2018/2145(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas by implementing robust and inclusive democratic reforms and actively improving neighbourly relations, the new government is demonstrating a serious commitment to the country’s European and Euro- Atlantic path; whereas reform efforts should be paired with continued EU support for implementation of the Urgent Reform Priorities;

Amendment 100 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Welcomes the launch of the Jean Monnet Dialogue process in Ohrid on 17 and 18 May 2018, aiming at strengthening the culture of dialogue and compromise among the Members of the Parliament and the resulting adoption by unanimous cross-party support of the Code of Ethics; encourages the Working Group on Reforms and Functioning of the Sobranie to review the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament and put forward proposals for amendments and timelines for adoption in the priority areas outlined in the conclusions in Ohrid;

Amendment 101 #

Marijana PETIR, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Welcomes the partnership between the government and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF); commends the new package of laws which aims at reforming the intelligence service and the interception communication system; praises the establishment of oversight mechanisms to prevent unauthorised violation of civil and human rights and reduce political influence; welcomes the establishment of an Operational Technical Agency (OTA) which will be under civil control and in charge of communication surveillance replacing the UBK, Macedonia’s secret police;

Amendment 102 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Recommends that the country’s Parliament make full use of its oversight and legislative functions and strictly limit the use of urgency procedures which were misused in the process of ratification of the Prespa agreement;

Amendment 103 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Recommends that the country’s Parliament make full use of its oversight and legislative functions ~~and~~while strictly limiting the use of urgency procedures which undermine parliamentary and public scrutiny;

Amendment 104 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Recommends that the country’s Parliament make full use of its oversight and legislative functions and strictly limit the use of urgency procedures; emphasises the importance of constructive political dialogue for the work of the Parliament;

Amendment 105 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Recommends that the country’s Parliament make full use of its oversight and legislative functions and strictly limit the use of urgency procedures; calls on all parties to refrain from any obstruction in regard to the effective functioning of the parliament;

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Recommends that the country’s Parliament make full use of its oversight and legislative functions and strictly limit the use of urgency procedures; calls for a credible track record on the oversight of intelligence services as well as the monitoring of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country;

Amendment 107 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Welcomes the significant steps the government has taken to gradually restore a culture of compromise by reaching out to all stakeholders, including the opposition, to strengthen democracy and rule of law and the genuine desire to reform in an inclusive and transparent manner;

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Calls on to effectively start implementing the public administration reform strategy and to establish clear lines of accountability; underlines the importance of merit-based recruitment and open competition for all recruitments and calls on increasing the capacity in human resources management; calls on enhanced measures to elevate the sector and financial planning capabilities across the public administration;

Amendment 109 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Welcomes the strengthening of decentralisation processes by the government with the adoption of the Action Plan for decentralisation and development 2018-2020 as an important step to address the scarcity of funding and services in the municipalities;

Amendment 11 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas by implementing robust and inclusive democratic reforms and actively improving neighbourly relations, the new government is demonstrating a serious commitment to the country’s Euro- Atlantic path; whereas reform efforts should be paired with continued EU support for implementation of the Urgent Reform Priorities and measurable deliverables by the Government;

Amendment 110 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. ~~Calls for sustained efforts in~~Welcomes ongoing efforts to promote good governance and accountability, to increas~~ing~~e transparency~~, accountability and~~ and improve access to public information, including through publication of the expenditures of state institutions; calls for sustained efforts in increasing inclusiveness of the decision-making process and improving interinstitutional coordination;

Amendment 111 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. ~~Calls for sustained efforts in increasing transparency, accountability and~~Welcomes the government’s efforts to promote good governance, accountability and free media environment, to increase transparency and improve access to public information, including through publication of the expenditures of the state institutions; in this regard notes that members of the state election commission and the state anti- corruption commission resigned upon strong public pressure following publication of expenditures; calls for sustained efforts in increasing inclusiveness of the decision-making process and improving interinstitutional coordination;

Amendment 112 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Calls for sustained efforts in increasing transparency, accountability and inclusiveness of the decision-making process and improving interinstitutional coordination; reminds in this regard that e-governance and e-services contribute to enhancing the country´s economic performance and increase transparency and efficiency of the public administration and services; encourages the search for innovative e-solutions to ensure easy access to public information and to reduce related bureaucracy;

Amendment 113 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Calls for sustained efforts in increasing transparency, accountability and inclusiveness of the decision-making process and improving interinstitutional coordination; Stresses citizens´ right to access public information and calls on further efforts to advance this; calls on further progress in digitalizing the availability of public information and encourages to find innovative e-solutions to further enhance transparency and easy access to public information;

Amendment 114 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Calls for sustained efforts in increasing transparency, accountability and inclusiveness of the decision-making process and improving interinstitutional coordination, including provisions to ensure representation of women and minority groups;

Amendment 115 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Recalls that proper functioning of the judicial system and an effective fight against corruption are of paramount importance in the EU accession process;

Amendment 116 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. WNotes the legislative and institutional changes, which have been put in place in regard to fight against corruption; however, notes the remaining operational difficulties in applying these; welcomes the judicial reform strategy aimed at restoring judicial independence and ending political interference and selective justice, and stresses the need to complete legislative alignment in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission;

Amendment 117 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the judicial reform strategy aimed at restoring judicial independence and ending political interference and selective justice, and calls on the country’s Government and other actors to intensify efforts for proper implementation of the judicial reform strategy by making sure sound monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are in place; stresses the need to complete legislative alignment in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission;

Amendment 118 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the judicial reform strategy aimed at restoring judicial independence, accountability, professionalism and ending political interference ~~and selective justice, and stresses the need to complete legislative alignment in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission;~~ , including external and internal pressure and selective justice; underlines that full and effective implementation of the adopted judicial reform strategy is key to preventing further setbacks, reversing the backsliding of previous years and addressing remaining systemic shortcomings; stresses the need to complete legislative alignment in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission; calls for sustained efforts in adopting and implementing measures envisaged in the judicial reform strategy, including reforming the systems for appointment, promotion, discipline and dismissal of judges and prosecutors, and demonstrating that the independence of the judicial system is respected and promoted at all levels; underlines the need to shield the judiciary from political interference;

Amendment 119 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the judicial reform strategy aimed at restoring judicial independence and ending political interference and selective justice, and stresses the need to complete legislative alignment in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission; commends the Constitutional Court’s decision on November 2017 which revoked the law determining the level of sentences interfering with the independence of the judiciary; encourages the government to make further efforts to guarantee the independence of the judiciary and ensure the Judicial Council fully fulfils its mandate;

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas by implementing robust and inclusive democratic reforms and actively improving neighbourly relations, the new government is demonstrating a serious commitment to the country’s Euro- Atlantic path; whereas reform efforts should be paired with continued EU support for implementation of the Urgent Reform Priorities; whereas the prospect of EU membership is the great spur to reforms in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, especially as regards the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and fighting corruption; whereas the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is considered to be the country which has made the most progress in aligning its legislation with the EU acquis;

Amendment 120 #

Marijana PETIR, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI, Anna ZÁBORSKÁ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the judicial reform strategy aimed at restoring judicial independence and ending political interference and selective justice, and stresses the need to complete legislative alignment in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission; calls on continuous adoption and implementation of measures envisaged in the judicial reform strategy;

Amendment 121 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the judicial reform strategy aimed at restoring judicial independence and ending political interference and selective justice, and stresses the need to complete legislative alignment in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission; further efforts are needed to ensure that judiciary can function without outside influence;

Amendment 122 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the judicial reform strategy aimed at restoring judicial independence and ending political interference and selective justice, and stresses the need to complete legislative alignment in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission, especially when it comes to recommendations related to referendums;

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Welcomes the establishment of the Council on Judicial Ethics in January 2018 and the organisation of training courses by the Academy of Judges and Prosecutors on ethical behaviours for judges for the prevention of conflicts of interest and for the establishment of anti- corruption measures;

Amendment 124 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Remains concerned bythat widespread corruption continues to be a serious problem in many sectors and welcomes initial achievements in the prevention and prosecution thereof; is concerned about limited final court rulings on high level corruption cases and calls for sustained efforts to establish a track record of investigations, indictments and final convictions in cases of high-level corruption and organised crime; commends the work carried out by the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) in difficult circumstances; remains concerned about attacks and obstruction against SPO work and the lack of cooperation from other institutions; strongly believes that the establishment of the legal accountability of the wiretaps constitutes an important step towards restoring citizens trust in national institutions; notes that the Index of perceived corruption of officials and politicians in the country recently published by Transparency International continued to deteriorate significantly in 2017 which points to a disturbing vicious circle between corruption and an unequal distribution of power as well as of the wealth in the society;

Amendment 125 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Remains concerned by widespread corruption and welcomes initial achievements in the prevention and prosecution thereof; notes the first court verdicts on cases of corruption and abuse of power, and on the events of 27 April 2017; calls for sustained efforts to establish a track record of convictions in cases of high-level corruption and organised crime; commends the work carried out by the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) in difficult circumstances;

Amendment 126 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Remains concerned by widespread corruption and welcomes initial achievements in the prevention and prosecution thereof; calls for sustained efforts to establish a track record of investigations, prosecutions and convictions in cases of high-level corruption and organised crime; commends the work carried out by the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) in difficult circumstances;

