chief Economic Analyst (CEA), whose mandate is to verify ~~independently~~ the implementation of the EU governance rules within the European Semester; calls, in particular, for the ~~CEA’s~~ir analysis to be made public and for the establishment of a regular dialogue ~~between~~with the competent committee of Parliament ~~and the CEA; notes also in this context~~; considers it regrettable, in addition, that the Five Presidents’ Report on completing EMU ~~proposes the setting-up of a European Fiscal Board (EFB)~~may pave the way for increased budgetary control by the European authorities over national budgets;

Amendment 284 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Reiterates its call for the strengthening of the position of the Commission's Chief Economic Analyst (CEA), ~~whose mandate is to verify independently the implementation of the EU governance rules within the European Semester;~~ calls, in particular, for the CEA's analysis to be made public and for the establishment of a regular dialogue between the competent committee of Parliament and the CEA; notes also in this context that the Five Presidents' Report on completing EMU proposes the setting-up of a European Fiscal Board (EFB);

Amendment 285 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Reiterates its call for the strengthening of the position of the Commission's Chief Economic Analyst (CEA), whose mandate is to verify independently the implementation of the EU governance rules within the European Semester; calls, in particular, for the CEA's analysis to be made public and for the establishment of a regular dialogue between the competent committee of Parliament and the CEA; notes also in this context that the Five Presidents' Report on completing EMU proposes the setting-up of a European Fiscal Board (EFB); underlines that all EU countries should be engaged in each stage of completing the EMU, so that the openness and transparency of the EMU reform process is guaranteed;

Amendment 286 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Reiterates its call for the strengthening of the position of the Commission's Chief Economic Analyst (CEA), whose mandate is to verify independently the implementation of the EU governance rules within the European Semester; calls, in particular, for the CEA's analysis to be made public and for the establishment of a regular dialogue between the competent committee of Parliament and the CEA; notes also in this context that the Five Presidents' Report on completing EMU proposes the setting-up of a European Fiscal Board (EFB); recalls that a better economic governance in the euro area is crucial and that, according to the Five Presidents' Report on Completing Europe's Economic and Monetary Union, "a complete EMU is not an end in itself. It is a means to create a better and fairer life for all citizens, to prepare the Union for future global challenges and to enable each of its members to prosper";

Amendment 287 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Reiterates its call for the strengthening of the position of the Commission's Chief Economic Analyst (CEA), whose mandate is to verify independently the implementation of the EU governance rules within the European Semester; calls, in particular, for the CEA's analysis to be made public and for the establishment of a regular dialogue between the competent committee of Parliament and the CEA; ~~not~~welcomes also in this context thate proposal in the Five Presidents' Report on completing EMU ~~proposes the setting-up of a European Fiscal Board (EFB);~~to set-up an independent European Fiscal Board (EFB) coordinating and complementing the network of national fiscal councils.

Amendment 288 #

Bernd LUCKE, Stanisław OŻÓG

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. 'Welcomes the 5 Presidents' Report and the fact that the roadmap towards 'A More Integrated European Semester' is one of the main parts of the document; recognizes that the increasing interdependence among euro area Member States requires more coordination of national policies; admits that in order to successfully complete Europe's Economic and Monetary Union, the EU has to build four pillars of the Union - Financial, Economic, Fiscal and Political

Amendment 289 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Rejects as incompatible with the very core of national sovereignty all attempts to gradually transfer the budget autonomy of national parliaments to European bodies or institutions; insists that the latter have no competence to go beyond the level of non-binding recommendations (CSRs);

Amendment 29 #

Bernd LUCKE, Stanisław OŻÓG, Sander LOONES

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas the fiscal outlook in the EU and the euro area continues to ~~improve with a broadly neutral fiscal stance on aggregate~~remain constrained, thus prolonging the recessionary cycle by preventing Member States from conducting the necessary counter-cyclical policies to support economic recovery;

Amendment 290 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)

19b. Emphasizes that the European Fiscal Board will not have any more competences than are already with the Commission today, hence warns that the EFB may be a completely superfluous body whose only effect is additional costs for the taxpayer;

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)

- having regard to the Council conclusions on Equal income opportunities for women and men: Closing the gender gap in pensions of 4 June 2015 (9302/15)

Amendment 30 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas the fiscal outlook in the EU and the euro area ~~continues to improve wi~~remains bleak, given the a ~~broadly neutral fiscal stance on aggregate~~ccumulation of government deficits, stagnant growth and the risk of rates rising in the medium to long term;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas the fiscal outlook in the EU and the euro area continues to improve with a broadly neutral fiscal stance on aggregate, there are still substantial budget deficits in some Member States, however;

Amendment 32 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

Da. whereas, despite the overall improvement in aggregate towards a broadly neutral fiscal stance, the crisis regarding the third bailout for Greece in early summer 2015, again highlighted that the problems arising from divergences in economic and social performance achieved in different parts of the Union, are not being well managed, and this with particular reference to the Eurozone, but also to the Union as a whole;

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)

Db. whereas there may be a lack of cohesion between the CSRs as separately drafted for different countries of the Union situated in the same regional context, not only with regard to their contingent economic situation but also to the structural reforms they need jointly or separately to undertake so as to overcome intra-regional and intra-national economic divergences;

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

Da. whereas investment in the Euro area remains subdued and well below the pre- crisis levels, in spite of the ECB's unconventional monetary policy and the launching of the European investment plan, suggesting that investment is still insufficient to support economic recovery and the monetary stimulus largely ineffective;

Amendment 35 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)

Db. whereas the cuts to public spending imposed by fiscal consolidation have resulted in a decline in social protection, while the European population at risk of poverty and social exclusion has increased to over 25%;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

Da. whereas gender differences in income persist, with the gender pay gap standing at 16 % and the gender pensions gap at 39 %;

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)

Db. whereas equality is a founding value of the EU and a necessary condition for achieving the Europe 2020 employment and poverty reduction targets, which can only be attained if Member States implement new policies to promote gender equality;

Amendment 38 #

Marisa MATIAS, Rina Ronja KARI, Miguel VIEGAS, Fabio DE MASI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the fact that economic recovery is slowly gaining ground, with GDP in the euro area expected to rise by 2.1 % in 2016; notes with concern, however, that its foundations are fragile, mainly owing to the EU’s underlying structural weaknesses Notes that some optimistic forecasts anticipate a clear economic recovery in 2016, while the global macroeconomic conditions, in particular the slowdown in growth in China, the recession hitting some emerging countries, and geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East represent significandt r~~esulting low international competitiveness~~isks to the European economy;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Welcome~~Doubts the fact that economic recovery is slowly gaining ground, ~~with~~despite forecasts predicting GDP in the euro area ~~expected~~ to rise by 2.1% in 2016; notes with concern, however, that even in Member States experiencing export let growth, its foundations are fragile, mainly owing to ~~the~~ EU's ~~underlying structural weaknesses and resulting low international competitivenes~~policies suppressing domestic demand and increasing economic problems in China and other countries;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 b (new)

