### a. whereas the committee on employment and social affairs highly appreciates the role of the committee on petitions as a bridge between the union’s citizens , parliament and the other eu institutions; ### a. whereas the committee on employment and social affairs highly appreciates the role of the committee on petitions as a bridge between the union’s citizens , parliament and the other eu institutions; whereas through this role it has a special duty to protect the rights of persons with disabilities in the european union;


### c. whereas it is generally acknowledged that persons with disabilities continue to face multiple obstacles and discrimination in everyday life and that they do not enjoy the fundamental freedoms and rights laid down in numerous eu and un documents , such as mutual recognition of disability status between member states , access to public transport , accessibility of the built environment , use of sign languages , financing of and equal access to education and vocational training , access to personal assistance and community inclusion; ### c. whereas it is generally acknowledged that persons with disabilities continue to face multiple obstacles and discrimination in everyday life and that they do not enjoy the fundamental freedoms and rights laid down in numerous eu and un documents , such as mutual recognition of disability status between member states which hinders their freedom of movement as one of the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the treaties , access to public transport , accessibility of the built environment , goods and services , use of sign languages , financing of and equal access to education and vocational training , independent living and access to personal assistance and community inclusion;


### c. whereas it is generally acknowledged that persons with disabilities continue to face multiple obstacles and discrimination in everyday life and that they do not enjoy the fundamental freedoms and rights laid down in numerous eu and un documents , such as mutual recognition of disability status between member states , access to public transport , accessibility of the built environment , use of sign languages , financing of and equal access to education and vocational training , access to personal assistance and community inclusion; ### c. whereas it is generally acknowledged that persons with disabilities continue to face multiple obstacles and discrimination in everyday life and that they do not enjoy the fundamental freedoms and rights laid down in numerous eu and un documents , such as mutual recognition of disability status between member states , access to public transport , accessibility of the built environment , use of sign languages , financing of and equal access to education and vocational training , access to the labour market , access to personal assistance and community inclusion;


### 2. highlights that erasmus+ should support stakeholders’ and programme participants’ internationalisation plans that remove physical , psychological , social , socioeconomic , linguistic and other types of barriers to learning mobility and that offer qualitative support , including mentoring , for participants from underrepresented groups and/or with specific needs before , during and after a period abroad; ### 2. highlights that erasmus+ should support stakeholders’ and programme participants’ internationalisation plans that remove physical , psychological , social , socioeconomic , linguistic and other types of barriers to learning mobility and that offer qualitative support , including mentoring , for participants from underrepresented groups and/or with specific needs before , during and after a period abroad; stresses that the role of former erasmus+ participants in promoting the programme among their peers should be developed; believes that support for the activities of alumni networks could prove a useful means of reaching a wider public;


### 2. highlights that erasmus+ should support stakeholders’ and programme participants’ internationalisation plans that remove the physical , psychological , social , socio-economic , linguistic and other types of barriers to learning mobility and that offer clear and detailed information and qualitative support for participants from under-represented groups and those with specific needs; ### 2. highlights that erasmus+ should support stakeholders’ and programme participants’ internationalisation plans that remove the physical , psychological , social , socio-economic , linguistic and other types of barriers to learning mobility and that offer clear and detailed information and qualitative support for participants from under-represented groups and those with specific needs; to make more visible projects which have been funded under erasmus+ to enhance the participation of people living on the country side or those who have a background or engage in the agricultural sector;


### 2. highlights that erasmus+ should support stakeholders’ and programme participants’ internationalisation plans that remove the physical , psychological , social , socio-economic , linguistic and other types of barriers to learning mobility and that offer clear and detailed information and qualitative support for participants from under-represented groups and those with specific needs; ### 2. highlights that erasmus+ should support stakeholders’ and programme participants’ internationalisation plans that remove the physical , psychological , social , socio-economic , linguistic and other types of barriers to learning mobility and that offer clear and detailed information and qualitative support for participants from under-represented groups and those with specific needs; encourages better partnership and engagement with national and local organisations from member states , the western balkans , eastern and southern neighbourhood countries and all participating countries;


### 3. stresses the crucial need for adapted funding and grants , such as pre-financing and lump sums , as financial barriers continue to be one of the biggest obstacles faced by people with fewer opportunities in erasmus+; ### 3. stresses the crucial need for adapted funding and grants , such as pre-financing and lump sums , as financial barriers continue to be one of the biggest obstacles faced by people with fewer opportunities in erasmus+; calls on the commission to further develop erasmus+ financing tools and establish synergies with other programmes; encourages member states and their national agencies to facilitate more educational seminars for erasmus+ staff to carry out projects and explore new ways to reach future beneficiaries of the programme and better address the needs of every individual participant in order to customise their erasmus+ experience;


### 3. stresses the crucial need for adapted funding and grants , such as pre-financing and lump sums , as financial barriers continue to be one of the biggest obstacles faced by people with fewer opportunities in erasmus+; ### 3. stresses the crucial need for adapted funding and grants , such as pre-financing and lump sums , as financial barriers continue to be one of the biggest obstacles faced by people with fewer opportunities in erasmus+; to enable participation of persons which do not have the necessary financial possibilities to pre-finance the exchange themselves;


### 4. believes that erasmus+ should encourage stakeholders to share their expertise at an institutional level , learn from each other , build administrative capacity and foster inclusion and diversity; welcomes , in this sense , specific efforts to support cooperation between different stakeholders and to develop and implement inclusive policies that seek to integrate children and young people from migrant backgrounds into education; considers , however , that these efforts should be expanded in the field of higher education; ### 4. believes that erasmus+ should encourage stakeholders to share their expertise at an institutional level , learn from each other , build administrative capacity and create innovative educational tools that foster diversity and the integration of people with specific needs; welcomes , in this sense , specific efforts to support cooperation between different stakeholders and to develop and implement inclusive policies that seek to integrate people who have fewer opportunities , for economic , social , cultural , health and disability and geographical remoteness reasons , into education; considers , however , that these efforts should be expanded in the field of higher education; stresses the driving role of teachers and institutions in raising awareness of the programme and informing and supporting future learners;


### 4. urges the commission to tackle without delay the serious persistent issues related to erasmus+ it tools , which hamper not only the participation of smaller organisations and people with fewer opportunities , but also the participation of all kinds of beneficiaries; ### 4. notes how the pandemic accelerated the digital transition and highlighted the importance of being digitally skilled; underlines that erasmus+ can contribute significantly in that regard; urges the commission to tackle without delay the serious persistent issues related to erasmus+ it tools , which hamper not only the participation of smaller organisations and people with fewer opportunities , but also the participation of all kinds of beneficiaries , also older people from the eu and participating countries , including western balkans countries and the eastern and southern neighbourhood countries;


### 4. urges the commission to tackle without delay the serious persistent issues related to erasmus+ it tools , which hamper not only the participation of smaller organisations and people with fewer opportunities , but also the participation of all kinds of beneficiaries; ### 4. urges the commission to tackle without delay the serious persistent issues related to erasmus+ it tools , which hamper not only the participation of smaller organisations and people with fewer opportunities , but also the participation of all kinds of beneficiaries; to simplify accession for participants and cooperation with teachers who are responsible to help with the administrational paper work before and during the exchange;


### 5. believes that the risk of stigmatisation in the participants’ country of residence may discourage them from self-identifying as disadvantaged , which may hamper their mobility , the collection of reliable data by authorities and the monitoring of their participation in erasmus+4; calls for eu-wide recognition of disability status and encourages host institutions to guarantee the same reasonable accommodations as home institutions; ### 5. believes that the risk of stigmatisation in the participants’ country of residence may discourage them from self-identifying as disadvantaged , which may hamper their mobility , the collection of reliable data by authorities and the monitoring of their participation in erasmus+4 ; calls for eu-wide recognition of disability status and encourages host institutions to guarantee the same reasonable accommodations as home institutions; considers that the specific needs of people with disabilities must be taken into account in order to facilitate their participation in the programme , by providing them with suitable accommodation and with specialised attention before their departure as well as during their mobility period;


### 5. acknowledges the role of teachers , youth workers and staff as the driving forces behind participating institutions in raising awareness of the programme , in informing and supporting future learners , and identifying people with fewer opportunities , and notes that without them , most participants with fewer opportunities would not be able to take part; calls on the commission , the member states and national agencies to value and acknowledge their often voluntary work , to support them by facilitating their own mobility and to provide them with adequate funding , while accompanying participants with fewer opportunities and offering them specific training adapted to their needs; ### 5. praises the role of teachers , youth workers and staff as the driving forces behind participating institutions in raising awareness of the programme , in informing and supporting future learners , and identifying people with fewer opportunities deriving from different obstacles they face , and notes that without them , most participants would not be able to take part; calls on the commission , the member states and national agencies to value and acknowledge their often voluntary work , to support them by facilitating their own mobility and to provide them with adequate funding , while assessing their needs accordingly and offering them specific training; notes the importance to update various tools that they use in identifying possible participants of the programme;


