### 12. notes also that regions presenting a high share of people with high levels of education are less exposed to the depopulation process; ### 12. notes also that regions presenting a high share of people with high levels of education and providing more employment opportunities for people with high levels of education are less exposed to the depopulation process;


### 16. stresses that local and regional authorities should play a decisive role in developing territorial strategies , taking into consideration the development needs and the potential of the areas concerned , including the economic , social and demographic trends; points out that community-led local development strategies are a useful tool that can be used to create jobs and increase accessibility to services at local level; ### 16. stresses that local and regional authorities , with the support of the central and eu authorities , should play a decisive role in developing territorial strategies , taking into consideration the development needs and the potential of the areas concerned , including the economic , social and demographic trends; points out that community-led local development strategies are a useful tool that can be used to create jobs and increase accessibility to services at local level;


### 18. recalls the need for strategies aimed at reversing labour migration; calls on local and regional authorities to tackle the brain drain in ‘sending’ regions through prevention , mitigation and appropriate responses; underlines in this context that there are already several initiatives in various member states , such as incentives for workers with highly specialised skills , aimed at turning the brain drain into a brain gain for the regions in question; ### 18. recalls the need for strategies aimed at reversing labour migration; calls on local , regional , central and eu authorities to tackle the brain drain in ‘sending’ regions through prevention , mitigation and appropriate responses; underlines in this context that there are already several initiatives in various member states , such as incentives for workers with highly specialised skills , aimed at turning the brain drain into a brain gain for the regions in question;


### 19. stresses that the covid-19 health crisis has affected all member states and regions to different extents , and is likely to lead to new trends as regards demographic flows; recalls in this context that the additional resources provided through react-eu in order to ensure a sound and robust recovery of the eu’s economy from the crisis could significantly help to keep people in employment , including through support for small and medium-size enterprises and for short-time work schemes and the self-employed; ### 19. stresses that the covid-19 health crisis has affected all member states and regions to different extents , and is likely to lead to new trends as regards demographic flows; recalls in this context that the additional resources provided through react-eu in order to ensure a sound and robust recovery of the eu’s economy from the crisis could significantly help to keep people in employment and create new jobs for educated individuals in areas at risk of depopulation , including through support for small and medium-size enterprises and the self-employed , and through the introduction of flexible working arrangements , including remote or short-time work;


### 19. stresses that the covid-19 health crisis has affected all member states and regions to different extents , and is likely to lead to new trends as regards demographic flows; recalls in this context that the additional resources provided through react-eu in order to ensure a sound and robust recovery of the eu’s economy from the crisis could significantly help to keep people in employment , including through support for small and medium-size enterprises and for short-time work schemes and the self-employed; ### 19. stresses that the covid-19 health crisis has affected all member states and regions to different extents , and is likely to lead to new trends as regards demographic flows; recalls in this context that the additional resources provided through react-eu in order to ensure a sound and robust recovery of the eu’s economy from the crisis could help to keep people in employment , including through support for small and medium-size enterprises and for short-time work schemes and the self-employed;


### 20. recalls that the recovery and resilience facility will provide large-scale financial support to make member states’ economies more resilient and better prepared for the future , and insists that member states should propose measures for addressing demographic change; highlights the importance of the instruments for a transition to sustainability such as the just transition fund and its implementation mechanism , which aim to support the communities affected by the energy transition and avoid the risk of depopulation; ### 20. recalls that the recovery and resilience facility will provide conditional financial support to make member states’ economies more resilient and better prepared for the future , and that member states should propose measures for addressing demographic change; highlights the importance of the instruments to improve mobility of people and goods in rural , insular and mountainous areas;


### 20. recalls that the recovery and resilience facility will provide large-scale financial support to make member states’ economies more resilient and better prepared for the future , and insists that member states should propose measures for addressing demographic change; highlights the importance of the instruments for a transition to sustainability such as the just transition fund and its implementation mechanism , which aim to support the communities affected by the energy transition and avoid the risk of depopulation; ### 20. recalls that the recovery and resilience facility will provide large-scale financial support to make member states’ economies more resilient and better prepared for the future , and insists that member states should propose and implement measures for addressing adverse demographic change , for example by putting in place more widespread telework arrangements that allow remote working , thereby making it possible for young educated people to stay in areas which they might previously have left and which are at particular risk of depopulation;


### 21. reiterates the need for further simplification of cohesion policy instruments in order to allow for an easier , but at the same time sound management of financial resources and for maximising synergies among the various eu funds; emphasises the need to reduce red tape and ensure coherent legislation throughout the project implementation process; ### 21. reiterates the need for further simplification of cohesion policy instruments in order to allow for an easier , but at the same time sound management of financial resources and for maximising synergies among the various eu funds; emphasises the need to reduce red tape and ensure coherent legislation throughout the project implementation process and a focused technical assistance at all stages;


### 23. calls on the member state to include demographic challenges in their national development policies and long-term strategies for sustainable development correlated with the european semester , thus ensuring proper financing for demographic issues; ### 23. calls on the member state to include differentiated demographic challenges in their national development policies and long-term strategies for sustainable development correlated with the european semester , thus ensuring proper financing for demographic issues;


### 23. calls on the member state to include demographic challenges in their national development policies and long-term strategies for sustainable development correlated with the european semester , thus ensuring proper financing for demographic issues; ### 23. calls on the member state to include demographic challenges in their national development policies and long-term strategies for sustainable development , thus ensuring proper financing for demographic issues;


### 24. calls on the regions at risk of depopulation to focus investments on universal accessibility to quality services and infrastructure and job creation; insists on investment in education , reskilling of workers , creating entrepreneurial conditions and supporting smes; ### 24. calls on the regions at risk of depopulation to focus investments on the creation of jobs , in particular for young people , including those who have completed higher education , as well as on ways of encouraging young families to settle in those regions and on universal accessibility to quality services and infrastructure; insists on investment in education , reskilling of workers , creating entrepreneurial conditions and supporting smes;


### 24. calls on the regions at risk of depopulation to focus investments on universal accessibility to quality services and infrastructure and job creation; insists on investment in education , reskilling of workers , creating entrepreneurial conditions and supporting smes; ### 24. calls on the regions at risk of depopulation to focus investments on universal accessibility to quality services and infrastructure and job creation; insists on investment in education , reskilling of workers , creating entrepreneurial conditions and supporting micro and smes;


### 27. recommends developing the so-called ‘oasis strategies’ focusing on the most successful , vibrant and growing sectors , by exploiting the local potential for development of the region; calls on the local and regional authorities to focus on attracting young , trained and talented workers , encouraging entrepreneurship , using local , national and eu incentives; underlines the role of the ‘silver economy’ as a policy shift for rural areas , turning the issue of population ageing into an opportunity for the development of rural areas; ### 27. recommends developing the so-called ‘oasis strategies’ focusing on the most successful , vibrant and growing sectors , by exploiting the local potential for development of the region; calls on the local and regional authorities to focus on attracting young , trained and talented workers and retaining any such workers who are currently employed , encouraging entrepreneurship , using local , national and eu incentives; underlines the role of the ‘silver economy’ as a policy shift for rural areas , turning the issue of population ageing into an opportunity for the development of rural areas;


### 30. insists that investments should be focused on information and communication technology , since this has the potential to reduce the distance between the users and to attract high-skilled workers; stresses the importance of funding the development and uptake of these technologies among companies and schools in rural and isolated regions and regions in industrial transition; ### 30. insists that investments should be focused on mobility infrastructures and local health , since this has the potential to reduce the distance between the users and to attract workers; stresses the importance of funding the development and uptake of labour skills among companies and schools in rural , insular , mountainous and isolated regions and regions in industrial transition;


### 32. considers that municipalities should promote ‘open innovation’ initiatives , making use of the knowledge to accelerate the innovation process and to develop a collaborative approach with relevant partners and stakeholders with a view to creating innovation ecosystems; ### 32. considers that municipalities should promote social , cultural and business initiatives , besides "open innovation" ones , making use of the knowledge to accelerate the innovation process and to develop a collaborative approach with relevant partners and stakeholders with a view to creating cultural and business friendly ecosystems;


### 33. recommends , where appropriate , the reform of education and training systems in the member states , combined with policies to prevent a permanent brain drain from the ‘sending’ regions; insists on using local at regional advantages , as well as the development of economic and social facilities , not only to prevent the brain drain , but also to reverse this phenomenon; ### 33. recommends , where appropriate , the reform of education and training systems in the member states , inter alia by developing educational pathways to occupations that are compatible with remote working , combined with policies to prevent a permanent brain drain from the ‘sending’ regions; insists on using local at regional advantages , as well as the development of economic and social facilities , not only to prevent the brain drain , but also to reverse this phenomenon;