- having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council 'strengthening the social dimension of the economic and monetary union' (COM (2013) 690)

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Welcomes the fact that economic recovery is slowly gaining ground, with GDP in~~Notes with concern that the foundations of the ecur~~o area expected to rise by 2.1% in 2016; notes with concern, however, that its foundations~~rent recovery are fragile, mainly owing to the EU's underlying structural weaknesses and ~~resulting low international competitiveness~~excessive reliance on external demand;

Amendment 41 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Welcome~~Doubts the fact that economic recovery is slowly gaining ground, ~~with GDP~~despite forecasts predicting GDP growth in the euro area ~~expected~~ to rise by 2.1% in 2016; notes with concern, ~~however, that its foundations are fragile, mainly owing to the EU's underlying structural weaknesse~~that growth rates in some Member States specifically in Ireland, are masked by the impact of foreign multinationals; notes with concern that a substantial proportion of growth in specific member states, is due to low-tax financial services sectors, which do not positively impact upon domestic or real economies in the manner other sectors can~~d resulting low international competitivenes~~; notes with concern that the foundations of any growth are fragile, mainly owing EU's policies suppressing domestic demand and increasing economic problems in China and other countries;

Amendment 42 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Welcom~~Deplores the fact that substantial economic recovery ~~is slowly gaining ground~~has failed to materialise, with real GDP in the euro area expected to ~~rise by 2.1~~increase by only 1.4% in 2015 and 1.7% in 2016; notes with concern~~, however, that its~~ that the economic foundations of growth are fragile, mainly owing to the ~~EU's~~ underlying ~~structural weaknesses and resulting low international competitivenes~~economic asymmetries of the single currency, excessively constrained fiscal policies, and a flawed financial framework, which have generated unsustainable macroeconomic and financial imbalances;

Amendment 43 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the fact that ~~economic recovery is slowly gaining ground~~positive signs of economic recovery can be seen in some cases, with GDP in the euro area expected to rise by 2.1% in 2016; notes with concern, however, that its foundations are fragile, mainly owing to the EU’s underlying structural weaknesses and resulting low international competitiveness, and raises attention to the fact that the existing problems of certain Member States and regions are due to different reasons;

Amendment 45 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Welcomes the fact~~Appreciates that economic recovery is slowly gaining ground, with GDP in the euro area expected to rise by 2.1% in 2016; notes with concern, however, that its foundations are fragile, mainly owing to the EU's underlying structural weaknesses, regional economic divergences and resulting low international competitiveness;

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the fact that economic recovery is slowly gaining ground, with GDP in the euro area expected to rise by 2.1% in 2016; notes with concern, however, that its foundations are fragile, mainly owing to the EU's underlying structural weaknesses ~~and resulting~~, amongst others, and resulting in uneven growth and low international competitiveness;

Amendment 47 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the fact that economic recovery is slowly gaining ground, with GDP in the euro area expected to rise by ~~2.1%~~1.9% and 2.1% in EU in 2016; notes with concern, however, that its foundations are fragile, mainly owing to the EU's underlying structural weaknesses and resulting low international competitiveness;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Notes that major policy initiatives which included policy recommendations were based on economic forecasts that had not anticipated the low growth and inflation experienced as a consequence of frontloaded austerity measures, and largely underestimated the size of the fiscal multiplier in a context characterised by severe financial turmoil as well as by the importance of spill-over effects across countries in a period of synchronised consolidation combined with the deflationary impact of cumulative and fast-tracked structural reforms;

Amendment 49 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Points out that a revision of the EU economic governance framework should include inter alia a qualified treatment for investments using capital budgeting methods such as the amortised cost method for accounting certain categories of high-quality public investments generating large and measurable societal and environmental benefits over periods during which employment and output are below their potential;

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 c (new)

- Having regard to its report of 21 February 2014 on 'Employment and social aspects of the role and operations of the Troika (ECB, Commission and IMF) with regard to euro area programme countries' (2014/2007(INI))

Amendment 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Welcomes the Commission’s focus in the 2015 Country-Specific Recommendations (CSRs) on the four main priorities for economic growth: boosting investment, implementation of structural reforms in product, service and labour markets, fiscal responsibility and improving employment policy; stresses the importance of these growth drivers, also in the context of achieving the goals set out in the Europe 2020 strategy;Deleted

Amendment 51 #

Marisa MATIAS, Fabio DE MASI, Matt CARTHY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Welcomes~~Regrets that the Commission's ~~focus in the~~ 2015 Country-Specific Recommendations (CSRs) con ~~the four~~siders as its main priorities: f~~or economic growth: boosting investment~~iscal consolidation, implement~~ation of~~ing structural reforms into further liberalise product, service and labour markets, ~~fiscal responsibility and improving~~ and attracting private investment, thus blindly ignoring that these are the same policies that have failed to bring the EU out of crisis and in fact had the self-defeating effect of exacerbating the damage to the economy and social cohesion; and stresses the urgent need to combat unemployment, po~~licy; stresses the importance of these growth drivers, also in the context of achieving the goals set out in the Europe 2020 strategy;~~ verty, increasing inequalities and social exclusion; and calls on the Commission to radically revise its strategy towards implementing economically and socially sustainable policies to support a solid recovery and generate inclusive growth, also in the context of achieving the goals set out in the Europe 2020 strategy; recalls the positive role of public investment in boosting growth and productivity, in particular in a context of weak demand and ineffective monetary policy;

Amendment 52 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Welcomes the Commission's ~~focus~~attention in the 2015 Country-Specific Recommendations (CSRs) on the four main priorities for economic growth: boosting investment, implementation of structural reforms in product, service and labour markets, fiscal responsibility and improving employment policy; stresses the importance of these growth drivers, also in the context of achieving the goals set out in the Europe 2020 strategyboosting investment; stresses the importance public investment for growth, also in the context of achieving the goals set out in the Europe 2020 strategy; regrets that no public investment program is forthcoming in the Union or individual Member States;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Welcomes the Commission's focus in the 2015 Country-Specific Recommendations (CSRs) on the four main priorities for economic growth: boosting investment, implementation of structural reforms ~~in product, service and labour markets~~, fiscal responsibility and improving employment policy; stresses the importance of these growth drivers, also in the context of achieving the goals set out in the Europe 2020 strategy; points out that this has to be done without weakening employment protection or limiting workers' rights and undermining thus the European social model;

