### 3. by way of derogation from paragraph 2 , member states may establish a limitation period that is shorter than ten years , but not shorter than four years , provided that the period may be interrupted or suspended in the event of specified acts. ### deleted


### 3. by way of derogation from paragraph 2 , member states may establish a limitation period that is shorter than ten years , but not shorter than four years , provided that the period may be interrupted or suspended in the event of specified acts. ### 3. by way of derogation from paragraph 2 , member states may establish a limitation period that is shorter than ten years , provided that the period may be interrupted or suspended in the event of specified acts.


### 1. each member state shall take the necessary measures to establish its jurisdiction over the offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 where: ### 1. each member state may take the necessary measures to establish its jurisdiction over the offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 where:


### 2. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that persons reporting offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 of this directive and providing evidence or otherwise cooperating with the investigation , prosecution or adjudication of such offences are provided the necessary support and assistance in the context of criminal proceedings. ### 2. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that persons reporting offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 of this directive and providing evidence or otherwise cooperating with the investigation , prosecution or adjudication of such offences are provided the necessary support and assistance as provided for in directive (eu) 2019/1937 in the context of criminal proceedings.


### member states shall take appropriate action , such as information and awareness-raising campaigns and research and education programmes , to reduce overall environmental criminal offences , raise public awareness and reduce the risk of population of becoming a victim of an environmental criminal offence. where appropriate , member states shall act in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders. ### member states may take appropriate action , such as information and awareness-raising campaigns and research and education programmes , to reduce overall environmental criminal offences , raise public awareness and reduce the risk of population of becoming a victim of an environmental criminal offence. where appropriate , member states shall act in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders.


### member states shall ensure that national authorities which detect , investigate , prosecute or adjudicate environmental offences have a sufficient number of qualified staff and sufficient financial , technical and technological resources necessary for the effective performance of their functions related to the implementation of this directive. ### member states shall ensure that national authorities which detect , investigate , prosecute or adjudicate offences have a sufficient number of qualified staff and sufficient financial , technical and technological resources necessary for the effective performance of their functions related to the implementation of this directive.


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that effective investigative tools , such as those which are used in organised crime or other serious crime cases , are also available for investigating or prosecuting offences referred to in articles 3 and 4. ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that investigative tools , such as those which are used in organised crime or other serious crime cases , are effective , proportionate to the crime committed and available for investigating or prosecuting offences referred to in articles 3 and 4.


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that effective investigative tools , such as those which are used in organised crime or other serious crime cases , are also available for investigating or prosecuting offences referred to in articles 3 and 4. ### member states shall take the necessary and appropriate measures to ensure that effective investigative tools , such as those which are used in organised crime or other serious crime cases , are also available for investigating or prosecuting offences referred to in articles 3 and 4.


### 1. by [op – please insert the date – within one year after the entry into force of this directive] , member states shall establish , publish and implement a national strategy on combating environmental criminal offences which as a minimum shall address the following: ### 1. by [op – please insert the date – within two years after the entry into force of this directive] , member states may establish , publish and implement a national strategy on combating environmental criminal offences which as a minimum should address the following:


### 2. member states shall ensure that the strategy is reviewed and updated at regular intervals no longer than 5 years , on a risk-analysis-based-approach , in order to take account of relevant developments and trends and related threats regarding environmental crime. ### 2. member states may take actions to ensure that the strategy is reviewed and updated at regular intervals , or when deemed necessary , on a risk-analysis-based-approach , in order to take account of relevant developments and trends and related threats regarding environmental crime.


### article 22 ### deleted


### (29) to ensure successful enforcement , member states should make available effective investigative tools for environmental offences such as those which exist in their national law for combating organised crime or other serious crimes. these tools should include among others the interception of communications , covert surveillance including electronic surveillance , controlled deliveries , the monitoring of bank accounts and other financial investigation tools. these tools should be applied in line with the principle of proportionality and in full respect of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union. in accordance with national law , the nature and gravity of the offences under investigation should justify the use of these investigative tools. the right to the protection of personal data must be respected. ### (29) to ensure successful enforcement , member states should , where appropriate , make available effective investigative tools for environmental offences such as those which exist in their national law for combating organised crime or other serious crimes. these tools should include among others the interception of communications , covert surveillance including electronic surveillance , controlled deliveries , the monitoring of bank accounts and other financial investigation tools. these tools should be applied in line with the principle of proportionality and in full respect of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union. in accordance with national law , the nature and gravity of the offences under investigation should justify the use of these investigative tools. the right to the protection of personal data must be respected.


### union legislation , which irrespective of its legal basis contributes to the pursuit of the objectives of union policy of protecting the environment as set out in the treaty on the functioning of the european union; ### directly applicable union legislation , which irrespective of its legal basis contributes to the pursuit of the objectives of union policy of protecting the environment as set out in the treaty on the functioning of the european union;


### union legislation , which irrespective of its legal basis contributes to the pursuit of the objectives of union policy of protecting the environment as set out in the treaty on the functioning of the european union; ### union legislation , which in accordance with its legal basis contributes to the pursuit of those objectives of union policy of protecting the environment as set out in the treaty on the functioning of the european union;


### a law , an administrative regulation of a member state or a decision taken by a competent authority of a member state that gives effect to the union legislation referred to in point (a). ### a law , an administrative regulation of a member state or a decision taken by a competent authority of a member state that gives effect to the unionlegislation requiring transposition in national law , which irrespective of its legal basis contributes to the pursuit of the objectives of union policy of protecting the environment as set out in the treaty on the functioning of the european union.


### a law , an administrative regulation of a member state or a decision taken by a competent authority of a member state that gives effect to the union legislation referred to in point (a). ### a law , an administrative regulation of a member state or a decision taken by a competent authority of a member state that gives effect to the union legislation requiring transposition in national law , which irrespective of its legal basis contributes to the pursuit of the objectives of union policy of protecting the environment as set out in the treaty on the functioning of the european union.


### a law , an administrative regulation of a member state or a decision taken by a competent authority of a member state that gives effect to the union legislation referred to in point (a). ### a law , an administrative regulation of a member state or a decision taken by a competent authority of a member state that gives effect to the union legislation referred to in point (a) in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity.


### the execution of projects referred to in article 1(2)(a) of directive 2011/92/eu of the european parliament and of the council38 without a development consent or an assessment with regard to their effects on the environment , which causes or is likely to cause substantial damage to the factors defined in article 3(1) of directive 2011/92/eu; ### the execution of projects referred to in article 1(2)(a) of directive 2011/92/eu of the european parliament and of the council38 without a development consent or an assessment with regard to their effects on the environment , which causes or is likely to cause substantial damage to the quality of air , the quality of soil or the quality of water , or to animals or plants;


### temporary or permanent exclusions from access to public funding , including tender procedures , grants and concessions; ### temporary exclusions from access to public funding , including tender procedures , grants and concessions;


### withdrawal of permits and authorisations to pursue activities which have resulted in committing the offence; ### temporary bans on pursuing activities which have resulted in committing the offence.


### temporary bans on running for elected or public office; ### deleted


### national or union-wide publication of the judicial decision relating to the conviction or any sanctions or measures applied. ### deleted


### criminal or non-criminal fines; ### deleted


### exclusion from entitlement to public benefits or aid; ### temporary exclusion from entitlement to public benefits or aid;


### exclusion from entitlement to public benefits or aid; ### deleted


### temporary exclusion from access to public funding , including tender procedures , grants and concessions; ### deleted


### temporary or permanent disqualification from the practice of business activities; ### temporary disqualification from the practice of business activities;


### temporary or permanent disqualification from the practice of business activities; ### deleted


### withdrawal of permits and authorisations to pursue activities which have resulted in committing the offence; ### temporary ban on pursuing activities which have resulted in committing the offence;


### withdrawal of permits and authorisations to pursue activities which have resulted in committing the offence; ### deleted


### obligation of companies to install due diligence schemes for enhancing compliance with environmental standards; ### deleted


### 3. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a legal person held liable pursuant to article 6(2) is punishable by sanctions or measures , which are effective , proportionate and dissuasive. ### 3. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the amount of criminal or non-criminal fines imposed on legal persons held liable pursuant to article 6 is proportionate to the seriousness of the conduct , the economic and financial situation of the legal person concerned and other circumstances of the case as defined in the national law.


### 3. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a legal person held liable pursuant to article 6(2) is punishable by sanctions or measures , which are effective , proportionate and dissuasive. ### 3. member states may take the necessary measures to ensure that a legal person held liable pursuant to article 6(2) is punishable by sanctions or measures , which are effective , proportionate and dissuasive.


