2017/2283(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the increase in trade volume between the EU and Ukraine and the diversification of Ukrainian exports to the EU; encourages the European Commission to support Ukraine in identifying those areas that could further foster economic diversification and in prioritizing them in the process of DCFTA implementation;

Amendment 10 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Regrets that Ukraine becomes aware of new or updated EU acquis they have committed to transpose under the DCFTA only after it has entered into force in the EU; considers that involving Ukrainian authorities from the stage of drafting relevant legislation would be useful in order to make the process more inclusive and to reduce transition costs for Ukraine and calls on the European Commission to set up an ex ante consultation process;

Amendment 11 #

David MARTIN, Joachim SCHUSTER

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Commends the Government and Parliament Legislative Roadmap for the Implementation of the ~~Agreement and Ukraine’s accession to the WTO Government Procurement~~ Agreement; encourages Ukraine to ~~focus on~~prioritize the implementation of the reform agenda in areas ~~such as technical, sanitary and phytosanitary standards, intellectual property and~~that are more closely related to its production structure and opportunities to export to the EU with a view to minimizing transition cuost~~oms rule~~s and maximizing potential benefits;

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5 a. Regrets the lack of progress in the approximation to EU animal welfare standards and calls on Ukraine to urgently adopt a strategy to fulfil that commitment.

Amendment 13 #

David MARTIN, Joachim SCHUSTER

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5 b. Calls on Ukraine to urgently appoint its domestic advisory group to ensure the monitoring of the implementation of the agreement by civil society organisations.

Amendment 14 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6 a. Notes that the evaluation of the DCFTA implementation is very much focused on trade flows and trade irritants; calls on the European Commission to appropriately monitor and assess the implementation of the DCFTA, with special attention being paid to the acquis transposition and implementation, as well as to the impact on the Ukrainian society, and to provide public and comprehensive annual reporting including on the technical and financial support provided by the EU;

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7 a. Welcomes the first reading adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of bill No. 5495 on the preservation Ukrainian forests and the prevention of the illegal export of unprocessed timber in the first reading on 20 March 2018; considers that any liberalisation of trade in wood should be conditional on the setting up of a legal framework on the prevention and prohibition of illegal export;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that a coordinated approach between the EU and Ukraine to sanctions related to Crimea and eastern Ukraine would contribute to increasing pressure in order to secure a peaceful resolution of Ukraine’s territorial challenges; recalls the commitment to the peaceful settlement of regional conflicts in Article 9 of the Association Agreement.

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Notes that the Eastern Partnership has until now primarily been focused on bilateral trade and investment between the EU and the other countries involved; calls for the development of a more unified approach for all countries in the Eastern Partnership and increased cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union in terms of trade facilitation, visa freedom and technical standards.

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the increase in trade volume between the EU and Ukraine and the diversification of Ukrainian exports to the EU; points out that exports to Russia over the same period have decreased.

Amendment 3 #

Joachim SCHUSTER, Aleksander GABELIC

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Calls on the Commission to submit to Parliament a detailed assessment of the Association Agreement on the basis of progress made so far, since the 2007 impact assessment has long been overtaken by events.This should cover the following points in particular: - an in-depth presentation of Ukraine's trade balance set out according to sector and region; - the development of small- and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) and a presentation of the DCFTA loan facility for SMEs, which was set up with EUR 200 million in 2015 to help SMEs in the Eastern Neighbourhood; - a presentation of market share; - a presentation of the socio-economic situation; - a presentation of the labour market situation, the shadow economy and informal employment; - an up-to-date analysis of Ukraine's macro-financial situation, including tax revenues and expenditure, tax avoidance and tax evasion.

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Recalls that Regulation (EU) 2017/1566 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the introduction of temporary autonomous trade measures for Ukraine supplementing the trade concessions available under the Association Agreement includes a legal requirement that the Commission's annual report on the implementation of the DCFTA includes a detailed assessment of the autonomous trade measures including the social impact.

Amendment 5 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Considers the ~~trade liberalisation and~~ regulatory approximation between the EU and Ukraine under the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) to be a~~n optim~~ fundamental instrument bringing Ukraine closer to the EU and contributing to trade facilitation, a better business and investment climate, and sustainable economic development of Ukraine; considers that the dimension of trade liberalization should be carefully managed with a view to minimizing costs while maximizing benefits to the Ukrainian enterprises and society and encourages the European Commission to consider further autonomous trade preferences and other means of asymmetric liberalisation to that purpose;

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Considers the trade liberalisation and regulatory approximation between the EU and Ukraine under the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) to be an optimal instrument bringing Ukraine closer to the EU and contributing to trade facilitation, a better business and investment climate, and sustainable economic development of Ukraine; is concerned at the growing poverty of the population.

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Recalls that the DCFTA is part of a reform process based on good governance and the fight against corruption and organised crime; is very concerned at the current stagnation and even regression in terms of the fight against corruption; considers the establishment of an anti- corruption court as recommended by the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe to be essential; notes that a free, critical civil society plays an important part in this process of reform and calls on the Government of Ukraine to free civil- society organisations from the e- declaration obligation; calls on the Government of Ukraine to guarantee the independence of the National Anti- Corruption Bureau (NABU) and to carry out a corresponding reform of the secret services; reminds the Government of Ukraine of its undertaking in the preamble to the Association Agreement to construct a deeper, sustainable democracy; calls for a reform of voting rights prior to the 2019 parliamentary elections as recommended by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Venice Commission and the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

Amendment 8 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Recalls that the DCFTA is part of a reform process based on good governance and the fight against corruption and organised crime and stresses that the rule of law is a key precondition for good and functioning implementation;

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Welcomes progress in regulatory approximation, including in eliminating technical barriers to trade (TBT)~~Considers regulatory approximation with the EU acquis is the key dimension of the DCFTA because actual access to the EU market and reform very much depend on appropriate implementation and enforcement of relevant legislation; is aware of the important challenge this represents for governance, institutions and public administration in Ukraine and encourages the European Commission to provide adequate technical and financial support; commends the activities of the Support Group for Ukraine and calls on the Group to provide more reporting to the European Parliament on the kind of assistance provided, notably with regard to acquis transposition and implementation;

source: 621.122

2018/09/10 AFET 174 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2

– having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part, and to the related Association Agenda,

Amendment 10 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas, in this context, the major achievements in EU-Ukraine relations such as the entry into force of the visa- free regime on 11 June 2017 and the Association Agreement on 1 September 2017 are to be welcomed;

Amendment 100 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Remains deeply concerned at the growing number of illegally detained Ukrainian citizens ~~from the temporarily occupied territories~~ who have been arrested, tortured, sentenced and imprisoned by the ~~Russian authorities~~Ukrainian authorities´, as reported by the report A/HRC/32/39/Add.1 of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions of the United Nations of 4 May2016;