### 34. calls on the commission to ensure that the initiative on the long-term vision for rural areas includes practical solution and means of support to address demographic changes; invites the commission , in agreement with the member states , to propose a ‘new deal’ on demographics in the eu as a multi-level policy approach; ### 34. calls on the commission to ensure that the initiative on the long-term vision for rural , insular and mountainous areas includes practical solution and means of support to address demographic changes; invites the commission , in agreement with the member states , to propose a ‘new deal’ on demographics in the eu as a multi-level policy approach;


### b. whereas , in the light of the pandemic , policies and instruments addressing demographic problems must be reviewed; ### b. whereas , in the light of the pandemic , policies and instruments focusing primarily on low birth rates and the rural exodus must be reviewed;


### 4. recalls that insularity creates structural problems of dependence on maritime and air transport , with additional costs for importing and exporting goods , as well as for passenger transport; stresses that , in the case of archipelagos , these difficulties are multiplied by a double insularity; ### 4. recalls that insularity creates structural problems of dependence on maritime and air transport , with additional costs for importing and exporting goods , as well as for passenger transport; considers close monitoring to be important to ensure islands are fully integrated into the development of green maritime infrastructure; calls for islands to be made a priority in the development of infrastructure aimed at decarbonising maritime transport; stresses that , in the case of archipelagos , these difficulties are multiplied by a double insularity;


### 12. stresses the increasingly precarious condition of all islands in terms of their environmental assets , particularly water resources; calls , in this context , on the commission to adopt a common water management policy for islands; recalls also the challenges connected with waste management in island territories and the strategic role of the circular economy; ### 12. stresses the increasingly precarious condition of all islands in terms of their environmental assets , particularly water resources; calls , in this context , on the commission to adopt a common water management policy for islands; stresses the need to promote the purification of water , and particularly waste water , and to guarantee a sustainable water cycle; recalls also the challenges connected with waste management in island territories and the strategic role of the circular economy;


### 14. considers the use of renewable energy to be a priority and believes it could bring substantial benefits to islands; calls , therefore , for the development of a wide range of renewable energy to be supported; welcomes the green hydrogen programmes which islands have launched; ### 14. points out that owing to their small size and isolated energy systems , islands face a major challenge when it comes to energy supply as they generally rely on fossil fuel imports for electricity generation , transport and heating; considers the use of renewable energy to be a priority and believes it could bring substantial benefits to islands; calls , therefore , for the development of a wide range of renewable energy to be supported; welcomes the green hydrogen and photovoltaic programmes which islands have launched;


### 19. notes that the tourism sector is the main contributor to the economic growth of island regions in terms of income and employment; calls , therefore , on the commission to provide specific additional financial support for sustainable tourism in islands and to help islands that are heavily dependent on tourism to diversify their economies; ### 19. notes that the tourism sector is the main contributor to the economic growth of island regions in terms of income and employment; calls , therefore , on the commission to provide specific additional financial support for sustainable tourism in islands , to promote means of overcoming dependence on seasonal tourism and to help islands that are heavily dependent on tourism to diversify their economies;


### 21. calls for the development of sustainable transport in island countries and regions to be fostered , and for support for the modernisation and greening of port infrastructure; ### 21. calls for the development of sustainable transport in island countries and regions to be fostered , and for support for the modernisation and greening of port infrastructure; calls , in particular , for support to be provided for low-environmental-impact public transport on islands so as to reduce the numbers of private vehicles;


### 22. stresses the need to ensure the territorial continuity of all islands through maritime and air transport and to ensure the safety and suitability of land bridges and road links; calls on the commission to ensure that the 2021-2023 work programme of the connecting europe facility contributes to the territorial accessibility of islands; ### 22. stresses the need to ensure the territorial continuity of all islands through maritime and air transport , including by offering reduced fares for residents , and to ensure the safety and suitability of land bridges and road links; calls on the commission to ensure that the 2021-2023 work programme of the connecting europe facility contributes to the territorial accessibility of islands;


### — having regard to the joint communications from the commission and the high representative of the union for foreign and security policy of 5 december 2018 entitled ‘action plan against disinformation’ (join(2018)0036) and of 14 june 2019 entitled ‘report on the implementation of the action plan against disinformation’ (join(2019)0012) , ### deleted


### — having regard to the european democracy action plan (com(2020)0790) , ### deleted


### — having regard to the digital services act package , ### deleted


### — having regard to the 2018 code of practice on disinformation and to the 2021 guidance on strengthening the code of practice on disinformation (com(2021)0262) , ### deleted


### — having regard to the commission proposal of 16 december 2020 for a directive of the european parliament and of the council on the resilience of critical entities (com(2020)0829) and to the proposed annex to the directive , ### deleted


### — having regard to the joint communication from the commission and the high representative of the union for foreign and security policy of 16 december 2020 on the eu’s cybersecurity strategy for the digital decade (join(2020)0018) , ### deleted


### — having regard to the commission proposal of 16 december 2020 for a directive of the european parliament and of the council on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the union , repealing directive (eu) 2016/1148 (com(2020)0823) , ### deleted


### — having regard to the march 2021 eu toolbox of risk mitigating measures on the cybersecurity of 5g networks , ### deleted


### b. whereas foreign interference , information manipulation and disinformation are an abuse of the fundamental freedoms of expression and information as laid down in article 11 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and threaten these freedoms , as well as democratic processes in the eu and its member states , such as the holding of free and fair elections; ### b. whereas foreign interference , information manipulation and disinformation pose a risk to the fundamental freedoms of expression and information as laid down in article 11 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and threaten these freedoms , as well as democratic processes in the eu and its member states , such as the holding of free and fair elections;


### c. whereas any action against foreign interference and information manipulation must itself respect the fundamental freedoms of expression and information; ### c. whereas any action against foreign interference and information manipulation must itself respect the fundamental freedoms of expression and information; whereas disproportionate actions risk undermining freedom of expression and freedom of information;


### c. whereas any action against foreign interference and information manipulation must itself respect the fundamental freedoms of expression and information; ### c. whereas any action against foreign interference and information manipulation must never jeopardise the fundamental freedoms of expression and information;


### d. whereas evidence shows that malicious foreign actors use information manipulation and other interference tactics to interfere in democratic processes in the eu; whereas these attacks mislead and deceive citizens , increase polarisation and divide society , worsen the situation of vulnerable groups , distort the integrity of democratic elections and referenda , and sow distrust in public authorities and democracy; ### d. whereas evidence shows that malicious foreign state and non-state actors use information manipulation and other interference tactics to interfere in democratic processes in the eu; whereas these attacks mislead and deceive citizens , increase polarisation and divide society , worsen the situation of vulnerable groups , distort the integrity of democratic elections and referenda , and sow distrust in public authorities , media and democracy;


### d. whereas evidence shows that malicious foreign actors use information manipulation and other interference tactics to interfere in democratic processes in the eu; whereas these attacks mislead and deceive citizens , increase polarisation and divide society , worsen the situation of vulnerable groups , distort the integrity of democratic elections and referenda , and sow distrust in public authorities and democracy; ### d. whereas evidence shows that malicious foreign actors use information manipulation and other interference tactics to interfere in democratic processes in the eu; whereas these attacks mislead and deceive citizens , increase polarisation and divide society , distort the integrity of democratic elections and referenda , and sow distrust in public authorities and democracy;


### e. whereas foreign interference tactics take the form of disinformation and the suppression of information , but also the manipulation of social media platforms and advertising systems , cyberattacks , hack-and-leak operations , threats against and the harassment of journalists , researchers , politicians and members of civil society organisations , covert donations and loans to political parties , campaigns , organisations and media outlets , fake or proxy media outlets and organisations , elite capture and co-optation , fake personas , pressure to self-censor , the abusive exploitation of historical , religious and cultural narratives , pressure on educational and cultural institutions , taking control of critical infrastructure , pressuring foreign nationals living in the eu and espionage; ### e. whereas foreign interference tactics take the form of disinformation and the suppression of information , but also the manipulation of social media platforms and advertising systems , cyberattacks , hack-and-leak operations , threats against and the harassment of journalists , researchers , politicians and members of civil society organisations , covert donations and loans to political parties , campaigns , organisations and media outlets , fake or proxy media outlets and organisations , elite capture and co-optation , fake personas , pressure to self-censor , the abusive exploitation of historical , religious and cultural narratives , pressure on educational and cultural institutions , taking control of critical infrastructure , pressuring foreign nationals living in the eu , weaponization of migration and espionage;


