### 18. believes that the end of the unanimity rule on foreign policy would help the eu to conduct a foreign policy that is more effective and more proactive; ### 18. stresses that eu action shall always be in harmony with member states' actions;


### 19. underlines the important role of the armed forces during the covid-19 pandemic and believes that a more in-depth joint operation and coordination of member states’ armed forces within existing frameworks - such as the european medical command - or within new frameworks - such as military hospital trains - could lead to greater efficiency and contribute to the eu’s preparedness to fight pandemics; recognises the need to review the eu’s security and defence strategies to develop strategic autonomy , to become better prepared and more resilient to the new and hybrid threats and technologies that have made the nature of warfare less conventional and challenge the traditional role of the military , as well as for a future in which russia and china are becoming more assertive; stresses that the future strategic compass on security and defence should reflect these developments and take account of the broader geopolitical implications of covid-19; believes that , given the new political balance and a potential worsening of the international security environment following covid-19 , the eu defence budgets must not be cut; ### 19. underlines and appreciates the important role of the states’ security bodies and forces during the covid-19 pandemic;


### 19. underlines the important role of the armed forces during the covid-19 pandemic and believes that a more in-depth joint operation and coordination of member states’ armed forces within existing frameworks - such as the european medical command - or within new frameworks - such as military hospital trains - could lead to greater efficiency and contribute to the eu’s preparedness to fight pandemics; recognises the need to review the eu’s security and defence strategies to develop strategic autonomy , to become better prepared and more resilient to the new and hybrid threats and technologies that have made the nature of warfare less conventional and challenge the traditional role of the military , as well as for a future in which russia and china are becoming more assertive; stresses that the future strategic compass on security and defence should reflect these developments and take account of the broader geopolitical implications of covid-19; believes that , given the new political balance and a potential worsening of the international security environment following covid-19 , the eu defence budgets must not be cut; ### 19. underlines the important role of member states' armed forces during the covid 19 pandemic and believes that joint operations and effective coordination of member states' armed forces could lead to greater efficiency and help ensure that the eu is prepared to fight pandemics; stresses that member states' armed forces should take into account the wider geopolitical implications of covid-19; is convinced that member states' defence spending must not be reduced in the face of a potentially deteriorating international security environment as a result of covid-19;


### 19. underlines the important role of the armed forces during the covid-19 pandemic and believes that a more in-depth joint operation and coordination of member states’ armed forces within existing frameworks - such as the european medical command - or within new frameworks - such as military hospital trains - could lead to greater efficiency and contribute to the eu’s preparedness to fight pandemics; recognises the need to review the eu’s security and defence strategies to develop strategic autonomy , to become better prepared and more resilient to the new and hybrid threats and technologies that have made the nature of warfare less conventional and challenge the traditional role of the military , as well as for a future in which russia and china are becoming more assertive; stresses that the future strategic compass on security and defence should reflect these developments and take account of the broader geopolitical implications of covid-19; believes that , given the new political balance and a potential worsening of the international security environment following covid-19 , the eu defence budgets must not be cut; ### 19. underlines the important role of the armed forces during the covid-19 pandemic and believes that a more in-depth joint operation and coordination of member states’ armed forces within existing frameworks - such as the european medical command - or within new frameworks - such as military hospital trains - could lead to greater efficiency and contribute to the eu’s preparedness to fight pandemics; recognises the need to review the eu’s security and defence strategies to develop strategic autonomy , to become better prepared and more resilient to the new and hybrid threats and technologies that have made the nature of warfare less conventional and challenge the traditional role of the military , as well as for a future in which russia and china are becoming more assertive; stresses that the future strategic compass on security and defence should reflect these developments and take account of the broader geopolitical implications of covid-19; stresses that the future strategic compass on security and defence should reflect these developments and take account of the broader geopolitical implications of covid-19; believes that , given the new political balance and a potential worsening of the international security environment following covid-19 , the eu defence budgets must not be cut;


### 19. underlines the important role of the armed forces during the covid-19 pandemic and believes that a more in-depth joint operation and coordination of member states’ armed forces within existing frameworks - such as the european medical command - or within new frameworks - such as military hospital trains - could lead to greater efficiency and contribute to the eu’s preparedness to fight pandemics; recognises the need to review the eu’s security and defence strategies to develop strategic autonomy , to become better prepared and more resilient to the new and hybrid threats and technologies that have made the nature of warfare less conventional and challenge the traditional role of the military , as well as for a future in which russia and china are becoming more assertive; stresses that the future strategic compass on security and defence should reflect these developments and take account of the broader geopolitical implications of covid-19; believes that , given the new political balance and a potential worsening of the international security environment following covid-19 , the eu defence budgets must not be cut; ### 19. underlines the important role of the armed forces during the covid-19 pandemic and believes that a more in-depth joint operation and coordination of member states’ armed forces within existing frameworks - such as the european medical command - or within new frameworks - such as military hospital trains - could lead to greater efficiency and contribute to the eu’s preparedness to fight pandemics; recognises the need for member states to become better prepared and more resilient to the new and hybrid threats and technologies that have made the nature of warfare less conventional and challenge the traditional role of the military , as well as for a future in which russia and china are becoming more assertive; stresses that the future strategic compass on security and defence should reflect these developments and take account of the broader geopolitical implications of covid-19; believes that , given the new political balance and a potential worsening of the international security environment following covid-19 , the eu defence budgets must not be cut;


### 20. calls for the expansion and modernisation of eu communication strategies so that eu action is sufficiently visible both within and beyond the eu; urges the european external action service (eeas) to further strengthen its capacities to counter disinformation , including the creation of a dedicated far-east stratcom task force focused on the disinformation emanating from china , and imposing costs on countries that deliberately spread disinformation to divide and harm the eu and its member states; ### deleted


### 20. calls for the expansion and modernisation of eu communication strategies so that eu action is sufficiently visible both within and beyond the eu; urges the european external action service (eeas) to further strengthen its capacities to counter disinformation , including the creation of a dedicated far-east stratcom task force focused on the disinformation emanating from china , and imposing costs on countries that deliberately spread disinformation to divide and harm the eu and its member states; ### 20. calls for the expansion and modernisation of communication strategies between eu member states to make their actions more effective both inside and outside the eu;


### 20. calls for the expansion and modernisation of eu communication strategies so that eu action is sufficiently visible both within and beyond the eu; urges the european external action service (eeas) to further strengthen its capacities to counter disinformation , including the creation of a dedicated far-east stratcom task force focused on the disinformation emanating from china , and imposing costs on countries that deliberately spread disinformation to divide and harm the eu and its member states; ### 20. urges the european external action service (eeas) to further strengthen its capacities to counter disinformation and impose costs on countries that deliberately spread disinformation to divide , undermine and harm the eu and its member states;


### 21. stresses that its biggest global consumer market of almost 500 million people gives the eu leverage on the world stage , and believes that a geopolitical commission should use this leverage when other countries are not prepared to comply with the rule of law or international treaties; ### 21. stresses that its biggest global consumer market of almost 500 million people gives the eu member states leverage on the world stage , and believes this leverage should be utilised in trade negotiations; urges the eu and its member states to make aid granted to developing countries conditional upon agreements on the effective readmission of all illegal immigrants present in the eu eligible for return;


### 21. stresses that its biggest global consumer market of almost 500 million people gives the eu leverage on the world stage , and believes that a geopolitical commission should use this leverage when other countries are not prepared to comply with the rule of law or international treaties; ### 21. stresses that its biggest global consumer market of almost 500 million people gives the eu leverage on the world stage , and believes that the commission should take this leverage into account when it deals with other countries that are not upholding human rights or complying with the rule of law or international treaties;


### 22. notes that the covid-19 pandemic has shown the need to reduce dependency on third countries in certain strategic and existential sectors and might prompt diversification of its most critical supply chains; ### 22. notes that the covid-19 pandemic has shown the need to reduce dependency on third countries in certain strategic and existential sectors and strongly supports the diversification of its most critical supply chains , moving away from its dependence on china;


### 23. recalls its request for a strong global sanctions regime to address serious human rights violations , which would be the eu equivalent of the so-called magnitsky act; ### deleted


### 24. underlines the strategic importance of eu engagement and support in its neighbourhood , both in the east and in the south; stresses that the eu must give western balkan countries that are not yet part of the eu a fair chance to join the eu , and that the eu must continue its efforts to invest in the region; ### 24. underlines the strategic importance of eu engagement in its neighbourhood , both in the east and in the south;