Amendment 127 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Remains concerned by widespread corruption and welcomes initial achievements in the prevention and prosecution thereof; calls for sustained efforts to establish a track record of convictions in cases of high-level corruption and organised crime; believes that further efforts are needed to strengthen the state institutions in the prevention and repression of corruption with the necessary autonomy, resources and specialised staff hired on the basis of merit; commends the work carried out by the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) in difficult circumstances;

Amendment 128 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls upon the authorities to intensify the fight against money laundering and conflicts of interest by establishing and strengthening the capacities of anti-corruption, counter-crime and financial investigation cells, and through freezing, confiscation ~~and~~, recovery and management of assets; welcomes the adoption of the law on the protection of whistle- blowers and calls for an urgent review of laws on anti-corruption, financial control and public procurement;

Amendment 129 #

Marijana PETIR, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI, Anna ZÁBORSKÁ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls upon the authorities to intensify the fight against money laundering and conflicts of interest by establishing and strengthening the capacities of anti-corruption, counter-crime and financial investigation cells, and through freezing, confiscation and recovery of assets; urges the authorities to establish a track record on investigations and prosecutions and to improve the number of convictions in high-level money laundering and financial crimes cases; welcomes the adoption of the law on the protection of whistle-blowers and calls for an urgent review of laws on anti- corruption, financial control and public procurement;

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas the Prespa agreement of 12 June 2018 on the settlement of differences and the establishment of a strategic partnership ~~between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece~~ with Greece is signed without the political consensus of all parliamentary political parties in Macedonia so it represendts ~~a much- needed positive signal for stability and reconciliation~~ in itself an element of instability and is not contributing t~~he whole Western Balkans region~~o the reconciliation process;

Amendment 130 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls upon the authorities to intensify the fight against money laundering and conflicts of interest by establishing and strengthening the capacities of anti-corruption, counter-crime and financial investigation cells, and through freezing, confiscation and recovery of assets; welcomes the adoption of the law on the protection of whistle-blowers ~~and~~which ensure a better protection for whistle- blowers and strengthen government policies against corruption; calls for an urgent review of laws on anti- corruption, financial control and public procurement; encourages a reform of the general legal framework so that the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption has clear powers and work in full independence and that the Public Prosecutor’s Office against Organised Crime and Corruption can carry out regular investigations;

Amendment 131 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Regrets that according to the latest compliance report issued by GRECO the Republic of North Macedonia made no substantial progress in implementing most of GRECO’s recommendations on preventing corruption among MPs, judges and prosecutors issued 4 years ago; calls on the Macedonian authorities to adopt a more effective and resolute action in this field by fully implementing all the remaining recommendations;

Amendment 132 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)

16b. Points out that corruption and organized crime are widespread in the region and also represent an obstacle to the country's democratic, social and economic development; considers that a regional strategy and enhanced cooperation between all the countries in the region are essential to tackle these issues more effectively;

Amendment 133 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Calls for political and legal accountability for criminal offences to be strictly ensured, including for offences arising from the wiretap scandal; in this regard, appreciates the establishment of the Committee of Inquiry in charge of political accountability for the wiretaps and the parliamentary committees on intelligence oversight and interceptions of communications; urges the Parliament to complete the reform of intelligence services, ensuring proper ~~external~~civilian and parliamentary oversight of security and intelligence agencies;

Amendment 134 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Urges the authorities to take decisive action to dismantle criminal networks engaged in human, arms and drug trafficking, and to increase bothe institutional capacity, the inter-institutional c~~apacity and the number~~ooperation between law enforcement agencies and improve the track record of investigations, prosecutions and final convictions;

Amendment 135 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18a. Expresses concern at the Global Slavery Index 2018, developed by the UN and Walk Free Foundation, saying that about 18,000 citizens of the country live in modern slavery; welcomes the measures adopted by the government in response to some forms of modern slavery, with victim support services, a strong criminal justice response, evidence of coordination and collaboration, and protections in place for vulnerable populations and calls for further and more effective action to tackle the problem;

Amendment 136 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18a. Notes with deep concern that with the closure of legal routes for migration, migration has been driven to irregular routes and methods causing severe vulnerability to migrants and refugees, such as extortion, kidnapping, and different forms of gender-based violence;

Amendment 137 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls for further improvements in the asylum system and migration management; encourages the country to step up regional cooperation and partnership with ~~Frontex under a new status agreement with~~ a view to dismantling human trafficking networks;

Amendment 138 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls for further improvements in the conditions of asylum system and migration management; ~~encourages~~calls upon the authorities to establish reliable data on the sco~~untry to step up regional cooperation and partnership with F~~pe and structure of migration flows; urges the authorities to further strengthen implementation and systematic registration of migrants and to ensure their protective-sensitive profiling; calls for sustained efforts to prontexct un~~der a new status agreement with a view to dismantling human trafficking networks;~~ accompanied minors and vulnerable persons who are at risk of becoming victims of trafficking, in particular given the mixed migration flows passing through the country; encourages the country to step up regional cooperation with a view to dismantling human trafficking networks; recalls that urgent measures are needed to counter xenophobia and address negative public attitudes towards migrants and refugees;

Amendment 139 #

Marijana PETIR, Alojz PETERLE, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI, Anna ZÁBORSKÁ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Commends the constructive role the country has played in dealing with the challenges of the migration crisis; calls for further improvements in the asylum system and migration management; encourages the country to step up regional cooperation and partnership with Frontex under a new status agreement with a view to dismantling human trafficking networks;

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas the agreement of 127 June 2018 on the settlement of differences and the establishment of a strategic partnership between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece sends a much- needed positive signal for stability and reconciliation in the whole Western Balkans region;

Amendment 140 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. CNotes the sustained effort in bettering the status quo of the asylum system and migration management and calls for further improvements in the asylum system and migration management; encourages the country to step up regional cooperation and partnership with Frontex under a new status agreement with a view to dismantling human trafficking networks;

Amendment 141 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls for further improvements in the asylum system and migration management including by improving the data collection and data exchange systems; encourages the country to step up regional cooperation and partnership with Frontex under a new status agreement with a view to dismantling human trafficking networks;

Amendment 142 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls for further improvements in the asylum system and migration management; encourages the country to step up regional cooperation and partnership with Frontex under a new status agreement with a view to dismantling human trafficking networks; acknowledges the country’s efforts to address the challenges of the European migration and refugee crisis and expresses the expectation that mutually beneficial cooperation continues in the future;

Amendment 143 #

Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls for further improvements in the asylum system and migration management; encourages the country to step up regional cooperation and partnership with Frontex under a new status agreement with a view to dismantling human trafficking networks; acknowledges the efforts to address the challenges managing the European migration and refugee routes and encourages to further deepen this cooperation;

Amendment 144 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls for further improvements in the asylum system and migration management; encourages the country to step up regional cooperation and partnership with Frontex under a new status agreement with a view to dismantling human trafficking networks; welcomes efforts made to address the challenges posed by irregular migration and the refugee crisis;

Amendment 145 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Acknowledges the country's efforts to address the challenges of the European migration and refugee crisis and expects the mutually beneficial cooperation to continue in the future;

Amendment 146 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)

19b. Emphasises the need to ensure that migrants and refugees, especially women and children; applying for asylum in the country or travelling through its territory, are treated in accordance with international and EU law;

Amendment 147 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Deems it necessary for the authorities to continue and intensify its efforts to fight Islamic radicalisation and foreign terrorist fighters; calls for the implementation through more cooperation between security agencies and civil society organisations, religious leaders, local communities and other state institutions in the education, health and social services; calls for continued monitoring of returning foreign fighters by security services, their proper reintegration into society and constant exchange of information with the authorities of the EU and neighbouring countries;

Amendment 148 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Notes with concern segregation practices in the treatment of migrants, such as the denial of inclusive schooling for migrant children, allowing access to employment opportunities to adults, and in general, the denial of contact between migrants and the mainstream society; calls on the authorities to take actions to stop these practices and ensure the social inclusion of migrants and refugees;

Amendment 149 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Calls for further improvement of the justice for children system; calls the competent authorities to make sufficient budget allocations for implementation of the Justice for Children Law, and to improve support services to girls and boys victims of violence and abuse, and children in conflict with the law;

Amendment 15 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas the agreement of 12 June 2018 on the settlement of differences and the establishment of a strategic partnership between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece sends a much- needed positive signal for stability and reconciliation in the whole Western Balkans region and paves the way for the European integration of the country;

Amendment 150 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Welcomes measures to improve inter-ethnic trust and calls for an inclusive and transparent review of outstanding aspects of the implementation of the OFA; considers it essential to ensure a full affirmation of the representation of ethnic minorities in public life;

Amendment 151 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Welcomes measures to improve inter-ethnic trust and calls for an inclusive and transparent review of outstanding aspects of the implementation of the OFA; considers it essential to ensure a full affirmation of ethnic minorities in public life; believes that the authorities and civil society should take appropriate steps to bring about reconciliation with a view to overcoming divisions among the country’s ethnic groups; commends the Macedonian contribution to regional efforts to combat radical Islamism;