### 6. member states shall take measures to ensure that the illegal profits generated from the offence and the annual turnover of the legal person are taken into account when a decision is made on the appropriate level of a fine pursuant to paragraph 1. ### deleted


### 6. member states shall take measures to ensure that the illegal profits generated from the offence and the annual turnover of the legal person are taken into account when a decision is made on the appropriate level of a fine pursuant to paragraph 1. ### 6. member states may take measures to ensure that the illegal profits generated from the offence and the annual turnover of the legal person are taken into account when a decision is made on the appropriate level of a fine pursuant to paragraph 1.


### the offender committed similar previous infringements of environmental law; ### deleted


### the offender's conduct gives rise to liability for environmental damage but the offender does not fulfil their obligations to take remedial action under article 6 of directive 2004/35/ec57 ; ### deleted


### the offender does not provide assistance to inspection and other enforcement authorities when legally required; ### deleted


### the offender actively obstructs inspection , custom controls or investigation activities , or intimidates or interferes with witnesses or complainants. ### deleted


### 2. member state shall the take necessary measures to enable the investigation , prosecution , trial and judicial decision: ### deleted


### 4. member states shall take the necessary measures to enable the enforcement of: ### deleted


### the offender is one of its nationals or habitual residents. ### the offender is one of its nationals.


### 2. a member state shall inform the commission where it decides to extend its jurisdiction to offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 which have been committed outside its territory , where: ### deleted


### article 14 ### deleted


### article 15 ### deleted


### article 16 ### deleted


### article 17 ### deleted


### exchange of information for strategic and operational purposes; ### deleted


### consultation in individual investigations; ### deleted


### article 20 ### deleted


### 4. member states shall annually transmit to the commission the statistical data referred to in paragraph 2 in a standard format established in accordance with article 22. ### 4. member states shall biannually transmit to the commission the statistical data referred to in paragraph 2 in a standard format established in accordance with article 22.


### 4. member states shall annually transmit to the commission the statistical data referred to in paragraph 2 in a standard format established in accordance with article 22. ### deleted


### 2. every two years as of [op – please insert the date one year after the transposition period is over] , member states shall send the commission a report within three months which includes a summary about implementation of and actions taken in accordance with articles 15 to 17 , 19 and 20. ### deleted


### the recycling of ships falling within the scope of regulation (eu) no 1257/2013 of the european parliament and of the council41 , without complying with the requirements of article 6(2) , point (a) of that regulation; ### the recycling of ships falling within the scope of regulation (eu) no 1257/2013 of the european parliament and of the council41 , without complying with the requirements of article 6(2) , point (a) of that regulation , which causes or is likely to cause substantial damage to the quality of air , the quality of soil or the quality of water , or to animals or plants;


### the conduct breaches restrictions set out in article 7(1) of regulation (eu) no 1143/2014 of the european parliament and of the council53 ; ### the conduct breaches restrictions set out in article 7(1) of regulation (eu) no 1143/2014 of the european parliament and of the council53 and has or is likely to have a significant adverse impact on biodiversity or the related ecosystem service;


### production , placing on the market , import , export , use , emission or release of ozone depleting substances as defined in article 3 (4) of regulation (ec) no 1005/2009 of the european parliament and of the council54 or of products and equipment containing or relying on such substances; ### production , placing on the market , import , export , use , emission or release of ozone depleting substances as defined in article 3 (4) of regulation (ec) no 1005/2009 of the european parliament and of the council54 or of products and equipment containing or relying on such substances , when undertaken in a non-negligible quantity;


### production , placing on the market , import , export , use , emission or release of fluorinated greenhouse gases as defined in article 2 (1) of regulation 517/2014 of the european parliament and of the council55 or of products and equipment containing or relying on such gases. ### production , placing on the market , import , export , use , emission or release of fluorinated greenhouse gases as defined in article 2 (1) of regulation 517/2014 of the european parliament and of the council55 or of products and equipment containing or relying on such gases , when undertaken in a non-negligible quantity.


### 3. member states shall ensure that their national legislation specifies that the following elements shall be taken into account , where relevant , when assessing whether the damage or likely damage is substantial for the purposes of the investigation , prosecution and adjudication of offences referred to in paragraph 1 , points (a) to (e) , (i) , (j) , (k) and (p): ### deleted


### 4. member states shall ensure that their national legislation specifies that the following elements shall be taken into account when assessing whether the activity is likely to cause damage to the quality of air , the quality of soil or the quality of water , or to animals or plants for the purposes of the investigation , prosecution and adjudication of offences referred to in paragraph 1 , points (a) to (e) , (i) , (j) , (k) and (p): ### deleted


### 5. member states shall ensure that their national legislation specifies that the following elements shall be taken into account when assessing whether the quantity is negligible or non-negligible for the purposes of the investigation , prosecution and adjudication of offences referred to in paragraph 1 , points (e) , (f) , (l) , (m) , (n): ### deleted


### placing under judicial supervision; ### deleted


### judicial winding-up; ### deleted


### temporary or permanent closure of establishments used for committing the offence; ### deleted


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure , as appropriate , that their competent authorities may freeze or confiscate , in accordance with directive 2014/42/eu of the european parliament and of the council58 , the proceeds derived from and instrumentalities used or intended to be used in the commission or contribution to the commission of the offences as referred to in this directive. ### member states may take the necessary measures to ensure , as appropriate , that their competent authorities may freeze or confiscate , in accordance with directive 2014/42/eu of the european parliament and of the council58 , the proceeds derived from and instrumentalities used or intended to be used in the commission or contribution to the commission of the offences as referred to in this directive.


### 2. member state shall the take necessary measures to enable the investigation , prosecution , trial and judicial decision: ### 2. member state may take the necessary measures to enable the investigation , prosecution , trial and judicial decision:


### 1. member states shall collect statistical data to monitor the effectiveness of their systems to combat environmental criminal offences. ### 1. member states may collect statistical data to monitor the effectiveness of their systems to combat environmental criminal offences.


### 2. the statistical data referred to in paragraph 1 shall include at least the following: ### 2. the statistical data referred to in paragraph 1 may include the following:


### article 23 ### deleted


### 1. member states shall bring into force the laws , regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive by [op – please insert the date – within 18 months after entry into force of the directive]. they shall immediately inform the commission thereof. the methods of making such reference shall be laid down by member states. ### 1. member states shall bring into force the laws , regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive by [op – please insert the date – within 24 months after entry into force of the directive]. they shall immediately inform the commission thereof. the methods of making such reference shall be laid down by member states.


### 1. stresses that the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (crpd) and the crpd committee’s 2015 recommendations1 oblige the eu as a signatory of the crpd to end discrimination for all persons with disabilities (pwd) and to become a role model in its implementation to ensure their equal enjoyment of all human rights and full participation in all areas of society2 ; ### 1. underlines that there are approximately 87 million persons with disabilities in europe1a; stresses that the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (crpd) and the crpd committee’s 2015 recommendations1 oblige the eu as a signatory of the crpd to end discrimination for all persons with disabilities (pwd) and to become a role model in its implementation to ensure their equal enjoyment of all human rights and full participation in all areas of society2 ;


### — having regard to the commission proposal of 2 july 2008 for a council directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation (com(2008)0426) and parliament’s position thereon of 2 april 20094 , ### deleted


### b. whereas approximately 1 in 6 people in the eu live with some kind of disability; whereas 50.6 % of persons with disabilities are employed and 28.4 % are at risk of poverty or social exclusion , compared to 74.8 %7 and 18.4 %8 respectively of persons without disabilities; ### b. whereas there are approximately 87 million persons with disabilities in europe1a; whereas approximately 1 in 6 people in the eu live with some kind of disability; whereas 50.6 % of persons with disabilities are employed and 28.4 % are at risk of poverty or social exclusion , compared to 74.8 %7 and 18.4 %8 respectively of persons without disabilities;


### 1. expresses concern about the number of petitions setting out cases of discrimination; in this context , stresses that discrimination remains one of the most serious and unacceptable threats to fundamental rights and that it has no place in any aspect of life; regrets the fact that the proposal for a council directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation (com(2008)0426) (the ‘horizontal anti-discrimination directive’) remains blocked in the council , and calls on the commission to propose new anti-discrimination legislation; calls , therefore , on the member states to effectively tackle every alleged case of discrimination and to deal with it in accordance with eu and national law; ### 1. expresses concern about the number of petitions setting out cases of discrimination; in this context , stresses that discrimination remains one of the most serious and unacceptable threats to fundamental rights and that it has no place in any aspect of life; calls , therefore , on the member states to effectively tackle every alleged case of discrimination and to deal with it in accordance with eu and national law;


