### a. whereas the teu stipulates that ‘the union shall observe the principle of the equality of its citizens , who shall receive equal attention from its institutions , bodies and agencies’; whereas this implies that public decisions are taken in the interest of the common good and not according to the financial power of individual actors; ### a. whereas the teu stipulates that ‘the union shall observe the principle of the equality of its citizens , who shall receive equal attention from its institutions , bodies and agencies’; whereas this implies that public decisions are taken in the interest of the common good and that conflicts of interests - which occur , according to the definition of the oecd "when an individual or a corporation (either private or governmental) is in a position to exploit his or their own profession or official capacity in some way for personal or corporate benefit" - should be avoided in the legislative process and whereas any definition of conflict of interest has a contextual and evolving nature and full transparency does not necessarily guarantee the absence of any conflict of interest , nor does it guarantee that public trust will be won or decreased;


### c. whereas the shortcomings of the current eu ethics framework derive largely from the fact that it relies on a self-regulatory approach and lacks adequate human and financial resources and competences to verify information; ### c. whereas any further evolution of the eu ethics framework must have a clear legal basis while respecting the separation of powers as laid down in the treaties;


### d. whereas , as a consequence , multiple cases of unethical conduct and their inadequate handling by the eu institutions have harmed the trust which european citizens place in the eu institutions; ### deleted


### d. whereas , as a consequence , multiple cases of unethical conduct and their inadequate handling by the eu institutions have harmed the trust which european citizens place in the eu institutions; ### d. whereas every incidence of unethical behaviour can endanger the trust which european citizens place in eu institutions;


### e. whereas the current ethics standards framework appears to be highly fragmented , with different rules in different institutions , creating a complex system which is difficult for both eu citizens and for those who have to respect the rules to understand; ### e. whereas the current ethics standard frameworks are tailored according to the specificities of each european institutions;


### f. whereas the meroni doctrine developed by the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) allows for the delegation of eu institutions’ competences to external bodies; ### f. whereas the meroni doctrine developed by the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) allows for the delegation of eu institutions’ competences to external bodies under strict conditions; whereas according to the court any delegation of competences must be limited and can only relate to clearly defined executive powers , the use of which must be entirely subject to the supervision of the high authority and cannot concern discretionary powers involving any political judgement in order not to jeopardise the balance of powers between the institutions;


### g. whereas all lead candidates in the 2019 european elections committed to the creation of an independent ethics body common to all eu institutions; whereas the president of the commission committed to it in her political guidelines and whereas parliament has already supported this view; ### deleted


### scope and mandate ### reflections on mandate and scope


### 2. considers that the new eu ethics body should be delegated a list of competences to implement ethics rules for members and staff; takes the view that this list should include by way of a minimum the competences provided for in: ### 2. considers that any options under discussion for improving transparency and integrity in the eu institutions should only have advisory competences for the members of the institutions;


### - the statute for members of the european parliament: articles 2 and 3 , ### deleted


### - parliament’s rules of procedure: rules 2 , 10 and 11 , 176(1) , annex i , articles 1 to 3 , 4(6) , 5 and 6 and annex ii , ### deleted


### - the commission’s rules of procedure: article 9 , its code of conduct , article 2 and articles 5-11 , and annex ii , and its decision of 25 november 2014 on the publication of information on meetings held between members of the commission and organisations or self-employed individuals , and the same decision for directors-general , ### deleted


### - the staff regulation’s articles 11 , 11(a) , 12 , 12(a) , 12(b) , 13 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 19 , 21(a) , 22(a) , 22(c) , 24 , 27 and 40 , ### deleted


### - the iia on a mandatory transparency register; ### deleted


### 3. believes that the members and staff of the participating institutions should be covered by the agreement before , during and after the term of office or service in line with the applicable rules; considers that this should apply to members of parliament , commissioners and all eu staff falling under the scope of the staff regulation; ### deleted


### 3. emphasises that the high level of fragmentation in the ethics legal framework and the lack of oversight have prevented the proper implementation of codes of conduct in eu institutions; believes that the current self-regulatory approach is not fit for purpose and cannot guarantee integrity; underlines the need to enhance the integrity of the eu institutions and restore public trust; ### 3. emphasises that the fragmentation shows a lack of common understanding and different standards under comparable circumstances in the ethics legal frameworks of the different eu institutions , bodies and organs; believes that a more harmonised approach in important areas such as whistle-blower protection is needed and to fill existing legislative gaps such as a non-existing commissioner’s statute; acknowledges the differences in the nature of the various institutions , explicitly the legally guaranteed independence of judges of the european court of justice , of the members of eca , of the members of the european parliament , national parliament or national governments; underlines the need to enhance the integrity of the eu institutions and to strengthen public trust and to overcome existing weaknesses;


### 3. is also of the opinion that for this examination to be complete and accurate , and for the possibility of a conflict of interest to be excluded , information and documents beyond the declaration of financial interests of commissioner-designates are often essential; ### 3. is also of the opinion that for this examination to be complete and accurate , and for the possibility of a conflict of interest to be excluded , documents beyond the declaration of financial interests of commissioner-designates sometimes can be useful as stipulated by annex vii article 4 (d) of the rules of procedure of the european parliament;


### 4. insists that the iia should be open to the participation of all eu institutions and bodies; believes that the iia should allow the ethics body to conclude agreements with national authorities with a view to ensuring the exchange of information necessary for the performance of its tasks; ### 4. insists that any cooperation agreement between the institutions should be open to participation of other eu institutions and bodies in order to agree on common measures which can be implemented in respect of the division of powers;


### 4. encourages the creation of an independent ethics body (ieb) common to all eu institutions; welcomes the fact that the commission has made it a priority , and is committed to supporting the ieb’s effort to establish a common ethical framework at eu level; ### 4. encourages the initiatives to create a commissioner’s statute and to ensure aligned rules across eu agencies and other eu organs; asks the president and the bureau of the european parliament to identify in cooperation with the other institutions common areas as well as particular circumstances requiring a differentiated approach with the goal to strengthen their integrity; welcomes the fact that the commission has made it a priority , and is committed to supporting this idea together through a common ethical framework that is respectful of the particularities of each institution as well as the institutional balance and democratic role of each institution and its members as established by the treaties; reminds that the principle of separation of power is the foundation pillar of modern democracy; considers it imperative for the legislative to control the executive , as any reversal of the roles and powers of the legislative and executive would otherwise endanger the independence of the free mandate of elected members of parliament;


### 4. calls for a strengthening of the existing regulatory and enforcement framework for both pre-public and post-public employment conflicts of interest , in order to establish appropriate boundaries between the public sector and the private and non-profit sectors; welcomes in this regard the work done by the organisation for economic co-operation and development , the european court of auditors and the european ombudsman; ### 4. calls for a strengthening of the existing regulatory and enforcement framework for both pre-public and post-public employment conflicts of interest , in order to establish appropriate as well as proportionate boundaries between the public sector and the private and non-profit sectors; welcomes in this regard the work done by the organisation for economic co-operation and development , the european court of auditors and the european ombudsman;


### 5. considers that the participating institutions should entrust the eu ethics body with monitoring powers over ethics standards , as well as advisory , investigative and enforcement powers; ### deleted


### 5. considers that the participating institutions should entrust the eu ethics body with monitoring powers over ethics standards , as well as advisory , investigative and enforcement powers; ### 5. considers that any options under discussion for improving transparency and integrity in the eu institutions has to be respectful of the balance between the institutions as established by the treaties , underlines that it must not replace , substitute or interfere with the responsibilities and prerogatives of each institution and points out that given these considerations , the decision-making powers must remain within the respective institutions , hence only a body with advisory function able to issue non-binding recommendations is conceivable;


### 5. sees high potential for the eu institutions to transfer administrative decision-making competences to the ieb based on a new harmonised ethics framework that it will establish , which should include common rules on the publication of declarations of interests , avoidance of conflicts of interest and revolving doors , acceptance of gifts and entertainment , protection of whistle-blowers and victims of harassment , transparency of lobby meetings , public procurement and meeting calendars of senior staff , and use of transparent bank accounts for public funds; ### 5. encourages a creation of clear rules on the avoidance of conflicts of interests , cooling-off periods , undue interference on political decisions , rules of publication , direct and indirect gifts , protection of whistle-blowers and victims;


### 5. considers that , given the sophisticated and complex nature of this responsibility , the establishment of a possible conflict of interest should be de-politicised and performed in an independent and systematic way with the assistance of a body with the relevant expertise and experience; ### 5. considers that , given the sophisticated and complex nature of this responsibility , the establishment of a possible conflict of interest should be performed in an objective , independent and systematic way;


