2020/2223(INI) Competition policy – annual report 2020
Next event: Indicative plenary sitting date, 1st reading/single reading 2021/05/17
Lead committee dossier:
Next event: Indicative plenary sitting date, 1st reading/single reading 2021/05/17
Progress: Awaiting committee decision
| Role | Committee | Rapporteur | Shadows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | ECON |
EPPINK Derk Jan ( ECR)
|
MARTUSCIELLO Fulvio ( EPP),
ANGEL Marc ( S&D),
GRUFFAT Claude ( Verts/ALE),
GUSMÃO José ( GUE/NGL - European United Left - Nordic Green Left)
|
| Committee Opinion | IMCO |
ANSIP Andrus ( Renew)
|
Kateřina KONEČNÁ ( GUE/NGL),
Anna CAVAZZINI ( Verts/ALE),
Eugen JURZYCA ( ECR),
Tomislav SOKOL ( PPE),
Marc ANGEL ( S&D),
Jean-Lin LACAPELLE ( ID)
|
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 54
Legal Basis:
RoP 54Subjects
Events
2021/05/17
Indicative plenary sitting date, 1st reading/single reading
2021/02/03
EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2020/12/17
EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2020/11/26
EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
2020/09/02
EP - ANSIP Andrus (Renew) appointed as rapporteur in IMCO
2020/04/23
EP - EPPINK Derk Jan (ECR) appointed as rapporteur in ECON
Documents
Activities
- Andrus ANSIP
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Dita CHARANZOVÁ
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Enikő GYŐRI
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Fulvio MARTUSCIELLO
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Victor NEGRESCU
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Dimitrios PAPADIMOULIS
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Alfred SANT
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Paul TANG
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Johan VAN OVERTVELDT
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Roberts ZĪLE
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Manon AUBRY
Plenary Speeches (0)
- José GUSMÃO
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Maximilian KRAH
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Carmen AVRAM
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Lídia PEREIRA
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Stéphanie YON-COURTIN
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Marc ANGEL
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Clara PONSATÍ OBIOLS
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Jean-Lin LACAPELLE
Plenary Speeches (0)
- Claude GRUFFAT
Plenary Speeches (0)
| Amendments | Dossier |
| 429 |
2020/2223(INI)
2021/01/08
IMCO
73 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that competition policy is vital to
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Highlights that in a global economy, potential distortion to competition in the internal market emanates from companies established outside the EU; calls on the Commission to enhance global cooperation on competition to provide for a level-playing field with third countries, particularly when it comes to State aid; asks furthermore for unfair trading practices to be addressed effectively, including taking into account social and environmental dumping;
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Acknowledges that third-country companies benefitting from State aid or other subsidies might potentially distort the competition in the internal market; in this regard, calls on the Commission to take appropriate measures to ensure fair market access, in every concerned sector, such as the aviation;
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Recalls that the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union states that Union policies shall ensure a high level of consumer protection;
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 c (new) 1c. Recalls that competition rules protect the integrity of the single market and help create a level playing field for businesses, while also undoubtedly helping to better protect consumer rights and promote innovations;
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 c (new) 1c. Calls on the Commission to assess how competition policy can further contribute to the European Green Deal objectives;
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 d (new) 1d. Notes that the Commission responded to the outbreak of the COVID- 19 crisis by adopting special competition rules which should remain temporary; recalls in this context that state aid guaranteed under the extraordinary circumstances for air transport companies help to protect employees, but this must happen without harming the consumers’ rights;
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Notes the changes both businesses and consumers are facing due to the digital transformation
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Notes the changes both businesses
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Notes the changes both businesses and consumers are facing due to the digital transformation and welcomes the Commission’s focus on modernising its competition policy to adequately tackle
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Notes the changes both businesses and consumers are facing due to the digital transformation and welcomes the Commission’s focus on modernising its competition policy to adequately tackle serious problems and market failures in the
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that competition policy is vital to strengthening and ultimately completing the single market by preventing the distortion of competition, providing a fair and level playing field for all market participants - including the micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) -, enabling the growth of innovative businesses,
Amendment 20 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Notes with concern the growing interest of external actors in strengthening and consolidating their influence in European companies in the context of the crisis caused by the pandemic; calls on the European Commission to closely monitor such trends, and in particular foreign direct investments, in order to ensure and preserve the integrity of the single market;
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Believes that regulatory intervention or imposition of remedies in the competition area not supported by evidence demonstrating proven market failures, infringement of existing rules or significant consumer harm hampers innovation, growth, consumer welfare and investments in the market and may bring other unexpected consequences;
Amendment 22 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Stresses that disproportionate regulatory burdens and unnecessary red tape negatively affect both the competitiveness and the capacity to innovate of European companies, especially SMEs; calls on the Commission to apply the “one in, one out” principle and conduct thorough impact assessment when shaping new legislation;
Amendment 23 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 b (new) 2b. Recalls that 73% of the European Union's GDP is generated by services and that the single market for services is less developed than the single market for goods; considers that competition mechanisms can help strengthen the single market for services; emphasizes further that regulatory obligations must be proportionate and must in no way aim to create unjustified administrative barriers that prevent the further strengthening of the single market and fair competition;
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 c (new) 2c. Notes that the concept of non- economic services of general interest is not defined by European legislation; calls on the European Commission, therefore, to consider how important it would be for the development of competition rules to define the concept of non-economic services of general interest by secondary European legislation;
Amendment 25 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 d (new) 2d. Agrees that competition policy also plays a significant role in the EU’s modern industrial policy, with the aim of rendering European companies more innovative and therefore competitive internationally; stresses, however, that European self-sufficiency in the production of critical equipment such as personal protective equipment is crucial for consumer protection;
Amendment 26 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Recalls that regulating digital markets and strengthen fair competition between market participants by addressing both market failures and unfair business-to business practices constitute
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Recalls that efficient regulating digital markets constitutes a core responsibility of the Committee on Internal Market and
Amendment 28 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Recalls that regulating digital markets constitutes a core responsibility of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection; in this context, highlights the adoption of the P2B Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2019/11501 ) and notes that ex ante regulatory intervention
Amendment 29 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Recalls that regulating digital markets constitutes a core responsibility of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection; in this context, highlights the adoption of the P2B Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2019/11501 ) and notes that ex ante regulatory intervention will address the gaps in ex post competition law enforcement but notes that this intervention must be accompanied by a revised European competition policy; __________________ 1 OJ L 186, 11.7.2019, p. 57.
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that competition policy is vital to strengthening and ultimately completing the single market by providing a fair and level playing field for all market participants, enabling the growth of innovative businesses, ensuring competitiveness of EU companies at global level and guaranteeing a high level of consumer protection and choice; Stresses that consumer welfare must remain the ultimate goal of the competition policy;
Amendment 30 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Recalls that regulating digital markets constitutes a core responsibility of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection; in this context, highlights the adoption of the P2B Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2019/11501 ) and notes that ex ante regulatory intervention will address the gaps in ex post competition law enforcement; welcomes the ambition of the Portuguese Presidency to reach an agreement in the Council regarding the proposal on public country-by-country reporting; urges the Commission and the Council to tackle harmful tax practices of Member States and set a credible list of non-cooperative jurisdictions in order to guarantee a level playing field in the EU; __________________
Amendment 31 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Stresses that the existing competition rules do not sufficiently meet the needs of a functioning single market and therefore welcomes the European Commission's intention to correct irregularities in the digital market through competition policy, inter alia through an ex ante regulatory instrument;
Amendment 32 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Highlights the need to prepare any legislative proposal based on data, in- depth impact assessments, best practices and analyses in order to promote consumer welfare and to avoid unnecessary administrative or regulatory burden;
Amendment 33 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 b (new) 3b. Notes the two legislative initiatives recently proposed by the European Commission: the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA); stresses their important role in complementing and strengthening the competition law enforcement; notes that proposed harmonised rules, better oversight and ex ante obligations will ensure that markets characterised by large platforms acting as digital gatekeepers remain fair and competitive for innovators, businesses, and new market entrants;
Amendment 34 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the importance of a few online operators acting as gatekeepers to the digital economy, including access to e- commerce markets and the consequences on freedom of choice for consumers and access to markets for companies; underlines,
Amendment 35 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the importance of a
Amendment 36 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the importance of a few online operators acting as gatekeepers to the digital economy, including access to e- commerce markets and the consequences on freedom of choice for consumers and access to markets for companies; in this regard particularly emphasizes that out of the 10 000 internet platforms participating in the EU digital market, the seven largest generate as much as 69% of the sector's total revenues; underlines, therefore, the need for an internal market ex ante regulatory instrument to ensure that impacted markets remain fair and competitive
Amendment 37 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the
Amendment 38 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the importance of a few online operators acting as gatekeepers to the digital economy, including access to e- commerce markets and the consequences on freedom of choice for consumers and access to markets for companies, and especially SMEs; underlines, therefore, the need for an internal market ex ante regulatory instrument to ensure that impacted markets remain fair, including as regards competition, and competitive; looks forward to seeing this instrument in the forthcoming Digital Markets Act proposal;
Amendment 39 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the importance of a few online operators acting as gatekeepers to the digital economy, including access to e- commerce markets and the consequences on freedom of choice for consumers and access to markets for companies;
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that competition policy is vital to strengthening and ultimately completing the single market by providing a fair and level playing field for all market participants, enabling the growth of innovative businesses, and guaranteeing a high level of consumer protection and more varied choice;
Amendment 40 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Recalls that profit-seeking behaviour should be accepted and should not be suspected of being anti-competitive without objective and facts-based reason, reminds that unlawful behaviour is often hypercompetitive rather than anti- competitive; reminds that particular offering attracting many consumers because of its convenience is not in itself sufficient ground for concern; calls on the Commission to distinguish those behaviours for antitrust enforcement;
Amendment 41 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Notes that some of the digital market players control ever larger volumes of data; underlines that data is a source of considerable economic power and leverage and therefore, recalls that competition policy is interlinked with taxation policy, and that fair tax treatment between undertakings is essential for the integrity of the internal market;
Amendment 42 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 b (new) 4b. Welcomes the Commission’s efforts to combat unfair competition also in the digital sphere; considers that the fair market players, including SMEs would benefit from the rigorous application of the competition rules; asks the Commission, in this context, to further examine the abuse of dominant position of certain on-line platforms in order to ensure fair competition, boost jobs and sustainable growth;
Amendment 43 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 b (new) 4b. Reminds that if market failures occur, EU State aid rules support the Competition policy objective of rendering European companies more innovative and competitive internationally;
Amendment 44 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 c (new) 4c. Notes the Commission’s White paper on levelling the playing field as regards foreign subsidies; supports the intention to minimize the mirroring retaliation measures at the global level;
Amendment 45 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Notes that the Vertical Block Exemption Regulation has been inadequately adapted to recent market developments, notably the growth of online sales and online platforms; welcomes the impact assessment recently launched by the Commission and calls for further steps to address the issue, without prejudice to legislation on future services and digital markets;
Amendment 46 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Notes that the Vertical Block Exemption Regulation has been inadequately adapted to recent market developments, notably the growth of online sales and online platforms; welcomes the impact assessment recently launched by the Commission and calls for further steps to address the issue; underlines that selective distribution agreements and contractual clauses should not lead to the fragmentation of the Single Market by creating barriers to cross-border trade and distribution; believes that national market segmentation prevents full and fair competition in the Union;
Amendment 47 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Underlines that Territorial Supply Constraints (TSCs) are limitations imposed by a supplier that hinder to obtain goods freely; regrets the anti- competitive effects of persisting territorial supply constraints where retailers and wholesalers are faced with refusals to supply and destination obligations, with a negative impact on consumers who have less choice and pay higher prices; in this context, highlights that suppliers implement TSCs through different practices such as: refusing to supply, threatening to stop supplying a particular distributor, limiting the quantities available for sale, differentiating product ranges and prices between EU Member States or limiting language options for the product packaging; underlines that TSCs are hampering the development of the single market and its potential benefit to consumers; welcomes that the issue has in particular been touched upon in the Communication of the Commission on "A European retail sector fit for the 21st century" and as a follow-up to this Communication, the Commission launched in 2019 a fact-finding into TSCs in the EU retail sector; welcomes that the Commission launched the review of the Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (VBER), and the accompanying Vertical Guidelines; beside that underlines the necessity to take into consideration the interests of SMEs, not least compared to international groups that have the means to deal with complex regulation; also stresses that Territorial Supply Constraints must be incorporated in the Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (VBER) in order to remain consistent with the single market; calls on the Commission to come forth with adequate measures to eliminate territorial supply constraints and thereby reduce barriers to cross-border trade in view of a fully functioning Single Market;