### 24. underlines the strategic importance of eu engagement and support in its neighbourhood , both in the east and in the south; stresses that the eu must give western balkan countries that are not yet part of the eu a fair chance to join the eu , and that the eu must continue its efforts to invest in the region; ### 24. underlines the covid-19 pandemic does not provide the excuse for the eu to expand still further , and under no circumstances should the eu admit new members; stresses that turkey has taken advantage of the pandemic situation to continue its destabilising policies in the eastern mediterranean and all accession talks should be discontinued on a permanent basis;


### 25. stresses that the covid-19 crisis could destabilise countries in africa which often have a fragile health infrastructure and high debts; calls for the eu presence in africa to be strengthened , for financial assistance and recovery plans to be fostered and for an alternative to chinese investments to be provided; ### 25. stresses that the covid-19 crisis could destabilise countries in africa which often have a fragile health infrastructure and high debts; stresses , however , that priorities should first be set with those eu member states that are most affected by the covid crisis; suggests that member states should provide a coordinated aid and medical personnel to african countries in order to effectively address the covid 19 crisis in the affected countries; stresses , however , that a new approach to the migration crisis is needed now in order to effectively protect external borders and combat illegal migration , as this could also potentially spread covid 19 outbreaks in the respective member states;


### 25. stresses that the covid-19 crisis could destabilise countries in africa which often have a fragile health infrastructure and high debts; calls for the eu presence in africa to be strengthened , for financial assistance and recovery plans to be fostered and for an alternative to chinese investments to be provided; ### 25. stresses that chinese investment in africa resulting from the covid-19 crisis could further destabilise countries whose fragility causes a rise in the massive flow of illegal immigrants to the north , which , in turn , mafia groups use to their advantage; calls for the eu presence in africa to be strengthened , for financial assistance to be fostered and for human trafficking mafia groups such as the ngo open arms , among others , to be persecuted;


### 25. stresses that the covid-19 crisis could destabilise countries in africa which often have a fragile health infrastructure and high debts; calls for the eu presence in africa to be strengthened , for financial assistance and recovery plans to be fostered and for an alternative to chinese investments to be provided; ### 25. stresses that the covid-19 crisis could destabilise countries in africa which often have a fragile health infrastructure and high debts; urges the eu to be active in expanding private investment alternative to chinese investment options to african countries;


### 26. calls for the common security and defence policy (csdp) missions tasked with conflict prevention or mitigation to be strengthened , notably those in the eu’s immediate neighbourhood , to help stabilise already fragile settings and prevent a relapse in conflicts and violence due to additional tensions caused by covid-19; calls in this regard for a swift adoption of the european peace facility; ### deleted


### 27. is of the opinion that the covid-19 crisis has highlighted certain weaknesses of our union and has shown the urgent need for an effective and efficient union; believes that the conference on the future of europe will provide a good platform to move forward in constructing more efficient decision making in eu external policies; is therefore determined to start the conference as soon as possible; ### 27. underlines that the covid-19 crisis has highlighted still further the weaknesses in the european union and believes that these weaknesses are irreconcilable with good governance , and calls on the member states to halt the long march towards a faux european federal states; underlines the urgent need for a shift of competences towards national decision-making , especially in crisis situations with appropriate coordination at council level; considers that the conference on the future of europe does not serve a possible reform approach as it does not represent broad public opinion; criticises the fact that the crisis has been used by the eu to push through controversial political agendas which also have an impact at foreign policy level;


### 27. is of the opinion that the covid-19 crisis has highlighted certain weaknesses of our union and has shown the urgent need for an effective and efficient union; believes that the conference on the future of europe will provide a good platform to move forward in constructing more efficient decision making in eu external policies; is therefore determined to start the conference as soon as possible; ### 27. is of the opinion that the covid-19 crisis has highlighted certain weaknesses of our union and has shown the urgent need for an effective and efficient union;


### 27. is of the opinion that the covid-19 crisis has highlighted certain weaknesses of our union and has shown the urgent need for an effective and efficient union; believes that the conference on the future of europe will provide a good platform to move forward in constructing more efficient decision making in eu external policies; is therefore determined to start the conference as soon as possible; ### 27. is of the opinion that the covid-19 crisis has highlighted the eu’s immense weakness; believes that any debate on the future of europe should reassess whether to repatriate powers to the member states , strictly apply the subsidiarity principle and fully respect the sovereignty of nation states;


### 3. recalls that progress in accession under the revised enlargement methodology depends on lasting , in-depth and irreversible reforms across fundamental areas , in particular the rule of law and the fight against corruption; ### 3. recalls that progress in accession under the revised enlargement methodology depends on lasting , in-depth and irreversible reforms across fundamental areas , in particular justice and the fight against corruption and organized crime;


### 14. welcomes the creation of anti-corruption bodies and the fact that sustained investigations are being carried out by the newly established special anti-corruption and organised crime structure (spak) , and indictments are being handed down by the anti-corruption and organised crime courts , and underlines the need to maintain their independence and effectiveness in fighting impunity; ### 14. welcomes the creation of anti-corruption bodies and takes notes of the progress achieved in anti-corruption legislation; acknowledges that in-depth investigations by the newly established special structure against corruption and organized crime (spak) are ongoing and that the corruption and organized crime courts are issuing indictments , and stresses the need to maintain their independence and effectiveness in the fight against impunity; at the same time he points out that all this requires a commitment in terms of financial , technical and human resources for its complete implementation;


### 23. reminds albania of its calls for further improvements to be made in the education and health , and the employment rates and living conditions of roma and other ethnic minorities; ### 23. reminds albania of its calls for further improvements to be made in the education and health , and the employment rates and living conditions of ethnic minorities;


### 27. recalls the authorities’ obligation to ensure due process for asylum seekers in compliance with albania’s international obligations , and to properly address the needs of refugees , asylum seekers and migrants; calls for increased capacities to process asylum requests and investigations into the reported cases of breaches of the return procedures; ### 27. recalls the authorities’ obligation to ensure due process for asylum seekers in compliance with albania’s international obligations , and to properly address the needs of refugees , asylum seekers and migrants; calls for increased capacities to process asylum requests and investigations into the reported cases of breaches of the return procedures; calls for a better and enhanced cooperation for this purpose with the authorities of the member states;


### 28. stresses that border protection and the prevention of cross-border crime , including in cooperation with the european border and coast guard agency (frontex) , must be conducted in full respect for fundamental rights; ### 28. stresses the importance of border protection and the prevention of cross-border crime , while respecting fundamental rights , in cooperation with the police and customs authorities of the member states and with the european border and coast guard agency (frontex); calls for a real commitment to the fight against international terrorism through close and enhanced cooperation with the judicial , intelligence and police authorities of the member states;


### 35. expresses grave concern about the proposed measures under the draft media law and welcomes the commitment to adopt amendments only if they are assessed as being fully in line with the venice commission’s recommendations; ### 35. expresses concern about the proposed measures under the draft media law and welcomes the commitment to adopt amendments only if they are assessed as being fully in line with the venice commission’s recommendations;


### 38. calls for the measures addressing the demographic decline and the brain drain to be stepped up through active labour market policies that address skills mismatches and reduce long-term unemployment; ### 38. calls for measures to tackle demographic decline and the emigration of the most skilled human resources to be strengthened through active labour market policies , which address the mismatch between skills supply and demand and reduce long-term unemployment; hopes for a strengthening and qualitative improvement of school , university and training standards;


### 1. welcomes the publication of the 20th and 21st annual reports; deplores the late publication of information about exports during 2017 and 2018; ### deleted


### 2. notes that ten member states made full submissions to the 20th annual report , and eleven to the 21st; deplores the fact that two of the main exporting countries – germany and the uk – did not make full submissions; ### 2. notes that ten member states made full submissions to the 20th annual report , and eleven to the 21st;


### 2. notes that ten member states made full submissions to the 20th annual report , and eleven to the 21st; deplores the fact that two of the main exporting countries – germany and the uk – did not make full submissions; ### 2. notes that ten member states made full submissions to the 20th annual report , and eleven to the 21st; notes the fact that two of the main exporting countries – germany and the uk – did not make full submissions;


### 3. deplores the fact that member states use very different information in order to generate data on the value of licences , which renders the annual report considerably less usable as a comparative data set and serves to diminish its transparency and accountability before citizens and parliaments; urges france , in particular , to refrain from submitting data on the value of licences at pre-contract stage and broad values for global licences , which undermines the comparability of the report; ### 3. acknowledges that member states use very different information in order to generate data on the value of licences , complicating the ability to use comparative data effectively; urges france , in particular , to refrain from submitting data on the value of licences at pre-contract stage and broad values for global licences , which undermines the comparability of the report;