### 4. condemns governmental politicisation of the media , whereby governments use it as a tool for their own propaganda; urges the member states to decouple broadcasting councils from political parties , ensuring independence of financing , editorial freedom and journalistic integrity; notes that the german broadcasters ard and zdf are firmly in the hands of politicians , despite decades of appeals by the german constitutional court to try and change this; ### 4. condemns governmental politicisation of the media , whereby governments and the european union use it as a tool for their own propaganda; urges the member states and the european commission to decouple broadcasting councils from political parties , ensuring independence of financing , editorial freedom and journalistic integrity; notes that the german broadcasters ard and zdf are firmly in the hands of politicians , despite decades of appeals by the german constitutional court to try and change this;


### 5. highlights the seeming impunity of some national governments to rule of law scrutiny , especially germany , where political parties continue to exert influence in the appointment of judges , and seek to eliminate political opposition parties by intimidation and spurious court cases; ### 5. highlights the seeming impunity of some national governments and the european union to rule of law scrutiny , especially germany , where political parties continue to exert influence in the appointment of judges , and seek to eliminate political opposition parties by intimidation and spurious court cases;


### 10. is concerned about the use of the vague notion of ‘hate speech’; calls on the commission and the member states to work , in cooperation with internet companies , to provide adequate safeguards , in particular to ensure that any interference is limited to what is necessary and proportionate , and to include the possibility of judicial redress; ### deleted


### 13. strongly condemns ngos masquerading as aid agencies while facilitating the smuggling of unqualified migrants into the eu; urges the commission to cease funding such entities; ### 13. strongly condemns ngos masquerading as aid agencies while facilitating the smuggling of unqualified migrants into the eu; urges the commission to cease funding such entities; calls on the commission and the member states to put a halt to "pull" factors of illegal migration;


### 13. strongly condemns ngos masquerading as aid agencies while facilitating the smuggling of unqualified migrants into the eu; urges the commission to cease funding such entities; ### 13. strongly condemns ngos masquerading as aid agencies while facilitating the smuggling of unqualified and illegal migrants into the eu , especially to sweden; urges the commission to cease to encourage and funding and such entities;


### 18. urges the president of parliament to rescind the obligation for parliament staff to show their eu digital covid certificate in order to access their workplace , as this is in contravention of the gdpr , whereby personal data collected for one purpose (crossing borders) cannot be repurposed for another (entering parliament’s premises) , with the privacy contraventions this entails; further urges her to seek assurance that dna data has not been collected , stored and transferred to third parties; ### 18. urges the president of parliament to rescind the obligation for parliament staff to show their eu digital covid certificate in order to access their workplace and leaving their child at the european parliament's day-care centre , as this is in contravention of the gdpr , whereby personal data collected for one purpose (crossing borders) cannot be repurposed for another (entering parliament’s premises) , with the privacy contraventions this entails; further urges her to seek assurance that dna data has not been collected , stored and transferred to third parties;


### a. whereas the years 2020 and 2021 saw the most draconian loss of fundamental rights in the history of the eu , whereby citizens were forced to stay at home , close businesses , remain distant from friends and family , maintain physical distance and go untreated for ‘non-urgent’ medical issues , were prevented from attending places of worship and from travelling within and outside the eu , and were forced to show a historically worrisome pass to enter premises or vehicles; ### a. whereas the years 2020 and 2021 saw the most draconian loss of fundamental rights in the history of the eu as a result of the covid-19 pandemic , whereby citizens were forced to stay at home , close businesses , remain distant from friends and family , maintain physical distance and go untreated for ‘non-urgent’ medical issues , were prevented from attending places of worship and from travelling within and outside the eu , and were forced to show a historically worrisome ' health' pass to enter premises or vehicles; whereas in times of crisis , respect for fundamental rights is even more essential than in normal times and must therefore be the subject of increased vigilance;


### 3. condemns attempts by governments to silence media outlets that criticise them and to eliminate media freedom and pluralism; also condemns social media platforms that censor , deplatform or intimidate independent journalists and free citizens who express a narrative differing from that of mainstream media; ### 3. condemns attempts by governments and the european union to silence media outlets that criticise them and to eliminate media freedom and pluralism; also condemns social media platforms that censor , deplatform or intimidate independent journalists and free citizens who express a narrative differing from that of mainstream media;


### 1. emphasises the important role of the committee on petitions in identifying and flagging possible breaches of the rule of law , taking into account the numerous petitions received from citizens concerned about breaches of the rule of law in several member states; strongly believes that full protection of all eu citizens can only be ensured throughout the union if all member states comply with all principles of the rule of law; ### 1. emphasises the important role of the committee on petitions in identifying and flagging possible breaches of the rule of law by both national and union administrations , taking into account the numerous petitions received from citizens concerned about breaches of the rule of law in several member states; strongly believes that full protection of all eu citizens can only be ensured throughout the union if all member states and eu institutions comply with all principles of the rule of law and the division of competences as granted in the treaties;


### 1. underlines that the annual rule of law report is a key element of the eu’s rule of law toolbox; ### 1. notes that the annual rule of law report is an element of the eu’s rule of law toolbox; urges the commission that such an instrument has to be used in good faith , should be written objectively by reflecting only facts , and should guarantee the equal treatment of all member states;


### 1. underlines that the annual rule of law report is a key element of the eu’s rule of law toolbox; ### 1. underlines that the annual rule of law report is a key element of the eu’s rule of law toolbox and should contain measured and transparent assessment criteria;


### 1. recalls that regulation (eu , euratom) 2020/2092 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 2020 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget (the conditionality regulation) integrated the conditionality mechanism into a wider framework , requiring the commission to use its own annual rule of law reports as a source for its assessments under the regulation; calls on the commission to implement the conditionality regulation without any further delay; recalls that for budget-related measures in the event of violations of the rule of law in a member state , the competences of parliamentary committees should be determined on the basis of annex vi of parliament’s rules of procedure if the infringements under the conditionality regulation procedure are dealt with in parliament; ### deleted


### 1. recalls that the union is founded on the values enshrined in article 2 teu; recalls further that the rule of law , as enshrined in eu primary law and further defined in the case-law of the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) , is akin to democracy and fundamental rights; stresses that any backsliding on the rule of law in any given member state automatically undermines eu values in the eu as a whole; agrees with the commission that these values should never be taken for granted , even though the eu is recognised as having very high standards in this regard; underlines the importance of the credible global example provided by the eu in upholding the rule of law internally and in supporting democracy worldwide; ### 1. recalls that the union is founded on the values enshrined in article 2 teu; recalls further that the rule of law , as enshrined in eu primary law and further defined in the case-law of the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) , is akin to democracy , pluralism , justice , solidarity and fundamental rights , which are embedded in the charter of fundamental rights of the european union; stresses that any backsliding on the rule of law in any given member state or in the european union itself automatically undermines eu values in the eu as a whole; agrees with the commission that these values should never be taken for granted , even though the eu is recognised as having very high standards in this regard; recalls that these values are embedded in the treaties , and cannot be modified or extended as a result of political shifts without the necessary legal amendments taking place; underlines the importance of the credible global example provided by the eu member states in upholding the rule of law internally and in supporting democracy worldwide;


### 2. recalling its resolution of 8 july 2021 on the creation of guidelines for the application of the general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget2 , insists that the commission include in its annual rule of law report a section dedicated to cases where breaches of the rule of law in a member state could affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the union budget or the protection of the financial interests of the union in a sufficiently direct way; ### 2. recalling its resolution of 8 july 2021 on the creation of guidelines for the application of the general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget2 , insists that the commission include in its annual rule of law report a section dedicated to cases where breaches of the rule of law in a member state could affect the sound financial management of the union budget or the protection of the financial interests of the union in a direct way;


### 2. stresses that public debate about the report is central to the annual rule of law cycle and therefore that the time of its publication is key; regrets therefore the publication of the 2021 report just before parliamentary recess in mid-july; calls on the commission to instate an annual eu values week each september , in which the report is presented to the european parliament and national parliaments at the same time as the justice scoreboard , the fundamental rights report , and the media pluralism monitor; ### deleted


### 2. recalls its resolution of 8 july 2021 on the creation of guidelines for the application of the conditionality regulation; insists that the commission include in its annual rule of law reports a section dedicated to cases where rule of law breaches in a member state could affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the union budget or the protection of the union’s financial interests in a sufficiently direct way; ### deleted


### 2. recalls that respect for the rule of law entails compliance with eu primary and secondary law , and with the core principle of the primacy of eu law; ### 2. recalls that respect for the rule of law entails compliance with eu primary and secondary law in those areas in which the eu has competence , without encroaching in any circumstances on national competences or the constitutions of the member states;


### 2. recalls that respect for the rule of law entails compliance with eu primary and secondary law , and with the core principle of the primacy of eu law; ### 2. recalls that respect for the rule of law has nothing to do with compliance with the alleged principle of the primacy of eu law;


### 3. recalls that important elements of parliament’s resolutions of 25 october 2016 and of 7 october 2020 on the establishment of an eu mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights are still missing , in particular the panel of independent experts , widening the scope to include all values set out under article 2 of the treaty on european union (teu) , and the interinstitutional agreement for an annual monitoring cycle; ### deleted


### 3. recalls that important elements of parliament’s resolutions of 25 october 2016 and of 7 october 2020 on the establishment of an eu mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights are still missing , in particular the panel of independent experts , widening the scope to include all values set out under article 2 of the treaty on european union (teu) , and the interinstitutional agreement for an annual monitoring cycle; ### 3. notes that the important element of parliament’s resolutions of 25 october 2016 and of 7 october 2020 on the establishment of an eu mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights is still missing , namely the panel of independent experts.