Amendment 48 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 b (new) 5b. Recalls that, in order to fight effectively against anti-competitive practices, all aspects of unfair competition - such as killer acquisitions - must be taken into consideration;
Amendment 49 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 c (new) 5c. Welcomes the Commission's first short-term review of the Geo-blocking Regulation1a and calls on the Commission to continue actively monitoring and remove - with a pro-consumer approach allowing consumers to seamlessly shop across the EU - unjustified geo-blocking and other restrictions on cross-border online sales that persist as identified in the review; encourages the Commission to consider proposing follow-up appropriate measures; __________________ 1a COM(2020) 766 final
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Stresses that competition policy applies only to actors operating on European territory, but that the globalised nature of the economy and trade enables key players to implement global strategies that are not subject to EU legislation and are designed to circumvent it, generating significant economic and social harm in Europe while appearing to meet the objectives of European competition; strongly recommends that these objectives, in particular those of low prices and the strong competition supposedly conducive to creativity, be revised in the light of the costs and destruction that their implementation entails, with the focus shifting to fair prices and equitable development;
Amendment 50 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses the importance of clear
Amendment 51 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses the importance of clear measures to ensure effective enforcement and supervision of competition law at the EU level, especially in the context of fast- moving markets; underlines that the compliance of provisions must be reinforced with effective and proportionate penalties;
Amendment 52 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses the importance of clear measures to ensure effective and efficient enforcement
Amendment 53 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses the importance of clear measures to ensure effective enforcement and supervision of competition law at the EU level; underlines that the compliance of provisions must be reinforced with effective
Amendment 54 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses the importance of clear measures to ensure effective enforcement and supervision of competition law at the EU level; underlines that the compliance of provisions must be reinforced with effective and proportionate penalties; notes that tackling anti-competitive practices such as social and tax dumping in the EU is a prerequisite for a fair single market;
Amendment 55 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses the importance of clear measures to ensure effective enforcement and supervision of competition law at the EU level; underlines that the compliance of provisions must be reinforced with effective and proportionate penalties; urges the Commission to further strengthen the role of the European Consumers Centres Network (ECC-Net) in the spirit of the ECN+ Directive1a with a view to setting up an EU consumers authority; __________________ 1a OJ L 11, 14.1.2019, p.3
Amendment 56 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 – point 1 (new) (1) Stresses the need to apply competition policy in a manner that is consistent with the European social acquis, including respect for the rights defined in the European Social Charter and the European Social Pillar and the relevant ILO Conventions;
Amendment 57 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Underlines that the significant state aid support related to the COVID-19 crisis by some Member States has resulted in a substantial variation in state aid intensity across the EU internal market; strongly encourages the Commission to ensure a balanced application of state aid schemes in order to avoid asymmetries that could endanger free and fair competition in the internal market;
Amendment 58 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Recalls that consumer protection must remain a central policy goal of both current enforcement practices and any future sectoral legislation; underlines that consumer welfare and the prevention of consumer harm must remain essential aspects of competition policy;
Amendment 59 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 b (new) 6b. Encourages the adoption of measures to strengthen European start- ups and SMEs as a means of supporting their competitiveness with non-EU ones, in accordance with the level playing field principle; stresses the need of a proper application of competition policy to third- country companies operating in the EU internal market;
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Stresses that competition rules, consumer welfare and sustainability issues are closely interlinked; highlights therefore the need to address sustainability in shaping EU competition policy tools, especially in its ex-ante regulatory mechanism as well as State Aid guidelines, to be a supporting tool to the objectives of the Green New Deal, Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Paris Agreement, and address market distortions by taking into consideration all aspects of unfair competition, including social and environmental negative externalities;
Amendment 60 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Calls on the Commission to ensure fair
Amendment 61 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Calls on the Commission to ensure fair and secure access to data
Amendment 62 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Calls on the Commission to ensure fair and secure access to data for all market participants without prejudice to the rules laid down by the General Data Protection Regulation; notes that it should empower consumers to control their data and provide them with additional rights in terms of data
Amendment 63 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Calls on the Commission to ensure fair and secure access to data for all market participants, taking current EU data protection legislation into account; notes that it should empower consumers to control their data and provide them with additional rights in terms of data portability and interoperability in order to ensure that the single market for data is based on European values and fair competition.
Amendment 64 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Calls on the Commission to ensure fair and secure access to data for all market participants; notes that it should empower consumers to control their data and provide them with ad
Amendment 65 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Stresses the need to guarantee fair competition in sectors that are essential to the everyday life of citizens, such as food and health sectors, for the benefit of consumers; calls on the Commission to carefully assess the extent and effect of its plans to clarify competition rules within the Farm to Fork Strategy on the economic functioning of the agricultural and food supply chain, taking particular account of the effects on small-scale suppliers and farmers, to make all operators more competitive and fully benefit from the Single Market;
Amendment 66 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Notes that some digital platforms, despite penalties, have repeatedly violated competition rules; stresses that sanctions for infringers must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive; calls, therefore, on the European Commission to examine whether the sanctions currently imposed on the various forms of infringement of competition rules are sufficiently appropriate and dissuasive and whether they meet general and special prevention; furthermore, calls on the Commission to report to the European Parliament in particular on the effectiveness of the application of structural remedies in EU Competition Law.
Amendment 67 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Recalls that consumer welfare is and remain an essential aspect of competition policy; stresses in this perspective that the concept of a ‘fair price’ should not be equated with the lowest consumer price possible, but instead should be reasonable and enable the fair remuneration of all actors; considers that a focus on lowest-possible consumer prices ignores the negative externalities associated with certain types of production;
Amendment 68 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Calls on the Commission to fully consider the recommendations of the Court of Auditors, including improving performance reporting of its enforcement decisions, in order to enhance transparency and accountability to the European Parliament and citizens;
Amendment 69 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Considers that competition policy should also cover ways of improving customs checks on products from third countries;
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Emphasizes in particular that competition and consumer policies complement each other as they both aim to protect consumers and to ensure the normal functioning of the single market; recalls that the New Consumer Agenda presented by the European Commission as one of its objectives envisages the continuation of the fight against consumer scams, unfair marketing practices and fraud;
Amendment 70 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 b (new) 7b. Underlines the risk of market distortions and of generating an uneven playing field due to increased divergences between the levels of State aid support granted by Member States when applying the Temporary State aid Framework during the COVID-19 pandemic; calls on the Commission to undertake in a timely manner a detailed evaluation of its impact on the Single Market and to put forward medium and long term measures with the aim of bridging the gap and supporting European companies, with a particular focus on SMEs;
Amendment 71 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 b (new) 7b. Asks the Commission to include the summaries and statistics of antitrust cases opened and closed in the Member States, including where relevant identified best practices and the total amount of imposed and paid fines for cartels in the Commission´s Annual Report on Competition Policy;
Amendment 72 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 c (new) 7c. Is concerned that the recently revised EU Emission Trading System State aid guidelines may adversely affect the competitiveness of key SME participation-intensive sectors; calls therefore on the Commission to review the methodology and use of certain indicators to guarantee the fair participation of European companies of all sizes in the process towards a cost-effective decarbonisation of the economy;
Amendment 73 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 c (new) 7c. Highlights that State aid in the form of a financial injection for selective market competitors, including the financing of activities with environmental objectives, distorts competition; Recalls that these objectives can also be achieved, for example, by increasing fees for negative externalities.
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Recalls the importance of safeguarding consumers' right to a conscious and safe choice by promoting tools that will ensure the highest level of transparency about the composition and origin of products;
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Underlines the high necessity of rigorous application of competition rules from which SMEs can also benefit;
source: 662.163
2021/02/03
ECON
356 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 a (new) - having regard to the 2030 Greenhouse gas emissions target of the EU as endorsed by the EU leaders in December 2020,
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 18 b (new) - having regard to General Court rulings T-778/16 and T-892/16 regarding the Commission´s tax package,
Amendment 100 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to launch a post COVID-19 roadmap for less and better targeted State aid and analysis of the impact of Covid aid on the Single Market;
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to launch a post COVID-19 roadmap for less and an European Industrial Strategy, based on better targeted State aid;
Amendment 102 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Calls on the Commission urgently to define the concept of economic unit within the Temporary Framework for State aid measures, taking a substantive approach that takes into account the aid needed by individual undertakings irrespective of whether or not they are part of a group; is of the view that a clear definition of 'economic unit' is necessary in order to avoid differences in interpretation among Member States;
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Calls on the Commission to thoroughly assess the imbalances between Member States in the provision of State aid during the temporary regime, with regard to both the 2009 financial crisis and the current COVID-19 crisis; calls on the Commission to publish a historical report on the amount of State aid approved per country and per sector, with in-depth comparisons;
Amendment 105 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6 a. Emphasises the critical moment for the Union’s hospitality industry which has been from an economic and financial perspective the hardest hit throughout the ongoing crisis; in this context applauds state assistance directed towards the sector and calls for an EU policy aimed at reinforcing these efforts;
Amendment 106 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 b (new) 6 b. Calls for a reflection on maintaining exceptional measures beyond the expiry date of the temporary framework for the sectors that have been mostly affected by the COVID-19 crisis (e.g. tourism, air and maritime transports);
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7.
Amendment 108 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Reiterates the priority of ensuring that
Amendment 109 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Reiterates th
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas EU competition policy
Amendment 110 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Reiterates the priority of ensuring that State aid rules are strictly and impartially adhered to, including when dealing with future banking crises,
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Reiterates the priority of ensuring
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Reiterates the priority of ensuring that State aid rules are strictly and impartially adhered to, including when dealing with future banking crises, so that taxpayers are protected against the burden of bank rescues; believes banks receiving state aid should be prohibited to distribute dividends and make bonus payments;
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Stresses that EU funds allocated for the reconstruction of the economies of EU Member States affected by the pandemic must be assigned in accordance with EU competition rules;points out that, particularly with regard to the telecommunications sector, Recovery and Resilience Facility resources should not be assigned to vertically integrated operators which have a monopoly over infrastructure, as this would distort competition from alternative operators and ultimately have a negative impact on consumers; calls on the Commission, to that end, to introduce monitoring and control mechanisms to prevent any distortion of competition rules in the telecommunications sector as a result of the allocation of Recovery and Resilience Facility resources;
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 b (new) 7b. Calls on the Commission, in its revision of the Consumer Credit Directive (CCD), to ensure there is genuine competition between consumer credit operators, which is essential in order to foster post-COVID economic recovery, by promoting, inter alia, ease of access, comparability of offers and transparency in the cost of credit; recommends, in this regard, that a distinction be made, for the purposes of the total cost of the credit, between the direct costs incurred by the economic operators and the indirect costs incurred by consumers (such as taxes and charges for third-party services), which are therefore non-refundable;
Amendment 115 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Calls on the Commission, in its revision of the Consumer Credit Directive (CCD), to ensure there is genuine competition between consumer credit operators, which is essential in order to foster post-COVID-19 economic recovery, by promoting, inter alia, ease of access, comparability of offers and transparency in the cost of credit; recommends, in this regard, that a distinction be made, for the purposes of the total cost of the credit, between the direct costs incurred by the economic operators and the indirect costs incurred by consumers (such as taxes and charges for third-party services), which are therefore non-refundable;
Amendment 116 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Regrets that, despite the suspension of the Stability and Growth Pact, the Commission is continuing its moral suasion by stressing the need for rigour in public finances in the medium term, inducing countries with high levels of government debt to spend less than is necessary to support the economy against the background of an unpredictable crisis; points out that inadequate public intervention during lockdowns can destroy entire sectors of the economy and create deep and lasting structural and social crises;
Amendment 117 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7 a. Stresses that EU aid measures in response to theCOVID-19 crisis, including through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, should not be given to companies that were inefficient and structurally loss making before the Covid- 19 crisis, or favour monopolistic undertakings, notably in critical sectors and which have not committed to a change of behaviour or planned/performed the necessary structural reforms;
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the public money which the Member States and the EU deploy to solve the COVID-19 crisis - including the Recovery and Resilience Facility - does not encourage the formation of monopolistic structures;
Amendment 119 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas EU competition policy is designed to maintain an open market economy with free, fair and effective competition favouring an efficient allocation of resources to the benefit of all EU citizens, especially those in a weak consumer position;
Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 Amendment 121 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Calls
Amendment 122 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Calls
Amendment 123 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Calls for reflection on possible distortions of competition arising from the European Central Bank’s
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Calls for reflection on possible distortions of competition arising from the European Central Bank’s
Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Calls for
Amendment 126 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8.