### 3. deplores the fact that member states use very different information in order to generate data on the value of licences , which renders the annual report considerably less usable as a comparative data set and serves to diminish its transparency and accountability before citizens and parliaments; urges france , in particular , to refrain from submitting data on the value of licences at pre-contract stage and broad values for global licences , which undermines the comparability of the report; ### 3. stresses that research , development , production , distribution and arms export policies must remain the discretion of the member states as it is a strictly national prerogative; calls on the commission , the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy and the european external action service to consider arms policy from the point of view of exports in particular and acknowledge that defence , in all its aspects , is exclusively the remit of the member states;


### 6. welcomes the council’s intention to increase convergence and transparency – the main objectives of its last review of the common position; ### deleted


### 7. points out that council decision (cfsp) 2019/1560 and the relevant conclusions of 16 september 2019 have the potential to ensure that eu citizens are furnished with better information about the strategic choices made by their governments in an area which directly affects their security and their countries’ adherence to values and norms; ### 7. points out that council decision (cfsp) 2019/1560 and the relevant conclusions of 16 september 2019 have the potential to ensure that eu citizens are furnished with better information about the strategic choices made by their governments;


### 8. notes with concern the growing divergences between the arms export policies and practices of the member states and the failure to introduce new instruments to promote convergence towards the strict application of eu rules in this area; ### deleted


### 8. notes with concern the growing divergences between the arms export policies and practices of the member states and the failure to introduce new instruments to promote convergence towards the strict application of eu rules in this area; ### 8. notes the sale of arms is tied closely with issues related to national security; and recognises that the sale of arms remains in the sovereign control of the member states for the purposes of national security;


### 9. supports the council’s decision to introduce a clear reporting deadline for national submissions; welcomes the steps taken towards the online approach and encourages the further development of the latter; ### deleted


### 9. supports the council’s decision to introduce a clear reporting deadline for national submissions; welcomes the steps taken towards the online approach and encourages the further development of the latter; ### 9. acknowledges the council’s decision to introduce a clear reporting deadline for national submissions; welcomes the steps taken towards the online approach and encourages the further development of the latter;


### 10. notes that since the adoption of the legally binding common position in 2008 , an increasing number of weapon systems produced in europe are made up of components from multiple countries and involve bi- or multilateral cooperation for technological , industrial and political reasons; ### deleted


### 12. notes that most member states have not outlined a policy regulating the transfer of weapons components to another member state which would ensure that any export to third countries from the member state of assembly is consistent with the export policy of the member state providing the components; regards this as particularly problematic in the context of the increasing divergences between licensing practices across the eu; observes that directive 2009/43/ec on intra-community transfers has proven ill-equipped to achieve the stated goal of setting high common standards for exports to third countries; ### 12. notes that most member states have not outlined a policy regulating the transfer of weapons components to another member state which would ensure that any export to third countries from the member state of assembly is consistent with the export policy of the member state providing the components;


### 13. observes a trend whereby the diverging export policies of the member states are increasingly considered as obstacles to cooperation projects , which is giving rise to a multitude of bilateral and specific agreements on weapon systems that allow for exports to third countries based on the least restrictive standards , rather than a joint , eu-wide approach; ### 13. observes a trend whereby the diverging export policies of the member states are increasingly considered as obstacles to cooperation projects , however , notes that the varying range in technological sophistication across europe’s industrial base is giving rise to a multitude of bilateral and specific agreements on weapon systems , which in turn is encouraging members to institute modernisation reforms that keep arms production fit for purpose;


### 13. observes a trend whereby the diverging export policies of the member states are increasingly considered as obstacles to cooperation projects , which is giving rise to a multitude of bilateral and specific agreements on weapon systems that allow for exports to third countries based on the least restrictive standards , rather than a joint , eu-wide approach; ### 13. affirms its preference for bilateral or multilateral cooperation between eu member states for the programming of research , development and production in the arms sector; regrets that the cooperation projects proposed by the commission exclude bilateral agreements on principle;


### 14. stresses that bilateral and multilateral agreements may further reduce convergence at eu level and that the failure to regulate exports uniformly between the member states and the lack of convergence in export decisions to third countries have a negative impact on human rights and international law , generate market distortions , and hinder industrial strategic planning , economies of scale and a level playing field; ### deleted


### 14. stresses that bilateral and multilateral agreements may further reduce convergence at eu level and that the failure to regulate exports uniformly between the member states and the lack of convergence in export decisions to third countries have a negative impact on human rights and international law , generate market distortions , and hinder industrial strategic planning , economies of scale and a level playing field; ### 14. stresses that bilateral and multilateral agreements serve as the foundation for international practices in arms transfers and that the lack of convergence in export decisions to third countries can only be overcome via furthering the best practices exhibited in the bilateral and multilateral agreements between member states;


### 15. notes that eu funds such as the preparatory action on defence research (padr) , the european defence industrial development programme (edidp) and the european defence fund (edf) , initiatives such as the permanent structured cooperation (pesco) , the coordinated annual review on defence (card) and the european peace facility (epf) , legislation such as the intra-community transfers and defence procurement directives of 2009 , and the creation of administrative capacities such as the commission directorate-general for defence industry and space (dg defis) are heralding an increasing europeanisation of arms production and capability development; ### 15. notes and deplores the fact that eu funds such as the preparatory action on defence research (padr) , the european defence industrial development programme (edidp) and the european defence fund (edf) , initiatives such as the permanent structured cooperation (pesco) , the coordinated annual review on defence (card) and the european peace facility (epf) , legislation such as the intra-community transfers and defence procurement directives of 2009 , and the creation of administrative capacities such as the commission directorate-general for defence industry and space (dg defis) are heralding an increasing europeanisation of arms production and capability development;


### 16. underlines the fact that the interinstitutional agreement on the establishment of the edf authorises the commission to assess whether the transfer of ownership or the granting of an exclusive licence of edf-co-funded military technology contravenes the security and defence interests of the eu and its member states or the objectives of the fund as set out in article 3 of the proposed regulation; notes that this new legislation establishes a specific type of control function for the commission with regard to a specific category of exports of military technology to third countries; ### 16. underlines the fact that the interinstitutional agreement on the establishment of the edf authorises the commission , without infringing upon the primacy of member state decisions , to assess whether the transfer of ownership or the granting of an exclusive licence of edf-co-funded military technology contravenes the security and defence interests of the eu and its member states or the objectives of the fund as set out in article 3 of the proposed regulation; notes that this new legislation establishes a specific type of control function for the commission with regard to a specific category of exports of military technology to third countries , while simultaneously respecting the independence and self-decision of the member states;


### 17. notes that under the epf , member states and the european external action service (eeas) will work on creating an eu-level system for arms transfers to third countries; ### 17. notes that under the epf , member states and the european external action service (eeas) will respect the right of member states to determine whom it will sell arms to;


### 17. notes that under the epf , member states and the european external action service (eeas) will work on creating an eu-level system for arms transfers to third countries; ### 17. deplores moves by the member states and the european external action service (eeas) under the epf to create an eu-level system for arms transfers to third countries;


### 18. notes that the lack of convergence of national arms export policies and decision-making is becoming increasingly untenable in the context of the prevailing europeanisation of arms production and the stated ambitions and plans to increase this further; ### 18. notes that the lack of convergence of national arms export policies and decision-making is to be expected since the industrial capability , research and development capacities and overall quality of equipment produced to serve the armed forces of member states is vastly different throughout europe , forcing the europeanisation of arms production to prioritize further the modernization and technological advancement within key eu policies such as the edidp , padr and edf;


### 18. notes that the lack of convergence of national arms export policies and decision-making is becoming increasingly untenable in the context of the prevailing europeanisation of arms production and the stated ambitions and plans to increase this further; ### 18. calls for the continued development of cooperative projects between european countries on a bilateral or multilateral basis , independently of any supranational entity;


### 19. believes that the europeanisation of arms production needs to go hand in hand with increased transparency; believes that there is still room for improvement in this area , particularly as regards the quality and uniformity of the data submitted by member states; calls on the working party on conventional arms exports (coarm): ### deleted


### 19. believes that the europeanisation of arms production needs to go hand in hand with increased transparency; believes that there is still room for improvement in this area , particularly as regards the quality and uniformity of the data submitted by member states; calls on the working party on conventional arms exports (coarm): ### 19. believes that the europeanisation of arms production needs to go hand in hand with a clear goal of modernisation towards a qualitative advantage in the arms production of member states; believes that there is still room for improvement in this area , calls on the working party on conventional arms exports (coarm):