### 3. notes that crises such as the covid-19 pandemic have shown that measures taken in urgency can have democratic deficits and lead to corruption , and that they lack proper scrutiny; stresses , therefore , the need for clear legal arrangements ensuring respect for the rule of law also during times of crisis; ### 3. notes that crises such as the covid-19 pandemic have shown that measures taken in urgency can have democratic deficits , infringe rights and fundamental freedoms and lead to corruption , and that they lack proper scrutiny; stresses , therefore , the need for clear legal arrangements ensuring respect for the rule of law also during times of crisis; notes with concern that some constitutional courts have ruled that measures taken during the pandemic were contrary to national law;


### 3. notes that crises such as the covid-19 pandemic have shown that measures taken in urgency can have democratic deficits and lead to corruption , and that they lack proper scrutiny; stresses , therefore , the need for clear legal arrangements ensuring respect for the rule of law also during times of crisis; ### 3. notes that crises such as the covid-19 pandemic have shown that measures taken in urgency need to be followed by clear legal arrangements ensuring respect for the law and the fundamental rights;


### 5. welcomes the commission’s second rule of law report (‘the report’) and considers that the periodic review of the state of the rule of law is of great significance and is an essential monitoring tool; welcomes the importance that it rightly places on justice systems; stresses that effectiveness , independence and efficiency are three characteristics of justice systems which are equally essential for upholding the rule of law and which constitute the basis for mutual trust within the eu’s area of freedom , security and justice; notes the need for lawyers , judges and prosecutors to be able to exercise their functions with full autonomy and independence , without interference from any other institution or body , in accordance with the principle of the separation of powers; argues that this is an indispensable condition for ensuring equality and the protection of citizens’ rights under the law; ### 5. takes note of the commission’s second rule of law report (‘the report’) and stresses the importance that it rightly places on justice systems; stresses that effectiveness , independence , efficiency and neutrality are four characteristics of justice systems which are equally essential for upholding the rule of law and which constitute the basis for mutual trust within the eu’s area of freedom , security and justice; notes the need for lawyers , judges and prosecutors to be able to exercise their functions with full autonomy and independence , without interference from any other institution or body , in accordance with the principle of the separation of powers; argues that this is an indispensable condition for ensuring equality and the protection of citizens’ rights under the law; with regard to judges specifically , emphasises that the politicisation of some of their unions undermines their neutrality and credibility;


### 5. welcomes the commission’s second rule of law report (‘the report’) and considers that the periodic review of the state of the rule of law is of great significance and is an essential monitoring tool; welcomes the importance that it rightly places on justice systems; stresses that effectiveness , independence and efficiency are three characteristics of justice systems which are equally essential for upholding the rule of law and which constitute the basis for mutual trust within the eu’s area of freedom , security and justice; notes the need for lawyers , judges and prosecutors to be able to exercise their functions with full autonomy and independence , without interference from any other institution or body , in accordance with the principle of the separation of powers; argues that this is an indispensable condition for ensuring equality and the protection of citizens’ rights under the law; ### 5. welcomes the commission’s second rule of law report (‘the report’) and considers that the periodic review of the state of the rule of law is of great significance and is an essential monitoring tool; welcomes the importance that it rightly places on justice systems; stresses that effectiveness , independence and efficiency are three characteristics of justice systems which are equally essential for upholding the rule of law and which constitute the basis for mutual trust within the eu’s area of freedom , security and justice; notes the need for lawyers , judges and prosecutors to be able to exercise their functions with full autonomy and independence , without interference from any other institution or body , in accordance with the principle of the separation of powers; argues that this is an indispensable condition for ensuring equality and the protection of citizens’ rights under the law;


### 6. calls on the commission and the member states to use the commission’s annual rule of law reports to resolutely fight against systemic corruption and devise effective instruments for preventing , combating and sanctioning corruption and fighting fraud , as well as for regularly monitoring the use of public funds , including recovery and resilience facility funds. ### 6. calls on the commission and the member states to use the commission’s annual rule of law reports to resolutely fight against systemic corruption and devise effective instruments for preventing , combating and sanctioning corruption and fighting fraud , as well as for regularly monitoring the use of public funds , including recovery and resilience facility funds. the commission should focus in the coming years on the fight against corruption and organised crime , which have been fuelled by the covid-19 pandemic. organised crime groups are currently earning huge amounts of money from the trade in counterfeit medicines , vaccines , other medical equipment and false certificates.


### 6. recalls that an efficient and fair justice system ensuring access to justice to all requires an appropriate budget and financing , the strengthening of measures aimed at limiting the duration and costs of both contentious and administrative proceedings , as well as making sufficient legal aid and remedies available to citizens; ### 6. recalls that an efficient and fair justice system ensuring access to justice to all does not depend only on an appropriate budget and financing , the strengthening of measures aimed at limiting the duration and costs of both contentious and administrative proceedings , as well as making sufficient legal aid and remedies available to citizens;


### 7. welcomes the fact that lawyers are now part of the eu justice scoreboard’s questionnaire; stresses that independent lawyers are also essential to independent justice systems; reiterates the need for lawyers and the judiciary to be highly qualified and regularly trained in the rule of law and in eu law in general , and calls on the commission to extend the scope of its next report to include this area; ### 7. welcomes the fact that lawyers are now part of the eu justice scoreboard’s questionnaire; stresses that independent lawyers are also essential to independent justice systems;


### 7. welcomes the fact that lawyers are now part of the eu justice scoreboard’s questionnaire; stresses that independent lawyers are also essential to independent justice systems; reiterates the need for lawyers and the judiciary to be highly qualified and regularly trained in the rule of law and in eu law in general , and calls on the commission to extend the scope of its next report to include this area; ### 7. welcomes the fact that lawyers are now part of the eu justice scoreboard’s questionnaire; stresses that independent lawyers are also essential to independent justice systems; reiterates the need for lawyers and the judiciary to be highly qualified;


### 8. is deeply preoccupied by the fact that judicial independence continues to be an issue of serious concern in some member states; condemns the continued political attacks on the independence of judiciary , the primacy of eu law and the implementation of the cjeu’s rulings in hungary and poland; notes with deep regret that these attacks have been worsening since the publication of the report and often target judges and prosecutors who have contested the backsliding on judicial independence; ### deleted


### 8. is deeply preoccupied by the fact that judicial independence continues to be an issue of serious concern in some member states; condemns the continued political attacks on the independence of judiciary , the primacy of eu law and the implementation of the cjeu’s rulings in hungary and poland; notes with deep regret that these attacks have been worsening since the publication of the report and often target judges and prosecutors who have contested the backsliding on judicial independence; ### 8. is deeply preoccupied by the fact that judicial independence continues to be an issue of serious concern in some member states; wonders why the primacy of eu law and the implementation of the cjeu’s rulings in the czech republic , denmark , france , germany , hungary , italy , poland , romania and spain keep being called into question;


### 9. defends the position that the principle of the separation of powers is essential to the proper functioning of justice systems across the eu and requires institutional structures where not only judges but also prosecution services are independent from undue political pressure; ### 9. defends the position that the principle of the separation of powers is essential to the proper functioning of justice systems across the eu and requires institutions to refrain from exercising undue political pressure on the judicial structures;


### 10. welcomes the opinion of the advocate general of the cjeu of 2 december 2021 to dismiss the action for annulment lodged by hungary and poland in march 2021 against regulation (eu , euratom) 2020/2092 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget1; applauds the continued , thorough and consistent defence by the cjeu of the rule of law; ### deleted


### 11. considers that the language of the horizontal part of the report is inadequate as regards the systematic character of the attacks on the independence of justice systems in hungary and poland; reiterates its calls on the commission to provide a meaningful and easily readable comparison between the different national justice systems as regards the situation of the rule of law; ### deleted


