2021/0372(CNS) | [ParlTrack]

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 4

4. Union voters who have been entered on the electoral roll shall remain thereon, under the same conditions as voters who are nationals, until they request to be removed or until they are removed because they no longer satisfy the requirements for exercising the right to vote. Where provisions of the Member State of residence are in place to notify nationals of such a removal from the electoral roll, these provisions shall apply to Union voters in the same way.

Amendment 101 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1

1. The Member State of residence shall inform the persons concerned in good time and in clear and plain language, in an official Union language of their choice, of the decision taken on their automatic registration or application for entry on the electoral roll or of the decision concerning the admissibility of their application to stand as a candidate.

Amendment 102 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1

1. The Member State of residence shall inform the persons concerned ~~in good time and in~~ clearly and ~~plain language~~in a timely manner of the decision taken on their application for entry on the electoral roll or of the decision concerning the admissibility of their application to stand as a candidate.

Amendment 103 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. The information referred to in the first subparagraph, in addition to being communicated in one or more languages of the host Member State, shall be accompanied by a translation into at least one other official language of the Union which is widely understood by the largest number of Union citizens residing in that state.

Amendment 104 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 3

3. In case of errors in the electoral rolls or in the lists of candidates to the European Parliament, the person concerned shall be entitled to effective legal remedies on similar terms as the laws of the Member State of residence prescribe for voters and persons entitled to stand as candidates who are its nationals.

Amendment 105 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 4

4. Member States shall inform clearly and in a timely manner, the person concerned of the decision referred to in paragraph 1 and of the legal remedies referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 in an official Union language of their choice.

Amendment 106 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1

1. Member States shall designate a national authority with responsibility for taking the necessary measures to ensure that non-national Union citizens are informed in a timely manner of the conditions and detailed rules for registration as a voter or candidate in elections to the European Parliament immediately upon registration of individuals. The provision of information shall be done at local and national level in a coordinated way and in cooperation with civil society organisations.

Amendment 107 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1

1. Member States shall designate a national authority with responsibility for taking the necessary measures to ensure that non-national Union citizens are informed i~~n a timely manner~~mmediately upon their registration of residence and in a timely manner ahead of elections of the conditions and detailed rules for registration as a voter or candidate in elections to the European Parliament.

Amendment 108 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1

1. Member States shall designate a national authority with responsibility for taking the necessary measures to ensure that non-national Union citizens are informed in a timely manner of the conditions and detailed rules for registration as a voter or candidate in elections to the European Parliament, taking into account the date in which electoral rolls are to be closed.

Amendment 109 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1

1. Member States shall designate a ~~national~~competent authority with responsibility for taking the necessary measures to ensure that non-national Union citizens are informed clearly and in a timely manner of the conditions and detailed rules for registration as a voter or candidate in elections to the European Parliament.

Amendment 110 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

2. The Member States shall ensure that the authorities designated pursuant to paragraph 1, shall directly and individually communicate to Union voters and Union nationals entitled to stand as candidates, clearly and in a timely manner, the following information:

Amendment 111 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

2. The Member States shall ensure that the authorities designated pursuant to paragraph 1, shall directly and individually communicate to Union voters and Union nationals entitled to stand as candidates immediately upon their registration, the following information:

Amendment 112 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) the date of the election and how and where to vote, as well as the measures taken to facilitate the participation in the vote by people with disabilities;

Amendment 113 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)

(c a) description of the political system of the Member State concerned;

Amendment 114 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d

(d) means of obtaining further information relating to the organisation of the election including the list of candidates. and the specific measures to facilitate the exercise of the right to vote to particular groups of voters, such as persons with disabilities or voters who cannot participate on election day, upon automatic registration or after the submission of an application to entert he electoral roll.

Amendment 115 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)

(d a) the measures to facilitate the exercise of the right to vote, including regarding particular groups of voters, such as citizens with disabilities and older citizens.

Amendment 116 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)

(da) information on the electoral system of the European Union enabling the election of Members of the European Parliament;

Amendment 117 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 3

3. The information on conditions and detailed rules for registration as a voter or candidate in elections to the European Parliament and the information referred to in paragraph 2 shall be provided in clear and plain language. The information referred to in the first subparagraph shall, in addition to being communicated in one or more of the official languages of the host Member State, also be accompanied by a translation in at least one other official language of the Union that is broadly understood by the largest possible number of Union citizens residing on its territory, in accordance with the quality requirements of Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council30.deleted

Amendment 118 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – introductory part

3. The information on conditions and detailed rules for registration as a voter or candidate in elections to the European Parliament and the information referred to in paragraph 2 shall be provided in clear and plain language, in all official Union languages, without exceeding a level of complexity superior to level B1 (intermediate) of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Amendment 119 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – introductory part

3. The information on conditions and detailed rules for registration as a voter or candidate in elections to the European Parliament and ~~the~~any information ~~referred to in paragraph 2~~communicated pursuant to the provisions of this Directive shall be provided in clear and plain language.

Amendment 120 #

Jana TOOM, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1

The information referred to in the first subparagraph shall, in addition to being communicated in one ~~or more~~ of the official languages of the host Member State, also be accompanied by a translation in at least one other official language of the Union that is broadly understood by the largest possible number of Union citizens residing on its territory, in accordance with the quality requirements of Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council30 . _________________ 30 Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 October 2018 establishing a single digital gateway to provide access to information, to procedures and to assistance and problem-solving services and amending Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 1)Union of their choice.

Amendment 121 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1

The information ~~referred to in the first subparagraph~~ shall, in addition to being communicated in one or more of the official languages of the host Member State, also be accompanied by a translation in at least ~~one~~two other official languages of the Union that isare broadly understood by the largest possible number of Union citizens residing on its territory, in accordance with the quality requirements of Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council30 . _________________ 30 Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 October 2018 establishing a single digital gateway to provide access to information, to procedures and to assistance and problem-solving services and amending Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 1).

Amendment 122 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 a (new)

Member States shall ensure that the information referred to in the first subparagraph is also provided by a helpdesk accessible 24/7 via phone, mail or Web Portal, in an official language of the Union understandable to the Union voter or candidate in question.

Amendment 123 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. The information referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article shall, in addition to being communicated in one or more of the official languages of the host Member State, also be accompanied by a translation in at least one other official language of the Union that is broadly understood by the largest possible number of Union citizens residing on its territory, in accordance with the quality requirements of Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council30. 30 Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 October 2018 establishing a single digital gateway to provide access to information, to procedures and to assistance and problem-solving services and amending Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 1).

Amendment 124 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 4

4. Member States shall ensure that information on conditions and detailed rules for registration as a voter or candidate in elections to the European Parliament and information referred to in paragraph 2 is made accessible to persons with disabilities ~~and older persons~~, older persons, people in remote areas, mobile Union citizens, minority groups and those who face difficulties in voting generally by applying accessibility requirements laid down in Annex I of Directive (EU) 2019/882 and by using appropriate means, modes and formats of communication such as sign language, Braille or easy-to-read format.

Amendment 125 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 4

Amendment 126 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1

1. Member States shall exchange the information required for the implementation of Article 4 , sufficiently in advance of polling day . To that end, the Member State of residence shall ~~begin~~ supply~~ing~~ the home Member State, no later than six weeks before the first day of the electoral period referred to in Article 10(1) of the Act concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage the set of information provided in Annex III , . The home Member State shall, in accordance with its national legislation, take appropriate measures to ensure that its nationals do not vote more than once or stand as candidates in more than one Member State.

Amendment 127 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1

1. Member States shall exchange the information required for the implementation of Article 4 , sufficiently in advance of polling day and with due regard to the dates for announcing candidates and closing the electoral rolls for the election. To that end, the Member State of residence shall begin supplying the home Member State, no later than sixteen weeks before the first day of the electoral period referred to in Article 10(1) of the Act concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage the set of information provided in Annex III , . The home Member State shall, in accordance with its national legislation, take appropriate measures to ensure that its nationals do not vote more than once or stand as candidates in more than one Member State.