### 6. stresses the need for the commission , the member states and national agencies to provide better support for grassroots organisations in all areas , particularly in the outermost regions and rural areas , and to ensure that resources and projects are distributed fairly in each member state; ### 6. stresses the need for the commission , the member states and national agencies to provide better support for grassroots organisations in all areas , particularly in the outermost regions and rural areas , and to ensure that resources and projects are distributed fairly in each member state; underlines that it is crucial to provide equal opportunities to all interested participants regardless of their background; highlights it is important to keep extensive records and statistics that should serve as a consultation base for future programmes;


### 7. stresses the importance of providing better financial and material support to staff , so that they can engage with participants and their families , in order to give them more confidence , while ensuring that mobility projects run smoothly; ### 7. underlines the importance of providing better financial and material support to staff , so that they can engage with participants and their families , in order to give them more confidence , while ensuring that mobility projects run smoothly; notes that national agencies in member states can provide significant help by identifying the needs of organisations and institutions in this matter and provide the necessary support;


### 8. calls on the member states to launch and support erasmus+ projects to attract participants with disabilities and learners from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups to their countries; ### 8. calls on the member states to launch and support erasmus+ projects to attract participants with disabilities and learners from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups; calls on the member states to further enhance the individual mobility projects and experiences of persons with disabilities;


### 9. calls on the commission and the member states to address the lack of familiarity with the erasmus+ programme , information barriers , obstacles to the application process , support services abroad and the challenges relating to the portability of grants faced by persons with disabilities and other participants from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups , including ethnic groups; ### 9. calls on the commission and the member states to address the lack of familiarity with the erasmus+ programme , information barriers , obstacles to the application process , accommodation problems faced by learners , support services abroad and the challenges relating to the portability of grants faced by persons with disabilities and other participants from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups;


### 9. asks all national agencies to organise targeted information campaigns , both online and offline , and to appoint dedicated inclusion and diversity officers in order to reach out to learners with special needs and/or fewer opportunities; ### 9. asks all national agencies to organise targeted information campaigns , both online and offline , and to appoint dedicated inclusion and diversity officers in order to reach out to learners with special needs and/or fewer opportunities; as well marginalised persons living in rural areas or outermost regions;


### 10. welcomes , in this regard , the commission’s approach to promoting diversity and inclusion in the current erasmus+ programme. ### 10. welcomes , in this regard , the new erasmus+ framework of inclusion measures for the period 2021-2027 proposed by the commission , which defines the target objectives promoting diversity and inclusion in the current erasmus+ programme.


### 10. supports all eu initiatives aimed at facilitating student mobility , such as the erasmus+ mobile application , ‘paperless erasmus’ and the european student card; calls on the commission to look closely at the possibility of more closely linking erasmus+ and interrail , in order to foster greater equality and provide participants with better access to greener means of transport; ### 10. supports all eu initiatives aimed at facilitating student mobility , such as the erasmus+ mobile application , ‘paperless erasmus’ and the european student card; calls on the commission to look closely at the possibility of more closely linking erasmus+ and other programmes and to foster cross-sectoral cooperation , including interrail in order to foster greater inclusion and equality that will provide participants with better access to greener means of transport; calls on the commission to also improve the discovereu initiative and allow even more people to participate and learn about europe while exploring all its parts;


### a. whereas providing equal opportunities for all is , and must continue to be , inherent to the fundamental values of the european union , and whereas people from all backgrounds and walks of life should be able to benefit from erasmus+; ### a. whereas providing equal and inclusive opportunities for all is , and must continue to be , inherent to the fundamental values of the european union , and whereas people from all backgrounds and walks of life must be able to benefit from erasmus+; highlights that erasmus+ benefits not only its participants but entire communities and societies;


### b. whereas the erasmus+ 2014-2020 regulation puts emphasis on promoting social inclusion and on the participation of people with special needs or with fewer opportunities , as defined in the ‘erasmus+ inclusion and diversity strategy’ , encompassing persons with disabilities , health problems , educational difficulties , cultural differences , and facing economical , geographical and social obstacles; ### b. whereas the erasmus+ 2014-2020 regulation puts emphasis on promoting social inclusion and on the participation of people with special needs or with fewer opportunities , as defined in the ‘erasmus+ inclusion and diversity strategy’ , encompassing persons with disabilities , health problems , educational difficulties , cultural differences , and facing economical , geographical and social obstacles; underlines that the new erasmus+ programme (2021-2027) is visibly improved , more inclusive and goes hand in hand with green and digital transition;


### c. whereas no harmonised and mandatory inclusion strategy was established at european level for the erasmus+ programme; ### c. whereas no harmonised inclusion strategy was established at european level for the erasmus+ programme;


### d. whereas physical mobility enables immersion in , and optimum interaction with , other cultures , and whereas virtual exchanges and learning are a valuable complement to physical mobility , but do not provide the same experience; ### d. whereas physical mobility enables immersion in , and optimum interaction with , other cultures , and whereas virtual exchanges and learning are a valuable complement to physical mobility , but do not provide the same experience and quality;


### e. whereas the experience of mobility offered by erasmus+ can be a transformative experience for participants , and can positively influence their self-confidence , openness , critical thinking , employability and well-being; ### e. whereas the experience of mobility offered by erasmus+ is a transformative experience for participants , and can positively influence their self-confidence , openness , critical thinking , employability and well-being by providing inclusive learning opportunities that enrich their lives and allow them to experience europe's rich linguistic and cultural heritage while gaining lifelong knowledge; highlights the importance of these learning opportunities for their personal and professional development and building a more sustainable and stronger future;


### f. whereas the mid-term evaluation of the erasmus+ programme 2014-2020 published by the commission in 2018 underlined the necessity of reaching more people with fewer opportunities and smaller organisations; ### f. whereas the mid-term evaluation of the erasmus+ programme 2014-2020 published by the commission in 2018 underlined the necessity of reaching more people with fewer opportunities and smaller organisations; including people with economic and geographic obstacles , notably those living in remote or rural areas , islands or peripheral regions that are less connected with urban areas and cities; encourages national agencies in member states to develop inclusive methods to enhance the participation of these learners in erasmus+ and to update and optimise the existing infrastructure to reach more future learners;


### 12. regrets the lack of reliable data on the participation of people with fewer opportunities in the erasmus+ programme; underlines the need to gather and monitor a critical mass of reliable data in order to create a management and steering tool for inclusion measures , using methods which respect privacy and do not add undue administrative burdens for organisations and participants; ### 12. regrets the lack of reliable data on the participation of people with fewer opportunities in the erasmus+ programme; underlines the need to gather and monitor a critical mass of reliable data in order to create a management and steering tool for inclusion measures , using methods which respect privacy and do not add undue administrative burdens for organisations and participants; calls on national agencies to develop evaluation schemes to gain clear statistics and appropriately assess further problematic issues in order to prevent it in future erasmus+ programmes;


### 14. requests the commission and the member states to ensure that all relevant information regarding erasmus+ is accessible to persons with disabilities , in particular through adapted and barrier-free online tools; welcomes the establishment of ‘erasmus days’ and stresses the importance of the role of former erasmus+ participants and alumni networks in promoting the programme widely; ### 14. requests the commission and the member states to ensure that all relevant information regarding erasmus+ is accessible to everyone regardless of their possible obstacles , in particular through adapted and barrier-free online tools in all european languages; welcomes the establishment of ‘erasmus days’ and stresses the importance of the role of former erasmus+ participants and alumni networks in promoting the programme widely and serving as a one stop shop for all future learners;


### 15. asks the member states to adopt targeted policies for learners with fewer opportunities and special needs in order to increase participation in erasmus+ and to foster exchanges of good practices in this field; ### 15. asks the member states to adopt targeted policies for all learners of all age groups and of all backgrounds in order to increase participation in erasmus+ and to foster exchanges of good practices in this field; notes that national agencies and voluntary erasmus+ organisations play a key role in this; proposes the commission to develop better strategic plans for future erasmus+ programmes that will increase inclusion and diversity and help overcome the challenges and shortcomings;