### 12. urges the commission , furthermore , to make robust use of its toolkit , including infringement procedures and the conditionality mechanism , where appropriate , to quickly and efficiently address any backsliding on the rule of law in national justice systems; ### deleted


### 13. urges the council to resume all pending procedures under article 7(1) teu and to inform parliament thereof; underlines that any further delaying of such action would amount to a breach of the rule of law principle by the council itself; ### deleted


### 13. urges the council to resume all pending procedures under article 7(1) teu and to inform parliament thereof; underlines that any further delaying of such action would amount to a breach of the rule of law principle by the council itself; ### 13. notes the state of play at the council with regard to the procedures under article 7(1) teu;


### 14. recalls the important role of journalists and civil society in raising the alarm about , and drawing attention to , any breaches of the rule of law , including with regard to the proper functioning of justice systems , and calls for them to be given enhanced protection against intimidation or violence; condemns the instrumental use of justice to undermine freedom of information , notably through the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (slapps) in the eu; ### 14. recalls the important role of journalists and civil society in raising the alarm about , and drawing attention to , any breaches of the rule of law , including with regard to the proper functioning of justice systems; calls for them to be given enhanced protection against intimidation or violence; condemns the instrumental use of justice to undermine freedom of information , notably through the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (slapps) in the eu; regrets the use of self-appointed censors who exclusively follow political and/or ideological criteria; strongly condemns any kind of ideological censorship of any political party or citizen in the traditional media or on social media;


### c. whereas the large number of petitions voicing citizens’ concerns over the public health and socio-economic emergencies resulting from the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic significantly contributed to the rise in the number of petitions registered in 2020 in comparison with previous years; whereas 13.23 % of the petitions received in 2020 related to the covid-19 pandemic; ### c. whereas the large number of petitions voicing citizens’ concerns over the public health and socio-economic emergencies as well as violation of their rights resulting from the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic significantly contributed to the rise in the number of petitions registered in 2020 in comparison with previous years; whereas 13.23 % of the petitions received in 2020 are related to the covid-19 pandemic and to the violation of citizens' rights and freedoms due to restrictions and emergency measures imposed during the pandemic;


### n. whereas the main subjects of concern raised in petitions submitted in 2020 relate to fundamental rights (in particular the impact of covid-19 emergency measures on the rule of law and democracy , as well on the freedom of movement , the right to work , the right to information and the right to education) , health (notably questions on the public health crisis resulting from the pandemic , ranging from the protection of citizens’ health , including treatments and protective equipment , to the management of the health crisis in the member states and the acquisition and distribution of vaccines) , the environment (mostly mining activities and their impact on the environment , nuclear safety , air pollution and the deterioration of natural ecosystems) , justice (notably issues related to access to justice or alleged procedural irregularities or concerns over the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in the member states , along with cross-border cases of child abduction and custody rights) , education (in particular questions related to discriminatory access to education or contested national reform of the law on education) , and the internal market (in particular questions relating to national travel restrictions in the context of the pandemic and their impact on the freedom of movement of persons within and outside the eu) , in addition to many other areas of activity; ### n. whereas the main subjects of concern raised in petitions submitted in 2020 relate to fundamental rights (in particular the impact of covid-19 emergency measures on the rule of law and democracy , as well on the freedom of movement , the right to work , the right to information and the right to education) , health (notably questions on the public health crisis resulting from the pandemic , ranging from the protection of citizens’ health , including treatments and protective equipment , to the management of the health crisis in the member states and the acquisition and distribution of vaccines) , the environment (mostly mining activities and their impact on the environment , nuclear safety , air pollution and the deterioration of natural ecosystems) , justice (notably issues related to access to justice or alleged procedural irregularities or concerns over the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in the member states , along with cross-border cases of child abduction and custody rights) , education (in particular questions related to discriminatory access to education or contested national reform of the law on education) , the lack of transparency of the council and the commission and the internal market (in particular questions relating to national travel restrictions in the context of the pandemic and their impact on the freedom of movement of persons within and outside the eu) , in addition to many other areas of activity;


### 2. reiterates the importance of a continuous public debate on the union’s fields of activity in order to ensure that citizens are correctly informed about the scope of the union’s competences and the different levels of decision-making; calls , in this regard , for broader awareness raising campaigns , through the active involvement of the press and communications services , to help increase citizens’ knowledge about their right to petition , as well as the scope and limits of the union’s responsibilities , with a view to reducing the number of inadmissible petitions; ### 2. reiterates the importance of a continuous public debate on the union’s fields of activity in order to ensure that citizens are correctly informed about the scope of the union’s competences and the different levels of decision-making; calls , in this regard , for suitable awareness raising campaigns , through the active involvement of the press and communications services , to help increase citizens’ knowledge about their right to petition , as well as the scope and limits of the union’s responsibilities , with a view to reducing the number of inadmissible petitions;


### 5. calls on the commission to assess whether national authorities are taking the necessary measures to respond to citizens’ concerns as expressed in their petitions where cases of systemic failure in compliance with eu law occur; ### 5. calls the national authorities to be proactive in taking the necessary measures to respond to citizens’ concerns as expressed in their petitions where cases of systemic failure in compliance with eu law occur;


### 10. draws attention to the large number of petitions on covid-19 that the committee on petitions examined and replied to in 2020 , mostly by using its urgency procedure; stresses that most of these petitions called for the protection of citizens’ health against the spread of the virus , including questions on treatments , protective equipment and on the acquisition and distribution of vaccines , as well as for the assessment of the management of the health crisis in the member states; recalls , also , that many petitioners raised concerns over the impact of national emergency measures , including lockdowns , on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights , calling into question travel and work restrictions , obstacles to the freedom of movement within the schengen area , as well as the management of cancelled flights and trips during the pandemic; ### 10. draws attention to the large number of petitions on covid-19 that the committee on petitions examined and replied to in 2020 , mostly by using its urgency procedure; stresses that most of these petitions called for the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms against the emergency measures including lockdowns , for transparency in the development , purchase and distribution of covid-19 vaccines as well as for disclosure of all details of future covid-19 vaccine contracts; underlines that these petition also included questions on treatments , protective equipment , as well as for the assessment of the management of the health crisis in the member states; recalls , also , that many petitioners raised concerns over the impact of national emergency measures , on democracy and the rule of law , calling into question travel and work restrictions , obstacles to the freedom of movement within the schengen area , as well as the management of cancelled flights and trips during the pandemic;


### 11. is seriously concerned about the public health and socio-economic damages caused by the covid-19 pandemic; welcomes the excellent work done by the committee on petitions which , by voicing citizens’ concerns over the public health and socio-economic crises related to the covid-19 pandemic , contributed to ensuring parliament’s responsiveness to citizens’ needs and expectations as regards the union’s capacity to address such a global challenge; draws attention , in this regard , to the important follow-up actions taken by the committee on petitions to respond to the issues raised in covid-19-related petitions , which lead to the adoption in plenary of the resolutions on the schengen system and measures taken during the covid-19 crisis9 , on the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities and their families in the covid-19 crisis10 and on tackling homelessness rates in the eu11 ; ### 11. is seriously concerned about the breaches of fundamental rights and democracy , the public health and socio-economic damages caused by the covid-19 pandemic; welcomes the excellent work done by the committee on petitions which , by voicing citizens’ concerns over the violation of their rights , public health and socio-economic crises related to the covid-19 pandemic , contributed to ensuring parliament’s responsiveness to citizens’ needs and expectations as regards the union’s capacity to address such a global challenge; draws attention , in this regard , to the important follow-up actions taken by the committee on petitions to respond to the issues raised in covid-19-related petitions , which lead to the adoption in plenary of the resolutions on the schengen system and measures taken during the covid-19 crisis9 , on the accessibility and affordability of covid testing , on the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities and their families in the covid-19 crisis10 and on tackling homelessness rates in the eu11 ;


### 11. is seriously concerned about the public health and socio-economic damages caused by the covid-19 pandemic; welcomes the excellent work done by the committee on petitions which , by voicing citizens’ concerns over the public health and socio-economic crises related to the covid-19 pandemic , contributed to ensuring parliament’s responsiveness to citizens’ needs and expectations as regards the union’s capacity to address such a global challenge; draws attention , in this regard , to the important follow-up actions taken by the committee on petitions to respond to the issues raised in covid-19-related petitions , which lead to the adoption in plenary of the resolutions on the schengen system and measures taken during the covid-19 crisis9 , on the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities and their families in the covid-19 crisis10 and on tackling homelessness rates in the eu11 ; ### 11. is seriously concerned about the public health , the social division and socio-economic damages caused by the covid-19 pandemic; welcomes the excellent work done by the committee on petitions which , by voicing citizens’ concerns over the public health and socio-economic crises related to the covid-19 pandemic , contributed to ensuring parliament’s responsiveness to citizens’ needs and expectations as regards the union’s capacity to address such a global challenge; draws attention , in this regard , to the important follow-up actions taken by the committee on petitions to respond to the issues raised in covid-19-related petitions , which lead to the adoption in plenary of the resolutions on the schengen system and measures taken during the covid-19 crisis9 , on the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities and their families in the covid-19 crisis10 and on tackling homelessness rates in the eu11 ;