Amendment 128 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1

1. Member States shall exchange the information required for the implementation of Article 4 , sufficiently in advance of polling day . To that end, the Member State of residence shall begin supplying the home Member State, no later than ~~six~~ten weeks before the first day of the electoral period referred to in Article 10(1) of the Act concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage the set of information provided in Annex III , . The home Member State shall, in accordance with its national legislation, take appropriate measures to ensure that its nationals do not vote more than once or stand as candidates in more than one Member State.

Amendment 129 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1

Member States tshatll provide for the possibilities of advance voting, postal voting, and electronic and internet voting, in elections to the European Parliament. Member States shall ensure the availability of those voting methods to Union voters under ~~similar conditions as the ones applicable to their own nationals~~the same conditions as the ones applicable to their own nationals. Member States shall adopt all necessary measures to ensure the reliability and secrecy of the vote, and the protection of personal data in accordance with applicable Union law. Member States may provide additional possibilities of voting by way of advance physical voting, and voting by electronic and internet systems. In the event of electronic, internet voting, Member States shall adopt all necessary measures to ensure the reliability, integrity, the secrecy of the vote, transparency in the design and deployment of electronic and internet systems, the possibility for manual or electronic recounts without compromising the secrecy of the vote and the protection of personal data in accordance with applicable Union law.

Amendment 130 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1

Member States tshatll endeavour to provide for the possibilities of advance voting, postal voting, and electronic and internet voting, in elections to the European Parliament. Where possibilities of advance voting, postal voting, and electronic and internet voting are available in elections to the European Parliament to their nationals, the Member States concerned shall ensure the availability of those voting methods to Union voters under ~~similar~~ the same conditions as the ones applicable to their own nationals.

Amendment 131 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1

Member States tsha~~t provide for the possibilities of advance voting, postal voting, and electronic and internet voting, in elections to the European Parliament shall ensure the availability of those voting methods~~ll ensure that alternative voting methods aiming to facilitate the exercise of the right to vote in elections to the European Parliament are available to Union voters under ~~similar~~the same conditions as the ones applicable to their own nationals.

Amendment 132 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1

Member States shall designate an authority with responsibility for collecting and providing relevant statistical data to the public and the Commission, on the participation of Union citizens who are not nationals in elections to the European Parliament. This authority shall ensure that statistics on Union voters disaggregated by nationality and constituency or locality, are easily accessible during the electoral campaign.

Amendment 133 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1

Member States shall designate an authority with responsibility for collecting and providing relevant statistical data to the public and the Commission, on the participation of Union citizens who are not nationals in elections to the European Parliament. This data shall be collected in a transparent and coordinated way across all Member States and on the basis of the same indicators.

Amendment 134 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1

Member States shall designate an authority with responsibility for collecting and providing relevant statistical data to the public and the Commission, on the participation of Union citizens who are not nationals in elections to the European Parliament. Such statistical data shall be based on common indicators and harmonised at Union level.

Amendment 135 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1

Member States shall designate an authority with responsibility for collecting, in accordance with a common methodology, and providing relevant statistical data to the public and the Commission, on the participation of Union citizens who are not nationals in elections to the European Parliament.

Amendment 136 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)

The Commission is empowered to adopt implementing acts concerning the form of the data referred to in paragraph 1. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 19.

Amendment 137 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 16

1. If , in a given Member State, the proportion of Union citizens of voting age who reside in it but are not nationals of it exceeds 20 % of the total number of national and non-national Union citizens residing there who are of voting age, that Member State may, by way of derogation from Articles 3, 9 and 10: (a) restrict the right to vote to Union voters who have resided in that Member State for a minimum period, which may not exceed five years; (b) restrict the right to stand as a candidate to Union citizens entitled to stand as candidates who have resided in that Member State for a minimum period, which may not exceed 10 years. These provisions are without prejudice to appropriate measures which that Member State may take with regard to the composition of lists of candidates and which are intended in particular to encourage the integration of non-national Union citizens . However, Union voters and Union citizens entitled to stand as candidates who, owing to the fact that they have taken up residence outside their home Member State or by reason of the duration of such residence, do not have the right to vote or to stand as candidates in that home State shall not be subject to the conditions as to length of residence set out above. 2. Where the laws of a Member State prescribe that the nationals of another Member State who reside there have the right to vote for the national parliament of that State and, for that purpose, may be entered on the electoral roll of that State under exactly the same conditions as national voters, the first Member State may, by way of derogation from this Directive, refrain from applying Articles 6 to 13 in respect of such nationals. 3. 18 months prior to each election to the European Parliament, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a report in which it shall check whether the grant to the Member States concerned of a derogation pursuant to Article 22 (2) TFEU is still warranted and shall propose that any necessary adjustments be made. Member States which invoke derogations under paragraph 1 shall furnish the Commission with all the necessary background information.Article 16 deleted Derogations

Amendment 138 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1

1. Within six months after each election to the European Parliament Member States shall send information to the Commission on the application of this Directive in their territory. In addition to general observations, the report shall contain statistical data on the participation in elections to the European Parliament of Union voters and Union citizens entitled to stand as candidates and a summary of the measures taken to support it. This data shall be collected in a transparent and coordinated way across all Member States and on the basis of the same indicators.

Amendment 139 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1

1. Within six months after each election to the European Parliament Member States shall send information to the Commission on the application of this Directive in their territory. In addition to general observations, the report shall contain statistical data, comparable and collected in accordance with a common methodology, on the participation in elections to the European Parliament of Union voters and Union citizens entitled to stand as candidates and a summary of the measures taken to support it.

Amendment 140 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1

Amendment 141 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1

1. Within six months after each election to the European Parliament Member States shall send information to the Commission on the application of this Directive in their territory. In addition to general observations, the report shall contain statistical data on the participation in elections to the European Parliament of Union voters and Union citizens entitled to stand as candidates as referred to in Article 15 and a summary of the measures taken to support it.

Amendment 142 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1

1. Within six months after each election to the European Parliament Member States shall send information to the Commission and the European Parliament on the application of this Directive in their territory. In addition to general observations, the report shall contain statistical data on the participation in elections to the European Parliament of Union voters and Union citizens entitled to stand as candidates and a summary of the measures taken to support it.

Amendment 143 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt implementing acts for the purpose of defining the common indicators referred to in paragraph 1, in accordance with the requirements laid down in Chapter IV of Regulation (EU) 2016/679. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 19.

Amendment 144 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1

Within two years after the 20294 elections to the European Parliament, the Commission shall assess its application and produce an evaluation report on the progress towards achievement of the objectives contained herein. The evaluation shall also include a review on the functioning of Article 13. The evaluation shall be accompanied, if appropriate, by a legislative proposal to amend this Directive.

Amendment 145 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1

Within two years after the 2029 elections to the European Parliament, the Commission shall assess its application and produce an evaluation report on the progress towards achievement of the objectives contained herein. The evaluation shall also include a review on the functioning of Article 13. The report shall, if appropriate, be accompanied by a legislative proposal.

Amendment 146 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1

Within two years after ~~the 2029~~each elections to the European Parliament, the Commission shall assess its application and produce an evaluation report on the progress towards achievement of the objectives contained herein. The evaluation shall also include a ~~review~~n assessment on the functioning of Article 13.

Amendment 147 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1

Amendment 148 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 2

2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Articles 9 (5), 10 (3) and 13 (4) shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time from the entry into force of this Directive.

Amendment 149 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 3

3. The delegation of power referred to in Articles 9 (5), 10 (3) and 13 (4) may be revoked at any time by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

Amendment 150 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 6

6. A delegated act adopted pursuant to ~~Articles 9~~9 (5), 10 (3) and 13 (4) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the Council has informed the Commission that it will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the Council.

Amendment 151 #

Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 2 – indent 1 (new)

- Indicate the language preferences in which you want to receive information related to the elections

Amendment 152 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 4 a (new)

I wish to receive all future information related to the elections to the European Parliament in the following language:

Amendment 153 #

Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 4 a (new)

I have not been deprived of the right to vote in my home Member State.