### 17. calls on the commission and the member states to use the european year of youth and related events to promote the opportunities offered by the erasmus+ programme; ### 17. calls on the commission and the member states to use the european year of youth and related events to promote the opportunities offered by the erasmus+ programme; notes that the european year of youth should especially focus on the impact that the pandemic has had on mental health of young people; proposes the commission , member states and national agencies to find additional ways within erasmus+ to support learners of all age groups to help them recover from the pandemic and continue their growth on all levels , including personal , social , and professional;


### 17. calls on the commission and the member states to use the european year of youth and related events to promote the opportunities offered by the erasmus+ programme; ### 17. calls on the commission and the member states to use the european year of youth and related events to promote the opportunities offered by the erasmus+ programme; as well tu guarantee the involvement of young persons and youth organisations during the european year of youth; to realize the aim of the european year of youth: to develop policies together with and for the youth;


### 1. underlines the high number of petitions received from citizens concerned about the breaches of the rule of law in their respective countries and with the consequences of such breaches on their lives; stresses that full protection of union citizens’ rights can be ensured throughout the union only if all member states comply with all the principles underlying the rule of law , as deficiencies in one member state have an impact on other member states and the union as a whole; ### 1. emphasizes the responsibility of the peti committee in identifying and alerting to possible breaches of the rule of law; strongly believes that fundamental rights can be effectively guaranteed only if rule of law prevails; underlines the high number of petitions received from citizens concerned about the alleged breaches of the rule of law in their respective countries and with the consequences of such breaches on their lives , notably affecting legal certainty; stresses that full protection of union citizens’ rights can be ensured throughout the union only if all member states comply with all the principles underlying the rule of law; is of the opinion , that deficiencies in one member state could have an impact on other member states and the union as a whole;


### 1. welcomes the commission’s first ever rule of law report as a positive addition to the eu’s toolbox to prevent and address rule of law issues in member states; ### 1. welcomes the commission’s first ever rule of law report as a positive addition to the eu’s toolbox to prevent and address rule of law issues in member states; underlines that it is necessary to strengthen and streamline existing mechanisms and develop an effective mechanism to ensure that the principles and values enshrined in the treaties are upheld throughout the union;


### 1. welcomes the commission’s first ever rule of law report as a positive addition to the eu’s toolbox to prevent and address rule of law issues in member states; ### 1. welcomes the commission’s first ever rule of law report as a positive addition to the eu’s toolbox to prevent and address rule of law issues in member states , while considering that further improvements are needed;


### 1. highlights that the rule of law is an essential precondition for compliance with the principle of sound financial management and for the protection of the union’s financial interests , which can only be ensured if public authorities act in accordance with the law , if cases of fraud , corruption , conflicts of interest or other breaches of the law are pursued effectively by investigative and prosecution services , if national courts are independent , and if the decisions of the court of justice of the european union are respected; ### 1. highlights that the rule of law is an essential precondition for compliance with the principle of sound financial management , as enshrined in article 317 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) , and for the protection of the union’s financial interests , which can only be ensured if public authorities act in accordance with the law , if cases of fraud , corruption , conflicts of interest or other breaches of the law are pursued effectively by investigative and prosecution services , if national courts are independent , and if the decisions of the court of justice of the european union are respected;


### 1. highlights that the rule of law is an essential precondition for compliance with the principle of sound financial management and for the protection of the union’s financial interests , which can only be ensured if public authorities act in accordance with the law , if cases of fraud , corruption , conflicts of interest or other breaches of the law are pursued effectively by investigative and prosecution services , if national courts are independent , and if the decisions of the court of justice of the european union are respected; ### 1. highlights that the rule of law is an essential precondition for compliance with the principle of sound financial management and for the protection of the union’s financial interests , which can only be ensured if public authorities act in accordance with the law , if cases of fraud , corruption , conflicts of interest or other breaches of the law are pursued effectively by investigative and prosecution services , if national courts are independent and the decisions of the court of justice of the european union are respected , and if the public scrutiny is maintained by free , independent and pluralistic media;


### 1. recalls that the union is founded on the values enshrined in article 2 of the teu; ### 1. recalls that the union is founded on the values enshrined in article 2 of the teu and without prejudice to article 5 of the treaty on european union (teu) and in a respect of article 4 teu and the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality;


### 1. recalls that the union is founded on the values enshrined in article 2 of the teu; ### 1. recalls that the union is founded on the shared values enshrined in article 2 of the teu , including the following , which form the cornerstone of our common european identity: democracy , rule of law and fundamental rights;


### 2. recalls that the commission’s report is a response to the council’s failure to trigger the procedure under article 7(1) of the treaty on european union (teu) , as requested by the commission in 2017 and parliament in 2018; regrets that the council has failed to resume hearings under article 7 of the teu since december 2019; notes that the failure to apply article 7 of the teu , also due to the requirement of unanimity for the sanctions mechanism , enables continued divergence from the values enshrined in article 2 of the teu; ### 2. recalls that the commission’s report was a commitment made by president von der leyen in her political guidelines for the 2019-2024 commission , ahead of her election;


### 2. underlines the importance of the commission’s first rule of law report as a basis on which to build the new cycle of the rule of law mechanism; welcomes the inclusion among its pillars of the justice system , the anti-corruption framework and other institutional checks and balances , as these are particularly relevant for monitoring the protection of the eu budget; ### 2. underlines the importance of the commission’s rule of law report as the reflection of the european rule of law mechanism , which is designed as a yearly cycle of dialogue and assessment in order to promote this principle and to prevent problems from emerging or deepening in the member states; welcomes the inclusion among its pillars of the justice system , the anti-corruption framework , and other institutional checks and balances , as these are particularly relevant for monitoring the protection of the eu budget;


### 2. welcomes the commission’s 2020 rule of law report (the report) and the importance that it places on the justice system; ### 2. welcomes the commission’s 2020 rule of law report (the report) and the importance that it places on the justice system and stresses the value of the specific assessments for each member state; highlights the need for the european commission , in the future framework established by the rule of law mechanism and the new reports , to extend the scope of assessment from the four main pillars - the judiciary , anti-corruption measures , media pluralism and other systems of institutional control and balance - to other fundamental issues , such as access to justice and the increasing need to digitise the judiciary in the member states;


### — having regard to the european convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms , the european social charter , the case law of the european court of human rights and the european committee of social rights , and the conventions , recommendations , resolutions , opinions and reports of the parliamentary assembly , the committee of ministers , the human rights commissioner , the european commission against racism and intolerance , the steering committee on anti-discrimination , diversity and inclusion , the venice commission and other bodies of the council of europe , ### — having regard to the european convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms , the european social charter , the case law of the european court of human rights and the european committee of social rights , the council of europe framework convention for the protection of national minorities (fcnm) and the european charter for regional or minority languages (ecrml) and the conventions , recommendations , resolutions , opinions and reports of the parliamentary assembly , the committee of ministers , the human rights commissioner , the european commission against racism and intolerance , the steering committee on anti-discrimination , diversity and inclusion , the venice commission , the advisory committee on the fcnm , the committee of experts of the ecrml and other bodies of the council of europe ,


### — having regard to the report of the european union agency for fundamental rights of 17 january 2018 entitled ‘challenges facing civil society organisations working on human rights in the eu’ , and to its other reports and data , ### — having regard to the report of the european union agency for fundamental rights entitled ‘challenges facing civil society organisations working on human rights in the eu’ , published on 17 january 2018 , the bulletins on the fundamental rights implications of the coronavirus pandemic in the eu , published in 2020 , and to the agency’s other reports , data and tools , in particular the european union fundamental rights information system (efris) ,


### a. whereas the union is founded on the values set out in article 2 of the treaty on european union (teu); whereas democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights are mutually reinforcing values which , when undermined , may pose a systemic threat to the union; ### a. whereas the union is founded on the values set out in article 2 of the treaty on european union (teu); whereas democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights are mutually reinforcing values which , when undermined , may pose a systemic threat to the union; whereas respect of the rule of law binds the union as a whole , its member states and their subnational entities;


### f. whereas backsliding on the rule of law and fundamental rights in some countries is seriously affecting mutual trust in the functioning of the area of freedom , security and justice and threatening the union objectives as enshrined in article 3 of the teu; ### f. whereas backsliding on the rule of law and fundamental rights in some countries is seriously affecting mutual trust in the functioning of the area of freedom , security and justice and threatening the union objectives as enshrined in article 3 of the teu , as illustrated by several cases where the european arrest warrant was put under a strain due to profound doubts about the independence of the judiciary;