Amendment 152 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Welcomes measures to improve inter-ethnic trust and calls for an inclusive and transparent review of outstanding aspects of the implementation of the OFA; considers it essential to ensure a full affirmation of ethnic minorities in public life and their inclusion in policy and decision-making; underlines the need to combat stereotypes in the media and internet; calls for measures to address separation of ethnic minorities in education in order to reinvigorate social cohesion;

Amendment 153 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Welcomes measures to improve inter-ethnic trust and calls for an inclusive and transparent review of outstanding aspects of the implementation of the OFA; considers it essential to ensure a full affirmation of ethnic minorities in public life; believes that separation along ethnic lines in schools and segregated education system adversely affects the social cohesion and integration of communities;

Amendment 154 #

Marijana PETIR, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Welcomes the reforms and efforts made to gradually align the legal framework to European standards, the country’s decision to become an observer in the Fundamental Rights Agency and the ratification of most international human rights instruments; encourages a full implementation of human rights standards and policy documents such as the European Convention on Human Rights (ECtHR), with particular attention to the right of fair trial, freedom of assembly and association, right to life, freedom of expression and respect for private and family life;

Amendment 155 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. ~~Notes that~~Expresses its concerns by the adoption of the law on the use of languages ~~constitutes an important achievement and regrets the disruptive tactics aimed at undermining its adoption in full compliance with standard procedures~~; is worried that entry into force of this law can lead to misbalance and can evoke ethnic conflicts that will lead to destabilization of the country and region as a whole;

Amendment 156 #

Marijana PETIR, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI, Anna ZÁBORSKÁ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. ~~Welcomes the country’s ratification on 23 March 2018 of the Istanbul Convention and urges it~~Urges Macedonia to complete legal reforms for tackling discrimination and violence against women and girls and to continue eradicating domestic and gender- based violence, which are still widespread;

Amendment 157 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Welcomes the country’s ratification on 23 March 2018 of the Istanbul Convention and urges it to complete legal reforms for tackling discrimination and violence against women ~~and girls~~, girls and children and to continue eradicating domestic and gender- based violence, which are still widespread;

Amendment 158 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Underlines the need to ensure autonomy and adequate human and financial resources for independent oversight bodies; commends the role of the Ombudsman’s Office in enforcing human rights and underlines the need to ensure a systemic follow-up of the Ombudsman’s decisions; welcomes the country’s participation as an observer in the Fundamental Rights Agency;

Amendment 159 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23a. Remains concerned of the dire situation of people with disabilities and the persistent discrimination against them; calls for effective implementation of the existing instruments and strategies;

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas the agreement of 12 June 2018 on the settlement of differences and the establishment of a strategic partnership between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece sends a much- needed positive signal for stability and reconciliation in the whole Western Balkans region; whereas, in the spirit of good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation, the two countries should guarantee the lack of future territorial claims towards the neighbouring countries;

Amendment 160 #

Marijana PETIR, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI, Anna ZÁBORSKÁ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Welcomes the initial steps taken in enhancing the prevention of discrimination and urges the authorities to effectively address hate crime and hate speech against minorities, including the Roma and the LGBTI community; deplores persistent deficiencies in the work of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination;deleted

Amendment 161 #

Georgios EPITIDEIOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Welcomes the initial steps taken in enhancing the prevention of discrimination and urges the authorities to effectively address ~~hate~~ crime and hate speech against minorities, including the Roma and the LGBTI community; deplores persistent deficiencies in the work of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination;

Amendment 162 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Welcomes the initial steps taken in enhancing the prevention of discrimination and urges the authorities to effectively address hate crime and hate speech against minorities~~, including the Roma and the LGBTI community~~; deplores persistent deficiencies in the work of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination;

Amendment 163 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Welcomes the initial steps taken in enhancing the prevention of discrimination and urges the authorities to effectively address hate crime and hate speech against minorities~~, including the Roma and the LGBTI community~~; deplores persistent deficiencies in the work of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination and calls for ensuring its independence and impartiality;

Amendment 164 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Welcomes the initial steps taken in enhancing the prevention of discrimination and urges ~~the authorities to effectively address hate crime and hate speech against minorities, including the Roma and the LGBTI community~~authorities to include in the Law on Prevention and Protection against discrimination sexual orientation and gender identity as grounds for discrimination; calls on authorities to allocate appropriate budget to implement the National Strategy for Equality and Non-Discrimination 2016-2020; urges the authorities to effectively address hate crime and hate speech against minorities, including the Roma and the LGBTI community and to punish homophobic and transphobic violence and incitement to violence; stresses the need to grant access to healthcare for transgender persons; deplores persistent deficiencies in the work of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination;

Amendment 165 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Welcomes the initial steps taken in enhancing the prevention of discrimination and urges the authorities to effectively address hate crime and hate speech against minorities, including vulnerable groups such as the Roma and the LGBTI community; remains concerned that the societal prejudice continues and hate speech is prevalent against LGBTI persons in the media, internet and social media; calls upon the authorities to ensure effective protection and to put in place dissuasive and proportionate sanctions for hate speech, homophobic/transphobic actions and violence; deplores persistent deficiencies in the work of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination;

Amendment 166 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Welcomes the initial steps taken in enhancing the prevention of discrimination and urges the authorities to effectively address hate crime and hate speech against minorities, including the Roma and the LGBTI community; deplores persistent deficiencies in the work of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination; welcomes the setting-up of the Inter-party parliamentary group for the rights of the LGBTI community and also the Inter- party parliamentary group for the rights of Roma;

Amendment 167 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Welcomes the initial steps taken in enhancing the prevention of discrimination and urges the authorities to effectively address hate crime and hate speech against minorities, including the Roma and the LGBTI community; deplores persistent deficiencies in the work of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination; welcomes the establishing of the Inter- Party parliamentary group for the rights of the LGBTI community and the Inter- Party parliamentary group for the rights of Roma;

Amendment 168 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)

24a. Condemns the deeply-rooted stigmatisation and social exclusion of Roma1a arising from anti-Gypsyism; – notes with concern that the results of the 2017 survey on marginalised Roma shows their limited access to opportunities in every aspect of human development, such as basic rights, education, health, housing, employment and their living standards; – welcomes, however, the fact that following the results of the survey, the country is taking a lead in the progress of Roma inclusion; – underlines the importance of the steps taken until now and encourages the government to reinforce its on-going work and share their good practices with the neighbouring countries; _________________ 1a The word ‘Roma’ is used as an umbrella term which includes different related groups, whether sedentary or not, such as Roma, Ashkalis, Égyptiens, etc., that may be diverse in culture and lifestyles;

Amendment 169 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)

24b. Calls for strategies and legislations on the rights of persons belonging to minority groups and their protection to be fully implemented and supported by public funds; insists that measures be taken to further improve the education, employment rates, health, housing, access to goods and services, and living conditions for Roma, condemning school segregation and other forms of discrimination;

Amendment 17 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)

Ba. whereas eleven Confidence- Building Measures were agreed between Greece and former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, mainly in the fields of political and EU affairs, education and culture, trade and economic cooperation, connectivity, justice and home affairs, as well as health cooperation; whereas the Confidence-Building Measures have already produced tangible results;

Amendment 170 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)

24c. Calls on the relevant actors to include persons belonging to minority groups, in particular minority women, in the design and implementation of employment, education and other relevant measures and avoid the exclusion of women and youth belonging to minority groups, especially marginalized or hard to reach groups, such as the Roma, as beneficiaries of the measures;

Amendment 171 #

Marijana PETIR, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI, Anna ZÁBORSKÁ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)

24a. Notes with concerns that citizens of Bulgarian ethnicity have never been represented in legislature, state documentation, official forms or census entries, while at the same time more than 100 000 citizens of the Republic of Macedonia are holders of a Bulgarian passport;

Amendment 172 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. ~~Welcomes the substantial~~Notes a modest improvement in the operational environment for, and the consultations with, civil society organisations (CSOs) and stresses the need to enhance the legal, financial and policy framework, including through laws on foundations and donations;

Amendment 173 #

25. Welcomes the substantial improvement in the operational environment for, and the consultations with, civil society organisations (CSOs) ~~and~~, including the establishment of the Council for cooperation with civil society; stresses the need to enhance the legal, financial and policy framework, including through laws on foundations and donations;

Amendment 174 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Welcomes the substantial improvement in the operational environment for, and the consultations with, civil society organisations (CSOs) and stresses the need to enhance the legal, financial, administrative and policy framework, including through laws on foundations and donations; underlines the need to translate this progress into more structured, comprehensive and predictable consultative process, involving all stakeholders;

Amendment 175 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Welcomes the substantial improvement in the operational environment for, and the consultations with, civil society organisations (CSOs) and stresses the need to enhance the legal, financial and policy framework, including through laws on foundations and donations; highlights the importance of a regular and constructive dialogue with the civil society and stresses the fundamental role that NGOs can play in the public opinion as regards the positive aspects of strategic partnership agreement with Greece;

Amendment 176 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Welcomes the substantial improvement in the operational environment for, and the consultations with, civil society organisations (CSOs) and stresses the need to enhance the legal, financial and policy framework, including through laws on foundations and donations; encourages authorities to build a long-term cooperation strategy with civil society for 2018 and onwards and to establish clear and binding rules for state financing CSOs;