### a) to add the following additional categories in a revised reporting template in order to implement the recent september 2019 council conclusions: the exact type of weapon and the quantity exported , denomination of the munitions , the lot size and the specific end-user , revoked licences , and the value and duration of contracts regarding post-delivery services such as training and maintenance; ### a) to add the following additional categories in a revised reporting template in order to implement the recent september 2019 council conclusions: the exact type of weapon and the quantity exported , denomination of the munitions , the lot size and the specific end-user , revoked licences , and the value and duration of contracts regarding post-delivery services such as training and maintenance; recognises , however , that member states may not always be able to give full submissions due to the commercial sensitivity and security risks surrounding such information;


### b) to disaggregate data with regard to denial information so as to facilitate the scrutiny of specific shipments or member states; ### b) to disaggregate data with regard to denial information so as to facilitate the scrutiny of specific shipments or member states within the limits of commercial sensitivity , national security and with every effort taken to avoid inadvertently aiding industrial espionage;


### c) to clarify definitions such as licensed value and actual exports so as to facilitate the comparability of data between member states; ### c) to clarify definitions such as licensed value and actual exports so as to facilitate the comparability of data between member states within the limits of commercial sensitivity , national security and with every effort taken to avoid inadvertently aiding industrial espionage;


### 20. welcomes the decision to transform the annual report into an interactive and searchable online database and expects it to be up and running before publication of the export data for 2019; calls on the eeas to inform parliament about the precise date on which this database will go online; urges coarm to chose a solution that enables data to be exported in a structured format; ### deleted


### 21. calls on coarm to work towards amending article 7 of the common position , by calling for an improved exchange of ‘relevant information , including information on denial notifications and arms export policies’ and other ‘measures to further increase convergence’; stresses the need , to this end: ### 21. recognizes coarm’s potential to add value in coordinating and consolidating areas of member states’ industrial bases so as to ensure that technologically sophisticated and rapidly deployable equipment are more easily produced in multinational efforts that incorporate willing engagement from small and medium enterprises operating in both the military and civilian technology spaces; stresses the need , to this end:


### 21. calls on coarm to work towards amending article 7 of the common position , by calling for an improved exchange of ‘relevant information , including information on denial notifications and arms export policies’ and other ‘measures to further increase convergence’; stresses the need , to this end: ### 21. calls on coarm to work towards amending article 7 of the common position , by calling for an improved exchange of ‘relevant information , including information on denial notifications and arms export policies’ and other ‘measures to further increase convergence’;


### a) to systematically discuss individual licence requests within coarm , where the receiving destination or recipient has been identified as a risk by one or several member states or the eeas; calls on member states to provide a justification if they decide to grant exports to such destinations; ### deleted


### a) to systematically discuss individual licence requests within coarm , where the receiving destination or recipient has been identified as a risk by one or several member states or the eeas; calls on member states to provide a justification if they decide to grant exports to such destinations; ### a) to utilize coarm in a manner based upon the successes of the nato industrial advisory group and be complementary to the existing commitments of member states who are part of the transatlantic defence technological and industrial cooperation (tadic);


### c) to undertake a joint assessment of country situations or potential export recipients in the light of the principles and criteria of the common position within the framework of the cfsp and in consultation with external stakeholders , including parliament; ### deleted


### c) to undertake a joint assessment of country situations or potential export recipients in the light of the principles and criteria of the common position within the framework of the cfsp and in consultation with external stakeholders , including parliament; ### c) to undertake a joint assessment of country situations or potential export recipients in light of the principles and criteria of the common position within the framework of the cfsp and in consultation with external stakeholders , including parliament within the limits of commercial sensitivity , national security and with every effort taken to avoid inadvertently aiding industrial espionage;


### 22. believes that the eu institutions should organise peer reviews with a view to encouraging authorities to share best practices on the collection and processing of data , fostering a better understanding of different national approaches , identifying differences as regards the interpretation of the eight criteria , and discussing ways to improve harmonisation; ### deleted


### 23. strongly believes that a much higher level of convergence as regards the strict application of the criteria will strengthen human rights , international law and the cfsp , and bolster the eu’s strategic security interests and strategic autonomy; ### deleted


### 23. strongly believes that a much higher level of convergence as regards the strict application of the criteria will strengthen human rights , international law and the cfsp , and bolster the eu’s strategic security interests and strategic autonomy; ### 23. strongly believes that arms exports remain the core responsibility of member states , notes that convergence can benefit multinational development and procurement initiatives that would ensure a qualitative edge in military hardware throughout europe which will strengthen human rights , international law and the cfsp , and bolster the eu’s strategic security interests and strategic autonomy;


### 24. stresses that effective end-use controls are crucial for a responsible export policy and for lowering the risk of diversion in particular; calls on the council , the member states , the eeas and the commission to set up a large-scale training and capacity-building programme for national and eu officials on arms export controls; stresses the need to use eu funding to ensure that sufficient staff resources are available at national and eu levels and at delegations and embassies in importing countries for the purposes of implementing viable end-use controls; calls on the eeas and coarm to report on itrace any identified diversion of eu-origin goods as part of the annual report; ### deleted


### 24. stresses that effective end-use controls are crucial for a responsible export policy and for lowering the risk of diversion in particular; calls on the council , the member states , the eeas and the commission to set up a large-scale training and capacity-building programme for national and eu officials on arms export controls; stresses the need to use eu funding to ensure that sufficient staff resources are available at national and eu levels and at delegations and embassies in importing countries for the purposes of implementing viable end-use controls; calls on the eeas and coarm to report on itrace any identified diversion of eu-origin goods as part of the annual report; ### 24. stresses that effective end-use controls are crucial for a responsible export policy and for lowering the risk of diversion in particular; recommends that the council , the member states , the eeas and the commission set up a large-scale training and capacity-building programme for national and eu officials on arms export controls; calls on the eeas and coarm to report on itrace any identified diversion of eu-origin goods as part of the annual report;


### 25. believes that the increasing europeanisation of arms production , the recent council conclusions on convergence in arms exports and the establishment of the epf should be complemented by a mechanism for eu-level monitoring and control based on strict compliance with the eight criteria; ### deleted


### 25. believes that the increasing europeanisation of arms production , the recent council conclusions on convergence in arms exports and the establishment of the epf should be complemented by a mechanism for eu-level monitoring and control based on strict compliance with the eight criteria; ### 25. believes that the increasing europeanisation of arms production , the recent council conclusions on convergence in arms exports and the establishment of the epf should be complemented by a mechanism for eu-level monitoring and control based on strict compliance with the eight criteria within the limits of commercial sensitivity , national security and with every effort taken to avoid inadvertently aiding industrial espionage;


### 26. considers that regular consultations with national parliaments , arms export control authorities , industry associations and civil society are central to meaningful transparency; calls on coarm to enhance dialogue with civil society and consultations with parliament and arms export control authorities; encourages civil society and academia to exercise independent scrutiny of the arms trade and calls on the member states and the eeas to support such activities , including by financial means; ### deleted


### 26. considers that regular consultations with national parliaments , arms export control authorities , industry associations and civil society are central to meaningful transparency; calls on coarm to enhance dialogue with civil society and consultations with parliament and arms export control authorities; encourages civil society and academia to exercise independent scrutiny of the arms trade and calls on the member states and the eeas to support such activities , including by financial means; ### 26. considers that regular consultations with national parliaments , arms export control authorities , industry associations , small and medium enterprises and civil society are central to meaningful transparency; calls on coarm to enhance dialogue with civil society and consultations with parliament and arms export control authorities; encourages civil society and academia to increase their engagement and dialogue with coarm in order to remain fully informed regarding arms production and exports;


### b. whereas in the context of the covid-19 pandemic , democracy , human rights and fundamental freedoms have deteriorated in many parts of the world , disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks have increased , and isolationist trends and rivalry – rather than multilateral cooperation; ### b. whereas in the context of the covid-19 pandemic , democracy , human rights and fundamental freedoms have deteriorated in many parts of the world , disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks have increased , and isolationist trends and rivalry – rather than multilateral cooperation , which highlights the primacy of the nation state;


### c. whereas challenges such as the resurgence of populism and authoritarianism , the attacks against liberal democracy and multilateralism , combined with competition between the great powers , which has transformed into rivalry , especially between us and china , pose a real threat to the eu’s interests and influence; ### deleted


### l. whereas the 2020 review conference will take place in a particularly challenging international security context , owing to the lack of progress in the denuclearisation of the korean peninsula as well as the us withdrawal from the joint comprehensive plan of action (jcpoa) with iran; whereas the current degree of disagreement and division between the 191 npt nuclear-armed and non-armed state parties over the best approach to reducing and eliminating nuclear weapons will add a further challenge to the debate; ### l. whereas the 2020 review conference will take place in a particularly challenging international security context , owing to the lack of progress in the denuclearisation of the korean peninsula as well as the us withdrawal , iran’s alleged violations and the responding formal complaints of france , uk and germany formally triggering a dispute mechanism in the joint comprehensive plan of action (jcpoa) with iran; whereas the current degree of disagreement and division between the 191 npt nuclear-armed and non-armed state parties over the best approach to reducing and eliminating nuclear weapons will add a further challenge to the debate;