### 3. asks the commission to provide information in its future reports about the way member states respect the rule of law and effectively protect the union’s financial interests , for both eu budget revenue and expenditure , and to highlight serious risks to the union budget; insists that the reports should provide specific assessments and recommendations to the member states; ### 3. notes that the first rule of law report is mostly descriptive of the situation in the member states; calls on the commission to make the report more analytical in the future and also include specific assessments and recommendations to the member states on how to improve or remedy the breaches; underlines that these recommendations should include deadlines for implementation , where appropriate , and asks the commission to include a follow-up on the implementation of its recommendations in its future reports; asks the commission to provide information in separate future reports about the way member states respect the rule of law and effectively protect the union’s financial interests , for both eu budget revenue and expenditure , and to highlight serious risks to the union budget;


### 3. asks the commission to provide information in its future reports about the way member states respect the rule of law and effectively protect the union’s financial interests , for both eu budget revenue and expenditure , and to highlight serious risks to the union budget; insists that the reports should provide specific assessments and recommendations to the member states; ### 3. asks the commission to provide information in its future reports about the way member states respect the rule of law and effectively protect the union’s financial interests , for both eu budget revenue and expenditure , as well as to put emphasis on cases where breaches of the principles of the rule of law in a particular member state could affect or seriously risk affecting the union's financial interests in a sufficiently direct way; emphasises that the reports should provide specific assessments and recommendations to the member states in order to strengthen their preventive role;


### 3. stresses , in line with the report , that effective justice systems which are independent and efficient are essential for upholding the rule of law; highlights , in particular , the need for the judiciary to be able to exercise its functions with full autonomy , without intervention from any other institution or body , in accordance with the principle of separation of powers; ### 3. stresses , in line with the report , that effective justice systems which are independent and efficient are essential for guaranteeing effective judicial protection anda fair trial in compliance with all rights , both substantive and procedural , deriving from union law and for upholding the rule of law; highlights , in particular , that in order to achieve effective justice in civil , criminal , commercial and administrative cases for citizens and businesses it is necessary for the judiciary to be able to exercise its functions with full autonomy , without intervention from any other institution or body , in accordance with the principle of separation of powers;


### 4. calls on the commission to assess the effectiveness of the national anti-corruption strategies and to use that knowledge to update and enhance the union’s anti-corruption framework; ### 4. calls on the commission to assess not only the existence but also the effectiveness of the national anti-corruption strategies , and to use that knowledge to update and enhance the union’s anti-corruption framework; underlines that anti-corruption frameworks shall cover areas such as , inter alia , ethical rules , awareness-raising measures , rules on asset disclosures , incompatibilities and conflicts of interest , public procurement , internal control mechanisms , rules on lobbying , and revolving doors; highlights likewise that national strategies shall incorporate tools to prevent , detect risk , halt and sanction cases of corruption and fraud , as well as mechanisms to recover the profit from those cases;


### 4. is deeply preoccupied by the fact that judicial independence continues to be a subject of serious concern in some member states; expresses its regret that hungary and poland lodged an action for annulment of regulation (eu , euratom) 2020/2092 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget in march 2021 , which aims to address breaches of the rule of law with an impact on the union’s financial interests; ### 4. is deeply preoccupied by the fact that judicial independence continues to be a subject of serious concern in some member states; expresses its regret that hungary and poland lodged an action for annulment of regulation (eu , euratom) 2020/2092 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget in march 2021 , which aims to address breaches of the rule of law with an impact on the union’s financial interests; recalls that regulation (eu , euratom) 2020/2092 entered into force on the 1st of january2021 and is not subject to the adoption of guidelines or judicial interpretation;


### 4. is deeply preoccupied by the fact that judicial independence continues to be a subject of serious concern in some member states; expresses its regret that hungary and poland lodged an action for annulment of regulation (eu , euratom) 2020/2092 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget in march 2021 , which aims to address breaches of the rule of law with an impact on the union’s financial interests; ### 4. takes note of the fact that hungary and poland lodged an action for annulment of regulation (eu , euratom) 2020/2092 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget in march 2021 , which aims to address breaches of the rule of law with an impact on the union’s financial interests;


### 4. is deeply preoccupied by the fact that judicial independence continues to be a subject of serious concern in some member states; expresses its regret that hungary and poland lodged an action for annulment of regulation (eu , euratom) 2020/2092 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget in march 2021 , which aims to address breaches of the rule of law with an impact on the union’s financial interests; ### 4. is deeply preoccupied by the fact that judicial independence continues to be a subject of serious concern in some member states; notes that hungary and poland lodged an action for annulment of regulation (eu , euratom) 2020/2092 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget in march 2021 , which aims to address breaches of the rule of law with an impact on the union’s financial interests;


### 5. stresses that transparency , access to public information , the protection of whistleblowers and an overall culture of integrity in public life are key factors that enable corruption to be identified and prevented; underlines the importance of harmonising definitions and methodologies to obtain comparative data across the eu; ### 5. stresses that transparency , access to public information , protection of whistleblowers and an overall culture of integrity in public life are indispensable to identify and to prevented corruption;


### 5. considers that the periodic review of the rule of law is of great significance and commends the efforts of the commission to encourage structural reforms in the areas covered by the report; believes , however , that while it is an essential monitoring tool , clear recommendations on the challenges identified and the required follow-up action is indispensable; urges the commission to make robust use of infringement procedures where appropriate , to prevent backsliding on the rule of law in national justice systems and urges the council to resume all pending procedures under article 7(1) of the tfeu and to inform the parliament thereof; ### 5. considers that the periodic review of the rule of law is of great significance for eu democracy itself and commends the efforts of the commission to encourage structural reforms in the areas covered by the report; calls on the commission to support and guide member states in accessing the instruments and funds available to achieve structural reforms in areas such as technical assistance , and projects in the field of public administration and justice; urges the commission , at the same time , to identify mechanisms to support and strengthen cooperation between member states in efforts to uphold the rule of law; believes , however , that while the report is an essential monitoring tool , clear recommendations on the challenges identified and the required follow-up action is indispensable; urges the commission to use all measures to prevent member states from falling short of their obligations and , as a last resort , to make robust use of infringement procedures where appropriate , to prevent backsliding on the rule of law in national justice systems and urges the council to resume all pending procedures under article 7(1) of the tfeu and to inform the parliament thereof;


### 5. considers that the periodic review of the rule of law is of great significance and commends the efforts of the commission to encourage structural reforms in the areas covered by the report; believes , however , that while it is an essential monitoring tool , clear recommendations on the challenges identified and the required follow-up action is indispensable; urges the commission to make robust use of infringement procedures where appropriate , to prevent backsliding on the rule of law in national justice systems and urges the council to resume all pending procedures under article 7(1) of the tfeu and to inform the parliament thereof; ### 5. considers that the periodic review of the rule of law is of great significance and commends the efforts of the commission to encourage structural reforms in the areas covered by the report;


### 6. highlights the importance of supporting and strengthening cooperation between the eu institutions , the member states and , in particular , the european anti-fraud office (olaf) and the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) in the fight against corruption; ### 6. highlights the importance of supporting and strengthening cooperation between the eu institutions , the member states and , in particular , the european anti-fraud office (olaf) and the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) in the fight against corruption; calls on the commission to propose the provision of adequate budget , resources and or any kind of support necessary for the aforementioned institutions and bodies;


### 6. notes with satisfaction that the report contains separate national chapters attempting to lay down a common methodology; calls on the commission , however , to provide a meaningful comparison between the different national justice systems , to underline where best practices for comparable systems might be applied and how similar deficiencies could be addressed; ### 6. notes with satisfaction that the report contains separate national chapters attempting to lay down a common methodology;


### 7. reiterates that regulation (eu , euratom) 2020/2092 has been in force since 1 january 2021 and is not subject to the adoption of any guidelines or judicial interpretation. ### 7. believes that the situation as regards the respect of the principles of the rule of law in some member states is extremely worrying and seriously risks affecting the sound financial management of the union budget; reiterates that the general regime of conditionality as defined in the regulation 2020/2092 is in force since 1 january 2021 and is not subjected to the adoption of any guidelines or judicial interpretation; calls on the commission for an immediate action under the aforementioned regulation , using the existing investigation tools , without any further delay; insists in the role and competences of the parliament , in particular the right to be duly informed by the commission , in the procedures of the rule of law instruments;