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Calls for reflection on possible distortions of competition arising from the European Central Bank’s pandemic emergency purchase programme (PEPP) and corporate sector purchasing
Amendment 128 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8 a. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to developing a methodology to ensure that a minimum of 20% is earmarked in the expenditure of Member States’ National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs) for investments in both infrastructure and digital capacities; stresses the need for the allocation of Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) resources through NRRPs to minimise risks of distortions to, or possible adverse effects on, competition; urges the Commission to strengthen its coordination with, and the reporting of, national competent authorities to better monitor the contestability of markets throughout the assessment and implementation of Member States’ NRRPs;
Amendment 129 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8 a. Expresses concern about the interest rates applied by the Commission to the payments for the Next Generation EU debt-financed programme, estimated at EUR 17.4 billion; recalls that the Commission's interest rates reflect a gradual return of the EU’s borrowing costs from their current levels to their averages before the recent decline in interest rates observable since the beginning of 2019; seriously questions whether it is prudent to set an interest rate at Q1 2019 levels under the current monetary and economic circumstances; calls on the Commission to investigate whether such yields are equitable and whether they could distort the bond market;
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas EU competition policy is designed to maintain an open market economy with free, fair and effective competition favouring an efficient allocation of resources; whereas this fundamental objective remains relevant also in crisis conditions;
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8 a. Highlights the reinforcement of 11bn€ to reinforce the endowment of expenditure programmes in the MFF 2021-2027 that will come from a new mechanism linked to the proceeds from fines collected by the Union and will result in automatic additional allocations to the concerned programmes also resulting in a genuine increase of the MFF ceilings on a yearly basis, in line with Parliament’s long-standing demand for such revenues to finance the EU budget;
Amendment 131 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8 a. Recalls on the Commission that the State aid rules must be applied equally to all companies in particular in some strategic EU sectors (as i.e. transports), without any exceptions and regardless of the covid-19 situation in the MSs; stresses that State aids should not be granted to companies that were inefficient and loss making before the Covid-19 crisis.
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Calls on the Commission to explore temporary solutions whereby large corporations operating in online trading and deliveries, which have been excessively rewarded by the restrictions to contain the Coronavirus, can help support traditional retail and catering activities, which, on the contrary, have been heavily penalised;
Amendment 133 #
8 b. Calls on the Commission to ensure and monitor the proper use and distribution of the different EU funding measures in response to the COVID-19 crisis without leading to any distortions of competition, in particular in some critical sectors as telecommunications, energy or transports;
Amendment 134 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8 a. Given the Covid19 economic crisis and the realisation of the existential role of European farmers for our food supply and agriculture sovereignty; calls on the Commission to pay particular attention to any third country anti-competitive practices that risk penalising our agriculture sector and penalise our farmers; the same rules and standards should be requested from third countries when importing agriculture products;
Amendment 135 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 b (new) Amendment 136 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9.
Amendment 137 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Emphasises the importance of an increasingly intense global dialogue and cooperation on competition policy enforcement, especially at the "International Competition Network" ("ICN") level;
Amendment 138 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Emphasises the importance of global dialogue and cooperation on competition policy enforcement and a common approach towards fair competition;
Amendment 139 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Emphasises the importance of a structured global dialogue and cooperation on competition policy enforcement;
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) A a. whereas consumers benefit from competitive markets resulting in lower prices and wider choices of products;
Amendment 140 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Emphasises the importance of global dialogue and cooperation on competition policy enforcement and reform;
Amendment 141 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 a (new) 9 a. Stresses that dedicated cooperation agreements with third countries in the area of competition policy can meaningfully contribute to the effectiveness of competition policy; invites the European Commission to pursue more dedicated competition agreements, that allow for a more effective exchange of information between competition authorities;
Amendment 142 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 a (new) 9 a. Stresses that competition policy decisions should not be used as a form of protectionist measure or non-tariff barrier to trade;
Amendment 143 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 b (new) 9 b. Calls for the EU and the UK to find common ground to continuously cooperate and strive towards fair competition and a level playing field;
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10.
Amendment 145 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Expresses its concern about distortive state-funded competition from
Amendment 146 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Expresses its concern about distortive state-funded competition from
Amendment 147 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Expresses its concern about distortive state-funded competition from
Amendment 148 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Expresses its concern about distortive state-funded competition from
Amendment 149 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10.
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas the Commission responded to the outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis promptly by adopting special temporary competition rules
Amendment 150 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Expresses its concern about distortive state-funded competition from Chinese and other foreign undertakings acquiring European undertakings, especially those active in innovative technologies, and regrets the conclusion of the 'Comprehensive Agreement on Investment' negotiations with China, which fail to take sufficient account of these distortive aspects and of the more important issue of respect for human rights;
Amendment 151 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Expresses its concern about distortive state-funded competition from Chinese and other foreign undertakings acquiring European undertakings, especially those active in innovative technologies and those active in promoting the green recovery, the use of renewable energy, decarbonisation and modernisation towards clean and circular industry;
Amendment 152 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Expresses its concern about distortive state-funded competition from Chinese and other foreign undertakings acquiring European undertakings, especially those active in innovative technologies and those active in promoting the green recovery, the use of renewable energy, decarbonisation and modernisation towards clean and circular industry;
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Expresses its concern about distortive state-funded competition from Chinese and other foreign undertakings acquiring European undertakings, especially those active in innovative technologies and those weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 154 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) Amendment 155 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11.
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Welcomes the Commission’s White Paper on levelling the playing field as regards foreign subsidies; expresses, therefore, its support for legal instruments aimed at addressing the distortive effect of foreign subsidies on the internal market;
Amendment 157 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Welcomes the Commission’s White Paper on levelling the playing field as regards foreign subsidies; calls on the Commission to adopt as soon as possible instruments and policies to better address the distortive effects of foreign ownership and State aid in the internal market;
Amendment 158 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Welcomes the Commission’s White Paper on levelling the playing field as regards foreign subsidies; supports the 3 modules aiming at tackling foreign subsidies, including foreign acquisitions and public procurements; looks forward to the legislative proposal to be presented to further clarify the implementation and articulation with existing tools; recalls that the EU must ensure a level playing field with its international partners in terms of State aid and calls on the Commission to reinforce state aid chapters in future free trade agreements with more constraining rules;
Amendment 159 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Welcomes the Commission’s White Paper on levelling the playing field as regards foreign subsidies as a preliminary step of the instrument that limit unfair competition from entrepreneurs supported by third countries to a greater extent than the current EU regulations allow;
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas the Commission responded to the outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis promptly by adopting special
Amendment 160 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Welcomes the Commission’s White Paper on levelling the playing field as regards foreign subsidies; observes the continues foreign takeover pressure on European companies such as Carrefour; warns that urgent action on the matter is needed;
Amendment 161 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Stresses the need to protect competition on the European market from any form of unfair dumping - be it economic, social, fiscal or environmental - by non-EU economic operators who are not subject to compliance with environmental sustainability and health safety standards similar to those in Europe;
Amendment 162 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11 a. Calls the Commission to support and increase public private parterships with the paper packaging industry in order to promote innovation in support of the milestones of the UE legislation, namely the Single Use Plastic Directive;
Amendment 163 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Stresses the need to protect competition on the European market from any form of unfair dumping - be it economic, social, fiscal or environmental - by non-EU economic operators who are not subject to compliance with sustainability criteria similar to those in Europe;
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Calls on the Commission to adopt State aid instruments and policies in order to prevent possible hostile takeovers of European companies by foreign companies which are being subsidised by other governments, particularly in strategic sectors;
Amendment 165 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11 a. Regrets that the Commission continues to negotiate free trades agreements at any costs;
Amendment 166 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 b (new) 11b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States in this regard, pending consideration of the proposal on the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), to adapt EU trade defence instruments in order to safeguard the public and private investments needed to achieve the EU's ambitious climate targets, while protecting the competitiveness of the industrial sectors involved in the green transition and ensuring the highest standards of consumer health protection and health security;
Amendment 167 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 b (new) 11b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States in this regard, pending consideration of the proposal on the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), to consider how to strengthen EU trade defence instruments to ensure that they can be used to safeguard the public and private investments needed to achieve the EU's ambitious climate targets, while protecting the competitiveness of the industrial sectors involved in the green transition;
Amendment 168 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Is of the opinion that the Union and the Member States need to enhance synergies between targeted EU policies
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Is of the opinion that the Union and the Member States need targeted policies and investments to
Amendment 17 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) B a. whereas exceptional and temporary measures to respond to the pandemic should not be applied in disguise of anticompetitive behaviour, nor be exploited by financially already unhealthy companies to receive additional aid without the necessary and effective restructuring plans and whereas all aid should be designed and granted in an economically and socially responsible manner; whereas in the long run, companies should commit to resume their contribution to sustainable development goals for social, economic and environmental wellbeing and for the fight against climate change;
Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Is of the opinion that the Union and
Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Is of the opinion that the Union and the Member States need targeted policies and investments to reindustrialise and re- shore jobs and value chain activities; notes that an Industrial Strategy based on public investment and public subsidies directed to strategic industries can be crucial for the EU’s reindustrialization process while helping to achieve the green transition targets, thus promoting climate sustainability, employment and economic development;
Amendment 172 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Is of the opinion that the Union and the Member States need targeted policies and investments to reindustrialise and re- shore jobs and value chain activities; points out that these policies and investments should aim to protect and promote, in particular, those sectors and jobs that are involved in protecting consumers' health and achieving the objectives of the Green Deal and in Europe's transition towards a circular economy;
Amendment 173 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Is of the opinion that the Union and the Member States need targeted policies and investments to reindustrialise and re- shore jobs and value chain activities; points out that these policies and investments should aim to protect and promote, in particular, those sectors and jobs that are involved in achieving the objectives of the Green Deal and in the transition towards a circular economy;
Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Is of the opinion that the Union and the Member States need targeted policies and investments to reindustrialise and re- shore jobs and value chain activities; considers it a matter of priority in this regard to eliminate the austerity constraints inherent in the Stability and Growth Pact;
Amendment 175 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Calls for, accordingly, strong support for investment in research and development by European industry, as part of the transition to a sustainable development model based on renewable and recyclable energy and materials, aimed at supporting the competitiveness of European industry vis-à-vis non-EU competitors whose production processes are not subject to the same ambitious environmental sustainability criteria as those determined at the EU level;
Amendment 176 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Calls for, accordingly, strong support for investment in research and development and for technological innovation of products and production processes by European industry, as part of the transition to a sustainable development model based on renewable and recyclable energy and materials, aimed at supporting the competitiveness of European industry vis-à-vis non-EU competitors whose production processes are not subject to the same ambitious environmental sustainability criteria as those determined at the EU level;
Amendment 177 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13.
Amendment 178 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Invites the Commission to identify strategic dependencies, particularly in sensitive industrial ecosystems, and to propose measures to reduce these, including by diversifying production and supply chains, fostering production and investment in Europe, allowing greater space for public investment at Member State level and ensuring strategic stockpiling;
Amendment 179 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13a. Reiterates the need, in this regard, to promote technologies and production policies at EU level that lead to a significantly reduced environmental impact, giving particular priority to scientific end-of-life assessments using objective, measurable and shared parameters that take account of the entire value chain;
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) Ba. whereas there is a need to remedy this serious disturbance through the targeted use of aid instruments, in order to promote employment and business competitiveness;
Amendment 180 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13 a. Calls the Commission to work on programmes with the paper packaging industry to enable the industry to continue its pro-innovation goals and achieve best enviromental outcomes;
Amendment 181 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) Amendment 182 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 Amendment 183 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Supports the inclusion in EU competition rules of a thorough State aid check on undertakings from third countries, while stressing that the Union should remain open to foreign direct investments complying with its legal framework and respect European social and environmental standards;
Amendment 184 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Supports the inclusion in EU competition rules of a thorough State aid check on undertakings from third countries, while stressing that the Union should remain open to foreign direct investments complying with its legal framework and not distorting competition;
Amendment 185 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14 a. Supports the Commission’s strategy to eliminate the negative effects caused by extraterritorial measures of foreign countries on the EU supply chain and Internal Market;
Amendment 186 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14 a. Welcomes the entry into force of regulation 2019/452 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2019 establishing a framework for the screening of foreign direct investments into the Union;
Amendment 187 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14 a. Reiterates its support for international trade and investment agreements to include strong competition sections;
Amendment 188 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14 a. Calls for a spillover analysis of EU state aid rules on the competitiveness of low and middle-income countries;
Amendment 189 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 b (new) 14 b. Reiterates its call to the Commission and Member States to adopt reinforced trade defence instruments to combat unfair trade practices; calls, therefore, for unfair trading practices to be addressed effectively by making full use of the available instruments, including taking into account social and environmental dumping and developing new effective tools to tackle the distortive effects of foreign state ownership and subsidies in the internal market;
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) B a. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the pace of digitalisation;
Amendment 190 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 b (new) 14 b. Supports an active participation of the Commission and the NCAs in the International Competition Network;
Amendment 191 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 c (new) 14 c. Regrets that the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation agreement does not provide for a full level playing field as regards state aid and competition; notes with concern that compared to other trade agreements, such as with Switzerland, the EU-UK agreement is weaker;
Amendment 192 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 c (new) 14 c. Considers that abuse of market power can take place even when products or services are supplied for free;
Amendment 193 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 d (new) 14 d. Calls on the Commission to ensure reciprocity with third countries, including in the respect of social and environmental standards, in public procurement and in investment policy; calls for the finalization of the EU’s international procurement instrument by 2021;
Amendment 194 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15.