### 5. considers that , given the sophisticated and complex nature of this responsibility , the establishment of a possible conflict of interest should be de-politicised and performed in an independent and systematic way with the assistance of a body with the relevant expertise and experience; ### 5. considers that , given the sophisticated and complex nature of this responsibility , the establishment of a possible conflict of interest should be de-politicised and performed in an independent and systematic way with the assistance of national ethical authorities with the relevant expertise and experience;


### 6. considers that this monitoring capacity should include the verification of the veracity of the declaration of financial interests , the handling of conflicts of interest , checks on transparency obligations and the verification of compliance with revolving doors rules; ### deleted


### 6. believes that empowering the ieb with the current internal ethics functions of the eu institutions will concentrate expertise , create synergies and hence improve the implementation of ethics rules; is confident that this transfer of competence will represent considerable savings for the eu budget; ### 6. reminds that the treaties of the european union are the primary law and reside at the top of the hierarchy of norms; the treaties establish the eu’s institutions and clearly define their competences and decision-making powers (article 13 teu); parliament together with the council are the co-legislators (article 14(1) teu); reminds that under the treaties , the court of justice of the european union is the supreme judicial body of the eu(article 19 teu); there can be no higher judicial decision-making authority above it; under no circumstances can secondary law contradict or amend primary law; reminds that , therefore , the establishment of an independent ethics body with the power to make binding decisions on the eu’s institutions and organs counter to the separation of powers laid down in the treaties , would imperatively require a change of the treaties;


### 6. considers that for proper expertise to be acquired , the future ethics body should have a permanent , independent and collegiate structure , and that its composition could be based either on specific institutional positions , such as that of the president of the court of justice , or on the nomination of experts by each eu institution; ### deleted


### 6. considers that for proper expertise to be acquired , the future ethics body should have a permanent , independent and collegiate structure , and that its composition could be based either on specific institutional positions , such as that of the president of the court of justice , or on the nomination of experts by each eu institution; ### 6. there is no need for a new permanent structure;


### 6. considers that for proper expertise to be acquired , the future ethics body should have a permanent , independent and collegiate structure , and that its composition could be based either on specific institutional positions , such as that of the president of the court of justice , or on the nomination of experts by each eu institution; ### 6. considers that for proper expertise to be acquired , the future ethics body should have a permanent , independent and collegiate structure , and that the members of this body could include , on the one hand , persons in specific positions providing a guarantee of professionalism and independence , such as the position of judge of the court of justice of the european union , and , on the other hand , persons appointed by the european parliament in view of their reputation for increasing transparency in public administration and for detecting and combating conflicts of interest;


### 6. recognises the need to strike a delicate balance between regulating conflicts of interest , respecting the individual right to economic freedom , and maintaining a dynamic labour market with mobility between the public sector and the private and non-profit sectors; ### 6. recognises the need to strike a delicate balance between regulating conflicts of interest , respecting the individual right to economic freedom , securing the unobstructed exercise of parliamentary and other institutional duties , and maintaining a dynamic labour market with mobility between the public sector and the private and non-profit sectors;


### 7. takes the view that the eu ethics body could also be given authority over the obligations imposed by the transparency register; ### deleted


### 7. underlines that the ieb should be in charge of prevention , monitoring , investigation and enforcement of the ethical framework for the protection of the eu’s financial interests; highlights that the ieb should be able to take disciplinary measures and impose financial sanctions in order to avoid abuse of the eu budget linked to unethical behaviour; ### 7. underlines that the creation of a common ethics framework must respect the boundaries of competence of the eu’s institutions and the separation of power as defined in the treaties; emphasises the need to respect and uphold the rule of law and to ensure that the common ethical framework is soundly based on the fundamental legal basis of the treaties and the respect for rule of law in its implementation;


### 7. recommends therefore that , while fully keeping its competence on the matter , the committee on legal affairs decide on the existence of a conflict of interest after having received a non-binding recommendation by such an independent expert advisory body; ### deleted


### 7. recommends therefore that , while fully keeping its competence on the matter , the committee on legal affairs decide on the existence of a conflict of interest after having received a non-binding recommendation by such an independent expert advisory body; ### 7. recommends therefore that , while fully keeping its competence on the matter , the committee on legal affairs decide on the existence of a conflict of interest after having received a non-binding recommendations from national ethics authorities;


### 8. considers that the eu ethics body should have the power to initiate procedures and to conduct investigations based on the information it has collected or that it has received from third parties; ### deleted


### 8. highlights that tasks transferred to the ieb can go beyond those currently exercised by the institutions; calls for the ieb to assess the implementation of ethics rules by the eu institutions and publish an annual report on its findings; ### 8. reminds that currently all institutions and eu bodies have their own set of ethics rules in place , where the final discretion on decisions and interpretation of the rules commonly rests with the respective presidents; emphasises the need of the support of each institution involved for the common framework to be effective; underlines that it would be desirable for the institutions to generally align their ethics rules where possible and identify areas for a harmonised approach;


### 8. believes furthermore that this future advisory body could also be entrusted with the broader task of examining conflicts of interest within the eu institutions and agencies in general , playing , in a complementary and balanced way , a preventive role via awareness raising and ethical guidance powers on the one hand , and a compliance role on the other. ### deleted


### 8. believes furthermore that this future advisory body could also be entrusted with the broader task of examining conflicts of interest within the eu institutions and agencies in general , playing , in a complementary and balanced way , a preventive role via awareness raising and ethical guidance powers on the one hand , and a compliance role on the other. ### 8. believes furthermore that the mission of this future advisory body should also include examining conflicts of interest within the eu institutions and agencies in general , as well as among public officials at member state level who are involved in the implementation of the budget under direct , indirect and shared management within the meaning of article 61 of regulation (eu , euratom) 2018/1046 of the european parliament and of the council , and that this body could play , in a complementary and balanced way , a preventive role via awareness raising and ethical guidance powers on the one hand , and a compliance role as regards conflicts of interest on the other.


### 8. believes furthermore that this future advisory body could also be entrusted with the broader task of examining conflicts of interest within the eu institutions and agencies in general , playing , in a complementary and balanced way , a preventive role via awareness raising and ethical guidance powers on the one hand , and a compliance role on the other. ### 8. believes that a better cooperation between the eu institutions trying to align their code of conducts and ethical frameworks would increase public trust and raise the level of transparency and integrity in the eu.


### 9. believes that in relation to its enforcement powers , the body could take over from the appointing authority in dealing with staff ethics obligations , and that in relation to members of parliament or commissioners , the body could be granted enforcement powers within the limits of the provisions contained in the treaties , and without prejudice to any additional mechanisms provided for in parliament’s rules of procedure , in particular concerning termination of office; ### 9. believes that in relation to members of parliament or commissioners , the body cannot be granted enforcement powers since this transferral of powers would counter the separation of powers laid down in the treaties;


### 9. calls for the ieb to lead by example on transparency by publishing all decisions and spending in a machine-readable open data format available to all citizens; strongly recommends that any software developed for upholding the ethical standards in eu public administration should be made available under a free and open-source software licence and should be shared with any institution in europe wishing to use it; ### 9. calls for the eu bodies to lead by example on transparency by publishing all relevant decisions in accordance with the applicable data-protection rules and spending in a machine-readable open data format available to all citizens;


### 10. considers that the eu ethics body should be entrusted with advisory tasks in order to provide advice to any individual covered by its scope who wishes to request interpretation of an ethical standard in relation to appropriate conduct in a specific case; ### 10. considers that such an eu ethics body should be entrusted with advisory tasks to improve the enforcement of existing provisions in the eu institutions in order to provide reliable and trustworthy advice to any individual possibly covered by its scope who wishes to request interpretation of an ethical standard in relation to appropriate conduct in a specific case;


### 10. welcomes the signing of an interinstitutional agreement (iia) between eu institutions to set up the ieb; emphasises the importance of the council , including the member states’ representatives working in the council , joining the iia in view of the eca’s and european ombudsman’s repeated requests to enhance the institution’s working ethics and transparency; recalls the obligation of the council to deal with high-level conflicts of interest , revolving doors and lobby transparency rules; ### 10. underlines that with the creation of a new advisory ethics body for the parliament , duplication of work and overlapping competences should be avoided , its decisions should take the form of non-binding recommendations to the president , who must remain in charge of the final decision-making power; calls for clear provisions giving the person concerned a right of appeal against any such decision taken by the president in fully respect of the basic principles of rule of law; underlines that respect for the peculiarity of parliamentary work requires that this body be composed of current and former members of the parliament being knowledgeable about parliaments rules of procedures and in accordance with parliament’s rules of procedure on geographical , political and gender balance , and potentially supplemented with former members of the court of justice of the eu or national courts of highest instance;


### 11. believes that the decision on the absence of conflicts of interest of commissioners-designate should remain a competence of parliament’s committee on legal affairs , while the eu ethics body should support the process with the publication of its analysis of each individual case and make its investigative capacities available; ### 11. underlines that the decision on conflicts of interest of designated commissioners remains a political and institutional competence of the european parliament and its bodies , while such an eu ethics body could support the process with its non-binding analysis of each individual case;


### 11. stresses the importance of enhanced mutual cooperation between the ieb and eu bodies such as the european anti-fraud office (olaf) , the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) , the european ombudsman , the european court of auditors (eca) and others within their respective mandates , and of such cooperation generating a steady information exchange. ### 11. stresses the importance of enhanced mutual cooperation between the eu bodies such as the european anti-fraud office (olaf) , the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) , the european ombudsman , the european court of auditors (eca) and others within their respective mandates , and of such cooperation generating a steady information exchange.