### 7. notes that the report rightfully addresses the necessary digitalisation of justice proceedings and training for judges , including on the rule of law and the charter of fundamental rights (the charter); regrets that the report is silent on training for advocates; regrets that the report does not cover the rights laid down in article 47 of the charter , such as the right to be defended and represented and the right to legal aid; calls on the commission to extend the scope of its next report to those areas. ### 7. notes that the report rightfully addresses the necessary digitalisation of justice proceedings and training for judges , including on the rule of law and the charter of fundamental rights (the charter);


### 1. highlights the fact that the committee on petitions receives a large number of petitions concerning the need to hear children in court proceedings , the need for cooperation between member states in cross-border child-related cases , the controversial role of the german youth welfare office (jugendamt) and other youth welfare agencies in the member states , child custody disputes between parents from different member states , domestic violence , and the promotion of professional and quality mediation by member states; ### 1. highlights the fact that the committee on petitions receives a large number of petitions concerning the need to hear children in court proceedings , the need for cooperation between member states in cross-border child-related cases , the role of the youth welfare agencies in the member states , child custody disputes between parents from different member states , domestic violence , and the promotion of professional and quality mediation by member states;


### 1. underlines that in all proceedings concerning the child’s well-being and future life arrangements , the rights of the child should be respected and implemented in full and the best interests of the child should be given priority; ### 1. underlines that in all proceedings concerning the child’s well-being and future life arrangements , the rights of the child should be respected and implemented in full and the best interests of the child should always should be given priority;


### 1. underlines that in all proceedings concerning the child’s well-being and future life arrangements , the rights of the child should be respected and implemented in full and the best interests of the child should be given priority; ### 1. underlines that in all proceedings concerning the child’s well-being and future life arrangements , regardless of whether the proceedings are organised by public authorities or private institutions , the rights of the child should be respected and implemented in full and the best interests of the child should be given priority;


### 1. underlines that in all proceedings concerning the child’s well-being and future life arrangements , the rights of the child should be respected and implemented in full and the best interests of the child should be given priority; ### 1. underlines that in all proceedings concerning the child’s well-being and future life arrangements , the rights of the child should be respected and implemented in full and the best interests of the child should be given priority in accordance with article 24 of the charter of fundamental rights of the eu;


### 1. underlines that in all proceedings concerning the child’s well-being and future life arrangements , the rights of the child should be respected and implemented in full and the best interests of the child should be given priority; ### 1. calls on member states to ensure that in all proceedings concerning the child’s well-being and future life arrangements , the rights of the child are respected and implemented in full and the best interest of the child is given priority;


### 2. notes that while the member states are obliged to establish procedural rules which govern the hearing of a child , these provisions differ greatly between the member states; ### 2. notes that while the member states are obliged to establish procedural rules which govern the hearing of a child in different proceedings , these provisions differ and may vary greatly between the member states;


### 2. calls on the commission to present , without undue delay , a set of common guidelines or similar non-legislative tool , which should include recommendations and best practices for the member states to follow in order to ensure that the hearing of the child is conducted either by a judge or trained expert and that no pressure is applied , including from the parents; stresses that such hearings should take place in a child-friendly setting and be appropriate for the age and maturity of the child in terms of language and content , while providing for all guarantees that ensure the emotional integrity and the best interests of the child are respected and ensuring that the competent authority gives due consideration for the child’s views in accordance with their age and maturity; ### 2. calls on the commission to present , without undue delay , a set of common guidelines or similar non-legislative tool , which should include recommendations and best practices for the member states to follow in order to ensure that the hearing of the child is conducted either by a judge or by another trained expert , using language that the child can understand , and that no pressure is applied , including from the parents; stresses that such hearings should take place in a child-friendly setting and be appropriate for the age and maturity of the child in terms of language and content , while providing for all guarantees that ensure the emotional integrity and the best interests of the child are respected and ensuring that the competent authority gives due consideration for the child’s views and wishes in accordance with their age and maturity;


### 3. insists that courts , administrative bodies and social welfare institutions should make the best interests of the child a primary consideration when taking any decision concerning the child; stresses that such decisions should be made on an individual basis , taking into consideration the specific circumstances of the child and their family and avoiding conscious or unconscious bias; ### 3. insists that courts , administrative bodies and social welfare institutions should always make the best interests of the child a primary consideration when taking any decision concerning the child; stresses that such decisions should be made on an individual basis , taking into consideration the specific circumstances of the child and their family;


### 3. underlines that such guidelines or similar non-legislative tool must clearly state that a child involved in civil , administrative or family law proceedings should be informed at any stage of the process and that the decision given by the authority should be explained to the child in a manner befitting of their age and maturity by a specially trained professional; ### 3. underlines that such guidelines or similar non-legislative tool must clearly state that a child involved in civil , administrative or family law proceedings should be informed at any stage of the process in language that the child can understand and that the decision given by the authority should be explained to the child in a manner befitting of their age and maturity by a specially trained professional;


### 3. underlines that such guidelines or similar non-legislative tool must clearly state that a child involved in civil , administrative or family law proceedings should be informed at any stage of the process and that the decision given by the authority should be explained to the child in a manner befitting of their age and maturity by a specially trained professional; ### 3. underlines that such guidelines or similar non-legislative tool must clearly state that a child involved in civil , administrative or family law proceedings should be informed at any stage of the process and receive the information in a manner that they can understand fully and correctly , and that the decision given by the authority should be explained to the child in a manner befitting of their age , ability to understand and maturity by a professional specially trained in child interaction;


### 3. underlines that such guidelines or similar non-legislative tool must clearly state that a child involved in civil , administrative or family law proceedings should be informed at any stage of the process and that the decision given by the authority should be explained to the child in a manner befitting of their age and maturity by a specially trained professional; ### 3. underlines that such guidelines or similar non-legislative tool must clearly state that a child involved in civil , administrative or family law proceedings should be informed at every stage of the procedure and that the decision given by the authority should be explained to the child in a manner befitting of their age and maturity by a specially trained professional;


### 3. underlines that such guidelines or similar non-legislative tool must clearly state that a child involved in civil , administrative or family law proceedings should be informed at any stage of the process and that the decision given by the authority should be explained to the child in a manner befitting of their age and maturity by a specially trained professional; ### 3. underlines that such guidelines or similar non-legislative tool must clearly state that a child involved in civil , administrative or family law proceedings should be informed at any stage of the process and in particular about the decisions given by the authority in a manner befitting of their age and maturity by a specially trained professional;


### 4. deplores the fact that language barriers frequently become obstacles to the healthy exercise of parental rights in the interests of the child and to the child’s full enjoyment of their own rights; ### deleted


### 4. calls on the member states to provide easily accessible , child-friendly information on the rights of the child in civil , administrative and family law proceedings; ### 4. calls on the member states to provide easily accessible , understandable and child-friendly information on the rights of the child in civil , administrative and family law proceedings;


### 5. recommends the establishment of minimum standards for the hearing of a child in national civil proceedings in accordance with article 24 of the charter of fundamental rights; ### 5. recommends that the commission provide guidance to member states on best practices for hearings of children in national civil proceedings in accordance with article 24 of the charter of fundamental rights;


### 5. calls on the member states to enable access to high-quality legal representation for children involved in civil , administrative and family disputes , especially when parents do not exercise full parental responsibility or when there is a suspicion that their interests may conflict with the best interests of the child; ### 5. calls on the member states to enable and facilitate access to free high-quality legal representation for children involved in civil , administrative and family disputes , including in cross-border cases , especially when parents do not exercise full parental responsibility or when there is a suspicion that their interests may conflict with the best interests of the child;


### 5. calls on the member states to enable access to high-quality legal representation for children involved in civil , administrative and family disputes , especially when parents do not exercise full parental responsibility or when there is a suspicion that their interests may conflict with the best interests of the child; ### 5. calls on the member states to guarantee access to high-quality legal representation for children involved in civil , administrative and family disputes , at the expense of the state especially when parents do not exercise full parental responsibility or when there is a suspicion that their interests may conflict with the best interests of the child;


### 5. calls on the member states to enable access to high-quality legal representation for children involved in civil , administrative and family disputes , especially when parents do not exercise full parental responsibility or when there is a suspicion that their interests may conflict with the best interests of the child; ### 5. encourages the member states to enable access to high-quality legal representation for children involved in civil , administrative and family disputes , especially when parents do not exercise full parental responsibility or when there is a suspicion that their interests may conflict with the best interests of the child;


### 6. recalls that the authorities of the member states must ensure that a child is given the genuine and effective opportunity to express their own views freely during proceedings and that due weight is given to the child’s views in accordance with their age and maturity; ### 6. recalls that the authorities of the member states must ensure that a child is provided the real and effective opportunity to express his own views freely during proceedings and that his views will be taken into account in accordance with his age and maturity;


### 6. calls on the member states to provide training on the rights and specific needs of the child for judges , other legal professionals , enforcement authorities , social workers and all other relevant parties involved in court and administrative proceedings concerning children; ### 6. calls on the member states to provide training and exchanges of experiences on the rights and specific needs of the child for judges , other legal professionals , enforcement authorities , social workers and all other relevant parties involved in court and administrative proceedings concerning children; calls on the commission to step up support for such actions , for example via the european judicial training network (ejtn) as well as the cerv and justice programmes.