Amendment 195 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Welcomes the Commission’s determination to address unfair terms and practices of platforms acting as gatekeepers, act decisively, and eliminate illegitimate obstacles to online competition in the European digital single market; regrets the slowness of antitrust investigations compared to fast-moving digital markets;
Amendment 196 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) 15 a. Highlights the importance of a European competition policy design fit to tackle new challenges linked to the use of data, algorithms and fast-moving markets in an increasingly digital environment, as well as strengthening cooperation networks between Member States' authorities and the Commission to support fair competition in the single market;
Amendment 197 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) 15 a. Regrets the slowness of some antitrust investigations compared to the fast-moving digital markets; underlines that the Google Shopping case started on the 30th November 20101a, stresses the damaging effect resulting from this situation and the financial consequences to which some actors have and are being exposed; _________________ 1a https://ec.europa.eu/competition/elojade/is ef/case_details.cfm?proc_code=1_39740
Amendment 198 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) 15 a. Stresses the importance of clear measures to ensure effective enforcement and supervision of competition law at the EU level, especially in the context of fast- moving markets; underlines that the compliance of provisions must be reinforced with effective and proportionate penalties;
Amendment 199 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 b (new) 15 b. Regrets that ten years after the opening of an investigation into Google search bias practices, the European Commission has still not completed the investigation; notes that antitrust enforcement actions in the United States of America by the Department of Justice and the Attorney Generals capture a wide range of Google's anti-competitive practices; deplores the limited scope of EU enforcement action which fails to protect European consumers; notes that the remedies proposed by Google have been rejected as inefficient by market players and consumer organisations across Europe; calls on the European Commission to file antitrust charges against Google for abuse of dominance in other specialised search services, including local search;
Amendment 2 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 b (new) - having regard to the Commission Communication and roadmap of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal2a, _________________ 2ahttps://eur- lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:b 828d165-1c22-11ea-8c1f- 01aa75ed71a1.0002.02/DOC_1&format= PDF
Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B b (new) B b. whereas competition policy should address efficiently social, digital and environmental challenges, and must be in line with the priorities outlined in the European Green Deal and the objectives of the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 200 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) 15 a. Considers that in the digital economy, the concentration of data in a small number of companies leads to market failures, excessive rent extraction and blocking of new entrants;
Amendment 201 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Considers, while acknowledging efforts made, that problems linked to large technology undertakings’ excessive market dominance have so far been insufficiently addressed and need to be resolved urgently; welcomes in that context the Commission's proposals for a Digital Services Act and a Digital Markets Act;
Amendment 202 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) Amendment 203 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16 a. Recognises the challenges ahead for competition policy making and enforcement related to, inter alia, network effects, the concentration, aggregation and use of data in zero-priced markets, and pricing algorithms;
Amendment 204 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16 a. Looks forward to seeing how the DMA and DSA will resolve in practice the structuring of big platforms and ensure adequate market oversight enabling intervention before a dominant position is established;
Amendment 205 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 b (new) 16 b. Calls on the Commission to give due attention and careful consideration to structural competition problems relating to gatekeeping positions of incumbent payment networks, taking due account of their strategic importance and central role in the digital economy, which have only grown during the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 206 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 Amendment 207 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17.
Amendment 208 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Takes the view that new competition tools
Amendment 209 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Takes the view that new competition tools
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B c (new) B c. whereas the rapid emergence and evolution of digital markets poses new challenges to the effectiveness of competition policy, especially in the field of antitrust rules where so far, ex ante interventions are not allowed;
Amendment 210 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17.
Amendment 211 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Takes the view that new competition tools might be needed to deal with structural competition problems across digital markets which current rules cannot address in the most effective manner and calls for careful Commission surveillance on these markets so as to be able to act fast on major issues and legal loopholes;
Amendment 212 #
17. Takes the view that new competition tools might be needed to deal with structural competition problems across digital markets which current rules cannot address in the most effective manner; stresses the role of the European Competition Network to share best practices in this regard;
Amendment 213 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 a (new) 17 a. Notes that fines issued by competition authorities have often failed to have a deterring effect for large technology companies as they are merely considered as costs of doing business;
Amendment 214 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 b (new) 17 b. Stresses the need to look into the possibility of making more frequent use of precautionary measures to adapt to the rapid development of new markets and to stop any practice which would seriously harm competition;
Amendment 215 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18.
Amendment 216 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18.
Amendment 217 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18.
Amendment 218 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Calls on the Commission to consider proposals to prohibit platforms from engaging in self-preferencing business practices (including mandatory bundling/pre-installation) or operating in lines of business that depend on or interoperate with the platform, as well as to require platforms to make their
Amendment 219 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Calls on the Commission to consider proposals to prohibit platforms from engaging in self-preferencing or operating in lines of business that depend on or interoperate with the platform, as well as to require platforms to make their services compatible with competing networks to allow for interoperability, including of core services, and data portability;
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B d (new) B d. whereas data scandals, investigations and evidence have shown how personal date is being collected and stored often in an excessive data storage manner, as well as used and sold to third parties by platforms and how dominant technology players and platforms have been tracking consumers online systematically;
Amendment 220 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Calls on the Commission to consider proposals to prohibit platforms from engaging in self-preferencing or operating in lines of business that depend on or interoperate with the platform, as well as to require platforms to make their services compatible with competing networks to allow for interoperability and
Amendment 221 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Calls on the Commission to consider proposals to prohibit platforms from engaging in self-preferencing or operating in lines of business that depend on or interoperate with the platform, as well as to require platforms to make their services compatible with competing networks to allow for interoperability and data portability; moreover, the toolbox of the Commission as future DMA regulator should include the ability to ban abusive self-preferencing practices in the form of default settings; the Commission should have the ability to force a gatekeeping platform to substitute certain default settings by an effective and objective consumer choice architecture;
Amendment 222 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18 a. Recalls that data driven advantages linked to data sharing and data selling, but also services set as default settings risk conferring some companies the position of a so-called “gatekeeper” in the digital markets and need to be addressed effectively by the DMA and DSA;
Amendment 223 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18 a. Calls for further EU action as regards the lack of interoperability of digital devises with the aim of avoiding the situation whereby consumers are locked with one provider;
Amendment 224 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Considers that the structural unbundling of Big Tech monopolies is
Amendment 225 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Considers that
Amendment 226 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Considers that the structural unbundling of Big Tech monopolies is desirable for restoring competition in digital markets given the limits of fines and the failure of passed behavioural remedies in certain antitrust cases;
Amendment 227 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Considers that the structural unbundling of Big Tech monopolies is desirable for restoring competition in digital markets, guaranteeing greater transparency in terms of data management and consumer protection;
Amendment 228 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Considers that the structural unbundling of Big Tech monopolies is desirable for restoring competition in digital markets; calls on the Commission to consider proposals for real-time disclosures and standardised data monetisation reporting for platform activities including, but not limited to, online advertising and e-commerce in order to prevent possible risks of distortions to competition;
Amendment 229 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 a (new) Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas smart reconciliation of the Union’s competition rules with its industrial and international trade policies is essential for re
Amendment 230 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 a (new) 19 a. Calls on the Commission to make a more regular use of interim measures to stop practices that would seriously harm competition and markets; Regrets that they have been used only once in 20 years;
Amendment 231 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 Amendment 232 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 Amendment 233 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20.
Amendment 234 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20.
Amendment 235 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20.
Amendment 236 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20.
Amendment 237 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20.
Amendment 238 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20.
Amendment 239 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 a (new) 20 a. Calls on the Commission to clarify the supervision of the upcoming Digital Markets Act with a special unit within the European Commission as well as an European forum, following the example of the European Competition Network, encompassing National Competition Authorities, national sectoral regulators, European Data Supervisory Board and consumer organisations in order to have a comprehensive and real time overview of online market developments and harmful practices while making the most of existing useful resources;
Amendment 24 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas smart reconciliation of the Union’s competition rules with its industrial, environmental, digital and international trade policies is essential for ensuring a level playing field in all sectors, re-shoring value chain activities and bolstering global competitiveness;
Amendment 240 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 a (new) 20 a. Insists on the enforcement framework in the DMA; as regulator, the Commission should be sufficiently resourced and the process should be participatory among all actors; the identification of remedies should not be left to the sole appreciation of the incriminated company but instead be subject to a strict compliance mechanism;
Amendment 241 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 a (new) 20 a. Considers that the DMA proposal should not jeopardize the proper enforcement of competition law already in force nor prevent the Commission from making full use of its existing tools in competition enforcement; refers in this regard to pending concerns on the Android decision and insufficient competition in online search;
Amendment 242 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 b (new) 20 b. Calls on the Commission make full use of its competition policy instruments to guarantee a fair level playing field and by addressing potential gatekeeper effects with regards to access to key enabling technologies for artificial intelligence and data;
Amendment 243 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 b (new) 20 b. Highlights the importance of an adequate enforcement framework in the future DMA, whereby the design of remedies should not be left to the sole appreciation of the incriminated company but instead be subject to a strict compliance mechanism;
Amendment 244 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 c (new) 20 c. Considers that the toolbox of the Commission as future DMA regulator should include the ability to ban abusive self-preferencing practices in the form of default settings; expresses its support for entrusting the Commission with the ability to force a gatekeeping platform to substitute certain default settings by an effective and objective consumer choice architecture, thus putting consumers in the driving seat;
Amendment 245 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Considers that Parliament should play an active role in the political debate on competition policy
Amendment 246 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Considers that Parliament should play an active role in the political debate on competition policy, including through
Amendment 247 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Considers that Parliament should play an active role in the political debate on competition policy, including through organising a public hearing with the CEOs of GAFA (Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple) on their corporate strategies in the field of competition and taxation practices;
Amendment 248 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Considers that Parliament should play an active role in the political debate on competition policy, including through organising a public hearing with the CEOs of GAFA (Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Huawei, Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung);
Amendment 249 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Considers that Parliament should play an active role in the political debate
Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas a smart reconciliation of the Union’s competition rules with its industrial and international trade policies is essential for re-shoring value chain activities and bolstering global competitiveness, thus contributing to an SME-friendly trade environment;
Amendment 250 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 a (new) 21 a. Further encourages the structured dialogues with the Executive Vice- President for Competition and the efforts by the Commission to maintain close co- operation with the members of Parliament’s competent committee; considers the Commission’s annual report on competition policy an indispensable exercise in terms of democratic scrutiny; recalls that in recent years Parliament has been involved through the ordinary legislative procedure in shaping the framework for competition rules; notes that Parliament should begiven co- decision powers to shape the framework for competition rules; recalls its previous request to amend the treaties accordingly;
Amendment 251 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 a (new) 21 a. Recalls EU General Court rulings T-778/16 and T-892/16 regarding the Commission´s tax package; notes that the Court ruled that the incomplete and occasionally inconsistent nature of tax rules are not, in themselves, sufficient proof of the existence of an advantage for the purposes of Article 107(1) TFEU; underlines that the Commission did not succeed in showing to the requisite legal standard that there was an advantage for the purposes of Article 107(1) TFEU;
Amendment 252 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Stresses the importance of helping consumers and users to gain greater control over, and take responsibility for, their own data and identity, and calls for a high level of protection of personal data while increasing the levels of transparency and accountability of digital services; calls in this regard for a mandatory data sharing framework providing consumers with tools to rightfully take ownership and manage their own data in a simpler and more effective manner;