### composition ### reflections on composition


### 12. believes that the ethics body should be composed of nine members , three selected by the commission , three elected by parliament , and three assigned de jure from among the former presidents of the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) , the court of auditors and former eu ombudsmen; ### 12. believes that the ethics body should be composed of nine members , three selected by the commission , three appointed by parliament , and three designated from among the former presidents of the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) , the court of auditors and former eu ombudsmen;


### 13. considers that its members must be independent , chosen on the basis of their competence , experience and professional qualities , as well as their personal integrity , have an impeccable record of ethical behaviour and provide a declaration of the absence of conflicts of interest; is of the opinion that the composition of the body should be gender-balanced; ### 13. considers that its members must be independent , chosen on the basis of their competence , experience and professional qualities , as well as their personal integrity , have an impeccable record of ethical behaviour and provide a declaration of the absence of conflicts of interest; is of the opinion that the composition of the body should be gender-balanced; underlines that all member shall be independent in the performance of their duties;


### 15. insists that the college be supported by a secretariat with the human , material and financial resources commensurate with its mandate and tasks; ### 15. recommend that the college be supported by a secretariat with the human , material and financial resources commensurate with its mandate and tasks in accordance with the principles of sound financial budget management;


### procedures ### reflections on procedures


### 16. proposes a two-step approach whereby , in the event that the eu ethics body becomes aware of a breach or possible breach of ethics rules , it first recommends actions to put an end to the breach; considers that this first preventive step should ensure confidentiality and the right of the person to be heard; suggests that in the event that the individual concerned refuses to take the appropriate actions , the eu ethics body should make relevant information about the case publicly available and decide , if appropriate , on sanctions; considers that this two-step approach should apply provided that there are no reasonable grounds to believe that the individual acted in bad faith and recommends that intentional breach , gross negligence , the concealment of evidence and non-compliance with the obligation to cooperate should be , as such , subject to sanctions , even when the breach itself has ceased; ### 16. proposes an approach whereby , in the event that such an eu ethics body deals with a breach of conduct or possible breach of ethic rules , it first recommends actions to put an end to the breach; considers that it first should ensure confidentiality and the right to be heard;


### general and final provisions ### reflections on general and final provisions


### 17. is of the opinion that the eu ethics body should publish an annual report containing both information about the fulfilment of its tasks and , where appropriate , recommendations for improving ethics standards; ### 17. is of the opinion that the eu ethics body should publish an annual report containing information about the fulfilment of its tasks to be presented to the european parliament;


### 18. insists that the decisions of the eu ethics body should be legally binding , reviewable before the cjeu and subject to possible complaints to the eu ombudsman; ### 18. insists that an eu ethics body cannot issue legally binding decisions , since no institution can delegate decision-making authority to another institution;


### 2. recalls that the european court of auditors (eca) identified serious weaknesses in this regard in its 2019 audit on the ethical frameworks of the eu institutions , which concludes that improvements need to be made through harmonisation , awareness raising and strengthening of eu ethics rules; shares the eca’s concern about the absence of a common eu ethical framework governing the work of member states’ representatives in the council; ### 2. recalls that the european court of auditors (eca) in its special report 13/20191a on the ethical frameworks of the eu institutions stated that parliament , council and commission “have , to large extent , adequate ethical frameworks in place for both staff and members” and identified certain areas where the coverage , specificity , clarify and level of guidance could be improved and harmonised; notes the eca’s observations about the absence of a common eu ethical framework governing the work of member states’ representatives in the council;


### 2. is of the opinion that the examination of commissioner-designates’ declarations with a view to inferring a conflict of interest is of fundamental institutional and democratic importance and should be undertaken with the utmost attention , commitment and sense of responsibility; ### 2. is of the opinion that the examination of commissioner-designates’ declarations with a view to inferring a conflict of interest is of fundamental institutional and democratic importance and should be undertaken with the utmost attention , commitment and sense of responsibility , by means of a fully objective and independent interpretation focused on documenting the technical implications;


### b. whereas the petitions received request that full details of the covid-19 vaccine contracts concluded between the commission , the member states and the pharmaceutical industry , as well as patient-level clinical trial data will be published as soon as possible and that the patent law will be temporarily suspended in order to enable rapid , equitable and universal access to vaccines in all parts of the world; ### b. whereas the petitions received request that full details of the covid-19 vaccine contracts concluded between the commission , the member states and the pharmaceutical companies , as well as patient-level clinical trial data will be published as soon as possible and that the patent law will be temporarily suspended in order to enable rapid , equitable and universal access to vaccines;


### c. whereas transparency in the research and development of covid-19 vaccines is the prerequisite for public trust in vaccines , and any lack of transparency leads to uncertainty and disinformation and thus undermines rapid and effective action against the pandemic; ### c. whereas transparency in the research and development of covid-19 vaccines is the prerequisite for public trust in vaccines , and any lack of transparency leads to uncertainty and disinformation and thus undermines rapid and effective action against the pandemic; whereas transparency is a fundamental pillar for the success of the eu strategy for covid-19 vaccines;


### f. whereas the commission and the member states are obliged to work as openly and as closely as possible to the citizens , when negotiating the covid-19 vaccine contracts with the pharmaceutical industry , and whereas the commission refuses to disclose the names of the experts or even the seven member states represented in the joint negotiation team; ### f. whereas the commission and the member states are obliged to work as openly and as closely as possible to the citizens , when negotiating the covid-19 vaccine contracts with the pharmaceutical companies , and whereas the commission refuses to disclose the names of the experts or even the seven member states represented in the joint negotiation team;


### h. whereas the european union has funded much of the research and development of the vaccines , has facilitated the pharmaceutical companies with a de-risking investment upfront , has granted emergency authorisation and has purchased vaccines with taxpayers' money; ### h. whereas the european union has funded much of the research and development of the vaccines , has facilitated the pharmaceutical companies with a de-risking investment upfront , has granted emergency authorisation and has purchased vaccines with public money;


### k. whereas the majority of the pharmaceutical companies involved in the eu strategy for covid-19 vaccines have not provided patient-level clinical trial data at this point and whereas this data will not be published until mid-2022 and end-2023; ### k. whereas the majority of the pharmaceutical companies involved in the eu strategy for covid-19 vaccines have not provided clinical trial data and whereas this data will not be published until mid-2022 and end-2023;


### 2. expresses its deepest concern on the lack of transparency by the commission and member states in the development , purchase and distribution of covid-19 vaccines; ### 2. considers that transparency should be improved by the commission and member states in the development , purchase and distribution of covid-19 vaccines;


### 5. calls on the commission to publish non-redacted versions of the advance purchase agreements and the purchase agreement and in particular to disclose the following details: the advance payments by the commission , the cost sharing between public and private investments in the vaccines , the number of doses given to each country and to be delivered per quarter , the prices per dose , the number and locations of available production sites , the liability and compensation regimes for any harm that might be caused by the vaccines , the sanctions in case of breach of contract and information on the possible sharing of intellectual property rights; ### 5. calls on the commission to publish all relevant information accessible for the public of the advance purchase agreements and the purchase agreement and in particular to disclose the following details: the advance payments by the commission , the cost sharing between public and private investments in the vaccines , the number of doses given to each country and to be delivered per quarter , the prices per dose , the number and locations of available production sites , the liability and compensation regimes for any harm that might be caused by the vaccines , the sanctions in case of breach of contract and information on the possible sharing of intellectual property rights;


### 6. calls on the commission to make the disclosure of all details of future covid-19 vaccine contracts a precondition for future negotiations with pharmaceutical companies; ### 6. calls on the commission to make the disclosure of all details relevant for the public of future covid-19 vaccine contracts a precondition for future negotiations with pharmaceutical companies;