### g. whereas there is a need to agree between like-minded partners on common definitions of foreign interference in order to establish international norms and standards; ### g. whereas there is a need to agree between like-minded partners on common definitions of foreign interference in order to establish international norms and standards that improve the member states’ capacity to deal with these threats;


### h. whereas foreign interference attempts are increasing and becoming more sophisticated; ### h. whereas foreign interference attempts are increasing and becoming more sophisticated , relying on new technologies , including among others more widespread use of the artificial intelligence;


### bf. whereas two countries are particularly active in the field of elite capture and co-optation , namely russia and china , with , for instance , former german chancellor gerhard schröder and former prime minister of finland paavo lipponen having both joined gazprom to speed up the application process for nord stream 1 and 2 , former austrian minister of foreign affairs karin kneissl appointed board member of rosneft , former prime minister of france françois fillon appointed board member of zaroubejneft , former prime minister of france jean-pierre raffarin actively engaged in promoting chinese interests in france , and former czech commissioner štefan füle having worked for cefc china energy; ### bf. whereas some countries are particularly active in the field of elite capture and co-optation , namely russia , china , venezuela and iran , with , for instance , former german chancellor gerhard schröder and former prime minister of finland paavo lipponen having both joined gazprom to speed up the application process for nord stream 1 and 2 , former austrian minister of foreign affairs karin kneissl appointed board member of rosneft , former prime minister of france françois fillon appointed board member of zaroubejneft , former prime minister of france jean-pierre raffarin actively engaged in promoting chinese interests in france , former czech commissioner štefan füle having worked for cefc china energy , and former deputy prime minister of spain pablo iglesias turrión having received funds from the chávez regime via the center for political and social studies (ceps) , among others , and from an iranian tv channel to set up the political party that put him in charge;


### bi. whereas different state actors , such as the russian government and the chinese communist party , have been attempting to increase their influence using cultural , educational (e.g. through grants and scholarships) and religious institutes; ### bi. whereas different state actors , such as the russian government and the chinese communist party , have been attempting to increase their influence using cultural , educational (e.g. through grants and scholarships) and religious institutes; whereas alleged difficult situation of its national minority have been use in the past by russia as an excuse for direct intervention in the third countries;


### 82. condemns all types of elite capture and the technique of co-opting top-level civil servants and former eu politicians used by foreign companies with links to governments actively engaged in interference actions against the eu , and regrets the lack of tools and enforcement needed to prevent these practices; considers that disclosing confidential information acquired during public mandates or when performing civil servant functions , at the expense of the eu and its member states’ strategic interests , should be strictly prohibited; ### 82. condemns all types of elite capture and the technique of co-opting top-level civil servants and former eu politicians used by foreign companies and ngos with links to governments actively engaged in interference actions against the eu , and regrets the lack of tools and enforcement needed to prevent these practices; considers that disclosing confidential information acquired during public mandates or when performing civil servant functions , at the expense of the eu and its member states’ strategic interests , should be strictly prohibited;


### 84. is concerned about integrated lobbying strategies combining industrial interests and foreign political goals , in particular when they favour the interests of an authoritarian state; calls , therefore , for the eu institutions to reform the transparency register , including by introducing more stringent transparency rules , mapping foreign funding for eu-related lobbying , and ensuring an entry which allows for the identification of funding from foreign governments; considers australia’s foreign influence transparency scheme to be a good practice to follow; ### 84. is concerned about integrated lobbying strategies combining industrial interests and foreign political goals; calls , therefore , for the eu institutions to reform the transparency register , including by introducing more stringent transparency rules , mapping foreign funding for eu-related lobbying , and ensuring an entry which allows for the identification of funding from foreign governments; considers australia’s foreign influence transparency scheme to be a good practice to follow;


### — having regard to the 2030 agenda for sustainable development which entered into force on 1 january 2016 , and , in particular , to sustainable development goal (sdg) 5 on gender equality , ### deleted


### — having regard to the commission communication of 5 march 2020 entitled ‘a union of equality: gender equality strategy 2020-2025’ (com(2020)0152) , in particular its first target on freeing women and girls from violence and stereotypes , ### deleted


### — having regard to its resolution of 21 january 2021 on the gender perspective in the covid-19 crisis and post-crisis period3 , ### deleted


### — having regard to the european institute for gender equality (eige) study of 12 june 2019 entitled ‘understanding intimate partner violence in the eu: the role of data’ , ### deleted


### — having regard to the eige study of 18 november 2019 entitled ‘a guide to risk assessment and risk management of intimate partner violence against women for police’ , ### deleted


### — having regard to the report by the european union agency for fundamental rights (fra) of 3 march 2014 entitled ‘violence against women: an eu-wide survey’ , ### deleted


### — having regard to the platform of independent expert mechanisms on discrimination and violence against women (edvaw platform) , and its statement of 31 may 2019 entitled ‘intimate partner violence against women is an essential factor in the determination of child custody’ , ### deleted


### — having regard to the statement of 24 march 2020 by the president of the council of europe’s group of experts on action against violence against women and domestic violence (grevio) , marceline naudi , entitled ‘for many women and children , the home is not a safe place’ , on the need to uphold the standards of the istanbul convention in times of a pandemic , ### deleted


### — having regard to the joint deliberations of the committee on legal affairs and the committee on women's rights and gender equality under rule 58 of the rules of procedure , ### deleted


### — having regard to the report of the committee on legal affairs and the committee on women's rights and gender equality (a9-0000/2021) , ### deleted


### a. whereas gender equality is a fundamental value and an objective of the eu; whereas gender-based violence is an extreme form of discrimination against women and one of the biggest obstacles to achieving gender equality; ### a. whereas equality between men and women is a fundamental right and an objective of the eu;


### a. whereas gender equality is a fundamental value and an objective of the eu; whereas gender-based violence is an extreme form of discrimination against women and one of the biggest obstacles to achieving gender equality; ### a. whereas equality between women and men is a fundamental value and an objective of the eu; whereas gender-based violence is an extreme form of discrimination against women and one of the biggest obstacles to achieving equality between women and men ;


### a. whereas gender equality is a fundamental value and an objective of the eu; whereas gender-based violence is an extreme form of discrimination against women and one of the biggest obstacles to achieving gender equality; ### a. whereas gender equality is a fundamental value and an objective of the eu; whereas violence based on sex is an extreme form of discrimination against women and one of the biggest obstacles to achieving gender equality;


### b. whereas , in spite of numerous instances of formal recognition and progress having been made on gender equality , women and men do not enjoy the same rights in practice and social , economic and cultural inequalities persist; ### b. whereas men and women have the same rights and therefore further progress should be made on shared participation in social , economic and cultural aspects;


### b. whereas , in spite of numerous instances of formal recognition and progress having been made on gender equality , women and men do not enjoy the same rights in practice and social , economic and cultural inequalities persist; ### b. whereas , in spite of numerous instances of formal recognition and progress having been made on equality between women and men , they do not enjoy the same rights in practice and social , economic and cultural inequalities persist;


### c. whereas intimate partner violence refers to any act of physical , sexual , psychological or economic violence that occurs between former or current spouses or partners , whether or not the perpetrator shares or has shared a residence with the victim; whereas intimate partner violence is one of the most prevalent forms of gender-based violence , with an estimated 22 % of women having experienced physical and/or sexual violence , and 43 % having experienced psychological violence by their partner6; whereas women and children are disproportionately affected by this type of violence; whereas domestic violence is a serious and often hidden social problem that can cause systematic physical and psychological trauma with serious consequences for the victims , as the perpetrator is a person the victim should be able to trust; ### c. whereas intimate partner violence refers to any act of physical , sexual , psychological or economic violence that occurs between former or current spouses or partners , whether or not the perpetrator shares or has shared a residence with the victim; whereas intimate partner violence can be a social problem with serious consequences for the victims , as it is a form of abuse of a trust-based relationship;


### c. whereas intimate partner violence refers to any act of physical , sexual , psychological or economic violence that occurs between former or current spouses or partners , whether or not the perpetrator shares or has shared a residence with the victim; whereas intimate partner violence is one of the most prevalent forms of gender-based violence , with an estimated 22 % of women having experienced physical and/or sexual violence , and 43 % having experienced psychological violence by their partner6 ; whereas women and children are disproportionately affected by this type of violence; whereas domestic violence is a serious and often hidden social problem that can cause systematic physical and psychological trauma with serious consequences for the victims , as the perpetrator is a person the victim should be able to trust; ### c. whereas intimate partner violence refers to any act of physical , sexual , psychological or economic violence that occurs between former or current spouses or partners , whether or not the perpetrator shares or has shared a residence with the victim; whereas intimate partner violence is one of the most prevalent forms of violence based on sex , with an estimated 22 % of women having experienced physical and/or sexual violence , and 43 % having experienced psychological violence by their partner6 ; whereas women and children are disproportionately affected by this type of violence; whereas domestic violence is a serious and often hidden social problem that can cause systematic physical and psychological trauma with serious consequences for the victims , as the perpetrator is a person the victim should be able to trust;