### m. whereas the previous failure by russia to honour the security guarantees given to ukraine by the budapest memorandum has had a corrosive effect on the climate of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation talks; ### m. whereas the complete disregard by russia to honour the security guarantees it had given to ukraine by the budapest memorandum and disregard for international law , has had a corrosive effect on the climate of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation talks;


### o. whereas major military powers no longer tend to resort to arms control and disarmament to ease international tensions and improve the global security environment , ultimately leading to an increase in nuclear risks worldwide; ### deleted


### v. whereas multilateral dialogue and diplomacy have proven to be effective tools in preventing the proliferation crisis and an escalation of conflicts , as demonstrated by the jcpoa , which is considered a historic accomplishment and a key contribution to the global non-proliferation regime; ### v. whereas multilateral dialogue and diplomacy have proven to be effective tools in preventing the proliferation crisis and an escalation of conflicts , as multilateral dialogue and diplomacy are required to revive the jcpoa , which is considered a floundering agreement due to iran´s recent violations and the resulting triggering of the dispute mechanism by all of the jcpoa´s european signatories;


### v. whereas multilateral dialogue and diplomacy have proven to be effective tools in preventing the proliferation crisis and an escalation of conflicts , as demonstrated by the jcpoa , which is considered a historic accomplishment and a key contribution to the global non-proliferation regime; ### v. whereas multilateral dialogue and diplomacy have proven to be effective tools in preventing the proliferation crisis and an escalation of conflicts;


### remind the states that the 50th anniversary of the npt , coinciding with the 2020 review conference , could provide momentum for engaging in a sincere and result-oriented dialogue in order to restore mutual trust and confidence , the aim being to enlarge areas of overlap and identify a common ground in order to make headway with discussions; the ultimate goal being the adoption of an agreed document recognising nuclear disarmament and the total elimination of nuclear weapons as a common objective; ### remind the states that the 50th anniversary of the npt , coinciding with the 2020 review conference , could provide momentum for engaging in a sincere and result-oriented dialogue in order to restore mutual trust and confidence , the aim being to enlarge areas of overlap and identify a common ground in order to make headway with discussions;


### call on states to recognise nuclear arms control , disarmament and non-proliferation regimes as crucial tools in substantially contributing to reversing the deterioration of the international security environment , thereby preventing major interstate war and preserving peace and security; ### call on states in violation of the npt such as iran , to recognise nuclear arms control , disarmament and non-proliferation regimes as crucial tools in substantially contributing to reversing the deterioration of the international security environment , thereby preventing major interstate war and preserving peace and security;


### urge the us and russia to assume responsibilities that stem from their possession of the bulk of world’s nuclear arsenal in order to enhance mutual trust and confidence in view of resuming a dialogue on possible ways to build a new arms control relationship; stress that a clear commitment by russia and the us , ahead of the 2020 npt review conference , to extend the new start treaty before february 2021 would be an important contribution to the review conference; strongly encourage both parties to negotiate a new instrument that would encompass both deployed and non-deployed weapons , as well as strategic and non-strategic weapons; ### urge the us and russia to enhance mutual trust and confidence in view of resuming a dialogue on possible ways to build a new arms control relationship; stress that a clear commitment by russia and the us , ahead of the 2020 npt review conference , to extend the new start treaty before february 2021 would be an important contribution to the review conference; strongly encourages both parties to negotiate a new instrument that would include china in light of its widespread proliferation of missile technologies , as well as strategic and non-strategic weapons;


### reiterate the eu’s deep regret in connection with the recent collapse of the inf treaty , while stressing the significant negative impact of this on european security; call on both signatories to the inf treaty to resume dialogue on possible ways to put in place a new legally binding instrument for short- and medium-range missiles; support efforts to multilateralise such instrument; ### reiterate the eu’s deep regret in connection with the recent collapse of the inf treaty due to russia's deployment of the ssc-8 missile system , which is nuclear-capable , mobile , hard to detect , and lowers the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons in armed conflict , while stressing the significant negative impact of this on european security; call on both signatories to the inf treaty to resume dialogue on possible ways to put in place a new legally binding instrument for short- and medium-range missiles; support efforts to multilateralise such instruments to include china in light of its widespread proliferation of missile technologies;


### take into account the outcome of the first session of the conference on the establishment of a middle east nuclear-weapon-free zone , and continue supporting the longstanding goal of drafting a legally binding treaty allowing for the establishment of a menwfz; encourage all participating states to do their utmost to advance in this endeavour at the second session of the conference; ### take into account the outcome of the first session of the conference on the establishment of a middle east nuclear-weapon-free zone , the abstention from an instauration of a convention by all 28 member states and continue supporting the longstanding goal of drafting a legally binding treaty allowing for the establishment of a menwfz; encourage all participating states to do their utmost to advance in this endeavour at the second session of the conference;


### support the commitment to enhance transparency by the nuclear-weapon states in line with the 13 steps on disarmament adopted at the 2000 npt review conference; recall that further improving the reporting mechanism by systematising the nuclear-weapon-states’ reporting frameworks would contribute to achieving the same level of transparency among the different nuclear-weapon states; in this context calls on the eu to pay special attention to the non-proliferation and disarmament initiative proposals to enhance transparency for strengthening the review process of the npt; ### support the commitment to enhance transparency among all nuclear-armed signatories of the npt in line with the 13 steps on disarmament adopted at the 2000 npt review conference; recall that further improving the reporting mechanism by systematising the nuclear-weapon-states’ reporting frameworks would contribute to achieving the same level of transparency among the different nuclear-weapon states; in this context calls on the eu to pay special attention to the non-proliferation and disarmament initiative proposals to enhance transparency for strengthening the review process of the npt;


### (aa) reaffirm the eu’s continuing commitment to the jcpoa as the best possible means for obtaining assurances of an exclusively peaceful use of nuclear energy by iran , and as a vital tool for enhancing stability and security in the middle east; reiterate the eu’s regret over the withdrawal by the us from the jcpoa and the re-impositions of sanctions; call on iran to return to full compliance with its nuclear-related commitments under the jcpoa and the npt; ### deleted


### (aa) reaffirm the eu’s continuing commitment to the jcpoa as the best possible means for obtaining assurances of an exclusively peaceful use of nuclear energy by iran , and as a vital tool for enhancing stability and security in the middle east; reiterate the eu’s regret over the withdrawal by the us from the jcpoa and the re-impositions of sanctions; call on iran to return to full compliance with its nuclear-related commitments under the jcpoa and the npt; ### (aa) reaffirm the eu’s continuing commitment to the jcpoa as the best possible means for obtaining assurances of an exclusively peaceful use of nuclear energy by iran , and as a vital tool for enhancing stability and security in the middle east; reiterate the eu’s regret over the withdrawal by the us and iran´s alleged violations resulting in dispute mechanisms being triggered by all european signatories to the jcpoa risking the re-imposition of sanctions should iran continue its violations; calls on iran to return to full compliance with its nuclear-related commitments under the jcpoa and the npt;


### 17. calls for greater protection and inclusion of persons belonging to minorities , including roma , ashkali and egyptians , as well as persons with disabilities , by providing them with adequate health and social protection and care; urges more efforts to fight discrimination and antigypsyism; ### 17. calls for greater protection and inclusion of persons belonging to minorities , including roma , ashkali and egyptians , as well as persons with disabilities , by providing them with adequate health and social protection and care; urges more efforts to fight discrimination and antigypsyism; in this regard recommends that the rights of people with bulgarian ethnicity in the gora and zhupa regions to be enshrined in law and ensured in practice;


### 20. welcomes the progress on the protection of lgbti rights at the legislative and policy level; notes , however , the need for full implementation of the existing anti-discrimination framework , and calls for the proper investigation of cases of hate crime against lgbti persons; ### 20. welcomes the progress on the protection of all fundamental rights at the legislative and policy level; notes , however , the need for full implementation of the existing anti-discrimination framework;


### 23. reiterates its concern about the scale of domestic and gender-based violence; welcomes the revisions of the criminal code in this respect; notes , however , that the impunity of perpetrators is still of concern; ### 23. reiterates its concern about the scale of domestic violence; welcomes the revisions of the criminal code in this respect; notes , however , that the impunity of perpetrators is still of concern;


### 2. urges the authorities to sustain consensual efforts to strengthen democratic consolidation and the transformation process , fight against corruption , and restore the rule of law , while improving the climate for media and civil society; ### 2. urges all political parties to sustain consensual efforts to strengthen democratic consolidation and the transformation process , fight against corruption , and restore the rule of law , while improving the climate for media and civil society;