Amendment 101 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Remains deeply concerned at the growing number of illegally detained Ukrainian citizens from the temporarily occupied territories who have been arrested, sentenced and imprisoned by the Russian authorities; including religious and ethnic minorities, civil society actors and human rights defenders; Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all those illegally detained Ukrainian citizens;

Amendment 102 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Johannes Cornelis van BAALEN, Marietje SCHAAKE, Urmas PAET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Remains deeply concerned at the growing number of illegally detained Ukrainian citizens from the temporarily occupied territories who have been arrested, sentenced and imprisoned by the Russian authorities; calls on Ukrainian authorities and international community to use all available means to release Ukrainian political prisoners detained in Russia where they face torture and inhuman treatment;

Amendment 103 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Remains deeply concerned at the growing number of illegally detained Ukrainian citizens from the temporarily occupied territories who have been arrested, sentenced and imprisoned by the Russian authorities and demands that the Russian Federation immediately and unconditionally release Oleg Sentsov and all other illegally detained Ukrainian citizens;

Amendment 104 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Remains deeply concerned at the growing number of illegally detained Ukrainian citizens from the temporarily occupied territories who have been arrested, sentenced and imprisoned by the Russian authorities, including Oleh Sentsov; reiterates its demand to Russia for their immediate and unconditional release;

Amendment 105 #

Urmas PAET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Recalls that the human rights situation on the Crimean peninsula has significantly deteriorated, violation of freedom of speech, media abuse and forced imposition of Russian citizenship have become systematic and fundamental human rights and freedoms are not guaranteed in Crimea;

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Calls for stronger efforts to implement Ukraine’s Human Rights Strategy including policies to improve the situation of the Roma minority and other minority groups;

Amendment 107 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Johannes Cornelis van BAALEN, Marietje SCHAAKE, Urmas PAET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Regrets that the investigation of deaths that occurred during the Maidan and Odessa events and assassinations of journalists is slow and without tangible results;

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. ~~Calls for~~Welcomes the final adoption of the ~~draft~~ law on the legal status of missing persons;

Amendment 109 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18a. Expresses its concern about the growing number of criminal cases being brought against journalists who reveal cases of corruption in the State apparatus or criticise the government's reform policy or its policy towards Eastern Ukraine; reminds the government of the commitment it has given to fully enforce internationally recognised human rights, such as the rights to freedom of expression and public dissemination of views;

Amendment 11 #

Dobromir SOŚNIERZ, Marek JUREK

Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)

Ab. whereas since the signature of the Association Agreement in 2014 Ukraine has made more pro-European reforms than during all previous years of Ukrainian independence;

Amendment 110 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

~~20. Calls for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention on violence against women;~~deleted

Amendment 111 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Johannes Cornelis van BAALEN, Marietje SCHAAKE, Urmas PAET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

~~20. Calls for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention on violence against women;~~deleted

Amendment 112 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Calls for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention on violence against women; in this regard, takes into account the adoption of the Law on Preventing and Combating Domestic Violence; welcomes creation of the position of the Government Commissioner for Gender Policy;

Amendment 113 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. While clearly underlining the primary responsibility of the Russian Federation and the separatists it backs, calls on the Ukrainian authorities to exert additional efforts to alleviate the suffering of the population affected by the conflict, including support for IDPs, war veterans, and through an easy access to pensions and social benefits and services for those living in the territories currently outside the government’s control;

Amendment 114 #

Andrea BOCSKOR, László TŐKÉS, József SZÁJER, András GYÜRK, Kinga GÁL, Andor DELI, Tamás DEUTSCH, Norbert ERDŐS, György HÖLVÉNYI, Lívia JÁRÓKA, Ádám KÓSA, György SCHÖPFLIN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Underlines the need for independent media and media pluralism to ensure the security of media workers and journalists, and calls on not to limit the opportunities of minority language media sources in order to have equal access of citizens of all ethnics to information;

Amendment 115 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Is deeply concerned by the recent cases of violence against Roma and the LGBTI community and calls for immediate and effective investigations by the authorities and vocal and public condemnation of these acts and their perpetrators by the government;

Amendment 116 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)

20b. Calls for the revision of Ukraine’s Strategy of Integration of the Roma National Minority into Ukrainian society to include monitoring of safety as a key priority and ensure the proper implementation of the strategy at all levels;

Amendment 117 #

Norica NICOLAI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. ~~Welcomes Ukraine’s intention~~Expresses grave concerns in relation to fundamental freedoms in Ukraine, with core values, to which Ukraine had subscribed, namely the European Charter for Regional or Minority Language (Preamble Part 3, Art.7, Part 4), the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (Art.12, Part 3 and Art.14, Part 2) and the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement (Art.2, Part 2.e.); reiterates that the new Law on Education in Ukraine deprives ethnic minorities of their constitutional rights to freely choose the language of education; Urges the Ukrainian authorities to amend the law on education in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission;

Amendment 118 #

Andrea BOCSKOR, László TŐKÉS, József SZÁJER, András GYÜRK, Kinga GÁL, Andor DELI, Tamás DEUTSCH, Norbert ERDŐS, György SCHÖPFLIN, Lívia JÁRÓKA, Ádám KÓSA, György HÖLVÉNYI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. ~~Welcom~~Urges Ukraine~~’s intention to amend the law on education in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission~~ to amend the law on education to ensure the respect for rights already exercised of persons belonging to national minorities as enshrined in UN and Council of Europe Conventions and related protocols, non-discrimination of persons belonging to minorities and respect for diversity, in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission, which has to be fully implemented on the basis of a substantive dialogue with the representatives of persons belonging to national minorities, including legislation to extend the transition period until 2023 and which regulates exemption for private schools;

Amendment 119 #

Cristian Dan PREDA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. ~~Welcomes~~Takes notes of Ukraine’'s intention to amend the law on education in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission and calls for a swift translation into concrete actions; deplores the effects of the current state of the law on national minorities, as it foresees the reduction of scope of instruction in mother tongue at the secondary education level;

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas ~~Ukraine deserves particular p~~, in line with the Association Agenda, Ukraisne ~~for reforms~~has undertaken reforms notably in the areas of energy, health, pensions, education and decentralisation, which were primarily to the detriment of the population in the form of drastic price rises, equally drastic welfare cuts and targeted deterioration of access to social welfare systems and educational facilities, and, as a consequence, there has been an increase in people's fear for their livelihoods and in alienation from politics among large sections of the population;

Amendment 120 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)

21a. Condemns the interference of the President of Ukraine and of the Verhovna Rada (resolutions of the Verhovna Rada of Ukraine N°1422-VIII of 16/06/2016 and N° 2410-VIII of19/04/2018) in the church's affairs, by political pressures on the orthodox church of Ukraine to withdraw its status under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Moscow; call on the Ukrainian authorities and the OSCE mission in Ukraine to investigate all cases of violence against the ministers and facilities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Moscow Patriarchate;