### 6. calls on the member states to provide training on the rights and specific needs of the child for judges , other legal professionals , enforcement authorities , social workers and all other relevant parties involved in court and administrative proceedings concerning children; ### 6. calls on the member states to provide mandatory trainings on the rights and specific needs of the child for judges , other legal professionals , enforcement authorities , social workers , teachers and nurseries and all other relevant parties involved in court and administrative proceedings concerning children;


### 7. call on the member states to make sufficient resources available to ensure that family law proceedings involving children are handled with the utmost compliance with the standards of child-friendly justice and without undue delay; ### 7. encourages the member states to make sufficient resources available to ensure that family law proceedings involving children are handled with the utmost compliance with the standards of child-friendly justice and without undue delay;


### 8. calls on the member states to effectively enforce judgments in cross-border family disputes concerning children , especially in cases related to cross-border parental child abductions and decisions related to the recognition of parenthood of same-sex couples; ### 8. calls on the member states to effectively enforce judgments in cross-border family disputes concerning children , especially in cases related to cross-border parental child abductions as well as in cases of separation , divorce , adoption , asylum application and decisions related to the recognition of parenthood of same-sex couples always taking into account the best interests of the child in line with article 24 of the charter of fundamental rights of the eu and article 35 of the un convention on the rights of the child;


### 8. calls on the member states to effectively enforce judgments in cross-border family disputes concerning children , especially in cases related to cross-border parental child abductions and decisions related to the recognition of parenthood of same-sex couples; ### 8. encourages the member states to effectively enforce judgments in cross-border family disputes concerning children , especially in cases related to cross-border parental child abductions and decisions related to the recognition of parenthood;


### 8. stresses the need for justice professionals to be given specific training on the rights of the child and child-friendly justice in line with the european judicial training strategy for 2021-2024 and under the european judicial training network (ejtn) , the justice programme , the citizens , equality , rights and values programme , and the european training platform of the european e-justice portal; ### 8. stresses the need for justice professionals , including lawyers representing children , to be given specific training on the rights of the child and child-friendly justice in line with the european judicial training strategy for 2021-2024 and under the european judicial training network (ejtn) , the justice programme , the citizens , equality , rights and values programme , and the european training platform of the european e-justice portal;


### 8. calls on the member states to effectively enforce judgments in cross-border family disputes concerning children , especially in cases related to cross-border parental child abductions and decisions related to the recognition of parenthood of same-sex couples; ### 8. calls on the member states to effectively enforce judgments in cross-border family disputes concerning children , especially in cases related to cross-border parental child abductions and decisions related to the recognition of parenthood of same-sex couples , as long as this does not infringe the corresponding national law;


### 9. points out the that greater mobility within the eu has led to an increasing number of cross-border child protection issues involving custody removal and notes that cross-border proceedings are more complex from a legal perspective and usually more time-consuming and expensive; considers that in the light of article 81 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union the commission must play an active role in ensuring fair and consistent non-discriminatory practices in the treatment of cross-border child custody cases throughout the union; ### 9. points out the that greater mobility within the eu has led to an increasing number of cross-border child protection issues involving custody removal and notes that cross-border proceedings are more complex from a legal perspective and usually more time-consuming and expensive;


### 9. calls on the member states to properly implement the new rules and obligations under council regulation (eu) 2019/1111 on jurisdiction , the recognition and enforcement of decisions in matrimonial matters and the matters of parental responsibility , and on international child abduction5 ; urges the commission to cooperate with the member states to that effect , to carefully monitor the correct implementation of the regulation , and to respond promptly to any failure to do so; ### 9. points out the importance of the exchange of information between national courts in cross-border cases and calls on the member states to properly implement the new rules and obligations under council regulation (eu) 2019/1111 on jurisdiction , the recognition and enforcement of decisions in matrimonial matters and the matters of parental responsibility , and on international child abduction5; urges the commission to cooperate with the member states to that effect , to carefully monitor the correct implementation of the regulation , and to respond promptly to any failure to do so;


### 10. underlines that the exercise of a fundamental right such as freedom of movement and freedom of residence should not pose a greater threat to the child’s rights , that children involved in cross-border civil and family law disputes should enjoy the same rights and level of protection in all member states , and that children whose parents exercise their right to freedom of movement have the right to maintain a personal relationship and direct contact with their parents on a regular basis , unless it is contrary to the best interests of the child; ### 10. underlines that the exercise of a fundamental right such as freedom of movement and freedom of residence must not be a greater threat to the child’s rights , that children involved in cross-border civil and family law disputes should enjoy the same rights and level of protection in all member states , regardless of the nationality of their parents , and that children whose parents exercise their right to freedom of movement have the right to maintain a personal relationship and direct contact with their parents on a regular basis , unless it is contrary to the best interests of the child;


### 12. notes that the united kingdom no longer participates in cooperation under the brussels iia regulation and maintenance regulation; calls on the commission to urgently assess the need to adopt a bilateral tool between the eu and the united kingdom in the field of civil , administrative and family proceedings concerning children; ### 12. notes that the united kingdom no longer participates in cooperation under the brussels iia regulation and maintenance regulation; calls on the commission to urgently assess the most appropriate means , including a bilateral tool , to address the existing legal uncertainty between the eu and the united kingdom in the field of civil , administrative and family proceedings concerning children;


### 12. notes that a large number of petitions indicate problems with the german family law system , including the controversial role of the jugendamt , which have been denounced in a number of unresolved petitions by non-german parents; underlines that the committee on petitions continuously receives petitions by non-german parents reporting serious cases of discrimination as a result of the procedures and practices of the competent german authorities in cross-border family disputes involving children; calls on the commission and the member states to take account of parliament’s recommendations in its resolution of 29 november 2018 on the role of the jugendamt in cross-border family disputes2; ### deleted


### 13. notes that in some member states same-sex couples with children are frequently denied recognition of their legal parental status when crossing borders , which hinders the best interests of the child in legal proceedings; calls on the commission and the member states to rectify this discriminatory situation and to remove the obstacles faced by same-sex couples when exercising their procedural rights in family disputes with cross-border aspects involving children; ### deleted


### 14. invites the member states to designate specialised chambers within family courts or cross-border mediation bodies to deal with cross-border child-related cases; stresses that it is pivotal to properly monitor the post-judgment situation as far as contact with the parents is concerned; ### 14. invites the member states to consider designating specialised chambers within courts or pre-mediation offices to deal with cross-border child-related cases; stresses that it is pivotal to properly monitor the post-judgment situation as far as contact with the parents is concerned , especially when the parties are different nationalities and/or reside in different countries;


### 15. calls on the member states to guarantee regular visitation rights for parents unless it is detrimental to the best interests of the child , and to allow parents to use their mother tongue with their children during visits; ### 15. calls on the member states to guarantee that visitation or custody rights are in line with the best interests of the child , and to allow parents to use their mother tongue with their children during visits , in accordance with the national laws of the member states concerned;


### 17. calls on the member states to establish pre-mediation offices in order to provide parents with all the information they need about the conduct of mediation and its possible costs and benefits; highlights that some member states have already established such offices or are seeking to do so; ### 17. calls on the member states to establish pre-mediation offices in order to provide parents with all the information they need about the conduct of mediation and its possible costs and benefits and , in particular , how it can improve children’s rights; highlights that some member states have already established such offices or are seeking to do so;


### 17. calls on the member states to establish pre-mediation offices in order to provide parents with all the information they need about the conduct of mediation and its possible costs and benefits; highlights that some member states have already established such offices or are seeking to do so; ### 17. encourages the member states to establish pre-mediation offices in order to provide parents with all the information they need about the conduct of mediation and its possible costs and benefits; highlights that some member states have already established such offices or are seeking to do so;


### 19. deplores the absence of an eu or international legal framework to facilitate the recognition and enforcement of mediated agreements; highlights that this is causing uncertainty because the different subjects covered by the agreements usually fall within the substantive scope of different eu and international instruments and are therefore subject to different rules of recognition and enforcement; ### 19. deplores the absence of an eu or international legal framework to facilitate the recognition and enforcement of mediated agreements; calls on the commission to submit a proposal on cross-border mediation;