### 8. calls on the commission to ensure that the contracted companies make the clinical trial results and protocols of potential covid-19 vaccine research available for evaluation by independent scientific experts , including statistical analysis plans , clinical study reports , patient-level data , and copies of the correspondence with regulators and other key stakeholders; ### 8. calls on the commission to ensure that the contracted companies make the clinical trial results and protocols of potential covid-19 vaccine research available for evaluation by independent scientific experts , including statistical analysis plans and clinical study and reports;


### 9. calls on the commission to ensure that the contracted companies publish the full data sets from pharmacovigilance reports in real time and to promote and monitor public control of incidents in the deployment of vaccines; ### 9. calls on the commission to ensure that the contracted companies publish data from pharmacovigilance reports in full accordance with the respect for the personal data of the patients involved and to promote and monitor public control of incidents in the deployment of vaccines;


### 10. calls on the commission to conduct and publish an assessment of the eu strategy for covid-19 vaccines and of its public communication , reviewing all elements in detail and making recommendations on a framework for future european pooled procurement , especially in relation to transparency; ### 10. calls on the commission to conduct and publish an assessment of the eu strategy for covid-19 vaccines and of its public communication , reviewing all elements in detail and making recommendations on a framework for future european joint procurement , especially in relation to transparency;


### 11. calls on the commission to provide strong safeguards of the availability , accessibility and affordability of covid-19 vaccines and therefore to support the indian and south african world trade organisation initiative for a temporary waiver on intellectual property rights for covid-19 vaccines , equipment and treatments and to increase its contribution to the covax initiative; ### 11. calls on the commission to provide strong safeguards of the availability , accessibility and affordability of covid-19 vaccines; calls on the european union and the us to cooperate with the mrna technology companies and the indian and south african world trade organisation to establish production sites for covid-19 vaccines , equipment and treatments and to increase the contribution to the covax initiative;


### – having regard to the presidency conclusions of the thessaloniki european council of 19 and 20 june 2003 concerning the prospect of the western balkan countries joining the european union , ### – having regard to the eu-western balkans summit declaration of thessaloniki , 21 june 2003 , concerning the prospect of the western balkans joining the european union ,


### 1. reiterates that global value chains are the key feature of the global economy and that trade policy must contribute to a transparent production process throughout the value chain and demonstrate compliance with environmental , social and safety standards; ### 1. reiterates that global value chains are the key feature of the global economy and that trade policy should demonstrate compliance with environmental , social and safety standards;


### 1. reiterates that global value chains are the key feature of the global economy and that trade policy must contribute to a transparent production process throughout the value chain and demonstrate compliance with environmental , social and safety standards; ### 1. reiterates that global supply chains are the key feature of the global economy and that trade policy can contribute to a transparent production process throughout the supply chain and demonstrate compliance with environmental , social and safety standards;


### 1. considers that sustainable corporate governance is key to the long-term direction of undertakings and to aligning their activities to the achievement of the union’s overall environmental objectives as laid down in the european green deal , as well as the union’s 2050 climate neutrality objective , namely that all sectors should contribute to reaching that target; ### 1. considers that sustainable corporate governance is key to the long-term direction of undertakings and to aligning their activities to the achievement of the union’s overall environmental objectives as laid down in the european green deal , as well as the union’s 2050 climate neutrality objective , namely that all sectors (even with different timeframes , keeping in mind the peculiarities of the different sectors and the size of the companies) should contribute to reaching that target;


### 2. emphasises that sustainable corporate governance can help the eu to build a more resilient and sustainable economy , improve the level playing field and protect eu businesses and citizens , and is therefore hugely beneficial to eu trade policy; ### 2. emphasises that sustainable corporate governance can help the eu to build a more resilient and sustainable economy , improve the level playing field in order to maintain europe's international competitiveness and protect eu businesses from unfair competitive advantages of third countries resulting from lower protection standards and is therefore hugely beneficial to eu trade policy;


### 2. emphasises that sustainable corporate governance can help the eu to build a more resilient and sustainable economy , improve the level playing field and protect eu businesses and citizens , and is therefore hugely beneficial to eu trade policy; ### 2. emphasises that sustainable corporate governance can help the eu to build a more resilient and sustainable economy , improve the level playing field and protect eu businesses and citizens and , under the condition that its implementation is measured and proportionate , has the potential to benefit eu trade policy


### 2. emphasises that sustainable corporate governance can help the eu to build a more resilient and sustainable economy , improve the level playing field and protect eu businesses and citizens , and is therefore hugely beneficial to eu trade policy; ### 2. emphasises that sustainable corporate governance can help the eu to build a more resilient and sustainable economy , enhance the level playing field , boost global competitiveness and protect eu businesses and citizens , and can therefore be beneficial to eu trade policy;


### 2. reiterates its call for an enlargement of the scope of the nfrd to cover all listed and non-listed large undertakings established in the union territory , as defined in article 3(4) of the accounting directive; invites the commission to identify high-risk sectors of economic activity with a significant impact on sustainability matters that could justify the inclusion of small and medium enterprises (smes) in those sectors , within the scope of the nfrd; ### 2. reiterates its call for an enlargement of the scope of the nfrd to cover all listed and non-listed large undertakings established in the union territory , as defined in article 3(4) of the accounting directive;


### 2. reiterates its call for an enlargement of the scope of the nfrd to cover all listed and non-listed large undertakings established in the union territory , as defined in article 3(4) of the accounting directive; invites the commission to identify high-risk sectors of economic activity with a significant impact on sustainability matters that could justify the inclusion of small and medium enterprises (smes) in those sectors , within the scope of the nfrd; ### 2. invites the commission to identify high-risk sectors of economic activity with a significant impact on sustainability matters and to assess whether there is justification for including the small and medium enterprises (smes) from those sectors , within the scope of the nfrd; notes that , to this end , the commission will rely on external expertise that will provide an indicative , non-exhaustive and regularly updated list of high-risk sectors subject to disputes;


### 3. notes that the covid-19 crisis has exposed the vulnerabilities of unregulated global supply chains , and that businesses with better environmental , social and governance practices and risk mitigation processes weather the crisis better; ### 3. notes that the covid-19 crisis has exposed the vulnerabilities in global supply chains , and that voluntary better environmental , social and governance practices and risk mitigation processes based on established approaches such as the un guiding principles and the oecd guidelines for multinational enterprises can contribute to making companies more resilient in times of crisis;


### 3. calls in this regard for the adoption of european standards with well-defined requirements in terms of the content and accessibility of non-financial information that should apply to at least all listed and non-listed large undertakings operating in the eu; ### 3. calls in this regard for the adoption of european standards with well-defined requirements in terms of the content and accessibility of non-financial information that should apply to at least all listed and non-listed large undertakings operating in the eu; points out that new european standards need to be based on an impact assessment and be adapted to the capabilities of sme;


### 3. calls in this regard for the adoption of european standards with well-defined requirements in terms of the content and accessibility of non-financial information that should apply to at least all listed and non-listed large undertakings operating in the eu; ### 3. calls , in this regard , for the adoption of european standards with well-defined requirements in terms of content and accessibility of non-financial information , which should apply at least to all large listed companies; calls , furthermore , for the introduction of mechanisms for smes to help and ensure the implementation of these standards with language support tools and access to the platform


### 4. notes with concern that less than 1 % of companies publicly list their suppliers , even in high-risk sectors; ### deleted


### 4. calls on the commission to commit to developing such standards during the upcoming review of the non-financial reporting directive; ### 4. calls , in this regard , developing such standards during the upcoming review of the non-financial reporting directive taking into account all the linguistic and bureaucratic difficulties for smes;


### 4. calls on the commission to commit to developing such standards during the upcoming review of the non-financial reporting directive; ### 4. calls on the commission to commit to developing such standards during the upcoming review of the non-financial reporting directive; considers that these standards should not pose undue burden on small and medium-sized enterprises;


### 5. stresses that directors’ duties should encompass an obligation to develop , disclose and implement a corporate sustainability strategy for all aspects of the company’s operations , including its supply chains; ### deleted


### 5. further considers that consistency of eu legislation on sustainable corporate governance should be achieved through the introduction of concrete obligations to be carried out and not only the obligation to report information; ### 5. further considers that consistency of eu legislation on sustainable corporate governance should not only be achieved through the introduction of concrete obligations to be carried out , such as reporting obligations , but also through incentives for smaller companies in particular to implement these measures;


### 5. further considers that consistency of eu legislation on sustainable corporate governance should be achieved through the introduction of concrete obligations to be carried out and not only the obligation to report information; ### 5. further considers that consistency of eu legislation on sustainable corporate governance should be achieved through the introduction of risked-based , proportionate and enforceable obligations to be carried out and guarantee to protect business secrets