Amendment 121 #

Marietje SCHAAKE, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)

21a. Points out that one of the EU’s fundamental principles, as enshrined in Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, is that of respecting the identity and recognising the specific contribution of churches and maintaining an open, transparent and regular dialogue with them; calls on the Ukrainian authorities to improve their relations with the Orthodox Church and with the Catholic Church, and to base those relations on friendly dialogue and mutual understanding;

Amendment 122 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)

21a. Expresses concern over the recent ruling by a Ukrainian court that gives access to the cell phone data of an RFE/RL investigative reporter and emphasises the fundamental importance of media freedom and the protection of sources of journalists, especially in the fight against corruption;

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)

21a. Calls for consistent and prompt efforts to develop public-service media that are politically and economically independent and committed to the free formation of opinions without State control as a counterweight to the dominance of private oligarchic monopolies;

Amendment 124 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)

21a. Calls for the setting up of state programs aimed at prevention of hate crimes and other forms of discrimination as part of the implementation of the National Human Rights Strategy;

Amendment 125 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)

21a. Condemns the deeply-rooted stigmatisation and social exclusion of Roma arising from anti-Gypsyism;

Amendment 126 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)

21b. Strongly condemns recent extradition/abduction of Turkish citizens to Turkey due to their alleged links to the Gülen movement in violation of the principle of rule of law and basic human rights; urges Ukrainian authorities to ensure that any extradition requests coming from third countries are processed in a transparent manner while following judicial procedures fully in line with European principles and standards and that all actions taken by local authorities must be in full respect of the rule of law, of human rights and fundamental freedoms; stresses that arbitrary procedures concerning arrest, detention or extradition are in violation of these principles; calls on the Ukrainian authorities to protect all asylum seekers and examine their requests in compliance with international conventions; urges the EU to support and help the Eastern Partnership countries withstand the pressure exerted by Turkey;

Amendment 127 #

Marietje SCHAAKE, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)

21b. Calls on the Ukrainian authorities to return ownership of the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Lviv to the Roman Catholic community, and to address the issue of other churches seized by the state in the Communist era that have still not been returned to their rightful owners;

Amendment 128 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)

21b. Expresses concern over the diminished space for civil society in Crimea, as media outlets have been shut down, disproportionately affecting the Crimean Tatar community, including their right to information and their right to maintain their culture and identity;

Amendment 129 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)

21a. Underlines that freedom of expression and the press in Ukraine must be guaranteed, and expresses concern at reported judicial harassment and surveillance of journalists and human rights defenders;

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas Ukraine deserves particular praise for reforms in the areas of energy, health, pensions, education and decentralisation, but underlines that significant challenges remain particularly in such areas as fight against corruption, privatisation and judicial reform;

Amendment 130 #

Marietje SCHAAKE, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 c (new)

21c. Is deeply concerned by the recent cases of violence against Roma and LGBTI people and calls for immediate and effective investigations by the authorities and vocal and public condemnation of these acts and their perpetrators by the government; calls for the revision of Ukraine’s Strategy of Integration of the Roma National Minority into Ukrainian Society to include monitoring of safety as a key priority and ensure the proper implementation of the Strategy at all levels; calls for the setting up of state programs aimed at prevention of hate crimes and other forms of discrimination as part of the implementation of the National Human Rights Strategy;

Amendment 131 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 c (new)

21c. Expresses concern over the high number of children and adults infected with measles in Ukraine; welcomes the response measures that have been undertaken but emphasises that there are still many vulnerable children and adults in the country; in this regard reiterates the need for a Europe-wide effort to increase the number of vaccinated children and adults;

Amendment 132 #

Andrea BOCSKOR, László TŐKÉS, József SZÁJER, András GYÜRK, Kinga GÁL, Andor DELI, Tamás DEUTSCH, Norbert ERDŐS, György HÖLVÉNYI, Lívia JÁRÓKA, Ádám KÓSA, György SCHÖPFLIN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Welcomes Ukraine’s economic stabilisation and the progress achieved in implementing the DCFTA; encourages the Commission to support Ukraine in identifying areas that could further foster economic diversification and in prioritising them in the process of implementing the DCFTA; and calls on Ukraine not to take legislation incompatible with DCFTA;

Amendment 133 #

Tokia SAÏFI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22a. Emphasises how important it is to ensure that the DCFTA is properly implemented and that its provisions are complied with; calls on the Commission to contact the other party without delay in the event of failure to comply with a provision, and to use the instruments it has at its disposal to overcome any problems;

Amendment 134 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23a. Highlights the EU support for the gradual accession of Ukraine to the EU's Custom Union, Energy Union, Digital Single Market and Schengen area provided the full implementation of the AA, in order to ensure further strategic development of the association relations with Ukraine;

Amendment 135 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Is concerned about the growing poverty of large parts of the population; points out that these developments are primarily driven by rigorous redistribution, to the detriment of very wide sections of the population, which is presented as 'economically necessary reforms', as for example in the energy sector; underlines its call, in the further development of the reform process, to ensure that the socio-economic stability of the country is not jeopardised and also to gear it to combating poverty and creating decent work in measurable ways;

Amendment 136 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Johannes Cornelis van BAALEN, Marietje SCHAAKE, Urmas PAET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. ~~Is concerned about the growing poverty of large parts of the population~~Notes the growing concerns of large parts of the population with regard to the growth of consumer and utility prices and encourages the prioritisation of the reform agenda in areas that are more closely related to the country's production structure and export opportunities with a view to generating economic growth and creation of employment and income;

Amendment 137 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. IAcknowledges economy growth and introduction of reforms in Ukraine, however, remains concerned about ~~the growing~~ poverty of large parts of the population;

Amendment 138 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Is concerned about the growing poverty of large parts of the population and calls for more attention to the social situation in the country;

Amendment 139 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)

24a. Notes that, despite the adoption of new legislation, it has not so far proved possible to induce the country's elites to work for the common good; is concerned that investigations have shown that it is precisely the oligarchies embedded within the State that evade Ukrainian tax actively and on a large scale, depriving the State of funds which it urgently needs to stabilise its finances, so that it is compelled to seek macro financial assistance from international partners; calls on the government to increase the resources and skills of the competent authorities in order to prevent tax avoidance, which is widespread;

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas Ukraine deserves particular praise for reforms in the areas of energy, health, pensions, education ~~and decentralisation~~, decentralisation, public procurement, as well as its banking sector and the macro- economic stabilisation of the country;

Amendment 140 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Johannes Cornelis van BAALEN, Marietje SCHAAKE, Urmas PAET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)

