### 4. urges north macedonia to sustain and intensify efforts to strengthen the rule of law and judicial independence , counter corruption , reform its public administration and consolidate media freedom; ### 4. urges north macedonia to sustain and intensify efforts to strengthen the rule of law and judicial independence , counter corruption , the protection of human rights , reform its public administration and consolidate media freedom;


### 12. welcomes the implementation of the 2021 population census; ### 12. notes with interest the implementation of the 2021 population census , while expecting the publication of its results soon;


### 19. recalls the need to strengthen investigative journalism , fact-checking and media literacy as means to tackle hate speech , disinformation and foreign interference campaigns; ### 19. recalls the need to strengthen independent investigative journalism , non-biased fact-checking and media literacy as means to tackle hate speech , disinformation and foreign interference campaigns;


### 22. encourages ongoing steps to build trust in inter-community relations and the functioning of a multi-ethnic society , while recalling the importance of upholding the rights of non-majority communities and tackling all instances of discrimination; ### 22. calls for further actions to build trust in inter-community relations and the functioning of a multi-ethnic society , while recalling the importance of upholding the rights of non-majority communities and tackling all instances of discrimination;


### 25. welcomes north macedonia’s membership of the international holocaust remembrance alliance; recalls the need to open up yugoslav secret service archives in order to vigorously address communist-era crimes across the region; ### 25. welcomes north macedonia’s membership of the international holocaust remembrance alliance; recalls the need to open up yugoslav secret service archives , kept both in skopje and in belgrade , in order to vigorously address communist-era crimes across the region; takes the view that transparent handling of the totalitarian past , including the opening-up of the archives of the secret services , is a step towards further democratization , accountability and institutional strength in both the country and the western balkan region as a whole;


### 32. encourages the finalisation of the security and intelligence sector reform; calls for the whistle-blower protection mechanism to be updated and the lobbying law to be implemented effectively; ### 32. calls for the finalisation of the security and intelligence sector reform; calls for the whistle-blower protection mechanism to be updated and the lobbying law to be implemented effectively;


### 46. welcomes the ongoing process of historical reconciliation with neighbouring countries; ### 46. welcomes the ongoing process of historical reconciliation with neighbouring countries; calls for an immediate halt in the media that is focused on promoting anti-bulgarian views.


### 46. welcomes the ongoing process of historical reconciliation with neighbouring countries; ### 46. urges the authorities of northern macedonia to continue the process of historic reconciliation with neighboring countries;


### 47. strongly welcomes the political impetus for a renewed dialogue between bulgaria and north macedonia and encourages the partners to accelerate engagement in good faith in order to reach an acceptable compromise , thereby bringing societies closer together by enabling a common future in the eu; ### 47. strongly welcomes the political impetus for a renewed dialogue between bulgaria and north macedonia and encourages the partners to accelerate engagement in good faith in order to reach sustainable results in the implementation in good faith of the treaty of friendship , good neighbourliness and cooperation , thereby bringing societies closer together by enabling a common future in the eu; encourages bulgaria and the republic of north macedonia to reach a compromise over a roadmap of concrete measures , which will be included in the negotiations framework , its implementation will be regularly assessed by the commission during the negotiations process;


### 1. reaffirms that access to water is a vital imperative and a fundamental right; ### 1. reaffirms that access to water is a vital imperative and a fundamental right and that improved water supply and sanitation , and better management of water resources , can boost countries’ economic growth and can contribute greatly to poverty reduction;


### 7. calls for coordinated and coherent water management in developing countries with regard to its various uses (agriculture , energy production , industry , etc.) , and calls on the european union to provide better support to developing countries for sustainable water management; ### 7. calls for coordinated and coherent water management in developing countries with regard to its various uses (agriculture , energy production , industry , etc.) , and calls on the european union to provide better support to developing countries for sustainable water management , including support with regards to developing innovative solutions for the creation , management and maintenance of water points , handwashing facilities and the promotion of healthy hygiene practices;


### 12. notes with concern that the lack of access to water and adequate sanitation has a devastating effect on women’s rights , making it difficult for women and girls to lead safe and healthy lives; ### 12. notes with concern that the lack of access to water and adequate sanitation has a devastating effect on women’s rights , making it difficult for women and girls to lead safe and healthy lives; highlights that affordable access to water and adequate sanitation and hygiene (wash) is an essential prerequisite for public health and human development , including the right to education for girls , and insists that the wash sector in developing countries should be given high priority in the eu development policy;


### 15. deplores that , as several un experts have stated , the commodification of water and speculation in futures markets is in breach of basic human rights and contributes to increasing environmental degradation and exacerbating the vulnerability of the poorest and most marginalised in society , flying in the face of the sustainable development goals; ### 15. reminds that water supply and sanitation are services of general interest and not commodities;


### 17. recalls that , as the eu water framework directive recognises , water is not a commodity but a public good that is vital to human life and dignity; calls on the commission , given that these are services of general interest that fall , therefore , primarily in the public interest , to permanently exclude water and sanitation and wastewater treatment from the scope of any trade agreements and to check carefully that trade agreements and the activities of european companies do not undermine , whether by action or omission , the right to drinking water and sanitation; ### 17. stresses that the special nature of water and sanitation services should be observed in the trade agreements that the eu negotiates;


### 19. stresses that public provision is the most appropriate model for the exercise of the human rights to water and sanitation; urges states in this regard to engage in a transparent and robust deprivatisation process to improve the effective enjoyment of the human rights to water and sanitation; calls on governments to increase public investments in sustainable water-related infrastructure and to safeguard water as an essential public good; ### 19. recognises that states , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity , have the right to decide to use different water supply management systems , and stresses that the eu should remain neutral in relation to decisions of third states governing the ownership regime for water undertakings;


### 20. calls on the world bank and the imf to prohibit the imposition of conditions requiring governments to privatise water and sanitation services when providing grants , loans and technical assistance; stresses that the widespread privatisation of public goods in many societies is systematically dismantling human rights safeguards and further marginalising those living in the most abject poverty; ### 20. emphasises that assistance for safe drinking water and sanitation should be given high priority in the allocation of eu funds and in assistance programming; calls on the commission to ensure adequate financial support to capacity-development actions in the water domain , cooperating with existing international platforms and institutions;


### 22. stresses that inequalities in access to water and sanitation are often attributable to systemic inequalities or exclusion; calls on governments to guarantee the absence of discrimination in access to water and sanitation services , as a public good , ensuring the provision thereof for all , in particular by affording priority to access for marginalised groups with a view to remedying systemic discrimination; ### 22. stresses that everyone should have access to water and sanitation , while respecting property rights and ensuring there is no socialization of member states freshwater reservoirs by the european union;


### g. whereas raising the level of cyber security within the eu is a necessary corollary to the success of europe’s digital ambitions; ### g. whereas raising the level of cyber security within the eu is a necessary corollary to the success of europe’s digital ambitions and to keep pace with the growing sophistication and threat of cyberattacks , ransomware and malware;


### prepares an impact assessment on a bilateral investment agreement (bia) with taiwan before the end of 2021 in preparation for negotiations to deepen bilateral economic ties; ### start an impact assessment , public consultation and scoping exercise on a bilateral investment agreement(bia) with taiwan before the end of 2021 in preparation for negotiations to deepen bilateral economic ties


### further promotes tourism and youth exchanges with taiwan through initiatives such as working holiday or the erasmus programmes and to explore opportunities of cooperation in higher education and other areas; ### further promotes tourism and youth exchanges with taiwan through initiatives such as the working holiday , the erasmus programmes or the taiwan-europe connectivity scholarship and to explore opportunities of cooperation in higher education and other areas;


### h. whereas the joint comprehensive plan of action (jcpoa) was an achievement of multilateral diplomacy led by the eu; whereas the us and iran have begun indirect negotiations with a view to their return to the jcpoa; whereas iran has ceased the application of the additional protocol; ### h. whereas the joint comprehensive plan of action (jcpoa) was an achievement of multilateral diplomacy led by the eu; whereas the us and iran have begun indirect negotiations with a view to their return to the jcpoa; urges that any potential return to the jcpoa be conducted on the basis of a revised and improved version that resolves key concerns such as sunset clauses , inspection/verification obstructions and caps further enrichment capabilities; believes that growing concerns of iran’s missile development , violations of human rights and sponsorship of radical groups throughout the region cannot be ignored in a revived jcpoa;


### k. whereas following the collapse of the intermediate-range nuclear forces (inf) treaty , the us and russia are now no longer prohibited from building and deploying this category of weapons and from engaging in a new arms race; ### k. whereas following the collapse of the intermediate-range nuclear forces (inf) treaty , due to russia's repeated 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 , the us and russia are now no longer prohibited from building and deploying this category of weapons and from engaging in a new arms race;