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Welcomes~~Takes note of the Commission's focus in the 2015 Country-Specific Recommendations (CSRs) on the four main priorities for economic growth: boosting investment, implementation of structural reforms in product, service and labour markets, fiscal responsibility and improving employment policy; stresses the importance of these growth drivers are based on sustainability criteria, also in the context of achieving the goals set out in the Europe 2020 strategy;

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Welcomes the Commission's focus in the 2015 Country-Specific Recommendations (CSRs) on the four main priorities for economic growth: boosting investment, implementation of structural reforms in product, service and labour markets, fiscal responsibility and improving employment policy; stresses the importance of these growth drivers, also in the context of achieving the goals set out in the Europe 2020 strategy; and the overall objective of making the EU globally more competitive;

Amendment 56 #

Marisa MATIAS, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Rina Ronja KARI, Miguel VIEGAS, Fabio DE MASI, Matt CARTHY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Welcome~~Regrets the Commission's new approach to streamlining the European Semester process, i.e. through placing a stronger focus on a limited number of most important priorities and challenges ~~and publishing its country-specif~~while focusing on a short-term approach rather than on a long-term perspective which a~~nd euro area analysis three months earlier than in previous year~~llows real structural reforms needed for a sustainable transition of the Member States economies;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the Commission's new approach to streamlining the European Semester process, i.e. through placing a stronger focus on a limited number of most important priorities and challenges and publishing its country-specific and euro area analysis three months earlier than in previous years; however recommends that all major structural reforms and changes promoted by the CSRs are accompanied by a social impact assessment regarding their short and long term effects especially on the vulnerable sectors of the European population; calls on Member States to involve local and regional authorities and other relevant stakeholders in a more structured manner along those three months;

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the Commission's new approach to streamlining the European Semester process, i.e. through placing a stronger focus on a limited number of most important priorities and challenges and publishing its country-specific and euro area analysis three months earlier than in previous years; taking into account the new time line of the European Semester, calls on Member States to involve national parliaments as well as local and regional authorities in a more structured manner while engaging stakeholders;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 d (new)

- having regard to Communications from the European Commission 'Europe 2020, A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth' (COM (2010) 2020) and 'Taking Stock of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth' of 13/03/2014 (COM(2014) 130 final/2)

Amendment 60 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the Commission’s new approach to s~~treamlin~~implifying the European Semester process, i.e. through placing a stronger focus on a limited number of most important priorities and challenges and publishing its country-specific and euro area analysis three months earlier than in previous years;

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes and encourages the Commission’s new approach to streamlining the European Semester process, i.e. through placing a stronger focus on a limited number of most important priorities and challenges and publishing its country-specific and euro area analysis three months earlier than in previous years;

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Welcomes~~Remains indifferent to the Commission’s new approach to streamlining the European Semester process, i.e. through placing a stronger focus on a limited number of most important priorities and challenges and publishing its country-specific and euro area analysis three months earlier than in previous years;

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Welcom~~Acknowledges the Commission's new approach to streamlining the European Semester process, i.e. through placing a stronger focus on a limited number of most important priorities and challenges and publishing its country-specific and euro area analysis three months earlier than in previous years;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Welcomes that the Commission is publishing its country-specific and euro area analysis three months earlier than in previous years but is worried that the country reports are too complex, hindering the democratic participation of civil society organisations in the process

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Welcomes the proposal in the Five Presidents’ report to create a fiscal capacity of the eurozone. Suggests that the aforementioned eurozone budget should be funded through the financial transaction tax and profits from the European Central Bank, among other sources.

Amendment 67 #

Marisa MATIAS, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Miguel VIEGAS, Fabio DE MASI, Matt CARTHY, Rina Ronja KARI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

Amendment 68 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Notes with concern~~Considers that the varying degrees of commitment demonstrated by Member States to implementing last year's CSRs; stresses the importance of the implementation of the CSRs in order to ensure consistent and fair implementation of the economic governance framework across Member States; deplores in this context the non-binding nature of the recommendations reflect the unsustainability and flawed design of the current economic governance framework and the European Semester;

Amendment 69 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Notes with concern the varying degrees of commitment demonstrated by Member States to implementing last year’s CSRs; stresses the importance of the implementation of the CSRs in order to ensure consistent and fair implementation of the economic governance framework across Member States; ~~deplores in this context the non-binding nature of the recommendations;~~

Amendment 7 #

Bernd LUCKE, Stanisław OŻÓG

Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)

- having regard to the Commission Communication "White paper - An Agenda for Adequate, Safe and Sustainable Pensions" (COM(2012) 055 FINAL);

Amendment 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

Amendment 71 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Notes with concern the varying degrees of commitment demonstrated by Member States to implementing last year's CSRs; stresses the importance of the implementation of the CSRs in order to ensure consistent and fair implementation of the economic governance framework across Member States; ~~deplores in this context the non-binding nature of the recommendation~~however recognizes that CSRs cannot automatically be assumed to be invariably or infallibly correct in their policy prescriptions and that reasonable and legitimate grounds may exist for national administrations to differ from their conclusions; recommends therefore that an analysis of the relevance or otherwise be conducted of past CSRs for different member states, to assess on a post hoc basis, whether they were valid or remained so, in terms of their scope, timing, phasing and sequencing, not least in terms of their social impact and contribution or otherwise to reduce economic divergences between regions of the Union and between members states;

Amendment 73 #

Ernest URTASUN, Sven GIEGOLD

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Notes with concern the varying degrees of commitment demonstrated by Member States to implementing last year’s CSRs; stresses the importance of the implementation of the CSRs in order to ensure consistent and fair implementation of the economic governance framework across Member States; ~~deplore~~calls ion th~~is context the non-binding nature of the recommendations~~e Commission to submit proposals on ways in which the recommendations of the European Semester could be made more binding;

Amendment 74 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Notes ~~with concern~~ the varying degrees of commitment demonstrated by Member States to implementing last year’s CSRs; stresses th~~e importance of~~at the implementation of the CSRs is desired by the Commission in order to ensure consistent and fair implementation of the economic governance framework across Member States~~; deplores in this context the non-binding nature of the recommendation~~, but that it undermines the freedom of elected governments to pursue national policies;

Amendment 76 #

Danuta Maria HÜBNER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Notes with concern the varying degrees of commitment demonstrated by Member States to implementing last year’s CSRs; stresses the importance of the implementation of the CSRs in order to ensure consistent and fair implementation of the economic governance framework across Member States; restates the importance of a harmonised policy within the Union, and deplores in this context the non-binding nature of the recommendations;

Amendment 78 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Notes with concern the varying degrees of commitment demonstrated by Member States to implementing last year's CSRs and the generally poor implementation record; stresses the importance of the implementation of the CSRs in order to ensure consistent and fair implementation of the economic governance framework across Member States; deplores in this context the non-binding nature of the recommendations;

Amendment 79 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

Amendment 8 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the Commission's spring 2015 economic forecast ~~indicates growth rates of~~estimates that growth rates are expected to reach 2.1 % in the EU and of 1.9 % in the euro area for 2016;

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Is extremely worried that in some cases there is no progress at all in the implementation of CSRs; stresses that in several cases this is a major obstacle to creating a growth- and investment- friendly environment; calls on the Commission to support the implementation of the CSRs by making use of the economic governance toolkit, particularly the MIP;

Amendment 82 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Considers that the structural reforms need to be redefined so as not to be identified solely with reducing the cost of labour.