24a. Believes that consolidating Ukraine’s economy and addressing pressing social challenges, such as unemployment, underemployment, grey economy, etc. will require a significant increase of investments; calls the Ukrainian authorities to undertake the necessary reforms to attract new investments, FDIs in particular; in this context, welcomes the recently agreed Reform Contract for Investment and calls the Commission to step up its approach to reduce risks for the private sector to invest in Ukraine; invite Member States to join forces with the Commission in this respect and to promote Ukraine as an investment destination among their business communities;

Amendment 141 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)

24a. Welcomes the adaptation of the National Transport Strategy and calls for legal and institutional reforms needed for its actual implementation;

Amendment 142 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)

24b. Notes Ukraine's commitment, under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, to combat and prevent illicit trade; Calls on Ukraine to take steps in order to criminalize illicit trade;

Amendment 143 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7

~~Energy and o~~Cooperation in ther areas of ~~cooperation~~energy, security and defence

Amendment 144 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Praises Ukraine for good cooperation in the energy sector, not least the progress it has made in energy efficiency; emphasizes the key role of improved energy efficiency and renewable energy development also as vectors of economic growth and employment; points out the need for continued reforms, in particular to complete reform of the gas and electricity market, and to end existing monopolies, which will bring long-term economic benefits to industry and consumers; calls for enhancing energy cooperation within the Eastern Partnership, towards the implementation of 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement;

Amendment 145 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Praises Ukraine for good cooperation in the energy sector, not least the progress it has made in energy efficiency; reiterates the strategic status of EU-Ukraine energy partnership; points out the need for continued reforms, in particular to complete reform of the gas and electricity market, and to end existing monopolies, which will bring long-term economic benefits to industry and consumers;

Amendment 146 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Johannes Cornelis van BAALEN, Marietje SCHAAKE, Urmas PAET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Praises Ukraine for good cooperation in the energy sector, not least the progress it has made in energy efficiency; points out the need for continued reforms, in particular to complete reform of the gas and electricity market, and to end existing and to prevent new monopolies, which will bring long- term economic benefits to industry and consumers; encourages effective regulation to ensure justified price- building and protect consumers;

Amendment 147 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Praises Ukraine for good cooperation in the energy sector, not least the progress it has made in energy efficiency; points out the need for continued reforms, in particular to complete reform of the gas and electricity markets in order to be fully integrated into the EU Energy Market, and to end existing monopolies, which will bring long-term economic benefits to industry and consumers;

Amendment 148 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Johannes Cornelis van BAALEN, Urmas PAET, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Praises Ukraine for good cooperation in the energy sector, not least the progress it has made in energy efficiency; points out the need for continued reforms, in particular to complete reform of the gas and electricity market, and to end existing monopolies, which will bring long-term economic benefits to industry and consumers; stresses the need for a national authority independent of political and private interests to regulate the gas and electricity markets, which must be required to strike a socially fair balance between the interests of suppliers and final consumers in setting prices;

Amendment 149 #

Andrea BOCSKOR, László TŐKÉS, József SZÁJER, András GYÜRK, Kinga GÁL, Andor DELI, Tamás DEUTSCH, Norbert ERDŐS, György HÖLVÉNYI, Lívia JÁRÓKA, Ádám KÓSA, György SCHÖPFLIN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Praises Ukraine for good cooperation in the energy sector, not least the progress it has made in energy efficiency; points out the need for continued reforms, in particular to complete reform of the gas and electricity market, and to end existing monopolies, which will bring long-term economic benefits to industry and consumers, moreover encourages the Commission to ensure that all of the pipeline projects comply with EU regulation and all projects are examined on the basis of the same conditions;

Amendment 15 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas Ukraine deserves particular praise for reforms in the areas of energy, health, public administration, pensions, education and decentralisation, public procurement, banking and financial sectors, defence and security;

Amendment 150 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Praises Ukraine for good cooperation in the energy sector, not least the progress it has made in energy efficiency; points out the need for continued reforms, in particular to complete reform of the gas and electricity market, and to end existing monopolies, which will bring long-term economic benefits to industry and consumers; condemns the construction of Nord Stream-2 project as it is a political project posing a threat to European security;

Amendment 151 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Welcomes the high number of adopted laws in the area of environment, especially the laws on strategic environmental assessment and on environmental impact assessment, and draws attention to the need for implementation and indispensable public awareness campaigns; welcomes the progress on climate policy with the adoption and submission to the UNFCCC of the low carbon development strategy; encourages the early adoption of the state environmental policy strategy and new waste management and climate policy legislation in line with the EU acquis;

Amendment 152 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Welcomes strengthened cooperation in all priority areas covered by the EU Energy Union and closer integration of the energy market with the European energy market, particularly on interconnectivity and infrastructure; calls on the European Commission to ensure that onshore and offshore sections of new pipeline infrastructure within the region, including the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, are fully in line with EU legislation and the energy union strategy and that they do not undermine regional energy security;

Amendment 153 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Johannes Cornelis van BAALEN, Urmas PAET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Recalls that environmental governance is a key feature of the Association Agreement requirements; asks the authorities to reconsider the agreement and any future plans concerning the Dniester Hydro Power Complex, to bring them in line with international conventions and EU standards, ensuring public consultation of all parties concerned from Moldova and Ukraine including civil society and to protect the ecosystem and environment of the Dniester River;

Amendment 154 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Expresses its profound concern with the disastrous environmental situation in parts of Donbas and occupied Crimea caused by the separatist and Russian forces, such as the recent case in the town of Armyansk; underlines that any costs of future rehabilitation of these regions should be bore by the perpetrators;

Amendment 155 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Welcomes the adoption of the Law on electronic trust services as well as the priorities defined in the Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy and Society in Ukraine for 2018-2020 as important steps on the way of integration into the EU Digital Single Market;

Amendment 156 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Reiterates the strategic status of the EU-Ukraine energy partnership;

Amendment 157 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)

25b. Is concerned by the schemes of illegal exploitation of natural resources, such as amber, coal, sand and timber, often protected and organized with the help of local or regional administrations and law-enforcement bodies, which are damaging and endangering landscapes and habitats, such as forests and rivers, and prevent an ecologically and economically sustainable management of the country's resources for the benefit of its citizens;

Amendment 158 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)

25b. Deplores the depletion of Ukrainian forests linked to corruption schemes benefitting vested interests in Ukraine and companies in the EU; asks for effective regulations, their speedy implementation and enforcement to prevent illegal logging and timber corruption in Ukraine and to establish a sustainable forest management in order to protect and preserve Ukraine’s forests and resources;

Amendment 159 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)

25b. Calls on cancellation of the ongoing contraction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline;