### m. whereas in recent years , china has substantially stepped up the development of its conventional and nuclear capabilities , whereas china has shown reluctance to engage in talks on its potential participation in multilateral arms control instruments; ### m. whereas in recent years , china has substantially stepped up the development of its conventional and nuclear capabilities , creating thousands of precision warheads tied to sophisticated command and control systems , whereas china has shown reluctance to engage in talks on its potential participation in multilateral arms control instruments; considers china’s stockpiling of an enormous and technologically advanced arsenal of ballistic missiles such as the dong feng-26 have advanced unhindered by the absence of any international treaty;


### t. whereas the nuclear activities of the democratic people’s republic of korea (dprk) represent a serious threat to international peace and security , and to global disarmament and non-proliferation efforts; ### t. whereas the nuclear activities of the democratic people’s republic of korea (dprk) represent a serious threat to international peace and security , and to global disarmament and non-proliferation efforts; whereas the dprk's proliferation of small and medium range missile technology along with their nuclear know how has been widely trafficked to likeminded rogue regimes while their nuclear weapons program is frequently used to extort political and economic concessions from the international community;


### d. whereas a clear distribution of responsibilities and enhanced cooperation between different levels of government is essential; ### d. whereas a domestically tailor-made distribution of responsibilities and enhanced cooperation between different levels of government is essential;


### 6. underlines that the effective organisation and independent functioning of institutions is an essential feature of a viable democracy and a prerequisite for advancing the eu integration process , including obtaining candidate status; warns that ethno-nationalistic rhetoric and attempts to obstruct the functioning of institutions undermine country-wide co-ordination and decision-making on key policies and reforms; ### 6. underlines that the domestically driven effective organisation and independent functioning of institutions is an essential feature of a viable democracy; acknowledges that this is a long term endogenous process and that the nature of the state of bih will have to reflect that it is shared by three constituent peoples;


### 8. underlines the urgent need to address shortcomings in the constitutional framework and to make progress on reforms that would transform bih into a fully functional and inclusive state; stresses that institutional reforms depend on the will and commitment of political leaders and institutions in the country; urges the international community to facilitate the conditions for constitutional dialogue under the leadership of the eu , in particular parliament , and in consultation with civil society; ### 8. underlines the need to make progress on tailor-made domestic reforms that would transform bih into a fully functional and inclusive state; stresses that institutional reforms depend on local ownership and consequently on the will and commitment of the constituent peoples of bih; urges the international community , in particular the eu , to contribute to a safe and secure environment and to facilitate the conditions for domestic constitutional dialogue and consultation with civil society;


### 9. underlines the need to considerably strengthen cooperation and data exchange between state , entity and cantonal jurisdictions across all policy areas; notes the urgency of strengthening state-level capacity and expertise in the wide range of issues that need to be addressed to fulfil the obligations related to european integration; ### 9. underlines the need of both self-rule and shared rule in bih;


### b. whereas fighting corruption is an integral part of the international commitments to fulfil human rights , protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030 , in the framework of the un sustainable development goals (sdgs) , particularly sdg 16 to promote just , peaceful and inclusive societies; ### b. whereas the fight against corruption is an integral part of international commitments to respect human rights;


### c. whereas corruption typically involves the misuse of power , a lack of accountability , the obstruction of justice , the use of improper influence , the institutionalisation of discrimination , clientelism and the distortion of market mechanisms among other things , and is facilitated by inadequate transparency and access to information; whereas rising authoritarianism provides fertile ground for corruption , the combating of which calls for international cooperation with like-minded democracies; ### c. whereas corruption typically involves the misuse of power , a lack of accountability , the obstruction of justice , the use of improper influence , the institutionalisation of discrimination , clientelism and the distortion of market mechanisms among other things , and is facilitated by inadequate transparency and access to information; whereas rising authoritarianism provides fertile ground for corruption , the combating of which calls for international cooperation with like-minded democracies; whereas countries , communities , companies or individuals can become victims of corruption;


### e. whereas the ongoing covid-19 crisis has exacerbated corruption-related human rights abuses , as regions with higher levels of corruption face higher numbers of covid-related deaths and the most vulnerable communities are disproportionately hit; whereas corruption cripples states’ capacity to provide and fairly distribute public health services or vaccines; whereas many governments have misused covid-19 related emergency powers to step up crackdowns on journalists , whistleblowers and civil society organisations (csos) working on exposing corruption; ### e. whereas the ongoing covid-19 crisis has exacerbated corruption-related human rights abuses , as regions with higher levels of corruption face higher numbers of covid-related deaths and the most vulnerable communities are disproportionately hit; whereas corruption cripples states’ capacity to provide and fairly distribute public health services or vaccines; whereas many governments have misused covid-19 related emergency powers , leading on occasions to the suspension and restriction of citizens’ fundamental rights and drastically affecting freedom of movement , assembly and demonstration , expression and worship , and erasing for six months any genuinely effective parliamentary scrutiny of the governments that adopted such measures in order to muzzle their political opponents , step up crackdowns and impose censorship on dissident journalists and whistleblowers , civil society organisations and members of the general public working on exposing corruption , forcing on them a ‘cancel culture’ and limiting their scope for action; whereas , as in the case of spain , the constitutional court’s declaration of the first and second states of emergency as being unconstitutional means that 47 million spaniards were for months deprived of their fundamental rights and freedoms;


### i. whereas corporate due diligence regulations are indispensable means to prevent and tackle human rights and environmental violations; whereas the provisions of the uncac should form part of the due diligence obligations envisaged in the forthcoming commission proposal on the matter; ### i. whereas corporate due diligence regulations should never adversely affect european smes;


### j. whereas the adoption of the eu global human rights sanctions regime (eu magnitsky act) is an essential addition to the eu’s toolbox; whereas parliament has requested the extension of its scope to include acts of corruption; whereas the united states , canada and the united kingdom have adopted similar anti-corruption sanctions regimes; ### j. whereas the adoption of the eu global human rights sanctions regime is an essential addition to the eu’s toolbox; whereas parliament has requested the extension of its scope to include acts of corruption; whereas the united states , canada and the united kingdom have adopted similar anti-corruption sanctions regimes;


### recognise the intrinsic link between the retreat of democracies and the rise of kleptocracies around the world; take a leading role in multinational forums to forge a coalition of democracies to push back against this global threat; ### recognise the intrinsic link between the retreat of democracies and the rise of kleptocracies around the world , also due to increasing role of oligarchs in some countries; take a leading role in multinational forums to forge a coalition of democracies to push back against this global threat;


### formulate a comprehensive eu global anti-corruption strategy by taking stock of existing anti-corruption instruments and good practices in the eu’s toolbox , identifying gaps , increasing funding , and expanding support to anti-corruption csos , as already requested by the european parliament in its resolution of 13 september 2017 on corruption and human rights in third countries; ### formulate a logical and effective anti-corruption strategy by taking stock of existing anti-corruption instruments and good practices in the eu's toolbox;


### enhance the role of the european parliament in the scrutiny of anti-corruption efforts; note the resolve of parliament to prepare a regular updating report on corruption and human rights in each legislative term; prepare annual assessments of the progress achieved in relation to the recommendations in these reports; ### enhance the role of the european parliament in the scrutiny of anti-corruption efforts in third countries; note the resolve of parliament to prepare a regular updating report on corruption and human rights in each legislative term; prepare annual assessments of the progress achieved in relation to the recommendations in these reports;


### mainstream a rights-based anti-corruption approach into eu external action in the programming of the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) , the instrument for pre-accession assistance (ipa) and the eu trust funds; prioritise binding anti-corruption commitments with targets and timetables; strengthen monitoring and enforcement; improve communication between specialised eu agencies and partners on the ground; invest in digital and data-driven methods to fight corruption; ### mainstream a rights-based anti-corruption approach into eu external action in the programming of the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) , the instrument for pre-accession assistance (ipa) and the eu trust funds; prioritise binding anti-corruption commitments with targets and timetables; strengthen monitoring and enforcement; improve communication between specialised eu agencies and partners on the ground; invest in digital and data-driven methods to fight corruption , in particular technological capabilities of law enforcement agencies to investigate corruption;


### ensure that the highest ethical and transparency standards are applied in eu funding , that csos and independent actors are included and that grievance mechanisms are available and accessible; ensure that all eu bodies and agencies improve access to information and refrain from charging fees for access to information; ### ensure that the highest ethical , transparency and control standards are applied to eu funding , to csos and ngos , to independent actors and to all other actors who receive funding/grants from eu budgets; ensure that all eu bodies and agencies improve access to information and refrain from charging fees for access to information;


### in all eu-third country trade agreements , include a strong and mandatory human rights conditionality framework with anti-corruption clauses; as a last resort , impose sanctions or suspend agreements in the event of serious acts of corruption; ### in all eu-third country trade agreements , include a strong and mandatory human rights conditionality framework with anti-corruption clauses; as a last resort , impose sanctions or suspend agreements in the event of serious acts of corruption and human rights violations , as a ‘sine qua non’;