### 5. acknowledges the adoption of legislation on the prevention of corruption and conflicts of interest , lobbying , access to information , whistle-blower protection , the public prosecutor office , and calls for their effective implementation; ### 5. acknowledges the adoption of legislation on the prevention of corruption and conflicts of interest , lobbying , access to information , whistle-blower protection , the public prosecutor office , and calls for their effective implementation; takes into consideration that they must strengthen the work on the reform of the public administration; it has been noticed in the commission staff working document of the update of the republic of north macedonia , published in march 2020 , that north macedonia must continue its work on guaranteeing the professional independence , the accountability of the administration and the respect of the principles of merit and an equitable representation;


### 15. calls for additional measures to improve the transparency of political party financing; recalls the need to effectively implement the recommendations of the state audit office; ### 15. urges for additional measures and oversight committees to improve the transparency of political party financing; recalls the need to effectively implement the recommendations of the state audit office;


### 22. welcomes the country’s efforts in improving cooperation on managing migration and addressing the needs of refugees , asylum seekers and migrants; recalls the need to establish a viable mechanism for managing irregular migratory flows , ensuring international protection and combating people smuggling networks; ### 22. welcomes the country’s efforts in improving cooperation on managing migration and addressing the needs of refugees , asylum seekers and migrants; recalls the need to establish a viable mechanism for managing irregular migratory flows , as migration is one of the main problems in the eu and north macedonia is one of the main transit routes for irregular movements , ensuring international protection and combating people smuggling networks;


### 23. acknowledges that the generally favourable environment for freedom of expression and media independence must be enhanced through improved self-regulation , transparency of ownership and advertising market , while increasing financial sustainability and impartiality of public and private media outlets; ### 23. acknowledges that the environment for freedom of expression and media independence must be enhanced through improved self-regulation , transparency of ownership and advertising market , while increasing financial sustainability and impartiality of public and private media outlets;


### 24. encourages systemic media reforms that would reinvigorate competition , the independence of the public service broadcaster , and quality investigative journalism; ### 24. encourages systemic media reforms that would reinvigorate competition , the independence of the public service broadcaster , and quality investigative journalism; calls for an immediate halt in the media that is focused on promoting anti-bulgarian views;


### 39. regrets that bulgaria and north macedonia have yet to find a compromise on issues related to history and language , trusts that they will soon be settled in order not to jeopardise the integration momentum , and looks forward to holding of the first intergovernmental conference , kick-starting the accession talks without a further delay; ### 39. regrets that bulgaria and north macedonia have yet to find a compromise on issues related to history and language , takes into consideration that for the accession of a 3rd country to be part of the european union , it must be in line with all member states;


### 42. invites north macedonia to continue contributing to the eu crisis management operations and increasing its alignment with the common foreign and security policy; ### 42. commends the continued and standing contributions of north macedonia to ongoing csdp operations and euro-atlantic security. recognises the professional conduct of the army of north macedonia and invites north macedonia to continue contributing to the eu crisis management operations and increasing its alignment with the common foreign and security policy;


### – having regard to article 207 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) , ### – having regard to article 17 and article 207 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) ,


### – having regard to the global compact for safe , orderly and regular migration adopted by the un general assembly on 10 and 11 december 2018 , ### deleted


### – having regard to the global compact on refugees , affirmed by the un general assembly on 17 december 2018 , ### deleted


### 17. stresses the link between the increase in human rights violations and widespread impunity and the lack of accountability in regions and countries devastated by conflicts or marked by politically motivated intimidation , discrimination , harassment and assault , abduction , violent policing , arbitrary arrests and cases of torture; ### 17. stresses the link between the increase in human rights violations and widespread impunity and the lack of accountability in regions and countries devastated by conflicts or marked by politically motivated intimidation , discrimination , harassment and assault , abduction , violent policing , arbitrary arrests and cases of torture; urges research into national accountability mechanisms to address this lack of accountability and contribute to justice , dialogue and reconciliation in such countries;


### 18. welcomes the eu’s efforts to promote the universality of the rome statute in 2018 , during which the 20th anniversary of its adoption was celebrated , and reaffirms its unwavering support of the international criminal court; calls on the commission and the eeas to explore ways and present new tools to help the victims of violations of international human rights law and of international humanitarian law to access international justice and obtain remedy and reparation; ### 18. welcomes the eu’s efforts to promote the universality of the rome statute in 2018 , during which the 20th anniversary of its adoption was celebrated , and reaffirms its unwavering support of the international criminal court; calls for the reallocating of existing funds in order to provide support for organisations that collect , keep and protect evidence – digital or otherwise – of the crimes committed by any parties to conflicts , in order to facilitate their prosecution at an international level; calls on the eu members states and the eu genocide network to support the un investigative team in collecting , preserving , and storing evidence of crimes committed by isis in iraq , in particular the genocide against christians and yazidis; calls on the commission and the eeas to explore ways and present new tools to help the victims of violations of international human rights law and of international humanitarian law to access international justice and obtain remedy and reparation;


### 19. welcomes the initial discussions within the council regarding the establishment of an eu human rights sanctions mechanism , the so-called ‘magnitsky list’ , allowing for targeted sanctions against individuals complicit in serious human rights violations; ### deleted


### c. whereas the need for a stronger and united europe when it comes to external relations is more urgent than before; ### deleted


### e. whereas the world is facing a global shift of powers with geopolitical competition being a leading trend in foreign politics that requires quick and adequate response mechanisms; ### e. whereas the world is facing a global shift of powers with geopolitical competition and mass migration as well as coercive engineered migration being some of the leading trend/threats toward europe and the eu member states , requiring timely and adequate response mechanisms;


### f. whereas new political forces are pushing for their own global and regional ambitions with unpredictable consequences for global security; ### f. whereas new political forces are pushing for their own global and regional ambitions with unpredictable consequences for global security and especially the security of european; -citizens; -states; and –cultures;


### fully recognise the potential and the strategic relevance of the region , and develop a truly strategic vision for cooperation and engagement by continuously working to implement and adapt the horn of africa strategy in the light of recent developments in the region , giving new impetus to equal footing and a mutually beneficial relationship based on coherent , timely and effective consultations and common values , interests and prospects; ### fully recognise the potential and the strategic relevance of the region , and develop a truly strategic vision for cooperation and engagement by continuously working to implement and adapt the horn of africa strategy in the light of recent developments in the region , giving new impetus to equal footing and a mutually beneficial relationship based on coherent , timely and effective consultations and common values , interests and prospects; notes that development aid is at times misused by governments of receiving countries , thereby contributing to corruption in the country;


### coordinate efforts in the region with the african union and its regional components , as well as with the un and other like-minded partners; ### coordinate efforts in the region with the african union and its regional components , as well as with the un and other like-minded partners; maintain support for ongoing missions in the area that help these efforts including the three eu csdp missions , eunavfor atalanta , which fights piracy off the somali coast , the eutm somalia , which contributes to the training of somali security forces and eucap somalia , which assists in developing self-sustaining capacity for enhancing maritime security;


### contribute to regional security and stability both through conflict resolution and mediation activities and by addressing the root causes of conflicts; ### contribute to regional security and stability both through conflict resolution and mediation activities and by addressing the root causes of conflicts; through political , financial , operational and logistical support; such contributions would include supporting an open political space allowing for democratic transitions , rule of law and state-building , allocating additional money than the €175.9 million given in 2021 and mobilising new financial instruments like the european fund for sustainable development , european peace facility and providing strategic air and sea lift support;


### support all diplomatic efforts devoted to ending the ongoing conflict within ethiopia , both at national level and in the forums provided by the african union , in order to agree on a permanent ceasefire and facilitate internal reconciliation; ### support all diplomatic efforts devoted to ending the ongoing conflict within ethiopia , both at national level and in the forums provided by the african union; advocates for much needed humanitarian aid and access to ethiopia as the conflict in the tigray region has left it on the edge of a humanitarian disaster;


### support all diplomatic efforts devoted to ending the ongoing conflict within ethiopia , both at national level and in the forums provided by the african union , in order to agree on a permanent ceasefire and facilitate internal reconciliation; ### support all diplomatic efforts devoted to ending the ongoing conflict within ethiopia , both at national level and in the forums provided by the african union , united nations and other international partners in order to agree on a permanent ceasefire and facilitate internal reconciliation;