Amendment 16 #

Andrea BOCSKOR, László TŐKÉS, József SZÁJER, András GYÜRK, Kinga GÁL, Andor DELI, Tamás DEUTSCH, Norbert ERDŐS, György HÖLVÉNYI, Lívia JÁRÓKA, Ádám KÓSA, György SCHÖPFLIN

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas Ukraine deserves ~~particular praise~~acknowledgement for reforms in the areas of energy, health, pensions~~, education~~ and decentralisation;

Amendment 160 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)

25c. Expresses its deep concern at the deterioration of ecological situation in the East of Ukraine as a consequence of the conflict, in particular problems related to water supply, which might have devastating consequences for the whole Europe and may lead to an irreversible disaster; urges all stakeholders to stop this from happening and to work with all means to assure a proper maintenance and water pumping at the mines;

Amendment 161 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Welcomes the immense efforts undertaken to modernise Ukraine’s army and Naval Forces in the Black and Azov Seas as a strong guarantees of stability and territorial integrity of Ukraine, while encouraging, nonetheless, reform of the defence industry as an urgent necessity;

Amendment 162 #

Andrea BOCSKOR, László TŐKÉS, József SZÁJER, András GYÜRK, Kinga GÁL, Andor DELI, Tamás DEUTSCH, Norbert ERDŐS, György HÖLVÉNYI, Lívia JÁRÓKA, Ádám KÓSA, György SCHÖPFLIN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Welcomes ~~the immense effort~~steps undertaken to modernise Ukraine’s army, while encouraging, nonetheless, reform of the defence industry;

Amendment 163 #

Julia PITERA, Dariusz ROSATI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)

26a. Believes and emphasises that provided it commits to implementing the AA and to respecting the principles of democracy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms, Ukraine (as other associated states - Moldova and Georgia) should be granted specific support mechanisms by the EU, including in the framework of the post-2020 Multi-Annual Financial Framework - in line with the "Eastern Partnership Plus" model, advocated by the European Parliament;

Amendment 164 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)

26a. Recalls the importance of strengthening cooperation with Ukraine on different levels, including in security and defence; in this regard welcomes Ukraine’s interest in further engagement in defence projects, including PESCO;

Amendment 165 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)

26a. Highlights the importance of proactive communication to Ukrainian citizens about the concrete benefits and goals of the Eastern Partnership;

Amendment 166 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)

26b. Emphasises the importance of fighting Russia's fake news and propaganda, including its anticipated expected meddling in elections in Ukraine as well as throughout the European Union; calls for Ukraine-EU cooperation on this issue to be enhanced;

Amendment 167 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)

26b. Welcomes the efficient implementation of the visa free regime with Ukraine and its positive effects for Ukraine-EU people to people contacts;

Amendment 168 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)

26c. Reiterates the crucial role of Ukraine for the European energy supply network; in this regard objects to ongoing construction of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is going to seriously undermine the European energy security;

Amendment 169 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 d (new)

26d. Encourages Ukraine and the EU to continue development of their cooperation in the areas of Justice, Freedom and Home Affairs;

Amendment 17 #

Urmas PAET

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)

Ba. whereas the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation is illegal and in violation of international law and European agreements signed by both the Russian Federation and Ukraine, notably the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and the Budapest Memorandum and the 1997 Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership between Ukraine and the Russian Federation;

Amendment 170 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 e (new)

26e. Reiterates full support for Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, including non-recognition of the illegal occupation of the Crimea by Russian Federation and calls for the continuation of the EU sanctions until the restoration of full control by Ukraine over its internationally recognised territory; in the regard calls on the High Representative and the Council to review the implementation of the current sanctions regime and act in instances where EU based companies, are found to be in breach of this regime, as was the case with turbine transfer to Crimea;

Amendment 171 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)

27a. Calls on the Commission to appropriately monitor and assess the implementation of the DCFTA, with special attention being paid to acquis transposition and implementation, as well as to the impact on Ukrainian society, and to provide public and comprehensive annual reporting, including on the technical and financial support provided by the EU;

Amendment 172 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Johannes Cornelis van BAALEN, Marietje SCHAAKE, Urmas PAET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)

27b. Resolves to draw up annual reports on the implementation of the Association Agreements;

Amendment 173 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and to the President, Government and Parliament of ~~the Republic of~~ Ukraine.

Amendment 174 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas while condemning the continued Russian aggression in Eastern Ukraine and Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea, it is to be recognised that Ukraine is facing challenges of a transformational nature in an environment of warfare and destabilisation attemptsthe secessionist movements in the East of the country are a direct result of the putsch of 22 February 2014;

Amendment 19 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas while condemning the continued Russian aggression in Eastern Ukraine ~~and Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea~~, its occupation of some regions of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, and Russia’s illegal occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, all of which breach international law and Russia's commitments and obligations within its membership in international organizations, it is to be recognised that Ukraine is facing challenges of a transformational nature in an environment of warfare and destabilisation attempts;

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)

– having regard to the Joint Staff Working Document, “Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment: Transforming the Lives of Girls and Women through EU External Relations 2016-2020”,

Amendment 20 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Johannes Cornelis van BAALEN, Urmas PAET, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas, while condemning the continued Russian aggression in Eastern Ukraine and Russia’s illegal occupation ~~of Crimea, it is to be recognised that~~and annexation of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol and fully recognising the challenges it poses for the country, Ukraine is facing challenges of a transformational nature ~~in an environment of warfare and destabilisation attemp~~due to resistance of oligarchic and other vested interests;

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas while condemning the continued Russian aggression in the East~~ern~~ of Ukraine and Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea, it is to be recognised that Ukraine is facing challenges of a transformational nature in an environment of warfare and destabilisation attempts;

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas while condemning the continued Russian aggression in ~~Eastern~~the east of Ukraine and Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea, it is to be recognised that Ukraine is facing challenges of a transformational nature in an environment of warfare and destabilisation attempts;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. ~~whereas~~ while condemning the continued Russian aggression in Eastern Ukraine and Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea, it is to be recognised that Ukraine is facing challenges of a transformational nature in an environment of warfare and destabilisation attempts;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas legacies of the past, namely legal uncertainty and a vast number of partially contradicting laws, corruption, weak public institutions, nepotism, lack of clear processes and coordinating institutions in implementing the AA, hamper the institutional reforms in Ukraine; whilst Ukraine’s reform agenda should focus on cross cutting themes of decentralisation, public administration reform, deregulation and de-oligarchisation;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas the European Union firmly upholds its unwavering support and commitment to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and its support to the internationally coordinated sanctioning of governments and agents undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas the European Parliament shares the official position of the European Union reiterating its strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders;

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas the EU reiterates full respect to Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, including non recognition of the illegal occupation of the Crimea by Russia;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas strengthening the administrative capacities of state institutions is key in implementing the AA/DCFTA and ensuring the effectiveness of reforms;