### monitor the corruption risks involved in authoritarian third countries’ large-scale construction and investment projects , undertaken globally but also in member states , particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors; note that these projects often raise concerns of non-transparent financing or fiscal risks; proceed with the swift implementation of the eu’s ‘globally connected europe’ programme , approved by the council on 12 july 2021 , with the potential to counter these efforts; ### monitor the corruption risks involved in authoritarian third countries’ large-scale construction and investment projects , undertaken globally but also in member states , particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors; pay special attention to transparency in financing and to fiscal risks; proceed with the swift implementation of the eu’s ‘globally connected europe’ programme , approved by the council on 12 july 2021 , with the potential to counter these efforts;


### recognise the crucial role of csos , human rights defenders (hrds) and investigative journalists in the fight against corruption , through changing societal norms , fighting impunity , gathering data , and achieving better implementation and enforcement of anti-corruption measures; ### assess the role of csos , human rights defenders (hrds) , ngos and investigative journalists who say they are involved in the fight against corruption;


### design programmes to provide more financial support to csos , independent media , whistleblowers and hrds working on preventing and exposing corruption , advancing transparency and accountability , including support against strategic lawsuits (strategic lawsuits against public participation , slapp suits); improve smaller csos’ access to eu funding; ### design programmes to provide more financial control to csos , ngos and media which receive eu financial support from the eu , advancing transparency and accountability;


### strengthen protection of whistleblowers and anti-corruption hrds , including through temporary visa schemes; ### strengthen protection of whistleblowers and anti-corruption hrds;


### assume a leadership role in forging a coalition of democracies to counter the global rise of kleptocracy; insist on including anti-corruption on the agenda of upcoming international summits such as the g7 or the summit for democracy proposed by united states president biden; continue to proactively contribute to the work of international and regional forums to fight corruption and promote human rights; ### assume a leadership role in forging a coalition of democracies to counter the global rise of kleptocracy;


### encourage a deepening of international commitments to put anti-corruption at the heart of the sdgs as an avenue for fighting global poverty , and for the fulfilment of economic , social and cultural rights , with special attention to the right to education; ### encourage fulfilment of international commitments to put anti-corruption as an avenue for fighting global poverty , and for the fulfilment of economic , social and cultural rights , with special attention to the right to education;


### insist on the establishment of a un special rapporteur on financial crime , corruption and human rights with a comprehensive mandate , including an objectives-oriented plan and a periodic evaluation of the anti-corruption measures taken by states; take the lead in mobilising support among human rights council member states , and to become joint sponsors of a resolution that will bring about the proposed mandate; ### deleted


### initiate the procedure for the eu to become full member of greco , in which the eu has held observer status since 2019; ### deleted


### advance discussions about an international infrastructure to address the impunity of powerful individuals involved in large-scale corruption cases , including international investigative mechanisms , prosecutors and courts; ### advance discussions about an international infrastructure to address the impunity of powerful individuals involved in large-scale corruption cases , including international investigative mechanisms , prosecutors and courts; when cases of corruption arise in the upper echelons of international organisations , take appropriate measures and thoroughly investigate these high-ranking officials and their associates as regards their assets and potential bribes;


### (ab) promote the inclusion of non-governmental stakeholders , including academia and csos , as observers in subsidiary bodies of the conference of states parties of the uncac and other multilateral anti-corruption mechanisms; ### deleted


### (ac) set up an eu mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence (hrdd) instrument that requires companies to engage actively in the identification , assessment , mitigation , prevention and notification of any adverse impacts of their businesses and supply chains on human rights , and which includes strong anti-corruption provisions and obligatory grievance mechanisms; ### deleted


### (ad) develop an action plan to strengthen hrdd in sectors such as finance , accounting or real estate that often provide the enabling structure for global corruption by providing avenues for the proceeds of corruption to find their way into the legitimate economy; ### (ad) develop an action plan to avoid possible corruption in sectors such as finance , accounting or real estate that often provide the enabling structure for global corruption by providing avenues for the proceeds of corruption to find their way into the legitimate economy;


### (ae) reconfirm the importance of the un guiding principles on business and human rights by ensuring that all member states that have not yet adopted national action plans do so as soon as possible , and promote the adoption of action plans by third countries; engage constructively and actively in the negotiations on the un binding treaty on business and human rights; ### deleted


### (af) swiftly come forward with a legislative proposal to amend the current eu global human rights sanctions regime by extending its scope to include acts of corruption; note the risk of corrupt actors moving their assets to the eu as more and more countries adopt stricter frameworks; ### (af) swiftly come forward with a legislative proposal to amend the current eu global human rights sanctions regime by extending its scope to include acts of corruption and cooperate closely with the united kingdom that has already adopted a new sanctions regime on corruption; note the risk of corrupt actors moving their assets to the eu as more and more countries adopt stricter frameworks;


### (aj) recognise the linkages between environmental degradation as an impediment to the enjoyment of human rights , and the underlying networks of corruption , bribery or organised crime; work towards mainstreaming anti-corruption in eu climate action , focusing on the sectors most at risk , such as the extractive industries; ### deleted


### (ak) protect environmental hrds and land defenders , particularly women and indigenous hrds , who face the greatest risk of harassment , intimidation and violence; ### deleted


### (al) note that corruption exacerbates gender inequality and affects the extent to which women’s rights are ensured and protected; promote gender mainstreaming in anti-corruption action , as recommended by the unodc; ### deleted


### (am) design programmes to help the victims of sexual extortion , a particularly extreme , gender-specific form of corruption involving the human body as the currency of corruption; ### deleted


### b. whereas climate change and climate-related impacts , including environmental degradation , loss of biodiversity , deforestation and natural disasters are already threatening local , regional and international security , stability and peace; whereas climate change , which is predicted to accelerate in the medium and long term , has become an increasingly dominant risk multiplier and must be viewed as a new security challenge , together with hybrid and cyber threats; ### b. whereas climate change and climate-related impacts disasters are already threatening local , regional and international security , stability and peace; whereas climate change , which is predicted to accelerate in the medium and long term , has become an increasingly dominant risk multiplier;


### d. whereas the us armed forces have lost more military hardware and infrastructure due to natural disasters than due to the armed conflicts in afghanistan and iraq combined; ### deleted


### g. whereas the defence sector is not mentioned in the 2015 paris agreement , leaving it to national governments to decide whether to include mitigation efforts by the defence sector in their national commitments towards the united nations framework convention on climate change (unfccc); ### g. whereas defence is a competence of the member states , national governments to decide whether to include mitigation efforts towards the united nations framework convention on climate change (unfccc) in their defence strategies;


### h. whereas , due to the security effects of global warming , climate security measures and their financing have to be understood as contributing to defence and security; ### h. whereas , due to the security effects of climate change and climate-related impacts , climate security measures and their financing have to be understood as contributing to defence and security;


### 1. underlines that article 21 of the teu provides a strong legal basis for making the union’s external action and the common security and defence policy (csdp) fit to meet the 21st century’s main challenges , of which climate change is a main driver; recalls that article 21 of the teu demands the following of the union: ‘(c) preserve peace , prevent conflicts and strengthen international security; [...] (f) develop measures to preserve and improve the quality of the environment and the sustainable management of global natural resources...; [and] (g) assist populations , countries and regions confronting natural or man-made disasters’; ### 1. notes that article 21 of the teu could potentially be an appropriate legal basis for making the union’s external action and the common security and defence policy (csdp) fit to meet the 21st century’s main challenges , including climate and climate-based factors; recalls that article 21 of the teu demands the following of the union: ‘(c) preserve peace , prevent conflicts and strengthen international security; [...] (f) develop measures to preserve and improve the quality of the environment and the sustainable management of global natural resources...; [and] (g) assist populations , countries and regions confronting natural or man-made disasters’;


### 2. strongly believes that military activities and technology have to contribute to the union’s carbon neutrality targets in order to both contribute to the fight against climate change and increase mission security; underlines , in that regard , that the union’s external action should reduce its own carbon footprint and its negative effects on natural resources and biodiversity to a minimum; ### 2. notes that military activities and technology have to contribute to the union’s carbon neutrality targets in order to both contribute to the fight against climate change and increase mission security; underlines , in that regard , that the union’s external action should work towards reducing its own carbon footprint;


### 3. calls on the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy (vp/hr) to make sure that climate change is mainstreamed in the union’s external action; calls for climate-specific strategies , policies , procedures , measures and capabilities to be developed; calls on the vp/hr to make sure that the development of a union policy on climate security and defence entails the implementation of a human security approach; ### 3. calls on the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy (vp/hr) to make sure that the effects of climate change and climate-related impacts are appropriately integrated in the union’s external action; calls for climate-specific strategies , policies , procedures , measures and capabilities to be developed; calls on the vp/hr to make sure that the development of a union policy on climate security and defence entails the implementation of a human security approach;