### d. whereas the lockdown and social distancing measures during the covid-19 pandemic have been associated with an exponential increase in the prevalence and intensity of intimate partner violence cases in many member states , resulting from forced confinement within the home and making it difficult for women to access effective protection and support; whereas in spite of the prevalence of the phenomenon , intimate partner violence against women remains under-reported in the eu and there is a significant lack of comprehensive data; ### deleted


### d. whereas the lockdown and social distancing measures during the covid-19 pandemic have been associated with an exponential increase in the prevalence and intensity of intimate partner violence cases in many member states , resulting from forced confinement within the home and making it difficult for women to access effective protection and support; whereas in spite of the prevalence of the phenomenon , intimate partner violence against women remains under-reported in the eu and there is a significant lack of comprehensive data; ### d. whereas the lockdown and social distancing measures during the covid-19 pandemic have been associated with an exponential increase in the prevalence and intensity of intimate partner violence cases in many member states , resulting from forced confinement within the home and making it difficult for women to access effective protection and support; whereas in spite of the prevalence of the phenomenon , intimate partner violence against women remains under-reported in the eu and there is a significant lack of comprehensive data in this regard;


### e. whereas children may suffer ‘witnessed violence’ in the family environment , through experiencing any form of ill-treatment , carried out through acts of physical , verbal , psychological , sexual and economic violence against reference figures or other affectively significant figures; whereas such violence has very serious consequences for the psychological and emotional development of the child , and whereas it is therefore essential to pay due attention to this type of violence in separations and parental custody arrangements , taking the best interests of the child into account , in particular in order to determine custody and visitation rights in separation cases; ### e. whereas children may suffer ‘witnessed violence’ or direct violence in the home environment , through experiencing any form of ill-treatment , carried out through acts of physical , verbal , psychological , sexual and economic violence against reference figures or other affectively significant figures; whereas such violence has very serious consequences for the psychological and emotional development of the child , and whereas it is therefore essential to pay due attention to this type of violence in separations and parental custody arrangements , taking the best interests of the child into account , in particular in order to determine custody and visitation rights in separation cases;


### — having regard to its legislative resolution of 3 may 2022 on the proposal for a council regulation on the election of the members of the european parliament by direct universal suffrage , repealing council decision (76/787/ecsc , eec , euratom) and the act concerning the election of the members of the european parliament by direct universal suffrage annexed to that decision3 (‘resolution of 3 may 2022 on the reform of the electoral law of the european union’) , ### deleted


### c. whereas its resolution of 3 may 2022 on the reform of the electoral law of the european union proposes the establishment of a union-wide constituency; ### deleted


### d. whereas a modification of the act concerning the election of the members of the european parliament by direct universal suffrage is required to provide the legal basis for the establishment of such a union-wide constituency; ### deleted


### e. whereas the determination of the number of seats of a potential union-wide constituency falls within the remit of the european council decision on the composition of the european parliament based on article 14(2) teu , while the provisions necessary for its establishment are based on article 223(1) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union; ### deleted


### 4. stresses that the proposed allocation of seats should include a reserve of 28 additional seats for members elected in an union-wide constituency in line with parliament’s proposal on the electoral law as adopted on 3 may 2022; points out that , in line with that proposal , those seats can only be taken up after the elections following the entry into force of a revised electoral law including the necessary provisions for the union-wide constituency; ### deleted


### 1. points out that the eci is the only tool for participatory democracy at eu level that can potentially lead to a proposal for a legal act of the union; considers it essential to involve citizens , in particular young people , in the democratic life of the union; recalls , therefore , that the use of the eci instrument must be enhanced by all available means; ### 1. points out that the eci is the only tool for participatory democracy at eu level that can potentially lead to a proposal for a legal act of the union; considers it important to involve citizens in the democratic life of the union; recalls , therefore , that the use of the eci instrument must be enhanced;


### 4. highlights that organising an eci is a demanding and costly process; acknowledges that it is very difficult for individual citizens to manage ecis without being supported by associations with strong organisational capacity and financial means; notes that there are major differences between the financial resources available to different ecis; underlines , therefore , the need for financial support for the organisation of ecis; ### 4. highlights that organising an eci is a demanding process; acknowledges that it is very difficult for individual citizens to manage ecis without being supported by associations with strong organisational capacity and financial means; notes that there are major differences between the financial resources available to different ecis;


### 5. points to the imbalance between the huge amount of effort and extensive resources necessary to organise ecis and their weak legal effects , even if the required threshold of one million signatures is reached , which may deter citizens from launching ecis; ### deleted


### 7. regrets the weak legal impact of valid ecis; stresses that , for the objectives of the revised eci regulation to be achieved and the full potential of this instrument to be realised , the commission needs to appropriately consider and respond to valid ecis; ### 7. notes the weak legal impact of valid ecis; stresses that , for the objectives of the revised eci regulation to be achieved and the full potential of this instrument to be realised , the commission needs to appropriately consider and respond to valid ecis;


### 9. underlines the need to continue to raise awareness of this participatory instrument , in particular by promoting it on social media and including it in civic education curriculums , in order to reach as many citizens as possible , especially young people; ### 9. underlines the need to continue to raise awareness of this participatory instrument , in particular by promoting it on social media and including it in civic education curriculums , in order to reach as many citizens as possible;


### 11. calls on the commission to provide financial support for ecis that reach the threshold of one million signatures; ### deleted


### 1. considers that the situation with regard of the rule of law , democracy and fundamental rights has substantially deteriorated in a number of member states; recalls in particular the importance of upholding the rule of law and the obligation of member states to ensure effective judicial protection , which is a core value of the union as a community based on law; ### 1. stresses the importance of upholding the rule of law and the obligation of member states to ensure effective judicial protection , which is a core value of the union as a community based on law;


### 1. considers that the situation with regard of the rule of law , democracy and fundamental rights has substantially deteriorated in a number of member states; recalls in particular the importance of upholding the rule of law and the obligation of member states to ensure effective judicial protection , which is a core value of the union as a community based on law; ### 1. considers that the situation with regard of the rule of law , democracy and fundamental rights has substantially deteriorated in a number of member states; recalls in particular the importance of upholding the rule of law , democracy and fundamental rights and the obligation of member states to ensure effective judicial protection , which is a core value of the union as a community based on law;


### 1. emphasises the urgent need for the union to develop a robust and positive agenda for protecting and reinforcing democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights for all its citizens; insists that the union must remain a champion of freedom and justice in europe and the world; ### 1. insists that the union must remain a champion of freedom and justice in europe and the world;


### 1. considers that the union mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should primarily aim at preventing and addressing any threat to the union values enshrined in article 2 of the treaty on european union (teu) before any clear risk arises in a member state and article 7 teu should be triggered; ### 1. considers that the union mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should primarily aim at preventing and addressing any threat to the union values enshrined in article 2 of the treaty on european union (teu) before any clear risk arises in a member state or in part of a member state and article 7 teu should be triggered;


### 2. insists that the union institutions are to practise mutual sincere cooperation in line with article 13(2) teu and therefore should all contribute to the defence of the union values in accordance with the procedures set out in the treaties; calls for such activities to be governed by an interinstitutional agreement and for existing mechanisms to be consolidated , while setting out detailed assessments of the situations in all member states , determining preventive and corrective actions; ### 2. insists that the union institutions are to practise mutual sincere cooperation in line with article 13(2) teu and therefore should all contribute to the defence of the union values in accordance with the procedures set out in the treaties; calls for such activities to be governed by an interinstitutional agreement and calls for the existing mechanism to be reviewed in line with the division of the competences between three institutions stipulated in the treaties , while setting out detailed assessments of the situations in all member states , determining relevant actions to be undertaken;


### 2. insists that the union institutions are to practise mutual sincere cooperation in line with article 13(2) teu and therefore should all contribute to the defence of the union values in accordance with the procedures set out in the treaties; calls for such activities to be governed by an interinstitutional agreement and for existing mechanisms to be consolidated , while setting out detailed assessments of the situations in all member states , determining preventive and corrective actions; ### 2. insists that the union institutions are to practise mutual sincere cooperation in line with article 13(2) teu and therefore should all contribute to the defence of the union values in accordance with the procedures set out in the treaties; calls for such activities to be governed by an interinstitutional agreement based on equal respect to all member states and without political bias;