Amendment 154 #

Proposal for a directive
Annex II – paragraph 2 – indent 1 (new)

- Indicate the language preferences in which you want to receive information related to the elections

Amendment 155 #

I have not been deprived of the right to stand as a candidate in my home Member State. 3a. _________________ 3a Only if also required of nationals of Member State of residence

Amendment 156 #

Proposal for a directive
Annex II – paragraph 4 a (new)

I wish to receive relevant information related to my application to stand as a candidate for election to the European Parliament in the following language:

Amendment 47 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 2

(2) Article 20(2), point (b) and Article 22(2) of the ~~of the~~ Treaty on the functioning of the European Union (TFEU) confers on Union citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament in their Member State of residence under the same conditions as nationals of the host Member State. The right, which is also affirmed in Article 39 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (Charter) gives specific expression to the principle of equality and non- discrimination on grounds of nationality set out in Article 21. It is also a corollary of the right to move and reside freely enshrined in Article 20(2) point (a) and Article 21 TFEU and Article 45 of the Charter.

Amendment 48 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 3

(3) The detailed arrangements governing the exercise of the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament are set out in Council Directive 93/109/EC. Such arrangements do not affect each Member State's provisions concerning the right to vote or to stand as a candidate of its nationals who reside outside its electoral territory and of certain persons who have close links to this Member State, other than its own nationals or Union citizens residing in this Member State.

Amendment 49 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 3

(3) The detailed arrangements governing the exercise of the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament ~~are set out in Council Directive 93/109/EC~~for Union citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals are set out in Council Directive 93/109/EC. These provisions should be in accordance with Article 223 (1) TFEU and the provisions in force for its implementation.

Amendment 50 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 4

(4) In its ~~the~~ EU Citizenship Report 24 24 2020 , the Commission stressed the need to update, clarify and strengthen the rules on the exercise of the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament in order to ensure that they support the broad and inclusive participation of ~~mobile EU citizen~~Union citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals. Taking also into account the experience gained in the application of Council Directive 93/109/EC to successive elections and the changes introduced by the amendments to the Treaties, several of the provisions of that Directive should be updated. _________________ 24 https://ec.europa.eu/info/files/eu- citizenship-report-2020-empowering- citizens-and-protecting-their-rights_en

Amendment 51 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 5

(5) Article 20 (2) TFEU is without prejudice to Article 223(1) TFEU , which provides for the establishment of a uniform procedure in all Member States in accordance with principles common to all Member States for those elections of Members of the European Parliament.

Amendment 52 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 6

(6) In order to ensure that Union citizens who reside in a Member State of which they are not nationals (“non-national Union citizens”) are able to exercise their right to vote and to stand as candidates in elections to the European Parliament under the same conditions as nationals of their host Member State, the conditions governing registration and participation in such elections should be clarified in order to ensure equal treatment between national and non-national Union citizens. In particular, Union citizens seeking to vote and to stand as candidates in elections to the European Parliament in their Member State of residence should be treated equally as regards ~~any~~ periods of residence that are to be fulfilled in a uniform manner throughout all Member States as a condition for the exercise of the right, as well ~~the~~as the uniform proofs for demonstrating compliance with such a condition.

Amendment 53 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Recital 6

(6) In order to ensure that Union citizens who reside in a Member State of which they are not nationals (“non-national Union citizens”) are able to exercise their right to vote and to stand as candidates in elections to the European Parliament under the same conditions as nationals of their host Member State, the conditions governing registration and participation in such elections should be clarified in order to ensure equal treatment between national and non-national Union citizens. In particular, Union citizens seeking to vote and to stand as candidates in elections to the European Parliament in their Member State of residence should be treated equally to nationals of that Member State as regards any periods of residence that are to be fulfilled as a condition for the exercise of the right, as well as the proofs for demonstrating compliance with such a condition.

Amendment 54 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 7

(7) The freedom of Union citizens to choose the Member State in which to take part in elections to the European Parliament must be respected, while taking the appropriate measures to ensure that no one may vote more than once or stand as a candidate in more than one country.

Amendment 55 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Recital 8

Amendment 56 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 8

Amendment 57 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 9

(9) In order to facilitate the exercise by Union citizens of their right to vote and to stand as a candidate in their country of residence, such citizens should be entered on the electoral roll in sufficient time in advance of polling day. The formalities applicable to their registration should be as simple as possible. It should be sufficient for the Union citizens concerned to produce a valid identity card and a formal declaration that includes elements evidencing their entitlement to participate in the elections. Automatic registration could be made available for Union citizens who have expressed the wish to be registered as a voter in the Member State of residence, provided that they produce the elements required to establish that they are entitled to participate in the elections and that measures to avoid multiple voting are not jeopardized. Once registered, non- national Union citizens should remain on the electoral roll under the same conditions as Union citizens who are nationals of the Member State concerned, for as long as they satisfy the conditions for exercising the right to vote. Additionally, Union citizens should provide the competent authorities with contact information, enabling those authorities to keep them informed on a regular basis.

Amendment 58 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Recital 9

(9) In order to facilitate the exercise by Union citizens of their right to vote and to stand as a candidate in their country of residence, ~~such c~~there should be automatic voter registration of Union citizens under their consent and with a possibility to opt-out. Citizens should be entered on the electoral roll in sufficient time in advance of polling day. The formalities applicable to their registration should be as simple a~~s possible~~nd as uniform as possible across Member States and information about vote registration should be provided in all official EU languages. It should be sufficient for the Union citizens concerned to produce a valid identity card and a formal declaration that includes elements evidencing their entitlement to participate in the elections. Once registered, non- national Union citizens should remain on the electoral roll under the same conditions as Union citizens who are nationals of the Member State concerned, for as long as they satisfy the conditions for exercising the right to vote. Additionally, Union citizens should provide the competent authorities with contact information, enabling those authorities to keep them informed on a regular basis.

Amendment 59 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 9

(9) In order to facilitate the exercise by non-national Union citizens of their right to vote and to stand as a candidate in their country of residence, ~~such~~Member States should be encouraged to allow for automatic registration. Where automatic registration is not available, non-national Union citizens should be entered on the electoral roll in sufficient time in advance of polling day. The formalities applicable to their registration should be as simple and as similar across Member States as possible. It should be sufficient for the Union citizens concerned to produce a valid identity card and a formal declaration that includes elements evidencing their entitlement to participate in the elections. Once registered, non- national Union citizens should remain on the electoral roll under the same conditions as Union citizens who are nationals of the Member State concerned, for as long as they satisfy the conditions for exercising the right to vote. Additionally, Union citizens should provide the competent authorities with contact information, enabling those authorities to keep them informed on a regular basis.

Amendment 60 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Recital 11

(11) In order to ensure equal treatment of non-national Union citizens seeking to exercise the right to stand as candidates for election in their Member State of residence, such citizens should be required to produce solely the same supporting documents as those required from candidates who are nationals of the Member State concerned. However, ~~in order to~~Member States have a genuine interest in establishing that such citizens are beneficiaries of the right laid down in Article 20(2)(b) and Article 22(2) TFEU,. For this reason Member States should, extraordinarily, be able to require the production of a formal declaration that includes elements necessary to evidence their entitlement to stand in the elections in question.

Amendment 61 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 11 a (new)

(11a) To enable European citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals to be eligible in practice for election to the European Parliament, national political parties should not make membership conditional on having the nationality of the Member State of election.

Amendment 62 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Recital 12

(12) In order to facilitate the accurate identification of voters and candidates registered both in their home Member State and in their Member State of residence, the list of data to be required from Union citizens, after automatic registration or when submitting an application to enter the electoral rolls or to stand as candidates in the Member State of residence if the Union citizens had initially opted-out, should include the personal identification number or the serial number of a valid identity or travel document.

Amendment 63 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 12

(12) In order to facilitate the accurate identification of voters and candidates registered both in their home Member State and in their Member State of residence, the list of data to be required from Union citizens, when ~~submitting an applica~~completing the formal declaration of their intention to enter the electoral rolls or to stand as candidates in the Member State of residence, should include the personal identification number or the serial number of a valid identity or travel document.

Amendment 64 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Recital 13

(13) Union citizens who have been deprived of their right to vote and to stand as candidates, on the basis of an individual civil law or criminal law decision taken by the competent authority, should be precluded from exercising that right in the Member State of residence in elections to the European Parliament. WUpon automatic registration or when receiving an application for registration as a voter, Member States may require from the citizen concerned a formal declaration confirming that they have not been deprived of their right to vote. When standing as candidates in their country of residence, Union citizens should be required to produce a statement confirming that they have not been deprived of the right to stand in the elections to the European Parliament. Such requirements should apply only when they are also applicable to the nationals of the Member State of residence.