Amendment 83 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4 b. Notes the proposal in the Five Presidents’ report to base access to future fiscal capacity from the eurozone on the implementation of the structural reforms in the widest possible sense.

Amendment 84 #

Ernest URTASUN, Sven GIEGOLD

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)

4 c. Considers that the European Parliament must adopt the country- specific recommendations so as to give them greater democratic legitimacy.

Amendment 85 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Is strongly concerned that the Commission has dropped almost all of the recommendations on environmentally harmful subsidies, environmental tax reform, and the promotion of renewable energies from the CSRs; regrets in particular that the 2015 Country-Specific Recommendations did not address fossil fuel subsidies which account for €70bn within the EU and are a double negative, cutting public budgets and harming the transition to a low-carbon economy; urges the Commission to reverse direction with a view of greening the EU Semester;

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. Favours an enhanced process regarding the elaboration, follow-up and monitoring of country-specific recommendations; believes that the Commission should identify explicitly recommendations aimed at fulfilling updated and ambitious EU2020 national targets; recalls that the legislation enshrines the principle according to which Member States have to 'comply with or explain' these recommendations; calls in that perspective for Member States to explain how alternative policy measures can help achieve the national EU2020 targets in a measurable way if the recommendations are not followed;

Amendment 87 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)

4c. Asks the Commission to make the three-pillar strategy (investment, fiscal rules and structural reforms), presented in the AGS 2015, more concrete under the euro area recommendation and in the CSRs and to strengthen its approach by building a fourth pillar on taxation which would include a yearly monitoring mechanism covering, for example, developments regarding tax fraud and evasion, the state of play of environmental taxation and subsidy reform, and measures put in place at both national and European level to address specific CSRs for improving tax justice;

Amendment 88 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses that many Member States, in particular in the eurozone, are faced with similar macroeconomic challenges, including most importantly high debts ~~and~~, a lack of competitiveness and excessively low investment;

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses that many Member States, in particular in the eurozone, are faced with similar macroeconomic challenges, including most importantly high debts and low investment, which requires an integrated approach in tackling these issues;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the Commission’s spring 2015 economic forecast indicates growth rates of 2.1 % in the EU and of 1.9 % in the euro area for 2016, which figures result from a new method of GDP calculation imposed on European countries last year and that includes the underground and criminal economy, the effect of which is to artificially increase the wealth created, without an improvement in the economic situation;

Amendment 90 #

Esther DE LANGE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

Amendment 91 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses that many Member States, in particular in the eurozone, are faced with similar macroeconomic challenges, including most importantly high debts and low investment; in this context, welcomes the fact that the Five Presidents’ report proposes to complete the banking union with a common Deposit Insurance Scheme.

Amendment 92 #

Marisa MATIAS, Rina Ronja KARI, Fabio DE MASI, Matt CARTHY, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses that many Member States, in particular in the eurozone, are faced with similar macroeconomic challenges, including most importantly high debts and low investment; therefore welcomes interparliamentary activities where exchange of knowledge, experience and practices on reforms and implementation of CSRs take place with the aim to increase efficiency and quality of the changes as well as to speed up the reforms.

Amendment 93 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses that many Member States, in particular in the eurozone, are faced with similar macroeconomic challenges, including most importantly high ~~debts and low invest~~external and public debts, high unemployment and low investment; deplores the insistence of the Eurogroup on austerity policies harming both investment and employment;

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses that many Member States, in particular in the eurozone, are faced with similar macroeconomic challenges, resulting in part from the period of economic policy characterised by a global austerity regime, including most importantly high debts and low investment;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses that many Member States, in particular in the eurozone, are faced with similar macroeconomic challenges, including most importantly ~~high debts and low investment~~persistently high unemployment, increasing poverty and socio-economic inequalities;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses that many Member States, in particular in the eurozone, are faced with similar macroeconomic challenges, including most importantly high debts and low investment; welcomes in this respect the proposal in the Five Presidents' report to divide the European Semester in a European stage followed by a national stage;

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses that many Member States, in particular in the eurozone, are faced with similar macroeconomic challenges, including most importantly high debts, both public and private, and low investment;

Amendment 98 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses that many Member States, in particular in the eurozone, are faced with similar macroeconomic challenges, including most importantly high debts ratios and low investment;

Amendment 99 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Deplores the persistently high unemployment rates across most Member States, in particular the youth and long- term unemployment rates; therefore, not only stresses the need to ~~reform national labour markets~~draw up and implement labour policies that foster a labour market with rights, that combat flexible forms of working (in particular, sham self-employment) and that censure employers’ organisations with high staff turnover rates, but also emphasises the need for macroeconomic policies that stimulate national wealth generation and domestic demand, in order to increase net job creation ~~rates~~;

source: 567.602

2015/09/14 IMCO 83 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that the ~~single market remains fragmented and the great potential for grow~~deepening of the single market, often called internal market, emphasized the dismantling of th,e in~~novation and jobs largely untapped; calls on the Commission and the Member States to honour their commitments and to safeguard the revival of the single market as one of the Union’s main prioriti~~struments of sovereign regulation of economies, which had significant negative consequences in terms of economic growth, job creation and therefore in the reduction of socioeconomic disparities among the different Member States;

Amendment 1 #

Anna Maria CORAZZA BILDT, Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, Andreas SCHWAB

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Acknowledges the new approach for a more streamlined European Semester 2015 to focus on the four key priorities for economic growth: boosting investment, implementation of structural reforms, fiscal responsibility and improving employment policy; ~~welcomes~~underlines the need for 'greening' the European Semester to better integrate environmental sustainability into the wider cycle of economic governance; takes note of the country-specific recommendations (CSRs) 2015, which address the growth drivers that can allow sustainable recovery and through which progress can be achieved within a shorter timeframe (12- - 18 months);

Amendment 10 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Reiterates its call on the Commission to put forward proposals for classifying the single market as a specific pillar of the European Semester, including dedicated guidelines and country-specific recommendations (CSRs) thereon; asks the Commission to enhance the linkage between the pillars; recalls that good economic governance and the impact thereof can be effective only if the ones implementing and applying the rules are adequately involved;