Amendment 29 #

Javier NART

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas the only solution to the conflict can be the full implementation of the Minsk agreements in all its points by both sides;

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1

General environment of reform – war and security threats and domestic challenges

Amendment 30 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas there can be no serious doubt that the population of Crimea wishes to be and remain part of the Russian Federation;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)

Cb. whereas in the context of the Russia-led aggression on Ukraine EU restrictive measures against the Russian Federation were introduced and regularly extended; whereas a stronger EU strategy and engagement in the conflict resolution is to be expected through e.g. an appointment of an EU special envoy for the conflict in Eastern Ukraine and Crimea; whereas the sanctions against Russia should be rolled over and broadened until the Russian Federation enables Ukraine to fully restore sovereignty and territorial integrity;

Amendment 32 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)

Cb. whereas communication efforts on the living and dynamic nature of the Association Agreement and the nature, content and benefit of related reforms for the citizens must be improved and intensified to secure public acceptance of, and reach public trust in the necessary steps of Ukraine's European path;

Amendment 33 #

Javier NART

Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)

Cb. whereas, while condemning the violations of ceasefire and the ongoing violence, the Ukrainian government must implement without delay the provisions on the autonomy of the east Lugansk and Donetsk regions as a first step of re- integration of these regions;

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)

Cb. whereas the EU is committed to continue applying sanctions against Russia until full restoration of the Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity;

Amendment 35 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)

Cb. whereas the transfer of sovereignty over the Crimean peninsula took place without a shot being fired;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)

Cc. whereas the European Parliament and the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee (PAC) have repeatedly called for an international format of negotiations on de-occupation of the Crimean peninsula, with the participation of the EU;

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)

Cc. whereas Kiev is a signatory to the Minsk I and II accords, negotiated under European auspices, which provide for a political - and not military - solution to the conflict in the East of the country;

Amendment 38 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)

Cc. whereas the EU acknowledges the European aspirations of Ukraine and its European perspective in line with art. 49 of the TEU;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Highlights five key areas which Ukraine needs to focus on in order to strengthen the implementation process of the Association Agreement (AA): coordination, ownership, prioritisation, monitoring and communication; welcomes, in this context, the recently adopted government communication strategy; recalls the proposal of an 'Eastern Partnership Plus' (EaP+) policy advocated by the Parliament in order to unlock additional perspectives;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas while Ukraine has been making progress on the path towards European integration, there have been both important achievements and difficult tasks alike at one year before the end of the first electoral period after the ~~Revolution of Dignity~~illegal overthrow of the duly elected and internationally recognised President, Victor Yanukovich, on 22 February 2014,and of his government, and the appointment of a new government and president shortly thereafter, in gross violation of the Ukrainian constitution, with the great support lent by voters to modernisation and reform marred by frustration at dire personal economic circumstances and corruption within state bodies;

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Highlights five key areas which Ukraine needs to focus on in order to strengthen the implementation process of the Association Agreement (AA): coordination, ownership, prioritisation, monitoring and communication; welcomes, in this context, the recently adopted government communication strategy and the “Moving Forward Together” communication campaign of the EU Delegation to Ukraine;

Amendment 41 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Johannes Cornelis van BAALEN, Urmas PAET, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Stresses its conviction that meaningful progress with the implementation of the Association Agreement and of the reforms will be possible only if the so-called process of 'de-oligarchisation' is pursued and leads to the permanent dissolution of the personified symbiosis between economic, political and media power which has so far remained unbroken in terms of power politics and is continuing to exert strong influence over, and increasingly to counter, the progress of the reforms; is critical of the fact that de-oligarchisation has so far been used mainly as a tool for streamlining the market and restoring the balance between the different groups of oligarchs, which was fundamentally disturbed in 2014; expresses its concern about persistent conflicts of interest on the part of regulatory and supervisory authorities, which have grown into unconcealed battles between authorities;

Amendment 42 #

1a. Reaffirms its unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and its non-recognition of the illegal occupation of Crimea; remains committed to the agreed sanctions against Russia;

Amendment 43 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Points to an urgent need for greater political oversight, synergy and coordination of the European integration process at the highest political level and for a greater focus on reforms that bring tangible benefits to citizens;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Welcomes the legislative roadmap designed to address the ambitious scope of the AA and emphasises that both quality legislation and continuous will and capacity for proper implementation remain essential to make a real difference for the citizens;

Amendment 45 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Notes with concern that, so far, the government has not made adequate efforts to disarm units of Right Sector and of other right-wing extremist groups, which remain armed as before; urges the government to put an end to the climate of impunity for violent attacks by radical right-wing forces on minorities and dissenters, and for the intimidation of judges or influencing of elections, and to consistently prosecute offenders who commit such criminal acts, and expects the judiciary and public prosecutors to act clearly and autonomously;

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Stresses the need to improve the internal decision-making in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to streamline and prioritise the adoption of draft laws related to the implementation of the Association Agreement; believes in this regard that the role of the Committee for European Integration should be enhanced and should be able to block legislation which contradicts the commitments taken under the Association Agreement; stresses that these reforms should be done before the end of the current legislature;

Amendment 47 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Johannes Cornelis van BAALEN, Urmas PAET, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Is concerned of lacking tools and resources at the Government’s Bureau for European Integration and Government Office for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, including its necessary formal status, personnel and budget to handle a mandate of this size and complexity; highlights the lack of criteria for evaluating the degree of compliance between domestic legal acts and EU law;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Welcomes efforts of Ukraine to set up the institutional and monitoring system for the implementation of the Association Agreement, including the respective Government Action Plan;

Amendment 49 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3b. Points out that the 'National Manifesto' recently adopted by the Svoboda Party, the Right Sector and numerous other right-wing groups expresses clear opposition to association of Ukraine with the EU and calls for a 'new geopolitical approach to East and West'; underlines that the government’s unresolved position on these developments is in danger of burdening relations with relevant EU neighbours and the EU as a whole and contributing constructively to the political scope for overcoming the political divide in the country and resolving the conflict in Donbas;

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas while Ukraine has been making progress on the path towards European integration, there have been both important achievements and difficult tasks alike at one year before the end of the first electoral period after the Revolution of Dignity, w~~ith the great support lent by voters to modernisation and reform marred by frustration at dire personal economic circumstances and~~hile modernisation and reform have suffered on account of the disappointment of the people at dramatically deteriorating social conditions, the growing sense that the future has nothing to offer, dissatisfaction with the government’s reform policy, the continuing power of the oligarchs and the persistence of endemic corruption ~~with~~in sState ~~bodie~~institutions;