Amendment 65 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 13

(13) Union citizens who have been deprived of their right to vote and to stand as candidates, on the basis of an individual civil law or criminal law decision taken by the competent authority, should be precluded from exercising that right in the Member State of residence in elections to the European Parliament. WUpon automatic registration or when receiving an application for registration as a voter, Member States may require from the citizen concerned a formal declaration confirming that they have not been deprived of their right to vote. When receiving an application for standing as a candidate~~s in their country of residence, Union citizens should be requir~~, Member States may require the citizen concerned to produce a statement confirming that they have not been deprived of the right to stand in the elections to the European Parliament.

Amendment 66 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Recital 16

(16) In order to prevent multiple voting or instances where the same person would stand as a candidate more than once at the same elections, Member States need to coordinate their system in a coherent and uniform manner. Member States should exchange information gathered from the formal declarations produced by Union voters and Union citizens entitled to stand as candidates. As Member States rely on different data to identify citizens, a common set of data should be envisaged in order to accurately identify Union voters and Union citizens entitled to stand as candidates and stop them from voting or standing as a candidate more than once. The personal data exchanged should be limited to the minimum necessary to achieve these purposes.

Amendment 67 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 16

(16) In order to prevent multiple voting or instances where the same person would stand as a candidate more than once at the same elections, Member States should ~~exchange information gathered from the formal declarations produced by Union voters and Union citizens entitled to stand as candidates~~be required to exchange information on non- national Union citizens registered to vote or stand as candidates in a Member State of residence. As Member States rely on different data to identify citizens, a common set of data should be envisaged in order to accurately identify Union voters and Union citizens entitled to stand as candidates and stop them from voting or standing as a candidate more than once. The personal data exchanged should be limited to the minimum necessary to achieve these purposes.

Amendment 68 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Recital 20

Amendment 69 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 20

Amendment 70 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 20

Amendment 71 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 20

Amendment 72 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 21

(21) In order to improve the accessibility of electoral information, such information should be made available in at least one other official language of the Union than that or those of the host Member State, broadly understood by the largest possible number of Union citizens residing on its territory. Member States may use different official languages of the Union in specific parts of their territory or their regions depending on the language understood by the largest group of Union citizens residing thereill official languages of the Union.

Amendment 73 #

Jana TOOM, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Recital 21

Amendment 74 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 21

(21) In order to improve the accessibility of electoral information, such information should be made available in at least ~~one~~two other official languages of the Union than that or those of the host Member State, broadly understood by the largest possible number of Union citizens residing on its territory. Member States may use different official languages of the Union in specific parts of their territory or their regions depending on the language understood by the largest group of Union citizens residing therein.

Amendment 75 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 22

(22) Any derogation from the general rules of this Directive has to be warranted, pursuant to Article 22 (2) TFEU , by problems specific to a Member State and has to be in line with the requirements of Article 52 of the Charter, including that any limitations to the exercise of the right to vote and to stand as a candidate at elections to the European Parliament is to be provided for by law and be subject to the principles of proportionality and necessity . In addition, any derogation has to be subject to review as provided by Article 47 of the Charter .deleted

Amendment 76 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 23

(23) Such specific problems may arise in a Member State in which the proportion of Union citizens of voting age, who reside in it but are not nationals of it, is very significantly above average. Derogations regarding the right to vote should be warranted where such citizens form more than 20 % of the total electorate on the criterion of period of residence;deleted

Amendment 77 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 24

(24) Member States in which the proportion of non-national citizens of the Union of voting age exceeds 20 % of the total number of Union citizens of voting age who reside there should have the possibility to lay down, in compliance with Article 22(2) TFEU , specific provisions concerning the composition of lists of candidates.deleted

Amendment 78 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Recital 26

(26) Data regarding the exercise of rights and the application of this Directive can be useful in the identification of measures necessary to ensure the effective exercise of Union citizens’ electoral rights. In order to improve the collection of data for elections to the European Parliament, it is necessary to introduce regular monitoring and reporting of implementation by Member States. Such data should be collected in a transparent and coordinated way across all Member States and on the basis of the same indicators. In parallel, the Commission should assess the application of this Directive, and submit a report including such an assessment to the European Parliament and to the Council, after each election to the European Parliament.

Amendment 79 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 26

(26) Data regarding the exercise of rights and the application of this Directive can be useful in the identification of measures necessary to ensure the effective exercise of Union citizens’ electoral rights. In order to improve and harmonise the collection of data for elections to the European Parliament, it is necessary to introduce regular monitoring and reporting of implementation by Member States on the basis of common indicators. In parallel, the Commission should assess the application of this Directive, and submit a report including such an assessment to the European Parliament and to the Council, after each election to the European Parliament.

Amendment 80 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Recital 27

(27) It is necessary that the Commission conduct its own evaluation of the application of this Directive within a reasonable timeframe after ~~at least two~~the next election~~s to~~ of the European Parliament, accompanied, if appropriate by a legislative proposal to amend this Directive.

Amendment 81 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 27

(27) It is necessary that the Commission conduct its own evaluation of the application of this Directive ~~within a reasonable timeframe after at least two~~after each elections to the European Parliament.

Amendment 82 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 27

(27) It is necessary that the Commission conduct its own evaluation of the application of this Directive ~~within a reasonable timeframe~~no later than two years after at least two elections to the European Parliament.

Amendment 83 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 29

(29) The Member States, by ratifying, and the Union, by concluding27 , the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities have committed themselves to ensure compliance with that Convention. In order to support inclusive and equal electoral participation for persons with disabilities, arrangements for Union citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals to exercise the right to vote and to stand as a candidate there in elections to the European Parliament should have due regard to the needs of citizens with a disability and older citizens. Member States should also ensure that persons with disabilities receive, at their request, assistance in voting by a person of their choice. Member States should provide the possibility of postal as well as internet or electronic voting. _________________ 27 Council Decision 2010/48/EC of 26 November 2009 concerning the conclusion, by the European Community, of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (OJ L 23, 27.1.2010, p. 35).

Amendment 84 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 29

(29) The Member States, by ratifying, and the Union, by concluding27 , the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities have committed themselves to ensure compliance with that Convention. In order to ~~support~~ensure inclusive and equal electoral participation for persons with disabilities, arrangements for Union citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals to exercise the right to vote and to stand as a candidate there in elections to the European Parliament should have due regard to the specific needs of citizens with a disability and older citizens. _________________ 27 Council Decision 2010/48/EC of 26 November 2009 concerning the conclusion, by the European Community, of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (OJ L 23, 27.1.2010, p. 35).

Amendment 85 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 32

(32) This Directive respects fundamental rights and the principles recognised in particular by the Charter, in particular Article 21 and 39 thereof. Accordingly, it is essential that this Directive shall be implemented in accordance with those rights and principles by ensuring full respect for, inter alia, the right to ~~protection of personal data, the right to~~ non- discrimination, the right to vote and to stand as a candidate at elections to the European Parliament, the freedom of movement and of residence ~~and~~, the right to an effective remedy and the right to protection of personal data.

Amendment 86 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 2

2. Nothing in this Directive shall affect each Member State's provisions concerning the right to vote or to stand as a candidate of its nationals who reside outside its electoral territory and of certain persons who have close links to this Member State, other than its own nationals or Union citizens residing in this Member State.

Amendment 87 #

Where, in order to stand as a candidate, nationals of the Member State of residence must have been nationals for a certain uniform minimum period, Union citizens shall be deemed to have met this condition when they have been nationals of a Member State for the same period.

Amendment 88 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1

~~1. Union voters shall exercise their right to vote either in the Member State of residence or in their home Member State. No person may vote more than once at the same elect~~(Does not affect the English version.)

Amendment 89 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1

If, in order to vote or to stand as candidates, nationals of the Member State or residence must have spent a certain and uniform minimum period as a residents in the electoral territory of that State, Union voters and Union citizens entitled to stand as candidates shall be deemed to have fulfilled that condition where they have resided for an equivalent period in other Member States. This provision shall apply without prejudice to any specific conditions as to length of residence in a given constituency or locality.