Amendment 10 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Welcom~~Notes the closer links between the objectives of the European Semester process and the programming of the ESI Funds 2014-2020, and ~~especially the~~ systematic references to CSRs and NRPs (National Reform Programmes) in the programming exercise; considers that cohesion policy investments could play a very important role in supporting structural reforms by following up the relevant CSRs; calls for steps to be taken to ensure compleimentarity and synergies between the ESI Funds, the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) and ~~the~~ other EU-subsidised programmes and initiatives, as well as national public investments and private financial instruments, in order to obtain maximum added value from the investments effected;

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Reiterates its call on the Commission to put forward proposals for classifying the single market as a specific pillar of the European Semester in order to cover a clear set of priorities related to the real economy, including dedicated guidelines and country-specific recommendations (CSRs) thereon;

Amendment 11 #

3. Welcomes the closer links between the objectives of the European Semester process and the programming of the ESI Funds 2014-2020, and especially the systematic references to CSRs and NRPs (National Reform Programmes) in the programming exercise; considers that cohesion policy investments could play a very important role in supporting structural reforms by following up the relevant CSRs and NRPs; calls for steps to be taken to ensure compleimentarity and synergies between the ESI Funds, the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) and the other EU-subsidised programmes and initiatives, as well as national public investments and private financial instruments, in order to obtain maximum added value from the investments effected;

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Calls for the strengthening of the governance of the internal market through the European Semester by establishing a set of specific indicators measuring its performance, as well as more data; calls for a specific section to be included in the country reports showing barriers and progress in the internal market;

Amendment 12 #

Louis-Joseph MANSCOUR

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Welcomes~~Takes note of the closer links between the objectives of the European Semester process and the programming of the ESI Funds 2014-2020, and especially the systematic references to CSRs and NRPs (National Reform Programmes) in the programming exercise; considers that cohesion policy investments could play a very important role in supporting structural reforms by following up the relevant CSRs; calls for steps to be taken to ensure complementarity and synergies between the ESI Funds, the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) and the other EU-subsidised programmes and initiatives, as well as national public investments and private financial instruments, in order to obtain maximum added value from the investments effected;

Amendment 13 #

Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Stresses that, for the European Semester to have a Single Market dimension, the Annual Growth Survey should encourage Member States to involve their local and regional authorities in setting differentiated contributions to the Europe 2020 targets and in designing and implementing the National Reform Programmes on the basis of the principle of Single Market governance;

Amendment 13 #

Louis-Joseph MANSCOUR

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Calls for the investment clause to be reviewed so as to enable regional and national investments co-financed through ESI Funds to be excluded from the calculation of national deficits in the framework of the European Semester;

Amendment 14 #

Dennis de JONG

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Calls upon the Commission to explicitly consider in its CSRs their impact on the implementation of the rights listed in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights as well as of the international obligations of the Member States concerned, in particular in respect of the European Social Charter;

Amendment 14 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Urges the Commission and the Member States to ensure the quality of interventions co-financed by cohesion policy and compliance with most relevant CSRs; notes that, in the 2013 and 2014 financial years there were more CSRs with relevance for ESI Funds programming, and underlines that medium- term structural reforms related to ESI Funds investments are still necessary and should be included in CSRs eventhough they are very often contained in the ex-ante conditionalities of the ESI Funds common framework;

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Recalls the Commission's promise to - if necessary - use infringement procedures to ensure full implementation of legislation on the single market of goods, services and in the digital sphere and to ensure structural reforms in product, services and labour markets in Member States;

Amendment 15 #

Louis-Joseph MANSCOUR

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Urges~~Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the quality of interventions co-financed by cohesion policy ~~and compliance with~~, taking into account most relevant CSRs; notes that, in the 2013 and 2014 financial years there were more CSRs with relevance for ESI Funds programming and that medium-term structural reforms related to ESI Funds investments are still necessary and are very often contained in the ex-ante conditionalities of the ESI Funds common framework;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Stresses that the Single Market has not been representing either convergence, cooperation or solidarity, but rather economic domain, development divergence and asymmetries;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Urges the Commission and the Member States to ensure the quality of interventions co-financed by cohesion policy and compliance with most relevant CSRs and NRP; notes that, in the 2013 and 2014 financial years there were more CSRs with relevance for ESI Funds programming and that medium- term structural reforms related to ESI Funds investments are still necessary and are very often contained in the ex-ante conditionalities of the ESI Funds common framework;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)

2b. Requests the Commission to call upon the Member States to introduce in their annual National Reform Programmes a specific and detailed section on the single market where the evolution of its integration is specified at national level and the measures to be adopted the following year; calls on the European Commission to handle the same structure for its CSRs;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Notes with great concern the persistently high unemployment rates across most Member States, especially as regards youth and long-term unemployment; stresses the need for structural reforms related to labour market, educational system and financial services for the SMEs, highly supported with Cohesion Policy financial instruments, to be implemented at regional, national and EU level in order to create employment opportunities and boost job creation;

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Stresses the importance and added value of the single market integration reports of previous years, given their contribution to the overall priorities set in the Commission’s Annual Growth Survey and to the identification of CSRs as part of the European Semester; finds it most deplorable, therefore, that the single market integration report has been omitted for 2015;deleted

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Notes with great concern ~~the~~ persistently high unemployment rates ~~across most~~in some Member States, especially as regards youth and long-term unemployment; stresses the need ~~for~~to implement structural reforms ~~to be implemented~~ at regional, national and EU level in order to create employment opportunities and boost job creation;

Amendment 19 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Stresses the importance and added value of the single market integration reports of previous years, given their contribution to the overall priorities set in the Commission’´s Annual Growth Survey and to the identification of CSRs as part of the European Semester; finds it most deplorable, therefore, that the single market integration report has been omitted for 2015 and that the Parliament's call has not been taken into account;

Amendment 19 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Notes with great concern the persistently high unemployment rates across most Member States, especially as regards youth and long-term unemployment; stresses the need for structural reforms to be implemented at regional, national and EU level in order to create sustainable employment opportunities and boost quality job creation;

Amendment 2 #

Dennis de JONG

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that the single market remains fragmented and the great potential for growth, innovation and jobs largely untapped; calls on the Commission and the Member States to honour their commitments and to safeguard the revival of the single market as one of the Union’s main prioritiere are important differences in the level of implementation of existing single market legislation by Member States; reiterates its call for swift implementation of all relevant EU- legislation and urges the Commission to introduce accelerated infringement procedures, whenever the lack of implementation has a particularly negative impact on growth, innovation and jobs;

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Acknowledges the new approach for a more streamlined European Semester 2015 to focus on the four key priorities for economic growth: boosting investment, implementation of structural reforms, fiscal responsibility and improving employment policy~~; welcom~~, notes the country-specific recommendations (CSRs) 2015, which address the growth drivers that can allow sustainable recovery and through which progress can be achieved within a shorter timeframe (12- - 18 months);