Amendment 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Emphasises the urgent need for ~~practical~~further technical, expert and financial assistance, focused on capacity-building of the Verkhovna Rada and key ministries;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Emphasises the urgent need for practical technical, expert and financial assistance, focused on capacity-building of the Verkhovna Rada; welcomes the hitherto work of the European Parliament on capacity building as well as the Jean Monnet Dialogue process;

Amendment 52 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Johannes Cornelis van BAALEN, Urmas PAET, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Points to persistent ‘silo mentalities’ within certain ministries, which are preventing a coherent position on European integration matters; calls, in this respect, for more cooperation within the Government and in the Verkhovna Rada on EU-related issues;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. ~~Is concerned~~Welcomes efforts on consolidating positions and cooperation between the cabinet and the parliament on the basis of the Roadmap for the implementation of the Association Agreement; however, encourages that the interaction between the cabinet and the parliament ~~has not been~~is regulated by a specific mechanism in relation to the implementation of the AA/Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA);

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. IWelcomes the adoption of a new action plan for the implementation of the AA/DCFTA and a corresponding web- based monitoring tool that was launched in October 2017; is concerned, however, that the interaction between the cabinet and the parliament has not been regulated by a specific mechanism in relation to the implementation of the AA/Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA);

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Emphasises that the effectiveness of reform implementation is directly linked to the preliminary stages of policymaking and legislation; ~~notes, however,~~stresses that the process of scheduled legislative and regulatory approximation in Ukraine needs to be sped up and improved in terms of legislation quality; notes that the policymaking cycle is lacking the essential instrument of public consultation and research-informed decision-making;

Amendment 56 #

Andrea BOCSKOR, László TŐKÉS, József SZÁJER, András GYÜRK, Kinga GÁL, Andor DELI, Tamás DEUTSCH, Norbert ERDŐS, György HÖLVÉNYI, Lívia JÁRÓKA, Ádám KÓSA, György SCHÖPFLIN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Emphasises that the effectiveness of reform implementation is directly linked to the preliminary stages of policymaking and legislation; notes, however, that the policymaking cycle is lacking the essential instrument of public consultation and research-informed decision-making; stresses the need to avoid any influence of election campaign on reforms;

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Emphasises that the effectiveness of reform implementation is directly linked to the preliminary stages of policymaking and legislation; notes, however, that the policymaking cycle is lacking the essential instrument of public consultation ~~and~~, research- informed decision-making; and quality checks of legislation;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Draws attention to the European Parliament Mission’s report on Internal Reform and Capacity-Building recommendations for the approximation of the Ukrainian legislation to the EU acquis, most of which have yet to be enacted;

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)

7b. Points out the need to amend Rada Rules of Procedures to streamline and prioritise the consideration of AA/DCFTA-related draft bills as well as to improve the general framework of coordination between the and the government with regard to European integration in general and legal approximation in particular and to foresee fast-tracking of legislation;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

Amendment 60 #

Julia PITERA, Dariusz ROSATI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Underlines that the Association Agreement does not constitute the final goal of EU-Ukraine relations and welcomes Ukraine's European aspirations; supports the development of new forms of enhanced cooperation such as Ukraine's gradual approximation with the EU's Customs Union, Energy Union and Digital Single Market;

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Points out that Ukraine has a European perspective pursuant to Article 49 TEU, and may apply to become a member of the European Union provided that it adheres to the Copenhagen criteria and the principles of democracy, respects fundamental freedoms and human and minority rights, and upholds the rule of law;

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Calls on the EU, its MS, and Ukraine to use all communication efforts to step up its advocacy with regard to implementation of the AA, including explaining the benefits at short, mid and long term to the society at large;

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Welcomes the very intense dialogue carried out between the EU and Ukraine at many different levels, not least between the European Parliament and the Rada through e.g. the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee, including on many controversial issues;

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Welcomes and supports the very intense dialogue carried out between the EU and Ukraine at many different levels, not least between the European Parliament and the Rada, including on many controversial issues;

Amendment 65 #

Urmas PAET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Supports the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders and strongly reiterates its condemnation of the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation; fully supports the firm and sustained determination of the EU and its Member States not to recognise this annexation and the restrictive measures taken in this respect;

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Welcomes the first results of the Jean Monnet Dialogue between the European Parliament and the Rada in the establishment of a Working Group on Reforms, the implementation of institutional capacity-building and the adoption of the first institutional reform- oriented legislation;

Amendment 67 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Deplores the recent statement by President Poroshenko 1a vigorously ruling out any federalisation of Ukraine, in view of the fact that such statements are incompatible with the spirit of points 4 and 12 of the Minsk II agreement of February 2015; _________________ 1a "Poroshenko: we will thwart federalization," Ukrinform.net, 27 août 2018, https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric- polytics/2525583-poroshenko-we-will- thwart-federalization.html

Amendment 68 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Welcomes the establishment of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine and its first meeting held on 8-9 June 2018 in Kyiv; encourages this assembly to also scrutinise the implementation of the association agreements;

Amendment 69 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Welcomes the effective and secure implementation of the visa free regime with Ukraine and its positive effects for Ukraine-EU people to people contacts;

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. ~~whereas~~ while Ukraine has been making progress on the path towards European integration, there have been both important achievements and difficult tasks alike at one year before the end of the first electoral period after the Revolution of Dignity, with the great support lent by voters to modernisation and reform marred by frustration at dire personal economic circumstances and corruption within state bodies;

Amendment 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)

9b. Encourages the Ukrainian government to engage in intense political dialogue with the secessionist regions in the East with a view to achieving a political and not military settlement to the conflict, and also to engage in intense dialogue with the Russian Federation as a co-signatory of the Minsk agreements;

Amendment 71 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)

9b. Underlines the importance of making further progress and deepening a culture of parliamentary dialogue as a crucial step in making the Rada a more effective, transparent and efficient legislator;

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)

9c. Deplores the recent statement by the US envoy to Ukraine, Kurt Volker (report in The Guardian, 31 August 2018) that the US is planning to increase arms supplies to Ukraine to fight the rebels in the East, considering that any escalation of the military confrontation is incompatible with the terms and spirit of the Minsk agreements negotiated under European auspices;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)

9c. Considers the initiative of the Speakers of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Parliament of Georgia and the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova to establish an Inter- Parliamentary Assembly a clear signal of the political resolve to strengthen relations between these three countries on their desired path to EU and NATO integration;

Amendment 74 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Emphasises that the fight against corruption should ~~be made~~remain a priority issue and be pursued in a consistent and credible manner, in order to not only implement the AA, but also bring fresh investment and vigour to the Ukrainian economy, as a prerequisite for the generation of jobs and household income;

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Welcomes all successful measures and steps to close the space for corruption and illicit enrichment, for example in the field of public procurement and gas trade;