Amendment 90 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1

1. Union citizens who reside in a Member State of which they are not nationals and who, through an individual judicial decision or an administrative decision provided that the latter can be subject to judicial remedies, have been deprived of their right to stand as a candidate under either the law of the Member State of residence or the law of the home Member State, shall be precluded from exercising that right in the Member State of residence in elections to the European Parliament. Decisions on deprivation of legal capacity shall not automatically preclude a Union citizen from standing as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament, without prejudice to the national law of the respective Member State.

Amendment 91 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1

1. The Member State of residence may check whether the Union citizens who have expressed a desire to exercise their right to vote there have not been deprived of that right in the home Member State through an individual civil law or criminal law decision. Decisions on deprivation of legal capacity shall not automatically disqualify a Union citizen from voting in elections to the European Parliament, without prejudice to the national law of the respective Member State.

Amendment 92 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1

1. Union voters shall exercise their right to vote in the Member State of residence if they have expressed the wish to do so, including when automatic registration to Union citizens is made available by the Member State of residence.

Amendment 93 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. All Member States shall introduce automatic voter registration and shall require the consent on the Union citizen, there will also be a possibility for citizens to opt-out.

Amendment 94 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1

1. ~~Member States shall take the necessary measures to enable a~~To enable a European Union voter who has expressed the wish to be registered as a voter to be entered on the electoral roll, the Member States shall take the necessary measures sufficiently in advance of polling day. to proceed with the registration.

Amendment 95 #

Jana TOOM, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1

1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to enable a Union voter who has expressed the wish to be registered as a voter to be entered on the electoral roll ~~sufficiently~~at least 21 days in advance of polling day.

Amendment 96 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1

1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to enable a Union voter who has expressed the wish to be registered as a voter to be entered on the electoral roll ~~sufficiently in advance of~~no later than 14 weeks before polling day.

Amendment 97 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)

(c a) indicate one of the official languages of the Union in which they want to receive the information referred to in Article 12(2).

Amendment 98 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)

(c a) if they so wish, indicate the language in which they want to receive the information referred to in Article 12(2).

Amendment 99 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 4

4. Union voters who have been entered on the electoral roll shall remain thereon, under the same conditions as voters who are nationals, until they request to be removed or until they are removed because they no longer satisfy the requirements for exercising the right to vote. Where provisions are in place to notify nationals of such a removal from the electoral roll, these provisions shall apply to Union voters in the same way and in the language they have indicated they wish to receive the information referred to in Article 12(2).

source: 735.496

2022/09/12 AFCO 90 amendments...

Amendment 100 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1

1. Union voters shall have the right to choose to exercise their right to vote either in the Member State of residence or in their home Member State. No person may vote more than once at the same election.

Amendment 101 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 5

5. Member States shall designate a contact point to receive and transmit the information necessary for the application of paragraph 3. They shall communicate to the Commission the name and contact details of the contact point and any updated information orshould there be changes concerning it. The Commission shall keep a list of contact points and make it available to the Member States.

Amendment 102 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. When registering non-national EU citizens as residents, Member States shall offer them the possibility to express their option to register to vote in the country of residence and shall inform them about the possibility to stand as a candidate and submit an application in this regard. Should they not wish to do so at the moment of registration as residents, they shall maintain the right to express this option afterwards. When offering information about the possibility of voting or standing as a candidate, Member States of residence shall duly inform non- national Union citizens that they have the right to choose to vote or stand as candidate either in their home country or in their country of residence.

Amendment 103 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1

1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to enable a Union voter who has expressed the wish to be registered as a voter to be entered on the electoral roll sufficiently in advance of polling day. Member States shall enable registration as soon as the voter concerned registers for residence

Amendment 104 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1

Amendment 105 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Registration on the electoral roll should be allowed 40 days before pooling day, in order to allow as many Union voters as possible to register.

Amendment 106 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 3 – point a

(a) state in their declaration under paragraph 2 that they have not been deprived of the right to vote in their home Member State, if such requirement also applies to nationals of the Member State of residence;

Amendment 107 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 4

4. Union voters who have been entered on the electoral roll shall remain thereon, under the same conditions as voters who are nationals, until they request to be removed or until they are removed because they no longer satisfy the requirements for exercising the right to vote. Where provisions are in place to notify nationals of such a removal from the electoral roll, these provisions shall apply to Union voters ~~in the same way~~as well.

Amendment 108 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1

1. The Member State of residence shall inform the persons concerned in ~~good~~a timely manner and in clear and plain language, in their native language, or in official languages of the Union other than that or those of the host Member State, broadly understood by the largest possible number of Union citizens residing on its territory of the decision taken on their application for entry on the electoral roll or of the decision concerning the admissibility of their application to stand as a candidate.

Amendment 109 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1

1. The Member State of residence shall inform the persons concerned in good time and in clear and plain language of the decision taken on their application for entry on the electoral roll or of the decision concerning the admissibility of their application to stand as a candidate, including the possibilities available to appeal the decision.

Amendment 110 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 3

3. In case of errors in the electoral rolls or in the lists of candidates to the European Parliament, the person concerned shall be informed thereof in a timely manner and entitled to legal remedies on similar terms as the laws of the Member State of residence prescribe for voters and persons entitled to stand as candidates who are its nationals.

Amendment 111 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 3

3. In case of errors in the electoral rolls or in the lists of candidates to the European Parliament, the persons concerned shall be entitled to legal remedies on similar terms as the laws of the Member State of residence prescribe for voters and persons entitled to stand as candidates who are its nationals.

Amendment 112 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 4

4. Member States shall inform clearly and in a timely manner, the persons concerned of the decision referred to in paragraph 1 and of the legal remedies referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3.

Amendment 113 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1

1. Member States shall provide appropriate information to non-national Union citizens on the right to vote and on the administrative steps to exercise that right. Such information shall be provided when the residence of non-national Union citizens is registered, later on, upon request, and sufficiently in advance of European elections. Member States shall designate a national authority with responsibility for taking the necessary measures to ensure that non-national Union citizens are informed in a timely manner of the conditions and detailed rules for registration as a voter or candidate in elections to the European Parliament. Designated authorities shall be endowed with the capacity to cooperate with relevant civil society organisations in disseminating information on electoral procedures.

Amendment 114 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1

1. Member States shall designate a national authority with responsibility for taking the necessary measures to ensure that non-national Union citizens are informed in a timely manner of the conditions and detailed rules for registration as a voter or candidate in elections to the European Parliament. Member States shall clearly indicate in the information provided that citizens have the right to choose to register in their place of residence or to remain registered in their home country.

Amendment 115 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d

(d) means of obtaining further information relating to the organisation of the election including the list of candidates or special measures for persons with disabilities.

Amendment 116 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Member States shall ensure that all citizens have access to all the necessary information to vote in their Member state of residence. Civil society organisations may cooperate with, and assist, the designated national authorities to raise public awareness concerning the information referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, as well as in encouraging non- national Union citizens to actively seek such information as often as they need it. Member States should ensure civil society organisations have sufficient means to do so.

Amendment 117 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – introductory part

3. The information on conditions and detailed rules for registration as a voter or candidate in elections to the European Parliament and the information referred to in paragraph 2 shall be provided in clear and plain language. in accordance with the quality requirements of Article 9 of Regulation (EU)2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a. _________________ 1a Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 October 2018 establishing a single digital gateway to provide access to information, to procedures and to assistance and problem-solving services and amending Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 1).

Amendment 118 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1

The information referred to in the first subparagraph shall, in addition to being communicated in one or more of the official languages of the host Member State, also be accompanied by a translation in at least one other official language of the Union that is broadly understood by the largest possible number of Union citizens residing on its territory, in accordance with the quality requirements of Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council30 . _________________ 30 Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 October 2018 establishing a single digital gateway to provide access to information, to procedures and to assistance and problem-solving services and amending Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 1).deleted

Amendment 119 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 a (new)

The Commission shall complement such measures with information services to EU citizens about electoral rights and electoral procedures via a dedicated information portal available in all languages of the Union and through outreach communication actions via the SOLVIT service.