### — having regard to the un convention on the rights of the child , ### — having regard to the un convention on the rights of the child , in particular article 35 thereof ,


### a. whereas children and adolescents have the right to be heard and to express their views in any proceedings concerning their well-being and future life arrangements; ### a. whereas children and adolescents have the right to be heard and to express their views in any proceedings concerning their well-being and future life arrangements , regardless of whether the proceedings are organised by a public authority or a private institution;


### a. whereas children and adolescents have the right to be heard and to express their views in any proceedings concerning their well-being and future life arrangements; ### a. whereas children have the right to be informed , consulted and to express their views in any proceedings concerning their well-being and future life arrangements , their views have to be given due weight in accordance with their age and maturity;


### a. whereas children and adolescents have the right to be heard and to express their views in any proceedings concerning their well-being and future life arrangements; ### a. whereas children and adolescents have the right to be heard , to express their views , and to participate in any proceedings concerning their well-being and future life arrangements;


### b. whereas participation in court and administrative proceedings should not cause additional trauma or stress for the child; ### b. whereas participation in court and administrative proceedings should not cause additional trauma or stress for the child and member states should , therefore , set up multidisciplinary panels in courts or specialised sections to create an environment that does not incite fear in children involved in legal proceedings , in order to minimise the psychological and emotional impact that such circumstances may cause; whereas multidisciplinary panels should be composed of childcare specialists , in order to accompany the child in the best possible way throughout the entirety of proceedings , in particular the most vulnerable children such as children with disabilities or migrants;


### b. whereas participation in court and administrative proceedings should not cause additional trauma or stress for the child; ### b. whereas participation in court and administrative proceedings should take place in a comfortable and child-friendly environment that will not cause additional trauma or stress for the child;


### b. whereas participation in court and administrative proceedings should not cause additional trauma or stress for the child; ### b. whereas participation in court and administrative proceedings must not cause additional trauma or stress for the child;


### c. whereas the member states are obliged to establish procedural rules which govern hearings of the child; whereas these provisions differ greatly between the member states however; ### c. whereas the member states are obliged to establish procedural safeguards , guarantees and rules which govern hearings of the child; whereas these provisions differ greatly between the member states and therefore minimum procedural safeguards should be established at eu level also in civil matters , as already provided for in criminal matters , in particular as regards the way in which children are heard in civil , administrative and cross border family law proceedings;


### c. whereas the member states are obliged to establish procedural rules which govern hearings of the child; whereas these provisions differ greatly between the member states however; ### c. whereas the member states are obliged to establish procedural rules which govern hearings of the child , so as to minimise any distress to them; whereas these provisions differ greatly between the member states however;


### d. whereas children have the right to be duly informed at every step of the court and administrative proceedings concerning them; ### d. whereas children have the right to be duly informed in an easy understandable manner in accordance with the age and maturity of the child at every step of the court and administrative proceedings concerning them;


### d. whereas children have the right to be duly informed at every step of the court and administrative proceedings concerning them; ### d. whereas children have the right to be duly informed , in language they can understand , at every step of the court and administrative proceedings concerning them;


### e. whereas in civil , administrative and family law proceedings children have limited possibilities to be represented by a legal professional or counsel; ### e. whereas in civil , administrative and family law proceedings , and especially in cross-border cases , children have limited possibilities to be represented by a legal professional or counsel;


### f. whereas courts , administrative bodies and social welfare institutions should make the best interests of the child a primary consideration when taking any decision concerning the child; whereas such decisions should be made on an individual basis , taking into consideration the specific circumstances of the child and their family; ### f. whereas courts , administrative bodies and social welfare institutions should make the best interests of the child a primary consideration when taking any decision concerning the child; whereas such decisions should be made on an individual basis , tailored to the age and needs of each child , taking into consideration the specific circumstances of the child and their family and only after the child has been heard;


### g. whereas although substantive civil and family law remains a competence of the member states , rules on cross-border civil and family law may be established at eu level; ### g. whereas although substantive civil and family law remains a competence of the member states , harmonized rules on cross-border civil and family law may be established at eu level;


### j. whereas the lack of effective procedures for the enforcement of judgements concerning parental responsibility , access rights , parental child abductions or maintenance obligations in cross-border cases is detrimental to the best interests of the child; ### j. whereas the lack of effective and harmonised procedures for the enforcement of judgements concerning parental responsibility , access rights , parental child abductions or maintenance obligations in cross-border cases is detrimental to the best interests of the child;


### j. whereas the lack of effective procedures for the enforcement of judgments concerning parental responsibility , access rights , parental child abductions or maintenance obligations in cross-border cases is detrimental to the best interests of the child; ### j. whereas effective procedures for the enforcement of judgments concerning parental responsibility , access rights , parental child abductions or maintenance obligations in cross-border cases are in the best interests of the child;


### k. whereas children involved in cross-border civil and family law disputes should enjoy the same rights and level of protection in all member states; ### k. whereas children involved in cross-border civil and family law disputes should enjoy the same rights and level of protection , procedural guarantees and minimum standards in order to protect the child in all member states , as established by the directive (eu) 2016/800;


### k. whereas children involved in cross-border civil and family law disputes should enjoy the same rights and level of protection in all member states; ### k. whereas children involved in cross-border civil and family law disputes should enjoy the same rights and level of protection in all member states , regardless of the nationality of their parents;


### l. whereas every child has a right to know and be cared for by their parents; whereas in the case of separation , every child has a right to maintain personal relations and direct contact with both parents on a regular basis , unless it is contrary to the child’s best interests; ### l. whereas every child has a right to know and be cared for by their parents; whereas in the case of separation , every child has a right to maintain personal relations and direct contact on a regular basis with both parents , as well as with relatives in each parental branch , if the parents are unavailable or , failing that , with a reference figures chosen by him or her , unless the competent authorities determine that this would be contrary to the child’s best interests;


### m. whereas the lack of common eu rules on the recognition of judgments on parenthood , particularly in cases involving same-sex parents , may result in a loss of parental rights , may infringe the right of the child to be raised and maintain a relationship with both parents and any rights deriving from parenthood (such as maintenance or succession) , and may also encourage forum shopping in the case of cross-border family disputes; whereas the future legislative proposal in this area will help to reduce the number of administrative and judicial proceedings; ### m. whereas the lack of common eu rules on the recognition of judgments on parenthood may result in a loss of parental rights , may infringe the right of the child to be raised and maintain a relationship with both parents and any rights deriving from parenthood (such as maintenance or succession) , and may also encourage forum shopping in the case of cross-border family disputes; whereas the future legislative proposal in this area will help to reduce the number of administrative and judicial proceedings;


### m. whereas the lack of common eu rules on the recognition of judgments on parenthood , particularly in cases involving same-sex parents , may result in a loss of parental rights , may infringe the right of the child to be raised and maintain a relationship with both parents and any rights deriving from parenthood (such as maintenance or succession) , and may also encourage forum shopping in the case of cross-border family disputes; whereas the future legislative proposal in this area will help to reduce the number of administrative and judicial proceedings; ### m. whereas the lack of common eu rules on the recognition of judgments on parenthood , particularly in cases involving same-sex parents , may result in a loss of parental rights , may infringe the right of the child to be raised and maintain a relationship with both parents and any rights deriving from parenthood (such as maintenance or succession) , and may also encourage forum shopping in the case of cross-border family disputes; whereas the future legislative proposal in this area should help to reduce the number of administrative and judicial proceedings;


### o. whereas the use of alternative dispute resolutions should be encouraged , unless it is contrary to the best interests of the child , notably in the case of domestic violence; ### o. whereas the use of alternative dispute resolutions should be encouraged , unless it is contrary to the best interests of the child , notably in the case of domestic violence and sexual abuse;


### t. whereas cross-border family mediation has the potential to facilitate agreements between parents that serve to uphold the best interests of the child , reducing the emotional and financial burden and legal complexity inherent in judicial proceedings; ### t. whereas cross-border family mediation has the potential to facilitate agreements between parents , where they are nationals of different countries , that serve to uphold the best interests of the child , reducing the emotional and financial burden and legal complexity inherent in judicial proceedings;


### t. whereas cross-border family mediation is more complex than mediation in domestic family disputes from a legal and logistical perspective and requires additional knowledge and language skills from the mediator; ### t. whereas cross-border family mediation is more complex than mediation in domestic family disputes from a legal and logistical perspective and requires additional knowledge and language skills from the mediator as well as the lawyers defending the parents and/or the child;