Amendment 20 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Welcomes the Commission’s new approach to streamlining the European Semester process; lauds, in this context, the Commission’s work on defining CSRs relating to the single market, but calls for more determined efforts to guide and coordinate economic policiRejects any streamline, by the Commission, regarding the European Semester process, which is an instrument that has been imposing the denominated austerity policies in a wide range of Member States and which has led to devastating social-economic consequences; in ~~order to ensure consistent and fair implementation of the economic governance framework across the Member States~~this context, also rejects the Commission’s work on defining CSRs relating to the single market;

Amendment 20 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Urges the Member States to ensure swift and effective implementation of the respective CSRs for 2015 and those outstanding from previous years in order to achieve sustainable growth and jobs; deplores, in this connection, the non- binding natures of the recommendations; rRecalls that the quality of ESI Funds interventions as policy responses to the challenges identified in the CSRs will depend on how Member States connect their structural reforms, better spending and the use of ESI funds through the National Reform Programmes and the ensuing programme implementation;

Amendment 21 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Welcomes the Commission’s new approach to streamlining the European Semester process; ~~laud~~appreciates, in this context, the Commission’s work on defining CSRs relating to the single market, but calls for more determined efforts to guide and coordinate economic policies in order to ensure consistent and fair implementation of the economic governance framework across the Member States and to measure the effects of economic governance in all Member States;

Amendment 21 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Urges the Member States to ensure swift and effective implementation of the respective CSRs for 2015 and those outstanding from previous years in order to achieve sustainable growth and jobs; ~~deplores, in this connection, the non- binding natures of the recommendations;~~ recalls that the quality of ESI Funds intervention as as policy responses to the challenges identified in the CSRs will depend on how Member States connect their structural reforms, better spending and the use of ESI funds through the National Reform Programmes and the ensuing programme implementation;

Amendment 22 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Welcomes the Commission’´s new approach to streamlining the European Semester process; lauds, in this context, the Commission’´s work on defining CSRs relating to the single market, but is insufficient; calls for more determined efforts to guide and coordinate economic policies in order to ensure consistent and fair implementation of the economic governance framework across the Member States;

Amendment 22 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Urges the Member States to ensure swift and effective implementation of the respective CSRs for 2015 ~~and those outstanding from previous years~~ in order to achieve sustainable growth and jobs; deplores, in this connection, the non- binding natures of the recommendations; recalls that the quality of ESI Funds interventions as policy responses to the challenges identified in the CSRs will depend on how Member States connect their structural reforms~~, better spending and~~ and smart fiscal consolidation with the use of ESI funds through the National Reform Programmes and ~~the~~on how Member States ensu~~ing~~re programme implementation;

Amendment 23 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Is concerned about the persistent macroeconomic imbalances in some Member States, in particular the high levels of public debt and large current account deficits and excessive risk in the banking systems; is also concerned that although this procedure is designed to help Member States it may also reduce investor confidence towards that Member State;

Amendment 23 #

Anna Maria CORAZZA BILDT, Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, Andreas SCHWAB

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Urges the Member States to ensure swift and effective implementation of the respective CSRs for 2015 and those outstanding from previous years in order to achieve sustainable growth and jobs; ~~deplores~~takes note in this con~~nection~~text of the non- binding natures of the recommendations; recalls that the quality of ESI Funds intervention~~s as policy responses to the challenges identified in the CSRs will~~ will partly depend on how Member States connect their structural reforms, better spending and the use of ESI funds through the National Reform Programmes and the ensuing programme implementation;

Amendment 24 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Supports the emphasis in 2015's CSRs on the importance of removing unjustified restrictions and barriers to entry in the key sectors; requests furthermore the Member States concerned to give those recommendations their utmost consideration and to remove, with urgent priority, these obstacles to the growth of the Single Market;

Amendment 24 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Welcom~~Acknowledges the entry into force of the regulation on the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI);, underlines the Commission's opinion that there is strong combined potential of the Investment Plan for Europe and the ESI Funds in terms of boosting competitiveness, sustainable economic growth and job creation; urges the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to step up the structural reforms and to improve the regulatory and administrative environment in order to substantially improve the business and investment climate and ~~reap the full benefits of scarce~~achieve maximum output/leverage from limited public finances;

Amendment 25 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Notes that single market is one of the most important elements of the European project, and recognizes that for the European Semester process to be inclusive, the European Parliament (EP) should take an active role in the process; calls for Member States that have not implemented the CSRs as regards the internal market to explain the reasons at the competent Parliamentary Committee (IMCO); asks that the EP use such explanations as a basis to give input to the Commission in the development of new CSRs in time for publication in May;

Amendment 25 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Welcomes~~Takes note of the entry into force of the regulation on the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI);, underlines the strong combined potential of the Investment Plan for Europe and the ESI Funds in terms of boosting competitiveness, sustainable economic growth and job creation; urges the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to step up the structural reforms and to improve the regulatory and administrative environment in order to substantially improve the business and investment climate and reap the full benefits of scarce public finances;

Amendment 26 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Stresses that there needs to be a competitive system for education and professional qualification in the EU to enhance EU competitiveness; notes that harmonization in this area will damage proven structures like the German crafts system; is convinced that the harmonization of training and professional qualification does not meet national or regional needs;

Amendment 26 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Welcomes~~Takes note of the entry into force of the regulation on the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI); underlines the ~~strong combined~~ potential of the Investment Plan for Europe and the ESI Funds in terms of boosting competitiveness, sustainable economic growth and job creation; urges the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to step up the structural reforms and to improve the regulatory and administrative environment in order to substantially improve the business and investment climate and reap the full benefits of scarce public finances;

Amendment 27 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. Considers that the dialogue with national parliaments and civil society is essential to restore confidence in the European project and therefore calls for greater and earlier collaboration of social partners and national and regional parliaments in the European Semester process;

Amendment 27 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to consider innovative ways to encourage investment in the EU and highlights the fact that the increased use of financial instruments within the 2014- 2020 cohesion policy can help to produce a multiplier effect with the EU budget and also to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of ESI Funds investment; emphasizes, however, the need to ensure transparency, accountability and scrutiny for financial instruments or any other mechanisms that involve the EU budget, and in particular the EFSI.

Amendment 28 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. Regrets that there are many complaints about implementation deficits; asks the Commission for a better monitoring and feedback system for legal implementation; asks the Commission to re-evaluate legal frameworks that have severe implementation deficits;

Amendment 28 #

Constanze KREHL

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

8. ~~Calls on the Commission and the Member States to consider innovative ways to encourage investment in the EU and h~~Highlights the fact that the increased use of financial instruments within the 2014- 2020 cohesion policy can help to produce a leverage and multiplier effect ~~with~~of the EU budget and also to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of ESI Funds investment.