### 15. notes that environmental issues remained an area of serious concern for petitioners in 2020; regrets that environmental rules are not always correctly implemented in the member states , as described in numerous petitions raising complaints about air pollution , the deterioration of natural ecosystems , nuclear safety and the impact of mining activities on the environment; stresses the importance of delivering on eu citizens’ expectations on the protection of the environment; urges , therefore , the commission , together with the member states , to ensure the correct implementation of eu legislation in this field; ### 15. notes that environmental issues remained an area of serious concern for petitioners in 2020; regrets that environmental rules are not always correctly implemented in the member states , as described in numerous petitions raising complaints about air pollution , the deterioration of natural ecosystems and nuclear safety; stresses the importance of delivering on eu citizens’ expectations on the protection of the environment; urges , therefore , the commission , together with the member states , to ensure the correct implementation of eu legislation in this field;


### 19. underlines that the petitions web portal is an essential tool for ensuring a smooth , efficient and transparent petitions process; welcomes , in this regard , the improvements on data protection and on the security features which have made the portal more user-friendly and secure for citizens; stresses that efforts must be continued to make the portal more accessible to persons with disabilities , including by enabling the tabling of petitions in national sign languages; ### 19. underlines that the petitions web portal is an essential tool for ensuring a smooth , efficient and transparent petitions process; welcomes , in this regard , the improvements on data protection and on the security features which have made the portal more user-friendly and secure for citizens; stresses that efforts must be continued to make the portal fully accessible to all persons with disabilities , including by enabling the tabling of petitions in national sign languages;


### 19. underlines that the petitions web portal is an essential tool for ensuring a smooth , efficient and transparent petitions process; welcomes , in this regard , the improvements on data protection and on the security features which have made the portal more user-friendly and secure for citizens; stresses that efforts must be continued to make the portal more accessible to persons with disabilities , including by enabling the tabling of petitions in national sign languages; ### 19. underlines that the petitions web portal is an essential tool for ensuring a smooth , efficient and transparent petitions process; welcomes , in this regard , the improvements on data protection and on the security features which have made the portal more user-friendly and secure for citizens; stresses that efforts must be continued to make the portal widely known , through social media and more accessible to persons with disabilities , including by enabling the tabling of petitions in national sign languages;


### 1. recalls that the role of the better regulation programme is improving regulatory principles and reducing unnecessary burdens for businesses and citizens; underlines the importance of enabling citizens to fully exercise their democratic right to participate in the eu’s decision-making process and ensuring citizens’ direct participation; underlines that it is essential for the eu to ensure increased transparency at different levels of policy-making; calls on the commission to continuously improve public consultations in order to ensure citizens’ participation and to take into account feedback from other institutions on such activities; stresses that public consultations on better law-making in the eu should be accessible to citizens and civil society through different outreach channels , should be translated into all official and co-official languages of the member states , and should have easy-to-access documents; ### 1. recalls that the role of the better regulation programme is improving regulatory principles and reducing unnecessary burdens for businesses and citizens; underlines the importance of enabling citizens to fully exercise their democratic right to participate directly , transparently and at various levels in the eu’s decision-making process; calls on the commission to continuously improve public consultations in order to ensure citizens’ participation and to take into account feedback from other institutions on such activities; stresses that public consultations on better law-making in the eu should be accessible to citizens and civil society through different outreach channels , should be translated into all official and co-official languages of the member states , and should have easy-to-access documents;


### 1. recalls that the role of the better regulation programme is improving regulatory principles and reducing unnecessary burdens for businesses and citizens; underlines the importance of enabling citizens to fully exercise their democratic right to participate in the eu’s decision-making process and ensuring citizens’ direct participation; underlines that it is essential for the eu to ensure increased transparency at different levels of policy-making; calls on the commission to continuously improve public consultations in order to ensure citizens’ participation and to take into account feedback from other institutions on such activities; stresses that public consultations on better law-making in the eu should be accessible to citizens and civil society through different outreach channels , should be translated into all official and co-official languages of the member states , and should have easy-to-access documents; ### 1. recalls that the role of the better regulation programme is improving regulatory principles and reducing unnecessary burdens for businesses and citizens; underlines the importance of enabling citizens to fully exercise their democratic right to participate in the eu’s decision-making process and ensuring citizens’ direct participation; underlines that it is essential for the eu to ensure increased transparency at different levels of policy-making; calls on the commission to continuously improve public consultations in order to ensure citizens’ participation and to take into account feedback from other institutions on such activities; stresses that public consultations on better law-making in the eu should be accessible to citizens and civil society through different outreach channels , should be translated into all official languages of the member states , and should have easy-to-access documents;


### 1. recalls that the role of the better regulation programme is improving regulatory principles and reducing unnecessary burdens for businesses and citizens; underlines the importance of enabling citizens to fully exercise their democratic right to participate in the eu’s decision-making process and ensuring citizens’ direct participation; underlines that it is essential for the eu to ensure increased transparency at different levels of policy-making; calls on the commission to continuously improve public consultations in order to ensure citizens’ participation and to take into account feedback from other institutions on such activities; stresses that public consultations on better law-making in the eu should be accessible to citizens and civil society through different outreach channels , should be translated into all official and co-official languages of the member states , and should have easy-to-access documents; ### 1. recalls that the role of the better regulation programme is improving regulatory principles and reducing unnecessary burdens for businesses and citizens; underlines the importance of enabling citizens to fully exercise their democratic right to participate in the eu’s decision-making process and ensuring citizens’ direct participation; underlines that it is essential for the eu to ensure increased transparency at different levels of policy-making , including trilogues; calls on the commission to continuously improve public consultations in order to ensure citizens’ participation and to take into account feedback from other institutions on such activities; stresses that public consultations on better law-making in the eu should be accessible to citizens and civil society through different outreach channels , should be translated into all official and co-official languages of the member states , and should have easy-to-access documents;


### 1. welcomes the commission’s commitment to making better use of foresight , mainstreaming the sustainable development goals in all its legislative proposals , in line with the un’s 2030 sustainable development agenda , to paying greater attention to gender equality and equality for all , and to ensuring that the ‘do no significant harm’ and precautionary principles are applied across all policy areas; calls for the commission to clearly define the ‘do no significant harm’ principle in order to ensure its consistent application; welcomes the proposal that sustainability and digitalisation should be better taken into account in law-making; calls on the commission to implement a ‘sustainability first’ approach; ### deleted


### 1. welcomes the commission communication of 29 april 2021 entitled ‘better regulation: joining forces to make better laws’ (com(2021)0219) and its commitment to ensuring that every legislative proposal contributes to the 2030 sustainable development agenda; ### 1. welcomes the commission communication of 29 april 2021 entitled ‘better regulation: joining forces to make better laws’ (com(2021)0219) and its commitment to ensuring that every legislative proposal contributes to the 2030 sustainable development agenda; stresses the importance of involving citizens , businesses and stakeholders in the decision-making process;


### 2. emphasises that better regulation must be an interinstitutional effort , with parliament and the council also sharing responsibility; highlights the fact that the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality are the guiding principles of the eu when it chooses to act; recalls , in that regard , article 1 of the treaty on european union , which provides that the decisions at eu level shall be taken as openly and closely as possible to the citizens; ### 2. emphasises that better regulation must be an interinstitutional effort , with parliament and the council also sharing responsibility; highlights the fact that the principles of conferral , subsidiarity and proportionality are the guiding principles of the eu when it chooses to act; recalls , in that regard , article 1 of the treaty on european union , which provides that the decisions at eu level shall be taken as openly and closely as possible to the citizens;


### 4. calls for the mainstreaming of children’s rights in eu legislation; calls in this regard for the introduction of a children’s rights test in impact assessments and for the launch of more public consultations addressed to children and adolescents; ### 4. calls for the mainstreaming of children’s rights in eu legislation without prejudice to the principle of subsidiarity and the applicable national legal provisions;