### 5. observes that the nfrd gives companies within its scope significant flexibility to disclose relevant information in the way they consider most useful; notes that companies may currently rely , at their discretion , on a number of different frameworks; considers it necessary to set up a comprehensive eu framework covering the full set of sustainability issues relevant for a comprehensive non-financial reporting; highlights , in this regard , that the eu framework should ensure that the disclosures are clear , balanced , understandable , comparable among companies within a sector , verifiable and objective; stresses that this framework should include , where relevant , mandatory sector-specific standards; welcomes , in this regard , the commission’s commitment to supporting a process to develop eu non-financial reporting standards18; ### 5. observes that the nfrd gives companies within its scope significant flexibility to disclose relevant information in the way they consider most useful; points out that disclosure must be appropriate for the nature , size and location of the companies , taking into account the costs , business confidentiality and other elements that could affect their competitiveness; notes that companies may currently rely , at their discretion , on a number of different frameworks; considers it necessary to set up a comprehensive eu framework covering the full set of sustainability issues relevant for a comprehensive non-financial reporting; highlights , in this regard , that the eu framework should ensure that the disclosures are clear , balanced , understandable , comparable among companies within a sector , verifiable and objective; stresses that this framework should include , where relevant , mandatory sector-specific standards; welcomes , in this regard , the commission’s commitment to supporting a process to develop eu non-financial reporting standards18;


### 5. observes that the nfrd gives companies within its scope significant flexibility to disclose relevant information in the way they consider most useful; notes that companies may currently rely , at their discretion , on a number of different frameworks; considers it necessary to set up a comprehensive eu framework covering the full set of sustainability issues relevant for a comprehensive non-financial reporting; highlights , in this regard , that the eu framework should ensure that the disclosures are clear , balanced , understandable , comparable among companies within a sector , verifiable and objective; stresses that this framework should include , where relevant , mandatory sector-specific standards; welcomes , in this regard , the commission’s commitment to supporting a process to develop eu non-financial reporting standards18; ### 5. observes that the nfrd gives companies within its scope significant flexibility to disclose relevant information in the way they consider most useful; notes that companies may currently rely , at their discretion , on a number of different frameworks; considers it necessary to set up a comprehensive eu framework based on the principle of proportionality and covering the full set of sustainability issues relevant for a comprehensive non-financial reporting; highlights , in this regard , that the eu framework should ensure that the disclosures are clear , balanced , understandable , comparable among companies within a sector , verifiable and objective; stresses that this framework should include , where relevant , mandatory sector-specific standards , without introducing an additional administrative burden and creating imbalances in terms of competitiveness; welcomes , in this regard , the commission’s commitment to supporting a process to develop eu non-financial reporting standards18;


### 6. stresses that the requirement to disclose information on how sustainability issues affect the company and how the company affects society and the environment should include the sharing of all relevant information on all actors throughout the entire supply chain; ### deleted


### 6. stresses that the requirement to disclose information on how sustainability issues affect the company and how the company affects society and the environment should include the sharing of all relevant information on all actors throughout the entire supply chain; ### 6. stresses that any new eu requirements to disclose information on how sustainability issues affect the company and how the company affects society and the environment should not overlap with existing reporting requirements (e.g. non financial reporting directive) and their scope and that any new eu requirements must be in accordance with the various international reporting standards like gri , sasb , iirc , etc to ensure a level playing field for european companies; reiterates the necessity of avoiding any additional administrative burdens for companies , especially smes;


### 6. stresses that the requirement to disclose information on how sustainability issues affect the company and how the company affects society and the environment should include the sharing of all relevant information on all actors throughout the entire supply chain; ### 6. stresses that additional requirements to disclose information on how sustainability issues affect the company and how the company affects society and the environment must not increase the administrative burden derived from pre-existing reporting obligations;


### 6. calls in this regard for the adoption of a european legislative framework requiring undertakings to establish , implement , regularly assess and update a corporate sustainability strategy in consultation with all relevant stakeholders; believes that this strategy should address in particular the companies’ environmental impacts such as loss of biodiversity and deforestation , as well as mid- and long-term planning towards achieving climate neutrality by 2050. ### 6. calls in this regard for the adoption of a european legislative framework requiring undertakings to establish , implement , help and guide , regularly assess and update a corporate sustainability strategy in consultation with all relevant stakeholders , as much as possible; believes that this strategy should address in particular the companies’ environmental , as well as mid- and long-term planning towards achieving climate neutrality by 2050.


### 6. considers that the location of the non-financial statement should be harmonised; calls on the commission to establish a publicly accessible , eu-wide digital platform that is free of charge , on which companies should publish their non-financial information; ### 6. considers that the location of the non-financial statement should be harmonised; calls on the commission to identify , based on the existing data , the type of platform best suited for companies to publish their non-financial information and to ensure that this platform can be easily accessed by the public;


### 6. considers that the location of the non-financial statement should be harmonised; calls on the commission to establish a publicly accessible eu-wide digital platform that is free of charge , on which companies should publish their non-financial information; ### 6. considers that the location of the non-financial statement should not create any additional burden that would limit companies’ competitiveness;


### 6. considers that the location of the non-financial statement should be harmonised; calls on the commission to establish a publicly accessible eu-wide digital platform that is free of charge , on which companies should publish their non-financial information; ### 6. considers that the location of the non-financial statement should be harmonised; calls on the commission to establish , alongside national digital platforms , a publicly accessible eu-wide digital platform that is free of charge , on which companies should publish their non-financial information;


### 7. notes that sustainable corporate governance cannot reach its full potential without due diligence legislation that requires companies to identify , prevent , mitigate and account for human rights abuses and environmental damage in their global value chains. ### deleted


### 7. notes that sustainable corporate governance cannot reach its full potential without due diligence legislation that requires companies to identify , prevent , mitigate and account for human rights abuses and environmental damage in their global value chains. ### 7. notes the importance of discussing due diligence measures in the context of sustainable corporate governance in order to identify , prevent , mitigate possible human rights violation in global supply chains.


### 7. notes that the nfrd excludes non-financial statements from the requirement of content assurance to which financial statements of companies are otherwise subject; considers that non-financial statements should be subject to a mandatory audit , depending on the size and field of activity of the company concerned; considers that the assurance service provider , subject to requirements of objectivity and independence , should conduct their audit in accordance with the future eu framework; ### deleted


### — having regard to the european green deal (com(2019)0640) , ### deleted


### — having regard to the recommendations of the task force on climate-related financial disclosures17 , ### deleted


### a. whereas in a corporate context , a sustainability approach implies that the interest of the different stakeholders in the company , including general societal and environmental concerns , are duly taken into consideration; ### a. whereas in a corporate context , a sustainability approach implies that the interest of different stakeholders in the company , especially general societal and environmental concerns , are duly taken into consideration;


### а. whereas in a corporate context , a sustainability approach implies that the interest of different stakeholders in the company , including general societal and environmental concerns , are duly taken into consideration; ### а. whereas in the corporate context , it is essential to have an approach that would help to address the most pressing challenges;


### b. whereas the multiple international initiatives promoting sustainable corporate governance remain soft law only; ### b. whereas the multiple international initiatives promoting sustainable corporate governance are voluntary , remain soft law only and do not have any concrete impact;


### c. whereas during the last legislative term , the european union undertook a number of initiatives in an effort to foster transparency and long-termism in financial and economic activities , such as the shareholders’ rights directive , the action plan for financing sustainable growth , the disclosure regulation and the taxonomy regulation; ### c. whereas during the last legislative term , the european union undertook a number of initiatives in an effort to foster transparency , efficiency , sustainability and a vision for the long-term development of financial and economic activities , such as the shareholders’ rights directive , the action plan for financing sustainable growth , the regulation on sustainability‐related disclosures and the taxonomy regulation;


### d. whereas the non-financial reporting directive (‘nfrd’) presents shortcomings that need to be addressed; ### deleted


### f. whereas stakeholders have often expressed that the non-financial information provided by companies pursuant to the nfrd is insufficient , unreliable and not comparable; whereas disclosure of more complete and reliable information is necessary so that companies can be held accountable for their potential adverse impacts on the environment and society; ### f. whereas stakeholders have often expressed that the non-financial information provided by companies pursuant to the nfrd is insufficient , unreliable and not comparable; whereas disclosure of more complete and reliable information is necessary;


### f. whereas stakeholders have often expressed that the non-financial information provided by companies pursuant to the nfrd is insufficient , unreliable and not comparable; whereas disclosure of more complete and reliable information is necessary so that companies can be held accountable for their potential adverse impacts on the environment and society; ### f. whereas stakeholders have often expressed that the non-financial information provided by companies pursuant to the nfrd is insufficient , unreliable and not comparable; whereas a series of concrete guidelines on the disclosure of more complete and reliable information should be put in place in order to reduce potential adverse impacts on the environment and society;