Amendment 253 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Stresses the importance of helping consumers and users to gain greater control over, and take responsibility for, their own data and identity, and calls for a high level of protection of personal data while increasing the levels of transparency and accountability of digital services; recalls that consumers have no other choice than giving their consent if they do not want to lose access to some services offered by online platforms;
Amendment 254 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 a (new) 22 a. Calls on the Commission to review its merger and acquisition rules when it comes to assessing personal data; calls, in particular, on the Commission to fully consider and assess personal data assets as all other traditional physical assets when it decides on digital mergers and acquisitions; invites the Commission to learn from recent mergers such as Facebook and WhatsApp or Google and Fitbit acquisitions;
Amendment 255 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 a (new) 22 a. Calls on the Commission to review its merger and acquisition guidelines when it comes to assessing personal data; calls on the Commission to fully consider personal data assets as all other traditional physical assets when it decides on digital mergers and acquisitions; Urges the European Commission to take a broader view when evaluating digital mergers and assess the damaging effects of data concentration;
Amendment 256 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 b (new) 22 b. Regrets the European Commission's decision to approve Google’s takeover of wearable fitness device company Fitbit; notes that the remedies proposed by Google and endorsed by the European Commission are insufficient to ensure effective competition in wearables and digital health, which are becoming increasingly important in consumers’ lives; urges the European Commission to take a broader view when evaluating digital mergers and assess the impact of data consolidation; notes that the acquisition of targets with specific data resources can bring about a concentration in control over valuable and non-replicable data resources and result in better data access for the merging parties than for their competitors; stresses that data consolidation via mergers may strengthen a dominant position or allow the acquiring entity to leverage market power, and sometimes raise foreclosure concerns;
Amendment 257 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 b (new) 22 b. Notes that in several specific markets for financial data (credit rating, financial indices, consolidated feeds…), there are multiple vendors and, although none of them has a dominant market share, competition remains very low; notes also that some financial market data vendors positioned as data aggregators could act as gatekeepers and as such could control access to data and restrict usage for customers; calls on the Commission to assess those oligopolistic and gatekeepers situations and develop measures restoring competition, supporting price transparency and avoiding unfair and unreasonable commercial practices;
Amendment 258 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 c (new) 22 c. Calls on the Commission to update its antitrust tools especially on merger control and adequate them to new realities of digital and technology markets and to change the assessment of market power, merger notification thresholds, measurement of merger effects on consumer privacy, industrial data and investigation of abuse of dominant position;
Amendment 259 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 d (new) 22 d. Calls on the Commission to investigate the advertising technology at the heart of big tech companies business model, in particular asks the Commission to look into how Google and Facebook are collecting, accessing, processing, using and monetising personal data. Moreover, calls the Commission to investigate Google’s practices in the advertising technology (“ad tech”) value chain, and its position in relation to advertisers, publishers and intermediaries, and competitors in search advertising, display advertising and ad tech services;
Amendment 26 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) C a. whereas the increasing challenges of competing with a deeply subsidised big economy like the Chinese one require measures to strengthen EU companies facing non-EU competitors;
Amendment 260 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 Amendment 261 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Calls for the Union’s infrastructure and operational resilience capacity in critical digital sectors to be enhanced;
Amendment 262 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Calls for the Union’s infrastructure capacity in critical digital sectors to be enhanced; emphasises the need for harmonised operational and security standards to empower cross-border synergies and digital infrastructure development; notes with concern the inherent risk of monopolistic dynamics to emerge in the network and digital infrastructure markets; considers sustainable competition in the aforementioned markets vital for Europe’s digital transition, economic recovery and competitiveness;
Amendment 263 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Calls for the Union’s infrastructure capacity in critical digital sectors to be enhanced; including by encouraging fair competition and promoting fair software licensing principles in European cloud markets;
Amendment 264 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 a (new) 23a. Stresses that competition and the avoidance of monopolistic structures is important in order to improve infrastructure and connectivity;
Amendment 265 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Calls on the Commission to
Amendment 266 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Calls on the Commission to ensure that the notion of ‘abuse of dominant position’ and the ‘essential facilities’ doctrine remain fit for the purpose in the digital age; invites the European Commission to consider complementing the concept of dominance with concepts such as dependency and/or relative market power;
Amendment 267 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 a (new) 24 a. Notes that some oligopolistic structures have developed in the area of financial services, and also that some large technology undertakings have become important players in the financial services market; calls on the Commission to monitor and investigate how the competitive advantages inherent to these operators may distort competition in the market, and harm the interests of consumers and innovation;
Amendment 268 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 a (new) 25 a. Recalls, with view to its report on competition policy 2019 (2019/2131 (INI))2a that abuse of market power can take place even when products or services are supplied for free or in exchange of private data; believes that the passing on of private data to third parties for marketing or commercial purposes is frequently done without the consumer’s proper consent, as alternatives to sharing data are often not provided; considers that in the digital economy, the concentration of data in a small number of companies leads to market failures, excessive rent extraction and a blocking of new entrants; _________________ 2a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/doc ument/A-9-2020-0022_EN.html
Amendment 269 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 a (new) 25 a. Welcomes the investigation of the Commission into Google’s online advertising ecosystem; Emphasises the importance of investigating the process in which Google matches advertisers with websites that offer space for displaying advertising, so-called real-time bidding systems; highlights the absence of adequate measures against advertising intermediaries in the draft Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, lacking coherence of the Commission's policy;
Amendment 27 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) C a. whereas the European Council endorsed a new binding 2030 target of a net domestic reduction of at least 55% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990;
Amendment 270 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 a (new) 25 a. Points out the need for the Commission to allocate adequate resources to be able to effectively enforce EU competition rules; notes the need to ensure specific expertise on digital issues and online platforms practices with behavioural economists, algorithms specialists, engineers and data scientists; underlines the need to ensure a swift cooperation with national competition authorities and build on their growing expertise;
Amendment 271 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 a (new) 25a. Notes with concern an increasing fragmentation and divergence in the Member States' telecommunications policies and fears that this will undermine the common market, and calls on the Commission to prevent attempts to re- monopolise the European telecommunications markets in some Member States;
Amendment 272 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 a (new) 25 a. Highlights the importance of reforming the current taxation system and develop an effective digital tax, so that digital multinationals finally pay their fair share of taxes in the countries in which a part of their value is created;
Amendment 273 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 a (new) 25 a. Emphasises the need to monitor price caps, for example in sectors such as online platforms for accommodation and tourism;
Amendment 274 #
Motion for a resolution Subheading 4 a (new) Competition rules supporting the European Green Deal;
Amendment 275 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 a (new) 25 a. Notes that to ensure the competition policy’s alignment with the European Green Deal, the state aid regime must be revised, taking the Union’s 2050 climate neutrality and new 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, as well as zero pollution and circular economy strategies into account; notes that mobilising investments at the scale needed to meet the 2030 emission targets will require in certain appropriate cases the provision of state aid as recognised by the Commission; calls therefore on the Commission to make sure that the alignment to the Green Deal should be reflected on all state aid regulations and not only on those for environmental protection and energy;
Amendment 276 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 b (new) 25 b. Welcomes the implementation of Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) such as the European Battery Alliance; calls on the Commission to further promote major IPCEIs in disruptive technologies, to simplify the relevant provisions and to streamline its requirements so that smaller industrial research projects are also approved;
Amendment 277 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 c (new) 25 c. Calls on the Commission, as part of its upcoming revision of the Guidelines on State aid for environmental protection and energy to include nuclear energy fossil fuels and subject aid granted to them to strict necessity tests; calls furthermore on the Commission to provide for greater flexibility for aid granted to citizen-generated renewable energy in line with the EU’s climate commitments, notably concerning thresholds and technology neutrality for tendering procedures; underlines that further guidance is needed on repowering, hybrid projects and electricity storage;
Amendment 278 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 d (new) 25 d. Underlines the existing market failures to trigger the necessary investments in energy efficiency and savings, especially in the building sector; notes that renovation models such as those proposed by energy service companies (ESCOs) have proven successful in achieving benefits; deplores however that the General Block Exemption Regulation and existing guidelines provide little guidance on state aid in this context; calls therefore on the Commission to provide further guidance and an enabling framework for further investments in energy efficiency and building renovation;
Amendment 279 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 e (new) 25 e. Calls on the Commission to review its guidelines on state aid for airports and airlines, in order to align them with EU’s climate commitments and the Paris Agreement; urges the Commission to not extend the transitional period, from 2014 to 2024, in which airports can receive operating aid, preferably this transitional period should end in 2022; calls on the Commission to exclude from the scope of the General Block Exceptions Regulation aid granted to airports and ports;
Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C b (new) C b. whereas an open market architecture in trading and clearing allowing for genuine competition amongst market infrastructures is key for preserving and strengthening the resilience of EU capital markets, incentivising market-led innovations, and thus delivering better outcomes for pensioners, businesses and investors;
Amendment 280 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 f (new) 25 f. Recalls the need for a roadmap for better-targeted state aid especially for the delivery of services of general economic interest including energy, transport or telecommunications;
Amendment 281 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 g (new) 25 g. Calls on the Commission to continue its in-depth analysis on the extent and effect of buying alliances on the economic functioning of the agricultural and food supply chain, taking particular account of the effects on small suppliers;
Amendment 282 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 h (new) Amendment 283 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 i (new) 25 i. Considers that competition policy should better integrate the value of public good in food pricing in light of the growing demand for more sustainable food systems; calls for EU competition policy to consider broader consumers' interests, beyond the factor of price alone; calls on the Commission to provide, in the context of the revision of the horizontal guidelines, legal certainty for horizontal and vertical cooperation initiatives with the aim of improving factors such as sustainability and fair labour standards in the food supply chain on the conditions under which such arrangements are admissible;
Amendment 284 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 j (new) 25 j. Reiterates its call for coal regions to be identified as assisted areas in accordance with Article 107(3) (a) and (c) of the TFEU and for EU aid rules for these special regions to be adapted so as to enable measures to be taken to deal with structural change; insists that coal mining companies and coal power plant operators having received and still receiving public support for mining and burning coal must not be subject to a privileged state-aid treatment, including for traditional corporate responsibility activities such as ground water restoration, landscape refurbishment or other cleaning-up sites related activities; calls on the Commission to provide clear guidance and conditionality in line with EU climate commitments;
Amendment 285 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 26. Notes that State aid policy is an integral part of competition policy and that State aid control
Amendment 286 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 a (new) 26a. Considers that aid for maintaining employment and achieving full employment, which is necessary to compensate for the external diseconomies present in areas that are considerably lagging behind, is also consistent and coherent;
Amendment 287 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 a (new) 26 a. Repeats its calls that allowing state aid in the context of services of general economic interest (SGEI) remains essential for the survival of several communities across Europe especially in the context of state support dedicated to isolated, remote or peripheral regions in the Union;
Amendment 288 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 a (new) Amendment 289 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 b (new) 26 b. Welcomes the Commission’s open consultation regarding government subsidies (small amounts) for essential public services and the eventual extension of rules to 2023;
Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C b (new) C b. whereas full coherence between the Union’s policy goals in the framework of the Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals on the one hand and competition rules on the other is necessary;
Amendment 290 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 c (new) 26 c. Is concerned about the untimely revision proposals in the context of the new Regional Aid Guidelines 2022 -2027 whereby the Commission is aiming at reducing population coverage; notes that this proposal will especially impact in a negative manner European peripheral regions that have already been disproportionately affected by the ongoing economic downfall;
Amendment 291 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 d (new) 26 d. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to launch a territorial assessment on the socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 crisis in the context of the application of state aid rules and the relevant ongoing revision process; in this regard, special attention should be paid to analyse impacts on enterprises based in EU islands and outermost regions according to the provisions of Articles 174 and 349 TFEU;
Amendment 292 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 Amendment 293 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Calls on the Commission to give careful consideration to sectors which are the basis of many other industries, as well as the Union’s social
Amendment 294 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Calls on the Commission to give careful consideration to sectors which are the basis of many other industries, as well as the Union’s social and economic value chain; is concerned that
Amendment 295 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Calls on the Commission to give due attention and careful consideration to sectors and subsectors which are the basis of many other industries, as well as the Union’s social and economic value chain; is concerned that insufficient attention for the trade intensity criterion and the aggregate impact of climate-related costs (direct and indirect), and excluding too large a number of s