### 5. calls for impact assessments to be performed on all acts , without exception; regrets that this was not the case for several politically sensitive proposals in the past; recalls that on several occasions parliament has carried out its own impact assessments in replacement of the commission’s; nevertheless , recalls that impact assessments help to inform but do not replace political decision-making; ### 5. calls for impact assessments to be performed on all legislative proposals , without exception; regrets that this was not the case for several politically sensitive proposals in the past; recalls that on several occasions parliament has carried out its own impact assessments in replacement of the commission’s; nevertheless , recalls that impact assessments help to inform but do not replace political decision-making process which is founded on representative democracy;


### 6. considers that the commission , in its efforts to ensure that eu policies draw on a clear understanding of policy areas subject to rapid structural change such as the environment and digitalisation , should make use of the input included in the petitions of citizens and civil society organisations; considers citizens’ participation key in policy areas such as fundamental rights , respect for rule of law , and discrimination against women , migrants and lgtbiq persons; ### 6. considers that the commission , in its efforts to ensure that eu policies draw on a clear understanding of policy areas subject to rapid structural change such as the environment and digitalisation , should make use of the input included in the petitions of citizens and civil society organisations; considers citizens’ participation key in ensuring continuous promotion of respect for rule of law across the social spectrum;


### 6. considers that the commission , in its efforts to ensure that eu policies draw on a clear understanding of policy areas subject to rapid structural change such as the environment and digitalisation , should make use of the input included in the petitions of citizens and civil society organisations; considers citizens’ participation key in policy areas such as fundamental rights , respect for rule of law , and discrimination against women , migrants and lgtbiq persons; ### 6. considers that the commission , in its efforts to ensure that eu policies draw on a clear understanding of policy areas subject to rapid structural change such as the environment and digitalisation , should make use of the input included in the petitions of citizens and civil society organisations; considers citizens’ participation key in policy areas such as fundamental rights , respect for rule of law , and discrimination of any kind;


### 7. calls on the commission to seize the opportunity for a revamped and effective better regulation programme to help eu governance adapt to a post-pandemic ‘new normal’ , improve law-making and be more responsive to citizens’ concerns; ### 7. calls on the commission to seize the opportunity for a revamped and effective better regulation programme to allow societies to return to pre-covid normality and to improve law-making , responding effectively to citizens’ concerns;


### 7. calls on the commission to seize the opportunity for a revamped and effective better regulation programme to help eu governance adapt to a post-pandemic ‘new normal’ , improve law-making and be more responsive to citizens’ concerns; ### 7. calls on the commission to seize the opportunity for a revamped and effective better regulation programme to help eu governance in improving law-making and be more transparent and responsive to citizens’ concerns;


### 9. stresses the role of specific tools , such as the european citizens’ initiative and the european ombudsman , in improving commission regulation; recalls that the conference on the future of europe should be continuously improved in order for the citizens to communicate the real impacts of legislation at national , local and regional level and to make suggestions on how to achieve better law-making; notes that the commission should develop new tools to give citizens direct access to and involvement in eu policy-making; ### 9. stresses the role of specific tools , such as the european citizens’ initiative and the european ombudsman , in improving commission regulation; recalls that the activity of all eu institutions should be continuously improved in order for the citizens to communicate the real impacts of legislation at national , local and regional level and to make suggestions on how to achieve better law-making; notes that the commission should develop new tools to give citizens direct access to and involvement in eu policy-making;


### a. whereas better law-making is a common goal for all eu institutions , and should be achieved by increasing transparency , accountability and cooperation between the institutions and member states , citizens and stakeholders , ensuring full respect of all fundamental european values , including democracy , the rule of law and human rights; whereas legislation should be fit for purpose , balanced , clear , transparent and comprehensive in order to benefit citizens and stakeholders; ### a. whereas better law-making is a common goal for all eu institutions , and should be achieved by increasing transparency , accountability and cooperation between the institutions and member states , citizens and stakeholders , ensuring full respect of all fundamental values , including democracy , the rule of law and human rights; whereas legislation should be fit for purpose , balanced , clear , transparent and comprehensive in order to benefit citizens and stakeholders;


### c. whereas better law-making must aim to serve the eu’s political ambitions , especially its long-term objectives , such as social progress and the binding objective of union climate neutrality by 2050 , and the long-term priority objective for 2050 that citizens live well , within the limits of our planet; whereas sustainability should be at the heart of quality law-making , placing social , environmental and economic considerations on an equal footing; ### c. whereas better law-making is aimed at serving the eu’s political goals; whereas a more effective and thorough implementation of ‘doing less more efficiently’ approach is needed and therefore , an improved application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality;


### i. whereas publicity and transparency are the main principles underlying the eu legislative process , as confirmed by the case law of the cjeu , which provided clear legal guidance on the way to ensure their full and consistent respect; whereas the cjeu stated that the lack of transparency and information weakens citizens’ trust in the legitimacy of the eu legislative process as a whole; ### i. whereas publicity and transparency are the main principles underlying the eu legislative process , as confirmed by the case law of the cjeu , which provided clear legal guidance on the way to ensure their full and consistent respect; whereas the cjeu stated that the lack of transparency and information weakens citizens’ trust in the legitimacy of the eu legislative process as a whole; whereas , contrary to these principles , the commission was not transparent in the negotiation , purchase and distribution of covid-19 vaccines;


### 8. calls on the ombudsman to adopt strengthened oversight of the implementation of the rules and procedures concerning the allocation and use of eu funds under nextgenerationeu to protect union citizens’ rights against possible conflicts of interest and corruption cases , as well as violations of the rule of law , contributing to ensuring the integrity , full transparency and democratic accountability of the eu institutions; ### 8. calls on the ombudsman to adopt strengthened oversight of the implementation of the rules and procedures concerning the allocation and use of eu funds under nextgenerationeu to protect union citizens’ rights against possible conflicts of interest and corruption cases , as well as if the requirements for violations of the rule of law are being followed , contributing to ensuring the integrity , full transparency and democratic accountability of the eu institutions;


### 9. deeply regrets the fact that the council’s current practices with regard to its decision-making process are still marred by a lack of transparency; deplores the fact that the council is persisting in preventing citizens from having direct and timely access to its legislative documents , while the legislative process is ongoing , in breach of citizens’ right to participate effectively in the decision-making process; ### 9. deeply regrets the fact that the council’s current practices with regard to its decision-making process are still marred by a lack of transparency; deplores the fact that the council is persisting in preventing citizens from having access to its legislative documents;


### 10. reiterates its call for the publication of all trilogue documents in order to uphold citizens’ democratic rights , as full transparency at all stages of the legislative process , including in the informal negotiations between the three main eu institutions , is crucial to enabling citizens to hold their elected representatives and governments accountable; ### 10. reiterates its call for the publication of all trialogue documents once they have been finalized in order to uphold citizens’ democratic rights , as full transparency


### 17. commends the ombudsman’s work to protect eu citizens’ right to access documents held by the eu institutions; considers it paramount to guarantee full transparency and full public access to the documents held by the eu institutions; believes that revision of regulation (ec) no 1049/20012 must take place as a matter of priority; regrets the fact that eu legislation on access to documents is very much obsolete , thereby also hampering the ombudsman’s activities on this matter; ### 17. commends the ombudsman’s work to protect eu citizens’ right to access documents held by the eu institutions; considers it paramount to guarantee transparency and public access to the documents held by the eu institutions; encourages a swift review and update of the existing legislation , where appropriate , in order to render the relevant process more efficient;


### 18. applauds the ombudsman’s repeated commitment to combating revolving door cases , including the one involving the eba , which persuaded it to agree with her recommendations by adopting a new policy for assessing post-employment restrictions and prohibitions for staff , as well as new procedures to suspend access to confidential information immediately for staff who are leaving; ### 18. approves the ombudsman’s repeated commitment to combating revolving door cases , including the one involving the eba , which persuaded it to agree with her recommendations by adopting a new policy for assessing post-employment restrictions and prohibitions for staff , as well as new procedures to suspend access to confidential information immediately for staff who are leaving;


### k. whereas , in order to achieve those objectives , the procedures and conditions required for the eci should ensure that initiatives on valid subjects are considered and responded to appropriately by the commission; whereas at least one million signatures from at least a quarter of the member states are required for an eci to be submitted to the commission; whereas the commission has made the deadline for submitting signatures more flexible in response to the covid-19 pandemic; ### k. whereas , in order to achieve those objectives , the procedures and conditions required for the eci should ensure that initiatives on valid subjects are considered and responded to appropriately by the commission; whereas at least one million signatures from at least a quarter of the member states are required for an eci to be submitted to the commission; whereas the commission has made the deadline for submitting signatures more flexible in response to the covid-19 pandemic; whereas the eci must not be politically weaponised;