Amendment 177 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Welcomes the substantial improvement in the operational environment for, and the consultations with, civil society organisations (CSOs) and stresses the need to enhance the legal, financial and policy framework, including through laws on foundations and donations; believes that CSOs represent the different views in the society and should not be discriminated on any grounds such as political affiliation, religion views or ethnic composition;

Amendment 178 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Welcomes the substantial improvement in the operational environment for, and the consultations with, civil society organisations (CSOs) and stresses the need to enhance the legal, financial and policy framework, including through laws on foundations and donations and the structural involvement of CSOs;

Amendment 179 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. 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 requirements on civil society organisations, especially not on women, LGBTI, minority and refugee human rights CSOs, 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, and small grassroots organisations; considers it essential that CSOs should be free to receive funding from other donors, such as private donors, international organisations, bodies or agencies;

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)

Bb. whereas during previous years the country experienced one of its worst political crisis; whereas the divisive political mentality, the deep mutual mistrust, harsh rhetoric, the lack of compromise and the collapse of dialogue between the parties gave rise to a protracted political crisis which further undermined reforms and accession preparations, as well as citizens confidence in public institutions and led to the serious backsliding in several key areas of the EU accession process; whereas the recent political crisis has illustrated the lack of an effective system of checks and balances in the country's institutions and the need to increase transparency and public accountability;

Amendment 180 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Reiterates its support for the initiative to establish the Regional commission for the establishment of facts about war crimes and other serious violations of human rights committed in the former Yugoslavia (RECOM); urges the government to take the lead on its establishment; underlines the importance of this process and the active engagement of all regional political leaders in order for it to start its work without further delay; calls attention to the Coalition of RECOM’s Proposal of the Action Plan with clear dates and benchmarks;

Amendment 181 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Welcomes the increased efforts of the Government to intensify the process of de-institutionalisation and social sector reform; commends the commitment to end placement of children in large public institutions and to establish family and community based care services instead; calls the authorities to take urgent measures to reverse the growing perinatal mortality and establish a system for analysis of the causes of this alarming trend;

Amendment 182 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Welcomes the partnership between the government and the country's National Youth Council in the implementation of the Youth Guarantee Scheme as a good mechanism of cooperation between young people and decision makers in the formulation and implementation of youth policies; calls on the government to increase financial support to youth organizations and young people in order to tackle the issue of brain drain;

Amendment 183 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. ~~Notes modest improvements in the media environment and conditions for independent reporting~~Reiterates the importance of media freedom and independence as one of the core EU values and a cornerstone of any democracy; Notes modest improvements in the media environment and conditions for independent reporting; remains concerned over freedom of expression and the media, the use of hate speech, the cases of intimidation, self-censorship and political interference; regrets in this context that in the index compiled by Reporters Without Borders the country has ranked among last places in Europe and the Balkans falling from 34th place in 2009 to 109 in 2018, while according Freedom House 2017 report on the country's Press Freedom, the country's status remains "Not Free"; calls for initiatives to create a climate that is favourable to investigative journalism; welcomes the termination of state- sponsored advertising in the media as an important measure to foster a level playing field in the sector and calls for further safeguards against politicisation of the media; stresses the need to strengthen the financial and editorial independence and capacity of the media regulator and the public service broadcaster; calls for measures to increase the protection of the labour and social rights of journalists;

Amendment 184 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Notes modest improvements in the media environment and conditions for independent reporting; ~~calls for initiatives to create a climate that is favourable to investigative journalism~~expresses appreciation for the supportive statements made by the new government towards journalists and encourages concrete follow-up measures to promote an enabling environment for journalists and investigative journalism; welcomes the agreement with an association of journalists to conduct follow-up investigations on attacks against them in December 2017; welcomes the termination of state-sponsored advertising in the media as an important measure to foster a level playing field ~~in the sector~~ and calls for further safeguards against politicisation of the media; stresses the need to strengthen the independence and capacity of the media regulator and the public service broadcaster; calls for measures to increase the protection of the labour and social rights of journalists within the framework of a collective union agreement;

Amendment 185 #

26. Notes modest improvements in the media environment and conditions for independent reporting; calls for initiatives to create a climate that is favourable to a professional conduct of all media stakeholders, free from any internal and external influence, as well as to investigative journalism; welcomes the termination of state-sponsored advertising in the media as an important measure to foster a level playing field in the sector and calls for further safeguards against politicisation of the media; stresses the need to strengthen the independence and capacity of the media regulator and the public service broadcaster; calls for measures to increase the protection of the labour and social rights of journalists and to ensure that there is no impunity in case of violence, abuses of threats against journalists;

Amendment 186 #

Tonino PICULA, Neena GILL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Notes modest improvements in the media environment and conditions for independent reporting; calls for initiatives to create a climate that is favourable to investigative journalism; welcomes the termination of state-sponsored advertising in the media as an important measure to foster a level playing field in the sector and calls for further safeguards against politicisation of the media including by identifying and preventing collision between media owners and political figures; stresses the need to strengthen the independence and capacity of the media regulator and the public service broadcaster; calls for raising professionalism and ensuring unbiased reporting of the public service broadcasting; calls for measures to increase the protection of the labour and social rights of journalists;

Amendment 187 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Notes modest improvements in the media environment and conditions for independent reporting; calls for initiatives to create a climate that is favourable to investigative journalism; welcomes the termination of state-sponsored advertising in the media based on political favouritism as an important measure to foster a level playing field in the sector and calls for further safeguards against politicisation of the media; stresses the need to strengthen the independence and capacity of the media regulator and the public service broadcaster; calls for measures to increase the protection of the labour and social rights of journalists;

Amendment 188 #

Marijana PETIR, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI, Anna ZÁBORSKÁ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Underlines the crucial role of independent media for a democratic and enabling environment; Notes modest improvements in the media environment and conditions for independent reporting; calls for initiatives to create a climate that is favourable to investigative journalism; welcomes the termination of state- sponsored advertising in the media as an important measure to foster a level playing field in the sector and calls for further safeguards against politicisation of the media; stresses the need to strengthen the independence and capacity of the media regulator and the public service broadcaster; calls for measures to increase the protection of the labour and social rights of journalists that would also contribute minimizing the prevalent self- censorship among the journalists;

Amendment 189 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Notes modest improvements in the media environment and conditions for independent reporting; notes that the censorship is still present, particularly in the social media; calls for initiatives to create a climate that is favourable to investigative journalism; welcomes the termination of state-sponsored advertising in the media as an important measure to foster a level playing field in the sector and calls for further safeguards against politicisation of the media; stresses the need to strengthen the independence and capacity of the media regulator and the public service broadcaster; calls for measures to increase the protection of the labour and social rights of journalists;

Amendment 19 #

Mario BORGHEZIO

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas all political parties and state institutions have a duty to contribute to a more inclusive and open political atmosphere, enabling further progress ~~in the EU accession proces~~stability process in the Western Balkans;

Amendment 190 #

Georgios EPITIDEIOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Notes the modest improvements in the ~~media environment and condition~~conditions under which the media are able to operate and the measures taken to guarantee the necessary prerequisites for independent reporting; calls for initiatives to create a climate that is favourable to investigative journalism; welcomes the termination of state-sponsored advertising in the media as an important measure to foster a level playing field in the sector and calls for further safeguards against politicisation of the media; stresses the need to strengthen the independence and capacity of the media regulator and the public service broadcaster; calls for measures to increase the protection of the labour and social rights of journalists;

Amendment 191 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Welcomes improvements in ensuring access to information; stresses the need to update regulations on media services and access to public information; stresses the need to effectively follow up on threats and intimidation against journalists by an adequate registration of attacks against journalists and their throughout investigation; condemns any form of hate speech, inflammatory language and populist rhetoric;

Amendment 192 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Welcomes improvements in ensuring access to information; stresses the need to update regulations on media services and access to public information; stresses the need to effectively follow up on threats and intimidation against journalists; condemns any form of hate speech, inflammatory language and populist rhetoric; calls upon the authorities to demonstrate zero tolerance towards all incidents of physical and verbal abuse or threats against journalists;

Amendment 193 #

27. Welcomes improvements in ensuring access to information; stresses the need to update regulations on media services and access to public information; stresses the need to effectively follow up on threats and intimidation against journalists; condemns any form of hate speech, inflammatory language ~~and populist rhetoric~~; calls on effective measures to counter hate speech and violation of journalistic code of ethics online;

Amendment 194 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Welcomes improvements in ensuring access to information; stresses the need to update regulations on media services and access to public information; stresses the need to effectively follow up on threats and intimidation against journalists; condemns any form of hate speech, inflammatory language and populist rhetoric; stresses the need to fully implement the legal framework on hate speech and to provide a regulation of online hate speech;

Amendment 195 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Welcomes improvements in ensuring access to information; stresses the need to update regulations on media services and access to public information; stresses the need to effectively follow up on threats and intimidation against journalists; condemns any form of hate speech, inflammatory language and populist rhetoric; points to the need for greater transparency in Macedonian institutions and greater media freedom; points to the need to reform the media without delay with a view to establishing an independent regulatory body and guaranteeing objective and professional reporting;