Amendment 120 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 4

4. Member States shall ensure that information on conditions and detailed rules for registration as a voter or candidate in elections to the European Parliament and information referred to in paragraph 2 is made accessible to all citizens including persons with disabilities, homeless people, persons in prison who enjoy their voting right, and older persons by using appropriate means, modes and formats of communication.

Amendment 121 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. The designated authority shall collaborate with other competent authorities to ensure that citizens are informed of their rights under this Directive as soon as they register for residence in the Member State concerned. A person entitled to vote and stand as a candidate pursuant to Article 3 who establishes his residence in the country concerned, shall automatically receive information about their rights under this Directive. That information shall also be provided periodically, sufficiently ahead of the elections to the European Parliament, to all voters and persons entitled to stand as candidates pursuant to Article 3.

Amendment 122 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 2

2. The home Member State shall ensure that measures referred to in paragraph 1 do not prevent its nationals from voting or standing as candidates in other types of elections. Appropriate measures, such as the adoption of a common European Electoral Certificate, shall be taken at the Union level to support the efforts of Member States to avoid de-registration of mobile Union citizens from electoral rolls for other types of elections, while preventing double voting and securing equal treatment among national and non-national Union citizens.

Amendment 123 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1

Member States ~~that provide for the possibilities of advance vot~~should introduce mobile polling stations for voters who are unable to go to the polling stations on election day. Member States shall maintain vote at polling stations as the norm while allowing, postal voting, and ~~electronic and internet~~shall consider the introduction of complementary enhancing tools such as advance physical voting, proxy voting, and electronic voting, in elections to the European Parliament. Member States shall ensure the availability of those voting methods to Union voters under ~~similar~~the same conditions as the ones applicable to their own nationals.

Amendment 124 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1

Member States tsha~~t provide for the possibilities of advance~~ll allow postal voting and shall consider the possible introduction of complementary enhancing tools such as advance physical voting, p~~ostal~~roxy voting, and electronic ~~and internet~~ voting, in elections to the European Parliament. Member States shall ensure the availability of those voting methods to Union voters under ~~similar~~the same conditions as th~~e ones~~ose applicable to their own nationals.

Amendment 125 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1

Member States that provide for the possibilities of advance voting, postal voting, and electronic and internet voting, in elections to the European Parliament shall ensure the availability of those voting methods to Union voters under ~~similar~~the same conditions as th~~e ones~~ose applicable to their own nationals.

Amendment 126 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1

Member States shall designate an authority with responsibility for collecting and providing relevant statistical data based on common indicators to the public and the Commission, on the participation of Union citizens who are not nationals in elections to the European Parliament.

Amendment 127 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 16

Amendment 128 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 16

Amendment 129 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 16

Amendment 130 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 1

Amendment 131 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – title

RData collection and reporting

Amendment 132 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1

1. Within six months after each election to the European Parliament Member States shall send information to the Commission on the application of this Directive in their territory. In addition to general observations, the report shall contain statistical data on the participation in elections to the European Parliament of Union voters and Union citizens entitled to stand as candidates and a summary of the measures taken to support it. Member States shall also provide information on the efficiency of exchanges to prevent double voting with other Member States.

Amendment 133 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1

1. Within six months after each election to the European Parliament Member States shall send detailed information to the Commission on the application of this Directive in their territory. In addition to general observations, the report shall contain uniform statistical data on the participation in elections to the European Parliament of Union voters and Union citizens entitled to stand as candidates and a ~~summary~~detailed overview of the measures taken to support it.

Amendment 134 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 20 concerning a template and the form of the data to be collected for the purposes of paragraph 1 of this Article.

Amendment 135 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1

Amendment 136 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1

Within ~~two~~one years after the 2029 elections to the European Parliament, the Commission shall assess its application and produce an evaluation report on the progress towards achievement of the objectives contained herein. The evaluation shall also include a review on the functioning of Article 13.

Amendment 137 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1

Within ~~two years after the 2029~~18 months after each elections to the European Parliament, the Commission shall assess its application and produce an evaluation report on the progress towards achievement of the objectives contained herein. The evaluation shall also include a review on the functioning of Article 13.

Amendment 138 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1

Within two years after the ~~2029~~ elections to the European Parliament, the Commission shall assess its application and produce an evaluation report on the progress towards achievement of the objectives contained herein. The evaluation shall also include a review on the functioning of Article 13.

Amendment 139 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 2

2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Articles 9, 10, 13 and 137 shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time from the entry into force of this Directive.

Amendment 50 #

Draft legislative resolution
Citation 7 a (new)

— having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and in particular Article 29 thereof,

Amendment 51 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 1 a (new)

(1 a) Every Union citizen has the right to participate in the democratic life of the Union. It is imperative that all Union citizens, including mobile Union citizens, citizens with disabilities and citizens in a situation of homelessness, can fully exercise their political rights in the context of the elections to the European Parliament, both as candidates and as voters. There is a danger that the loss of acquired political rights for Union citizens as a result of European mobility will impede participation in elections to the European Parliament by mobile voters. The creation of a fully-fledged European democracy entails the progressive convergence of political rights among Union citizens when voting for, and standing as, candidates for elections to the European Parliament on the national electoral lists of either their home or host Member State, or the Union-wide list, in the event of its establishment.

Amendment 52 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 1 b (new)

(1 b) In that legislative resolution of 3 May 2022, additional rules were proposed with the aim of increasing voter turnout in the elections to the European Parliament by making voting as accessible and easy as possible, and thereby bringing European democracy into the 21st century, as well as the foundations of its electoral systems. This would be achieved by harmonising the minimum voting age at 16, introducing a pan-European electoral roll organised through zipped- lists, improving accessibility requirements for people with disabilities and introducing postal voting for all Union citizens and additional means of voting such as proxy, electronic or advanced voting.

Amendment 53 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 1 c (new)

(1 c) The democratic life of the European Union can also be strengthened by additional democratic tools such as the ECI or the use of referendums on European issues to which all citizens can participate, including mobile citizens and Union citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals.

Amendment 54 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 1 d (new)

(1 d) Furthermore, that legislative resolution of 3 May 2022 addresses the current diverging national electoral cultures, which have resulted in a range of different electoral systems, including differences in the right to stand in the elections to the European Parliament. The resolution calls for the harmonisation of the minimum age for standing in elections and for the introduction of zipped lists to ensure gender equality and equal opportunities for women and men to be elected; it also calls for common minimum democratic standards as regards the right to register a political party, an association of voters or another European electoral entity and to stand for elections, access to ballots and the fielding of candidates so as to ensure greater use of common democratic scrutiny procedures, as well as the avoidance of factors inhibiting political innovation across the Union, including in respect of mobile EU citizens.

Amendment 55 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 2

(2) The 1992 Treaty on the European Union introduced the legal concept of EU citizenship with the aim to strengthen the protection of the rights and interests of the nationals of its Member States by adding to existing EU entitlements a number of new political and electoral rights. Article 20(2), point (b) and Article 22(2) of the of the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union (TFEU) confers on Union citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament in their Member State of residence under the same conditions as nationals of the host Member State. The right, which is also affirmed in Article 39 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (Charter) gives specific expression to the principle of equality and non-discrimination on grounds of nationality set out in Article 21. It is also a corollary of the right to move and reside freely enshrined in Article 20(2) point (a) and Article 21 TFEU and Article 45 of the Charter. The right also allows citizens to effectively participate in the democratic life of the Union and to have a stake in the European Union as a political entity.

Amendment 56 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 a (new)

(3 a) All Union citizens, including mobile Union citizens, should be able to fully exercise their political rights in the context of elections to the European Parliament, both as candidates and as voters. It is therefore necessary to ensure that every Union citizen has the right to participate in the democratic life of the Union;

Amendment 57 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 5

(5) Article 20 (2) TFEU is concerned only with the possibility of exercising the right of vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament and is without prejudice to Article 223(1) TFEU , which provides for the establishment of a uniform procedure for elections to the European Parliament in all Member States in accordance with principles common to all Member States ~~for those elections~~.