### acknowledge the positive impacts of operation atlanta in guaranteeing maritime security , and take note of the non-extension of its mandate within the unsc; call on the member states to show adequate commitment to the eu training mission in somalia both in terms of personnel and means , in order to empower the somali armed forces to guarantee security in the country; ### acknowledge the positive impacts of operation atlanta in guaranteeing maritime security , by both preventing piracy attacks before they happen and decreasing the success rate of those that do , demonstrated by the 100% success rate in protecting wfp vessels delivering humanitarian aid to somalia; and take note of the non-extension of its mandate within the unsc; call on the member states to show adequate commitment to the eu training mission in somalia both in terms of personnel and means , in order to empower the somali armed forces to guarantee security in the country;


### take note of the growing activity of terrorist groups in the whole region , and provide tailored and effective assistance to the affected countries in countering both the immediate effects of this expansion and the root causes of extremism and radicalisation; ### take note of the growing activity of terrorist groups in the whole region , and provide tailored and effective assistance to the affected countries in countering both the immediate effects of this expansion and the root causes of extremism , radicalisation and susceptibility for recruitment while also recognising that the root causes for terrorism are complex;


### take note of the growing activity of terrorist groups in the whole region , and provide tailored and effective assistance to the affected countries in countering both the immediate effects of this expansion and the root causes of extremism and radicalisation; ### take note of the growing activity of terrorist groups including al-shabaab and al-qaeda in the horn of africa and in the wider region , and provide tailored and effective assistance to the affected countries in countering both the immediate effects of this expansion and the root causes of extremism and radicalisation;


### fully support democratic transitions , the rule of law and state-building processes and promote an open political space; deploy , whenever possible , election observation missions; ### fully support democratic transitions , the rule of law and state-building processes and promote an open political space; deploy , whenever possible , election observation missions which at any moment the eu stands ready to deploy to accompany national electoral processes;


### work in partnership with our african counterparts and civil society to identify and address the main human rights challenges and priorities in the region; ### work in partnership with our african counterparts and civil society to identify and address the main human dignity and rights challenges and priorities in the region;


### mainstream transitional justice into its conflict management approach in the region and support the fight against impunity; ### support transitional justice into its conflict management approach in the region and support the fight against corruption , terrorism , violence and impunity;


### take note of the region’s demographic development and recognise the role of young people in achieving economic sustainable development; strengthen eu support for access to education and vocational training , and the upskilling and reskilling of the workforce , according to the needs of the labour market; ### take note of the region’s demographic development and recognise the role of young people and women in achieving economic sustainable development as through trade and investment europe can help make women a pivotal demographic of consumers and participants in the national economy in order to achieve the economic emancipation of women; strengthen eu support for access to education and vocational training , and the upskilling and reskilling of the workforce , according to the needs of the labour market;


### scale up common actions in the fight against climate change , in particular in mitigation , adaptation , resilience and disaster risk management; share the benefits of the european green deal with our partners and support them in adopting their own climate transition agendas by sharing best practices and aligning , when possible , eu initiatives in this field with existing african initiatives; pay special attention to the human security implications of climate change; ### scale up common actions in the fight against climate change , in particular in mitigation , adaptation , resilience and disaster risk management; support the sharing of best practices and aligning , when possible , eu initiatives in this field with existing african initiatives; pay special attention to the human and food security implications of climate change , including the locust swarm crisis;


### provide assistance and support to the countries hosting and assisting refugees; facilitate the relocation of displaced persons and internally displaced persons; ### provide assistance and support to the countries hosting and assisting refugees; facilitate the relocation of displaced persons and internally displaced persons in the region;


### e. whereas security and stability in the southern neighbourhood are closely correlated with the prospects for real socioeconomic integration of women and youth and their capacity to access education , vocational training , employment and adequate longer-term professional development; ### e. whereas security and stability in the southern neighbourhood are closely correlated with the prospects for real socioeconomic integration of women and youth and their capacity to access education , vocational training , employment and adequate longer-term professional development; whereas several countries in the southern neighbourhood have faced war , instability and social and financial crises; whereas terrorist organisations have exploited the instability and security situation and have caused many innocent civilian deaths; whereas terrorist organisations , including da'esh/isis have targeted youth in the southern neighbourhood and in europe , and their communication strategy and use of social media have proven to be effective in the susceptibility of youth recruitment; whereas the root causes of violent extremism and terrorism are complex; whereas numerous other countries have made great achievements in combating terrorism , violent extremism and islamist separatism and in promoting tolerance and peaceful co-existence , including with the signing of the abraham accords;


### secure adequate resources for timely and effective implementation of the new agenda for the mediterranean based on the objectives and priorities jointly determined with southern neighbourhood partner countries , building on valuable synergies through the programming of the external action for the region under the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) and pursuing close coordination with member state programming as well as facilitating as much as possible opportunities for blending through partnerships between the european investment bank , the european bank for reconstruction and development and other relevant international financial institutions; takes the view that the new agenda for the mediterranean can introduce a positive conditionality under which active eu support for a closer and effective policy interface with southern neighbourhood countries can lead to further partnerships and convergence on other policy priorities for the benefit of both the eu and southern neighbourhood countries; recalls , in this regard , the importance of ensuring eu visibility in all eu financial resources allocated to the region directly or indirectly through partnership with the un or other international organisations; ### secure adequate resources for timely and effective implementation of the new agenda for the mediterranean based on the objectives and priorities jointly determined with southern neighbourhood partner countries , building on valuable synergies through the programming of the external action for the region under the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) and pursuing close coordination with member state programming as well as facilitating as much as possible opportunities for blending through partnerships between the european investment bank , the european bank for reconstruction and development and other relevant international financial institutions; takes the view that the new agenda for the mediterranean can introduce a positive conditionality under which active eu support for a closer and effective policy interface with southern neighbourhood countries can lead to further partnerships and convergence on other policy priorities for the benefit of both the eu and southern neighbourhood countries; recalls , in this regard , the importance of ensuring financial accountability , performance based budgeting and eu visibility in all eu financial resources allocated to the region directly or indirectly through partnership with the un or other international organisations;


### implement under the ndici , as a matter of priority , strategies and dedicated programming for broader youth access to education , vocational training , higher education together with adequate funding for access to education; recalls that youth migration , whether regular or irregular , and professional brain drain are a matter of serious concern to our partners in the region , as well as a serious threat to the longer-term capacity for economic growth and economic viability of southern neighbourhood countries; stresses the importance of expanding access to the erasmus and erasmus+ programmes for participants from southern neighbourhood countries; recalls the importance of circular mobility , including south-to-south exchanges , so that professionals from southern neighbourhood countries can have concrete opportunities to further their professional training in the eu and return to their country of origin to share and build knowledge; recalls the importance of mainstreaming the socioeconomic integration of women in the region and of gender equality in all eu policies areas whenever possible; stresses the importance of targeted eu support for women with the objective of improving their access to education , training and employment and , more generally , promoting equal professional and socioeconomic opportunities; ### implement under the ndici , as a matter of priority , strategies and dedicated programming for broader youth access to education , vocational training , higher education together with adequate funding for access to education , and ensuring that educational standards in partner countries adhere to the unesco standards of peace , tolerance and non-violence in education; stresses that curricula development and textbook reform are critical to fostering open-minded and tolerant societies; recalls that youth migration , whether regular or irregular , and professional brain drain are a matter of serious concern to our partners in the region , as well as a serious threat to the longer-term capacity for economic growth and economic viability of southern neighbourhood countries; stresses the importance of expanding access to the erasmus and erasmus+ programmes for participants from southern neighbourhood countries; recalls the importance of circular mobility , including south-to-south exchanges , so that professionals from southern neighbourhood countries can have concrete opportunities to further their professional training in the eu and return to their country of origin to share and build knowledge; recalls the importance of paying attention to performance based budgeting and the socioeconomic integration of women in the region and of gender equality in all eu policies areas whenever possible; stresses the importance of targeted eu support for women with the objective of improving their access to education , training and employment and , more generally , promoting equal professional and socioeconomic opportunities;