### 8. highlights the importance of introducing an obligation requiring certain eu companies to produce , on an annual basis , a country-by-country report for each tax jurisdiction in which they operate; urges the council to urgently resume negotiations with parliament on the commission’s proposal for a directive amending directive 2013/34/ec as regards disclosure of income tax information by certain undertakings and branches (com(2016)0198)19; ### deleted


### 9. urges the council to initiate without delay negotiations with parliament on the proposal for a directive on improving the gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges and related measures (com(2012)0614) (‘the women on boards proposal’) , which sets out to put an end to the pervasive imbalance between women and men at the highest-levels of decision-making in companies; ### deleted


### 11. calls on the commission to present a legislative proposal ensuring that members of the administrative , management and supervisory bodies of limited liability companies , acting within the competences assigned to them by national law , have collective responsibility for defining , disclosing and monitoring a corporate sustainability strategy; ### 11. calls on the commission to present a legislative proposal ensuring that members of the administrative , management and supervisory bodies of limited liability companies , acting within the competences assigned to them by national law , have responsibility for defining , disclosing and monitoring a corporate sustainability strategy;


### 12. considers that the sustainability strategy should identify and address , in line with companies’ due diligence obligations , the significant impacts that the company might have on environmental , climate , social and employee matters , respect for human rights and anti-corruption and bribery matters connected to the company’s business model , operations and supply chains , including outside the european union; considers that the duty of care that directors owe to the company requires also taking into consideration the interest of stakeholders who may be adversely impacted by the company’s activities; ### 12. considers that the sustainability strategy should identify and address , in line with companies’ due diligence obligations , the significant impacts that the company might have on environmental , climate , social and employee matters , respect for human rights and anti-corruption and bribery matters connected to the company’s business model , operations and the first link only in the supply chain , including outside the european union; considers that the duty of care that directors owe to the company requires also taking into consideration the interest of relevant stakeholders who may be adversely impacted by the company’s activities;


### 12. considers that the sustainability strategy should identify and address , in line with companies’ due diligence obligations , the significant impacts that the company might have on environmental , climate , social and employee matters , respect for human rights and anti-corruption and bribery matters connected to the company’s business model , operations and supply chains , including outside the european union; considers that the duty of care that directors owe to the company requires also taking into consideration the interest of stakeholders who may be adversely impacted by the company’s activities; ### 12. considers that the sustainability strategy should identify and address , in line with companies’ due diligence obligations , the significant impacts that the company might have on environmental , climate , social and employee matters , respect for human rights and anti-corruption and bribery matters connected to the company’s business model , operations and supply chains; considers that it is important to examine the extent to which the duty of care that directors owe to the company should also take into consideration the interest of stakeholders who may be adversely impacted by the company’s activities;


### 13. further considers that the sustainability strategy should include measurable , specific , time-bound and science-based targets aligned with the union’s commitments at international level on the environment , climate change , particularly the paris agreement , biodiversity , and deforestation; stresses that it should also include policies on gender equality , the better integration of employee’s rights in the business activities and a definition of a fair salary policy , and sector-specific and/or geographical matters; believes that the variable part of the remuneration of directors should be linked to the achievement of the measurable targets set in the company’s sustainability strategy; ### deleted


### 13. further considers that the sustainability strategy should include measurable , specific , time-bound and science-based targets aligned with the union’s commitments at international level on the environment , climate change , particularly the paris agreement , biodiversity , and deforestation; stresses that it should also include policies on gender equality , the better integration of employee’s rights in the business activities and a definition of a fair salary policy , and sector-specific and/or geographical matters; believes that the variable part of the remuneration of directors should be linked to the achievement of the measurable targets set in the company’s sustainability strategy; ### 13. further considers that after an impact assessment the sustainability strategy should include measurable , specific , time-bound and science-based targets aligned with the union’s commitments at international level on the environment , climate change , particularly the paris agreement , biodiversity , and deforestation; stresses that it should also include policies on gender equality , the better integration of employee’s rights in the business activities and a definition of a fair salary policy , and sector-specific and/or geographical matters;


### 14. considers that , in the process of defining and monitoring their sustainability strategy , companies should engage with all relevant stakeholders , including shareholders , employees’ representatives or spokespersons , and stakeholders external to them but who are affected by their activities and supply chains; ### 14. considers that , in the process of defining and monitoring their sustainability strategy , companies should engage with the relevant stakeholders , including shareholders , employees’ representatives or spokespersons , and stakeholders external to them but who are affected by their activities and the first links of the supply chains;


### 15. considers that this engagement should take place , depending on the size and field of activity of the company concerned , by means of advisory committees , in which stakeholders’ representatives or spokespersons would participate , and that will be tasked with advising on the content and the implementation of the sustainability strategy; believes that such committees should have the right to request and carry out , if approved by a large majority , an internal inquiry if reasonable concerns on the correct implementation of the sustainability strategy are raised. ### 15. considers that this engagement should take place , depending on the size and field of activity of the company concerned , by means of independent experts that will be tasked with advising on the content and the implementation of the sustainability strategy.


### 15. considers that this engagement should take place , depending on the size and field of activity of the company concerned , by means of advisory committees , in which stakeholders’ representatives or spokespersons would participate , and that will be tasked with advising on the content and the implementation of the sustainability strategy; believes that such committees should have the right to request and carry out , if approved by a large majority , an internal inquiry if reasonable concerns on the correct implementation of the sustainability strategy are raised. ### 15. considers that this engagement should take place , depending on the size and field of activity of the company concerned , by means of advisory committees , in which existing board members or independent experts would participate , and that will be tasked with advising on the content and the implementation of the sustainability strategy; believes that such committees should have the right to request and carry out , if approved by a large majority , an internal inquiry if reasonable concerns on the correct implementation of the sustainability strategy are raised.


### 1. calls on the commission and the european external action service (eeas) to ensure proper implementation of the eu-asia connectivity strategy by providing an effective political governance mechanism that could make the eu a rule setter in transport connectivity , while promoting eu principles such as transparency , good governance and sustainability; ### 1. calls on the commission and the european external action service (eeas) to ensure proper implementation of the eu-asia connectivity strategy by providing an effective political governance mechanism that could make the eu a rule setter in transport connectivity , while promoting eu principles such as transparency , good governance and sustainability; fully recognises the special role of china as a systemic rival to the european union and a global power promoting alternative models of governance , as well as the role of infrastructure projects in the heart of china’s long-term foreign policy strategy;


### 1. highlights that connectivity as a fundamental orientation of the european union is deeply ingrained in the eu’s approach to domestic and international challenges; points out with pride that connectivity policies have been implemented successfully in many of the eu’s external relations; encourages the commission and eeas to create a global eu connectivity strategy (‘the strategy’) as an extension of the current eu-asia connectivity strategy in order to align our connectivity philosophy and connectivity policies with the goal of strengthening the eu’s role as a true geopolitical and geo-economic actor; ### 1. highlights that connectivity as a fundamental orientation of the european union is deeply ingrained in the eu’s approach to domestic and international challenges; points out with pride that connectivity policies have been implemented successfully in many of the eu’s external relations; encourages the commission and eeas to create a global eu connectivity strategy (‘the strategy’) as an extension of the current eu-asia connectivity strategy and the joint eu-lac communication , in order to align our connectivity philosophy and connectivity policies with the goal of strengthening the eu’s role as a true geopolitical and geo-economic actor;


### 2. welcomes the ongoing extension of the eu’s trans-european transport network (ten-t) in the western balkans and the eastern partnership countries , and calls on the commission to speed up the review process of ten-t and its external dimension and to come up with a comprehensive transport initiative to connect ten-t with strategic networks in asia; ### 2. welcomes the ongoing extension of the eu’s trans-european transport network (ten-t) in the western balkans and the eastern partnership countries , and calls on the commission to speed up the review process of ten-t and its external dimension and to come up with a comprehensive transport initiative to connect ten-t with strategic networks in asia; stresses the importance of sound project funding , focusing also on environmental , economic and social sustainability and creating real added value.