### 6. underlines the importance of addressing the links between climate change , security and defence in the forthcoming strategic compass , with a view to identifying clear goals and concrete measures for member state; ### 6. underlines the importance of addressing the links between climate change , security and defence in the forthcoming strategic compass , with a view to identifying clear goals and concrete measures for member states;


### 7. welcomes the roadmap and calls on the eeas to ensure , together with the relevant commission services and the eda , where appropriate , the comprehensive implementation of the three work strands – the operational dimension , capability development and partnerships; calls on the member states to develop national structures in support of the objectives; urges all actors to treat this process as a priority and to develop and implement initiatives in line with the integrated approach; stresses the need to assess the environmental footprint of armed forces , as proposed in the roadmap; urges the vp/hr to propose to the member states an immediate action programme which consists of prioritised actions presented in the roadmap which can be implemented in the short term; calls for the timeframes for reviewing the roadmap to be reconsidered and , in particular , for the overall objectives to be reviewed much earlier than 2030; ### 7. welcomes the roadmap and calls on the eeas to ensure , together with the relevant commission services , the eda and in close cooperation with member states , where appropriate , the comprehensive implementation of the three work strands – the operational dimension , capability development and partnerships; notes the need to assess the environmental footprint of armed forces , as proposed in the roadmap; calls on the vp/hr to propose to the member states an immediate action programme which consists of prioritised actions presented in the roadmap which can be implemented in the short term; calls for the timeframes for reviewing the roadmap to be reconsidered and , in particular , for the overall objectives to be reviewed in 2030;


### 8. welcomes the light-touch reporting process based on indicators of progress related to the environmental footprint , including energy , water , waste management , etc. , of csdp missions and operations; stresses the necessity to generate more detailed assessments by 2022; ### 8. welcomes the light-touch reporting process based on indicators of progress related to the environmental footprint , including energy , water , waste management , etc. , of csdp missions and operations;


### 9. calls on the vp/hr to present , by mid-2022 , an assessment of the carbon footprint and environmental impact of the eu’s external action; stresses the need to develop by 2022 a meaningful methodology to quantify the emissions from all eu security and defence activities; believes that the roadmap should be used to trigger clear national pledges to reduce military emissions , including mandatory military emissions reporting to the unfccc , as without reporting and transparency , there will be no pressure to cut emissions and no means of determining the impact of any pledges; ### 9. calls on the vp/hr to present , by end 2022 , an assessment of the carbon footprint and environmental impact of the eu’s external action; stresses the need to develop by 2022 a meaningful methodology to quantify the emissions from all eu security and defence activities;


### 10. strongly welcomes the fact that the union’s new global europe instrument (ndici) reflects well the urgency and importance of swift , strong and extensive external climate action; strongly welcomes the ndici climate security policy (see subsection b.1.(d) of annex iii to the ndici regulation); calls on the commission to prioritise actions seeking to achieve comprehensive and inclusive outcomes through linking climate mitigation and adaptation to conflict prevention and peacebuilding; stresses the need to include greater support for fragile and conflict-affected states in environmental governance , including institution-building; demands that the full potential for environmental peacebuilding be unleashed under the ndici peace , stability and conflict-prevention programme; ### 10. strongly welcomes the fact that the union’s new global europe instrument (ndici) reflects well the urgency and importance of swift , strong and extensive external climate action; strongly welcomes the ndici climate security policy (see subsection b.1.(d) of annex iii to the ndici regulation); calls on the commission to prioritise actions seeking to achieve comprehensive and inclusive outcomes through linking climate mitigation and adaptation to conflict prevention and peacebuilding;


### 11. underlines the need to boost the union’s strategic foresight , early-warning , situational awareness and conflict-analysis capacities using qualitative and quantitative data and innovative methods from various sources; underlines that , in addition to systematic cooperation with civil society organisations , the union’s space programmes and the joint research centre (jrc) should also contribute; ### 11. underlines the need to boost the union’s strategic foresight , early-warning , situational awareness and conflict-analysis capacities using qualitative and quantitative data and innovative methods from various sources; underlines the added value of close collaboration with relevant stakeholders , the union's space programmes and the joint research centre (jrc);


### 12. underlines that the principle of data-driven policy and programmes must be central to climate security programmes; is mindful , at the same time , of the limitations of big data approaches and quantitative environmental stress indices with regard to conflict prediction , as they risk paying too little attention to the local societal context; recalls the non-availability of reliable data in some fragile countries , also as a result of corruption and weak governance structures , in which case proxy data should be used instead; ### 12. underlines that the principle of data-driven policy and programmes must be central to climate security programmes; is mindful , at the same time , of the limitations of big data approaches and quantitative environmental stress indices with regard to conflict prediction; recalls the non-availability of reliable data in some fragile countries , eg as a result of corruption or weak governance structures , in which case proxy data should be used instead;


### 13. stresses the importance of strengthening the resilience of communities , and that supporting local ownership and inclusive local governance structures is essential to ensure that efforts are sustainable; stresses that an inclusive and accountable approach towards local populations and which increases environmental protection and access to vital resources also increases the security of eu forces and personnel; ### 13. stresses the importance of strengthening the resilience of communities , and that supporting local ownership and inclusive local governance structures is essential to ensure that efforts are sustainable; stresses that an inclusive and accountable approach towards local populations and more effective environmental protection measures , eg access to vital resources also increases the security of eu forces and personnel;


### 14. believes that environmental peace building should be reinforced , as it generates sustainable and fair solutions addressing the effects of climate change and can also present opportunities to build peace , while fostering dialogue and cooperation at the local , national and international level and presenting opportunities to adopt a transformational approach to address the root causes of conflict and structural drivers of marginalisation; stresses the need to increase pre-conflict mediation initiatives , including by means of higher levels of funding via ndici; ### 14. believes that environmental cooperation for peace building should be reinforced , as it generates sustainable and fair solutions addressing the effects of climate change and can also present opportunities to build peace , while fostering dialogue and cooperation at the local , national and international level and presenting opportunities to adopt a transformational approach to address the root causes of conflict and structural drivers of marginalisation; stresses the need to increase pre-conflict mediation initiatives , including by means of higher levels of funding via ndici;


### 15. underlines that the union’s climate action should be inclusive , aim to advance gender equality , apply the eu’s human rights-based approach , promote good governance and implement the women , peace and security (wps) agenda in line with the eu’s gender action plan iii; calls , in particular , for the initiatives of grassroots women’s , youth , and indigenous organisations to be supported and for lessons to be learned from them; ### 15. underlines that the union’s climate action should be inclusive , aim to advance gender equality , apply the eu’s human rights-based approach , promote good governance and implement the women , peace and security (wps) agenda; calls , in particular , for the initiatives of grassroots women’s , youth , and indigenous organisations to be supported and for lessons to be learned from them;


### 16. proposes the nomination of an eu special representative on climate , peace and conflict (eusr cpc) , who should coordinate the union’s external action in this regard , support the mainstreaming of climate sensitivity across institutions , oversee the implementation of specific actions and promote the development of internal capacities , expertise and knowledge; underlines that the eusr cpc should propose relevant initiatives to the vp/hr , the commission and the council , and should regularly brief parliament; stresses the need to deploy climate security experts to eu delegations; ### deleted


### 17. strongly believes that there is an urgent need to mandate all csdp missions and operations and all european peace facility (epf) actions to contribute to the integrated approach for addressing climate security challenges , in particular in the sahel and horn of africa regions , in order to raise the likelihood of successfully attaining the missions’ objectives; ### 17. supports the integration of a climate-sensitive approach for all csdp missions and operations and all european peace facility (epf) actions to contribute to the integrated approach for addressing climate security challenges , in particular in the sahel and horn of africa regions , in order to raise the likelihood of successfully attaining the missions’ objectives;


### 18. highlights that csdp missions and operations and epf actions can contribute to enhancing the climate resilience of their host countries and stresses that a positive legacy in terms of their local footprint should be included in particular in their exit strategies , without jeopardising mission effectiveness or the security of own personnel; ### 18. notes that csdp missions and operations and epf actions can contribute to enhancing the climate resilience of their host countries and stresses that a positive legacy in terms of their local footprint should be included in particular in their exit strategies , without jeopardising mission effectiveness or the security of own personnel;


### 19. stresses the need to design mission infrastructure and a supply-chain that are climate- and environment-sensitive and as carbon-neutral as possible , and that make use of new technology such as mobile solar systems , in particular for static features; ### 19. supports that the need to design of mission infrastructure and supply-chain management take into account climate- and environmental factors and strive to be as carbon-neutral as possible , and that the use of new technology such as mobile solar systems , in particular for static features may be an added value , where applicable;