### 2. calls on the commission to present , without undue delay , a set of common guidelines or similar non-legislative tool , which should include recommendations and best practices for the member states to follow in order to ensure that the hearing of the child is conducted either by a judge or trained expert and that no pressure is applied , including from the parents; stresses that such hearings should take place in a child-friendly setting and be appropriate for the age and maturity of the child in terms of language and content , while providing for all guarantees that ensure the emotional integrity and the best interests of the child are respected and ensuring that the competent authority gives due consideration for the child’s views in accordance with their age and maturity; ### 2. calls on the commission to prepare , without undue delay , an impact assessment with a view to propose a directive laying down procedural guarantees and minimum standards at eu level , in particular with regard to how to conduct hearings of children in civil , administrative and family law matters , and in the meantime to present a set of common guidelines , codes of conduct , recommendations and best practices for the member states to follow in order to ensure that the hearing of the child is conducted either by a judge or trained expert and that no pressure is applied , including from the parents; stresses that such hearings , in particular in the examination of cases of child custody and foster care in separation and divorce proceedings , as well as in asylum applications , should take place in a child-friendly setting and be appropriate for the age and maturity of the child in terms of language and content , while providing for all guarantees that ensure the emotional integrity and the best interests of the child are respected and ensuring that the competent authority gives due consideration for the child’s views in accordance with their age and maturity;


### 2. calls on the commission to present , without undue delay , a set of common guidelines or similar non-legislative tool , which should include recommendations and best practices for the member states to follow in order to ensure that the hearing of the child is conducted either by a judge or trained expert and that no pressure is applied , including from the parents; stresses that such hearings should take place in a child-friendly setting and be appropriate for the age and maturity of the child in terms of language and content , while providing for all guarantees that ensure the emotional integrity and the best interests of the child are respected and ensuring that the competent authority gives due consideration for the child’s views in accordance with their age and maturity; ### 2. calls on the commission to present , without undue delay , a set of common guidelines or similar non-legislative tool , which should include recommendations and best practices for the member states to follow in order to ensure that the hearing of the child is conducted by specialists trained in child interaction , a judge or a trained expert and that no pressure is applied , including from the parents; stresses that such hearings should take place in the child’s home or in a child-friendly setting and be appropriate for the age and maturity of the child in terms of their level of understanding of the language and content , while providing for all guarantees that ensure the emotional integrity and the best interests of the child are respected , avoiding unnecessary stress and ensuring that the competent authority gives due consideration and protection for the child’s views in accordance with their age , ability to understand and maturity;


### 4. calls on the member states to provide easily accessible , child-friendly information on the rights of the child in civil , administrative and family law proceedings; ### 4. calls on the member states to provide exhaustive , easily accessible , child-friendly information on the rights of the child in civil , administrative and family law proceedings , especially in cross-border cases;


### 4. calls on the member states to provide easily accessible , child-friendly information on the rights of the child in civil , administrative and family law proceedings; ### 4. encourages the member states to provide easily accessible , child-friendly information on the rights of the child in civil , administrative and family law proceedings;


### 7. call on the member states to make sufficient resources available to ensure that family law proceedings involving children are handled with the utmost compliance with the standards of child-friendly justice and without undue delay; ### 7. call on the member states to make sufficient resources available to ensure that family law proceedings involving children are handled with the utmost compliance with the standards of child-friendly justice , with appropriate respect for the child’s emotional and physical integrity , and without undue delay;


### 11. calls on the commission and the member states to provide training on the new rules for central authorities , judges and other legal professionals involved in cross-border disputes , including on the hearing of the child and the possible use of mediation in such cases; emphasises that such training should provide for a sufficient level of knowledge and expertise on cross-border family proceedings; ### 11. calls on the commission and the member states to provide appropriate training on the new rules for central authorities , judges and other legal professionals involved in cross-border disputes , including on the hearing of the child and the possible use of mediation in such cases; emphasises that such training should provide for a sufficient level of knowledge and expertise on cross-border family proceedings;


### 14. calls on the commission , in this regard , to take due consideration of parliament’s resolution of 2 february 2017 on cross-border aspects of adoptions , including the annex thereto providing for a regulation on the cross-border recognition of adoption orders; ### 14. calls on the commission , in this regard , to take due consideration of parliament’s resolution of 2 february 2017 on cross-border aspects of adoptions , and reiterates its call for , including the annex thereto providing for the adoption of a regulation on the cross-border recognition of adoption orders , in order to create a clear legal framework and provide families with the necessary legal certainty for an adoption order legally issued in one member state to be recognised in another;


### 16. calls on the commission to put forward a new proposal for a regulation on cross-border mediation , which should establish guidelines for the cross-border procedure , rules on the enforcement of mediated agreements , requirements for the establishment of a european certificate for mediators to ensure the quality of expertise in cross-border cases , and common standards for mediation contracts; considers that such common standards should ensure respect for the confidentiality rules of each member state and provide the parties with enough legal information about the concept , limits and consequences of mediation; ### 16. calls on the commission to consider a new proposal for a regulation on cross-border mediation , accompanied by thorough impact assessment , which should establish guidelines for the cross-border procedure , rules on the recognition and enforcement of mediated agreements , requirements for the establishment of a european certificate for mediators to ensure the quality of expertise in cross-border cases , and common standards for mediation contracts; considers that such common standards should ensure respect for the confidentiality rules of each member state and provide the parties with enough legal information about the concept , limits and consequences of mediation;


### 18. underlines the need to explore the use of online tools in mediation in the case of long-distance disputes or disputes affected by extraordinary circumstances , such as the covid-19 pandemic; ### 18. underlines the need to explore the use of online tools in mediation , including video conferencing , in the case of long-distance disputes or disputes affected by extraordinary circumstances , such as the covid-19 pandemic;


### 1. believes that a single independent eu ethics body is necessary to ensure the consistent and full implementation of ethics standards across the eu institutions; proposes the conclusion of an interinstitutional agreement (iia) to set up an eu ethics body for parliament and the commission open to the participation of all eu institutions , agencies and bodies; recommends that the iia contain the following provisions: ### deleted


### 1. notes that within the eu institutions different legislative measures aimed at preventing conflicts of interest contain varying definitions of the term ‘conflict of interest’; believes therefore that the term should be understood to mean a conflict between the public duty and private interests of a public official , in which the public official has private-capacity interests which could improperly influence the performance of their official duties and responsibilities; notes , however , that a definition of this kind has an evolving nature and that full transparency does not necessarily guarantee the absence of any conflict of interest , nor does it guarantee public trust; ### 1. notes that there is no widely accepted european union definition of conflict of interest and that no guidelines for its applicability have been clearly established; points out that within the eu institutions different legislative measures aimed at preventing conflicts of interest accordingly contain varying definitions of the term ‘conflict of interest’; believes therefore that the term should be understood to mean a conflict between the public duty - implying professional and official accountability - and private interests of a public official , in which the public official has private-capacity interests which could improperly influence the performance of their official duties and responsibilities; notes , however , that a definition of this kind has an evolving nature with the widest implications and that full transparency does not necessarily guarantee the absence of any conflict of interest , nor does it guarantee that public trust will be won or increased;


### 1. notes that within the eu institutions different legislative measures aimed at preventing conflicts of interest contain varying definitions of the term ‘conflict of interest’; believes therefore that the term should be understood to mean a conflict between the public duty and private interests of a public official , in which the public official has private-capacity interests which could improperly influence the performance of their official duties and responsibilities; notes , however , that a definition of this kind has an evolving nature and that full transparency does not necessarily guarantee the absence of any conflict of interest , nor does it guarantee public trust; ### 1. notes that within the eu institutions different legislative and other provisions aimed at preventing conflicts of interest contain varying definitions of the term ‘conflict of interest’; believes therefore that the term should be uniformly understood to mean a conflict between the public duty and private interests of a public official which could improperly influence their activities and the decisions falling under their responsibility; notes that maximum transparency can help prevent conflicts of interest and increase public trust in the proper performance of public administration;


### — having regard to the treaty on european union (teu) , in particular articles 9 and 10 , 15(3) and 17(3) thereof , ### — having regard to the treaty on european union (teu) , in particular articles 9 and 10 , 13 , 14 , 15 ,16 and 17 thereof ,


### — having regard to the recommendations of transparency international , the council of europe’s group of states against corruption (greco) , and the organisation for economic co-operation and development (oecd) , ### — having regard to the recommendations of the organisation for economic co-operation and development (oecd) , the council of europe´s group of states against corruption (greco) , and various ngo´s ,