### 2. welcomes the ongoing extension of the eu’s trans-european transport network (ten-t) in the western balkans and the eastern partnership countries , and calls on the commission to speed up the review process of ten-t and its external dimension and to come up with a comprehensive transport initiative to connect ten-t with strategic networks in asia; ### 2. welcomes the ongoing extension of the eu’s trans-european transport network (ten-t) in the western balkans and the eastern partnership countries , and calls on the commission to speed up the review process of ten-t and its external dimension and to come up with a comprehensive transport initiative to connect ten-t with strategic networks in asia; stresses the importance of internationally agreed procedures , rules , conventions and technical standards;


### 2. expects the strategy to contribute to implementing the eu’s main framework policies of building a strong and fair union , investing in peaceful international relations , achieving economic progress on the basis of the european green deal and the digital transformation , and promoting global justice; ### 2. expects the strategy to contribute to implementing the eu’s main framework policies of building a strong and fair union , investing in peaceful international relations , achieving economic progress on the basis of ambitious trade agreements , the european green deal and the digital transformation , and promoting global justice;


### 3. is of the view that the strategy must comprehensively address a broad spectrum of political , economic , cultural , sustainability and security dimensions based on the eu’s fundamental values and its shared interests; insists that the values of freedom , human rights , rule of law , democracy , solidarity , sustainability , inclusiveness , transparency , reciprocity and the adherence to multilateralism must guide the strategy; ### 3. is of the view that the strategy must comprehensively address a broad spectrum of political , economic , cultural , sustainability and security dimensions based on the eu’s fundamental values and its shared interests; insists that the values of freedom , human rights , rule of law , democracy , solidarity , sustainability , inclusiveness , transparency , reciprocity and the adherence to rules-based multilateralism must guide the strategy;


### 4. underlines the importance of the existing network of bilateral , regional and multilateral trade agreements and the bilateral cooperation between the eu and asian partners , with successful examples of strategic partnerships in japan , south korea and singapore; ### 4. underlines the importance of the existing network of bilateral , regional and multilateral trade agreements and the bilateral cooperation between the eu and asian partners , with successful examples of strategic partnerships in japan , south korea and singapore; recognises that the asean region is the eu's third largest trading partner outside europe , after the us and china , and ensuring better access for eu exporters to the this market and enhancing cooperation through strategic partnerships and investment protection agreements should be a priority for the eu. in this respect , opines , that negotiations with taiwan on a bilateral investment agreement (bia) should be conducted.


### 5. calls on the commission to ensure the enforcement of trade agreements and make existing ones more ambitious , in particular by promoting sustainable eu norms and standards. ### 5. calls on the commission to ensure the enforcement of trade agreements and make existing ones more ambitious , in particular by promoting sustainable eu norms and standards; calls on the commission to implement fully trade defence instruments to ensure that european businesses are not subjected to unfair trading practices and tackle distortions in prices and costs that are not a result of free market forces.


### 5. highlights the importance of the ongoing work of the eu-china connectivity platform in its efforts to explore opportunities for cooperation in the area of transport between the eu’s ten-t network and china’s belt and road initiative (bri); acknowledges the importance of working towards greater transparency , reciprocity in market access and a level playing field for businesses in the area of transport infrastructure development with china. ### 5. highlights the importance of the ongoing work of the eu-china connectivity platform in its efforts to explore opportunities for cooperation in the area of transport between the eu’s ten-t network and china’s belt and road initiative (bri); acknowledges the importance of working towards greater transparency , reciprocity in market access and a level playing field for businesses in the area of transport infrastructure development with china; takes note of the severe obstacles to market access , fraudulent business practises , and uneven playing field european companies are currently experiencing in china; recognises the new assertive character of chinese foreign policy and its connectivity drives westwards; underlines the need to pursue a united eu policy towards the bri; highlights the role of bri in the heart if china’s foreign policy and bri’s role in advancing chinese strategic interests abroad;


### 5. highlights the importance of the ongoing work of the eu-china connectivity platform in its efforts to explore opportunities for cooperation in the area of transport between the eu’s ten-t network and china’s belt and road initiative (bri); acknowledges the importance of working towards greater transparency , reciprocity in market access and a level playing field for businesses in the area of transport infrastructure development with china. ### 5. highlights the importance of the ongoing work of the eu-china connectivity platform in its efforts to explore opportunities for cooperation in the area of transport between the eu’s ten-t network and china’s belt and road initiative (bri); acknowledges the importance of working towards greater transparency , adherence to rules and reciprocity in market access , while strengthening international organisations and ensuring adherence to agreed rules and a level playing field for companies in the field of transport infrastructure development with china.


### 5. highlights the importance of the ongoing work of the eu-china connectivity platform in its efforts to explore opportunities for cooperation in the area of transport between the eu’s ten-t network and china’s belt and road initiative (bri); acknowledges the importance of working towards greater transparency , reciprocity in market access and a level playing field for businesses in the area of transport infrastructure development with china. ### 5. highlights the importance of the ongoing work of the eu-china connectivity platform in its efforts to explore opportunities for cooperation in the area of transport between the eu’s ten-t network and china’s belt and road initiative (bri); acknowledges the importance of achieving full transparency , reciprocity in market access and a level playing field for businesses in the area of transport infrastructure development with china.


### 5. recalls that , in order to generate sustainable growth and jobs , connectivity investments need to respect the public good , market efficiency and fiscal viability , while avoiding debt entrapment; highlights that such investments need to support economic resilience and decarbonisation of the economy , and respect high environmental and biodiversity standards; stresses that they need to adhere to high standards of social and labour rights , transparency , human rights , due diligence , and good governance , and give a voice to the people affected by the projects; ### 5. recalls that , in order to generate sustainable growth and jobs , connectivity investments need to respect the public good , market efficiency and fiscal viability , while avoiding debt entrapment; highlights that such investments need to support economic resilience , a gradual , sustainable and successful decarbonisation of the economy , and respect high environmental and biodiversity standards; stresses that they need to adhere to high standards of social and labour rights , transparency , human rights , due diligence , and good governance , and give a voice to the people affected by the projects;


### 5. recalls that , in order to generate sustainable growth and jobs , connectivity investments need to respect the public good , market efficiency and fiscal viability , while avoiding debt entrapment; highlights that such investments need to support economic resilience and decarbonisation of the economy , and respect high environmental and biodiversity standards; stresses that they need to adhere to high standards of social and labour rights , transparency , human rights , due diligence , and good governance , and give a voice to the people affected by the projects; ### 5. recalls that , in order to generate sustainable growth and jobs , connectivity investments need to respect the public good , market efficiency and fiscal viability , while avoiding debt entrapment; highlights that such investments need to support economic resilience and decarbonisation of the economy , and respect high environmental and biodiversity standards; stresses that they need to adhere to strict european standards of social and labour rights , transparency , human rights , due diligence , and good governance , and give a voice to the people affected by the projects;


### a. whereas an expanded global connectivity strategy for the eu needs effective governance and broad involvement of member states as well as economic and societal stakeholders to effectively represent the eu’s fundamental values and its shared interests; ### a. whereas an expanded global connectivity strategy for the eu needs effective governance and broad involvement of member states as well as economic and societal stakeholders to effectively represent the eu’s fundamental values and its shared interests; whereas multilateralism and peaceful cooperation are the only feasible ways in which to achieve common prosperity;


### b. whereas a global connectivity strategy should serve the goals of the eu’s key policies such as the european green deal , the digital transformation and the global promotion of human rights; whereas it should build on europe’s strength in trade policy , and address newly urgent challenges such as global health and security; ### b. whereas a global connectivity strategy should serve the goals of the eu’s key policies such as the european green deal , the digital transformation and the global promotion of human rights;


### b. whereas a global connectivity strategy should serve the goals of the eu’s key policies such as the european green deal , the digital transformation and the global promotion of human rights; whereas it should build on europe’s strength in trade policy , and address newly urgent challenges such as global health and security; ### b. whereas a global connectivity strategy must rely on a sustainable and rules-based approach and should serve the goals of the eu’s key policies such as the european green deal , the digital transformation and the global promotion of human rights; whereas it should build on europe’s strength in trade policy , and address newly urgent challenges such as global health and security;


### b. whereas a global connectivity strategy should serve the goals of the eu’s key policies such as the european green deal , the digital transformation and the global promotion of human rights; whereas it should build on europe’s strength in trade policy , and address newly urgent challenges such as global health and security; ### b. whereas a global connectivity strategy should serve the goals of the eu’s key policies such as economic recovery , the european green deal , the digital transformation and the global promotion of human rights; whereas it should build on europe’s strength in trade policy , and address newly urgent challenges such as global health and security;


### c. whereas the eu-japan connectivity partnership of 2019 gave additional relevance to this strategy; whereas partnerships with other asian partners should be established; whereas africa should be designated a connectivity priority region as much as asia; ### c. whereas the eu-japan connectivity partnership of 2019 gave additional relevance to this strategy; whereas partnerships with other asian partners should be established; whereas africa and latin america should be designated connectivity priority regions as much as asia;


### c. whereas the eu-japan connectivity partnership of 2019 gave additional relevance to this strategy; whereas partnerships with other asian partners should be established; whereas africa should be designated a connectivity priority region as much as asia; ### c. whereas the eu-japan connectivity partnership and the european union , latin america and the caribbean: joint communication of 2019 gave additional relevance to this strategy; whereas partnerships with other asian partners should be established; whereas africa should be designated a connectivity priority region as much as asia;