Amendment 296 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 a (new) 27 a. Reiterates that taxation is sometimes used to grant indirect State aid, creating an uneven playing field in the internal market; deplores the abuse of tax rulings, points out that royalties as a financial product do not only risk to facilitate money laundering but also to undermine competition in the single market; recalls that aggressive tax planning does not solely harm fair competition but also undermines the proper functioning of social systems in general; insists that the Commission has access to the information exchanged between the Member States’ tax authorities so as to better detect violations of competition rules; recalls that examination by the Commission of a tax ruling under a State aid point of view does not constitute tax harmonisation;
Amendment 297 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 a (new) 27 a. In this context, it seems necessary to change the approach to energy- intensive industries. Taking into account the need for much greater control and sovereignty of the EU and its Member States in value chains, energy-intensive industries should also be supported in order to be able to undergo the climate transformation in such away as to avoid the carbon leakage;
Amendment 298 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 a (new) 27 a. Considers that the revision of General Block Exemption Regulation could better support the greening the economy; calls on the Commission to increase the aid intensity for Research and Innovation as well as consider increasing the maximum aid intensity to reward projects for their positive externalities for the environment or for the overall energy system;
Amendment 299 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 a (new) 27 a. Considers that State aid policies also have the potential to bring a significant contribution in reaching Green Deal long term objectives, introducing new state aid instruments in order to increase the incentive effect and bring more flexibility towards the transition to a climate-neutral economy;
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 c (new) - having regard to the Commission Communication of 20 May 2020 on EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 to protect the fragile natural resources on our planet3a, _________________ 3ahttps://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52020 DC0380&qid=1612254399004
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) D a. whereas given that recent data scandals, investigations and evidence have shown how personal data is being collected, used and sold to third parties by platforms and how dominant technology players and platforms have been tracking consumers online systematically;
Amendment 300 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 b (new) 27 b. Welcomes the consultation launched on competition supporting the Green Deal to better take into account the green and sustainable efficiencies when dealing with state aid, mergers control and antitrust rules; believes that the revision of the Environment and Energy Aid Guidelines should put in place concrete incentives and conditions to continue on the path of decarbonization and revitalization of the economy by 2050 and should take into account broader policy objectives such as climate ambition, resilience and security of supply; stresses the need for the Commission to prevent any potential negative side-effects where larger companies use public aid granted in view of ‘greening’ their business models for other objectives such as reinforcing its dominant position in a given sector;
Amendment 301 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 c (new) 27 c. Supports the carbon border adjustment mechanism to prevent carbon leakage as it helps ensure a level playing field between producers inside and outside the EU, and enhance transition to climate neutral modes of productions;
Amendment 302 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 28. Notes with concern that the recovery of illegal State aid remains a lengthy and cumbersome process; calls on the Commission to impose a new framework for fines, including the possibility for fines on member states;
Amendment 303 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 a (new) 28 a. Recalls the state-aid complaint tabled in 2019 on the confidential tax ruling of the Dutch revenue service and Royal Dutch Shell Plc, letting the latter route its shares through a trust in the Channel Island of Jersey to avoid tax on dividends; recalls that the complaint states the ruling is at odds with the Dutch law on dividend tax of 1965; regrets that no public investigation has started or decision has been taken since the complaint was lodged; calls on the Commission to investigate the Shell complaint and publicly communicates about it;
Amendment 304 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 a (new) 28 a. Stresses the importance of state aid framework for important projects of common European interest (IPCEI) to allow massive investments in breakthrough technologies; calls on the Commission with regards to the upcoming revision of the IPCEI Communication to clarify selection rules for these projects, to revise some implementation criteria as well as to allow the possibility to more easily mobilize co-financing from the EU, in particular to facilitate the participation of partners from small Member States;
Amendment 305 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 a (new) 28 a. Welcomes the Commission repeal of the Apple ruling; Is of the opinion that the Apple case shows once more the need for sound state aid rules, taking into account beneficial tax regimes; repeats its call for a minimum effective tax rate and a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB) and public country-by- country reporting (pCBCR); awaits the results of the ongoing international negotiations on a digital tax;
Amendment 306 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 a (new) 28 a. Regrets Commissioner Vestager's comments in Handelsblatt of 1 December 2020, attacking German budgetary policies; underlines that bad budgetary policies in other Member States should not affect the discretion of Member States with sound budgetary policies to provide State Aid;
Amendment 307 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 a (new) 28 a. Recalls that, in order to help SMEs cope with the greater challenges of entering new markets and enable them to compete on their own merits, EU trade and competition policy should contribute to an SME-friendly trade environment;
Amendment 308 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 b (new) 28 b. Stresses that the concept of a ‘fair price’ should not be equated with the lowest consumer price possible, but instead should be reasonable and enable the fair remuneration of all actors; considers that a focus on lowest-possible consumer prices ignores the negative externalities associated with certain types of production; stresses that consumers have interests beyond low prices alone, such as environmental sustainability or quality and nutritional value of food;
Amendment 309 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 b (new) 28 b. Calls on the Commission to inform the European Parliament on the allocation of human resources between State aid control, merger control and antitrust; acknowledges the extra workload regarding State aid control due to the pandemic but calls on the Commission to ensure a reasonable allocation of resources to ensure that all aspects of competition policy are treated equally;
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) D a. whereas analysts predict1a Amazon, Facebook and Alphabet Inc. (Google) will collectively capture 61% of all digital advertising in 2021, representing a doubling of share since 2015; _________________ 1aGroupMWorldwide, Inc. (2020), This Year Next Year: The End-Of-Year Forecasts December 2020. https://www.groupm.com/this-year-next- year-global-end-of-year-forecast-2020/
Amendment 310 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 29.
Amendment 311 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 29. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to review its 1997 Notice 97/C 372/03 on the definition of relevant market in the Commission’s merger and antitrust enforcement; encourages the Commission, on a case-by-case basis, to take into account a longer-term vision encompassing the global dimension and potential future competition in its competitive assessments; recalls in that sense that in cases of mergers, the Commission should not only look at prices, output and innovation but also pays attention to the social and environmental costs of such transactions in light of TFEU principles, and to pay particular attention to environment protection;
Amendment 312 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 29. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to review its 1997 Notice 97/C 372/03 on the definition of relevant market in the Commission’s merger and antitrust enforcement; encourages the Commission, on a case-by-case basis, to take into account a longer-term vision encompassing the global dimension and potential future competition in its competitive assessments; calls on the Commission to adopt a more dynamic approach when revising the 1997 Communication on market definition, making the innovation criteria as a core element of the relevant market analysis when it comes to European merger control;
Amendment 313 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 29. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to review its 1997 Notice 97/C 372/03 on the definition of relevant market in the Commission’s merger and antitrust enforcement; encourages the Commission, on a case-by-case basis, to take into account a longer-term vision encompassing the global dimension and potential future competition in its competitive assessments; highlights that in the past, the Commission's definition of the relevant market might have been too narrow to sufficiently take into account dynamic competition in global markets;
Amendment 314 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 a (new) 29 a. Calls on the Commission to revise mergers guidelines to take into account efficiency gains linked to mergers, including the challenge of EU industrial competitiveness; Welcomes the role of the Priorities and Strategic Coordination Unit at DG COMP in order to draw on the expertise of all the Commission’s DG during the investigation of cases by the DG Competition; believes that expertise of the Commission's industrial or sectoral strategy could be strengthened in support of the DG Competition's investigation teams to identify the feasibility and consequences of remedies with regard to the Commission's priorities;
Amendment 315 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 a (new) 29 a. Recalls on the Commission to carry out an evaluation of the Damages Directive (2014/104/EU), once sufficient experience from the application of the new rules has accumulated in all Member States in order to assess the eventual need to make some changes for a more effective and harmonized enforcement of damages actions across the EU;
Amendment 316 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 a (new) 29 a. Urges the Commission to remain vigilant and strictly enforce article 102 prohibiting the abuse of a dominant position as well as its merger control procedures, enshrined in Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 on the control of concentrations between undertakings;
Amendment 317 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 30 30. Agrees with the ECA that, overall, the Commission makes good use of its enforcement powers in merger control and antitrust proceedings, although improvements are necessary in a number of areas; notes in particular that the turnover thresholds might not be suitable to detect all cases that should be reviewed by competition authorities;
Amendment 318 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 30 a (new) Amendment 319 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 30 a (new) 30 a. Considers in particular antitrust proceedings as too lengthy, slowing down much needed market corrections and consequently negatively impacting effectiveness of competition law enforcement, especially in the case of rapidly growing digital markets; calls therefore for faster antitrust proceedings and asks for cooperation on this not only from the Commission but also from the companies under investigation; condemns in that context that some companies under investigation artificially prolong investigations by systematically requesting prolongations of deadlines and by replying to requests for information only with substantial delays or by submitting ineffective proposals for commitments they would take;
Amendment 32 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) D a. whereas some undertakings, which benefit from a dual status as both platforms and suppliers, abuse their position to impose unfair terms and conditions on competitors;
Amendment 320 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 30 a (new) 30 a. Considers that merger decisions put increasing pressure on limited resources; calls on the Commission to consider charging a fee on companies that file a merger notification as an alternative financing source for its enforcement activities, following the example of NCAs in a majority of EU Member States as well as in third country jurisdictions such as the US, Canada, and Australia;
Amendment 321 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 30 b (new) 30 b. Welcomes the introduction of the “eLeniencytool” by the Commission to further improve the effectiveness of competition policies implementation; recalls that with the swift development of the digital markets, new challenges arise when it comes to the implementation of competition policies; recommends in that sense the Commission to look into the possibilities to intervene ex ante, especially in the digital markets and to provide EU and national competition and regulatory authorities with the necessary means to gather data anonymously so as to be able to better detect market failures in due time;
Amendment 322 #
30 b. Notes that the European Court of Justice interprets Article 101 TFEU taking into account the different aims of the Treaties; points in particular to the Wouters judgment (C-309/99) in which the general interest was predominant and therefore limitations of competition were considered to be justified; welcomes and encourages that EU competition practice does not solely focus on price-centric consumer welfare; stresses the importance of the proportionality principle, meaning that limitation of competition cannot go beyond what is necessary to achieve the general interest;
Amendment 323 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 31.
Amendment 324 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 31. Recalls that cartels represent some of the most serious violations of competition law and imply significantly higher costs for consumers;
Amendment 325 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 31. Recalls that cartels represent some of the most serious violations of competition law and monopolies the most concerning form of market concentration that the European Union has been seeking to break down by sector-specific regulation and competition law enforcement;
Amendment 326 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 31. Recalls that cartels represent some of the most serious violations of competition law; believes that such infringements of competition law counteract the interests of EU citizens since they do not allow consumers to benefit from lower prices;
Amendment 327 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 a (new) 31 a. Points out that while the level of fines imposed by the Commission is amongst the highest in the world, nearly two-thirds of the fines imposed by the Commission in cartel cases since 2006 stayed below 0.99% of global annual turnover, thus well below the ceiling of 10% of a company’s annual worldwide turnover allowed3a; notes that while the ECA rightly points out that the amount of fines alone does not allow conclusions on whether they are effective deterrents, the ECA also underlines that the ceiling itself of possible fines can limit the deterrent effect in “serious cases”; _________________ 3a https://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECADoc uments/SR20_24/SR_Competition_policy _EN.pdf
Amendment 328 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 a (new) 31 a. Highlights that in the face of a crisis, some firms may be tempted to reorganize the structure of an industry by entering into so-called "crisis cartels", i.e. agreements among most or all competitors to restrict output and/or reduce capacity to increase profitability and prevent market exit in times of crisis;
Amendment 329 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 b (new) 31 b. Recalls that even when heavy fines are imposed they are often not enough of a deterrent, also because they may be passed on to consumers; calls therefore on the Commission to evaluate the deterrence effect of its fines and the usefulness of fines of up to 40% of the worldwide annual turnover of companies to be imposed in serious cartel cases, as it is the case already in one Member State; urges moreover that non-compliance for recurrent infringers should lead to additional sanctions, such as alternative behavioural remedies or the obligation to take specific structural measures which could be a combination of recommendations from the Commission; stresses that the cease-and-desist order should be much more prescriptive in upcoming remedies;
Amendment 33 #
D a. whereas a State intervention can only be considered state aid when it meets all the criteria laid down in Article 107(1) TFEU;
Amendment 330 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 b (new) 31 b. Asks the Commission to monitor closely any significant and rapid price increases. In the short term, this may include enforcement actions to identify where and when prices increased in the supply chain, as well as the use of interim measures or warning letters to stop the conduct quickly when appropriate;
Amendment 331 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 c (new) 31 c. Asks the Commission to use its advocacy powers to highlight the risks of price control measures implemented by governments, including those related to distorting price signals that may encourage production and undermine incentives for new entrants to address shortages;
Amendment 332 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 32.