Amendment 196 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)

27a. Expresses its concern at the new electoral code adopted at the end of July by the Macedonian parliament in a fast- track procedure and in particular to the amendment that foresees a fine of up to 4000 Euros for the media over the way they report during elections; takes note of the legitimate objections and remarks of the press and journalists associations in this regard and calls on the Macedonian government to start a frank and open dialogue with them in order to reach an agreement on the eventual correction of the legislation;

Amendment 197 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29

29. Urges the authorities to address the large informal economy and the persistent problems of tax evasion and weak contract enforcement which continue to deter foreign direct investment; stresses the need to implement measures on public procurement and internal financial control; notes the need to improve transparency of data on public spending, procurement, State aid and the use of EU funds, in particular the EU-funds directed to women and minorities;

Amendment 198 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29

29. Urges the authorities to address the large informal economy and the persistent problems of tax evasion and weak contract enforcement which continue to deter foreign direct investment; stresses the need to implement measures on public procurement and internal financial control; notes the need to improve transparency of data on public spending, procurement, State aid and the use of EU funds; calls for measures to improve the planning, programming and management capacities in the national IPA structures;

Amendment 199 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29

29. Urges the authorities to address the large informal economy and the persistent problems of tax evasion and weak contract enforcement which continue to deter foreign direct investment; stresses the need to implement measures on public procurement and internal financial control; notes the need to improve transparency of data on public spending, procurement, State aid and the use of EU funds; underlines the need to re-evaluate and enhance the EU mechanism for monitoring and assessing the use of funds in the country and their potential susceptibility to feeding corruption practices and networks;

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)

– having regard to the Final Agreement for the Settlement of the Differences as described in the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 817 (1993) and 845(1993), the Termination of the Interim Accord of 1995 and the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, also known as Prespa agreement on 17 June 2018,

Amendment 20 #

Georgios EPITIDEIOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital Γ

C. whereas all political parties and state institutions have a duty to ~~contribute to a more inclusive and open political atmosphere, enabling~~remove the obstacles to further progress in the EU accession process;

Amendment 200 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)

29a. Calls on the government to make digitalisation as one of its crosscutting core priorities; urges to develop without further delay a long-term digital agenda, among others a e-governance strategy, ICT Strategy and a national Cyber Security Strategy; underlines that a comprehensive digital agenda will enhance the economic environment and performance, increase transparency and efficiency of the public administration and services;

Amendment 201 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)

29a. Appreciates the governments’ efforts to improve conditions for young people and strengthen youth participation in politics, for instance with the Youth National Strategy(2016-2025); encourages the government to address the high youth unemployment rate by bridging the mismatch between young graduates and the needs of private companies;

Amendment 202 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 b (new)

29b. Urges the government to tackle the long-term unemployment, youth unemployment and low participation rate of women on the employment market in a comprehensive and innovative manner; calls on urgent reforms in education to ensure that skills acquired match with the needs on the labour market and prevent the brain drain; encourages to come up with the digital skills strategy and to increase the digital literacy among the population;

Amendment 203 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. URecalls that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia completed its last population census in 2002; underlines the importance of conducting a new and long- overdue population census to obtain an updated and realistic ~~picture of the country’s demographic~~demographic statistics in line with European standards;

Amendment 204 #

Marijana PETIR, Alojz PETERLE, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI, Anna ZÁBORSKÁ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Underlines the importance of conducting a long-overdue population census to obtain an updated and realistic picture of the country’s demographics; stresses the need of improving the laws and regulations related to this issue in order to prevent abuse and circulation of fake data;

Amendment 205 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)

30a. Urges the authorities to tackle weaknesses in education curricula, low innovation rates and important investment gaps including in particular public infrastructure;

Amendment 206 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. CWelcomes the adoption of the new Energy Law by the Macedonian Parliament, transposing the Third Energy Package and making it fully compatible with the Energy Community Treaty; calls upon the authorities to focus on energy market reforms~~, while ensuring~~ to guarantee the security of supply and diversification of energy sources while ensuring that energy market deregulation does not lead to bigger inequality, increase in poverty levels, or the presence of market-monopolistic tendencies;

Amendment 207 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. CWelcomes the adoption of the new Energy Law, transposing the Third Energy Package and making it fully compatible with the Energy Community Treaty; calls upon the authorities to focus on energy market reforms, while ensuring security of supply and diversification of energy sources;

Amendment 208 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. CWelcomes the adoption of the new Energy Law by the Macedonian Parliament, transposing the Third Energy Package and making it fully compatible with the Energy Community Treaty; calls upon the authorities to focus on energy market reforms, while ensuring security of supply and diversification of energy sources;

Amendment 209 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Calls upon the authorities to focus on energy market reforms, while ensuring security of supply and diversification of energy sources; welcomes the adoption of the new Energy Law in May 2018, transposing the Third Energy Package and making it fully compatible with the Energy Community Treaty;

Amendment 21 #

Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas ~~all political parties and state institutions have a duty to~~it is the shared responsibility of all political forces and leaders in the country to overcome the divisive political mentality, deep mutual mistrust and the lack of compromise by ensuring a genuine and sustainable political dialogue and cooperation, which are essential for the country's democratic development and stability, safeguarding the rule of law, the European perspective and the common good of its citizens; whereas all political parties and state institutions have a duty to reverse policies and practices which could still constitute obstacles for the country’s European future, including to refrain from any inflammatory statements or actions, to scale down their negative rhetoric, and contribute to a more inclusive and open political atmosphere, enabling further progress in the EU accession process;

Amendment 210 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Calls upon the authorities to focus on energy market reforms, while ensuring security of supply and diversification of energy sources; welcomes the adoption of the new energy law in line with the provisions of the Third Energy Package;

Amendment 211 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Calls upon the authorities to focus on energy market reforms, while ensuring security of supply and diversification of energy sources; especially concerning renewable energy sources;

Amendment 212 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)

31a. Encourages Macedonia to develop competition in the gas and energy market towards the complete unbundling of utilities in line with the EU Third Energy Package; calls for a substantial improvement as regards energy efficiency, the production of renewable energy and the fight against climate change; welcomes the ratification of the Paris Climate agreement and calls for the prompt transposition and implementation of the climate acquis;

Amendment 213 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)

31a. Commends the Macedonian Parliament for the adoption of a new energy law transposing the Third Energy Package in May 2018;

Amendment 214 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)

31a. Welcomes the government’s positive approach to regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations and active participation in regional initiatives such as the South East European Cooperation Process, the Regional Cooperation Council, CEFTA, the Western Balkans Six, the Energy Community Treaty, the European Common Aviation Area Agreement, the Central European Initiative, the Regional Initiative for Migration and Asylum and the "Brdo- Brijuni process";

Amendment 215 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 b (new)

31b. Takes note of a number of planned infrastructure projects or being implemented within protected areas that would be likely to cause significant impacts on future Natura 2000 sites (current Emerald site); calls, in this regard, for respecting the recommendation of the Bern Convention's Standing Committee (No. 184(2015)) by suspending the implementation of the projects within the territory of the Mavrovo National Park until a Strategic Environmental Assessment is completed in full compliance with the EU environment legislation; further calls for respecting the Decision (40 COM 7B.68) concerning the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region to put in place moratorium on the urban and costal transformations and prepare an overall Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) before any further work is undertaken; urges the development of a national hydropower strategy/plan that will include NO-GO zones for hydropower development in protected areas and areas with high ecological value in line with EU environmental legislation;

Amendment 216 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32

32. Welcomes the country’s commitment to connectivity projects carried out in the framework of the Berlin Process; notes the need to diversify from road transport through the implementation of rail reform measures including by upgrading or constructing railway links from Skopje to the capitals of the neighbouring countries; calls for greater progress in the finalisation of the railway and road connections within Corridor VIII and X;

Amendment 217 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. Calls for further trade and customs facilitation and diversification of exports, including by using the intra-regional trade potential; calls on the Commission to exempt the country from the steel and aluminium safeguard measures;

Amendment 218 #

Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. Calls for further trade and customs facilitation and diversification of exports, including by using the intra-regional trade potential; calls on the Commission to exempt the country from the steel and aluminium safeguard measures;

Amendment 219 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. Calls for further trade and customs facilitation and diversification of exports, including by using the intra-regional trade potential; calls for the country to be awarded an exemption to the steel and aluminium safeguard measures;

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas the country must further strengthen, ~~inter alia,~~ parliamentary legislative and oversight capacity, ~~the judiciary, respect for the~~as well as to accelerate and fully implement EU-related reforms in order to address systemic failures in the areas of justice, rule of law, media freedom ~~and the~~, fight against organised crime and corruption; whereas sustained reform efforts are needed in the areas of public administration, fundamental rights, home affairs, the economy and employment, and a comprehensive review of the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement (OFA) is also required;

Amendment 220 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. DCalls for the development of a comprehensive policy and strategy on the sustainable development and protection of the environment; draws attention to extreme air pollution indicators in Skopje, Tetovo and Bitola and other heavily polluted cities; calls for effective action for air quality monitoring and improvement; calls on the country to improve coordination between the government, central level institutions and municipalities to actively work towards air quality improvement; urges the new government to start implementing the Paris Agreement, also by developing a comprehensive strategy on climate-related action consistent with the EU 2030 framework; stresses that the country needs to seriously step up efforts to transpose and start implementing the climate acquis, particularly on emissions monitoring and reporting and effort sharing;