Amendment 58 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 6 a (new)

(6 a) Non-national Union citizens should receive information about the possibility of voting or standing as a candidate when they register as residents of a Member State of which they are not nationals. Information pertaining to the registration as a voter or as a candidate should also be provided periodically, ahead of European elections, in a timely manner, to all voters and persons entitled to stand as candidates in accordance with the conditions governing the right to vote and stand as a candidate provided for in this Directive. The final choice of the Member State they want to vote in is theirs. Moreover, non-national Union citizens should be duly and regularly informed about their specific rights under the European electoral system. Member States are encouraged to open these elections to all citizens legally resident on its territory.

Amendment 59 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 6 a (new)

(6 a) In order to increase voter turnout in the elections to the European Parliament, Member States should make voting as accessible and easy as possible. Introducing postal voting as well as other possible additional means of voting could also be a way to facilitate the democratic participation of citizens;

Amendment 60 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 6 a (new)

(6 a) Non-national Union citizens should receive information about the possibility of voting or standing as a candidate at the moment they register as residents of a Member State of which they are not nationals.

Amendment 61 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 7

(7) The freedom of Union citizens to choose the Member State in which to take part in elections to the European Parliament must be respected, while the appropriate measures to ensure that no one may vote more than once or stand as a candidate in more than one country. Given that most Member States allow mobile European citizens to retain under national law their right to vote for a home country list, the possibility to choose between two or more countries to vote in requires that clear information be provided to mobile citizens and Member States coordinate among themselves to reduce the risk of multiple voting. Therefore, the freedom of Union citizens to choose the Member State in which to take part in elections to the European Parliament must be respected, while the appropriate measures to ensure that no one may vote more than once or stand as a candidate in more than one country. When receiving information about the possibility of voting or standing as a candidate in their Member State of residence, non- national Union citizens should be duly informed that they may vote or stand as candidate either in their home country or in their country of residence, dependent on their choice and the applicable national provisions.

Amendment 62 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 a (new)

(7 a) Member States should, ahead of the elections to the European Parliament, foster awareness and information campaigns while improving accessibility requirements for people with disabilities, elderly and vulnerable people;

Amendment 63 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 8

(8) In line with International and European standards, including, the requirements of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the law of the European Convention on Human Rights, Member States should not only recognize and respect the right of Union citizens to vote and to stand as a candidate, but also ensure easy access to their electoral rights by removing as many obstacles to participation in elections as possible. While voting at the polling station shall remain the norm, Member States should allow postal and proxy voting as well as introducing mobile polling stations for voters who are unable to go to the polling stations on election day.

Amendment 64 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 8

(8) In line with International and European standards, including, the requirements of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the law of the European Convention on Human Rights, Member States should not only recognize and respect the right of Union citizens to vote and to stand as a candidate but also ensure ~~easy~~that access to their electoral rights ~~by removing as man~~is as easy as possible by removing any unnecessary obstacles to participation in elections as possible.

Amendment 65 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 8

(8) In line with International and European standards, including, the requirements of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the law of the European Convention on Human Rights, Member States should not only recognize and respect the right of Union citizens to vote and to stand as a candidate but also ensure easy access to their electoral rights by removing ~~as many~~financial and unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles to participation in elections ~~as possible~~.

Amendment 66 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Recital 8

Amendment 67 #

(9) In order to facilitate the exercise by Union citizens of their right to vote and to stand as a candidate in their country of residence, such citizens should be entered on the electoral roll in sufficient time in advance of polling day. The formalities applicable to their registration should be as simple as possible. When they register as residents of a Member State of which they are not nationals, non-national Union citizens should be offered the possibility to express their decision to register to vote in the country of residence and should be informed about the possibility to stand as a candidate and submit an application in that regard. If they do not wish to do so at the moment of registration as residents, they should have the right to express their decision later. It should be sufficient for the Union citizens concerned to produce a valid identity card and, in duly justified cases, a formal declaration that includes elements evidencing their entitlement to participate in the elections. Once registered, non- national Union citizens should remain on the electoral roll under the same conditions as Union citizens who are nationals of the Member State concerned, for as long as they satisfy the conditions for exercising the right to vote. Additionally, Union citizens should provide the competent authorities with contact information, enabling those authorities to keep them informed on a regular basis.

Amendment 68 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 9

(9) In order to facilitate the exercise by Union citizens of their right to vote and to stand as a candidate in their country of residence, automatic registration as a voter should be made possible once those voters have expressed their wish to vote and stand as a candidate in their Member State of residence. Citizens should receive prior information regarding such automatic registration, notably concerning the fact that it implies deregistration from the electoral roll of their place of origin. Where automatic registration has not occurred, such citizens should be entered on the electoral roll in sufficient time in advance of polling day. The formalities applicable to their registration should be as simple as possible. It should be sufficient for the Union citizens concerned to produce a valid identity card and a formal declaration that includes elements evidencing their entitlement to participate in the elections. Once registered, non- national Union citizens should remain on the electoral roll under the same conditions as Union citizens who are nationals of the Member State concerned, for as long as they satisfy the conditions for exercising the right to vote. Additionally, Union citizens should provide the competent authorities with contact information, enabling those authorities to keep them informed on a regular basis.

Amendment 69 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 9

(9) In order to facilitate the exercise by Union citizens of their right to vote and to stand as a candidate in their country of residence, such citizens should be entered on the electoral roll in sufficient time in advance of polling day. ~~The~~Citizens should be duly and clearly informed of their rights in due time, as well as of any formalities that they might have to comply with. Where automatic registration has not occurred formalities applicable to their registration should be as simple as possible and accessible to vulnerable people. It should be sufficient for the Union citizens concerned to produce a valid identity card and a formal and user-friendly declaration that includes elements evidencing their entitlement to participate in the elections. Once registered, non- national Union citizens should remain on the electoral roll under the same conditions as Union citizens who are nationals of the Member State concerned, for as long as they satisfy the conditions for exercising the right to vote. Additionally, Union citizens should provide the competent authorities with contact information, enabling those authorities to keep them informed on a regular basis.

Amendment 70 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Recital 9

(9) In order to facilitate the exercise by Union citizens of their right to vote and to stand as a candidate in their country of residence, such citizens should be allowed to request the registration on the electoral roll of the host Member State as soon as they register or notify the authorities of their residence. Non-national citizens should in any case be entered on the electoral roll in sufficient time in advance of polling day. The formalities applicable to their registration should be as simple as possible. It should be sufficient for the Union citizens concerned to produce a valid identity card and a formal declaration that includes elements evidencing their entitlement to participate in the elections. Once registered, non- national Union citizens should remain on the electoral roll under the same conditions as Union citizens who are nationals of the Member State concerned, for as long as they satisfy the conditions for exercising the right to vote. Additionally, Union citizens should provide the competent authorities with contact information, enabling those authorities to keep them informed on a regular basis.

Amendment 71 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Recital 10

(10) While Member States are competent to determine the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament as regards nationals who reside outside their territory, the fact that non-national Union citizens have been entered on the electoral roll of their Member State of residence should not in itself constitute grounds for their removal from the electoral roll of their home Member State for other types of elections. The risk of de-registration from the electoral roll of the home Member State for other types of elections is one of the main factors discouraging non-national Union citizens from participating in elections to the European Parliament, with the result that the views of non- national Union citizens are disproportionately less well represented than those of citizens who are nationals of the Member State concerned.

Amendment 72 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Recital 10 a (new)

(10 a) The prevention of removal from the electoral roll of non-national Union citizens’ home Member States for other types of elections should require the adoption of effective and innovative tools at the European level. The creation of a European electoral certificate allows for the registration of Union citizens in the electoral rolls of multiple Member States for the elections to the European Parliament, while averting double voting.

Amendment 73 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 11

(11) In order to ensure equal treatment of non-national Union citizens seeking to exercise the right to stand as candidates for election in their Member State of residence, such citizens should be required to produce the same supporting documents as those required from candidates who are nationals of the Member State concerned. However, in order to establish that such citizens are beneficiaries of the right laid down in Article 20(2)(b) and Article 22(2) TFEU, in duly justified cases, Member States should be able to require the production of a formal declaration that includes elements necessary to evidence their entitlement to stand in the elections in question.