### 20. stresses the need to strengthen the eu’s environmental peacebuilding and climate security by including tasks and support efforts relating to mediation , dialogue , the protection of civilians , conflict resolution and reconciliation in order to ease climate-induced tensions between different communities competing over scarce resources , such as farmland or water , and which easily strengthen violent armed and extremist groups or transform into armed conflicts or even inter-state wars; proposes that new missions could focus on the following: ### 20. stresses the need to strengthen the eu’s environmental peacebuilding and climate security by including tasks and support efforts relating to mediation , dialogue , the protection of civilians , conflict resolution and reconciliation in order to ease climate-induced tensions between different communities competing over scarce resources , such as farmland or water , and which easily strengthen violent armed and extremist groups or transform into armed conflicts or even inter-state wars; proposes the inclusion of the following items for consideration for future missions:


### 21. states that all military capabilities and services used by the union should contribute to reaching the eu’s climate targets and adapt to increasingly challenging climate conditions in order to be able , inter alia , to guarantee the fulfilment of their tasks at home and abroad; ### 21. states that all military capabilities and services used by the union should contribute to reaching the eu’s climate targets and to thereby help mitigate the effects of climate change;


### 22. underlines that an increase in defence expenditure should not lead to an increase in emissions , and that part of defence spending should be dedicated to investments in instruments that significantly reduce emissions; recalls that eu and nato military strategists and planners have been working on the question of how armed forces can reduce their carbon footprint for more than a decade; welcomes , in this respect , the eda’s activities , in particular the go green policy it launched in 2012 , its military green concept and its working group on the circular economy , and calls for an acceleration and broadening of such projects and for an independent external evaluation thereof; ### 22. underlines that an increase in defence expenditure should go hand in hand with efforts to invest in modern technology , rather than maintaining a status quo; supports the promotion of modern weapons technology , which takes into consideration climate concerns and work towards reducing emissions levels; recalls that eu and nato military strategists and planners have been working on the question of how armed forces can reduce their carbon footprint for more than a decade; welcomes , in this respect , the eda’s activities , in particular the go green policy it launched in 2012 , its military green concept and its working group on the circular economy , and calls for an acceleration and broadening of such projects and for an independent external evaluation thereof;


### 23. notes that the eda has concluded that the subsequent reduction in fossil fuel consumption cuts costs , decreases emissions and reduces dependencies on non-european sources , and that the number of casualties can be reduced significantly given that there are far fewer fuel convoys for adversaries to target , thereby freeing up resources that are used to protect convoys , and that overall capabilities are made more effective through enhanced endurance , mobility and autonomy; ### 23. notes that the eda has concluded that the subsequent reduction in fossil fuel consumption cuts costs , decreases emissions and reduces dependencies on non-european sources , and that the number of casualties can be reduced significantly given that there are far fewer fuel convoys for adversaries to target , thereby freeing up resources that are used to protect convoys , and that overall capabilities are made more effective through enhanced endurance , mobility and autonomy; stresses that the missions viability is of prior concern , as any degradation thereof would inevitably lead to risks of instability , etc;


### 24. calls on dg defis , the member states , the eeas and the eda to adopt an approach incorporating a low energy , carbon and environmental footprint by design when implementing relevant eu funds and to regularly report on progress; welcomes , in this respect , the fact that 30 % of the european defence fund aims to contribute to climate action; welcomes the relevant investment of eur 133 million provided for in the first annual work programme , but notes that this represents only 11 % of the overall annual edf budget; ### 24. calls on dg defis , the member states , the eeas and the eda to incorporate a climate-sensitive consideration factor when implementing relevant eu funds and to regularly report on progress; welcomes , in this respect , the fact that 30 % of the european defence fund aims to contribute to climate action; welcomes the relevant investment of eur 133 million provided for in the first annual work programme , but notes that this represents only 11 % of the overall annual edf budget;


### 25. underlines the need to significantly increase investments in ‘green’ defence , in particular by dedicating a higher share of military r&d funded from the eu budget to carbon-neutral fuels and propulsion systems for military aircraft , ships and other vehicles , in particular as regards future major weapons systems (e.g. the future combat air system (fcas) and the european main battle tank (embt)); underlines that , given the dual nature of such investments , they have strong positive spill-over effects in the civilian sector , in particular for the ailing civil aviation industry; believes that the electrification of military technology should be further promoted and extensively financed via the edf , in particular as regards weapons systems , but also in terms of housing , barracks and related heating or cooling systems; ### 25. supports a general review of ‘green’ defence expenditure , in particular as regards future major weapons systems (e.g. the future combat air system (fcas) and the european main battle tank (embt)) , in order to identify areas , where improvements could be made; underlines that , given the dual nature of such investments , they have strong positive spill-over effects in the civilian sector , in particular for the ailing civil aviation industry; notes that there has been an overall push for more electrification of military technology financed via the edf; recalls that high electricity prices and third-country dependency are of particular concern and recommends close and active collaboration among all relevant actors to assess further possible solutions for improvement ;


### 29. welcomes the stated ambition of nato secretary-general stoltenberg that nato reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050; underlines the fact that 22 member states are nato members and calls on the vp/hr to make sure that emission reduction objectives , benchmarks and methodologies are synchronised , as member states have only a single set of forces and cannot afford to have different eu and nato standards or the duplication of forces; believes that nato and the eu should decide to treat climate security as a new area for cooperation and concrete actions; ### 29. welcomes the stated ambition of nato secretary-general stoltenberg that nato reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050;


### — having regard to the eu-western balkans summit in the framework of the berlin process of 10 november 2020 , ### — having regard to the eu-western balkans summits in the framework of the berlin process of 5 july 2019 in poznań and of 10 november 2020 in sofia ,


### a. whereas each enlargement country is judged individually on its own merits , and it is the speed and quality of reforms that determine the timetable for accession; ### a. whereas each enlargement country is judged individually on its own merits , and it is the speed and quality of reforms that determine the timetable for accession; whereas pursuant to article 49 teu , any european country may apply to become a member of the union provided that it adheres to all of the copenhagen criteria and the principles of democracy , respects fundamental freedoms , human and minority rights , and upholds the rule of law;


### d. whereas montenegro has continued to build a track record in implementing the obligations of the stabilisation and association agreement (saa); ### d. whereas montenegro has continued to build a good track record in implementing the obligations of the stabilisation and association agreement (saa);


### g. whereas the eu agreed on the reallocation of eur 374 million from the instrument for pre-accession assistance to help mitigate the socio-economic impact of covid-19 in the region; ### g. whereas the eu agreed on the reallocation of eur 374 million from the instrument for pre-accession assistance to help mitigate the socio-economic impact of covid-19 in the region; whereas eur 50 million from that sum was allocated to montenegro;


### 8. calls for the active engagement and appropriate inclusion of the western balkans countries in the conference on the future of europe; ### 8. calls for the active engagement and appropriate inclusion of the western balkans countries in the conference on the future of europe; is of the opinion that their contribution should be taken into account as they are committed to become member states of the union in the future;


### 14. expresses deep concern over the judicial council’s interpretation of the constitution , which condones the unlawful reappointment of court presidents for more than two terms; ### deleted


### 15. welcomes the fact that some progress has been made in the fight against organised crime , in particular as regards stronger capacity and professionalism of the police; underlines that systemic deficiencies in the criminal justice system remain and need to be addressed as a matter of priority; ### 15. although welcomes the fact that some progress has been made in the fight against organised crime , in particular as regards stronger capacity and professionalism of the police , encourages montenegro to continue its efforts in this area , in particular through combating mafia , involved notably in cigarette smuggling , drug and arms trafficking as well as illegal gambling , and tracking its links to local politicians and police officers; underlines that systemic deficiencies in the criminal justice system remain and need to be addressed as a matter of priority;


### 21. underlines that media literacy and media freedom are key to combating disinformation; calls for the strengthening of european cooperation with montenegro on addressing disinformation , and cyber and hybrid threats; ### 21. underlines that media literacy and media freedom are key to combating disinformation; calls for the strengthening of european cooperation with montenegro on addressing disinformation , and cyber and hybrid threats; underlines that montenegro is under strong and unwavering hostile propaganda pressure exerted by russia , aiming - among other goals - to reduce the support of the population for the nato membership;


### 24. welcomes progress on the protection of lgbti rights and the adoption of the law on same-sex partnerships; ### 24. welcomes montenegro’s efforts to strengthen minorities’ rights protection;


### 26. commends montenegro for its commitment to inclusive regional cooperation , and the constructive role it plays in the western balkans region , and welcomes its active participation in numerous regional initiatives; ### 26. welcomes montenegro's commitment to inclusive regional cooperation , and the constructive role it plays in the western balkans region , and its active participation in numerous regional initiatives;