### 2. warns that the union is facing an unprecedented and escalating crisis of its founding values , which threatens its long-term survival as a democratic peace project; is gravely concerned by the rise and entrenchment of autocratic and illiberal tendencies , further compounded by the covid-19 pandemic and economic recession , as well as corruption and state capture , in several member states; underlines the dangers of this trend for the cohesion of the union’s legal order , the functioning of its single market , the effectiveness of its common policies and its international credibility; ### 2. is gravely concerned by the economic recession , as well as corruption , and underlines the dangers they present for the cohesion of the union’s legal order , the functioning of the single market , and the effectiveness of common policies;


### 2. emphasises that an independent and impartial judiciary is an indispensable cornerstone of the rule of law; highlights that the requirement that courts be independent is of the essence to the fundamental right to effective judicial protection and a fair trial and to ensure that all rights deriving from union law are protected; stresses that every national court is also a european court when applying union law; is worried that recent attacks on the rule of law have mainly consisted of attempts to jeopardise judicial independence; ### 2. emphasises that an independent and impartial judiciary is an indispensable cornerstone of the rule of law; highlights that the requirement that courts be independent is of the essence to the fundamental right to effective judicial protection and a fair trial and to ensure that all rights deriving from union law are protected;


### 2. emphasises that an independent and impartial judiciary is an indispensable cornerstone of the rule of law; highlights that the requirement that courts be independent is of the essence to the fundamental right to effective judicial protection and a fair trial and to ensure that all rights deriving from union law are protected; stresses that every national court is also a european court when applying union law; is worried that recent attacks on the rule of law have mainly consisted of attempts to jeopardise judicial independence; ### 2. emphasises that an independent and impartial judiciary is an indispensable cornerstone of the rule of law; highlights that the requirement that courts be independent is of the essence to the fundamental right to effective judicial protection and a fair trial and to ensure that all rights deriving from union law are protected; stresses that every national court is also a european court when applying union law , and that the decisions they make must be respected and guaranteed by all other national and european courts; is worried that recent attacks on the rule of law have mainly consisted of attempts to jeopardise judicial independence;


### 3. believes that for effective implementation , in accordance with article 295 tfeu and their power of self-organisation , the three institutions should establish a joint body responsible for coordinating their cooperation in this field; ### deleted


### 3. believes that for effective implementation , in accordance with article 295 tfeu and their power of self-organisation , the three institutions should establish a joint body responsible for coordinating their cooperation in this field; ### 3. believes that for effective implementation , in accordance with article 295 tfeu and their power of self-organisation , the three institutions should establish a joint advisory body responsible for facilitating dialogue among them in this field;


### 3. recognises that the union remains structurally ill-equipped to tackle democratic and rule of law backsliding in the member states; regrets the inability of the council to make meaningful progress in enforcing union values in ongoing article 7 teu procedures; notes with concern the disjointed nature of the union’s toolkit in that field; ### 3. recognises that the union is already structurally equipped to tackle democratic and rule of law backsliding in the member states; considers that the council effectively enforces union values;


### 4. insists that the annual monitoring cycle should be governed by the principles of transparency , impartiality , and equality between member states , be based on objective evidence and lead to effective and realistic measures; ### 4. insists that the annual monitoring cycle should be governed by the principles of transparency , impartiality , and equality between member states , be based on objective evidence and lead to effective and realistic measures; stresses that if the commission fails to follow these principles and this tool ends up being used to put pressure on member states to join the political agenda of the main european political parties , it will lose its credibility;


### 4. welcomes the commission’s work on the annual rule of law report; notes , however , that it fails to encompass the areas of democracy and fundamental rights; reiterates the need for a comprehensive monitoring mechanism enshrined in a legal act binding parliament , the council and the commission to a transparent and regularised process , with clearly defined responsibilities , so that the protection and promotion of union values becomes a permanent and visible part of the union agenda; ### 4. notes the commission’s work on the annual rule of law report;


### — having regard to its resolution of 18 december 2019 on public discrimination and hate speech against lgbti people , including lgbti free zones7 , ### deleted


### — having regard to its resolution of 16 january 2020 on ongoing hearings under article 7(1) of the teu regarding poland and hungary9 , ### deleted


### b. whereas the preceding decade has seen brazen attacks against union values in several member states; whereas international comparisons and parliament resolutions have evidenced considerable democratic backsliding in hungary and poland in particular; whereas parliament has been calling since 2016 for a comprehensive , preventive and evidence-based monitoring in this field via an eu mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights; ### b. whereas international comparisons and parliament resolutions regularly monitor democratic standards in the member states; whereas parliament has been calling since 2016 for a comprehensive , preventive and evidence-based monitoring in this field via an eu mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights;


### c. whereas breaches of the values referred to in article 2 teu weaken the cohesion of the european project , the rights of all union citizens and mutual trust among the member states; ### c. whereas the values referred to in article 2 teu strengthen the rights of all union citizens;


### d. whereas the commission is preparing to publish an annual rule of law report , to be followed by a strategy for the implementation of the charter of fundamental rights and a european democracy action plan; ### d. whereas the commission is preparing to publish an annual rule of law report;


### e. whereas a regulation on the protection of the union’s budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states , once adopted , would become an indispensable tool in safeguarding the rule of law within the union; ### e. whereas the european court of auditors has issued an opinion regarding the regulation on the protection of the union’s budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states , concluding that the regulation lacks clear and detailed criteria and definitions of deficiencies in the rule of law;


### f. whereas any monitoring mechanism must closely involve stakeholders active in the protection and promotion of democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights , including civil society , council of europe and united nations bodies , the european union agency for fundamental rights , national human rights institutions , national parliaments and local authorities; ### f. whereas any monitoring mechanism must closely involve stakeholders active in the protection and promotion of democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights , including civil society , council of europe and united nations bodies , the european union agency for fundamental rights , national human rights institutions , national parliaments and national and local authorities;


### 5. proposes the establishment of an eu mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights (the ‘mechanism’) , building on parliament’s 2016 proposal and the commission’s 2020 rule of law report , to be governed by an interinstitutional agreement between parliament , the council and the commission , consisting of an annual monitoring cycle on union values , covering all aspects of article 2 teu , and applying equally , objectively and fairly to all member states; ### deleted


### 5. highlights the potential of judicial training for improving the dialogue between national courts and the court of justice of the european union , particularly through the use of references for a preliminary ruling and the interaction between the principles of subsidiarity and primacy of union law; ### 5. highlights the potential of judicial training for improving the dialogue between national courts and the court of justice of the european union , particularly through the use of references for a preliminary ruling and the interaction between the principles of subsidiarity and primacy of union law; considers that references for a preliminary ruling should be settled as quickly as possible to prevent parties from being left defenceless; to this end , priority should be given to involving lawyers and officials from the country whose court has submitted the issue in order to save time on translating and interpreting documents , evidence , statements , etc.;


### 6. underlines that the annual monitoring cycle must contain country-specific recommendations , with timelines and targets for implementation , to be followed up in subsequent annual or urgent reports; stresses that failures to implement the recommendations must be linked to concrete union enforcement measures; ### 6. underlines that the annual monitoring cycle must contain country-specific recommendations , with timelines and targets for implementation , to be followed up in subsequent annual or urgent reports;


### 7. points out that the mechanism should consolidate and supersede existing instruments , in particular the annual rule of law report , the commission’s rule of law framework , the council’s rule of law dialogue and the cooperation and verification mechanism (cvm) , while increasing complementarity and coherence with other available tools , including infringement procedures under article 7 teu , budgetary conditionality once in force , and the european semester; is of the opinion that the annual monitoring cycle can fulfil the objectives of the cvm for bulgaria and romania , thus contributing to equal treatment of all member states; considers that the three institutions should use the findings from the annual monitoring cycle in their assessment for the purposes of triggering article 7 teu and regulation (eu) 2020/xxxx of the european parliament and of the council on the protection of the union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states11; ### deleted