Amendment 221 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. ~~Draws attention to extreme~~Expresses its concern at the alarming level of air pollution ~~indicators~~ in Skopje and other ~~heavily polluted cities; calls for effective action for air quality monitoring and improvement~~cities that according to a study of the Public Health Institute of Macedonia causes annually 30% - 35% of the diseases in the country and over 1300 deaths; draws the attention, in particular, to Skopje urban area and calls on the state and local authorities to urgently take adequate measures to cope with this emergency including the improvement of public transport and effective mobility plans for the main cities;

Amendment 222 #

Marijana PETIR, Alojz PETERLE, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI, Anna ZÁBORSKÁ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. Draws attention to extreme air pollution indicators in ~~Skopje and other heavily polluted cities~~many cities in the Republic of Macedonia; calls for effective action for air quality monitoring and improvement; calls on the competent authorities of the Republic of Macedonia to urgently harmonize the legislation in the field of environmental and nature protection with the acquis communautaire, to adopt appropriate policies and to start implementing targeted measures to improve air quality in major urban areas;

Amendment 223 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. Draws attention to extreme air pollution indicators in Skopje and other heavily polluted cities; calls for effective action for air quality monitoring and improvement; calls for waste management systems to be developed;

Amendment 224 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)

34a. Commends the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for ratifying the Paris Agreement on January 9th 2018 as combating climate change will only be achieved through common efforts;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

Da. whereas accession to NATO of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will contribute to the peace and stability of the entire region;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

~~E. whereas on 28 June 2018 the European Council endorsed the 26 June 2018 Council Conclusions, setting out the path towards opening accession negotiations in June 2019;~~deleted

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)

Ea. whereas on 18 July 2018 the European Commission initialled a status agreement with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to allow European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX) teams to carry out joint operations with and within FYROM with the purpose of migration and borders management, as a core element of the Commission’s strategy for Western Balkans; whereas the Balkan region is strategically important for the security of Europe;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

~~F. whereas each candidate country is judged individually on its own merits, and it is the speed and quality of reforms that determine the timetable for accession and the pace of negotiations;~~deleted

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas each (potential) candidate country is judged individually on its own merits, and it is the speed and quality of reforms that determine the timetable for accession and the pace of negotiations; whereas accession negotiations should be opened upon the full and constructive implementation of all required conditions;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas each candidate country is judged individually on its own merits, ~~and~~whereas bilateral issues should not be used to obstruct the EU accession process, and whereas it is the speed and quality of reforms that determine the timetable for accession and the pace of negotiations;

Amendment 29 #

Marijana PETIR, Alojz PETERLE, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI, Anna ZÁBORSKÁ

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas each candidate country is judged individually on its own merits, and it is the speed and quality of reforms that determine the timetable for accession and the pace of negotiations; whereas bilateral issues should not obstruct accession or take precedence over the process of European integration;

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 11

~~– having regard to the decision of the Heads of State and Government of the NATO meeting of 11-12 July 2018,~~deleted

Amendment 30 #

Marijana PETIR, Alojz PETERLE, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI, Anna ZÁBORSKÁ

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)

Fa. whereas air pollution is a major problem of Macedonian cities and according to the latest study by the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Macedonian Institute for Public Health, Skopje and Tetovo have the highest concentration of fine particles in the air (PM 2.5) among all European cities;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph –1 (new)

-1. Replace ‘Macedonia(n)’ with ‘the country(’s)’ throughout the text

Amendment 32 #

1. ~~Acknowledg~~Welcomes the government’s strong political ~~resolve~~commitment to fully implement the Pržino Agreement and the Urgent Reform Priorities, leading to intensified efforts on EU-related reforms, based on cross-party and inter-ethnic cooperation and consultations with civil society;

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Acknowledges the government’s strong political resolve to fully implement the Pržino Agreement and the Urgent Reform Priorities, leading to intensified efforts on EU-related reforms, based on cross-party and inter-ethnic cooperation and consultations with civil society; encourages the new government to maintain the positive momentum and to secure progress, accelerate and fully implement EU-related reforms, in a transparent and inclusive manner;

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Acknowledges the government’s strong political resolve to fully implement the Pržino Agreement and the Urgent Reform Priorities, leading to intensified efforts on EU-related reforms, based on cross-party and inter-ethnic cooperation and consultations with civil society; calls for support for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to join the Euro- Atlantic organisations so as to enhance regional security;

Amendment 35 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Acknowledges the government’s strong political resolve to fully implement the Pržino Agreement and the Urgent Reform Priorities, leading to intensified efforts on EU-related reforms, based on cross-party and inter-ethnic cooperation and consultations with civil society and underlines the importance of pursuing these efforts for the European future of the country;

Amendment 36 #

Marijana PETIR, Alojz PETERLE, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI, Anna ZÁBORSKÁ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Commends the positive diplomacy and active trust-building~~Welcomes the efforts leading to compromise and to the settlement of open bilateral issues; ~~welcomes the entry into force on 14 February 2018 of the friendship treaty with Bulgaria~~reiterates the importance of constructive political dialogue between all actors of the political process; stresses that bilateral issues should not obstruct the accession process;

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Commends the positive diplomacy and active trust-building efforts leading to compromise and to the settlement of o~~pen bilateral issue~~utstanding open issues and to the promotion of good neighbourly relations; welcomes the entry into force on 14 February 2018 of the friendship treaty with Bulgaria;

Amendment 38 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. CHighly commends the positive diplomacy and active trust-building efforts leading to compromise and to the settlement of open bilateral issues; welcomes the entry into force on 14 February 2018 of the friendship treaty with Bulgaria;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Commends the positive diplomacy and active trust-building efforts of the governments of the Republic of North Macedonia and Greece leading to compromise and to the settlement of open bilateral issues; welcomes the entry into force on 14 February 2018 of the friendship treaty with Bulgaria;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 11

– having regard to the decision of the Heads of State and Government of the NATO meeting of 11-12 July 2018, whereby the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was invited to begin NATO membership talks,

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Commends the positive diplomacy and active trust-building efforts leading to compromise and to the settlement of open bilateral issues; welcomes the entry into force on 14 February 2018 of the friendship treaty with Bulgaria; Welcomes the establishment of the Bulgarian- Macedonian Committee on Historical Issues tasked with clarifying historical misconceptions and removing hate speech and defamation from textbooks;

Amendment 41 #

Marijana PETIR, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Commends the positive diplomacy and active trust-building efforts leading to compromise and to the settlement of open bilateral issues; strongly welcomes the entry into force on 14 February 2018 of the friendship treaty with Bulgaria, and the beneficial effect it has had on the relations between the two countries;

Amendment 42 #

Tunne KELAM

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Commends the positive diplomacy and active trust-building efforts leading to compromise and to the settlement of open bilateral issues; welcomes the entry into force on 14 February 2018 of the friendship treaty with Bulgaria that should provide for a long-lasting and conciliatory good-neighbourly relations;

Amendment 43 #

Nikos ANDROULAKIS

2. Commends the positive diplomacy and active trust-building efforts leading to compromise and to the settlement of all open ~~bilateral issue~~issues and the promotion of good neighbourly relations; welcomes the entry into force on 14 February 2018 of the friendship treaty with Bulgaria;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Takes note of the entry into force on 14 February 2018 of the friendship treaty with Bulgaria; remains concerned with obvious disagreements in terms of the essential provisions of the treaty, as well as lack of reciprocity and equality for both parties;

Amendment 45 #

Marijana PETIR, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Welcomes the ratification by the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia of the strategic partnership~~Expresses its concerns with the Macedonian Parliament’s ratification of the Prespa agreement with Greece on 20 June 2018; urges the parties to duly inform their citizens of the contents and implications of the agreement ~~and to diligently complete all internal procedures for the ratification and implementation of this strategically important agreement, bringing an end to a protr~~, including the constitutional changes the agreement requires from Macted ~~geopolitical limbo~~onia;

Amendment 46 #

Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Welcom~~Notes the ratification by the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia of the strategic partnership agreement with Greece on 20 June 2018; urges the ~~parties to duly inform their c~~government to cancel its promised propaganda campaign in favour of a yes vote in the referendum to be held on 30 September, as this will destroy the conditizeons of the contents and implications of the agreement and to diligently complete all internal procedures for the ratification and implementation of this strategically important agreement, bringing an end to a protracted geopolitical limbo; fora fair vote on the subject; urges the government to distance itself from remarks made by the Defence Minister, Radmila Sekerinska, that the agreement will be implemented even if the referendum is invalid or if the result is negative; notes that the conditions do not currently exist for the terms of the Prespa agreement to be implemented in the form of a constitutional change in FYROM, as this will require either a binding referendum or a two-thirds majority in Parliament and the approval of the president of the Republic, none of which are achievable at the moment; in view of the common commitment to the rule of law shared by the Union and FYROM, urges the government of FYROM to clarify urgently on what legal basis the Prespa agreement was signed by the Foreign Minister, given that Article 119 of the Macedonian constitution (Article 119) stipulates that international agreements are signed by the president of the Republic unless a special law has been passed to allow otherwise;