Amendment 76 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Welcomes the ongoing comprehensive judicial reform, but regrets the extent to which the existing judicial system in Ukraine still remains ineffective, corrupt and politically dependent; underlines the importance that the vetting process of judges is carried out in line with the highest international standards, as well as establishing a transparent and highly reliable selection process which will enhance the integrity and professionalism of judges and prosecutors and increase the degree of citizens’ trust towards the judicial system;

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Welcomes the ongoing comprehensive judicial reform, but regrets the extent to which the existing judicial system in Ukraine still remains ineffective, corrupt and politically dependent; calls for the self-co-option of judges, and their dependence on oligarchic systems, to end; calls for the appointment of new judges via democratic procedures;

Amendment 78 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

Amendment 79 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

Amendment 8 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas the consent of Ukraine's people to closer relations between the country and the EU remains strong as previously, but three quarters of the population are nonetheless dissatisfied with the overall development of the country; whereas both social discontent in the country and direct criticism of specific reform projects of governments have increased substantially, and they are consistently perceived by majorities of the people as being unsatisfactory;

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Welcomes the creation of the High Anti-Corruption Court; calls to ensure the rapid establishment of the Court and the provision with all appropriate means for its proper functioning;

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Welcomes the work already delivered by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), but points to the problematic interference from the prosecutor general~~; underlines the importance of the independence of the special anti-corruption prosecutor~~ and attempts to undermine anticorruption legal framework; stresses on the necessity to preserve the independence of NABU; underlines the importance of the independence of the special anti-corruption prosecutor and calls for effective investigation of allegations against the chief anti-corruption prosecutor regarding disrupting of NABU investigations;

Amendment 82 #

Georgios EPITIDEIOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

Amendment 83 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Welcomes the work already delivered by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), but points to the problematic interference from the prosecutor general; underlines the importance of the independence of the special anti-corruption prosecutor; calls for deepening the reform of the public prosecution to strengthen the capacity, efficiency, impartiality, objectivity and independence of the prosecutors from their superiors;

Amendment 84 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Welcomes the work already delivered by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), but points to the problematic interference from the prosecutor general; underlines the importance of the independence of the special anti-corruption prosecutor and providing his/her office with the necessary means and sufficient resources to operate;

Amendment 85 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Welcomes the work already delivered by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), but points to the problematic interference from the prosecutor general; underlines the importance of the independence of the special anti-corruption prosecutor; calls on the Ukrainian authorities to increase their efforts towards effectively investigating, prosecuting and combatting corruption at all levels, and to provide a solid track record in this regard;

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Welcomes the adoption of the law on the High Anti-Corruption Court on 7 June 2018 and all related implementing laws following the recommendations of the Venice Commission and urges to implement them without delay; stresses that Ukraine government must do its utmost to establish an independent and trustworthy court where independent international experts take part in the selection of judges in order to ensure trust, transparency, professionalism and competence of the court;

Amendment 87 #

Andrea BOCSKOR, László TŐKÉS, József SZÁJER, András GYÜRK, Kinga GÁL, Andor DELI, Tamás DEUTSCH, Norbert ERDŐS, György HÖLVÉNYI, Lívia JÁRÓKA, Ádám KÓSA, György SCHÖPFLIN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that the government has committed to further amending the constitution in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission; ~~urges the speedy adoption of the new electoral code and the law on party financing~~during the amending process of legislation take care of respecting the existing minority rights (for example in formulating the draft text of ethno-national policy of Ukraine) and take fully into account the non- discrimination act adopted by Ukraine; urges the speedy adoption of the law on party financing and the new electoral code which has to secure equal possibilities for representation and running for a mandate of candidates of all nationalities living in Ukraine by recreation of constituencies that enable the candidates of national minorities to gain mandate;

Amendment 88 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that the government has committed to further amending the constitution in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission; urges the speedy adoption of the new electoral code and the law on party financing; calls on the government to put in place arrangements in the run-up to the elections to prevent distortion of political competition and manipulation of political decision-making by the personal concentration of political, economic and media power in the hands of a small number of individuals.

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that the government has committed to further amending the constitution in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission; urges the speedy adoption of the new electoral code, and the law on party financing, and the renewal of Ukraine’s Central Electoral Commission, with appropriate political balance, which are vital elements for the credibility of Ukraine’s election process and the crucial elections coming up in 2019;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, officially operational from 1 January 2016, provides a solid basis for Ukraine's economic development and modernisation; whereas for the past four years Ukraine's economy has not only stabilized but also shown some signs of improvement despite Russian aggression in Crimea and Ukraine's east;

Amendment 90 #

Georgios EPITIDEIOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

~~14. Reiterates its call to lift e- declaration requirements for NGO activists;~~deleted

Amendment 91 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Reiterates its call to lift e- declaration requirements for NGO activists and to ensure effective and transparent scrutiny of declarations by political officials and civil servants;

Amendment 92 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Reiterates its call to lift e- declaration requirements for NGO activists; strongly condemns the rising number of physical attacks against civil rights activists and journalists;

Amendment 93 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Reiterates its call as a matter of high priority to lift e- declaration requirements for NGO activists;

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Calls for an increased attention when drafting and implementing legislation in areas affecting civil society space, to ensure that the legislation does not place disproportionate burdens on civil society organisations, does not have a discriminatory impact or diminish civil society space; underlines the need for public funding available for CSOs working on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, including watchdog and advocacy organizations; including for small grassroots organisations and those working with minority or marginalized groups; CSOs should be free to receive funding from other donors, such as private donors, international organisations, bodies or agencies;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Takes the view that new municipalities should be able to enjoy financial stability and a well-grounded legal status, and that larger cities should also be able to take part in the amalgamation process; considers it important that the anti-corruption policy covers also the regions and local institutions; regrets the abolition of the previous open and competitive selection process for hiring the heads of the administrations of rayons and oblasts and their deputies as civil servants, and the power invested in the President to appoint and dismiss them, as it risks seriously undermining the achievements already brought about through political decentralisation and the decentralisation reform in general;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Observes that the Ukrainian Government has committed itself in the Association Agreement (Chapter 13) to effective application of the ILO's core labour standards and approximation with the relevant EU legislation; calls for these commitments to be honoured and underlines that it is not compatible with implementation of ILO Convention 87 (Article 3(2)) for employers to be required to report strikes or other collective action to the State security service or for trade union leaders and activists to be placed under the supervision of the State security service; calls for the legal basis to be improved so that workers can effectively compel their employers by judicial means to respect their right to wages for work done;

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the political assassination of Alexander Zaharchenko, leader of the self-styled Donetsk People's Republic, in a terrorist attack on 31 August 2018; demands that the Kiev authorities investigate the matter fully with a view to bringing the culprits to justice; insists that such behaviour is absolutely incompatible with the values of the European family and that any proven involvement of the Ukrainian government in this attack will immediately put an end to its EU aspirations;

Amendment 98 #