### 7. points out that the mechanism should consolidate and supersede existing instruments , in particular the annual rule of law report , the commission’s rule of law framework , the council’s rule of law dialogue and the cooperation and verification mechanism (cvm) , while increasing complementarity and coherence with other available tools , including infringement procedures under article 7 teu , budgetary conditionality once in force , and the european semester; is of the opinion that the annual monitoring cycle can fulfil the objectives of the cvm for bulgaria and romania , thus contributing to equal treatment of all member states; considers that the three institutions should use the findings from the annual monitoring cycle in their assessment for the purposes of triggering article 7 teu and regulation (eu) 2020/xxxx of the european parliament and of the council on the protection of the union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states11; ### 7. points out that the mechanism should consolidate and supersede existing instruments , in particular the annual rule of law report , the commission’s rule of law framework , the council’s rule of law dialogue and the cooperation and verification mechanism (cvm) , while increasing complementarity and coherence with other available tools , including infringement procedures under article 7 teu; is of the opinion that the annual monitoring cycle can fulfil the objectives of the cvm for bulgaria and romania , thus contributing to equal treatment of all member states;


### 7. calls on the commission to assess ict tools and other means put in place by member states at the disposal of citizens to facilitate their access to justice , in particular citizens with disabilities or belonging to vulnerable groups , such as national minorities and migrants; ### 7. calls on the commission to assess , standardise and simplify ict tools and other means put in place by member states at the disposal of citizens to facilitate their access to justice , in particular citizens with disabilities or belonging to vulnerable groups;


### 8. calls on the commission to pay special attention to the implementation in member states of adequately funded legal aid schemes and to the quality of the legal assistance provided , and to assess any obstacles currently preventing citizens without resources from effectively accessing justice; ### 8. calls on the commission to pay special attention to the implementation in member states of adequately funded legal aid schemes , to the quality and affordability of the legal assistance provided , and to the length and transparency of legal proceedings , and to assess any obstacles currently preventing citizens without resources from effectively accessing justice;


### 9. reaffirms the role of parliament , in accordance with article 7 teu , in monitoring compliance with union values; reiterates the call for parliament to be present in article 7 hearings when it is parliament that initiated the procedure; believes that the mechanism , underpinned by an interinstitutional agreement , will provide the necessary framework for better coordination; ### 9. reaffirms the role of parliament , in accordance with article 7 teu , in monitoring compliance with union values;


### 10. is of the view that , in the long-term , strengthening the union’s ability to promote and defend its constitutional core will require treaty change; looks forward to the reflection and conclusions of the conference on the future of europe in that regard; ### 10. is of the view that both the member states and the union will help to promote and defend fundamental values;


### 11. strongly believes that addressing the crisis of union values , including through the proposed mechanism , is a precondition for re-establishing mutual trust among member states , thus enabling the union as a whole to sustain and further all common policies; ### deleted


### 11. believes that addressing persisting gender and cultural gaps in the composition and structure of member states’ judicial systems is necessary to enhance their quality , effectiveness and independence. ### deleted


### 12. invites the commission and the council to enter without delay into negotiations with parliament on an interinstitutional agreement in accordance with article 295 tfeu; considers the proposal set out in the annex hereto to constitute an appropriate basis for such negotiations; ### deleted


### [...] ### deleted


### 1. grants the secretary-general of the council discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the european council and of the council for the financial year 2019 / postpones its decision on granting the secretary-general of the council discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the european council and of the council for the financial year 2019; ### 1. postpones its decision on granting the secretary-general of the council discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the european council and of the council for the financial year 2019;


### 35. emphasises parliament's prerogative to grant discharge pursuant to article 319 of the treaty of the functioning of the european union , in line with current interpretation and practice , namely to grant discharge in order to maintain transparency and ensure democratic accountability towards union taxpayers; ### 35. emphasises parliament's prerogative to grant discharge pursuant to article 319 of the treaty of the functioning of the european union and the applicable provisions of the financial regulation and parliament’s rules of procedure in line with current interpretation and practice , namely to grant discharge in order to maintain transparency and ensure democratic accountability towards union taxpayers;


### 41. emphasises that parliament does not accept that the two institutions have an equivalent and reciprocal role in the discharge procedure; ### 41. notes that the different roles of the respective institutions in the discharge procedures should be distinguished; emphasises that parliament does not accept that the two institutions have an equivalent and reciprocal role in the discharge procedure;


### 2. stresses that the sanitary crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic has revealed that its rules of procedure did not provide for all appropriate measures in order to facilitate the functioning of parliament in extraordinary circumstances; ### 2. stresses that the sanitary crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic has revealed that its rules of procedure require more developed procedures in order to ensure the unlimited functioning of parliament in different types of extraordinary circumstances;


### 3. takes note of the temporary measures adopted by its president and its governing bodies in order to cope with such extraordinary circumstances; underlines that those measures were needed to guarantee the continuity of parliament’s business , allowing parliament to carry out its legislative , budgetary and political control functions during the crisis; ### 3. underlines the importance of the temporary measures adopted , in compliance with the rule of law , by its president and its governing bodies in the current sanitary crisis , in order to cope with such extraordinary circumstances; stresses that there were no alternatives to those measures in order to guarantee the continuity of parliament’s business as required by the treaties , and that they allowed parliament to carry out its legislative , budgetary and political control functions during the crisis in accordance with the procedures provided for by the treaties;


### 4. recognises that those temporary measures were fully justified and ensured the validity of all votes taken during their period of application; ### 4. stresses that those temporary measures were fully justified and that they ensured the validity of all votes taken during their period of application;


### a. whereas the 2019 european elections registered the highest turnout of the any elections to the european parliament in the last 20 years , with 50.2 % , ( an increase of eight percentage points compared to 2014) , sending a positive signal that european citizens believe that many of their concerns can be addressed at eu level; ### a. whereas the 2019 european elections registered the highest turnout of the any elections to the european parliament in the last 20 years , with 50.2 % , (an increase of eight percentage points compared to 2014);


### c. whereas the higher turnout was ultimately linked to gains by eurosceptics , which should be considered as a warning for european integration , especially in several founding member states where far-right extremists and anti-european forces won the elections; ### deleted


### d. whereas the higher turnout is also a sign that eu citizens want the eu to act swiftly and effectively on important matters such as climate change , migration , protection of fundamental rights and democratisation; ### deleted


### e. whereas gender equality among members of the european parliament has improved (41 % women in 2019 , up from 37 % in 2014); ### deleted


### g. whereas the reform of the electoral act of 1976 , as adopted by the european parliament in its legislative resolution of 4 july 2018 on the draft council decision amending the act concerning the election of the members of the european parliament by direct universal suffrage , annexed to council decision 76/787/ecsc , eec , euratom of 20 september 197614 , is still not fully ratified owing to the unwillingness of germany , spain and cyprus to take the last necessary steps in their national legislation , and thereby blocking the evolution of the regulatory framework for european elections; ### deleted


### i. whereas the outcome of the 2019 european elections fragmented political representation in parliament , leading to increased complexity in the decision-making process; ### i. whereas the outcome of the 2019 european elections fragmented political representation in parliament , which gives a boost to political pluralism , and has weakened those political forces that would like to see further european integration;


### k. whereas the spitzenkandidaten process has yet to be fully developed; whereas it lacks , among other things , the possibility for spitzenkandidaten to stand as official candidates in all member states on transnational lists , allowing all european voters to choose and vote for their preferred spitzenkandidat; whereas parliament raised this issue in its decision of 7 february 2018 on the revision of the framework agreement on relations between the european parliament and the european commission15; ### deleted


### l. whereas the spitzenkandidaten system needs to be improved and formalised in the eu’s primary law after an in-depth institutional reflection; whereas this reflection should also include the de facto political role of the commission and its president and any related changes to the decision-making process of the union; ### deleted


### m. whereas institutional improvements such as transnational lists , as acknowledged by parliament in its resolution of 7 february 2018 on the composition of the european parliament , or the transformation of the council into a second legislative chamber of the union , as proposed in its resolution of 16 february 2017 on possible evolutions of and adjustments to the current institutional set-up of the european union , would radically transform the european elections into one true european election , as opposed to the collection of 27 separate national elections that it is today; ### deleted


### o. whereas democratic processes at both member state and eu levels have been targeted by foreign powers in order to influence the outcome of elections and weaken the union; whereas the mechanisms put in place by the european institutions , such as the code of practice against disinformation and the rapid alert system for elections contributed to the mitigation of foreign interference during the election campaign; ### o. whereas democratic processes at both member state and eu levels have been targeted by foreign powers in order to influence the outcome of elections and weaken the union; whereas the mechanisms put in place by the european institutions , such as the code of practice against disinformation and the rapid alert system for elections put the right to freedom of expression at risk , without any proof that they helped to mitigate foreign interference during the election campaign;


### q. whereas european political parties and foundations are the primary facilitators of a successful european political debate , both during and beyond european elections; ### q. whereas national political parties and foundations are the primary facilitators of political debate;


### 1. takes note of the higher turnout in the 2019 european elections; considers that this shows that an increasing proportion of citizens consider the eu to be the appropriate level at which to address the challenges of our time such as climate change and environmental concerns , social and gender inequalities , sustainable growth , and geopolitical concerns such as migration and foreign policy; urges all the european institutions , therefore , to take responsibility and to act upon the mandate they have been given , directly or indirectly , by the citizens; regrets both the lack of decisiveness by the council and the lack of clear intent to achieve solutions based on a common approach; ### 1. takes note of the higher turnout in the 2019 european elections;


### 3. deplores the fact that the outcome of the elections did not lead to genuine gender balance in parliament; calls on the commission , in cooperation with parliament and other bodies such as the venice commission , to formulate recommendations to member states with a view to increasing the representation of women in the european parliament; ### deleted


### 5. is of the opinion that the reason why the spitzenkandidaten process failed to produce a president of the european commission after the 2019 elections is because no improvements were made to it following the experience of 2014; intends to strengthen the democratic process for choosing the commission president before the next european elections of 2024; ### 5. is of the opinion that the democratic process is completely secure in the member states.