Amendment 47 #

Stelios KOULOGLOU, Kostadinka KUNEVA, Dimitrios PAPADIMOULIS, Helmut SCHOLZ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Welcom~~Notes the ratification by the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia of the strategic partnership agreement with Greece on 20 June 2018; urges the parties to duly inform their citizens of the contents and implications of the agreement and to ~~diligently complete all internal procedures for the ratification and implementation of this strategic~~refrain from temporising by raising issues intended to distract them from the actual substance of the agreement and the implications thereof; calls on both parties to hold a referendum on the agreement in order to give voters the right to ratify or reject it, given that this is an issue of major national, historical and cultural importance for both nations with undeniable implications for relations between them and for the stability of the region; urges the parties, in line with the express will of the peoples, to diligently complete ally i~~mportant agreement, bringing an end to a protracted geopolitical limbo~~nternal procedures for the ratification and implementation of the agreement, including the revision of the Constitution of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia;

Amendment 48 #

Nikos ANDROULAKIS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Welcom~~Notes the ratification by the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia of the strategic partnership agreement with Greece on 20 June 2018; urges the parties to duly inform their citizens of the contents and all implications of the agreement and to diligently complete all internal procedures for the ratification and full implementation of this strategically important agreement, ~~bringing an end to a protracted geopolitical limbo~~including the necessary changes to the Constitution of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, bringing an end to a protracted geopolitical limbo; reiterates the importance of avoiding the phenomenon of 'antiquisation' and false historical interpretations for the promotion of good neighbourly relations and for country’s EU accession process;

Amendment 49 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the Prespes Agreement of 17th of June 2018 between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and commends both sides for their significant efforts to reach a commonly satisfying solution to the name issue. Welcomes the ratification by the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia of the strategic partnership agreement with Greece on 20 June 2018; urges the parties to duly inform their citizens of the contents and implications of the agreement and to diligently complete all internal procedures for the ratification and implementation of this strategically important agreement, ~~bringing an end to a protracted geopolitical limbo~~reinforcing the peace and stability in the region;

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 11

– having regard to the decision of the Heads of State and Government of the NATO meeting of 11-12 July 2018 to invite the country to begin accession talks to join the Alliance,

Amendment 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the ratification by the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia of the strategic partnership agreement with Greece on 20 June 2018; ~~urges~~calls on the parties to duly inform their citizens of the contents and implications of the agreement and to diligently complete all internal procedures for the ratification and implementation of this strategically important agreement~~, bringing an end to a protracted geopolitical limbo~~;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the ratification by the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia of the strategic partnership agreement with Greece on 20 June 2018 and the second ratification on 5 July 2018 following the refusal of President of the country to sign the ratification law; condemns the refusal of the President of the country in violation to the constitution to sign the law; urges the parties to duly inform their citizens of the contents and implications of the agreement and to diligently complete all internal procedures for the ratification and implementation of this strategically important agreement, bringing an end to a protracted geopolitical limbo;

Amendment 52 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the ratification by the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia of the strategic partnership agreement with Greece on 20 June 2018; urges the parties to duly inform their citizens of the contents and implications of the agreement and to diligently complete all internal procedures for the ratification and implementation of this strategically important agreement, bringing an end to a protracted geopolitical limbo; urges the two countries to unequivocally state and confirm that the two countries do not have any territorial claims neither between themselves, nor towards their other neighbours;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the ratification by the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia of the strategic partnership agreement with Greece on 20 June 2018; urges the parties to duly inform their citizens of the contents and implications of the agreement and to diligently complete all internal procedures for the ratification and implementation of this strategically important agreement, bringing an end to a protracted geopolitical limbo; considers that it is in the interest of the citizens of the country that all political actors act in a constructive manner and take the measure of their historic responsibility;

Amendment 54 #

Neena GILL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the ratification by the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia of the strategic partnership agreement with Greece on 20 June 2018; urges ~~the~~all the parties ahead of the upcoming referendum to prioritise the interests of their country first and foremost and that party-political interests are set aside, calls upon all parties to duly inform their citizens of the contents and implications of the agreement and to diligently complete all internal procedures for the ratification and implementation of this strategically important agreement, bringing an end to a protracted geopolitical limbo;

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the ratification by the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia of the strategic partnership agreement with Greece on 20 June 2018; urges the parties to duly inform their citizens of the contents and implications of the agreement and to diligently complete all internal procedures for the ratification and implementation of this strategically important agreement, bringing an end to a protracted geopolitical limbo; encourages the parties to launch an inclusive national debate involving civil society, academics, media and other relevant actors on the implications of the referendum;

Amendment 56 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the ratification by the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia of the strategic partnership agreement with Greece on 20 June 2018; urges the parties to duly inform their citizens of the contents and implications of the agreement and to diligently complete all internal procedures for the ratification and implementation of this strategically important agreement, bringing an end to a protracted geopolitical limbo and setting a good example for the region; underlines the importance of the 30 September 2018 referendum concerning Macedonian integration into the EU and NATO;

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Encourages the authorities to retrieve the relevant Yugoslav secret service archives from Serbia; takes the view that transparent handling of the totalitarian past, including the opening-up of the archives of the secret services, is a step towards further democratisation, accountability and institutional strength in both the country and the Western Balkan region as a whole;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Takes note of the referendum set to take place on 30 September 2018, posing the question 'Are you in favour of NATO and EU membership by accepting the agreement between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Greece?'; calls on all sides to encourage the citizens to go to the polls and exercise their democratic right to vote on the future of their country;

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Welcomes the diplomatic efforts to foster bilateral and regional cooperation with Albania and build new qualitative relations in fields as trade, law enforcement, fight against fraud and prevention of terrorism; believes that good neighbourhood will support the construction of a Balkan European Region in accordance with the commitments of Trieste Summit;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)

– having regard to the outcome of the 2017 European Commission / World Bank / United Nations Development Programme survey on Marginalised Roma in Western Balkans,

Amendment 60 #

Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER

3a. Notes the strong opposition of the president of the Republic and of the opposition VMRO-DPMNE party to the agreement with Greece;

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3b. Welcomes the formal invitation from NATO on 11 July 2018 to the country to begin the membership negotiations joining the North Atlantic alliance;

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Recalls that the country has already achieved a high level of alignment with the acquis; welcomes its continued alignment with EU declarations and Council decisions on the Common Foreign and Security Policy and notes that full alignment is a prerequisite for the Euro-Atlantic future of the country;deleted

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Recall~~Notes that the country has already achieved a ~~high~~relatively good level of alignment with the acquis; ~~welcomes its continued alignment with EU declarations and Council decisions on the Common Foreign and Security Policy and~~ notes that full alignment is a prerequisite for the Euro~~- Atlantic~~pean future of the country;

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Recalls that the country has already achieved a high level of alignment with the acquis; ~~welcomes its co~~takes note of the improvement in~~ued~~ alignment with EU declarations and Council decisions on the Common Foreign and Security Policy and ~~notes that~~stresses the importance of full alignment, which is a prerequisite for the Euro- Atlantic future of the country;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Recalls that the country has already achieved a high level of alignment with the acquis; welcomes its continued alignment with EU declarations and Council decisions on the Common Foreign and Security Policy and notes that reaching a full alignment is a prerequisite for the Euro~~- Atlantic~~pean future of the country;

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Recalls that the country has already achieved a high level of alignment with the acquis; ~~welcomes its~~recognises the sentiment of enlargement fatigue within the EU and stresses the need for continued alignment with EU declarations and Council decisions on the Common Foreign and Security Policy and notes that full alignment is a prerequisite for the Euro- Atlantic future of the country;

Amendment 67 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Recalls that the country has already achieved a high level of alignment with the acquis; regrets, nevertheless, that some of this legislation has not yet been implemented; welcomes its continued alignment with EU declarations and Council decisions on the Common Foreign and Security Policy and notes that full alignment is a prerequisite for the Euro- Atlantic future of the country;

Amendment 68 #

Tunne KELAM

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Recalls that the country has already achieved a high level of alignment with the acquis; welcomes its continued alignment with EU declarations and Council decisions on the Common Foreign and Security Policy and notes that full alignment is a prerequisite for the Euro- Atlantic future of the country; emphasizes in this regard the importance to align with the EU’s sanctions policies; urges the government to increase efforts and cooperation with the EU against Russian interference and influence;

Amendment 69 #

4a. Acknowledges the progress made in the public sector with the adoption of the public administration reform strategy and the financial management reform programme; calls on the government for a full implementation of these reforms; encourages the country to further strengthen professionalism by improving transparency, equitable representation and ensure full respect of merit-based recruitment for public service positions;

Amendment 7 #

Marijana PETIR, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI, Anna ZÁBORSKÁ

Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 b (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 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Points out that the current challenges the European Union is facing (BREXIT, migration, radicalism, etc.) should not hinder the enlargement process, rather these challenges have demonstrated the necessity to fully integrate the Western Balkans into EU structures in order to enhance and deepen partnership to overcome international crises;