### c. whereas the eu-japan connectivity partnership of 2019 gave additional relevance to this strategy; whereas partnerships with other asian partners should be established; whereas africa should be designated a connectivity priority region as much as asia; ### c. whereas the eu-japan connectivity partnership of 2019 gave additional relevance to this strategy; whereas partnerships with other asian states should be established , having in mind india as a an emerging continental and global player; whereas africa should be designated a connectivity priority region as much as asia;


### 6. gives greatest emphasis to the need for a fair partnership with respective countries; believes the strategy must create shared benefits , prevent one-sided dependencies or debt traps , empower self-determination , and be conducted with mutual respect; ### 6. gives greatest emphasis to the need for a fair partnership with respective countries; believes the strategy must create shared benefits , prevent one-sided dependencies or debt traps , empower self-determination , and be conducted with mutual respect; the eu must take the initiative , capitalise on its strengths and make use of its valuable soft power in order to secure strong and durable partnerships in this age of increasing uncertainty;


### 6. gives greatest emphasis to the need for a fair partnership with respective countries; believes the strategy must create shared benefits , prevent one-sided dependencies or debt traps , empower self-determination , and be conducted with mutual respect; ### 6. gives greatest emphasis to the need for a fair partnership with respective countries; believes the strategy must create shared benefits , prevent one-sided dependencies or debt traps that undermine countries' independence , and be conducted with mutual respect;


### 11. believes that the inclusion of relevant stakeholders is essential for the success of the strategy; recommends the creation of a high level expert group as an advisory body on international connectivity including business representatives , human rights , environmental and labour rights advocates , and international financial institutions; ### 11. believes that the inclusion of relevant stakeholders is essential for the success of the strategy; recommends the creation of a high level expert group as an advisory body on international connectivity including business representatives , civil society and international financial institutions;


### 12. strongly believes that european development banks should play a central role in managing investment in international connectivity projects in particular with regard to the mobilisation of private sector investment; ### 12. strongly believes that european development banks should play a central role in managing investment in international connectivity projects in particular with regard to mobilising private sector investment; as well as private sector participation in the financing and implementation of projects; this should include a business advisory group as envisioned in the 2018 joint communication and the facilitation of pan-european business consortia;


### 13. believes that the fight against climate change , for the decarbonisation of economies , for the preservation of biodiversity and the environment should be an overarching priority of the strategy , in particular with regard to infrastructure development; calls for a systematic greening of all connectivity investments; attaches high priority to the greening of development cooperation , infrastructure investment across the board , and in particular the energy dimension; ### 13. believes that the fight against climate change , for the decarbonisation of economies , for the preservation of biodiversity and the environment should be an overarching priority of the strategy , in particular with regard to infrastructure development; calls for a systematic greening of all connectivity investments; attaches high priority to the greening of development cooperation , infrastructure investment across the board , and in particular the energy dimension; the above-mentioned goals must be pursued with a rational and calibrated approach for short , medium and long term strategies;


### 13. believes that the fight against climate change , for the decarbonisation of economies , for the preservation of biodiversity and the environment should be an overarching priority of the strategy , in particular with regard to infrastructure development; calls for a systematic greening of all connectivity investments; attaches high priority to the greening of development cooperation , infrastructure investment across the board , and in particular the energy dimension; ### 13. believes that the fight against climate change , for the decarbonisation of economies , for the preservation of biodiversity and the environment should be an priority of the strategy , in particular with regard to infrastructure development; calls for a systematic greening of connectivity investments; attaches high priority to the greening of development cooperation , infrastructure investment across the board , and in particular the energy dimension;


### 14. calls on the commission and the member states to step up their ambition for the digital transformation; expects the eu to become a competitive global actor in digitalisation on a par with the us and china; considers , in this context , the promotion of digital connectivity a high priority for the eu; believes that the development of open strategic autonomy in this sector must include digitalisation partnerships with third countries; underlines that the eu should aim at co-leadership in setting and defending international standards and practices; ### 14. calls on the commission and the member states to step up their ambition for the digital transformation; expects the eu to become a competitive global actor in digitalisation on a par with the us and china leveraging on its existing assets such as european telecoms operators; considers , in this context , the promotion of digital connectivity through very high capacity networks based on fibre and 5g a high priority for the eu; believes that the development of open strategic autonomy in this sector must include diversification of the supply chain of equipment manufacturers through the promotion of open and interoperable network architectures such as open ran and digitalisation partnerships with third countries; underlines that the eu should aim at co-leadership in setting and defending international standards and practices;


### 14. calls on the commission and the member states to step up their ambition for the digital transformation; expects the eu to become a competitive global actor in digitalisation on a par with the us and china; considers , in this context , the promotion of digital connectivity a high priority for the eu; believes that the development of open strategic autonomy in this sector must include digitalisation partnerships with third countries; underlines that the eu should aim at co-leadership in setting and defending international standards and practices; ### 14. calls on the commission and the member states to step up their ambition for the digital transformation; expects the eu to become a competitive global actor in digitalisation on a par with the us and china; considers , in this context , the promotion of digital connectivity a high priority for the eu; believes that the development of open strategic autonomy in this sector must include digitalisation partnerships with third countries; underlines that the eu should aim at co-leadership in setting and defending international standards and practices; the eu must act , by itself and through partnerships , to maintain and increase its lead in all aspects related to innovation in the main sectors of the economy;


### 14. calls on the commission and the member states to step up their ambition for the digital transformation; expects the eu to become a competitive global actor in digitalisation on a par with the us and china; considers , in this context , the promotion of digital connectivity a high priority for the eu; believes that the development of open strategic autonomy in this sector must include digitalisation partnerships with third countries; underlines that the eu should aim at co-leadership in setting and defending international standards and practices; ### 14. calls on the commission and the member states to step up their ambition for the digital transformation; expects the eu to become a competitive global actor in digitalisation on a par with the us and china; considers , in this context , the promotion of digital connectivity a high priority for the eu; believes that the development of open strategic autonomy in this sector must include digitalisation partnerships with third countries simultaneously emphasises that the security aspect is paramount; underlines that the eu should aim at co-leadership in setting and defending international standards and practices;


### 15. believes that the people-to-people dimension is a fundamental pillar of the strategy requiring further prioritisation; puts great emphasis on the promotion of people-to-people contacts among students , vocational trainees , young professionals , academics and researchers as key to mutual understanding and respect; advocates such cooperation based on inclusiveness; calls in particular for the strengthening of the youth dimension through youth fora to mutually promote foreign language proficiency , student and academic exchanges , and the mutual recognition of diplomas; ### 15. believes that the people-to-people dimension is a fundamental pillar of the strategy requiring further prioritisation hence call for reciprocal access of europe to asia , and in this regard deplores , for example , the restricted access to tibet; puts great emphasis on the promotion of people-to-people contacts among students , vocational trainees , young professionals , academics and researchers as key to mutual understanding and respect; advocates such cooperation based on inclusiveness; calls in particular for the strengthening of the youth dimension through youth fora to mutually promote foreign language proficiency , student and academic exchanges , and the mutual recognition of diplomas;


### 17. highlights the importance of trade and investment in achieving the objectives of the strategy; emphasises , in this context , in particular the role of international norms and standards; is of the view that the eu model of standardisation policy has the advantage of being innovative , open and inclusive , and must be enabled to continue coping with the global competition between different standardisation paradigms; emphasises in this context the need to prevent any authoritarian tendencies in future standardisation of ict and the internet of things; ### 17. highlights the importance of trade and investment in achieving the objectives of the strategy; emphasises , in this context , in particular , trade agreements negotiated by the eu and the role of international norms and standards is of the view that the eu model of standardisation policy has the advantage of being innovative , open and inclusive , and must be enabled to continue coping with the global competition between different standardisation paradigms; emphasises in this context the need to prevent any authoritarian tendencies in future standardisation of ict and the internet of things; stresses the important role that the eu-mercosur agreement can play in deepening relations between the two regions;


### 18. believes that the covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the urgency of prioritising the health sector as a new crucial area for cooperation , in particular on the resilience of health systems , access to medicines , medical equipment and vaccines , avoiding one-sided dependencies , ensuring safe and diverse pharmaceutical and health-related industrial supply chains , and exchange of best practices in crisis management and pandemic prevention policies; ### 18. believes that the covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the urgency of prioritising the health sector as a new crucial area for cooperation , in particular on the resilience of health systems , access to medicines , medical equipment and vaccines , increasing the eu's strategic autonomy in the provision of medical supplies , avoiding one-sided dependencies , ensuring safe and diverse pharmaceutical and health-related industrial supply chains , and exchange of best practices in crisis management and pandemic prevention policies;