### build on the very positive experience of some member states in supporting start-up companies and further advancing their work through dedicated incubators or accelerators , especially in key sectors such as health , renewable energy and education; takes the view that the eu should set up incubators or accelerators in relevant southern neighbourhood countries , support the creation of local start-up companies , and increase their digital and green capacities; concurs on the importance of further improving the digital infrastructure of relevant southern neighbourhood countries and including these countries in the eu’s digital agenda; points out that this is a prerequisite for economic development , socioeconomic integration and wider access to education; recalls the importance of close policy dialogue and cooperation between the eu and the southern neighbourhood countries to develop adequate cybersecurity policies and partnership in international forums on cybersecurity standards; takes the view that the eu should build on the stratcom task force south and develop a concrete strategy for combating disinformation in our southern neighbourhood countries , aiming to counter fake news and propaganda in order to reinforce democracy and stability; ### build on the very positive experience of some member states in supporting start-up companies and further advancing their work through dedicated incubators or accelerators , especially in key sectors such as health , renewable energy and education; takes the view that the eu should support incubators or accelerators in relevant southern neighbourhood countries , the creation of local start-up companies , and increase their digital and green capacities; concurs on the importance of further improving the digital infrastructure of relevant southern neighbourhood countries and including these countries in the eu’s digital agenda; points out that this is a prerequisite for economic development , socioeconomic integration and wider access to education; recalls the importance of close policy dialogue and cooperation between the eu and the southern neighbourhood countries to develop adequate cybersecurity policies and partnership in international forums on cybersecurity standards; takes the view that the eu should build on the stratcom task force south and develop a concrete strategy for combating disinformation in our southern neighbourhood countries , aiming to counter fake news and propaganda in order to reinforce democracy and stability;


### promote regional , sub-regional and bilateral integration in the southern mediterranean , in particular with a view to the removal of any border , transport or trade barriers between the countries of the region and actively promoting closer links and partnerships; takes the view that the recent negev foreign ministers summit in sde boker attests to the potential for regional integration and peace in the region in the framework of the abraham accords; welcomes the intention of holding this summit annually and calls on the vp/hr and the commission to use the positive momentum of the abraham accords to advance dialogue and cooperation in the region on support for the middle east peace process and the two-state solution; ### promote regional , sub-regional and bilateral integration in the southern mediterranean , in particular with a view to the removal of any border , transport or trade barriers between the countries of the region and actively promoting closer links and partnerships; welcomes that the recent negev foreign ministers summit in sde boker attests to the potential for regional integration and peace in the region in the framework of the abraham accords brokered by the former us trump administration; welcomes the intention of holding this summit annually and expresses strong support for the abraham accords as they provide an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen cooperation in promoting tolerance and countering extremism in the middle east region; calls on the vp/hr and the commission to use the positive momentum of the abraham accords to advance dialogue and cooperation in the region on support for the middle east peace process and the two-state solution;


### ensure a positive link between the new agenda for the mediterranean and the capacity of the eu and its member states to build a coalition of like-minded countries to support a rules-based , effective multilateral system capable of boosting the capacity of the international community to address global challenges; reiterates its view that the new agenda for the mediterranean should include dialogue on the value for southern neighbourhood countries converging with the eu not only on policy dialogue , stability and economic growth , but also on the capacity to promote peace and stability , democratic values and human rights in the un system and relevant multilateral forums; ### ensure a positive link between the new agenda for the mediterranean and the capacity of the eu and its member states to build a coalition of like-minded countries to support a rules-based , effective multilateral system capable of boosting the capacity of the international community to address global challenges; reiterates its view that the new agenda for the mediterranean should include dialogue on the value for southern neighbourhood countries converging with the eu not only on policy dialogue , stability and economic growth , but also on the capacity to promote peace and stability , combat extremism , democratic values , fundamental freedoms and human rights in the un system and relevant multilateral forums;


### 36. commends the fact that albania remains a reliable and committed external policy partner , fully aligning to the eu’s foreign , security and defence policy , and actively contributing to eu crisis-management missions and operations; ### 36. commends the fact that albania remains a reliable and committed external policy partner , fully aligning to the eu’s foreign , security and defence policy , and actively contributing to eu crisis-management missions and operations , but it regrets its continuous alignment with authoritarian regimes , like turkey's;


### e. whereas all bih citizens should enjoy equal rights and obligations throughout bih territory; whereas the country has committed to international obligations to end systematic ethnicity and residence-based discrimination and ensure citizens’ equality before the law; ### e. whereas all bih citizens should enjoy equal rights and obligations throughout bih territory; whereas the country has committed to international obligations to end residence-based discrimination and ensure citizens’ equality before the law; whereas the nature of the state of bih should reflect that it is shared by three constituent peoples;


### 1. underscores that the pace of eu accession is determined by the due functioning of democratic institutions , grounded in the rule of law , good governance and fundamental rights; ### 1. underscores that the pace of eu accession is determined by the due functioning of democratic institutions , grounded in the rule of law , good governance and fundamental rights and full implementation of dayton peace agreement;


### 3. reiterates its clear support for bih’s democratic transformation through european integration , based on sovereignty and territorial integrity , grounded in the principles of equality and non-discrimination of all citizens and constituent peoples as enshrined in the constitution; ### 3. reiterates its clear support for bih’s democratic transformation through european integration , based on sovereignty and territorial integrity , grounded in the principles of equality and non-discrimination of all citizens and constituent peoples as enshrined in the constitution; recalls that according to article 4 teu the european union shall respect the national identities of member states , inherent in their fundamental structures , political and constitutional , inclusive of regional and local self-government;


### 3. reiterates its clear support for bih’s democratic transformation through european integration , based on sovereignty and territorial integrity , grounded in the principles of equality and non-discrimination of all citizens and constituent peoples as enshrined in the constitution; ### 3. reiterates its clear support for bih’s democratic transformation through european integration , based on sovereignty and territorial integrity , grounded in the principles of equality and non-discrimination of all citizens and constituent peoples , including political representation , as enshrined in the constitution;


### 4. stresses that enforcement of the dayton peace agreement includes the obligation to implement ohr decisions; ### 4. stresses that enforcement of the dayton peace agreement includes the obligation to implement ohr decisions; recalls that the european parliament strongly advocates the position of individual approach , full fulfilment of the set criteria and consistent and credible conditionality;


### 5. regrets the impasse in negotiations on electoral law reform in bih and the lack of political will to overcome it; calls on all actors to promptly reach a balanced agreement , to fulfil the constitutional duty of democratic governance and to ensure the transparency and integrity of the electoral process; ### 5. regrets the impasse in negotiations on electoral law reform in bih , that should allow the croats to elect the croation representative in the presidency , and the lack of political will to overcome it; calls on all actors to promptly reach a balanced agreement , to fulfil the constitutional duty of democratic governance and to ensure the transparency and integrity of the electoral process;


### 5. regrets the impasse in negotiations on electoral law reform in bih and the lack of political will to overcome it; calls on all actors to promptly reach a balanced agreement , to fulfil the constitutional duty of democratic governance and to ensure the transparency and integrity of the electoral process; ### 5. regrets the impasse in negotiations on electoral law reform in bih and the lack of political will to overcome it; calls on all actors to promptly reach a balanced agreement , to fulfil the constitutional duty of democratic governance and to ensure the transparency and integrity of the electoral process; stresses that the reform of the electoral law , which will guarantee the representation of the three constituent peoples , is a step towards establishing a functioning society and institutions;


### 6. strongly denounces the disregard for international and national norms and obligations , all hate rhetoric and disruptive action , including withdrawal from institutions , particularly by the leadership of the republika srpska entity , which destabilises the country , undermines its statehood in violation of the dayton peace agreement and systematically hampers decisions on key laws and reforms; rejects all attempts to form parallel parastatal institutions , which undermine state institutions , legal order , judicial independence and sovereignty; calls for a full , non-selective and unconditional return to all state institutions; ### 6. strongly denounces the disregard for international and national norms and obligations , all hate rhetoric and disruptive action , including withdrawal from institutions , particularly by the leadership of the republika srpska entity , which destabilises the country , undermines its statehood in violation of the dayton peace agreement and systematically hampers decisions on key laws and reforms; rejects all attempts to form parallel parastatal institutions , which undermine state institutions , legal order , judicial independence and sovereignty; calls for a full , non-selective and unconditional return to all state institutions; also denounces the unitarian concept of the state promoted by the bosniak leadership which is not in accordance with the fact that bosnia and herzegovina is composed of three equal constituent peoples and others and with the constitution of bosnia and herzegovina and the european legal acquis;


### 8. underlines that the eu future of bih depends on sustainable peace and genuine reconciliation , warranting its democratic , inclusive and multi-ethnic character; urges bih to expedite effective and impartial prosecution of war crimes under the revised national war crimes processing strategy; calls on all regional political leaders to set up the relevant commission (recom); ### 8. underlines that the eu future of bih depends on sustainable peace and genuine reconciliation , and the political representation of the three constituent peoples , warranting its democratic , inclusive and multi-ethnic character; urges bih to expedite effective and impartial prosecution of war crimes under the revised national war crimes processing strategy; calls on all regional political leaders to set up the relevant commission (recom);


### 12. stresses the importance of holding elections this year as planned; ### 12. stresses the importance of holding elections this year as planned; calls for the necessary implementation of electoral reform in the run-up to the elections , in order to protect the guaranteed rights of the constituent peoples , enshrined in the dayton peace agreement;