### 27. commends montenegro’s full alignment with the eu’s common foreign and security policy and its active participation in civilian missions under the common security and defence policy (csdp); ### 27. welcomes montenegro’s full alignment with the eu’s common foreign and security policy and its active participation in civilian missions under the common security and defence policy (csdp); in particular , welcomes its ability to overcome foreign provocations , including disinformation campaigns orchestrated by russia and china; encourages it to cooperate in the field of resilience to foreign interference and cybersecurity with both the eu and nato;


### 28. commends montenegro’s progress on and renewed commitment to international police cooperation , and encourages it to continue its efforts to cope with the migratory pressure , by further developing its international cooperation on readmission and raising its capacity to prosecute migrant-smuggling networks; ### 28. welcomes montenegro’s progress on and renewed commitment to international police cooperation , and encourages it to continue its efforts to cope with the migratory pressure , by further developing its international cooperation on readmission and raising its capacity to prosecute migrant-smuggling networks;


### 33. calls on the commission and the council to include montenegro in joint eu procurement for vaccinations , and to allocate a sufficient amount of covid-19 vaccines to the citizens of all western balkan countries; ### 33. welcomes the commission's decision to include montenegro in joint eu procurement for vaccinations; calls on the commission for a fair distribution of covid-19 vaccines among the western balkan countries , taking into consideration each country’s pandemic situation and its individual needs;


### e. whereas in 2018 , christians were harassed in 145 countries , muslims in 139 , jews in 88 , buddhists in 24 , hindus in 19 countries and non-believers in 18 countries12 ; ### deleted


### 1. acknowledges that churches , faith-based organisations (fbos) and religious associations have a major role in the social fabric of developing countries , are important partners in delivering humanitarian assistance to hard-to-reach communities and greatly contribute to sustainable development and to achieving the sdgs , in particular sdgs 3 and 4; further notes that churches and fbos deliver in social sectors where shortcomings in state services are experienced; ### 1. acknowledges that churches , faith-based organisations (fbos) and religious associations have a major role in the social fabric of developing countries , are important partners in delivering humanitarian assistance to hard-to-reach communities because they are on the front line , work closely with people on the ground and know their needs best , and are therefore best placed to deliver aid and make a significant contribution to sustainable development and to achieving the sdgs , in particular sdgs 3 and 4; further notes that churches and fbos deliver in social sectors where shortcomings in state services are experienced;


### 3. notes that churches and fbos are frequently the only providers of healthcare and other social services in remote areas of sub-saharan africa and in conflict-prone settings such as northern mozambique and other crisis zones; ### 3. notes that churches and fbos are frequently the only providers of healthcare and other social services in remote areas of syria , iraq and sub-saharan africa , and in conflict-prone settings such as northern mozambique and other crisis zones;


### 4. is deeply concerned about the rise over the last decade of violence against people belonging to minorities on the grounds of their belief or religion as a global phenomenon , which is intensifying and affecting more and more countries; notes that it affects many religious communities , namely christians (including copts) , jews , muslims (including ahmadis and alevis) , buddhists , hindus and smaller religious groups , such as baha’is , sikhs and zoroastrians , as well as groups of people who are atheists , humanists , agnostics or do not identify with any religion; ### 4. is deeply concerned about the rise over the last decade of violence against people belonging to minorities on the grounds of their belief or religion as a global phenomenon , which is intensifying and affecting more and more countries; notes that it affects many religious communities , namely christians (including copts) , jews , muslims (including ahmadis and alevis) , buddhists , hindus and smaller religious groups , such as baha’is , yazidis , sikhs and zoroastrians , falun gong practitioners , as well as groups of people who are atheists , humanists , agnostics or do not identify with any religion;


### 4. welcomes the activities of churches and religious leaders in the field of conflict management and mediation , and in fostering reconciliation , dialogue and peace; highlights that inter-religious dialogue is crucial , notably in conflict areas , to foster peace and reconciliation; ### 4. welcomes the activities of churches and religious leaders in the field of conflict management and mediation , and in fostering reconciliation , dialogue and peace; highlights that inter-religious dialogue is crucial , notably in conflict areas , to foster peace and reconciliation; stresses that religious and faith-based organisations are now present at every stage of the conflict-transformation cycle as they work in peace education and conflict prevention , in mediation and conflict resolution , in inter-religious dialogue , in building networks of local leaders for peace , in post-settlement social reconstruction and trauma work , and in the academies and courts where human rights , including religious freedom , are given theoretical depth and cross-cultural grounding;


### 5. stresses that among believers’ groups , christians are estimated to constitute the majority of people facing persecution for their faith; underlines that globally around 340 million christians experience high levels of persecution and discrimination , with over 4 500 christians killed for their faith , 4 500 churches and other christian buildings attacked , and over 4 200 believers detained without trial , arrested , sentenced or imprisoned in 2020 alone; is alarmed about the increase in the overall level of discrimination , and especially about the sharp increase in the number of killings compared to 2019; ### 5. stresses that among believers’ groups , christians are estimated to constitute the majority of people facing persecution for their faith; underlines that globally around 340 million christians experience high levels of persecution and discrimination , with over 4 500 christians killed for their faith , 4 500 churches and other christian buildings attacked , and over 4 200 believers detained without trial , arrested , sentenced or imprisoned in 2020 alone; stresses that these are minimum figures since many incidents go unreported; is alarmed about the increase in the overall level of persecution and discrimination , which increased by 19% between 2019 and 2020; and especially about the sharp 60% increase in the number of faith-related killings compared to 2019;


### 5. stresses that among believers’ groups , christians are estimated to constitute the majority of people facing persecution for their faith; underlines that globally around 340 million christians experience high levels of persecution and discrimination , with over 4 500 christians killed for their faith , 4 500 churches and other christian buildings attacked , and over 4 200 believers detained without trial , arrested , sentenced or imprisoned in 2020 alone; is alarmed about the increase in the overall level of discrimination , and especially about the sharp increase in the number of killings compared to 2019; ### 5. stresses that among believers’ groups , christians are estimated to constitute the majority of people facing persecution for their faith; underlines that globally around 340 million christians experience high levels of persecution and discrimination , with over 4 500 christians killed for their faith , 4 500 churches and other christian buildings attacked , and over 4 200 believers detained without trial , arrested , sentenced or imprisoned in 2020 alone; is alarmed about the increase in the overall level of discrimination , and especially about the sharp increase in the number of killings compared to 2019 , which particularly concerns cases where christians live as numeric minorities;


### 5. calls on the commission and the council to make the fight against the persecution of religious minorities a priority in the programming of activities related to eu development assistance , in line with the areas of cooperation for geographic and thematic programmes of ndici-global europe; ### 5. calls on the commission and the council to make the fight against the persecution of religious minorities – in particular the persecution of christians , who are currently the most frequently persecuted religious group in the world – a priority in the programming of activities related to eu development assistance , in line with the areas of cooperation for geographic and thematic programmes of ndici-global europe;


### 6. is concerned about the persecution and serious human rights violations against muslim minorities; ### 6. is concerned about the persecution and serious human rights violations against muslim minorities , especially in myanmar and china where muslim minorities have been subjected to atrocities meeting the legal definition of genocide in article ii of the un convention on the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide;


### 8. emphasises that the perpetrators of acts of persecution include authoritarian regimes , governments inclined to impose the supremacy of dominant ethnic or religious populations over minorities , terrorist organisations , political and religious extremist parties or groups , and also , sometimes , family members , friends and neighbours of victims , for instance when the latter change or abandon their religious allegiance; ### 8. emphasises that the perpetrators of acts of persecution include authoritarian and totalitarian regimes , governments inclined to impose the supremacy of dominant ethnic or religious populations over minorities , atheist states that consider any religion as a public enemy , terrorist organisations , political and religious extremist parties or groups , and also , sometimes , family members , friends and neighbours of victims , for instance when the latter change or abandon their religious allegiance;


### 9. notes with particular concern that persecution of christians is widespread in the middle east , at times amounting to genocide , and has prompted an exodus of christians from the region over the past two decades , resulting in approximately 15 million christians making up 4 % of the population in the middle east and north africa , down from 20 % a century ago; ### 9. notes with particular concern that persecution of christians is widespread in the middle east , at times amounting to genocide , and has prompted an exodus of christians from the region over the past two decades , resulting in approximately 15 million christians making up 4 % of the population in the middle east and north africa , down from 20 % a century ago; is alarmed by the situation in iraq , where there were 1.5 million christians before 2003 , a number now reduced by 87% within one generation to approximately 175 ,000;


### 11. recalls the crimes against humanity and war crimes were committed in iraq and syria by the so-called ‘isis/daesh’ against christians , yazidis , muslims and other religious and ethnic minorities in the territories under its control during the period 2014-2020; ### 11. recalls the crimes against humanity and war crimes were committed in iraq and syria by the so-called ‘isis/daesh’ against christians , yazidis , muslims and other religious and ethnic minorities in the territories under its control during the period 2014-2020; strongly condemns the numerous terror attacks against christians in egypt;