Amendment 71 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the 27 April 2017 attack on the Parliament of the country, during which several MPs sustained severe injuries, and calls for the organisers and perpetrators to be brought to justice; stresses that the establishment of accountability for these acts of violence should continue to be conducted in line with the law and in a transparent, independent and proportionate manner; underlines that legal proceedings must not be instrumentalised for political gains; further condemns any form of obstruction and abuse of procedures of the Parliament;

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the 27 April 2017 attack on the Parliament of the country, during which several MPs sustained severe injuries~~, and~~; welcomes the started investigation and trial on the case; calls for the organisers and perpetrators to be brought to justice; further condemns any form of obstruction and abuse of procedures of the Parliament;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the 27 April 2017 attack on the Parliament of the country, which constitutes an attack on democracy and during which several MPs and journalists sustained severe injuries, and calls for the organisers and perpetrators to be brought to justice; stresses that security related issues in Parliament need to be addressed as a matter of urgency; further condemns any form of instrumentalisation, obstruction and abuse of procedures of the Parliament which prevent Parliament from functioning properly;

Amendment 74 #

Marijana PETIR, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI, Anna ZÁBORSKÁ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the 27 April 2017 attack on the Parliament of the country, during which several MPs sustained severe injuries, and calls for the organisers and perpetrators to be brought to justice; further condemns any form of obstruction and abuse of procedures of the Parliament and of Presidential powers that are not in line with the constitution; strongly discourages potential obstruction of justice that can lead to promotion of culture of impunity by, for example, adoption of Law on Amnesty or presidential pardon;

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the 27 April 2017 attack on the Parliament of the country, during which several MPs sustained severe injuries, and calls for the organisers and perpetrators to be brought to justice; further condemns any form of obstruction and abuse of procedures of the Parliament; takes note of the peaceful protests as an important instrument of democracy;

Amendment 76 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Fully endorses the Commission’s recommendation and ensuing Council decision setting June 2019 as a date for opening accession negotiations in recognition of the encouraging reform efforts; considers that a swift opening of the screening process and accession talks will sustain and deepen the reform momentum; considers that the opening of negotiations would provide further incentives for democratisation and enhance scrutiny and accountability;deleted

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. ~~Fully endorses the~~notes Commission’s recommendation and ensuing Council decision setting June 2019 as a date for opening accession negotiations in recognition of the encouraging reform efforts; considers that a swift opening of the screening process and accession talks will sustain and deepen the reform momentum; considers that the opening of negotiations would provide further incentives for democratisation and enhance scrutiny and accountabilityprovided that the country will maintain and deepen the current reform momentum by delivering further tangible and sustained results and that full and constructive implementation of all required conditions have been achieved, including reforms on the Urgent Reform Priorities, justice, fight against corruption and organised crime and public administration;

Amendment 78 #

Nikos ANDROULAKIS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. ~~Fully endors~~Notes the Commission’s recommendation and ensuing Council decision setting June 2019 as a date for opening accession negotiations ~~in recognition of~~provided that all benchmarks have been met and the encou~~raging reform efforts~~ntry’s overall progress will continue; considers that a swift opening of the screening process and accession talks will sustain and deepen the reform momentum; considers that the opening of negotiations would provide further incentives for democratisation and enhance scrutiny and accountability;

Amendment 79 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Fully endorses the Commission’s recommendation and ensuing Council decision setting June 2019 as a date for opening accession negotiations in recognition of the encouraging reform efforts; considers that a swift opening of the screening process and accession talks will sustain and deepen the reform momentum; with a view of full alignment with the Copenhagen criteria; considers that the opening of negotiations would provide further incentives for democratisation and enhance scrutiny and accountability;

Amendment 8 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas by implementing robust and inclusive democratic reforms and actively improving neighbourly relations, the new government is demonstrating a serious commitment to the country’s Euro~~- Atlantic~~pean path; whereas reform efforts should be paired with continued EU support for implementation of the Urgent Reform Priorities;

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Fully ~~endorse~~supports the Commission’s recommendation and ensuing Council decision setting June 2019 as a date for opening accession negotiations in recognition of the encouraging reform efforts; considers that a swift opening of the screening process and accession talks will sustain and deepen the reform momentum; considers that the opening of negotiations would provide further incentives for democratisation and enhance scrutiny and accountability;

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Welcomes the invitation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to start talks to join NATO;

Amendment 82 #

Marijana PETIR, Alojz PETERLE, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI, Anna ZÁBORSKÁ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Considers that Macedonian membership in NATO could contribute to achieving greater security and political stability in south-east Europe; calls on all EU Member States which are NATO members, to actively support the accession of the country to NATO;

Amendment 83 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Expresses concern regarding the tremendous growth of Russian investment channelled to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia via third countries that have obscured the true extent of Russia’s economic footprint and have created an energy dependency by controlling the single gas route to the country via the Trans Balkan Pipeline;

Amendment 84 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Welcomes the country's upcoming passage to the second stage of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and its inclusion in the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, and calls on the Council to include the country in the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region;

Amendment 85 #

Marijana PETIR, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI, Anna ZÁBORSKÁ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Condemns the hate speech and attack at the government delegation during the marking of the national holiday Ilinden in Kruševo on 2 August 2018; regrets the inflammatory address by President of the country at the same event;

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Welcom~~Carefully supervises the steps taken towards reinstating checks and balances and increasing inclusion through measures improving the environment in which independent oversight institutions, the media and civil society organisations operate;

Amendment 87 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Welcomes the initial steps taken towards reinstating checks and balances and increasing inclusion through measures improving the environment in which independent oversight institutions, the media and civil society organisations operate;

Amendment 88 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Welcomes the steps taken towards reinstating checks and balances and increasing inclusion of communities through measures improving the environment in which independent oversight institutions, the media and civil society organisations operate; welcomes the constructive dialogue between the government and civil society organisations and the role the latter have played in ensuring greater checks and balances;

Amendment 89 #

Marijana PETIR, Alojz PETERLE, Lorenzo CESA, Patricija ŠULIN, Elisabetta GARDINI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Welcomes the steps taken towards reinstating checks and balances and increasing inclusion through measures improving the environment in which independent oversight institutions, the media and civil society organisations operate; stresses the importance to strengthen democratic processes and rule of law; recalls that internal reform processes are crucial for credibility and progress in the EU integration process; emphasises that the undergoing fundamental changes should be made in an inclusive and open political atmosphere;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas by implementing robust and inclusive democratic reforms ~~and actively improving neighbourly relations,~~ the new government is demonstrating a ~~serious~~continuity in the commitment to the country’s Euro- Atlantic path; whereas reform efforts should be paired with continued EU support for implementation of the Urgent Reform Priorities;

Amendment 90 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Welcomes the steps taken towards reinstating checks and balances and increasing inclusion through measures improving the environment in which independent oversight institutions, the media and civil society organisations operate; stresses that further efforts are needed to reverse the negative effects of the past period; recalls that the mistakes of the past should not be repeated;

Amendment 91 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Appreciates the government’s efforts to prevent backsliding and eliminate the remaining elements of state capture and encourages intensifying these efforts; recalls that the country was a frontrunner in the accession process in the 2000s;

Amendment 92 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. ~~Appreciates the~~Encourages government’s efforts to prevent backsliding and eliminate the remaining elements of state capture; recalls that the country was a frontrunner in the accession process in the 2000s;

Amendment 93 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Appreciates the government’s efforts to prevent backsliding and eliminate the remaining elements of state capture; ~~recalls that the country was a frontrunner in the accession process in the 2000s;~~

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Welcomes some improvements in electoral legislation and stresses the need for a timely, inclusive and transparent review of the Electoral Code by comprehensively addressing the remaining OSCE/ODIHR, Venice Commission and GRECO recommendations on campaign financing and on political parties; ~~urges political parties to democratise their internal decision-making processe~~calls on the competent authorities to establish a credible track record of effective scrutiny of political party and electoral campaign financing; urges political parties to democratise their internal decision-making processes; stresses that more efforts are needed to prevent and fully investigate any form of intimidation of voters;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Welcomes improvements in electoral legislation ~~and~~but stresses the need for a timely reviewsion of the Electoral Code by comprehensively addressing the remaining OSCE/ODIHR and GRECO recommendations on campaign financing and on political parties; urges political parties to democratise their internal decision-making processes;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Welcomes improvements in electoral legislation and stresses the need for a timely review of the Electoral Code by comprehensively addressing the remaining OSCE/ODIHR and GRECO recommendations on the transparency of campaign financing and on political parties; urges political parties to democratise their internal decision-making processes; calls on the authorities for a substantial updating of the voters' list to ensure that there are no fictive voters in view of the historic referendum on name change scheduled on 30 September 2018; notes that more efforts are needed to prevent any form of intimidation of voters;

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Welcomes improvements in electoral legislation and stresses the need for a timely review of the Electoral Code by comprehensively addressing the remaining OSCE/ODIHR and GRECO recommendations on campaign financing and on political parties; believes that further efforts are needed to prevent and investigate any form of intimidation of voters; urges political parties to democratise their internal decision-making processes;

Amendment 98 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Encourages the authorities to undertake again the interrupted census which would provide accurate statistics on population data to serve as basis for government development programmes and adequate budget planning, along with organising elections and calculating election results;

Amendment 99 #