Amendment 29 #

5. Urges the Commission to take additional measures to improve access to finance for SMEs ~~and to ensure an improved business environment, simplify proced~~, being against, however, to new sources ~~and reduce administrative burdens in the single market; stresses the importance of sound business regulation for the success of the European Fund for Strategic Investment~~of funding similar to the ones that led to the 2007/2008´s financial crisis;

Amendment 29 #

Anna Maria CORAZZA BILDT, Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, Andreas SCHWAB

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that the provisions related to the macroeconomic framework ~~seems to be ess~~may be detrimential ~~to achieving~~for the objective of reducing disparities in the levels of development as defined in Article 174 of the TFEU and that cohesion policy can be a strong driver for achieving this objective if accompanied by a sound macro-economic framework; is deeply concerned that, in an economic environment with high government debt levels and macro- economic imbalances, the effectiveness of ESI funds can be greatly diminished; does not deem that the effectiveness of ESI funds can be greatly diminished by high government debt levels and macro- economic imbalances, but rather by severe shortcomings in the administrative capabilities, in the programming and in the management of the Operational programmes by the Member States, regional and local authorities;

Amendment 30 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. UStresses that in most Member States public and private investment is insufficient, creating an investment backlog; urges the Commission to take additional measures to improve easy access to finance for SMEs (particularly those related to key sectors, including the emerging digital sector), and to ensure an improved business environment, simplify procedures and reduce administrative burdens in the single market and support investment; stresses the importance of sound business regulation for the success of the European Fund for Strategic Investments; asks the Commission to respect the timetable for the EFSI launch this fall, so that it has the intended effect stimulating the real economy and boosting recovery in the Member States; considers that these investments will serve to strengthen EU competitiveness in key growth sectors such as: services, energy, transport and digital single market;

Amendment 31 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Urges the Commission to take additional measures to improve access to finance for SMEs, and to ensure an improved business environment, simplify procedures and reduce administrative burdens in the single market; stresses the importance of sound business regulation for the success of the European Fund for Strategic Investments; recalls the need to focus investments on the priorities set out in the Europe 2020 strategy, i.e. developing an economy based on knowledge and innovation, promoting a more resource-efficient, greener and more competitive economy and fostering a high-employment economy delivering a high level of social and territorial cohesion;

Amendment 32 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Urges the Commission to take additional measures to improve access to finance for SMEs and to ensure an improved business environment, simplify procedures and reduce administrative burdens in the single market; stresses the importance of competitive and highly integrated markets with sound business regulation for the success of the European Fund for Strategic Investments;

Amendment 33 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Urges the Commission to take additional measures to improve access to finance and public procurement for SMEs and to ensure an improved business environment, simplify procedures and reduce administrative burdens in the single market; stresses the importance of sound business regulation for the success of the European Fund for Strategic Investments;

Amendment 34 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Considers that a greater support to SMEs from the Commission and the Member States is needed in expanding their markets and fostering innovation, promoting their export capacity and stimulating job creation and helping businesses to compete more effectively, particularly in domestic markets, and improve the overall productivity; calls for the opportunities presented by the COSME 2014-2020 programme to be maximized in order to improve SMEs' access to financing in the domestic and international markets; and calls for other forms of financing to be promoted as an alternative to financing via banks;

Amendment 35 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5c. Calls upon the Member States to make use of the fiscal space that will allow them to invest in the potential for future growth of the economy and address the backlog of investment while ensuring adequate public investment at all levels of government;

Amendment 36 #

Daniel DALTON

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Stresses that ~~better and stronger tax coordination, with due respect for national competences, is needed in order to ensure a level playing field and to avoid unfair competition and detrimental distortions~~each Member State is fully responsible for their tax policy and that it is the responsibility of Member States to ensure that their tax system is competitive within the single market;

Amendment 37 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Stresses that better and stronger tax coordination, with due respect for national competences, is needed in order to ensure a level playing field and to avoid unfair competition and detrimental distortions within the single market; therefore reiterates its recommendation for renewed efforts in the fight against fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance;

Amendment 38 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Stresses that better and stronger tax coordination as well as renewed efforts to combat fraud and tax avoidance, with due respect for national competences, isare needed in order to ensure a level playing field and to avoid unfair competition and detrimental distortions within the single market;

Amendment 39 #

7. Emphasises that the European Semester is a great opportunity to urge Member States to step up their efforts towards the digital single market (DSM); welcomes, in this context, the Commission’s communication on the roadmap for completing the DSM; considers it essential to remedy the current fragmentation of national rules on digital services and to build a more innovative and transparent DSM based on sound competition andDigital Single Market is an instrument to defend the liberalization of the digital market as well as the mercantilization of new digital technologies in order to promote the deregulation of trade regarding goods and commodities and the free movement of capital, which, once again, affects the weaker countries in economic terms; in this context, and as in proevi~~ding a high level of accessibility and consumer protection~~ous phases of the deepening of the single market process, this will contribute to emphasize the economic domain of the multinational companies and the major European powers;

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that the single market remains fragmented and the great potential for economic growth, innovation and jobs creation, is still largely untapped; considers it essential that this potential is exploited to the maximum through an holistic approach in order to boost smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and competitiveness; calls on the Commission and ~~the~~ Member States to honour their commitments and to safeguard the revival of the single market as one of the Union’´s main priorities;

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that the macroeconomic framework seems to be essential to achieving the objective of reducing disparities in the levels of development as defined in Article 174 of the TFEU and that cohesion policy can be a strong driver for achieving this objective if accompanied by a sound macro-economic framework; is deeply concerned that, in an economic environment with high government debt levels and macro-economic imbalances, the absorption and effectiveness of ESI funds can be greatly diminished; therefore calls on the European Commission to propose tailor made measures which will support timely implementation and achievement of the Cohesion Policy and economic goals in these countries;

Amendment 40 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Emphasises that the European Semester is a great opportunity to urge Member States to step up their efforts towards the digital single market (DSM); welcomes, in this context, the Commission’´s communication on the roadmap for completing the DSM; considers it essential to remedy the current fragmentation of national rules on digital services and to build a more innovative and transparent DSM based on sound competition and providing a high level of accessibility and consumer protection; calls on the Commission to comply with the planned schedule and launch the 16 initiatives to achieve a true digital single market for Europe to contribute to the economic recovery of the European Union, improve internal and external competitiveness of the EU and promote cohesion and social inclusion;