### 13. notes with particular concern that the middle east and north africa present the highest regional levels of anti-semitic attitudes , and that holocaust denial is prevalent among certain segments in society and even at state level , such as in iran; ### 13. notes with particular concern that the middle east and north africa present the highest regional levels of anti-semitic attitudes , and that holocaust denial is prevalent among certain segments in society and even at state level , such as in iran; stresses that jewish communities are an indigenous people to the middle east; welcomes that in some countries , notably in morocco , tunisia , the uae and bahrain , jewish communities continue to be able to exercise their freedom of worship; welcomes the restorations of the historic alexandria synagogue in egypt and the maghen abraham synagogue in lebanon , despite both countries almost having no jewish community members left; welcomes , furthermore , that in certain countries , notably morocco and bahrain , jewish members have served and continue to serve as elected officials;


### 15. deplores the fact that atheists are still persecuted in almost all of the region and that apostasy carries the death sentence in several countries; expresses its regret that freedom of worship is severely limited in some of the countries in the middle east , with the notable example of saudi arabia , where public practice of any religion other than islam is strictly prohibited; ### 15. deplores the fact that atheists are still persecuted in almost all of the region and that apostasy carries the death sentence in several countries; expresses its regret that freedom of worship is severely limited in some of the countries in the middle east , with the notable example of saudi arabia , where public practice of any religion other than islam is strictly prohibited; notes that according to the 2019 arab barometer survey , an increasing number of people in the middle east and north africa are identifying themselves as not religious , rising from 8% in 2013 to 13% in 2019 , with a particular increase among the youth;


### 16. notes that persecution of religious minorities in asia is commonplace in many countries , especially in those with communist regimes , and that blasphemy laws are of particular concern , particularly in pakistan; ### 16. notes that persecution of religious minorities in asia is commonplace in many countries , especially in those with communist regimes such as china , and that blasphemy laws are of particular concern , particularly in pakistan;


### 17. deplores the crimes against muslim communities in asia , including the past and current human rights abuses against the muslim rohingya population; ### 17. deplores the crimes against muslim communities in asia , including the crimes against humanity against the uyghur people by the chinese authorities , and past and current human rights abuses against the muslim rohingya population , which , according to the office of the un high commissioner for human rights , amount to genocide; points to the gravity of crimes perpetrated over the last years by the russian federation as an occupying force against crimean tartars;


### 18. is concerned about the situation of buddhists; takes special note of the difficult situation faced by buddhists in vietnam; ### 18. is concerned about the situation of buddhists , especially their ongoing persecution in china , which is home to half of the world's buddhist population; takes special note of the difficult situation faced by buddhists in vietnam as well as the harassment of tibetan buddhists by the chinese government;


### 25. is appalled by the exacerbation of persecution against religious minority groups during the covid-19 pandemic; denounces the fact that persons belonging to religious minorities have been scapegoated , blamed for spreading the covid-19 virus , and have been denied or faced discrimination in access to public healthcare , food or humanitarian aid , on the basis of religious or belief criteria; ### 25. is appalled by the exacerbation of persecution against religious minority groups during the covid-19 pandemic; denounces the fact that persons belonging to religious minorities have been scapegoated , blamed for spreading the covid-19 virus , and have been denied or faced discrimination in access to public healthcare , food or humanitarian aid , on the basis of religious or belief criteria , as for example concerning christians in india , who were dismissed from food distribution points , or in north vietnam , where christian families were denied coronavirus-related government aid because of their faith;


### 27. condemns the use by authoritarian regimes of legislation on security , sedition and the fight against terrorism and extremism as an instrument to persecute persons belonging to religious minorities , to outlaw the practise or expression of their religion and gatherings of believers , and to deter the registration of religious associations; calls on the commission and european external action service (eeas) to monitor carefully the implementation of such legislation , and to consistently raise this issue in bilateral dialogues with the governments concerned; urges eu member states to reject any request by foreign authorities for judicial and police cooperation in individual judicial cases if they are based on such legislation; ### 27. condemns the use by authoritarian regimes of legislation on security , sedition and the fight against terrorism and extremism as an instrument to persecute persons belonging to religious minorities , to outlaw the practise or expression of their religion and gatherings of believers , and to deter the registration of religious associations or finding pretexts for closing churches such as in china and algeria; calls on the commission and european external action service (eeas) to monitor carefully the implementation of such legislation , and to consistently raise this issue in bilateral dialogues with the governments concerned; urges eu member states to reject any request by foreign authorities for judicial and police cooperation in individual judicial cases if they are based on such legislation;


### 28. deplores the fact that more than 70 countries in the world enforce criminal laws or seek to introduce new legislation which provide for punishments for blasphemy , apostasy and conversion , including the death sentence; notes that laws already in place are used disproportionately against people belonging to religious minorities , and are thus seen , with good reason , as an instrument of oppression; calls for the eu to intensify its political dialogue with all countries concerned with a view to repeal those laws; ### 28. deplores the fact that more than 70 countries in the world enforce criminal laws or seek to introduce new legislation which provide for punishments for blasphemy , apostasy and conversion , including the death sentence; notes that laws already in place are used disproportionately against people belonging to religious minorities , and are thus seen , with good reason , as an instrument of oppression; calls for the eu to intensify its political dialogue with all countries concerned with a view to repeal those laws; underlines that converts leaving a majority faith often experience the most severe violations including imprisonment , forced divorce , abduction , physical violence and murder;


### 29. welcomes the recent appointment of mr christos stylianides as the eu special envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief; calls on the commission to include objectives for the fight against persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion as important part of his mandate; recommends that the special envoy works closely with the eu special representative for human rights and the council working group on human rights (cohom) , and reiterates its calls on the council and the commission to adequately support the special envoy’s institutional mandate , capacity and duties; ### 29. welcomes the recent appointment of mr christos stylianides as the eu special envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief; calls on the commission to provide adequate resources and to include objectives for the fight against persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion as important parts of his mandate; recommends that the special envoy works closely with the eu special representative for human rights and the council working group on human rights (cohom) , and reiterates its calls on the council and the commission to adequately support the special envoy’s institutional mandate , capacity and duties;


### 29. welcomes the recent appointment of mr christos stylianides as the eu special envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief; calls on the commission to include objectives for the fight against persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion as important part of his mandate; recommends that the special envoy works closely with the eu special representative for human rights and the council working group on human rights (cohom) , and reiterates its calls on the council and the commission to adequately support the special envoy’s institutional mandate , capacity and duties; ### 29. welcomes the recent appointment of mr christos stylianides as the eu special envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief; calls on the commission to include objectives for the fight against persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion as important part of his mandate; recommends that the special envoy works closely with the eu special representative for human rights and the council working group on human rights (cohom) , and reiterates its calls on the council and the commission to adequately support the special envoy’s institutional mandate , capacity and duties with adequate financial and human resources;


### 30. calls on the council , the commission , eeas and eu member states to address persecutions based on belief or religion as a priority of eu human rights foreign policy , in line with the eu action plan for human rights and democracy for 2020-2024; stresses that a multi-layered and multi-actor approach is needed to protect and promote freedom of religion or belief , encompassing human rights , conflict resolution and interfaith initiatives that involve multiple state and non-state actors; reiterates its call for a public review of the eu guidelines on freedom of religion or belief , allowing for the assessment of their implementation and of proposals for their update; also calls for progress reports on the implementation of the guidelines to be communicated regularly to parliament; ### 30. calls on the council , the commission , eeas and eu member states to address persecutions based on belief or religion as a priority of eu human rights foreign policy , in line with the eu action plan for human rights and democracy for 2020-2024; stresses that a multi-layered and multi-actor approach is needed to protect and promote freedom of religion or belief , encompassing human rights , conflict resolution and interfaith initiatives that involve multiple state and non-state actors; reiterates its call for a public review of the eu guidelines on freedom of religion or belief , allowing for the assessment of their implementation and of proposals for their update; notes that the eu guidelines provide for an evaluation of their implementation by cohom after a period of three years , and that no such evaluation has been communicated or made public; also calls for progress reports on the implementation of the guidelines to be communicated regularly to parliament; considers that such evaluation should highlight best practices , identify areas for improvement , and provide concrete recommendations on implementation , in accordance with a specified timeline and milestones and subject to regular annual evaluation; calls for the evaluation to be included in the eu annual reports on human rights and democracy in the world;


### 31. urges the eeas and eu delegations to include objectives specifically related to the protection of religious minorities for all relevant situations , as part of the human rights and democracy country strategies (hrdcss) for 2021-2024. and to consistently raise general issues and specific cases relating to the persecution of religious minorities during human rights dialogues with partner countries; reiterates its call for members of the european parliament to be given access to the content of hrdcss; ### 31. urges the eeas and eu delegations to include objectives specifically related to the protection of religious minorities for all relevant situations , as part of the human rights and democracy country strategies (hrdcss) for 2021-2024. and to consistently raise general issues and specific cases relating to the persecution of religious minorities during human rights dialogues with partner countries and during un human rights sessions; reiterates its call for members of the european parliament to be given access to the content of hrdcss;