### 7. calls on the commission to assess and report annually on the petitions dealt with and to ensure that this assessment feeds into political decision-making at the level of the commission; ### 7. calls on the commission to reduce the deadlines to respond to the ep requests , to assess and report annually on the petitions dealt with and to ensure that this assessment feeds into political decision-making at the level of the commission;


### 29. calls on the commission to inform the public about the eu’s competences to make sure that ecis concern subjects and issues that fall within the eu’s remit; emphasises that recent ecis have called for the eu to take more action , more quickly , in the fight against climate change; ### 29. calls on the commission to inform the public about the eu’s competences to make sure that ecis concern subjects and issues that fall within the eu’s remit;


### 30. calls on the commission to improve the eci tool to make citizens’ participation more accessible , given the low number of ecis that have ultimately been successful; ### 30. calls on the commission to improve the eci tool to make citizens’ participation more accessible;


### — having regard to the commission proposal for a council directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation (com(2008)0426 , ‘the anti-discrimination directive’) and parliament’s position thereon of 2 april 20096 , ### deleted


### b. whereas petitions on disability issues reveal the difficulties encountered by persons with disabilities and the fact that they face discrimination and obstacles in everyday life and that they do not enjoy the fundamental freedoms and rights laid down in the crpd , such as access to public transport , accessibility of the built environment , use of sign languages , financing and equal access to education and vocational training; ### b. whereas petitions on disability issues reveal the difficulties encountered by persons with disabilities and the fact that they face discrimination and obstacles in everyday life and that they do not enjoy the fundamental freedoms and rights laid down in the crpd , such as access to public transport , accessibility of the physical environment , use of sign languages , financing and equal access to education and vocational training;


### g. whereas the optional protocol of the crpd has not been ratified by the eu and five member states; ### deleted


### i. whereas the creation of the role of commissioner for equality played an instrumental role in establishing the new strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030; ### i. whereas the commissioner for equality played an important role in establishing the new strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030;


### m. whereas the anti-discrimination directive , which would provide greater protection against discrimination of all kinds through a horizontal approach , still remains blocked in the council , and whereas this has been the case for over a decade; ### deleted


### o. whereas several petitions illustrate the problems of accessibility for persons with disabilities to the built environment , to transport , as well as accessibility to information and communications technologies and systems (ict) , and other facilities and services provided to the public; ### o. whereas several petitions illustrate the problems of accessibility for persons with disabilities to the physical environment , to transport , as well as accessibility to information and communications technologies and systems (ict) , and other facilities and services provided to the public;


### q. whereas several petitions prove that the covid-19 pandemic has aggravated the situation of persons with disabilities , including violations of persons with disabilities’ most basic human rights , such as access to healthcare treatment and protective measures against the spread of the disease; ### q. whereas several petitions prove that the covid-19 pandemic has aggravated the situation of persons with disabilities , including violations of persons with disabilities’ most basic human rights , such as access to healthcare treatment , to protective measures against the spread of the disease and to education;


### 1. stresses the need to raise awareness at all levels of the rights enshrined in the crpd for persons with disabilities in order to protect their rights and dignity , and to promote fruitful cooperation and the exchange of good practices between member states; ### 1. stresses the need to raise awareness at all levels of the rights enshrined in the crpd for persons with disabilities in order to protect their rights and dignity , and to promote fruitful cooperation and the exchange of good practices between member states and with third countries applying higher standards , such as australia , canada , norway , israel and the united kingdom;


### 1. calls on the commission to ensure that the member states comply with the relevant eu and un obligations on the rights of persons with disabilities , in particular the un crpd and the crpd committee’s general comments to the convention , and with the relevant eu measures and funding rules , and to provide support to them in this regard; ### 1. calls on the member states to ensure that they comply with the relevant obligations derived from eu and un law on the rights of persons with disabilities , insofar as they apply to them , in particular the un crpd and the crpd committee’s general comments to the convention , and with the relevant eu measures and funding rules , and to provide support to them in this regard;


### 2. calls on all member states that have not yet ratified the optional protocol to the crpd to do so without further delay , and for the eu to fully ratify the protocol; calls on the council to take the necessary steps to ensure the accession of the union to the optional protocol; ### deleted


### 2. calls on all member states that have not yet ratified the optional protocol to the crpd to do so without further delay , and for the eu to fully ratify the protocol; calls on the council to take the necessary steps to ensure the accession of the union to the optional protocol; ### 2. calls on all member states that have not yet ratified the optional protocol to the crpd to do so without further delay , and for the eu to fully ratify the protocol; calls on the council to take the necessary steps to examine the accession of the union to the optional protocol;


### 2. calls on the commission and the member states to harmonise the definition of disability and to ensure mutual recognition of disability status across member states , so as to ensure the free movement of persons with disabilities and their enjoyment of their eu citizenship rights; ### 2. calls on the commission to facilitate exchanges between member states on their respective best practices regarding the definition of disability; calls on the member states to ensure mutual recognition of disability status , so as to ensure the free movement of persons with disabilities and their effective enjoyment of their eu citizenship rights;


### 2. calls on the commission and the member states to harmonise the definition of disability and to ensure mutual recognition of disability status across member states , so as to ensure the free movement of persons with disabilities and their enjoyment of their eu citizenship rights; ### 2. calls on the member states to ensure mutual recognition of disability status across member states based on the convention definition of disability , so as to ensure the free movement of persons with disabilities and their enjoyment of their eu citizenship rights;


### 3. considers the optional protocol to be an indivisible part of the crpd; points to the fact that the optional protocol provides citizens with a forum to communicate alleged violations of the provisions of the convention by the state party , and allows the crpd committee to initiate confidential inquiries where they receive information indicating a grave or systematic violation by a state party; ### deleted


### 3. considers the optional protocol to be an indivisible part of the crpd; points to the fact that the optional protocol provides citizens with a forum to communicate alleged violations of the provisions of the convention by the state party , and allows the crpd committee to initiate confidential inquiries where they receive information indicating a grave or systematic violation by a state party; ### 3. considers the optional protocol to be an important addition to the crpd; points to the fact that the optional protocol provides citizens with a forum to communicate alleged violations of the provisions of the convention by the state party , and allows the crpd committee to initiate confidential inquiries where they receive information indicating a grave or systematic violation by a state party;


### 6. acknowledges the commission’s call for all eu institutions , bodies , agencies and delegations to designate ‘disability coordinators’; reiterates its call for focal points to be established in all eu institutions and agencies , including parliament and the council , with the central focal point within the commission’s general secretariat and supported by an appropriate interinstitutional mechanism; ### 6. acknowledges the commission’s call for all eu institutions , bodies , agencies and delegations to designate ‘disability coordinators’ in addition to the initiative of the equality commissioner responsible for the special commission task force on equality for the mainstreaming of crpd provisions , in parallel with the existing commission disability unit; calls on the commission to examine the effectiveness of parallel structures with similar responsibilities;


### 10. welcomes the commission’s proposal for creation of a european disability card to be recognised in all member states by end of 2023 , in order to scale up the pilot project on the european disability card and the european parking card for persons with disabilities; is of the opinion that a european disability card , which should be mandatory in all member states , will be an important instrument to help persons with disabilities to exercise their right to free movement in a barrier-free europe; ### 10. welcomes the commission’s proposal for creation of a european disability card to be recognised in all member states by end of 2023 , in order to scale up the pilot project on the european disability card and the european parking card for persons with disabilities; is of the opinion that a european disability card , which should be mandatory in all member states , will be a key instrument to help persons with disabilities to exercise their right to free movement in a barrier-free europe;


### 11. warmly welcomes the adoption of stronger rail passenger rights for people with disabilities and with reduced mobility , especially the phasing out of the current exemptions for member states and the reduction of the period of advance notice to be given by persons with disabilities or reduced mobility who require assistance; encourages the member states to arrange , where possible , shorter pre-notification periods for persons with disabilities who require assistance with travel , in order to allow persons with disabilities and with reduced mobility to more readily exercise their free movement rights; calls for the swift implementation of the rules laid down in the recast of regulation (ec) no 1371/200718in all member states; ### 11. warmly welcomes the adoption of stronger rail passenger rights for people with disabilities and with reduced mobility , especially the phasing out of the current exemptions for member states and the reduction of the period of advance notice to be given by persons with disabilities or reduced mobility who require assistance; encourages the member states to arrange , where possible , shorter pre-notification periods for persons with disabilities who require assistance with travel , in order to allow persons with disabilities and with reduced mobility to more readily exercise their free movement rights; calls for the swift implementation of the rules laid down in the recast of regulation (ec) no 1371/200718 in all member states; calls for the adoption of an equally effective maritime transport package;