Amendment 41 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Emphasises that the European Semester is a ~~grea~~n evident opportunity to ~~urge Member States to step up~~push for more progress in their efforts towards the digital single market (DSM); welcomes, in this context, the Commission’s communication on the roadmap for completing the DSM; considers it essential to remedy the current fragmentation of national rules on digital services and to build a more innovative and transparent DSM based on sound competition and providing a high level of accessibility and consumer protection;

Amendment 42 #

Dennis de JONG

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

Amendment 43 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7 a. Considers that the insufficient level of digital skills, uneven coverage and high costs limit the benefits of information and communications technology (ICT); urges the Commission and the Member States to give priority in the CSRs and the NRP to the digital training of individuals and companies, securing access to network infrastructure for all citizens;

Amendment 44 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

8. Believes that ~~the~~ Member States have to step up their efforts to modernise their public administrations, making legislative reforms in this area, by providing more, and better accessible, digital services for citizens and businesses; notes that in some Member States serious management weaknesses have as consequence significant delays in the implementation of the EU funding programmes, generating a negative impact on the business environment;

Amendment 45 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

8. Believes that the Member States have to step up their efforts to modernise their public administrations by providing more, and better accessible, digital services for citizens and businesses; supports the implementation of capacities for evaluation and exchange of best practice in digital services;

Amendment 46 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

Amendment 47 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

8. Believes that the Member States have to step up their efforts to modernise their public administrations by providing more, and better accessible, digital services for citizens and businesses, and to facilitate cross border cooperation and interoperability of public administrations;

Amendment 48 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Recognizes that there are several constraints that hinder the proper functioning of markets for products and services; supports the work done by the Commission regarding regulated professions, but believes that policy action to stimulate competition in the services sector, especially in professional services has been very limited; believes that further action should be taken against the restrictions of the regulated professions such as professional qualification requirements, legal form and participation; considers that more ambitious measures should be taken in order to stimulate competition in the services sector, particularly in professional services as a driver of innovation and job creation, which constitute an important instrument for promoting economic and social recovery that many Member States need;

Amendment 49 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)

8b. Notes that most Member States are below the EU 2020 targets for R&D; asks the Commission to comply with the intention of publishing the review of the EU 2020 Strategy at the end of this year at the latest to strengthen the role of the single market and the single digital market as key instruments for the revival of economic growth and quality job creation in the EU; calls on Member States to guide more decisively their economies to innovation and knowledge;

Amendment 5 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that the single market remains fragmented, in particular in terms of legislation concerning products and services, employment and consumer protection, and the great potential for growth, innovation and jobs largely untapped; calls on the Commission and the Member States to honour their commitments and to safeguard the revival of the single market as one of the Union’s main priorities;

Amendment 5 #

Constanze KREHL

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that the macroeconomic framework seems to be ~~essential~~important to achieving the objective of reducing disparities in the levels of development as defined in Article 174 of the TFEU and that cohesion policy can be a strong driver for achieving this objective if accompanied by a sound macro-economic framework; is deeply concerned that, in an economic environment with high government debt levels and macro-economic imbalances, the effectiveness of ESI funds can be greatly diminisheddriving force for achieving this objective;

Amendment 50 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9

9. Stresses that the full and fast implementation of EU public procurement and concessions legislation would provide a great opportunity to enhance innovation and access for SMEs and to modernise public administration, by improving the quality, effectiveness and transparency of public spending and investment.

Amendment 51 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9

9. Stresses that the full implementation of EU public procurement and concessions legislation would provide a great opportunity to enhance innovation and access for SMEs, to promote sustainable development and to modernise public administration, by improving the quality, effectiveness and transparency of public spending and investment.

Amendment 52 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9

9. Stresses that the full implementation of EU public procurement ~~and~~, concessions and Public Private Partnerships legislation would provide a great opportunity to enhance innovation and access for SMEs and to modernise public administration, by improving the quality, effectiveness and transparency of public spending and investment.

Amendment 53 #

Antanas GUOGA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Believes that the ownership of the CSR by national parliaments needs to be strengthened; encourages the Member States to provide the possibility for the Commission to present the CSRs in the national parliaments; calls, furthermore, on the Member States to implement the CSRs and to rigorously transpose the EU targets into national targets; reiterates, furthermore, its request that the Commission report to the competent committee of Parliament on the measures taken to ensure progress in the implementation of the CSRs and the progress achieved thus far.

Amendment 54 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Regrets the implementation of too high standards in public procurement legislation; calls on the Commission to introduce certificates that will enable officials to easily check environmental and social requirements in public procurement; calls on the Commission to accept self-declarations of companies in regards to technical or professional requirements in international procurement; calls on the Commission to limit the examination requirements when awarding contracts to 2 applicants.

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that the single market remains fragmented and the great potential for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, innovation and jobs largely untapped; calls on the Commission and the Member States to honour their commitments and to safeguard the revival of the single market as one of the Union’s main priorities;

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that the macroeconomic framework ~~seems to be essential~~elements explain only part of the convergence process in Europe aiming to achieving the objective of reducing disparities in the levels of development as defined in Article 174 of the TFEU and that cohesion policy can be a strong driver for achieving this objective if accompanied by a sound macro-economic framework; is deeply concerned that, in an economic environment with high government debt levels and macro-economic imbalances, the effectiveness of ESI funds can be greatly diminished;

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that the single market remains fragmented and insufficiently implemented and the great potential for growth, innovation and jobs largely untapped; calls on the Commission and the Member States to honour their commitments and to safeguard the revival of the single market as one of the Union’s main priorities;

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Reminds the initial rejection by the European Parliament of the macroeconomic conditionality in Cohesion Policy; asks the Commission to avoid the application of Article 23 CPR;

Amendment 8 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 8 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the closer links between the objectives of the European Semester process and the programming of the ESI Funds 2014-2020, and especially the systematic references to CSRs and NRPs (National Reform Programmes) in the programming exercise; takes note on the Study on Strategic Coherence of cohesion policy: Comparison of the 2007-2013 and the 2014-2020 programming period, which presents that CSRs are in a very limited way taken into consideration in PAs and OPs; considers that cohesion policy investments could play a very important role in supporting structural reforms and fulfilment of the EU strategic goals by following up the relevant CSRs; calls for steps to be taken to ensure compleimentarity and synergies between the ESI Funds, the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) and the other EU-subsidised programmes and initiatives, as well as national public investments and private financial instruments, in order to obtain maximum added value and synergy from the whole investment~~s effected~~ potential;

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Reiterates its call on the Commission to put forward proposals for classifying the single market as a specific pillar of the European Semester~~, including dedicated guidelines~~; calls on the Commission to integrate the completion of all dimensions of the single market - on goods, services, capital, labour, energy, transport, and in the digital sector - as part of the European Semester and country- specific recommendations ~~(CSRs) thereon;~~ , even when they might be also covered by other policy processes;

Amendment 9 #