### 33. recommends strengthening eu multilateral engagement with like-minded states and other actors with a view to promoting and mainstreaming the respect for religious minorities in human rights policies everywhere in the world; calls for the eu and eu member states to enhance cooperation with the un , the council of europe and the organization for security and co-operation in europe (osce) , to intensify its dialogues with the african union and the organisation of islamic cooperation , and to forge alliances with third countries in order to provide international responses to human rights issues faced by religious minorities , in particular those who are most vulnerable or targeted in conflict areas; also recommends that the eu continue to be the lead sponsor of resolutions on freedom of thought , conscience , religion or belief in the un general assembly and the un human rights council; ### 33. recommends strengthening eu multilateral engagement with like-minded states and other actors with a view to promoting and mainstreaming the respect for religious minorities in human rights policies everywhere in the world; calls for the eu and eu member states to enhance cooperation with the un , the council of europe and the organization for security and co-operation in europe (osce) , to intensify its dialogues with the african union and the organisation of islamic cooperation , and to forge alliances with third countries , like the international religious freedom or belief alliance , in order to provide international responses to human rights issues faced by religious minorities , in particular those who are most vulnerable or targeted in conflict areas; also recommends that the eu continue to be the lead sponsor of resolutions on freedom of thought , conscience , religion or belief in the un general assembly and the un human rights council;


### b. whereas the transition to a climate-neutral economy requires an energy transition away from fossil fuels towards a renewable-based system; ### b. whereas the transition to a climate-neutral economy requires an affordable and cost-efficient energy transition away from system based largely on fossil fuels towards a renewable-based system;


### 1. calls on the member states to fully explore their energy storage potential; ### 1. calls on the member states to fully explore their energy storage potential and to develop policy strategies for energy storage considering all impacts and potential risks related to manufacturing , storage , transport , installation , operation , and decommission;


### 3. calls on the commission to establish a task force involving all relevant directorates-general to develop this strategy , including a comprehensive analysis of the carbon footprint and life cycle of storage technologies , taking into account at least the extraction and/or production of raw materials , the manufacturing process , transport and the recycling process , where applicable; ### 3. calls on the commission to establish a task force involving all relevant directorates-general to develop this strategy , including a comprehensive analysis of the carbon footprint and life cycle of storage technologies , taking into account at least the extraction and/or production of raw materials , the manufacturing process , transport and the recycling process , where applicable , as well as sourcing of components , and engagement of european industrial players;


### 4. notes that the energy transition towards a renewable-based system requires a well-developed electricity grid and advanced storage technologies , backup generation and demand management in order to secure a constant power supply; ### 4. notes that the energy transition towards an affordable , cost-efficient and stable renewable-based system requires a well-developed electricity grid and advanced storage technologies , backup generation and demand management in order to secure a constant power supply;


### 6. deeply regrets that infrastructure projects which are crucial to the energy transition often face strong resistance at local level; encourages the member states to actively encourage public support at the local level , for instance through early public participation; ### 6. deeply regrets that infrastructure projects which are crucial to the energy transition often face strong resistance at local level; encourages the member states to actively encourage public support at the local level , for instance through early public participation , close cooperation between affected sectors and compensation schemes;


### 8. urgently calls for a revision of the ten-e regulation17 before the adoption of the next list of projects of common interest (pci); calls for the criteria for granting pci status to be aligned with the eu’s climate and sustainability goals; ### 8. calls for a revision of the ten-e regulation17considering reviewing eligibility criteria and electricity infrastructure categories to better address the development of energy storage facilities; calls for the criteria for granting pci status to be aligned with all five dimensions of the energy union and the eu’s climate and sustainability goals;


### 10. regrets the lack of market deployment of research projects under horizon 2020 , and welcomes the planned greater focus on close-to-market activities under horizon europe , in particular through the creation of the european innovation council; calls for greater use of pre-commercial procurement; ### 10. regrets the lack of market deployment of research projects under horizon 2020 and a lack of system in place to follow up on projects once ended , nor to disseminate results of the research , and welcomes the planned greater focus on close-to-market activities under horizon europe , in particular through the creation of the european innovation council; calls for greater use of pre-commercial procurement;


### 11. notes that that there is only an indirect reference to energy storage projects in the guidelines on state aid for environmental protection and energy 2014-2020; notes , furthermore , that astonishingly few state aid measures for storage projects have been notified in the past; ### 11. notes that energy storage is indirectly addressed in the guidelines on state aid for environmental protection and energy 2014-2020; notes , furthermore , that astonishingly few state aid measures for storage projects have been notified in the past;


### 12. calls on the commission to take into account the important role of storage in the energy transition when reviewing the state aid guidelines; calls on the commission to make sure that the new guidelines take into account the efficiency and the contribution to grid stability of different storage technologies , so that inefficient funding is avoided; ### 12. calls on the commission to take into account the important role of storage in the energy transition and to address it accordingly when reviewing the state aid guidelines; calls on the commission to make sure that the new guidelines take into account the efficiency and the contribution to grid stability of different storage technologies , so that inefficient funding is avoided , in competition with other flexibility solutions;


### 13. acknowledges the high potential of green hydrogen for energy storage and as feedstock for energy-intensive industries; ### 13. acknowledges the high potential of hydrogen and green methane for energy storage and as feedstock for energy-intensive industries , transport and buildings;


### 14. notes that there are varying standards in the member states as regards the blending of hydrogen with natural gas; calls , therefore , on the commission to develop minimum blending standards for hydrogen both for the gas grid and end uses; ### 14. notes that there are varying standards in the member states as regards the blending of hydrogen with natural gas; calls , therefore , on the commission in close cooperation with operators of gas infrastructures to facilitate a common approach in terms of blending standards for hydrogen both for the gas grid and end uses , taking into account the specificities of gas networks and their requirements in different member states;


### 15. calls on the commission to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the cost of retrofitting gas infrastructure for the use of green hydrogen; ### 15. calls on the commission to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the cost of retrofitting gas infrastructure for the use of hydrogen and green methane;


### 16. is convinced that batteries will play a crucial role in ensuring a stable electricity supply; ### 16. is convinced that a range of battery technologies will play an important role in ensuring a stable electricity supply;


### 18. is concerned about the eu’s heavy dependence on imports of raw materials for battery production; is convinced that enhanced recycling schemes for batteries could deliver a significant share of the raw materials required for battery production within the eu; ### 18. is concerned about the eu’s heavy dependence on imports of raw materials for battery production , including from the sources where their extraction involves environmental degradation , violation of labour standards and local conflicts over natural resources; is convinced that enhanced recycling schemes for batteries could deliver a significant share of the raw materials required for battery production within the eu;


### 26. believes that home batteries , domestic heat storage , vehicle-to-grid technology and demand response help to cut consumption peaks , provide flexibility and are playing an increasingly important role in ensuring that the energy grid is efficient and integrated; ### 26. believes that home batteries , domestic heat storage , vehicle-to-grid technology and demand response help to cut consumption peaks , provide flexibility and are playing an increasingly important role in ensuring that the energy grid is efficient and integrated; stresses that broad market introduction of vehicle-to-grid technology will require greater interoperability , therefore uniform eu-wide regulations eliminating a number of barriers , including administrative , legal and tax barriers;


### (2) the key digital technologies joint undertaking addresses clearly defined topics that enable european industries at large to design , manufacture and use the most innovative technologies in electronic components and systems. ### (2) the key digital technologies joint undertaking addresses clearly defined topics that enable european industries at large to design and research the most innovative technologies in electronic components and systems.


### (3) regulation (eu) […]23 establishes a framework for increasing the union’s resilience in the field of semiconductor technologies , stimulating investment , strengthening the capabilities of the european semiconductor supply chain , and increasing cooperation among the member states and the commission. to create the conditions necessary to strengthen the union’s industrial innovation capacity , the chips for europe initiative (the ‘initiative’) is established. in order to ensure a consistent implementation of the initiative , the european semiconductor board should provide advice to the public authorities board. ### (3) regulation (eu) […]23 establishes a framework for increasing the union’s resilience in the field of semiconductor technologies , stimulating investment , strengthening the capabilities of the european semiconductor supply chain , while keeping in mind that the market is growing in cycles of oversupply and shortages , and increasing cooperation among the member states and the commission. to create the conditions necessary to strengthen the union’s industrial innovation capacity , the chips for europe initiative (the ‘initiative’) is established. in order to ensure a consistent implementation of the initiative , the european semiconductor board and stakeholders should provide advice to the public authorities board.