Amendment 333 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 32. Suggests looking into ‘killer acquisition’ practices that could jeopardise innovation; welcomes the announcement of the European Commission to start accepting referrals from national competition authorities of mergers that are worth reviewing at the EU level; calls on the Commission to review and to issue guidelines on its referral practice based on Article 22 of Regulation 139/2004 in parallel with the obligation to inform about concentrations foreseen in the Digital Markets Act;
Amendment 334 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 32. Suggests looking into ‘killer acquisition’ practices that could jeopardise innovation; calls the Commission to review its thresholds rules in digital mergers and acquisition; moreover, when assessing personal data; calls on the Commission to fully consider and assess personal data assets as all other traditional assets when it decides on acquisitions; invites the Commission to learn from past controversial acquisitions decisions such as Facebook/WhatsApp or Google/Fitbit deals;
Amendment 335 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 a (new) 32 a. Recalls that Member States can legally suspend the short selling of shares to protect a certain company or sector against speculation; argues that the suspension of short selling prevents these concerns from being valued in the market, and prevents investors from reassessing the real value of the firm they invest in; by suspending the company’s operations, the state therefore intervened and prevented the company from losing any further capital during and after the suspension period, which could therefore mean that State aid was provided; regrets that benefits from short selling suspensions fall outside the definition of State Aid1a; calls on the Commission to provide an impact assessment of bringing such benefits under the definition of State Aid and the scope of Article 107(1) TFEU; _________________ 1aAsnwer to written Question E- 003800/2020, 21 August 2020.
Amendment 336 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 a (new) 32 a. Highlights the potential of the ongoing review of the Guidelines on Horizontal Cooperation Agreements to facilitate cooperation agreements for sustainability which may result in the achievement of legitimate environmental or social policy objectives in the EU and abroad (such as enhanced environmental standards or the achievement of living incomes or living wages in third countries); invites the Commission in particular to consider societal benefits and delayed benefits when evaluating the fulfilment of Article 101(3);
Amendment 337 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 a (new) 32 a. Underlines the importance of Transparency Register to ensure public scrutiny of lobbying efforts in the aim of preventing distortion of competition; calls for an enhanced EU transparency Register with information related to funding of companies or associations to prevent stakeholders from acting on behalf of other companies without specifying it;
Amendment 338 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 a (new) 32 a. Highlights the possibility of using interim measures to stop any practice that would seriously harm competition and welcomes the Commission’s first use of interim measures in the Broadcom-case; is nonetheless of the opinion that there remains a need to relax the criteria for interim measures in order to avoid any irreversible damage;
Amendment 339 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 a (new) 32 a. Again reiterates its alarm at the concentration in the European food supply chain and emphasises that European consumers and small-scale farmers are those most negatively affected through a concentrated food market structure;
Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D b (new) D b. whereas a level playing field between financial services firms and technology firms is needed to ensure competition on equal footing, following the principle of ‘same risk, same activity, same regulation’;
Amendment 340 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 a (new) Amendment 341 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 a (new) 32 a. Welcomes Directive(EU) 2019/633 17 April 2019 on unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain, recalls that is an important first step in ensuring fairness between operators, combating dual standards in agri-food practices and in addressing the imbalance of the bargaining power within the food supply chain; stresses the need for the Commission to monitor the progress of transposition closely and to promote the sharing of best practices between Member States; encourages Member States to list further unfair practices as prohibited and set higher standards;
Amendment 342 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 b (new) 32 b. Regrets the fact that selling at a loss is not prohibited at EU level; highlights the important contribution made by primary producers in supplying high-quality food and delivering public goods to society; calls on the Commission to guarantee fair competition and greater transparency in offline platforms’ commercial practices, including supermarket and hypermarkets, so as to ensure that EU producers receive fair conditions and prices for their products;
Amendment 343 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 b (new) 32 b. Asks the Commission to come forward with a revision of the EU Merger Regulation, so that it may be vested with the powers, much as a number of Member States are at present, to adopt measures to protect the European public order and the rights and principles of the TFEU and EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, including environmental protection;
Amendment 344 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 b (new) 32 b. Notes that taxation is a national competence, dependent on the political views and actions of governments and parliaments, based upon fiscal policies and political aspirations regarding public finances;
Amendment 345 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 b (new) 32 b. With regards the food sector; calls on the Commission to guarantee fair competition and greater transparency in supermarket and hypermarkets chains commercial practices; European farmers should receive a fair price for their products; stresses the need for the Commission to look at hypermarkets powers in the distribution chain and commercial practices in placing competing products, including their own, on the shelves;
Amendment 346 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 c (new) 32 c. Highlights EU-wide competition, choice and open access among market infrastructures across the entire execution value chain as fundamental principles for the CMU; supports a diversity of trading mechanisms catering to different trading strategies, market conditions, and investment objectives, both in the EU and globally; considers that failure to uphold such pro-competition choices in the upcoming discussions on the MiFID/R framework review would risk bringing back monopolistic national exchange structures, to the detriment of European economies and end investors, notably including pensioners;
Amendment 347 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 c (new) 32 c. Is concerned about the unveiling of a state-run oil company purchasing a leading press group, owing 20 leading regional newspapers, 120 weekly magazines, and 500 online portals4a in the concerned Member state; repeats its call on the Commission to Commission carry out a study on the concentration of media ownership in Europe, also in the context of multinational corporations buying out European media providers; _________________ 4ahttps://www.dw.com/en/poland-state- run-oil-company-buys-leading-media- group/a-55859592
Amendment 348 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 c (new) 32 c. Calls on the Commission to issue guidance on the interpretation of "Significant Impediment to effective Competition" under the Merger Regulation so that in cases of merger, the Commission does not only look at prices, output and innovation but also pays attention to the social and environmental costs of such transitions in light of the TFEU principles including environmental protection;
Amendment 349 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 c (new) 32 c. Calls on the Commission to devote special attention to supermarkets, hypermarkets and retail alliances’ bargaining powers with their clients and suppliers; notes that in some Member States supermarkets, hypermarkets and retail alliances’ sovereignty affects brand value and product choice, cuts corners on their own brands quality, limits innovation and price comparability, thus distorting price architectures;
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D b (new) D b. whereas Facebook and Alphabet Inc. (Google) earn respectively 98,53 and 83,3 per cent of their revenue with digital advertising 1a; _________________ 1aStatista (2020), Statista dossier about Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft (GAFAM), Article number: did- 47704-1, https://www.statista.com/study/47704/goo gle-apple-facebook-amazon-microsoft- gafam/
Amendment 350 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 d (new) 32 d. Calls on the Commission to consider revising the thresholds for a merger review in order to include, among others, factors such as the number of consumers impacted and the value of the related transactions as part of its ongoing evaluation of the Merger Regulation; calls on the Commission to also assess higher levels of concentration due to horizontal ownership by large asset management companies in its ongoing evaluation of the Merger Regulation and consider providing guidelines on the use of Articles 101 and 102 fo the TFEU in this respect;
Amendment 351 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 d (new) 32 d. Regrets the Commission’s decision to clear the acquisition of the wearable “smart” fitness devices company Fitbit by Google; is particularly concerned in this regard about the already significant presence of Google in the digital healthcare sector; considers that the approved merger gives Google a dangerous level of insight into and control over personal health data, thus creating too much potential for invasive monitoring and discrimination;
Amendment 352 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 d (new) 32 d. Calls on the Commission to make it compulsory for banks receiving State aid to retain their full retail banking/consumer banking services and to ensure that banks are not allowed to use the COVID-19 crisis as a pretext for permanently reducing such services; Calls the Commission to have a close look at cases in the banking sector in certain Member States where consumers currently face higher interest rates and a lack of transparency when it comes to loans, potentially due to concentration of ownership in the banking sector, which could lead to deceptive selling practices of mortgages; Calls the Commission to have a close look at the banking sector in Romania where consumers face high interest rates and lack of transparency when it comes to loans because of potential bank cartels tendencies when it comes to deceptive selling practices of credit;
Amendment 353 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 33. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the national parliaments and national, and where applicable regional competition authorities
Amendment 354 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 a (new) 33 a. Reiterates that it is negatively surprised by the Commission's approval of the FitBit takeover by Alphabet; observes a great inconstancy in acquisition assessment decisions compared to the aims of the draft Digital Markets Act (DMA), undermining the credibility of the DMA; worries about future processing of personal data from FitBit users, including data concerning health, that can be used for purposes of digital advertising; stipulates that data concerning health should be seen as a special category of personal data, as laid down in art. 9 GDPR1a; calls on the Commission to supervise and enforce compliance of/with the conditions of the takeover; _________________ 1a Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation)
Amendment 355 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 b (new) Amendment 356 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 c (new) 33 c. Sees the increased interest of Facebook, Google, Amazon and other big tech businesses in using artificial intelligence for purposes of disseminating and ordering content on their platforms; stresses that these algorithms are often a ‘black box’ for competitors and users and lead to echo-chambers; calls on the Commission to use its competition framework to increase transparency over disseminating and ordering algorithms and user control over the content they see and on the way content is ranked to them, including options for ranking outside their ordinary content consumption habits and for opting out completely from any content curation; underlines furthermore the specific risks existing in the use of AI automated recognition applications, which are currently developing rapidly; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ban automated biometric identification, such as facial recognition;
Amendment 36 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D c (new) D c. whereas algorithms can greatly enhance efficiency and allow firms to deliver better products and services to consumers; whereas, however, intentional or unintentional misuse of algorithms can cause harm to consumers and competition;
Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Highlights that a competition policy aiming to ensure a level playing field in all sectors, drive innovation and give consumers
Amendment 38 #
1. Highlights that a competition policy aiming to ensure a level playing field in all sectors and to promote the development of each Member-States’ productive structures, drive innovation and give consumers more choices, is crucial for guaranteeing the proper functioning of the single market;
Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Highlights that a competition policy aiming to ensure a level playing field in all sectors, drive innovation and give consumers more choices, is crucial for guaranteeing the proper functioning of the single market; expresses its concern with the increase in industry concentration in Europe; observes in this regard that between 2001 and 2012 the average industry across 10 European economies saw a 2-3-percentage point increase in the share of the 10% largest companies in industry sales; warns that increase is observed for both manufacturing and nonfinancial services and is not driven by digital-intensive sectors; notes that increase in industry concentrations lead to higher mark-ups associated with higher profits at the expense of the European consumer;
Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 d (new) - having regard to the Commission Communication of 11 March 2020 on a new Circular Economy Action Plan for a Cleaner and More Competitive Europe4a, _________________ 4ahttps://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52020 DC0098&qid=1612254510514
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Calls on the Commission to impose penalties for all forms of economic boycott in a Member State against products from a specific geographical area, recognising the boycott as a serious form of distortion of competition;
Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1 a. Considers that the treaty-based competition rules must be interpreted in the light of the wider European values underpinning the Union’s social market economy, notably environmental and social protection, equality considerations, consumer protection and public health, as mandated by Article 7 TFEU; takes the view, therefore, that activities which cause negative social and environmental externalities create market distortions that need to be addressed by means of competition law while, conversely, activities which bring social or environmental benefits should be explicitly taken into account when assessing treaty-based competition provisions;
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1 a. Notes that competition policy is not solely about ensuring “fair” or low prices for consumers but also about providing quality, innovation and sustainability; urges the Commission in that regard to strengthen the role of the European Consumers Centres Network (ECC-Net) in the spirit of the ECN+ Directive1a; _________________ 1a OJ L 11, 14.1.2019, p.3.
Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 b (new) 1 b. Observes that there are many areas for concern in the EU such as low inflation, stagnating labour productivity, increasing inequality, unfair foreign competition and the climate breakdown; emphasises that the EU needs to use an investment-led and innovation-led policies to tackle these issues, in particular the EU needs more not less strategic spending; notes that key drivers of productivity are education, research, and training; believes that EU competition rules should facilitate and enhance the ability for Member States to take the risks of co- creating new markets focusing on such long-term societal issues; notes in this regard that innovation-led growth is not just about fixing a market failure but also about setting direction and creating new markets; warns that even with mild deficits, debt to GDP can increase due to lagging growth making the dynamics of long-term investment, not the deficit, the key concern;
Amendment 44 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 c (new) 1 c. Highlights that a broad reflection on a smart industrial policy that can help reallocate resources to certain key sectors (e.g. health) in a way that does not distort competition between firms can also help to lay the ground for a resilient and sustainable economy in the long term; stresses that restoring effective competition in the medium to long term is also key to ensuring that the recovery is rapid and consistent;
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 d (new) 1 d. Urges the Commission to mainstream green, digital and industrial strategies in setting the conditions for future state aid by the Member States; is concerned with the insufficient integration of the EU’s objectives for a green, social and digital EU in state aid policies, in particular, the revision of the energy and environmental rules will have to facilitate appropriate measures further promoting a modern decarbonised and circular economy;
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 e (new) 1 e. Stresses that beyond strengthening the single market, competition policy should be considered and applied under the wider European values regarding environmental standards, social affairs, climate policy and consumer protection; welcomes consequently the EC’s public consultation on Competition Law and the Green Deal as a step forward towards enhanced public policy cohesion; calls on the Commission to come forward with a forward-looking, comprehensive action plan on how competition and state aid rules should be revised;
Amendment 47 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 f (new) 1 f. Stresses that EU consumers’ interests go beyond the availability of cheap products, and include, among others, a heathy environment in the EU and abroad and the proliferation of fair trading relations;
Amendment 48 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 g (new) 1 g. Points out that even when products or services are supplied for free, consumers may still have to endure unjust behaviour, such as a degradation in quality or extortive practices; calls therefore, for the purposes of the cases under consideration, for the formulation of a 'theory of harm', which should transcend price-centric approaches and account for broader considerations;
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Believes that a
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 10 a (new) - having regard to the Council conclusions of 22 March 2019 on "Jobs, Growth and Competitiveness",
Amendment 50 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Believes that a strict and impartial enforcement of EU competition rules by independent competition authorities
Amendment 51 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Believes that a strict and impartial enforcement of EU competition rules by independent competition authorities can make a significant contribution to key political priorities, such as social inequalities or the climate crisis; emphasises
Amendment 52 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Believes that a strict and impartial enforcement of EU competition rules by independent competition authorities can make a significant contribution to key political priorities such as a deeper and fairer internal market, a connected digital single market, and the Union’s global competitiveness; emphasises its importance also in crisis conditions;
Amendment 53 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Believes that a strict and impartial enforcement of EU competition rules by independent competition authorities can make a significant contribution to key political priorities; however, believes that these rules should be reformed in order to promote greater industrial development and convergence within the European Union; emphasises its importance also in crisis conditions;
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Believes that a strict and impartial enforcement of EU competition rules by independent competition authorities can make a significant contribution to key political priorities; emphasises its importance also in crisis conditions; underlines moreover the importance of the cooperation between national competition authorities ("NCAs") and the European Commission through the mechanism of the European Competition Network ("ECN") in order to strengthen the enforcement of competition law within the EU single market;
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Considers that
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Considers that ensuring a level playing field for undertakings in the single market also depends on decisively and effectively
Amendment 57 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Considers that ensuring a level playing field for undertakings in the single market and in global markets also depends on decisively and effectively combating social, and environmental dumping;
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Considers that ensuring a level playing field for undertakings in the single market also depends on decisively and effectively combating social and fiscal dumping;
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Considers that ensuring a level playing field for undertakings in the single market also depends on decisively and effectively combating social and tax dumping;
Amendment 6 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 12 a (new) - having regard to the Commission Notices to Stakeholders of 2 December 2020 and 18 January 2021 on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom and the EU rules in the fields of competition and State aid,
Amendment 60 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3 a. Notes with concern the fragmentation in access to ultra-high- speed internet connections between rural and urban areas all over Europe; recalls that in order to close the gap, healthy competition in the telecommunication sector is needed; recalls that competition policy should not only aim towards fair prices for consumers, but must also promote innovation and sustainable investments and support activity small and medium-sized enterprises;
Amendment 61 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3 a. Reiterates that taxation is being used to grant indirect state aid, creating an uneven playing field in the internal market; calls in the Commission to review its state aid guidelines on tax to assess whether tax advantages, such as tax exemptions or tax credits, do distort competition; calls on the Commission to look into the possibility to fine countries found in breach of EU state aid rules;
Amendment 62 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 b (new) 3 b. Highlights that small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the European economy, representing 99.8% of non-financial enterprises in the EU; notes that the strong contribution to job creation and value added make SMEs crucial to ensuring economic growth and social integration in the EU; regrets that despite their growth opportunities, SMEs may face difficulties in obtaining access to finance;
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 Amendment 64 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4.
Amendment 65 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Highlights that
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Highlights that
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Highlights that excessive tax burdens may stifle innovation and
Amendment 68 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Is of the view that in the absence of a globally homogeneous competition policy, EU undertakings should be able to compete in global markets on an equal footing; calls on the Commission, therefore, to change its competition policy in order to promote serious industrial development, including by encouraging the emergence of European champions in sectors of strategic importance, while taking care not to favour certain mergers to the detriment of others;
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Calls on the Commission to provide adequate protection for consumers in making informed choices of product by prohibiting misleading or evocative advertising which highlights ingredients that are not contained in the product, so as not to undermine the principle of competition, unless such a practice is for medical purposes;
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 16 a (new) - having regard to the UK's Competition and Markets Authority's research paper of 19 January 2021 entitled "Algorithms: How they can reduce competition and harm consumers",
Amendment 70 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4 a. Notes with concern that some MS have not implemented effectively the Directive 93/13/EEC on unfair terms in consumer contracts based on the Commission’s assessment, having a tremendous negative effect on consumers and being detrimental to fair competition; calls on the Commission to scrutinise the unfair clauses and practices employed, especially by the banking sector, in consumer contracts and to ensure the effective and swift implementation of this Directive using all means in place;
Amendment 71 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4 a. Is concerned with the rapid evolvement of the digital markets and that existing competition policy instruments cannot always provide for quick and efficient ex-ante detection and timely intervention, especially in antitrust-cases; welcomes in this regard the Commission proposal on DSA and DMA, and looks forward to further analysis on how competition policy and market monitoring tools can be adapted to the digital markets evolution;
Amendment 72 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4 a. Calls on the Commission to penalise unfair tax practices by companies and Member States and to take action against tax, social and environmental dumping and tax havens in Europe and internationally, as they thwart European competition law and destroy fair competition between multinationals and SMEs;
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4 a. Reiterates that it is deeply alarmed at the far-reaching concentration of the food supply chain to the detriment of consumers, farmers, the environment and biodiversity alike;
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4 a. Recognises that resources for the Commission's Directorate General for Competition should be adequate to its workload and range of tasks;
Amendment 75 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 b (new) 4b. Stresses that unfair competition between Member States hinders the proper functioning of competition policies and the single market;
Amendment 76 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5.
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the adoption of a Temporary Framework for State aid
Amendment 78 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the adoption of
Amendment 79 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the adoption of a Temporary Framework for State aid measures established in response to the COVID-19 crisis and takes the view that it should be extended even beyond the end of the movement restrictions for citizens, in order to allow for medium- and long- term intervention in all sectors that might suffer a negative economic impact in the coming years, in particular for SMEs;
Amendment 8 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 16 b (new) - having regard to the Commission’s decision of 17 December 2020 to clear the acquisition of Fitbit by Google, subject to conditions,
Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the adoption of a Temporary Framework for State aid measures established in response to the COVID-19 crisis and supports its application for as long as the recovery is ongoing;
Amendment 81 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the adoption of a Temporary Framework for State aid measures established in response to the COVID-19 crisis; observes that state aid budgets differ substantially across EU Member States; stresses, however, that state aid given in response to the COVID- 19 crisis should not undermine the EU’s capacity to achieve its climate and environment objectives by providing state aid to economic activities which are environmentally and economically not viable; calls on the Commission to require binding sustainability conditions for state aid to economic activities with a high carbon footprint;
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the adoption of a Temporary Framework for State aid measures established in response to the COVID-19 crisis; stresses, however, that this has led to differences in the use of that instrument in relation to the fiscal space available to Member States and to the differing size of their respective economies, which is liable to broaden existing imbalances and jeopardise the integrity of the European single market;
Amendment 83 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the adoption of a Temporary Framework for State aid measures established in response to the COVID-19 crisis; underlines that the Temporary Framework for State aid measures is a temporary tool designed to deal with the fallout of an unprecedented health crisis;
Amendment 84 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Calls on the Commission to legislate in relation to the ban on protecting intellectual property rights for inventions or discoveries concerning vaccines designed to treat endemic or pandemic infectious diseases in the world population;
Amendment 85 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Underlines that the action of the European Commission aiming at eliminating the condition of monopoly and dominant positions and at limiting public funding to companies that could lead such conditions does not provide any solution to the issue of systemic and structural disadvantages that affect the competitiveness of businesses based and operating from European insular territories and outermost regions;
Amendment 86 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Welcomes the Communication from the Commission on a Temporary Framework for assessing antitrust issues related to business cooperation in response to situations of urgency stemming from the current COVID-19 outbreak, that brings more guidance and support with regard to antitrust rules, facilitating the necessary cooperation in order to overcome the crisis, the beneficiaries of this cooperation being the consumers;
Amendment 87 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Calls on the Commission to ensure that EU funding measures in response to the COVID-19 crisis, including through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, do not favour monopolistic undertakings, notably in critical sectors such as telecommunications; urges the Commission to set up an oversight mechanism to verify any potential distortions of competition derived from inappropriate use of RFF funding;
Amendment 88 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Highlights the importance of policy coherence and for any aid granted to be issued only to companies enduring direct financial consequences of the pandemic; urges furthermore that companies using tax havens outside the EU for tax avoidance to be banned from accessing State Aid or financial support if they do not commit to changing their behaviour;
Amendment 89 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Calls on the Commission to take measures in accordance to the conclusions and recommendations made in the study ‘Impact of state aid on competition and competitiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic: an early assessment’ by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the European Parliament;
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 18 a (new) - having regard to Commissioner Vestager´s comments in Handelsblatt of 1 December 2020, "EU-Kommission bremst bei Staatshilfen für die Deutsche Bahn",
Amendment 90 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Takes note of the fact that the Temporary Framework is scheduled to expire on 30 June 2021, and the section enabling recapitalisation support is scheduled to expire on 30 September 2021;
Amendment 91 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Is concerned that the Temporary Framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 outbreak might at the end not be that temporary;
Amendment 92 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 b (new) 5 b. Recalls that recapitalisation, even under the temporary framework, should be considered only as the last resort solution by Member States, given the potential major distortive impact recapitalisation measures can have on the single market; is of the opinion that recapitalisation measures or any other public financial support to companies should be conditional upon the funding being used to benefit employees and that the recipient companies should refrain from bonuses to the management, paying out dividends or offering share buy-back schemes for as long as they receive such support;
Amendment 93 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 b (new) 5 b. Notes that the Temporary Framework for State aid measures includes certain conditionalities for certain types of state aid measures such as recapitalisation; welcomes in this regard conditionalities such as a ban on dividend distribution, bonus payments and share buybacks; regrets however that such conditionalities were not imposed on other state aid measures; calls the Commission to impose such conditionalities to all state aid measures in the Temporary Framework;
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 c (new) 5 c. Observes with concern that recent EU state aid cases hardly refer to the overall EU policy objectives of a green and digital transformation of the EU economy; regrets that most Member States do not make state aid conditional to long-term societal objectives such as tax compliance and sustainability; welcomes the Commission’s recommendation on state aid and tax havens in this regard; calls on the Commission to ensure that the Temporary Framework for State aid prevents undermining of key EU policy objectives such as the European Green Deal, the EU’s Digital Strategy and the European Pillar of Social Rights; in this regard, calls on the Commission to take a stronger stance on these matters in the future, including restrictions on mass lay- offs;
Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 d (new) 5 d. Highlights that the transparency and traceability of the state case evaluation process should be enhanced; observes that the motivation for approving cases as well as the conditions imposed are often only vaguely described, moreover, ask for a better and more systemic reporting on which Member States and which economic activities are entitled to which kind of public support;
Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 e (new) 5 e. Stresses that the European Commission evaluates state aid cases on a case-by-case basis; highlights that there is a risk of interconnectedness between cases that can be neglected; asks the commission to evaluate the cases while taking into account previous cases submitted by the same Member State as well as similar case submitted by other Member State;
Amendment 97 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to launch a post COVID-19 roadmap
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to launch a post COVID-19
Amendment 99 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to launch a post COVID-19 roadmap for less and better targeted State aid in order to promote business competitiveness and safeguard jobs, in particular in areas where employment levels are abnormally low;
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