Amendment 74 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 13

(13) Union citizens who have been deprived of their right to vote and to stand as candidates, on the basis of an individual civil law or criminal law decision taken by the competent authority, should be precluded from exercising that right in the Member State of residence in elections to the European Parliament. When receiving an application for registration as a voter, Member States may require from the citizen concerned a formal declaration confirming that they have not been deprived of their right to vote. When standing as candidates in their country of residence, ~~Union citizens should be~~it should be possible for the country of residence to required tohat Union citizens produce a statement confirming that they have not been deprived of the right to stand in the elections to the European Parliament. Those requirements should apply only when they are also applicable to the nationals of the Member State of residence.

Amendment 75 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Recital 13

(13) Union citizens who have been deprived of their right to vote and to stand as candidates, on the basis of an individual civil law or criminal law decision taken by the competent authority, should be precluded from exercising that right in the Member State of residence in elections to the European Parliament. When receiving an application for registration as a voter, Member States may in duly justified cases require from the citizen concerned a formal declaration confirming that they have not been deprived of their right to vote. When standing as candidates in their country of residence, Union citizens should be required to produce a statement confirming that they have not been deprived of the right to stand in the elections to the European Parliament.

Amendment 76 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Recital 14

(14) It should be possible for the Member State of residence to check that Union citizens who have expressed a desire to exercise their right to stand as candidates have not been deprived of that right in their home country. The adoption of a European electoral certificate should enable the exchange of information between Member States in this regard. Where a Member State receives a request to that effect from the Member State of residence, it should provide the necessary confirmation within a time-limit allowing for the admissibility of the candidacy to be effectively assessed. The personal data being exchanged may only be processed for that purpose. Given the fundamental importance of electoral rights, failure by the home Member State to provide timely information on the status of a Union citizen should not result in the deprivation of the right to stand as a candidate in the Member State of residence. In cases where the relevant information is provided at a later stage, the Member State of residence should ensure, by appropriate measures and in accordance with the procedures provided for by its national law, that Union citizens deprived of the right to stand in their home Member State who were registered as candidates or have already been elected, are prevented from being elected or from exercising their mandate.

Amendment 77 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 17

(17) The information exchange between Member States to prevent multiple voting or instances where the same person would stand as a candidate more than once at the same election should not prevent their nationals from voting or standing as candidates in other types of elections. To facilitate communication between national authorities, Member States should be required to designate one contact point for that information exchange. A secure tool was developed ~~in the past~~ by the Commission to be used by the Member States under their responsibility to exchange the necessary data. That secure tool should be incorporated in this Directive, to further support exchanges between Member States’ competent authorities. Member States will act as separate controllers for their processing of personal data in this regard.

Amendment 78 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 20

(20) The lack of adequate information, in the context of electoral procedures, affects citizens in the exercise of their electoral rights as part of their rights as Union citizens. It also affects the capacity of competent authorities to exercise their rights and to deliver on their obligations. Member States should be required to designate authorities with special responsibilities for providing appropriate information to Union citizens on their rights under Article 20(2), point (b), and Article 22(2) TFEU and the national rules and procedures regarding participation in and the organization of elections to the European Parliament. ~~In order to ensure the effectiveness of communications, information should be provided in clear and comprehensible terms.~~ Member States should ensure that such information is made widely available, including to non- national Union citizens, through a wide range of channels, including through targeted cooperation projects between civil society organisations, the designated national authorities and also through embassies, consulates and other representations of the Member States of origin and the European electoral authority. In order to ensure the effectiveness of communications, information should be provided in clear and comprehensible terms and in a timely manner, and as early as possible, taking into account that electoral rolls to be closed 40 days and for candidates to be announced 12 weeks before the polling day

Amendment 79 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 20

Amendment 80 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 20 a (new)

(20 a) In order to foster the democratic participation of non-national Union citizens, Member States should provide appropriate, clear and inclusive information to Union citizens on the right to vote and on the possible administrative steps to exercise that right, as well as on the nature of the political system and traditions. Such information should be provided when the residence of non- national Union citizens is registered, either automatically or upon request, and should also be sent periodically, before European elections. Special attention should also be paid to the needs of vulnerable citizens, such as people with disabilities and elderly people;

Amendment 81 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 20 a (new)

(20 a) In order to increase the electoral participation of non-national Union citizens, Member States should provide appropriate information to Union citizens on the right to vote and on the administrative steps to exercise that right. Such information should be provided when the residence of non-national Union citizens is registered, later on, upon request, and sufficiently in advance of European elections.

Amendment 82 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 21

Amendment 83 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Recital 21

(21) In order to improve the accessibility of electoral information, such information should be made available in at least one other official language of the Union than that or those of the host Member State, broadly understood by the largest possible number of Union citizens residing on its territory. Member States should be encouraged to provide information also in the native language of the non-national Union citizen. Member States may use different official languages of the Union in specific parts of their territory or their regions depending on the language understood by the largest group of Union citizens residing therein.

Amendment 84 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 21

(21) In order to improve the accessibility of electoral information, such information should be made available in a clear and inclusive manner, and well ahead of the elections, in at least one other official language of the Union than that or those of the host Member State, broadly understood by the largest possible number of Union citizens residing on its territory. Member States may use different official languages of the Union in specific parts of their territory or their regions depending on the language understood by the largest group of Union citizens residing therein.

Amendment 85 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 21

(21) In order to improve the accessibility of electoral information, ~~such~~essential information on electoral rights should be made available in a~~t least one other~~ll official languages of the Union than that or those of the host Member State, broadly understood by the largest possible number of Union citizens residing on its territory. Member States may use different official languages of the Union in specific parts of their territory or their regions depending on the language understood by the largest group of Union citizens residing therein. The Commission should complement such measures by providing information to EU citizens about electoral rights and electoral procedures via a dedicated information portal available in all languages of the Union and through outreach communication actions via the SOLVIT service.

Amendment 86 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Recital 21 a (new)

(21 a) Non-national Union citizens should receive information about the possibility of voting or standing as a candidate when they register as residents of a Member State of which they are not nationals. Information pertaining to the registration as a voter or as a candidate should also be provided periodically, ahead of European elections, in a timely manner, to all voters and persons entitled to stand as candidates pursuant to Article 3. Moreover, non-national Union citizens should be duly informed about their distinct rights under the municipal and European electoral systems.

Amendment 87 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 22

Amendment 88 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 22

Amendment 89 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 23

Amendment 90 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 23

Amendment 91 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 23

Amendment 92 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 24

Amendment 93 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 24

Amendment 94 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 24

Amendment 95 #

Sandro GOZI, Pascal DURAND, Alin MITUȚA, Charles GOERENS

Proposal for a directive
Recital 26

(26) Data regarding the exercise of rights and the application of this Directive ~~can be useful in the~~is critical in the evaluation of the relevant Union policy and identification of measures necessary to ensure the effective exercise of Union citizens’ electoral rights. In order to increase and improve the collection ~~of data~~and reporting of data by Member States for elections to the European Parliament, it is necessary to introduce regular monitoring and to harmonise the reporting of implementation ~~by Member States~~. In parallel, the Commission should assess the application of this Directive, and submit a report including such an assessment to the European Parliament and to the Council, after each election to the European Parliament.

Amendment 96 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 27

(27) It is necessary that the Commission conduct its own evaluation of the application of this Directive ~~within a reasonable timeframe after at least two~~no later than two years after each elections to the European Parliament, accompanied, if appropriate, by a legislative proposal to amend this Directive.

Amendment 97 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 27

(27) It is necessary that the Commission conduct its own evaluation of the application of this Directive ~~within a reasonable timeframe after at least two~~no later than 18 months after each elections to the European Parliament.

Amendment 98 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 29 a (new)

(29 a) Member States should ensure that their laws facilitate voting by people experiencing homelessness, including when they are in a Member State of which they are not national. Providing proof of address in order to vote, as laid down in Directive 93/109/EC, can exclude people experiencing homelessness in those countries where they cannot obtain an administrative address. The requirement to provide proof of address should be removed from national legislation, in order to make it easier for people experiencing homelessness, who are full EU citizens, to vote.

Amendment 99 #