### 6. welcomes the up-coming joint declaration of the three european institutions on the conference on the future of europe , recalls the commitment by the commission president to address the issue of transnational lists and the spitzenkandidaten process as the priority institutional issues during the conference; ### deleted


### 7. stresses that the election of the commission president depends on a majority of parliament’s members , which de facto requires the formation of a coalition; recommends that the election procedure be reversed so that parliament proposes and elects the president of the commission , after obtaining the consent of the european council; ### deleted


### 8. considers that the outcome of the european elections has reinforced the political dimension of the election of the european commission , and therefore the need for more accurate and objective scrutiny of the declarations of interests of the commissioners-designate; calls for the creation of an independent body , endowed with the appropriate means , to have this scrutiny included in its responsibilities; ### deleted


### 9. regrets that the attribution of portfolios in the commission follows solely a logic where national interests take priority over the european common interest; ### deleted


### 10. insists that all european voters should be allowed to vote for their preferred candidate for the president of the commission; reiterates , therefore , that the spitzenkandidaten should be able to stand as official candidates at the next elections in a joint european constituency across all member states; ### deleted


### 11. believes that granting european voters a second vote for transnational lists in a joint european constituency , drawn up by european political parties and movements , would elevate the european elections above purely national campaigns based on national interests , particularly if such lists were headed by the respective spitzenkandidaten; ### deleted


### 12. points out that the proposed changes to the eu’s primary law within this report , which reflect the increased political role of the commission within the eu framework , should also include the individual and collective responsibility of the commission towards parliament and the council , as well as the transformation of the council into a second legislative chamber of the union; ### deleted


### 13. acknowledges that despite the fact that the agreed reform of the electoral law has not yet been ratified by some member states , further improvements are required , such as provisions for remote voting operations in defined or exceptional circumstances , as well as on the elections in the joint european constituency; ### deleted


### 15. urges the commission and the council to consider , in accordance with the work of parliament’s special committee on foreign interference and disinformation , the urgent creation of a european organisation dedicated to the fight against foreign interference; encourages the commission and the council to work much more closely with parliament on these matters , as the protection of our democratic institutions is a core competence of the european parliament; ### deleted


### 16. recognises the important role of european political parties and foundations in fostering a european political debate; points out , however , that owing to restrictive measures at european and national levels , european political parties cannot fully participate in european election campaigns; stresses , moreover , that they are not allowed to campaign in referendums that concern european matters , including international trade agreements or the uk’s 2016 referendum on eu membership; ### deleted


### 17. proposes to amend regulation (eu , euratom) no 1141/2014 of the european parliament and of the council on the statute and funding of european political parties and european political foundations16to allow european political parties and foundations to fully participate in the european political space while at the same time increasing the transparency of their funding , especially when funding comes from member parties outside the eu; ### deleted


### 18. considers that the outcome of the european elections is a clear signal for an in-depth institutional reflection that will allow citizens , civil society and their representatives to shape the future of the union; calls , therefore , on all institutional partners to assume their responsibility and deliver an ambitious conference on the future of europe; ### 18. considers that the outcome of the european elections is a clear signal for an in-depth institutional reflection that will allow citizens , civil society and their representatives to shape the future of the union; stresses that parliament's current composition shows that many member state citizens believe that the answer to their problems is not further european integration but joint , efficient action , when it provides european added value; calls , therefore , on all institutional partners , following the coronavirus crisis , to pursue a conference on the future of europe without predetermined positions and at which all ideas can be debated freely;


### 5. calls on the institutions to continue discussions on moving towards the establishment of a dedicated joint database on the state of play of legislative files (joint legislative database) as agreed in the iia on better law-making; ### 5. calls on the institutions to continue discussions on moving towards the establishment of a dedicated joint database on the state of play of legislative files (joint legislative database) as agreed in the iia on better law-making;underlines the importance of considering each institution’s individual needs in this regard;


### 11. points out that transparency and full access to documents held by the institutions have to be the rule , in accordance with regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 , and that , as has already been stipulated by the precedents consistently set by the cjeu , exceptions to that rule have to be properly interpreted; ### 11. points out that transparency and full access to documents held by the institutions have to be the rule , in accordance with regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 , and that , as has already been stipulated by the precedents consistently set by the cjeu , exceptions to that rule have to be properly interpreted; points out that at the same time neither regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 nor cjeu rulings oblige the eu institutions to proactively publish legislative documents;


### 11. points out that transparency and full access to documents held by the institutions have to be the rule , in accordance with regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 , and that , as has already been stipulated by the precedents consistently set by the cjeu , exceptions to that rule have to be properly interpreted; ### 11. points out that transparency and full access to documents held by the institutions have to be the rule , in accordance with regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 , and that , as has already been stipulated by the precedents consistently set by the cjeu , exceptions to that rule have to be restrictively interpreted;


### 21. stresses that privacy and the protection of personal data should be respected while ensuring transparency; ### 21. stresses that privacy and the protection of personal data should be respected while ensuring transparency , securing a case by case evaluation and observing the principle of restrictively interpreting exceptions to the right of citizens of accessing public information and documents;


### 23. calls on the institutions to ensure the transparency of legislative procedures on the basis of the relevant legislation and case law; ### 23. calls on the institutions to ensure the transparency of legislative procedures on the basis of the relevant legislation and case law; emphasises at the same time the need to maintain a balance between transparency targets and preserving the cohesion , effectiveness and flexibility of legislative procedures;


### 23. calls on the institutions to ensure the transparency of legislative procedures on the basis of the relevant legislation and case law; ### 23. calls on the institutions to ensure the transparency of legislative procedures on the basis of the relevant legislation , case law and ombudsman recommendations;


### 2. calls on the council and the member states to continue reinforcing coherence between all instruments and initiatives within the framework of common security and defence policy (csdp) in order to achieve the required level of effectiveness in ensuring strategic autonomy , and of ambition in the progressive framing of a common union defence policy in line with the treaty on european union; ### 2. calls on the council and the member states to continue reinforcing coherence between all instruments and initiatives within the framework of common security and defence policy (csdp) in order to achieve the required level of effectiveness in ensuring strategic autonomy of the union so that member states' interests are better protected;


### 3. welcomes in this regard the political guidelines of the commission regarding defence policy , and in particular regarding the need for bold steps towards a genuine european defence union , and for an integrated and comprehensive approach to the eu’s security; hopes that the creation of a new commission directorate-general for defence industry and space will serve as a catalyst for enhanced coherence in the creation of defence capabilities; ### deleted


### 5. calls on the participating member states to continue making resources available for pesco projects , while ensuring real ownership of and commitment to pesco coordinating and pooling processes; ### 5. calls on the participating member states to continue making resources available for pesco projects that generate added value , while ensuring real ownership of and commitment to pesco coordinating and pooling processes;


### 7. reiterates that parliament should play a prominent role in the scrutiny and supervision of the implementation and evaluation of the csdp; expects in this regard that parliament will be fully informed and consulted by the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy in the context of the current strategic review of the first pesco phase , which ends in 2020. ### 7. calls for parliament to be fully informed and consulted by the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy in the context of the current strategic review of the first pesco phase , which ends in 2020; stresses in this regard that defence is an exclusive competence of the member states , and that the european institutions should act only to facilitate the free cooperation of member states.


### a. whereas according to article 42(2) of the teu , the common security and defence policy (csdp) includes the progressive framing of a common eu defence policy , which could lead to common defence being put in place; ### deleted


### d. whereas the three-fold level of ambition under the eu global strategy in the field of security and defence covers securing external borders , countering hybrid threats and fighting against terrorism; whereas no member state can protect itself alone , since security and defence threats faced by the eu , and which are targeted against its citizens and territory , are a joint threat and cannot be addressed by one single member state on its own; whereas an effective eu system for addressing burden-sharing would be advantageous for the eu’s overall level of security and defence; ### d. whereas the three-fold level of ambition under the eu global strategy in the field of security and defence covers securing external borders , countering hybrid threats and fighting against terrorism; whereas no member state can protect itself alone , since security and defence threats faced by eu member states , and which are targeted against their citizens and territories , are a joint threat and cannot be addressed by one single member state on its own; whereas an effective eu system for addressing burden-sharing would be advantageous for the eu’s overall level of security and defence although runs the risk of duplicating nato capabilities;


### d. whereas the three-fold level of ambition under the eu global strategy in the field of security and defence covers securing external borders , countering hybrid threats and fighting against terrorism; whereas no member state can protect itself alone , since security and defence threats faced by the eu , and which are targeted against its citizens and territory , are a joint threat and cannot be addressed by one single member state on its own; whereas an effective eu system for addressing burden-sharing would be advantageous for the eu’s overall level of security and defence; ### d. whereas the three-fold level of ambition under the eu global strategy in the field of security and defence covers securing external borders , countering hybrid threats and fighting against terrorism; whereas no member state can protect itself alone , since security and defence threats faced by the eu member states , and which are targeted against its citizens and territories , are a joint threat and cannot always be addressed by one single member state on its own; whereas an effective eu system for addressing burden-sharing would be advantageous for the overall level of security and defence;


### f. whereas pesco’s long-term vision is to achieve a coherent full-spectrum force package available to the member states; whereas pesco should enhance the eu’s capacity to act as an international security provider in order to protect eu citizens and maximise the effectiveness of defence spending; whereas the cost of non-europe in security and defence is estimated to be more than eur 100 billion per year; ### f. whereas pesco’s long-term vision is to achieve a coherent full-spectrum force package available to the member states; whereas pesco should enhance the eu member states’ defence capabilities and enhance their ability to co-operate in appropriate circumstances , but should not be seen as a pathway to a "european army";


### f. whereas pesco’s long-term vision is to achieve a coherent full-spectrum force package available to the member states; whereas pesco should enhance the eu’s capacity to act as an international security provider in order to protect eu citizens and maximise the effectiveness of defence spending; whereas the cost of non-europe in security and defence is estimated to be more than eur 100 billion per year; ### f. whereas pesco’s long-term vision is to achieve a coherent full-spectrum force package available to the member states; whereas pesco should enhance the eu’s capacity to act as an international security provider by enhancing interoperability in order to protect eu citizens and maximise the effectiveness of defence spending; whereas the cost of non-europe in security and defence is estimated to be more than eur 100 billion per year;


### f. whereas pesco’s long-term vision is to achieve a coherent full-spectrum force package available to the member states; whereas pesco should enhance the eu’s capacity to act as an international security provider in order to protect eu citizens and maximise the effectiveness of defence spending; whereas the cost of non-europe in security and defence is estimated to be more than eur 100 billion per year; ### f. whereas pesco’s long-term vision is to achieve a coherent full-spectrum force package available to the member states; whereas pesco may enhance the eu’s capacity to act as an international security provider in order to protect eu member state citizens and maximise the effectiveness of defence spending; whereas the cost of non-europe in security and defence is estimated to be more than eur 100 billion per year;


### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has shown the consequences of the eu not having enough competence when it comes to health care; whereas , by the same analogy , it would make sense to establish an eu common defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s borders and territories; whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence; ### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has shown the consequences of the eu not having enough competence when it comes to health care; whereas , by the same analogy , it would make sense to establish an eu common defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s borders and territories; whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the much needed investment in offsetting the capability shortfalls that are essential to credible deterrence and defence;


### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has shown the consequences of the eu not having enough competence when it comes to health care; whereas , by the same analogy , it would make sense to establish an eu common defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s borders and territories; whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence; ### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has shown the consequences of the eu not having enough competence when it comes to health care; whereas , by stretching the analogy , it would make sense to establish an eu common defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s borders and territories; whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence;


### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has shown the consequences of the eu not having enough competence when it comes to health care; whereas , by the same analogy , it would make sense to establish an eu common defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s borders and territories; whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence; ### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of the nation state and member states’ sovereignty; whereas member states competence should be respected and preserved; whereas , by the same analogy , it would make sense to for member states to cooperate on defence strategy to respond to an attack on the borders and territories of the member states;


### h. whereas according to council decision 2017/2315 , establishing pesco enhanced defence capabilities of the member states will also benefit nato , while strengthening the european pillar within the alliance and responding to repeated calls for stronger transatlantic burden-sharing; ### h. whereas according to council decision 2017/2315 , establishing pesco enhanced defence capabilities of the member states will also benefit nato provided that duplication is avoided and interoperability is prioritized , while strengthening the european pillar within the alliance and responding to repeated calls for stronger transatlantic burden-sharing;


### i. whereas pesco creates a binding framework between the pms , which committed themselves to jointly investing , planning , developing and operating defence capabilities within union framework in a permanent and structured manner by subscribing to 20 binding commitments in five areas set by the teu; whereas these commitments should constitute a move from mere defence cooperation towards the integration of member states’ defence forces; whereas despite these binding commitments , no effective compliance mechanism for pesco is in place; ### i. whereas pesco creates a binding framework between the pms , which committed themselves to jointly investing , planning , developing and operating defence capabilities within union framework in a permanent and structured manner by subscribing to 20 binding commitments in five areas set by the teu; whereas these commitments should constitute a move from mere defence cooperation towards full interoperability of member states’ defence forces; whereas despite these binding commitments , no effective compliance mechanism for pesco is in place and pesco projects have not been implemented in a manner reflective of industrial capacity , duplication concerns or budgetary constraints of pms;


### i. whereas pesco creates a binding framework between the pms , which committed themselves to jointly investing , planning , developing and operating defence capabilities within union framework in a permanent and structured manner by subscribing to 20 binding commitments in five areas set by the teu; whereas these commitments should constitute a move from mere defence cooperation towards the integration of member states’ defence forces; whereas despite these binding commitments , no effective compliance mechanism for pesco is in place; ### i. whereas pesco creates a binding framework between the pms , which committed themselves to jointly investing , planning , developing and operating defence capabilities within union framework in a permanent and structured manner by subscribing to 20 binding commitments in five areas set by the teu; whereas despite these binding commitments , no effective compliance mechanism for pesco is in place;


### j. whereas the pms do not pay enough attention to the 20 binding commitments to which they have subscribed , and not enough progress has been achieved with regard to significantly embedding pesco into national defence planning processes; ### j. whereas the pms do not pay enough attention to the 20 binding commitments to which they have subscribed , and not enough progress has been achieved with regard to significantly embedding pesco into national defence planning processes casting serious doubt over the capacity of pms to finalize pesco projects;


### k. whereas pesco was originally conceived as an avant-garde , comprising the member states willing and able to upgrade their cooperation in defence to a new level of ambition; whereas the fact that there are 25 pms means that pesco is at risk of being constrained by the ‘lowest common denominator’ approach; ### k. whereas pesco was originally conceived as an avant-garde , comprising the member states willing and able to upgrade their cooperation in defence to a new level of ambition; whereas the fact that there are 25 pms means that pesco is at risk of being constrained by the ‘lowest common denominator’ approach amplifying the widespread free rider problem in european defence spending;


### l. whereas work on the first three waves of pesco projects has led to the pms proposing 47 projects; whereas the current list of projects lacks coherence , strategic ambition and does not adequately address priority shortfalls as identified by the pms; whereas one of these projects has been stopped in order to avoid unnecessary duplication; whereas other projects did not make sufficient progress or are at risk of being stopped , and around 30 projects are still in the ideation and preparatory phase; ### l. whereas work on the first three waves of pesco projects has led to the pms proposing 47 projects; whereas the current list of projects lacks coherence , strategic ambition and does not adequately address priority shortfalls as identified by the pms; whereas one of these projects has been stopped in order to avoid unnecessary duplication; whereas other projects did not make sufficient progress or are at risk of being stopped , and around 30 projects are still in the ideation and preparatory phase casting serious doubt on the efficacy of this initiative;